Solids-not-fat Research Articles

Physicochemical evaluation of acid whey obtained from doble crema cheese produced in Belén, Boyacá, Colombia

The composition of acid whey makes it less usable, and it is an environmental and technical problem. This research aims to estimate the physicochemical characteristics of the doble crema cheese acid whey, from nine factories in the municipality of Belén in Boyacá. Laboratory methods were validated using the Lactoscan analyzer determinations and comparing them with reference methods. Accuracy was expressed in terms of relative error (% Edet) and f- and p-values; then, correlation curves were elaborated. To perform the physicochemical characterization of whey, fat, Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), protein, lactose, pH, total ash, calcium, density, and acidity were determined. The statistic of the comparison between analysis methods showed low percentages of relative error, there were no significant differences, and they had correlation coefficients greater than 0,8. The results of the physicochemical characterization showed differences in the content of protein, SNF, lactose, fat, ash, calcium, acidity, and pH. Each manufacturer has a manufacturing process for cheese and whey. There were no statistical differences for SNF, density, lactose, fat, ash, and pH within each company. However, there were differences between protein and acidity, even though companies work with the same quality of raw material and processing, there are deficiencies in the coagulation, drainage, and conservation of the whey. The analyzed acid whey is a good source of protein, calcium, lactose and has low fat content, which is attractive for manufacturing food products.

Heterogeneity in Physio-Chemical Traits of Milk across Buffalo Breeds in Haryana

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of the physio-chemical properties of milk from three different buffalo breeds in Haryana, namely Murrah, Nilli-Ravi, and Surti. The study aimed to evaluate various parameters including fat content, solid not fat (SNF), total solids, protein content, density, lactose content, titratable acidity, freezing point, pH, and specific gravity. A total of 60 buffaloes, 20 from each breed, were selected for the study, and milk samples were collected twice a day, in the morning and evening. The analysis revealed significant differences among the three buffalo breeds in terms of their milk composition. The Murrah breed exhibited the highest fat content (8.02), while the Nilli-Ravi had the lowest (8.14). For SnF values, Murrah shows highest values of 9.41 and Surti buffalo shows lowest 8.78. Similarly, variations were observed in other parameters across different breeds.
 These results can assist in breed selection for improved milk production, processing, and product development. Furthermore, the data obtained can serve as a valuable resource for dairy industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and researchers in the field of dairy science and technology. Future studies could explore the relationship between physio-chemical properties and milk yield, as well as investigating the impact of these variations on the processing and quality of dairy products.

Nutritional Study of Various Cow Breeds from Bhatta Chowk Lahore (Punjab), Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate the nutritional study of cow's milk of various breeds from Bhatta Chowk Lahore. Different cow breeds were found to possess variable amounts of nutritional contents, i.e., highest moisture and ash in the Cholistani cow, highest fat in the Sahiwal cow, highest calcium and specific gravity in the Holstein cow and highest contents of protein, solid-not-fat and total solid in Red Sindhi. Red Sindhi cow’s milk was found to be more nutritious in terms of its richness in proteins, solid-not-fat and total solids whereas Holstein cow was rich in calcium. Calcium was found to be in a range of 550 to 630 ppm with the decrease of concentration in the following order: Sahiwal>Holstein Frisian= Red Sindhi>Cholistani. The Cholistani cow milk showed the presence of 3.126 % protein, 3.5 % fat, 88.2 % moisture, 8.3 % solids-not fat, 11.8 % total solids, 0.791 % ash, 30.5o lactometer reading and 1.0305 kg/m3 specific gravity. Sahiwal cow milk showed 3.318 % of protein, 4.1 % fat, 87.5 % moisture, 30.1o lactometer reading, 1.03 kg/m3 specific gravity, 8.4 % solids-not-fat, 12.5 % total solids and 0.79 % ash. Holstein Frisian’s milk demonstrated the presence of 3.33 % protein, 3.8 % fat, 87.35% moisture, 31o lactometer reading, 1.03 kg/m3 specific gravity, 8.85 % solids-not-fat, 12.65 % total solids and 0.77 % ash. Red Sindhi’s milk revealed the presence of 3.38 % protein, 3.95 % fat, 85.65 % moisture, 28o Lactometer reading, 1.028 kg/m3 specific gravity, 10.4% solids-not-fat, 14.35% total solids and 0.705% ash.

Feed intake and milk yield and composition of lactating dairy goats in response to partial substitution of soybean meal for formaldehyde-treated sesame meal in the diet

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution of soybean meal (SBM) for formaldehyde-treated sesame meal (FTSM) on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal and blood parameters and milk production and composition in lactating Murciano-Granadina goats. Forty lactating goats were randomly assigned to one of the following four treatments: (1) diet with 16.5% CP, containing SBM (CON); (2) diet with 16.5% CP, containing untreated SM (USM); (3) diet with 16.5% CP, containing FTSM (FT); and (4) diet with 14.5% CP containing FTSM (LPFT). The results showed that nutrient intake was highest in the FT group (p < 0.001), while it was similar between the CON and LPFT groups, except for the intake of CP, which was higher in the CON group. The FT and LPFT had lower ruminal pH compared to CON and USM groups (p < 0.001), with goats in group FT having the highest volatile fatty acids (VFA) production (p < 0.001). The highest propionate concentration was observed in the LPFT treatment (p < 0.001), followed by the FT, CON, and USM treatments. Goats offered USM and LPFT treatments presented the highest and lowest acetate: propionate values, respectively, among the experimental groups (p < 0.001). The results also showed that LPFT goats had the lowest blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (p = 0.004), while FT goats presented a lower non-esterified FA (NEFA) level compared with CON and LPFT goats (p = 0.01). Goats offered the FT diet had the highest milk yield (p = 0.002) and energy-corrected milk yield (p < 0.001) among all dietary groups. The highest milk fat (p < 0.001), protein (p = 0.001), lactose (p = 0.007), total solids (p = 0.003), and solids-not-fat (SNF) (p = 0.003) contents were observed in FT goats, which didn’t differ from USM goats. The inclusion of formaldehyde-treated SM increased the percentage of C18:3 (p < 0.001) and C20:1 (p = 0.04) FAs compared with USM and CON treatments. Milk from USM, FT, and LPFT goats had lower levels of saturated (p < 0.001) and medium-chain FAs (p = 0.014) compared with CON goats, whereas milk from CON goats had lower levels of unsaturated, monounsaturated, and long-chain FAs compared to other groups (p < 0.001). The lowest and the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated FAs were observed in CON and LPFT goats, respectively (p = 0.001). It can be concluded that SBM can be advantageously replaced by formaldehyde-treated SM in the diet as a feasible alternative to improve feed intake and production performance of dairy goats.

Comparative genetic analysis of frequentist and Bayesian approach for reproduction, production and life time traits showing favourable association of age at first calving in Tharparkar cattle.

The present study was aimed primarily for estimating various genetic parameters (heritability, genetic correlations) of reproduction (age at first calving [AFC], first service period [FSP]); production (first lactation milk, solid-not fat, and fat yield) and lifetime traits (lifetime milk yield, productive life [PL], herd life [HL]) in Tharparkar cattle to check the association of reproduction traits with lifetime traits through two different methods (Frequentist and Bayesian) for comparative purpose. Animal breeding data of Tharparkar cattle (n = 964) collected from Livestock farm unit of ICAR-NDRI Karnal for the period 1990 through 2019 were analyzed using a Frequentist least squares maximum likelihood method (LSML; Harvey, 1990) and a multitrait Bayesian-Gibbs sampler approach (MTGSAM) for genetic correlations estimation of all the traits. Estimated breeding values of sires was obtained by BLUP and Bayesian analysis for the production traits. Heritability estimates of most of the traits were medium to high with the LSML (0.20±0.44 to 0.49±0.71) and Bayesian approach (0.24±0.009 to 0.61±0.017), respectively. However, more reliable estimates were obtained using the Bayesian technique. A higher heritability estimate was obtained for AFC (0.61±0.017) followed by first lactation fat yield, first lactation solid-not fat yield, FSP, first lactation milk yield (FLMY), PL (0.60±0.013, 0.60±0.006, 0.57±0.024, 0.57±0.020, 0.42±0.025); while a lower estimate for HL (0.38±0.034) by MTGSAM approach. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were negative for AFC-PL, AFC-HL, FSP-PL, and FSP-HL (-0.59±0.19, -0.59±0.24, -0.38±0.101 and -0.34±0.076) by the multi-trait Bayesian analysis. Breed and traits of economic importance are important for selection decisions to ensure genetic gain in cattle breeding programs. Favourable genetic and phenotypic correlations of AFC with production and lifetime traits compared to that of FSP indicated better scope of AFC for indirect selection of life-time traits at an early age. This also indicated that the present Tharparkar cattle herd had sufficient genetic diversity through the selection of AFC for the improvement of first lactation production and lifetime traits.

EFFECT OF MASTITIS ON MILK COMPOSITION OF CROSS-BRED (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN X CHOLISTANI) AND SAHIWAL CATTLE

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of mastitis on various components including fat percentage, protein, total solids, solid not fat, pH, specific gravity and lactose content in milk of cross-bred (Holstein Friesian × Cholistani) and Sahiwal cattle. A total of 376 milk samples (excluding blind and nonfunctional teats) from 100 cows (50 cross-bred and 50 sahiwal) were collected aseptically. Animals of different ages, parity and stages of lactation were selected under field condition. The diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was done on basis of Surf Field Mastitis Test. For bacterial examination of milk, the samples were grown in laboratory and various biochemical tests were performed. The results of the present study indicated that solid not fat (SNF) of mastitic sahiwal and cross-bred cattle and total solids percentage of normal and mastitic cattle were significantly reduced as the severity of mastitis increased in animals. The milk pH of normal and mastitic cattle including both sahiwal and cross-bred was significantly increased in severe cases of mastitis. The specific gravity of normal and mastitic milk samples showed that there was no significant difference in specific gravity as compared to normal. The protein percentage of normal and mastitic cattle including both sahiwal and cross-bred cattle indicated that protein concentration was significantly reduced in severe cases of mastitic animals. The findings of present study highlighted that mastitis cause major alterations in composition of milk leading to poor quality of the milk.

Milk Composition of Creole Goats Raised at Different Altitudes in an Extensive Production System in Northeast Mexico.

Goat milk composition is affected by feeding, and in semiarid rangeland, information on Creole goat milk physicochemical composition is lacking. For the fulfillment of this objective, three agroecological regions (AR) considering altitude (lowland 87, highland 779, and mountain 1309 m above sea level) with different botanical compositions were chosen. Every AR analyzed accounted for 30 goat herds, with a total of 90 herds. The results demonstrated that altitude had an influence mainly on density and protein. Milk density increases as altitude increases; conversely, milk protein increases as altitude decreases. On the other hand, in the mountain and lowland ARs, the salts and solids not fat (SNF) percentages were higher compared to that of the highland AR (p < 0.05). The freezing point (FP) was higher at highland altitudes compared to that of mountain and lowland ARs (p < 0.01). In the milk fatty acids (FA) profile, only the C14:1 value was affected by altitude, whereas goat milk at lowland and mountain altitudes had higher values compared to that at highland altitudes (p < 0.05). Additionally, late lactation stage fat, FP, and pH values were higher compared to early lactation values. The opposite effect was observed for salts and SNF. In the FA profile, late lactation values were higher for C10:0 and C8:0 compared to early lactation values. The opposite trend was observed for C18:2n6t. The thrombogenic index was significantly higher at lowland altitudes compared to highland altitudes, and similar to the mountain AR. These goat milk characteristics could be explained as a consequence of animal nutrition, as well as the goat's meat-type phenotype.

Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Test Day Milk Yield and Milk Composition Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Ethiopia

This study evaluated the effects of genotype, parity, days in milk (DIM), calving season (CS), and calving year (CY) on the milk yield and composition traits of four hundred twenty lactating crossbred dairy cows in 13 districts in Ethiopia. Test day milk yield (TMY), protein (P), fat (F), lactose (L), solid not fat (SNF), density (D), total solids (TS), total protein (TP), casein (CN), whey (W), salts (S), and freezing point (FP) were determined using standard procedures. The data were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) using R software. Cows in the genetic group ≥ 87.5%, at 101–200 days, calved in the rainy season, in 2022, and at second parity all had the highest value of TMY. F, SNF, and TS were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by genotype, DIM, CS, CY, and parity. F was higher in cows with ≤ 50% genetic group, in early and late lactation, in the dry season, in 2020, in primiparous and above parity three cows than their counterparts. Proteins (P, TP, CN, and W) were affected by genotype, DIM, and CY but not by CS and parity (P&lt;0.05). All milk proteins had a higher value in cows with ≤ 50% genetic group, and in early lactation. In this study, milk yield and composition were affected by genetic and non-genetic factors, providing an opportunity for crossbreeding programs to balance the quality and quantity of milk by manipulating the level of the exotic gene found in cows, choosing the best agro-climatic conditions, and improving the level of management.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation during the suckling period on performance of Awassi ewes.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing two levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during suckling period on performance and serum metabolites of Awassi ewes. The study comprised two experimental periods, for experimental period 1, 30 nursing Awassi ewes with their single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three equal treatment groups: a control diet (CON; n=10), low SC (LSC) diet (0.4 g SC/head/day; n=10), and high SC (HSC) diet (0.8 g SC/head/day; n=10) with 9-week experimental periods including 1 week for dietary and pen adaptation and 8 weeks for data and sample collection. For experimental period 2, 4 ewes from each group were randomly selected and were individually housed in metabolism crates with 7-day experimental periods including 3 days for crate adaptation and 4 days for data and sample collection. The results showed that the supplementation of SC improved dry matter (DM) intake of ewes (P = 0.03). Digestibility of DM was higher (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. The SC treatment groups had a tendency improvement in digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Addition of SC improved (P < 0.05) N balance parameters of ewes. A significant increase was observed for the rumen fluid pH of lactating ewe supplemented with SC. No difference was detected in the live weight change of lactating ewes in all treatment groups. The final body weight of the lambs tended to be greater for SC treatment groups vs CON group but average daily gain and total weight gain were significantly higher (P = 0.05) for SC treatment groups. Lactating ewes in the SC treatment groups produced more milk per day (P ≤ 0.05) than those in the CON diet. Milk fat % and yield in the SC treatment groups were also greater (P = 0.05). No differences were found in % of milk protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat (SNF) between all groups (P > 0.05) while lactose and SNF yields were greater (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. However, % of the total solids (TS) of milk was higher for HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets (P < 0.05) while TS yields were significantly higher for SC treatment groups. Energy-corrected milk values were greater (P < 0.05) in HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets. With the exception of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, no differences were detected in all other serum metabolite concentrations of lactating ewes in between treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicates that SC supplementation with varying levels in the diet had a similar positive effect on some performance and physiological parameters of lactating Awassi ewes and their lambs.

Seasonal variation affects the quantity and composition of milk produced in water buffaloes - case study in Shatrah city of Iraq

This study was conducted at Thi-Qar Governorate, Al-Shatrah district, Al-Bidaah region, in Iraq during two seasons winter (from Dec-Feb, 01.12.2021 to 01.03.2022), and summer (Jun-Aug from 01.06 to 01.09. 2022). The quantity and composition of milk of water buffaloes for Fat, Solid-Not-Fat (SNF) Protein and Lactose) were studies. Seventy (70) dairy buffaloes of different ages, in second parity among two seasons were used, and their productivity was monitored for a full lactation (from birth to dryness). Milk samples were taken periodically, once every two weeks, at a rate of 100 ml for each sample. The results of the study showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) superiority for the winter season in the amount of milk produced daily and monthly compared to the summer season, and the average daily and monthly milk quantity for winter and summer seasons were as 0.26±8.03, 7.75±240.36, 0.18±4.60, 5.44±137.5, respectively. As for the main components of milk (fat, SNF protein and lactose, a significant effect of the season appeared on the main components of milk, where the winter season was significantly superior (P &lt; 0.05) in all studied traits compared to the summer season, and the average percentages of fat reached the SNF, protein and lactose in the winter and summer seasons were as follows: (0.47±5.92, 0.45±8.77, 0.013±3.21, 0.25±4.93) (0.49±4.31, 0.46±7.30, 0.017±2.70, 0.72±4.17), respectively. it can be concluded that season strongly affects milk yield, fat and also protein of water buffaloes in Iraqi climatic conditions

Assessment of the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition in the North West region of Tunisia

This study aimed to assess the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition from the Northwest region of Tunisia. A survey and a sampling campaign were conducted over four months (February-May, 2018), within 112 farms in 3 regions. Individual daily milk yield (DMY) was registered and milk samples were taken in duplicate to be analysed for fat (FC), protein (PC), solid not fat (SNF), density and lactose contents. Results showed that the Alpine breed allowed the highest DMY and PC, and the Damasquine presented the highest FC. The third lactation allowed the highest DMY (0.95 Lday-1) and FC (6.68%), however the highest PC, SNF and density are recorded for primiparous. Concerning the birth weight of kids, DMY increased significantly with the weight of the kids at birth, and it resulted in a significant effect on the FC. The assessment of the region effect showed that the highest DMY was obtained in the region of Jendouba and Ghardimaou. For milk composition, when breed effect was eliminated and focused only on the local breed, we found the highest FC in Sedjnen/Nefza. The analysis of the goat feeding allowed identifying 5 types of rations. Also, statistical analysis showed that the highest DMY resulted from the rations T4 and T5 (averaged 1.06 Lday-1). No effect of ration type on FC and density was found. Concerning PC, SNF and lactose, the ration effect had no significant effect, but a trend of highest values was noted for T3. It was concluded that dairy performances were low, focusing only on the local goat population. However, the produced milk is of good quality regarding the determined chemical composition. Indeed, there is a negative correlation between milk production and the chemical composition of milk. Substantial improvements are potentially possible through actions (improvement of the quality of the ration, milk hygiene, milk collection pattern, training of breeders, etc) to develop a value chain in the region and improve farmer incomes.

Microbial Fermented Liquid Supplementation Improves Nutrient Digestibility, Feed Intake, and Milk Production in Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Total Mixed Ration.

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of MFL supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition in early lactating dairy cows. Twelve, Thai crossbred Holstein Friesian cows in early lactation, 500 ± 30 kg of body weight (BW), were randomly assigned according to a completely randomized design (CRD). MFL supplementation levels of 0, 100, 200, and 300 mL/d were used as treatments. Experimental animals were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with a roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) of 40:60, which contains 12% crude protein (CP) and 70% total digestible nutrient (TDN). Rice straw was a roughage source. MFL supplementation levels had no effect (p > 0.05) on body weight change and dry matter intake (DMI) expressed as %BW, whereas DMI expressed as metabolic body weight (BW0.75) was linearly (p < 0.05) increased, with the highest at 200 mL/d in the YFL supplementation group (147.5 g/kg BW0.75), whereas feed intake of organic matter (OM), CP, ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) did not significant (p > 0.05) difference among treatments. Related to apparent digestibility, MFL levels did not affect (p > 0.05) on DM, OM, and EE digestibility, while apparent digestibility of CP, NDF, and ADF were linearly increased (p < 0.05) when increasing MFL supplementation levels, and the highest (p < 0.05) were the 200 and 300 mL/d FML supplemented groups. BUN at 0 h post feeding did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05) between treatments, while at 4 h after feeding, BUN was linearly (p < 0.05) increased from 0, 100, 200, and 300 (mL/day) MFL supplementation, the values were 12.9, 13.1, 19.7, and 18.4 mg/dL, respectively and the highest was 200 mL/head/day for the MFL supplemented group. MFL supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) milk fat, lactose, solid not fat (SNF), and specific gravity of milk, while MFL supplementation at 200 mL/day caused a linear increase (p < 0.01) in BUN, MUN, milk yield, milk protein, total solids (TS) and 3.5% FCM when supplement levels were increased. In conclusion, MFL supplementation in early lactating dairy cows could improve feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition.

The factors affecting milk production of dairy cows in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The objective of the study was to evaluate the factors affected the milk production including milk yield and quality on dairy cow farms in Ho Chi Minh City. The milk data were collected from December 2021 to March 2022 at two farms (Farm A in Binh Chanh district and Farm B in Cu Chi district). Farm A, the data were collected from AfiFarm management software and the quality contents of fatness, solids-not-fat (SNF), protein, and lactose of the milk were analyzed in farm lab. The data of Farm B were filtered from Epacific management software. The milk somatic cell count (SCC) was examined by using Coulter Milk Cell Counter analyzer. The results showed the milk yield was seen differently between Farm A and B (P < 0.01). Farm A’s milk yield average from 121 cows was 20.15 kg/day/cow, and the contents evaluated from 422 milk samples were fatness 3.20%, SNF 8.99%, protein 3.49%, lactose 4.84%, and SCC 285,000 cells/mL. The milk yield and contents were seen differently between months on Farm A (P < 0.01), and found the highest quality in December with 21.10 kg/day, 9.10% SNF, 3.53% protein, 4.90% lactose and SCC lowest at 231,000 cells/mL. However, the milk yield of Farm B was 12.55 kg/day/cow of 220 cows. The results indicated the parity, number of milking udders (3, 4 udders), HF crossbreeding of Lai Sind cows and Holstein-Friezian bulls with F1 (1/2 HF), F2 (3/4 HF), F3 (7/8 HF), period of lactation (0 - 60, 61 - 120, > 120 days of milking) and months of year affected the milk yield on Farm B (P < 0.01). Evaluation of the milk quality from 100 milk samples on Farm B showed SCC was seen differently at 3 levels of milk yield (<10, 10 - 15 and > 15 kg/day/cow) (P < 0.05). The interesting finding was the cows having milk yield less than 10 kg/day correlating the risk of the milk SCC and decreasing the milk quality.

Investigation of the changes in physical and chemical parameters of Damascus goat milk in the early postpartum

The aim of this study was to reveal the milk components and the changes in their characteristics in Damascus goats during the early postpartum period. For this purpose, 50 Damascus goats (aged 2 to 8 years) were selected for this study. A total of 291 milk samples were collected under sterile conditions during the mornings of the 10th, 20th and 30th days postpartum. Results were statistically analysed using the Mann-Whitney U Test and repeated measures ANOVA. All collected samples were analysed for milk composition (lactose (L), protein (P), casein (C), fat (F), total solid (TS), solid not fat (SNF), freezing point (FP), acidity (A), density (D), free fatty acid (FFA), and citric acid (CA)). A significant decrease was detected in P, C, F, TS and SNF values between the 10th and 30th days postpartum (pp) (P &lt;0.01). Similar results were also observed in FP, A, D and CA values between the same days (P &lt;0.05; P &lt;0.01). A significant positive correlation was detected between FP, A, P, C, F and TS (0.812 and 0.980; P&lt;0.05 and P&lt;0.01). Additionally, a correlation was detected between C and P (0.983; P &lt;0.01). These results reveal that these parameters decreased significantly in the early puerperal period compared to the first 10 days, and these decreases were not associated with an increase during milk yield in the early period of lactation (up to the 30th-day pp).

Milk composition at different stages of lactation in first-calving cows of Military Farm at Savar, Bangladesh

Objectives: The present research work was taken up to examine the changing pattern of colos¬trum to normal milk and also to monitor the effect of phages of lactations on compositional changes of milk produced by Holstein-Friesian Crossbred cows of Military Farm Savar. Materials and Methods: A total of 05 milking cows from the first calving were selected. Colostrum samples were gathered on calving and the 5th day after calving. The concentration of major ingre¬dients [fat, protein, lactose, total solids (TS), solid-not-fat (SNF), and ash] changed significantly after birth, the day on 5, similar to normal milk. The average values of specific gravity, fat, protein, lactose, TS, SNF, and ash content of colostrum were observed on day 1 and day 5. Results: The specific gravity was 1.045 and 1.031, respectively. The fat, protein, and lactose con¬tents of colostrum on day 01 and day 05 after calving showed a significant difference. The compo¬sition of whole milk showed that the specific gravity was 1.029. According to the different stages of lactation, it was found that the protein, lactose, fat, TS, SNF, and ash content were lower in the first 2 months of lactation. After 3 months of lactation, it started to increase, and there was a significant change at the end of the sampling period. Conclusion: The composition of colostrum and milk of Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows was within the normal range, and the changing pattern was similar to the other dairy breeds.

Associação do polimorfismo do gene Kappa-caseína com características de produção de leite em vacas leiteiras mestiças

Abstract Milk’s qualitative and technological properties are greatly affected by genetic polymorphisms in the kappa-casein gene, and their polymorphisms may serve as informative markers of yield and composition. Thus, the objective of this study was to detect kappa-casein (kappa-CN) gene polymorphisms and their association with milk production traits in crossbred dairy cows. One hundred healthy crossbred (Friesian x Jenoubi) dairy animals between three and five years old were sampled for blood and milk during their first lactation. The genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) was used to determine the genotype of the kappa-CN gene. As a consequence of the restriction digestion of this fragment with Hind III, it showed three different restriction patterns: BB (453 base pairs uncut), AB (453, 206, and 225 base pairs), and AA (206 and 225 base pairs). Based on genetic diversity, the AB genotype was the most predominant (n = 67), with a frequency of 0.67. A variant genotype of the kappa-CN gene was associated with milk production traits in crossbred dairy cows. Animals with the AA variant produced a higher milk yield and a higher percentage of fat, casein, protein, and solids not fat (SNF) (P≤0.05) (1.397kg, 0.75%, 0.31%, 0.27%, and 0.68%, respectively) than those with the BB variant. A logistic regression analysis confirmed that the kappa-CN genotypes increase milk yield and casein content. Therefore, genetic variants of the kappa-CN gene could be used as genetic markers for improving milk production traits in dairy cattle.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Shatavari on productive performance andfertility of crossbred cows

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of dietary supplementation of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) on milk yield, raw milk constituent indices and fertility of crossbred cows. Twenty healthy lactating crossbred cows with a close date of calving were randomly divided into two equal groups for control group (CG; n = 10) and supplemented group: Shatavari root powder 50 gm/cow/d (SG; n = 12) from 7days post partum (dpp) until 90 dpp. Statistically analyzed data revealed that significantly (P&lt;0.005) higher fortnightly milk yieldfrom 45 to 90 dpp was found in the SG (10.735 to 12.396 kg/day)compared to the CG (9.802 to 10.541 kg/day). Differences in the fortnightly raw milk composition related to percent of milk fat, milk protein and milk lactose of both CG and SG cows were non-significant (P&gt;0.005), but only fortnightly percent of milk solid not-fat from 45 to 90 dpp in SG cows (9.254 to 9.446%) than over to CG cows (8.877 to 8.999%) and percent of milk total solids from60 to 90 dpp cows in SG (13.078 to 13.727%) than that cows in CG(12.617 to 12.648%) were significantly (P&lt;0.005) higher. Occurrence of first post partum estrus interval was reduced significantly (P&lt;0.005) in supplemented Shatavari group (SG: 52dpp) compared to control group (CG: 77 dpp) cows. In this study, it was observed that the overall conception rate was higher(P&lt;0.005) in SG: 60% (cows pregnant: 6/10) than CONT-group:20% (cows pregnant: 2/10). The results of this study indicated that dietary supplementation of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)increased the milk yield, raw milk solid not-fat, milk total solids and improved fertility of crossbred cows.

Molecular, Physiological and Hematological Responses of Crossbred Dairy Cattle in a Tropical Savanna Climate.

A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the effects of seasonal transition and temperature humidity index (THI) on the adaptive responses in crossbred dairy cows reared in a tropical savanna region. A total of 40 lactating dairy cattle reared by small-scale dairy farmers in Bengaluru, India, were selected for this study. The research period comprised the transitioning season of summer to monsoon, wherein all traits were recorded at two points, one representing late summer (June) and the other early monsoon (July). A set of extensive variables representing physiological responses (pulse rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, skin surface temperature), hematological responses (hematological profile), production (test day milk yield, milk composition) and molecular patterns (PBMC mRNA relative expression of selective stress response genes) were assessed. A significant effect of seasonal transition was identified on respiration rate (RR), skin surface temperature, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDWc), test day milk yield and on milk composition variables (milk density, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF) and salts). The THI had a significant effect on RR, skin surface temperature, platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT) and PDWc. Lastly, THI and/or seasonal transition significantly affected the relative PBMC mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), interferon beta (IFNβ), IFNγ, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes. The results from this study reveal environmental sensitivity of novel physiological traits and gene expressions to climatic stressors, highlighting their potential as THI-independent heat stress biomarkers.

Household characteristics, production and quality of bovine milk from crossbred dairy stock in the rural dairy production system of Ethiopia

Limited evidence exists on the rural/mixed crop-dairy production system given its contribution to the milk supply and strong spatial heterogeneity in dairy milk productivity and other production outcomes. A study was conducted to assess the production and composition of milk from crossbred dairy cows on smallholder farms in Ethiopia. A total of 198 households were surveyed in face-to-face interviews, and 80 milk samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The results revealed that the daily milk yields of Indigenous X Holstein-Friesians (IHF) and Indigenous X Jerseys (IJ) were 6.77 ± 1.09 and 6.39 ± 1.05 liters, respectively. The overall lactation lengths of IHF and IJ were 9.53 ± 1.24 and 9.25 ± 1.15 months. The daily milk yield and lactation length were significantly different (p < 0.05) between highland and mid-altitude agro-ecologies. Milk samples collected from IJ had 3.98 ± 0.89 fat, 6.78 ± 0.87 Solid-Not-Fat (SNF), 4.14 ± 0.47 lactose, 0.56 ± 0.07 Salts, and 2.66 ± 0.31 protein. Milk compositions of IHF were 3.13 + 0.96 fat, 7.42 ± 0.74SNF, 3.96 + 0.0.52 lactose, 0.61 ± 0.08 salts, and 2.76 ± 0.35 protein. All chemical components showed significant differences (P < 0.01) across agroecology and breed except for protein and lactose. Feed shortage is the major dairy constraint, followed by water shortage, the prevalence of disease, and access to veterinary, extension, and credit services. The constraints prevailing in the studied district need to be alleviated through an integrated approach to take advantage of the existing dairy opportunity of high milk demand. • Factors limiting production help to describe technological and investment needs. • Integrated approach to alleviate multiple problems in smallholder dairying. • Women played a major role in dairy production.

Lactating buffalos’ productive performance, ruminal kinetics, nutrients digestibility and oxidative status as response to supplementing diets with alpinia galanga

The current study investigated the effect of adding different doses of galangal rhizome powder (Alpinia galanga) to the diets of lactating buffaloes on milk production, composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics. Twenty buffaloes were divided into four groups: (T1) a control diet comprising of concentrates, corn silage and rice straw at 50: 35: 15 on a DM basis, (T2) a control diet plus 15 g of galangal/animal/day and (T3) a control diet plus 30 g of galangal/animal/day and (T4) a control diet plus 45 g of galangal/animal/day. Results showed that inclusion of galangal in diets decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of butyrate, ammonia-nitrogen, CO2, and total protozoa count as compared with T1. Acetate concentration was lower in T4 as compared with other groups (p < 0.05). While propionate concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in T2 as compared with T1. T3 and T4 lowered (p < 0.05) methane, CO2 productions, and protozoa count. T3 increased (p < 0.05) milk yield, energy corrected milk (ECM), yield of total solids, total protein, and solids not fat (SNF) than recorded for T1. While T4 recorded the lowest values (p < 0.05) of milk yield, ECM, total solids, fat, and total protein. The current results support the hypothesis that the inclusion of galangal in lactating buffaloes’ diets at 30 g per animal daily improved feed intake and milk yield.