Dairy Cow Population Research Articles

Cattle Monitoring System: The Innovation to Increase Dairy Farmers Empowerment in Providing Animal Logistics to Anticipate Anthrax Outbreak in Boyolali Regency

Boyolali Regency had a very high potential in the production of cow milk. This area dominated as much as 65% of the dairy cow population in Central Java. However, Boyolali Regency farmers found difficulties in avoiding various diseases that attack dairy cattle, such as the anthrax outbreak which became an Extraordinary Event in 2011. Therefore, the government made an innovation as a solution to anticipate the outbreak through the Cattle Monitoring System named in Indonesian as Sistem Monitoring Sapi (which later called SIMAPI as the acronym). This study aimed to describe the innovation of increasing the empowerment of dairy farmers in providing livestock logistics to anticipate an anthrax outbreak in Boyolali Regency based on information technology This study used a qualitative descriptive method. The data collection techniques used interview method, observation, and document analysis. The data validity technique used in this research was triangulation method and interactive analysis model was used as data analysis technique. SIMAPI was an innovation that has been carried out by Boyolali Regency since 2008. This system recorded each dairy cow owned by the farmer, by placing an ear tag on the ear of the cow in the form of a label labeled with a barcode made from atomic plastic. This application could accommodate 7.000 characters of information related to the identity of cows and farmers, to the health condition of the cow. Farmers or buyers can scan the ear tag barcode with the SIMAPI application to find out the health history of the cow. In the future, SIMAPI needs to be developed, considering that there were some data which need to be synchronized with other institutions, such as the Slaughterhouse or in Indonesian called Rumah Pemotongan Hewan (RPH).SIMAPI is a solution in increasing the empowerment of cattle farmers in dealing with anthrax outbreaks in Boyolali Regency. The selling value of cattle has stabilized, and buyers have given trust to cattle farmers again.

Estimasi Emisi Metana dari Fermentasi Enterik Terhadap Potensi Pemanasan Global pada Sektor Peternakan Sapi Perah di Kecamatan Lembang Kabupaten Bandung Barat

Lembang District is one of the sub-districts in West Bandung Regency with the largest population of dairy cattle in West Java. an increase in the population of dairy cows will cause an increase in emissions that cause global warming. Methane is one of the greenhouse gas emissions produced from dairy cattle. Methane emissions from dairy cattle are produced when cattle burp and fart. In this study, the estimation of methane emissions from enteric fermentation uses the IPCC 2019 reference guidelines using tier 1 and tier 2. The results of calculations using tier 1 show that the highest methane emission from enteric fermentation is Sukajaya Village 8.0939 Gg CO2-eq/year and the highest is Sukajaya Village 8.0939 Gg CO2-eq/year. the lowest was Pangerwangi Village at 0.7057 Gg CO2-eq/year. Then the results of calculations using tier 2 based on local emission factors and development of emission factors show that the highest emission is Sukajaya Village at 4.8231 Gg CO2-eq/year using local emission factors, and 53.9276 Gg CO2-eq/year using development factors. emission. Meanwhile, the lowest methane emission is Pagerwangi Village at 0.0408 Gg CO2-eq/year using local emission factors. However, in the low calculation using the development of emission factors, the village that produces the lowest methane emissions is Wangunharja Village with emissions of 0.0495 Gg CO2-eq/year.

Re-assessing the importance of linear type traits in predicting genetic merit for survival in an aging Holstein-Friesian dairy cow population.

The cumulative improvement achieved in the genetic merit for reproductive performance in dairy populations will likely improve dairy cow longevity; therefore, it is time to reassess whether linear type traits are still suitable predictors of survival in an aging dairy cow population. The objective of the present study was therefore to estimate the genetic correlations between linear type traits and survival from one parity to the next and, in doing so, evaluate if those genetic correlations change with advancing parity. After edits, 152,894 lactation survival records (first to ninth parity) were available from 52,447 Holstein-Friesian cows, along with linear type trait records from 52,121 Holstein-Friesian cows. A series of bivariate random regression models were used to estimate the genetic covariances between survival in different parities and each linear type trait. Heritability estimates for survival per parity ranged from 0.02 (SE = 0.004; first parity) to 0.05 (SE = 0.01; ninth parity). Pairwise genetic correlations between survival among different parities varied from 0.42 (first and ninth parity) to 1.00 (eighth to ninth parity), with the strength of these genetic correlations being inversely related to the interval between the compared parities. The genetic correlations between survival and the individual linear type traits varied across parities for 9 of the 20 linear type traits examined, but the correlations with only 3 of these linear type traits strengthened as the cows aged; these 3 traits were rear udder height, teat length, and udder depth. Given that linear type traits are frequently scored in first parity and are genetically correlated with survival in older parities, they may be suitable early predictors of survival, especially for later parity cows. Additionally, the direction of the genetic correlations between survival and rear udder height, teat length, and udder depth did not change between parities; hence, selection for survival in older parities using these linear type traits should not hinder genetic improvement for survival in younger parities.

Growth Trend of Dairy Cow Population in Andhra State, India

Growth Trend of Dairy Cow Population in Andhra State, India

Effects of breed, farm intensiveness, and cow productivity on infrared predicted milk urea

Milk urea content is receiving growing interest from science and industry as a tool to infer the protein adequacy of dairy cows' diets, nitrogen excretion and its environmental impact, and efficiency of animals' protein metabolism. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) prediction is a high-throughput method for rapidly and cheaply evaluating milk urea content at the population level. Existing knowledge of the major sources of variation (e.g., year, season, farming system, individual herd, and the cow's breed, parity, stage of lactation, and productive potential) is fragmentary. The objective of this work was to study at the population level the simultaneous effects of all the major sources of variation and their most important interactions. Milk urea content in 1,759,706 test day milk samples collected from 291,129 lactations of 115,819 cows from 6,430 herds over 8 yr was predicted by FTIR. The milk urea content data (and also milk protein percentage, for comparison) were analyzed using a linear model that included the effects of parity, days in milk (DIM) class, year, month, herd intensiveness level, cow productivity level, breed, and herd intensiveness and cow productivity levels within breed. All sources of variation of milk urea content proved highly significant, the most important in terms of F-value being breed > year > herd intensiveness level > parity. The ranking for milk protein was very different (DIM class > herd intensiveness level > parity > breed). The patterns of the least squares means for urea and protein contents of milk were also very different and sometimes contrasting. The seasonal variation in urea was sinusoidal. Urea content increased during the first 4 mo of lactation and then remained almost stable before decreasing after 11 mo. Specialized dairy breeds had lower average milk urea content than dual-purpose breeds; in the former case it was lower in Holsteins than in Brown Swiss, and in the latter it was lower in Simmentals than in Alpine Greys. The effect of herd intensiveness level was much stronger than the effect of cow productivity level; the increase in milk urea with increasing herd average daily milk yield was almost linear in the case of dairy breeds but curvilinear in dual-purpose breeds. The large differences in breed and the modest relationships with the cow's productive potential require further analysis at the genetic level to obtain information of potential use in genetic improvement of the dairy cow populations.

In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryDairy cows are susceptible to a range of welfare factors, which lead to worsening health problems and shorten their productive life span. The health and welfare status of dairy cows could be improved if unwanted abnormalities and risk factors are detected in a timely manner, i.e., before diseases start to occur. Therefore, in addition to veterinary monitoring, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of culling rate in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by registration of the reciprocal relative disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death). This indicator represents the viability index, which has a maximal value at the first lactation and decreases in subsequent lactations with an inverse exponential trend. According to available scientific information, the structural prerequisites for this index are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life; therefore, it is necessary to create a system of continuous monitoring of the physiological status of mothers and young animals.Animal welfare includes health but also concerns the need for natural factors that contribute to the increase in viability. Therefore, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of the disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death) in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by the value of the reciprocal culling/death rate (reciprocal value of Gompertz function) at the first lactation. This means that this potential of viability is formed during the developmental periods preceding the onset of lactation activity. Therefore, taking into account current data in the field of developmental biology, it can be assumed that the structural prerequisites for viability potential are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life. To prevent unfavorable deviations in these processes due to negative welfare effects, it is advisable to monitor the physiological status of mothers and young animals using biosensors and Big Data systems.

A meta-analysis of genetic parameter estimates for milk and serum minerals in dairy cows.

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis based on a random-effects model to combine different published heritability estimates and genetic correlations for milk and serum minerals in dairy cows. In total, 59 heritability and 25 genetic correlation estimates from 12 articles published between 2009 and 2021 were used. The heritability estimates for milk macro-minerals were moderate to high and ranged from 0.311 (for Na) to 0.420 (for Ca). On the other hand, milk micro-minerals had lower heritabilities with a range from 0.013 (for Fe) to 0.373 (for Zn). The heritability estimates for serum macro-minerals were generally low and varied from 0.126 (for K) to 0.206 (for Mg). The estimates of genetic correlation between milk macro-minerals varied from -0.024 (between Na and K) to 0.625 (between Mg and P). The genetic correlations of milk Ca and P with milk yield were -0.171 and -0.211, respectively. The estimates of genetic parameters reported in this meta-analysis study are appropriate to utilize in breeding plans when valid estimates are not available for milk minerals in dairy cow populations.

Inventarisasi potensi emisi metana (CH4) pada peternakan sapi perah di Kecamatan Pujon, Kabupaten Malang

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective: </strong>The methane emissions in ruminants such as dairy cows was one of the causes of climate change. The aimed of this study was to make an inventory of methane emissions from dairy farms in Pujon District. The methane emission data inventory was expected to assist the government in making policies as an effort to mitigation of methane emissions.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>The secondary data used in this study were obtained from journals, books, literature related to research, and data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Methane emissions was calculated using the Tier 1 method according to IPCC reference. The reason for the inventory using the tier 1 method was caused that the specific data related to emissions on dairy cows in Malang Regency were not available. The data obtained were processed descriptively.<strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results</strong><strong>: </strong>The data obtained shown that the population of dairy cows in Pujon District from 2013-2015 has increased, in 2016 it experienced a significant decline, namely 14.2%, then from 2017-2019 it continued to decline. Methane emissions from enteric fermentation from 2013-2019 averaged 23.13 Gg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq / year. Methane emissions from manure management in dairy cows in Pujon District from 2013-2019 were an average of 11.75 Gg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq / year. The highest methane emissions were in 2015, and the lowest was in 2019.<strong></strong></p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that methane emissions from dairy cows in Pujon District increased from 2013-2015, there was a significant reduction in emissions in 2016 – 2019. Feeding with balanced nutrients, using ingredients of concentrated and forage containing good nutrients quality is an effort to mitigate methane that can applied by farmers.

Contribution of the mutation rs8193069 in TLR4 to mastitis resistance and performance in Holstein cows in southern China.

Bovine mastitis has become increasingly important issues for farmers and consumers, leading to large economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Because treatment of mastitis is difficult and costly, improved mastitis resistance through selective breeding would be advantageous. The toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important player in recognising pathogens and activating immune responses. However, its roles in mastitis occurrence and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs8193069 (T → C) in TLR4 gene was detected in a Holstein cow resource population in southern China. Association analysis with 5‐year production traits, haematology, and biochemistry parameters revealed that individuals with genotype CC had significantly lower somatic cell counts (SCC), lower fat percentage, but higher 305‐day milk (p < 0.05) and total milk yield (p < 0.01). Both genotypes CC and CT had lower lymphocyte counts (#LYMPH) (p < 0.01) and basophil counts (#BASO) (p < 0.05) than TT. Genotype CC had a less level of triglyceride (p < 0.01) and creatine kinase (p < 0.05) than CT. Further analysis based on the production data revealed significant positive correlations between SCC and #LYMPH. Analysis of TLR4 protein structure and properties suggested that the missense mutation on the 674th amino acid from Thr to Ile reduced the flexibility and hydrophilicity of TIR domain, implying a weakened binding ability of TLR4 to its adaptors. In conclusion, allele C of rs8193069 was the major allele in Holstein cows that indicated a greater genetic potential to mastitis resistance and milk yields, probably via the LPS‐TLR4 inflammatory signalling. This study offers a marker to improve mastitis resistance in the dairy cow population in southern China.

Applications and world-wide use of sexed semen in cattle

Successful sorting of sperm based on presence of the X- or Y-chromosome was first reported in the early 1980′s with the first live births reported in rabbits in 1988. Subsequent development of technological efficiencies resulted in commercialization of sex-sorted semen to cattle producers in 2003–2005. At product launch, low throughput dictated that reasonable prices to the producer could only be accomplished with extremely low sperm number dosages (2 × 106). Furthermore, conception rates were 70%–75% of those achieved by conventional unsorted product. Refinements in sorting equipment have enhanced the number of sperm that can be sorted from a semen sample and (or) aliquot of time, which translates into reduced production costs, while modifications to other aspects of sperm processing and freezing have facilitated maintenance of a conception potential more similar to that of conventional semen. More recently, strategic use of sex-sorted semen coupled with genomic technologies to identify superior females to satisfy replacement female needs has, by default, led to identification of a population of dairy cows from which replacements are not desired, leading to a tremendous increase in use of beef semen in dairy herds. Though exact numbers are unavailable, estimates indicate sex-sorted semen is rapidly approaching 30% of the total AI market share in North America. Though the primary application of sex-sorted semen is to accelerate genetic progress while enhancing biosecurity through in-house production of replacement animals, numerous other potential applications are evolving or are under consideration.

Survival and prognostic indicators in downer dairy cows presented to a referring hospital: A retrospective study (1318 cases).

BackgroundDowner cow syndrome, a common problem in dairy cattle, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the attending veterinarian. Identifying prognostic indicators and assessing the odds of survival may improve the accuracy of the clinician's prognosis at the time of diagnosis.ObjectiveTo describe a population of downer dairy cows referred to a hospital and investigate predictors of outcome.AnimalsRecumbent adult dairy cows (cows unable or unwilling to stand without help) treated at a referral hospital.MethodsData at the time of admission were collected from medical records of downer dairy cows treated at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire between 1994 and 2016. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of predictors with the outcome.ResultsAmong 1318 cows included, 727 (55%) cows were discharged, and 591 (45%) cows died or were euthanized. Cows with longer time of recumbency before referral (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6), tachycardia (100‐120 beats per minute [bpm], OR = 1.93; >120 bpm, OR = 2.92), tachypnea (OR = 1.76), hypothermia (OR = 2.08), anemia (OR = 3.30), neutropenia (OR = 1.7), high aspartate aminotransferase activity (500‐1000 U/L, OR = 2.16; >1000 U/L, OR = 6.69), and increased serum creatinine concentration (OR = 1.75) had higher odds of nonsurvival.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese findings may help the practitioner to consider treatment options and decide if referral is likely beneficial based on the odds of success. Early recognition of low chance of survival may facilitate an early decision for euthanasia.

Effects of feeding urea-treated triticale and oat grain mixtures on ruminal fermentation, microbial population, and milk production performance of midlactation dairy cows

Abstract The starch content of triticale and oat grains provides much of their readily available energy. Synchronizing energy and nitrogen in the rumen is important in optimizing profitability; for this reason, ammonia processing of these grains was evaluated for its potential to modify ruminal fermentation and to improve milk production performance. A mixture of ground triticale and oats (CONG, at a ratio of 60:40 on a dry matter basis) was treated with urea (5 kg/1000 kg) and urease additive (20 kg/1000 kg) containing 200 g/kg of moisture, for 2 wk (UREG). The urea treatment enhanced the pH and CP content of grains by 34% and 52%, respectively. In a batch culture study, CONG or UREG as the only substrate was incubated in a buffered ruminal fluid. Compared to CONG, UREG increased pH, total VFA concentration, total gas, and disappearance of DM, while reducing CH4 production, whereas NH3 concentration increased and entodiniomorph counts tended to increase. In the in vivo study, cows were randomly allocated to two dietary groups (n = 24) and were offered TMR based on maize and grass silage, containing either 155 g/kg of CONG and 80 g/ kg of soybean meal (CONT) or 155 g/kg of UREG and 59 g/kg of soybean meal (URET) for 31 d. Ruminal fluid was collected (n = 10) using rumenocentesis. The relative abundances of Streptococcus bovis decreased, but Megasphaera elsdenii, methanogens, and ammonia-producing bacteria increased by URET. Entodiniomorph and holotrich counts were decreased by URET. Feeding with URET increased ruminal pH and concentrations of total VFA, acetate, branched-chain VFA, and NH3. Feeding with URET also increased milk yield. These results demonstrate that replacing untreated triticale and oat grains with urea-treated grains can beneficially modulate ruminal microbiota and fermentation, consequently improving production performance and profitability.

Retrospective Study about the Transformation of Dairy Cattle Population in Turkey (1991-2019) and Possible Metabolic and Reproductive Problems

The present study analyzed the transformation of dairy cattle population and changes in yearly milk production and per lactation milk yield (1991 – 2019) in Turkey. In addition, metabolic and reproductive diseases frequently seen in high milk yielding dairy cows (HYDC) and problems causing low milk yield were investigated. The number of dairy cows, culled and sent to slaughter was investigated for the last three years in Turkey. On the other side, the cost of the most common metabolic diseases by region has been analyzed by a phone survey (40 vets were asked in different regions). The dairy cow population was 6118997 in 1991 (HYDC pure breed: 10.6% and traditional indigenous dairy breed: 55.3%). The dairy cow population reached 6580753 in 2019 (7.5 % increase compared to 1991) which consisted of pure breed HYDC of 49.4% and traditional dairy breed of 8.9%. This is a transformation in dairy cattle population in 28 years. Yearly total milk production increased by 141.2% from 8.616.412 tons (1991) to 20782374 tons (2019). Yearly milk production per lactation/cow increased from 1.4 tons (1991), to 1.65 tons (2000) and to 3.16 tons (2019) which means 17.5% and 124.3% increase, respectively. The growth of the number of HYDC pure breed and their total yearly milk production was 399.3% (650739 – 3249002) and 555.6% (1913438 tons to 12544507 tons) in 28 years, respectively. Numerous metabolic and reproductive diseases can often be observed in HYDCs due to genetic reasons as well as nutritional and maintenance mistakes during the transition and dry period which can cause economic loss related to milk yield and metabolic diseases. The treatment cost of the metabolic or reproductive diseases for the farmers was between 150-1200 TL per case. Many of the animals were sent to compulsory slaughter and culled because of these diseases. Indeed, a total of 738681 dairy cows have been sent to slaughter throughout the last three years.

Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Concentrations of Milk Fat, Protein, Urea and Efficiency of Crude Protein Utilization in Grazing Dairy Cows.

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with milk fat percentage (FP), crude protein percentage (CPP), urea concentration (MU) and efficiency of crude protein utilization (ECPU: ratio between crude protein yield in milk and dietary crude protein intake) using grazing, mixed-breed, dairy cows in New Zealand. Phenotypes from 634 Holstein Friesian, Jersey or crossbred cows were obtained from two herds at Massey University. A subset of 490 of these cows was genotyped using Bovine Illumina 50K SNP-chips. Two genome-wise association approaches were used, a single-locus model fitted to data from 490 cows and a single-step Bayes C model fitted to data from all 634 cows. The single-locus analysis was performed with the Efficient Mixed-Model Association eXpedited model as implemented in the SVS package. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with genome-wide association p-values ≤ 1.11 × 10−6 were considered as putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). The Bayes C analysis was performed with the JWAS package and 1-Mb genomic windows containing SNPs that explained > 0.37% of the genetic variance were considered as putative QTL. Candidate genes within 100 kb from the identified SNPs in single-locus GWAS or the 1-Mb windows were identified using gene ontology, as implemented in the Ensembl Genome Browser. The genes detected in association with FP (MGST1, DGAT1, CEBPD, SLC52A2, GPAT4, and ACOX3) and CPP (DGAT1, CSN1S1, GOSR2, HERC6, and IGF1R) were identified as candidates. Gene ontology revealed six novel candidate genes (GMDS, E2F7, SIAH1, SLC24A4, LGMN, and ASS1) significantly associated with MU whose functions were in protein catabolism, urea cycle, ion transportation and N excretion. One novel candidate gene was identified in association with ECPU (MAP3K1) that is involved in post-transcriptional modification of proteins. The findings should be validated using a larger population of New Zealand grazing dairy cows.

Występowanie chorób genetycznych (BLAD, DUMPS) w polskiej populacji bydła rasy holsztyńsko-fryzyjskiej

BLAD (bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency) and DUMPS (deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase) are hereditary lethal autosomal recessive disorders that may affect Holstein cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of BLAD and DUMPS genotypes in the Polish population of dairy cows. In the study 5 732 Polish Holstein-Friesian females were genetically tested for BLAD and DUMPS. Results of the present study indicate that the Polish population of dairy cattle is free from DUMPS as there were not carriers nor sick animals. For BLAD the study confirmed the present of carriers in the population to be at a low value (0.21%). Both BLAD and DUMPS may strongly affect the profitability of a dairy farm, therefore, in order to avoid the economic losses caused by the presence of these genetic disorders in the herd it is important to screen the population and detect carriers as soon as possible.

ANALISIS PEMASARAN SUSU SEGAR SAPI PERAH DI KECAMATAN MOJOSONGO KABUPATEN BOYOLALI, JAWA TENGAH

This study aims to determine the most efficient marketing channel based on what collectors pass through to distribute fresh milk and maintain the quality of fresh milk by choosing the closest route, the fastest time and cost efficiency. In addition, this study aims to determine marketing costs, marketing margins, profits and marketing efficiency carried out by marketing agencies involved in the fresh milk marketing system. This research was conducted in Mojosongo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java. This research was conducted in Mojosongo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java. The basic method of this research is descriptive method and its implementation uses a survey method. The research location was taken purposively based on the consideration that Mojosongo District has the second largest dairy cow population in Boyolali Regency. The analysis method used is the analysis of marketing costs, marketing margins, marketing profits, marketing efficiency and the Traveling Salesman Problem analysis to determine the closest distance, fastest time and lowest cost. There are three channels for the Marketing of Fresh Milk for Dairy Cows used by producers in Mojosongo District as follows: Channel I: Farmers to Consumers, Channel II: Farmers to Traders, Collectors to Consumers and Channel III: Farmers to Traders, collectors to Wholesalers to the milk processing industry Channel I is the most efficient marketing channel because in this channel breeders sell directly to consumers. The most efficient marketing channel using the Traveling Salesman Problem method is distribution line II because this route has the closest distance, the fastest time to maintain the quality of fresh milk and cost efficiency.

A meta-analysis of heritability estimates for milk fatty acids and their genetic relationship with milk production traits in dairy cows using a random-effects model

It is necessary to have valid estimates of genetic parameters for economically important traits in the breeding programs of animals. During the past years, estimates of genetic parameters have been reported for different groups of fatty acids in dairy cows. However, these estimates have been obtained from studies based on different cow populations. This has resulted in substantial variability among heritability and genetic correlation estimates. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis based on a random-effects model to combine different published heritability estimates for milk fatty acids and their genetic correlations with milk production traits in dairy cows. In total, 272 heritability and 141 genetic correlation estimates from 20 peer-reviewed articles published in five different scientific journals between 2007 and 2020 were used in the present study. Chi-square (Q) test and the I2 statistic were determined to measure heterogeneity of genetic parameter estimates. Also, Egger's linear regression asymmetry was used to examine the presence of publication bias. The weighted coefficients of variation for the milk fatty acids varied from 1.35 to 26.05. The heritability estimates for the group and individual fatty acids ranged from 0.092 to 0.428, and from 0.109 to 0.421, respectively. Based on the values of the I2 index, negligible heterogeneity was observed for the heritability estimates of polyunsaturated fatty acids, short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids expressed in g/ 100 g of milk fat, but the other group fatty acids experienced a moderate to considerable heterogeneities. In general, all group fatty acids had positive and high genetic correlations with fat and protein percentages of milk, negative and low to medium genetic correlations with milk and protein yields, positive and low to medium genetic correlations with fat yield, and positively low and near to zero correlations with somatic cell score. Except for genetic correlations between group fatty acids with SCS, other correlations were significant (P<0.05). The values of the I2 index indicated the negligible heterogeneity for the genetic correlations between group fatty acids with protein yield, fat and protein percentages of milk, but the heterogeneity for the genetic correlations between group fatty acids with milk and fat yields would be moderate, and considerable heterogeneities were observed between group fatty acids and somatic cell score. The mean estimates of genetic parameters reported in this meta-analysis study are surely suitable to use in breeding programs when reliable estimates are not accessible for milk fatty acids in dairy cow populations.

Şanlıurfa İli Süt Sığırı İşletmelerindeki Süt Verim Kaybına Isı Stresinin Etkisi

Bu çalışma, Şanlıurfa ilinin ilçelerine ait sıcaklık nem indekslerini (SNİ) hesaplayarak ısı stresinin süt kayıpları üzerindeki etkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın veri setini Diyarbakır Meteoroloji Bölge Müdürlüğünden temin edilen Şanlıurfa ilinin 10 ilçesine ait 1999-2019 yılları arasındaki meteorolojik veriler ile Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu’ndan (TUİK) alınan 2019 yılı sağmal inek sayıları oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada, ilin tüm ilçelerine ait mayıs-eylül ayları arasındaki SNİ değerleri, SNİ değerinin alansal dağılımı, inek başına günlük süt kayıpları ile günlük toplam süt kayıpları belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada, SNİ değerlerinin kritik değerleri aştığı ay ve ilçeler dikkate alındığında yüksek SNİ değerlerine bağlı olarak oluşan inek başına günlük süt kaybının en yüksek olduğu ilçe ağustos ayında 10.828 g ile Şanlıurfa merkez, en düşük olduğu ilçe ise haziran ayında 163 g ile Hilvan olarak tespit edilmiştir. Böylece SNİ kaynaklı süt kayıplarının en fazla temmuz ve ağustos aylarında şekillendiği ve en çok etkilenen ilçelerin ise Şanlıurfa Merkez ve Akçakale olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca TUİK’ten alınan Şanlıurfa il ve ilçelerinin 2019 yılına ait 2 yaşın üstündeki toplam süt inek sayıları kullanılarak elde edilen toplam ortalama günlük süt kayıplarının en fazla yaşandığı ilçe ağustos ayında 27283 kg ile Siverek, en az yaşandığı ilçe ise haziran ayıda 71 kg ile Bozova olarak tespit edilmiştir. Söz konusu aylarda en fazla kaybın yaşandığı ilçeler süt ineği popülasyonuna bağlı olarak Şanlıurfa merkez, Akçakale ve Siverek olmuştur. Sonuç olarak, Şanlıurfa süt işletmelerinde, özellikle temmuz ve ağustos aylarında, ısı stresi nedeniyle önemli süt verim kayıplarının yaşandığı belirlenmiştir. Isı stresi ve süt kaybını önlemek için yüksek çevre sıcaklığının olduğu dönemlerde bakım-yönetim uygulamalarının iyileştirilmesi faydalı olacaktır.

Feed Intake, Methane Emissions, Milk Production and Rumen Methanogen Populations of Grazing Dairy Cows Supplemented with Various C 18 Fatty Acid Sources.

Simple SummaryReducing methane emissions from dairy cows is environmentally important. In this experiment, pasture fed dairy cows offered concentrates containing linseed oil emitted 18% less methane per kg of milk solids produced than those offered concentrates containing either stearic acid or soy oil. Additionally, cows fed linseed oil or soy oil produced more milk than those fed stearic acid. These results may contribute to the development of strategies to reduce methane emissions from pasture-based livestock whilst maintaining or improving animal productivity.Emissions of methane (CH4) from dairy production systems are environmentally detrimental and represent an energy cost to the cow. This study evaluated the effect of varying C18 fatty acid sources on CH4 emissions, milk production and rumen methanogen populations in grazing lactating dairy cows. Forty-five Holstein Friesian cows were randomly allocated to one of three treatments (n = 15). Cows were offered 15 kg dry matter (DM)/d of grazed pasture plus supplementary concentrates (4 kg DM/d) containing either stearic acid (SA), linseed oil (LO), or soy oil (SO). Cows offered LO and SO had lower pasture DM intake (DMI) than those offered SA (11.3, 11.5 vs. 12.6 kg/d). Cows offered LO and SO had higher milk yield (21.0, 21.3 vs. 19.7 kg/d) and milk protein yield (0.74, 0.73 vs. 0.67 kg/d) than those offered SA. Emissions of CH4 (245 vs. 293, 289 g/d, 12.4 vs. 15.7, 14.8 g/kg of milk and 165 vs. 207, 195 g/kg of milk solids) were lower for cows offered LO than those offered SA or SO. Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was reduced in cows offered LO compared to SA. Offering supplementary concentrates containing LO can reduce enteric CH4 emissions from pasture fed dairy cows.

The welfare of culled dairy cattle sent to market and its impact on economic return

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the welfare of culled dairy cattle sent to an auction in the UK and identify associations between animal-based measurement and economic gain. The population of cull dairy cows sold at a Scottish livestock market were assessed on ten occasions for measures including body condition, mobility, hair loss and lesions, swelling, body cleanliness, claw conformation and total time in pre-sale pens. Details on breed, age, breeding status, farm, weight and price were gathered from market reports and cattle passports. Questionnaires sent to farms gathered information on reason for culling, retirement period (a finishing period to improve body condition), and number of lactations, among other variables. Measures such as bodyweight, breeding status, and breed type influenced price paid, with heifers and larger animals receiving higher prices. A negative effect over price paid was due to reduced mobility and hair loss scores, suggesting that some animal-based indicators of compromised welfare may be associated with a lower economic return from the cows sent to market. No influence of retirement length on price paid was noted. Reason for culling also did not influence price paid, but considering the association found between welfare and price paid, this suggests that the farmers’ reason for culling may not be necessarily revealed by the visual appearance of the cow. This study reveals reasons for culling and quantifies the welfare of dairy cows at market and demonstrates how measures of breeding status and body size, as well as measures of welfare, influence the buyers’ decisions and prices paid at auction.