LRH-A3 and HCG increase pregnancy rate during timed artificial insemination in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to use luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone A3 (LRH-A3) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to improve pregnancy rate of dairy cows during timed artificial insemination (TAI). In experiment 1, the TAI process (0 d, GnRH, 100 μg; 7 d, PGF2α, 0.4 mg; 56 hr, GnRH, 100 μg; 16 hr, AI) was applied to 160 dairy cows on 50th and 60th days after parturition respectively. In experiment 2, 320 postpartum dairy cows were treated with TAI (Group A), TAI + 25 μg LRH-A3 (Group B), TAI + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group C), and TAI + 25 μg LRH-A3 + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group D). In experiment 3, endometrial cells were treated with HCG. The results showed that TAI did not affect the pregnancy rate, while LRH-A3 and HCG increased the pregnancy rate of the cow. HCG of 5 IU/ml and 10 IU/ml increased the expressions of leukemia inhibitory factor but decreased those of interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial cells. This study provided a plan for the use of LRH-A3 and HCG to increase pregnancy rate during TAI in dairy cows.     

Relationship of rumen fill and fermentation to diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in dairy cows grazed on perennial ryegrass pasture

To clarify the effect of digesta weight in the reticulorumen on diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in herbage intake, six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture during morning and evening sessions in spring and autumn. The digesta weight of fresh matter, dry matter (DM) and fiber in the reticulorumen at the beginning and the end of each grazing session was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). Although the digesta weight was similar between the sessions at the beginning of grazing, it was greater for the evening than for the morning at the end of grazing (P < 0.01). The large particles proportion in the digesta was lower for the morning than the evening (P < 0.01), and it was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). The concentrations of volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid were generally higher in spring compared with autumn. The herbage DM intake during the evening was greater compared with the morning in both seasons (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in herbage DM intake between seasons. The results showed that the rumen digesta fill was not the sole factor explaining diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in grazing dairy cows.     

Metagenomic profiles of the rumen microbiota during the transition period in low‐yield and high‐yield dairy cows

We investigated potential relationships between rumen microbiota and milk production in dairy cows during the transition period. Twelve dairy cows were divided into a low‐yield (LY) or high‐yield (HY) group based on their milk yield. Rumen samples were taken from dairy cows at 3 weeks before parturition, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after parturition. 16S rDNA‐based metagenomic analysis showed that diversities of rumen microbiota in both groups were similar and the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was lower in the postpartum than prepartum period in both groups. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and ratio of Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes was higher in the HY than the LY group. OTUs assigned to Prevotella bryantii, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Succinivibrio sp. were abundant in the HY group. These OTUs were significantly related to the propionate molar proportion of rumen fluids in the HY group. OTUs assigned to Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacterium sp. and Saccharofermentans were dominant in the LY group. Predictive functional profiling revealed that abundance of gene families involved in amino acid and vitamin metabolism was higher in the HY than the LY group. These results suggest that the community structure and fermentation products of rumen microbiota could be associated with milk production of dairy cows.     

乳牛产后期生理性免疫状态的研究

为了研究乳牛在产后期的生理性免疫状态，检测了产后期乳牛淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能及其变化。结果发现，乳牛淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能在分娩后第1d最低，然后表现出缓慢上升的总体趋势。CD3细胞数在产后第15d低于产后第1d，到产后第30d时达到最高值；CD4细胞数一直多于CD8细胞数；CD21细胞数在产后第15d时达到最高值，以后缓慢下降；淋巴细胞的增殖活化能力在产后第30d最高，未观察到淋巴细胞有明显的凋亡和增生现象。结果表明，乳牛免疫状态在产后第1d最低，以后逐渐升高，第15d时细胞免疫最低而体液免疫最高，第30d时细胞免疫最强。     

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?...     

Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows

The present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.     

Effect of body condition score and reuse of progesterone‐releasing intravaginal devices on conception rate following timed artificial insemination in Nelore cows

This study had the aim of investigating the efficiency of timed artificial insemination (TAI) through the progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID), used in new condition and for the second and third times in Nelore cows. The effects of device reuse and body condition score (BCS) on the conception rate (CR) were evaluated in 1,122 multiparous Nelore cows (mean BCS of 2.7 ± 0.4), which were randomly distributed into three groups that received new (n = 330), once (n = 439) and twice used (n = 353) PRID. Among the 1,122 females that underwent TAI, 573 became pregnant, thus representing an overall CR of 51.06%. Cows with BCS between 2.75 and 4.0 had greater (p < .0001) CR (69.75%) than cows with BSC of 2.0–2.5 (32.98%). It was observed that the CR through using PRID was 60.00%, 51.71% and 41.93% for new, once and twice used PRID, respectively, with difference between all groups (p < .0001). Under tropical conditions, animals with BCS greater than 2.5 had a higher CR, and the CR decreased proportionally with the number of times that the PRID had been used.     

八珍汤对乳牛产后免疫状态的影响

为了探索提高乳牛产后期免疫状态的新方法，对试验乳牛分4组（产前第30d至产前第1d灌喂组、产前第15d至产后第15d灌喂组、产后第1d至第30d灌喂组、不灌喂中药对照组）灌喂中药八珍汤，检测产后期淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能。结果发现，产前组CD3细胞数量在产后第1d升高；产前产后组CD3、CD4和CD8细胞数量在产后第1d和第15d升高；产后组CD3细胞数量在产后第15d和第30d升高，CD4细胞数量也在产后第30d升高。淋巴细胞对ConA的反应能力，产前产后组在产后第1～30d明显提高，产后组在产后第15d和第30d明显提高。各组乳牛产后期CD21细胞数量的变化相近。结果表明，从产前第15d开始到产后第15d每日喂八珍汤，能明显提高乳牛产后期T细胞及其亚群数量和增加淋巴细胞增殖活化功能，而对B细胞数量增加的作用不明显。     

The effects of high levels of rumen degradable protein on rumen pH and histamine concentrations in dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the supplementation of crude protein (CP) results in rumen acidosis and increased histamine concentrations in dairy cows. Six ruminally fistulated, non-pregnant dry cows were fed three experimental rations in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The CP contents in the low-CP, the high rumen undegradable protein (high-RUP) and the high rumen degradable protein (high-RDP) rations were 112, 259 and 266 g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. The cows were fed 7.7 kg DM of the concentrates and 2.7 kg DM of rice straw. High levels of RDP in the ration significantly increased the ammonia, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and histamine concentrations in the rumen fluid. However, supplemental CP, whether degradable or undegradable, did not significantly affect the pH of rumen fluid. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was higher in both high-RDP and high-RUP in relation to cows fed the low-CP ration. The rise in ruminal histamine concentrations was physiologically non-relevant, most likely because rumen pH was not affected by supplemental CP at the installed level of DM intake. Therefore, it can be concluded that the issue of supplemental CP, rumen pH and ruminal histamine concentrations has not yet been settled. Further research is warranted to understand these relationships.     

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.     

Relationship between overfeeding and overconditioning in the dry period and the problems of high producing dairy cows during the postparturient period

Summary

In dairy cows, overfeeding during the dry period leads to overcondition at calving and to depression of appetite after calving. As a consequence, at calving overconditioned high‐producing dairy cows inevitably go into a more severe negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum than cows that have a normal appetite. During the period of NEB, the energy requirements of the cow are satisfied by lipolysis and proteolysis. Lipolysis results in an increased concentration of non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood. In the liver, these NEFA are predominantly esterified to triacylglycerols (TAG) that are secreted in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). In early lactation in cows with a severe NEB, the capacity of the liver to maintain the export of the TAG in the form of VLDL in balance with the hepatic TAG production is not always adequate. As a result, the excess amount of TAG accumulates in the liver, leading to fatty infiltration of the liver (hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver). The NEB and/or fatty liver postpartum are frequently associated with postparturient problems. In general, a severe NEB induces changes in biochemical, endocrinological, and metabolic pathways that are responsible for production, maintenance of health, and reproduction of the postparturient dairy cow. These changes include a decrease in blood glucose and insulin concentrations, and an increase in blood NEFA concentrations. High NEFA concentrations caused by intensive lipolysis are accompanied by impairment of the immune system, making the cows more vulnerable to infections. Metabolic diseases such as ketosis, milk fever, and displaced abomasum are related to overcondition at calving. The changes in biochemical, endocrinological, and metabolic pathways are associated with delay of the first visible signs of oestrus, an increase in the interval from calving to first ovulation, a decrease in conception rate, and a prolonged calving interval. It is possible that the increased blood NEFA concentration directly impairs ovarian function.     

Differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between low‐yield and high‐yield dairy cows in early lactation

Relationship between rumen fermentation parameters, blood biochemical profiles and milk production traits in different yielding dairy cows during early lactation was investigated. Twelve dairy cows were divided into two groups based on their milk yield, that is low‐yield (LY) and high‐yield (HY) groups. Rumen fluid and blood were collected at 3 weeks prepartum and 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum. Results showed that proportions of acetate, propionate to total short chain fatty acids and acetate : propionate ratio were changed (P < 0.05) in both groups during the peripartum period, whereas butyrate and acetate : butyrate ratio were only altered in the HY group. Blood cholesterol, beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in the HY group were higher (P < 0.01) than those in the LY group. Principal component analysis revealed that milk yield and milk compositions were differently clustered between groups. These parameters showed similar direction with dry matter intake in the HY group and adverse direction in the LY group. Linear regression analysis indicated that butyrate was positively correlated with BHBA (P < 0.05) in the HY group. This study suggests that cows in the HY group seem to accommodate appropriately to negative energy balance in early lactation through rumen fermentation.     

饲粮添加苜蓿黄酮对奶牛瘤胃菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究苜蓿黄酮对奶牛瘤胃菌群结构和组成的影响。选取4头装有瘘管的头胎荷斯坦奶牛,试验采用4×4拉丁方设计,每头奶牛每天饲喂全混合饲粮(TMR),其中分别添加0 g(A组)、20 g(B组)、60 g(C组) 和 100 g(D组)苜蓿黄酮。试验分为4期,每期24 d。每期采集瘤胃液,提取总DNA后在Illumina MiSeq 平台上进行测序。结果为:1)4个处理组共产生52747个OTU,共享16142个OTU,占总OTU数量的30.60%,其中试验A组的OTU数量最高。2)Shannon指数随着苜蓿黄酮添加剂量的升高呈先上升后下降的趋势,试验C组的Simpson指数显著高于试验D组和A组(P<0.05),但各处理组间的ACE和Chao 1指数无显著性差异。3)各试验组间的细菌门的数量没有显著性差异,但试验C组的细菌属的数量显著高于试验B组和试验A组(P<0.05)。在门水平上,SR1门相对丰度随着苜蓿黄酮添加水平的升高呈线性升高的趋势(0.05相似文献   

高温高湿条件下添加功能性油脂对奶牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵和生理状态的影响

文章旨在评估功能性油脂替代莫能菌素对高温高湿环境下奶牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵和生理状态的影响。试验选择产奶期(200±50)d,平均体重(600±75)kg的荷斯坦奶牛36头,将其随机分为3组,每组12个重复,每个重复1头牛,进行为期6周的试验(1周适应期,5周试验期),试验共设计3种日粮,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理1组在基础日粮添加20mg/kg莫能菌素,处理2组在基础日粮添加0.05%功能性油脂。试验期间环境温度、湿度和温湿度指数分别是(25±0.55)℃、(82.0±1.20)%和74.5±0.30,表明奶牛处于高温高湿环境。结果:处理1组较对照组和处理2组显著降低了干物质和有机物的摄入量(P<0.05),较对照组显著降低了粗蛋白质摄入量(P<0.05)。试验时间显著影响有机物、蛋白质摄入量及养分表观消化率(P<0.05),同时显著影响瘤胃pH、氨氮和挥发性脂肪酸含量(P<0.05)。对照组较处理2组显著降低了血清尿素含量(P<0.05),处理和时间对血清尿素含量的影响具有显著交互效应(P<0.05)。处理1组较处理2组显著降低了脂肪产量和乳脂肪含量(P<0.05)。试验时间显著影响乳成分含量及产量(P<0.05)。结论:在本试验条件下,功能性油脂增加了乳脂产量,并且可以代替莫能菌素而不影响奶牛在高温高湿环境下的采食量、养分消化率、瘤胃发酵和生理状态。     

Effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate content in orchardgrass pasture on grazing time and rumen fermentation in dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to clarify the effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in orchardgrass pasture on the diurnal distribution of grazing time. Six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on either of two pastures with different orchardgrass cultivars containing low WSC (LWSC; cultivar: ‘Hokkai 28’) or high WSC (HWSC; cultivar: ‘Harunemidori’). The cows were grazed in morning and evening sessions in experiment 1, whereas the cows were grazed throughout the day in experiment 2. In experiment 1, grazing time of the cows on HWSC was longer than that of the cows on LWSC (P < 0.01). This difference was larger in the morning session than in the evening session (pasture × grazing session: P < 0.05). Effects on herbage intake were similar to those on grazing time. In experiment 2, daily total grazing time was longer for the cows on HWSC than for those on LWSC (P < 0.05). The cows on HWSC spent a longer time grazing than those on LWSC in the morning between 03.00 and 09.00 hours (P < 0.01). The results indicated that prolonged grazing time in the period between dawn and early morning could increase daily herbage intake in cows grazed on pastures of orchardgrass cultivars with high‐WSC content.     

Effect of using an internal teat sealant at drying-off in cows wintered on forage crops in New Zealand on culling in the dry period and early lactation

AIMS: To determine the impact of treatment with internal teat sealant (ITS) compared to no treatment at drying-off on culling during the dry period and 90 days after calving, for cows wintered on forage crops.

METHODS: In four dairy herds in the South Island of New Zealand, cows with no history of clinical mastitis or somatic cell counts >100,000 cells/mL during the 2015–16 season were randomly assigned to treatment with ITS in each quarter (ITS group) or no treatment (Control group). Cows were otherwise treated similarly, wintered on forage crops and transferred to pasture for calving and lactation. Culling was defined as an unplanned exit from the herd, including cows sold for slaughter, cows slaughtered for salvage value and cows that died on farm. Culls and cull dates were recorded between drying-off and 90 days after calving.

RESULTS: Between drying-off and 90 days after calving 24/491 (4.9%) cows in the ITS group and 45/473 (9.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.51; 95% CI=0.75–0.83), and between 30 days before calving and 90 days after calving 20/491 (4.1%) cows in the ITS group and 40/473 (8.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.48; 95% CI=0.29–0.81). In the final multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for dry-period length, cow age, breed and farm, the OR for culling in the study period was 0.43 (95% CI=0.23–0.81) for cows in the ITS compared with the Control group. For a Friesian/Jersey cow, aged 4–8 years, with a dry period of 30–80 days, dried-off without ITS, the probability of culling in the study period was 0.10 (95% CI=0.06–0.16), and for such a cow treated with ITS the probability was 0.05 (95% CI=0.03–0.08).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In these four herds, the use of ITS at drying-off reduced the incidence of culling between drying-off and 90 days after calving. The use of ITS at drying-off in cows prior to wintering on forage crops may provide additional benefit to farmers through reduced incidence of culling and should be considered in any cost–benefit analysis of its use.     

Characterization of ruminal dynamics in Holstein dairy cows during the periparturient period

We used four pregnant Holstein cows to delineate ruminal adaptations as cows transitioned from one lactation to the next. Cows were fed typical diets through far-off and close-up dry periods and lactation. We measured ruminal characteristics on day 72 (late lactation), 51 (far-off dry), 23 and 9 (close-up dry) prepartum and on days 6, 20, 34, 48, 62, 76 and 90 postpartum (early lactation). Measurements included: ruminal fill (weight of actual contents), ruminal capacity (volume of rumen when fully filled), digestibilities and ruminal passage rates. Ruminal capacity tended to increase linearly during early lactation but was stable during dry and transition periods. Both total and liquid fill decreased linearly during the dry period, increased across parturition, and increased linearly through early lactation. Dry matter fill decreased as cows were fed the close-up diet at day 23 prepartum then increased near parturition and continued to increase across early lactation. Solid passage rate was greatest when cows were fed the close-up diet, and decreased throughout the transition period. In lactation, solid passage rate responded quadratically with peak at day 48 followed by decreases through day 90 postpartum. Liquid passage increased linearly across the transition period. Total tract organic matter digestibilities increased linearly over the dry period with significant increases prior to or immediately after parturition, then they remained relatively stable over early lactation until they increased at day 90. Fibre digestibilities demonstrated quadratic responses over early lactation, being higher on day 6 and day 90 than at other times. Starch digestibilities decreased linearly across both the dry and transition periods with decreases in lactation until day 62 followed by increases until day 90. High producing lactating dairy cows go through a multitude of ruminal adaptations, in terms of digestion, passage, capacity and fill, as they transition from one lactation to the next.     

青贮金针菇对荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃发酵、甲烷排放及原生动物数量的影响

文章旨在研究不同水平青贮金针菇及尿素对奶牛养分消化率、瘤胃发酵、甲烷排放及原生动物数量的影响。试验选择15头荷斯坦奶牛[(542±68)kg],随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复1头牛。试验一共设计5种日粮,对照组饲喂基础日粮,各处理组分别在基础饲粮中添加青贮金针菇,处理1组(90%青贮金针菇,10%玉米秸秆),处理2组(90%青贮金针菇,9%玉米秸秆,1%尿素),处理3组(80%青贮金针菇,20%玉米秸秆),处理4组(80%青贮金针菇,19%玉米秸秆,1%尿素)。试验期分为2周适应期和1周数据收集期。饲粮中添加青贮金针菇较对照组显著提高了酸性洗涤木质素的摄入量(P<0.05);金针菇添加水平和尿素对干物质和其他营养素的摄入量无显著影响(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,在处理组日粮中添加青贮金针菇显著增加总短链脂肪酸(SCFA)和丙酸含量(P<0.05),但乙酸含量及乙酸与丙酸比值显著降低(P<0.05)。添加青贮金针菇和尿素对短链脂肪酸含量有显著影响(P<0.05)。日粮添加80%青贮金针菇和1%尿素时,乙酸浓度显著高于未添加尿素组(P<0.05);青贮金针菇日粮添加尿素显著降低了瘤胃丁酸含量(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,在日粮中添加青贮金针菇可显著降低瘤胃原生动物总数(P<0.05)。饲粮中添加青贮金针菇可导致荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃原生动物总数逐步减少(P<0.05)。青贮金针菇日粮组中螺旋体数量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。饲喂青贮金针菇的荷斯坦奶牛较对照组显著降低了甲烷排放量(P<0.05)。综上所述,用金针菇废弃底物与尿素、玉米秸秆混合日粮可以提高奶牛日粮的营养价值,日粮添加青贮金针菇显著降低了奶牛瘤胃原生动物种群和肠道甲烷排放量。     

Relationship of the conception rate and the side (left or right) of preovulatory follicle location at artificial insemination in dairy heifers

In this study, we examined the locational effect (left or right ovary) of the preovulatory follicle (PF) on fertility in dairy heifers. In total, 1,111 artificial inseminations (AI) were analyzed. At AI, PF locations were examined using rectal palpation, and heifers were divided into two groups on their PF locations: (i) the PF located in the left ovary (L‐PF); and (ii) the PF located in the right ovary (R‐PF). Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation 60 days after AI. The conception rate was 50.7% in all heifers. Conception rate was significantly higher in the L‐PF (60.1%) than in the R‐PF (46.2%). The conception rate was significantly lower by sexed semen (48.6%) than conventional semen (59.1%). Conception rates divided by the semen type (sexed: n = 896, conventional: n = 215) were significantly higher in the L‐PF than in the R‐PF for both semen types (sexed; L‐PF vs. R‐PF: 57.3% vs. 44.4%, conventional; L‐PF vs. R‐PF: 72.3% vs. 53.3%). In addition, season, age, AI number, and the number of re‐inseminations at the same estrus did not affect conception rates. In summary, PF development in the left ovary was associated with increased conception rates in dairy heifers.