Influence of different calcium contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism in periparturient dairy cows

At the initiation of lactation, Ca homeostatic mechanisms have to react to a tremendous increase in demand for Ca. Mobilization of Ca from bone and increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are required to re-establish homeostasis. It has been shown that dietary anions play an important role in the prevention of milk fever by mobilizing Ca from bone and by increasing Ca absorption in the GI tract. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different Ca contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy cows. Twenty-four holstein cows (housed inside, second to fourth lactation) without a milk fever history were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Each group was fed a different diet which was given from day 263 of gestation till the day of parturition. Group A and B received a low calcium diet (4 g/kg DM) whereas group C and D received a high Ca diet (8 g/kg DM). In addition group B and D received anionic salts. The DCAD was calculated with the formula: DCAD (mEq/kg DM)=(0.2 Ca2++0.16 Mg2++Na++K+)-(Cl-+0.6 S2-+0.65 P3-). Blood and urine samples were collected on days 256, 270 and 277 of gestation, on the day of parturition as well as the following 5 days and on days 9, 14 and 19 after parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, ICTP, OC, VITD, PTH and urinary pH were analysed. The bone resorption marker ICTP showed a significant increase after parturition in all the groups. On the contrary, the bone formation marker OC decreased after parturition in all the groups. The VITD concentrations in group D and the urinary pH in group B were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The Ca concentrations tended to be higher in group B around parturition than in all the other groups. No significant influence of the four different diets on all the other parameters could be shown. In conclusion, this data showed that the addition of anions and the different Ca contents had no significant influence on bone resorption and bone formation markers. This may be because of the fact that the dietary cation-anion balance was not low enough (DCAD-group A: 181 mEq/kg DM, group B: -48 mEq/kg DM, group C: 210 mEq/kg DM and group D: 28 mEq/kg DM) to induce a metabolic acidosis with all its positive effects on calcium metabolism.     

Effects of excessive or restricted phosphorus and calcium intake during early life on markers of bone architecture and composition in pigs

Sufficient supply of pigs with calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) is essential for animal health and welfare during the growth period. However, the P content in animal manure is considered as a cause of massive environmental problems in soil and aquatic ecosystems. To complement previous findings, the objective of this study is the investigation of effects of a reduced and increased Ca and P supplementation on bone mineralization and bone structure compared with the current dietary recommendation. Another aim is to find possible serum markers that would allow the assessment of adequacy of P supply for bone health during growth. The result validated that the recommended Ca and P supply is sufficient, without the addition of microbial phytases. However, addition of P has no further beneficial effects on bone stability, while P supplementation below the recommended level affects bone development and growth performance. Reduced P levels have consequences for cancellous bone density and trabecular architecture. Further fine-tuning of the P supply in conjunction with an appropriate Ca supply will contribute to a reduction in P waste and associated environmental impact while maintaining animal health and welfare.     

Effect of parity number on the dry matter intake of dairy cows during the first week after calving

We investigated the effect of parity number on the dry matter intake (DMI) of cows during the first week after calving. Eighty‐three cows were evaluated from 14 days before to 7 days after calving. DMI and milk yield were measured for 7 days after calving, and the calving score was measured. Blood samples were collected throughout the experiment. The average DMI during the first week after calving was reduced in the first‐lactation heifers and high‐parity number cows. A quadratic relationship between the parity number and the DMI was observed. The first‐lactation heifers had lower prepartum serum total protein (TP) concentration and milk yield, higher prepartum serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration and calving score than the multiparous cows. The recovery rate of serum calcium (Ca) after calving was slow in the cows in the parity 6. The DMI was positively affected by the serum Ca concentration after calving, milk yield, and prepartum serum TP concentration and was negatively affected by the calving score and prepartum serum NEFA concentration. We conclude that the DMI immediately after calving tends to be lower in first‐lactation heifers and high‐parity number cows, but factors that reduce the DMI differ according to parity number.     

Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio in prepartum diet on the dry matter intake and milk yield of periparturient cows during hot weather

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of prepartum diets on dry matter intake (DMI) around parturition and on milk production in early lactation during a hot summer. Nine cows due to calve in July or August were assigned to two groups and fed either control (group C; four cows) or high‐concentrate (group H; five cows) diets to meet 110% of their energy requirements from 18 days before the expected calving date to parturition. The proportion of concentrate in the control diet was 35%, and that in the high‐concentrate diet was 45%. For 21 days after parturition, all cows were fed the same diets for lactation ad libitum. The DMI of cows in group H almost met their energy requirements. In group C, the DMI was decreased relative to group H and the concentration of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids was significantly higher (P < 0.05) before parturition. Therefore, the cows in group C were thought to be energy deficient before parturition. After parturition, there were no significant differences in DMI between the two groups. The milk yield of cows in group H tended to be higher than that of cows in group C at 21 days after parturition. Milk protein yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group H 21 days after parturition relative to group C. There were no significant differences in milk composition between the two groups.     

Effects of low and high calcium intake prepartum on calcium mobilization rate around parturition in dairy cows

Forty-one dairy cows were fed a low (LCa-13 g/d) and a high (HCa-83.5 g/d) calcium ration in the 8 weeks prior to parturition and the effect on the Ca mobilization rate around parturition was studied. Plasma Ca values were stable in the LCa group around parturition. In the older cows of the HCa group a very slight decrease in the mean plasma Ca was observed: 2.58 mmol/l at 12-36 h ante partum decreased to 2.38 mmol/l at parturition. Hypocalcaemia, which commonly occurs around parturition, did not occur in 40 of the cows. A subclinical hypocalcaemia (1.8 mmol/l) occurred in one cow (parity 10) from the HCa group. To assess the efficiency of Ca mobilization, a severe hypocalcaemia (1.0 mmol/l) with clinical signs was induced by means of Na2EDTA infusion (0.90 mmol/min), starting at 10 h post-partum. The older cows in the LCa group required more Na2EDTA than those in the HCa group. Higher urinary hydroxyproline excretion in the week before parturition in the LCa than in the HCa group suggested a higher bone turnover. Plasma PTH levels around parturition were not significantly different between the groups. The amount of colostrum milked out in the first 10 h post-partum did not influence Ca homeostasis around parturition. The results contradict those of many other experiments in which hypocalcaemia was observed in cows ingesting high levels of Ca. It is concluded that the restricted feed intake prepartum possibly had a favourable effect on Ca homeostasis.     

The effect of high ambient temperature on Ca,P and Mg balance and bone turnover in high‐yielding dairy cows

We investigated the effect of heat stress on Ca, P and Mg balance and bone turnover in lactating cows. In a 2 × 2 crossover design, four multiparous lactating Holstein cows were kept in a chamber and subjected to a constant moderate (18°C) ambient temperature (MT) or high (28°C) ambient temperature (HT). The cows were fed total mixed ration (Ca, 0.7%; P, 0.4%; Mg, 0.2%) ad libitum. The milk yield under HT (35.4 kg/day) tended to be lower (P < 0.10) than that under MT (43.2 kg/day). The concentrations of milk P (P < 0.05) and Mg (P < 0.01) were significantly lower under HT than MT. The Ca, P and Mg intake (P < 0.10); Ca (P < 0.10), P, and Mg (P < 0.05) secretion into milk; and Ca (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.01), and Mg (P < 0.05) absorption in the intestine were lower under HT than MT. The plasma osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover, was significantly lower (P < 0.05) under HT than MT. Heat stress did not affect plasma C‐telopeptide of collagen type I, a bone resorption marker, and plasma parathyroid hormone concentration.     

The change of dry matter intake, milk yield and bone turnover in primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows during early lactation

Data from six primiparous and nine multiparous Holstein cows were used to clarify the difference of Ca and P mobilization between primiparous and multiparous cows during early lactation. The dry matter intake (DMI) of primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.01) than those of multiparous cows. Milk yield was lower in primiparous cows at 7, 14, 21 (P < 0.01), and 28 days (P < 0.05) after parturition. There was no significant difference in milk Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. There were no significant differences in plasma Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. The plasma P level at 7 days postpartum in primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.05) than 28 days postpartum. The concentration of plasma osteocalcin (OC) measured as bone formation marker of primiparous cows was significantly higher than multiparous cows (P < 0.01) at 21 and 28 days postpartum. The urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) as bone resorption marker of primiparous cows tended to be higher (P < 0.10) than multiparous cows at 21 days after parturition and decreased to the same level as that of multiparae toward the peak lactation. These results show that Ca and P mobilization of primiparous cows are more active than multiparous cows.     

Effect of oral calcium bolus administration on milk production,concentrations of minerals and metabolites in serum,early-lactation health status,and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows

AIMS: To determine the effects of oral Ca bolus administration in the early postpartum period of cows on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance.

METHODS: Multiparous Holstein dry cows (n=66) with a mean parity of 3.1 (SD 0.35) were fed a diet with a positive dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) prior to calving. They were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control; n=33) or two oral Ca boluses (n=33, 45?g of Ca per bolus); one was administered immediately after calving (Day 0) and the second 24 hours (±30 minutes) later. Blood samples were collected at calving, and on Days 2 and 7 to determine concentrations in serum of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition was determined weekly from calving until 28 day postpartum. Health and outcomes were determined during the first 30 days postpartum and reproductive outcomes to 180 days postpartum.

RESULTS: Mean milk yields and composition over the first month of lactation were similar between cows in the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Mean concentrations of Ca in serum were not different between treatment groups on Day 0, but were higher on Day 2 for cows that received oral Ca boluses (1.77 (SE 0.07)) compared with Control cows (1.54 (SE 0.08)) (p=0.04). Concentrations in serum of P, Mg, glucose, NEFA and ΒHBA did not differ between treatment groups on any day of measurement. Fewer cows that received oral Ca were diagnosed with hypocalcaemia (total concentrations of Ca in serum <1.5?mmol/L) by Day 2 (2/33; 6%) compared with Control cows (12/33; 36%) (p=0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of other health outcomes between treatment groups. The proportion of cows conceiving to first insemination was greater in cows that received an oral Ca bolus (19/29; 65%) than Control cows (12/29; 41%) (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Oral Ca bolus administration increased concentrations of Ca in serum on Day 2 postpartum, and increased first service conception rates, in cows fed a diet with a positive DCAD prior to calving compared to cows that received no oral Ca bolus supplementation. Because of the small number of cows used in this study, further studies in large-scale dairy farms should be carried out to confirm these findings.     

乳牛产后血浆瘦素动态与亚临床酮病的相关分析

对某奶牛场16头乳牛产前10d至产后56d血样的瘦素、酮体、葡萄糖、脂肪水平及其动态特征和相关性进行了检测。结果表明，血浆瘦素、血酮、血脂含量在不同乳牛和不同时间点之间均有显著差异。酮体在产后14～49d出现高峰，瘦素和血脂从产后第0d到产后第56d内逐渐升高。瘦素水平与血脂水平呈极显著正相关，血酮与血糖呈极显著负相关。亚临床酮病组乳牛的瘦素和血脂水平分别极显著或显著低于血酮正常组，其瘦素、血酮和血糖在试验期内的波动频率明显减少，跨度变长，瘦素在试验期内仅出现一个两端接近0、波峰不超过1．5ng／mL的波。证实，产后乳牛瘦素、血酮、血糖含量的低频率波动变化和产后8周内血浆瘦素跨时持久的单峰动态变化与乳牛亚临床酮病的发生有关。     

Variation in selected blood plasma constituents during the post-partum and breeding periods in dairy cows

Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, albumin, beta hydroxybutyrate, glucose and urea were measured in 12 plasma samples collected over 9 weeks from mid-August from each of 40 cows in four seasonal herds which calved from mid-July. These herds comprised Jersey or Holstein-Friesian animals, with each breed grazed at two stocking rates. Daily dry matter intakes (kg dry matter/cow/day), which were estimated from pasture assessments before and after grazing, ranged from 4% (low stocked Jersey herd) to 38% (high stocked Friesian herd) below recommended intakes for each breed of cow in peak lactatipn. Stocking rate was associated with a 4% reduction in liveweight for cows in the high stocked herds and a 20% reduction in daily milk production (as a proportion of the low stocked herds' liveweight and milk production).

Eight cows produced at least one blood sample with a beta hydroxybutyrate concentration of more than 1.0 mmol/l. There were 42% of samples with glucose concentrations greater than 4.1 mmol/l. These two concentrations were the maximum values classified as normal for these two metabolites by the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. No concentrations of the other metabolites were outside their respective normal ranges. Breed, age and individual animals usually had greater effects on the average metabolite concentrations than did stocking rate.

The greatest effect was associated with sample day, especially for insulin-like growth factor-I and urea. A significant breed x stocking rate x sample day interaction in urea concentrations indicated that changes in the feeding value of the grazed pastures available to each herd were sufficient to produce separate fluctuating patterns in the daily average concentrations.

These results showed that frequent sampling on a herd basis would be necessary to identify the significance of factors which may be contributing to sample day variation in the concentration of metabolites in the plasma of pasture-fed cows.     

Effect of several doses of zeolite A on feed intake,energy metabolism and on mineral metabolism in dairy cows around calving

The object of the present study was to determine the influence of different zeolite A doses on dry matter intake (DMI) and mineral metabolism, and to evaluate an optimum dosage for preventing hypocalcaemia. Eighty pregnant dry cows were assigned to four groups (I–IV). They were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Groups II, III and IV received an average daily dose of 12, 23 and 43 g zeolite A/kg DM for the last 2 weeks prepartum. Individually DMI was recorded daily. Blood and urine samples were taken before, during and after zeolite A supplementation. Serum was analysed for Ca, Mg, P_i, K, non‐esterified fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Urine was analysed for Ca, Mg, P_i, K and net acid‐base excretion (NABE). After calving, milk yield (fat corrected milk) and milk composition were determined. During zeolite A supplementation, mean DMI of Group IV (7.3 ± 1.3 kg/cow/day) was significantly lower compared to Groups I–III (10.1, 10.9, 9.5 kg/cow/day). The reduced feed intake of Group IV resulted in significantly increased BHB as well as decreased NABE after calving. Zeolite A supplementation in higher doses (III and IV) had a stabilizing effect on Ca metabolism around calving for older cows, whereas cows in Groups I and II showed a subclinical hypocalcaemia. The mean serum Mg concentration decreased significantly in older cows in Group IV at calving. The mean P_i concentration in cows of Group IV decreased into ranges of hypophosphataemia already 1 week after beginning of zeolite A feeding. The mean DMI postpartum as well as the milk yield was not affected by zeolite A supplementation. Feeding of 23 g zeolite A/kg DM TMR prepartum proved to be an adequate dosage for reducing subclinical hypocalcaemia frequency without significant effects on feed intake and P_i concentration in serum.     

饲粮阴阳离子平衡对热应激奶牛机体矿物质代谢的影响

试验旨在研究饲粮阴阳离子平衡(dietary cation-anion balance,DCAB)对热应激条件下奶牛机体矿物质代谢的影响。采用单因素完全随机试验设计,选取75头健康的泌乳中期[泌乳日龄为(104.8±12.0)d]中国荷斯坦奶牛,根据胎次、产奶量、体重相近的原则随机分为5组(Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组和对照组),分别饲喂DCAB值为195.76、186.68、177.77、166.94、239.12 m Eq/kg干物质(DM)的饲粮。试验期为67 d,其中预试期7 d,正式试验期60 d。结果表明:对试验期间环境温湿度的监测结果为温湿指数(THI)>72,奶牛处于热应激状态,奶牛直肠温度对照组最高,Ⅰ组最低,呼吸频率随DCAB值的升高而升高,各组之间差异均不显著(P>0.05);通过改变饲粮DCAB值,对奶牛乳中钾(K)、钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、磷(P)的浓度无显著影响(P>0.05);与Ⅲ、Ⅳ组相比,Ⅰ、Ⅱ组和对照组奶牛乳中钠(Na)的浓度均有不同程度的提高,差异显著(P<0.05),氯(Cl)的浓度显著降低(P<0.05);对奶牛血清中K、Mg、P、Na的浓度影响差异不显著(P>0.05),血清中Ca的浓度随着DCAB值的升高有降低的趋势,而Cl的浓度呈上升趋势;对尿液中K、Ca、Na、Mg的浓度影响差异不显著(P>0.05),与对照组相比,Ⅰ、Ⅱ组的Cl的浓度分别提高了33.826%、35.598%,差异显著(P<0.05);Ⅲ、Ⅳ组分别提高了95.421%、76.957%,差异极显著(P<0.01);尿液p H随着饲粮DCAB值的升高而升高,Ⅰ、Ⅱ组和对照组与Ⅲ、Ⅳ组相比,显著提高(P<0.05)。因此,在热应激条件下,添加阴阳离子平衡盐调整饲粮DCAB值在177.77 m Eq/kg DM以下时,对降低奶牛的呼吸频率、缓解热应激、增加血清Ca浓度效果较好,有利于改善奶牛健康状况。     

产犊季节和胎次对测定奶牛日泌乳性能的影响

[目的]通过研究产犊季节、胎次对奶牛测定日泌乳性能的影响,以期为指导日粮配方调整、增加牛奶产量和提升原料奶质量提供科学依据。[方法]采集江苏某奶牛场2012年度408头奶牛共3012条生产性能测定记录,用线性模型分析产犊季节和胎次对测定日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、脂蛋比、305d产奶量及体细胞评分的影响进行分析。[结果]表明：不同产犊季节对测定日产奶量和305d产奶量的影响极显著（P〈0．01）,对乳脂率、乳蛋白率、脂蛋比无显著影响;不同胎次除对乳脂率影响显著外（P〈0．05）,对其它奶牛泌乳性能及体细胞评分均影响极显著（P〈0．01）。[结论]夏、秋两季产犊奶牛的305d产奶量高;2～3胎产犊奶牛的泌乳性能较佳,随着胎次的增加,特别是5胎及以后,泌乳性能的各项指标都有不同程度的降低。     

胎次和泌乳阶段对荷斯坦奶牛血液乳成分前体物及泌乳相关激素含量的影响

本文旨在研究胎次和泌乳阶段对荷斯坦奶牛血液乳成分前体物及泌乳相关激素含量的影响。选取不同泌乳阶段的1~4胎奶牛60头荷斯坦奶牛饲喂相同全混合日粮,每15 d采集血液。血液检测参数有葡萄糖(GLU)、甘油三酯(TG)、非酯化脂肪酸(NEFA)、β-羟丁酸(BHBA)、总氨基酸(T-AA)5种乳成分合成前体物及甲状腺素(T4)、生长激素(GH)、皮质醇(COR)、胰岛素(INS)、催乳素(PRL)、孕酮(PRG)6种激素的含量。利用SAS 9.2中Proc Univeriate程序进行正态分布检验,利用Proc Mixed线性模型评估胎次、泌乳阶段的固定效应。结果表明:1)胎次可显著影响泌乳奶牛血液INS及PRL含量(P0.05),而对血液COR、GH、PRG、T4及5个乳成分前体物含量无显著影响(P0.05)。2)随着泌乳时间延长,血液GLU含量逐渐递增,且泌乳早期(0~21 d)显著低于其他泌乳阶段(P0.05),而泌乳早期血液BHBA和NEFA含量显著高于其他泌乳阶段(P0.05),同时血液T-AA含量在泌乳中期(22~100 d)显著高于其他泌乳阶段(P0.05);泌乳阶段对奶牛血液COR、GH、PRG、T4和INS含量均有显著的影响(P0.05),但对血液PRL含量无显著影响(P0.05),其中泌乳前期COR含量显著高于泌乳中期和后期(201~305 d)(P0.05),而泌乳后期的GH、PRG和T4含量均较高。本方法能提高利用生化检测指标评估泌乳荷斯坦奶牛代谢状态的准确性,可以作为奶牛养殖者监测奶牛健康状态的工具。     

Biochemical markers of bone turnover in the dairy cow during lactation and the dry period

We measured a bone-formation marker recognizing osteocalcin, and a bone-resorption marker recognizing C-telopeptide (CT(x)) fragments of collagen type I, in a longitudinal study. The levels of these markers in the plasma of dairy cows (n=11) were recorded over a 12 month postpartum period, including a full lactation and a dry period. The plasma concentration of CT(x) was highest in the first week after parturition. It then declined slowly over the next 33 weeks and remained low until the next parturition. Osteocalcin concentration was lowest around parturition, reached a plateau during mid-lactation, then fell again towards term. There were large variations in bone metabolism during a lactation, that were not directly related to milk production. These results may be used to facilitate appropriate adjustments to calcium and phosphorous concentrations in the diet, reflecting the specific needs of each stage of the reproductive cycle.     

Effects of dietary soluble or insoluble fiber intake in late gestation on litter performance,milk composition,immune function,and redox status of sows around parturition

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary soluble fiber (SF) or insoluble fiber (ISF) intake in late gestation on litter performance, milk composition, immune function, and redox status of sows around parturition. A total of 60 Yorkshire sows were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments: normal level of dietary fiber (CON, 16.16% dietary fiber with 1.78% soluble fiber and 14.38% insoluble fiber), high insoluble fiber (ISF, 30.12% dietary fiber with 2.97% soluble fiber and 27.15% insoluble fiber), and high soluble fiber (SF, 30.15% dietary fiber with 4.57% soluble fiber and 25.58% insoluble fiber). Digestible energy and crude protein intake were comparable among treatments via adjusting feed intake from day 90 of gestation to parturition. After parturition, all sows were fed the same lactation diet. Results showed that litter performance of sows was not markedly affected by maternal fiber intake. However, sows fed ISF or SF diet had increased concentration of plasma mmunoglobulin G at day 107 (P < 0.05) and parturition (P < 0.01), and the SF diet had a tendency to increase fat content in both colostrum and milk relative to the CON diet. Furthermore, sows fed ISF diet had increased glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05) at day 107, but decreased the plasma level of malondialdehyde at parturition (P < 0.05). High maternal SF intake tended to decrease the number of weaned piglets due to the increased preweaning mortality, as compared with sows fed the ISF diet. In conclusion, high fiber intake in late gestation may improve immune function and redox status, but differentially influenced the milk composition and preweaning mortality.     

多种因素对奶牛超数排卵效果影响的研究

试验探讨了激素处理、季节、供体母牛体况、胎次等因素对奶牛超数排卵效果的影响,为连续超排研究奠定了基础。结果表明:CUE-MATE法和自然发情法超数排卵效果没有显著差异(P>0.05),但CUE-MATE法处理周期短;中等、上等体况的供体母牛超数排卵效果显著好于体况较差的牛(P<0.05);冬、秋季节超数排卵效果显著高于春季(P<0.05);经产母牛和青年牛超数排卵效果没有显著差异(P>0.05)。由此可见,奶牛规模化胚胎生产可采用CUE-MATE法,选取中等以上体况在秋、冬季节进行。     

胎次和泌乳阶段对奶牛体细胞数和乳损失量的影响

通过奶牛生产性能（dairy herd improvement,DHI）测定体细胞数,探究奶牛的胎次及其不同泌乳阶段对其乳体细胞数（somatic cell count,SCC）和乳损失量的影响。通过对某养殖场泌乳期奶牛DHI的测定进行分析,结果表明：体细胞评分（somatic cell score,SCS）随奶牛胎次的增加而增加,但SCS在不同胎次的不同泌乳阶段表现有所不同。一胎牛SCS随着泌乳期的延长而增加,前期、中期与后期的SCS呈显著性差异（P＜0.05）;二胎牛与三胎牛SCS呈现相同变化规律,泌乳前期的SCS较泌乳中期高,而泌乳后期SCS显著高于前2个泌乳阶段（P＜0.05）。乳损失量随胎次的增加整体呈现增加趋势,且泌乳早期和泌乳后期乳损失量高于泌乳中期。     

可消化钙水平对饲喂不同磷含量日粮生长猪生长性能和骨成分的影响

本研究开展了30 d的饲养试验以确定可消化钙水平对饲喂不同磷含量日粮生长猪生长性能和骨成分的影响。试验选择平均体重为(50.21±2.1)kg的生长猪180头,随机分为15组,每组12头猪,每个重复4头猪。试验日粮采用3×5因子设计,可消化磷水平分别为1.4、2.7、4.1 g/kg,可消化钙水平分别为1.3、2.5、3.8、5.0,和6.3 g/kg。结果表明,日粮可消化钙和可消化磷水平对生长猪末重、日增重、饲料报酬、骨钙和骨磷含量的影响具有显著交互作用(P<0.05)。在可消化钙磷比值分别为1.20∶1和1.25∶1,可消化磷水平为2.7 g/kg时,预测的最大体重为87.20 kg,日增重为1.23 kg。但由于方程的线性性质,没有得到预测的最大饲料报酬。随着日粮可消化钙水平的增加,无论饲粮中可消化磷水平是多少,平均日采食量均表现为显著降低(P<0.05)。可消化磷含量为2.7和4.1 g/kg时,预测的骨骼灰分最大值分别为55.8和60.1 g/kg,对应的可消化钙磷比值分别为2.03∶1和1.59∶1。综上所述,当日粮磷水平达到或低于需要水平时,过量的钙对50~85 kg猪生长性能具有负面影响。而当可消化钙水平高于需要水平时,饲粮中含有高于需要水平的可消化磷可以使猪的生长性能最大化。骨灰分最大化所需的可消化钙水平大于生长性能最大化需要的可消化钙水平,同时当磷水平达到需要量时,保证足够的骨矿化而不影响生长性能所需的可消化钙磷比为1.23∶1。     

Survival Analysis of Calves and Reproductive Performance of Cows in Commercial Dairy Farms in and Around Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

A study was conducted at five locations to determine the survival rate of calves and to estimate the performance level of improved dairy cows under commercialized farming systems in Ethiopia. Seven hundred and one calves born from 1997 to 1999, and 797 cows were included in the study. Cumulative calf/heifer survival at 360, 540 and 720 days was 80%, 76% and 70%, respectively. Number of services per conception averaged 2 while mean age at first service and days open were 850+/-18 and 192+/-11 days, respectively. Calf survival, days open and age at first service were significantly affected by breed and management factors (p <0.05), whereas parity significantly affected the number of services per conception and days open. There was a tendency towards improved performance over the years. This was especially so for calf survival and days open. Clearly, all the traits measured varied among study farms, indicating that substantial improvement can be achieved through better management. This paper describes these individual traits of improved dairy breeds under commercialized farming systems in Ethiopia.