Negative energy balance increases periprandial ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in lactating dairy cows

The reported effects of feeding on growth hormone (GH) secretion in ruminants have been inconsistent, and are likely influenced by energy status of animals. High-producing dairy cows in early lactation and late lactation were used to assess the effects of energy balance on temporal variation of plasma metabolites and hormones. Cows were fed a single diet once daily, and feed was withdrawn for 90 min prior to feeding. Beginning at the time of feed withdrawal, plasma samples were collected via jugular catheters hourly for 24h. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and GH were measured for all samples, while insulin, glucose, and acylated (active) ghrelin were quantified for four sample times around feeding. As expected, calculated energy balance was significantly lower in early lactation than late lactation cows (-43.5 MJ retained/day versus 7.2 MJ retained/day). Following the primary meal of the day, a GH surge was observed in early lactation but not in late lactation cows. This difference was not explained by temporal patterns in non-esterified fatty acid, insulin, or glucose concentrations. However, a preprandial ghrelin surge was observed in early lactation only, suggesting that ghrelin was responsible for the prandial GH surge in this group. Results of a stepwise regression statistical analysis showed that both preprandial ghrelin concentration and energy balance were significant predictors of prandial GH increase over baseline. Adaptations to negative energy balance in lactating dairy cattle likely include enhanced ghrelin secretion and greater GH response to ghrelin.     

不同饲养模式下乳牛粪尿中氮磷排放量的研究

试验通过对规模化养殖场、奶农合作组织两种不同养殖模式下乳牛粪便中氮、磷含量进行抽样测定,旨在研究不同养殖模式对乳牛氮和磷污染物排放量的影响。结果表明:规模化奶牛场和奶农合作组织粪尿中总氮的排泄量占摄入量的比例从低到高的排序均为产奶牛、干奶牛、育成牛;规模化奶牛场奶牛不同生理阶段磷排泄量占摄入量的比例从低到高的排序为育成牛、产奶牛、干奶牛;奶农合作组织奶牛不同生理阶段磷排泄量占摄入量的比例从低到高的排序为产奶牛、育成牛、干奶牛。     

过瘤胃胆碱和蛋氨酸对泌乳早期奶牛生产性能和健康状况影响的研究现状

泌乳早期在奶牛饲养中是一个基础时期,这一时期奶牛经受着激素、生理、代谢水平的强烈应激,导致奶牛的健康和生产性能受到很大的影响。对于提高泌乳早期奶牛的生产性能和健康状况,添加剂的使用越来越受到广大研究者的青睐。文中对添加过瘤胃胆碱和过瘤胃蛋氨酸对泌乳早期奶牛生产性能和健康状况的研究进行综述。     

奶牛瘤胃保护性脂肪研究进展

目前,能量摄入不足是生产中限制高产奶牛生产性能发挥的一个重要因素,而处于泌乳盛期的奶牛更是如此。利用过瘤胃脂肪解决奶牛泌乳期日粮能量问题是近些年发展起来的一项新技术。本文就过瘤胃脂肪的类型和原理、对奶牛生产性能的影响等方面作一概述,为科学使用过瘤胃脂肪调控奶牛能量需要提供参考依据。     

利用DHI对两个奶牛场奶牛生产性能的综合分析

应用DHI(dairy herd improvement奶牛牛群改良)测定体系,对杨凌某奶牛场和西安某奶牛场2007年的5、6、7月份生产情况进行分析,结果表明:这两个牛场的奶牛患有严重的乳房炎或隐性乳房炎;泌乳高峰期到达时间晚;存在着潜在的奶量损失;产犊间隔过长。针对以上问题,提出了相应的改进措施。     

影响荷斯坦奶牛产犊间隔的因素及其研究进展

产犊间隔（calving internal,CI）又称胎间距,即两次产犊间的时间间隔,能够综合反映奶牛发情、配种、妊娠和产犊等繁殖性能,是衡量奶牛繁殖性能的一个重要指标,同时也是影响奶牛产奶量和产犊数量的重要因素,对奶牛养殖经济效益具有直接影响。最新研究显示,适宜产犊间隔与牛群泌乳能力相关,泌乳能力越高,适宜产犊间隔应越长。但是,即使中国规模化牛场产奶量已经有了大幅提升,中国大多数牧场还在追求更短的产犊间隔。为此,作者对影响荷斯坦奶牛产犊间隔的因素及其研究进展进行概述,并简要阐述了产犊间隔对牛场经济效益的影响,以期为中国荷斯坦奶牛养殖确定适宜产犊间隔提供一定的借鉴和理论依据。     

Facteurs influençant le profil métanologie des vaches laitières

Forty Holstein dairy cows were used to determine the effects of forage feeding system, season and stage of lactation on some blood parameters. Blood urea nitrogen was higher for cows consuming higher levels of crude protein and particularly for the ones on pasture. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume values were correlated with the level of crude protein intake and stage of lactation. Lower values of these parameters were observed with lower crude protein intake and in early lactation. Serum levels of albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium and potassium were not affected either by forage system, season or stage of lactation. Serum magnesium level was lower for forage system containing corn silage. Blood glucose was lower for cows in early lactation but was not affected by feeding systems during winter. Cows on pasture had higher blood glucose levels. Lower total protein concentration in blood was observed between 90 and 180 days of lactation as a result of lower gammaglobulins. Blood parameters are good indicators of nitrogen and energy nutritional status of dairy cows. However, blood mineral concentrations are not related to the level of mineral intake of animals.     

Carbohydrate nutrition.

An understanding of carbohydrate nutrition is essential to optimize production of dairy cattle. Two rations, both of which appear to be balanced, may have dramatically different results when fed to high-producing dairy cattle. Carbohydrates directly affect microbial protein production and therefore protein nutrition of dairy cattle. Energy intake can be maximized by considering the amount and type of carbohydrate in the ration: 1. The fiber level of the ration should be evaluated. NDF levels should be between 25 and 30% for high-producing cows in early lactation. Within this range, less fiber is required with adequate forage particle length and high frequency of grain feeding, and when buffers are fed and slowly fermented NSC sources are included in the ratio. For mid- and late-lactation cows, fiber levels are higher, ranging between 30 and 36% NDF depending upon the energy required to support milk production and restoration of body condition. 2. Provide adequate effective fiber. There should be some forage particles 1.5 in long in the ration. Limit most high-fiber byproducts to 25% of fiber requirements. 3. Feed highly digestible fiber sources. Differences in fiber digestibility of 30% will result in over 4 Mcal of NEL per day with 15 lb NDF intake. In addition, highly digestible fiber has less gut fill effect, possibly increasing dry matter intake. 4. Consider site of starch digestion. Slowly degraded starch sources such as sorghum may require steam flaking to increase ruminal fermentation. Other situations may require the addition of a slowly degraded starch source. 5. Increase frequency of concentrate feeding. Feed grain at least four times per day or include in a total mixed ration. 6. Include buffers. Under some situations (corn silage, early lactation) buffers allow more grain to be fed. 7. Add fat. Fat supplementation to milking cows has become a common practice in high-producing herds. Fat has about three times the energy of cracked corn and is often used to replace a portion of the grain to increase the energy density of the ration. It is important to realize that fat can cost up to two to three times more per megacalorie of energy than grain. Before fat is added to the ration, less expensive ways to increase energy density (listed previously) should be thoroughly explored.     

利用DHI报表对宁夏某奶牛场生产性能总体情况的分析

DHI测定是奶牛场精细化管理的工具,它不仅反映奶牛的产奶性能,饲养管理与健康水平,还能根据报表信息对奶牛场的育种与繁殖情况进行评价从而改进管理措施,利用好DHI报表信息可以提高奶牛场的技术管理水平和经济效益。本研究通过采集宁夏某奶牛场12个月的DHI报表数据,分析乳脂肪、乳蛋白、尿素氮、体细胞数、泌乳持续力等关键性指标,对该奶牛场的生产性能、经营管理、育种繁殖状况进行综合评定。结果表明：该牛场的泌乳高峰日到达较晚;牛群乳房炎在冬季发生率较高;群体尿素氮含量处于正常范围（10-18mg/dL）,对奶牛的繁殖性能影响较小;泌乳持续力较高、奶牛群体平均泌乳天数较长引起的繁殖问题较严重。针对测检和分析中发现的问题,提出了建议的改进措施。     

过瘤胃胆碱在围产期奶牛的应用研究进展

奶牛养殖过程中,围产期被认为是最重要的时期之一,在该时期奶牛从干奶状态转为泌乳状态,生理上所受的应激造成奶牛泌乳早期采食量降低,易发生能量负平衡.此外,奶牛生产性能和繁殖性能也会降低,并常常伴有一些围产期疾病的发生,如脂肪肝、酮症、乳房炎等.胆碱能影响奶牛的生产与繁殖性能,参与奶牛的脂肪代谢,可降低脂肪肝发生率,提高免疫性能.对围产期奶牛饲喂过瘤胃保护胆碱(rumen protected choline,RPC),可改善奶牛机体代谢,增加小肠胆碱供应,进而提高奶产量、改善乳成分、缓解脂肪肝、减少围产期疾病的发生.本文综述了RPC对围产期奶牛干物质采食量、生产性能、乳成分以及健康状况的影响,旨在为围产期奶牛的养殖提供理论参考依据.     

泌乳盛期和泌乳后期奶牛的采食行为和日粮营养物质表观消化率的对比分析

试验旨在研究不同泌乳阶段奶牛饲喂相同日粮对采食行为和日粮营养物质表观消化率的影响。选择体重、胎次相近的8头健康泌乳牛,其中4头处于泌乳盛期(泌乳盛期组),4头处于泌乳后期(泌乳后期组),2组奶牛饲喂相同日粮,预试期15 d,正试期15 d。结果表明:泌乳盛期组奶牛每天干物质采食量(24.0 kg)高于泌乳后期组(P<0.01),泌乳盛期组奶牛每千克干物质的采食时间、一昼夜总反刍时间、躺卧时间均低于泌乳后期组(P<0.01),;泌乳盛期组奶牛日粮中中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维的表观消化率低于泌乳后期组(P<0.01)。由此可见,泌乳盛期奶牛采食时间极显著高于泌乳后期奶牛,泌乳盛期奶牛躺卧时间极显著少于泌乳后期。     

Evaluation of the feed intake models in the Nordic feed evaluation system NorFor

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feed intake models in the Nordic feed evaluation system NorFor. Data from 196 feeding experiments with dairy cows, and 17 experiments of periodical data, and 135 experiments of complete data with growing cattle were used in the evaluation by mixed model regression. The feed intake by both dairy cows and growing cattle were overestimated by the models. A linear bias indicated that over prediction increased with level of intake both by dairy cows and growing cattle. Most animal and diet factors were significantly related to the residuals, which indicated that those factors did not act independently in the predictions of feed intake. This kind of errors can restrict future ration formulation and animal performance, since animal production parameters included in the prediction models will be a consequence of the diet fed at the time they were measured.     

An investigation into reduced milk production following dietary alteration on an Irish dairy farm

A nutritional evaluation of an Irish dairy herd indicated gross overfeeding of late lactation cows, over-conditioning of cows at parturition and a high rate of body condition loss in early lactation. Metabolisable-energy based nutritional modelling software was used to guide recommended dietary changes to prevent excessive condition gain in late lactation. Immediately following the implementation of the changes there was an unexpected reduction in performance affecting both milk yield and protein concentration. An investigation into the poor performance revealed underestimation of peak milk yield; over-estimation of maize silage quality; a large difference in the concentrate being fed compared to the concentrate recommended, and failure of the blend of concentrate ingredients to maintain the intended proportions in the in-parlour feeding system. The estimated maximum cumulative effect of these errors was to cause undersupply of energy and protein in the recommended diet of 16% and 3% respectively to cows in early lactation. Use of a net-energy nutritional model would have indicated a requirement for a higher energy supply in this case. This report highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate on-farm data for use in dairy cow nutritional models.     

Significance of insulin resistance and oxidative stress in dairy cattle with subclinical ketosis during the transition period

Health problems occurring during the transition period in dairy cattle are of utmost importance as they can decrease the animal’s reproductive performance and favor the development of various metabolic diseases with resultant significant reproductive disorders. Among the commonly reported metabolic diseases occurring during that time, hyperketonemia is the most prevalent and could provoke a significant economic impact. The failing of a dairy cow to transit optimally between pregnancy and lactation is economically very relevant and should be considered. Until now, the role of insulin resistance (IR) in the etiology of subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cattle is not clearly understood. This review aims to shed some light on the role of IR and oxidative stress in dairy cows with SCK during the transition period. The data presented in this review demonstrates that dairy cows could be vulnerable to the development of negative energy balance during transition. Moreover, the transitional cows could succumb to both IR and oxidative stress; however, the exact role of IR in cows with SCK needs further investigations. It is imperative to elaborate a suitable nutritional strategy to facilitate an easy transit of cows through this critical period and to minimize health problems and improve productivity during lactation.     

Stability of plasma metabolites and hormones in lactating dairy cows

Plasma concentration stability of glucose, free fatty acids, ketone bodies, growth hormone, insulin were determined in lactating dairy cows. Concentrations of these metabolites and hormones were measured during a 36- to 48-hour period in 3 normal, mature dairy cows in the 2nd month of lactation. Samples were taken at 30-minute intervals; also, intensive sampling (every 10 minutes) was done at varying times in relation to feeding and milking. Of the 5 components measured, glucose concentration was the most stable, easiest to assay, and most reliable for use as a diagnostic aid in assessing metabolic carbohydrate disturbances in dairy cattle.     

过瘤胃脂肪对奶牛体况及生产性能的影响

根据泌乳奶牛产奶量的差异,在其精料中添加适量的过瘤胃脂肪,观察泌乳奶牛生产性能和体况所受的影响。试验结果表明,过瘤胃脂肪的添加使奶牛的产奶量显著增加,乳的成分发生变化,其中乳脂含量上升了6.23%,乳蛋白的含量下降了4.51%。同时,添加过瘤胃脂肪,显著地改善了泌乳牛的体况,对产量高而体质赢瘦及虚弱的奶牛具有重要意义。     

关于推进中国奶牛全混合日粮饲养技术的思考

全混合日粮（total mixed ration ,TMR）饲养技术的使用能够保证奶牛摄入均衡的营养,节省大量的人力和物力,并提高奶牛的生产性能,在中国加快推进TMR饲养技术有着重要的现实意义。而中国现阶段奶牛的饲养模式主要以小规模养殖为主,由于缺乏资金和技术支持,大多数中、小型奶牛场、养殖户还不能使用TMR饲喂技术来提高奶牛生产性能。TMR配送服务是由专门的配送公司集中生产不同饲养阶段的TMR日粮,再提供给周边养牛户的一种生产配送形式。此种方式可以使小规模奶牛养殖户也能用到TMR饲喂技术,从而提高奶牛生产水平,增加养殖者收益,并且推进TMR技术在中国的推广和应用。     

Associations between the time of conception and the shape of the lactation curve in early lactation in Norwegian dairy cattle

Background

This study was carried out to determine if an association exists between the shape of the lactation curve before it is influenced by the event of conception and the time from calving to conception in Norwegian dairy cattle. Lactation curves of Norwegian Red cows during 5 to 42 days in milk (DIM) were compared between cows conceiving between 43 and 93 DIM and cows conceiving after 93 DIM.

Methods

Data from 23,049 cows, represented by one lactation each, with 219,538 monthly test days were extracted from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System, which represents 97% of all Norwegian dairy cows. Besides veterinary treatments, these records also included information on daily milk yield at monthly test days. The data were stratified by parity groups (1, 2, and 3 and higher) and time to conception periods (43-93 DIM and >93 DIM). The sample was selected using the following selection criteria: conception later than 42 DIM, calving season July to September, no records of veterinary treatment and the level of energy fed as concentrates between 8.69 and 12.83 MJ. The shape of the lactation curves were parameterized using a modified Wilmink-model in a mixed model analysis. Differences in the parameters of the lactation curves with different conception times were evaluated using confidence intervals.

Results

Lactation curves characterized by a low intercept and a steep ascending slope and a steep descending slope were associated with early conception across all parities. The peak milk yield was not associated with time of conception.

Conclusions

A practical application of the study results is the use of the shape of the lactation curve in future herd management. Groups of cows with impaired reproductive performance may be identified due to an unfavorable shape of the lactation curve. Monitoring lactation curves and adjusting the feeding strategy to adjust yield therefore may be useful for the improvement of reproductive performance at herd level.     

泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量对奶牛繁殖性能的影响

为探索奶牛泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量对产后繁殖性能的影响,本研究选取海丰奶牛场的头胎荷斯坦牛1932头,于产犊后30d内采集乳样,测定乳中尿素氮含量,并收集试验牛只产后繁殖资料,用多因素方差分析法分析乳中尿素氮对产后繁殖性能的影响。结果表明,试验牛只产犊后1个月内乳中尿素氮含量为9．22±2．78mg／dL;乳中尿素氮含量对个体情期受胎率有显著影响（P〈0．05）,而对产后首次配种天数有极显著影响（P〈0．01）,乳中尿素氮含量大于15mg／dL的奶牛产后第一次配种天数显著高于低于此数值的奶牛,且个体情期受胎率显著低于此数值低的奶牛。同时乳中尿素氮含量与个体情期受胎率呈极显著负相关（P〈0．01）。据此认为,作为反映能氮平衡的关键指标,泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量可作为预测奶牛产后繁殖性能的指标加以利用。     

Recent Applications of Liquid Feed Supplements in Rations for Lactating Dairy Cows

Liquid feed supplements (LFS) have traditionally been used in lick tanks as a source of nonprotein nitrogen and energy for dairy replacement heifers and dry cows. Recent applications of LFS in rations for lactating dairy cows were reviewed along with the corresponding research data available in the scientific literature. Liquid feed supplements offer an alternative delivery vehicle for supplemental fat, undegraded intake protein, and rumen-fermentable carbohydrates in total mixed rations for lactating dairy cows. In general, the experiments reviewed did not show a lactation performance advantage to the dietary addition of animal-fat or animal-protein by-products in liquid compared with dry feed supplements. Lactation performance benefits from the feeding of molasses or sugar were not well-substantiated by the literature data, and controlled research is needed to evaluate this aspect of the use of LFS in diets for lactating dairy cows. University and field trials suggest that sorting of total mixed rations fed to lactating dairy cows can occur. Addition of LFS to total mixed rations to reduce sorting of diet components is a new practice on commercial dairy operations, but controlled research trials evaluating the efficacy of LFS for ameliorating a sorting problem are lacking. Advantages of LFS in convenience and uniformity of ingredient and nutrient delivery can be evaluated relative to cost differences between liquid and dry feed supplements since lactation performance differences between them were minimal.