Milk Parameters Research Articles

Features of lactation and quality of milk of different breeds of goats

Milk productivity during the lactation period (305 days) and evaluation of milk according to different quality indicators in periods of the year were studied. The experiments were carried out on 3 groups of goats of Zaanen, Alpine, and Anglo-Nubian breeds at 3–4 years old. Milk productivity was evaluated from the 1st to the 11th month of lactation, and milk quality indicators (fat, protein, SOMO, density) were analyzed using the Lactan 1-4 milk analyzer. It was established that the most incredible intensity of lactation in goats occurs during the 4–5th month after farrowing; the exceptional dynamics of the lactation curve is that it increases from the 1st to the 4th month and decreases from the 5th to the 10th. An interbreeding difference in milk yield was established (Р < 0.001, Р < 0.05) in the 4th, 5th, and 7th months of lactation, where the Anglo-Nubian, Alpine, and Zaanen breeds were arranged in the order of decreasing milk yield. The total lactation rate was maximum in Zaanen animals, and in Anglo-Nubian and Alpine goats, it was lower by 16.4 % (Р < 0.001) and 5 % (Р < 0.001), respectively. It was found that the average daily fertility of goats was in Zaanen animals, and the minimum and maximum in Anglo-Nubian and Alpine breeds about the season of the year, correspondingly spring – 15.9 %, 6.5 %; summer – 16.04 %, 3.74 %; autumn – 23.2 %, 8 %. The study of the physicochemical parameters of goat milk of various species revealed that, according to qualitative parameters, in the spring, summer, and autumn periods, there is an interspecies difference in the content of protein and fat, with the highest content in Anglo-Nubian animals, respectively by 5% (Р < 0.001), 38.6 % (P < 0.01), 36.1 % (P < 0.01). According to indicators of consistency and smell of milk, the three breeds of goats did not have a probable difference. The following discrepancies were established regarding taste qualities: a sweet taste in Anglo-Nubian animals, a rich one in Alpine animals, and no extraneous aftertaste in Zaanen animals. A light cream color is noted in the Anglo-Nubian circles, and a color variation from white to light cream is present in the Alpine and Zaanen peoples.

Applicability of electrical parameters for controlling the quality of skim milk with various dry matter contents

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of concentrating skim milk (10–50 g 100 g−1) on changes in contents of minerals as well as values of physicochemical and structural parameters (pH, total protein, micro- and macro-mineral content, viscosity, particle diameter, micrographs by fractal dimension), electrical parameters: conductivity (Z, G), and dielectric parameters (Cp, Cs). Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the applicability and limitations of electrical parameters as tools for controlling the quality of concentrated skim milk.The obtained results show that as the dry matter content increases, the particle diameter and viscosity increase linearly, while the pH value decreases. The trends for electrical parameters and microstructure, as described by the fractal dimension, were less clear-cut. The electrical parameters suited to control the quality (Cluster 1 and 2 parameters) of concentrated skim milk turned out to be the dielectric parameter (Cs 100 Hz, p < 0.001, r ≈ (−0.8) to 0.9), followed by the conductivity parameter (Z – Cluster 1: p < 0.05, r ≈ 0.38; Cluster 2: p < 0.01, r ≈ −0.52) measured at f = 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 100 kHz. Parameters Cs and Z at f = 100 Hz can be harnessed in practice to develop a simple and cost effective measurement device, which could replace time-consuming and costly assays done using reference methods.

Exploring Technological, Safety and Probiotic Properties of Enterococcus Strains: Impact on Rheological Parameters in Fermented Milk.

Enterococci, known for their resilience, are commonly found in food, the environment, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. In recent research, six strains of enterococcus were isolated from bat guano. These include Enterococcus mundtii SRBG1, Enterococcus gallinarum SRBG3, Enterococcus faecium SRBG2, Enterococcus casseliflavus EC1, and Enterococcus devriesei CAU 1344. Identification was done using 16S DNA analysis. Each strain underwent evaluation for its technological properties (such as tolerances to various NaCl concentrations and temperatures, as well as amylolytic, β-galactosidase, lipolytic, and proteolytic activities, and EPS production) and selected probiotic properties (including safety profile, resistance to 0.3 percent bile salts and gastric juice with a pH of 2.5, lysozyme tolerance, and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against four foodborne pathogens). The results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis. This analysis revealed that E. mundtii SRBG1 and E. gallinarum SRBG3, followed by E. faecium SRBG2, were most closely associated with a broad range of technological characteristics and were subsequently used for fermenting skimmed milk. The rheological properties of the samples indicated a shear-thinning or non-Newtonian behavior. Furthermore, during storage of the fermented milk at 4 °C over periods of 1, 7, 14, and 21 days, there were no significant changes in bacterial count (at around 7 log10 CFU/mL) and pH when fermented with the three evaluated strains.

The influence of sunflower oil in meals on the blood mineral profile of dairy cows

Minerals are essential substances with an important function in livestock, and their disbalance negatively affects the health and production, especially of ruminants. The addition of fat to the rations of dairy cows impacts the overall and mineral metabolism, and thus on health and production. The aim of the research was to examine the correlative relationships between balanced production meals and the mineral status of lactating cows with different ration compositions with or without the presence of vegetable oil. The research was conducted on 30 dairy cows of the Holstein breed at the Butmir farm, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Three groups of 10 animals were formed based on productivity (A, 13-15 kg of milk/day, B, 19-21 kg of milk/day and C, 25-27 kg of milk/day). Samples of feed, blood plasma and milk of animals were collected on three occasions a 3-week intervals. According to the feed analysis results, the rations were standardized for each group, given for three weeks without oil,and then for three weeks with the addition of sunflower oil in the amount of 2.5% of the ration dry matter. After determining the content of basic nutrients, dry matter and ash in the rations, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na and K were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry,while the colorimetric method was used to analyse P according to Woy and Eggertz-Finkener. Analysis of blood mineral parameters was performed spectrophotometrically. The content of fat, proteins, lactose, and non-fat dry matter in milk samples was determined by infrared spectrometry using an automatic analyser. Based on the results, we observed a similarity in changes of values and the statistical significance of the differences in plasma Ca, P and Mg between the study groups and at sampling intervals. Milk production was positively correlated with the concentration of Mg and Ca with addition of the sunflower oil to the meal, while no correlation coefficient was established for P in any of the samplings. Balanced meals with and without the addition of oil did not significantly affect the content of Ca, P or Mg in the blood plasma of the tested animals, nor were significant differences found between the groups. However, by determining the correlations between milk parameters and blood biochemical parameters, a significant positive correlation was established between the amount of milk and Ca and Mg levels with a diet supplemented by oil. Given that the addition of sunflower oil in the amount of 2.5% of dry matter of the balanced rations for cows had no negative effects on the mineral profile and the parameters of the tested animals, we conclude that the introduction of this oil could be useful both from the economic point and improving nutritional composition of milk as an animal food present in the daily human diet.

Kinetic and proteomic studies in milk show distinct patterns among major Listeria monocytogenes clones

Listeria monocytogenes, a contaminant of raw milk, includes hypervirulent clonal complexes (CC) like CC1, CC4, and CC6, highly overrepresented in dairy products when compared to other food types. Whether their higher prevalence in dairy products is the consequence of a growth advantage in this food remains unknown. We examined growth kinetics of five L. monocytogenes isolates (CC1, CC4, CC6, CC9, and CC121) at 37 and 4 °C in ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk and raw milk. At 4 °C, hypovirulent CC9 and CC121 isolates exhibit better growth parameters in UHT milk compared to the hypervirulent CC1, CC4, and CC6 isolates. CC9 isolate in raw milk at 4 °C exhibited the fastest growth and the highest final concentrations. In contrast, hypervirulent isolates (CC1, CC4, and CC6) displayed better growth rates in UHT milk at 37 °C, the mammalian host temperature. Proteomic analysis of representative hyper- (CC1) and hypovirulent (CC9) isolates showed that they respond to milk cues differently with CC-specific traits. Proteins related to metabolism (such as LysA or different phosphotransferase systems), and stress response were upregulated in both isolates during growth in UHT milk. Our results show that there is a Listeria CC-specific and a Listeria CC-common response to the milk environment. These findings shed light on the overrepresentation of hypervirulent L. monocytogenes isolates in dairy products, suggesting that CC1 and CC4 overrepresentation in dairy products made of raw milk may arise from contamination during or after milking at the farm and discard an advantage of hypervirulent isolates in milk products when stored at refrigeration temperatures.

Biochemical Indicators of Blood and Milk in the Cows Affected by Latent Mastitis

Latent mastitis harms the health of animals, their milk production, and the quality of milk. In cows affected by this disease sharp changes in hematological parameters, and biochemical parameters of blood and milk, which is the focus of our research. This work studies the morphological and biochemical parameters of blood and the biochemical parameters of milk in dairy cows affected by latent mastitis. The research was performed in several farms and farm households of Kotayk and Ararat regions, as well as in the ANAU Research Center of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary laboratories. The research outcomes prove that latent mastitis significantly impacts the composition of blood and milk components. Data obtained during the research enables a better understanding of the causes of mastitis as well as the necessity of using informative diagnostic methods in farm veterinarians’ practices.

Aflatoxin M1 Concentrations, Adulterants, Microbial Loads, and Physicochemical Properties of Raw Milk Collected From Nekemte City, Ethiopia.

Milk is an essential part of the human diet and is a nutrient-rich food that improves nutrition and food security. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), adulterants, microbial loads, and physicochemical properties of raw cow's milk (CM) in Nekemte City, Ethiopia. A total of 12 samples of fresh CM were purposefully collected from four kebeles in the city (Bake Jama, Burka Jato, Cheleleki, and Bakanisa Kese) based on the potential of each milk production and distributor site. The AFM1 concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a Sigma-Aldrich standard (St. Louis, MO, USA). The concentrations of AFM1 in Bake Jama, Burka Jato, Cheleleki, and Bakanisa Kese were found to be 0.01-0.03 g/L, 0.31-0.35 g/L, 0.19-0.21 g/L, and 0.04-0.07 g/L, respectively. The concentrations of AFM1 in the present study varied significantly (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0.01 g/L to 0.35 g/L. These results show that of the 12 samples tested, all were positive for AFM1 and contaminated to varying degrees. The results of this study also revealed that the concentration of AFM1 in 7 (58%) of the 12 milk samples was above the European Union's (EU) maximum tolerance limit (0.05 g/L). The present study also revealed that of the investigated adulterants, only the addition of water had positive effects on three milk samples, while the remaining adulterants were not detected in any of the milk samples. The total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly (p < 0.05) different and ranged from 5.53 to 6.82 log10cfumL-1 and from 4.21 to 4.74 log10cfumL-1, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the milk samples in the present study were significantly (p < 0.05) different and ranged from 2.8% to 5.75% fat, 7.03% to 9.75% solid-not-fat (SNF), 2.35% to 3.61% protein, 3.33% to 5.15% lactose, 11.54% to 13.69% total solid, 0.16% to 0.18% titratable acid, 26.7 to 32.1°C, 6.35 to 6.55 pH, and 1.027 to 1.030 specific gravity. The physicochemical parameters of the raw milk in the study area met the required quality standards. Hence, further studies are required to determine the extent of the problem and the factors associated with high levels of AFM1 in raw milk in the study areas, including the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed.

Physical-chemical parameters of milk of Holstein cows, depending on the origin

In the Sverdlovsk region, dairy cattle of the Holstein breed is widely used, obtained as a result of long-term use of the global gene pool of Holstein servicing bulls. The assessment of the nutritional value of milk from cows-daughters of different servicing bulls of Holstein cattle genealogical lines and its quality from the point of view of raw materials for the dairy industry is relevant and has practical significance. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the livestock of cattle in the farm belongs to five lines – these are Vis Back Ideal 1013485 (25.1%), Reflection Sovering 198998 (19.6%), Montwick Chieftain 95679 (18.2%), Pabst Governor 882933 (22.7%), and Annas Adema 30587 (14.4%). Several servicing bulls are used in each line. Milk obtained from cows-daughters of servicing bulls of the Annas Adema 30587 line has high nutritional values of milk and its caloric content is 76.15-77.50 kCal, which is higher than average. The milk of cows-daughters of all servicing bulls from all the studied lines, despite the difference in physical-chemical parameters, met the requirements of GOST 31449-2013 “Raw cow’s milk. Technical specifications” of the highest grade. Thus, the farm breeds highly productive Holstein cattle with high milk quality indicators.

Консервирование проб сырого молока пищевой добавкой низин (Е-234)

In order to preserve the initial organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, raw milk samples for veterinary and sanitary examination are transported to the laboratory in a chilled form within a short period of time. Preservatives, which eliminate the need to cool samples, affect the initial milk parameters, pose a danger to laboratory workers and change organoleptics. This paper presents data on the effect of the safe food additive nizin (E-234) at a concentration of 0,03 g/0,5 l on the initial organoleptic (taste, color, odor and consistency) and physico-chemical (mass fraction of fat, protein, skimmed milk residue (SOMO), density, titrated acidity) indicators milk stored at room temperature. It was found that nisin slows down the change in physico-chemical parameters due to spoilage, but causes an increase of 0,14 % in the mass fraction of protein, 1,28 kg/ m3 in density, 0,32 % in the mass fraction of SOMO after 24 hours of experiment. Two methods of reducing the concentration of nisin in the samples were tested: heat treatment of milk and dilution of the preservative before each application. Heat treatment had a weak effect, the indicators decreased by an average of 0,04 %, 0,07 %, 0,22 kg/m3 for protein, SOMO and density, respectively. The second method turned out to be simpler and more effective – the true values of protein, SOMO and density indicators were preserved for the first 6–18 hours of sample storage.

Holştayn İneklerde Kırmızı Işıkla Gece Aydınlatmasının Melatonin ve Süt Kalite Parametrelerine Etkileri

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of red lighting on blood and milk melatonin levels, and milk quality. The experiment was carried out on 6 lactating Holstein Dairy cows, which were being reared at the Hümeyra Özgen Research and Application Farm, affiliated to Selcuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. After a control period of 15 days in which night lighting was not applied (control group), night lighting was provided by LED bulbs emitting red light with a wavelength of 652 nm during the following 15-day trial period (experimental group). On days 5th, 10th and 15th days of the control and experimental groups, milk and blood samples were taken at the 06:00 am and at 06:00 pm.Serum and milk melatonin concentrations in the morning of the control, on days 5th, 10th and 15th; were 8.64±1.4, 7.02±0.97, 8.71±2.3, and 5.01±0.92, 5.23±0.35 , 3.93±0.81pg/ml, respectively while control evening group were respectively 8.59±1.8,7.53±2.14,8.35±0.94, 6.91±1.73, 6.8±1.27. It was obtained as 3.67±0.97 pg/ml. Serum and milk melatonin levels in the trial morning group were 10.93±2.06, respectively, on the same days; 15.37±2.6; 11.25±1.71 and 2.97±0.64; 5.7±1.06; While it was measured as 3.33±0.73 pg/ml, it was 14.83±3.11 in the trial evening group; 14.5±3.57; 12.95±4.09 and 4.42±0.61; 2.51±0.56; It was obtained as 2.48±0.79 pg/ml.It was observed that serum and milk melatonin levels and milk parameters were not adversely affected in the use of red LED lamps (652 nm) at night for 12h.

Determining the influence of raw milk protein composition on the yield of cheese and its nutrient content

Cheese production is a complex process that is influenced by many factors: protein:fat ratio, acidity, and type of rennet. An option for improving the profitability of the cheese industry is the genetic selection of dairy cows to produce milk with good rennet protein coagulation. The object of the study is the technology of cheeses made from milk from cows with different β-casein genotypes (А1А1, А1А2, А2А2). The subject of the study is the physical-chemical parameters of milk from cows with different genotypes for β-casein; yield of cheese from this milk and its quality indicators. Samples of Gouda cheese were produced according to traditional technology. The research established that the quality indicators of milk samples are typical for fresh cow's milk. The content of fat, protein, and dry matter in the milk of cows with the β-casein genotype A2A2 were slightly higher compared to A1A1 and A1A2. The study of the quality indicators of the cheese samples showed that the type of β-casein did not affect the organoleptic properties of the cheese. However, according to the content of the main chemical components, cheeses made from A1A2 milk had a higher content of dry matter and protein (61,6 % and 19,2 % on average, respectively) and a lower fat content (37.2 %). The amino acid profile of cheese from milk of cows with β-casein A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes showed a higher total content of amino acids – 14.89 mg/g and 13.84 mg/g, respectively. Calculations of cheese yield showed that cheese yield from milk of cows with β-casein genotype A1A2 was higher (mean value 13.1 %) than with A1A1 and A2A2. The obtained results are of practical importance, as it is possible to take into account how changes in the β-casein genotype in milk can affect the yield of cheese, and therefore, the profitability of production

Magnetic Laser Radiation Use for the Technological Characteristics Optimization of Raw Milk

The high-quality raw materials availability in Russia today is the main determining factor in the dairy market development. High bacterial contamination leads to a deterioration in taste, a decrease in the nutritional value of raw milk and products made from it, and also contributes to a significant reduction in its shelf life. The research aims at the magnetic laser exposure use to raw milk to optimize its technological characteristics. Depending on the power, radiation frequency and exposure time, a man run the experiment with raw milk selected from one batch of cows in the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Streletskoe” of the Russian Agricultural Academy of the Oryol district of the Oryol region, in comparison with raw milk pasteurized at a temperature of (76 ± 2) °C for 20 sec. The researchers used the device “Mustang 1” (model 017) with and without a magnetic laser nozzle MLO-1 as a magnetic laser emitter. They studied the laser exposure impact on the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of raw milk in order to create conditions for the high-quality, competitive fermented milk products manufacture. The magnetic laser radiation reduces the titratable acidity of raw milk by 1–2 °T, enabling an increase in the milk grade from the second to the first one and an extension of the bactericidal phase in compliance with organoleptic parameters. The authors adjusted the optimal mode of processing raw milk using magnetic laser radiation: power – 80 W, radiation frequency – 3000 Hz, exposure – 256 sec.

Comparative performance analysis between two different generations of an automatic milking system

The adoption of Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) in Europe and Italy has been increasing gradually in recent years, driven by the advantages they offer over traditional milking methods. AMS reduces the need for manual labor, increases milk production, standardizes teat cleaning and disinfection, and promotes animal welfare. The adoption of milking robots also allows for continuous monitoring of milk parameters, animal health status, and production performance. In a recent study, the authors analyzed the improvements achieved by a buffalo farm in Southern Italy that switched from an older model (Classic ) to a newer generation model (VMS 300) of milking robot, showing an increase in production quantity and quality.

Optimisation of the Technological Parameters of the Ecological Milk Cooling Plant

The aim of this paper is to optimize the technological parameters of the ecological milk cooling plant with the application of natural cold, which ensures a significant increase in energy efficiency at collection points in the Republic of Moldova. The proposed plant captures the natural cold and stores it in the insulated cold accumulator without the use of freons, which is then used for cooling milk. In order to achieve the goal, the mathematical model of the intermediate refrigerant cooling process using renewable energy was developed in the paper. Based on the requirements imposed on the technological process as well as the developed mathematical model, it was determined that for cooling the intermediate refrigerant from the initial temperature of +140C to +40C, at the ambient temperature of +20C, 34.25 times more equivalent volume of air is required.

Effect of Mycotoxins on Reproduction and Milk Quality of Dairy Cattle and its Amelioration by Natural Adaptogen “Betulin”

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of mycotoxins on the reproduction and milk quality and its amelioration by “Betulin” in lactating Holsteinized Russian Black Pied cows divided into 2 complexes which were further split into 2 groups. On general clinical examination of the reproductive tract, it was observed that the high milk yielding cows have low rates (82.14 ± 1.59%) of productive offspring in the extensive method, while it was higher (85.12 ± 2.31%) in the intensive method of rearing. During the experiment, mycotoxin contamination was observed in the feed, especially for Zearalenone (ZEN), the concentration of which was 9.5% in corn silage and 8.9% in concentrate feed. In cows, the presence of ZEN or Fusarium toxin contributed significantly to infertility and decreased milk production (8523.9±112.5 vs 7153.8±99.7 kg). However, lactating cows showed tolerance to mycotoxins, as evidenced by insignificant changes in the indicators of milk quality in subject animals. Further, the use of the natural adaptogen “Betulin” added to an increase in milk yield and an improvement in the quality and sanitary parameters of milk.

Influence of humic acids on of cows milk productivity and indicators of milk quality and safety

The study was conducted to determine the effect of humic acids added to the diet of lactating cows on their milk productivity and physicochemical parameters of milk. The study was conducted on 14 Holstein cows of German breeding, which were fed 20 g/100 kg of live weight per day of an organic feed mixture containing 40.5% humic acids and 22% fulvic acids to their basic diet for 30 days. Milk samples were taken twice, before the use of the organic feed mixture and after 30 days of use. An increase in milk productivity by 5.8% was observed in 86% of lactating cows, the mass fraction of fat in milk increased A slight increase in milk fat content (p&lt;0.1) is associated with an increase in this indicator in the milk of 72% of experimental cows from 0.2 to 0.92%. In the milk of the rest of the cows, the fat content of the milk did not change, but the average index for the group increased by 0.38%. The mass fraction of proteins after 30 days of using the organic feed mixture, an increase in the mass fraction of proteins in the milk of cows was noted on average for the group by 0.2% (р&lt;0.05), with an average indicator for the group of 3.5±0.06% (3 ,12–4.2%). In the milk of 80% of the examined cows, the mass fraction of proteins increased from 0.12 to 0.9%, in 20% of the cows the mass fraction of protein in milk did not change, but the values corresponded to the basic norm (3.0%). An increase in average daily milk yield from 36.73±0.6 kg (35.43–38.9) at the beginning of the study against 38.85±0.19 kg (37.3–39.9; p&lt;0.01) at the end of the experiment, which is 2.12 kg more and indicates a positive effect of humic acids on milk productivity of cows. The number of somatic cells in the milk of cows after a 30-day use of an organic feed mixture based on humic acids did not change and amounted to 104.78±19.09 thousand/cm3 (20.0–218.0), against 104.47±23, 5 thousand/cm3 (11.0–246.0) at the beginning of the study. In the milk of 28.5% of cows, at the end of the study, a slight decrease in the number of somatic cells was noted from 35 to 55 thousand/cm3, in the milk of 21.4% of cows, the number of somatic cells increased slightly from 19 to 74 thousand/cm3, which corresponds to the physiological norm . Milk urea nitrogen is used to assess the energy-protein balance in feed; a reduced value at the end of the study ranged from 7.1 to 18.5 mg/100 ml, indicating a crude protein deficiency in the diet. Key words: humic acids, number of somatic cells, mass fraction of fat, mass fraction of proteins, lactose, milk urea nitrogen, milk productivity.

The effects of dietary iodine content, milking system, and farming practices on milk iodine concentration and quality traits

Various management practices can influence milk quality traits in dairy cattle. As an example, an increasing investment in automatic milking system to substitute milking parlors has been observed in the last 2 decades in dairy farms which could have affected certain bulk milk quality traits. What is more, milking practices can also affect certain milk parameters; as an example, teat disinfectants containing I are used in commercial farms where pre- or postdipping is performed, leading to presence of some I in the bulk milk. However, this trace mineral is also supplied in cows' diet to fulfill their nutritional requirements, partly contributing to the milk I final concentration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the sources of variation of milk I along with other traditional milk quality traits. A total of 91 dairy farms in northeastern Italy were enrolled in the study. In each farm, diet and bulk milk samples were collected on the same day for chemical analysis. Concentration of I, in particular, was determined in both milk and feed with gold standard. Pearson correlations were calculated among the traits available for milk and diet, and a general linear model was used to test significance of fixed effects (feeding system, milking system, farming system, herd size, herd stage of lactation, and sampling month) on milk quality traits including the I concentration. In the case of milk I, diet I and presence of I-based predipping and postdipping teat disinfect application were also tested as fixed effects. Results showed a positive linear correlation between milk and diet I content (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.78). Although milk I was also positively correlated with lactose content (r = 0.25), dietary I was not correlated with other milk traits. Milk I content was significantly affected by dietary I, I-based predipping teat disinfectant application, and herd composition. Compared with conventional farms, organic farms showed lower protein content and greater somatic cell score (SCS) but similar milk I. Milking system significantly affected only lactose content and SCS of milk. Sampling month was only significant for milk urea nitrogen and herd composition, feeding system, herd size, and herd average days in milk did not modify milk gross composition and SCS. In conclusion, dietary supply of I is the main factor affecting milk I concentration and findings suggest that I level in milk can be naturally improved in dairy cows by modulating the I content in the diet administered. However, further research is needed to evaluate the effect of I-based sanitizers on milk I.

Assessment of Mastitis Patterns in Serbian Dairy Cows: Blood Serum Metabolic Profile and Milk Composition Parameters.

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases in dairy cows, leading to substantial economic losses associated with decreased milk production and quality. Early detection of changes in metabolic and milk parameters is crucial for maintaining animal welfare and milk quality. This study aimed to detect patterns in metabolic and milk composition parameters in Serbian dairy cows affected by mastitis. It also examined the relationship between these factors in cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis, as well as in healthy cows. This study included 60 Holstein-Friesian cows with the same body score condition that were in the same lactation phase. They were divided into three groups of 20: clinical and subclinical mastitis and a control group of healthy cows. The categorization was based on clinical udder health and the California mastitis test. Blood serum metabolic profiles were measured using a Rayto spectrophotometer (Shenzhen, China), and milk composition was determined using MilcoScanTM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) and FossomaticTM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) instruments. Significant increases in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein, globulin, urea, total bilirubin, magnesium, and enzyme activity were noted in mastitis-affected cows compared to healthy ones. Additionally, mastitis-affected cows had higher total protein and globulin levels and increased somatic cell counts (SCCs), while albumin concentrations were decreased. Furthermore, a negative correlation between total protein and lactose suggested inflammation leading to reduced lactose levels due to cell damage, infection, and lactose use by mastitis pathogens. Hence, indicators of the energy and protein status of the metabolic profile, together with the chemical composition of milk, may be significant diagnostic tools for detecting, monitoring, and predicting the outcome of mastitis in cows.

The Bern Birth Cohort (BeBiCo) to study the development of the infant intestinal microbiota in a high-resource setting in Switzerland: rationale, design, and methods

BackgroundMicrobiota composition is fundamental to human health with the intestinal microbiota undergoing critical changes within the first two years of life. The developing intestinal microbiota is shaped by maternal seeding, breast milk and its complex constituents, other nutrients, and the environment. Understanding microbiota-dependent pathologies requires a profound understanding of the early development of the healthy infant microbiota.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty healthy pregnant women (≥20 weeks of gestation) from the greater Bern area will be enrolled at Bern University hospital’s maternity department. Participants will be followed as mother-baby pairs at delivery, week(s) 1, 2, 6, 10, 14, 24, 36, 48, 96, and at years 5 and 10 after birth. Clinical parameters describing infant growth and development, morbidity, and allergic conditions as well as socio-economic, nutritional, and epidemiological data will be documented. Neuro-developmental outcomes and behavior will be assessed by child behavior checklists at and beyond 2 years of age.Maternal stool, milk, skin and vaginal swabs, infant stool, and skin swabs will be collected at enrolment and at follow-up visits. For the primary outcome, the trajectory of the infant intestinal microbiota will be characterized by 16S and metagenomic sequencing regarding composition, metabolic potential, and stability during the first 2 years of life. Secondary outcomes will assess the cellular and chemical composition of maternal milk, the impact of nutrition and environment on microbiota development, the maternal microbiome transfer at vaginal or caesarean birth and thereafter on the infant, and correlate parameters of microbiota and maternal milk on infant growth, development, health, and mental well-being.DiscussionThe Bern birth cohort study will provide a detailed description and normal ranges of the trajectory of microbiota maturation in a high-resource setting. These data will be compared to data from low-resource settings such as from the Zimbabwe-College of Health-Sciences-Birth-Cohort study. Prospective bio-sampling and data collection will allow studying the association of the microbiota with common childhood conditions concerning allergies, obesity, neuro-developmental outcomes , and behaviour.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04447742

EFFECT OF PARITY ON MILK PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS AMONG THREE BREEDS OF CATTLE UNDER EXTENSIVE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA.

A total of 270 cows comprising 90 each of Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani, and Red Bororo were used for the study. Each breed was replicated into three parities of 30 cows each. 5ml of milk samples were collected from each cow. The parameters analyzed were milk protein, fat, ash, moisture, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean were separated by Duncan multiple range test. Results in Sokoto Gudali revealed that Parity 3 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in milk ash 0.43%, moisture 82.08%, Fe 1.23 mg/L and Na 75.36 mg/L. Parities 1 and 2 were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different in milk ash, moisture, Fe as 0.36% and 0.37%, 81.72% and 81.21% and 1.02 mg/L and 1.15 mg/L respectively, however they were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower than the values (0.43 %, 82.08 % and 1.23 mg/L) obtained in parity 3. In Red Bororo, Parity 1 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in milk protein 3.97% whereas parity 3 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) low in milk protein 3.01%. Parity 1 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in Fe, P and Na as 1.01mg/L, 375.62mg/L and 71.22mg/L respectively whereas parity 2 and 3 were same and significantly (p&lt;0.05) low in Na as 62.68mg/L and 64.62mg/L respectively. In White Fulani Parity 1 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in milk protein 4.52% whereas parity 2 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) low in milk protein 3.93%. Parity 3 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in milk ash, moisture, Ca, Fe and Na as 0.46%, 85.25%, 611.48mg/L, 1.23mg/L and 75.33mg/L respectively. The milk parameters increased with increased in parity which might be influenced by development of animal mammary glands.