Milk Flow Rate Research Articles

Influence of the types of higher nervous activity in cows on the milk flow process

The aim of the research was to study the effect of the type of higher nervous activity on the excretory function of the mammary gland. Cows are classified according to the types of higher nervous activity (HNA): First type - strong, balanced, mobile; Second type - strong unbalanced; Third type - strong inert; Fourth type – weak breaking. Under standard milking conditions, in cows of the first higher nervous activity type there were observed: a tendency or a significant increase in single milk yield and milking time in comparison with other types. The conditioned stimulus “foreign milkmaid”, when applied once or twice, caused an increase in the number of milk flow cycles in first and second higher nervous activity type cows with a decrease in the duration of one cycle both in the morning and lunchtime milking, compared with standard conditions. The following positively correlates with the intensity of milk flow: single milk yield, the milk flow rate for the first and second minutes of milking and maximum, the percentage of milk yield for the first and second minutes, the number of milk production cycles for two, three minutes and in general for milking. Negatively correlates the time of milk yield, the achievement of the maximum rate of milk flow and the total milking time. The process of inhibition of milk flow weakens these connections. The type of higher nervous activity in cows affects the relationship of indicators of milk flow both under conditions of varying degrees of readiness for milk flow, and action of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli on the animals used in the experiment.

Optical Emission Spectra Characterization of Plasma Discharge During the Processing of Milk and Evaluation of its Quality Attributes

This study characterized the optical spectra of continuous low-pressure plasma system and evaluated its effect on milk processing. Plasma was characterized at different input power levels (24.8, 58.9, and 117.6 W which corresponds to the input voltage of 1, 1.5, and 2 kV) with a 1-cm electrode distance. Based on the characterization, the input power level 117.6 W was selected to produce maximum reactive species. The system was operated at 117.6 W to decontaminate milk flowing inside the quartz tube using three different milk flow rates 3, 6, and 9 mL/min (accounting for 5-, 2.5-, and 1-min plasma exposure time). The maximum reduction in total microbial count obtained after treatment was 1.2 log CFU/mL at an exposure time of 5 min (3-mL/min milk flow rate). Significant changes were observed in the physicochemical properties of milk after treatment. However, the only adverse effects observed were the viscosity and color of milk at 5- and 2.5-min treatment, which might be because of the use of unhomogenized milk. The continuous plasma system operated at 117.6 W reduced the microbial load in milk; further optimization of the process parameters is necessary for the complete elimination of microbial load and to increase the shelf life.

Simulation model of quarter milk flowrates to estimate quarter and cow milking duration and automated milking system's box duration

The aims of this research were (1) to develop a model to simulate a herd of cows and quarter milk flowrates for a milking and derive quarter and udder milking durations and box duration (i.e., the time a cow spends inside the robot) for a group of cows milked with an automatic milking system (AMS); (2) to validate the simulation by comparing the model outcomes with empirical data from a commercial AMS dairy farm; and (3) to apply teatcup removal settings to the simulation to predict their effect on quarter and cow milking duration and box duration in an AMS. For model development, a data set from an AMS farm with 32 robots milking over 1,500 cows was used to fit the parameters to the variables days in milk, parity, and milking interval, which were subsequently used to create a herd of cows. A second data set from 2019 from an AMS farm with 1 robot milking 60 cows that contained quarter milk flowrates (at 2-s intervals) was used to extract the parameters necessary to simulate quarter milk flowrates for a milking. We simulated a herd of cows, and each was assigned a parity, days in milk, milking interval, and milk production rate. We also simulated milk flowrates every 1 s for each quarter of each cow. We estimated quarter milking duration as the total time that flowrate was greater than 0.1 kg/min after a minimum of 1 min of milk flow. We incorporated a randomly sampled attachment time for each quarter and calculated cow milking duration as the time from the first quarter attached to the last quarter detached. We included a randomly sampled preparation time which, added to cow milking duration, represented box duration. For simulation application, we tested the effect of quarter teatcup removal settings on quarter and cow milking duration. The settings were based on absolute flowrate (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 kg/min) or a percentage of the quarter's 30-s rolling average milk flowrate (20, 30, and 50%). We simulated over 84,000 quarter milkings and found that quarter milking duration (average 212 s) had a mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of 7.5% when compared with actual data. Simulated cow milking duration (average 415 s) had a MAPE of 8%, and box duration (average 510 s) had a MAPE of 12%. From simulation application, we determined that quarter milking duration and box duration were reduced by 19% (209 vs. 170 s) and 6.5% (512 vs. 479 s), respectively, when increasing the teatcup removal flowrate from 0.2 to 0.6 kg/min. Quarter milking duration and box duration were 7% (259 vs. 241 s) and 3% (590 vs. 573 s) longer respectively by using a teatcup removal setting of 20% of the quarter's rolling average milk flowrate, compared with 30%. Both results agree with previous research. This simulation model is useful for predicting quarter and cow milking and box duration in a group of cows and to analyze the effect of milking management practices on milking efficiency.

Effects of short and long milking intervals on milking characteristics and changes of milk constituents during the course of milking in crossbred Istrian × Awassi × East-Friesian ewes.

The main objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of two milking intervals (8 and 16 h) on milk constituents (fat, protein, lactose, dry matter, and log10 SCC) of nineteen Istrian × Awassi × East-Friesian crossbred ewes in different milk fractions (0-25, 25-50, 50-75 and 75-100%) during the course of milking and in machine stripping (MS) milk. Furthermore, we sought to determine the effect of the two milking intervals on milking characteristics (average milk flow rate, peak milk flow rate, machine-on time, total milk yield, and milk production rate) and whether each milk constituent within each milking interval is best described by a linear, quadratic, or cubic function. Average milk flow rate and milk yield per milking decreased in the 8 h milking interval compared to the 16 h milking interval (P < 0.05). Peak milk flow rate, machine-on time, and milk production rate were not different between the two milking intervals. Overall, milk fat content, dry matter content, and log10 SCC increased in the 8 h milking interval compared to the 16 h milking interval (P < 0.05). Milk protein content did not change through the main milk fractions at either milking interval. Milk lactose content did not change through the milk fractions at the 8 h milking interval, whereas it decreased in the 75-100% and stripping milk fractions at the 16 h milking interval (P < 0.05). The 0-25% and stripping milk fractions contained the highest log10 SCC compared to all other milk fractions (P < 0.05). Changes of milk fat and dry matter content throughout milking were best described by quadratic functions, whereas milk protein content, milk lactose content, and log10 SCC were best described by different functions depending on the milking interval. These results demonstrate that milking interval influenced all milk constituents in various milk fractions during the course of ewe milking. Moreover, milking characteristics such as average milk flow and total milk yield, and the appropriate mathematical function to characterize milk constituents throughout a milking, were affected by milking interval.

Production Performance of Murrah Buffaloes under Weaning and Suckling System of Calf Management

Sixteen Murrah buffalo’s dams and their calves were evaluated at Livestock Farm, Adhartal, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science &amp; A.H., N.D.V.S.U., Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh, India during 12 months period (from 1st June, 2020 to 30th May, 2021). The objective was to study the production performance in weaning and suckling system of management and randomly assigned into two different groups as suckling (control) and weaning (experimental) based on their lactation yield and parities. The average daily milk let down time was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in suckling group of buffaloes than weaning group of buffaloes (1.62±0.04 vs. 3.08±0.09 min). The mean value of daily colostrum yield for 5 days after calving was 3.95±0.23 and 4.7±0.15 kg for weaning and suckling buffalo groups respectively. Daily colostrum yield for suckling group of buffaloes was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than weaning group of buffaloes. The average daily milk yield was higher in suckling group than the weaning group and its mean value was 4.83±0.23 kg for weaning and 6.14±0.21 kg for suckling group respectively. The average milking time and total milking time was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in suckling group than weaning group of buffaloes (4.38±0.09 vs. 5.39±0.11 min and 6.01±0.11 vs. 8.42±0.12 min respectively). The average daily milk flow rate was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in suckling group (0.84±0.01 kg min-1) than the weaning group (0.59±0.01 kg min-1). It is concluded that suckling have positive effect on production performance of Murrah buffalo.

Study of milkability and associated factors in hand milked Indian Dromedary Camel

Development of camel as a dairy animal and establishment of commercially viable camel dairy necessitates its evaluation for milkability. Four Indian dromedary camel breeds namely Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi and Mewari under hand milking management were evaluated for milkability and associated factors in the present study. The mean milk let-down time, milking time and milk flow rate observed was 48.19 s (20.00–129.60 s), 2.66 min(0.87–5.48 min), 1.23 kg/min (0.20–4.40 kg/min), respectively. The effect of breed was highly significant (p < 0.01) on milk let-down time and milking time and significant (p < 0.05) on milk flow rate. The first parity animals took more time for milk let-down compared to higher parity animals. Milking time and milk flow rate were significantly affected (p < 0.01) by lactation stage and milk yield. The milking time showed declining trend with progression of lactation. Longer milking time was observed in early lactation. Among the four breeds faster milked let-down was achieved in Kachchhi breed. Milk flow rate was maximum in Bikaneri breed. Effect of milkers, teat length and teat diameter was non-significant on milking time and milk flow rate. Average morning, evening and daily milk yield was 3.24, 1.99 and 5.23 kg, respectively. The milk yield differed significantly (p < 0.01) between breeds. The Kachchhi breed recorded highest daily milk production among four breeds. Average teat length and teat diameter was 61.40 mm (29.20–91.90 mm) and 36.42 mm (19.77–55.41 mm), respectively. The teat measurements differed significantly between breeds. The milking time (MT), milk yield (MY1), teat length (ATL) and teat diameter (ATD) were positively correlated with each other. However milk-let down time (MLDT) has non-significant and low correlation (r= −0.097 - 0.010) with MY1, MT, ATL and ATD. MY1 has positive and significant correlation with MT (r = 0.832), ATL (r = 0.604) and ATD (r = 0.494). It can be concluded that milkability parameters are influenced by breed, parity and milk yield of the animals. Positive correlation exists between milk yield, milking time, milk flow rate and teat measurements. Due consideration should be given to the factors like breed, parity, milk yield and teat characteristics for selection of camel with superior milkability and dairy potential.

Milkability traits across milk flow curve types in Sarda sheep

A temporary interruption of the milk flow is observed between alveolar and cisternal fraction in ewes for the peculiar anatomy of the mammary gland. Often during milking a physiological delay in milk excretion between the cisternal and the alveolar fraction occurs. However, long delays may indicate suboptimal pre-stimulation of teats and/or insufficient oxytocin release in the bloodstream, resulting in undesired protracted interruptions between the 2 milk peaks. Moreover, a clear distinction between the fractions may be undetectable in high-producing ewes, particularly in early lactation. Based on both milk flow curve shape and duration of different excretion phases during milking, 3 curve types can be identified: single-peak (P1), double-peak (P2), and long plateau (PL). The aim of the present study was to compare milkability traits across the 3 milk flow curve types using data recorded in Sarda sheep breed; for this scope, 10 features were measured with a milkmeter in 568 ewes belonging to different parities, lactation stages, and commercial farms. After editing, data of 544 ewes reared in 17 farms were available for the analysis. The P1 curves were the most frequent (57.5 %), but ewes with a PL curve were significantly more productive than those with a P1 curve (0.61 ± 0.03 vs 0.53 ± 0.02 kg of milk/milking). Milk yield of P2 ewes was intermediate (0.58 ± 0.03 kg of milk/milking) and in all curves the majority of milk was excreted in the first 60 s of milking. The highest milk flow rate and the shortest milk emission time were estimated for the P1 curves; moreover, the blind time, indicator of overmilking, was the minimum in PL curves and the maximum in P1 curves. Based on such findings, farmers are recommended to pay more attention to milk emission curves in their herd in order to avoid overmilking, particularly in the presence of P1 curves. Considering the large herd size of Sarda breed farms (170.3 ewes per farm in 2020), part of milking routine could be slightly modified and customized according to milk flow curve type and lactation stage. Ideally, this will allow optimal milking practices to be adopted within groups of ewes with similar milkability. Monitoring milk emission curves and adopting less-standard and more adjusted milking practices is useful to meet the ewe’s individual milking ability and in the long term would limit mammary gland stress, reduce antimicrobial use due to udder issues, and improve the udder health in Sarda sheep.

Risk Factors of Forced Take-Off in Dairy Cows Milked Three Times per Day in A Rotary Milking Parlor: A Case Control Study.

Simple SummaryTo remain competitive on the global market in the presence of shrinking profit margins, dairy producers continuously seek to increase the efficiency of their operations. One way to increase the operating efficiency in rotary milking parlors is to enhance the rotational speed of the platform. However, increasing the rotational speed reduces the maximum milking duration that is possible during a single rotation. This can increase the number of cows that have not finished milking and milk remaining in the mammary gland if the milking unit is removed early by means of a forced take-off, a practice that is typical for dairy herds in North America and some European countries. To provide a means for monitoring these cows, we described a protocol for the identification of cows that repeatedly are subjected to a forced take-off (RFTO) at the end of milking. Using this protocol, we then investigated cow characteristics that were associated with RFTO. The associations found suggested that the developed protocol could serve as a useful tool to identify cows at risk of RFTO. Through modification of the case definition, dairy producers will be able to adjust their monitoring protocol according to their individual farm-goals.The aims of the research were to: (1) describe a protocol for the identification of cows that are subjected repeatedly to a forced retraction event at the end of milking; (2) study risk factors of repeated forced take-off (RFTO); and (3) assess the average milk flow rate at which the forced retraction event occurred. In a retrospective study, we collected milk flow data over a 1-week period from a 4300-cow dairy with a rotary milking parlor and a thrice-daily milking schedule. We identified 109 cases of RFTO and 2467 controls. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed associations of parity, stage of lactation, average daily milk production, and milking speed with RFTO. Cows in parity 3 or greater, animals ≤100 days in milk, high-producing animals, and cows with low milking speed had higher odds of RFTO. The average (least squares means (95% CI)) milk flow rates at the time of removal of the milking unit were 2.1 (2.0–2.1) kg/min in milking observations that were terminated with the forced retract and 1.5 (1.4–1.5) kg/min when milking units were removed with the automatic cluster remover. Future research to better understand the effect of RFTO on milk production, udder health, and animal well-being is warranted.

Laser Fluorescence and Extinction Methods for Measuring the Flow and Composition of Milk in a Milking Machine

Automation of milking systems is linked to accurate measurement of fluctuations in milk flow during milking. To assess the fluctuations of the milk flow, the formation and movement of milk portions in the milking machine-milk pipeline system was studied. By considering the movement of a milk plug along the milk pipeline, a hydraulic model of the formation of a critical volume of milk in the milking machine manifold was compiled. In practice, the most expedient way of determining milk flow parameters may be to measure the laser fluorescent and extinction responses of moving air-milk mixture. We have implemented a new laser sensing method for measuring the flow rate and composition of milk on the basis of counting the optical response pulses received from moving dispersed components by a CCD array or a randomized fiber optic bundle. Using the developed laser sensors, the theoretical model of milk flow was tested.

СПОСОБ ОТБОРА КОРОВ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ТИПА ДЛЯ РОБОТИЗИРОВАННОГО ДОЕНИЯ

The technological properties of the udder of cows have been studied under the conditions of using a robotic milking system. The research material was Holstein cows in the peasant (farm) economy of the Republic of Tatarstan, serviced by "Astronaut A4" robotic milking from "Lely Industries N.V.". A method for selecting cows for robotic milking has been developed. At the same time, in the herd, first, cows of the 1st lactation at 2-4 months of lactation are assessed according to the duration of milking and animals with duration of milking from 3 to 6 minutes are selected. Then, cows are selected from this group, whose lactation intensity indicator at 2-4 months of lactation exceeds the average value of this group by 0.5 sigma (M + 0.5σ), where M – the arithmetic mean of the indicator; σ – the standard deviation of the indicator. The proposed selection method makes it possible to form a breeding core and increase the milk yield in 305 days of lactation in the group of first-calf cows by 9.5 % (P˂0.01), daily milk yield – 14.4 % (P˂0.001), the milk flow rate – 33 % (P ˂ 0.001) and reduce the duration of cows' stay in the boxing by 17.5 %, the duration of milking cows – 21.7 %. When using this method, the efficiency of using robotic technology for milk production is increased.

Spouted bed drying of skimmed milk: Multivariable optimization of the conditions to improve physicochemical properties of the dried milk

In the present research, the influence of the inlet parameters of a laboratory spouted bed (inlet air temperature and milk flow rate) on the physical properties (moisture content, wettability, dispersibility, particle size and density), chemical properties (protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride content) and morphology of the milk powder was evaluated and compared with properties of the commercial spray dried powder. The effect of these two inlet parameters was significant on all of the physical and chemical properties. Particle morphology of the spouted bed dried samples (flat, solid, and irregular) was entirely different from commercial spray dried milk powder (spherical, and hollow). The optimum values of the inlet air temperature and milk flow rate, calculated by RSM, were obtained 80 °C and 2.8 ml/min, respectively. The small error between properties predicted by the models and the experimental data indicated that the performed optimization was satisfactory.

Effects of flow-controlled vacuum on milking performance and teat condition in a rotary milking parlor

The objective of this study was to compare a vacuum control system that increases milking system vacuum during the peak flow period of milking to conventional constant vacuum control technology regarding its effect on milk flowrate and milking duration. Further objectives were to study the effects of flow-controlled vacuum on milking parlor performance. An observational study was conducted on a commercial dairy farm milking from 848 to 896 cows per day over the study period using a 60-stall rotary milking parlor. The flow-controlled vacuum control system was applied for 3 wk. Milking performance and teat condition were compared with 3-wk periods prior and subsequent to the test period using conventional vacuum control. Statistical analysis was performed assuming a cross-sectional study design during each period. Flow-controlled vacuum increased peak milk flowrate by 12% and increased average milk flowrate by 4%. The decrease in individual cow milking duration was proportional to milk yield per milking. Postmilking teat condition was good during the entire study period. The occurrence of rough teat ends was slightly reduced during the flow-controlled vacuum period with no meaningful difference in the occurrence of teats with blue color, palpable rings, or petechia. The combination of reduced vacuum during the low flow period of milking and the decrease in milking duration are likely factors that are protective of teat tissues. Bioeconomic modeling of the use of flow-controlled vacuum on the performance of rotary milking parlors, using the data that were collected during the study, showed that the reduction in milking duration of individual cows allows a higher rotary parlor speed. Modeled parlor throughput increased by 5.0% to 419 cows/h, 6.8% to 407 cows/h, and 4.2% to 326 cows/h when 80%, 95%, and 99% of the cows were finished milking at the end of the rotation for a 60-stall parlor. Model results showed that increased parlor throughput resulted in increased labor efficiency, reduced labor costs for milking, and a positive benefit-cost ratio on the investment for all but the smallest herd and parlor sizes considered.

ОЦЕНКА СИММЕНТАЛЬСКИХ КОРОВ НА ПРИГОДНОСТЬ К МАШИННОМУ ДОЕНИЮ

The paper presents results of studies on evaluating Simmental cows for machine milking suitability. It was found that 78.7% of cows had a bowl-shaped udder, round - 14.7% and goat - 6.6% of cows at ‘agricultural production cooperative “COMBINE”. Bowl-shaped cows are more productive. Their milk yield was 4724 kg for 305 days of lactation with a fat content of 3.97% and a protein content of 3.30%. Their udder index was 47.7%. As for cows with a rounded udder shape, milk yield per lactation was 4246 kg with fat and protein content of 4.08 and 3.26% , respectively, and an udder index of 46.1%. Cows with a goat udder shape were characterized by low milk yield (3181 kg) and the worst parametres of milk fat content (3.88%), milk protein (3.20%) and udder index (2.2%). Approximately the same pattern is observed in the herd of the agricultural cooperative “Abodimovskiy” with slightly worse parametres of cow productivity. The intensity of milk production of cows of agricultural production cooperative “Abodimovsiy” with a bowl-shaped udder was 1.42, round - 1.35 and goat - 1.18 kg / min. Cows with a rounded udder shape had higher milk flow rate, which was equal to 1.65 kg / min, with a bowl-shaped one - 1.24 and with a goat udder shape- 1.09 kg / min in agricultural production cooperative “Combine”. No relation was found between udder index and milk composition. There is also no conjugation between the intensity of milk flow and fat and protein content for udder quarters and for the udder as a whole, whereas a positive correlation was found between the intensity of milk flow and daily milk yield.

Performance Analysis of Plate Heat Exchanger with Nanofluid using Milk Pasteurization

Experimentally to analyzed the enhance performance of Plate heat exchanger in milk pasteurization process using nanofluid at different concentration of 0.1%,0.15%,0.2% 0.25% and 0.3%. in this work the nanoparticles like Al2O3 and the base fluid like dematerialized water is used to prepare nanofluid by using two steps method. Exchanger is one of the thermal energy transferring devices, which transfer the heat between different fluids. This is widely used in different application because of its compact in size and higher efficiency compared to other type of heat exchanger. The main focus of using nanofluid is that it has improvement in thermal conductivity. Then the hot fluid as milk and cold fluid as nanofluids are used. The heat transfer rate is increased with increasing the concentration of nanofluid. It conducted by varying operating parameters like mass flow rate of hot milk, mass flow rate of nanofluid, inlet and outlet temperatures of hot milk and inlet outlet temperature of nanofluid. The main objective of this work is to find out mass flow rate and overall, all heat transfer coefficient.

Handling and milking frequency affect milk yield and behavior in dairy ewes

The effects of human handling (friendly versus aversive) and milking frequency (once versus twice daily) on productive and behavioral parameters of two Greek dairy sheep breeds (Karagouniko and Chios) were examined. The experiment started a week after lamb weaning (50 ± 5 days after lamb birth) and lasted for ten weeks. Milk yield, milk flow rate and number of kick responses during milking were weekly recorded. Each milking was alternatively performed by a friendly or an aversive milker. At the end of 4th and 9th week, an isolation - flight distance test was also applied. As shown, Karagouniko ewes had lower daily milk yield but higher milk flow rate than Chios ewes. Higher milk yield was also observed in ewes milked twice compared to those milked once per day. Aversive handling increased the number of kick responses during milking and decreased milk yield. At the same time, ewes exhibited a preference for a specific position in the milking parlor. During the isolation - flight distance test, Karagouniko ewes bleated less, but had longer flight distances compared to Chios ones. Multiparous had a shorter flight distance than the primiparous ewes. Finally, ewes milked once per day displayed more jumps and less bleats compared to those milked twice. It is suggested that specific training programs targeted at the handling improvement with the intention to reduce fear responses could improve productivity in dairy ewes.

Prediction of Lactational Milk Yield of Cows Based on Data Recorded by AMS during the Periparturient Period.

Simple SummaryBarns equipped with the automatic milking system (AMS) record huge amounts of data on milk flow rate, milk yield and composition, milk temperature, amount of concentrate intake and rumination time. Our study attempted to use this information, recorded during the periparturient period (divided into subperiods: second (14–8 days) and first (7–1 days) week before calving; 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28 days of lactation), to predict lactation milk yield in Polish Holstein–Friesian cows. In the first stage of statistical analysis, coefficients of simple correlation between lactation milk yield and AMS parameters were calculated. We found that prediction of lactation milk yield based on individual pieces of data may be ineffective—the calculated coefficients of correlation were low or moderate. In the next step of data analysis, we used a modern data mining technique in the form of decision trees. Based on the graphic, easy-to-interpret decision tree, we concluded that the highest lactation yield is to be expected for cows with completed lactations (survived until the next lactation), which were milked 4.07 times per day on average in the 4th week of lactation.Early prediction of lactation milk yield enables more efficient herd management. Therefore, this study attempted to predict lactation milk yield (LMY) in 524 Polish Holstein–Friesian cows, based on information recorded by the automatic milking system (AMS) in the periparturient period. The cows calved in 2016 and/or 2017 and were used in 3 herds equipped with milking robots. In the first stage of data analysis, calculations were made of the coefficients of simple correlation between rumination time (expressed as mean time per cow during the periparturient period: second (14–8 days) and first (7–1 days) week before calving, 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28 days of lactation), electrical conductivity and temperature of milk (expressed as means per cow on days 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28), amount of concentrate intake, number of milkings/day, milking time/visit, milk speed and lactation milk yield. In the next step of the statistical analysis, a decision tree technique was employed to determine factors responsible for LMY. The study showed that the correlation coefficients between LMY and AMS traits recorded during the periparturient period were low or moderate, ranging from 0.002 to 0.312. Prediction of LMY from the constructed decision tree model was found to be possible. The employed Classification and Regression Trees (CART) algorithm demonstrated that the highest lactation yield is to be expected for cows with completed lactations (survived until the next lactation), which were milked 4.07 times per day on average in the 4th week of lactation. We proved that the application of the decision tree method could allow breeders to select, already in the postparturient period, appropriate levels of AMS milking variables, which will ensure high milk yield per lactation.

Polycaprolactone/silk fibroin electrospun nanofibers-based lateral flow test strip for quick and facile determination of bisphenol A in breast milk.

This study aimed to develop a sensitive lateral flow test strip for the detection of bisphenol A (BPA) in breast milk. Conventional nitrocellulose test membrane was coated with the coaxial nanofiber, consisting of the inner polycaprolactone (PCL) and the outer PCL/silk fibroin (SF) mixture, to decrease the flow rate of the breast milk in the lateral flow assay (LFA). The nanofiber was prepared by using coaxial electrospinning, and BPA antibody was immobilized physically to the nanofiber. This nanofiber was used as a test membrane in the LFA. Color changes on the test membrane were evaluated as the signal intensity of the BPA. Breast milk creates a background on surfaces due to its structural properties. This background was detected by comparing the signal intensity with the signal intensity of water. The higher signal intensity was found in water samples when compared to breast milk samples. Although the detection limit is 2ng/ml in both coaxial PCL/SF nanofiber and nitrocellulose (NC) test membranes, the color intensity increased with the increasing BPA concentration in the coaxial PCL/SF nanofiber. As a new dimension, the coaxial PCL/SF nanofiber provided higher color intensity than the NC membrane. In conclusion, a sensitive onsite method was developed for the detection of BPA in breast milk by using new coaxial PCL/SF nanofiber as a test membrane in LFA.

Effect of Formula Type and Preparation on International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Thickness Level and Milk Flow Rates From Bottle Teats.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of infant formula type and preparation (i.e., ready-to-feed vs. powder) on International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) thickness level and milk flow rates from bottle teats/nipples. Method The ready-to-feed and powder formulations of the following products were tested for IDDSI thickness level, using IDDSI guidelines, and for milk flow rate, using established flow testing methods: Similac Advance, Similac For Spit-Up, Enfamil Infant, and Enfamil A.R. Analysis of variance was used to compare flow rates among formula types/preparations. Results Enfamil A.R. ready-to-feed was classified as IDDSI "slightly thick." All other formula types/preparations were found to be IDDSI "thin" liquids. The standard infant formulas (Similac Advance and Enfamil Infant) had comparable flow rates to each other, regardless of preparation (ready-to-feed and powder). The gastroesophageal reflux-specific formulas (Similac For Spit-Up and Enfamil A.R.) had slower flow rates than the standard formulas; within this category, there were significant differences in flow rates between ready-to-feed and powder. Enfamil A.R. powder had the slowest flow rate, but was the most variable. Conclusion For infants with difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing, clinicians and parents should consider the impact that changes to infant formula type and preparation may have on the infant's ability to safely feed.

Changes in electrical conductivity, milk production rate and milk flow rate prior to clinical mastitis confirmation

Because a human observer is typically not present during milking process when automatic milking systems (AMS) are used, human observation is replaced by mastitis detection systems consisting of sensors and algorithms that create alerts. Several authors suggest that sensing systems to detect clinical mastitis (CM) are in need of improvement. The aim of this retrospective study was to observe trends over time of potential indicators of CM, thus identifying promising CM indicators and analysis methods. Data from a Northeastern USA commercial dairy farm with 1280 Holstein Friesian cows using 20 AMS units were used for the analysis. Over a one-year time period, there were 117 confirmed cases of CM in this herd. Thirty milking sessions prior to CM confirmation were used for this analysis (n = 3134). Of the 117 confirmed CM cases, 12% were in primiparous cows (L1), 24% in second lactation cows (L2) and 64% in third or greater lactation cows (L3+). Differences between group average CM-confirmed and non-CM quarters were observed prior to CM confirmation for quarter-level electrical conductivity (ECq), milk production rate (MPRq), average milk flow rate (AMFq) and peak milk flow rate (PMFq). Positive indications of CM were apparent well before confirmation of visual signs of CM for ECq and MPRq; however, positive indications for AMFq occurred only one day before CM confirmation. The combination of ECq, MPRq and AMFq is potentially useful for differentiating between an early (before visual signs of CM are manifested) detection and a false positive detection. Highlights Data from 1280 Holstein Friesian cows using 20 AMS units were used for the analysis The progression over time of changes in milk and milking characteristics was investigated in the period prior to clinical mastitis Changes in quarter electrical conductivity indicate it is possible to detect developing mastitis before clinical signs are manifested

Phenotypic features of black and red dairy cattle populations in the Siberian region

The surveys have identified features of the exterior for 742 breeding cows of black-motley and red steppe breed in the Omsk region conditions. It was found that black motley cows are larger than peers of the red steppe breed are; these differences are 4.7 cm in height at the withers, 8.3 cm - in chest circumference, 1.4 cm and 5.6 cm - in width at the shoulders and ischial tubercles respectively. The studying animals received 83–84 points for the general type of development, which corresponds to the assessment “B+”. The average daily milk yield of black motley cows was 24.1 kg with an average milk flow rate of 2.24 kg / min. Red steppe cows' average daily milk yield is lower by 2.0 kg and it is about 22.1 kg, the milk flow rate is lower by 0.36 kg / min than for cows of the black motley breed. Phenotypic features of the two cows’ dairy cattle populations of the Siberian region characterize it like animals with the correct exterior, severe forms of milk and able to exhibit a high milk productivity in the conditions of modern milk production technologies. Phenotypic exterior evaluation of the broodstock reveals all the necessary provisions for potentially high-yielding offspring.