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.     

Association of automatic milking systems milking frequency in primiparous and multiparous cows with their yield and milkability

The aim of the study was to determine the association of automatic milking systems milking frequency (≤2.40, 2.41–2.80 and >2.80 times/day) in primiparous and multiparous cows with their daily milk yield and milkability. The analysis included of the milk production level and the interaction between milking frequency per day and daily milk yield. Regardless of the daily production level, most primiparous cows were milked 2.41–2.80 times/day and most multiparous cows >2.80 times/day. Higher daily milk yield and a more favourable effect of increasing milking frequency on this parameter were observed in multiparous cows, with an increase from 29.7?kg (milking frequency ≤2.40 times/day) to 31.1?kg milk (>2.80 times/day). In primiparous cows, this increase was smaller and amounted to 0.8?kg milk (from 29.2 to 30.0?kg).     

Effect of an automatic milking system on milking traits

Recent studies in Japan of the effect of automatic milking systems (AMS) on the behavior of dairy cows have confirmed the labor-saving aspect of AMS, but have not solved some of the problems affecting milking traits. The influence of AMS on milking was examined in 39 Holstein cows at Iwate Agricultural Research Center from June 1998 to December 1999, by measuring and recording the yield per milking, milking finish time, milking frequency, and daily yield of milking. Four milking traits were analyzed separately as the objective variable in a linear model, with parity, days in milking, month after installation of the AMS as independent variables. Primiparous cows milked more frequently in the middle and late stage of lactation, yielded less per milking and less per day in the early stage of lactation than multiparous cows with the AMS. Lower frequencies were observed at noon and midnight for cleaning of the bulk tank. By contrast, higher milking frequency in the forenoon was shown. The yield per milking rose and declined, following a normal lactation curve. However, milking frequency rose slowly, and declined gradually in the late stage of lactation. After installing a one-way gate, the cows milked more frequently, with a lower yield per milking and a greater daily milk yield, than before installation.     

Once-daily milking of Holstein cows for one-week decreases milk yield by twenty-five percent without any carry-over effect

Short-term (i.e. several days) once-daily milking (ODM) of dairy cows could help to improve work organization or quality of life for dairy farmers. ODM implemented during three periods of one week in the descending phase of lactation led to an average 23.4% decrease in the milk yield of 9 Holstein cows compared to 9 other cows on twice-daily milking (TDM). Short-term ODM significantly increased fat content (by 4.5 g/kg on average) and somatic cell count (by 73,000 cells/mL) and decreased lactose content by 1.9 g/kg. Protein content increased (by 2.1 g/kg) only in the third period. When twice-daily milking was resumed, there were no longer between-group differences in daily yields of milk, fat, protein, and somatic cells.     

Milk production,plasma metabolite profiles and mammary arterial‐venous differences of milk precursors in early lactation cows milked at different frequencies by an automatic milking system

The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of different milking frequencies under an automatic milking system (AMS) on milk yield, plasma metabolite profiles and mammary arterial‐venous (A‐V) differences of milk precursors by mammary tissues in early lactation cows. Twelve Holstein cows were divided into two and four times milking frequency treatments by AMS after calving to 50 days postpartum. Cows were given a partial mixed ration ad libitum and a concentrate diet at every milking. Dry matter intake increased similarly in both treatments with advancing postpartum days. Milk yield was greater (P < 0.001) by 25% with four times milking, but milk composition was not affected by milking frequency. Body weight change was also not affected by milking frequency. Arterial concentrations of glucose and glutamate were lower (P < 0.05) for four times milking frequency. However, arterial concentration of nonesterified fatty acids did not differ between treatments. Although mammary A‐V differences of plasma concentration for most milk precursors did not differ between treatments, estimated plasma flow was higher (P < 0.05) for four times milking frequency. These results indicate that higher milking frequency may increase mammary uptake of milk precursors, whereas may not affect the extent of fat mobilization of early lactating cows from day 20 postpartum onward.     

Rumen fluid,feces, milk,water, feed,airborne dust,and bedding microbiota in dairy farms managed by automatic milking systems

Microbiota of the gut, milk, and cowshed environment were examined at two dairy farms managed by automatic milking systems (AMS). Feed, rumen fluid, feces, milk, bedding, water, and airborne dust were collected and the microbiota on each was assessed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The most abundant taxa in feed, rumen fluid, feces, bedding, and water were Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae, respectively, at both farms. Aerococcaceae was the most abundant taxon in milk and airborne dust microbiota at farm 1, and Staphylococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae were the most abundant taxa in milk and airborne dust microbiota at farm 2. The three most prevalent taxa (Aerococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Ruminococcaceae at farm 1 and Staphylococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Ruminococcaceae at farm 2) were shared between milk and airborne dust microbiota. Indeed, SourceTracker indicated that milk microbiota was related with airborne dust microbiota. Meanwhile, hierarchical clustering and canonical analysis of principal coordinates demonstrated that the milk microbiota was associated with the bedding microbiota but clearly separated from feed, rumen fluid, feces, and water microbiota. Although our findings were derived from only two case studies, the importance of cowshed management for milk quality control and mastitis prevention was emphasized at farms managed by AMS.     

植物甾醇对泌乳前期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

根据年龄、胎次、泌乳时间和产奶量选择24头泌乳奶牛,随机分为对照组、试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组。对照组饲喂奶牛场配制的全混合饲料,试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组每头奶牛日粮中分别添加40 g/d和80 g/d植物甾醇,研究植物甾醇对奶牛生产性能的影响。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组奶牛的产奶量分别提高了2.07 kg/d(5.64%,P0.05)和1.74 kg/d(4.75%,P0.05);试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组奶牛乳脂率分别提高了8.22%(P0.01)和2.97%(P0.05);乳蛋白率分别提高了2.45%(P0.05)和1.05%(P0.05);非脂固形物分别提高了1.29%(P0.05)和0.23%(P0.05),体细胞数分别下降了37.31%和19.34%,但差异均不显著(P0.05);牛奶中乳尿素氮含量分别降低了5.29%(P0.05)和7.58%(P0.01)。结果表明泌乳前期奶牛补饲一定量的植物甾醇能够提高产奶量和改善乳成分。     

Effects of short period frequent milking on milk yield and udder health in Turkish Saanen goats

The major purpose of this study was to investigate whether increasing milking frequency for a short period (21 days) increases milk yield and milk components and improves udder health throughout lactation in Turkish Saanen goats. Two groups were formed (control, n = 14, treatment, n = 14); balanced by parity, bodyweight and birth type to make them homogenous. Feeding and management practices were the same for both groups. The treatment group was milked four times a day (4×) for 21 days after weaning whereas the control group was milked twice a day (2×). All the animals were milked twice daily thereafter. The pyronin methyl green stain method was used to estimate the somatic cell count (SCC), which is an indication of udder health. This method provided a count that excluded RNA and background noise while including cells with DNA. Repeated measures analyses indicated that overall differences between the 2× and 4× groups were significant for the morning, evening and total test day milk yields, in that values for the 4× group were increased 14.7, 8.8 and 12.1%, respectively. Differences between the groups for SCC were not significant. The results of this study indicate that increasing milking frequency to 4×, even for a short time (21 days), increases overall milk yield throughout lactation in dairy goats.     

复合益生菌制剂对奶牛泌乳性能及乳品质的影响

为研究复合益生菌制剂对奶牛泌乳性能及乳品质的影响,试验选取45头泌乳期相近的荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为3组,对照组、试验1组、试验2组,每组3个重复,每个重复5头。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2组分别在基础日粮中添加1%、2%的复合益生菌制剂,试验期为60d。结果表明:试验2组在第10、30、60天奶牛产奶量较对照组分别提高2.28%、0.62%、9.08%(P<0.05),试验1组在第10、60天较对照组分别提高4.6%、8.9%(P<0.05);第30天时,试验1、2组乳中总固形物含量较对照组均显著性提高(P<0.05),乳糖率、乳蛋白率、乳脂率之间差异不显著(P>0.05);第60天时,与对照组相比,试验1、2组乳中乳糖率分别提高了4.41%、7.02%(P<0.05),乳蛋白率提高了4.16%、9.97%(P<0.05),总固形物含量提高了2.44%、3.02%(P<0.05),乳脂率含量之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。综上,日粮中添加复合益生菌制剂可有效提高奶牛产奶量及乳品质,且添加2%复方益生菌制剂效果更优。     

The effects of feeding frequency on waiting time,milking frequency,cubicle and feeding fence utilization for cows in an automatic milking system

Abstract

In this trial, the effects of the forage feeding frequency on the waiting time prior to milking and the cowshed facility utilization by cows milked in an automatic milking unit (AMU) were studied. The feeding frequency was increased from two times per day to six times per day. It was found that the average waiting time per visit for cows using the AMU was reduced from 755 s to 351 s when the feeding frequency was increased. The daily number of visits (milking visit, failed milking visit and not qualified visit) to the AMU was not affected by the change in feeding frequency. It was also found that increasing the feeding frequency had a positive effect on utilization of the cowshed facilities, such as the occupation of the feeding fence, and on the cowshed facilities in the waiting area (cubicles) of the AMU.     

A case study of improving milking cow performance and milking system performance with using a flow simulator

Efforts to improve dairy performance have been focused on increasing milk productivity of cows through improved feeding systems and genetic potential. However, methods for evaluating milking system performance based on milk productivity have not yet been established. Milking system performance was evaluated by measuring the claw vacuum at five flow rates (1.9–8.7 kg/min) produced using a flow simulator for a single eight‐swing milking parlor with a high‐line system. Based on these results, a double eight‐parallel milking parlor with a low‐line system was installed and tested. Farmers can take data obtained from evaluations of milking system performance into account for future management decisions, such as renewing the milking system. By renewing the milking system, average milking productivity, somatic cell linear score (LS) of bulk milk, and LS of each cow were significantly improved in the year after installing the new system (p < .01). In addition to checking conventional milking systems, this novel diagnostic method using a flow simulator can be used for checking new installations and also for proposing renovations.     

Quarter-milking-, quarter-, udder- and lactation-level risk factors and indicators for clinical mastitis during lactation in pasture-fed dairy cows managed in an automatic milking system

Objectives To identify risk factors and indicators at quarter‐milking and other levels for clinical mastitis during lactation in pasture‐fed cows managed in an automatic milking system. Design A retrospective nested case–control study using data collected over a 31‐month period. A total of 803,948 quarter‐milkings from 249 cows were available for analysis, of which 245 were selected as clinical mastitis quarter‐milking cases and 2450 unaffected quarter‐milkings were selected as controls. Most of the diagnoses of clinical mastitis had been made after clinical assessments of quarters following automated alerts by the milking system. Potential risk factors and indicators were assessed using univariable and multivariable multilevel logistic models. Results Quarters that are milked infrequently and have low yield, fast peak milk flow rates, blood in the milk and/or elevated milk conductivity are at increased risk of clinical mastitis. Quarters were also at increased risk between days 10 and 29 of lactation, and during higher parity lactations. Milk fat and protein concentrations and the fat : protein ratio were not significantly associated with the development of clinical mastitis. Neither quarter position (fore or rear) nor side (left or right) was associated with clinical mastitis occurrence. Quarters that had been clinically affected more than 30 days previous in the current lactation were not at increased risk of redeveloping clinical mastitis. Conclusions Under the study conditions, the risk of clinical mastitis increased for quarter‐milkings in quarters that were milked less frequently in the previous 7 days, were low‐yielding, had fast peak milk flow rates and had more milkings in which blood was detected in milk and/or the milk conductivity was elevated. Risk was also increased in days 10–29 of lactation and in higher parity lactations.     

Effect of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Thirty‐six Holstein‐Friesian crossbred lactating dairy cows were used to determine the effects of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Three treatments were as follows: basal diet (56:44 Roughage:concentrate [R:C] ratio, dry matter basis) supplemented with 500 g of palm oil as control (PO), 500 g mixture (1:1, w/w) of palm oil and linseed oil (POLSO) and 500 g of linseed oil (LSO). The LSO supplementation had no effects on total dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk composition. Compared to control cows, cows supplemented with LSO increased milk concentrations of cis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n‐3 FA (P < 0.05), particularly C18:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3. Feeding LSO reduced concentrations of milk short‐ and medium‐chain saturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) while it increased concentration of milk unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Milk proportions of n‐3 FA increased, whereas n‐6/n‐3 ratio decreased in the LSO as compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows' diet based on corn silage with LSO at 500 g/day could improve the nutritional value of milk with potential health‐beneficial FA without detrimental effect on milk composition or cow's performance.     

Effect of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen environment,milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Four multiparous early‐lactating dairy cows (Holstein‐Friesian cross‐bred, 75%) with an initial body weight (BW) of 405 ± 40 kg and 36 ± 8 day in milk were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four dietary treatments were unsupplemented (control), supplemented with rain tree pod (S. saman) meal (RPM) at 60 g/kg, supplemented with palm oil (PO) at 20 g/kg, and supplemented with RPM at 60 g/kg and PO at 20 g/kg (RPO), of total dry matter (DM) intake. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at a ratio of concentrate to milk yield of 1:2, and chopped 30 g/kg of urea‐treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The RPM contained condensed tannins and crude saponins at 88 and 141 g/kg of DM respectively. It was found that s upplementation with RPM and/or PO to dairy cows diets did not show negative effect on ruminal pH, blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration (p > 0.05). However, supplementation with RPM resulted in lower ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) concentration (p < 0.05). In addition, propionic acid and milk production increased while acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, methane production, methanogens and protozoal population decreased with RPM and/or PO supplementation. Furthermore, addition of PO and RPO in the diets increased milk fat while supplementation of RPM resulted in greater milk protein and Fibrobacter succinogenes numbers (p < 0.05). The population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by any treatments. The findings on the present study showed that supplementation with RPM and RPO to diets of cows improved the rumen environment and increased milk yield, content of milk protein and milk fat.     

The effect of modified roofing on the milk yield and reproductive performance of heat‐stressed dairy cows under hot‐humid conditions

The objective was to measure the effects of cooling techniques (shade cloth vs. normal roof) on performance and physiology of 16 Friesian crossbred cows (87.5% Holstein Friesian × 12.5% Brahman) located at Sakol Nakhon Livestock Research and Testing Station, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Sakol Nakhon, Thailand). They were divided randomly into two groups of eight. The two groups were used to evaluate the effects of modified roofing (normal roof fitted with woven polypropylene shade cloth) on the subjects' milk yield and reproductive performance under hot humid conditions. Results indicated that the modified roofing offered a more efficient way to minimize heat stress than the normal roof. The difference was sufficient to enable the cows to have a significantly lower mean rectal temperature and respiration rate (38.56°C, 61.97 breaths/min) than that of the cows housed under normal roofing (39.86°C; 85.16 breaths/min). The cows housed under modified roofing produced more milk (P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly in reproductive performance from the cows housed under normal roofing.     

Accuracy and reliability of mastitis detection with electrical conductivity and milk colour measurement in automatic milking

Abstract

Detection of mastitis and reliability of alarms were evaluated in eight herds with automatic milking. Herds were visited once to gather milk samples and the farmers followed up alarms for 15 to 30 days. Sensitivity of detecting quarters with SCC over the threshold value of 200,000 or 1,000,000 cells/ml was 18.0 to 42.9% in Group A, based on electrical conductivity (EC) and 5.5 to13.0% in Group B, based on EC and milk colour. Specificity was over 97.0%. In Group A, 6/17 of the EC alarms were false positives. None of the seven EC alarms in Group B was false positive. On the day that the farmer observed clinical mastitis, more than half of the quarters received alarms, but only milk from some quarters was automatically diverted. In total 58.4% (Group A) and 26.8% (Group B) of cows had alarms based on EC, and 84.1% (<20% true positives) and 12.0% (60–90% true positives) had alarms based on milk yield or milk colour during the follow-up period. The number of alarms was halved in Group A when a running average was applied to the algorithm of EC. The proportion of true positives simultaneously increased from 30% to 60%. In Group B, the number of alarms was almost doubled with algorithm manipulation, but the proportion of true positives declined from >80% to >70%.     

过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物对奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

为研究不同过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物对奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响,试验选择胎次(3～5胎)、产奶量、产犊日期相近,体重(600±20)kg健康荷斯坦泌乳高峰期奶牛24头,随机分为4组,每组6头。1组为对照组,饲喂牛场常规日粮;2、3、4组为试验组,分别在常规日粮基础上添加过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ500 g/(d.头)。正式期60 d。结果表明:奶牛日粮中添加过瘤胃氨基酸高能复合物后,均可明显提高奶牛产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率及乳中总干物质含量。尤其是复合物Ⅲ,添加效果最为理想,平均日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率及总干物质含量分别比对照组提高21.19%(P<0.05)、21.31%(P<0.05)、9.72%(P<0.05)和10.34%(P<0.05),平均日校正乳产量提高35.70%(P<0.05)。     

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

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

Effects of Moringa oleifera silage on milk yield,nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of lactating dairy cows

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) as a partial substitute of alfalfa hay on milk yield, nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of dairy cows. MO was harvested at 120 days post‐seeding. Fresh MO was cut, mixed with chopped oat hay (425:575 on a DM basis), ensiled and stored for 60 days. Sixty healthy Holstein dairy cows were allocated to one of three groups: NM (no MO or control), LM (low MO; 25% alfalfa hay and 50% maize silage were replaced by MO silage) or HM (high MO; 50% alfalfa hay and 100% maize silage were replaced by MO silage). The feeding trial lasted 35 days. The LM and HM diets did not affect dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield or milk composition (lactose, milk fat, milk protein and somatic cell count). The apparent digestibility of DM and NDF was lower for HM group than NM group. Additionally, there were no significant differences in serum biochemical indexes between the LM and NM groups. The HM group had lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum concentrations of urea than the NM group. The partial replacement of alfalfa hay (≤50%) and maize silage with MO silage had no negative effects on milk yield, in vivo nutrient apparent digestibility or serum biochemical indexes of lactating cows.     

复合酶制剂对瘤胃发酵及泌乳早期奶牛生产性能的影响

本试验旨在研究添加不同水平复合酶制剂对瘤胃发酵及奶牛生产性能的影响。试验一以奶牛全混合日粮作为底物进行体外瘤胃发酵试验,分为4组,即对照组不添加酶制剂,试验1、2和3组的酶制剂添加量分别为日粮浓度的0.10%、0.15%和0.20%,每组设9个重复。每个重复准确称取0.500 g底物,在体外发酵产气自动记录装置上发酵48 h,测定其发酵参数和营养物质降解率。结果表明:复合酶制剂显著提高发酵液中总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸浓度(P<0.05);试验组中粗蛋白(P<0.05)和中性洗涤纤维(P<0.01)降解率显著高于对照组。试验二选择体重、胎次、泌乳天数和产奶量相近的泌乳早期荷斯坦奶牛36头,采用随机区组设计分为4组,即对照组和试验1、2和3组,对照组不添加酶制剂,试验1、2和3组分别添加0.10%、0.15%和0.20%的酶制剂,每组9个重复,试验期8周,测定产奶量和乳成分含量,计算3.5%乳脂校正乳。结果表明:复合酶制剂显著提高3.5%乳脂校正乳产量(P<0.05),0.10%、0.15%和0.20%组比对照组分别提高3.88、4.27和2.26 kg·d^-1。0.15%组的乳脂率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),比对照组高12.7%。结论添加复合酶制剂有利于瘤胃发酵和提高生产性能,且添加量为0.15%时效果较好。