Red Cows Research Articles

Effects of Parity on Udder and Teat Traits among Three Breeds of Cattle Raised Extensively in Nigeria

Selection of dairy cows traditionally among farmers using phenotypic traits is a major problem in the northern part of Nigeria. This work studied udder and teat traits of cows based on three parities (parity 1, 2 and 3). The knowledge of the relationship between the physical characteristics of the udder and teats with milk yield as selection indices would improve performance in dairy cattle. A total of 270 cows comprising 90 each of Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani and Red Bororo were used in this study. Each breed was further divided into 3 groups of thirty cows according to parity (Parity 1, 2, and 3). Udder traits measured were udder width (UW), udder length (UL) and udder depth (UD) while teat traits were front teat length (FTL), hind teat length (HTL), distance between front and hind teat (DBFHT), distance within front teat (DWFT), distance within hind teat (DWHT). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that in Sokoto Gudali, Parity 2 and 3 were similar and significantly (p<0.05) superior in FTL (6.570.43cm and 6.710.42cm) and DBFHT (9.500.50cm and 9.280.47cm) respectively whereas parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) low in FTL (5.330.32cm) and DBFHT (8.300.49cm). Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) low in HTL (5.250.31cm) and UD (42.900.54cm) whereas parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) superior in HTL (7.070.60cm) and UD (49.140.34cm). In White Fulani cows, Parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in DWFT (9.900.37cm), UW (29.100.43cm) and UL (28.300.44cm). Parity 1 and parity 2 were statistically similar and significantly (p<0.05) lower in DWFT, UW and UL as 7.400.40cm and 8.100.27cm, 26.000.59cm and 27.000.49cm and 26.000.59cm and 26.800.41cm respectively. In Red Bororo cows, Parity 2 and Parity 3 were statistically similar and significantly (p<0.05) higher in FTL and HTL as 6.200.29cm 5.60030cm and 6.130.52cm and 5.500.43cm respectively whereas Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) lower in FTL (4.500.31cm) and HTL (4.00021cm). Parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) superior in UW 27.630.03cm whereas Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) low in UW 23.800.47cm. The study discovered that Parity had a significant effect on udder and teat traits in all three breeds studied.

Efficiency of different drying methods for newborn calves

The development and application of modern technological methods of rearing, as well as the improvement and introduction into the production of new devices for servicing calves, is one of the main directions for further improving the technologies for keeping dairy cattle and increasing milk production. The work aimed to intensify the milk production of red dairy cows by enhancing the technological methods of maintenance and growing replacement heifers. The authors have made an experimental sample for the scientific and economic experiments. The device (box) was tested on calves, and the modes of drying the surface of their body from amniotic fluid and mucus were optimised. The parameters of its practical operation were established. The use of the proposed device for warming and drying newborn calves makes it possible to reduce the physical labour costs of operators for servicing newborn calves, especially those born weak and with low viability, to reduce their incidence of respiratory infectious diseases by 10–20%, to reduce the cost of medicines, and to minimise the level of stress load on newborns, which contributes to the preservation of their physical strength in the first hours after birth and intensifies growth, development and payment for feed by gains in live weight during the milk growing period. The studies have established that these technological solutions in cultivating replacement heifers contribute to increased product characteristics.

O40 The effects of grazing versus outdoor access on the productivity of Nordic red cows

O40 The effects of grazing versus outdoor access on the productivity of Nordic red cows

Performances of Red Chittagong cow under farming and rural conditions

This study aimed to assess the hematological parameters, productive and reproductive performances of Red Chittagong cows (RCC) under farming and rural production systems. Hence, three villages (Sailabari, Munsumi and Baniagati) of Khokshabari union under Sadar upazila of Sirajganj district were selected. The 40 Red Chittagong cows from each production system were taken under this study. Twenty (20) farmers were selected through direct interviewing process with a structured questionnaire. Farming condition and rural condition data were analyzed with unpaired t-test along with GLM procedure of SAS statistical package. Services per conception (times), postpartum heat period (days) and calving interval (days) had significant (p<0.01) differences between farming and rural condition, whereas, age at first calving (months) significantly differed (p<0.05). Average milk yield (kg/d) had significantly different at the values of p<0.05, whereas, lactation period was significantly differed at the values of p<0.01. Hemoglobin (g /100ml) and PCV% were significantly different (p<0.05) between farming and rural condition of RCC in the selected areas. From the study, it may be concluded that the productive and reproductive performances of RCC were better in farming condition than in rural conditions in selected areas. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 52 (2): 55-60.

The microbiota of uterine biopsies, cytobrush and vaginal swabs at artificial insemination in Norwegian red cows

The individual resistance or tolerance against uterine disease in dairy cattle might be related to variations in the uterine tract microbiota. The uterine tract microbiota in dairy cattle is a field of increasing interest. However, its specific taxonomy and functional aspects is under-explored, and information about the microbiota in the endometrium at artificial insemination (AI) is still missing. Although uterine bacteria are likely to be introduced via the vaginal route, it has also been suggested that pathogens can be transferred to the uterus via a hematogenous route. Thus, the microbiota in different layers of the uterine wall may differ. Norwegian Red (NR) is a high fertility breed that also has a high prevalence of subclinical endometritis (SCE), an inflammation of the uterus that has a negative effect on dairy cattle fertility. However, in this breed the negative effect is only moderate, raising the question of whether this may be due to a favorable microbiota. In the present study we investigated the endometrial microbiota in NR at AI by biopsy and cytobrush samples, and comparing this to the vaginal microflora. The second objective was to describe potential differences at both distinct depths of the endometrium, in healthy vs SCE positive NR cows. We sampled 24 lactating and clinically healthy Norwegian red cows in their second heat or more after calving, presented for first AI. First, we obtained a vaginal swab and a cytobrush sample, in addition to a cytotape to investigate the animal's uterine health status with respect to SCE. Secondly, we acquired a biopsy sample from the uterine endometrium. Bacterial DNA from the 16S rRNA gene was extracted and sequenced with Illumina sequencing of the V3–V4 region. Alpha and beta diversity and taxonomic composition was investigated. Our results showed that the microbiota of endometrial biopsies was qualitatively different and more even than that of cytobrush and vaginal swab samples. The cytobrush samples and the vaginal swabs shared a similar taxonomic composition, suggesting that vaginal swabs may suffice to sample the surface-layer uterine microbiota at estrus. The current study gave a description of the microbiota in the healthy and SCE positive NR cows at AI. Our results are valuable as we continue to explore the mechanisms for high fertility in NR, and possible further improvements.

Estimation of heritability for milk urea and genetic correlations with milk production traits in 3 Danish dairy breeds

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk urea (MU) content in 3 main Danish dairy breeds. As a part of the Danish milk recording system, milk samples from cows on commercial farms were analyzed for MU concentration (mmol/L) and the percentages of fat and protein. There were 323,800 Danish Holstein, 70,634 Danish Jersey, and 27,870 Danish Red cows sampled with a total of 1,436,580, 368,251, and 133,922 test-day records per breed, respectively, included in the data set. Heritabilities for MU were low to moderate (0.22, 0.18, and 0.24 for the Holstein, Jersey, and Red breeds, respectively). The genetic correlation was close to zero between MU and milk yield in Jersey and Red, and -0.14 for Holstein. The genetic correlations between MU and fat and protein percentages, respectively, were positive for all 3 dairy breeds. Herd-test-day explained 51%, 54%, and 49% of the variation in MU in Holstein, Jersey, and Red, respectively. This indicates that MU levels in milk can be reduced by farm management. The current study shows that there are possibilities to influence MU by genetic selection as well as by farm management.

Different protein sources in concentrate feed for dairy cows affect cheese-making properties and yield

Soybean meal (SBM) is a commonly used protein source in feed. Yeast microbial protein could be used as a substitute for SBM, but its effect on cheese-making properties and yield is not known. Norwegian Red dairy cows (n = 48) in early or mid lactation were divided in 3 groups and fed a ration consisting of grass silage and concentrate, where the concentrates were barley based but with different additional protein sources. These were: completely barley based with no additional protein source (BAR), additional protein from SBM, or additional protein from yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii; YEA). The SBM and YEA concentrates had a higher protein content than the barley concentrate. Four batches of cheese were made from pooled milk from each of the 3 groups of dairy cows. Milk samples were collected 5 times during the experiment. Milk from cows fed BAR concentrate showed inferior cheese-making properties (lower casein content, longer renneting time, lower content of phosphorus, and lower cheese yield) compared with SBM and YEA concentrates. Overall, SBM or YEA bulk milk had similar cheese-making properties, but when investigating individual milk samples, YEA milk showed better coagulation properties.

Effects of forage and grain legume-based silages supplemented with faba bean meal or rapeseed expeller on lactational performance, nitrogen utilization, and plasma amino acids in dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of forage type [red clover (51%)-grass silage, i.e., RCG; vs. faba bean (66%)-grass silage, i.e., FBG] and concentrate type (faba bean, FB; vs. rapeseed expeller, RE) on lactational performance, milk composition and nitrogen (N) utilization in lactating dairy cows. Eight lactating multiparous Nordic Red cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square experiment, with 21-d periods, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) RCG with RE, (2) RCG with FB, (3) FBG with RE, and (4) FBG with FB. Inclusion rates of RE and FB were isonitrogenous. Crude protein contents of the experimental diets were 16.3, 15.9, 18.1, and 17.9% of dry matter, respectively. All diets included oats and barley and were fed ad libitum as total mixed rations with forage-to-concentrate ratio of 55:45. Dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily, and spot samples of urine, feces, and blood were collected at the end of each experimental period. Dry matter intake did not differ across diets, averaging 26.7 kg/d. Milk yield averaged 35.6 kg/d and was 1.1 kg/d greater for RCG versus FBG, and milk urea N concentration was lower for RCG compared with FBG. Milk yield was 2.2 kg/d and milk protein yield 66 g/d lower for FB versus RE. Nitrogen intake, urinary N, and urinary urea N excretions were lower, and milk N excretion tended to be lower for RCG compared with FBG. The proportion of the dietary N excreted as fecal N was larger in cows fed RCG than for those fed FBG, and the opposite was true for urinary N. We detected an interaction for milk N as percentage of N intake: it increased with RE compared with FB for RCG-based diet, but only a marginal increase was observed for FBG-based diet. Plasma concentration of His and Lys were lower for RCG than for FBG, whereas His tended to be greater and Lys lower for FB compared with RE. Further, plasma Met concentration was around 26% lower for FB than for RE. Of milk fatty acids, saturated fatty acids were decreased by RCG and increased by FB compared with FBG and RE, respectively, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids were increased by RCG versus FBG, and were lower for FB than for RE. In particular, 18:1n-9 concentration was lower for FB compared with RE. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, were greater for RCG than for FBG, and 18:2n-6 was greater and 18:3n-3 was lower for FB versus RE. In addition, cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid was lower for FB compared with RE. Faba bean whole-crop silage and faba bean meal have potential to be used as a part of dairy cow rations, but further research is needed to improve their N efficiency. Red clover-grass silage from a mixed sward, without inorganic N fertilizer input, combined with RE, resulted in the greatest N efficiency in the conditions of this experiment.

Effect of a garlic and citrus extract supplement on performance, rumen fermentation, methane production, and rumen microbiome of dairy cows

The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of a garlic and citrus extract supplement (GCE) on the performance, rumen fermentation, methane emissions, and rumen microbiome of dairy cows. Fourteen multiparous Nordic Red cows in mid-lactation from the research herd of Luke (Jokioinen, Finland) were allocated to 7 blocks in a complete randomized block design based on body weight, days in milk, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield. Animals within each block were randomly allocated to a diet with or without GCE. The experimental period for each block of cows (one for each of the control and GCE groups) consisted of 14 d of adaptation followed by 4 d of methane measurements inside the open circuit respiration chambers, with the first day being considered as acclimatization. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Methane production (g/d) and methane intensity (g/kg of energy-corrected milk) were lower by 10.3 and 11.7%, respectively, and methane yield (g/kg of DMI) tended to be lower by 9.7% in cows fed GCE compared with the control. Dry matter intake, milk production, and milk composition were similar between treatments. Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in rumen fluid were similar, whereas GCE tended to increase molar propionate concentration and decrease the molar ratio of acetate to propionate. Supplementation with GCE resulted in greater abundance of Succinivibrionaceae, which was associated with reduced methane. The relative abundance of the strict anaerobic Methanobrevibacter genus was reduced by GCE. The change in microbial community and rumen propionate proportion may explain the decrease in enteric methane emissions. In conclusion, feeding GCE to dairy cows for 18 d modified rumen fermentation and microbiota, leading to reduced methane production and intensity without compromising DMI or milk production in dairy cows. This could be an effective strategy for enteric methane mitigation of dairy cows.

Processed fava bean as a substitute for rapeseed meal with or without rumen-protected methionine supplement in grass silage-based dairy cow diets

Fava bean offers a sustainable home-grown protein source for dairy cows, but fava bean protein is extensively degraded in the rumen and has low Met concentration. We studied the effects of protein supplementation and source on milk production, rumen fermentation, N use, and mammary AA utilization. The treatments were unsupplemented control diet, and isonitrogenously given rapeseed meal (RSM), processed (dehulled, flaked, and heated) fava bean without (TFB) or with rumen-protected (RP) Met (TFB+). All diets consisted of 50% grass silage and 50% cereal-based concentrate including studied protein supplement. The control diet had 15% of crude protein and protein-supplemented diets 18%. Rumen-protected Met in TFB+ corresponded to 15 g/d of Met absorbed in the small intestine. Experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with 3-wk periods. The experiment was conducted using 12 multiparous mid-lactation Nordic Red cows, of which 4 were rumen cannulated. Protein supplementation increased dry matter intake (DMI), and milk (31.9 vs. 30.7 kg/d) and milk component yields. Substituting RSM with TFB or TFB+ decreased DMI and AA intake but increased starch intake. There were no differences in milk yield or composition between RSM diet and TFB diets. Rumen-protected Met did not affect DMI, or milk or milk component yields but increased milk protein concentration in comparison to TFB. There were no differences in rumen fermentation except for increased ammonium-N concentration with the protein-supplemented diets. Nitrogen-use efficiency for milk production was lower for the supplemented diets versus control diet but tended to be greater for TFB and TFB+ versus RSM. Protein supplementation increased plasma essential AA concentration but there were no differences between TFB diets and RSM. Rumen-protected Met clearly increased plasma Met concentration (30.8 vs. 18.2 µmol/L) but did not affect other AA. Absence of differences between RSM and TFB in milk production together with limited effects of RP Met suggest that TFB is a potential alternative protein source for dairy cattle.

Effects on rumen microbiome and milk quality of dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet supplemented with the macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis

The objective was to determine the effects on rumen microbiome and milk quality of reducing the methane (CH4) produced from enteric fermentation by the addition of Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) to the diets of dairy cows. Six Nordic Red cows at 122 ± 13.7 (mean ± SD) days in milk, of parity 2.7 ± 0.52 and producing 36 kg ± 2.5 kg milk per day at the start of the trial were divided into three blocks by milk yield and assigned to an extra-period Latin-square change-over design comprising two dietary treatments. An extra period of observation was added to the Latin-square change-over design to control for carry-over effects. The dietary treatments were a diet consisting of grass silage and a commercial concentrate mixture (60:40) either not supplemented or supplemented with 0.5% AT on an organic matter intake basis. On average, daily CH4 production, CH4 yield, and CH4 intensity decreased by 60%, 54%, and 58%, respectively, in cows fed the diet supplemented with AT. Furthermore, hydrogen gas emitted by cows fed diets supplemented with AT increased by more than five times compared with cows fed a non-AT-supplemented diet. Feed intake was decreased and milk production altered, reflecting a decreased yield of milk fat in cows fed an AT-supplemented diet, but feed efficiency increased. Rumen fermentation parameters were changed to promote propionate rather than acetate and butyrate fermentation. The most prominent change in milk quality was an increase in bromine and iodine when the diet was supplemented with AT. The reduction in CH4 was associated with a shift from Methanobrevibacter to Methanomethylophilaceae in the archaeal population and a lower relative abundance of Prevotella in the bacterial population. Changes in milk fat odd-numbered and branched-chain fatty acids in the current study of AT supplementation support observed differences in ruminal archaeal and bacterial populations.

Inclusion of Red Macroalgae (Asparagopsis taxiformis) in Dairy Cow Diets Modulates Feed Intake, Chewing Activity and Estimated Saliva Secretion.

The current study assessed the effects of red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT)-included as an enteric methane inhibitor-in dairy cow diets on feed intake and eating-rumination behaviour. Fifteen early lactating Norwegian Red dairy cows were offered ad libitum access to drinking water and a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of 35% concentrate feed and 65% grass silage on a dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 74 days with the first 22 days on a common diet used as the covariate period. At the end of the covariate period, the cows were randomly allocated into one of three dietary treatments: namely, 0% AT (control), 0.125% AT and 0.25% AT in the TMR. The TMR was offered in individual feed troughs with AT blended in a 400 g (w/w) water-molasses mixture. Eating-rumination behaviour was recorded for 11 days using RumiWatchSystem after feeding the experimental diets for 30 days. The 0.25% AT inclusion significantly reduced the DM intake (DMI). Time (min/d) spent on eating and eating in a head-down position increased with the increasing AT level in the diet, whereas rumination time was not affected. The greater time spent on eating head-down with the 0.25% AT group resulted in a significantly higher chewing index (min/kg DMI). Estimated saliva production per unit DMI (L/kg DMI, SE) increased from 10.9 (0.4) in the control to 11.3 (0.3) and 13.0 (0.3) in the 0.125% and 0.25% AT groups, respectively. This aligned with the measured ruminal fluid pH (6.09, 6.14, and 6.37 in the control, 0.125% AT and 0.25% AT groups, respectively). In conclusion, either the level of the water-molasses mixture used was not sufficient to mask the taste of AT, or the cows used it as a cue to sort out the AT. Studies with relatively larger numbers of animals and longer adaptation periods than what we used here, with varied modes of delivery of the seaweed may provide novel strategies for administering the additive in ruminant diets.

Mesotelioma epitelial maligno em vacas senis Sindi do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Mesotheliomas in cattle are often described as isolated case reports, and investigations of multiple cases within the same bovine herd are lacking. A series of cases of malignant epithelial mesothelioma, tubulopapilary type, is described in five 15 to 21-year-old Red Sindhi cows from the same herd. Clinical signs included three to eight months of progressive emaciation, dehydration, subcutaneous edema of the lower extremities, and abdominal distension. Grossly, severe subcutaneous edema and hydroperitoneum were noted. Multiple organs’ parietal and visceral serosal surfaces had multifocal to coalescing yellow, firm, sessile nodules ranging from 0.1 to 29.0cm. Similar free nodules floated in the peritoneal fluid. Histologically, the masses comprised a layer of cubic to columnar neoplastic cells forming papillary or cystic proliferation supported by a dense fibrovascular stroma. Neoplastic cells had strong and diffuse cytoplasmic immunolabeling for pan-cytokeratin but were negative for cytokeratin 7 and vimentin. Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells had delicate microvilli and tight and anchoring junctions. Within the cytoplasm, a moderate amount of loose aggregate of intermediary filament with small mitochondria was observed. Epidemiological investigation evidenced endogamy in this herd. Asbestos exposure was not detected. The diagnosis was based on clinical, gross, histological, and immunohistochemical findings and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy features. A definitive underlying etiology remains unknown.

Influence of growth and development parameters on the milk production traits in the Red Steppe cows

Influence of growth and development parameters on the milk production traits in the Red Steppe cows

Evaluation of the repeatability of male calves' birth weights in different grades of Jersey x Red Sindhi crosses

To assess the consistency of birth weight among male calves born to half-J x half-RS, quarter-J x ¾ RS, three-eighths Jersey x five-eighths RS, and one-eighth J x seven-eight RS cows. The SHUATS in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India obtained the data from a pedigree cum history sheet. Male calves born to 77 cows during the first (L1), second (L2), and third (L3) lactations, as well as 127 observations of Jersey x Red Sindhi cows of varying quality, were all measured and recorded in kilos. Increased reproducibility across many cross-breed dairy cow performance tiers indicates superiority. This research shows that choosing cows with higher estimations based on the birth weight. of their male calves can increase the output of herds. The mean of birth weight of male calves L1, L2, and L3 were 18.11, 20.15, 22.07 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 20.50, 19.88, 20.77 Kg f ¼ J × ¾ RS crosses, 20.06, 20.88, 22.24 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 19.08, 18.76, 22.83 kg of 1/8 J ×7/8 R.S proportionately. The ranges of birth weight of male calves from the Ist (L1), IInd (L2) and third (L3) lactations were 15.80 - 20.10, 15.80 - 26.6, 19.6 - 25.8 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 15.42 - 24.94, 14.51 - 25.70, 13.6 - 28.12 Kg. of ¼ J × ¾ R.S, 14.96 - 26.40, 16.32 - 24.30, 15.42 - 27.50 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS crosses, 15.87 - 24.23, 12.70 - 24.51, 18.14 - 25.80 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS respectively. The mean of birth weight of male calves was 20.13 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 17.68 Kg. of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 21.07 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 19.92 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS respectively. The highest birth weight of male calves were 25.8 Kg. and the lowest 15.80 Kg of ½ J × ½ R.S, 28.12 kg. highest and lowest 13.60 kg. of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 27.50 kg at highest and lowest 14.96 kg of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 25.8 kg at highest and lowest 12.70 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS, respectively. The repeatability of birth weight of male calves for 0.60 ± 0.20 of ½ J × ½ RS, 0.46 ± 0.19 of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 0.78 ± 0.15 of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 0.57 ± 0.15 of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS. The more repeatability for various grades of crossbred dairy cattle shows better performance.

Effect of Bear Garlic Addition on the Chemical Composition, Microbiological Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Degree of Proteolysis in Soft Rennet Cheeses Produced from Milk of Polish Red and Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows.

This study aimed to assess the effect of milk source and bear garlic addition on the selected properties of soft rennet cheese. Cheeses were produced from cow milk derived from two sources: Polish Red cows (PR) and Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (PHF) with a 0.5% (w/w) addition of bear garlic (Allium ursinum L.) dried leaves. Chemical composition and fatty acid profiles (GC) were determined in fresh cheeses. Fresh and stored for two weeks cheeses were subjected to microbiological studies, i.e., total aerobic bacteria count (TABC); count of Lactococcus sp., yeast and molds; coliforms; analysis of the proteolysis extension by means of o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) assay and free amino acids content (HPLC); antioxidant capacity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); as well as pH and water activity. Cheeses with bear garlic herbs were more prone to proteolysis but this was not accompanied by any effect on the microbial counts, water activity or pH. Cheeses produced from PR milk contained less monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) but were richer in n-3 PUFA and had a lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio than cheeses from PHF milk. Bear garlic addition increased DPPH anti-radical power but had less of an effect on the FRAP values.

Economics of Smaller Aberdeen-Derived Beef Cows

AbstractWe investigate differences in profitability of three Aberdeen-influenced breeds, Angus, Red Angus, and American Aberdeen. Using data from North Dakota, we measure differences in birth weights, calving intervals, weaning weights, cow weights, and profitability. Weaning weights differ between breeds, setting up a trade-off between lower feed costs for smaller cows and higher revenue for larger cows. American Aberdeen-influenced cows bred to Red Angus bulls have $1–$6 per acre higher returns than Angus or Red Angus-influenced cows. Aberdeen sires have the lowest returning calves.

PALMA FORRAGEIRA ASSOCIADA À DIFERENTES SILAGENS EM DIETAS PARA VACAS DA RAÇA SINDI EM LACTAÇÃO

ABSTRACT Forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) is an important forage resource in the Northeast region of Brazil due to its adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, mainly to the drought periods. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of diets with forage cactus combined with different sources of fibers on dry matter and water intakes, digestibility, microbial protein production, balance of nitrogen compounds, and performance of Red Sindhi cows in the Semiarid region of Brazil. The silages used were prepared from plants of Atriplex nummularia Lindi., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp., and Manihot pseudoglaziovii Pax & K. Hoffm. They were included in forage cactus-based diets at a roughage to concentrate ratio of 58:42. The cows were distributed in a 4×4 double Latin square design with 12 days for each period. Water intake presented differences (p<0.05) when using the diet with A. nummularia silage (19.42 L d-1). The diet with S. bicolor silage resulted in lower (p<0.05) coefficient of digestibility of dry matter (48.71%) than the diet with A. nummularia silage (68.46%). The diet with A. nummularia silage resulted in higher (p<0.05) microbial synthesis than that with G. sepium silage, 115.01 and 80.07 g CPmic kg-1 TDN, respectively. The silages evaluated, combined with forage cactus, can be used as diets for lactating Red Sindhi cows without affecting the daily dry matter intake, milk production, fat content, microbial protein synthesis, and balance of nitrogen compounds.

Energy utilization and milk fat responses to rapeseed oil when fed to lactating dairy cows receiving different dietary forage to concentrate ratio

We evaluated energy and N utilization, performance, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile using grass silage-based diets when rapeseed oil (RO) was included in high- or low-forage diets. Four multiparous Nordic Red cows averaging 101 ± 16 days in milk at the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each 21-d period consisted of a 14-d diet adaptation period and 7-d collection period. Cows were fed the following diets comprised total mixed rations based on grass silage with forage to concentrate (FC) ratio of 35:65 and 65:35 containing 0 or 50 g/kg of RO. Significant FC × RO interactions were observed for milk yield, milk protein and lactose yields, milk fat concentration, and milk proportions of trans-11 18:1, trans-10 18:1, trans-10, cis-12 18:2, and saturated FA. Feeding low-forage diet was effective in increasing milk yield compared with the high-forage diet, and the RO supplementation increased it further (P ≤ 0.01). A similar pattern was observed for the yields of milk protein and lactose. Supplementing the low-forage diet with RO reduced milk fat concentration by 19% relative to other diets without affecting milk fat yield. The proportion of N intake lost as urine decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with the RO supplementation of low-forage diet without affecting energy and N balances. Nutrient intakes were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in cows fed low-forage diet, whereas RO decreased (P < 0.05) protein, starch, and fiber intakes. Methane production, expressed as a proportion of energy intake, decreased with low-forage compared with high-forage diets and this variable declined similarly by RO supplementation of both diets (P < 0.01). The milk proportions of trans-10 18:1 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA increased (P ≤ 0.01) by RO supplementation of the low-forage but not high-forage diet. However, RO supplementation of both high- and low-forage diets increased (P < 0.01) total trans FA and decreased saturated FA proportions, even though the changes were more profound in low-forage diet (P ≤ 0.01). In addition, RO increased (P < 0.01) cis monounsaturated FA in milk for both high- and low-forage diets. Overall, the low-forage diets had lower methane emissions and RO increased partitioning of N towards milk secretion (P ≤ 0.01) without influencing energy or N balances. According to the results, RO supplementation did not compromise intake of nutrients with low-forage diets containing 150 g/kg starch, and oil could be preferentially used to improve milk production and milk fat quality accompanied by a reduction in methane energy loss.

Cow activity measurements can be used to define new fertility traits for use in genetic evaluation

Cow activity measurements are widely used in herd management tools for estrus detection. The aim of this study was to examine whether a new trait based on activity measures can be useful for genetic evaluation of cow fertility in Norwegian Red dairy cattle. Data from 284 herds with Lely milking robot were collected. Daily measurements of cow activity level were available from Lely activity tags and included data from 13,224 lactations of 8,139 Norwegian Red cows. We analyzed daily activity and included records from 10 to 150 d in milk for cows with at least 50 records. The trait analyzed was interval from calving to first high activity (CFHA). In total 87% of the cows had at least one episode of high activity recorded. The mean (standard deviation) of CFHA was 42 (28) days. A linear animal repeatability model with fixed effects of month-year of calving, age-parity, and herd, and random animal and permanent environment effects was used for estimation of variance components. The trait CFHA showed significant genetic variation with a heritability of 0.05 (0.01). This trait reflects the cow's ability to return to estrus cycle and show estrus after calving, which are important aspects of cow fertility.