Cows In Winter Research Articles

Dairy cattle grazing compacts soil surface without reducing subsequent crop yield

Integrated crop-livestock systems are being increasingly used to intensify food production and make it more sustainable. On the other hand, most studies have focused on extensive systems. This paper analyzed the effects of different managements on soil and plants in an intensive integrated system for milk production. An experiment of management systems was installed in southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, on a Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol), in 2015 to evaluate: rotational grazing of dairy cows in the winter; rotational grazing of dairy cows in winter followed by soil chiseling; and ungrazed area (control). Soil physical properties and yields of crops were evaluated. Trampling by dairy cows increased soil bulk density by 24 % (0.0-0.05 m), but did not influence yields of subsequent soybean or maize. Chiseling reduced the bulk density of the uppermost layer by 19 %, but did not affect the yields of subsequent crops. It was concluded that in years with abundant water, dairy cattle grazing in an integrated crop-livestock system in Southern Brazil compacts the soil surface, but does not compromise the soil physical processes related to the growth and development of subsequent crops.

Perspective: Can early embryonic losses be reduced in lactating dairy cows?

Perspective: Can early embryonic losses be reduced in lactating dairy cows?

13 Stockpiling Bahiagrass to Extend the Grazing Season and decrease Winter Supplementation Costs for South Alabama Cattle Producers

Abstract Stockpiling forage is a management practice that can be used to decrease the cost of winter cow supplementation and is defined as the process of accumulating forage late in a growing season for grazing at a later date. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of bahiagrass as a potential stockpiled forage in lower Alabama by developing a better understanding of its forage accumulation, nutritive value and persistent characteristics during the stockpiling period (6 to 10 weeks). A small-plot stockpiling trial was conducted at three locations in south Alabama (Troy, Headland, and Goodway). Nine, 6.5 m x 2.0 m plots were cut to a 7.5 cm stubble height with a buffer of 0.9 m between plots at each location beginning on September 16, 2021. Nitrogen fertilization strategy was the main plot [0 N fertilizer, split N application (33.6 kg N/ha at initiation and again 30 d later), or 67.2 kg N/ha; 3 replications/treatment; N source = urea (46-0-0)]. Stockpiling period length was the split-plot (6, 8 or 10 weeks of forage accumulation; n = 9 subplots/treatment). Response variables were measured including forage mass and nutritive value at 6, 8 and 10 weeks, and nutritive value of standing forage 30 days after the stockpiling period. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.3. As the accumulation period length increased, average forage mass increased across all treatments with 1,312.6 kg DM/ha at 6 weeks, 1,270.1 kg DM/ha at 8 weeks and 1,585.9 kg DM/ha at 10 weeks. With respect to the fertilization treatments, the split N application (1,621.8 kg DM/ha) and 67.2 kg N/ha fertilization strategies (1,606.1 kg DM/ha) did not differ in forage accumulation but were greater (P < 0.05) than bahiagrass not receiving N fertilizer (1,377.6 kg DM/ha). For nutritive value, nitrogen application strategy impacted bahiagrass crude protein (CP), with both the split N application (14%) and 67.2 kg N/ha (13.8%) treatments having a greater CP (P < 0.05) than the 0 N fertilization approach (11.7%). Average total digestible nutrients across stockpiling periods were 62.5%. Year one results study indicate that bahiagrass may support forage production and nutritive value for cow-calf operations wanting to extend grazing into the fall and early winter months in the Southeast US. Based on year one results for forage mass measured at 6, 8 and 10 weeks, stockpiled bahiagrass could provide an estimated 45 to 55 days of grazing depending on mature cow weight, pasture stocking strategy and accumulation period length.

Investigation of uterine microbiota in postpartum dairy cows and barn environment by quantitative PCR technique

The objective of this study was to investigate uterine microbiota in postpartum dairy cows and barn environment by quantitative PCR and to evaluate the correlation between the microbiota in the uterus and barn environment. The study was carried out in 2 seasons of the year: summer (June to August 2017) and winter (October 2017 to March 2018) on Holstein dairy cow farm, Okayama Livestock Research Institute, Japan. A total of 116 samples, including 68 uterine and fecal samples, were collected from 9 cows in summer and 8 cows in winter, at 1 and 2 months after calving. Additionally, 48 samples of barn environment including airborne dust, bedding, feed and water samples were collected 6 times throughout each season. The quantative PCR results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the uterine and fecal microbiota of dairy cows at 1 and 2 months after calving. In summer, total bacteria at 2 months postpartum were higher than those at 1 month after calving, while total bacteria were the same in winter (P > 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in uterus and feces between 1 and 2 months after calving were not significantly different in both summer and winter (P > 0.05). The populations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and total bacteria were found to be highest in bedding compared to those in feed, airborne dust, and water from the barn environment (P < 0.05). Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and total bacteria in uterus were closely related with those in bedding in summer, however they had the negative correlation with the microbiota of barn environment in winter, especially with fecal microbiota.

Effect of Mineral Mixture Supplementation on Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Anoestrus Cows in Winter and Summer Season

Background: livestock is mainly reared under a crop livestock integrated farming system and mineral supplementation is not common practice. Out of all nutrients, minerals and vitamins play a crucial role in metabolism, lactation, reproduction and even for microbial fermentation in rumen. Considering the mineral deficiencies in particular zones, the area specific mineral mixtures (ASMM) were formulated for various zones and also found various limiting nutrients in different zones of MP. The current study was planned to find out the effect of mineral mixture supplementation on body weight, body condition score and haemato-biochemical profile of non-descript anoestrus cows. Methods: A total-forty-eight animal were selected out of the surveyed animals and divided into four groups (n=12) viz. T1 (Normal cyclic animals), T2 (Anoestrus Control), T3 (True anoestrus) and T4 (Sub-oestrus). The experiments were carried out in two seasons (summer and winter). All physiological and hemato-biochemical parameters were recorded and analyzed as per standard mentioned protocol. Result: According to the findings of this experiment weight gain the animals of the true anoestrus and sub-oestrus group’s recorded highly significant increases in the winter and summer seasons. The haemoglobin concentration was within the normal range and it was non-significant in all groups except normal cyclic animal (T1) in winter and true anoestrous (T3) in summer after the mineral supplementation. There was no significant difference in the WBC count of all groups except in sub-oestrous control (T2S) and T1 in the winter season. RBC concentration was non-significant in almost all groups. Erythrocytic indices were the normal limits and did not differ significantly in the majority of groups except significant difference showed are MCHC in T3, MCH in T2S, MCV in T1 of winter seasons and were within normal range in all supplemented groups in both. The serum cholesterol concentration showed significantly higher value in the winter and summer season of T3 group. However, in sub-estrous (T4 group) animals, the values in the winter season were significantly higher. We observed significantly higher values of triglycerides in T3 and T4 groups in winter and T3, T4 and T1 groups in summer seasons. The above results indicate the beneficial effects of mineral mixtures in supplement groups. Studies conclude that the supplementation of mineral mixtures can improve reproductive efficiency in non-descript anoestrus cows.

Genetic diversity of Siberian bovine coronavirus isolates (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus-1: Bovine-Like coronaviruses)

Bovine coronaviruses (BCoVs) are causative agents of diarrhea, respiratory diseases in calves and winter cow dysentery. The study of genetic diversity of these viruses is topical issue. The purpose of the research is studying the genetic diversity of BCoV isolates circulating among dairy cattle in Siberia. Specimens used in this study were collected from animals that died or was forcedly slaughtered before the start of the study. The target for amplification were nucleotide sequences of S and N gene regions. Based on the results of RT-PCR testing, virus genome was present in 16.3% of samples from calves with diarrheal syndrome and in 9.9% with respiratory syndrome. The nucleotide sequences of S gene region were determined for 18 isolates, and N gene sequences - for 12 isolates. Based on S gene, isolates were divided into two clades each containing two subclades. First subclade of first clade (European line) included 11 isolates. Second one included classic strains Quebec and Mebus, strains from Europe, USA and Korea, but none of sequences from this study belonged to this subclade. 6 isolates belonged to first subclade of second clade (American-Asian line). Second subclade (mixed line) included one isolate. N gene sequences formed two clades, one of them included two subclades. First subclade included 3 isolates (American-Asian line), and second subclade (mixed) included one isolate. Second clade (mixed) included 8 sequences. No differences in phylogenetic grouping between intestinal and respiratory isolates, as well as according to their geographic origin were identified. The studied population of BCoV isolates is heterogeneous. Nucleotide sequence analysis is a useful tool for studying molecular epidemiology of BCoV. It can be beneficial for choice of vaccines to be used in a particular geographic region.

Cover Feature: Chalcogen Bonding with Diaryl Ditellurides: Evidence from Solid State and Solution Studies. (Chem. Eur. J. 25/2022)

In the solid state, due to Te⋅⋅⋅Te interactions, diaryl ditellurides are facing to each other, like these “solid/frozen” Scottish cows in winter. Once the molecules are “defrosted” in solution, new interactions occur with soluble Lewis bases, including some solvents. More information can be found in the Research Article by Patrick Pale, V. Mamane and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200395).

The efficiency of methods for catching insects - vectors of vector-borne diseases of animals and their species composition

The article provides the results of study of the effectiveness of collection methods and the taxonomic identification of insects in the regions of Russia. During the research three methods of collecting insects were used: a UV trap, fly strips and a liquid gadfly trap (“death puddle”). The following blood-sucking insects play a key role in the epizootology of transmissible infections - houseflies (Muscidae), black flies (Simuliidae), mosquitoes (Culicidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), gadflies (Tabanidae). There has been obtained new information on the species, territorial and temporal dynamics of the distribution of vectors of lumpy skin disease in cattle in the subjects of the Russian Federation. Data collection of the spatial and temporal spread of the disease visualized using GIS-technologies have been generated on the basis of the statistical reports. As the result of the research, it has been established that in the Nizhny Novgorod region representatives of the Psychodidae family, the percentage of which was 40.9 %, predominate in the nocturnal entomological complex. They are followed by mosquitoes (genus Culex) - 21.6 %, biting midges - 16.4 % manure flies - 7.0 % and black flies - 3.0 %, respectively. In the Saratov region, the nocturnal entomological complex was represented by manure flies (family Sphaeroceridae), black flies (family Simuliidae) and mosquitoes (genus Culex), the percentages were 56,0, 32,0 and 12,0 %, respectively. At the same time, in the Saratov region there were collected 239 times less mosquitoes than in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which was due to an increase in temperature in the conditions of the southern regions. This caused the water bodies to dry out and reduced the pool of insects whose developmental cycle is related to water. It has been established that all-year keeping of cattle in winter cow yards provides the diversity and rise in the number of insect vectors, which increases the risk of lumpy skin disease as compared to the grazing system of cattle keeping. For collection daytime insect vectors, it is recommended to use fly strips covered with rosin and mineral oil. For collection insects of the nocturnal entomocomplex, which are the main transmitters of the lumpy skin disease virus, one should use ultraviolet traps.

Social hierarchy influences dairy cows’ use of shade in a silvopastoral system under intensive rotational grazing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between thermal comfort indicators and social hierarchy, and cows' location (shade or sun) and their diurnal behaviors in a silvopastoral system of a subtropical climate, covering the four seasons. We measured microclimatic variables (air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, soil surface temperature) and cows’ behaviors in two areas (shaded and sunny), as well as the influence of social hierarchy (dominant, intermediate, and subordinate) on cows' location (shade or sun). In addition, we determined the black globe-humidity index (BGHI) and radiant heat load (RHL) for both areas. Air temperature, wind speed, and soil surface temperature were lower in shaded areas, and relative humidity lower in the sunny areas (p < 0.05). The shaded areas provided on average a 23% RHL reduction in cold seasons (autumn and winter), and 26% in hot seasons (spring and summer). For cows of all social categories the odds of drinking water decreased (p < 0.001) for each additional BGHI unit increased. Dominant cows were less likely (~50%; p < 0.001) to drink water than intermediate and subordinate cows. In general, the odds of a cow lying in the sunny areas were 62% lower than in the shaded areas (p < 0.001). However, in winter cows were less likely (75%) to perform comfort behaviors (idling and rumination lying down) in shaded areas than in the sunny areas (p < 0.01). Furthermore, lying increased by 9% for each additional soil surface temperature unit. Dominant cows were more likely (~40%; p < 0.001) to lie down in the shaded areas than intermediate and subordinate cows. In conclusion, the cows’ location in the silvopastoral system was influenced by the black globe-humidity index and social hierarchy; in a situation of higher thermal challenge cows were more motivated to use shade, but dominant cows were more likely to use the shaded areas than other cows.

Seasonal effect of milk yield and blood metabolites in relation to ketosis of dairy cows fed under a high ambient temperature.

Background and Aim:Metabolism and environment are closely related. Under high ambient temperature (HTa), dairy cows may have different energy metabolism during summer and winter. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of HTa on the milk yield and blood concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and glucose at the herd level.Materials and Methods:One large dairy farm in Thailand with more than 100 crossbred Holstein cows milked each month was selected. The first experiment was performed on non-lactating cows to determine the normal daily concentrations of blood BHBA and glucose. Under the HTa condition, there was no significant change in blood BHBA and glucose concentrations. The second experiment was performed using a prospective cohort clinical design to demonstrate the seasonal effect on milk yield and blood BHBA as an indication of energy metabolism at the herd level.Results:The temperature and humidity index for the winter (78.1±0.5) and summer (83.4±0.7) periods differ significantly. The average milk yield during the winter period was 17.8% higher than during the summer period. The reduction of body condition score (BCS) during early lactation was significant in the winter cows. Both higher milk yield and lower BCS in the winter cows suggested a state of negative energy balance. However, there was no difference in blood BHBA and glucose concentrations between winter and summer cows. The effect of HTa on insulin signaling appeared to be a counterbalancing factor for the ketogenic status. Based on the present results, it would be interesting to further investigate the incidence of subclinical and clinical ketosis in a dairy farm under tropical conditions.Conclusion:The present experiment revealed that HTa during summer decreased milk yield in dairy cows fed under tropical conditions. Higher milk yield in winter caused a greater reduction of BCS and suggested a greater negative energy balance. However, there was no seasonal effect on blood BHBA and glucose concentrations.

Oxidative stress in cows according to calving season: passive calf immunity and its relationship with colostrum quality

This study details the relationship between maternal plasma oxidant-antioxidant enzymes with colostrum quality, serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM concentrations of calves in the different calving seasons. Holstein breed cows between two and eight lactations and their calves were enrolled in the study. Holstein cows calving in winter (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the winter group, while cows calving in summer (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the summer group. Samples for malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were collected on day -21±3 before expected calving and also on calving day (Day 0). IgG and the specific gravity of the colostrum were determined after calving. Serum GGT and IgG and IgM were measured before the feeding, with colostrum, of calves (0 hours) and also in the 24th hour following the feeding of colostrum. Plasma MDA levels at -21±3 and 0 days in the summer cows were determined to be higher. GSH-Px activity was higher in the winter cows. IgG levels and the specific gravity of the colos- trum were also higher in the winter cows. Calf IgG levels at the 24th hour of life were higher in the winter cows. In the winter group, IgM levels at 0 and 24 hours were also higher. While MDA was negatively correlated with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum, GSH-Px activity had a positive correlation with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum. The observed differences in plasma MDA, GSH-Px, calf serum IgG and IgM levels, and colostrum quality between both groups suggest a possible seasonal effect. The relationship between maternal oxidant-antioxidant enzymes, colostrum quality, and passive calf immunity revealed that these enzymes could be used as indicators in the evaluation of calf health and colos- trum quality.

ASSESSMENT OF MIGRATION OF HEAVY METALS (Cd, Pb, As, Hg) IN THE SYSTEM «FEED - MILK»

The article presents the results on the level of migration of heavy metals in the food chain «feed-milk» of the farm «Aidarbayev», located in the Almaty region. A total of 56 feed samples and 30 milk samples were analyzed during the study period. Sampling from the facilities was carried out in the spring, summer and autumn of 2020 in accordance with the State Standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and interstate standards. Work on determining the concentration of heavy metals was carried out on a novaa 350 atomic adsorption spectrometer with a talab voltammetric analyzer (Germany) at the Kazakhstan-Japan Innovation Center. It is proved that the increase in the concentration of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic in the daily diet of cows in winter or summer pasture periods is proportional to the increase in their content in milk. It was found that the level of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Hg) in feed and milk does not exceed the MPC. The results obtained can serve as a basis for monitoring the state of the environment on the content of heavy metals in natural objects of the country.

Provision of shelter during the prepartum period: Effects on behavior, blood analytes, and health status in dairy cows in winter

This study aimed to assess the effect of shelter provision during the prepartum period on lying, ruminating, and feeding behavior in outdoor-housed dairy cows exposed to winter weather conditions in a temperate climate. We also aimed to determine whether shelter provision during the prepartum period influenced blood analytes related to energy metabolism, body cleanliness, and health status. In this study, 2 cohorts of 12 multiparous Holstein prepartum cows were tested in winter. Twenty-five days before their expected calving date, the cows in each cohort were paired and randomly assigned to an open paddock without shelter or to one with access to an artificial shelter until calving. Shelter use, lying time, number of lying bouts, duration of lying bouts, rumination time, and feeding time were continuously recorded during the 3 wk before calving. Cows were assessed weekly for body cleanliness throughout the 3-wk prepartum period. A blood sample was taken from the coccygeal vein of each cow at wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 3 relative to calving date, and were assayed for nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, and haptoglobin concentrations. Cases of clinical health disorders after calving were also recorded. The cows spent 60% of their daily time in the shelters, and for 75% of that time they were lying down. Cows with access to shelter during the prepartum period lay down around 3.2 h/d more than cows without shelter on wk -3 and -2 relative to calving. The cows with shelter access spent less time feeding during the morning (wk -3: 29.7 min; wk -2: 12.1 min; wk -1: 17.3 min) and afternoon (wk -3: 18.2 min; wk -2: 21.9 min) than cows without shelter access. As well, cows with shelter access showed a higher body cleanliness score (∼92 vs. ∼48%) and lower NEFA concentrations (wk -2: 0.27 vs. 0.44 mmol/L; wk -1: 0.46 vs. 0.64 mmol/L) in the precalving period, and lower haptoglobin concentrations in the first week postpartum (0.34 vs. 0.79 mg/mL) than cows without shelter access. We observed no treatment differences in daily rumination time, β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, or postpartum health disorders. Despite the small number of dairy cows used in this study, these findings suggest that having access to a shelter during the prepartum period increases lying time, improves body cleanliness, and reduces adipose mobilization. Therefore, it is important to provide a protected area for the welfare of prepartum dairy cows exposed to winter climate conditions.

SUBSTANTIATION OF PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRECTION OF THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ANIMAL NUTRITION

The pharmacological correction of the mineral composition of animal nutrition has been substantiated. The analysis of the results of studies of fodder by veterinary laboratories of the Novosibirsk region for the period 2018–2019 was carried out. It has been established that in the production of animal fodder such crops as wheat, barley, oats, millet, corn, peas, and soybeans are used. Cereals make up about 85% of the compound fodder, legumes – 45%. It is noted that the mass fraction of moisture and dry matter in all types of animal fodder is within the permissible ranges of the norm. In winter cows are fed with hay, silage and mixed fodder. So protein deficiency (10.69 ± 0.35%) occurs for milk yield above 10 kg per day. The largest amount of crude protein is contained in the meal (36.48 ± 1.31%), the least is in silage (3.08 ± 0.12%). Crude fat is mainly contained in the millcake (9.68 ± 0.83%), and its minimum content is characterized by feed concentrates (0.49 ± 0.39%). Rough forage – hay and straw are rich in fiber (27.04 ± 0.58 and 36.87 ± 1.29%, respectively). A low level of calcium was found in fodder such as silage and grain used for feed purposes – 2.07 ± 0.11 and 2.22 ± 0.21 g / kg, respectively. Potassium deficiency was detected in compound animal fodder (2.75–3.03 g / kg), which requires correction of the diet. A low phosphorus content is noted in roughage, silage, grain (0.07–0.27%). The forage obtained during the ensiling process is provided with zinc at 8.02 ± 1.51 mg / kg, which is a low figure. The iron content in the compound feed is at an average level of supply – 40–50 mg / kg. Evaluation of the mineral composition of different types of feed showed the highest frequency of deviations in the amount of zinc – 42.5%. There are also significant fluctuations in the content of phosphorus and calcium in feed – 26.25 and 23.75%, respectively.

Identification of circRNA-Associated-ceRNA Networks Involved in Milk Fat Metabolism under Heat Stress.

Summer temperatures are generally high in Southern China, and cows are likely to suffer a heat stress reaction. Heat stress will have a negative impact on the performance of dairy cows; however, the mechanism by which high temperature affects lactation is not clear. CircRNA is a type of non-coding RNA discovered in recent years, which performs a crucial function in many biological activities. However, the effects of circRNA on lactation function of dairy cows under heat stress is unknown. The present study aimed to explore the expression levels of circRNA in the mammary gland tissue of cows under heat stress. Firstly, we collected blood and milk samples of summer and winter cows and evaluated lactation performance using serum indicators, milk production, and milk composition. Incorporating the calculation of the temperature and humidity index, we conformed the heat stress status of cows in summer. Heat stress increased the concentration of HSP70 and decreased the concentration of SOD and PRL. Heat stress not only reduced milk yield but also affected milk quality, with milk lactose and milk protein decreasing with increased temperature. The analysis of the fatty acid composition in summer milk found significantly reduced concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids, especially long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. Sequencing of the cow’s mammary gland transcriptome revealed that compared to the appropriate temperature (ST) group, the heat stress (HS) group had a total of 2204 upregulated and 3501 downregulated transcripts. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that these genes were mainly related to milk fat metabolism. In addition, 19 upregulated and 19 downregulated circRNA candidates were found in response to heat stress. We used Pearson’s test to establish the correlation of circRNA-mRNA and identified four pairs of circRNA-miRNA networks between four circRNAs, six miRNAs, and the CD36 gene. In this study, we revealed the possible role of circRNAs in lactation of dairy cows and identified that circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks might exist in the cow’s mammary glands, providing valuable experience for dairy lactation and milk quality.

The effect of free-stall versus strawyard housing and access to pasture on dairy cow locomotor activity and time budget

Dairy housing systems can have major implications on how freely cows move within their environment and how fully they can express their behavioral repertoire, impacting overall welfare. To ensure housing systems are meeting the needs of the dairy cow, more information is needed on the best method of loose-housing for dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine whether cows express different locomotor activity, lying behaviors, and time budgets when housed in two different housing types (strawyard - SY vs. free-stall - FS) that provide similar space and 2) measure whether similar locomotor activity and time budgets are expressed in a SY and FS under winter confinement versus under summer conditions with outdoor access. Twenty-four cows were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 4 per group), balanced for parity and DIM. Groups were subjected to the FS and SY housing treatments for one week each in a crossover design, with each treatment applied three weeks apart. The same design and procedure was repeated twice: at the end of the winter housing period and at the start of summer after a 6-week grazing period. Locomotor activity and lying data was collected by pedometers and live observation of cow behavior were carried out 2x/wk for 2 h/observation period. The findings revealed no difference in number of steps between treatments or seasons. In summer, more visits to pasture was positively correlated with a higher number of steps in both the FS (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and SY (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). There was no difference in lying time, but SY cows had more daily lying bouts during summer than FS cows (10.7 vs 9.2 bouts, P < 0.001). Maintenance and locomotor behaviors were not affected by housing treatment, but SY cows tended to socialize more than FS cows in winter (1.7 vs 0.7 %, P = 0.06). Fewer environmental obstructions in the SY may have facilitated expression of non-maintenance behaviors as well ease of lying and rising, thus increasing lying bouts. Cows that were most active indoors accessed pasture more often, suggesting that these cows had a greater motivation to move. While SY may have benefited over FS housing regarding lying bouts and socialization during winter confinement, further research is needed to determine if these housing options are meeting all cows’ movement and activity needs.

Тhe content of calcium and phosphorus in the blood of cows with a different tonus of the autonomic nervous system

Research was conducted on cows of the Ukrainian black-and-white breed of the 2–3 lactation. Tonus of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of cows was determined using trigeminovagal reflex (TVR). According to the obtained results, an animal was designate as normotonics, sympatheticotoniсs or vagotonics. According to the results of the study of the ANS tonus, 3 experimental groups were formed 4 animals in each. The first group included animals-normotonics, the second – vagotonics, and the third one – sympatheticontics. It was established a tendency of сalcium/hosphorus lower content in the blood of cows during the warm season and higher in the winter (in the range of 3–8%). It should also be noted that there was tendency towards lower calcium content in the blood of vagotonic cows and higher – in sympatheticotoniс animals, regardless of the season. Unlike calcium, the content of phosphorus in the blood of cows significantly depended on the ANS tonus. In particular, the content of this element in the blood of sympatheticotoniс and vagotonic cows in winter was lower by 14.0% (P &lt; 0.001) and 18.3% (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. However, in the summer, this difference became significantly smaller and had character of a trend (at the level of 5.0–7.2%). It has been established that the calcium-phosphorus ratio in cow’s blood did not depend significantly on the ANS tonus or on the season of the year, but a clear trend was established for its lower value in summer, regardless of the ANS tonus. The strength of excitability levels of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system according to the results of the TVR in cows did not significantly limit the phosphorus content in their blood in summer, and calcium in winter (η2x = 0.00–0.019). But in normotonic animals, the ANS tonus significantly affected the calcium-phosphorus ratio – η2x = 0.59 (P &lt; 0.05) and the phosphorus content in their blood – η2x = 0.29 (P &lt; 0.05) in winter. It was established that ANS tonus in sympatheticotonic animals limited the phosphorus content in winter – η2x = 0.35 (P &lt; 0.05) and the calcium-phosphorus ratio as in summer – η2x = 0.29 (P &lt; 0.05) so in winter – η2x = 0.45 (P &lt; 0.05). Whereas in vagotonic cows, the ANS tonus limited the calcium content in the summer – η2x = 0.26 (P &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis of the ANS tonus index, phosphorus and calcium content in cow’s blood did not establish significant interrelationships depending on the season of the year. However, it should be noted a clear trend of direct correlation of the index of the ANS tonus with the calcium content (r = 0.24–0.35) and the calcium-phosphorus ratio (r = 0.43–44) in the cows’ blood and the reverse one with the phosphorus content in the cows’ blood (r = -0.22–0.30). The data obtained could indicate on the presence of autonomic regulatory mechanisms for the regulation of the content of specific macronutrients in the blood of cows.

Impact of different seasons on the milk somatic and differential cell counts, milk cortisol and neutrophils functionality of three Indian native breeds of cattle

The present study was undertaken to compare the effect of different seasons on the mammary immunity of three Indian native breeds of cows (Tharparkar, Gir and Sahiwal) well adapted to the tropical region. For this milk samples were collected from cows in winter (THI=57, comfortable zone), hot-dry (HD; THI=76, heat stressful zone) and hot-humid (HH; THI = 82, severe heat stress) and estimated for milk somatic cell counts (SCC), phagocytic activity (PA) of milk neutrophils, milk cortisol and heat shock proteins and function associated genes in milk neutrophils. Milk SCC was evaluated using a cell counter and differential cell counts measured microscopically. Cortisol was quantified in skimmed milk by competitive ELISA. Milk PA was estimated using nitro blue tetrazolium assay, and for gene expression studies, milk neutrophils were isolated and studied for heat shock proteins (HSP40, HSP70, HSP90α) and cell adhesion molecules (CD11b, CD25, CD44) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. All the studied parameters increased in HD and HH seasons with highest values observed in Sahiwal cows. However, PA of neutrophil was highest in Tharparkar cows in winter and decreased gradually at higher THI values during hot seasons. Milk cortisol was positively correlated with expression of various CD molecules and HSPs (p < 0.05) in milk neutrophils but negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with PA during HH season in all breeds. The study revealed that Indian native cows were at considerable risk in HH season and Sahiwal cows were more heat stressed followed by Gir and Tharparkar cows, respectively, and thus may require managemental interventions. Also, the higher expression of HSP70 and CD25 with increasing THI levels in hot seasons makes them suitable biological markers for quantifying heat stress.

The effect of kale cultivar and sowing date on dry‐matter intake, crop utilization, liveweight gain and body condition score gain of pregnant, nonlactating dry dairy cows in winter in New Zealand

AbstractAn outdoor grazing study on kale was conducted with pregnant, nonlactating (dry) dairy cows over a 42‐day winter grazing period commencing 9 June 2008. Kale treatments consisted of two kale cultivars varying in leaf:stem proportion (“Regal,” a leafy variety and “Caledonian,” a stemmy variety) and two sowing dates (8 November and 15 December). Measurements were made for dry‐matter (DM) utilization, apparent DM intake, liveweight gain and changes in body condition score (BCS) for a total of 120 cows allocated to three replicate groups of the four factorial treatments. Cows were offered a daily allowance of 10 kg DM/cow of kale and 2.2 kg DM/cow of straw. Pregrazing DM yield was higher for kale sown in November (16,517 kg DM/ha) than December (13,867 kg DM/ha), but was unaffected by cultivar (average 15,192 kg DM/ha). “Regal” kale had a higher percentage of leaf compared with “Caledonian” (33.6% vs. 25.6%), lower content of NDF (32.4% vs. 34.1%), but similar metabolizable energy content (12.1 MJ/kg DM for both) in the whole plant. Despite the differences in pregrazing DM yield and forage quality among treatments, no differences were found in DM utilization (between 88.5% and 90.2%), apparent DM intake (between 9.4 and 9.6 kg DM/cow.day), liveweight gain (between 0.53 and 0.67 kg/cow.day) and BCS gain (between 0.43 and 0.46 unit/cow over 42 days). Manipulation of kale yield and quality through choice of cultivar and sowing date had no effect on the performance of pregnant, nonlactating dairy cows.

Risk factors and indicators of reduced welfare of grazing dairy cows from selected smallholder dairy farms in Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's smallholder dairying faces many challenges that affect the welfare of dairy cows; however, the status of this welfare has not yet been determined. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Midlands Province on 41 active smallholder dairy farms with 86 cows in winter and summer to determine the risk factors and indicators to impaired cow welfare. These objectives were achieved using farmer questionnaires and direct observations. Eleven percent of the observed cows were severely lame in summer while only 5% were severely lame in winter. Lameness was significantly associated with season, absence of shade, breed, and low dipping frequency; 58% of the cows had low body condition scores (BC < 3) and this low BC was associated with low frequency of protein (p = 0.002) and vitamin (p = 0.012) supplementation recorded in more than 52% of the farms visited. In winter, only 11% of the observed cows were heavily soiled (score 3), while in summer 64% of the cows were heavily soiled and this was associated with slurry accumulation in more than 80% of the observed cattle pens as well as the study season (p < 0.001). A quarter (26%) of the studied animals had visible teat lesions on the teat skin and this was associated with the type of lubricant used (p = 0.011). Only 34% of the cows allowed an approaching stockman to touch them and this was associated with shouting (p = 0.012) and whipping of cows (p = 0.002). The study concluded that welfare of dairy cows was poor in most of the smallholder dairy farms studied.