热应激对不同品种(系)青年肉牛生产性能、营养物质表观消化率及血液生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究热应激对不同品种(系)青年肉牛生产性能、营养物质表观消化率及血液生化指标的影响,探究不同品种(系)肉牛的耐热性差异。选取体重[(185.89±14.02)kg]相近、健康的青年西杂牛(西门塔尔牛×宣汉黄牛)、地方黄牛(宣汉黄牛)和犏牛(娟姗牛×麦洼牦牛)各6头为研究对象,试验期间不同品种(系)的青年肉牛饲喂相同饲粮。试验时间为2015年4—9月,预试期7d,正试期180d。结果表明:1)试验牛舍5—8月温湿度指数(THI)高于72,属于热应激期,且显著高于4月(热应激发生前)和9月(热应激发生后)(P0.05);热应激环境导致各试验牛呼吸频率和直肠温度显著升高(P0.05)。试验期间犏牛呼吸频率和直肠温度显著高于西杂牛和地方黄牛(P0.05)。2)热应激期内西杂牛、地方黄牛和犏牛单位体重干物质采食量均有不同程度降低,以6月为最低,均较4月显著降低(P0.05),且降低幅度为犏牛西杂牛地方黄牛。西杂牛、地方黄牛和犏牛的平均日增重(ADG)均在6月最低,分别较4月降低了27.62%(P0.05)、10.81%(P0.05)和46.15%(P0.05);西杂牛的ADG在4—7月显著高于犏牛(P0.05)。西杂牛和犏牛的料重比(F/G)以6月为最高,分别较4月升高了63.01%(P0.05)和89.03%(P0.05);地方黄牛的F/G在9月最高,较4月升高了53.12%(P0.05)。3)热应激期内西杂牛、地方黄牛和犏牛的粗蛋白质(CP)表观消化率均有不同程度降低,且7月均较4月显著降低(P0.05);西杂牛7月的粗脂肪(EE)表观消化率较4月显著降低(P0.05),而热应激对地方黄牛和犏牛的EE表观消化率无显著影响(P0.05);热应激期内犏牛中性洗涤纤维(NDF)(6月)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的表观消化率(5—8月)较热应激发生前显著降低(P0.05);热应激期内西杂牛和犏牛钙(Ca)(西杂牛:6—8月;犏牛:5—8月)和磷(P)的表观消化率(西杂牛:6—7月;犏牛:5—8月)较热应激发生前显著降低(P0.05)。试验期间,不同品种(系)牛的CP表观消化率无显著差异(P0.05),西杂牛和地方黄牛的EE表观消化率显著高于犏牛(P0.05),地方黄牛的ADF表观消化率显著高于西杂牛和犏牛(P0.05),西杂牛和地方黄牛的P表观消化率显著高于犏牛(P0.05)。此外,5—9月地方黄牛的Ca表观消化率显著高于犏牛(P0.05)。4)西杂牛、地方黄牛和犏牛血清中葡萄糖(GLU)浓度均以6月最低,较4月分别降低了16.82%(P0.05)、12.82%(P0.05)和15.90%(P0.05);热应激期间各试验牛血清中非酯化脂肪酸(NEFA)浓度均以7月最低,显著低于4月(P0.05);试验期间西杂牛和地方黄牛血清中尿素氮(UN)浓度随年龄的增大呈先升高后降低变化,而犏牛血清中UN浓度则持续升高;6—9月各试验牛血清肌酐(CRE)浓度均显著高于4、5月(P0.05),且7—9月犏牛血清CRE浓度显著高于地方黄牛(P0.05)。综上所述,热应激导致不同品种(系)青年肉牛生产性能降低、饲粮营养物质消化率降低,地方黄牛的耐热应激能力强于西杂牛和犏牛,犏牛对热应激最敏感。     

Reproduction and Lactational Performance of Cattle in a Smallholder Dairy System in Zimbabwe

A study was conducted in two adjacent locations. Nharira (communal) and Lancashire (small-scale commercial) farming areas in Zimbabwe to characterize the breeds and evaluate the reproductive and lactation performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management. The types of cows identified were Friesian, Jersey and Red Dane, and an indigenous Sanga breed called the Mashona and its crossbreds. Both sectors used more exotic and crossbred cows than indigenous cows. The mean monthly weights of the dairy cows were higher in Lancashire than in Nharira and the calving intervals were longer in Nharira than in Lancashire. The mean age at first calving was higher and the mean total lactation yields were greater in Nharira than in Lancashire, but the mean 305-day lactation yields were not significantly different. The mean lactation lengths were longer for the cows from Nharira. It was concluded that the reproductive and lactation performances were low. The calving intervals were extended, probably owing to suboptimal nutrition and heat stress, particularly during the dry season, and to poor management practices, such as delayed mating due to the poor availability of bulls.     

Maternal and reproductive performance of Brahman x Angus, Senepol x Angus, and Tuli x Angus cows in the subtropics

To determine the maternal and reproductive performance of F1 cows in the subtropics, 42 Brahman x Angus, 34 Senepol x Angus, and 50 Tuli x Angus cows were bred to Angus bulls to calve first and subsequently bred to Charolais bulls to calve as 3- to 8-yr-olds. Age at first calving did not differ among crossbred cows. Angus-sired calf birth weights were heavier (P < 0.01) from Senepol x Angus than either Brahman x Angus or Tuli x Angus cows. Weaning weights of Angus-sired calves were heavier (P < 0.01) from Brahman x Angus (213.5 kg) than either Senepol x Angus (194.9 kg) or Tuli x Angus (191.5 kg) cows. As 3- to 8-yr-old cows, calf birth weights were heavier (P < 0.05) from Senepol x Angus compared with Brahman x Angus but not Tuli x Angus cows. Weaning weights of Charolais-sired calves were heaviest (P < 0.05) from Brahman x Angus cows (268.9 kg), lightest from Tuli x Angus cows (233.4 kg), and intermediate from Senepol x Angus cows (245.0 kg). Calf crop born and calf crop weaned were lowest (P < 0.05) for Senepol x Angus cows (76.9 and 70.2%) and did not differ between Brahman x Angus (89.0 and 86.1%) and Tuli x Angus (94.7 and 86.5%) cows. Tuli x Angus cows tended (P < 0.10) to have a lower percentage of unassisted births and lower (P < 0.10) calf survival to weaning than Brahman x Angus cows but not Senepol x Angus cows. As 3- to 8-yr-olds, weaning weight per cow exposed was greatest (P < 0.05) for Brahman x Angus (234.2 kg), least (P < 0.05) for Senepol x Angus (173.0 kg), and intermediate (P < 0.05) for Tuli x Angus (209.1 kg) cows. Also as 3- to 8-yr-olds, efficiency (205-d calf weight per 100 kg of cow exposed) was similar for Brahman x Angus (42.2) and Tuli x Angus cows (40.7), and both were greater (P < 0.01) than for Senepol x Angus cows (33.8). These data indicate that, in the subtropics, maternal and reproductive performance of Tuli x Angus cows, but not Senepol x Angus cows, was comparable to Brahman x Angus cows, except for lower calf survivability and weaning weight.     

Preweaning efficiency for mature cows of breed crosses from tropically adapted Bos indicus and Bos taurus and unadapted Bos taurus breeds

Production data were collected on mature cows produced by mating Angus and Hereford (pooled AH), Brahman (Bh) and Boran (Br), and Tuli, a tropically adapted Bos taurus, sires by AI or natural service to Angus and Hereford cows. These cows were mated to Charolais bulls for the purpose of this study. Within each sire breed of cow, cows were assigned randomly to one of three feeding rates, 49 or 76 g of DMI/ BW0.75 or ad libitum (10 to 12 cows/feeding rate group), with weekly individual animal feed consumption recorded. Lactation yields were recorded via the weigh-suckle-weigh protocol at approximately 14, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 168, and 196 d postpartum for each cow/calf pair. Means for milk yield at peak lactation, total milk yields, calf birth weight, age-adjusted weaning weights, preweaning daily gain, and feed efficiency were estimated. Peak yield (kg/d) for Bh (10.3 +/- 0.36) was greater (P < 0.05) than for Tuli (9.0 +/- 0.31). Total yield (kg, 212 d) for Bh (1802 +/- 68) was greater (P < 0.05) than for Tuli (1532 +/- 59). Birth weight of AH (44 +/- 0.9) was heavier than for Bh and Br (P < 0.05). Preweaning daily calf gain (g/d) and adjusted weaning weight (kg) of Bh (813 +/- 28, 212 +/- 6.1) and Br (766 +/- 24, 202 +/- 5.1) differed (P < 0.05) from AH (589 +/- 24, 169 +/- 5.2) and Tuli (634 +/- 24, 176 +/- 5.3). Efficiency estimates (grams of adjusted weaning weight/kilograms DMI of the cow) for Bh (88 +/- 2.5) and Br (85 +/- 2.1) exceeded (P < 0.05) those for Tuli (74 +/- 2.1) and AH (73 +/- 2.1). Bos indicus breed crosses exhibited greater peak and total yield, lower birth weight, greater daily gain and adjusted weaning weight, and higher feed efficiency than did Bos taurus breed crosses (P < 0.05). Total yield, daily gain, adjusted weaning weight, and feed efficiency were higher (P < 0.05) for cows sired by bulls from tropically adapted breeds, and the peak yield was less (P < 0.10). Tuli exhibited lower total yield and birth weight than did Angus/Hereford (P < 0.05). The efficiency of crossbred Tuli cows did not differ from Angus/Hereford F1 females, but neither equaled the efficiency of crossbred cows produced using Bos indicus breeds.     

Blood biochemical profiles of thai indigenous and Simmental x Brahman crossbred cattle in the Central Thailand

Plasma biochemical profiles were studied in 112 mature (3 to 5-year-old) healthy cattle comprised of 61 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental x Brahman crossbred male and cyclic female cattle at Nongkwang (Central Thailand) Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Thailand. Data were analysed for the effect of breed and sex. The results showed that the plasma glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the two breeds were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Furthermore, the urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Thai indigenous were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in crossbred cattle. However, creatine kinase did not significantly differ in crossbred and indigenous animals. A sex difference was found in glucose level with male Thai indigenous having significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Plasma urea concentration in male crossbred cattle was lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Female crossbred cattle had significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma creatinine levels than the other animals. Furthermore, levels of albumin in male and total protein in female crossbred were the lowest (P < 0.05) among the groups. The AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between male and female. Female crossbred cattle had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST and GGT levels, whereas lowest (P < 0.05) ALT and ALP concentration was determined in male individuals of these breeds.     

Use of animal breeds and breeding to overcome the incidence of grass tetany: a review

British breeds of cattle are not so effective as Zebu in extracting nutrients from low-quality roughages, and these breeds differ in their nutrient metabolism and animal physiology. Breeds of cattle may differ in their requirements for Mg. Brahman cows are less susceptible to death from disease and metabolic disorders than are British breeds of cattle, whereas cows with 50% or greater dairy breeding (Holstein and Jersey) are more susceptible than British or Brahman breeds when maintained in beef production herds. Brahman or Brahman crossbred cows are less susceptible than other breeds to metabolic disorders such as grass tetany. Magnesium absorption has been shown to be greater in Brahman than in Jersey, Holstein and Hereford cows. These differences in the efficiency of Mg absorption between different breeds of cows may be due to genetic variation in the absorptive mechanisms of Mg, in feeding behavior, in gastrointestinal tract motility, in gastrointestinal tract fill or to some combination.     

Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in North-eastern Amhara Region,Ethiopia

This study was conducted in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, to assess the milk yield and reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbred cattle under smallholder management conditions. Questionnaire survey was used to collect retrospective data on the performance of dairy cattle in 186 households. Thirty two postpartum cows (16 indigenous and 16 crossbred) were selected purposively and monitored for five months and milk samples were collected twice per week from each cow to determine postpartum ovarian activity using ELISA techniques. Daily milk yields at all stages of lactation were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in crossbred than indigenous cows. Crossbred cows had significantly (P < 0.01) longer lactation length and shorter age at first calving, while calving interval was significantly shorter in cows that gave previous calves during the wet season than the dry season. Only six cows (18.8%) showed heat signs on an average of 136 days postpartum of which one was a crossbred and five were indigenous. While, 11 cows (34.3%) resumed ovarian activity until 150^th day postpartum among which three were crossbred and eight were indigenous.     

Concentrations of oestrone sulphate during pregnancy in milk from Jersey and Friesian dairy cows differing in milk yields and composition

Oestrone sulphate concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in milk samples obtained weekly during pregnancy from Jersey and Friesian cows, with each breed grazed at two different stocking rates. Mean milk yields differed significantly (P<0.05) between the four herds, while mean percentage milk fat and protein values differed significantly (P<0.05) between the two breeds. In all four herds, oestrone sulphate concentrations in milk rose progressively during pregnancy from a mean value of approximately 80-100 pg/ml at 60-80 days of pregnancy to a plateau value of approximately 1 ng/ml at 181-200 days. In non-pregnant cows, oestrone sulphate concentrations in milk ranged from non-detectable to 110 pg/ml, with a mean +/- s.e.m. value of 59 +/- 4 pg/ml. There was considerable variation in milk oestrone sulphate concentrations between cows in each herd, and oestrone sulphate concentrations could also fluctuate markedly within cows from week to week. Despite this variation, the concentration of oestrone sulphate in 98% of milk samples obtained after 120 days of pregnancy was greater than the highest concentration found in milk from non-pregnant cows. Measurement of oestrone sulphate concentrations in milk samples taken at least 120 days after mating or insemination may provide an alternative, non-invasive means of determining or confirming pregnancy in New Zealand dairy cows.     

Effect of supplementing a high-protein ram press sunflower cake concentrate on smallholder milk production in Zimbabwe

Ram press sunflower cake protein concentrate was formulated locally and its effect on the performance of dairy cows was compared with that of a commercial dairy concentrate. The effects of concentrate on roughage dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition, live weight and calving intervals were similar for all concentrates, which indicated that the home grown dairy concentrates were as effective as the dairy commercial concentrate. The lack of significant differences in the concentrations of rumen NH₃-N, pH, VFAs and total AA in all the cows between concentrate types supported this. The results indicated that in the low-resource and low-input production systems, crossbreds were as productive as Jersey and Red Dane cows. The exotic cows were more susceptible to tick-borne diseases and mastitis, and showed higher incidences of calving problems and retained placenta compared with crossbred cows. The economics of feeding ram press sunflower concentrate were compared with those of a commercial dairy concentrate on the performance of crossbred, Red Dane and Jersey cows. The gross margin was higher when feeding sunflower cake than when feeding commercial dairy concentrate (p < 0.05).     

Genetic and crossbreeding parameters for incidence of recorded clinical lameness in New Zealand dairy cattle

AIM: To estimate genetic and crossbreeding parameters for the incidence of recorded clinical lameness in New Zealand dairy cattle.

METHODS: Herd records from 76,357 cows, collected during the 2005/06 to 2008/09 milking seasons from 155 herds in the Livestock Improvement Corporation young sire progeny test scheme, were used to estimate genetic parameters and breed effects for incidence of recorded clinical lameness in HolsteinFriesian, Jersey and crossbred dairy cattle. Recorded clinical lameness was coded “1” for cows that presented at least one event of clinical lameness at any day during the season and “0” for unaffected cows. Genetic parameters were estimated using an animal model across breeds considering all and then only first lactation records. Heritability and repeatability of recorded clinical lameness were calculated from the variance component estimates both with and without logit transformation.

RESULTS: The mean incidence of recorded clinical lameness per herd was 6.3 (min 2, max 34)%. The incidence of recorded clinical lameness in Holstein Friesian cows (mean 6.8, SE 0.24%) was higher than the incidence of recorded clinical lameness in crossbred (mean 6.1, SE 0.19%) and Jersey cows (mean 6.0, SE 0.28%) (p=0.0002). There was no difference in incidence between crossbred and Jersey cows (p=0.96).

Estimates of the heritability of recorded clinical lameness as an untransformed trait were 0.053 (SE 0.014) for first lactation records and 0.016 (SE 0.003) for all lactation records. As a transformed (logit) trait heritabilities were 0.067 (SE 0.024) and 0.044 (SE 0.016) for first and all lactation records, respectively. The repeatability estimates of recorded clinical lameness were 0.071 (SE 0.005) and 0.107 (SE 0.011) for untransformed and logit transformed lactation records, respectively. Sire estimated breeding values for recorded clinical lameness showed the lowest values in Jersey sires, and ranged between -5 and 8%.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low heritability of recorded clinical lameness, this study provided evidence that there is significant exploitable animal genetic variation. Selection of specific sires across and within breeds could be an option for increasing genetic resistance to lameness in New Zealand dairy cattle.     

Effect of Addition Tomato Pomace on the Antioxidant Properties of Perinatal Dairy Cows

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with fermented tomato pomace on the antioxidant properties of perinatal dairy cows.Sixteen dairy cows with similar physical,prenatal period,body weight,parity and lactation yield were divided into two groups with 8 dairy cows per group.The dairy cows in control group were fed TMR regular diet and that of experimental group was fed diet supplemented with fermented tomato pomace (13% in pre-partum period and 11% in post-partum period).The preliminary trial period was 14 d and trial period lasted for 60 d (30 d before delivery to 30 d after delivery). The results showed that compared with control group,the milk yield of dairy cows of experimental group in post-partum period was significantly increased (P<0.05);In the whole trail period,the activity of GSH-Px,T-SOD and T-AOC in experimental group were increased,and that in pre-partum period were significantly increased (P<0.05),while compared with pre-partum period,that in post-partum period showed a downward trend.The MDA content of experimental group in post-partum period was significantly decreased (P<0.05),there was no significant difference between pre-partum period and post-partum period (P>0.05);Compared with control group,the contents of white blood cells,hemoglobin,urea nitrogen, low density lipoprotein and Fe of experimetal group in post-partum period were significantly increased (P<0.05),and other indexes had no significant differences (P>0.05).In conclusion,diet supplemented with fermented tomato pomace had a certain improvement effect on the antioxidant properties and milk yield of dairy cows in the perinatal period.     

日粮添加益生菌对干乳期奶牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵及氮平衡的影响

本研究旨在评估全混合日粮添加益生菌对干乳期奶牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵及氮平衡的影响.试验将体重为(440.92±3.33)kg、平均干乳期为42?d的60头荷斯坦奶牛随机分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复6头.对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕型全混合日粮,处理组饲喂基础全混合日粮+200?mg/kg益生菌(枯草芽孢杆菌含量:1×106?...     

不同季节添加复合水溶性维生素对奶牛生产性能、血液生理生化和抗氧化性能的影响

本试验旨在研究复合水溶性维生素对春、夏季奶牛生产性能、血液生理生化指标和抗氧化性能的影响。采用2×2因子随机区组设计,选取胎次、体重相近的健康成年奶牛80头,随机分为4个处理,即Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组,4组均饲喂基础日粮,Ⅲ、Ⅳ处理在春季补充复合水溶性维生素,Ⅱ、Ⅳ处理组在夏季补充复合水溶性维生素,各组添加量均为0.02%(日粮干物质为基础),预试期7 d,正式期70 d。结果表明:在春季添加复合水溶性维生素极显著提高奶牛的平均日采食量和日产奶量(P<0.01);在夏季显著提高奶牛的平均日采食量(P<0.05),极显著提高日产奶量(P<0.01);均能极显著提高乳脂率(P<0.01),极显著降低体细胞数(P<0.01);均能显著影响淋巴细胞总数(P<0.05)。在夏季补充复合水溶性维生素能极显著增加血清总抗氧化能力、总超氧化物歧化酶(P<0.01),极显著降低乳酸脱氢酶、白蛋白、总蛋白、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白和磷酸肌酸激酶含量(P<0.01)。综上所述,复合水溶性维生素可以提高奶牛的生产性能,增强奶牛非特异性免疫,改善奶牛抗氧化性能,减少夏季热应激。     

Effects of Supplemental Complex Water Soluble Vitamin on Production Performance,Blood Biochemical Parameters and Oxidation Resistance of Dairy Cows

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of supplemental complex water soluble vitamins on production performance, blood biochemical parameters and oxidative resistance of dairy cows in spring and summer.The experiment was designed by 2×2 factorial randomized blocks design.Eighty healthy dairy cows with similar parity and body weight were randomly divided to four groups, with 7 days of adaptation and 70 d experimental phase.The dairy cows in group Ⅲ and Ⅳ were fed a basal diet supplemented with complex water soluble vitamins in spring.The dairy cows in group Ⅱ and Ⅳ were fed a basal diet supplemented with complex water soluble vitamins in summer.The results showed that the ADFI and daily milk yield of dairy cows receiving water soluble vitamin in spring were extremely significantly higher (P<0.01);The ADFI of dairy cows receiving water soluble vitamin was significantly higher in summer (P<0.05) and daily milk yield were extremely significantly higher (P<0.01);The butterfat rate was extremely significantly increased and SCC was extremely significantly decreased in spring and summer (P<0.01);Supplementation of water soluble vitamin was also significantly increased LYM (P<0.05).In summer, T-AOC, T-SOD were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01), and TP, CK, LDH, TP, HDL and ALB were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01) by water soluble vitamin supplementation than that of control group.In conclusion, complex water soluble vitamins could increase the production performance and non-specific immune function, improve the oxidative resistance and relieved the heat stress of the dairy cows.     

Relationship between haemoglobin types and productivity of Thai indigenous and Simmental × Brahman crossbred cattle

The relationship between the haemoglobin (Hb) type and reproduction and body weight was estimated in two different cattle breeds including 59 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental × Brahman crossbred cows. Haemoglobin type was measured using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Five haemoglobin types were present in indigenous cattle: HbAA (35.59%), HbAB (28.81%), HbAC (20.34%), HbBB (11.6%) and HbBC (3.39%). In the Simmental × Brahman crossbred cattle, three haemoglobin types, 50.98% HbAA, 45.10% HbAB and 3.92% HbBB, were present. The results revealed that Thai indigenous cows with HbAB type were heavier at birth, however, the best growth performance was recorded in HbAC animals. In contrast, calves carrying HbBB type were the lightest animals at birth and were the youngest group at first calving. This group of Thai indigenous cows was more than 4 months younger at first calving than the heifers with HbAA type. Simmental × Brahman crossbred cows with HbAA type were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than the animals with HbAB type at birth as well as on days 200, 400 and 600 of age. Whereas, the animals with HbAB type gave birth to their first calf at a significantly (P < 0.05) younger age than those with HbAA type.     

Growth patterns of cows sired by British and Continental beef and American dairy bulls and out of Hereford dams

Growth patterns from birth to maturity were compared for 92 straightbred Herefords (H) and 299 Hereford crossbred (XB) cows. Crossbred cows were out of Hereford dams and were sired by bulls of two British [Angus (A) and Shorthorn (Sh)], two Continental [Charolais (C) and Simmental (S)] and two American dairy breeds [Brown Swiss (B) and Holstein (F)]. British XB and H cows differed only slightly in weight but both weighed less than Continental and dairy XB cows. Body condition also differed significantly among breed types; dairy XB were thinnest. Among XB individuals SH calves were heaviest (34 kg) and AH calves were lightest (30 kg) at birth. Birth weights of Continental XB were 2.6 kg more than those of British XB and 1.7 kg more than those of dairy XB. At weaning, all XB calves were heavier than straightbred H calves, but differences among XB types were not significant. However, on the average, Continental XB and dairy XB calves were heavier (28 kg) than British XB at 19 mo. At 32 mo, Continental and dairy XB weighed 41 and 23 kg more, respectively, than British XB. Although differences between the British XB and the Continental and dairy XB at some ages were not significant, no case existed where the latter two groups weighed less than British XB. Adjusting weight to a common condition score reduced phenotypic variance at all ages and changed the ranking of some breed types for weight, primarily by increasing predicted weights of dairy XB. Differences in growth curves were reflected by differences in mature weight and maturing rate. Asymptotic weights of Continental XB were highest, followed by those of dairy XB. British XB and H weighed least at maturity (average of 509 kg). The CH cows matured more slowly but grew to a heavier mature weight (592 kg) than SH cows (552 kg). Generally animals reached 95% of their mature weight between 68 and 80 mo of age.     

Effects of N-hydroxymethyl Methionine Calcium Supplementation Levels on Serum Nitrogenous Compounds and Free Amino Acids of Lactating Dairy Cows

To study the effects of N-hydroxymethyl methionine calcium (N-HMM-Ca) supplementation levels on serum nitrogenous compounds and free amino acids of lactating dairy cows. 30 lactating Holstein dairy cows with similar parities,milk yield and days in milk were randomly assigned into 5 groups. The control group was fed with basal diet,test groups were fed with basal diet supplemented with 0.15%,0.30%,0.75% and 1.50% N-HMM-Ca,respectively. The experiment was lasted for 56 d,including 14 d of adaptation period and 42 d of experimental period. The results showed as follows:①Comparing with control group,the total protein,albumin and globulin in experimental groups were not significantly affected (P>0.05).On the 14th day,serum creatinine concentration in 1.5% level group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05);On the 42th day,urea nitrogen concentration in 1.5% level group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05),while the concentration of uric acid in 0.75% level group was extremely significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.01).②On the 14th day,the concentration of serum Glu,Ser,Arg,Leu,Ile,Lys and total free amino acids in 0.15% level group was highest,which were significantly or extremely significantly higher than control group (P<0.05;P<0.01).On the 42th day,serum Arg,Cys and the total free amino acids in 0.15% level group were the highest. And serum Glu,Ser,Tyr,Met,Val and Lys in 0.30% level group were highest,which were significantly or extremely significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05;P<0.01). In summary, adding 0.15% or 0.30% N-HMM-Ca on diet of lactating dairy had no significant effect on serum nitrogen content (P>0.05),but adding 0.15% N-HMM-Ca could increase the concentration of serum free amino acids. Considering all the facts,the recommended amount of N-HMM-Ca on diet of lactating dairy cows was 0.15%.     

Reproductive efficiency in naturally serviced and artificially inseminated beef cows

A study was conducted to compare conception rates in 71 Tuli and 86 Afrikander beef cattle bred using either artificial insemination (AI) or the bull. Animals were bred using either artificial insemination or natural service at Matopos Research Station. Animals were grouped into three groups of heifers (parity 0; P0), second calvers (parity 1; P1) and mature cows (parity 2; P2) before being randomly assigned to one of the two breeding methods. A binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis where breeding method (AI vs natural service) was the treatment factor and conception rate was the measured response while breed, parity and last calving date were non-treatment factors. No significant differences were observed in conception rates between breeds (P > 0.05). However, the method of breeding animals, parity and calving interval affected (P < 0.05) conception rates. The breeding method, parity and calving interval had a positive Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficients to conception. More animals were pregnant when AI (77.6%) was used compared with natural mating (56.79%). Conception rates were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in C1 compared with C2 cattle. The odds ratio for breeding method and parity are positive and significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirms that artificial inseminated animals had similar conception rates to naturally serviced animals for both Tuli and Afrikander breeds. As such, artificial insemination technology can be used to complement or substitute natural service in indigenous cattle’s of Zimbabwe.

     

高产奶牛孕检后同期发情程序选择的研究

为了研究适用于高产奶牛的同期发情程序方案,将218头膘情良好、子宫和卵巢发育正常的不同胎次荷斯坦牛随机分成两组,试验1组为106头,试验2组为112头,分别采用两种同期程序(0.5.6.8和0.7.8.9)进行处理,测定情期受胎率,用于评价两种同期程序对高产奶牛的适用性。结果表明,试验2组情期受胎率平均为41.96%,显著高于试验1组的平均情期受胎率30.19%(P<0.01);将参与试验的218头牛根据胎次分成1胎组、2胎组和3胎及以上组,分析不同胎次对输精效果的影响,2胎情期受胎率最高为40.68%,与1胎情期受胎率存在显著差异(P<0.05),3胎及以上的情期受胎率最低为28.79%,与2胎、1胎存在极差异显著(P<0.01)。     

Comparison of Bos taurus-Bos indicus breed crosses with straightbred Bos indicus breeds of cattle for maternal and individual traits

Data were analyzed to compare crossbred females produced by crossing exotic Angus and Red Poll males to indigenous Ankole, Boran and Small East African Zebu (Zebu) females with straightbred females of the Ankole, Boran and Zebu breeds at the Ruhengere Field Station in the Ankole District of Southwestern Uganda. Progeny of the straightbred and crossbred dams were by Friesian, Brown Swiss and Simmental sires. Crossbred exotic X indigenous dams were favored over straightbred indigenous dams by 13.7% (P less than .01) in calf birth weight and by 14.8% (P less than .01) in calf weaning weight. Cross-bred cows exceeded (P less than .01) straightbred cows by 61.9% (48.5 kg) in calf weight weaned per cow exposed to breeding. Crossbred cows weighed 37, 46 and 42 kg more (P less than .01) than straightbred cows at parturition, weaning and cow mean weight, respectively. Angus X Boran and Red Poll X Boran crossbred dams were compared specifically with straightbred Boran dams. Exotic (Angus, Red Poll) X Boran crossbred dams exceeded straightbred Boran dams by 27.0% (P less than .05) in calf crop born, by 8.3% (P less than .05) in progeny birth weight and by 14.7% (P less than .01) in progeny weaning weight. Weight of calf weaned per cow exposed to breeding favored (P less than .01) the Angus X Boran and Red Poll X Boran crossbred dams over the straightbred Boran dams by 50.5% (50 kg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)