Crossbreeding effects on milk yield traits and calving interval in spring‐calving dairy cows

The aim of the study was to assess crossbreeding effects for 305‐day milk, fat, and protein yield and calving interval (CI) in Irish dairy cows (parities 1 to 5) calving in the spring from 2002 to 2006. Data included 188 927 records for production traits and 157 117 records for CI. The proportion of genes from North American Holstein Friesian (HO), Friesian (FR), Jersey (JE) and Montbéliarde (MO) breeds, and coefficients of expected heterosis for HO×FR, HO×JE and HO×MO crosses were calculated from the breed composition of cows’ parents. The model used to assess crossbreeding effects accounted for contemporary group, age at calving within parity, linear regression on gene proportions for FR, JE and MO, and linear regression on coefficients of expected heterosis for HO×FR, HO×JE and HO×MO, as fixed effects, and additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual as random. Breed effects for production traits were in favour of HO, while for CI were in favour of breeds other than HO. The highest heterosis estimates for production were for HO×JE, with first‐generation crosses yielding 477 kg more milk, 25.3 kg more fat, and 17.4 kg more protein than the average of the parental breeds. The highest estimate for CI was for HO×MO, with first‐generation crosses showing 10.2 days less CI than the average of the parental breeds. Results from this study indicate breed differences and specific heterosis effects for milk yield traits and fertility exist in Irish dairy population.     

Influence of calving difficulty on dry matter intake immediately after calving of dairy cows

We investigated the influence of calving difficulty on dry matter intake (DMI) in Holstein cows immediately after calving using 15 pregnant heifers and 15 multiparous cows. DMI was measured for 6 days after calving. Calving difficulty was evaluated with a calving score, and urinary cortisol was measured. The calving score was higher in the first lactation heifers than in the multiparous cows. The average DMI 6 days after calving was lower in the first lactation heifers than in the multiparous cows. The urinary cortisol concentration at 4 days after calving was higher in the first lactation heifers than in the multiparous cows and was positively associated with the calving score. The DMI was negatively associated with the calving score and the urinary cortisol concentration at 4 days after calving and was positively associated with the average milk yield 6 days after calving and the serum calcium concentration at 3 days after calving. We conclude that DMI immediately after calving is influenced not only by nutrient requirements of cows but also stress derived from calving, and the low DMI in the first lactation heifers is due to the lower energy requirement and high susceptibility to the stress compared with multiparous cows.     

Effect of restricting silage feeding prepartum on time of calving,dystocia and stillbirth in Holstein-Friesian cows

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of restricting silage feeding on time of calving and calving performance in Holstein-Friesian cows. In the treatment group (n = 1,248 cows, 12 herds) silage feeding commenced in the evening (17:00 to 20:00 h), after a period of restricted access (2 to 10 h) while in the control group ad-libitum access to silage was provided over the 24 h period (n = 1,193 cows, 12 herds). Daytime and nighttime calvings were defined as calvings occurring between the hours of 06:30 and 00:29 and between 00:30 and 06:29, respectively. Restricting access to silage resulted in less calvings at night compared to cows with ad-libitum access to silage (18 vs 22%, P < 0.05). Cows with restricted access to silage had a higher percentage of difficult calvings (11 vs 7%, P < 0.001) and stillbirths (7 vs 5%, P < 0.05) compared to cows in the control group. The percentage of calvings at night was lower (13%) when access to silage was restricted for 10 h compared to 2, 4 or 6 h (22, 18, 25%, respectively) (P < 0.001). Calf sire breed, calf gender or cow parity did not influence time of calving. In conclusion, offering silage to pregnant Holstein-Friesian cows in the evening, after a period of restricted access, reduced the incidence of nighttime calvings, but increased the incidence of dystocia and stillbirth.     

Effect of dietary phosphorus content on milk production and phosphorus excretion in dairy cows

Background：Phosphorus（P） supplementation is costly and can result in excess P excretion.This study investigated the effects of reducing dietary P on milk production and P excretion in dairy cows over a full lactation.Method：Forty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 15 blocks according to expected calving date and previous milk yield,and assigned randomly to one of the three dietary treatments：0.37,0.47,and 0.57%P（DM basis）;these P levels represent the NRC recommendations,Chinese recommendations,and the amount of dietary P commonly fed by Chinese dairy farmers,respectively.Average daily feed intake was calculated from monthly data on feed offered and refused.Milk yields of individual cows were recorded weekly,and milk samples were taken for analysis of protein,fat,solids-not-fat,lactose,and somatic cell count.Blood samples were collected on days-6,-3,0,3,6 relative to calving,and then monthly throughout lactation,and analyzed for P and Ca concentrations.Spot samples of feces and urine were collected for 3 consecutive d during weeks 12,24,and 36,and P concentrations were analyzed.Reproduction and health data were recorded.Results：Dietary P did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield（P〉 0.10）.Milk fat content was slightly higher in cows fed 0.37%P than in cows fed 0.47%P（P = 0.05）.Serum concentrations of P and Ca did not reflect dietary P content（P〉 0.10）.Fecal and urinary P both declined linearly（P〈 0.05） as dietary P decreased from 0.57 to0.37%.Fecal P content was 25%less when dietary P was 0.37%compared to 0.57%.Health events and reproductive performance were not associated with dietary P content（P〉 0.05）.Conclusions：Lowering dietary P from 0.57 to 0.37%did not negatively affect milk production,but did significantly reduce P excretion into environment.     

Effect of dietary phosphorus content on milk production and phosphorus excretion in dairy cows

Background

Phosphorus (P) supplementation is costly and can result in excess P excretion. This study investigated the effects of reducing dietary P on milk production and P excretion in dairy cows over a full lactation.

Method

Forty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 15 blocks according to expected calving date and previous milk yield, and assigned randomly to one of the three dietary treatments: 0.37, 0.47, and 0.57% P (DM basis); these P levels represent the NRC recommendations, Chinese recommendations, and the amount of dietary P commonly fed by Chinese dairy farmers, respectively. Average daily feed intake was calculated from monthly data on feed offered and refused. Milk yields of individual cows were recorded weekly, and milk samples were taken for analysis of protein, fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, and somatic cell count. Blood samples were collected on days −6, −3, 0, 3, 6 relative to calving, and then monthly throughout lactation, and analyzed for P and Ca concentrations. Spot samples of feces and urine were collected for 3 consecutive d during weeks 12, 24, and 36, and P concentrations were analyzed. Reproduction and health data were recorded.

Results

Dietary P did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield (P > 0.10). Milk fat content was slightly higher in cows fed 0.37% P than in cows fed 0.47% P (P = 0.05). Serum concentrations of P and Ca did not reflect dietary P content (P > 0.10). Fecal and urinary P both declined linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary P decreased from 0.57 to 0.37%. Fecal P content was 25% less when dietary P was 0.37% compared to 0.57%. Health events and reproductive performance were not associated with dietary P content (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Lowering dietary P from 0.57 to 0.37% did not negatively affect milk production, but did significantly reduce P excretion into environment.     

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 calving age, breed fraction and month of calving on calving interval and survival across parities in Irish spring-calving dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of parity, age at calving, percentage North American Holstein-Friesian and calving date on subsequent calving interval and survival to facilitate the estimation of transition probabilities for month of calving. The economic value of traits that influence calving date, age distribution and survival can be assessed in models using a transition probability matrix. Such a matrix contains the probabilities that a cow of a particular age or breed calving in a particular month will calve in the same, an earlier or later month next year, or be culled. Following editing 1,046,855 calving records in spring-calving herds between the years 1990 and 2004 were analysed. Shorter calving intervals were associated with cows calving later in the calendar year. Age at first calving of < 24 months resulted in longer calving intervals to second calving across all levels of Holstein percentage with cows calving for the first time at 25–26 months of age having the shortest subsequent calving interval. Age at second calving of 37–38 months and third calving of 49–50 months were optimum for shorter subsequent calving intervals. Calving interval increased with Holstein percentage across the first 5 parities. Survival rate decreased with later month of calving and with older parities. When survival rate was measured as the ability of the cow to re-calve within 500 days, the highest survival rate was found in cows calving at 25–26 months of age whereas there was a noticeable reduction in survival across all parities in the 88–100% Holstein percent category.     

过瘤胃赖氨酸对奶牛产乳量及乳成分的影响

试验采用随机分组试验设计,选择健康的中国荷斯坦奶牛48头,按照胎次、产奶量、泌乳日期一致原则,均匀分成4组,试验各组基础日粮相同,就饲粮中添加过瘤胃赖氨酸(Lys)对乳牛产乳量及乳成分的影响进行研究。4个处理组分别为:对照组(0添加组)不添加过瘤胃赖氨酸(RPLys)和试验Ⅰ组添加10 g(/头.d)、试验Ⅱ组添加20 g(/头.d)和试验Ⅲ组添加30 g(/头.d)。试验结果显示:经过饲喂后,试验各组与对照组相比,产奶量显著提高;试验Ⅲ组和试验Ⅱ组都与对照组差异显著(P0.05),其中试验Ⅲ组与对照组差异极显著(P0.01);乳蛋白含量有所提高,其中试验Ⅲ组与对照组有显著差异(P0.05);其他乳成分指标略有提高,但差异不显著(P0.05)。     

不同预混料及缓冲剂对奶牛泌乳性能的影响

选择6头荷斯坦奶牛研究添加预混料和复合缓冲剂对奶牛产奶量和乳脂成分的影响。试验采用3×3重复拉丁方设计,分3组处理:(Ⅰ)基础日粮+1%市售商品预混料(对照组);(Ⅱ)基础日粮+1%新型预混料;(Ⅲ)基础日粮+1%新型预混料+复合缓冲剂。结果表明:1)试验Ⅲ组的粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维的表观消化率均高于其他两组,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。2)试验Ⅲ组产奶量为23.98kg/d,比试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组分别提高5.78%和3.67%,且差异极显著(P>0.05);试验Ⅲ组的乳脂率、乳蛋白、乳糖和非脂固形物均显著高于试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组。3)试验Ⅲ组奶牛血糖含量为86.83mg/dL,极显著高于试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组;试验各组血清尿素氮含量无显著差异(P>0.05)。     

Effects of increasing days of exposure to prepartum transition diets on milk production and milk composition in dairy cows

Objective To evaluate the effects of length of exposure to prepartum transition diets on milk yield, fat and protein production. Design Prospective cohort study. The number of days that the cows were fed the prepartum transition diets was the exposure of interest. Procedures Holstein and Holstein x Jersey cows (n = 1008) were enrolled. Diets given in the far-off dry period (from end of lactation until approximately 3 weeks before expected parturition) consisted of ad libitum access to perennial ryegrass pastures. Prepartum transition diets included perennial ryegrass pasture, ryegrass silage, cereal hay, grain, grain by-product, protein meals, BioChlor(R), sodium monensin, virginiamycin or tylosin, MgSO(4), trace elements and vitamins. On a dry matter basis, these contained 16.0% crude protein, 4.2% rumen undegradable protein, and 9.9 mJ metabolisable energy/kg. Diets provided an estimated metabolisable protein balance of 286 g/day and dietary cation anion difference of -150 meq/kg dry matter. Statistical models controlled for effects of herd, calving day, breed, age and gestation period. Results Increasing length of exposure to the prepartum transition diets significantly increased the 4.0% fat- and 3.2% protein-corrected milk yield and milk-protein yield as a linear and quadratic effect. The optimal duration of exposure to the prepartum transition diets was 25 days for fat- and protein-corrected milk production and 22 days for milk protein production. Milk-fat percentage decreased significantly and linearly with increasing exposure to the prepartum transition diets; however, milk-fat yield or milk-protein percentage did not vary significantly with duration of exposure to the diets. Conclusions Increasing exposure to prepartum transition diets increased milk and milk-protein yields and decreased the milk fat-percentage, but not the milk-protein percentage or milk-fat yield. Aust Vet J 2008;86:341-351.     

Comparison of milk and plasma pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in postpartum versus mid‐lactation Holstein cows

The objective of this study reported here was determine whether differences occurred in meloxicam pharmacokinetics between postpartum cows and mid‐lactation cows. Preliminary data from a separate study (P. J. Gorden, unpublished data) in postpartum cows demonstrated elevated plasma and milk concentration profiles compared to previously published data (Malreddy, Coetzee, KuKanich, & Gehring, 2013 ). Two different groups were enrolled, each with 10 cows. The treatment group (TRT) was postpartum cows treated with meloxicam, and the positive control (PC) group was cows in mid‐lactation treated with meloxicam. Plasma and milk meloxicam concentrations between the TRT and PC group were compared. Significant differences in meloxicam concentration in plasma were determined at all time points from 8 hr to 120 hr post‐treatment. In milk, there was a treatment (p = .003), time (p < .001), and treatment by time interaction (p < .001). Significant differences in milk meloxicam concentration were determined at all time points from 8 hr to 96 hr post‐treatment, except for the 16‐hr time point. The time needed for meloxicam to no longer be detected in milk of the TRT group was longer compared to the PC group, indicating that a longer milk withdrawal is needed. These data suggest higher bioavailability as the underlying mechanism. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying differences this outcome.     

Effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide on inflammatory responses,milk production and milk quality in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory responses and milk production and quality in lactating dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows were assigned to two treatments in a cross‐over experimental design. Cows were infused intravenously either with saline solution or with saline solution containing LPS from Escherichia coli O111:B4 at a dose of 0.01 μg LPS/kg body weight for approximately 6 hr each day during a seven‐day trial. The clinical symptoms and milk production performance were observed. Milk samples were analysed for conventional components, fatty acids and amino acids. And jugular vein and mammary vein plasma samples were analysed for concentrations of cytokines and acute phase proteins. LPS infusion decreased feed intake and milk yield. An increase in body temperature was observed after LPS infusion. LPS infusion also increased plasma concentrations of interleukin‐1β, serum amyloid A, LPS‐binding protein, C‐reactive protein and haptoglobin. LPS infusion decreased the contents of some fatty acids, such as C17:1, C18:0, C18:1n9 (trans) and C18:2n6 (trans), and most amino acids except for methionine, threonine, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine and proline in the milk. The results indicated that a continued low dose infusion of LPS can induce an inflammatory response, decrease milk production and reduce milk quality.     

Clinical endometritis with Trueperella pyogenes reduces reproductive performance and milk production in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of Trueperella pyogenes in cows with clinical endometritis (CE) on reproductive performance and milk production in affected cows. In total, 230 lactating Holstein dairy cows from six commercial dairy herds were sampled once between 28 and 33 days post-partum. Cows included in the present study did not receive antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatments prior to the experimental period. Clinical endometritis (CE) was characterized as cow with vaginal mucus score = 3 (>50% of purulent vaginal discharge) and >18% polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte (PMNL). The body condition scores (BCS) and milk production were evaluated at the time of enrolment. The identification of isolated bacteria was carried out through the analysis of MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). According to uterine health, three groups of dairy cows were formed: healthy control cows without T. pyogenes (n = 147), CE cows with T. pyogenes (n = 22) and CE cows without T. pyogenes (n = 61). CE cows with T. pyogenes had lower BCS, milk production and conception at first AI (p < .01) than CE cows without T. pyogenes and control cows. Furthermore, CE cows with T. pyogenes had higher (p < .01) service per pregnancy and had greater (p < .01) days to get pregnant than CE cows without T. pyogenes and control cows. This study demonstrates that CE cows with T. pyogenes had impaired reproductive performance and milk production when compared to cows without CE and CE cows without T. pyogenes. This information can contribute to a strategic treatment in cows affected by clinical endometritis, favouring the rational use of antibiotics on dairy farms.     

Wintertime pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered meloxicam in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)

ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacokinetics of orally and intravenously (IV) administered meloxicam in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).Study designA crossover design with an 11 day washout period.AnimalsA total of eight young male reindeer, aged 1.5–2.5 years and weighing 74.3 ± 6.3 kg, mean ± standard deviation.MethodsThe reindeer were administered meloxicam (0.5 mg kg^–1 IV or orally). Blood samples were repeatedly collected from the jugular vein for up to 72 hours post administration. Plasma samples were analysed for meloxicam concentrations with ultraperformance liquid chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental analysis for determination of pharmacokinetic variables was performed.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic values, median (range), were determined. Elimination half-life (t_½) with the IV route (n = 4) was 15.2 (13.2–16.8) hours, the volume of distribution at steady state was 133 (113–151) mL kg^?1 and clearance was 3.98 (2.63–5.29) mL hour^–1 kg^–1. After oral administration (n = 7), the peak plasma concentration (C_max) was detected at 6 hours, t_½ was 19.3 (16.7–20.5) hours, C_max 1.82 (1.17–2.78) μg mL^–1 and bioavailability (n = 3) 49 (46–73)%. No evident adverse effects were detected after either administration route.Conclusions and clinical relevanceA single dose of meloxicam (0.5 mg kg^–1 IV or orally) has the potential to maintain the therapeutic concentration determined in other species for up to 3 days in reindeer plasma.     

饲喂复合益生菌对泌乳中期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

本文旨在研究不同剂量的复合益生菌制剂对泌乳中期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响。试验选用18头体重、胎次、产奶量均相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用完全随机设计,分为3个处理组,即(对照组)、0.6×1011 cfu/d(试验1组)与1.2×1011 cfu/d(试验2组),试验期70 d(预试期10 d,正试期60 d)。结果表明:试验1组、2组与对照组相比产奶量分别提高3.11%、4.80%,4%乳脂校正乳提高5.14%、8.07%,能量校正乳提高4.74%、8.76%,差异均显著(P<0.05);试验2组较对照组乳脂率和乳蛋白率分别提高5.56%、5.86%,并显著提高乳脂、乳蛋白、非脂乳固体物的产量(P<0.05)。两试验组牛奶中的乳糖率及乳糖产量与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05)。这表明,日粮中饲喂复合益生菌可以显著提高奶牛生产性能,从而提高饲料利用效率。     

Effect of relationships among clinical mastitis incidence,reproductive performance,and culling rate on the lifetime of dairy cows at Hiroshima University Farm

Farm managers' decision to cull dairy cows is based on the cows' milk production, history of disorder(s), and reproductive performance, each of which affects dairy cows' lifetime (herd life and productive lifespan). We investigated the relationships among the incidence of clinical mastitis (CM), the reproductive performance, and the culling rate. We also assessed the effects of these relationships on the lifetimes of dairy cows, using the records made before and after the introduction of an automatic milking system (AMS) at Hiroshima University Farm. Milk yield, CM incidence density, and culling rate of dairy cows increased after the AMS introduction. The CM incidence was associated with an elongation of the calving interval in cows with the same parity. CM in the 1st parity might have caused the reductions of the cows' lifetime and their parity at culling. A higher age at first calving (AFC) was associated with an increase in culling rate but did not lead to a significant decrease in lifetime. Investigations of the factors mediating CM in the 1st parity or AFC with CM incidence or culling rate in the later stages might contribute to the control of lifetime of dairy cows.     

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Cratylia argentea to creole dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and milk composition

The effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Cratylia argentea (Desvaux) O. Kuntze to dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and milk composition was studied in the dry tropics in Nicaragua. The treatments were sorghum silage ad libitum, either unsupplemented or supplemented with 2 kg or 3 kg of Cratylia on a dry matter (DM) basis. Six Bos indicus cows of the Creole Reyna breed, with a mean body weight of 386 (SD 19) kg were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design. Supplementation with Cratylia increased (p < 0.05) DM intake from 6.6 to 7.8 and 8.7 kg DM/day and milk production from 3.9 to 5.1 and 5.7 kg/day for sorghum silage alone and supplementation with 2 kg and 3 kg DM of Cratylia, respectively. Milk fat, total solids and crude protein and organoleptic characteristics (smell, taste and colour) were not significantly different among diets. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were not affected significantly by supplementation with Cratylia. However, crude protein (CP) digestibility increased (p < 0.05) in the diets supplemented with Cratylia compared to sorghum silage alone. In conclusion Cratylia given as a protein supplement to a low-quality diet improved DM intake and CP digestibility of the diet and increased milk production, but did not affect milk composition.     

Influence of the duration of calving and obstetric assistance on the placental retention index in Holstein dairy cows

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of duration of calving and obstetric assistance on retained placenta incidence of high milk production Holstein cows. Experimental groups were determined according to the duration of the expulsive phase of calving: 2 h (n = 16), 2‐4 h (n = 16) and >4 h (n = 12), and additionally allocated in two sub‐groups: spontaneous calving (n = 22) and intervention calving (n = 22). Diagnosis of retained placenta was considered with a threshold of 8 h after the expulsive phase. Cows without obstetric intervention, with labor duration of 2 h, presented reduced time needed for placental release, in comparison to those with obstetric assistance. In the 2–4 h group and >4 h, there was no statistical difference. The 2 h and 2–4 h groups with intervention and the spontaneous >4 h group were considered retained placenta groups. On the other hand, performing obstetric intervention when calving period was superior to 4 h nulled the occurrence of retention of fetal membranes. As a conclusion, obstetric assistance predisposes placental retention to calving with <2 h of duration in dairy cows. Conversely, when calving is more than 4 h, performing fetal extraction has a beneficial influence on preventing retained placenta.     

过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇对乳牛瘤胃发酵、产乳量及乳成分的影响

用 8头荷斯坦黑白花奶牛 ,在饲粮中添加过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇 ,研究其对乳牛瘤胃发酵、产乳量及乳成分的影响。结果表明 ,过瘤胃蛋白+丙二醇可显著提高丙酸浓度 (P <0 0 5) ,并且产乳量较对照组有增加的趋势。乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率及无脂固形物率 ,并未因添加过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇而受到显著影响 (P >0 0 5)。乳蛋白质量、乳脂量及无脂固形物量 ,过瘤胃蛋白 +丙二醇组较对照组有增加的趋势 ,但差异均不显著 (P >0 0 5)。