繁奶康对奶牛泌乳早期泌乳性能及血液指标的影响

选择20头荷斯坦高产牛,采用配对分组设计分为对照组和试验组,每组各10头。对照组使用原日粮,试验组产前21d每天在日粮中添加繁奶康125g,于分娩当天添加量增至300g直到试验结束,以探讨日粮添加繁奶康对奶牛泌乳早期产奶性能(产奶量及乳品质)的影响。结果表明,补充繁奶康,产奶量、乳脂校正乳产量试验组明显高于对照组(P0.05);奶牛采食量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率及乳干物质含量两组间差异不显著(P0.05)。血液指标谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性两组间无显著差异(P0.05),高产奶牛补充繁奶康对泌乳早期产奶性能有较好的改善作用。     

Effects of long-term feeding of a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite to dairy cows on the incidence of ketosis, milk yield and liver function

Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (A) consisted of 17 cows that were fed a concentrate ration supplemented with 1.25 per cent clinoptilolite, the second group (B) consisted of 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 2.5 per cent clinoptilolite, and the third group (C) consisted of 18 cows, which were fed the basal ration containing no clinoptilolite. The rations were fed from four weeks before the cows' expected parturition dates until the beginning of the next dry period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the start of the experiment, on the day of calving and then monthly, and analysed for serum glucose, ketone bodies, liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total proteins. The milk yield of each cow was recorded monthly. The cows in group B had significantly fewer cases of clinical ketosis during the first month after calving and a higher total milk yield. Feeding the cows with clinoptilolite for a long period had no apparent adverse effects on their liver function, and did not significantly affect the concentrations of glucose, ketone bodies, BUN and total proteins in their serum.     

干奶期不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛生产性能的影响

将围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组．分别于产前28d开始饲喂NRC标准日粮（能量摄入100％组）、NRC标准增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％组）和NRC标准减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％组）．产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮，至产后56d结束，观察干奶期不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛生产性能的影响。结果表明，高能量组奶牛产后干物质采食量和产奶量均显著低于其他2组，并且体质量消耗明显。由此认为，干奶期能量摄入水平是影响和调节产后干物质摄入量、产乳量和能量平衡状态的重要因素。     

围产期健康奶牛干物质摄入水平与血浆瘦素浓度及乳产量的关系

将健康的围产期奶牛 3 0头随机均分为 3组。其中Ⅱ组为对照组、Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组分别为试验组 ;Ⅰ ,Ⅱ ,Ⅲ 3组于产前 2 8d开始分别饲喂NRC标准减少 2 0 %日粮组 (能量摄入 80 %)、NRC标准日粮组 (能量摄入 1 0 0 %)、NRC标准增加 2 0 %日粮组 (能量摄入 1 2 0 %) ,产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮 ,至产后 5 6d结束 ,观察不同干物质摄入水平对奶牛血浆瘦素浓度及产奶量、体重等生产性能的影响。试验结果表明 :奶牛产后干物质摄入量、血浆瘦素浓度和产奶量为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组 ,经统计分析组间差异极显著 (P <0 .0 1 )或差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;但产前2 8～ 1 4d瘦素浓度组间差异均不显著 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,此后Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。此外 ,Ⅰ组体重消耗最小 ,Ⅲ组体重消耗最大 ,各组间差异极显著 (P <0 .0 1 )。可见 ,围产期健康奶牛不同干物质摄入量与血浆瘦素浓度、产奶量、体重等生产性能之间存在着密切的关系     

Effects of postpartum dietary fat and body condition score at parturition on plasma, adipose tissue, and milk fatty acid composition of lactating beef cows

Two experiments were conducted with lactating Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows to determine the effects of postpartum lipid supplementation, BCS at parturition, and day of lactation on fatty acid profiles in plasma, adipose tissue, and milk. In Exp. 1, 36 pri-miparous cows (488 +/- 10 kg of initial BW; 5.5 +/- 0.02 initial BCS) were given ad libitum access to hay and assigned randomly to a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with cracked, high-linoleate safflower seeds (linoleate) or cracked, high-oleate safflower seeds (oleate) from d 3 to 90 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric; safflower seed diets provided 5% of DMI as fat. Plasma and milk samples were collected on d 30, 60, and 90 of lactation. Adipose tissue biopsies were collected near the tail-head region of cows on d 45 and 90 of lactation. In Exp. 2, 3-yr-old cows achieving a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr). Beginning 3 d postpartum through d 61 of lactation, cows were fed diets similar to those of Exp. 1. Adipose tissue and milk samples were collected on d 30 and 60, and plasma was collected on d 31 and 61 of lactation. Responses to postpartum dietary treatment were comparable in both experiments. Cows fed linoleate and oleate had greater (P < 0.001) total fatty acid concentrations in plasma than cows fed control. Except for 15:1, milk fatty acids with <18 carbons were greatest (P < or = 0.01) for cows fed control, whereas milk from cows fed linoleate had the greatest (P < or = 0.02) 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Milk from cows fed oleate had the greatest (P < 0.001) 18:1cis-9. In Exp. 1, total fatty acid concentrations in adipose tissue samples decreased at d 90 compared with d 45 of lactation, but the fatty acid profile of cow adipose tissue was not affected (P = 0.14 to 0.80) by dietary treatment. In Exp. 2, the percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in adipose tissue of cows with a BCS of 6 decreased (P = 0.001) from d 30 to 60 of lactation. Plasma and milk fatty acid composition reflected alterations in postpartum diet. Less medium-chain fatty acids and more 18-carbon fatty acids in milk were indicative of reduced de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland of beef cows fed lipid supplements; however, the metabolic demands of lactation prevented the deposition of exogenously derived fatty acids in adipose tissue through d 90 of lactation.     

Postpartum supplemental fat, but not maternal body condition score at parturition, affects plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles of suckling beef calves

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows, which were nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition, were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of maternal BCS at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on fatty acid profile of suckling calf plasma and adipose tissue. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments in which cows were all fed hay and either a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with either high-linoleate cracked safflower seeds (linoleate) or high-oleate cracked safflower seeds (oleate) until d 61 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed supplements were provided to achieve 5% of DMI as fat. Total concentration of fatty acids in plasma did not differ (P = 0.48) due to maternal BCS at parturition. Percentage of 20:5n-3 in plasma tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for calves suckling cows with a BCS of 6 at parturition. No other differences (P = 0.12 to 0.99) were noted in calf plasma fatty acid profile due to maternal BCS at parturition. Likewise, no differences were detected for total fatty acid concentration (P = 0.88) in calf adipose tissue due to maternal BCS at parturition. Weight percentage of 14:1 (P = 0.001) was greatest in adipose tissue of calves suckling cows fed control and oleate; however, the percentages of 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 16:1, 17:0, and 18:3n-3 were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed control compared with calves suckling cows fed linoleate or oleate. Percentages of 18:0, 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed linoleate compared with calves suckling cows fed control and oleate. Calves suckling cows fed oleate had greater (P < 0.001) percentages of 18:1trans-9, 18:1trans-10, and 18:1cis-9 in adipose tissue than calves suckling cows fed control or linoleate. Calf plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles were reflective of milk fatty acids. Because fatty acids play an important role in metabolic regulatory functions, changes in milk fatty acid profile should be considered when beef cows are fed lipid supplements.     

Comparison of the efficacy of two anti-uric acid diets in dalmatian dogs.

Commercial anti-uric acid diets for dogs may contain insufficient protein to sustain growth and lactation. In order to investigate the efficacy of an experimental purine-free diet moderately low in protein, its effect on urinary uric acid excretion was compared with that of a commercial dog food and a commercial low-protein anti-uric acid diet. The experimental diet, commercial dog food and commercial anti-uric acid diet contained 10.0, 12.8 and 5.0 g crude protein/MJ metabolizable energy, respectively. Twelve Dalmatian dogs were subjected to a 3 x 3 Latin square study. Although the plasma uric acid concentration was significantly lower when the dogs were fed either the commercial anti-uric diet (18.7 +/- 6.0 mumol/l, mean +/- SD, n = 12) or the experimental diet (19.2 +/- 8.3 mumol/l), when compared to the commercial dog food (29.2 +/- 11.1 mumol/l), no significant decrease of uric acid concentration in urine collected before the morning meal was seen. The average concentration of urinary uric acid was 60 mumol/l. There was a significant increase in the urea:creatinine ratio in urine when the dogs were fed the experimental diet compared to the commercial anti-uric acid diet, confirming that the experimental diet contained more protein. The experimental diet lowered plasma uric acid and was relatively high in protein and thus may be suitable for use in growing and lactating dogs to prevent ammonium urate urolithiasis.     

Kinematic gait analysis and lactation performance in dairy cows fed a diet supplemented with zinc,manganese, copper and cobalt

This study investigated how supplementation of the diet of dairy cows with trace minerals (zinc, manganese, copper and cobalt) affected kinematic gait parameters and lactation performance. Eight Holstein cows were divided into two groups, with each group receiving a different dietary treatment (control diet, or control diet supplemented with trace minerals) in a two‐period crossover design. Kinematic gait parameters were calculated by using image analysis software. Compared to cows fed the control diet, cows that received the trace mineral‐supplemented diet exhibited significantly increased walking and stepping rates, and had a shorter stance duration. Feed intake and milk production increased in cows fed the trace mineral‐supplemented diet compared with control groups. The plasma manganese concentration was not different in control and experimental cows. In contrast, cobalt was only detected in the plasma of cows fed the supplemented diet. These results provide the first evidence that trace mineral supplementation of the diet of dairy cows affects locomotion, and that the associated gait changes can be detected by using kinematic gait analysis. Moreover, trace mineral supplementation improved milk production and only minimally altered blood and physiological parameters in dairy cows.     

不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛生产性能及血浆瘦素浓度影响的研究

将健康的围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组, 每组10头。其中Ⅱ组为对照组, Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组分别为试验组。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组均于产前28d开始分别饲喂NRC标准减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组)、NRC标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、NRC标准增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组), 产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮, 至产后56d结束。观察妊娠后期奶牛不同能量水平对干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳成分及体重等生产性能和血浆瘦素浓度的影响。试验结果表明: 奶牛产后干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳中蛋白质、乳脂率和非固体物质为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组(P>0 05 ); 同时血浆瘦素浓度为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组, 经统计分析组间差异极显著(P<0 01) 或差异显著(P<0 05); 但产前28~14d瘦素浓度组间差异均不显著(P>0 05 ), 此后Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组差异显著(P<0 05 )。此外, Ⅰ组体重消耗最小, Ⅲ组体重消耗最大, 各组间差异极显著(P<0 01)。可见, 围产期健康奶牛不同能量水平与干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳成分、体重等生产性能及血浆瘦素浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

丙酸钙对泌乳早期奶牛泌乳性能和代谢产物的影响

选用32头经产奶牛,根据泌乳期、上个泌乳期305 d产奶量和预产期,采用随机区组设计分为4组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理1、2、3组分别在基础日粮基础上添加丙酸钙100、200、300 g/d.结果显示,日粮添加丙酸钙对奶牛的采食量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率和乳干物质率无显著影响,200、300 g/d组产奶量和饲料转化效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05).200、300 g/d组血浆葡萄糖和胰岛素浓度显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而血浆游离脂肪酸和β-羟丁酸浓度显著低于对照组(P<0.05);200、300 g/d组尿酮浓度显著低于对照组和100 g/d组(P<0.05).试验结果表明,丙酸钙适宜添加量为200 g/d.     

Effects of rumen-protected methionine in a low protein ration on metabolic traits and performance of early lactating cows as opposed to rations with elevated crude protein content

A 5‐week experiment with 24 multiparous early lactating Brown Swiss cows was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementary rumen‐protected methionine in conjunction with dietary protein reduction on metabolism and performance after 1 week of control measurement. Three rations containing 175, 150 and 125 g of crude protein/kg feed dry matter were supplemented with methionine. The fourth ration, also only containing 125 g of crude protein/kg dry matter, remained unsupplemented. The four treatment groups had a similar metabolic supply of other essential amino acids, protein and energy, as calculated by various approaches. The two low protein rations were, however, slightly deficient in ruminally degraded protein. Treatment effects remained low on feed intake, forage meal pattern, milk yield and fat as well as lactose content. In contrast, the content and yield of milk protein significantly declined only in the unsupplemented low protein ration relative to the initial value. Compared with this ration, the decline in milk protein yield was clearly delayed in the supplemented low protein ration. Blood plasma methionine tended to be reduced without supplementation and to be increased with additional methionine. Supplementation of methionine reduced other plasma amino acids. Plasma insulin, glucose, lactate, ketone bodies and aspartate amino transferase activity indicated a certain liver stress and a somewhat elevated energy requirement with high and particularly with low protein content (when unsupplemented). Methionine improved metabolic protein utilization, followed by the lowest plasma, urine and milk urea levels in the supplemented low protein diet. In conclusion, no major adverse effects were assessed under the conditions tested. Supplementation of methionine may nevertheless be useful in rations with particularly low protein content fed to early lactating cows in order to prevent negative long‐term effects which were only visible here as trends.     

Effects of feeding yeast and propionibacteria to dairy cows on milk yield and components, and reproduction*

To determine the effect of supplemental feeding of Diamond V-XP yeast (XPY) alone or in combination with propionibacteria strain P169 on milk production, milk components, body weight, days to first and second ovulation, plasma insulin, and plasma and milk glucose, 31 primiparous and multiparous (MP) Holstein cows were fed one of three dietary treatments between 2 weeks prepartum to 30 weeks postpartum: (i) control (n = 10), fed a corn silage-based total mixed ration (TMR); (ii) XPY (n = 11), fed control TMR plus XPY (at 56 g/head/day); and (iii) P169+XPY (n = 10), received control TMR plus XPY plus P169 (at 6 x 10(11) cfu/head/day). After parturition, daily milk weights were recorded, and milk samples were collected twice weekly for milk component analyses. Daily uncorrected milk, solids-corrected milk, and 4% fat-corrected milk production for MP cows fed P169+XPY was 9-16% greater than control MP cows, but these increases were only evident during mid lactation (9-30 weeks). The percentage of milk fat was 8-18% greater in control than XPY and P169+XPY groups. Milk lactose percentage in MP cows fed P169+XPY was 3-5% greater than in control and XPY MP cows. Primiparous and MP cows fed P169+XPY had 28-32% greater milk glucose levels than control and XPY-fed cows. Diurnal plasma glucose concentration was not affected by diet in MP cows. Plasma insulin levels in MP cows fed P169+XPY were 30-34% greater than in other groups of MP cows. Milk glucose and plasma insulin responses to P169+XPY feeding suggest that P169+XPY might have enhanced gluconeogenesis and increased glucose uptake by the mammary gland in Holstein cows. Thus, a combined feed supplement of P169 and XPY may hold potential as a natural feed alternative to hormones and antibiotics to enhance lactational performance.     

干奶期不同能量摄入对围产期乳牛血液葡萄糖胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响

将围产期健康乳牛30头随机分为3组，分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮（能量摄入i00％组）、标准日粮增加20％的日粮（能量摄入120％组）和标准日粮减少20％的日粮（能量摄入80％组），产后备组乳牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮，至产后第56d结束，观察干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明，产前低能饲喂可以增加围产期乳牛血浆葡萄糖浓度，干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度起重要调节作用。     

干奶期不同能量水平对奶牛血中神经肽 Y和生长激素浓度的影响

将健康围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组．预产前28d按奶牛营养需要分别饲喂100％、120％、80％能量日粮，产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准的产奶日粮，至产后56d结束，观测干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康奶牛血中神经肽Y和生长激素浓度的影响。结果表明，干奶期低能量日粮饲喂，奶牛血中神经肽和生长激素浓度均高于其他2组，从产前14d至产后28d组间差异显著（P〈0.01；P〈0.05），提示低能量饲料饲喂干奶期奶牛，产后能量负平衡得到缓解。     

The effect of clover silage treated with acrylic acid on selected indicators of metabolism in cows around the time of parturition and the status of their calves]

A trial was conducted with 16 cows divided into control and test group (eight cows in either); since day 57.6 +/- 21.1 before parturition, test cows were given feed rations for 107 days which contained 16.0 kg clover-grass silage a day, treated with 3 l acrylic acid per t ensiled matter. Control group of cows was administered feed rations containing silage treated with 4 l formic acid per 1 t ensiled matter from day 55.5 +/- 21.9. In the blood (plasma) of test cows the alkaline phosphatase activity was increasing gradually, in the time after parturition a tendency of lower glucose (P 0.05 to 0.01), thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations was observed, and the phagocytal activity of leucocytes and its index decreased. The levels of ketone bodies and aspartate aminotransferase activity were found to be higher. In this period in urine the pH value and net acid-base output were lower, while the inorganic phosphorus concentration was higher. No difference were observed in colostrum density, liveweight of born calves and in the target metabolic parameters in the blood (plasma) of calves. In the 30-day period of investigation the cows of test group gave an average daily milk yield lower by 1.5 l (in comparison with control cows). The residues of acrylic acid (method sensitivity of 1.0 mg acrylic acid in 1 l sample) were not detected in their colostrum and milk.     

干奶后期饲喂阴离子盐对奶牛离子平衡和产奶的影响

采用28头荷斯坦经产牛按配对试验设计研究了添加阴离子盐对奶牛血液离子浓度、胎衣不下发病率及产后6个月泌乳性能的影响。结果表明,饲喂阴离子盐饲粮5天使尿液pH值显著降低(P<0.01),产前血清氯离子浓度提高(P<0.05),钙离子浓度趋于上升,并使分娩后胎衣不下的发病率降低31.2个百分点P=0.05)。第1、2、3、4泌乳月校正乳产量提高,且趋向提高乳脂率,但对乳蛋白、乳糖、非脂乳固体含量等乳成分没有明显影响(P<0.2)。饲喂阴离子盐能够显著降低产奶牛第2、3、4个泌乳月乳中的体细胞数P=0.03(0.09)。本试验结论:产前饲粮中添加阴离子盐能够改善奶牛产后的健康状况,提高泌乳性能。     

Use of sodium acetate in feed rations in ketotic cows

On a farm where the ration of cows contained 88.0 g of butyric acid, an experimental group of cows (n = 8), producing milk containing 7.9 mg or more acetone per litre, was studied for 14 days for the effect of a 250 g supplement of sodium acetate to the ration (combined with single i.m. administration of vitamins A, D2 and E) on selected metabolism parameters and on milk production. As distinct from the control group of cows (n = 8) from the same farm which produced milk containing 3.9 mg or less acetone per litre and which were fed without sodium acetone supplements, a tendency of increased alkaemia of the organism was suggested in the experimental cows. This tendency manifested itself during the trial in increased pH values, increased base excess (BE) and standard bicarbonate (SB) in the blood, and in an increase in the pH value and net acido basic secretion in urine. A decrease was recorded in the concentration of the acetone + acetacetic acid sum, the same as beta-hydroxybutyric acid in blood and the sum of acetone and acetacetic acid in milk (P less than 0.01). An insignificant increase of the activity of gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GMT) was recorded in the blood serum of the experimental cows and a significant increase occurred in the content of potassium (up to P less than 0.01) and urea (up to P less than 0.01) in urine. The supplement of sodium acetate to the feed ration did not influence the degree of ketonuria and the finding of urobilinogen in urine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

围产期奶牛干物质摄入水平与产后生产性能及血浆酮体浓度的关系

将围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组,每组10头。其中Ⅱ组为对照组,Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组分别为试验组;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ3组于产前28d开始分别饲喂NRC标准减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组)、NRC标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、NRC标准增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组),产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮,至产后56d结束,观察不同干物质摄入水平对奶牛血浆酮体浓度的影响。试验结果表明:奶牛产后干物质摄入量和产奶量均为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组,经统计分析组间差异极显著(P<0.01)或差异显著(P<0.05);此外,Ⅰ组体重消耗最小,Ⅲ组体重消耗最大,各组间差异极显著(P<0.01)。产后Ⅲ组血酮浓度显著高于Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组(P<0.05),而Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组之间差异不明显。可见,围产期奶牛不同干物质摄入量与产奶量、体重等生产性能及产后血酮浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

Effects of ingestion of ponderosa pine needles by late-pregnant cows on uterine blood flow and steroid secretion.

Consumption of Ponderosa pine needles by late-pregnant beef cows results in the premature delivery of a viable calf. We have demonstrated the presence of a factor(s) in plasma from cows fed pine needles that specifically increased uterine arterial tone (i.e., decreased arterial diameter) in vitro. This study was designed to investigate changes in uterine blood flow and steroid secretion/uptake by the gravid uterus of cows fed pine needles to induce premature parturition. Sixteen beef cows were laparotomized on d 240 of gestation, and an electromagnetic blood-flow probe was placed around the uterine artery supplying the gravid horn. Cows were randomly assigned on d 250 of gestation to a control (n = 8; 8.2 kg/d of alfalfa hay) or pine needle (n = 8; 2.7 kg/d of pine needles + 5.5 kg/d of alfalfa hay) diet. Uterine blood flow was monitored, and systemic blood (uterine arterial and[or] jugular venous) and uterine venous blood samples were collected daily between 0630 and 0800, just before feeding. Five of eight cows fed pine needles calved prematurely (average day of gestation = 260.2 +/- .6) compared with cows fed the control diet, which calved on 287.6 +/- 3.4 d of gestation. Uterine blood flow in the control cows remained constant from d 250 through the day of parturition. In contrast, uterine blood flow of cows fed pine needles that calved early decreased progressively (P less than .01), declining to 25.2% of its original value by the day of parturition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of postruminal supplementation of methionine and lysine, isoleucine, or all three amino acids on intake and chewing behavior, ruminal fermentation, and milk and milk component production.

Four multiparous Holstein cows were fed a basal diet balanced with the Cornell Net Protein and Carbohydrate System (CNCPS). Diets were formulated to be co-limiting in intestinally absorbable supplies of methionine, lysine, and isoleucine. Cows were supplemented with no amino acids (control); lysine and methionine in a ruminally protected form; isoleucine by abomasal infusion; or lysine, methionine, and isoleucine in a 4x4 Latin square arrangement of treatments with 28-d periods. Performance of cows on all treatments was lower than expected due to low intake of DM that could have been caused by the high fiber level of the basal diet. This high fiber level was likely responsible for the high daily chewing times for cows fed all diets, which was consistent with the high ruminal pH values. Intake of DM and its components were not influenced by any treatment. Milk protein percentage tended to be higher when cows were fed diets supplemented with ruminally protected lysine and methionine; however, production of milk, milk fat, and milk lactose were not affected by any treatment. Cows tended to have a higher milk lactose proportion and tended to produce more milk and milk lactose when they were abomasally infused with isoleucine alone. However, when cows were supplemented with all three amino acids, milk production and composition did not differ from that of cows fed the unsupplemented diet. Use of the CNCPS to evaluate the performance of the cows fed the unsupplemented diet suggested that these cows may have been colimited by intestinally absorbable supplies of lysine, isoleucine, and methionine in addition to metabolizable protein. Evaluation of the unsupplemented diet with an alternate model, Shield, suggested that cows fed the unsupplemented diet may have been colimited by intestinally absorbable supplies of lysine, isoleucine, and arginine. Results suggest that enhanced delivery of intestinally absorbable isoleucine may stimulate milk lactose synthesis.