Performance of tropical dairy cows fed whole crop rice silage with varying levels of concentrate

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of concentrate/milk yield ratios on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and milk production in dairy cows fed with a basal diet of whole crop rice silage (WCRS). Sixteen crossbred cows (75 % Holstein-Friesian (HF) and 25 % Thai cows) in mid-lactation were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments corresponding to four concentrate/milk yield ratios (0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (kg/kg)) were used. All cows were offered WCRS (with 1.5 % urea and 3 % molasses) ad libitum. Silage and concentrate were fed individually twice a day. Results revealed that dry matter intake (12.8–14.5 kg/day), nutrient digestibility (62.5–68.7 %), and rumen fermentation efficiency were not significantly affected by concentrate supplementation. Milk yield (10.2–11.5 kg/day) and milk composition were similar between cows fed with sole WCRS and those supplemented with concentrate mixture, although milk fat tended to increase in cows fed with sole WCRS. In conclusion, sole WCRS fed to dairy cows without concentrate supplementation resulted in similar feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk production as compared to those supplemented with concentrate in lactating dairy cows. These results suggest that in tropical areas where rice crop is surplus, WCRS could sustain reasonable levels of milk production among dairy cows with little or no concentrate supplementation provided that urea and molasses are included in the silage.     

Clinical acidosis in a Gippsland dairy herd

OBJECTIVE: To report on spontaneous clinical and subclinical acidosis in a large dairy herd, to evaluate the diets and feeding strategies involved, and to report on measures of rumen function in the cows affected. DESIGN: A Gippsland dairy herd was sampled as part of a wider randomised cross-sectional study that examined the prevalence, risk factors for, and effects of, acidosis on rumen function of dairy cattle. Three herds on the farm were involved in the study: the transition herd (cows 3 weeks prior to calving), the very fresh lactating herd (1 < days in milk < 10, herd 1) and the fresh lactating herd (10 < days in milk < 120, herd 2) including a small lame herd fed separately. The transition cows were fed 2 kg dry matter triticale per cow per day and hay with an estimated total dry matter intake of 4.8 kg per cow per day. The lactating cow diet included 6.75 kg dry matter triticale per cow per day with total concentrate fed being 8.1 kg dry matter per cow per day in the milking parlour. Silage, lucerne cubes, hay and pasture (herd 2 only) was also fed to the lactating cows with the estimated total dry matter intake for cows in herds 1 and 2 being 13.7 kg and 20.8 kg per cow per day respectively. Three primiparous and five multiparous cows in early lactation (< 100 days in milk) were randomly selected from each of two lactating herds: herds 1 and 2. Rumen fluid was sampled from each cow by both rumenocentesis and stomach tube. The rumenocentesis samples were tested for pH at the time of sampling. Stomach tube samples were frozen and subsequently tested for volatile fatty acid, ammonia, and D- and L-lactate concentration. RESULTS: In the very fresh herd, there was a high prevalence of severe lameness and scouring, coupled with a mean rumen pH 5.67, low mean total volatile fatty acid concentration 71.0 mM and high mean concentrations of L- and D-lactate, (7.71 mM and 7.31 mM), respectively. Cows in the fresh herd had moderate signs of scouring and lameness. A lame herd comprising approximately 50 cows separated from the fresh herd was also present on the farm. The mean rumen pH of the fresh herd was 5.74 and mean rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids, ammonia, L- and D-lactate were within ranges considered normal. CONCLUSIONS: The transition diet failed to supply sufficient energy and protein for maintenance of cows of this live weight in late gestation. The diet fed to the very fresh herd was low in effective fibre and contained an excessive content of non-structural carbohydrate in the form of processed, rapidly fermentable grain. The sudden change from the transition diet to the diet fed to the very fresh herd probably also precipitated the outbreak of acidosis. This case report provides unique detail, including information on diets and rumen parameters, of an outbreak of acidosis in a pasture-fed herd.     

Does body size of dairy cows,at constant ratio of maintenance to production requirements,affect productivity in a pasture‐based production system?

This study compared productivity of dairy cows with different body weight (BW), but a constant ratio of maintenance to production requirements in their first lactation, in a pasture-based production system with spring calving. Two herds, Herd L (13 and 14 large cows in 2003 and 2004 respectively; average BW after calving, 721 kg) and Herd S (16 small cows in both years; 606 kg) [Correction added after online publication 14 January 2011: 16 small cows in both years; 621 kg was changed to 16 small cows in both years; 606 kg], all in their second or following lactations, were each allocated 6 ha of pasture and rotationally grazed on 10 parallel paddocks with equal herbage offer and nutritional values. Winter hay, harvested from the same pastures, was offered ad libitum in the indoor periods in a tied stall barn. Each herd received, per lactation and year, approximately 2000 kg dry matter (DM) of concentrates and of fodder beets, equally distributed to every individual. Indoors, the L-cows ingested more DM than the S-cows (18.7 vs. 16.3 kg DM/cow per day; p < 0.01), but DM intake per 100 kg of metabolic BW was similar (13.0 vs. 13.1 kg DM/cow per day). Estimates based on the n-alkane technique gave similar results on pasture (17.9 vs. 15.5 kg DM/cow per day; p < 0.001). Roughage intakes per 100 kg of metabolic BW, at 13.5 kg DM/cow per day, were similar. Mean annual yield of energy-corrected milk (ECM)/ha was slightly higher for the S-herd than the L-herd (13,026 vs. 12,284 kg) but was associated with a higher stocking rate (on average +20%) for the S-herd. Feed conversion efficiency (1.2 vs. 1.3 kg ECM/kg DM intake) and overall milk production efficiency (45.3 vs. 47.3 kg ECM/kg metabolic BW) were similar in L- and S-cows. Thus, both dairy cow types were equally efficient in utilising pasture-based forage.     

杂交狼尾草、羊草不同干草比例对奶牛生产性能和乳品质的影响

为研究饲粮中用闽牧6号杂交狼尾草(Pennisetum americanum×P.purpureumcv.Minmu 6)鲜草代替等量干物质羊草(Leymus chinensis)干草对奶牛生产性能及乳品质的影响,选用24头胎次一致(1胎)、产奶量相近(15kg左右)的荷斯坦奶牛,设置6个处理,各处理间饲粮中闽牧6号杂交狼尾草的重量分别为:0(CK)、7.50、15.00、22.50、30.00和37.50kg。试验期40d(预试期10d,正试期30d)。结果表明,1)夏季30~37℃条件下,在中低产奶牛饲粮中使用7.5~37.5kg杂交狼尾草鲜草替代羊草干草,各处理奶牛的干物质采食量和产奶量差异不显著(P0.05)。2)从试验前、后产奶量的对比来看,与全干草的对照组相比,给饲鲜草的试验组产奶量相对更稳定。3)饲粮中供给22.5kg杂交狼尾草鲜草时,每100g牛乳中α-亚麻酸含量最高为15.88mg,比CK增加了43.41%(P0.05)。由此可知,夏季高温条件下,在奶牛饲粮中供给杂交狼尾草鲜草有助于稳定产奶量,并提高部分试验组乳中α-亚麻酸含量。     

Proportions of potatoes and fodder beets selected by dairy cows and the effects of feed choice on nitrogen metabolism

Twenty-three lactating dairy cows were switched from a standard diet to a ration of alfalfa/grass silage and 1 kg rapeseed cake supplemented with raw potatoes and fodder beets allowed on a semi-restricted basis. The effects of feed choice on urinary markers for nitrogen metabolism were evaluated by the Stepwise regression technique. Each kilogram dry matter of potatoes and fodder beets lowered milk urea concentration and also the urinary ratio urea/creatinine to a similar extent, but allantoin and fecal results suggested larger hindgut fermentation and hence lower ruminal microbial protein production with potatoes than with fodder beets. The variation for concentration of urinary constituents associated with animal, sampling day and sampling time suggests multiple sampling within a day as preferable for spot sampling. It is concluded that the reluctance to potatoes by some cows may cause initial difficulties when fed to high yielding cows naïve to the feed.     

饲用甜菜块根混贮饲喂荷斯坦牛的试验研究

采用75%切碎的饲用甜菜根茎与15%芦苇草粉、8%棉籽壳及2%玉米粉进行混合青贮,并替代荷斯坦奶牛常规日粮中的部分玉米青贮,进行饲喂对比试验。结果表明,饲用甜菜混贮饲料干物质含量为27.8%、粗蛋白含量为2.76%、粗脂肪含量为0.92%、粗纤维含量为11.28%、粗灰分含量为3.23%、钙含量为0.10%和磷含量为0.04%。饲用甜菜混贮饲料等量替代10kg奶牛日粮中的玉米青贮饲喂奶牛,试验组比对照组每头奶牛日平均产奶量降低0.09kg,试验末期对照组和试验组的乳蛋白率分别为3.17%和3.18%,乳脂率分别为3.66%和3.73%,分析结果表明,产奶量及乳品质差异均不显著。可见饲用甜菜块根混贮是一种较好的饲料,可以替代玉米青贮饲喂奶牛,混贮是饲用甜菜块根一种理想的贮藏方法。     

Effect of a peri-parturient eprinomectin treatment of dairy cows on milk production

AIM: To quantify and economically evaluate the effect on milk production of peri-parturient treatment of dairy cows with eprinomectin. METHODS: On 3 farms in separate geographic areas of New Zealand, 849 first-calf heifers and multiparous cows were ranked and paired within parity, date of calving and expected milk production. Within pairs, cows were randomly allocated to treatment with either a commercial formulation of eprinomectin, applied at a dose rate of 500 mug/kg liveweight, or an equivalent volume of vehicle containing no antiparasitic agent and administered at the same dose volume, generally within the first week post-calving. On each farm, trial cows shared the same pasture. Over a single lactation, records were maintained of milk quantity and content. RESULTS: Trichostrongylid eggs were identified in pre-treatment faecal samples from all farms, verifying the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Overall 25.5% of the cows sampled were positive for nematode eggs, but only 8% had counts 50 eggs per gram of faeces (epg). Daily milk volume, milk protein and milksolids (yield of milk fat + milk protein) were higher for eprinomectin-treated multiparous cows than for controls (milk volume: 20.36 l/day vs 19.76 l/day, p=0.005; milk protein: 0.700 kg/day vs 0.685 kg/day, p=0.012; milksolids: 1.613 kg/day vs 1.583 kg/day, p=0.031, respectively). The daily value of the increased production from eprinomectin-treated multiparous cows was estimated to be NZ0.034 dollar for milk fat (p=0.095) and NZ0.078 dollar for milk protein (p=0.012), equating to NZ0.104 dollars for milksolids (p=0.031), averaged over the whole lactation. No significant difference in milk production was detected between treated and control first-calf heifers. Averaged over the whole herd, the peri-parturient treatment of multiparous cows and first-calf heifers with eprinomectin increased daily milk volume and milk protein production of treated vs control cows (19.28 l/day vs 18.86 l/day, p=0.020, and 0.661 kg/day vs 0.650 kg/day, p=0.047, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence that the use of a peri-parturient treatment of eprinomectin on multiparous cows can increase their production of fluid milk and milksolids.     

高寒地区秋、冬季荷斯坦奶牛补饲优质饲料对采食量、泌乳性能和乳房炎发病率的影响

[目的]旨在研究高寒地区荷斯坦奶牛优化补饲方案的推广价值。[方法]实验选取A、B牧场无临床型乳房炎健康泌乳牛为研究对象,将两座实验牧场奶牛,分别各自分为实验组和对照组。实验组饲喂优质补饲日粮,对照组饲喂传统日粮,实验牛只每天放牧5 h。实验期为60 d,10 d为预饲期,50 d为实验期。[结果]A、B牧场实验组补饲的日粮干物质采食量分别为15.77、16.11 kg/d,明显高于对照组（14.02、14.47 kg/d）。A牧场实验组单产为16.89 kg/d,对照组单产为12.25 kg/d,差异显著（P〈0.05）;B牧场实验组单产为17.22 kg/d,对照组单产为13.21 kg/d,同样差异显著（P〈0.05）;同时A牧场与B牧场实验组的单产在与2014同期相比时同样差异显著（P〈0.05）。A牧场每千克奶饲料成本降低0.26元,与对照组相比差异显著（P〈0.05）,B牧场降低0.13元。A牧场实验组的牛奶乳脂率和乳蛋白含量明显高于对照组,分别为3.95%和3.28%,和2014年同期相比分别增长了0.29%和0.22%;B牧场实验组牛奶乳脂率和乳蛋白含量虽然低于对照组,但也达到了4.08%和3.15%。A牧场实验组牛奶体细胞数（39.14万个/m L）比对照组体细胞数（60.54万个/m L）低21.40万个/m L。临床型乳房炎患病牛的比例,实验组低于对照组近2.67%。[结论]高寒地区荷斯坦奶牛可实行优化补饲方案,且能够提高企业和养殖户的经济效益,具有较好的推广价值。     

不同养殖模式下饲喂包被赖氨酸对奶牛生产性能的影响

试验采用随机分组试验设计,选择规模化养殖模式、园区式奶农合作组织养殖模式下的2个奶牛场,每个奶牛场选择80头健康的泌乳奶牛,按照产奶胎次、体重、泌乳阶段和产奶量相近原则随机分为2组,每组40头,就试验组饲粮中添加25g/(头·d)过瘤胃赖氨酸(RPLys)对奶牛产乳量及乳成分的影响进行研究。试验结果发现,经过饲喂之后,试验组与对照组相比,产奶量有显著提高(P<0.05)。两种模式下乳蛋白和乳脂肪含量均有提高趋势,但是试验组与对照组没有显著差异(P>0.05)。乳糖、非脂乳固体两个指标略有提高,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。规模化和园区式的试验组相对于对照组每天每头奶牛的净增利润分别为1.80元和0.52元。     

Comparison of postvaccinal milk drop in dairy cattle vaccinated with one of two different commercial vaccines

Several veterinarians and dairy producers elect to vaccinate dairy herds with killed combination products in the fall or spring. Postvaccinal milk drop has been reported following the use of some killed vaccines, making it important to identify vaccines that can cause milk drop and evaluate the magnitude of postvaccinal milk drop. This study compared the pre- and postvaccinal milk production levels of dairy cows vaccinated with two commercial vaccines or injected with a saline placebo. Dairy cows receiving vaccine C (Cattlemaster Gold FP5; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Canada) experienced a statistically significant difference in mean postvaccinal milk drop (-1.83 kg/cow/day) compared with cows receiving vaccine T (Triangle 4+Type 2 BVD, Wyeth Animal Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; -0.63 kg/cow/day) or saline (-0.02 kg/cow/day).     

Monensin toxicosis in a dairy herd

An acute onset of illness was reported in a lactating dairy herd in Canada in which monensin had been incorporated in error in its ration at almost 10 times the prescribed level. All of the lactating cows became lethargic, were inappetant, developed diarrhea, and had decreased milk production from 28 kg/cow/day, the day before exposure, to 23 kg/cow/day, 3 d later. Within 9 d, all animals recovered from the incident and milk production returned to previous levels.     

Effect of mixed maize-legume silages on milk quality and quantity from lactating smallholder dairy cows

The study investigated the effect of the following maize:legume (70:30) mixed crop silages: maize:cowpea, maize:velvet bean, and maize:lablab on milk production during the 2016 dry season. Using a 5?×?5 double Latin square design, five Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows in early lactation (30?±?15 days) and five Jersey crossbred cows in early lactation (25?±?10 days) were given the supplementary mixed crop silage diets at 0.5 kg/l of milk produced over 105 days. Commercial dairy meal and sole maize silage were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Milk yield was significantly higher (P?< 0.05) in cows given the dairy meal compared to mixed crop silages; however, milk yield was also significantly higher (P?< 0.05) for cows given the three mixed crop silages compared to cows given sole maize silage. Cows given mixed crop silages produced milk of significantly higher protein content (P?< 0.05) than those given sole maize silage. There was no significant difference (P?> 0.05) in butterfat content of milk across all the dietary treatments. The dietary cost of producing 1 l of milk was highest at 0.31USD/l for cows given commercial dairy meal and lowest for cows given maize:velvet bean and maize:cowpea silage at 0.19USD/kg. The highest dietary gross margins of 68% were observed when cows were given maize:velvet mixed silage compared to commercial dairy meal (47%) and sole maize silage (57%). The 70:30 maize:legume mixed crop silages showed the capability to increase milk quantity and quality at very low production costs in smallholder dairy schemes.     

Dairy production practices among smallholder dairy farmers in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts in Western Kenya

A survey was conducted on 176 smallholder dairy farms in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts of Western Kenya to establish the dairy production practices and constraints in the industry. There was low milk production (16.6 kg of milk per capita), which was attributed to the low number of dairy animals. The average land size was 2.4 ha with only 30.3% being allocated to pasture or fodder crops. Farmers with large farms (>2 ha) set aside bigger pieces (1.2 vs 0.4 ha) for pasture/fodder crop cultivation (p < 0.001), owned more (5.25 vs 3.18) dairy animals (p < 0.01) and produced more (9.2 vs 7.5 kg/cow per day) milk (p < 0.05) compared to those on smaller farms of less than 2 ha. The average herd size was 4.2 animals, of which only 45.0% were in milk, producing 8.0 kg/animal per day. Every kilogram of dairy meal fed increased milk production by 0.68 kg (p < 0.001). Over 90% of milk produced was consumed locally. The public institutions provided 74% of total extension services to farmers. About 49.5% of total dairy animals were bought from other districts owing to scarcity.     

Responses in milk production to the control of gastrointestinal nematode and paramphistome parasites in dairy cattle

Objective To determine the effect of treating naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode and paramphistome infections on milk production in dairy cattle.
Design A field trial.
Animals One thousand two hundred and thirty nine dairy cows.
Procedure Cows were either not treated or treated with 4.5 mg/kg oxfendazole, 16.6 mg/kg oxyclozanide or 4.5 mg/kg oxfendazole and 16.6 mg/kg oxyclozanide in March, May and August.
Results A significant increase in milk production, averaging 0.4 L (SE 0.2) per day, was seen when dairy cows infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and paramphistomes were treated with oxfendazole or oxfendazole and oxyclozanide in March, May and August. Cows treated with oxyclozanide alone at these times produced no more milk than untreated cows.
Faecal egg counts confirmed that oxyclozanide treatment reduced paramphistome populations and oxfendazole treatment reduced nematode populations in cows over the 7-month monitoring period.
Conclusion When dairy cows infested with gastrointestinal nematodes and paramphistomes were treated with oxfendazole alone or oxfendazole and oxyclozanide in March, May and August milk production increased.     

Assessment of early postpartum reproductive performance in two high producing Estonian dairy herds

Early postpartum (6 weeks) ovarian activity, hormonal profiles, uterine involution, uterine infections, serum electrolytes, glucose, milk acetoacetate and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were studied in 2 Estonian high producing dairy herd with annual milk production of 7688 (Farm A) and 9425 (Farm B). From each farm 10 cows, with normal calving performance were used. Blood samples for the hormonal (PGF2alpha-metabolite, progesterone) analyses were withdrawn. On day 25 PP blood serum samples were taken for the evaluation of metabolic/electrolyte status. On the same day estimation of milk acetoacetate values was done. The ultrasound (US) was started on day 7 PP and was performed every 3rd day until the end of experiment. Uterine content, follicular activity and sizes of the largest follicle and corpus luteum were monitored and measured. Vaginal discharge and uterine tone were recorded during the rectal palpation. Each animal in the study was sampled for bacteriological examination using endometrial biopsies once a week. Two types of PGF2alpha-metabolite patterns were detected: elevated levels during 14 days PP, then decline to the basal level and then a second small elevation at the time of final elimination of the bacteria from the uterus: or elevated levels during first 7 days PP, then decline to the basal level and a second small elevation before the final elimination of bacteria. Endometritis was diagnosed in 5 cows in farm A and in 3 cows in farm B respectively. In farm A, 5 cows out of 10 ovulated during experimental period and in 1 cow cystic ovaries were found. In farm B, 3 cows out of 10 ovulated. In 3 cows cystic ovaries were found. Altogether 40% of cows had their first ovulation during the experimental period. Three cows in farm A and 5 cows in farm B were totally bacteria negative during the experimental period. The most frequent bacteria found were A. pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., E. coli., F. necrophorum and Bacteroides spp. The highest incidence of bacteriological species was found during the first 3 weeks in both farms. All animals were free from bacteria after 5th week PP in farm A and after 4th week in farm B respectively. Serum electrolytes and glucose levels were found to be within the reference limits for the cows in both farms. No significant difference was found between farms (p > 0.05). Low phosphorus levels were found in both farms. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in BUN levels between farms. In both farms milk acetoacetate values were staying within the reference range given for the used test (< 100 micromol/l). The uterine involution and bacterial elimination in the investigated cows could consider as normal but more profound metabolic studies could be needed to find reasons for later resumption of ovarian activity. Some recommendations to changing feeding regimes and strategies should also be given.     

Influence of distance to urban markets on smallholder dairy farming systems in Kenya

We studied influence of distance to urban markets on smallholder dairy farming system development. Farms were chosen from three locations that varied in distance to the urban market of Nakuru Town in the Kenyan highlands: urban location (UL, n?=?10) at less than 15 km distance, mid-rural location (MRL, n?=?11) in between 20 and 50 km west of Nakuru and extreme rural location (ERL, n?=?9) beyond 50 km west and south-west of Nakuru. In-depth interviews with farmers and focus group discussions with eight groups of stakeholders were held to collect narratives and data about market quality, production factors, farm performance and functions of dairy cattle. We applied thematic content analysis to qualitative information by clustering narratives according to predefined themes and used ANOVA to analyse farm data. In UL, markets were functional, with predominantly informal market chains, with a high milk price (US $ 45.1/100 kg). Inputs were available in UL markets, but prices were high for inputs such as concentrates, fodder, replacement stock and hired labour. Moreover, availability of grazing land and the high opportunity costs for family labour were limiting dairy activities. In UL, milk production per cow (6.9 kg/cow/day) and per farm (20.1 kg/farm/day) were relatively low, and we concluded that farm development was constrained by scarcity of inputs and production factors. In rural locations (MRL and ERL), markets were functional with relatively low prices (average US $ 32.8/100 kg) for milk in both formal and informal market chains. Here, concentrates were relatively cheap but also of low quality. Fodder, replacement stock and labour were more available in rural locations than in UL. In rural locations, milk production per cow (average 7.2 kg/cow/day) and per farm (average 18.5 kg/farm/day) were low, and we concluded that farm development was constrained by low quality of concentrates and low price of milk. In all locations, production for subsistence was valued since income generated was used for non-dairy expenses. A tailor-made package of interventions that targets the above constraints is recommended for farm development.     

奶牛日粮添加"NPN"补充料试验研究

[目的]为了解"NPN"的饲喂效果.[方法]选取年龄、体重、胎次、泌乳阶段、日产奶量相近的中低产奶牛24头,随机区组为试验组和对照组,每组12头.对山西省现代农业研究中心和山西省农业科学院畜牧兽医研究所联合开发的专利产品"反刍动物'NPN'补充料"进行了为期70 d的应用试验.[结果]表明:试验组12头奶牛70 d总产...     

Development of smallholder dairy units in Malaysia

In experiments conducted over a four-year period the effect of pasture type (Setaria sphacelata and a Brachiaria decumbens/Leucaena leucocephala mixture), management system (rotational grazing and cut and carry) and level of concentrate supplement (0, 4 and 6 kg fresh weight/cow per day) on milk production in smallholder dairy units was examined. All units were 1 ha in size and stocked with five Sahiwal X Friesian cows. Milk yields/ha were higher from rotational grazing and the brachiaria/leucaena pasture when compared with the cut and carry system and the setaria pasture respectively. In subsequent experiments smallholder units were based on brachiaria/leucaena and rotational grazing. A supplement of 4 kg fresh weight of concentrate (11 MJ/kg DM and 150 g/kg DM CP) increased milk yield/ha from 7,760 to 13,045 kg while in a third trial milk yield/ha was further increased from 14,148 to 16,760 kg when concentrate level was raised from 4 to 6 kg fresh weight/day. The results indicate that smallholder dairy units in Malaysia could be economically viable and competitive with other agricultural enterprises such as rubber and oil palm.     

The influence of administration of biotin and zinc chelate (Zn-methionine) to cows in the first and second trimester of lactation on their health and productivity

In cattle, the prevention of diseases might be possible using dietary methods, with nutritional optimization of feed rations. For years significant influence has been associated with the addition of biotin, methionine and zinc (each given individually, or as chelate - Zn-methionine). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of biotin or biotin + Zn-methionine additives on the health and performance of cows, in the first and second trimester of lactation. This study was carried out in 3 groups of cows, 30 animals in each group. In the first group cows were fed the usual fodder used on the farm. In the second group biotin at 10 mg/day/cow was added. In the third group both biotin at 10 mg/day/cow and Zn-methionine at 5 g/day/cow were added. The administration of biotin increased the milk yield and reduced the occurrence of retained placenta, as well as endometritis puerperalis. However, the high doses of biotin suppressed ovulation and oestrus symptoms in the investigated cows (low progesterone levels on days 15, 21 and 45 after calving). Zn-methionine in comparison to biotin had a lower effect on the milk yield in the cows. Moreover, its supplementation improved the milk content, as well as some of the blood parameters; it also decreased the number of somatic cells in milk. The concurrent administration of biotin and zinc-methionine seemed to be a good method for the prophylaxis of subacute mastitis and for the improvement of the high yielding dairy cows' productivity.     

奶牛产奶前期营养调控研究

通过对奶牛日粮代谢能、粗蛋白质和粗饲料类型3个营养因素对产奶前期奶牛100d产奶量影响的测定,确定日粮代谢能是起主导作用的因素。本试验ME:11.0MJ/kg,CP:12.0,粗饲料为全株玉米青贮饲料加玉米秸,奶牛100d产奶量可达到2907kg,平均日产奶29.07kg/d,全日粮料奶比为0.69:1,相当于精饲料产奶比0.31:1。根据上述试验结果和吉林西部的气候与饲料资源特点,笔者推荐在奶牛产奶前期生产中使用ME:10.0MJ/kg,CP:10.5的日粮,尽量不使用稻草作为奶牛产奶前期的主要粗饲料。