Swedish Red Research Articles

Multinuclear–Multiflagellar Sperm Defect in a Bull – a New Sterilizing Sperm Defect

The development and use of modern techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), gene knockout and sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome- specific probes, have significantly increased our knowledge about sperm defects. We describe a new oligoasthenoteratozoospermic defect in a bull. Because of its morphological characteristics the defect was named the multinuclear-multiflagellar sperm defect. All spermatozoa in the ejaculate were abnormal. Many of the spermatozoa had multiple nuclei and multiple sperm tails. All spermatozoa lacked an acrosome, and only seldom did spermatozoa have a mitochondrial helix in the midpiece area. Meiosis and spermiogenesis were severely affected in this otherwise phenotypically normal bull. The sperm defects resembled the phenotype of a targeted gene knockout Hrb(-/-) (HIV-1 Rev-binding/interacting protein) mutant mouse strain, which is expressed as sterility in males, while females remain fertile. Since the father of this bull has been extensively used in at least three countries the defective gene has possibly become widespread in the red and white breeds (Ayrshire, Swedish Red and White, Norwegian Red) in the Nordic countries. However, it is not proved that the father of this bull is a carrier of this defect.

Nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows as affected by diet and milk yield

Abstract The aim of this study, which was part of the EU-financed project Life Ammonia, was to evaluate the effects of dietary components and milk production on nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows. The study included examining the effects of decreased crude protein (CP) concentration in a grass-clover silage based diet and results of mixing whole-crop barley silage (WCBS) with grass-clover silage in the diet, on feed intake, milk production and nitrogen efficiency. Rations were formulated and milk production data were registered individually each month for 42 cows of the Swedish Red Cattle breed during four indoor periods from 1999 to 2003. The range in nitrogen efficiency by the cows, 11 to 398 days in milk, was 18 to 40%, when fed a diet containing 135 to 184 g CP/kg DM, 44 to 56% of NDF as rumen degradable fibre (RDF) and milking 13 to 57 kg of ECM daily. The average CP concentration of the diet, containing mainly grass-clover silage and concentrate, was decreased from 168 g/kg DM (170 g in early lactation) in the control treatment period to 160 g/kg DM (163 g in early lactation) during the following treatment period. The CP concentration was 170 g/kg DM (171 g in early lactation) during the third treatment period, when the grass-clover silage was fed in a mixture with WCBS. Using the whole data set ( n = 284 for primiparous, n = 440 for multiparous cows based on measurements each month) resulted in models, in which total DM intake, ECM yield, dietary CP concentration and RDF were the most important factors affecting nitrogen utilisation of primiparous and multiparous cows. Increases in both average DM intake and milk yield by multiparous cows and no changes in average intake and milk yield by primiparous cows fed the low CP diet or the normal CP diet containing WCBS, compared to cows fed the normal CP diet, resulted in similar nitrogen efficiencies among the treatments. Hence, dietary CP concentrations of 160 to 170 g/kg DM can be used for cows in early lactation in commercial herds to improve nitrogen utilisation without causing a simultaneous decrease in milk yield.

Effect of genetic polymorphism of milk proteins on rheology of chymosin-induced milk gels

Individual milk samples from 121 cows in mid lactation of the Swedish Red and Swedish Holstein breeds with known protein genotypes of β- and κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin were analysed. Chromatographically pure chymosin was added to skim milk and rheological properties of the gels were measured using a Bohlin VOR Rheometer. Coagulation time (CT) and curd firmness after 25 min (G′ 25) were registered for each sample. The B allele of κ-casein was associated with improved coagulating properties of milk, whereas the E allele showed a negative effect on these traits. The β-casein A 2A 2 genotype was associated with inferior milk coagulation characteristics. Total protein concentration of milk was positively associated with curd firmness, but showed no association with milk coagulation time.

Analysis of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene polymorphisms in some cattle breeds: their usefulness and application for breed traceability and authentication ofParmigiano Reggiano cheese

In cattle, the MC1R gene has been the subject of several studies with the aim to elucidate the biology of coat colour. Then, polymorphisms of this gene have been proposed as tools for breed identification and animal products authentication. As a first step to identify breed specific DNA markers that can be used for the traceability of mono-breed dairy cattle products we investigated, using PCR-RFLP and PCR-APLP protocols, the presence and distribution of some alleles at the MC1R locus in 18 cattle breeds for a total of 1360 animals. For each of seven breeds (Italian Holstein, Italian Brown, Italian Simmental, Rendena, Jersey, Reggiana and Modenese) a large number of animals (>70) was genotyped so the obtained results can be considered with more confidence. Allele Ed was identified only in black pied cattle (Italian Holstein and Black Pied Valdostana). Allele E (this nomenclature includes all alleles except Ed, E1 and e) was observed in Italian Brown, Rendena, Jersey, Modenese, Italian Simmental, Grigio Alpina, Piedmontese, Chianina, Romagnola, Marchigiana, Swedish Red and White and Danish Red. Allele E1 was identified in Italian Brown, Rendena, Grigio Alpina, Piedmontese, Swedish Red and White and Danish Red. The recessive allele e, known to cause red coat colour, was fixed in Reggiana and almost fixed in Italian Simmental. This allele was observed also in Italian Holstein, Italian Brown, Rendena, Jersey and Modenese albeit with low frequency. Moreover, this allele was detected in Valdostana, Pezzata Rossa d’Oropa, Piedmontese, Romagnola, Swedish Red and White, Danish Red, Charoleis and Salers. In the case of the Reggiana breed, which is fixed for allele e, the MC1R locus is highly informative with respect to breeds that carry other alleles or in which allele e is at very low frequency. In theory, using the MC1R locus it is possible to identify the presence of milk from some other breeds in Parmigiano Reggiano cheese labelled as exclusively from the Reggiana breed. This possibility was practically tested by setting up protocols to extract and analyse polymorphisms of the MC1R locus in several dairy products, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese cured for 30 months. The lower detection limit was estimated to be 5% of non expected DNA. This test can represent a first deterrent against fraud and an important tool for the valorisation and authentication of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese obtained from only Reggiana milk.

Risk factors associated with the incidence of veterinary-treated clinical mastitis in Swedish dairy herds with a high milk yield and a low prevalence of subclinical mastitis

We conducted a case–control study to investigate factors associated with the incidence rate of veterinary-treated clinical cases of mastitis (IRVTCM) in Swedish dairy herds with the overall objective to reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) and excessive use of antibiotics. Herds with documented high milk yield, low prevalence of subclinical mastitis and high (27.3–67.5 cases/100-cow years = case) or low (0.0–10.8 cases/100-cow years = control) IRVTCM were selected for this study. One hundred and fifty-eight herds participated. Logistic–regression models were used to assess statistically significant risk factors associated with a high or low IRVTCM. HI-herd farmers more often contacted a veterinarian for treatment of a cow with CM as soon as the milk appearance was altered, compared to LO-herd farmers that more often waited until the general condition of a cow was altered. HI-herd farmers also treated more cows due to high somatic-cell counts during lactation and/or at drying off. There were more high-yielding cows with dirty lower hind-legs, a higher percentage of first-parity cows and a higher incidence of veterinary-treated teat injuries in HI-herds. HI-herd farmers had their cows claw-trimmed more than once per year, compared to LO-herd farmers that had their cows claw-trimmed only once per year, and the condition of silage storage at HI-farms more often had one or more remarks. LO-herds consisted more often of cows of the Swedish Red and White breed, and their roughage diet was more often complemented with only commercial concentrates compared to HI-herds that more often fed grain in combination with commercial concentrates. The herds participating in this study were all well managed herds, and the attitude towards treatment and production seemed to influence the IRVTCM more than environmental factors.

Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Fertility and Calving Traits in Swedish Dairy Cattle

Impaired fertility is the main reason for involuntary culling of dairy cows in Sweden. The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing fertility and calving traits in the Swedish dairy cattle population. The traits analyzed were number of inseminations, 56-d nonreturn rate, interval from calving to first insemination, fertility treatments, heat intensity score, stillbirth, and calving performance. A genome scan covering 20 bovine chromosomes was performed using 145 microsatellite markers. The mapping population consisted of 10 sires and their 417 sons in a granddaughter design. Nine of the sires were of the Swedish Red Breed, and one was a Swedish Holstein. Least squares regression was used to map loci affecting the analyzed traits, and permutation tests were used to set significance thresholds. Cofactors were used in the analyses of individual chromosomes to adjust for QTL found on other chromosomes. The use of cofactors increased both the number of QTL found and the significance level. In the initial analysis, we found 13 suggestive QTL that were mapped to chromosomes 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 20, and 29. When cofactors were included, 30 QTL were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 18, 19, 22, and 25, in addition to the 8 previously mentioned chromosomes. Some of the results from the cofactor analysis may be false positives and require further validation. In conclusion, we were able to map several QTL affecting fertility and calving traits in Swedish dairy cattle.

Effect of Protein Composition on the Cheese-Making Properties of Milk from Individual Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of variations in milk protein composition on milk clotting properties and cheese yield. Milk was collected from 134 dairy cows of Swedish Red and White, Swedish Holstein, and Danish Holstein-Friesian breed at 3 sampling occasions. Concentrations of αS1-, β-, and κ-casein (CN), α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin (LG) A and B were determined by reversed phase liquid chromatography. Cows of Swedish breeds were genotyped for genetic variants of β- and κ-CN. Model cheeses were produced from individual skimmed milk samples and the milk clotting properties were evaluated. More than 30% of the samples were poorly coagulating or noncoagulating, resulting in weak or no coagulum, respectively. Poorly and noncoagulating samples were associated with a low concentration of κ-CN and a low proportion of κ-CN in relation to total CN analyzed. Furthermore, the κ-CN concentration was higher in milk from cows with the AB genotype than the AA genotype of κ-CN. The concentrations of αS1-, β-, and κ-CN and of β-LG B were found to be significant for the cheese yield, expressed as grams of cheese per one hundred grams of milk. The ratio of CN to total protein analyzed and the β-LG B concentration positively affected cheese yield, expressed as grams of dry cheese solids per one hundred grams of milk protein, whereas β-LG A had a negative effect. Cheese-making properties could be improved by selecting milk with high concentrations of αS1-, β-, and κ-CN, with high κ-CN in relation to total CN and milk that contains β-LG B.

Calving Difficulty and Stillbirths of Pure Holsteins versus Crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red

Pure Holstein cows and Normande/Holstein, Montbeliarde/Holstein, and Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbred cows were compared for calving difficulty and stillbirth rates. Scandinavian Red was a combination of Norwegian Red and Swedish Red. All cows calved from June 2001 to August 2004 at 7 commercial dairies. Statistical models for analysis included effects of herd-year-season of calving and sex of calf in addition to breed of sire and breed group of dam. Male calves had significantly more calving difficulty and stillbirths than heifer calves. First-calf Holsteins bred to Holstein, Brown Swiss, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red bulls were used to determine effects of breed of sire. Calves sired by Scandinavian Red bulls (5.5%) and Brown Swiss bulls (12.5%) had significantly less calving difficulty than calves sired by Holstein bulls (16.4%) from Holstein first-calf heifers. Also, fewer stillbirths resulted from use of Scandinavian Red bulls (7.7%) compared with use of Holstein bulls (15.1%) for first-calf Holstein heifers. Scandinavian Red-sired calves (2.1%) had significantly less calving difficulty than Holstein-sired calves (8.4%) for multiparous Holstein dams. Non-Holstein breeds of sire had significantly fewer stillbirths than Holstein sires when mated to multiparous Holstein dams. To determine the effects of breed of dam, 676 pure Holsteins, 262 Normande/Holstein, 370 Montbeliarde/Holstein, and 264 Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbred virgin heifers that had been bred to Brown Swiss, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red bulls were utilized. All groups of crossbred cows had significantly less calving difficulty at first calving than pure Holsteins (3.7 to 11.6% vs. 17.7%). Furthermore, Montbeliarde/Holstein (6.2%) and Scandinavian Red/Holstein (5.1%) crossbreds had significantly lower stillbirth rates at first calving than pure Holsteins (14.0%).

Atypical Progesterone Profiles and Fertility in Swedish Dairy Cows

The incidence of normal and atypical progesterone profiles in Swedish dairy cows was studied. Data were collected from an experimental herd over 15 yr, and included 1,049 postpartum periods from 183 Swedish Holstein and 326 Swedish Red and White dairy cows. Milk progesterone samples were taken twice weekly until initiation of cyclical ovarian activity and less frequently thereafter. Progesterone profiles were 1) normal profile: first rise in milk progesterone above the threshold value before d 56 postpartum, followed by regular cyclical ovarian activity (70.4%); 2) delayed onset of cyclical ovarian activity: low milk progesterone the first 56 d postpartum (15.6%); 3) cessation of cyclical ovarian activity: ovarian activity resumed within 56 d postpartum, but ceased for a period of 14 d or more (6.6%); and 4) prolonged luteal phase: ovarian activity resumed within 56 d postpartum, but milk progesterone remained elevated in the nonpregnant cow for a period of 20 d or more (7.3%). Swedish Holsteins had 1.5 times higher risk of atypical profile than Swedish Red and Whites. Risk of atypical profiles was 0.5 and 0.7 times lower for older cows compared with first-parity cows; 2.3 times higher for cows in tie-stalls compared with those in loose housing; 2.6 times higher for cows calving during winter compared with summer; 0.5 times lower for cows in earlier (1994–1999) calving-year groups compared with the most recent (2000–2002); 2.5 times higher for cows with planned extended calving interval compared with conventional calving interval; and 2.2 times higher for an atypical profile in previous lactation compared with a normal profile. Cows with atypical profiles had a 15-d increase in interval from calving to first artificial insemination and an 18-d increase in interval from calving to conception. Progesterone samples taken within the first 60 d postpartum were used to calculate the percentage of samples above the threshold value of luteal activity. This measure had a significantly different mean in profiles and can be used to separate delayed onset of cyclical ovarian activity profiles and prolonged luteal phase profiles from normal. Thereby, it may be a more effective tool than measurements based only on the onset of ovarian cyclical activity in genetic evaluation of early postpartum fertility in dairy cows.

Production of Pure Holsteins Versus Crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red

Pure Holsteins (n=380) were compared to Normande/Holstein crossbreds (n=245), Montbeliarde/Holstein crossbreds (n=494), and Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbreds (n=328) for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production during first lactation. Scandinavian Red was a mixture of Swedish Red and Norwegian Red. Cows were housed at 7 commercial dairies in California and calved from June 2002 to January 2005. All Holstein sires and all Holstein maternal grandsires were required to have a code assigned by the National Association of Animal Breeders to assure they were sired by artificial insemination bulls. Daughters of Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red sires were artificial insemination bulls via imported semen. Best prediction was used to calculate actual production (milk, fat, and protein) for 305-d lactations. Adjustment was made for age at calving and milking frequency, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. Herd-year-season (4-mo seasons) and the genetic level of each cow's Holstein maternal grandsire were included in the model for statistical analysis. Pure Holsteins had significantly higher milk (9,757kg) and protein (305kg) production than all crossbred groups, but pure Holsteins (346kg) were not significantly different from Scandinavian Red/Holstein (340kg) crossbreds for fat production. Fat plus protein production was used to gauge the overall productivity of pure Holsteins vs. crossbreds. The Scandinavian Red/Holstein (637kg) crossbreds were not significantly different from the pure Holstein (651kg) for fat plus protein production; however, the Normande/Holstein (596kg) and the Montbeliarde/Holstein crossbreds (627kg) had significantly lower fat plus protein production than pure Holsteins.

Genetic effects on stillbirth and calving difficulty in Swedish Red dairy cattle at first and second calving

In Swedish Red (SRB) dairy cattle, genetic effects on stillbirth and calving difficulty were studied in 804,268 first- and 673,150 second-calvers. Uni- and bivariate linear sire-maternal grandsire models were used to analyse calving data gathered between 1985 and 2000. Mean incidences of stillbirth were low and differed little between first and second parity, 3.6% vs. 2.5%. At first calving, the heritability of stillbirth on the visible scale was 0.7–1.3% for the direct effect and 0.5–0.9% for the maternal effect. For calving difficulty, the heritabilities were around 2.5% and 1.8–2.1% for direct and maternal effects, respectively. At second calving the corresponding heritabilities for the two traits were of the same order as at first parity, albeit somewhat lower for stillbirth. The genetic correlations between first and second calving results were around 0.8 for direct and maternal effects in stillbirth and around 0.7 for calving difficulty. Univariate models for first and second calvings, analysed separately and together in a repeatability model, were compared with a bivariate model which was assumed to be the most correct. The correlations between bulls’ transmitting abilities for stillbirth were 0.94–0.96 between results for first calving analysed with a bivariate model and results from the repeatability model. It was concluded that calving traits at first and second parities could be treated approximately as the same trait. Bivariate analyses, or a repeatability model, including calving results for both heifers and cows should be preferred in genetic evaluations of SRB bulls as sires and maternal grandsires.

Comparison of milk protein composition in a Swedish and a Danish dairy herd using reversed phase HPLC

The milk composition in a Swedish herd, consisting of Swedish Red and White cows (SRB) and Swedish Holstein cows (SLB), and in a Danish herd, consisting of Danish Holstein-Friesian cows (SDM), was evaluated. Concentrations of the major milk proteins (κ-casein, αS1-casein, β-casein, β-lactoglobulin A, β-lactoglobulin B and α-lactalbumin) of 134 individual milk samples were determined by reversed phase (RP) HPLC. Other parameters determined included milk fat, urea, lactose, calcium, lactoferrin, somatic cell count and protein degradation (determined as level of free amino-terminals). Analysis of variance was used to compare concentrations of analysed milk variables between SRB and SLB or between SLB and SDM. Concentration of total protein, total casein, β-casein and κ-casein were significantly higher in SRB milk compared with SLB milk. Concentration of α-lactalbumin and calcium were significantly higher in SDM milk than in SLB milk. The concentration of urea was higher in SLB than in SDM milk and is suggested to reflect differences in feeding regimes between the investigated Swedish and Danish herd.

Training cows to approach the milking unit in response to acoustic signals in an automatic milking system during the grazing season

The aim of the present study was to examine whether cows in a commercially-managed barn with automatic milking can learn to visit the milking unit in response to an acoustic signal during the grazing season. The study included 10 Swedish Red and White dairy cows, randomly selected from a herd of 45 cows housed in a barn with an automatic milking system. A small box emitting an acoustic signal was attached to the collar of the 10 cows. During the training period, the signal was induced manually from a distance and during the evaluation period, signals were activated automatically from a computer connected to the automatic milking system. The cows were trained indoors using an operant conditioning technique. All cows had 12 training sessions with 7–12 signals given at variable intervals. An evaluation period followed the training period. During evaluation, the trained cows received an individual signal when 8 h had passed since the previous milking. These cows received another signal after 10 h if they had not visited the milking unit. The signal was activated regardless of their location. During the last training session, 8 of the 10 cows approached the milking unit more often following a signal than after a control period with no signal ( P < 0.05). There was a greater probability for the cows to respond to the signal if they were indoors ( P < 0.05). The average milking interval for cows trained and evaluated in early season was 8.2 ± 0.44 h (±S.E.M.). The interval for a reference group (with no signal) in early season was 9.7 ± 0.18 h ( P < 0.05). The intervals were 8.7 ± 0.56 h and 9.0 ± 0.20 h for the five cows trained in late season and a reference group (with no signal), respectively. During the evaluation in a full herd situation, the response ranged between 15 and 75% for individual cows. Low levels of reinforcement at the milking unit may have compromised responsiveness.

Postweaning growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires1,2

The objective of this study was to characterize breeds representing diverse biological types for postweaning growth and carcass composition traits in terminal crossbred cattle. Postweaning growth and carcass traits were analyzed on 434 steers and 373 heifers obtained by mating F1 cows to Charolais sires. Maternal grandsires represented Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Pinzgauer, and 1/4 Red Poll) dams to Hereford or Angus (British Breeds), Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Wagyu, or Friesian breeds. Breed groups were slaughtered serially in each of 2 yr (2002 and 2003). Postweaning ADG, slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage Choice, LM area, marbling score, USDA yield grade, fat thickness, retail product yield (percentage), retail product weight, fat yield (percentage), fat weight, bone yield (percentage), and bone weight were analyzed. Maternal grandsire breed was significant (P < 0.05) for all traits except dressing percentage, percentage Choice, and LM area. Marbling score for animals with Norwegian Red, Wagyu, Swedish Red and White, British Breeds, and Friesian inheritance was 550, 544, 532, 530, and 515, respectively (SEM = 8). Retail product weight for these animals was 224, 211, 227, 223, and 223 kg, respectively (SEM = 2 kg). Maternal granddam breed was not significant for any of the traits analyzed. Grandsire breed effects can be optimized by selection and use of appropriate crossbreeding systems.

Terrestrial mollusc succession and stratigraphy of a Holocene calcareous tufa deposit from the Fyledalen valley, southern Sweden

A Holocene calcareous tufa deposit in the Fyledalen Valley in southern Sweden was investigated with respect to molluscs, pollen, plant macrofossils and Coleoptera remains. The investigation recovered four mollusc species that today are severely threatened and included in the Swedish Red List of Endangered Species and/or the European Community's Natura 2000 programme. These include Vertigo genesii (Gredler), Vertigo geyeri Lindholm, Cochlicopa nitens (Gallenstein) and Vertigo moulinsiana (Dupuy). Tufa formation was initiated in the early Preboreal (after 11 500 cal. BP), when an open birch-pine forest dominated the area and stopped in the late Boreal (after 8800 cal. BP) when deciduous trees had become established. The presence of the molluscan species Vallonia pulchella (Müller), Columella columella (Martens), Vertigo genesii, Pupilla muscorum (L.) and Euconulus alderi (Gray), coupled with an almost complete lack of shade-demanding taxa, suggests an open marsh environment throughout the time of tufa deposition. The mollusc succession shows evidence of increasing temperature. Columella columella, commonly associated with open arctic-alpine habitats is present at the base of the profile in the early Preboreal, whilst Vertigo genesii, which commonly is associated with open arctic-alpine habitats or calcareous springs, persists until the mid-Boreal (∼ 8800 cal. BP). The tufa deposition ends when the regional groundwater levels rise, approximately 8800 cal. BP, more thermophilous molluscs, such as Vertigo moulinsiana and V angustior Jeffreys and the aquatic Bithynia tentaculata (L.), Radix peregra (Müller) and Planorbis planorbis (L.) colonize the site. Stratigraphic correlations, as well as faunal and floral comparisons, are made with nearby sites.

Influence of low phosphorus intake during early lactation on apparent digestibility of phosphorus and bone metabolism in dairy cows

In this study, the effects of reducing the dietary phosphorus (P) supply during the first 4 months of lactation on P balance and bone metabolism were investigated in dairy cows during a full lactation, including the dry period. Twenty-two multiparous cows of the Swedish Red and White Breed were included in the experiment. Eleven cows received a dietary P concentration of 0.43% of DM during the whole lactation (NP), and 11 cows received a dietary P concentration of 0.32% of DM during the first 4 months of lactation, followed by 0.43% of DM during the rest of lactation (LP). Total collection of faeces was carried out during five different stages of lactation, for 5 consecutive days at each occasion. The dynamics of bone metabolism was investigated by monitoring one bone-formation marker, identifying osteocalcin (OC), and one bone-resorption marker identifying C-telopeptide fragments of collagen type I (CTx) in blood plasma. At the two first collection periods, 3–7 and 11–15 weeks after parturition, the apparent digestibility of P was higher in the LP cows (52%) than in the NP cows (42%). During the following collection periods, no difference in the apparent digestibility could be noted between the two groups of cows. Phosphorus retention did not differ between treatments at any collection period. The highest retention was observed during late lactation and during the dry period. The profiles of the bone metabolism markers indicated a net resorption of bone during early lactation, but there were no differences in marker concentrations between the groups during early lactation, indicating that the LP diet did not induce a further elevated net bone resorption.

Russland und seine österreichisch-ungarischen Kriegsgefangenen (1914-1918) by Reinhard s&gt; Nachtigal (review)

536 SEER, 83, 3, 2005 has provided a valuable narrative account and a penetrating intellectual study. Nottingham ROGER BARTLETT Nachtigal, Reinhard. Russland undseineosterreichisch-ungarischen Kriegsgefangenen (I9I4-I9I8). Verlag BernhardAlbert Greiner,Remshalden,2003. 39I pp. Illustrations.Tables. Figures.Maps. Notes. Bibliography.Index. ?54-00? WITH the recent publicationof specialiststudiesby Alon Rachamimov, POWs and the GreatWar: Captivity on theEastemn Front(New York, 2002), Hannes Leidingerand Verena Moritz, Gefangenschaft, Revolution, Heimkehr: DieBedeutung derKriegsgefangenenproblematik far die Geschichte desKommunismus in Mittel- und OsteuropaI9I7-I920 (Vienna, 2003), as well as Reinhard Nachtigal's own shorterbook on the Murmanskrailway,DieMurmanbahn: Die Verkehrsanbindung eineskriegswichtigen HafensunddasArbeitspotential derKriegsgefangenen (Grunbach, 200I), therehas been a bumpercrop of excellent bookson prisonersof waron the easternfront.In his latest, exhaustivelyresearchedmonograph, Nachtigal makesa notable contributionto the historyof the FirstWorldWarby focusing on the soldiersof the Austro-Hungarianarmywho were takenprisonerby the Russians.He tapsa richsourcebase, includingmemoirliteratureandfictional representations as well as the abundant material in Russian archives. His overarchingtheme is that the fate of the POWs was closelybound up with the fortunes of tsarist Russia. Captured enemy troops posed immense logistical problems,but they also provided the tsariststatewith opportunitiesto exploit their labour and (Austrian POWs excepted) their perceived disloyalty to Vienna. Nachtigal's book is divided into five sections. The first deals with the military and institutional background to the capture of Austro-Hungarian troops by the Russian army. Estimatesof the total number range from two to two and a half million. According to Nachtigal, some soldiers, particularly Serbians,gave themselvesup at an earlyopportunity,but the rateof desertion was not significant.He describes the tortuousprocess of holding, registering and 'sifting'refugees, whereby non-Slavs were despatched to Siberia, while Slav prisonerswere kept in European Russia. In the second part of his book Nachtigal focusesupon the health crisisin I9I5- I6 and externalintervention by official (that is, Austrian)agencies and semi-officialhumanitarianbodies. Austrian War Ministry officials established a special section in order to monitorthepoliticalopinions ofprisonersin Russianhands,particularlythose of Czech and Polish origin. He also devotes close attention to the visitsmade by the German, Austrian, Danish and Swedish Red Cross and other delegations to POW camps in the Russian interior. Among the detail of itineraries and contacts, Nachtigal argues that these visits need to be understoodin the context of reciprocalvisitsmade by Russianrepresentatives to Germanand Austriancamps, as a resultof which basicprinciplesof mutual humanitarian care were established. In the third part of his book Nachtigal examines the mobilizationof POWs forlabourin Russianagriculture,mining, REVIEWS 537 transportand, above all, construction. He specifiesthe difficultconditions in which many labourerswere obliged to work,particularlyon railwaybuilding projects in Russia's northern territoriesof which the Murmanskrailwaywas the most notorious. However, Murmanskwas not typical of the conditions in which most POWs had to work;those held in the southern provinces of the Russian empire were more fortunate. The fourth section looks at Russia's nationality politics and traces the formation of military units from among Romanian, Italian, Czech and otherprisoners;particularattention is given to the famous Czech Legion. The main finding is that the tsarist civilian authoritiesbecame increasinglyscepticalabout using POWs as an instrument forunderminingthe Austro-Hungarianempireby subvertingtheirallegiance. On the other hand, the Kerenskii offensive in June 19I7 encouraged the Provisional Government to offer privileges to Czech, Slovak and Polish captives. In general, the experience of captivity (particularlyamong officers) was crucial to the formation of a Czech national army and a fledgling Czechoslovak state. In a brief coda Nachtigal surveysthe evidence of escape from captivity, which became quite widespread during I9I7, and considers the initialprocessof repatriationthroughto early 19I8. This book needs to be read alongside that by Leidinger and Moritz, who deal more thoroughlywith the aftermathof the war. But in its comprehensive mastery of the administrativearrangementsthat affected the lives of AustroHungarianPOWs Nachtigal'sbook is unlikelyto be surpassed. Department ofHistogy PETER GATRELL University ofManchester Prazmowska,Anita J. CivilWarinPoland,I942-I948. Studiesin Russiaand East Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke and New York, 2004. xiv + 252 pp. Notes. Bibliography.Index. [45.00. POLAND'S subordination to, or threat from, more powerful German and Russian neighbours has historicallycaused profound domestic divisions over the questionof regainingand, later, of maintainingindependence. Such longterm conflictsproduced fundamentalpolitical, social and regionaldivisionsas well as specific disputes over timing and strategy.Repeated defeats caused if not a tradition, at least an external perception of the Poles...

Environmental effects on progesterone profile measures of dairy cow fertility

Environmental effects on fertility measures early in lactation, such as the interval from calving to first luteal activity (CLA), proportion of samples with luteal activity during the first 60 days after calving (PLA) and interval to first ovulatory oestrus (OOE) were studied. In addition, traditional measurements of fertility, such as pregnancy to first insemination, number of inseminations per service period and interval from first to last insemination were studied as well as associations between the early and late measurements. Data were collected from an experimental herd during 15 years and included 1106 post-partum periods from 191 Swedish Holsteins and 325 Swedish Red and White dairy cows. Individual milk progesterone samples were taken twice a week until cyclicity and thereafter less frequently. First parity cows had 14.8 and 18.1 days longer CLA (LS-means difference) than second parity cows and older cows, respectively. Moreover, CLA was 10.5 days longer for cows that calved during the winter season compared with the summer season and 7.5 days longer for cows in tie-stalls than cows in loose-housing system. Cows treated for mastitis and lameness had 8.4 and 18.0 days longer CLA, respectively, compared with healthy cows. OOE was affected in the same way as CLA by the different environmental factors. PLA was a good indicator of CLA, and there was a high correlation (−0.69) between these two measurements. Treatment for lameness had a significant influence on all late fertility measurements, whereas housing was significant only for pregnancy to first insemination. All fertility traits were unfavourably associated with increased milk production. Regression of late fertility measurements on early fertility measurements had only a minor association with conception at first AI and interval from first to last AI for cows with conventional calving intervals, i.e. a 22 days later, CLA increased the interval from first to last insemination by 3.4 days. Early measurements had repeatabilities of 0.14–0.16, indicating a higher influence by the cow itself compared with late measurements, which had repeatabilities of 0.09–0.10. Our study shows that early fertility measurements have a possibility to be used in breeding for better fertility. To improve the early fertility of the cow, there are a number of important factors that have to be taken into account.

Genotype by environment interaction for length of productive life in Swedish Red and White dairy cattle

In this study the amount of genotype by environment interaction (G×E) for length of productive life of Swedish Red and White dairy cattle was studied. The environmental variables used were the herd-year averages of number of first parity cows, peak yield, protein yield, and productive life. Data were analysed using multi-trait models (using low and high quartile herds) and reaction norm models (using the whole continuous scale). Considerable G×E was found for the trait productive life between environments (herds) with short or long average productive life, and a genetic correlation of 0.74 was found. For productive life in relation to herd size, G×E was negligible, and the genetic correlation was 0.95. For productive life in relation to herd-year average of peak yield or protein yield some G×E was indicated by the reaction norm model, especially between extreme environments. The G×E between herds with short or long average productive life should be studied further and might need to be considered in breeding programmes for dairy cattle.

How does extended lactation in combination with different milking frequencies affect somatic cell counts in dairy cows?

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of an extended, 18 months, calving interval (CI) to a traditional 12 months CI, on the milk somatic cell count (SCC) of high producing dairy cows. In addition, the cows were milked either two or three times per day, resulting in four treatments; referred to as 12-2, 12-3, 18-2 and 18-3. Cows of the Swedish Red and White breed were used in the experiment, and the analyses were based on 90 complete lactations. The analyses were performed on both the whole lactation (WL) and late lactation, defined as the last 10 weeks of the lactation (L10). With 18 months CI, there were no significant differences between the two milking frequencies, neither when analysing the WL nor the L10 separately. Multiparous cows, irrespective of milking frequency, had higher LSCC (the logarithm of the SCC) values than primiparous cows, and during L10 the difference was significant. This study shows that the LSCC throughout the lactation does not differ as a result of an extended CI, compared to the traditional 12 months CI ( P = 0.84). Furthermore, the results on extended CI in combination with different milking frequencies show that the LSCC values were not influenced by the milking frequency. Compared to the cows in the traditional system with 12 months CI and milking 2× daily, cows in 18-2 and 18-3 had no increased LSCC values, P = 0.21 and 0.45, respectively. Therefore, these results indicate that a production system with extended calving interval can be used, with milking 2 or 3 times per day, without increased risk of increased milk somatic cell counts.