Differences in mastitis susceptibility between Holstein Friesian,Dutch Friesian and Dutch Red and White cows

Summary

On an experimental farm 3 dairy breeds were compared with regard to mastitis by various parameters.

Higher cell counts and more udder infections were present in the Dutch Red and White (DRW) in comparison with the Holstein Friesian (HF) and the Dutch Friesian (DF). Within the HF breed a negative correlation between cell count and production was established and also in this breed, a negative correlation between maximum rate of milk flow and cell count.

There is no evidence that higher procuction and easier milking are connected with more mastitis. On the contrary, within the breeds an opposite trend appeared. Selection against mastitis does not conflict with selection for production and ease of milking.

An addition trial revealed that sampling after too quick preparation of the cows before milking resulted in much higher cell counts in quarter samples.

Cows which were selected for drying off with antibiotics recovered from their infection but these more susceptible animals maintained a higher cell count to a certain extent.     

Differences in mastitis susceptibility between Holstein Friesian, Dutch Friesian and Dutch Red and White cows

Summary On an experimental farm 3 dairy breeds were compared with regard to mastitis by various parameters. Higher cell counts and more udder infections were present in the Dutch Red and White (DRW) in comparison with the Holstein Friesian (HF) and the Dutch Friesian (DF). Within the HF breed a negative correlation between cell count and production was established and also in this breed, a negative correlation between maximum rate of milk flow and cell count. There is no evidence that higher procuction and easier milking are connected with more mastitis. On the contrary, within the breeds an opposite trend appeared. Selection against mastitis does not conflict with selection for production and ease of milking. An addition trial revealed that sampling after too quick preparation of the cows before milking resulted in much higher cell counts in quarter samples. Cows which were selected for drying off with antibiotics recovered from their infection but these more susceptible animals maintained a higher cell count to a certain extent.     

Birth and weaning traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Wagyu, and Friesian sires

The objective of this study was to characterize breeds representing diverse biological types for birth and weaning traits in crossbred cattle (Bos taurus). Gestation length, calving difficulty, percentage of unassisted calving, percentage of perinatal survival, percentage of survival from birth to weaning, birth weight, weaning weight, BW at 205 d, and ADG was measured in 1,370 calves born and 1,285 calves weaned. Calves were obtained by mating Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Pinzgauer, and 1/4 Red Poll) mature cows to Hereford or Angus (British breeds), Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Wagyu, and Friesian sires. Calves were born during the spring of 1997 and 1998. Sire breed was significant for gestation length, birth weight, BW at 205 d, and ADG (P < 0.001). Offspring from Swedish Red and White and Friesian had the shortest gestation length (282 d), whereas offspring from Wagyu sires had the longest gestation length (286 d). Progeny from British breeds were the heaviest at birth (40.5 kg) and at 205 d (237 kg), and grew faster (0.97 kg/d) than offspring from other breeds. Offspring from Wagyu sires were the lightest at birth (36.3 kg) and at 205 d (214 kg), and had the slowest growth (0.91 kg/d). Dam breed was significant for gestation length (P < 0.001), birth weight (P = 0.009), BW at 205 d, and ADG (P < 0.001). Offspring from Hereford cows had the longest gestation length (284 d), whereas offspring from Angus cows had the shortest (282 d). Offspring from MARC III cows were the heaviest at birth (39.4 kg) when compared with offspring from Hereford (38.2 kg) and Angus (38.6 kg) cows. Progeny from Angus cows were the heaviest at 205 d (235 kg) and grew faster (0.96 kg/d), whereas offspring from Hereford cows were the lightest at 205 d (219 kg) and were the slowest in growth (0.88 kg/d). Sex was significant for gestation length (P = 0.026), birth weight, BW at 205 d, and ADG (P < 0.001). Male calves had a longer gestation length (284 d) when compared with female calves (283 d). Males were heavier than females at birth and at 205 d, and grew faster. Sire breed effects can be optimized by selection and use of appropriate crossbreeding systems.     

Conservation priorities for the different lines of Dutch Red and White Friesian cattle change when relationships with other breeds are taken into account

From a genetic point of view, the selection of breeds and animals within breeds for conservation in a national gene pool can be based on a maximum diversity strategy. This implies that priority is given to conservation of breeds and animals that diverge most and overlap of conserved diversity is minimized. This study investigated the genetic diversity in the Dutch Red and White Friesian (DFR) cattle breed and its contribution to the total genetic diversity in the pool of the Dutch dairy breeds. All Dutch cattle breeds are clearly distinct, except for Dutch Friesian breed (DF) and DFR and have their own specific genetic identity. DFR has a small but unique contribution to the total genetic diversity of Dutch cattle breeds and is closely related to the Dutch Friesian breed. Seven different lines are distinguished within the DFR breed and all contribute to the diversity of the DFR breed. Two lines show the largest contributions to the genetic diversity in DFR. One of these lines comprises unique diversity both within the breed and across all cattle breeds. The other line comprises unique diversity for the DFR but overlaps with the Holstein Friesian breed. There seems to be no necessity to conserve the other five lines separately, because their level of differentiation is very low. This study illustrates that, when taking conservation decisions for a breed, it is worthwhile to take into account the population structure of the breed itself and the relationships with other breeds.     

Postweaning growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires

The objective of this study was to characterize breeds representing diverse biological types for postweaning growth and carcass composition traits in terminal crossbred cattle. Postweaning growth and carcass traits were analyzed on 434 steers and 373 heifers obtained by mating F1 cows to Charolais sires. Maternal grandsires represented Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Pinzgauer, and 1/4 Red Poll) dams to Hereford or Angus (British Breeds), Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Wagyu, or Friesian breeds. Breed groups were slaughtered serially in each of 2 yr (2002 and 2003). Postweaning ADG, slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage Choice, LM area, marbling score, USDA yield grade, fat thickness, retail product yield (percentage), retail product weight, fat yield (percentage), fat weight, bone yield (percentage), and bone weight were analyzed. Maternal grandsire breed was significant (P < 0.05) for all traits except dressing percentage, percentage Choice, and LM area. Marbling score for animals with Norwegian Red, Wagyu, Swedish Red and White, British Breeds, and Friesian inheritance was 550, 544, 532, 530, and 515, respectively (SEM = 8). Retail product weight for these animals was 224, 211, 227, 223, and 223 kg, respectively (SEM = 2 kg). Maternal granddam breed was not significant for any of the traits analyzed. Grandsire breed effects can be optimized by selection and use of appropriate crossbreeding systems.     

Trends in inbreeding in Dutch Black and White dairy cattle

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to estimate trends in inbreeding in Dutch Black and White dairy cattle. A pedigree file for 4 280 588 cattle born after 1965 was used. In the early 1970s, Holstein-Friesian was introduced, gradually replacing Dutch Friesian. Analyses were performed for all Dutch Black and White and original Dutch Friesian separately. Because of incompleteness of pedigrees, a reduced data set was created with only records for animals with complete pedigrees to 1975. Using the complete pedigree data set, from 1985 to 1990, the annual rate of inbreeding was 0.2 and 0.1 % in Dutch Friesian and Dutch Black and White, respectively. Trends for bulls and cows did not differ. Inclusion of incomplete pedigrees decreased absolute levels of inbreeding. Holstein-Friesian introgression temporarily decreased the number of inbred animals and the average inbreeding coefficient of inbred animals. In analysis of trends in inbreeding, the year of birth is confounded with the number of ancestral generations. Therefore, estimation of trends in inbreeding should be based on years in which animals born have sufficient (≥ 7) ancestral generations. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Inzuchtentwicklung in holl?ndischen schwarzbunten Rindern Die Untersuchung betrifft die Sch?tzung von Inzuchttrends in holl?ndischen schwarzbunten Rindern, wofür die Abstammungen von 4.280.588 nach 1965 geborenen Rindern verwendet worden sind. Anfangs der 70iger Jahre wurden Holstein-Friesen importiert, die die holl?ndische Friesen zunehmend verdr?ngten. Die Analyse wurde an alien holl?ndischen schwarzbunten und ursprünglichen holl?ndischen Friesen getrennt durchgeführt. Wegen der Unvollst?ndigkeit von Abstammungen wurde ein reduziertes Material aus Abstammungen von Tieren mit vollst?ndigen Pedigrees bis 1975 geschaffen. Unter Verwendung des vollst?ndigen Abstammungsmaterials ergab sich der Inzuchtzuwachs zwischen 1985 und 1990 als j?hrlich 0,2 bzw. 0,1 % in holl?ndischen Friesen und holl?ndischen Schwarzbunten, wobei der Trend für Bullen und Kühe sich noch nicht unterschied. Berücksichtigung unvollst?ndiger Abstammungsaufzeichnungen verminderte den Inzuchtgrad. Die Holstein-Friesen-Introgression verminderte vorübergehend die Zahl ingezüchteter Tiere und den durchschnittlichen Inzuchtkoeffizienten. In der Analyse von Inzuchtverlauf ist das Geburtsjahr mit der Zahl von Ahnengenerationen vermischt. Daher sollte die Sch?tzung des Inzuchtverlaufs sich auf Jahre begrenzen, in denen Tiere ausreichend (= 7) vor von Generationen aufweisen k?nnen.     

Simultaneous Bayesian estimation of genetic parameters for curves of weight,feed intake,and residual feed intake in beef cattle

Rates of gain and feed efficiency are important traits in most breeding programs for growing farm animals. The rate of gain (GAIN) is usually expressed over a certain age period and feed efficiency is often expressed as residual feed intake (RFI), defined as observed feed intake (FI) minus expected feed intake based on live weight (WGT) and GAIN. However, the basic traits recorded are always WGT and FI and other traits are derived from these basic records. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure for simultaneous analysis of the basic records and then derive linear traits related to feed efficiency without retorting to any approximation. A bivariate longitudinal random regression model was employed on 13,791 individual longitudinal records of WGT and FI from 2,827 bulls of six different beef breeds tested for their own performance in the period from 7 to 13 mo of age. Genetic and permanent environmental covariance functions for curves of WGT and FI were estimated using Gibbs sampling. Genetic and permanent covariance functions for curves of GAIN were estimated from the first derivative of the function for WGT and finally the covariance functions were extended to curves for RFI, based on the conditional distribution of FI given WGT and GAIN. Furthermore, the covariance functions were extended to include GAIN and RFI defined over different periods of the performance test. These periods included the whole test period as normally used when predicting breeding values for GAIN and RFI for beef bulls. Based on the presented method, breeding values and genetic parameters for derived traits such as GAIN and RFI defined longitudinally or integrated over (parts of) of the test period can be obtained from a joint analysis of the basic records. The resulting covariance functions for WGT, FI, GAIN, and RFI are usually singular but the method presented here does not suffer from the estimation problems associated with defining these traits individually before the genetic analysis. All the results are thus estimated simultaneously, and the set of parameters is consistent.     

奶牛采食量测定方法的研究进展

奶牛的采食量是指奶牛在单位时间内实际采食的饲草(料)数量。奶牛的采食过程是一个动态的过程,是由生物和非生物因素共同、相互的影响过程。准确地计算和测定奶牛的采食量,是制定奶牛良好营养方案的基础;是确定其补饲量的重要依据。研究奶牛的采食量对整个奶牛产业有重要的作用。文章对奶牛在自由进食状态下采食量的影响因素进行了阐述,并对其采食量的测定方法进行了深入的探讨和研究。     

Test duration for growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency in beef cattle using the GrowSafe System

This study was conducted to determine the optimum test duration and the effect of missing data on accuracy of measuring feed efficiency and its 4 related traits ADG, DMI, feed conversion ratio, and residual feed intake in beef cattle using data from 456 steers with 5,397 weekly averaged feed intakes and BW repeated measurements taken over 91 d. Data were collected using the GrowSafe System at the University of Alberta Kinsella Research Station. The changes and relative changes in phenotypic residual variances and correlations (Pearson and Spearman) among data from shortened test durations (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, or 84 d) and a 91-d test were used to determine the optimum test duration for the 4 traits. The traits were fitted to a mixed model with repeated measures using SAS. Test durations for ADG, DMI, feed conversion ratio, and residual feed intake could be shortened to 63, 35, 42, and 63 d, respectively, without significantly reducing the accuracy of the tests when BW was measured weekly. The accuracy of the test was not compromised when up to 30% of the records were randomly removed after the first 35 d on test. These results have valuable and practical implications for performance and feed efficiency testing in beef cattle.     

Fine mapping quantitative trait loci for feed intake and feed efficiency in beef cattle

Feed intake and feed efficiency are economically important traits in beef cattle because feed is the greatest variable cost in production. Feed efficiency can be measured as feed conversion ratio (FCR, intake per unit gain) or residual feed intake (RFI, measured as DMI corrected for BW and growth rate, and sometimes a measure of body composition, usually carcass fatness, RFI(bf)). The goal of this study was to fine map QTL for these traits in beef cattle using 2,194 markers on 24 autosomes. The animals used were from 20 half-sib families originating from Angus, Charolais, and University of Alberta Hybrid bulls. A mixed model with random sire and fixed QTL effect nested within sire was used to test each location (cM) along the chromosomes. Threshold levels were determined at the chromosome and genome levels using 20,000 permutations. In total, 4 QTL exceeded the genome-wise threshold of P < 0.001, 3 exceeded at P < 0.01, 17 at P < 0.05, and 30 achieved significance at the chromosome-wise threshold level (at least P < 0.05). No QTL were detected on BTA 8, 16, and 27 above the 5% chromosome-wise significance threshold for any of the traits. Nineteen chromosomes contained RFI QTL significant at the chromosome-wise level. The RFI(bf) QTL results were generally similar to those of RFI, the positions being similar, but occasionally differing in the level of significance. Compared with RFI, fewer QTL were detected for both FCR and DMI, 12 and 4 QTL, respectively, at the genome-wise thresholds. Some chromosomes contained FCR QTL, but not RFI QTL, but all DMI QTL were on chromosomes where RFI QTL were detected. The most significant QTL for RFI was located on BTA 3 at 82 cM (P = 7.60 x 10(-5)), for FCR on BTA 24 at 59 cM (P = 0.0002), and for DMI on BTA 7 at 54 cM (P = 1.38 x 10(-5)). The RFI QTL that showed the most consistent results with previous RFI QTL mapping studies were on BTA 1, 7, 18, and 19. The identification of these QTL provides a starting point to identify genes affecting feed intake and efficiency for use in marker-assisted selection and management.     

The phenotypic relationship between residual intake and gain and other feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle

This study aimed to compare feed efficiency measures of Nellore beef cattle on different residual intake and gain (RIG) classes. We used data from 610 animals weighing on average 236.33 kg and average of 283 days of age from feedlot performance tests carried out between 2005 and 2012. Animals were grouped based on RIG into three different classes: high RIG (>?mean?+?0.5 standard deviation (SD), most efficient; n?=?193), medium RIG (mean?±?0.5 SD; n?=?235), and low RIG (<?mean – 0.5 SD, least efficient; n?=?182). Residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency (FE), relative growth rate (RGR), and Kleiber ratio (KR) of animals in each RIG class were compared by Tukey test at 1% of probability. Phenotypic correlations between variables were evaluated as well. Animals on high RIG class showed lower dry matter intake (P?<?0.01) and higher average daily gain (P?<?0.01) than low RIG animals. Consequently, high RIG animals had lower FCR (P?<?0.01) and higher FE (P?<?0.01) than those animals in low RIG class. The most efficient animals based on RIG were also the most efficient animals based on RG and RFI. RIG was negatively correlated to dry matter intake (P?<?0.01) and FCR (P?<?0.01), and a positive correlation was found between RIG and FE (P?<?0.01). Therefore, RIG appears to be a good parameter to select animals with reduced dry matter intake and high productive performance.

     

The relationship between residual feed intake and feed intake behavior in group-housed Duroc barrows

Because feed is the major input in pork production, conversion of feed into lean tissue at minimum costs has been a focus for improvement. Several researchers have proposed using residual feed intake (RFI) rather than feed conversion ratio (FCR) for genetic improvement of feed efficiency. Little is known about the variation in RFI in pigs. As several studies suggest a greater RFI is related to greater animal activity levels, the current study investigated the phenotypic relationship between RFI and feed intake (FI) behavior of 104 group-housed growing Duroc barrows allowed ad libitum access to feed. Feed intake, BW gain, feeding time (TIME), feeding frequency (VISITS), RFI, and FCR were calculated for 5 periods of 14, 23, 28, 21, or 23 d in length (periods 1 through 5, respectively) on animals that were between 73 to 95 d of age at the start of the testing period. Barrows that grew faster consumed more feed (P < 0.001), and barrows that consumed more feed were fatter (P < 0.01). There were no correlations between VISITS and TIME, between VISITS and FI, or between VISITS and RFI. Barrows that spent more time at the feeder, however, consumed more feed (P < 0.05) and had greater RFI in periods 1, 3, and 5 (P < 0.05). As expected, FI and FCR were highly correlated with RFI (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a greater FI rather than greater feed intake activity resulted in greater RFI values.     

Growth and pubertal development of F1 bulls from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu sires

The objective of the study was to characterize body growth, testicular development, and puberty from 8 to 14 mo of age in bulls (n = 120) produced by mating sires from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu breeds to MARC III ((1/4) Hereford, (1/4) Angus, (1/4) Red Poll, and (1/4) Pinzgauer) cows. Traits evaluated were birth weight, weaning weight (at 215 d), yearling weight, ADG from 8 to 14 mo of age, paired testicular volume growth from 8 to 14 mo of age, age at puberty (determined by production of 50 x 10(6) sperm with 10% motility), age at freezable semen (determined by production of 500 x 10(6) sperm with 50% motility), and, at 15 mo of age, paired testicular weight and daily sperm production per testis pair. There was an effect of sire breed (P = 0.03) for age at puberty; animals with Wagyu and Swedish Red and White inheritance reached puberty at a later date (302 and 302 d of age, respectively) compared with Angus-sired bulls (268 d). Age at puberty for Hereford-, Norwegian Red-, and Friesian-sired bulls was 270, 271, and 278 d, respectively. Differences in BW were observed (P = 0.03) at birth; bulls with Hereford and Friesian were heavier at birth (43 and 41 kg, respectively) compared with those with Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, and Wagyu inheritance (39, 38, and 38 kg, respectively). Differences in BW were also observed at 1 yr of age (P = 0.001), where the heaviest animals were those sired by Angus (450 kg), whereas the lightest animals were those sired by Wagyu (403 kg). Bulls with Wagyu inheritance had the lowest (P = 0.04) ADG (1.12 kg/d) compared with bulls with inheritance from Hereford (1.22 kg/d), Angus (1.28 kg/d), Norwegian Red (1.24 kg/d), Swedish Red and White (1.25 kg/d), and Friesian (1.27 kg/d). Differences in scrotal growth rate were not significant (P = 0.99). They ranged from 1.95 in Angus-sired to 1.66 cm3/d in Wagyu-sired bulls. There were no differences (P = 0.80) for age at freezable semen (335 +/- 10 d). At slaughter (15 mo of age), there were no differences (P = 0.62) for paired testicular weight (603 +/- 28 g) and daily sperm production (10.6 x 10(9) +/- 0.9 x 10(9) per testis pair). Growth of bulls with Wagyu inheritance was slower, and bulls with Wagyu or Scandinavian inheritance reach puberty at an older age than bulls with Angus inheritance.     

Genetic correlations between males, females and castrates for residual feed intake, feed conversion ratio, growth rate and carcass composition traits in Large White growing pigs

Data were collected in the course of a divergent selection experiment for residual feed intake (RFI) of Large White growing pigs. This data set was used to estimate (i) heritability for RFI and genetic correlations of RFI with growth and carcass traits within the three sexes (male, castrate and female) and (ii) genetic correlations between sexes for these traits. Individual feed intake of animals raised in collective pens was measured by single-place electronic feeders on 1121 males (candidates for selection), 508 females and 535 castrates (sibs of candidates). Variance components were estimated using the REML methodology applied to a multitrait animal model. Estimates of heritability for RFI were 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.16 ± 0.08 and 0.23 ± 0.10 for males, females and castrates, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations between sexes for homologous traits were not significantly different from 1 (0.88 to 0.99 for RFI, 0.79 to 0.99 for growth traits and 0.65 to 0.99 for carcass composition traits). The relatively low genetic correlations between castrates and males or females for backfat thickness (0.65 and 0.69, respectively) suggest the presence of genotype by sex interactions for this trait.     

Studies on age specific leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in normal Friesian, Red Danish and Jersey cattle in Denmark.

To determine reference values for leukocyte and lymphocyte counts of the most common cattle breeds in Denmark, especially regarding the evaluation procedure in the leukosis control work, blood samples from normal cattle of all ages within the Friesian, the Red Danish and the Jersey breeds were collected, transported and counted as in the routine leukosis control programme. Evaluation of breed- and age specific counts showed numerically small, but statistically significant differences in mean values of leukocytes and lymphocytes between on the one hand Jersey cattle and on the other hand Red Danish and Friesian cattle. However, it was found that the key values used in the leukosis control work are generally in good agreement with the calculated 99.87 percentiles of all age- and breed specific lymphocyte count distributions, which were approximated with logarithmic normal distribution curves.     

Genetic and phenotypic variance and covariance components for feed intake, feed efficiency, and other postweaning traits in Angus cattle.

Records on 1,180 young Angus bulls and heifers involved in performance tests were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for feed intake, feed efficiency, and other postweaning traits. The mean age was 268 d at the start of the performance test, which comprised 21-d adjustment and 70-d test periods. Traits studied included 200-d weight, 400-d weight, scrotal circumference, ultrasonic measurements of rib and rump fat depths and longissimus muscle area, ADG, metabolic weight, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and residual feed intake. For all traits except the last five, additional data from the Angus Society ofAustralia pedigree and performance database were included, which increased the number of animals to 27,229. Genetic (co)variances were estimated by REML using animal models. Direct heritability estimates for 200-d weight, 400-d weight, rib fat depth, ADG, feed conversion,and residual feed intake were 0.17 +/- 0.03, 0.27 +/- 0.03, 0.35 +/- 0.04, 0.28 +/- 0.04, 0.29 +/- 0.04, and 0.39 +/- 0.03, respectively. Feed conversion ratio was genetically (r(g) = 0.66 ) and phenotypically (r(p) = 0.53) correlated with residual feed intake. Feed conversion ratio was correlated (r(g) = -0.62, r(p) = -0.74) with ADG, whereas residual feed intake was not (rg = -0.04, r(p) = -0.06). Genetically, both residual feed intake and feed conversion ratio were negatively correlated with direct effects of 200-d weight (r(g) = -0.45 and -0.21) and 400-d weight (r(g) = -0.26 and -0.09). The correlations between the remaining traits and the feed efficiency traits were near zero, except between feed intake and feed conversion ratio (r(g) = 0.31, r(p) = 0.23), feed intake and residual feed intake (r(g) = 0.69, r(p) = 0.72), and rib fat depth and residual feed intake (r(g) = 0.17, r(p) = 0.14). These results indicate that genetic improvement in feed efficiency can be achieved through selection and, in general, correlated responses in growth and the other postweaning traits will be minimal.     

Breed and crossbreeding effects in a crossing experiment between dutch friesian and holstein friesian cattle

In the second generation of a crossbreeding experiment with Holstein Friesian bulls and Dutch Friesian cows the difference in additive genetic merits between Holstein Friesian and Dutch Friesian bulls (a), the heterotic effects (d) and the maternal effects (m) were calculated from the mean values of the four subpopulations with 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% Holstein Friesian genes. Significant a effects were found for milk yield, fat percentage, fat yield, protein yield, fleshiness (beef bulls and veal calves), fat covering (beef bulls), dressing percentage (veal calves), birth weight, percentage of calving difficulties and gestation period. A significant d effect was found for fat covering (beef bulls). For dressing percentage (veal calves), for the percentage of calving difficulties and of retained placenta, significant m effects were calculated.     

Upper airway resistance in healthy Friesian cattle

Total pulmonary resistance (RL) and upper airway resistance (Ruaw) were measured in nine healthy unsedated Friesian cattle divided into three age groups. Mean values for these three groups of animals aged four, 188 and 1157 days were 0.32, 0.13 and 0.06 kPa litre-1 s for RL; 0.14, 0.09 and 0.05 kPa litre-1 s for Ruaw; and 0.45, 0.68 and 0.79 for the ratio Ruaw/RL respectively. Ruaw, measured with the head in the normal position, did not significantly differ from values obtained with the head in the horizontal position. Ruaw, measured with the head in the vertical position, was approximately three times greater than when measured in the two other positions.     

Holstein Friesians,Dutch Friesians and Dutch Red and Whites on two complete diets with a different amount of roughage: Differences in performance between first and second lactation

Groups of 11 Holstein Friesian (HF), 11 Dutch Red and White (DRW) and 12 Dutch Friesian (DF) second calved cows were fed a complete diet with only roughage (a mixture of grass- and corn-silage) or the same mixture of roughage with 50% concentrates on a dry matter basis. The animals had participated in the same experiment during their first lactation.For none of the characteristics was a significant breed-feed composition interaction found. The differences between breeds in feed intake, milk production, body weight and gain were equal with both feed compositions.The breeds differed significantly in the increase in milk, fat and protein yield from the first to the second lactation. This increase was 902, 194 and 103 kg milk, 46, 16 and 5 kg fat and 27, 1 and 3 kg protein for the HF, DRW and DF animals, respectively. The body weight gain of the concentrates group in the second lactation was much less than in the first lactation.For the HF animals, 55% of total energy intake was used for milk yield, 37% for maintenance and 8% for gain; corresponding values for the DRW animals were 48, 41 and 11%, respectively, and for the DF animals 44, 37 and 19%, respectively. For the concentrates group, this partition was 51, 36 and 13%, respectively, and for the roughage group 47, 41 and 13%, respectively.