Bovine Milk Production Research Articles

PSV-2 Rumen fluid metabolomics of dairy cows fed combinations of essential oil blend, onion peel extract and prebiotics using the RUSITEC system

Abstract Dairy products have a crucial role in the diets of over 6 billion people worldwide, providing essential nutrients such as energy, high-quality protein, and micronutrients. With dairy cows accounting for nearly 81% of global milk production, strategies to increase milk production sustainably are vital, especially with the U.S. being the second-largest producer. Essential oil blends (EOB), onion peel extract (OPE), and prebiotics such as mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) offer promising avenues to enhance bovine milk production. These additives have the potential to modify rumen ecology and fermentation activity, while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cows. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of combining EOB, OPE, GOS, and/or MOS on specific rumen metabolites and metabolic pathways using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. Rumen-cannulated non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows (n = 3) were used as rumen fluid donors. Total mixed ration (TMR) consisted of corn silage (60%), alfalfa hay (20%), and concentrate (20%). Using a completely randomized design, 16 fermentation vessels were divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates each over a 9-d period. The treatments included a control group (CON; TMR only), GEO (TMR+GOS+EOB+OPE), MEO (TMR+MOS+EOB+OPE), and OLEO (TMR+OLG+EOB+OPE). The EOB comprised of garlic, lemongrass, cumin, lavender, and nutmeg (4:2:2:1:1), while OLG contained GOS and MOS in equal proportions. EOB was added at 10 µL/g, and OPE, GOS, MOS, and OLG were included at 30 mg/g TMR. Rumen effluents were collected over 5 d for quantitative untargeted metabolome analysis. Analysis of rumen effluents using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 revealed 495 detected and identified metabolites. Volcano plot analysis showed no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) in metabolite abundance between the CON and MEO, GEO, or OLEO treatments. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) also indicated no clear separation between the CON and treatment groups, suggesting no significant alteration in the metabolome. Compared with CON, the relative concentrations of dopamine 4-O-glucuronide, proline, and histamine were less while pyrocatechol was greater in MEO group. Isomer 1 of 2-hydroxyhepta-2,4-dienedioic acid, histamine, and dopamine 4-O-glucuronide were less while 2-aminomuconic acid and isomer 1 of hulupinic acid were greater in the GEO group. Histamine was less and hydroxypyridine was greater in the OLEO group. Phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism tended to be upregulated in OLEO. Meanwhile, metabolic pathways related to amino acids, vitamins, nitrogen metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis remained unaltered by MEO, GEO and OLEO treatments. In summary, the study demonstrated that the inclusion of MEO, GEO, and OLEO had no adverse effects on rumen metabolites. Future research should focus on combinations of nutraceuticals that could positively impact nutrient metabolism and production performance of dairy cows.

Predicting bovine daily milk yield by leveraging genomic breeding values

The main goal of this work, conducted on a herd of 502 Holstein cows situated in Italy, is to propose a machine learning-based approach to forecast the individual bovine daily milk production by explicitly leveraging genotypic information. As part of our study, we also evaluated the importance in the prediction of genotypic and phenotypic variables usually available within herd. The methodology we propose is based on two consecutive models: a genomic prediction one to calculate the animal’s genomic breeding value from marker data, followed by a feed forward neural network combining such additive genetic effect and the environmental features (parity, days in milk, age at calving in months, month of calving) for milk yield forecasting. In particular, we both assess the inclusion of genomic breeding values calculated within herd or provided by the breeders’ association, discovering that the latter ones allow for better final predictions. The results of our model outperform the ones by a linear mixed model with the same inputs on average, day by day and at the individual level. Moreover, we propose a problem formulation that also leverages additional factors partially controllable by breeders: in this case, features such as the number of milkings and the concentrate consumption inside the automatic milking system prove to highly impact on the final prediction, and hence on milk production. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed problem formulation based on genomic breeding values is a novelty in the individual bovine milk yield machine learning forecasting literature. Given the low genotyping costs and the availability of a larger number of environmental features in farms equipped with a wide range of sensors, as automatic milking systems, our solution can support breeders’ herd management and animal monitoring, thanks to the possibility to forecast the full lactation curve in advance even for primiparous bovines and newborn calves. With this work, we successfully achieve our objectives of including genomic information in bovine milk yield machine learning-based forecasting, thus improving the performance on this task, and of evaluating the impact on prediction of common genotypic and phenotypic information available to breeders.

Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM): their role in bovine mastitis and One Health.

Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) are gaining importance in mastitis and public health, and some NAS have been reclassified as mammaliicocci (NASM). Bovine milk production has a major influence on the world economy, being an essential source of income for small, medium and large producers, and bovine mastitis caused by NASM can cause an economic impact. Mastitis generates financial losses due to reduced revenue, increased veterinary costs and expenses associated with animal slaughter. However, it is also a public health issue involving animal health and welfare, human health and the ecosystem. Furthermore, it is an increasingly common infection caused by NASM, including antimicrobial-resistant strains. Despite all these adverse effects that NASM can cause, some studies also point to its protective role against mastitis. Therefore, this review article addresses the negative and positive aspects that NASM can cause in bovine mastitis, the virulence of the disease and resistance factors that make it difficult to treat and, through the One Health approach, presents a holistic view of how mastitis caused by NASM can affect both animal and human health at one and the same time.

Life cycle assessment of hemp-based milk alternative production in Lower Saxony, Germany, based on a material flow analysis of a pilot scale

PurposeRecently, demand for plant-based milk products (PBMP) has increased for multiple reasons, such as the rapid population growth expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, health concerns such as lactose intolerance, nutritional aspects, ethical reasons, and environmental concerns. This leads to increased demand for food and competition for natural resources. Hemp-based milk is an emerging dairy alternative, and stakeholders in the supply chain are becoming increasingly interested in learning about the environmental effects of its production. This article aims for a comparative life cycle assessment of hemp-based and bovine milk with fat and protein correction to account for the differences in macronutrient content.MethodsThe cradle-to-factory gate LCA relied on experimental cultivation and milk production in Lower Saxony, Germany. Inventory was based on primary data from fields and the pilot plant of DIL e. V. and on literature and ecoinvent database to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) model. The LCA was performed using Simapro 9.3 software and IMPACT 2002+ impact assessment method. The life cycle stages include cultivation, harvesting, and milk production. The study compared hemp-based milk to bovine milk based on 1 kg fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) as a functional unit (FU). Co-products are taken into consideration using mass-economic allocation.ResultsThe results showed that hemp cultivation accounted for the highest impact (99%) in the production chain of hemp milk production. The GWP of 1 kg of FPCM hemp-based milk is 0.42 kg CO2 eq. The energy consumption for 1 kg of FPCM hemp-based milk is 4.73 MJ (12.26% lower than bovine milk). The other main factors impacting hemp-based milk production were terrestrial ecotoxicity (6.444E2 kg TEG soil) and aquatic ecotoxicity (2.458E2 kg TEG water). Hemp fiber was the co-product with 40% of the allocated impacts. The results are sensitive to the changes in fat-protein contents, functional unit, and system boundaries. The results demonstrated that the impacts of hemp milk production were within the range indicated for other PBMP production and 51.7% lower than bovine milk production in terms of GWP. This range primarily stems from field emissions, fertilizer application, and machinery usage during cultivation and harvest.ConclusionThe results of the comparisons of bovine milk and hemp-based milk were dependable on the FU. The hemp-based milk has the potential to be a more sustainable alternative to bovine milk due to considerably lower impacts in impact categories—land occupation (99% lower than bovine milk), global warming (52% lower than bovine milk), and ionizing radiation (23% lower than bovine milk). It is primarily due to less use of agricultural machinery, less land requirement, and lower NH3 emissions than bovine milk in various stages of milk production.

Dynamic implications of the biological link between bovine milk and meat production for operationalizing the planetary health diet.

The EAT-Lancet planetary health diet (PHD) provides guidelines on a global scale and calls for red meat consumption to be halved. Operational PHD guidelines at country level have yet to be determined. Here we argue that the biological link between milk and bovine-meat production must be considered when operationalizing the globally calculated PHD to national contexts. Using a stylized computer simulation model rooted in a food system approach, we explore the impact of dietary scenarios on milk and bovine-meat production and show that ignoring this biological link can lead to substantial imbalances between national dietary guidelines and production outcomes and potentially lead to food waste. Furthermore, we assess current national dietary guidelines in Europe and find that most disregard this biological link and are incompatible with the PHD, with implications for policymakers and consumers to consider when adapting the PHD in national contexts.

Approaches To The Factors Involved In The Economic And Productive Performance Of Dairy Farmas In The Pampas Region

Bovine milk production is carried out in complex productive systems that require constant monitoring of the factors that question them. Likewise, the sector needs to understand the stagnation of annual production at the national level, characterized by a drop in the number of establishments and herds, and a progressive productive efficiency. This entails the study of the determinants of both the economic (EP) and productive (PP) performance of the establishments, what could allow them to improve their competitiveness and, together with other exogenous factors, collaborate to overcome this prolonged stage of productive stability. Starting from a typology of dairy farms in the Pampas Region, the behavior of variables (profitability, cost of production and productivity of the land) and their interrelationship are analyzed. Finally, flexible econometric models that approximate the estimation of the economic and productive performance of the systems under study are formed and analyzed, based on factors that may be decisive for their evolution. The best models resulted from those that used synthetic variables (principal components) as inputs, compared to those that made us and selection of system-specific variables, correcting problems of multicollinearity. The use of instrumental variables could contribute to the resolution of the multicausality present among the factors of the models analyzed.

Folpet promotes apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells via disruption of redox homeostasis and activation of MAPK cascades.

Folpet, a phthalimide fungicide, is an agrochemical used to prevent fungal diseases in several crops. The toxicity of folpet has been demonstrated in Cyprinus carpio, pigs, and the human respiratory system. However, despite the possibilities of ingestion of folpet through feed, detrimental influences of folpet on dairy cattle have not been documented. Thus, this study aimed to record the harmful effects of folpet on the bovine mammary system and milk production using mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T cells), which play an essential role in the maintenance of yield and quality of milk production. In this study, we first confirmed that folpet exhibited cytotoxicity against MAC-T cells in both 2D and 3D cultures. Folpet treatment caused apoptosis, dysregulated intracellular calcium levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to cell death. We further demonstrated the induction of oxidative stress upon folpet treatment by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and lipid peroxidation in MAC-T cells. ROS generation following folpet treatment induced activation of MAPK cascades, including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 signaling. This is the first report highlighting the detrimental impacts of folpet on bovine mammary glands and, consequently, the dairy industry by elucidating intracellular mechanisms using MAC-T cells.

Genetic Conservation from the Perspective of Sustainable Development to Guarantee Safety in Bovine Dairy Production

For this study, 441 racial groups were used, using the following crosses: 7/8 Holstein X 1/8 Guzerat (n= 112), 7/8 American Swiss x 1/8 Guzerat (n=138) and 7/8 dairy Simmental X 1/8 Guzerat (n=191), from three dualpurpose farms in northern Puebla; Mexico. With the objective of evaluating milk production per lactation (PTL), period of initiation of lactation (EIL), days to peak lactation (PL), behavior of calves until weaning (CBD) and economic productivity. The results obtained indicated that milk production per lactation and days in lactation were affected by the genotype (P<.01). The productive variables for the behavior until weaning of calves of 7/8 European dairy cows x 1/8 Guzerat in dual purpose included; birth weight (BN), weaning weight (PD), daily weight gain (GDP) and weaning age (ED) were evaluated by survival analysis. The results indicated that the racial group did not influence (P>.01) any of the productive characteristics studied. In conclusion, 7/8 Holstein x 1/8 Guzerat (HG) and 7/8 American Swiss x 1/8 Guzerat (SAG) cows showed higher productive ability than cows with Simmental genes. The observed results suggest the possibility of using these crosses, in order to maintain the perspective of sustainable development, guaranteeing safety in bovine milk production in the northern region of Puebla.

Household characteristics, production and quality of bovine milk from crossbred dairy stock in the rural dairy production system of Ethiopia

Limited evidence exists on the rural/mixed crop-dairy production system given its contribution to the milk supply and strong spatial heterogeneity in dairy milk productivity and other production outcomes. A study was conducted to assess the production and composition of milk from crossbred dairy cows on smallholder farms in Ethiopia. A total of 198 households were surveyed in face-to-face interviews, and 80 milk samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The results revealed that the daily milk yields of Indigenous X Holstein-Friesians (IHF) and Indigenous X Jerseys (IJ) were 6.77 ± 1.09 and 6.39 ± 1.05 liters, respectively. The overall lactation lengths of IHF and IJ were 9.53 ± 1.24 and 9.25 ± 1.15 months. The daily milk yield and lactation length were significantly different (p < 0.05) between highland and mid-altitude agro-ecologies. Milk samples collected from IJ had 3.98 ± 0.89 fat, 6.78 ± 0.87 Solid-Not-Fat (SNF), 4.14 ± 0.47 lactose, 0.56 ± 0.07 Salts, and 2.66 ± 0.31 protein. Milk compositions of IHF were 3.13 + 0.96 fat, 7.42 ± 0.74SNF, 3.96 + 0.0.52 lactose, 0.61 ± 0.08 salts, and 2.76 ± 0.35 protein. All chemical components showed significant differences (P < 0.01) across agroecology and breed except for protein and lactose. Feed shortage is the major dairy constraint, followed by water shortage, the prevalence of disease, and access to veterinary, extension, and credit services. The constraints prevailing in the studied district need to be alleviated through an integrated approach to take advantage of the existing dairy opportunity of high milk demand. • Factors limiting production help to describe technological and investment needs. • Integrated approach to alleviate multiple problems in smallholder dairying. • Women played a major role in dairy production.

Human health risk surveillance of polychlorinated biphenyls in bovine milk from alluvial plain of Punjab, Pakistan.

Punjab is the leading province of Pakistan in the production of bovine milk and its consumption. Rapid industrialization, high energy demand, and the production of waste have increased the risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) toxicity in the environment. This research work was designed to assess human dietary exposure of∑PCBs17 congeners through ingestion of buffalo and cow's milk from eight main districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The average concentrations of ∑DL-PCBs (8.74ngg-1 and 14.60ngg-1) and ∑I-PCBs (11.54ngg-1 and 18.68ngg-1) in buffalo and cow milk samples were analyzed, respectively. The PCB-156 was predominantly high congener found in both buffalo (2.84ngg-1) and cow milk (2.86ngg-1). It was found that the highest PCBs in bovine milk samples were observed in close vicinities of urban and industrial areas. The estimated daily consumptions of DL-PCBs and I-PCBs, from buffalo and cow milk, were below the acceptable daily intake for both adults and children. Moreover, hazard quotients (HQ) of the ∑PCBs17 congener value were less than 1.0 in adults and greater in the case of children reflecting the high chances of cancer. Furthermore, comprehensive monitoring for childhood cancer is recommended to establish the relationship in future studies.

Effects of bovine casein hydrolysate as a dry cow therapy on prevention and cure of bovine intramammary infection, milk production, and somatic cell count in the subsequent lactation

The primary objectives were to investigate the efficacy of bovine casein hydrolysate (bCNH) as a dry cow therapy at (1) preventing new intramammary infection (IMI) postpartum of all bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and (2) curing existing subclinical infections, mainly of CNS. The secondary objective was to measure the effects of bCNH on milk yield, composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) during the lactation postcalving. The trial was conducted as a randomized, blinded controlled experiment. Israeli Holstein dairy cows (n = 170) in first or higher lactations were recruited from 4 large commercial dairy herds. Cows were enrolled following clinical examination and bacteriological sampling of each quarter, which was the experimental unit. Random allocation was implemented at the cow level. All quarters of 100 cows were treated with 1 dose of bCNH (60 mg diluted in 20 mL of sterile solution) and those of 70 control cows were treated with saline solution. Clinical assessment of each cow's general appearance, teat-end leakage, and teat morphology was performed for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 d after treatment, together with follow-up clinical observation and clinical examination of udder quarters. Quarter aseptic milk samples were obtained for bacteriological culture 48 h pretreatment, at time of treatment, and 3 and 5 d postcalving. Multivariable analyses were conducted to study the effects of bCNH on cure and prevention of IMI, adjusting for parity, farm, average of daily milk yield for 305 d, and average of monthly SCC values for 305 d of previous lactation. The odds of preventing IMI in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 2.15 times higher [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15 to 4.00] than in cows treated with saline. Prevention was mostly of CNS. The odds of preventing CNS in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 2.20 times higher (95% CI: 1.58 to 3.07) than in control cows. The odds of curing IMI caused by CNS in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 4.80 times higher (95% CI: 0.75 to 30.75) than in saline-treated cows. Log SCC, adjusted to that of the previous lactation, was lower in the bCNH group compared with controls for 305 d in milk postcalving. The average milk yield per day for 305 d, adjusted to average daily milk yield of previous lactation, was higher by 2.1 kg in the bCNH group compared with controls (95% CI: 1.21 to 3.20). Clinical assessment of udders and cows posttreatment showed no negative effects of bCNH. Incidence of stillbirth, clinical mastitis, retained placenta, endometritis (5 to 12 d postcalving), ketosis, abortions, and reproduction did not differ between the 2 groups. Results suggest that a single intramammary administration of bCNH at dry-off effectively increases milk yield and lowers SCC, prevents new IMI during the dry period, and may be a beneficial alternative for curing existing IMI at dry-off, mainly by CNS.

Effect of tomato dregs supplementation on the quality of bovine milk production in the Holstein breed

This work focused on the one hand on the characterization of tomato by-products (Solanum lycopersicum L. 1753) and on the other; on the supplementation of tomato spent grain in the diet of Holstein breed cows and its effect on the volume and quality of milk. A comparative study between two lots; one contains dairy cows fed through a diet without tomato spent grain, the second batch fed with tomato spent grain. The physicochemical analyzes of tomato spent grain focused on the water content, dry matter, mineral matter, total proteins, fat, defatted matter, Phosphorus, Calcium and vitamins A and Vitamin E. We note that tomato spent grain is very rich in vitamin A and E as well as in calcium and phosphorus and that it also has a low fat and protein content. According to the results obtained, we notice an improvement in the following physicochemical parameters of milk: a significant increase (p < 0.001) in density which goes from 1026 ± 1.97 to 1028 ± 2.14, a significant increase (p < 0.01) in fat which goes from 40.74 ± 7.07 to 43.94 ± 8.45, and a significant increase (p < 0.001) of the dry extract which goes from 124.56 ± 11.31 to 148.7 ± 29.88. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in the average daily volume of milk is observed in the batch supplemented with tomato spent grain (13.73 ± 3.47 l/d) compared to the batch not supplemented with tomato grain (11.12 ± 3.00 l/d). The statistical study reveals that there is a relationship between the duration of supplementation and the continuous improvement of parameters: density (p < 0.001); dry extract (p < 0.001); degreased material (p < 0.001).

Fluroxypyr-1-methylheptyl ester causes apoptosis of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells by regulating PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Fluroxypyr-1-methylheptyl ester (FPMH) is an auxin herbicide that is widely applied to crops and pastures to block growth of post-emergence weeds. Several studies have reported the toxicity of FPMH in aquatic vertebrates. However, the adverse impacts of FPMH on mammals, including domestic animals, have not been reported. The purpose of our current study is to assess the impact of FPMH on the bovine mammary system and milk production. To evaluate the toxicity of FPMH on the mammary glands of lactating cows, the bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line, MAC-T, was exposed to various concentrations (0, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 20 μM) of FPMH for 24 h, and then various assessments were performed. The results showed that FPMH dose-dependently reduced MAC-T cell viability following exposure to FPMH and induced mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis. FPMH also modulated signaling through the PI3K and MAPK pathways. In addition, the expression levels of proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were upregulated, indicating induction of ER stress, and calcium homeostasis was disrupted following FPMH treatment. In conclusion, our investigation suggests that FPMH may be toxic to the bovine mammary system and may decrease dairy production.

Production and Health Management from Grazing to Confinement Systems of Largest Dairy Bovine Farms in Azores: A Farmers' Perspective.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate differences and critical factors in production and health management between dairy cattle farms with fixed milk parlours (FMP), and mobile milk systems (MMS) from Azorean grasslands. According to the farmers’ perspective, calf diarrhea, calf pneumonia, infertility/poor reproductive management, and mastitis were the main problems that farms faced in 2020. FMP was associated with more advanced and mechanized production systems, with a higher adherence to preventive and biosecurity control programs, than traditional MMS farms. MMS farms also showed a greater vocation for dual-purpose farming (beef and milk), smaller herd sizes and more grazing time for cows. In conclusion, inherent and non-inherent differences in production and health management between FMP and MMS were quantified by authors. These results indicate that a greater adoption of preventive veterinary medicine and biosecurity measures should be taken, especially among MMS farms. The education of farmers should also be improved and stimulated.The intensification of bovine milk production in the Azores has led farmers to increase farm size and specialization in grasslands, implementing confined and semi-confined production systems. Fixed milking parlours (FMP) have progressively gained more popularity, at the expense of conventional mobile milking systems (MMS). The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between production and health management in dairy cattle farms, with FMP or MMS, in grasslands (São Miguel, Azores), according to the farmers’ perspective. A total of 102 questions about production and health management were surveyed in 105 farms with >30 dairy cows each. Farms with FMP were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with larger herd size, better facilities, and specialized management, however, the adoption of preventive and biosecurity measures should be improved by these farmers. MMS farms implemented a lower level of disease prevention or control programs, less frequent transhumance, and showed a wider vocation to dual-purpose (milk and cross beef) than FMP farms. In conclusion, MMS and FMP farms tried to optimize yield and economic viability in different ways using grasslands. Several biosecurity and health prevention constraints were identified for improvement.

Bovine milk production in Campeche: prospects and challenges for rural producers' development

Objective: To characterize at the municipal level the productivity of the bovine-milk sector in the state of Campeche, Mexico; to determine the profitability of the sector and to propose improvement schemes in order to add value to the commercialization of the product. Design/Methodology/Approach: From the Agricultural and Fisheries Information System, the following variables were obtained: Production (thousands of L), Price ($ L-1) and Value of Production (thousands of $) from 2006 to 2018. Through multivariate statistics and analyses, the profitability of the bovine-milk sector from 2013-2018 compared to 2007-2012 was determined. The analyses were completed by an interview with 12 milk producers who gave added value through the manufacture of cheeses. Results: A drop in profitability (-8.8%) was found in the sector from 2013-2018 compared to 2007-2012, despite the increase in production of 6.2% that did not compensate for the fall in prices (-14.2%). The regions with the highest productivity were located from the center to the south of the state: Champotón (24.62%), Escárcega (17.36%), and Campeche (16.63%). Study Limitations/Implications: Adding value to the milk commodity is a priority need in the short term, to avoid abandoning the activity, which could compromise the economy of rural producers. Findings/Conclusions: The Mennonite settlements in Campeche have managed to add value to the bovine-milk sector through the manufacture and sale of artisan cheeses. However, the great challenge of the sector is the revaluation of artisan cheeses with market strategies that encourage the consumption of local resources in a context of globalization.

Effect of Intensification Practices, Lambing Period and Environmental Parameters on Animal Health, and Milk Yield and Quality in Dairy Sheep Production Systems on Crete

Due to increasing demand, many traditional, grazing-based Mediterranean sheep production systems have introduced intensified feeding regimes, increased investments in infrastructure and drug use to increase milk yields. However, compared to bovine milk production systems, there is limited knowledge about the impact of these intensification practices on animal welfare and health and on the quality of dairy products. The aim of this study was therefore to quantify the effects of management practices and environmental conditions background on udder health, parasitism and milk quantity and quality in Cretan traditional production systems. Milk yields were higher in semi-intensive production systems while concentrations of several nutritionally desirable compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids were found to be higher in milk from extensive systems. Antibiotic and anthelmintic use was relatively low in both extensive and semi-intensive production systems. There was no substantial difference in parasitic burden, somatic cell counts, and microbiological parameters assessed in milk. Recording of flock health parameters showed that animal health and welfare was high in both extensive and semi-intensively managed flocks, and that overall, the health status of extensively managed ewes was slightly better. In contrast, environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) had a substantial effect on parasitism and milk quality.

Diagnóstico de la producción primaria en fincas lecheras del proyecto cadena de valor láctea en Boyacá y Nariño, Colombia

La producción de leche bovina especializada en Colombia se da principalmente en el trópico alto con alturas superiores a los 2 000 m s.n.m. De allí que, el proyecto cadena de valor láctea fue desarrollado en los departamentos de Boyacá y Nariño. Con el objeto de realizar un diagnóstico de la producción primaria en fincas lecheras asociadas al proyecto y de conocer la percepción de los ganaderos con respecto al servicio de extensión agropecuaria y su importancia para adquirir y apropiar nuevas tecnologías, se realizó una encuesta estructurada a 129 ganaderos de los departamentos de Boyacá y Nariño, se tuvo en cuenta 12 variables productivas y de percepción, las cuales fueron analizadas a través de la estadística descriptiva con tabla de frecuencias. Producto del análisis se estableció que la producción lechera se da en minifundios. Así mismo, se determinó que el 80 % de los ganaderos en los dos departamentos cuentan con áreas dedicadas a la producción de leche entre 1.0 a 5.9 ha. Se encontró una marcada diferencia entre el rendimiento reportado por los ganaderos, donde el promedio de producción en Boyacá es de 1 103 L/ha/mes, que difiere de Nariño que reportó 671 L/ha/mes. Con respecto al servicio de extensión agropecuaria, en Boyacá atienden un 89.7 % de los ganaderos, mientras que en Nariño un 52.2 % no respondió la consulta y tan solo un 25.6 % manifestó contar con el servicio. Se encontró en el diagnóstico que en los departamentos de Boyacá y Nariño la producción láctea es llevada a cabo por pequeños productores quienes son propietarios de los terrenos y que para el caso de Nariño constituyen alrededor del 70 % de sus ingresos. Adicional el servicio de extensión agropecuaria muestra ser más accesible para los productores de Boyacá que para los de Nariño.

Production of Bovine Equol-Enriched Milk: A Review.

Simple SummaryMilk and dairy products contain many substances beneficial to human health; moreover, the contents of some of these substances can be enhanced. This is also the case of isoflavones which are compounds of plant origin that can be ingested and metabolized by cattle and, subsequently, secreted into bovine milk. An especially healthful substance called equol is ranked among isoflavone metabolites, commonly produced in the digestive tract of cattle. Equol content in milk can be modified by using feedstuffs with different contents of isoflavones or by milk processing and storage.Milk and dairy products are important sources of nutrients in the human diet because they contain a number of essential substances and other biologically active components. Many of these substances can be modified, and thus offer opportunities to use milk and dairy products as functional food. Isoflavones are particularly important in human nutrition due to their diverse pharmacological and antioxidant properties. The clinical effectiveness of isoflavone-rich products is believed to be dependent on their ability to metabolize daidzein to equol, which may directly exert cancer preventive effects. However, only approximately 30–40% of humans are able to produce equol, while animals, in general, produce equol. Equol is the predominant product of bacterial metabolism of isoflavones and can be found in various amounts in some food of animal origin, especially in milk. Therefore, milk and dairy products can be considered to be sources of equol for humans who are not able to produce this metabolite. When the content of isoflavones in milk is to be modified, two groups of factors should be considered, i.e., dietary factors that include the source of isoflavones and the processing effects on feedstuffs and animal factors that include the intake of isoflavones, ruminal and postruminal changes, and the health and physiological status of animals. The approximate content of isoflavones in milk can be predicted using carry-over rates for different dietary sources or using a formula that describes the relationship between equol concentration in milk and formononetin intake. Processing and storage can affect the content and profile of isoflavones in milk and dairy products.

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