Producing Dairy Cows Research Articles

Heat stress affects milk yield, milk quality, and gene expression profiles in mammary cells of Girolando cows

Heat stress during lactation affects the physiological responses, hormonal release, health, and productivity of dairy cows. However, the adverse effects of heat stress on milk synthesis, immune response, and cellular apoptosis in mammary cells remains unknown in Bos indicus cows. This study aimed to understand the relationship between milk yield, milk quality, and the expression of genes related to milk synthesis, cell apoptosis, and immune response in mammary cells of Girolando cows. Twenty-four Girolando cows (3/4 Holstein and 1/4 Gir) were subjected to control (CT, with a temperature-humidity index ranging from 60 to 74, n = 12) or heat stress treatments (HS, with a temperature- humidity index ranging from 60 to 85, n = 12), from 111 to 120 d of lactation. Heat stress significantly increased the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPD1 and HSPD90AA1), insulin receptors (INSR), and prolactin receptors (PRLRsf) genes, and decreased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene in mammary cells of the HS cows when compared with the CT cows. The HS cows exhibited significantly higher vaginal temperatures and cortisol release compared with the CT cows. Moreover, the HS cows had significantly lower dry matter intake and milk yield than CT cows. Although, HS cows showed higher percentage of lymphocytes in milk when compared with that from CT cows. There was no effect of heat stress on other leukocyte counts, somatic cell counts, bacterial counts in milk, or milk composition. Finally, this study demonstrated that Girolando cows are susceptible to heat stress, which decreases milk yield and affects the expression of genes linked to milk synthesis in the mammary cells.

Responses of dairy cows to weekly individualized feeding strategies for dairy cows regarding their metabolic status

In dairy farms, cows are commonly fed a mixture of forages and concentrates ad libitum. To improve the energetic status and productivity of dairy cows, individualized feeding strategies have been proposed. One of this strategy is providing supplemental concentrates to adjust the forage-to-concentrate ratio based on factors like individual milk yield or calculated energy balance. This strategy can affect milk production and cow health, though consistent rules for adjustment are lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an individualized feeding strategy, adjusted weekly based on the body weight gain of dairy cows, on production performance; and to determine if the metabolic status of the cows could be predicted early in lactation to take it into account into the decisions rules of the strategy. A total of 40 multiparous Holstein cows were involved in a 4-mo trial. The cows entered the experiment individually after calving and were initially fed a standard ration with a fixed 3 kg of extra concentrate per day for the first 8 d (on average). The cows were then paired based on calving date, parity (2 or 3), and body weight gain over the initial week. One cow from each pair was assigned to the Standard Feeding (SF) strategy, which continued receiving the fixed ration, while the other was assigned to the Precision Feeding (PF) strategy, which received a variable amount of extra concentrate adjusted weekly based on body weight gain. Measurements included weekly body weight, daily milk yield, and daily intakes of concentrates and forages. Blood samples were collected to measure metabolites (glucose, BHB, NEFA) for metabolic profiling. The results showed no significant differences in overall body weight gain, milk yield, or intakes (concentrates and/or forages). Two metabolic clusters were identified based on blood metabolites (glucose, BHB, NEFA), predicting cows' metabolic status with 90% accuracy. The balanced cluster had higher milk production, feed intake, and lost more body weight than the imbalanced cluster. Alternative variables like body weight gain and total feed intake can be used to predict metabolic clusters, achieving up to 70% accuracy. To conclude, cows fed this precision feeding strategy had similar performances than those fed the standard feeding strategy. Long-term effect of this strategy should be studied. Metabolic profiling predicted cows' metabolic status suggesting its potential for enhancing individualized feeding decisions.

Accuracy and precision of diets fed to close-up cows on dairy farms and its association with early lactation performance

Ensuring a consistent ration is critical for maximizing lactating cow performance, but this is not known for dry cows. The objectives of this cohort observational study were to: 1) characterize close-up dry cow diets fed on commercial farms in Ontario, Canada, 2) describe the accuracy of the nutrient composition between the formulated close-up diet and the diet offered to the cows, 3) describe the precision of the close-up diets across time, and 4) explore potential associations of that accuracy and precision with blood metabolic parameters and milk yield of cows in early lactation. Forty free-stall dairy farms were visited once every 4 wk, for a total of 6 visits to each farm, from April to October 2022. At each visit, samples of the close-up diet were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM) content and chemical composition. Close-up diet formulations were also obtained by each farm's nutritionists. During each visit, fresh cows (0 to 14 d in milk [DIM]) had blood samples taken for blood metabolites. The same cows were also monitored for milk yield up to 120 DIM. Multivariable models were used to analyze associations between variability (in relation to the formulated diet and across time) of nutrients in the close-up diet, as measured by coefficient of variation (CV), and outcomes in fresh cows. Corn silage (67.6% of farms) and straw (24.3% of farms) were the predominant primary forage sources used in the close-up dry cow diets. Soybean meal (37.8% of farms) and canola meal (18.9% of farms) were the main ingredients used as primary concentrate sources. Overall, the diets offered did not accurately represent the formulated diets. With the exception of net energy for lactation (NEL), the CVs for the other nutrients were all greater than 5%. Diet variability, both between fed and formulated diets and from visit to visit during the close-up period, was associated with metabolic markers and dairy cow production. Lower variability in non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) between the fed and formulated diets was associated with better liver health index scores. Visit-to-visit variability in fat% and NFC% were associated with blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, while NFC% variability was associated with blood glucose levels. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations were associated with visit-to-visit variability in DM% and CP%. These results underscore the importance of maintaining consistency between diet formulations and feeding practices over time to optimize early-lactation dairy herd performance and health, granted that these diets are correctly formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cows in the close-up period and applied with recommended feeding practices.

Effects of raw and roasted high oleic soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows

Processing method of soybeans has the potential to influence dairy cow production performance, therefore we determined the effect feeding raw or roasted, ground high oleic acid soybeans (HOSB) on production responses of high-producing dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows (45.6 ± 6.22 kg/d of milk; 110 ± 61 DIM) were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a 4 × 2 Truncated Latin square design with 35-d periods. Treatments were: 1) control diet containing soybean meal and soybean hulls (CON), 2) 16% roasted and ground HOSB (RST), 3) 16% raw and ground HOSB (RAW-D), and 4) 16% raw and ground HOSB + additional rumen by-pass protein (RAW-U). High oleic acid soybeans replaced conventional soybean meal and hulls in the control diet and rumen by-pass protein replaced soybean meal in RAW-U to maintain diet nutrient composition (%DM) of ∼28.0% NDF, 21.3% forage NDF, 27.3% starch, and 17.8% CP. Fatty acid content of CON, RST, RAW-D, and RAW-U was 1.60, 4.30, 4.36, and 4.34%DM, respectively. Pre-planned contrasts included the overall effect of HOSB inclusion {CON vs. HOSOY [1/3 (RST + RAW-D + RAW-U)]}, the effect of soybean processing {RST vs. RAW [1/2 (RAW-D + RAW-U)]}, and the effect of increasing RUP content within the raw HOSB treatments (RAW-D vs RAW-U). For most variables tested, there were significant interactions between treatment and week, as HOSOY increased production variables compared with CON and RST increased production responses compared with RAW, with only the magnitude of difference varying between weeks. Overall, HOSOY increased DMI and yields of milk, 3.5% FCM, ECM, and milk fat, but did not affect milk protein yield. RST did not impact DMI but increased yields of milk, 3.5% FCM, ECM, milk fat, and milk protein. Compared with RAW-D, RAW-U increased yields of milk and milk protein and tended to increase ECM. Overall, HOSB inclusion of 16% DM increased production responses in high-producing dairy cows, but roasted HOSB had a greater impact than raw HOSB, and the addition of rumen-bypass protein positively affected milk protein response.

Effect of prolactin concentration during the dry period on the subsequent milk production of dairy cows

Shortening the dry period has a negative impact on milk production of the following lactation. One possible explanation is that a period of low prolactin (PRL) concentration is necessary to restore mammary gland milk production capacity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of lowering blood PRL level on subsequent lactation milk production. In this experiment, quinagolide was used to inhibit PRL secretion during the dry period. Thirty Holstein cows were randomly assigned one of 3 dry period managements: a conventional (60 d) dry period (CD) and 2 short (35 d) dry period treatments (SD). Short dry period cows received either water (SDwater) or quinagolide (2 mg, SDquin) injections twice daily from dry-off until 14 d before calving. Cows were followed during the first 20 wks of the subsequent lactation. When CD cows were dry but SD cows were lactating, concentration of PRL was lower in the CD cows than in the SD cows. During the injection period, PRL of SDquin cows was lower than that of the other treatments and was greater in the blood of SDwater than in that of CD cows. After the injection period until calving, no difference in PRL concentration was observed between treatments. After calving, PRL concentration of the SDquin cows was greater than those of CD and SDwater cows. During the first 20 wks of lactation, energy corrected milk (ECM) was lower in SDwater cows than in CD and SDquin cows. The ECM of the latter groups were not different. During the same period, mammary expression of genes related to milk synthesis, pro-apoptotic genes, as well as the expression of the short and long isoforms of the PRLR genes were not affected; however, the expression of SOCS3 gene tended to be lower for the SDquin than the SDwater cows. Lowering the PRL level during short dry period restored milk production to the level normally observed after a conventional dry period, which suggests that higher PRL levels during short dry period are the cause of the lower milk production after a short dry period. Ultimately, strategies to lower blood PRL level may help the adoption of short dry period.

Development of a rapid test to determine endometritis of cows after calving.

Postpartum uterine disease, such as endometritis, is widespread in highly productive dairy cows, leading to fertility problems and economic losses. Despite existing diagnostic methods, early and effective detection of uterine infections remains problematic due to the subclinical nature of some conditions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid diagnostic test for endometritis in cows on different days postpartum (PP). The study was carried out on dairy Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 121) kept on farms in northern Kazakhstan. The study included both clinically normal cows and those diagnosed with endometritis, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic methods across different stages of uterine health. The following laboratory tests were performed to diagnose and evaluate the presence and severity of endometritis in the cows: Nagorny-Kalinovsky test, Whiteside test, Katerinov test, Gavrish silver nitrate test, peroxide test, and clinical tests (rectal and vaginal examination). These tests were specifically chosen to identify inflammatory processes in the uterus, particularly focusing on detecting endometritis. From day 21 to 30 PP, rectal and vaginal examinations were 32% and 28% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test and the Whiteside test. From day 61 postpartum, the Whiteside test was 37.5% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test. Comparatively, among laboratory diagnostic methods from days 10 to 110 PP, the peroxide test showed the greatest effectiveness in identifying 80.9% of sick animals. In sick animals from day 10 to 20 PP, during the interaction of the cervicovaginal mucus with 10%, 20%, and 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an 8.1 ± 1.9-8.8 ± 1.6 cm foam column was formed within 4-5 min. The experiment showed that a 10% H2O2 solution yielded better results. Using H2O2 as a diagnostic agent for endometritis in cows has several advantages, including ease of use, it does not require special laboratory conditions and provides a visual reading of the reaction within 4-5 min. A limitation of this study is the focus on H2O2 without exploring other potential reagents that may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Future research could explore the long-term stability of cervicovaginal mucus samples and investigate the integration of additional substances that may expedite the detection of subclinical endometritis and improve the clarity of diagnostic results.

Efficacy of Carbonate Buffer Mixture in Preventing Hoof Lamella Injury Associated with Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Goats.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in highly productive dairy cows that results in serious issues, including hoof lamellar injuries. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a carbonate buffer mixture (CBM) in preventing hoof lamella injury in dairy goats, a species also susceptible to SARA due to similar feeding practices over a 17-week period. Twenty-four healthy dairy goats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, SARA, and CBM groups. The control group received a standardized diet, whereas the SARA and CBM groups were subjected to a high-grain feeding regimen to induce SARA. The CBM group received a daily supplement of 10 g CBM mixed with their diet. Clinical assessments, including body temperature, rumen pH, inflammatory markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and hoof lamellar injuries, were monitored throughout the study. The results showed that the CBM group maintained a more stable rumen pH and had lower levels of inflammatory markers than the SARA group did. The incidence of hoof lamellar injury was slightly lower in the CBM group. These findings suggest that long-term CBM supplementation may mitigate SARA-associated hoof lamella injury in dairy goats by regulating the rumen environment, fostering the growth of healthy bacterial communities, and by reducing the production of harmful metabolites. The use of CBM as a dietary supplement may have significant implications in improving the health, welfare, and productivity of dairy animals.

Phenotypic and Genetic Analyses of Mastitis, Endometritis, and Ketosis on Milk Production and Reproduction Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle.

Mastitis (MAS), endometritis (MET), and ketosis (KET) are prevalent diseases in dairy cows that result in substantial economic losses for the dairy farming industry. This study gathered 26,014 records of the health and sickness of dairy cows and 99,102 data of reproduction from 13 Holstein dairy farms in Central China; the milk protein and milk fat content from 56,640 milk samples, as well as the pedigree data of 37,836 dairy cows were obtained. The logistic regression method was used to analyze the variations in the prevalence rates of MAS, MET, and KET among various parities; the mixed linear model was used to examine the effects of the three diseases on milk production, milk quality, and reproductive traits. DMU software (version 5.2) utilized the DMUAI module in conjunction with the single-trait and two-trait animal model, as well as best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), to estimate the genetic parameters for the three diseases, milk production, milk quality, and reproductive traits in dairy cows. The primary findings of the investigation comprised the following: (1) The prevalence rates of MAS, MET, and KET in dairy farms were 20.04%, 10.68%, and 7.33%, respectively. (2) MAS and MET had a substantial impact (p < 0.01) on milk production, resulting in significant decreases of 112 kg and 372 kg in 305-d Milk Yield (305-d MY), 4 kg and 12 kg in 305-d Protein Yield (305-d PY), and 6 kg and 16 kg in 305-d Fat Yield (305-d FY). As a result of their excessive 305-d MY, some cows were diagnosed with KET due to glucose metabolism disorder. The 305-d MY of cows with KET was significantly higher than that of healthy cows (205 kg, p < 0.01). (3) All three diseases resulted in an increase in the Interval from Calving to First Service (CTFS, 0.60-1.50 d), Interval from First Service to Conception (FSTC, 0.20-16.20 d), Calving Interval (CI, 4.00-7.00 d), and Number of Services (NUMS, 0.07-0.35). (4) The heritabilities of cows with MAS, MET, and KET were found to be low, with values of 0.09, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. The genetic correlation between these traits ranged from 0.14 to 0.44. This study offers valuable insights on the prevention and control of the three diseases, as well as feeding management and genetic breeding.

Effects of different dietary modifications on carbon emissions of dairy cows based on mathematical modeling

With the expansion of the dairy farming industry, the phenomenon of methane emissions has also increased year by year. To reduce the greenhouse effect problems caused by methane emissions, this article lists several measures to improve the diet of dairy cows to reduce methane emissions: increasing the forage quality, replacing the grass silage with the maize silage and fat supplementation. Based on the basic principles of methane production in dairy cows, we further explained the basic reasons why the three methods can reduce methane emissions in dairy cows. Later, we integrated the information of some statistical data and confirmed the validity of the three methods through the statistical code analysis through Jupyter Notebook. At the end of the paper, we pointed out the weakness: our paper neglected the difference between different kinds of dairy cows, the potential harm caused by fat supplementation, the interaction between three kinds of dietary modification and potential economic cost. We hope future researchers will limit pastures to regional analysis and consider the disadvantages of the model.

Prevalence and risk factors of reproductive health problems in dairy cows in Southern Ethiopia

Reproductive disorders are the leading cause of economic loss in the cattle industry, as they reduce the reproductive efficiency and lifetime productivity of cows. In Ethiopian dairy, without proper preventive measures, these disorders can have a severe impact on productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the extent of these issues and the factors contributing to them in order to improve the health and productivity of dairy cows. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, type, and potential risk factors for reproductive health problems in dairy farms in Hawassa city and Wolaita Sodo town. We observed 391 pregnant and postpartum cows for reproductive disorders and used a logistic regression model to identify risk factors. The study found that 165 cows (41.6%; 95% CI: 36.8-46.5%) had at least one reproductive issue. The most common disorders included retained fetal membrane (11.6%), dystocia (10.5%), metritis (7.2%), abortion (5.6%), stillbirth (2.6%), uterine/vaginal prolapse (2.3%), endometritis (2.1%), and pyometra (0.5%). The risk of dystocia significantly increased with male calf deliveries (OR=2.9; p=0.004) and larger farm sizes (OR=2.1; p=0.039). Cows experiencing dystocia were 5.3 times more likely to have retained fetal membrane (p&lt;0.001). Heifers were significantly more likely to develop metritis (OR=5.1; p=0.001), as were cows with retained fetal membrane (OR=11.6; p&lt;0.001). The incidence of abortion was significantly elevated in cows from semi-intensive farms (OR= 5.3; p&lt;0.001). The study concludes that these reproductive health issues can significantly impact future uterine health, resulting in prolonged uterine involution. It is crucial to raise awareness among dairy farmers about effective herd health management practices to minimize losses.

Effects of Early Lactation Milking Frequency in an Automated Milking System on Cow Performance.

Automated milking systems (AMS) are increasingly adopted for dairy cow production, promoting individualized cow management dependent on factors like lactation stage, age, and productivity. The study objective was to investigate the effects of early lactation milking frequency on cows milked via AMS. Multiparous Holstein cows blocked by parity and due date were randomly assigned to treatments (n = 8 per treatment): three (3X) or six (6X) milkings per day (MPD). The experimental phase (EXP) was defined as 4 to 29 days in milk (DIM). The AMS settings were programed so 3X cows were limited to three MPD while 6X cows were allowed six MPD. Afterwards was the carry over phase (CO) ranging from 30 to 90 DIM; all cows were allowed up to six MPD. Measurements by the AMS included bodyweight, milk yield (MY), and pellet intake. Weekly composite milk samples were analyzed for macronutrient composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. Coccygeal blood was sampled at 3, 8 ± 1, and 13 ± 1 DIM; concentrations of blood plasma analytes were quantified. Greater MPD was achieved for 6X cows versus 3X cows during EXP, but similar during the CO. Daily MY was non-separable during the EXP while 6X cows in their third or greater lactation group (3 + LG) had greater MY than 3X cows of the same LG during the CO. Milk fat content and 4% fat-corrected MY were both greater for 6X, 3 + LG cows during the EXP compared to 3X, 3 + LG cows. Milk FA methyl esters (FAME) proportions were different between MPD groups, with 6X, 3 + LG cows having the lowest short, even-chain FA from de novo or post-absorptive origin. Differences in analytes indicated that 6X, 3 + LG cows experienced metabolic stress and incorporated greater FA from adipose tissue. Greater early lactation MPD in AMS may shift cow nutrient partitioning to support greater production in 3+ parity cows.

Assessment of the effects of heat stress on the production of dairy cows by using two comfort thermal indices in Southern Chile

Heat stress has been recognized as a serious problem in dairy farms around the world due to the increasing heat waves and higher genetic potential of dairy cows. In Chile, milk production is concentrated in the southern regions of the country, where animals graze all year around, consequently being exposed directly to environmental conditions. Nevertheless, there are few studies conducted in Chile that have evaluated at the commercial level the impact of heat stress on milk production. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of summer conditions, across periods, on the milk production of cows at different stages of lactation in a dairy farm located in Southern Chile. Daily meteorological and milk yield records of three summers from a dairy farm were collected to characterize the relationship between two thermal stress indices and milk yield. The thermal comfort indices used were the comprehensive climate index (CCI), and the adjusted temperature humidity index (THIadj). The average values of CCI and THIadj were dependent on the period (P < 0.0001) with maximum CCI of 40.2 °C, 31.7 °C, and 27.5 °C for the 2012–2013, 2015–2016, and 2016–2017 periods, respectively. A similar response was recorded when THIadj was used (85.5, 78.0, and 73.9, respectively). In the 2012–2013 summer, 44.4% of the days presented conditions of heat stress (CCI ≥23), a value that fell to 26.7% in the summer of 2015–2016 and only 5.6% in the 2016–2017. On the opposite, when the THIadj was used, these values were 50%, 48.9%, and 5.6%, respectively. In conclusion, both comfort thermal indices are good tools to determine the risk of thermal stress in dairy cows, with a large variation between the three summer periods but also between indices. Likewise, cows in the early and mid-lactation periods are more affected in terms of milk yield.

Assessing Transition Cow Management in Dairy Cows for Improved Health, Milk Production, Pregnancy and Culling Outcomes

Understanding of the social environment has the potential to benefit dairy cow welfare and production. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of stocking density, calving density, days spent in a pre-partum group before calving (days spent in close-up, DCU) and the number of days from a pen filling event (addition of new cows to the pre-partum pen) on early-lactation health, production, pregnancy and culling outcomes in dairy cows. Data were gathered from 2780 cows in 2 herds. Herd management and reproductive records were analyzed for cows receiving treatment in the first 30 d of lactation (days in milk, DIM) for clinical mastitis, reproductive tract disease, ketosis, milk fever and displaced abomasum. Principal component analysis was used to account for the relationship between gestation length (GL) and DCU and their association with early lactation disease, milk production, pregnancy and culling outcomes. The effect of stocking density, the number of days from a pen filling event to calving and the calving density experienced by a cow in her week of calving was also evaluated. Causal inference was used to correct for confounding bias due to farm identity. The odds of disease in the first 30 DIM increased with stocking density before calving. A quadratic association was found between the first principal component (PC1), representing the combined effect of GL and DCU, and the odds of disease in multiparous cows only. Early lactation milk production and 305 d milk production in multiparous cows increased with PC1 score. Quadratic relationships were found between stocking density at d 8 to 2 before calving with both early lactation and 305 d milk production in multiparous cows but no associations were found in primiparous cows. Calving density showed a quadratic association with 305 d milk production in primiparous cows. The number of days from the last pen filling event to calving was not associated with changes in milk production. Disease occurrence was negatively associated with both early lactation and 305 d milk yield in multiparous cows but only with early lactation milk production in primiparous cows. The occurrence of disease was associated with a delayed time to pregnancy only in primiparous cows while both disease and being in lactation group ≥ 3 were negatively associated with time to pregnancy in multiparous cows. Week 4 milk (W4MK) was positively associated with reduced time to pregnancy in multiparous cows. For primiparous cows, increasing age at calving was associated with increased culling risk, while being in lactation group ≥ 3 was associated with increased culling risk in multiparous cows. Culling risk decreased with increasing W4MK in all cows. These results suggest that gestation length, time spent in close-up and stocking density are important factors influencing disease incidence in early lactation and subsequent lactation performance but had differing effects on primiparous versus multiparous cows. A better understanding of how pre-partum management factors influence postpartum health and milk production can help farms to plan facilities and organize the day-to-day management of cows and will assist in improving cow welfare and productivity.

Study of the Financial Feasibility of a Dairy Farming Business after the FMD Outbreak in Kampung Susu Lawu, Plaosan District, Magetan Regency

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; An outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia targeted ruminants, notably impacting dairy cows and precipitating a significant downturn in milk production during the year 2022. This research aimed to determine the financial feasibility and break-even point of post-FMD dairy farming within the Kampung Susu Lawu livestock group in Plaosan District, Magetan Regency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Employing a quantitative descriptive method, this study utilized survey techniques involving 50 dairy farmers affiliated with the Livestock Group of Kampung Susu Lawu. The data analysis encompassed investment analysis, including the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pay Back Period of Credit (PPC), and Break-Even Point (BEP).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The findings revealed a BCR value of 1.49, NPV amounting to IDR 38,888,178.00, IRR at 26.36%, PPC of 3.46 years, BEP pegged at IDR 33,043,062.00/year, and BEP based on the unit set at 7,396 liters of milk/year. Financial analysis indicated a positive NPV, a BCR exceeding 1, an IRR surpassing prevailing bank interest rates, and a PPC duration of 3.46 years, collectively affirming the financial feasibility of the dairy farming business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; This investigation shows that the post-FMD smallholder dairy business is economically feasible. Farmers stand to accrue benefits by surpassing the production threshold of 7,396 liters of milk/year or by maintaining a herd of productive dairy cows numbering more than three.&lt;/p&gt;

Utilising fatty acid prediction equations and mid‐infrared spectroscopy to estimate the seasonality changes in bovine milk from pasture‐based systems

The aim of this study was to utilise mid‐infrared spectroscopy with fatty acid (FA) predictions to characterise the seasonality‐associated changes to the FA profile of milk from Irish spring‐calving pasture‐based dairy cow production systems. A total of 546 454 individual milk records were collected from the Years 2015 to 2020, from 264 003 cows in 2400 commercial dairy farms. Significant changes occur to the predicted FA profile of milk across the year, such as increases in unsaturated FAs including C18:1 n‐9 until April. This can be associated with the increasing proportion of fresh pasture in the cows' diet, and a decrease between September and October as the cows begin to transition indoors for the winter period. The opposite trend was noted for saturated FAs and in particular C16:0, where proportions decreased until April and increased between September and November. Milk produced between April and September also coincided with the lowest spreadability index, indicating a more beneficial milk FA profile for more spreadable butter texture during this period. This work provides a valuable reference resource at a national level of the FA profile of milk from pasture‐based spring‐calving dairy systems.

Injection of antioxidant trace minerals/vitamins into peripartum crossbred cows improves the nutritional and immunological properties of colostrum/milk and the health of their calves under heat stress conditions.

Multimineral and vitamin injections can provide better nutrient availability at the cellular level, which is essential for mitigating transition period stress and improving the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. The present study was conducted to assess the colostrum quality and calf health after intramuscular injection of multi-minerals (MM) and multi-vitamins (MV) to peripartum cows during winter (THI = 58 to 66) and summer (THI = 78 to 82) months. In each season, twenty-four pregnant crossbred Karan Fries cows were grouped into four, each consisting of six cows. Group I, referred to as the Control, received solely the basal diet, without any additional supplements. Groups II, III, and IV were administered additional MM (T1), MV (T2), and a combined MM and MV (T3) along with their basal diet, starting 30days before calving and continuing for 30days after calving. Blood samples were collected from the calves, while colostrum/milk samples were obtained from the cows on days 1, 3, 7, and 15 after calving. The somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk were determined using a cell counter. Cortisol, IgG, IGF1 and total immunoglobulins (TIG) in whey and plasma from cow colostrum/milk or calf blood samples were estimated by ELISA. Cows that calved in the summer exhibited notably reduced levels (P < 0.05) of IgG, milk, and plasma IGF1, along with lower calf body weights, in comparison to those calving in the winter season. Furthermore, the summer months saw significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma and milk cortisol levels, as well as total somatic cell counts (SCC) in both colostrum and milk samples. Maximum beneficial effect was observed in T3 group. Results indicate that injections to peripartum cows could be an important strategy for improving colostrum quality and calf health during the summer seasons.

Genome-Wide Association Study as an Efficacious Approach to Discover Candidate Genes Associated with Body Linear Type Traits in Dairy Cattle.

Body shape traits are very important and play a crucial role in the economic development of dairy farming. By improving the accuracy of selection for body size traits, we can enhance economic returns across the dairy industry and on farms, contributing to the future profitability of the dairy sector. Registered body conformation traits are reliable and cost-effective tools for use in national cattle breeding selection programs. These traits are significantly related to the production, longevity, mobility, health, fertility, and environmental adaptation of dairy cows. Therefore, they can be considered indirect indicators of economically important traits in dairy cows. Utilizing efficacious genetic methods, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs), allows for a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits through the identification and application of genetic markers. In the current review, we summarize information on candidate genes and genomic regions associated with body conformation traits in dairy cattle worldwide. The manuscript also reviews the importance of body conformation, the relationship between body conformation traits and other traits, heritability, influencing factors, and the genetics of body conformation traits. The information on candidate genes related to body conformation traits provided in this review may be helpful in selecting potential genetic markers for the genetic improvement of body conformation traits in dairy cattle.

Relationship between Body Condition and Colostrum Production in Crossbred Friesian Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Case Study at KUD Anjasmoro Dairy Farm

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the body condition of crossbred Friesian Holstein (PFH) dairy cattle and colostrum production, focusing on Body Condition Score (BCS) and vital statistics such as chest circumference, body length, and height. The research was conducted at the KUD Anjasmoro dairy farm in the Wonosalam District of Jombang from November 2022 to April 2023. A case study method was used by observing 42 PFH cows during lactation periods 1 to 5. The results show that BCS and vital statistics have a strong relationship with colostrum production. The analysis indicates that colostrum production increases with increasing BCS and vital statistics. Although the relationship between body length and colostrum production is not significant, body height has a significant influence on colostrum production. In conclusion, proper nutrition and care management can increase colostrum production in dairy cows, which will positively impact overall dairy farm productivity.

Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: V. Association of the main and interactive effects of maternal level of milk production and milk fat to protein ratio with offspring's birth weight, survival, and productive and reproductive performance from birth to the first lactation period

Level of dam milk production (DMP) and dam milk fat to protein ratio (DFPR), as an indicator of metabolic status in dairy cows, have been identified to be associated with productive and reproductive performance of the offspring. Yet whether the interaction of DMP by DFPR can be associated with performance of the offspring have not been studied to our knowledge. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the association of the main and interactive effects of DMP and DFPR with offspring's birth weight, survival, milk yield and fertility. To this end, data of birth weight, culling rate, milk yield and reproductive variables of offspring born to lactating dams (n = 14,582) and data associated with DMP and DFPR during 305-day lactation were retrieved. Afterwards, offspring were classified in three categories of DMP, including DMP1 (dams with <10.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP2 (dams with ≥10.00 × 103 kg and <14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP3 (dams with ≥14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), and three categories of DFPR, including DFPR1 (offspring born to dams with <1.00 FPR), DFPR2 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.00 and < 1.40 FPR) and DFPR3 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.40 FPR). Statistical analysis revealed no association of the interaction effect of DMP by DFPR with investigated variables in the offspring (P > 0.05). However, the main effect of DMP was positively associated with milk yield, but negatively associated with survival, age at first insemination and conception during nulliparity, and transgenerational improvement in milk yield in the offspring (P < 0.05). Moreover, the main effect of DFPR was positively associated with birth weight, survival and first service conception rate during nulliparity, but negatively associated with metabolic status and reproductive performance during primiparity in the offspring (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study did not find any interaction effect of DMP by DFPR on productive and reproductive variables in the offspring. This finding implicates the association of DMP with milk production in the offspring was regardless of DFPR. Moreover, this finding implies the association of DFPR with postpartum metabolic status and reproductive performance in the offspring was regardless of DMP.

Innovative bedding materials for compost bedded pack barns: enhancing dairy cow welfare and sustainable dairy farming

AbstractCompost bedded pack (CBP) barns are an innovative housing system that improves the comfort and welfare of dairy cows, compared to cubicle style housing or free stalls with artificial surfaces, such as rubber or concrete. This type of bedding system also has the potential to improve lameness scores, overall health, welfare, and productivity of dairy cows. In CBP barns, carbon materials or organic materials are composted in the barn while being used as bedding for livestock. The animals pass manure on these surfaces providing the nitrogen, microorganisms, and moisture necessary for the composting process. Historically, dry sawdust originating from mills, furniture and pallets have been used as a substrate for compost. However, due to these materials becoming increasingly expensive and hard to source, other materials have been trailed as potential substitutes. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in making dairy production more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon footprint. This review summarises and highlights appropriate alternative materials that, subject to their management, can be successfully used in the CBP barn system. This will act as an aid for farmers and decision makers when choosing materials to be incorporated in CBP barns. Using alternative materials to sawdust, wood chips and wood shavings, which are the current industry standard, will contribute to a more circular economy and sustainable dairy production, while simultaneously contributing to sustainable development goals, and improved animal health and welfare.