Zebu Cows Research Articles

Effect of cool roof technology on physiological and production performance of Sahiwal zebu cows

Effect of cool roof technology on physiological and production performance of Sahiwal zebu cows

A REVIEW ON EFFICIENCY OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN CATTLE BREEDING IN ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has large cattle population in Africa. The output of decades of crossbreeding programme in Ethiopia through AI service was quite insignificant because the exotic breeds and their crossbreds of the country accounted for about 1.44%. The objective of this review is to present the efficiency of Artificial Insemination (AI) service in cattle breeding in Ethiopia. The optimum recommended mean number of services per conception (NSC) for profitable dairy cow is about 1.4. However, conventional cattle AI breeding indicated that the mean NSC of different studies ranged from 1.14 in local cows up to 2.47 in different genotypes of cows kept under different management systems and conception rate at first insemination (CR1) ranged from 7.14% to 75.5% in different genotypes of dairy cows kept under extensive and intensive management systems. Estrus synchronization followed AI breeding indicated that CR1 ranged from 24.69% to 70.6% in Zebu cows kept under semi-intensive management system. Calving rate (CR) is the most appropriate measure of fertility of dairy cows which is defined as the number of calves born per 100 services. The poor efficiency of the country cattle AI service is a huge biological economic loss in cattle production and managerial monetary losses. Strategic interventions on cattle AI service efficiency improvement options should be identified and practiced considering breed type, production system and agro-ecology.

Detection of the β-lactoglobulin genotype in zebu cattle (Gangatiri) milk using high-resolution accurate mass spectroscopy.

We studied the genetic polymorphism of beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) whey protein in Gangatiri zebu cows for this Research Communication. The polymorphic nature of milk protein fractions and their association with milk production traits, composition and quality has attracted several efforts in evaluating the allelic distribution of protein locus as a potential dairy trait marker. Genetic variants of β-Lg have highly significant effects on casein number (B > A) and protein recovery (B > A) and also determine the yield of cheese dry matter (B > A). Molecular techniques of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-resolution accurate mass-spectroscopy were applied to characterize the β-Lg protein obtained from the Gangatiri breed milk. Sequence analysis of β-Lg showed the presence of variant B having UniProt database accession number P02754, coded on the PAEP gene. Our study can provide reference and guidance for the selection of superior milk (having β-LgB) from this indigenous breed that could potentially give a good yield of β-Lg for industrial applications.

"In vitro antimicrobial and synergistic effect of fermented Indian zebu (Sahiwal) cow colostrum whey derived peptides with Lactobacillus rhamnosus against pathogenic bacteria".

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05776-2.

Mother Cow and Maternal Behaviour in Colonial North India

This article offers a historical analysis of the interdisciplinary question to what extent animal behaviour influences domestication, by exploring how socio-cultural representations of cows as mothers were shaped by perceptions of their maternal behaviours. It does so by providing an analysis of the evolution of dairying practices in both the colonial and vernacular sciences of modern India. Mother cow ( gau måtå) was imbibed with spiritual and material significance in the discourses of public health, food security and gastro-politics from the late nineteenth century. But to what extent were cultural representations influenced by the maternal behaviours of the cow? Analysing animal husbandry practices, it is shown here that in contrast to the Western tradition of segregating the mother from her calf, the maternal behaviours and emotions of Bos indicus zebu cows were perceived by many dairy farmers to be an evolved characteristic that needed to be nurtured.

Salivary crystallization pattern: a possible unconventional tool for timing of insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis in zebu cows.

The present study assessed if salivary crystallization pattern (ferning pattern formed as a result of the higher levels of salt content in the dried sample) could be used for estrus detection and for diagnosis of pregnancy/non-pregnancy in dairy cows. Saliva and blood samples were collected from non-pregnant cycling cows (Sahiwal breed; n = 20) on alternate days from the day of estrus till next estrus. Then, all the cows were inseminated and saliva and blood sampling were continued further for a period of 22 d post-insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 45 post-insemination and eight cows were found to be pregnant. The salivary crystallization pattern and estradiol:progesterone ratio during estrous cycle and during pregnancy were compared among these cows. Six types of salivary crystallization patterns were discerned; distinct patterns such as branch-like, fern-like, fir-like and combinations of these. Fern-like pattern was observed in all the cows on the day of estrus (first measurement day) and furthermore, all of the cows that subsequently became pregnant had fern-like salivary crystallization pattern at the time of insemination. Saliva of all the pregnant cows showed branch-fir type of crystallization pattern on day 16 post-breeding while only 50% of non-pregnant cows showed this pattern on day 16 of estrous cycle. The appearance of fern-like pattern was positively and significantly related to estradiol:progesterone ratio (r = 0.86; P < 0.001). The findings were validated on a separate group of cycling cows (n = 32). We can conclude that salivary crystallization pattern might serve as a non-invasive and cost effective and easy-to-use cow-side tool for estrus detection and early pregnancy/non-pregnancy diagnosis in cows upon validation on a larger sample size.

Economic viability of different diets for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows in milk production systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate different levels of feed restriction in the diet for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows during the winter on performance and economic viability. Data from Zootechnical book keeping, and from experiments conducted in the Experimental Field of Felixlândia, belonging to EPAMIG, were used. Total lactation of sixty F1 Holstein x Zebu cows receiving different diets was analyzed, by 2.00%, 2.25%, 2.50%, 2.75% body weight (BW), and a control group (3.4%; no feed restriction), allowing 5% leftovers in relation to the dry matter supplied, distributed in a completely randomized design. Data on milk production and feed cost were collected, evaluating the different periods that characterize the lactation of an animal. The highest milk production was found in the diet levels 3.4 %, and 2.75% BW, 3,636.00, and 3,271.50 kg, respectively. Lower milk production was observed at levels of 2.50%; 2.25%; 2.00% BW, respectively. The highest feed cost was verified without feed restriction followed by the levels of 2.75%, 2.50%, 2.25%, and 2.00% BW. The supply of the no feed restriction diet resulted in a performance superior to levels 2.75; 2.50; 2.25; 2.00% BW. The items profit, profitability were similar between all treatments, indicating that, when there is occasional feed shortage, a restriction in the diet supply of up to 2% BW provides economic security to the rural producer.

Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 × 4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values ​​of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.

Presynchronization with simultaneous administration of GnRH and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) 7 days prior to Ovsynch improves reproductive profile in Hariana zebu cow

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of simultaneous administration of GnRH and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) 7days prior to Ovsynch in Hariana cow. Two hundred cyclic cows (> 4months postpartum) were assigned to control (n = 54) and pre-OV (n = 146). As per Ovsynch protocol, buserelin acetate (10μg), cloprostenol (500μg), and buserelin acetate (10μg) were injected i.m. on days 0, 7, and 9, respectively, in cows irrespective of treatment. But in pre-OV cows, buserelin acetate (10μg) and cloprostenol (500μg) were also injected i.m. simultaneously 7days prior to initiate the Ovsynch protocol. Artificial insemination was performed between 18 and 24h after the 2nd GnRH of Ovsynch in both treatments. Ultrasonography and blood sampling for hormonal analysis were done on each day of treatment, on day of AI, and 12days post-AI. Pre-OV treatment resulted to increased (45.20% vs 29.62%; P < 0.05) pregnancy outcomes and higher (P < 0.01) ovulation rate to first GnRH of Ovsynch than control. Cows showing complete luteolysis in response to PGF2α of Ovsynch were also higher (P < 0.05) in pre-OV than control. Greater (P < 0.05) synchronization rate was recorded in pre-OV than control (86.76% and 68.75%). The circulating concentrations of estradiol on day of AI and progesterone on day 12 post-AI were higher (P < 0.01) in cows diagnosed pregnant than non-pregnant in both control and pre-OV treatment. In conclusion, simultaneous administration of GnRH and PGF2α 7days before Ovsynch improved the synchronization rate and luteal profile in terms of CL area and hence resulted in higher conception rate in Hariana zebu cow.

Effect of dietary inclusion of licuri cake on intake, feeding behavior, and performance of feedlot cull cows.

Licuri cake (LC) is an interesting alternative nutritional component for high-grain diets for ruminants due to its high protein (21.6% CP), fat (12.0% EE), and fiber (62.8% NDF) contents. We investigated the effect of increasing levels of LC inclusion on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass traits of cull cows fed high-grain diets. Forty Zebu cows with an initial weight of 318 ± 38.1 kg, at 105 months of age, were confined in collective stalls and fed (ad libitum) a diet containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg LC on a diet dry matter (DM) basis. Licuri cake inclusion induced quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in the intakes of DM (9.57 kg/day at 97.8 g/kg LC), crude protein (CP; 1.02 kg/day at 91.7 g/kg LC), and total digestible nutrients (6.68 kg/day at 75.2 g/kg LC). The digestibility of DM, CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and rumination efficiencies increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of LC in the diet. The inclusion of LC did not influence (P > 0.05) on daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, or back fat thickness in the carcass. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of up to 150 g/kg LC in high-grain diets for feedlot cull cows.

Impact of heat stress on follicular size, oestradiol concentration and oestrus expression in Nigerian Zebu cows

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of heat stress on follicular size, oestradiol concentrations and oestrus expression in different seasons on Zebu cows. Twelve (n=12) matured, Zebu cows were utilized for over a year. The year was divided into 3 phases. Ambient temperature, relative humidity and rectal temperature were determined using. Cows were synchronized for oestrus. Ultrasonic follicular studies were carried out daily. Blood samples were collected after administration of a second dose of PFG2α to assess serum concentration of oestradiol. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to determine the concentration of oestradiol. Oestrus activities were monitored by visual observation. Follicle diameters at 24 hr were lower (P&lt; 0.05) in the cold, dry season (6.34± 0.68 mm) than hot dry (8.09±0.52 mm) and the rainy season (8.62±0.9 mm). At 72 hr, follicular diameters were significantly higher P&lt;0.05 in the hot, dry season (17.01±1.41 mm) than cold dry (12.90±1.22 mm) and the rainy season (12.08±0.82 mm). Time to peak of oestradiol concentrations was shorter P&lt;0.05 in the cold, dry season (31.50±5.41 hr), followed by a hot, dry season (35.42±4.25 hr) and then rainy season (52.25±7.08 hr). The amplitude of oestradiol was higher P&lt;0.05 in the cold, dry season (39.13±5.27 pg/mL) than hot dry (19.50±2.52 pg/mL) and rainy seasons (17.63±1.89 pg/mL). Durations of proestrus oestradiol surges were significantly higher P&lt;0.05 in the rainy season (40.88±7.10 hr) followed by a hot, dry season (35.50±7.71 hr) and then cold dry season (24.25±3.27 hr.). The total number of mounting activities for two hr. was higher P&lt;0.05 in the cold, dry season (7.6±0.93/hr) followed by rainy season (6.2±1.28/hr) and then hot dry season (4.4±0.81/hr). In conclusion, the study showed that heat stress affected oestrus expression by lowering the number of mounts per hour, increasing follicular size and reducing oestradiol concentration of these cows.

Methane emissions and milk yields from zebu cows under integrated systems

Integrated systems are technologies that potentially increase animal production and environmental preservation, but the effect of these systems on the efficiency and methane emissions of dairy cows is still unknown. This study aimed to compare enteric methane emissions, dry matter intake and performance of grazing dairy cows in integrated systems in the Brazilian Cerrado biome, i.e., crop-livestock integration (CLI) or crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI). Eighteen Holstein-Zebu cows were randomly assigned to the two production systems (n = 9 for each system) based on Monbasa pasture (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça; Syn. Panicum maximum) under rotational stocking management. Herbage allowance ranged from 12 to 14% body weight, and cows were supplemented with concentrated feed according to milk yield. Herbage samples were collected by simulated grazing to determine nutritional value. Milk yield was determined weekly. Herbage intake was estimated from fecal output and indigestibility of the pasture dry matter. Fecal output was estimated by the external indicator LIPE®, and dry matter digestibility was estimated by the internal indicator NDFi. Enteric methane emissions were estimated by the SF6 tracer gas technique. Data were collected in three sampling periods to characterize the rainy season, the transition from the rainy season to the dry season and the dry season. Data were analyzed in split plots, with animals within the system as the plot and seasons as the subplot. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. The herbage crude protein content was 35.9% higher on average in the CLFI than in the CLI. In vitro dry matter digestibility was 16.7% lower in the CLI than in the CLFI in the rainy season. Milk yield and feed efficiency were similar between systems and seasons. The total dry matter intake in the rainy season was 34.6% higher in the CLFI than in the CLI. The energy loss, production and yield of methane were 29.8%, 35.0% and 31.3%, respectively, lower in the rainy season than in the other seasons. Enteric methane emissions, milk yield and feed efficiency were similar between the integrated CLI and CLFI systems in the Brazilian Cerrado region.

Differential adaptation of metabolic inflammation between primiparous and multiparous Zebu cows during transition period

This study aimed to estimate the changes in the milk yield, milk fat, energy indicators [NEFA, BHBA, Dry MatterIntake (DMI) and Body Condition Score (BCS)] and concentration of innate immune molecules (Haptoglobin: Hp,Serum Amyloid A: SAA, TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), during the transition period in primiparous andmultiparous dual-purpose zebu (Deoni) cows. The blood sample was collected at weekly intervals during pre-partum (-21±2, -14±1, -7±1, d), date of calving (day 0), and postpartum period (3±1, 7±1, 14±1, 21±2 d) for estimationof the above plasma variables using commercially available bovine specific ELISA kits. DMI and BCS duringthe corresponding period were also recorded. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model considering group,time and their interaction as fixed effects. Group, time and their interaction had significant effect on DMI whereprimiparous cows consumed higher DMI during early postpartum period as compared to multiparous cows. Groupalone had significant effect on milk yield, milk fat per cent and BHBA level while time alone influenced BCS.The interaction of group and time had significant effects on plasma TLR-4 and IL-8 concentration. Group alsohad significant effect on Hp and TNF-α levels. It was concluded that parity had significant effect on metabolicand immune indicators where higher DMI during transition period resulted in more milk yield in primiparous thanmultiparous indigenous (Deoni) cows.

Effect of the percentage of Bos taurus inheritance on the fertility of Holstein×Zebu and Brown Swiss×Zebu crossbred cows in the Mexican tropics

Background: No dairy breed or crossbreed has superior overall performance in all environments; therefore, it is necessary to determine which crossbreed is the most suitable for the Mexican tropic and what proportion of European breed is optimum for reproduction. Objective: To assess the effect of the proportion of Bos taurus (Bt) genes on reproductive performance of Holstein×Zebu (HZ) and Brown Swiss×Zebu (BZ) cows, and compare reproductive performance of these genotypes in a dual-purpose production system. Methods: Cows were maintained in a rotational grazing system on African star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) in Veracruz, Mexico. Cows were milked twice daily. Calves were kept tied to the side of their dams while the cows were milked. Results: The percentage of Bt genes did not affect (p&gt;0.05) fertility traits (age at first calving, days to first service after calving, services per conception, conception rate at first service, days open until conception, gestation length, and calving interval) of BZ cows. In contrast, HZ cows with less than 75% Holstein (H) genes were 0.3 years younger (p&lt;0.05) at first calving and had 39.8 fewer days open (p&lt;0.05) than HZ cows with 75% H genes or more. In addition, the calving interval of HZ cows with less than 75% H genes was 44.8 days shorter (p&lt;0.05) than that of HZ cows with 75% H genes or more. The HZ cows had five fewer days pregnant and were 22.8 kg heavier at calving (p&lt;0.05) than BZ cows. Conclusions: The effect of the percentage of Bt genes on cow fertility depends on the dairy breed used. In general, BZ and HZ cows present similar reproductive performance.

Stability of milk from dual purpose cows with different types of feeding

Objective: To establish milk stability using the alcohol test in cows with different feeding strategies in the tropical dairy system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows whose milk frequently tested positive to the alcohol test were housed in individual yards and distributed into two groups. Experiment 1. T1: cows consumed dry Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha); T2: cows consumed green Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum violaceum). Forage was provided ad libitum. Experiment 2. T1 cows were supplemented with a concentrate with higher crude protein and metabolizable energy percentage than T2 cows; this percentage was gradually increased up to 4.0 kg. Milk was subjected to alcohol testing. Variance analyzes were performed under categorical data models. Results: Higher percentages of cases that tested positive for alcohol were observed in cows that consumed dry grass than in cows that consumed green grass (P&lt;0.05). The concentrate addition to diets based on dry or green forage reduced the positive case percentage. Implications: A balanced diet improves milk stability. Findings/conclusions: The improvement in the cows’ nutritional value decreases the percentage of milk with positive results in the alcohol test.

Zeboid cow milk: physicochemical quality indicator

Introduction. A herd of zeboid cattle was created by the Snegiri Scientific and Experimental Farm (Moscow region, Russia) as a result of long-term selection and crossbreeding zebu (Bos indicus L.) with cattle (Bos taurus L.). These hybrid cows have good physiological parameters, high resistance to diseases, and a significant adaptive potential. The quality of milk produced by zebu cows at different lactation and milking times has not been studied as well as their milking capacity. Therefore, we aimed to assess the variability of specific physicochemical indicators of milk produced by Snegiri’s zeboid dairy herd.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. The milk of 193 zeboid cows (6–12% of zebu blood) from the Snegiri Farm was analyzed by standard methods for quality indicators such as fat, nonfat milk solids, density, bound water, freezing point, protein, and lactose. Then, we determined how these indicators changed depending on the lactation number and the time of milking (morning/evening). Statistical analysis was applied to process the data.&#x0D; Results and discussion. Such indicators as nonfat milk solids, density, bound water, freezing point, protein, and lactose of zeboid cow milk were consistent with the normal indicators for raw cow’s milk. Only its fat content (4.39%) exceeded the norm. We found no correlation between the quality of milk and the number of lactations. However, the evening milk was more concentrated, with a significant increase in nonfat milk solids and density, as well as with a lower freezing point.&#x0D; Conclusion. Zeboid cows, which can be bred in suboptimal conditions, produce milk suitable for dairy products since it has a high fat content regardless of lactation and milking time.

Supplementation strategies for lactating F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on deferred pastures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrate supplementation strategies to lactating F1 Holstein x Zebu cows managed on deferred signal grass pasture on milk yield, composition and body weight gain. Thirty-six F1 Holstein x Zebu cows with average days in milk of 102 ± 10 and body weight of 501 ± 19 kg were allotted to a 4 x 5 completely randomized factorial design, with four feeding strategies and five weeks of evaluation. The treatments consisted of four nutritional strategies: deferred pasture as a source of roughage + 700 grams of protein supplement (PDPI); deferred pasture as a source of roughage + 1,200 grams of protein supplement (PDPII); deferred pasture + 15 kilograms of corn silage (natural basis) + 1,200 grams of protein supplement (PDSP) and corn silage (ad libitum) + 700 grams of protein supplement (CSS). There was no interaction (P = 0.99) between supplementation strategies and test days on milk yield and chemical composition. The mean milk yield of cows managed on PDPI, PDPII and PDSP was 11.50 kg/day (P &gt; 0.05), which was 14.30% lower than that of cows managed on CSS. Fat content (P &lt; 0.01), protein (P &lt; 0.01), lactose (P &lt; 0.01), defatted dry extract (DDE) (P&lt; 0 .01), total solids (P &lt; 0.01) and milk casein (P &lt; 0.01) were affected by different supplementation strategies. F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on deferred Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture and supplemented with concentrate maintains milk production at 11.50 kg with normal composition, maintaining satisfactory body weight and condition score.

Body mass index at calving on performance and efficiency of Zebu cow herds

This study examines the impact of the body mass index (BMI) at calving on the development and postpartum efficiency of cows of Zebu origin. The study involved 87 cows and their calves [pure Nellore (N) or predominant Nellore composition in a cross with Charolais (C) (3/4N1/4C and 5/8N3/8C)]. The mothers were grouped into classes according to their BMI at calving, namely, ‘small’, ‘moderate’ and ‘large’. Body mass index was determined by dividing the body weight of the cows by their length and by hip height and then dividing the result by 10. Cows were weighed at calving, at weaning, at the end of the breeding period and at the diagnosis of pregnancy. Calves were weighed at birth, at early weaning (63 days) and at 210 of age. To evaluate milk yield and quality, milk was collected at 21, 42 and 63 days after calving. Milk yield was measured by the direct method, with manual milking, followed by analysis of the lactose, fat, total solids and crude protein contents. Pregnancy rate was similar between the three BMI groups; however, cows with a lower BMI were more efficient at calving in producing kilograms of calf per kilogram of cow kept. Higher BMI provide higher milk yields, without affecting its quality, as well as heavier calves at early weaning and at 210 days of age.

Parâmetros fisiológicos de vacas F1 Holandês × Zebu alimentadas com inclusão de casca de banana

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the effects of different levels of banana peel inclusion on the physiological variables of lactating F1 Holstein × Zebu cows. Ten cows distributed in two 5 × 5 Latin squares were used. Five experimental diets were tested: sorghum silage (control group); and the addition of 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of banana peel to replace sorghum silage. The experiment lasted 80 days. The environmental and physiological variables of the animals were measured. The Black Globe-Humidity Index presented an alert situation in the morning shift and a dangerous situation in the afternoon shift. The respiratory rate was not influenced by the levels of banana peel inclusion (P &gt; 0.05) in the morning shift. However, it was influenced (P &lt; 0.05) in the afternoon shift. The levels of banana peel inclusion in the diet did not affect the rectal temperature. Under the study environmental conditions, the level of up to 60% of banana peel replacing sorghum silage did not alter the physiological variables of thermoregulation in F1 Holstein × Zebu cows.

Impact of Non-genetic Parameters Altering Milk Yield Performance in Zebu Cows

Background: Animal phenotype performance depends on both genetic and non-genetic factors, but mostly the genetic part analysed leaving non genetic parameters unnoticed. The aim of the study is to understand impact of non-genetic factors governing milk yield performance in Deoni cows. Methods: A total of 821 lactation records from 340 lactating cows (2002-2017) along with their age at first calving, parity, season of calving were collected. These data were standardized and analysed to find significant differences using Duncan’s multiple range Test. Result: Deoni cows showed significant increase (P less than 0.05) in both lactation milk yield and lactation length with increase in parity. Season of calving had significant affects (P less than 0.05) on lactation milk yield but not in lactation length. Increase in age at first calving revealed there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in both lactation milk yield and lactation length.