Effects of pubertal dietary energy-protein levels and breeding strategies on mammary gland development and lactational performance in mice.

Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes triglyceride synthesis originated from diacylglycerol and acyl-CoA. However, there have been no reports on the regulatory mechanism of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DGAT1 underlying lactation performance in sheep. In this study, three SNPs were detected in 476 dairy sheep by Penta-primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System (PARMS), including two SNPs (c.191 + 411 C > T and c.192-440 C > T) in the intron 1 and one SNP c.1461 C > T in exon 17 that was a synonymous mutation. The SNP c.191 + 411 C > T was related to average daily milk yield, while the ewes of the genotype CC at c.1461 had a higher milk fat percentage than those with the genotype CT. The SNP c.1461 C > T would lead to a change in the secondary structure of DGAT1 mRNA. It was further found that the wild genotype CC increased the stability of DGAT1 mRNA compared to that of the mutant genotype TT at c.1461. Moreover, the change of the stability regulated the activities of OMECs by affecting the expression of DGAT1. The genotype CC also remarkably increased the triglyceride levels of OMECs, and the expression levels of two milk fat synthesis genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG). These results suggest that a synonymous SNP c.1461 C > T affects the milk fat percentage of dairy sheep by regulating the stability of DGAT1 mRNA to change the viability, proliferation and triglyceride levels of OMECs. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for using DGAT1 as a molecular marker to improve the lactation performance of dairy sheep.

The importance of regional differentiation in dairy production systems lies in its ability to guide the design of appropriate development policies across Africa. This study aimed to distinguish the dairy production systems in the four major sub regions of the continent: North, West, East and Southern Africa using standardized data from the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) Dairy Reports of 2023 and 2024. Fifteen (15) standardized variables related to production inputs, outputs and consumption patterns were assessed using stepwise discriminant analysis. The objective was to identify the parameters most capable of discriminating regional dairy characteristics. Of the 15 dairy production variables examined, only milk consumption per capita was statistically significant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.397; p<0.001) to separate African sub regions. North Africa had highest correct classification success rate (80 %), followed by Southern Africa (60 %), while East Africa (40 %) and West Africa (16.7 %) regions displayed considerable overlap, indicating weak regional distinctiveness in their dairy systems. The findings reveal that production-driven variables such as milk yield and herd size are insufficient to clearly differentiate African regions. Instead, consumption-driven factors shaped by cultural values, purchasing power, and policy frameworks provided clearer distinctions. These results suggest that demand-side processes, particularly market access and dietary references, serve as stronger indicators of structural differences in African dairy systems than production-level metrics. Understanding these consumption-oriented dynamics is therefore essential for formulating targeted and effective dairy development strategies across the continent.

The objective of this research work was to determine the yield, texture, and quality of artisan goat cheese produced in a housed and extensive grazing production system in northern Mexico. Milk from ten adult local goats, at the beginning of lactation, with an average weight of 42±2.25 kg and 2.5 births, randomly distributed in two treatments (housed n=5 and grazing n=5), was used to make cheese. The goats had an adaptation period of 14 days and were milked manually for 28 days. Yield, texture, chemical composition (concentration of fat, protein, moisture, salt, and total solids), and fatty acid profile of the cheese were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed as a repeated measures design with the MIXED procedure. The fatty acid profile was analyzed by one-factor ANOVA with the GLM procedure and the comparison of means was performed with Tukey’s test (p<0.05). There were differences between treatments, with higher values (p<0.05) under the housed system for milk yield, cheese yield, fat concentration (22.281 %), protein (20.173 %), total solids (45.162 %), salt (0.966 %), saturated fatty acids (p<0.001), and textural parameters (p<0.05). Under grazing, there was an increase in conjugated linoleic (p<0.001), cis-10-heptadecanoic (p=0.001), heptadecanoic acid (p=0.001), acid oleic (p<0.001), elaidic (p<0.001), and α-linolenic (p<0.001) acids. It is concluded that the extensive grazing production system offers better benefits regarding nutritional quality of cheese, highlighting conjugated linoleic acid and milk fat, although with a negative effect on milk production. By linking product quality to husbandry practices and breed resources, the research provides an evidence base for reinforcing traditional cheese making as a driver of economic resilience, cultural continuity, and agro ecosystem sustainability in northern Mexico.

Background: Melghati buffalo, locally known as ‘Pahadi’, represents lesser-known, valuable genetic resources in the hilly areas of Melghat region of Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. Methods: A survey covering 50 villages across Chikhaldara and Dharni blocks was conducted to characterize 585 buffaloes. The morphological, morphometric, production and reproduction parameters were collected from 564 females and 21 males above 3 years of age. Result: The study revealed that Melghati buffaloes have a black coat colour with long hairs, black coloured muzzles, eyelids, horns and hooves. All buffaloes had bright and prominent eyes, broad and slightly convex forehead, markedly long face and tapering towards the muzzle. The horn shape was predominantly curved (96.88%) with backward upward orientation (68.92%). The estimated adult body weight in males and females was recorded as 412.34±6.45 kg and 390.70±1.74 kg, respectively. Morphometric traits and body weight showed low percentage of CV, confirming the high homogeneity in the studied buffalo population, for their body size. The average lactation milk yield, average daily milk yield, average peak yield, lactation length, Fat and SNF were recorded as 1065.23±10.77 kg, 4.04±0.04 kg, 5.42±0.06 kg, 255.06±1.68 days, 6.76±0.08% and 9.03±0.03%, respectively. The age at first oestrus, age at first mating, age at first calving, service period and calving interval were 44.58±0.15 months, 46.34±0.12 months, 56.42±0.12 months, 182.69±2.76 days and 490.23±2.82 days, respectively. The study revealed the uniqueness of Melghati buffalo reared by tribal communities in hilly areas, with no resemblance to other existing buffalo breeds and therefore recognition of this lesser-known germplasm is recommended.

Mastitis continues to be among the most widespread and economically impactful disorders in dairy animals globally, causing marked reductions in milk yield, deterioration of milk quality, elevated therapeutic expenses, and early culling of affected animals. Prompt and precise detection plays a pivotal role in effective control strategies, minimizing indiscriminate antimicrobial administration and sustaining overall herd efficiency. This review presents a detailed evaluation of contemporary diagnostic innovations for mastitis identification, covering conventional, molecular, immunological, sensor-oriented, and artificial intelligence–assisted methodologies. Conventional approaches such as clinical assessment, the California Mastitis Test, somatic cell count estimation, and bacteriological culturing remain fundamental diagnostic tools, although constraints related to sensitivity, specificity, and time required for results limit their standalone effectiveness. Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction, real-time PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and next-generation sequencing, enable rapid and highly precise detection of causative pathogens, thereby facilitating evidence-based therapeutic decisions. Immunodiagnostic and biomarker-oriented assays, particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays targeting acute phase proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, support early recognition of inflammatory alterations preceding overt clinical manifestation. Technological advancements such as biosensors, lab-on-a-chip platforms, infrared thermography, and sensors integrated within automated milking systems allow continuous, real-time surveillance at the farm level. The incorporation of machine learning models with multidimensional datasets substantially improves predictive capability and advances precision dairy management practices. Although remarkable advancements have been achieved, limitations related to affordability, technical infrastructure, skilled manpower, and reliable detection of antimicrobial resistance genes remain critical concerns. Prospective developments highlight the need for cost-effective point-of-care platforms, integration of multi-omics technologies, nanotechnology-enabled detection systems, and individualized herd health management frameworks. Establishing a holistic and integrated diagnostic paradigm is indispensable for safeguarding animal health, ensuring milk quality, optimizing antimicrobial stewardship, and promoting long-term sustainability of dairy production systems.

Astragalus stems are abundant yet underutilized in livestock feeds. This study optimized the extraction of Astragalus stem polysaccharides (ASPS) and assessed their efficacy as a natural antioxidant in improving milk yield and metabolic profiles in dairy goats. Hot-water extraction was optimized (solid-to-liquid ratio of 1: 30, 2h duration, 85°C) to achieve a polysaccharide yield of 119.38 ± 4.27mg/g. Mid-lactation dairy goats supplemented with ASPS [100mg/kg dry matter (DM) daily] showed increased milk yield and milk protein content, along with reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Supplementation also elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and catalase (CAT). Serum metabolomics identified 307 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism and D‑amino acid metabolism. Six key metabolites were selected for molecular docking against relevant targets; all bound with affinities ≤ - 5.0kcal/mol, with phenylacetyl‑L‑glutamine-D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) showing strongest affinity (- 8.34kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation suggested stable binding of phenylacetyl-L-glutamine to DAO, with MM-PBSA estimating a favorable free energy (- 92.051 ± 0.366kJ/mol) dominated by van der Waals interactions. This findings provide valuable insights into the utilization of AS as well as its application in enhancing productivity within the dairy goat industry.

This study evaluated the influence of three pasture‐management systems on milk fatty acid (FA) profiles in New Zealand dairy cows: standard–contemporary (STD–CON), diverse–contemporary (DIV–CON), and diverse–regenerative (DIV–REG). The STD–CON pastures consisted of ryegrass–clover, whereas diverse pastures included up to 16 species of grasses, legumes, and herbs. Monthly herd test records ( n = 790) from the 2023 to 2024 lactation season were used to assess milk yield and composition. Composite milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, and mid‐infrared spectral data. FA concentrations (g/100 g milk) were predicted using partial least squares regression models calibrated with 120 reference samples with FA determined by gas chromatography. Lactation curves for FA were fitted using random regression with orthogonal polynomials. FAs differed across systems: C16:0 was lowest in DIV–REG (−6%) and intermediate in DIV–CON (−1%) vs. STD–CON; C18:2 n‐6 was highest in DIV–REG (+13%), while STD–CON and DIV–CON were similar. Polyunsaturated FAs were higher in diverse pastures (+15% DIV–REG; +7% DIV–CON) than in STD–CON. These findings show that pasture diversity can enhance milk fat composition while maintaining production in pasture‐based systems.

Impacts of hoof disorders on milk yield in cattle: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Estimation of milk yield and lambs' growth during the suckling period for the Sicilo-Sarde breed in Tunisia.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of summer calving on reproductive performance, milk yield, and culling risk in U.S. organic dairy herds. Data were obtained from the Dairy Herd Improvement records of 434 organic dairy herds across 31 states, comprising 287,927 calving records from 2018 to 2022. Calving months were categorized as winter, spring, summer, or fall. Mixed models were used to analyze the 305 d milk yield, 305 d energy-corrected milk yield, peak milk DIM, peak test-day milk yield and logistic regression, and survival analyseswere applied to analyze calving difficulty, abortion, pregnancy diagnosis, and culling outcomes. Cows calving during summer had fewer days to first service and fewer days open compared with cows calving in other seasons; however, their odds of being diagnosed as pregnant were significantly lower. Summer-calving cows produced lower 305 d milk and energy-corrected milk yields, reached peak milk production later, and had a lower peak test-day milk yield. Calving during summer was also associated with increased odds of calving difficulty and a higher risk of culling. These findings indicate that summer calving poses distinct challenges for organic dairy cows, with cumulative effects on fertility, milk production, and survivability, underscoring the need for season-specific management strategies in organic dairy systems.

Dairy farming LLC «Vertokyivka» demonstrates the implementation of modern technologies for keeping, feeding and caring for cattle in accordance with international welfare standards. Untethered box housing is used here, which provides cows with freedom of movement and the opportunity to implement natural behavior, in accordance with the principle of «no discomfort». Regular removal of manure every two hours maintains the cleanliness of the premises and a comfortable microclimate, reducing the risk of diseases. Balanced feeding twice a day with high-quality feed of its own production and constant access to clean water play an important role, which helps maintain high productivity and physiological condition of animals. Modern software «Uniform-Agri» and ultrasound diagnostics of pregnancy allow you to effectively monitor the health of animals and prevent diseases. Studies have shown that compliance with welfare principles (proper housing, hygiene, balanced feeding and attentive attitude to the physiological needs of cows) ensures high milk productivity and excellent milk quality. Milk yields on the farm ranged from 8845 kg (I lactation) to 11426 kg of milk (III lactation and above), fat content – 3,91–3,94%, protein – 3,48–3,55%. The coefficients of variation remained within the normative values, the greatest variability was observed in quantitative indicators of productivity: milk yield (15,5–18,6%), milk fat content (12,6–16,9%), milk fat and protein production (11,9–16,8%) and the total amount of milk fat and protein (12,2–16,7%). The farm’s milk corresponds to the “extra” grade, meeting the requirements of national and European standards for organoleptic, physicochemical and sanitary indicators. Thus, the dairy farming of «Vertokiivka» LLC is a practical example of the implementation of the Animal Welfare concept, which confirms: ensuring animal welfare is not only an ethical obligation, but also the basis of high productivity, economic efficiency, and safety of dairy products.

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The conservation of alternative forages as silage for times of scarcity and its use in feeding strategies for cows in small-scale dairy systems are an adaptation option to adverse climatic conditions as reduced rainfall. Small-grain cereals, given their short agronomic cycle, have a lower water demand, and the association of different cereal species may have complementary responses. <strong>Objective: </strong>Analyze the productive response of dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems to the inclusion of rye-triticale silage as complement to maize silage. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Evaluating the inclusion of rye-triticale silage (ECT) with maize silage (EMz) in three treatments T0= 100% EMz, T15= 85% EMz/15% ECT, and T30%= 70% EMz/30% ECT. Cows were offered 3.5 kg DM/cow/day of commercial concentrate, whole maize stover, ground stover, and alfalfa hay, with silage treatments to complete estimated dry matter intake. Response variables were milk yield and milk fat and protein content, live weight and body condition score; in a 3x3 Latin Square design replicated three times, with nine cows in 14-day experimental periods. <strong>Results:</strong> There were no significant (P>0.05) differences for the response variables. <strong>Implications:</strong> This work proposes the implementation of rye-triticale through the practice of ensilage, an alternative to corn as a forage base. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rye-triticale silage may complement maize silage in the studied proportions in the feeding strategies of cows in small-scale dairy systems with similar results in milk yields and animal performance.</p>

Cabergoline (Velactis®) administration at dry-off enhances milk yield in subsequent lactation of Holstein and Girolando (Gir × Holstein) cows.

Reducing dietary cation-anion difference to mitigate ammonia emissions from manure without compromising production of lactating cows.

This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of nitrate supplementation on enteric CH4 emissions and performance in lactating dairy cows. A literature search identified 9 publications including 10 studies. Nitrate dose ranged from 5.3 to 21.1 g/kg DM and DMI was 19.7 ± 2.47 kg/d, milk yield (MY) was 28.1 ± 6.50 kg/d, and CH4 production was 348 ± 50.5 g/d (mean ± SD). The mean difference between control and nitrate supplementation was analyzed using the metafor package in R, applying 3 random effects models. Model 1 estimated the overall mean difference across all studies regardless of dose (mean dose: 13.8 g of nitrate/kg of DM). Model 2 included factor effects of nitrate dose centered around the 2 most tested doses: mode dose of 10.2 ± 1.94 g of nitrate/kg of DM (n = 15) and high dose of 19.8 ± 2.51 g of nitrate/kg of DM (n = 10). Model 3 was a linear model evaluating the nitrate dose response. Model 1 showed that nitrate reduced CH4 production by 20.3%, CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) by 16.4%, and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) by 20.1% compared with control. Model 2 showed a reduction of 21.5% and 18.7% in CH4 production, 15.6% and 16.9% in CH4 yield, and 20.2% and 18.9% in CH4 intensity compared with control for the mode and high dose, respectively. No difference in CH4 mitigation was observed between the mode and high nitrate dose (model 2), nor was a linear effect of nitrate dose detected (model 3). Nitrate supplementation reduced DMI by 0.825 kg/d in model 1, whereas model 2 showed that reduction of DMI only occurred at the mode dose (-1.04 kg/d). According to model 1, nitratesupplementation reduced milk protein yield and content (-0.033 kg/d and -0.087 percentage units, respectively) and tended to reduce ECM yield (-0.55 kg/d). According to model 2, nitrate supplementation reduced milk protein content at both mode and high dose (-0.059 and -0.133 percentage units, respectively), milk protein yield at the mode dose (-0.035 kg/d), and tended to decrease milk protein yield at the high dose (-0.028 kg/d). Furthermore, feed efficiency increased by 3.21% in model 1 and by 3.59% in model 2 for the mode dose only. Blood methemoglobin increased upon nitrate supplementation according to model 1 (+0.695 percentage units) and model 2 (high dose only; +1.32 percentage units) but did not reach levels that posed risks for animal health. In conclusion, the most commonly tested dose of 10 g of nitrate/kg of DM reduced CH4 production by 21.5%, CH4 yield by 15.6%, and CH4 intensity by 20.2%. Dose response analysis indicated no additional reductions when increasing the nitrate dose to a level higher than 10 g/kg DM. Despite the decrease in milk protein content and yield, which was observed at the mode dose of 10 g/kg DM, supplementing nitrate is an effective strategy to reduce CH4 emission.

The United Kingdom's climate and topography enable multiple different calving patterns to operate within the same market, facilitated by industry infrastructure that allows for a variety of milk purchasing arrangements. All-year-round (AYR) calving is most common, and with current labor challenges, spring block (SB), autumn block (AB), and twin block (TB) calving systems could potentially become more popular, but research comparing the efficiency of AYR and block-calving systems operating within the same market conditions is limited. This study compared the costs of production of AYR against 3 block-calving systems on a pence per liter (PPL) of ECM basis (1 pence = ₤0.01, US$1 = £1.28 at the time of the study), to assist benchmarking activities, costs, and management decisions. Farm accounts data (from 2017 to 2020), from 604 farms broadly representing the national split of calving patterns in the United Kingdom were included in a linear mixed effects (LME) model used for inference with maximum likelihood estimation. Random effects included year and farm, with fixed effects including herd size (cows), farm size (hectares), and average annual milk yield per cow, which were each standardized to enable all calving patterns to be compared at the same scale (i.e., same herd size, farm size, and milk yield). Calving pattern was self-determined by the farmer under guidance from a trained data collector. Cost of production variables investigated included milk price, stock sales (calves, cull cows, breeding animals), total income (all dairy farm revenues), total purchased feed, purchased forage, variable costs, gross margin, labor and overhead costs, and net profit. The AB herds had lower total income, lower forage purchases, higher labor costs and lower net profit compared with AYR. The SB herds had higher total income, higher forage purchases, and lower labor and overhead costs compared with AYR. No differences were found between TB and AYR herds. Using the LME model, we estimated the impact of changing the fixed effects on costs of production based on a 1-SD change. Increasing herd size (1 SD, 345 cows) was associated with a reduction in net profit of AB herds by 3.34 PPL but an increase in net profit for SB herds by 5.57 PPL compared with AYR. For increasing farm size (1 SD, 164 ha), all 3 block-calving herds had different associations compared with AYR; net profits would be increased for AB and TB herds (by 1.33 and 2.12 PPL, respectively), whereas SB herds would have reduced net profit by 4.26 PPL. Increasing energy corrected milk yield (1 SD, 4,038 L) would only benefit the net profit of SB herds over AYR by 6.04 PPL, as SB herds had the lowest milk yield per cow. The results demonstrated that increasing land, cows, or milk yield per cow was associated with different responses in cost of production depending on calving pattern. Findings from this study could be used by extension services, farm advisors, and farmers for benchmarking purposes and when considering farm-scale decisions or switching from an AYR to a block-calving pattern.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Bacillus licheniformis 809 and Bacillus subtilis 810 on DMI, colostrum quality, milk yield and composition, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, metabolic, and health parameters of dairy cows during the transition period. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG) receiving no additives and a Bacillus group (BG) receiving 3 g of a direct-fed microbial (DFM; 3.2 × 109 cfu/g of DFM). Monitoring was carried out from 30 d before to 60 d after calving, including assessments of milk production, colostrum quality and composition, milk composition, DMI, BW, BCS, energy balance, blood biochemical parameters, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility. Milk production was corrected to 3.5% fat (FCM), and feed efficiency was calculated for both milk yield and FCM. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro 14 software, with significance declared at P < 0.05. Results demonstrated that BG cows had greater pre- (14.0 vs. 13.4 kg) and postcalving (20.6 vs. 20.1 kg) DMI, milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, and ECM yield (40.38 vs. 39.56 kg/d), with no differences in feed efficiency. Negative energy balance was reduced in the BG (-3.99 vs. -5.81 Mcal/d), whereas SCC (529.0 vs. 819.1 × 103 cells/mL) and the percentage of cows with SCC >200,000 cells/mL was reduced (48.2% vs. 75.0%) for BG versus CG. Colostrum quality was also improved in the BG, with higher average Brix values (26.5% vs. 23.9% Brix) and a greater percentage of cows with ≥23% Brix (86.96% vs. 56.52%). No differences were observed in urinary pH, BCS, or most metabolic parameters, except for a trend toward increased leptin and IgA levels in the BG. Fecal scores were improved in the BG during the prepartum period, as was NDF digestibility throughout the entire trial. Lastly, time spent eating (min/d) during before and after calving also tended to be greater for BG cows. Hence, It is concluded that Bacillus spp. supplementation increases DMI, milk production, and fiber digestibility, and colostrum quality. It also reduces milk SCC and negative energy balance and favors immune response, with a trend toward higher serum IgA levels.

Delaying postpartum separation by 3, 5, or 7 days compared with immediate separation: A pilot study on production and health indicators in Holstein cows and their calves.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding a probiotic-postbiotic blend on DMI, milk and milk component yields, systemic inflammation, and regional paracellular permeability of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) before and after exposure to an intramammary (IMM) challenge of LPS or no infusion. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 34 at 57 ± 4 DIM) with a SCC <250,000 cells/mL were used, including 14 that were ruminally cannulated. Cows were fed either 28 g/d of a probiotic-postbiotic blend (PB; Dairyman's Edge PRO, Papillon Agricultural Company) or no PB (NP) for 21 d before obtaining 5 d of baseline measurements. On d 27, cows received a mammary treatment (MTrt) of either 200 µg of Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS (IML) using sterile PBS as a carrier into both rear quarters or no infusion (CON; PB-IML, n = 8; PB-CON, n = 9; NP-IML, n = 8; NP-CON, n = 9). Milk and milk component yields and DMI were not affected by PB before the MTrt. The IML increased rectal temperature by 2.8°C 6 h after the MTrt application and tended to be 0.3°C lower for PB than NP at 12 h. Milk SCS was 11 units greater at 12 h for IML versus CON and remained 1 unit greater on d 12. Relative to CON, IML reduced DMI by 28%, 11%, and 10%, and milk yield by 44%, 22%, and 10% on d 1 to 3 after the MTrt application, respectively. Dry matter intake recovered after d 4, whereas milk yield was not different on d 5 and 6 but was 6% lower for IML than CON on d 7 and 8. Milk fat yield was reduced for IML from d 1 to 13 when compared with CON. The PB reduced ruminal pH by 0.11 units, increased total short-chain fatty acid concentrations by 6% compared with NP, and stabilized the proportions of propionate and acetate following MTrt application. Plasma haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were greatest on d 2 for IML (562- and 16-fold greater than CON, respectively). On d 7 and 12, Hp was 37- and 6-fold greater for IML versus CON, respectively. Serum amyloid A was reduced by 42% for PB versus NP. On d 1 after the MTrt application, plasma Cr and Co area under the curve (AUC) were 24% and 28% lower for IML than CON, respectively. On d 6, Co AUC was 33% lower for IML than CON but the Cr AUC did not differ on d 6 or 11, and Co AUC did not differ on d 11. In conclusion, the IML infusion induced local and systemic inflammation resulting in reduced milk and milk fat yields that persisted beyond the decline in DMI. The PB did not improve recovery of DMI or milk yield but altered ruminal fermentation, reduced SAA, and tended to accelerate recovery of normothermia. Total GIT and postruminal paracellular permeability may transiently decrease in response to mammary and systemic inflammation, at least based on the Cr and Co AUC in plasma. These findings highlight the limited understanding whereby inflammation in the mammary gland, and potentially other non-GIT organs, influence paracellular permeability of the GIT in ruminants.