Performance Of Holstein Dairy Cows Research Articles

An integrated microbiome- and metabolome-genome-wide association study reveals the role of heritable ruminal microbial carbohydrate metabolism in lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows.

Despite the growing number of studies investigating the connection between host genetics and the rumen microbiota, there remains a dearth of systematic research exploring the composition, function, and metabolic traits of highly heritable rumen microbiota influenced by host genetics. Furthermore, the impact of these highly heritable subsets on lactation performance in cows remains unknown. To address this gap, we collected and analyzed whole-genome resequencing data, rumen metagenomes, rumen metabolomes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and lactation performance phenotypes from a cohort of 304 dairy cows. The results indicated that the proportions of highly heritable subsets (h2 ≥ 0.2) of the rumen microbial composition (55%), function (39% KEGG and 28% CAZy), and metabolites (18%) decreased sequentially. Moreover, the highly heritable microbes can increase energy-corrected milk (ECM) production by reducing the rumen acetate/propionate ratio, according to the structural equation model (SEM) analysis (CFI = 0.898). Furthermore, the highly heritable enzymes involved in the SCFA synthesis metabolic pathway can promote the synthesis of propionate and inhibit the acetate synthesis. Next, the same significant SNP variants were used to integrate information from genome-wide association studies (GWASs), microbiome-GWASs, metabolome-GWASs, and microbiome-wide association studies (mWASs). The identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of rs43470227 and rs43472732 on SLC30A9 (Zn2+ transport) (P < 0.05/nSNPs) can affect the abundance of rumen microbes such as Prevotella_sp., Prevotella_sp._E15-22, Prevotella_sp._E13-27, which have the oligosaccharide-degradation enzymes genes, including the GH10, GH13, GH43, GH95, and GH115 families. The identified SNPs of chr25:11,177 on 5s_rRNA (small ribosomal RNA) (P < 0.05/nSNPs) were linked to ECM, the abundance alteration of Pseudobutyrivibrio_sp. (a genus that was also showed to be linked to the ECM production via the mWASs analysis), GH24 (lysozyme), and 9,10,13-TriHOME (linoleic acid metabolism). Moreover, ECM, and the abundances of Pseudobutyrivibrio sp., GH24, and 9,10,13-TRIHOME were significantly greater in the GG genotype than in the AG genotype at chr25:11,177 (P < 0.05). By further the SEM analysis, GH24 was positively correlated with Pseudobutyrivibrio sp., which was positively correlated with 9,10,13-triHOME and subsequently positively correlated with ECM (CFI = 0.942). Our comprehensive study revealed the distinct heritability patterns of rumen microbial composition, function, and metabolism. Additionally, we shed light on the influence of host SNP variants on the rumen microbes with carbohydrate metabolism and their subsequent effects on lactation performance. Collectively, these findings offer compelling evidence for the host-microbe interactions, wherein cows actively modulate their rumen microbiota through SNP variants to regulate their own lactation performance. Video Abstract.

Performance of Holstein dairy cows fed a diet supplemented with rosemary and ginger essential oils: milk production, milk fatty acid, and ruminal fermentation

Abstract The study determined the impact of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Zingiberene officinalis essential oil (EO) on milk yield, composition, milk fatty acids profile, blood biochemicals, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows. Twenty-eight Holstein lactating cows were distributed into four groups using a completely randomized block design in a 70-d experiment. The control diet consisted of 13 kg of concentrate and 40 kg of fresh berseem clover per head per day, without supplementation. In the other treatments, the control diet was supplemented with 10 mL of EO per head per day, using either ginger EO (GEO treatment), rosemary (REO treatment) EO or a blend of both at a 1:1 v/v ratio (BEO treatment). Supplementation did not affect intake, milk production, or composition. Omega-n3 and omega-n5 were increased with REO (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control. Both REO and BEO decreased (p = 0.003) serum globulin and increased (p &lt; 0.005) albumin to globulin ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total lipid. Serum total antioxidant capacity was increased (p ˂ 0.001) with the supplementation, without affecting glucose, total protein, albumin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea concentrations. In conclusion, supplementing Holstein dairy cows with GEO and/ or REO increased the level of omega-3 and omega-5 fatty acids while reduced saturated fatty acids in milk, without affecting feed intake, milk production or milk composition.

The effect of different forages on rumen microbiota and milk production performance in Holstein dairy cows

The effect of different forages on rumen microbiota and milk production performance in Holstein dairy cows

The effect of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation with early attachment of milking unit on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation, in conjunction with the early attachment of the milking unit (TRT), on teat tissue conditions and milking characteristics in dairy cows. In a switch-back trial, 5,235 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily in a rotary parlor were assigned to the TRT or control (CON) group. The trial lasted 84 d and was comprised of 4 alternating 3-week periods of TRT and CON. For both groups, premilking udder preparation consisted of teat brushing, forestripping and predipping, and wiping of teats, resulting in a stimulation time of 4 s. In the TRT group, the preparation lag time was 58 s, and in the CON group, it was 91 s for early- and mid-lactation cows and 105 s for late-lactation animals. Upon milking unit attachment, the TRT cows were milked at a lower vacuum (37.6 kPa) and pulsation (50 cycles/min, pulsation ratio of 30:70). The vacuum and pulsation settings were changed to milking mode when the milk flow reached 0.5 kg/min (pulsation switch-point) and 1.6 kg/min (vacuum switch-point). For milking mode, the vacuum setting was 47.7 kPa, and the pulsation rate was 60 cycles/min at a ratio of 65:35. The CON cows were milked with a flow-responsive vacuum, using the same vacuum settings as the TRT group. We assessed machine milking-induced short-term teat tissue changes and teat-end hyperkeratosis by palpation and visual inspection postmilking. Electronic on-farm milk meters were used to assess milking characteristics. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of treatment on the outcome variables. Compared with cows in group CON, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval; 95% CI) of short-term teat-tissue changes in early-, mid-, and late lactation cows in group TRT were 0.62 (0.52-0.76), 0.61 (0.48-0.77), and 0.93 (0.76-1.14), respectively. The least squares means [LSM, (95% CI)] for milking unit-on time in early-, mid-, and late lactation animals, respectively, were 251 (248-253), 236 (234-238), and 220 (218-222) s for group TRT and 247 (245-249), 232 (230-234), and 214 (213-216) s for the CON group. The LSM (95% CI) of peak milk flow rate in early-, mid-, and late lactation animals, respectively, were 5.75 (5.68-5.82), 5.77 (5.70-5.84), and 5.54 (5.48-5.59) kg/min for the TRT cows and 5.65 (5.58-5.72), 5.74 (5.68-5.81), and 5.45 (5.40-5.51) kg/min for the CON cows. The odds ratios (95% CI) of forced take-off in group TRT for early-, mid-, and late lactation cows, respectively, were 0.39 (0.37-0.41), 0.32 (0.30-0.34), and 0.47 (0.44-0.52) compared with their respective CON groups. In this study, cows that were milked using flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation with early attachment of the milking unit had lower odds of short-term teat tissue changes and forced take-off, as well as a higher peak milk flow rate. Our data suggest that the application of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation facilitates early attachment of the milking unit, improves teat tissue condition, and has the potential to improve parlor efficiency.

Prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies in Holstein dairy cows blocked by parity and body condition score group: Effects on metabolic stress, systemic inflammation, performance, and health

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of prepartum administration of anti-inflammatory therapies on body condition score (BCS), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration, haptoglobin (HP) concentration, milk yield, milk components, rumination time, clinical health events and reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows. At 14 d before the expected calving date, cows (PAR; n = 170) and heifers (nulliparous [NUL]; n = 63) were blocked by BCS group (optimal = 3-3.5 [OPT]; over-conditioned cows [OVERC; BCS ≥ 3.75 pts.]) and parity (NUL; PAR) and randomly allocated to one of 3 treatment groups: 1) ASA (n = 78): receive one oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid (4 boluses; 480 grain/bolus); 2) MEL (n = 76): receive one oral administration with meloxicam (1mg/kg of BW), or 3) PLC (n = 77): receive one oral treatment with gelatin capsules filled with water. Body condition score was assessed, and blood samples were collected, weekly starting one week before treatment until 3 weeks after calving. Daily milk yields and daily rumination times were collected from on-farm computer records. Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) monthly test data were collected to assess milk yield, somatic cell counts, and milk components. Furthermore, health events, culling rate, and reproductive performance data were collected from on-farm computer records. The data were analyzed using MIXED, GLIMMIX, and LIFETEST procedures of SAS as a randomized complete block design. On average, MEL-NUL cows produced 4.77 ± 0.93 kg/d and 4.81 ± 0.92 kg/d more milk from wk 6 to wk 21 of lactation compared with ASA-NUL and PLC-NUL cows, respectively. Similarly, there was a week by treatment by body condition group interaction (P = 0.01), where OVERC cows treated with MEL produced more milk from wk 10 to wk 15 of lactation compared with ASA- OVERC and PLC-OVERC cows. Parous cows treated with ASA had lower BCS compared with PAR cows treated with MEL or PLC. A lower percentage of OVERC cows treated with ASA became sick in the first 60 DIM compared with MEL- OVERC and PLC- OVERC cows (ASA = 23.88 ± 7.26%, MEL = 46.36 ± 8.57%; PLC = 46.74 ± 8.53%; P = 0.04). Parous cows treated with ASA had (P = 0.03) a higher hazard ratio to become pregnant by 300 DIM compared with PAR MEL cows. Although the study was not sized for finding treatment differences in blocking criteria groups, these results suggest that treatment with prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies may have positive effects on milk yield and postpartum health in specific groups of cows, such as NUL and OVERC cows, while it may not be recommended for other animal categories, such as parous cows and cows with optimal BCS. Larger studies are needed to strengthen the associations observed in this study.

Feeding nanoparticles of copper oxide coated with lysine with or without added antagonists affects the copper status but not the performance of Holstein dairy cows

The apparent absorption of copper (Cu) in ruminants is low, with between 0.01 and 0.07 g/g absorbed from sources such as copper oxide (CuO) under typical feeding conditions, resulting in high levels of excretion. Improving the bioavailability of Cu could reduce the supplemental amount required to maintain Cu status and reduce excretion, particularly in the presence of dietary antagonists such as sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo). The objective of our study was to determine the Cu status of cows when fed nanoparticle CuO coated with Lys compared with conventional CuO when fed without or in combination with antagonists to Cu absorption (S and Mo) in the diet of dairy cows. Fifty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows that were 48 d ± 17.2 (mean ± SD) postcalving and yielding 41 ± 6.4 kg of milk per day were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The 4 treatment groups were: CuO (O-), CuO with added antagonists (O+), nano CuO with a lysine coating (N-), and nano CuO with a Lys coating with added antagonists (N+), fed for 16 wk. We formulated the diets to contain ∼17 mg of Cu/kg DM, and diets with antagonists contained an additional 1 g of S/kg DM and 6 mg of Mo/kg DM, with Lys added to O- and O+ to provide the same daily supply as N- and N+. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 16, and liver biopsy samples at wk 0 and 16. We found no effect of dietary treatment on DMI, milk yield, live weight, or BCS, with mean values of 23.3 kg/d, 40.1 kg/d, 646 kg, and 2.68, but milk SCC was higher in cows fed conventional compared with nano CuO, or added compared with no added antagonists. We also found no effect of treatment on blood activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase, or ceruloplasmin, hematology profile, or plasma Cu and iron concentration. We found that plasma Mo concentration was increased from 0.36 µmol/L in cows fed O- or N- to 0.80 µmol/L in those receiving O+ or N+. Additional dietary antagonists also decreased the concentration of Cu in the liver of cows fed conventional CuO (C+) over the study period by 1.3 mg/kg DM per day, but in cows fed dietary antagonists and nano CuO coated with Lys (N+), liver Cu concentration was increased by 1.1 mg/kg DM per day. Our study is the first to demonstrate that reducing the particle size of CuO into the nano scale with a lysine coating improves the bioavailability of CuO in the presence of dietary antagonists in dairy cattle, and we did not observe any negative effects on performance or health.

Effects of flow-responsive pulsation on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of a reduced liner-open phase applied through flow-responsive pulsation (FRP), as a method to provide supplemental stimulation, on teat tissue conditions and milking characteristics in dairy cows. In 2 switch-back trials, 156 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily were assigned to the FRP or conventional (CON) group in alternating sequences. Trial 1 lasted for 35 d and was split into 5 alternating 1-wk periods of FRP and CON. The duration of trial 2 was 84 d, consisting of 4 alternating 3-wk periods of FRP and CON. Premilking udder preparation for both groups consisted of predipping, forestripping, and wiping the teats. Upon milking unit attachment, the FRP cows were milked at a pulsation rate of 50 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 30:70 until the preset milk flow threshold of 0.5 kg/min was reached. When the threshold value of 0.5 kg/min was reached, the pulsation was automatically switched to milking mode, which consisted of a pulsation rate of 60 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 70:30. Cows in the CON group were milked by milking mode (pulsation rate, 60 cycles/min; pulsation ratio, 70:30) immediately after attachment of the milking unit. We assessed machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue by palpation and visual inspection during trial 1, and we assessed teat-end hyperkeratosis in trial 2. Electronic on-farm milk meters were used to assess milking characteristics: milk yield (kg/milking session), milking unit-on time (s), 2-min milk yield (kg), peak milk flow rate (kg/min), and duration of low milk flow rate (s). Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effects of treatment on the outcome variables. The odds of machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue were lower for cows in the FRP group than for those in the CON group: odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.31-0.55). There were no meaningful differences in the odds of teat-end hyperkeratosis between the FRP and CON groups: odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.05 (0.38-2.89). The LSM (95% CI) of milking characteristics in the FRP and CON groups were 14.3 (13.8-14.7) and 14.3 kg (13.8-14.7) for milk yield, respectively; 272 (264-281) and 270 s (262-278) for milking unit-on time, respectively; and 5.0 (4.8-5.1) and 4.9 kg/min (4.7-5.1) for peak milk flow rate, respectively. The FRP group had lower odds of bimodality than the CON group: odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.61-0.74). In reference to CON, the odds ratios (95% CI) in FRP were 1.05 (0.76-1.46) for kick-off and 1.02 (0.85-1.23) for milking unit reattachment. In this study, cows that were milked using FRP had lower odds of postmilking short-term changes to the teat tissue and lower odds of bimodal milk flow. We conclude that FRP may foster adequate teat stimulation in cows before the initiation of milk harvest and has the potential to improve teat tissue conditions.

The Anti-Müllerian Hormone as Endocrine and Molecular Marker Associated with Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows Exposed to Heat Stress.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is proposed as a biomarker for fertility in cattle, yet this associative relationship appears to be influenced by heat stress (HS). The objective was to test serum AMH and AMH-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers potentially predictive of reproductive traits in dairy cows experiencing HS. The study included 300 Holstein cows that were genotyped using BovineSNP50 (54,000 SNP). A genome-wide association study was then executed. Nine intragenic SNPs within the pathways that influence the AMH gene were found important with multiple comparisons adjustment tests (p < 1.09 × 10-6). A further validation study was performed in an independent Holstein cattle population, which was divided into moderate (MH; n = 152) and severe heat-stressed (SH; n = 128) groups and then subjected to a summer reproductive management program. Serum AMH was confirmed as a predictor of fertility measures (p < 0.05) in MH but not in the SH group. Cows were genotyped, which revealed four SNPs as predictive markers for serum AMH (p < 0.01), reproductive traits (p < 0.01), and additional physiological variables (p < 0.05). These SNPs were in the genes AMH, IGFBP1, LGR5, and TLR4. In conclusion, serum AMH concentrations and AMH polymorphisms are proposed as predictive markers that can be used in conjunction with genomic breeding value approaches to improve reproductive performance in Holstein cows exposed to summer HS conditions.

Replacing the forage portion of the ration with triticale hay improves the performance of Holstein dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of replacing the forage portion (alfalfa, corn silage, and barley straw) in the diet of lactating Holstein cows with triticale hay (TH, × Triticosecale L.) on DMI, digestibility, ruminal fermentation variables, estimated microbial-N synthesis (EMNS), and milk production and composition. Eight Holstein cows were used in a replicated Latin square design (two 4 × 4 squares) with four 28-d periods and 4 treatments, including a TH-free diet (control), and diets replacing 33%, 66%, and 100% of the forage portion with TH. Cows were fed ad libitum with 10% carryover during the experimental periods. Intakes and in vivo digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and ash-free neutral detergent fiber, rumen pH, ammonia-N, total and individual short-chain fatty acids, protozoa, and bacteria populations were evaluated using specific methods. Moreover, in vitro total gas and methane release and in vivo urinary purine derivatives, EMNS, milk production, and composition were measured. The results showed that TH diets lowered DMI, compared with the control. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, and NDF increased with dietary TH inclusion. The addition of TH instead of the diet forage portion increased in vivo rumen pH; acetic, propionic, valeric, and isovaleric acids concentrations; cellulolytic bacteria number; and in vitro gas production. In vivo rumen ammonia-N, short-chain fatty acids, butyric acid, in vivo and in vitro total protozoa and Entodiniinae numbers, and in vitro methane production decreased with increasing dietary levels of TH instead of the forage portion. The dietary addition of TH did not affect milk yield, protein, and lactose, but increased fat-corrected milk, milk fat, fat-corrected milk:DMI ratio, and milk yield:DMI ratio. Milk urea N decreased, but urinary purine derivatives excretion and EMNS increased with increasing levels of TH in the diet. For variables with significant changes, except for isovaleric acid, there was a linear response of animals to increasing levels of TH in the diet. Results suggest that TH, which is grown with less water compared with alfalfa, corn forage, and straw, is a potential alternative to those forages by increasing milk production efficiency, milk fat, and decreasing methane emission.

Evaluation of hemp cake (Cannabis sativa) and other hemp by-products of Greek origin and efficacy in dairy cow nutrition

Abstract Initially, the nutritional value of the three main by-products of Cannabis sativa (hempseed cake, second-rate quality hemp seed and hemp hay), cultivated under Greek conditions and collected from four plantations in the Macedonian region was estimated. A second part of the study was the investigation of the effects of diet inclusion with hempseed cake (HSC) on the performance of Holstein dairy cows. The HSC used for this experiment was the one analyzed in the first part of the study. A total number of 20 lactating cows were allocated into two equal groups in a randomized block design. Cows of both groups were offered a total mixed ration (TMR) on the same feed allowance. The diet of the experimental group was formulated with 3.5 % hemp cake, at a quantity of 1kg of hemp cake per cow per day. Milk yield was recorded individually, and feed refusals were recorded on a pen basis daily, during the first 40 days of lactation. Individual milk samples were analyzed for their chemical composition, lipid oxidative stability and fatty acid composition and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, as well as feed samples of each group. Individual blood samples were received for biochemical indices assessment. All data were subjected ANOVA statistical analysis. The results of hemp by-products chemical profile showed similar nutritional values among the different cultivation regions. The experimental results indicated that the inclusion of HSC did not affect milk production and composition (P &gt; 0.05). However, diet inclusion with HSC favorably influenced milk fatty acid profile. Finally, serum NEFA concentration was lower for the HSC group while serum urea levels were higher (P &lt; 0.05).

The effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without a latency period, on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without a latency period between tactile stimulation and the attachment of the milking unit, on the teat tissue condition and milking performance of dairy cows. In a randomized controlled crossover study, 145 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily were assigned to treatment (TRT) or control (CON) groups. Premilking udder preparation for the TRT group consisted of the application of a latency period resulting in a preparation lag time of 90 s. The only difference in the premilking udder preparation of the CON group was the absence of latency period; the milking unit was attached immediately after completion of the tactile stimulation. The average duration of total tactile stimulation in TRT and CON group was 8 ± 2 and 9 ± 2 s, respectively. The study lasted for 14 d and was split into 2 periods, each consisting of a 2-d adjustment period followed by 5 d of data collection. We assessed machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue by palpation and visual inspection postmilking. Electronic on-farm milk meters were used to assess milking characteristics (milk yield [kg/milking session], machine-on time [s], 2-min milk yield [kg], and duration of low milk flow rate [s]). Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of treatment on the outcome variables. The odds of machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue were lower for cows that received a 90-s preparation lag time (TRT cows) compared with cows in the CON group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval; 95% CI] = 0.13 [0.08-0.20]). The least squares means (95% CI) values of cows in the TRT and CON groups were 15.4 (14.9-15.9) and 15.3 (14.8-15.8) kg, respectively, for milk yield, and 246 (239-253) and 253 (247-260) s for machine-on time. The 2-min milk yield was higher for the TRT compared with CON group cows at all the parity levels. The 2-min milk yields of animals in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3 were 5.7, 5.7, and 6.5 kg, respectively, in the TRT group and 4.6, 5.0, and 5.9 kg in the CON group. The TRT cows spent less time in low milk flow rate compared with CON cows at all parity levels. The durations of low milk flow rate of cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3 in the TRT group were 19, 17 and 13 s, respectively, and those in the CON group were 31, 22, and 15 s. In this study, cows that received a latency period, and thus were subjected to a 90-s preparation lag time had lower odds of exhibiting short-term changes to the teat tissue after machine milking, shorter machine-on time, higher 2-min milk yields, and lower durations of low milk flow rates. We conclude that consideration of latency period leading to a 90-s preparation lag time in the premilking stimulation regimen facilitated cows' milk-ejection reflex. This latency period can alleviate the adverse effects of vacuum-induced forces on teat tissue during machine milking, improve udder health, and promote animal well-being.

Evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows reared in a warm Tunisian (Mediterranean) climate.

This work consists in studying the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows (n=77) reared in an intensive production system in a Mediterranean climate, as well as the factors of their variations. Meteorological data collected between 2017 and 2020 for the region of Beja, North-West of Tunisia, revealed that the average monthly values ​​of ambient temperature (Ta), relative humidity (HR) and temperature-humidity index (THI), are respectively 19.97 ±1.24°C, 73.69±3.42%, and 66±1.74. During the 3 years of study, the cows were exposed to a hot summer season which began in Jun (THI= 76) and persisted until September (THI =77). On average, milk production at 305 days of lactation, milk fat (MG) and protein (MP) content, as well as somatic cell count (SCC) were respectively 5782 ± 358 Kg, 3.36 ± 1.65%, 3.12 ± 0.42% and 489 ± 305 x 103 cells/ml. Several factors significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affect milk production. Indeed, the highest milk production is observed during the year 2020. When the THI increases, the drop of milk production is greater (-0.18kg/d, per THI point). Multiparous cows produce more milk than primiparous cows, with higher yields at peak lactation (30.0 kg/d) and a lower persistence coefficient (95.6%). Cows calved in winter produced more milk (+22%; P&lt;0.05) than cows calved in summer. The interval between calving to the first insemination (IV-IA1), calving to fertilizing insemination (IV-IAF) and calving interval (IVV) were 87.4 ± 28.2 days, 134 ± 71 days and 425 ±75 days respectively. The success rate in 1st insemination (TRIA1) and three or more insemination, as well as number of inseminations per conception were respectively 29.1±18.5%, 9.7±5.5% and 2.11±1.6. In conclusion, control of breeding conduct, in particular the heat detection technique, is essential to improve the productivity of the Holstein cow raised in an intensive production system in a hot Tunisian climate.

Evaluation of milk production and reproductive performance of holstein dairy cows using multi-component binder in feed

Pirestani, A., Alian, M. and Motalebipour, E.Z. 2023. Evaluation of milk production and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows using multi-component binder in feed. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 23: 185–193.

Effect of folic acid supplementation on lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows: A meta-analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of folic acid (FA) supplement on milk production and composition in Holstein cows, which still remains controversial over published studies. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed and Science Direct databases were used for searching possible eligible studies. The screening criteria were as follows, participants were Holstein cows, interventions were FA supplement, comparisons contained blank control, outcomes included dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk fat, milk protein and milk lactose contents. Data were analyzed using the Stata 15.1 software, and sensitivity test, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted when heterogeneity existed in outcomes. A total of 14 studies, involving 384 cows, were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that, with the supplement of FA, milk yield was distinctly increased by 1.41 kg/d (P = 0.001), milk fat and milk protein were also significantly raised up by 0.73 g/kg (P < 0.001) and 0.84 g/kg (P = 0.004) respectively, whereas DMI and milk lactose had no obvious change (P > 0.05). Heterogeneity was only discovered in milk yield and milk protein, but sensitivity test showed the results were relatively stable. Year, initial cow weight and supplementation method were the three covariates that strongly explained the heterogeneity in milk yield after meta-regression and subgroup analysis, and so as year did in milk protein. In conclusion, FA supplement increased milk yield, milk fat and milk protein contents in Holstein cows, but had no significant effect on DMI or milk lactose content. Besides, we propose a new hypothesis that the effect of FA supplement could be mediated through their effects on ruminal microflora.

Heat stress develops with increased total-tract gut permeability, and dietary organic acid and pure botanical supplementation partly restores lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows.

To evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) conditions and dietary organic acid and pure botanical (OA/PB) supplementation on gut permeability and milk production, we enrolled 46 multiparous Holstein cows [208 ± 4.65 dry matter intake (DMI; mean ± SD), 3.0 ± 0.42 lactation, 122 ± 4.92 d pregnant, and 39.2 ± 0.26 kg of milk yield] in a study with a completely randomized design. Cows were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: thermoneutral conditions (TN-Con, n = 12), HS conditions (HS-Con, n = 12), thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS-Con (TN-PF, n = 12), or HS supplemented with OA/PB [75 mg/kg of body weight (BW); 25% citric acid, 16.7% sorbic acid, 1.7% thymol, 1.0% vanillin, and 55.6% triglyceride; HS-OAPB, n = 10]. Supplements were delivered twice daily by top-dress; all cows not supplemented with OA/PB received an equivalent amount of the triglyceride used for microencapsulation of the OA/PB supplement as a top-dress. Cows were maintained in thermoneutrality [temperature-humidity index (THI) = 68] during a 7-d acclimation and covariate period. Thereafter, cows remained in thermoneutral conditions or were moved to HS conditions (THI: diurnal change 74 to 82) for 14 d. Cows were milked twice daily. Clinical assessments and BW were recorded, blood was sampled, and gastrointestinal permeability measurements were repeatedly evaluated. The mixed model included fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction. Rectal and skin temperatures and respiration rates were greater in HS-Con and HS-OAPB relative to TN-Con. Dry matter intake, water intake, and yields of energy-corrected milk (ECM), protein, and lactose were lower in HS-Con relative to HS-OAPB. Nitrogen efficiency was improved in HS-OAPB relative to HS-Con. Compared with TN-Con and TN-PF, milk yield and ECM were lower in HS-Con cows. Total-tract gastrointestinal permeability measured at d 3 of treatment was greater in HS-Con relative to TN-Con or TN-PF. Plasma total fatty acid concentrations were reduced, whereas insulin concentrations were increased in HS-Con relative to TN-PF. We conclude that exposure to a heat-stress environment increases total-tract gastrointestinal permeability. This study highlights important mechanisms that might account for milk production losses caused by heat stress, independent of changes in DMI. Our observations also suggest that dietary supplementation of OA/PB is a means to partly restore ECM production and improve nitrogen efficiency in dairy cattle experiencing heat stress.

Feeding corn germ instead of corn grain on the performance of Holstein dairy cows fed low-forage diet and human-edible feed conversion efficiency

Using corn germ (CG) instead of corn grain could maintain dairy cow performance and might increase the efficiency of human food production. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with CG on the performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility of dairy cows. It also aimed to investigate the effect of CG on the efficiency of human food production in high-producing Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows with 65.6 ± 8.5 DIM, milk yield of 55.6 ± 4.5 kg/d, and body weight of 611.3 ± 43.3 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control treatment (CT, diet contains corn grain), (2) alternative treatment (AT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG), and (3) balanced treatment (BT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG but with the same energy content as CT). Control and balanced diets were isoenergetic (6.61 MJ/kg of DM); however, AT had higher energy (6.77 MJ/kg of DM). Treatments had no effect on dry and organic matter intake. NDF intake, however, was higher in CG diets compared with CT (P = 0.0001). Total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), and OM digestibility was reduced (P = 0.05) by the inclusion of CG in diets. Whole and energy-corrected milk production were greater in AT compared with CT and BT (P < 0.05). Milk yield was similar in cows fed CT and BT. Treatments had no effect on milk composition or feed efficiency. Diet CT, when compared with CG diets, had lower efficiency in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (P < 0.05). Diet BT had greater HeFCE and net production of human-edible CP than AT (P < 0.05). Plasma BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids, and glucose concentrations were not affected by treatments, but plasma cholesterol was higher in cows that consumed CG diets (P = 0.04). The results indicate that, in high-producing early lactation dairy cows fed high concentrate diets, net food protein production can be substantially improved without lowering milk production through the reduction of dietary starch from 30.2 to 24.8% by replacing corn grain with CG.

Effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with an acidogenic diet during the prepartum period in dairy cows: Mineral metabolism, energy balance, and lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on plasma, mineral, and metabolite concentrations, mineral balance, mineral excretion, rumination, energy balance, and milk production of dairy cows. We hypothesized that supplementing 3 mg/d of 25(OH)D3 during the prepartum period would be more effective than supplementing vitamin D3 at the National Research Council (2001) levels to minimize calcium imbalance during the transition period and improve milk production of dairy cows. Forty multiparous, pregnant nonlactating-Holstein cows were enrolled in this study. Body weight, body condition score, parity, and milk yield in the previous lactation (mean ± standard deviation) were 661 ± 59.2, 3.46 ± 0.35, 1.79 ± 0.87, and 33.2 ± 6.43 kg/d, respectively. Cows were enrolled into the blocks (n = 20 for each treatment) at 30 d of the expected day of calving to receive an acidogenic diet (373 g/kg of neutral detergent fiber and 136 g/kg of crude protein, dry matter basis; -110 mEq/kg) associated with the treatments: (1) control (CTRL), vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d (equivalent to 25,000 IU of vitamin D3/d) or (2) 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d (equivalent to 120,000 IU of vitamin D3/d). All cows were fed with the base ration for 49 d after calving. Blood samples were taken on d 7, 0, 1, 2, 21, and 42, relative to calving. No effect of treatment was observed for prepartum dry matter intake or body condition score. A trend for increase of ionized Ca was observed for the cows fed 25(OH)D3, compared with the CTRL, but no effect of treatment was detected for total Ca or total P. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increased colostrum yield. The plasmatic concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was increased with 25(OH)D3 supplementation. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation increased plasma glucose concentration at parturition. The postpartum dry matter intake was not influenced by treatments. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increases milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk and improves milk yield components in early lactation. Overall, these findings suggest that 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d can improve the energy metabolism and lactation performance, compared with the current-feeding practice of supplementing vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d.

Short communication: Effect of subclinical mastitis on reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows in the Northwest of Spain

Aim of study: To investigate the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) before and after first artificial insemination (AI), characterized by a somatic cell count (SCC) higher than 200×103 cell/mL, on reproductive performance including first service conception rate (FSCR) and pregnancy loss (PL) in Holstein dairy cows. Area of study: The central area of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. Material and methods: This retrospective study was conducted on herd database of a population of 80 commercial Holstein dairy cow farms. A total number of 2053 lactations were included in this study. A binary logistic regression was carried out to analyse all data. Main results: The results of this study indicated that cows that registered a SCC lower than 200×103 cell/mL within 30 days after first AI were more likely to conceive pregnancy than cows with a higher SCC (31.2% and 25.1% FSCR, respectively; OR=1.285, 95% CI=1.000-1.653). Additionally, an increased SCC neither 30 days before nor 30 days after first AI had a negative effect on prevalence of PL in dairy cows. Research highlights: These findings revealed that SCM within 30 days after first AI negatively affected FSCR, whilst 30 days before first AI did not affect it. Therefore, it could be suggested that preventing subclinical mastitis after first AI, during a critical period of 30 days, is important to maximize the reproductive performance of dairy cows.

Conception Rate of Pre-synchronization and Two Short Term Heat-synch Programs using Two Doses of PGF2α in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows

BACKGROUND: Improving the reproductive performance of dairy cows requires manipulation of estrus using estrus synchronization protocols. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the length of estrus synchronization protocol by using two doses of prostaglandin injection on reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows. METHODS: At first, all cows received GnRH (day 0), PGF2α on day 7, and GnRH on day 17. Then, cows assigned randomly to one of 3 groups: Group 1) PGF2α injection on days 22 and 23, estradiol benzoate injection on day 24. Group 2) PGF2α injection on days 23 and 24, estradiol benzoate injection on day 25. Group 3) Control group; injection of PGF2α on day 24, injection of estradiol benzoate on day 25. Estrus detection was performed twice a day up to 48 hours (AM/PM) using signs of estrus and fixed time AI protocol was used after 48 hours (if not previously inseminated). RESULTS: Conception rate in group 2 were significantly higher than control group (P≤ 0.05) and tended to be higher than group 1 (P= 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the hypothesis that a decrease in the period of follicle dominance by reducing the interval between GnRH and PGF2α through using two injections of PGF2α improved fertility of lactating dairy cows.

Greater Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows with Moderate Length of Anogenital Distance at First Service Postpartum

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated negative association of anogenital distance (AGD) with fertility in dairy cows; however, the mechanism of inverse relationship is not completely understood. In this regard, postpartum uterine infections and their corresponding risk factors could diminish fertility of cows, yet there has been no research exploring the relationship between AGD and postpartum disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between AGD and postpartum reproductive performance in dairy cows. METHODS: AGD of Holstein dairy cows of a commercial dairy herd (n = 290) was measured at the first postpartum examination (days 28 to 32 postpartum) in millimeter. Cows were classified into three categories based on AGD length, including short anogenital distance (20% of cows with lowest values), intermediate anogenital distance (60% of cows with moderate values) and long AGD (20% of cows with highest values). Additionally, data of postpartum reproductive variables were retrieved form herd database. Dara were analysed using SAS software version 9.4.RESULTS: Rate of dystocia, twinning, retention of fetal membranes, puerperal metritis and clinical endometritis, calf birth weight and days to first service did not differ among the various AGD categories (P > 0.05). However, proportion of male offspring was lower in short AGD cows than intermediate and long AGD cows (P < 0.05). Furthermore, first service conception rate was greater in intermediate anogenital distance group than short and long anogenital distance groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study showed suboptimal first postpartum conception rate in cows with minimal and maximal length of anogenital distance and indicated that this inferior fertility was not mediated through alteration in rate of postpartum reproductive disorders.