Amount Of Milk Research Articles

Gene expression profiling of indigenous Tharparkar and crossbred Vrindavani cattle affected with lameness using PBMC model.

Lameness is an economically significant, production-limiting syndrome that adversely affects the (re)production performance of animals besides deteriorating the quantity and quality aspects of milk in dairy cattle. The present study aimed to explore the potential biomarkers for painful foot lesions in indigenous Tharparkar and crossbredVrindavani cattle affected with lameness. The differentially expressed genes in lame versus healthy animals were elucidated using microarray analysis and validated them by qRT-PCR. On microarray analysis, 504 genes were differentially expressed in lame crossbred cattle as compared to healthy counterparts. Similarly, 991 genes were differentially expressed in lame crossbred cattle as compared to the healthy Tharparkar animals. Various genes such as BOLA-DQA3, BOLA-DQA1, CCL4, CCR1, CCRL2, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8, IL1A, IL1B, MMP-9 and SLC11A1 were common between both the comparisons (crossbred lame vs. crossbred normal cattle; and crossbred lame vs. normal Tharparkar cattle). The results revealed downregulation of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. Validation using qRT-PCR showed high correlation with the microarray results, except for the IRAK1 gene. The functional annotation and gene network analysis revealed involvement of various processes including inflammation, immunology, apoptosis, cell proliferation and cytoskeleton organization. The Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed three inhibited pathways in the comparison between lame and normal (healthy) crossbred cattle i.e., HMGB1-signalling pathway, Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling pathway, and Mitotic roles of pol-like kinase. Whereas, on comparison of lame crossbred with healthy Tharparkar cattle, the Situin signalling pathway was inhibited; the LxR/RxR activation pathway was activated. The results from microarray analysis, identifying differential expressed genes provides valuable insights into the development of molecular biomarkers for early detection of lameness-affected animals.

S-allylmercaptocysteine inhibits TLR4-mediated inflammation through enhanced formation of inhibitory MyD88 splice variant in mammary epithelial cells

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease affecting mammary tissues caused by bacterial infection that negatively affects milk quality and quantity. S-Allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), a sulfur compound in aged garlic extract (AGE), suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in mouse models and cell cultures. However, the mechanisms underlying this anti-inflammatory effect remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that oral administration of AGE suppressed the LPS-induced immune response in a mastitis mouse model and that SAMC inhibited LPS-induced interleukin-6 production and nuclear factor κB p65 subunit activation in HC11 mammary epithelial cells. Global phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that SAMC treatment downregulated 910 of the 1,304 phosphorylation sites upregulated by LPS stimulation in mammary cells, including those associated with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Additionally, SAMC decreased the phosphorylation of 26 proteins involved in pre-mRNA splicing, particularly the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex. Furthermore, we found that SAMC increased the production of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 short form (MyD88-S), an alternatively spliced form of MyD88 that negatively regulates TLR4 signaling. These findings suggest that SAMC inhibits TLR4-mediated inflammation via alternative pre-mRNA splicing, thus promoting MyD88-S production in mammary epithelial cells. Therefore, SAMC may alleviate various inflammatory diseases, such as mastitis, by modulating immune responses.

BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL E O IMPACTO DO ENRIQUECIMENTO AMBIENTAL PARA VACAS LEITEIRAS

This work investigates the relationship between environmental enrichment, welfare and productivity of dairy cows in intensive systems. The main objective was to analyze how specific practices, such as the introduction of environmental stimuli, feed variations and improvements in facilities, influence behavior, health and milk production. The methodology included the evaluation of well-being indicators, such os stress levels, social interaction and physical health, and their correlation with the quantity and quality of milk produced. Results show that enrichment practices reduce stress, increase rumination, promote positive social behaviors and improve production efficiency, increasing the fat and protein content in milk. In addition, it was found that the success of these interventions depends on the adequate training of those responsible for management. It is concluded that environmental enrichment not only favors animal welfare, but also enhances the sustainability and efficiency of milk production, aligning with the demands of a more ethical and responsible livestock.

Assessment of genetic parameters and breeding value of somatic cell score and first lactation 305 days milk yield in crossbred dairy cattle of Kerala

Present study focuses on estimating the genetic parameters and breeding values related to somatic cell score (SCS) and first lactation 305 days milk yield (FL305DMY) in crossbred cattle in Kerala. Mastitis, a common inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, poses significant challenges to dairy production by decreasing milk quality and quantity, resulting in considerable economic losses for farmers. The study involved 200 first-lactation crossbred cows from various locations and 200 raw milk samples were analysed for SCS estimation. Overall least square mean of SCS and 305 DMY were 4.85 and 2409.35 kg, respectively. The heritability estimates for SCS and 305 DMY were 0.003±0.340 and 0.359±0.076. The average breeding value of 200 crossbred cattle sired by 78 bulls for SCS was 4.16 and for 305DMY was 2743.60 kg. The negative genetic correlation between SCS and FL305DMY (-0.113 ± 0.38) further emphasizes the detrimental impact of mastitis on milk production. The results indicate the necessity of incorporating SCS into selection criteria for dairy cattle to enhance both milk yield and overall herd health.

Standardization of Panchagavya for Enhanced Nutrient Content and Seed Germination in Sustainable Organic Farming

The detrimental effects of chemical-intensive agriculture have spurred interest in eco-friendly farming practices, particularly organic farming. Central to organic farming are organic manures, including various liquid organic formulations such as Panchagavya, which are rooted in Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK). Due to the variability in local production methodologies, there is a pressing need to standardize the production techniques of liquid organic manures, specifically Panchagavya, and to characterize their properties. The study standardizes Panchagavya production to reduce local variability. Eight ingredients were used, with 81 different combinations. Physical and chemical properties of prepared Panchagavya were analyzed, and principal component analysis was performed to determine optimal combinations for improved soil health and crop productivity. The nitrogen content of different combinations of Panchagavya ranged from 1.12% to 2.66%, phosphorus between 0.12% to 0.385%, potassium between 0.345% to 0.65%. The Ca content ranged between 186.3 mg L⁻¹ and 256.66 mg L⁻¹. Mg content the range was between 52.1 mg L-1 to 92.4 mg mg L-1, S varies between 0.08% and 0.3%, the Fe content in Panchagavya ranged from 49.7 mg L⁻¹ to 53.1 mg L⁻¹, Mn content ranged from 2.60 mg L⁻¹ to 5.05 mg L⁻¹, Zn content ranged from 4.1 mg L⁻¹ to 6.35 mg L⁻¹, and Cu content ranged from 12.50 mg L⁻¹ to 14.95 mg L⁻¹. with higher levels associated with increased quantities of cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee. Germination study indicated that Panchagavya positively affected seed germination and root growth increased from 3.45% to 114.66%. The growth hormone indole acetic acid values was between 56.6 µg mL⁻¹ and 104.19 µg mL⁻¹. Similarly, the gibberellic acid values ranged from 138.34 µg mL⁻¹ to 185.23 µg mL⁻¹. From the 81 treatment 10 best treatment was selected by principle component analysis of nutrient content of Panchagavya. Microbial analysis of selected Panchagavya demonstrated significant populations: bacteria (7.57 to 8.03 log cfu mL⁻¹), fungi (4.3 to 4.73 log cfu mL⁻¹), and actinomycetes (3.15 to 3.9 log cfu mL⁻¹). The presence of IAA and GA further substantiates its efficacy as an organic fertilizer. This research confirms that Panchagavya enhances nutrient content, microbial activity, and hormone levels, resulting in improved seed germination and root development. These findings highlight its potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, promoting organic farming practices and contributing to healthier soils.

Predictive Models for the Implementation of Targeted Reproductive Management in Multiparous Cows on Automatic Milking Systems

Targeted reproductive management (TRM) aims to improve the fertility efficiency of the dairy herd by applying group-level management strategies based on expected reproductive performance. Key to the utility of TRM is the accuracy with which an animal's reproductive performance can be predicted. Automatic milking systems (AMS) allow for the collection of data relating to milk quantity, quality, and robot visit behavior throughout the transition period. In addition to this, auxiliary data sources such as rumination and activity monitors, as well as historical cow-level data are often readily available. The utility of this data for the prediction of fertility has not been previously explored. The objective of this study was first, to assess the accuracy with which the likelihood of expression of oestrus between 22 and 65 d in milk (DIM) and conception to first insemination between 22 and 80 DIM could be predicted using data collected by AMS from 1 to 21 DIM. Our second objective was to assess the change in model performance following the addition of 2 auxiliary data sources. Using data derived solely from the AMS (RBT data set) a binary random forest classification model was constructed for both outcomes of interest. The performance of these models was compared with models constructed using AMS data in conjunction with 2 auxiliary sources (RBT+ data set). Expression of oestrus was classified with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.6 and 0.65, conception to first insemination with an AUC-ROC of 0.56 and 0.62 for the RBT and RBT+ data sets respectively. No statistically significant improvement in classification accuracy was achieved by the addition of auxiliary data sources. This is the first study to report the utility of data collected by AMS for the prediction of reproductive performance. Though the performance described is comparable with previously reported models, their utility for the implementation of TRM is limited by poor classification accuracy within key sub-groups. Of note within this study is the failure of the addition of auxiliary data sources to increase the accuracy of prediction over models built using AMS data alone. We discuss the advantages and limitations the integration of additional data sources imposes on model training and deployment and suggest alternative methods to improve performance while preserving model parsimony.

Milk traits characterization and association studies with DGAT1 polymorphisms in Bagnolese sheep.

The Bagnolese sheep is an authochtonous dual-purpose breed (milk and meat) reared in the Campania region, whose milk is used to produce Pecorino Bagnolese cheese. Genetic information on this sheep is extremely limited, especially regarding genes affecting productions. The aim of this study was to investigate milk production traits in Bagnolese sheep and the variability of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene and its effects on milk production. Milk quantity was recorded during the morning milking, while Kjeldahl and Gerber methods were used to assess protein and fat percentage (w/v) of collected milk samples. Two PCR-RFLP protocols using BamHI and MspI endonucleases for genotyping of g.5553C>T and g.8539C>T at DGAT1 locus, respectively, were set up. Bagnolese sheep milk shows high fat and protein concentrations. Genotyping revealed a high frequency of the g.5553C and g.8539C alleles (0.56 and 0.95, respectively). The association study between the SNP g.5553C>T and milk traits showed that animals with the CT genotype had a higher percentage of fat produced per milking than those with the CC and TT genotypes (p<0.01). Similar results were found for protein yield percentage, with CT individuals being more productive than CC individuals (p<0.01). Bagnolese sheep milk parameters found are associated with high yields in the resulting dairy products. CT genotype at the SNP g.5553 of DGAT1 has shown a positive association with fat and protein milk yield percentage suggesting it could be considered a marker to improve productions of this breed. Finally, the new genotyping techniques used for this study enable a cheap and reliable characterization of two DGAT1 SNPs in sheep.

Establishment of a multiplex qPCR method for sensitive detection of proteolytic psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk

Initial microbiological species and quantity of raw milk significantly affect dairy product quality. In particular, some psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk can produce heat-stable hydrolases that reduce the stability of dairy products during their shelf life. The purpose of this study was to establish a multiplex real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) rapid detection method for Pseudomonas fluorescens and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, which generally produce protease in raw milk. The primers and probes with good specificity, universality and high sensitivity to the target bacteria were screened by ordinary PCR and qPCR experiments. The quantitative linear relationship and sensitivity of the method for detecting pure DNA and artificially contaminated simulated milk samples were verified. The results showed that the limit of detection (LOD) of this method for pure DNA could reach 3.16 × 10−5 ng/μL. The detection of artificially contaminated samples showed that the LOD for P. fluorescens and L. lactis subsp. lactis could reach 250 and 22 CFU/mL, respectively. The multiplex qPCR method established in this study has good specificity and high sensitivity, which can be used to rapidly detect psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk. It provides an effective reference strategy for the dairy industry to ensure the microbiological quality of raw milk from the source.

Enhanced Brain Myelination and Cognitive Development in Young Children Associated with Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Intake: A Temporal Cohort Study.

Myelination is a fundamental process of neurodevelopment that facilitates the efficient brain messaging and connectivity that underlies the emergence and refinement of cognitive skills and abilities. Healthy maturation of the myelinated white matter requires appropriate neural activity and coordinated delivery of key nutritional building blocks, including short and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. While many of these nutrients are amply supplied by breastmilk, they are often provided in only limited quantities in infant formula milk. Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a rich source of phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and has been associated with improved cognitive development in infants and children when added to infant formula. To determine if added bovine MFGM is also associated with improved myelination, this study used myelin-sensitive MRI to compare myelination trends in healthy infants and toddlers who received the same infant formula with and without added bovine MFGM in two temporal cohorts: Without Added MFGM between 2009 and 2016; and With Added MFGM between 2018-2020. We also used the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) to compare verbal, non-verbal, and overall cognitive abilities. Matched for important demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, we found that children who received infant formula with added MFGM showed improved myelination in motor-related areas (motor cortices, internal capsule, and cerebellum) and improved MSEL nonverbal and fine motor scores. No significant differences in verbal or overall cognitive ability scores were noted. These results support the importance of phospholipids, sphingolipids, and sphingomyelin in promoting brain myelination and cognitive development.

Selenomethionine Mitigates Effects of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica-Induced Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Nocardia cyriacigeorgica causes bovine mastitis, reduces milk quantity and quality, and is often resistant to antimicrobials. Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a form of selenium, which reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis and intramammary infections. However, the protective effects of SeMet on N. cyriacigeorgica-infected bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether SeMet mitigated N. cyriacigeorgica-induced inflammatory injury, oxidative damage and apoptosis in bMECs. Cells were cultured with or without being pretreated with 40 µM of SeMet for 12 h, then challenged with N. cyriacigeorgica (multiplicity of infection = 5:1) for 6 h. Although N. cyriacigeorgica was resistant to lincomycin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalonium, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone, 40 μM SeMet increased cell viability and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase release in infected bMECs. Furthermore, N. cyriacigeorgica significantly induced mRNA production and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 at 6 h. Cell membrane rupture, cristae degeneration and mitochondria swelling were evident with transmission electron microscopy. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities were down-regulated after 3, 6, or 12 h, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS contents were significantly upregulated, with cell damage and apoptosis rapidly evident (the latter increased significantly in a time-dependent manner). In contrast, bMECs pretreated with 40 μM SeMet before infection, SOD, and GSH-px activities were upregulated (p &lt; 0.05); MDA and ROS concentrations were downregulated (p &lt; 0.05), and apoptosis was reduced (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, 40 μM SeMet alleviated inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by N. cyriacigeorgica in bMECs cultured in vitro.

Impact of postpartum physical activity on cardiometabolic health, breastfeeding, injury and infant growth and development: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between postpartum physical activity and maternal postnatal cardiometabolic health, breastfeeding, injury, and infant growth and development.DesignSystematic review with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression.Data sourcesEight online databases were...

Effects of seasonal factors on the milk composition of dairy cows in Tafawa Balewa L.G.A, Bauchi State

This study compared the nutrient composition of milk between cattle breeds of Bunaji, Rahaji, Sokoto gudali and Adamawa gudali for both rainy and dry season. One hundred questionnaires were administered to respondents and 5% had milk yield of 3litre/day. 55% recorded 2 litre/day of milk while 40% had the least yield of 1litre/day. That early lactation produces highest milk quantity. The result of laboratory analysis showed that season have effect on nutrient composition of cow milk. It was observed that the early dry season milk composition was better for Bunaji, Rahaji, Sokoto gudali except for Adamawa gudali. For rainy season comparison, early rainy season milk composition was better for Bunaji, Sokoto gudali, Adamawa gudali except for Rahaji. Moisture content in dry season (70.08%) was lower (P&gt;0.05) than moisture content in rainy season (87.36%) for Bunaji breed, similar result was obtained for Rahaji, Sokoto gudali and Adamawa gudali. The energy content and carbohydrate were higher (P&lt;0.05) in the dry season for Bunaji(132.15KCal and 14.06%), Rahaji (126.20KCal and 14.55%), Sokoto gudali (148.00KCal and 22.05%) and Adamawa gudali (135.18KCal and 20.99%). The crude protein of analysed milk was slightly higher (P&lt;0.05) in rainy season for Bunaji (5.64%), but higher in dry season for Rahaji (5.48%), Sokoto gudali (7.47%) and Adamawa gudali (6.01%). ether extract were all higher in dry season for breeds except Sokoto gudali. crude fibre was higher (5.34% Bunaji, 5.28% Rahaji, 3.45% S. gudali, 4.04% A. gudali) in dry season for all breed. Milk in all the four breeds of cattle have more of the nutrient composition in dry season at a higher level. Seasonal variation and climatic factors like rain, humidity and wind affects milk composition and cattle production in terms of pasture availability and the quality. The herders need to be encouraged to engaged in modern way of herding by possessing land for farming, they can rent it in exchange of crop residues and they can cultivate their personal farm produce and faster yielding pasture can be cultivated.

Lactation-focused audio relaxation versus standard care for mothers of very preterm infants (the EXPRESS randomised clinical trial).

Mothers of very premature newborns often have low milk supply. Systematic review has shown increased milk quantity with relaxation interventions. We hypothesised that a self-directed audio relaxation and lactation-specific visualisation would increase milk quantity after a very premature birth. Unmasked, randomised, controlled trial, recruiting 132 participants in four United Kingdom neonatal units. Eligible women had given birth to one or two infants between 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation. The intervention was a 12-min voice recording including breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and lactation-specific visualisation. Primary outcome was the highest 24-h breastmilk weight expressed on any of day 4, day 14 or day 21 after birth. Mean birth gestation was 27.8 weeks (SD 2.4), with 26% of participants giving birth under 26 weeks (34/132). Adjusted mean difference in primary outcome was 73.9 g (95% CI -61.7 to 209.5, p = 0.28). Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Index adjusted mean difference was -1.9 (-8.2 to 4.3, p = 0.54). The majority of relaxation group participants felt the intervention was relaxing (32/42, 76%). There was no beneficial effect of this relaxation intervention on milk quantity. Mothers of very premature infants may value relaxation interventions but they are unlikely to have a large effect on milk quantity. This randomised trial did not show a beneficial effect of a self-directed audio relaxation and visualisation on mothers' own milk quantity expressed after very preterm birth. Mothers of very and extremely preterm infants may value relaxation interventions, but they are unlikely to have a large effect on milk quantity. Prior systematic review of mixed populations has shown an increase in mothers' own milk quantity with relaxation interventions. Combining this study with existing meta-analysis could result in a new hypothesis that the lower the gestation at birth, the smaller the impact of relaxation on milk quantity.

Comparative Study of Lactogenic Effect and Milk Mutritional Density of Oral Galactagogues in Female Rabbit.

Hypogalactia and agalactia in lactating mothers are the major causes of child malnutrition, mortality, morbidity, and overall ill health. The development of such treatments requires a well-designed preclinical study with suitable laboratory animals, which needs to be improved. Thus, a suitably designed study with a laboratory animal to analyse galactagogue activity, along with an assessment of the quality and quantity of milk, is required. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of rabbits as an animal model for studying lactogenic activity. The structural homology of prolactin, prolactin, and prolactin in humans, rabbits, and rats was studied using BLAST and PyMol to assess similarity in the lactogenic system. Daily and cumulative milk production and pre-treatment (control) and post-treatment (three drugs) in rabbits were recorded and evaluated by analysing protein, fat, lactose, solid non-fat, and ash values. All parameters were recorded on the 0th day and at the end of weeks 1, 2, and 3. Mammary gland histopathology was performed to evaluate the effects on mammary glands. Homology studies revealed that the sequences of the human and rabbit prolactin genes, receptors, and hormones had a high similarity index. Treatment with Domperidone, Metoclopramide, and Shatavari significantly enhanced milk production by enhancing prolactin secretion; only Shatavari increased milk nutrition. Enlargement of the tubuloalveolar ducts of the mammary glands was observed. Our findings suggest that rabbits are robust, reproducible, ethically superior, and preclinically relevant animals for assessing lactogenic activity.

Does extremely early expression of colostrum after very preterm birth improve mother’s own milk quantity? A cohort study

ObjectiveAssess the relationship of time to first expression after very preterm birth and mothers’ own milk quantity.DesignA cohort study (nested within a randomised trial).SettingFour neonatal units in the UK.Patients132 mothers...

Bypass Fat Increases Milk Production and Quality in Goats under Extensive Management

Background: Lactating goats show a negative energy metabolism, which is why supplementation during this period is beneficial for the female, improving the production and chemical composition of milk. Various studies have shown that the use of protected fats in ruminants increases the quantity and quality of milk. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a bypass fat on milk production and quality in grazing goats. Methods: In an extensively managed goat herd in the Comarca Lagunera, goats (n=30) were selected and distributed in 3 treatments: (GCON), this group only consumed the vegetation in the grazing sites, (GHP95) this group received grazing plus bypass fat and (GLM45) this group received grazing plus bypass fat, the supplementation with bypass fat was 100 g/goat/d. During the study, live weight, body condition, milk production and quality were determined. Result: The research shows that supplementation with bypass fat is sufficient to increase production (p less than 0.05) and quality of milk (fat; p less than 0.05) after calving in the different samplings (p less than 0.05). The results favored GHP95. This supplementation makes the use of protected fats in animal feed more efficient, increasing productive parameters and income for grazing goat producers.

Influence of High Milk Feeding Practices on Faecal Consistency Score and Behaviour of Early Weaned Crossbred Calves

This study investigated the impact of high milk feeding on the body weight of 25 early-weaned crossbred (HF×K) calves at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, over 182 days. Calves were divided into five treatment groups with equal numbers of male and female calves. Colostrum was provided for the first 3 days, followed by 4 liters of fresh milk daily for the first two weeks. The total milk quantity offered in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 was 252, 329, 353.5, 378, 402.5 kg respectively, to study the faecal consistency and behavior of calves. The faecal consistency and behaviour of calves after one hour during morning milk feeding was observed among the experimental calves for milk feeding of 63 days. The observation shown that calves of T5 group (higher quantity of milk feeding) defecate less normal faeces with incidences of water faeces. The calves of T5 group exhibited discomfort sign like; standing up/down, licking and kicking of abdomen after ingesting milk. The high quantity of milk feeding at a stretch (T5) caused behavior abnormality and loose faeces in calves. The feeding of high amount of (T5) is not advisable for the welfare and intestinal health of crossbred calves.

Gender-based approaches for improving milk safety, value addition, and marketing among smallholder livestock farmers

In the context of Uganda, this study delves into gender-based strategies aimed at enhancing women’s engagement in milk safety, value addition, and marketing within smallholder livestock farming. The objectives were two-fold: first, to document the current practices of women in milk safety, value addition, and marketing channels; second, to examine the constraints, opportunities, and strategies related to the production of safe milk and milk products, along with accessing sustainable markets. Conducted in four sub-counties of the Kiruhura district, this research employed both qualitative participatory methods and structured questionnaires, including 12 focused group discussions and 20 key informant interviews with both women and men. Notably, 217 structured questionnaires were administered. The findings illuminate that women played a central role in milk processing, water provisioning, sanitation, and hygiene practices and were the primary contributors to milk value addition, particularly in the production of butter and ghee. Despite their active involvement, women face challenges in accessing adequate milk quantities, employ traditional labor-intensive procedures, and encounter difficulties in marketing their processed products. Men, often the household heads, held decision-making authority over milk consumption and controlled the selling of milk, contributing to gender disparities. Addressing these challenges necessitates comprehensive support, including training and capacity-building initiatives for both men and women in milk value addition, credit access, and market entry. The study underscores the potential for improved women’s access to milk quantities, particularly for butter and ghee production, to strengthen rural livelihoods and boost dairy production in Uganda.

Prevalence and sensitivity of contagious and environmental cow mastitis-causing pathogens to antibiotics in Ukrainian farms

Mastitis is considered the most common and problematic disease, resulting in significant economic losses due to reduced milk yields, reduced quantity and quality of milk, treatment costs, and premature culling of animals. One of the traditional methods of treating mastitis in cows is using antibiotics, which leads to the emergence of polyresistant strains of microorganisms, the so-called Superbugs. The emergence of Superbugs, which are not sensitive to most existing antibiotics, is a major concern in veterinary and humane medicine. This study aimed to identify pathogens isolated from the secretion of the mammary gland of cows with mastitis to determine their spread and sensitivity to antibiotics. The samples of secretion from the udder were examined by bacteriological method. The isolates were identified by conventional methods and by the modern method – mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The sensitivity of the bacterial isolates to antibiotics was determined by the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). The results of studies of cow mammary gland secretion samples indicate that 49.2% of the isolates are contagious, and 50.8% are environmental ones. The most common among the isolates of mastitis-causing pathogens were Streptoccocus аgalactiae – 16.9%, Streptococcus uberis – 10.9%, Staphylococcus aureus – 10.7%, E. Coli – 9.6%, Corynebacterium bovis – 7.3%, Staphylococcus haemolyticus – 4.8%, Staphylococcus chromogenes – 3.6%, Streptococcus dysgalactiae – 3.4%. Mastitis is caused by algae and yeast – 1% of all detected pathogens, respectively. According to the results of the determination of the sensitivity of isolates of mastitis-causing pathogens to antibiotics, it was found that most isolates were sensitive to Amoxicillin, Ceftiofur, and Rifampicin, and least of them – to Neomycin, Tylosin, Tilmicosin, Bacitracin.

The influence of different stress factors on the production and quality of sheep milk

Around 10.5 million tonnes of sheep milk are produced worldwide, and around 3.1 million tonnes in Europe. In Europe, sheep milk production has stagnated slightly in recent years and currently accounts for around 1/3 of the global production. Due to its high content of dry matter, milk fat, total protein and casein, sheep milk is an excellent raw material for cheese production. Milk processing and cheese making are not only economically important, but also part of the cultural heritage based on a long tradition, often taking place in rural and less developed areas. Milk production and quality are very complex and are influenced by numerous factors, the most important of which are breed, feeding and body condition, parity and stage of lactation, milking and udder health, and environmental factors. In addition, different types of stress such as heat stress, nutritional stress, weaning stress, shearing stress, stress of regrouping, etc. have a significant impact on the welfare and health of the sheep as well as on the quantity of milk produced, its chemical composition, processing characteristics and the economic efficiency of the flock. In recent years, due to climate change, there has been an increasing number of studies on the effects of heat stress on the reproductive and production characteristics of sheep, as well as on their welfare and health. In addition, heat stress is often associated to the feed and the lack of water. The effects of stress are particularly pronounced in extensive sheep farming and milk production, which are prevalent in sheep farming. The aim of this paper is to describe the effects of the main types of stress on the quantity and chemical composition of sheep milk and on animal welfare.