Profitability Of Milk Production Research Articles

Effects of herd management decisions on dairy cow longevity, farm profitability, and emissions of enteric methane – a simulation study of milk and beef production

Sustainable dairy and beef production provides environmental, economic, and social values that can potentially be maximized by optimizing herd management strategies. The length of a dairy cow’s life is affected by, and affects, all three pillars of sustainability. Longevity in dairy cows is multifactorial and strongly dependent on herd management. Despite genetic improvements, the average time of culling for Swedish cows has barely changed and is currently at 2.6 lactations. This culling rate requires a high number of replacement heifers, generating high rearing costs for farmers. This study evaluated different herd management strategies to improve cow longevity and assessed the effects on enteric methane (CH4) emissions from the herd and the profitability of milk production and beef production from the dairy cows and their offspring. The base scenario, an average Swedish Holstein herd of 100 cows, was compared with seven scenarios simulated using a stochastic herd simulation model (SimHerd). Two of these scenarios involved improved health and survival of cows in the herd, three involved improved reproduction, one considered the consequences of keeping all surplus heifers in the herd, and one considered maximizing the use of X-sorted dairy semen and inseminating the rest of the herd with unsorted beef semen, to avoid surplus replacement heifers. Improved fertility had the greatest effect in increasing the productive life per cow, to 3.8 years compared with 2.8 in the base scenario, allowed for more use of beef semen, reduced the number of replacement heifers, and generated the highest herd profit (€98 per cow-year higher than base scenario). Keeping all surplus heifers instead of producing beef × dairy cross calves decreased the number of productive years by 0.8 and reduced profit by €22 per cow-year. The profit was highly associated with costs related to replacement heifers. The highest beef output (3 369 kg per year more than base scenario) was achieved by keeping all heifers and culling a high share of dairy cows, but this scenario also generated much higher enteric CH4 emissions (+1 257 kg per year). Improving health, survival, or fertility reduced enteric CH4 emissions by 90–255 kg per year, while total yearly beef production ranged from 59 kg less to 556 kg more than in the base scenario. Reducing the number of replacement heifers needed by improving cow reproductive performance is thus key to increasing cow longevity and profitability, while reducing enteric CH4 emissions from the herd without compromising milk and meat production.

Improvement of the Red Steppe cattle by the Holstein breed gene pool

The results of the comparative assessment of productivity, reproductive ability and profitability of milk production when using cows of the Red Steppe breed and the crossbreeds of different blood relationship by the Holstein breed of the Red-and-White color type are presented. The studies of economically useful traits and profitability were conducted in 2019-2022. The objects of the research were representatives of the Red Steppe breed (control), mixtures with 50% (1st experimental group) and 75% of the blood of the Holstein Red-and-White color type (2nd experimental group). The superiority of the crossbred heifers over their herd mates of the Red Steppe breed in terms of milk yield was established: for the 1st lactation it was 605-673 kg (p > 0.999), for the 2nd lactation it was 714-788 kg (p > 0.999), for the 3rd lactation it was 817-868 kg (p > 0.999). The highest coefficient of the milk yield was observed in Holstein F1 and F2 crossbreeds (9.4-9.7 kg), whose average advantage during all lactations ranged from 0.9-1.2 kg (p > 0.95-0.99). In all analyzed service-periods, the highest fertilization rate after the first insemination was demonstrated by the Red Steppe breed animals; as a result, their semen consumption was on average 0.2-0.5 doses lower than that of the Holstein crossbreeds of different blood relationship. Cows of the Red Steppe breed had the highest reproductive ability coefficient 0.98-1.01 units vs. 0.85-0.95 units for crossbred cows. The analysis of the feed efficiency shows lower costs per unit production by cows of the first and second generations, in which they were 0.95-0.98 EFU, which is lower than in the Red Steppe breed peers, by 1.11-1.12 EFU. Milk production by half-blooded crossbreeds was more profitable 30.8-32.9% with no significant differences between the Red Steppe and high-blooded Holstein individuals.

Economically useful traits of cows received from different sires

When breeding Black-and-White holstinized cattle, the sperm of highly productive sires with high productivity potential of maternal ancestors, including Holstein breed, is used. Evaluation of sires by the quality of off spring is the most accurate method of determining the actual breeding value. The purpose of the work was to evaluate the economically useful traits of cows obtained from diff erent sires. The research was carried out in one of the breeding farms typical for the Sverdlovsk region for the breeding of Black-and-White cattle with a high proportion of blood in Holstein breed. The evaluation of three Holstein sires Zhadon 60044914, Onward 4512 and Plateau 62297905 on the quality of off spring was carried out by comparing the productivity of cows-daughters with their herdmates. It is established that when selecting sires for work in the herd, group selection of sires of the same type in terms of productive traits of maternal ancestors is used. This leads to almost equal milk yields for their daughters. There was also no signifi cant diff erence in milk quality indicators. When comparing the productivity of the cows-daughters of sires for the fi rst lactation with their herdmates, a certain diff erence was established, both in milk yield for 305 days of lactation, and in the mass fraction of fat and protein in milk. The cows-daughters of sire Onward 4512 turned out to be the best relative to herdmates in milk yield and mass fraction of fat in milk. The daughters of the sires Zhadon 60044914 and Plateau 62297905 had productivity lower than their herdmates by 315 and 127 kg, respectively. The daughters of the sire Plateau 62297905 surpassed their herdmates in terms of the mass fraction of fat and protein in milk. The level of profi tability of milk production for the highest lactation was 58,9–66,6 % and was higher in the group of cows–daughters of the sire Zhadon 60044914.

The association of gene polymorphisms with milk production and mastitis resistance phenotypic traits in dairy cattle

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between gene polymorphisms (SNPs) and mastitis indicators and their relationship with milk production profitability in dairy herd. A functional analysis was also performed of five genes containing the studied SNPs and those located close by. DNA was isolated from the hair bulb of 320 dairy cows kept in three herds and SNP-microarray analysis was performed. The data on 299 cows was subjected to final statistical analysis using AI-REML method with one-trait repeatability test-day animal model and pedigree information using the DMU4 package. Five from 35 SNPs significantly associated with mastitis indicators or production traits and located within a gene or no more than 500,000 nucleotides from the gene were selected for the functional and economic analysis. A questionnaire was also developed to collect associated economic data of 219 cows from three herds, such as the value of milk production and direct costs incurred over three years; this allowed the gross margin, direct profitability index and direct costs incurred to produce one liter of milk to be determined, among others. None of the five studied SNPs were related to protein content. The rs110785912(T/A), found near CXCR4, and rs136813430(T/C), located in the TLR4 gene exon, were associated with lnSCC, while rs110455063(C/G), located near IGF-I, was associated with milk yield, fat and total solid contents. rs109421300(T/C), associated with fat/protein content ratio, as well as fat and total solid content, is located in the DGAT1 gene intron. rs41587003(A/C), located in the DLG2 gene intron, was associated with lactose content. The economic analysis revealed differences between the variants of the three tested SNPs. The T/C variant of the rs136813430(T/C) SNP was characterized by the highest gross margin, the highest direct profitability index and the lowest costs incurred to produce 1 liter of milk. The T/A variant of rs110785912(T/A) was related to low lnSC and was characterized by the highest direct profitability index. In turn, the C/C variant of the rs41587003(A/C) was related to the lowest level of lactose and the highest costs of milk production. It appears that rs136813430(T/C) may be the most promising of the tested SNPs for increasing the profitability of milk production. To our knowledge, it is the first effort to assess directly a correlation between the DNA polymorphism and economic output of a dairy enterprise.

APPLICATION EFFICIENCY OF THE ADDITIVE "MEGABUST RUMEN" IN MILK PRODUCTION

В статье приведены материалы исследований по использованию на высокопродуктивных голштинизированных коровах чёрно-пёстрой породы кормовой добавки «МегаБуст Румен». Целью исследований явилось определение эффективности влияния активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» на молочную продуктивность коров. Данный препарат российского производства, содержит ферментативный экстракт, комплекс живых дрожжей, пектин и витамины группы В. Под действием добавки происходит изменение состава микрофлоры рубца жвачных животных. В опыте на коровах с удоем 9–10 тыс. кг за лактацию были изучены, применительно к транзитному периоду, две дозировки препарата активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» – 50 и 100 г/гол./сут., а с 22 по 150 день лактации – одна – 100 г/гол./сут. Во время позднего сухостоя животные контрольной группы из 29 кг поедали смеси на 84,5%, потребление коровами 1 и 2 опытных групп составило в среднем за сутки 89,7 и 93,1% от задаваемого количества. Анализ фактических рационов дойных коров также показал, что в опытных группах поедаемость кормовой смеси была выше, что и предопределило их более высокие удои. В среднем за 5 месяцев лактации суточные удои коров 1 и 2 опытных групп достигли 35,5 и 36,5 кг против 32,9 кг у коров контрольной группы. Достоверное повышение удоев на 7,9 и 10,9% получено от коров, в кормлении которых применялась изучаемая добавка. Установлено, что введение активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» оказало положительное действие на поедаемость кормов животными, их продуктивность и рентабельность производства молока. Наиболее эффективна доза скармливания добавки в количестве 100 г/гол./сут. с позднего сухостоя до середины лактации, когда суточные удои увеличиваются на 10,9% (с 32,9 до 36,5 кг) и рентабельность производства молока – на 2,5% (с 23,0 до 25,5%). The article presents research materials on the use of the feed additive "MegaBust Rumen" on highly productive Holsteinized cows of the Black-and-White breed. The goal of the research was to determine the effeciency of the influence of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" on the milk productivity of cows. This Russian-made preparation contains an enzymatic extract, a complex of live yeast, pectin and vitamins of group B. Under the action of the additive the composition of the ruminant rumen microflora changes. In an experiment on the cows with a yield of 9–10 thousand kg per lactation two preparation doses of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" were studied in relation to the transition period – 50 and 100 g/head/day, and from 22 to 150 days lactation – one – 100 g/head/day. During the late dry period the animals of the control group of 29 kg ate mixtures by 84.5%, the consumption by cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups averaged 89.7 and 93.1% of the set amount per day. An analysis of the actual diets of milk cowbanes also showed that in the experimental groups the feed mixture intake was higher, which predetermined their higher milk yields. On average, for 5 months of lactation the daily yield of cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups reached 35.5 and 36.5 kg compared to 32.9 kg in the cows of the control group. A significant increase in yield by 7.9 and 10.9% was obtained from cows in the feeding of which the studied additive was used. It has been established that the introduction of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" had a positive effect on the feed intake by animals, their productivity and the profitability of milk production. The most effective dose of feeding the additive is in the amount of 100 g/head/day from the late dry period to the middle of lactation, when daily milk yields are increased by 10.9% (from 32.9 to 36.5 kg) and the profitability of milk production – by 2.5% (from 23.0 to 25.5%).

The influence of a complex energy and mineral additive on the productivity and morphological and biochemical status of blood in cows

The results of research on the study of morphological and biochemical parameters of blood and milk productivity of lactating cows as a result of feeding a complex energy and mineral additive have been presented in the article. In addition to the main ration, animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups received an energy additive in the amount of 210 and 220 g, as well as a mineral additive of 40 and 30 g per head/day. The results of the studies showed that the animals of the experimental groups that consumed the energy and mineral complex had normalization of mineral and carbohydrate metabolism. It was noted that the inclusion of a complex energy and mineral additive in the ration of animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups contributed to an increase in the number of erythrocytes by 1,9 and 2,6 %, leukocytes by 12,2 and 13,9 %, hemoglobin by 2,0 and 2,5 %, total protein by 2,3 and 2,7 %, calcium by 6,2 and 12,1 %, phosphorus by 12,3 and 13,6 %, magnesium by 8,2 and 13,4 %, glucose by 2,9 and 5,6 %. Milk yield in the group of cows for 100 days of lactation in the 1st control group was 19700 kg of milk, in the 2nd experimental group it was by 7,9 % more, and in the 3rd experimental group by 10,4 % more. The fat content in the milk of cows of the experimental groups was higher by 0,1 3 and 0,15 abs.%, and protein by 0,07 and 0,09 abs.%. Revenue from the sale of milk in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups increased by 7,9 and 10,4 %, the level of profi tability of milk production by 6,70 and 8,02 abs.% compared to the 1st control group. Consequently, the feeding of the new energy and mineral additive had a positive effect on the physiological state of the animals, allowed to increase the dairy productivity of cows and the profi tability of milk production.

Relative Cost, Profitability and Efficiency among Different Types of Dairy Farms at Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal

Dairy sector is gradually commercializing and modernizing with the use of improved breeds, processed feeds, cultivated grass, fodders, medicines and additives in Nepal. In this context, this study was designed to evaluate the relative cost, return, resource use efficiency, return to scale and profitability of milk production in different type of dairy farms. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interview using semi-structured interview schedule from a sample of 240 dairy farms selected from simple random sampling technique in 8 wards of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cost and profit analysis, linear production function and Cobb-Douglas function. It was found that pure buffalo farms were facing negative profit margin against the profit of Rs. 32565 and Rs. 106627 at cow and mix system of dairy farming, respectively. Average variable cost of per liter milk production was Rs. 93.70, Rs. 54.80 and Rs. 44.73 for buffalo, cow and mix farms, respectively with benefit-cost ratio of 0.99, 1.44 and 1.62 for respective categories of the farms. Green grass, dry fodder, labour, feed, medicines and additives were significantly contributing to milk production in buffalo and cow farms. But, only grass, fodder and labour were contributing to milk production in mix dairy farms. All categories of farms were suffering from decreasing return to scale but they were still profitable over variable cost. Labour was the most contributing factor in all three categories of farms and thus dairy farming seems potential to create productive employment. This is concluded that dairy farming system can be promoted profitably by enhancing the level of use of labour, grass, fodder, medicines and additives.

The use of marl in the composition of the feed mixture for dairy cows

Relevance. Lactating cows, especially at the beginning of lactation, consume a higher proportion of minerals received from the diet, and as a rule there is a lack of them. Therefore, the composition of feed mixtures for lactating cows includes premixes, natural mineral additives with a known chemical composition, sapropel, marl, and others that contribute to replenishing the mineral part of the rations.Materials and methods. The objects of research were lactating cows at the third lactation and a recipe for a feed mixture with marl; clay-carbonate rock contains from 50 to 70% CaCO3. Accounting of milk productivity was carried out according to the results of control milkings. The mass fraction of fat and protein in milk was determined on the Clover-1M milk quality analyzer, the calculation of economic efficiency was carried out taking into account the cost of feed and the cost of production and its value.Results. Feeding dairy cows a feed mixture with the addition of marl in the amount of 40 g per day per head contributed to an increase in productivity by 8.2% and a reduction in the cost of energy feed units by 1 kg of milk by 7.7% compared to the control group. The amount of milk fat and protein in milk in the experimental group was increased by 14.5 and 11.7%, respectively. When evaluating the effectiveness of feeding lactating cows feed mixtures with mineral additive in the summer, it turned out that the level of profitability of milk production in the experimental group was greater by 2.77% compared with the control group, which was fed feed mixture without a mineral additive.

Влияние роботизированного доения коров на эффективность производства молока

Abstract. Purpose is to study the effect of milk production technology in the SPK “Glinskiy” with the use of robotic milking machines Lely Astronaut, DeLaval and linear milking machine ADM-8A, on the efficiency of milk production. Methods. An analysis of the efficiency of milk production with various technologies of keeping and milking cows was carried out on the basis of materials for accounting for milk productivity obtained for 2016–2019, and also the marketability of milk, the cost per unit of milk and the profitability of milk production during robotic milking and milking in a milk pipeline were determined. Scientific novelty. The analysis of the economic efficiency of milk production in the conditions of one farm is carried out, the differences in the level of milk productivity and milk quality are determined. Calculated: the cost price of 1 kg of milk obtained using the milking machine ADM-8 and automated milking machines Lely and DeLaval, profitability. Results. A large number of factors, both genetic and paratypical, affect the milk production of cows. The main paratypical factor is milk production technology, which includes keeping, feeding and milking livestock. Nowadays, the widespread technology is tethering cows with milking in a long milk pipe in stalls, this technology is considered traditional. She is being replaced by a more productive one – keeping a milking herd without a tether in groups with milking on automatic milking machines (robotic milking). Feeding with these two technologies is organized according to different principles. Our study revealed the influence of milking technology on the efficiency of milk production. As a result of the study, differences in the level of milk productivity and milk quality were determined. Our study revealed a positive effect of milking technology with the help of robotic installations on the efficiency of milk production: milk yield for each lactation increases by 7–28 %, which is confirmed by the lactation constancy index, the content of somatic cells in milk decreases to 2.4 × 105 cells per 1 cm3 providing an increase in the marketability of milk to 97.4%, in terms of physical and chemical indicators, milk of cows, with different methods of keeping, was within the normal range and average values for the herd.

Socio-cultural Status of Dairy Farmers of Nepalese Community of Guwahati Metropolitan area of Assam, India

Commercial dairy farming in Assam had begun during the British period. After establishing a bond with Nepal through signing the treaty of Segowali in 1816, the British Government encouraged the migration of Gorkhas from Nepal with their families permanently to Assam, and some other parts of India. After the Yandaboo treaty in 1826 the Gorkha army men along with the British reached Burma and the kinsman of the gorkha soldiers accompanied them were offered to rear buffaloes there as sundry activities (Upadhaya, 2017). The Nepalese thereafter have been continuing the said activities as prime business in different parts of Assam. To perform any activity, profit is a major economic factor which is directly linked with the social transformation and economic change. The profit of the dairy farmers is directly linked with some factors such as investment pattern, supply of milk, engagement of labour and cost of feeds, etc. Like the other dairy farmers, the dairy farmers basically the Gorkhas or the Nepalese of the Guwahati Metropolitan Area are also mainly dependent for their livelihood on the profitability of milk production and this profitability directly influences the economic and social status of the dairy farmers living in this area.

Realization of the potential of cows of Holstein breed of different generations in terms of productive traits

Breeding work with dairy cattle in the Kurgan region is aimed at breeding animals that combine the adaptive properties and valuable traits of cattle of Black-and-White breed with a high proportion of genes of Holstein breed. Such animals are characterized by high productivity and suitability for intensive technology of their housing. The purpose of the research was to determine the indicators of milk productivity of first-calf heifers of different generations of Holstein breed, imported to the pedigree farms of the Kurgan region, as well as to determine the degree of realization of the genetic potential of animals. Scientific research has been carried out in the herd of CJSC “Glinka” (Kurgan), where highly productive cattle of Black-and-White and Holstein breeds are bred. The subject of research was the first-calf heifers of the imported Holstein breed of German selection of different generations, as well as the herdmates of Black-and-White breed. It has been found that the realization of the genetic potential for milk yield in Holstein cows of German breeding was higher and amounted to 76,4 %, in cows of Black-and-White breed 69,9 %. The highest milk yield for 305 days of lactation has been observed in the second generation of Holstein heifers 8905 kg, which exceeded the milk yield of herdmates of the second and third generations by 113 kg or 1,26 % and 174 kg or 1,95 %, respectively. The mass fraction of fat in German Holsteins of different generations ranged from 3,99 to 4,21 % (P < 0,001), while the mass fraction of protein in the milk of first-calf heifers varied slightly in the range from 3,18 to 3,20 %. In terms of live weight, the animals of the third generation slightly exceeded the herdmates of the 1st and 2nd generations by 19 kg or 3,25 % and 20 kg or 3,43 %, respectively. The largest profit has been received from the first-generation first-calf heifers of Holstein breed of German selection, where the level of profitability of milk production was 50,7 %, which was higher than that of the herdmates of the second and third generations by 3,9 and 7,9 %, respectively.

Scientific And Economic Justification Of Application Of Symbiotic Polycomponent Fodder Additive In Feeding High Productive Cows

Research has been carried out on the use of the symbiotic “Rumimaster” in balanced diets of highly productive cows in the conditions of the breeding plant “Kirovskaya meadow-bog experimental station”. The experiment was carried out on two groups of animals in the middle of lactation with a duration of 90 days. The inclusion of the feed additive “Rumimaster” in the diet of experienced cows contributed to an increase in the gross production of natural and 4% fat milk by 124.5 kg and 128.4 kg, the yield of milk fat and milk protein by 5.2 and 4.1 kg, respectively. … The differences between the groups for these parameters were in the range of 5.1-5.7%. The productivity of cows for 305 days of lactation in the experimental group was higher than in the control by 7.5%.The symbiotic “Rumimaster” promoted the activation of digestion processes, which was reflected in the increase in the time of feed consumption and the duration of the chewing gum. The cows of the experimental group showed an increase in the level of digestibility of the main nutrients. In terms of the digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber, the experimental group of cows significantly exceeded the indicators of the control group by 3.3 and 3 absolute percent, respectively. The blood biochemical parameters of the animals of the experimental and control groups were within the physiological norm. The economic evaluation of the research results showed the effectiveness of the use of the symbiotic “Rumimaster” in the diets of lactating cows, which was expressed in the receipt of additional profit from one cow in the amount of 1,344.79 rubles for the period of experience and an increase in the profitability of milk production by 2.1 absolute percent.

Determination of productivity of milking cows and emissions of greenhouse gases from organic waste with different approaches to the organization of the technology of their feeding

The analysis of approaches to reduce the consumption of fodder protein and greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste in milk production is carried out, and the need to determine these indicators for various approaches to organizing the technology of their feeding is established. An increase in the content of difficult-to-digest protein in the diets of high-yielding cows made it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per head per day by 14.12 % in CO2 equivalent when using 1.5 kg of TEP-mix in the ration of cows. When using 1.0 kg of TEP-mix, this figure was 6.44 %. In terms of 1 kg of milk with basic fat content, these indicators are 26.72 % and 12.98 %, respectively. A multicriteria analysis of milk production with different approaches to organizing the technology of feeding dairy cows and, in particular, when using the additive TEP-mix with a protected protein showed a significant advantage of research option No. 1 (1.5 kg of TEP-mix). For it, the objective function according to the considered criteria is the smallest and amounts to 0.039 in comparison with the idealized variant. At the same time, the target function of the control variant (without TEP-mix) is 2.67 times worse, and for the experimental variant No. 2 (1.0 kg of TEP-mix) this indicator is 2.12. The use of TEP-mix in feeding cows provided an increase in their milk productivity, milk fat and protein content and, as a result, the profitability of milk production. The studies have found that the use of the proposed approaches to the organization of the technology of feeding cows provides an increase in their productivity, a decrease in the cost of feed protein and an improvement in environmental protection. According to the authors, this is due to an increase in the content of difficult-to-digest protein in the diets of high-yielding cows

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Candidate Genes Associated with Feet and Leg Conformation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle

Simple SummaryFeet and leg problems are among the major reasons for dairy cows leaving the herd, as well as having direct association with production and reproduction efficiency, health (e.g., claw disorders and lameness) and welfare. Hence, understanding the genetic architecture underlying feet and conformation traits in dairy cattle offers new opportunities toward the genetic improvement and long-term selection. Through a genome-wide association study on Chinese Holstein cattle, we identified several candidate genes associated with feet and leg conformation traits. These results could provide useful information about the molecular breeding basis of feet and leg traits, thus improving the longevity and productivity of dairy cattle.Feet and leg conformation traits are considered one of the most important economical traits in dairy cattle and have a great impact on the profitability of milk production. Therefore, identifying the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and pathways analysis associated with these traits might contribute to the genomic selection and long-term plan selection for dairy cattle. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) method to identify SNPs associated with bone quality, heel depth, rear leg side view and rear leg rear view of Chinese Holstein cows. Phenotypic measurements were collected from 1000 individuals of Chinese Holstein cattle and the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine 100 K SNP chip was utilized for individual genotyping. After quality control, 984 individual cows and 84,906 SNPs remained for GWAS work; as a result, we identified 20 significant SNPs after Bonferroni correction. Several candidate genes were identified within distances of 200 kb upstream or downstream to the significant SNPs, including ADIPOR2, INPP4A, DNMT3A, ALDH1A2, PCDH7, XKR4 and CADPS. Further bioinformatics analyses showed 34 gene ontology terms and two signaling pathways were significantly enriched (p ≤ 0.05). Many terms and pathways are related to biological quality, metabolism and development processes; these identified SNPs and genes could provide useful information about the genetic architecture of feet and leg traits, thus improving the longevity and productivity of Chinese Holstein dairy cattle.

Influence of zeolite and zeolite-sapropel feed additives on the milk productivity of mares and the quality of kumiss under the conditions of Central Yakutia

One of the main branches of agriculture in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is productive horse breeding. In this regard, we can use the valuable raw materials that the horse gives due to its high adaptability to local conditions. The development of productive horse breeding in particular dairy horse breeding under the conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) would allow providing the population with natural, dietary food and more efficient use of land resources. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of zeolite and zeolite-sapropel feed additives in the ration of mares of Megezhek breed on the milk productivity and quality of kumiss under the conditions of Central Yakutia. Two scientific and economic experiments have been carried out where the influence of zeolite from the Suntar deposit (experiment 1) and zeolite-sapropel feed additives (experiment 2) on the milk productivity and physiological parameters of mares of Megezhek breed has been studied. The optimal doses of the effect of zeolite and zeolite-sapropel feed additives on the profi tability of kumiss production have been determined. It has been found in the first scientific and economic experiment that when adding 0,4 g of zeolite per 1 kg of live weight to the daily ration of lactating mares the level of profi tability of milk production increased to 20,4 %, and when adding 0,5 g per 1 kg of live weight the profi tability index increased to 21,5 %, compared to 13,7 % in the control group. In the second scientific and economic experiment the infl uence of the zeolite-sapropel feed additive on the intensity of digestion and assimilation of nutrients in the mares’ rations has been determined. The analysis of the experimental data indicates a high economic efficiency of using zeolite-sapropel feed additive in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups of mares, where the level of profi tability of production was equal to 27,34 and 32,33 %, respectively, compared to 16,09 % in the control group.

The effectiveness of feeding complex mineral and vitamin feed additive «Nadezhda» to lactating cows

The feasibility of using the complex mineral and vitamin feed additive “Nadezhda” in the rations of lactating first-calf heifers of Black-and-White breed has been examined in the article. It has been established that feed contain a low content of elements such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt. The ratio of nutrients and minerals, the degree of their availability for assimilation by the body does not provide their need. The use of the complex mineral and vitamin feed additive contributed to an increase in the milk productivity of first-calf heifers and the quality of milk, feed consumption per unit of production. All tested recipes of the complex mineral and vitamin feed additive, which have different versions of macro-, microelements and vitamins in their composition had a positive effect on the metabolic processes in the body of animals. For the production of 1 kg of milk in the experimental groups of cows less metabolic energy was spent by 5,09 (P < 0,05) and 8,06 % (P < 0,05), respectively, raw protein by 5,19 and 8,19 % (P < 0,05), digestible protein by 5,12 (P < 0,05) and 8,15 % (P < 0,05) compared with the animals of the control group. At the same time from the cows of the 1st experimental group have been received more milk by 151,6 kg in the amount of 2489 rubles, from the 2nd experimental group by 250,6 kg of milk in the amount of 4248,0 rubles. The prime cost of production of 1 kg of milk in cows of the 1st experimental group in comparison with the animals of the control group decreased by 0,72 rubles, and the 2nd experimental group by 1,21 rubles. The level of profitability of milk production in cows have been fed with additive recipe No. 1, in comparison with the animals of the control group increased by 3,71 abs.%, recipe No. 2 by 9,91 abs.%.

Influence of silage prepared with biological preservatives on productivity of cows

Feed is one of the most important factors in increasing the productivity of animals. Providing livestock with high-quality bulky feed is the main task of feed production. One of the most important problems of modern agricultural production in the Udmurt Republic remains the increase in feed production, improvement of their quality and energy saturation. The purpose of the research was to increase the efficiency of milk production by using alfalfa and corn silage prepared with various biological preservatives in the rations of cows. Scientific and economic experiment has been carried out in JSC “Voskhod” in the Sharkansky district in the Udmurt Republic, a breeding farm of Kholmogorskaya breed of cattle. An important scientific and practical task to increase the productivity and improve the reproductive traits of cows due to silage from alfalfa and corn harvested using biological preservatives Laxil, Bioamide-3, Optima-Bio, containing various strains of lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria has been considered in the paper. Research has been conducted on the comparative study of the effectiveness of biological preservatives on the preservation of feed nutrients under the conditions of the Udmurt Republic. Their effect on milk productivity, quality and technological properties of milk has been studied. It has been found as a result of the conducted studies that the use of biological preservatives Laxil, Bioamide-3, Optima-Bio when silage making had a positive effect on the increase in milk productivity of cows during the increasing the milk yield period and for 305 days of lactation. Thus, the use of silage prepared with preservatives in rations increases the milk yield for 305 days of lactation by 5,6–7,6 %. When feeding silage with preservatives the profitability of milk production has been increased. The most effective preservative was Bioamide-3.

Effectiveness of a feed additive with a high degree of protein protection in feeding fresh cows

Intensive dairy farming in modern conditions is impossible without a solid forage base and the use of high-quality forage resources. A high level of cow productivity presupposes adequate nutrition for the animal at all physiological periods of its life. Due to the fact that cows consume relatively little feed during the first period of lactation, the primary task of livestock breeders is to provide the body of highly productive animals with the necessary amount of energy, protein and other nutrients. The article presents the data of a scientific experiment on the use of non-degradable protein in the rumen PassPro Balance in diets for fresh cows. The feed additive under study contributes to an increase in the level of dry matter consumption by animals. The average daily milk yield of the experimental group, which received the studied supplement, significantly increased by 12.0% (P <0.05) in comparison with the control group. There was also established a tendency to an increase in the fat content in the milk of cows from the experimental group. According to the biochemical analysis of the blood serum of cows, the level of albumin in all animals was within the physiological norm. The content of globulins was below the norm in animals of all groups without significantly significant differences. The activity of the AST and ALT enzymes between the groups did not differ significantly. However, it should be noted that in both groups these indicators were within the normal range. The level of alkaline phosphatase tended to increase in the experimental group by 20.8% in comparison with the control group. Feeding PassPro Supplements Balance in the diets for the experimental group made it possible to receive 2565,00 rubles of additional profit, while the level of profitability of milk production increased by 2.02% relative to control.

Economic and useful traits of cows of different ages

Intensive use of highly productive animals has revealed new problems associated with reducing the duration of productive use of animals and reducing their reproductive abilities, which lead to a decrease in the number of young animals for rearing and fattening for beef. Therefore, the study of the infl uence of age on the productive traits of cows is relevant and has practical signifi cance. The purpose of the work was to evaluate cows for economically useful traits depending on the age of the animals. It has been found that the milk yield for lactation increases with age in cows. If from fi rst-calf heifers has been received 5163,8±212,3 kg of milk, then 6106,5±201,7 and 6846,8±231,7 from cows of the third and fourth lactation, respectively, this was more by 942,7 kg or 18,2 % and 1683,8 kg or 32,6 %. Milk yield increases gradually from lactation to lactation with increasing age of cows and thus confi rms the association of improving the productive traits of animals with the laws of development, i.e. the onset of their physiological maturity. It has been revealed that the farm does not have optimal conditions for the full manifestation of the genetic potential of productivity, and therefore cows of the third and fourth lactation have lower milk yields than possible. So, the estimated milk yield of fi rstcalf heifers to mature cows practically corresponds to the milk yield that was received from cows after IV lactation. The diff erence between groups of cows in the content of individual components of milk was insignifi cant, although there is a positive trend to reduce the content of protein and casein with increasing age of cows. Cows bred on the farm have high indicators of reproductive ability. So, they have a short period of open day from 26,6±0,61 days (II lactation) to 43,7±1,11 days (III lactation), the optimal pregnancy period and calving interval (less than a calendar year). The level of profi tability of milk production increases with increasing milk yields, which increase with age.

Efficiency of combined fodder use with reduced amount of grain in feeding lactating cows

The assessment of the need to include combined fodder with reduced amount of grain in the diet of dairy cows by replacing it with non-grain components (wheat bran, protected fodder fat) is given. In the scientific and economic experiment on 2 groups of cows 12 heads each, the influence of combined fodder with 40% of grain components by weight on the palatability of feed, milk yield, milk composition, nutrients' digestion coefficients, biochemical blood composition, level of milk production profitability was studied. Reducing the proportion of grain to 40% in the total number of concentrate's components allows to increase 4% fat milk yield by 0.8% while increasing the amount of fat and protein by 0.02 — 0.04%. The preference for consumption per 1 kg of 4% fat milk was in the experimental group - 8.67 MJ ME; 337 g of combined fodder. Reduction of grain in the combined fodder composition contributed to an increase in profitability by 12.3%.