Morning Milking Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Organic Acids and Botanicals on Metabolic Status and Milk Parameters in Mid-Late Lactating Goats.

The microencapsulated mixture of organic acids and pure botanicals (OA/PB) has never been evaluated in goats. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis to mid-late lactating dairy goats, evaluating the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status, milk bacteriological and composition characteristics, and milk yield. Eighty mid-late lactating Saanen goats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was fed the basal total balanced ration (TMR) (CRT; n = 40) and the other was fed a diet that was TMR supplemented with 10 g/head of OA/PB (TRT; n = 40) for 54 days during the summer period. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was recorded hourly. On days T0, T27, and T54, the milk yield was recorded, and blood and milk samples were collected during the morning milking. A linear mixed model was used, considering the fixed effects: diet, time, and their interaction. The THI data (mean ± SD: 73.5 ± 3.83) show that the goats did not endure heat stress. The blood parameters fell within the normal range, confirming that their metabolic status was not negatively influenced by OA/PB supplementation. OA/PB increased the milk fat content (p = 0.04) and milk coagulation index (p = 0.03), which are effects that are looked on as favorable by the dairy industry in relation to cheese production.

Changes in the total amount of antioxidants in cow milk with milking time at the peak of lactation

Relevance. Milk contains a large number of biologically active compounds (including antioxidants) and is deservedly considered one of the main food products both in its original form and after technological processing. Materials and methods. In this work, the measurements of the total amount of antioxidants (TOA) in milk samples of cows (from the «Ladozhskoye» breeding farm) at the peak of lactation were carried out by the amperometric method, and milk parameters during morning and evening milking were assessed by classical methods. Results. As a result of the study, new data of TOA were obtained for 38 milk samples of Black-and-White breed cows of 5 groups depending on the lactation period: 1) 151–165 days; 2) 166–180 days; 3) 181–210 days; 4) 211–225 days; 5) 226–240 days, respectively. Moderate and strong correlations were obtained between TOA data and single milk yields (morning and evening milking), which are not only fundamentally new, but also important for assessing the total antioxidant activity in certain periods of lactation. Since the level of antioxidants significantly affects the shelf life, nutritional value, and many other parameters of milk, the authors suggest using the TOA level as an additional parameter in the overall assessment of milk quality. The data obtained are of great importance in assessing the physiological-biochemical status, including the state of the system of antioxidant defense of the body of cows.

Clinical physiological parameters of Holstein calves in the first month of life

In the postnatal period, neonatal adaptation in terms of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, thermoregulatory, and immunological functions is required, thus demanding the establishment of baseline parameters for research on neonatal calves. Few longitudinal studies have presented a set of physiological reference values for neonatal calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical, haematological, and biochemical parameters in young Holstein heifers in order to obtain useful information on their neonatal adaptation. Twenty-eight healthy young Holstein heifers were assessed for the collection of blood samples by jugular venipuncture at the following time points: immediately after birth, and before colostrum intake (first day of life is D1), and D2, D7, D14 and D28 days of life. Two hours prior to morning milk feed, calves were sampled, after being physically examined to establish reference values for heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT). Several changes in physical, haematological, and biochemical parameters, secondary to neonatal adaptation, were detected. The reduction in HR and RR over time represented the maturation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, respectively, and the increase in RT represented the development of thermoregulatory mechanisms. Colostrum intake was reflected in several parameters, including immunoglobulin absorption and alteration of the serum protein profile. In addition, changes in glucose and cholesterol concentrations reflected the activation of the calf’s metabolism. Changes in white blood cell parameters, such as an increase in lymphocyte count and decrease in neutrophil count, were associated with maturation of the immune system and the influence of cortisol levels at parturition, respectively. Changes in the red blood cell count parameters could be attributed to the replacement of erythrocytes from the foetal circulation. Variations in the physiological parameters of calves were observed during the first month of life; it is necessary to compare them with established age-specific reference ranges for a better clinical interpretation.

Effect of mechanical premilking stimulation on milking duration in late lactation.

This study documents the effect of mechanical prestimulation on the milking duration of pasture-based cows in late lactation to better harness increased capacity of automation in the milk harvesting process. Premilking stimulation, provided via manual or mechanical means, has been shown to promote the milk letdown reflex and assist in achieving quick, comfortable, and complete milk removal from the udder. The literature is lacking knowledge on the effect of mechanical premilking stimulation on milking duration, especially in late lactation and in pasture-based systems, and many pasture-based farms do not practice a full premilking routine because of a lack of labor availability. The current study addresses this gap in knowledge. In this study, we tested 2 treatments: (1) the No Stim treatment used normal farm milking settings with no premilking preparation and (2) the Stim treatment used 60 s of mechanical premilking stimulation, with a rate of 120 cycles per minute and a pulsator ratio of 30:70 on cluster attachment. Once the 60 s of stimulation had elapsed, normal milking settings resumed for the remainder of the milking. Sixty cows were enrolled in the study, which ran for 20 d. The effect of treatment on a.m. milking duration was significant, a.m. milking duration for Stim was 12 s shorter than that of No Stim. The effect of treatment on p.m. milk duration was not significant. Treatment had no effect on a.m./p.m. milk yields, average milk flowrates or peak milk flowrates. Significant differences emerged between treatments on a.m. and p.m. dead time (time from cluster attachment to reach a milk flowrate of 0.2 kg/min). The a.m. and p.m. dead times were 6 s shorter for Stim compared with No Stim. The time taken to achieve peak milk flowrate (time to peak) at morning milking was 7 s shorter for Stim compared with No Stim, and treatment yielded no significant effects on time to peak at p.m. milkings. Treatment also had no significant effect on log10 somatic cell count. Although the percentage of congested teat-ends and teat-barrels was numerically lower for Stim versus No Stim, no statistical differences were detected across these measures. Based on the results of the study, we found merit in applying 60 s of mechanical pre-stimulation at a.m. milking from a milking duration perspective. However, the strategy was not as successful for the p.m. milking. Analysis of the milk flowrate profiles recorded during the study suggest potential utility in employing different machine settings for various milkings based on anticipated yield and level of udder fill.

Study of Fat, Lactose, and Protein Concentrations of Holstein Friesian Cow's Milk Early Lactation

This study aims to determine the concentration of lactose, fat, and protein in FH cow's milk at the beginning of lactation which is intensively reared at the People's Farm of the Dairy Cattle Farming Cooperative (KPSP) located in Tutur District, Nongkojajar, Pasuruan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The research material used was fresh milk from lactating dairy cows. The research method used is laboratory analysis with purposive sampling technique. FH dairy cows that were in 3rd lactation period was taken as samples on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd milking days in the morning and evening milking times. Data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The results showed that the average fat concentration of FH cow's milk in the morning milking was 4.23±0.68%, while in the afternoon milking was 4.99±0.65%. The average lactose concentration in the morning milk was 4.10±0.66%, while in the afternoon milk was 4.48±0.71%. The average protein concentration in the morning milking was 3.23±0.94%, while in the afternoon milking was 3.32 ±0.65%. This study concluded that the high concentration of fat, lactose, and protein in the afternoon milking was caused by the shorter time interval between morning and evening milking than the afternoon to morning milking time.The concentration of fat, lactose, and protein in FH cow's milk, which is higher than the SNI standard, is due to several factors including environmental, nutritional, climatological, and managerial factors. The factors are inseparable from each other in influencing milk quality.The quality of fresh milk produced by the Dairy Cow Farming Cooperative People's Farm (KPSP) located in Tutur District, Nongkojajar, Pasuruan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia is in good condition, safe, and suitable for consumption as milk quality standards meet SNI No. 01-3141.1-2011.

Workers Risk Levels of Noise in the Dairy Cow Milking Parlor

The study was carried out in the milking parlor of a dairy cattle farm consisting 500 animals from Holstein-Friesian breed in Bulgaria. The animals were housed in a freestall dairy barn and milked in double-8 milking parlor “herringbone” type. The level of noise was measured three times in every milking (at the beginning, in the middle and at the finishing of the milking) in the morning, midday and evening milking every month for one year. The noise level in the working environment was recorded by noise meter„ Lutron SL-4023SD. The highest noise levels were reported in summer and winter, with maximum values up to 78.3 dB. It was found that regardless of the season during the morning milking the lowest noise levels in the milking parlor were reported (from 70.37 to 70.46 dB). The average values for noise level for an 8-hour working day by seasons varied from 69.87 dB to 74.36 dB, with the highest reported value for the winter season.

Predicting dry matter intake in mid-lactation Holstein cows using point-in-time data streams available on dairy farms.

Quantifying dry matter intake (DMI) in lactating dairy cows is important for determining feed efficiency; however, there are no methods for economically quantifying individual cow DMI on dairy farms where cows are group-fed. Attempts have been made to model DMI using cow factors, milk production, milk infrared spectra, and behavioral sensors with reasonable success. Other data streams are available on the farm that may contribute to DMI predictions. In this study, our objective was to model DMI with multiple linear regression using data from a single point-in-time that can easily be accessed on-farm. Candidate predictor variables included cow descriptors, milk yield and composition, milk fatty acid profile, and production and efficiency predicting transmitting abilities (PTA). Observations of DMI were obtained from 350 cows across 6 cohorts using individual feed bunks. The cow to bunk ratio was 2:1, with an overall bunk occupation rate of 32% throughout the day. The following models were developed sequentially with milk data obtained from a single morning milking and other data from the same day: model B (production, metabolic body weight, body condition score, lactation category, and week of lactation), model BC [model B + fatty acid (FA) content], model BY (model B + FA yield), model BPE (model B + production and efficiency PTA), model BYP (model BY + production PTA), model BYE (model BY + efficiency PTA), and model BYPE (model BY + production and efficiency PTA). Outcome variables predicted in these models were the DMI on the previous day or current day relative to the morning milk sample. The predictions for DMI on the previous day outperformed current day DMI in every model for which they were both determined. Addition of milk FA and PTA as candidate predictor variable types to the models resulted in enhanced predictive ability, with incremental enhancements when combined. The most robust model (BYPE) included cow descriptors, protein and FA yields, and PTA for milk and residual feed intake. Model BYPE described 21 to 32% more of the variation in DMI (based on concordance correlation coefficient) than when other common DMI models were applied to the same data set. Overall, reasonable performance of models including single point-in-time cow descriptors, milk and FA production, and production and efficiency PTA commonly available to dairy farmers through dairy herd improvement programs offer an opportunity for on-farm prediction of DMI, yet further improvement may be possible.

A multi-species direct-fed microbial supplement alters the milk lipidome of dairy cows

The study evaluated the effects of supplementing a multi-species direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the milk lipidome of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (41 ± 7 d in milk) were used in a randomized complete block design with experimental duration of 91 d. Cows were blocked based on energy-corrected milk yield from a 14-d pretreatment period, and were assigned randomly within each block to the following treatments: (1) control (CON): corn silage-based total mixed ration without DFM; or (2) BOV+: basal diet top-dressed with a DFM containing a mixture of Lactobacillus animalis (LA-51), Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PF-24), Bacillus subtilis (CH201), and Bacillus licheniformis (CH200) at 11.8 × 109 cfu/d. Milk samples were taken from morning and evening milkings on 2 consecutive days of each week of the pretreatment and treatment periods. Separate composites of pretreatment period and treatment period samples were prepared for individual cows and used for lipidome analysis. Lipidome analysis of the milk samples was performed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph linked to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer in both positive and negative ionizations. The relative concentrations of 14 lipid species, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) such as FA 20:8 and FA 28:7 and triacylglycerides (TG) such as TG 40:3 and TG 54:2, were increased [false discovery rate (FDR) ≤0.05], whereas 13 lipid species, including saturated FA 24:0 and TG 40:0 were decreased (FDR ≤0.05) by supplemental BOV+. The relative concentration of de novo FA in milk was greater, whereas that of preformed FA was lower in dairy cows supplemented with BOV+. Results from this study demonstrate the potential of a DFM containing L. animalis, P. freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and B. licheniformis to alter the milk lipidome in lactating dairy cows toward increased relative concentration of LC-PUFA, which might offer a healthier profile of FA to consumers with its associated health benefits.

Effects of Sugar Beet Silage, High-Moisture Corn, and Corn Silage Feed Supplementation on the Performance of Dairy Cows with Restricted Daily Access to Pasture.

Simple SummarySeasonal variations in herbage growth rate and nutrient composition result in low herbage intake which is insufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of cows and limits milk production. The main opportunities for increasing milk production per cow and per ha are a careful pasture management to ensure adequate herbage high-quality and strategic low-cost and high-energy feed supplementation. Supplementation strategies include different combinations of level, type, and processing of supplemental feeds. This study evaluates the effect of supplementation with sugar beet silage, corn silage, or high-moisture corn (HMC) on dairy performance, rumen, and plasma metabolites in dairy cows under conditions of restricted grazing in spring. We found that the supplementation with sugar beet silage allowed milk production, live weight, and fat concentration similar to corn silage and HMC, but with a lower concentration of milk protein than HMC. Results suggest that sugar beet silage can be used as an alternative supplement for high-producing dairy cows under conditions of restricted grazing in the current experiment.A study was undertaken to assess the effect of supplementation with sugar beet silage, corn silage, or high-moisture corn on dairy performance, rumen, and plasma metabolites in dairy cows under conditions of restricted grazing in spring. Eighteen multiparous Holstein Friesian cows, stratified for milk yield (39.4 kg/day ± 3.00), days of lactation (67.0 days ± 22.5), live weight (584 kg ± 38.0), and number of calves (5.0 ± 1.5), were allocated in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: SBS (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 7 kg DM of sugar beet silage, 4 kg DM of concentrate, 0.3 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement); corn silage (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 7 kg DM of corn silage, 4 kg DM of concentrate, 0.3 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement), and HMC (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 5 kg DM of high-moisture corn, 4.5 kg DM of concentrate, 1.2 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement). Pasture was offered rotationally from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between afternoon and morning milking, the cows were housed receiving a partial mixed ration and water ad libitum. The effect of treatments on milk production, milk composition, body weight, rumen function, and blood parameters were analyzed using a linear–mixed model. Pasture dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in SBS than CS (p < 0.05) and similar to HMC, but total DMI was higher in HMC than SBS (p < 0.05) and similar to CS. Milk production for treatments (32.6, 31.7, and 33.4 kg/cow/day for SBS, CS, and HMC, respectively), live weight, and fat concentration were not modified by treatments, but milk protein concentration was lower for SBS compared with HMC (p < 0.05) and similar to CS. B-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and albumin were not different among treatments (p > 0.05), while urea was higher in SBS, medium in CS silage, and lower in HMC (p < 0.001). Ruminal pH and the total VFA concentrations were not modified by treatments (p > 0.05), which averaged 6.45 and 102.03 mmol/L, respectively. However, an interaction was observed for total VFA concentration between treatment and sampling time (p < 0.05), showing that HMC produced more VFA at 10:00 p.m. compared with the other treatments. To conclude, the supplementation with sugar beet silage allowed a milk response and composition similar to corn silage and HMC, but with a lower concentration of milk protein than HMC. In addition, sugar beet silage can be used as an alternative supplement for high-producing dairy cows with restricted access to grazing during spring.

A study of the physico-chemical composition and technological properties of sheep and goat milk (ShGM) depending on the breed of the animal

The aim of the study is to identify and substantiate the breed of sheep and goats for collecting milk for the purpose of producing yogurt. The milk of 14 breeds of sheep and 10 breeds of goats was considered for the production of yogurt. A statistical analysis is given and the choice of breed of goats and sheep for the selection of milk for the production of live yogurt is substantiated. Live yogurt is a product with live microorganisms for 14 days, in this case, the viability of bacteria is 28 days when stored in refrigerated conditions, in plastic cups sealed with a foil lid, using special equipment.&#x0D; Probiotics stimulate the production of immunomodulatory substances by beneficial intestinal microflora, as well as normalize cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, bind and remove some toxic substances from the body. Research in this direction will open up many hidden potentials of fermented milk products based on sheep and goat milk and live microorganisms. There are prerequisites for the creation of new original recipes for functional dairy products and these studies are of the greatest scientific interest. The laboratories of the Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry also used their own living microorganisms – probiotics for the preparation of consortiums based on lactic acid and bifidobacteria. Milk was collected from 10 ewes and goats from each breed from June to August 2021. Milk sampling was carried out in the morning milking. Milk indicators were studied using standard methods in the laboratory "Biotechnology, quality and safety of food products" of the "Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry" LLP.

Evaluation of nonlinear models to predict milk yield and composition of beef cows: A meta-analysis

The accurate prediction of milk yield is necessary to estimate the nutrient requirements of cows and calves. It still necessary the development of reliable equations that include data from beef cows experiencing different conditions in different years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk yield of grazing Nellore cows under tropical conditions using a meta-analytical approach. The dataset was collected from 16 studies, which were carried out between 2014 and 2022, under tropical conditions (Brazil), totaling 1503 cow-day observations. Milking procedures were based on a controlled suckling period before the calf separation, with daily production estimated by two methods: sum of morning and afternoon milking (AM_PM milk), and morning milking corrected to 24 h (AM_Corr milk). A sample of milk was collected from each cow to evaluate milk composition. The methods of milk collection AM_PM milk and AM_Corr milk were compared within the AM_PM dataset using F-test of the analysis of variance. A regression analysis was performed according to milk composition and week using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS considering study and cow(study) as random effects. Four nonlinear alternative equation forms to predict milk yield were fitted to the data from 9 experiments of multiparous cow’s data (Mult; > 3 years) and to data from 4 experiments composed of primiparous cows (Prim; ≤ 3 years): Wood, (1967) [WD], Jenkins & Ferrell, (1984) [JF], Wilmink, (1987) [WK], and Cobby & Le Du, (1978) [CL]. Parameters from equation forms were fitted using the PROC NLMIXED procedure of SAS and considering study and cow(study) as random effects. For the independent validation, an external database was used for testing the models which was composed of 3 different studies previous separated randomly from the main dataset composed (n = 290 cow-day observations). The milk yield estimated by the extant equations were compared with the observed values on the independent dataset using the Model Evaluation System software. The equation of the last edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Zebu and Crossbred Cattle (BR-CORTE) was also included for comparison. The AM_PM and AM_Corr approaches were deemed equivalent, with an average of 6.51 and 6.70 kg ( ± 0.098), respectively (P = 0.261). The equation JF did not estimate milk yield of the independent data well (P > 0.05). The equations of WD, WK, and CL had the best estimations of milk yield and description of the lactation curve of grazing multiparous cows. All milk components changed during the lactation period, in which total solids, protein, and fat increased linearly throughout lactation, while lactose decreased linearly (P < 0.05).

A study on the productivity and mortality rates of native and blended goats in Dodoma, Tanzania

The focus of breeding animals such as goats has been to increase productivity and other benefits from domestic animals. A breeding programme for producing blended goats is ongoing in Mpwapwa, Dodoma, Tanzania. However, few studies have been conducted to understand the performance of the produced breed (blended goat) in comparison with local indigenous goats. This study assessed the performance of blended and local indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity while taking into consideration birth type, mortality rate, diseases causing mortality, and management system used. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used in this study. The weight, length, and girth of 2-year-old kids were measured in the morning and evening, and milk production in a lactating doe was recorded. Secondary data on the weight, length, and girth of inborn between 2010 and 2020. The results showed significantly higher productivity for blended goats than for indigenous goats in terms of meat and milk production (P < 0.005). The mortality rate of indigenous goats was not significantly higher than that of blended goats (P > 0.05). Diseases significantly influence goat mortality. Breed, management system, and milking time had a significant impact on goat productivity. For instance, morning milking produced significantly more milk than evening milking (P < 0.05). It is conclusive that the blended goat performs better than the indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity. We recommend and encourage the adoption of blended goats by farmers who want to maximize goat production while considering other factors such as milking time, disease intervention, and management system used.

Relationships between Milk and Blood Biochemical Parameters and Metabolic Status in Dairy Cows during Lactation.

This study aimed to determine blood and milk metabolic parameters and their correlations for the purpose of evaluating metabolic status in dairy cows. Blood and milk samples were collected from 100 Holstein dairy cows during morning milking. The cows were allocated to four groups according to the production period, including cows in early (n = 18), full (n = 26), mid (n = 25) and late (n = 31) lactation. The value of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TChol), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, total bilirubin (TBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dexydrogenase (LDH) in the blood were determined. The following milk parameters were measured: fat, protein, lactose, urea, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH and BHB. Blood serum NEFA, BHB, TBil, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH were higher in early lactation cows, whereas glucose, TP, globulin and urea levels were significantly lower in early lactation cows. Milk fat and lactose levels were lower in early lactation cows, whereas milk protein and the activities of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH in milk were highly greater in early lactation cows. Milk fat was positively correlated with glucose, TP and TG, and negatively correlated with BHB, NEFA, TBil, ALT, LDH and ALP levels in the blood. Enzyme activities in milk were positively correlated with those in blood and with blood NEFA, BHB and TBil levels, and negatively correlated with blood glucose, TChol and TG. A significant positive correlation existed between blood and milk BHB values. Many correlations showed the same slope during all lactation periods. In conclusion, similar changes in blood and milk metabolite concentration during lactation and milk to blood correlations confirm that milk has great potential in predicting of blood metabolites and metabolic status of cows.

Comparison of cow milk components between daily actual and AM-PM composite samples from 2 consecutive milkings by Dairy Herd Improvement

This study was undertaken to evaluate the level of agreement of milk fat, protein, lactose, MUN, and SCC concentrations between daily actual and AM-PM composite milk samples taken at 2 consecutive DHI milkings and to assess factors affecting their level of agreement. Milk samples from 2 consecutive milkings were collected using in-line milk meters on 4,340 Holstein cows in 100 Canadian commercial dairy herds. Three milk samples per cow were analyzed for major components: (1) evening samples; (2) morning samples; and (3) an AM-PM composite sample obtained by visually mixing equal volumes of milk from 2 consecutive milkings. Daily actual milk component concentrations were computed proportionally to milk yields. Equal 50:50 composite milk component concentrations were the average of evening and morning samples. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) between actual and equal 50:50 samples varied from 0.997 to 1.000. For the comparison between daily actual and AM-PM composite milk component concentrations, CCC ranged from 0.911 to 0.964. This suggested that AM-PM composite samples were not always composed of an equal 50:50 volume of milk from evening and morning milkings. A great variation of CCC was observed between herds, indicating differences in their assessment of volumes of milk to pour into vials at each milkings. Assuming that milk samples were homogeneous, AM-PM composite samples predicted daily actual milk components with great precision and accuracy. However, this was not the case in all herds. Visually assessing milk volumes to pour into vials when creating AM-PM composite milk samples was the major cause of a decrease in level of agreement when predicting daily actual milk component concentrations, which varied between herds. One recommendation might be to add indicators on DHI vials to guide in mixing an equal milk volume from 2 consecutive milkings. Because DHI records are used in decision making, it is important that predicted daily milk component concentrations are as close as possible to daily actual milk component concentrations. Producers can make an informed decision on which sampling scheme to chose according to their management objectives.

WPŁYW WYBRANYCH CZYNNIKÓW NA SZYBKOŚĆ ODDAWANIA MLEKA PRZEZ KROWY RASY POLSKIEJ HOLSZTYŃSKO-FRYZYJSKIEJ ODMIANY CZARNO-BIAŁEJ

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of selected physiological factors (age, lactation stage and daily milk yield) on milking rate by Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White cows. The duration of morning, evening and diurnal milking was determined. Milking rate of cows was characterized based on the mean actual and corrected milk yield per 1 minute of milking. Statistical analysis showed a lack of any dependence between the age group of cows and milking duration as well as mean actual and corrected milk yields in the minute of milking. Milking time decreased with progress in lactation. In terms of the mean milk yield the lowest value of this parameter was recorded for cows being in their first stage of lactation (≤ day 40). Cows with greater daily milk yields compared to those producing less milk were characterized by longer milking times and greater mean actual and corrected milk yields in the minute of milking. Milking rate of cows is a functional trait of considerable importance in the economics of raw milk production. The selection towards of an increase in milk yield, may have a positive effect on milking rate in cows.

Animal performance and stress at weaning when dairy cows suckle their calves for short versus long daily durations

Calves in most dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting increasing concern of the society for reasons of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to identify systems to maintain cow-calf contact (CCC) that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on sellable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before (Before-group) or 2.5 h after (After-group) morning milking (in Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Half-day-group, in Trial 2). In Control-groups, calves were separated from their dam at birth and fed with artificial nipple with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their BW. In both trials, each practice was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [Ho] and 7 Montbéliarde [Mo]). All calves were weaned at a BW of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After-group was prematurely stopped when the calves were eight weeks of age as calf growth became limited (340 g/d) due to low milk intakes (2.97 kg/d). During the first eight weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 29%, 51% and 42% lower in After-, Before- and Half-day-cows respectively compared to Controls. From week 14 to 16 when all calves were separated from their dam, Before-cows still produced 25% less milk than Control-cows while Half-day-cows reached the milk yield of Control-cows within a week. There were no significant differences in milk somatic cell count and in frequency of health disorders (cows and calves) between suckling and Control-groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (861 vs 699 g/d) and similar in Trial 2 (943 vs 929 g/d). At weaning, Before- and Half-day-calves started to vocalise earlier and continued to vocalise longer than Controls. In conclusion, the best compromise between cow milk yield and calf growth is a long period of CCC (9 h) between the morning and evening milkings. Still abrupt weaning stresses both cows and calves even if CCC has been restricted before separation.

KUALITAS SUSU SAPI SEGAR PADA PEMERAHAN PAGI DAN SORE

This study aims to determine the effect of milking time on the quality of fresh cow's milk. This research was carried out on June 2021, at Neang Mukti Ranch, Air Naningan District, Tanggamus Regency and at Mulia Farm Sukabanjar, Gedong Tataan District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung. The research material used 7 liters of fresh cow's milk. The morning and evening milking data were obtained from the sum of the mean and standard deviation. The observed variables were alcohol, specific gravity, and reductase tests. This research was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the morning and evening milking did not show any difference to the alcohol, specific gravity, and reductase tests.

Influence of the types of higher nervous activity in cows on the milk flow process

The aim of the research was to study the effect of the type of higher nervous activity on the excretory function of the mammary gland. Cows are classified according to the types of higher nervous activity (HNA): First type - strong, balanced, mobile; Second type - strong unbalanced; Third type - strong inert; Fourth type – weak breaking. Under standard milking conditions, in cows of the first higher nervous activity type there were observed: a tendency or a significant increase in single milk yield and milking time in comparison with other types. The conditioned stimulus “foreign milkmaid”, when applied once or twice, caused an increase in the number of milk flow cycles in first and second higher nervous activity type cows with a decrease in the duration of one cycle both in the morning and lunchtime milking, compared with standard conditions. The following positively correlates with the intensity of milk flow: single milk yield, the milk flow rate for the first and second minutes of milking and maximum, the percentage of milk yield for the first and second minutes, the number of milk production cycles for two, three minutes and in general for milking. Negatively correlates the time of milk yield, the achievement of the maximum rate of milk flow and the total milking time. The process of inhibition of milk flow weakens these connections. The type of higher nervous activity in cows affects the relationship of indicators of milk flow both under conditions of varying degrees of readiness for milk flow, and action of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli on the animals used in the experiment.

Influence of Mediterranean climate and lunar calendar on milk production in Lacaune breed ewes

Environmental factors affect daily milk production in dairy animals. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of environmental factors, specifically mean temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), temperature-humidity index (THI), solar radiation (°), pluvial precipitation (mm) and lunar calendar (full moon, waxing quarter, waning quarter, new moon), on milk production (kg/d). The analysis was based on 96,195 morning and evening milking records documented on 109 consecutive days, from 869 Lacaune ewes. Ewes were housed in groups of 174 individuals. The analysis was performed in two independent procedures, a Pearson correlation analysis and a multivariate analysis of the ewe's interrelationships, which was based on the total variance estimate and a Varimax-rotated factorial analysis. Milk yield (kg/d) was significantly (p < 0.05) negatively correlated with mean temperature (-0.24), relative humidity (-0.16), THI (-0.24), and radiation (-0.18), which suggests that the higher these environmental factors, the lower the milk yield. Lunar calendar had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on milk production yield; specifically, yields were higher on the full moon and new moon (2.25 ± 0.05kg/day) than they were on the crescent or waning moon (2.17 ± 0.05kg/day). In conclusion, ewes that had been exposed to higher mean temperature, relative humidity, THI and solar radiation had the lowest milk yield, and milk yields are highest on full and new moons. The results of this work may be helpful in making predictions for milk production in Lacaune ewes in the Mediterranean region throughout the year.

Does the duration of repeated temporary separation affect welfare in dairy cow-calf contact systems?

Dairy farm calf rearing systems with prolonged cow-calf contact may have benefits such as improved cow and calf health, and better public acceptance of farm practices. However managing cows and calves together can be logistically challenging on modern dairy farms, particularly pasture-based operations. Half-day separation of cows and calves may offer practical benefits compared with full-time contact systems. We predicted that half-day separation could negatively affect cow and calf welfare, compared with separation for milking only. We compared the behaviour of 16 recently calved cows and their calves, separated daily for milking only (MO), or for a half-day (HD) between morning and evening milking (8–10 h of separation per day), over a 10-day period. Linear mixed models and generalised linear mixed models (Poisson regression with random effects) were used to compare the treatments at different times of day. HD calves spent approximately twice as long suckling as MO calves (P = 0.035) before morning milking and after evening milking. HD calves showed a longer latency to lie (analysed using the Goodman-Kruskal gamma test) than MO calves, both when cows left for morning milking (γ = −0.24, P = 0.045) and when they returned after evening milking (γ = −0.83, P < 0.001), and had a shorter lying duration in the evening (−375 s, P = 0.009). HD cows avoided nursing 2.9 times more (P = 0.028), and performed approximately 8.5 times more grooming (P = 0.016) and 5.9 times more agonistic behaviours (P < 0.001) than MO cows, when reunited with their calves after evening milking. HD cows also showed more restlessness during evening milking, performing 4.6 times the number of kicks than MO cows (P = 0.035). Results were comparable between treatments (P > 0.05) for milk cortisol concentration, milk yield, time spent ruminating, calf weight gain, cow vocalisations at separation for morning milking, and time taken to separate cows from calves for morning milking. Overall, some potential welfare issues with HD cow-calf separation compared to MO may be calf hunger, cow discomfort when reunited with hungry calves whilst having an empty udder, and cow restlessness at evening milking. Providing HD calves with milk during the period of separation may address these issues, apart from that of cow restlessness at evening milking; however, further research would be needed to confirm this.