Previous Lactation Research Articles

Effects of supplemental manganese on ovarian cysts incidence and reproductive performance in early lactation Holstein cows

The current study was objected to determine the effect of increased levels of manganese from manganese glycine (Mn-Gly) on ovarian cysts incidence and reproductive performance of multiparous Holstein dairy cows. Five hundred-seven multiparous Holstein cows (178 cows in second parity and 329 cows in third or greater parity) were blocked based on parity (2 or ≥ 3), body condition score (BCS), and previous lactation milk yield and randomly allocated to one of three treatments providing 0 (CON; n = 180), 40 (40 Mn; n = 178), and 80 (80 Mn; n = 149) mg of supplemental Mn/kg of DM from Mn-Gly. The experimental treatments were fed from calving to 100 DIM, and the CON diet in fresh and high-producing cows contained 64 and 46 mg of Mn/kg DM as MnSO4, respectively. Blood samples were taken from 50 cows in each treatment at 0, 14, 28, 42, 60, and 90 DIM for serum metabolites determination. A subset of 12 cows per treatment group was randomly chosen to measure whole blood concentration of Mn at 0 and 90 DIM. Milk yield and composition were recorded monthly up to 150 DIM. The evaluation of BCS was performed monthly. Ovaries from 50 cows per treatment were examined by transrectal ultrasonography at 43 ± 2 DIM to monitor ovarian structures. Days in milk at first service, pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) at first and second service, pregnancy rate at 150 DIM, the number of service per conception, and days to pregnancy were recorded. Within the first 60 DIM, 24 cows were culled and no treatment effect was noted (P = 0.66). Relative to CON, cows fed 80 Mn had lower ovarian cysts incidence (P = 0.05; 17.5 ± 6.2 vs. 2.0 ± 1.9 %), and 40Mn cows tended to be have decreased ovarian cysts incidence (P = 0.1; 17.5 ± 6.2 vs. 7.6 ± 4.0 %). The percentage of follicles ≥ 3 mm diameter was not affected by treatments (P = 0.18). Cows fed 40Mn and 80Mn treatments tended (P = 0.08) to increase corpus luteum (CL) percentage on ovaries than CON treatment (72.0 ± 7.1 and 76.0 ± 6.7 vs. 56.0 ± 8.1%). The concentrations of serum glucose (P < 0.01) and cholesterol (P < 0.01) was enhanced by Mn supplementation to diets, but serum calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations were not influenced by treatments (P> 0.1). No treatments effect were observed for days in milk at first service, P/AI at the first service, pregnancy rate at 150 DIM, the number of service per conception, and days open (P > 0.1). However, P/AI at the second service tended (P = 0.07) to increase by Mn supplementation to diets, as second service P/AI was 9.1 and 15.8% greater for 40 Mn and 80 Mn cows than CON cows. The changes of BCS were affected by treatments (P = 0.02), as the 80 Mn cows had smaller body condition losses during experimental period. Yield of milk tended (P = 0.1) to be higher for 40 Mn compared with CON (47.67, 49.0, and 48.71 kg/day for CON, 40 Mn and 80 Mn, respectively), but no difference was found between 80 Mn and CON. Increasing the levels of Mn in the diets (P < 0.01) reduced milk fat and protein content. In general, supplementing the diet with 80 mg Mn/kg DM using Mn-Gly decreased the incidence of ovarian cysts, increased the presence of CL on the ovaries and improved second- service P/AI.

ВЛИЯНИЕ УРОВНЯ МОЛОЧНОЙ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ КОРОВ-МАТЕРЕЙ НА РОСТ И РАЗВИТИЕ ТЕЛОК ГОЛШТИНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The experiment is carried out on 3 groups of cows (1 - with productivity up to 7500 kg, 2 – from 7500 to 9000 kg and the 3rd group-9000 and above kg of milk for the previous lactation). Milk yield for 305 days of lactation of cows of group 3 averaged 9068 kg (P≤ 0,01), group 2-8682 (P≤ 0,05) and group 1 – 7940 kg of milk. Milk fat production in cows of group 3 - 369 kg (P≤ 0,05), group 2-351 and group 1 – 326 kg. The yield of milk protein from cows of group 3 is 285 kg (P≤ 0,01), group 2-270 (P≤ 0,05) and group 1-248 kg. A comparative analysis of the growth and development of heifers with mothers with different levels of productivity was carried out. At the 2nd month of growing, the weight of heifers of the 3rd group is 76 kg (P≤0,10), the 2nd - 72 kg (P≤0,10). The average daily growth of group 3 heifers at 6 months was 1244 g (P≤0,10), group 2 - 1127 and group 1-617 g.Group 3 Heifers at 9 months weighed 301,2 kg (P≤0,05), group 2 – 299,3 kg (P≤0,05). Heifers of group 3 at 12 months reached 380,6 kg (P≤0,05), group 2–378,5 (P≤0,05) and group 1 – 353,7 kg. The growth of experimental heifers of group 2 was 887,6 g (P≤0,05), group 3–829,6 and group 1 – 710 g per day. Monitoring of growth and development of heifers continues.

The concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in colostrum, milk and plasma of cows

Milk contains key nutrients in optimal proportions, which makes it to be an important component of the human diet. Despite the fact that consumers receive with milk a significant amount of readily available nutrients, milk can be a source of dangerous factors of chemical and biological origin. The level of physiological hormones found in milk is not a limiting factor and is studied solely for scientific purposes. However, milk hormones can have a negative effect on the health of consumers. Based on this, the aim of this work was to study the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of cows at different stages of lactation. The secretion of the mammary gland and blood plasma of cows of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed, in their 2nd–5th lactations with milk yield 5100–5700 kg of milk per previous lactation was the object of the study. The concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was investigated in withdrawn samples. The obtained data indicates that the highest level of secretion of iodine-containing thyroid hormones with milk is observed on 1st–4th days of lactation. Thereafter, the concentration of hormones in milk statistically significant decreases by 2.8–3-fold (P ˂ 0.001) till 30–40th day of lactation. The high concentration of iodine-containing hormones in colostrum allows to enhance metabolic processes in calves. Studies of the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood plasma of cows showed a gradual increase from the beginning of lactation till 10th–14th and then till 30th–40th days of lactation. By 10th–14th days we observed 2.2-fold growth of triiodothyronine level (P ˂ 0.001), and till 30th–40th days this parameter has increased by another 12.5 %. The level of thyroxine on 10th–14th days of lactation was higher, compared to such in the beginning of lactation by 62.2 % (P ˂ 0.001), and by 30th–40th day increase was by 40.9 %. The main reasons for such changes are the formation of lactation dominant, the discharge of hormones secreted by the breast and the stimulation of metabolic processes during lactation. The prospects of further research lie in investigation of the dependence of triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels in the secretion of the mammary gland on productivity, breed, age and diet of animals.

Free and bound cortisol, corticosterone, and metabolic adaptations during the early inflammatory response to an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge in dairy cows

Glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol and corticosterone, are key homeostatic regulators during metabolic and endocrine adaptations including inflammatory responses. Besides the established response of total cortisol (TC) concentrations during inflammatory processes in dairy cows, we investigated changes of corticosterone, free cortisol (FC), and serum albumin as the main protein of unspecific cortisol binding, in response to an intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Furthermore, we evaluated relationships of glucocorticoid responses with concomitant alterations of metabolites and their endocrine regulators, insulin and glucagon. Blood samples of 10 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (26.8 ± 3.4 d in milk, previous lactation yield: 7,601 ± 938 kg; mean ± SD) were obtained every 30 min up to 5 h after the LPS instillation, and rectal temperature and heart rate were measured in parallel. Corticosterone was measured by enzyme immunoassay, TC by radioimmunoassay, and the proportion of FC by ultrafiltration. A mixed model was used to evaluate differences within the investigated parameters among selected time points (0, 3.5, and 5 h relative to the intramammary LPS administration). Rectal temperature increased up to 41.6 ± 0.1°C at 5 h after the LPS application. Concentrations of TC and corticosterone increased until 3.5 h, and the proportion of FC relative to TC more than doubled until 3.5 h after LPS administration. Serum albumin concentration was reduced at 5 h compared with initial values, whereas concentrations of insulin, glucagon, and glucose were increased after 5 h compared with 0 h. In conclusion, the stimulation of the immune system by the intramammary LPS administration is accompanied by distinct metabolic and endocrine changes. Corticosterone and TC concentrations react similarly in response to the LPS challenge and earlier compared with metabolic adaptations. The increased need of active cortisol is covered by both increased secretion and a higher percentage of FC.

Use of discriminant statistical procedures for an early detection of persistent lactations in dairy cows

With the development of precision dairy farming, data on individual daily milk production are easily available in many herds. The aim of the present research was to develop an algorithm able to early detect dairy cows with a potential persistent lactation using daily production data. In this study, 2295 lactations belonging to primiparous (1015) and multiparous (1280) Holstein cows from two different farms equipped with the Afimilk system were used. Based on daily milk yield at 305 days in milk (DIM), animals were grouped into three production classes: low (LC) with milk yield <20 kg, middle (MC) with milk yield between 20 kg and 32 kg, and high (HC) with milk yield >32 kg, respectively. Lactations of MC or HC were considered as suitable for becoming long lactations. Four different models (Wood, Ali & Schaeffer, Legendre polynomials and 4th degree polynomials) were fitted to individual lactations by using the first 90, 120 and 150 DIM. Estimated model parameters were considered as variables in two multivariate discriminant techniques. The canonical discriminant analysis was used to test for possible differences between the extreme classes LC and HC. The discriminant analysis was performed to assign animals to the two production classes. The canonical discriminant analysis significantly separated LC from HC both for primiparous and multiparous cows. Among the different lactation models, the 4th degree polynomial was the most precise when the discriminant analysis was used to assign animals to the two production classes. In particular, by using the data of the first 150 DIM, the percentage of LC lactations incorrectly assigned to HC was 5% for primiparous and 7% for multiparous. Errors slightly increased when data of 120 (6% and 8% for primiparous and multiparous) and 90 (7% and 12% for primiparous and multiparous) DIM were used.The entire procedure could be automated by implementing, for example, the Afifarm’s report with a statistical computer software and it could be applied at farm level or using data from different associated farms. In practice, a historical database with previous complete lactations should be firstly created. As a new lactation proceeds, the recorded milk production data are fitted by using the 4th degree polynomial model and the estimated parameters submitted to the discriminant analysis. The lactation will be assigned to LC or HC.

Short communication: Animal-level factors associated with whether a dairy female is mated to a dairy or beef bull

When serving a female, the producer must decide whether to mate her to a dairy or beef bull. Tools assisting in this decision could be a useful component of the decision process. A database of 2,283,100 artificial inseminations from 806,725 dairy females was used to investigate what factors were associated with servicing a given female to a beef bull. The probability of being inseminated with a beef bull increased with each service and as the breeding season progressed. An older cow had greater odds of being served with a beef bull, as did cows that calved later in the year, had recently experienced dystocia, were a longer time calved, or were of a poor overall genetic merit compared with herdmates. Cows with low somatic cell count in the previous lactation compared with herdmates were less likely to be mated to a beef bull, as were cows that yielded relatively higher milk solids in the previous lactation. Relative to a first-parity cow, the odds of a fifth-parity cow being mated to a beef bull were 1.35, whereas those of a tenth-parity cow were 2.11. The odds of a female in the worst 10% for total genetic merit being mated to a beef bull were 2.90 times those of a female in the top 10%. Although dystocia was associated with the likelihood of being mated to a beef bull, the actual likelihood did not vary much by level of dystocia experienced. Relative to the first service, the odds of the third and fifth services being to a beef bull were 2.23 and 3.71, respectively. These probability estimates can form the back-end system supporting decisions on mating type for a female within a sire mating advice system but also in risk analysis of farm management.

3-Nitrooxypropanol decreases methane emissions and increases hydrogen emissions of early lactation dairy cows, with associated changes in nutrient digestibility and energy metabolism

The aim of this study was to determine the methane (CH4) mitigation potential of 3-nitrooxypropanol and the persistency of its effect when fed to dairy cows in early lactation. Sixteen Holstein-Friesian cows (all multiparous; 11 cows in their second parity and 5 cows in their third parity) were blocked in pairs, based on actual calving date, parity, and previous lactation milk yield, and randomly allocated to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: a diet including 51 mg of 3-nitrooxypropanol/kg of dry matter (3-NOP) and a diet including a placebo at the same concentration (CON). Cows were fed a 35% grass silage, 25% corn silage, and 40% concentrate (on dry matter basis) diet from 3 d after calving up to 115 d in milk (DIM). Every 4 weeks, the cows were housed in climate respiration chambers for 5 d to measure lactation performance, feed and nutrient intake, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, energy and N metabolism, and gaseous exchange (4 chamber visits per cow in total, representing 27, 55, 83, and 111 DIM). Feeding 3-NOP did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk component yield, or feed efficiency. These variables were affected by stage of lactation, following the expected pattern of advanced lactation. Feeding 3-NOP did not affect CH4 production (g/d) at 27 and 83 DIM, but decreased CH4 production at 55 and 111 DIM by an average of 18.5%. This response in CH4 production is most likely due to the differences observed in feed intake across the different stages of lactation because CH4 yield (g/kg of DMI) was lower (on average 16%) at each stage of lactation upon feeding 3-NOP. On average, feeding 3-NOP increased H2 production and intensity 12-fold; with the control diet, H2 yield did not differ between the different stages of lactation, whereas with the 3-NOP treatment H2 yield decreased from 0.429 g/kg of DMI at 27 DIM to 0.387 g/kg of DMI at 111 DIM. The apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy was greater for the 3-NOP treatment. In comparison to the control treatment, 3-NOP did not affect energy and N balance, except for a greater metabolizable energy intake to gross energy intake ratio (65.4 and 63.7%, respectively) and a greater body weight gain (average 0.90 and 0.01% body weight change, respectively). In conclusion, feeding 3-NOP is an effective strategy to decrease CH4 emissions (while increasing H2 emission) in early lactation Holstein-Friesian cows with positive effects on apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients.

Colostrum composition and immunoglobulin G content in dairy and dual-purpose cattle breeds.

Immunoglobulins (Ig) are essential components in the colostrum of bovine species that enable passive immunization of newborn calves. Concentrations of fat and protein are greater in colostrum compared with mature milk and represent a vital source of energy and nutrients. Colostral IgG was shown to vary between individual dairy cows, but comparative data on different breeds and performance levels are scarce. The objective of the present field study was to investigate the contents of total IgG, fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum in different Swiss and German dairy and dual-purpose breeds. We collected colostrum samples of 458 cows of 13 different breeds (dairy breeds: Brown Swiss, Swiss and German Holstein Friesian, and New Zealand Holstein; dual-purpose breeds: German Fleckvieh, Holstein Friesian × Montbéliarde, Montbéliarde, Murnau-Werdenfels, Original Braunvieh, Pinzgauer, Rhetic Gray, and Simmental; and beef-type crossbred: Charolais × Holstein Friesian). Colostrum samples were obtained between 5 and 900 min after calving and analyzed for total IgG, fat protein, and lactose contents. Immunoglobulin G concentrations varied between 12.7 and 204.0 mg/mL. No effect of breeding purpose (i.e., dairy or dual-purpose) nor of previous lactation yield on IgG content was observed. However, milking of cows for the first time later than 12 h after parturition resulted in lower colostrum IgG concentrations compared with colostrum harvest within 9 h after calving (P < 0.05). Multiparous cows had a higher colostral IgG concentration than primiparous cows (P < 0.0001). Overall, concentrations of IgG and other constituents in colostrum varied widely in the different cattle breeds. High-yielding dairy cows did not have poorer colostrum quality compared with lower-yielding animals or beef and dual-purpose breeds, which suggests an individually different transfer of circulating IgG into colostrum.

Vegetable biocholine supplementation in pre- and postpartum Lacaune sheep: Effects on animal health, milk production and quality

In the final third of gestation and during early lactation, sheep require a large supply of nutrients to support fetal growth, mammary gland development, and milk production. Nevertheless, during this period, the pregnant ewe consumes less feed in the context of increased energy expenditure and hepatic overload. For these reasons, natural products have been used as supplements to minimize the negative effects of this transition phase. The objective of the present study was to determine whether supplementation with vegetable biocholine (VB) in pregnant and lactating sheep (transition period) would improve milk production and quality and overall health. The experiment lasted 65 days, corresponding to the final 20 days of pregnancy and the first 45 days of lactation. A total of 24 Lacaune ewes [2.30 ± 0.56 L of milk/day at 15 days postpartum (average production in previous lactation)] were separated into two homogeneous groups on day 20 prenatally: a control group (without supplementation) and a treated group in which the animals received 5 g of VB/animal/day. Blood samples were taken on days 20 and 10 before delivery, the day of delivery and on days 7, 15, 30 and 45 after delivery. Measurements of milk yield, as well as milk collections for composition analysis (fat, protein, lactose and total solids) were performed on the 15th, 30th and 45th postpartum days. The sheep that consumed VB in the diet had higher lactation persistence than did control (P < 0.05), and tended to have greater (P = 0.10) milk production (Control = 1.94 L/day; Treated = 2.23 L/day). Milk composition did not differ significantly between the groups at the three time points (P>0.05). We observed greater activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in milk (P <0.05); there was also a tendency toward lower somatic cell counts in the milk of the sheep in the treated group on day 45 (P = 0.07). Higher activities of GPx and GST also were observed in the serum the treated group (P < 0.05). At 45 days postpartum, sheep in the treated group had lower liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase) (P <0.05), and lower albumin levels at days 15 and 30 (P <0.05). Globulin levels were greater in serum of VB-supplemented sheep than in controls (P <0.05). Vegetable biocholine intake by sheep reduced serum calcium levels (P <0.05). We conclude that the addition of VB in the diet of sheep improved health and milk quality but did not affect milk composition though it tended to increase milk production.

Desarrollo de un programa del oxigenador extracorpóreo de membrana en un servicio de cardiología: lecciones aprendidas en 5 años

Introduction and objectivesUse of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has expanded in the last few years due to its applicability in different cardiac conditions. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of developing a VA-ECMO program in a cardiology department. MethodsObservational study. We consecutively collected the patients treated with VA-ECMO due to medical pathology during the first 5 years of the program. We analyzed the characteristics and short and long term outcomes of these cases. ResultsEighty-three patients were supported with VA-ECMO during the study period. Thirty-day survival was 55.4% and survival to hospital discharge was 50.6%. On multivariate logistic regression analysis age (10 years old odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.08-2.33; P=.03), previous lactate (mmol/L OR, 1.27; 95%CI, 1.12-1.45; P <.001) and time from decision to support (15min OR, 1.99; 95%CI, 1.12-3.56; P=.02). One-year survival of patients who were discharged was 100%. ConclusionsThe developing of a VA-ECMO program in the cardiology departments is feasible and applicable to patients with medical acute cardiovascular failure. Time from decision to support appears to play an important role in the outcomes, as do lactate and age.

P0576LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION ON TISSUE PERFUSION AND RENAL OUTCOMES IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been regarded as a predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis. However, it remains uncertain whether LV dysfunction deteriorates multiple organ failure by impairing tissue perfusion or it has an independent impact. In this study, we investigated the association between LV dysfunction and tissue perfusion, and their impacts on renal outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis. Method We retrospectively reviewed a total of 162 adult patients with sepsis who met the Sepsis-3 definition. Subjects included 83 (51.2%) with normal LV function, 39 (24.1%) with diastolic dysfunction defined as the septal E/e’ ratio &amp;gt;15 among patients with ejection fraction ≥50% and 40 (24.7%) with systolic dysfunction defined as an ejection fraction &amp;lt;50%. Tissue perfusion was assessed by the levels of blood lactate. Results The initial and 24h levels of lactate, and lactate clearance did not differ regardless of the presence of LV dysfunction (P=0.861, 0.907 and 0.363). The incidence rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) among the patients with initial lactate &amp;lt;2 mmol/L was higher in those with LV dysfunction (P=0.044), conversely, the incidence rate was comparable in the patients with initial lactate ≥2 mmol/L (P=0.797). Risks of AKI and renal replacement therapy implementation increased if subjects had blood lactate levels ≥2 mmol/L (P=0.009 and 0.080), however, the impact of LV dysfunction on these outcomes depended on previous chronic kidney disease and lactate levels (diastolic dysfunction: P=0.449 and 0.663; systolic dysfunction: P=0.062 and 0.161). However, renal replacement therapy-free days were shorter in those with LV dysfunction, independent of previous chronic kidney disease (P=0.003). Renal function at discharge was not related to the lactate levels and LV function in this study (P=0.685 and 0.089) Conclusion LV dysfunction might not influence tissue perfusion in patients with sepsis, on the other hand, it could lengthen the duration of renal replacement therapy. Therapeutic options for preserving microcirculation should be warranted in patients with sepsis, in addition to individualized therapies tailored their LV function.

Short communication: Prediction of hyperketonemia in dairy cows in early lactation using on-farm cow data and net energy intake by partial least square discriminant analysis

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate if hyperketonemia in dairy cows (defined as plasma β-hydroxybutyrate ≥1.0 mmol/L) can be predicted using on-farm cow data either in current or previous lactation week, and (2) to study if adding individual net energy intake (NEI) can improve the predictive ability of the model. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration, on-farm cow data (milk yield, percentage of fat, protein and lactose, fat- and protein-corrected milk yield, body weight, body weight change, dry period length, parity, and somatic cell count), and NEI of 424 individual cows were available weekly through lactation wk 1 to 5 postpartum. To predict hyperketonemia in dairy cows, models were first trained by partial least square discriminant analysis, using on-farm cow data in the same or previous lactation week. Second, NEI was included in models to evaluate the improvement of the predictability of the models. Through leave-one trial-out cross-validation, models were evaluated by accuracy (the ratio of the sum of true positive and true negative), sensitivity (68.2% to 84.9%), specificity (61.5% to 98.7%), positive predictive value (57.7% to 98.7%), and negative predictive value (66.2% to 86.1%) to predict hyperketonemia of dairy cows. Through lactation wk 1 to 5, the accuracy to predict hyperketonemia using data in the same week was 64.4% to 85.5% (on-farm cow data only), 66.1% to 87.0% (model including NEI), and using data in the previous week was 58.5% to 82.0% (on-farm cow data only), 59.7% to 85.1% (model including NEI). An improvement of the accuracy of the model due to including NEI ranged among lactation weeks from 1.0% to 4.4% when using data in the same lactation week and 0.2% to 6.6% when using data in the previous lactation week. In conclusion, trained models via partial least square discriminant analysis have potential to predict hyperketonemia in dairy cows not only using data in the current lactation week, but also using data in the previous lactation week. Net energy intake can improve the accuracy of the model, but only to a limited extent. Besides NEI, body weight, body weight change, milk fat, and protein content were important variables to predict hyperketonemia, but their rank of importance differed across lactation weeks.

The relationship between colostrum quality, passive transfer of immunity and birth and weaning weight in neonatal calves

Calves are born almost agammaglobulinemic and thus need an adequate amount of good quality colostrum to avoid failure of transfer of passive immunity. The quality of colostrum is influenced by several factors such as the volume of colostrum produced, collection time, the concentration of immunoglobulins, breed, the age of dam, and mastitis events in the previous lactation. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between colostrum quality, serum total protein (TP), birth, and weaning weight of the calf.Seventy-three calves born in the same farm were included in the study. Three liters of colostrum were administered to the calves as soon as the calf could drink while the other 3 L was administered 8 h later. Immediately after birth, and at 60 days of age, each calf was weighed. Colostrum was evaluated after calving by a qualified operator using an optical Brix refractometer. Twenty-four hours after birth, 10 mL of blood was collected from each calf in order to evaluate the serum TP using a digital refractometer. The relationship between colostrum quality, serum TP, birth and weaning weight was analyzed using a mixed linear model.Colostrum quality increased with parity; serum TP increased in association with an increase in the Brix percentage of the colostrum administered to the calves. Data indicated that heavier calves had a lower TP at 24 h of age than lighter calves under the same colostrum transfer protocol of 6 L of quality colostrum in 12 h. Serum TP (g/dL) decreased continuously in all calves from 8.267 by 0.032 x kg of birth weight.The birth weight of the calves could influence the quantity of colostrum necessary to achieve the same level of TP, so heavy calves should be fed more. Further studies would be necessary in order to evaluate the mechanism of IgG absorption in the gut of calves with different body weight.

Production responses to rumen-protected choline and methionine supplemented during the periparturient period differ for primi- and multiparous cows

The objective of this experiment was to examine production performance responses to feeding rumen-protected choline (RPC) or methionine (RPM), or both, during the periparturient period. Fifty-four Holstein cows (25 primiparous, 29 multiparous) were used in a randomized block design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Cows were blocked by expected calving date and parity and assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: CON (no RPC or RPM); RPC (13.0 g/d of choline ion); RPM (9 g/d of dl-methionine prepartum; 13.5 g/d of dl-methionine postpartum); or RPC + RPM. Treatments were applied once daily as a top-dress from 3 wk before through 5 wk after calving. Dry matter intake and milk production were recorded daily, and milk samples were obtained once weekly. Data were analyzed for primi- and multiparous cows separately, using a repeated-measures mixed model that included random effects of cow and block and fixed effects of RPC, RPM, week, and their interactions; week served as the repeated effect. Initial BW and previous lactation milk yield were included as covariates in the statistical model for multiparous cows. Feeding RPC without RPM increased milk yield for multiparous cows by 8.7 kg/d, but this increase was not observed when RPC was fed with RPM. In multiparous cows, feeding RPM increased milk fat concentration and tended to increase milk fat yield. Because of this, RPM increased fat-corrected milk (FCM) by 2.8 kg/d at wk 2 postpartum, and this increase was sustained through wk 5 postpartum. In contrast, RPM did not affect overall milk fat yield and concentration for primiparous cows. Feeding RPC increased milk yield for primiparous cows by 3.5 kg/d irrespective of RPM inclusion, which is contrary to observations in multiparous cows, where RPC increased milk yield only in the absence of RPM. These results indicate that responses to RPC during the periparturient period may be dependent upon supply of methionine. Our observations also demonstrate that primi- and multiparous cows respond differently to RPC and RPM supplemented individually or simultaneously during the periparturient period. This variation in response could have been mediated by putative differences in choline and methionine requirements of primiparous versus multiparous cows, or by differences in the levels of milk production between the 2 groups (36 vs. 25 kg of FCM/d). However, cows in this study did not experience severe negative energy balance (mean nadirs of -6.6 and -5.0 Mcal/d for multiparous and primiparous cows, respectively), which likely affected their responses to RPC and RPM.

Care of Breast in Pregnant and Lactating Females

Abstract Background Brest feeding is an important process that’s not only important for baby nutrition but also it strengthens the relation between the mother and her baby. Female breast undergoes multiple physiological changes during pregnancy and lactation.if the female not well educated about them and how to deal with them it will be a source of great horror to the female and her family as they consider any pain or unknown change in the breast as cancer until proved otherwise. Objective To assess breast care during pregnancy and its preparation for lactation and the value of this care in preventing breast infection. Patients and Methods This is a prospective study included 85 female patients coming to breast clinic and obstetric clinic of El Demerdash Hospital from September 2017 to August 2018. 40 of them presented during the third trimester of their pregnancy and the remaining 45 presented during lactation period. Sixty –three of them were multipara, the others were primigravida. Thirty of them gave a history of problems with previous lactation. Results In our research, females who came and were followed during pregnancy were educated about the importance of breast feeding to the baby and to the mother during their visits to the obstetric clinic. They were taught how to take care of their breast preparing it for safe and comfortable nursing. 35% of them were previously suffered from breast engorgement in previous lactation but when they followed our instructions about 27% of them developed breast engorgement which relieved rapidly without progressing to further complications. Also 5% previously developed breast abscess which was avoided in current study. We had also two of our participants that had retracted nipple one of them had previous experience of lactation that stopped shortly after birth but when we reassure her and learn her how to prepare her nipples by gentle massage, lubricants and use of plastic shells after delivery she could overcome her problem and continue breast feeding. Females who came during lactation were not prepared properly during pregnancy and 44% of them suffered from breast engorgement which was relieved with proper management but one of them developed breast abscess. Conclusion Every female have to learn about the right position of nursing and how to make proper care of her breasts and when she has to seek medical advice. This will help her to adapt the act of nursing and overcome any annoying problem that she may face during this period.

Relation between Liver Lipid Content and Plasma Biochemical Indicators in Dairy Cows

Background: The incidence of metabolic disorders in dairy cows has increased as a result of intensive production practices and genetic selection for milk yield. Among such disorders, liver lipidosis is very frequently observed and has significant negative effects on cow health and milk yield. Severe energy supply deficit causes high fat mobilization, resulting in rapid body condition loss and liver lipid infiltration, which cannot always be detected by known blood biochemical indicators. The main objective of the study was to determine possible associations of blood biochemical parameters with liver lipid infiltration severity in high-yield multiparous Holstein cows along prepartum and postpartum periods.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Fifty-four high-yield Holstein cows from a herd managed in a free-stall system in the northwest region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil were evaluated. Cows were divided in two groups according to their physiological status. Group 1 included 19 prepartum cows, with an average milk yield of 44.7 L/d in the previous lactation, and 2.8 average parity, and Group 2 included 35 postpartum cows, with an average milk yield of 46.8 L/d in the previous lactation, and 2.5 average parity. The farm produced 10,000 kg milk per year, containing 3.5% of fat, 3.2% of protein and 4.7% of lactose. Total cholesterol (CH), plasma triglycerides (TGp), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), albumin (ALB), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) levels, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were analyzed in the plasma and liver triglycerides (TGl) levels were determined in liver tissue samples.The SPSS statistical software was used for the statistical analyses. The obtained data were analyzed for normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test and for homoscedasticity by Bartlett test. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and means were compared by the t-test (PROC TTEST). Pearson correlation test (PROC CORR) was used to compare the results between prepartum and postpartum cows, and between those with and without lipidosis.An overall incidence of 20% severe hepatic lipidosis was determined both in prepartum and postpartum cows. Positive significant correlations were obtained between days in milk (DIM) and AST (r= 0.43; P &lt; 0.01), CH and TGp (r= 0.44; P &lt; 0.01), TGl and AST (r=0.32; P &lt; 0.05), NEFA and AST (r= 0.45; P &lt; 0.01) and CK and AST (r= 0.447; P &lt; 0.01). Negative significant correlations were detected between TGp and DIM (r= -0.45; P &lt; 0.01), and between TGl and TGp (r= -0.30; P &lt; 0.05).Discussion: Prepartum cows showed moderate fat infiltration in the liver, while 25.7% of postpartum cows presented severe lipidosis. AST values increased as lactation progressed, suggesting a greater tendency of liver damage, in early postpartum. The obtained CK values were within the reference range, except for the cows with hepatic lipidosis, indicating that the measured AST activity was originated from the liver and not from the muscle tissues. TGp, NEFA and AST values indicate the degree of fat mobilization and, possibly, liver infiltration, while TGl indicates fat infiltration in the liver. Although negative energy balance (NEB) may trigger lipolysis and some degree of hepatic lipidosis, plasma BHB values did not significantly increase. The obtained results show that the evaluated plasma parameters may be useful to establish guidelines for the identification of changes in the metabolic profile of dairy cows during different production stages, as well as measures for the prevention and control of metabolic disorders.

Effect of skin and coat characteristics on growth and milk production traits in Tharparkar cattle

The present study was conducted on a total of 68 Tharparkar cattle (Bos indicus) at Cattle and Buffalo farm (Indian Veterinary Research Institute) from December 2016 to April 2017. The objective was to study the effect of skin and coat characteristics like coat colour, coat score (CS) coat thickness, hair density, hair length, hair diameter and weight of hair coat on growth (live body weights at birth, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age) and milk production (Lactation lengths, lactation milk yield) traits. Physiological parameters studied were skin temperature (ST), rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR). Animals were divided into 2 groups: light grey (LG) and dark grey (DG), on the basis of coat colour. Higher average body weights were found in light grey animals at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. An increase in coat score (higher coat score implies rough, long and a more wooly hair coat) tended to have a negative effect on body weight gain as well as on milk production. The average previous lactation yields of LG were higher than DG group. Cattle with lower hair densities (&lt;400 hair/cm2) had higher milk yields than with higher hair densities (&gt;400 hair/cm2). Considering the results of the present study, it can be concluded that skin and coat characteristics can be used as a potential selection tool to improve growth and production potential of cattle especially in tropics.

Serum vitamin D concentrations at dry-off and close-up predict increased postpartum urine ketone concentrations in dairy cattle

Vitamin D is commonly supplemented to dairy cows as vitamin D3 to support calcium homeostasis and in times of low sunlight exposure. Vitamin D has beneficial immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations fluctuated during lactation, with the lowest concentrations measured in healthy cows within 7 d of calving. However, it is unknown if serum 25(OH)D concentrations measured during the previous lactation are associated with transition diseases or health risk factors in dairy cattle. We collected serum samples from 279 dairy cattle from 5 commercial dairy herds in Michigan at dry-off, close-up, and 2-10 d in milk (DIM). Vitamin D concentrations were determined by measuring serum 25(OH)D by radioimmunoassay. Total serum calcium was measured by colorimetric methods. Body condition scores (BCS) were assigned at the time of blood collection. Clinical disease incidence was monitored until 30 d postparturition. Separate bivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine if serum 25(OH)D at dry-off, close-up, and 2-10 DIM was associated with various clinical diseases including mastitis, lameness, and uterine disorders (classified as metritis, retained placenta, or both) and increased urine ketone concentrations at P < 0.05. Among all significant bivariable analyses, multivariable logistic regression analyses were built to adjust for potential confounding variables including parity, BCS, season, and calcium. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine optimal concentrations of serum 25(OH)D. We found that higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations at dry-off and close-up predicted increased urine ketone concentrations in early lactation, even after adjustment for confounders. Alternatively, we found that lower serum 25(OH)D at 2-10 DIM was associated with uterine diseases. Optimal concentrations for serum 25(OH)D at dry-off and close-up for lower risk of increased urine ketone concentrations were below 103.4 and 91.1 ng/mL, respectively. The optimal concentration for serum 25(OH)D at 2-10 DIM for uterine diseases was above 71.4 ng/mL. These results indicate that serum 25(OH)D at dry-off and close-up may be a novel predictive biomarker for increased urine ketone concentrations during early lactation. Increased urine ketone concentrations are not necessarily harmful or diagnostic for ketosis but do indicate development of negative energy balance, metabolic stress, and increased risk of early lactation diseases. Predicting that dairy cattle are at increased risk of disease facilitates implementation of intervention strategies that may lower disease incidence. Future studies should confirm these findings and determine the utility of serum 25(OH)D concentrations as a predictive biomarker for clinical and subclinical ketosis.

Purulent vaginal discharge diagnosed in pasture-based Holstein-Friesian cows at 21 days postpartum is influenced by previous lactation milk yield and results in diminished fertility

In a subset of dairy cows, prolonged pathological uterine inflammation results in purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), which can have negative consequences for both fertility and milk production. However, unlike for intensive systems, analysis of the effects of PVD in predominantly pasture-based herds is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of PVD in spring-calving, pasture-based dairy cows on production and reproduction indices, stratified according to previous full-lactation milk yield. We assessed clinical disease as defined by vaginal mucus score (VMS) in 440 Holstein-Friesian cows from 5 farms. Cows were categorized as healthy (VMS 0) or having PVD (VMS 1-3) at 21 d postpartum. We recorded 305-d milk, milk protein, and milk fat yields (kg) before and after disease diagnosis, as well as fertility data, such as services per conception and the calving-conception period (CCP). Using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), we analyzed data using PROC MIXED, PROC PHREG, and PROC LOGISTIC to determine the least squares means differences and hazard and odds ratios between the groups, respectively. Overall, a 60% prevalence of PVD was recorded at 21 d postpartum. Milk yield and milk constituents were similar between all VMS categories and between healthy cows and cows with PVD. Although cows in the 4 VMS categories had statistically similar CCP, cows with PVD had a significantly longer CCP than healthy cows on average (9 d). The hazard ratio for cows with PVD was 0.66, indicating a 34% higher risk of a prolonged CCP than healthy cows. Odds ratio analysis determined that cows with PVD were 3 times more likely not to conceive at all, twice as likely not to conceive at first service, twice as likely not to conceive by 100 d postpartum, and 3 times more likely to fail to conceive before 150 d postpartum compared with healthy cows. Cows were retrospectively categorized as having low or high milk yield, based on whether they were above or below the median 305-d milk yield of the study population (6,571 kg) in the lactation before vaginal mucus scoring. Based on a univariate odds ratio, high-yield cows were 1.6 times more likely to present with PVD in the subsequent lactation. The number of services per conception did not differ between healthy and PVD cows in the low- and high-yield groups. In the high-yield group, cows with PVD were 4.9 times more likely not to conceive, 2.7 times more likely to require multiple services to conceive, 2.1 times more likely to remain not pregnant by 100 d postpartum, and 4.4 times more likely to remain not pregnant by 150 d postpartum. The CCP was also significantly longer in cows with PVD than their healthy counterparts (115.9 ± 4.9 and 104 ± 7.4 d, respectively). In conclusion, PVD significantly increased the CCP in all cows, but to a greater extent in cows with a high milk yield in the lactation before disease diagnosis.

Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on rumen fermentation, lactational performance, and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows

This study examined the effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), a substance under investigation, on enteric methane (CH4) emission, rumen fermentation, lactational performance, sensory properties of milk, and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in early-lactation dairy cows. Fifty-six multi- and primiparous Holstein cows, including 8 that were rumen cannulated, were used in a 15-wk randomized complete block design experiment. Cows were blocked based on parity and previous lactation milk yield (MY) or predicted MY, and within each block were randomly assigned to one of 2 treatments: (1) control (CON), administered no 3-NOP, or (2) 3-NOP applied at 60 mg/kg of feed dry matter (3-NOP). Enteric CH4 emission was measured during experimental wk 2, 6, 9, and 15, using the GreenFeed system. Dry matter intake (DMI) and MY data were collected daily throughout the experiment, and milk composition samples were collected 7 times during the experiment. Milk samples were collected from 14 to 60 (±2) d after calving, 3 d per week, and assayed for progesterone concentration to determine resumption of ovarian activity. Compared with CON, 3-NOP decreased daily CH4 emission by 26%, CH4 yield (CH4 per kg of DMI) by 21%, and CH4 emission intensity [CH4 per kg of MY or energy-corrected milk (ECM)] by 25%. Enteric emission of carbon dioxide was decreased by 5%, and hydrogen emission was increased 48-fold by 3-NOP. Inclusion of 3-NOP decreased concentration of total volatile fatty acids (by 9.3%) and acetate but increased butyrate molar proportion, ethanol, and formate concentrations in ruminal fluid. Dry matter intake was lower for 3-NOP compared with CON, but DMI expressed as a percentage of body weight was not different between treatments. Treatment had no effect on milk and ECM, body weight change, or body condition score. Milk composition and milk fat and protein yields were not affected by treatment, except that concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in milk were increased by 3-NOP. Nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites and hormones were not affected by 3-NOP, except that insulin was decreased by 3-NOP. There was no effect of 3-NOP on postpartum resumption of ovarian activity, including days to first and second luteal phases, length of first and second luteal phases, and interval from first to second luteal phase. Sensory properties of milk from cows fed 3-NOP and cheese made from that milk were not affected by treatment. In this experiment, 3-NOP decreased daily enteric CH4 emission, emission yield, and emission intensity, improved feed efficiency, and did not affect lactational performance or onset of ovarian activity in early-lactation dairy cows.