Effects of increasing days of exposure to prepartum diets on the concentration of certain blood metabolites in dairy cows

Objective To evaluate the effect of the number of days exposure to a prepartum transition diet on mineral, energy and protein metabolism in dairy cows. Design A prospective cohort study. Procedures The prepartum transition diet consisted of ryegrass pasture, cereal hay, grain, grain by-product, protein meals, BioChlor®, rumen modifiers, minerals and vitamins and contained 13.9% crude protein, 10.0 MJ metabolisable energy/kg and a dietary cation anion difference of −35 meq/kg dry matter. Forty cows were bled bi-weekly from their introduction to the prepartum transition diet until day 35 of lactation. Blood samples were submitted for estimation of a range of metabolites. Cubic smoothed splines were fitted to scatterplots of metabolite concentration as a function of day relative to calving and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Linear regression modelling determined the effect of days exposed, age, body condition score (BSC) and calving day on AUC. Results The prepartum AUC of blood phosphorus and beta-hydroxybutyrate increased and the AUC of blood calcium and cholesterol decreased with increasing days exposed to the diet. The postpartum AUC of beta-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids decreased with increasing days exposed but increased with days exposed × age and days exposed × BCS, respectively. The AUC of other metabolites did not vary significantly with number of days exposed. Conclusions Increasing exposure to the prepartum diet significantly altered the AUC of blood metabolites associated with mineral, energy and protein metabolism in ways consistent with improvements in production and reproduction previously reported and the result suggests links between energy, protein and skeletal metabolism.     

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.     

Effect of diets containing sulfate or chloride-based anionic salts,fed to grazing prepartum dairy cows,on concentrations of Ca in plasma,disease incidence and milk yield

AIMS: To compare the effect of two partial mixed ration diets containing either sulfate or chloride-based anionic salts, fed to grazing prepartum dairy cows, on concentrations of Ca, Mg, P and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in plasma, disease incidence and milk yield during the early postpartum period.

METHODS: The study was conducted on a seasonal-calving grazing dairy farm located in Benton (MO, USA). In August 2016, two groups of 200 cows were randomly assigned at 30 days before expected parturition to receive either a sulfate or chloride-based anionic diet, to achieve a dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) of ?25?mEq/kg DM. Cows were fed partial mixed rations to provide 50% of their DM intake, with 50% provided by grazing fescue pasture. Urine samples were collected from 20 cows from each group once a week for 5 weeks until calving for pH assessment. At parturition, 42 cows per group were selected at random and blood samples collected on Days 1, 2, 3 and 7 postpartum. The study continued until 100 cows per group calved. Health events and cumulative milk yield until 30 days postpartum were recorded. Concentrations of Ca, P, and Mg in plasma at Days 1, 2, 3, and 7, and BHB in plasma at Day 7 postpartum were assessed.

RESULTS: Mean urine pH was lower in cows in the chloride than sulfate group (p≤0.06) on four of five sampling occasions. Mean concentrations of Ca in plasma on Day 1 were 2.00 (95% CI=1.94–2.05) and 1.91 (95% CI=1.88–1.97) mmol/L for the chloride and sulfate groups, respectively (p=0.15), and on Day 3 were 2.03 (95% CI=1.97–2.08) and 1.90 (95% CI=1.84–1.96) mmol/L, respectively (p=0.038). Concentrations of Mg, P and BHB in plasma and incidence of diseases postpartum were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There were no cases of clinical hypocalcaemia in either group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prepartum cows fed a partial mixed ration with a negative DCAD containing chloride-based anionic salts and free access to a fescue pasture had lower prepartum urine pH, and higher concentrations of total Ca in plasma during the first week postpartum, than cows receiving a partial mixed ration containing sulfate-based anionic salts.     

日粮阴阳离子平衡对泌乳中后期热应激奶牛血液生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究日粮阴阳离子平衡对泌乳中后期热应激奶牛血液生化指标的影响,选取试验奶牛32头分为4组,每组8头,日粮DCAB分别为对照组83 mEq/kgDM、试验Ⅰ组172 mEq/kgDM、试验Ⅱ组217 mEq/kgDM、试验Ⅲ组357 mEq/kgDM.研究结果表明:DCAB增加可在一定程度上提高奶牛血液的缓冲能力,缓解奶牛热应激,随DCAB增加,血液的pH值及HCO3-浓度升高,CO2分压下降,差异均不显著(P>0.05);高的DCAB能增加血液Na+、K+浓度,K+显著增加,Cl-显著下降(P<0.05);高水平的DCAB日粮,能使泌乳中后期血液ALP含量增加, CK、ALT含量减少,差异不显著(P>0.05).综合DCAB对血液缓冲能力、血液生化指标等方面考虑,在泌乳中后期DCAB为217 mEq/kgDM时饲喂效果较好.     

奶牛营养平衡与需要量

随着我国奶牛业的快速发展,奶牛对日粮营养平衡的要求越来越高,而正确理解奶牛的营养需要对制定营养平衡的日粮配方非常重要。本文主要从能量、蛋白质、纤维、矿物质和维生素方面探讨奶牛的适宜营养需要量。     

Influence of varying levels of dietary cation anion difference on ruminal characteristics,nitrogen metabolism and in situ digestion kinetics in buffalo bulls

This study was conducted to examine the influence of varying dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal characteristics, blood acid base status and in situ digestion kinetics in Nili Ravi buffalo bulls. Four iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric diets having ?110, +110, +220 and +330 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) DCAD were formulated which were represented by A (anionic), LC (low cationic), MC (medium cationic) and HC (high cationic), respectively. These diets were used in four ruminally cannulated Nili Ravi buffalo bulls in a 4 × 4 Latin Square Design. Improved nutrient intake was recorded at high DCAD levels while digestibility remained unaffected. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, rumen pH, acetate and acetate : propionate ratio were higher in buffalo bulls fed MC and HC diets than those fed A and LC diets. Blood pH and HCO₃^‐ also tended to increase as DCAD level was increased in the diet. Serum Ca and Cl concentrations were higher in bulls fed A and LC diets whereas serum Mg, P and S remained unaffected. Urine pH increased with increasing DCAD level. Nitrogen intake and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were also higher in bulls fed MC and HC diets. There was a consistent increase in ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber degradability, rate of disappearance and extent of digestion at high DCAD levels in the diet. However, lag time decreased at high DCAD level. This study indicated that buffalo bulls fed MC and HC diets improved feed intake, ruminal characteristics and digestion kinetics.     

酵母铬对围产前期奶牛抗氧化能力的影响

研究在日粮中添加不同水平的酵母铬对围产前期奶牛抗氧化性能的影响。选用20头体况和预产期相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为4组,对照组为基础日粮,3个处理组在基础日粮中分别添加2.4、4.8和7.2g/d的酵母铬。结果显示,与对照组相比,添加酵母铬可以提高血清中总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱苷肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）的活力（P〈0.01）;在4.8g/d铬水平下,与对照组相比饲喂酵母铬奶牛血清丙二醛（MDA）含量显著降低（P〈0.01）。结果表明,基础日粮添加酵母铬,0.4mg Cr/kg干物质（DM）可提高围产前期奶牛抗氧化能力。     

Comparison of two methods of detecting purulent vaginal discharge in postpartum dairy cows and effect of intrauterine cephapirin on reproductive performance

Objective   Part 1: compare the use of a Metricheck™ device (a stainless steel probe with a semi-spherical rubber cup attached at one end) to sample the contents of the anterior vagina with a vaginal speculum examination for the diagnosis of pus in the vagina of postpartum dairy cows and to investigate the association of that pus with reproductive performance. Part 2: assess the effect of a single intrauterine infusion of 500 mg cephapirin in cows diagnosed with vaginal purulent or mucopurulent discharge 7 to 28 days after calving on reproductive performance.
Procedure   Six herds were visited fortnightly to examine cows that had calved between 7 and 28 days (n = 423) with both the Metricheck device and a vaginal speculum to score, by each method, the vaginal discharge from 0 (clear or absent) to 3 (purulent) for each animal included in the study. Half of the cows that had a positive discharge score (1 to 3 by either examination method) were then treated with an intrauterine infusion of 500 mg of cephapirin. The relationship between Metricheck score, vaginoscopy score, treatment and reproductive performance was assessed.
Results   There was a substantial measure of agreement between each method when scores were analysed by status. Cows that were positive with either method had inferior reproductive performance compared with cows with a score of zero. Treatment of cows diagnosed with a purulent or mucopurulent discharge with intrauterine cephapirin improved reproductive performance in both the vaginoscopy and Metricheck groups.     

Using rumination time to manage health and reproduction in dairy cattle: a review

Early detection of disease is the key to successful management of the dairy cattle which leads to timely treatment and prevention of costs associated with prolonged treatment and reduced milk yield. Electronic systems that allow for monitoring of physiological parameters like rumination, are now commercially available. This review paper discusses different aspects of rumination time that could be used to monitor the health and reproduction of dairy cattle. This review paper explored different areas where rumination time could be utilized in monitoring dairy cattle at calving, during the estrus period, during heat stressed conditions, and to detect diseases and transition cow disorders. In conclusion, rumination time could be used as an indicator of the health status in dairy cattle.     

The impact of installation of automatic milking system on production and reproduction traits of dairy cows

The objective of the research was the evaluation of change in the traditional milking system using automatic milking system in the scope of the selected reproduction features of dairy cows of the Polish Holstein–Friesian breed. Animal material consisted of 2,818 cows used on nine farms equipped with the automatic milking system Astronaut A4 made by Lely. The cows were controlled in the scope of services per conception, service period, length of pregnancy, calving interval and calving to conception period, milk yield, protein and fat content obtained in lactations of 305 days. The selected traits were observed between 2005 and 2015. In this period, the milking system was changed from the conventional to automated one. The collected data material was statistically processed, using the multifactorial analysis of variance. The period between the first calving and the second effective insemination was reduced by 11.8 days, and the period between the second calving and the third effective insemination was shortened by 4 days after the installation of the automatic milking system. The increase in milk yield by 466 kg during 305‐day lactation was observed among primiparous cows. The percentage of protein and fat content in the researched groups decreased; moreover, the fall of intergroup variability was noticeable, which may be a sign of the levelling of the yield within the herd.     

营养强化培育对硬头鳟亲鱼繁殖性能的影响

将8组硬头鳟亲鱼分成实验组和对照组,每组4个重复,在基础饲料中添加富含EPA和DHA的营养强化剂后,对实验组亲鱼进行为期4个月的营养强化,各组亲鱼产卵孵化后与未投喂营养强化剂的对照组进行各项指标的比较。实验结果表明,粗蛋白为43%,粗脂肪为10%的饲料能满足硬头鳟亲鱼的生长和性腺发育的营养需求,雌雄鱼性能发育普遍成熟。在硬头鳟饲料中补充EPA和DHA后对亲鱼繁殖性能有改善和促进作用。     

Dietary cation and anion difference: Effects on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats under tropical conditions

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats. Ten dairy goats were selected and divided into two groups, five animals each. Animals received either control DCAD (control, 22.81 mEq/100 g dry matter (DM)) or high DCAD (DCAD, 39.08 mEq/100 g DM). The results indicated that rectal temperature (Tr), respiration rate, milk yield and compositions did not differ between groups. But the percentage change of Tr from the DCAD group was lower than the control group between 09.00 and 13.00 hours. DM intake tended to increase in the DCAD group. Dairy goats in the DCAD group drank more water, but urinary excretion and plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration remained unchanged. Apparent water balance was higher from the DCAD group over 24 h. There was no effect of DCAD on plasma and blood volumes, but tended to increase in extracellular fluid and thereby increased total body water. The present results indicate that animals supplemented with high DCAD increase their total body water and apparent water balance. These results have contributed to the process of adaptation for evaporative cooling and would be useful in slowing down the elevation in Tr.     

Continuous measurement of reticuloruminal pH values in dairy cows during the transition period from barn to pasture feeding using an indwelling wireless data transmitting unit

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the transition from barn feeding to pasture on the pattern of reticuloruminal pH values in 8 multiparous dairy cows. A indwelling wireless data transmitting system for pH measurement was given to 8 multiparous cows orally. Reticuloruminal pH values were measured every 600 s over a period of 42 days. After 7 days of barn feeding (period 1), all of the animals were pastured with increasing grazing times from 2 to 7 h/day over 7 days (period 2). From day 15 to day 21 (period 3), the cows spent 7 h/day on pasture. Beginning on day 22, the animals had 20 h/day access to pasture (day and night grazing). To study reticuloruminal adaptation to pasture feeding, the phase of day and night grazing was subdivided into another 3 weekly periods (periods 4–6). Despite a mild transition period from barn feeding to pasture, significant effects on reticuloruminal pH values were observed. During barn feeding, the mean reticuloruminal pH value for all of the cows was 6.44 ± 0.14, and the pH values decreased significantly (p < 0.001) during period 2 and 3 to 6.24 ± 0.17 and 6.21 ± 0.19 respectively. During periods 4, 5 and 6, the reticuloruminal pH values increased again (pH 6.25 ± 0.22; pH 6.31 ± 0.17; pH 6.37 ± 0.16). Our results showed that the animals had significantly lowered reticuloruminal pH during the periods of feed transition from barn to pasture feeding. Despite these significant changes, the decrease was not harmful, as indicated by data of feed intake and milk production.     

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)。     

日粮中添加脂肪酸钙对奶牛生产性能的影响

选取24头处于泌乳前期的中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用配对设计分成4组,研究奶牛日粮中分别添加200g棕榈油脂肪酸钙、大豆油脂肪酸钙和葵花籽油脂肪酸钙对奶牛采食量、产奶量及乳品质的影响。结果表明:日粮中添加3种脂肪酸钙均不影响奶牛采食量(P>0.05);添加棕榈油脂肪酸钙后产奶量提高10.45%、乳脂率提高7.42%、乳蛋白率降低4.67%、乳干物质提高1.41%(P>0.05);添加大豆油脂肪酸钙后产奶量提高4.25%、乳脂率提高8.54%、乳蛋白率降低4.64%、乳干物质提高2.67%(P>0.05);添加葵花籽油脂肪酸钙后产奶量提高4.76%、乳脂率提高3.52%、乳蛋白率降低3.35%、乳干物质提高1.42%(P>0.05)。     

日粮阴阳离子差对奶牛的影响及其在生产实践中的应用研究进展

阴阳离子差(DCAD)是指日粮中每千克或每百克干物质所含的主要阳离子（Na⁺、K⁺、Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺）毫摩尔数与主要阴离子（Cl^-、S^2-、PO^3-₄）毫摩尔数之差。DCAD直接影响奶牛血液的酸碱平衡及酶系统等的功能，可以改善奶牛的健康状况、提高奶牛生产性能。在此，作者综述了国内外关于调节日粮阴阳离子差对奶牛影响的研究结果及现状，探讨了DCAD在奶牛不同阶段生产实践中的应用。     

Effects of anionic salts supplementation on blood pH and mineral status, energy metabolism, reproduction and production in transition dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a pre-partum diet with lower than recommended (DCAD = −82 mEq/kg of dietary DM) amounts of anionic salts on metabolism, health, reproductive performance and milk production in dairy cows. Sixty Holstein multiparous cows were enrolled 21 days prior to expected calving date. The animals were randomly assigned to receive one of two rations: 30 cows received anionic ration [−82 mEq (NA + K − Cl − S)/kg of DM] for 21 d to parturition and the other group (n = 30) were fed a usual dry period ration (+192 mEq/kg of DM). Serum samples obtained at days −21, +3 and +21 relative to calving were analyzed for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Urine pH declined from 8.4 at 21 d before calving (pre-treatment) to 6.2 at day 7 pre-partum in the treatment group. Repeated-measure mixed model analysis indicated that the concentrations of Ca were significantly increased and creatinine, and AST were significantly decreased by lowering DCAD. The concentrations of BHBA, NEFA and glucose were not affected by treatment. The incidence of milk fever and culling were 5 and 11 times higher in the control group in comparison with the treatment group, respectively. The intervals from calving to first breeding and to pregnancy were not influenced by treatment. There was no group effect on average daily milk yield or fat percentage.     

Association between feeding perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cultivar Grasslands impact) containing high concentrations of ergovaline, and health and productivity in a herd of lactating dairy cows

Perennial ryegrasses are frequently infected with fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) to increase the resistance of the plant to insect damage. Unfortunately, a side effect of endophyte infection can be the production of alkaloids, including Lolitrem B and ergovaline, that produce toxic effects in animals. A significant 4.6 litre decrease in milk production in a herd of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows was associated with high concentrations of ergovaline in ryegrass silage. Simultaneously, milk SCC increased significantly over a comparable period and reproductive performance declined. Body condition score and coat condition of cows were adversely affected. Unique aspects of this Case report include; very stable production of the herd over a period of years before and after cessation of feeding silage containing high concentrations of ergovaline; the presence of high concentrations of ergovaline in the silage; and a controlled diet that reduced the risks of variation in feed availability and other sources of toxins. Veterinarians and other farm advisors should be aware of the potential for negative effects on animal health and production of fungal endophyte and the potential for Neotyphodium lolii to produce ergovaline.     

日粮阳阴离子负平衡对预防奶牛围产期产褥热的影响(英文)

奶牛在围产期需经历内分泌、营养、代谢及生理状态上的一系列变化以适应分娩及泌乳的起动.如果营养管理不能较好的满足这些变化,那么奶牛则面临着发生各种围产期疾病的威胁.产褥热是一种常见的营养代谢病,多发于高龄及高产奶牛.奶牛分娩和泌乳的起动造成低血钙症,而当从肠道吸收的和从骨骼中动用的钙不能完全补充从血液中动用的血钙量时,产褥热就会发生.而有效的预防措施是减少产褥热带来经济损失的最佳途径.其中最常用的有效预防方法之一是饲喂阴离子日粮,即使得日粮阳阴离子负平衡(DCAD).这主要是由于日粮负离子平衡引起奶牛轻微的代谢酸中毒,并激发对骨钙的动员和吸收.然而,饲喂阴离子日粮亦存在一些问题:主要是其适口性较差,故可能降低干物质采食量.因此对于阴离子日粮饲喂管理的监控则十分重要,而尿液pH提供了一种有效且相对准确的用来判定添加是否适当的标准.此外,还对近年来此领域相关的研究结果进行了论述和探讨,以便读者了解利用日粮负离子平衡预防围产期奶牛产褥热发生的相关知识.     

Low potassium diets with different levels of calcium in comparison with different anionic diets fed to prepartum dairy cows: Effects on sorting behaviour,total tract digestibility,energy metabolism,oxidative status and hormonal response

This study investigated the effects of low potassium diets with different levels of Ca compared to two diets low in dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) fed prepartum as a strategy to prevent hypocalcemia on sorting behaviour, total tract digestibility, oxidative status and energy and protein metabolism of transition cows. Forty-eight pregnant dairy cows were assigned to 4 treatment groups: Low Ca, low K (LCLK), High Ca, low K (HCLK), Supplementation with anionic mineral mixture (AMS) supplementation with SoyChlor (CAS). After parturition, all animals were fed a standard postpartum diet. Data were collected until 21 DIM. Prepartum urinary pH was significantly reduced by the low DCAD diets, while postpartum Ca homeostasis was affected by the HCLK ration. Feeding AMS induced sorting against particles <1.18 mm in favour of particles >19 mm prepartum. In contrast, cows fed CAS showed an increase in selective consumption of fine particles and sorted against longer particles similar to the HCLK and LCLK groups. Postpartum sorting activity was not affected by the dietary treatments. After calving, apparent digestibility of NDF was significantly reduced in the HCLK group. Prepartum, we observed effects on serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids were higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the AMS group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was decreased in cows fed the CAS ration. Postpartum, we found serum protein to be decreased with the low DCAD diets while BUN was decreased in the CAS group. The low DCAD rations increased prepartum serum malondialdehyde concentrations, while postpartum total antioxidant capacity was lower in the HCLK and the AMS group. From these data, we conclude that AMS decreased prepartum intake due to compromised palatability. Intermediate protein metabolism was affected by the low DCAD diets, while parameters of oxidative stress were probably affected by acid–base balance and Ca homeostasis.