Dairy Cow Nutrition Research Articles

A 100-Year Review: From ascorbic acid to zinc—Mineral and vitamin nutrition of dairy cows

Mineral and vitamin nutrition of dairy cows was studied before the first volume of the Journal of Dairy Science was published and is still actively researched today. The initial studies on mineral nutrition of dairy cows were simple balance experiments (although the methods available at the time for measuring minerals were anything but simple). Output of Ca and P in feces, urine, and milk was subtracted from intake of Ca and P, and if values were negative it was often assumed that cows were lacking in the particular mineral. As analytical methods improved, more minerals were found to be required by dairy cows, and blood and tissue concentrations became primary response variables. Those measures often were poorly related to cow health, leading to the use of disease prevalence and immune function as a measure of mineral adequacy. As data were generated, mineral requirements became more accurate and included more sources of variation. In addition to milk yield and body weight inputs, bioavailability coefficients of minerals from different sources are used to formulate diets that can meet the needs of the cow without excessive excretion of minerals in manure, which negatively affects the environment. Milk, or more accurately the lack of milk in human diets, was central to the discovery of vitamins, but research into vitamin nutrition of cows developed slowly. For many decades bioassays were the only available method for measuring vitamin concentrations, which greatly limited research. The history of vitamin nutrition mirrors that of mineral nutrition. Among the first experiments conducted on vitamin nutrition of cows were those examining the factors affecting vitamin concentrations of milk. This was followed by determining the amount of vitamins needed to prevent deficiency diseases, which evolved into research to determine the amount of vitamins required to promote overall good health. The majority of research was conducted on vitamins A, D, and E because these vitamins have a dietary requirement, and clinical and marginal deficiencies became common as diets for cows changed from pasture and full exposure to the sun to stored forage and limited sun exposure. As researchers learned new functions of fat-soluble vitamins, requirements generally increased over time. Diets generally contain substantial amounts of B vitamins, and rumen bacteria can synthesize large quantities of many B vitamins; hence, research on water-soluble vitamins lagged behind. We now know that supplementation of specific water-soluble vitamins can enhance cow health and increase milk production in certain situations. Additional research is needed to define specific requirements for many water-soluble vitamins. Both mineral and vitamin research is hampered by the lack of sensitive biomarkers of status, but advanced molecular techniques may provide measures that respond to altered supply of minerals and vitamins and that are related to health or productive responses of the cow. The overall importance of proper mineral and vitamin nutrition is known, but as we discover new and more diverse functions, better supplementation strategies should lead to even better cow health and higher production.

Comparison of microalgae and rapeseed meal as supplementary protein in the grass silage based nutrition of dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate microalgae as a protein supplement in the nutrition of lactating dairy cows in relation to unsupplemented and rapeseed meal supplemented diets. In both experiments multiparous Finnish Ayrshire cows were fed separately fixed amount of cereal-sugar beet pulp based concentrate (11kg/d in Exp. 1 and 12kg/d in Exp. 2), and grass silage ad libitum. In Exp. 1, six cows (212days in milk; DIM) were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square. Diets were supplemented isonitrogenously with rapeseed meal (pelleted rapeseed supplement, RSS), mixture of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae (1:1 on dry matter (DM) basis; ALG) or a mixture of RSS and ALG (1:1 on crude protein (CP) basis; RSS-ALG). In Exp. 2, four intact cows and four rumen cannulated cows (190 DIM) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square. Treatments consisted of basal diet without protein supplement (NEG) or supplemented similarly as in Exp. 1 with the exception of RSS-ALG and ALG containing only S. platensis. Protein supplementation increased fibre and N digestibility but did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) or milk yield. The substitution of rapeseed by microalgae did not affect total DMI or milk yield in neither of the experiments, but changed the quality of DMI in Exp.2 by linearly decreasing concentrate:forage ratio of the diet due to poorer palatability of microalgae. The efficiency of N utilisation (NUE) in milk production varied from moderate (Exp. 1) to high (Exp. 2), and in Exp. 2 was decreased by both protein supplementation and microalgae inclusion in the diet. Protein supplementation or microalgae inclusion in the diet did not affect ruminal pH or major volatile fatty acids in Exp. 2, but both increased ruminal NH3-N concentration. There was likely a shortage of N for rumen microbes on NEG in Exp. 2 as indicated by low milk urea N and increased microbial N flow on protein supplemented diets. In both experiments, only minor differences were observed in plasma metabolites when microalgae substituted rapeseed. Even though arterial histidine concentrations were high, arterial histidine and carnosine concentrations (Exp. 1 and 2) and milk protein yields (Exp. 2) decreased by microalgae inclusion suggesting that histidine supply may become suboptimal on microalgae supplemented diets. Experiments demonstrated the suitability of microalgae as protein supplement for dairy cows, however, the protein value of microalgae is likely slightly lower than that of rapeseed meal.

Rumenocentesis: a useful technique for diagnosis and monitoring of rumen health in cattle

Rumenocentesis is the collection of rumen fluid by percutaneous needle aspiration, under local anaesthetic. It can be done in any ruminant, but is usually reserved for dairy herds, where the monitoring of rumen pH and other rumen health parameters can be particularly valuable. The most easily measurable rumen fluid characteristics include pH and visual (microscopical) assessments of protozoa population. Careful animal selection and skilled interpretation of findings are necessary to reach sound conclusions. Management decisions can be based on rumenocentesis findings alone, but preferably other herd health and performance information is used alongside rumen fluid results. Rumen fluid examination allows a more holistic approach to be taken for dairy cow nutrition, considering, as it does, the response of the rumen microbiome to the diet which is being fed.

New applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy in crop and soil analysis

New applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy in crop and soil analysis

Development of nitrogen and methane losses in the first eight weeks of lactation in Holstein cows subjected to deficiency of utilisable crude protein under restrictive feeding conditions

ABSTRACTLow-protein diets are increasingly being used in dairy cow nutrition to minimise noxious nitrogen (N) emissions. However, at parturition, the lower milk yield at that time may mask deficiency in dietary utilisable crude protein (uCP; equivalent to metabolisable protein). Under restrictive feeding conditions, farmers would limit the feed allowance to match the lower measured milk yield, thereby exacerbating the deficiency. The consequences for N emission intensity per kg milk yield and methane emissions are unknown. In this study, two diets were fed to nine Holstein cows each from parturition onwards. One diet was complete and the other was calculated as 20% deficient in uCP. Feed allowance was always oriented towards the measured milk yield. In each of the first eight lactation weeks, intake and excretion were measured for 5 d. On the last 2 d of this period, methane emission was measured in respiration chambers. The statistical model included treatment, week and interaction as effects. The real levels of uCP and energy supply across the 8 weeks were 33% and 15% below requirements, respectively, in the Deficient cows. In addition, the Deficient cows consumed 18% less dry matter (caused by substantial refusals in week 1, where energy supply was according to requirements) and produced 25% less milk (26 vs. 34 kg/d). Cows in both groups used dietary N with similar efficiency for milk protein synthesis and excreted similar proportions of the N ingested via urine and faeces. This resulted in both treatments having similar N emission intensities per kg milk N and similar urinary N as a proportion of total excreta N, suggesting a similar potential for gaseous N emissions from the manure per kg of milk. The Deficient cows emitted 22% less methane overall but had similar methane yield and emission intensity to the Controls. In conclusion, a reduction in crude protein intake immediately after parturition does not reduce N emission per unit of milk when associated with uCP deficiency.

Composition of raw milk from conventional and organic dairy farming

Possible differences between composition of raw milk due to dairy farming system (organic vs conventional) as well as seasonal variations were investigated. The samples were analysed during one year. A total of 6.782 samples of raw milk were collected (4.496 from organic farming). Dairy farms were located in the northern part of Republic of Serbia (Province of Vojvodina). The principle of analysis of raw milk samples was in accordance with the methodology by midinfrared spectrometry and flow cytometry. The fixed effect of system of farming and season (winter, spring, summer and fall) have shown a high statistical significance (P < 0.01) on all examined milk parameters except fat, total solids and somatic cell count, where the impact was slightly lower (P < 0.05). Significant difference wasn't found in number of bacterial colonies (P > 0.05). Composition of milk is also affected by a number of other factors, therefore it is recommended to involve factors such as nutrition of dairy cows, breed and farm management.

Dairy Cow Nutrition in Hot Climate

Dairy Cow Nutrition in Hot Climate

Confirmation Bias: Examples from Dairy Cow Nutrition and Their Impact on Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine

In 1989 a Boeing 737 crashed in the Amazon jungle after running out of fuel 600 miles off course. The accident was due to human failures, being incorrect input of the required direction and misinterpreting external signals thereby (mis)confirming that the plane headed the right way and that the crew was infallible; a situation in psychology known as confirmation bias.Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, or recall information in a way that confirms one's beliefs or hypotheses. Also in (Veterinary) Science external signals can be helpful to confirm one’s beliefs or hypothesis, but an open, critical attitude must be considered to prevent confirmation bias. Therefore veterinary (and other) nutritionists should: -utilise facts and insights obtained in well-designed experiments to develop sound unbiased theories on the aetiology of nutrition-based animal diseases and to generate preferable interventions to prevent or treat such diseases. -reflect on the effect of dogmas in dairy cow nutrition, which may have consequences for preventing for example laminitis and metabolic disorders in early-lactation. This brings to Evidence-Based Veterinary Clinical Nutrition whose development, advantages and disadvantages of Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) have been reviewed recently (Vandeweerd et al., 2012). Similar to evidence-based medicine, EBVM distinguishes five sequential steps: (1) formulate answerable questions, (2) locate best evidence to answer the question, (3) assess internal validity of the obtained information, (4) integrate validated information with own clinical expertise and the unique situation of patient and owner and (5) assess effectiveness and efficiency of the therapy to improve future appraisals (Schmidt, 2007, Fajt et al., 2009, Vandeweerd et al., 2012). In a contribution of Roudebush et al. (2004) examples for applying EBVM in clinical nutrition have been presented, showing how this approach can improve patient outcomes. Two examples will be analysed in detail: sub-acute ruminal acidosis and lipopolysaccharides as a cause of laminitis and postpartum low feed intake as a causes of metabolic disorders in early-lactation. We will see that to develop and update preventive and therapeutic interventions, a critical, unbiased approach is essential to deliver professional veterinary support to patients and owners coherent with the rapidly-evolving state of art.

VZTAH KONCENTRACE ZDRAVOTNĚ VÝZNAMNÝCH SKUPIN MASTNÝCH KYSELIN KE SLOŽKÁM A TECHNOLOGICKÝM VLASTNOSTEM KRAVSKÉHO MLÉKA

Groups of fatty acids (FAs) in milk fat can have positive and negative impact on consumer health. Profile of FAs could be influenced by dairy cow nutrition, breed, milk yield level et cetera. The question is what relationships the FAs could have to quality of milk products? Relationships between FAs and their groups to selected milk indicators were studied in Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein cows (64 bulk milk samples). There were 8 herds in 2-year investigation during winter and summer season. The relationship of saturated FAs (SAFA; 66.22%) was significant only to lactose (L) content (0.290; P < 0.05). The relationships of monounsaturated FAs (MUFA; 29.21%) to milk indicators (MIs) were in­si­gni­fi­cant (P > 0.05). The relationships of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA, beneficial for consumer health; 4.53%) to MIs were narrower: fat (T, 0.321; P < 0.05); lactose (L, 0.458; P < 0.01); milk alcohol stability (AL, 0.447; P < 0.01); titration acidity (SH, 0.342; P < 0.01); cheese curd quality (KV, 0.427; P < 0.01); milk fermentationability (JSH, 0.529; P < 0.001), streptococci count in yoghurt (Strepto, 0.316; P < 0.05); total count of noble bacteria in yoghurt (CPMUK, 0.314; P < 0.05); streptococci/lactobacilly ratio (StreptoLacto, 0.356; P < 0.01). The relationships of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; markedly beneficial for health; 0.68%) to MIs were: T (0.379; P < 0.01); L (–0.542; P < 0.001); AL (0.266; P < 0.05); KV (0.411; P < 0.01); Strepto (0.260; P < 0.05); StreptoLacto (0.270; P < 0.05). The higher CLA levels were connected in this way with: higher fat content; lower lactose content; lower alcohol stability; lower streptococci count in yoghurt; lower streptococci/lactobacilly ratio in yoghurt. The PUFA and CLA representation decreased with L increase. Simultaneously some technological milk properties such as alcohol sta­bi­li­ty and fermentationability were slightly improved.

ANALÝZA VÝSLEDKŮ KALIBRACÍ PRO STANOVENÍ KASEINU NEPŘÍMOU METODOU INFRAČERVENÉ SPEKTROSKOPIE

Casein measurement is important for cheesemaking and control of dairy cow nutrition. Reference Kjeldahl method is not suitable for routine purposes. Infra-red spectroscopy MIR and MIR-FT use can be a solutin. However, their casein specifity is relatively limited. Aim of the work was to assess the quality of performed calibrations for validation of calibration parameters. A retrospective analysis of MIR and MIR-FT calibrations was performed for estimation of limits their suitable parameters. Mean casein values of reference sample sets varied from 2.49 to 2.7% (2.61 ± 0.155). Mean variation range was 0.561 ± 0.164%. The mean correlation coefficient of calibration (KKK) was 0.974 ± 0.018 (P < 0.001). The mean standard deviation of mean for individual differences (SDID) was 0.03 ± 0.011% (from 0.01 to 0.08). MIR-FT results were slightly better both for calibration and for proficiency testing. The high and low KKKs were higher in the case of accepted calibration as in proficiency testing for MIR-FT and MIR (0.986 > 0.964 and 0.970 > 0.948; 0.982 > 0.947 and 0.947 > 0.911; P < 0.001). The casein number varied from 79.4 to 80.56% in bulk milk samples in three years, its variability was low from 1.4 to 1.5% relatively, which shows on relatively reliable casein analyses by methods MIR and MIR-FT. It does not need to agree fuly for individual milk samples. It is linked more to MIR than MIR-FT. Limits for acceptable calibration parameters were derived: > 0.945 for KKK; 0.048 for SDID and 0.029% for mean difference as maximum.

Chosen biotic factors influencing raw cow milk freezing point

The milk freezing point depression (FPD) is important physical property. FPD is influenced by milk composition especially by components with osmotic pressure activity and by other physiological factors. There is possible to indicate a foreign (extraneous) water addition into milk by FPD. This is necessary to have a good estimated legislative FPD discrimination limit (FPD–L) for purpose of milk quality control. This paper was aimed at obtaining information to improve such estimation. Impacts factors as season variations, estimated state of dairy cow nutrition and some milk components and properties on milk FPD and their relations to FPD were quantified (n 11 540 – 72 607 bulk raw cow milk samples). The highest FPD was in Spring (−0.52097 ± 0.004877 °C), the lowest in Autumn (−0.52516 ± 0.005725 °C; P < 0.001). Correlation between FPD and lactose was 0.35 (P < 0.001). 12% and 5.4% of FPD variability is explainable by lactose and casein variability. Relationship between FPD and urea (U) was 0.26 (P < 0.001) in March. The worst FPD was in group with presupposed (according to milk urea and protein combination) nitrogen matter (NM) and energy (E) insufficiency (−0.51855 ± 0.007288 °C). The best FPD was in group with presupposed NM and E surplus in feeding ration (−0.52536 ± 0.004785 °C; P < 0.001). The FPD was worse in suspicion on E deficiency (on the basis of fat/crude protein ratio) as compared to presumption for balanced E nourishment of dairy herds (−0.52105 ± 0.006436 °C > −0.52244 ± 0.005367 °C; P < 0.001). Results can improve the estimation of objective FPD–L.

Digestibility, ruminal fermentation, ingesta kinetics and nitrogen utilisation in dairy cows fed diets based on silage of a brown midrib or a standard maize hybrid

The aim of the present experiment was to investigate an experimental brown midrib (Bm) maize hybrid in comparison with a control (Con) non-Bm maize hybrid on ruminal and total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation, ruminal ingesta kinetics, nitrogen (N) utilisation and microbial efficiency. A total of six ruminally and duodenally cannulated German Holstein cows were used. Animals were fed diets of either 11.5 kg dry matter (DM) of a Con or a Bm maize silage plus 4.1 kg DM of concentrate. Ruminal and total tract digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre did not differ between hybrids. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations and pH in the rumen were not affected, but ruminal mean retention time was lower for Diet Bm (Con: 45.4 ± 2.39 h; Bm: 40.6 ± 2.39 h; least squares means ± standard error). Cows fed Diet Bm had greater efficiency of N utilisation (Con: 30.1 ± 1.37%; Bm: 33.1 ± 1.37%) and increased flow of microbial crude protein at the duodenum (MCPF) (Con: 7.0 ± 0.37 g/MJ metabolisable energy (ME); Bm: 8.1 ± 0.37 g/MJ ME). Thus, MCPF and utilisable crude protein at the duodenum (uCP) were greater for Diet Bm (MCPF – Con: 1117 ± 52.1 g/d; Bm: 1306 ± 52.1 g/d; uCP – Con: 1594 ± 57.9 g/d; Bm: 1807 ± 57.9 g/d) and ruminal N balance was lower for Diet Bm (Con: 98.7 ± 8.92 g/d; Bm: 65.6 ± 8.92 g/d). The present results show that the Bm maize hybrid might be advantageous for dairy cow nutrition with regard to N utilisation and MCPF. However, further research is necessary to draw more precise conclusions on the potential of Bm maize hybrids in general.

Rumen degradability and ileal digestibility of proteins and amino acids of feedstuffs for cows

Knowledge of the profile of amino acids of the rumen-undegradable protein can help in the formulation of diets to provide amino acids that complement microbial protein as well as supply amino acids, which are most limiting for milk production. Three non-lactating cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used to determine the effect ofin siturumen degradation on crude protein and amino acid profile of rumen-undegraded protein of feedstuffs. The obtained values of rumen degradability of crude protein with significant difference (P< 0.001) between feeds ranged from 20.3 to 76.3% (mean 62.0 ± 17.9%) and values of total amino acids ranged from 30.9% in corn gluten meal to 83.8% in corn gluten feed (mean 67.5 ± 16.4%). Anin vitromodified 3-step method was used to determine intestinal digestibility. Intestinal digestibility of undegraded protein varied from 54.5 ± 1.4% in raw soybean to 95.2 ± 1.0% in corn gluten feed. The absorbable amino acid profile of rumen-undegraded protein for each feedstuff was compared with profiles of the original feedstuff and the rumen-exposed undegraded protein. Absorbable lysine (9.3 ± 1.1 g/kg of crude protein) was higher in products of soybean and sunflower cake. Corn gluten feed and meal supplied more absorbable methionine (3.6 ± 0.6 g/kg of crude protein). This study showed that the digestibility factor of crude protein and amino acid based onin situandin vitromethods for thermal treatment of protein feeds can be used in models to optimize the amino acid nutrition of dairy cows and expand knowledge about rumen degradability and ileal digestibility of amino acids in feedstuffs.

71 EFFECTS OF A CONTROLLED DIETARY EXPOSITION TO ZERALENONE ON SELECTED REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN DAIRY COWS

Whole plant corn silage is an important component of dairy cow nutrition. Growing conditions in a moderate climate, as are present in large parts of Europe and North America, are often beneficial for mould contaminations to occur. Very commonly, varieties of Fusarium spp. grow on the corn plant producing the non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN). Numerous studies have shown that ZEN massively interacts with the porcine reproductive system. Nevertheless, only a few studies have assessed the possible effects on dairy cows, most publications being field studies following accidental exposure. Therefore, it was aim of the present study to assess the effects of a controlled dietary exposition on selected reproductive parameters in dairy cows. The chosen exposure concentration was within the range of the ‘Commision Recommendation on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 and fumonisins in products intended for animal feeding’ of the European Union. Corn plants were artificially inoculated with Fusarium spp. and the silage obtained from the whole plant was analysed to determine to which degree the silage contained ZEN. Thirty Holstein Friesian cows and heifers (aged between 2 years 3 months and 5 years at calving) were allocated to 3 groups with 10 animals each: control (CTL), uncontaminated silage; ZEN 50, silage with 0.25 mg of ZEN/day; and ZEN 100, silage with 0.5 mg of ZEN/day. The contaminated rations were distributed by automated feeding stations to ensure an equal uptake. Feeding began 7 days post-parturition. Blood samples were obtained twice weekly for 12 weeks and were analyzed regarding the progesterone level via radioimmunoassay. At the same time, the oestrous cycle was monitored by ultrasonography. Furthermore, the size of the corpus luteum (CL) was measured 7 ± 2 days after the third ovulation. Simultaneously, the luteal blood flow was documented via Doppler ultrasonography. The peripheral blood progesterone level (xgeom. ± CV; CTL: 9.3 ± 1.7; ZEN 50: 8.5 ± 1.6; ZEN100: 7.1 ± 1.5) did not differ among groups. Furthermore, it was not possible to detect differences in luteal blood flow, size of the CL (mean ± SD; CTL: 6.4 ± 1.7 cm2; ZEN50: 5.9 ± 1.3 cm2; ZEN 100: 5.0 ± 1.0 cm2) or the ratio of luteal size and size of the area supplied with blood (CTL: 0.1 ± 0.1; ZEN 50: 0.1 ± 0.0; ZEN 100: 0.1 ± 0.1). Although the mean length of the oestrous cycles (n = 60; distributed among groups) did not differ among groups (CTL: 24.0 ± 1.7 days; ZEN 50: 27.2 ± 1.6 days; ZEN 100: 27.7 ± 1.4 days), it was possible to detect an interaction between the age of the animal and the treatment regarding the cycle length in tendency (P < 0.07) by two-way ANOVA. The results of the present study indicate that, independent of the age of the animal, exposure to ZEN even within recommended dosages might result in an endocrine disruption in dairy cows. A larger sample size would contribute to the verification of these findings. Further analyses regarding the peripheral level of 17β-estradiol as well as molecular examinations are under progress.

Effect of the level of maternal energy intake prepartum on immunometabolic markers, polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, and neutrophil gene network expression in neonatal Holstein heifer calves

A conventional approach in dairy cow nutrition programs during late gestation is to feed moderate-energy diets. The effects of the maternal plane of nutrition on immune function and metabolism in newborn calves are largely unknown. Holstein cows (n=20) were fed a controlled-energy (CON) diet (1.24 Mcal/kg) for the entire dry period (~50 d) or the CON diet during the first 29 d of the dry period followed by a moderate-energy (OVE) diet (1.47 Mcal/kg) during the last 21 d prepartum. All calves were weighed at birth before first colostrum intake. Calves chosen for this study (n=6 per maternal diet) had blood samples harvested before colostrum feeding (d 0) and at 2 and 7 d of age. Blood samples were used to determine metabolites, acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress markers, hormones, phagocytic capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes, and total RNA was isolated from PMN. Calves from OVE dams weighed, on average, 5kg less at birth (44.0 vs. 48.6kg) than calves from CON dams. Blood glucose concentration in OVE calves had a more pronounced increase between 0 and 2 d than CON, at which point phagocytosis by PMN averaged 85% in OVE and 62% in CON. Compared with CON, calves from OVE had greater expression of TLR4, but lower expression of PPARA and PPARD at birth. Expression of PPARG and RXRA decreased between 0 and 2 d in both groups. Concentrations of leptin, cholesterol, ceruloplasmin, reactive oxygen metabolites, myeloperoxidase, retinol, tocopherol, IgG, and total protein, as well as expression of SOD2 and SELL increased markedly by 2 d in both groups; whereas, cortisol, albumin, acid-soluble protein, NEFA, insulin, as well as expression of IL6, TLR4, IL1R2, LTC4S, and ALOX5 decreased by 2 d. By 7 d of age, the concentration of haptoglobin was greater than precolostrum and was lower for OVE than CON calves. Our data provide evidence for a carry-over effect of maternal energy overfeeding during the last 3 wk before calving on some measurements of metabolism in the calf at birth and the phagocytic capacity of blood neutrophils after colostrum feeding. It might be feasible to design nutrient supplements to fortify colostrum in a way that metabolic and immunologic capabilities of the calf are improved.

Magnesium in dairy cow nutrition: an overview

Background Magnesium (Mg) is an essential nutrient in animals and thus an adequate supply of dietary magnesium is important to safeguard animal health. It is generally accepted that the efficiency of Mg absorption is the critical determinant in Mg supply of ruminants. Insufficient absorption of Mg in ruminants leads to Mg deficiency which manifests in clinical signs such as tetany (grass tetany) or paresis (milkfever).

Cheese whey recycling in traditional dairy food chain: effects of vinegar from whey in dairy cow nutrition

Selected yeast (<em>Kluyveromyces marxianus</em> Y102 strain) and an acetic acid bacterium (<em>Acetobacter aceti</em>, DSM-G3508 strain) were used as inocula respectively in cheese whey for alcoholic and acetic fermentations. The experimental tests were carried out at both laboratory and pilot plant (20 L and 2000 L) levels. The data from the trials (working period 28 days) show increased ethanol production, increased acetic acid yield, and greater fermentation stability with biomass recycling (18.6 g L<sup>–1</sup>). Batch and fed-batch fermentation tests resulted in increased and standardized alcoholic fermentation, and allowed acetic acid recovery (average lactose consumption 56%, ethanol 6.7 g L<sup>–1</sup> d<sup>–1</sup> and acetic acid production 4.35 g L<sup>–1</sup> d<sup>–1</sup>). The effects administration were then investigated on milk yield and composition, nutritional status of dairy cows and physical characteristics of total mixed ration (TMR). Twenty Holstein cows were divided into two groups; group C, receiving the traditional TMR, and group W, receiving the TMR plus 10 L wheynegar. The dietary treatment, lasted 35 days, did not affect milk yield and composition except for the urea content, significantly lowered in group W. The selection of coarse (<19 mm), medium (8-19 mm) and fine (<8 mm) dietary particles was not influenced by the wheynegar administration however a tendential lower selection against coarse particles was noted in W. The results highlight that microbial biotechnologies may significantly contribute to both the valorization of whey and the development of a stable nutrient recycling system as a ingredient in dairy cattle diet.

Evaluation of Nutritional status of Friesian x Bunaji dairy herd based on milk composition Analysis

The research was conducted on the dairy herd of National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika-Nigeria, to evaluation the nutritional status of Friesian x Bunaji dairy herd based on milk composition analysis. Milk samples were analysed weekly for percentage milk fat, protein and lactose for 120 days. These milk composition variables were used to calculate the fat-protein ratio (FPR) as well as the energy corrected milk (ECM). The result revealed that the mean fat, protein, and lactose content were 4.49%, 4.32%, and 4.43%, respectively, while the mean FPR and ECM was 1.05 and 8.05kg , respectively. Analysis of the average values of the milk components indicates that considerable number of cows (70%) had fibre deficient and energy surplus ration and only 26% of the animals had ration balanced in fibre and energy, while 4% had ration deficient in energy and fiber surplus. The FPR changes within the 120 day lactation revealed higher values of 1.19 at the beginning of lactation and decreased as the lactation progresses to as low as 0.82 by the 120th day of lactation. The percentage milk fat, lactose and FPR had significant inverse relationship with milk yield, milk protein percentage and ECM. An increasing trend in daily milk yield was observed as the parity of the cows advanced from the first to the third parity and then decreases thereafter. Using milk analysis results it is possible to estimate major problems in dairy cow nutrition, predict and prevent possible nutritional and metabolic disorder.

Future consequences and challenges for dairy cow production systems arising from climate change in Central Europe – a review

It is well documented that global warming is unequivocal. Dairy production systems are considered as important sources of greenhouse gas emissions; however, little is known about the sensitivity and vulnerability of these production systems themselves to climate warming. This review brings different aspects of dairy cow production in Central Europe into focus, with a holistic approach to emphasize potential future consequences and challenges arising from climate change. With the current understanding of the effects of climate change, it is expected that yield of forage per hectare will be influenced positively, whereas quality will mainly depend on water availability and soil characteristics. Thus, the botanical composition of future grassland should include species that are able to withstand the changing conditions (e.g. lucerne and bird's foot trefoil). Changes in nutrient concentration of forage plants, elevated heat loads and altered feeding patterns of animals may influence rumen physiology. Several promising nutritional strategies are available to lower potential negative impacts of climate change on dairy cow nutrition and performance. Adjustment of feeding and drinking regimes, diet composition and additive supplementation can contribute to the maintenance of adequate dairy cow nutrition and performance. Provision of adequate shade and cooling will reduce the direct effects of heat stress. As estimated genetic parameters are promising, heat stress tolerance as a functional trait may be included into breeding programmes. Indirect effects of global warming on the health and welfare of animals seem to be more complicated and thus are less predictable. As the epidemiology of certain gastrointestinal nematodes and liver fluke is favourably influenced by increased temperature and humidity, relations between climate change and disease dynamics should be followed closely. Under current conditions, climate change associated economic impacts are estimated to be neutral if some form of adaptation is integrated. Therefore, it is essential to establish and adopt mitigation strategies covering available tools from management, nutrition, health and plant and animal breeding to cope with the future consequences of climate change on dairy farming.

Eugenol for dairy cows fed low or high concentrate diets: Effects on digestion, ruminal fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial populations and milk fatty acid profile

Four ruminally cannulated primiparous lactating cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design experiment (28 d periods) with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments to examine effects of eugenol supplementation, concentrate proportion of the diet and their interaction on digestion, ruminal fermentation, microbial populations, milk production and milk composition, including milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake a low (LC) or high (HC) concentrate total mixed ration (TMR) without or with eugenol (50mg/kg of dry matter (DM) intake. The forage:concentrate ratio was (DM basis) 650:350 and 350:650 for LC and HC, respectively. Adding eugenol to the diets had no effects on DM intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, rumen microbial populations of bacteria and protozoa and milk performance. Increasing the concentrate proportion of the diet resulted in changes typical of cows fed high starch diets (i.e., lower ruminal pH and acetate:propionate ratio; shift in bacterial populations; lower milk fat and higher milk protein concentrations). The ratio t-11 18:1 to t-10 18:1 was not affected by dietary treatments, indicating no changes in the pathway of biohydrogenation of FA in the rumen. Despite the alteration of rumen function due to increasing the proportion of the concentrate of the diet, adding eugenol to these high or low concentrate diets did not modify digestion, ruminal fermentation and microbial populations, suggesting that the effect (i.e., antimicrobial) of eugenol is neither pH nor diet dependant. The lack of efficacy of eugenol at the dosage rate evaluated under the experimental conditions of this study suggests that this essential oil may have low potential for use as feed additive in dairy cow nutrition.