Effects of management practices on yield and quality of milk from smallholder dairy units in urban and peri-urban Morogoro,Tanzania

A longitudinal study design was used to assess the management, chemical composition of cows’ milk and quantify the microbial load of raw milk produced at farm level. Data were collected between December 2010 and September 2011 in Morogoro municipality. Milk samples were collected once every month and analysed for butter fat (BF), crude protein (CP), total solids (TS) and solids non-fat (SNF). Total bacterial count (TBC) and coliform counts (CC) were normalized by log transformation. The average milk yield was 7.0 l/day and was not influenced by feeding systems and breeds. Dairy cows owned by people who had no regular income produced more milk than government employees and retired officers. Means of BF, TS, SNF and CP were similar in different feeding systems. Wet season had significantly higher TBC (5.9 log₁₀ cfu/ml) and CC (2.4 log₁₀ cfu/ml) but feeding systems had no effect. Stocking density influenced TBC but not CC. It can be concluded that dairy cows produced low milk yield and its quality was poor.     

Participatory Livestock Farmer Training for improvement of animal health in rural and peri-urban smallholder dairy herds in Jinja,Uganda

Within the framework of a research project investigating methods to decrease mastitis incidence, farmer groups for participatory training in a modified Farmer Field School approach were initiated in order to improve animal health and farmer knowledge in mastitis control technologies in smallholder dairy farms in the Jinja district of Uganda. Two peri-urban groups and one rural group met for common learning and training two hours per fortnight during a 12-month period, facilitated by two local extension agents together with one or two scientists from Makerere University. Farmers rotated each time between farms owned by group participants, which demanded mutual trust, openness and respect. From their own assessment the farmers felt they had improved their milk production and reduced mastitis incidence on their farms. In an evaluation workshop, they articulated how they had built up common knowledge and experience from training in systematic clinical examination of animals, evaluation of the farm environments, and identification of improvements. Much of the acquired new knowledge was about basic dairy cow management and husbandry practices. In addition, they gave examples of how they were now used as resource persons in their local communities. Principles of learning and empowerment are discussed.     

Effect of feeding oat and vetch forages on milk production and quality in smallholder dairy farms in Central Kenya

Despite the significant livestock contribution to households’ nutrition and incomes in many African smallholder farms, milk productivity remains low. Inadequate feeding is the main reason for the underperformance. To contribute towards addressing this, an on-farm feeding trial was undertaken in Ol-joro-Orok Central Kenya. A feed basket using oat (Avena sativa) cv Conway and vetch (Vicia villosa) was compared to farmers practice. Milk production (kg) and quality parameters, including butterfat, protein, lactose, and density, were monitored, and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) undertaken. Feeding both oat and vetch increased milk production by 21% (morning) and 18%, (evening), equivalent to 1.4 kg/day. Increases (%) in quality were butter fat (18.2), solid-non-fat (16.5), lactose (16.2), and protein (16.1). Concomitantly, the CBA returned positive results, supporting the hypothesis of economic advantage in using oat and vetch in milk production in the area, and possibly in other similar areas.     

蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸和蛋氨酸锌对泌乳早期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

本研究选择泌乳早期的经产奶牛40头随机分成4组,其中一组作为对照组,各试验组奶牛日粮中分别添加蒸汽压片玉米(蒸汽压片组)、烟酸和蛋氨酸锌(添加剂组)、蒸汽压片玉米+烟酸和蛋氨酸锌(蒸汽压片+添加剂组)。观测其对泌乳早期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响。结果表明:饲喂蒸汽压片+添加剂组和蒸汽压片组的奶牛乳蛋白率和乳糖率显著高于对照组(P0.05);添加剂组奶牛乳蛋白率显著高于对照组(P0.05);各试验组的产奶量、4%FCM、乳脂率和非脂固形物都比对照组有所提高,但无显著差异(P0.05);试验组乳中体细胞数有降低的趋势,但差异不显著(P0.05)。试验结果提示,蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸及蛋氨酸锌具有提高泌乳早期奶牛的产奶量和改善乳品质的作用;各组日粮对奶牛产奶量和乳成分的影响大小为蒸汽压片+添加剂组蒸汽压片组添加剂组对照组,奶牛日粮中混合添加蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸及蛋氨酸锌效果优于分别添加蒸汽压片玉米和添加剂。     

Adoption of milk cooling technology among smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya

Factors influencing adoption of milk cooling technology were studied with data for 90 smallholder dairy farmers who were randomly selected from seven dairy cooperative societies in Kiambu County, Kenya. Logistic regression identified the age of the household head, daily household milk consumption, freehold land ownership, fodder production area, number of female calves, cooperative membership and cooperative services as significant factors influencing farmers’ willingness to invest in milk cooling technology. These findings offer an entry point for increased interventions by policy makers and various dairy sector stakeholders in promoting milk cooling technology with the aim of significantly reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the sector’s competitiveness.     

植物甾醇对泌乳前期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

根据年龄、胎次、泌乳时间和产奶量选择24头泌乳奶牛,随机分为对照组、试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组。对照组饲喂奶牛场配制的全混合饲料,试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组每头奶牛日粮中分别添加40 g/d和80 g/d植物甾醇,研究植物甾醇对奶牛生产性能的影响。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组奶牛的产奶量分别提高了2.07 kg/d(5.64%,P0.05)和1.74 kg/d(4.75%,P0.05);试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组奶牛乳脂率分别提高了8.22%(P0.01)和2.97%(P0.05);乳蛋白率分别提高了2.45%(P0.05)和1.05%(P0.05);非脂固形物分别提高了1.29%(P0.05)和0.23%(P0.05),体细胞数分别下降了37.31%和19.34%,但差异均不显著(P0.05);牛奶中乳尿素氮含量分别降低了5.29%(P0.05)和7.58%(P0.01)。结果表明泌乳前期奶牛补饲一定量的植物甾醇能够提高产奶量和改善乳成分。     

酵母培养物对泌乳后期荷斯坦奶牛奶产量及品质的影响

研究酵母培养物(YC)添加水平对泌乳后期荷斯坦奶牛奶产量及品质的影响,为合理利用YC提供参考.试验选取60头体况相近的奶牛,随机等分成4组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别饲喂在精料补充料中添加1、2、4 kg/t YC的日粮,测定各组试验前期(0～7 d)、后期(8～18 d)及全期(0～25 d)产奶量及第20天乳品质变化情况.结果表明:①添加4kg/t YC极显著提高了前期产奶量(P<0.01),后期及全期均有提高趋势,但差异未达到显著水平(P＞0.05);添加1 kg/t YC显著降低了后期的产奶量(P<0.05),但前期及全期产奶量没有显著变化(P>0.05);添加2 kg/t YC对前期、后期及全期产奶量均没有显著影响(P>0.05).②YC添加水平对乳脂率、乳蛋白率、全脂固形物、脂蛋白比无显著影响(P＞0.05).     

瘤胃缓冲剂和DDGS对奶牛产奶量和乳成分影响的研究

DDGS(DistillersDriedGrainsplusSolubles,酒精糟及残液干燥物)是谷物(玉米、高粱、大麦、小麦)在生产酒精过程中经过糖化、发酵、蒸馏除酒精后,残留物再经干燥处理的产物。它不仅浓缩了谷物中除淀粉和糖以外的其它营养成分(如蛋白、脂肪、维生素等),还包含了玉米发酵过程中产生的糖化曲和酵母的营养成分及活性因子。与原料(谷物)相比(表1),DDGS中的粗蛋白质(CP)、粗脂肪(CEE)、粗纤维(CF)及矿物元素含量增加,淀粉含量降低,可作为反刍动物廉价高效的蛋白质饲料原料。表1DDGS营养成分比较(%)项目DDGS①DDGS②DDGS③玉米①豆饼…     

Average daily gain of local pigs on rural and peri-urban smallholder farms in two districts of Western Kenya

The objective of this study was to determine the average daily gain (ADG) of pigs on rural and peri-urban smallholder farms in two districts of Western Kenya, in order to establish a baseline to measure the impact of future management interventions. Average daily gain (kilograms per day) for 664 pigs weighed one, two or three times and the proportion of local and crossbreed pigs was determined. Assuming a uniform birth weight of 1 kg, ADG did not differ between pigs weighed once or twice. Overall, ADG was higher in peri-urban pigs (0.15?±?0.058 kg/day) than rural pigs (0.11?±?0.047 kg/day). Pigs at 1 to 2 months had a higher ADG than those at 3 months or 10 to 12 months and ADG was higher in crossbreed than local pigs. Over the two districts, the ADG was low (0.13?±?0.002 kg/day). Most (87.2 %) pigs were of local breed. Low ADG may be due to malnourishment, high maintenance energy expenditure, high parasite prevalence, disease, and/or low genetic potential. This low ADG of pigs raised on smallholder farms in Western Kenya indicates a high potential for improvement. The growth rate of pigs in Western Kenya must be improved using locally available feedstuffs to make efficient use of resources, promote sustainable smallholder pig production, and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers.     

天然植物性添加剂对奶牛增乳效果的影响

本试验选用22头奶牛,随机分为2组,在奶牛泌乳前期日粮中添加天然植物性添加剂,研究其对泌乳牛增乳效果及其血液活性T淋巴细胞和血清蛋白的影响。结果表明:1)在奶牛泌乳前期添加天然植物性添加剂,可使奶牛头日均泌乳量提高2．02kg(P<0．05),其提高率为5．53％,经济效益显著改善;2)可使血液活性T淋巴细胞极显著高于对照组(P<0．01),同时降低血清γ-球蛋白,提高A/G比值和血清白蛋白,但其差异不显著(P>0．05)。     

过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物对奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

为研究不同过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物对奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响,试验选择胎次(3～5胎)、产奶量、产犊日期相近,体重(600±20)kg健康荷斯坦泌乳高峰期奶牛24头,随机分为4组,每组6头。1组为对照组,饲喂牛场常规日粮;2、3、4组为试验组,分别在常规日粮基础上添加过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ500 g/(d.头)。正式期60 d。结果表明:奶牛日粮中添加过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物后,均可明显提高奶牛产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率及乳中总干物质含量。尤其是复合物Ⅲ,添加效果最为理想,平均日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率及总干物质含量分别比对照组提高21.19%(P<0.05)、21.31%(P<0.05)、9.72%(P<0.05)和10.34%(P<0.05),平均日校正乳产量提高35.70%(P<0.05)。     

不同粗饲料对奶牛乳产量和乳成分的影响

选择18头荷斯坦奶牛,设置3个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复1头奶牛,研究不同粗饲料对奶牛泌乳性能和乳成分的影响,3个处理的粗饲料分别为玉米秸(Ⅰ组)、玉米秸+青贮玉米秸(Ⅱ组)、羊草(Ⅲ组)。试验结果表明:①试验Ⅱ组与试验Ⅲ组平均产奶量差异不显著(P>0.05),试验全期分别比Ⅰ组提高了8.82%(P<0.05)和9.57%(P<0.05);②不同处理间的乳糖、乳脂含量差异不显著(P>0.05);对于乳蛋白,在试验40d时3个试验组差异不显著(P>0.05),在第15d时Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组分别比Ⅰ组降低了7.43%(P<0.05)和8.57%(P<0.05)。对于乳干物质,Ⅱ组与Ⅲ组差异不显著(P>0.05)。根据上述生产性能指标综合评定,玉米秸+青贮玉米秸可有效替代羊草饲喂奶牛,而不降低泌乳性能。     

不同添加比例的两种纤维素酶对奶牛产奶量及乳品质的影响

试验选用100头胎次、产奶量、泌乳期相近的奶牛,随机分成5组(每组20头),在试验1组、试验2组、试验3组和试验4组饲料中分别添加纤维素酶A50g/t、纤维素酶A100g/t、纤维素酶B80g/t、纤维素酶B160g/t。测定5组奶牛产奶量及乳品质,研究其对奶牛产奶量的影响。结果表明,与试验前相比,不同纤维素酶组产奶量均呈上升趋势;与对照组相比,纤维素酶组在试验全期产奶量高于对照组(P>0.05);在本试验条件下,纤维素酶可有效提高奶牛产奶量,提高经济效益,对乳品质的影响效果不明显。     

胡萝卜对奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

试验通过在产奶牛日粮中添加胡萝卜,研究胡萝卜不同饲喂量对舍饲奶牛的奶产量和乳成分的影响。试验牛选用中国荷斯坦奶牛,体重500~600 kg,胎次为头胎、泌乳100 d左右的健康荷斯坦奶牛30头,采用完全随机区组设计,分为3个处理组,试验1组为对照组(基础日粮),试验2组(基础日粮+5 kg胡萝卜)、试验3组(基础日粮+7.5 kg胡萝卜)为试验组,基础日粮由全株青贮玉米、羊草和精料组成。研究结果显示,奶牛在添加胡萝卜后能够显著提高产奶量,90 d后试验2组的产奶量比对照组提高了11.94%(P<0.05),试验3组的产奶量比对照组提高了16.17%(P<0.05),牛奶的风味也得到很大的改善。     

挤奶频率对奶牛生产性能的影响

文章介绍了挤奶频率对奶牛泌乳性能、繁殖性能、健康与福利等方面的影响。     

共轭亚油酸对奶牛产奶量和乳脂率的影响

共轭亚油酸 (ｃｏｎｊｕｇａｔｅｄｌｉｎｏｌｅｉｃａｃｉｄ ,ＣＬＡ)是指与亚油酸的不饱和双键位置和空间构型不同的一类脂肪酸同分异构体的混合物 ,是最新提出的具有抗癌和抗动脉粥样硬化 ,并且可加强人类免疫功能 ,可以重新分配体脂 ,建造骨骼 ,防止高血糖和糖尿病 ,促进生长发育等作用的天然脂肪酸。有报道表明 :共轭亚油酸能改善猪的饲料转化率 ,降低背膘厚 ,增大眼肌面积 ,提高胴体瘦肉率及脂肪硬度 ,且不影响日增重 (Ｄｕｇａｎ等 ,1 987;Ｐａｒｋ等 ,1 997;Ｌｉ等 ,1 998)。ＪｏｈｎＥｇｇｅｒｔ( 1 999)报道 ,饲喂共轭亚油酸能改…     

Dairy production practices among smallholder dairy farmers in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts in Western Kenya

A survey was conducted on 176 smallholder dairy farms in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts of Western Kenya to establish the dairy production practices and constraints in the industry. There was low milk production (16.6 kg of milk per capita), which was attributed to the low number of dairy animals. The average land size was 2.4 ha with only 30.3% being allocated to pasture or fodder crops. Farmers with large farms (>2 ha) set aside bigger pieces (1.2 vs 0.4 ha) for pasture/fodder crop cultivation (p < 0.001), owned more (5.25 vs 3.18) dairy animals (p < 0.01) and produced more (9.2 vs 7.5 kg/cow per day) milk (p < 0.05) compared to those on smaller farms of less than 2 ha. The average herd size was 4.2 animals, of which only 45.0% were in milk, producing 8.0 kg/animal per day. Every kilogram of dairy meal fed increased milk production by 0.68 kg (p < 0.001). Over 90% of milk produced was consumed locally. The public institutions provided 74% of total extension services to farmers. About 49.5% of total dairy animals were bought from other districts owing to scarcity.     

Effect of feeding fine maize particles on the reticular pH,milk yield and composition of dairy cows

The particle size of cereal grains has been found to modulate the rate of passage from the rumen and the digestibility of starch and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), but few studies have examined its impact on reticular pH. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding finely ground maize on the risk of ruminal acidosis, milk yield and composition. Twelve Holstein‐Friesian cows were assigned to one of two experimental groups and fed according to a cross‐over design. Diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous and were characterised by the same NDF and ADF, differing only in maize particle size. In the control diet (Ct), the maize meal was ground to 1.0 mm, whereas in the experimental diet, it was finely ground (Fg) to 0.5 mm. The pH and temperature of the reticulum were continuously measured in eight cows throughout the trial using indwelling sensors. Dry matter intake was higher in cows offered Fg diet than in Ct (19.0 vs. 20.3 kg/day; p = 0.067). However, milk yield (p = 0.855) and the 3.5% fat‐corrected milk (FCM) (p = 0.724) did not show any differences between the diets. Casein (2.48 vs. 2.57%; p = 0.035) and crude protein (CP) (3.18 vs. 3.31%; p = 0.021) resulted higher in Fg. Similarly, starch digestibility increased in animals offered Fg diet versus Ct (0.94 vs. 0.98; p = 0.078). Among the reticular parameters, the Fg‐fed cows spent a significantly higher time below the 5.5 pH threshold (15 vs. 61 min/day; p = 0.047) and had an average daily variation in reticular pH characterised by a lower nadir pH (5.95 vs. 5.72; p < 0.001) and a higher pH range (0.79 vs. 0.94; p = 0.003). In this study, grain particle size affected the risk of the onset of ruminal acidosis. Therefore, it should be carefully considered when formulating rations.     

Effect of bromelain on milk yield,milk composition and mammary health in dairy goats

A 7 month prospective cohort study was designed to determine if feeding bromelain to dairy goats influenced the MSCC, milk yield, milk composition and the incidence of IMI. Forty-four clinically normal goats from 2nd to 6th parities were studied. Daily bromelain dosage was 7.4 grams/animal (185-mg/Kg weight). Samples for diagnostic bacteriology were collected from each udder half every 2 weeks. Samples for MSCC and composition were obtained every 42 days. Milk yield was also recorded every 42 days. Bromelain affected milk protein and fat but not MSCC, milk yield or milk lactose. Bromelain did not decrease the MSCC in healthy goats. Milk protein and fat increased in the bromelain treated group (P < 0.01), which is important for dairymen because premiums are paid milk fat and protein content. No clinical mastitis was detected in the goats for the total study period and incidence rate of subclinical IMI was 5.7%. Relative risk was 1.50 (0.28 < RR < 8.12) which means that the bromelain had no significant effect on IMI (P > 0.05). In addition, the use of pineapple by-products could be especially important in tropical countries were pineapple waste seems to be a pollution problem.     

Exposure to pasture borne nematodes affects individual milk yield in Swedish dairy herds

Infections with the intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia in dogs and cats are common. Clinical signs vary from asymptomatic to small bowel diarrhea and associated discomfort. The control of infections in dogs is frequently a frustrating issue for animal owners and veterinarians. Drugs with antiprotozoal activity such as fenbendazole and metronidazole are recommended, however, they do not show 100% efficacy and superinfections occur regularly. Ronidazole is currently the drug of choice for the treatment of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats and there is now limited information available about its efficacy against Giardia spp. In the kennel investigated, dogs regularly showed loose feces and the presence of Giardia (assemblage C, renamed as G. canis) cysts. An elimination strategy of this parasite involving strict hygiene management and disinfection of the enclosures with 4-chlorine-M-cresol, oral treatment with ronidazole (30-50mg/kg BW bid for 7 days) and two shampooings (containing chlorhexidine) at the beginning and the end of the treatments was implemented for a group of 6 dogs. As a control another group of 7 dogs was transferred to the disinfected enclosures and shampooed, but left untreated. Dog feces were tested for the presence of Giardia cysts (SAF concentration technique) or Giardia antigen with a commercial ELISA (NOVITEC(?)) and a quick immunochromatography-based test (SensPERT(?)) before and between 5 and 40 days after the last treatment. All ronidazole-treated dogs were negative for Giardia cysts and antigen up to 26 days after the last treatment, while between 1 and 5 of the control animals tested positive in each of the test series. At this point, also dogs of the control group were again moved into clean enclosures, shampooed twice and treated with ronidazole. Five, 12 and 19 days after the last treatment, the dogs in the control group tested negative for Giardia cysts and antigen. However, all animals had again positive results at later time points in at least one of the three applied diagnostic techniques within 33-61 days after treatment. Furthermore, all dogs had episodes of diarrhea (for 1-4 days) within 14-31 days after treatment and unformed feces during the whole experiment. The positive effect of ronidazole against Giardia infections in dogs could be confirmed in this study. In particular, the combination of ronidazole treatment combined with the disinfection of the environment and shampooing of the dogs was highly effective in reducing Giardia cyst excretion and may therefore constitute an alternative control strategy for canine giardiosis.