一起群发性奶牛尿素中毒的临床研究

2004年南京某奶牛公寓由于饲养户在奶牛饲料中添加尿素方法不当,引起群发性尿素中毒。该牛群共有奶牛87头,发病64头,药物治疗56头,治愈54头,死亡10头,均为成母牛。作者调查了发病牛群的病史、临床症状、病理变化、治疗情况,对中毒奶牛的血液进行生化分析,并与正常奶牛比较,结果血清谷草转氨酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(GGT)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、磷酸肌酸激酶(CK)、磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、肌酐(CRE)、尿素氮(UN)、葡萄糖(GLU)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH-L)等差异极显著(P<0·01),尿素(UREA)、血清K等差异显著(P<0·05),这些指标活性升高说明病牛心肌、胃肠平滑肌、肝肾等存在与病死牛的病理变化相一致的损伤。     

Fecal D- and L-lactate, succinate and volatile fatty acid levels, and relationships with fecal acidity and diarrhea in neonatal calves

To clarify the significance of fecal organic anions in neonatal diarrhea, a total of 252 fecal samples (91 diarrheic, 161 normal) were collected from 136 dairy calves (including three crossbreds) less than 4 weeks old. Fecal pH, D‐ and L‐lactate, succinate and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were analyzed. In normal feces, lactate was highest and VFA was lowest at week 1 of age, and lactate progressively decreased and VFA progressively increased with advancing age. In diarrheic samples, although higher pH and lower lactate levels were confirmed at week 1, samples at weeks 3–4 showed lower pH and VFA accompanied by higher lactate of D and L‐isomers. In diarrhea, fecal butyrate was significantly lower at all stages, but succinate levels did not differ significantly. The proportion of lactate to organic anions (sum of lactate, succinate and VFA) in diarrheic feces was lower at week 1, and higher in weeks 2–4, while that of VFA to organic anions showed the opposite pattern. Strong relationships were observed between fecal pH and lactate, and VFA proportions in organic anions, though the relationship was weak in diarrhea. Most of the elevated lactate was observed in fecal samples with lower VFA. However, succinate had no relationship with VFA or lactate levels.     

Fecal excretion of alcohols and organic anions in neonatal dairy calves

To clarify colonic fermentation during the perinatal period, 22 dairy calves less than 6 weeks old were used. They were given a milk replacer following colostrum feeding. A total 100 samples of normal feces including meconium were collected from the rectum of the calves. Fecal pH, alcohols, lactate and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were analyzed. Higher ethanol and n -propanol concentrations were found in many fecal samples particularly in the first 2 weeks after birth, but these metabolites showed consistently lower concentrations thereafter. By contrast, higher concentrations of methanol were observed in some samples for all ages examined. Fecal VFA increased abruptly within a few days of birth, and mainly consisted of acetate and n -butyrate. During the first 2 weeks, the proportion of n -butyrate in VFAs decreased and that of propionate increased gradually. Proportions of VFAs were almost stable at 3–6 weeks of age (acetate, propionate and n -butyrate in increasing order). Higher concentrations of lactate and lower pHs were observed in the fecal samples during the first 2 weeks, and concentrations decreased thereafter. Accelerated colonic production of ethanol and n -propanol was confirmed during the early 2 weeks, in addition to organic acid fermentation as reported previously.     

Fecal D- and L- lactate, succinate, and volatile fatty acid levels in young dairy calves

For evaluation of physiologically significant organic anions in the colonic environment, 87 samples of normal feces were collected from the rectum of 15 calves less than 60 days old. The calves were fed milk replacer with free access to starter diet and hay. After fecal extraction with water, pH, D- and L-lactate, succinate, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were determined. There was wide variation in fecal pH (4.3 to 7.7). Higher lactate concentrations were observed in feces samples with lower pH, and most of these samples were collected during the first 4 weeks of life. Elevated lactate concentrations included both the D- and L-isomers, and the D-isomer comprised approximately 30-50% of total lactate. Elevated succinate concentrations were observed in only 8 fecal samples, while other samples had lower or trace amounts of succinate. Elevated fecal succinate showed no relationship with fecal pH or VFA concentrations. Fecal VFA concentrations were lower in samples collected in the early postnatal stage, but fecal VFA concentrations were not necessarily related to age. We confirmed that fecal D- and L-lactate concentrations increased with a concomitant decrease of VFA in the acidic lumen of the colon, although acidic feces were not necessarily accompanied by elevated concentrations of lactate. In contrast, succinate production was not related to fecal pH or VFA concentrations.     

Influence of the calf presence during milking on dairy performance,milk fatty acid composition,lipolysis and cheese composition in Salers cows during winter and grazing seasons

The milking of Salers cows requires the presence of the calf. The removal of the calf would simplify the milking routine, but it could also modify the milk yield and the milk and cheese composition. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of calf presence during milking during sampling period (winter or grazing periods), on dairy performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, lipolysis and cheese yield and composition. Nine and 8 Salers lactating cows were milked in the presence (CP) or absence (CA) of their calves respectively. During winter, the cows were fed a hay‐based diet and then they only grazed a grassland pasture. Calf presence during milking increased milk yield and milk 16:0 concentration and decreased milk fat content and milk total odd‐ and branched‐chain FA (OBCFA) concentrations. Calf presence only increased initial lipolysis in milk collected during the winter season. Milk from CP cows compared to CA cows resulted in a lower cheese yield and ripened cheeses with lower fat content. Milk from the grazing season had lower saturated medium‐chain FA and OBCFA concentrations and higher 18:0, cis‐9‐18:1, trans‐11‐18:1 and cis‐9, trans‐11‐CLA concentrations than that from the winter season. Initial milk lipolysis was higher in the winter than in the grazing season. These variations could be due to seasonal changes in the basal diet. Furthermore, the effect of calf presence during milking on milk fat composition was lower than that on dairy performance, cheese yield and composition. Removing the calf during the milking of Salers cows seems feasible without a decrease in milked milk, and with a positive effect on cheese yield and fat content, under the condition that we are able to select cows having the capacity to be milked easily without the calf.     

Effects of supplement feeding order on lactation, diurnal variation of ruminal ammonia and urea in the blood and milk of dairy cows

The present study examined the effects of feeding order of grain and protein supplements on ruminal nitrogen (N) loss through the diurnal variation of ruminal ammonia N and urea N in the blood and milk of dairy cows. Three ruminally fistulated cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square arrangement of treatments; that is, grain supplement fed at the first feed and then the protein supplement at the second (GS‐1st), protein supplement fed first and then the grain supplement (PS‐1st), and the grain and protein supplements mixed and divided into equal portions fed at each supplement feeding time (GP‐mix). No differences in the lactation parameters were observed among the treatments. In GS‐1st treatment, the increase in the concentration of ruminal ammonia N was inhibited after feeding, and the concentration was lower (P < 0.05) than with the other treatments 1–2 h after basal feeding. The concentrations of urea N in the blood and milk with the GS‐1st treatment were the lowest of all treatments throughout the sampling times, and were lower (P < 0.05) than with the GP‐mix treatment except for blood levels 1 h after basal feeding. The results suggest that grain feeding before protein feeding can reduce ruminal N loss.     

The effects of high levels of rumen degradable protein on rumen pH and histamine concentrations in dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the supplementation of crude protein (CP) results in rumen acidosis and increased histamine concentrations in dairy cows. Six ruminally fistulated, non-pregnant dry cows were fed three experimental rations in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The CP contents in the low-CP, the high rumen undegradable protein (high-RUP) and the high rumen degradable protein (high-RDP) rations were 112, 259 and 266 g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. The cows were fed 7.7 kg DM of the concentrates and 2.7 kg DM of rice straw. High levels of RDP in the ration significantly increased the ammonia, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and histamine concentrations in the rumen fluid. However, supplemental CP, whether degradable or undegradable, did not significantly affect the pH of rumen fluid. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was higher in both high-RDP and high-RUP in relation to cows fed the low-CP ration. The rise in ruminal histamine concentrations was physiologically non-relevant, most likely because rumen pH was not affected by supplemental CP at the installed level of DM intake. Therefore, it can be concluded that the issue of supplemental CP, rumen pH and ruminal histamine concentrations has not yet been settled. Further research is warranted to understand these relationships.     

日粮类型对奶牛粪尿特性及氮排放的影响

通过研究不同类型日粮对泌乳奶牛粪尿及氮排放的影响,达到减少和控制氮排放的目的,本试验选用12头体重514 kg、年龄3～5岁的中国荷斯坦奶牛为试验动物,分为3组,分别饲喂粗料为干秸秆玉米,精粗比40∶60的A日粮、粗料为玉米青贮,精粗比分别是40∶60和60∶40的B和C日粮进行了对其粪尿特性及氮排放的试验研究。结果表明,日粮类型对奶牛粪便及尿液产生量均有一定的影响。粪便产生量结果为秸秆型A日粮>青贮型低精比B日粮>青贮型高精比C日粮。3种日粮的尿液产生量为C日粮>B日粮>A日粮。同时,日粮类型对奶牛氮平衡具有显著的影响,秸秆型日粮的乳氮、尿氮含量和氮的消化率极显著低于青贮型日粮低(P<0.01),粗料均为青贮玉米条件下,随日粮精料水平的提高,氮消化率和尿氮极显著增加(P<0.01),粪氮和乳氮增加不显著(P>0.05)。结果提示,秸秆型日粮的摄入氮主要是从粪中排出,粗料为青贮玉米时,随日粮精料水平的提高粪氮比例减少,而尿氮比例增加,粪氮和尿氮占总粪尿氮的比例基本一致。     

不同淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养物对奶牛干物质采食量和瘤胃发酵功能的影响

文章旨在研究不同淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养物对奶牛生产性能和瘤胃发酵功能的影响。试验选择16头荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复1头牛。试验日粮采用2×2多因素方差设计,两个淀粉水平(23%和29%),两个酵母培养物水平(0和25 g/d),试验共进行28 d。结果显示:日粮添加酵母培养物后显著提高了产奶量、3.5%标准乳、能量校正奶(P <0.05)。无论是在低或高淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养物均显著提高乳脂含量(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮或添加酵母培养物显著提高了乳蛋白含量(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养物较对照组显著降低了血浆结合珠蛋白的含量(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养无较对照组显著降低了淀粉表观消化率(P <0.05),低淀粉水平日粮组显著提高了乙酸含量(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮组显著提高了瘤胃乳酸含量(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮组较低淀粉水平组显著降低了氮沉积量(P <0.05),添加酵母培养物使氮沉积量显著升高(P <0.05)。高淀粉水平日粮中添加酵母培养物组氮摄入量和乳氮含量最高(P <0.05)。结论 :在本试验条件下,高淀粉水平日粮中添加15 g/d酵母培养物可以降低奶牛代谢紊乱症的发生,提高纤维消化率及微生物蛋白的产量,进而改善泌乳性能。     

Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,vitamin A and vitamin E levels and resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows

Vitamins with antioxidative functions are commonly used as supplements to improve fertility in dairy cows. However, according to field test results uncertainty exists about the effect of these vitamins, especially in vitamin A and vitamin E, on ovarian functional activity. This study was performed to reveal the physiological characteristics of cows receiving enough feed and the ovaries of which were activated in the early postpartum period. Six of 12 primiparous cows showing the corpus luteum on 25 to 27 days after parturition were classified as early responders (PER); the remaining six were classified as late responders (PLR). Among 11 multiparous cows, nine were early responders (MER), and the remaining two were late responders (MLR). Plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the PER were lower than those in the PLR (P < 0.01). The ratio of plasma all‐trans‐retinol to intake α‐tocopherol or β‐carotene were increased in the following order: MER < PER < PLR (P < 0.01). The milk lactose (P < 0.025) and plasma glucose (P < 0.01) of the early responders tended to be lower than those of the late responders. These may have been associated with the availability of vitamins or energy balance. Thus, we suggest the possibility that the cows which were able to utilize antioxidants and energy from the feed efficiently may have earlier resumption of ovaries postpartum.     

Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows

The present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.     

Decrease in stearic acid proportions in adipose tissues and liver lipids in fatty liver of dairy cows

Samples of liver and perirenal, mesenteric and subcutaneous fat were collected from 16 sick necropsied dairy cows to evaluate the fatty acid profiles in the hepatic and adipose tissues associated with advanced fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic triglyceride and eight fatty acids were measured in the hepatic and adipose tissues. Six cows had more than 3% triglyceride on fresh weight in their livers and were classified as having fatty liver. Stearic and linoleic acid proportions in the liver decreased markedly with increased hepatic triglyceride levels, while the proportion of palmitic and oleic acids increased. The most striking fluctuations in hepatic lipidosis were manifested as decreased stearic acid in the adipose tissues including subcutaneous fat with the trend of decreasing stearic acid. Palmitic acid was elevated in hepatic and perirenal fat in fatty liver cows. In instances of advanced hepatic lipidosis, palmitoleic acid increased in only subcutaneous fat and not in perirenal or mesenteric fat. In addition to the proportions of hepatic fatty acids in fatty liver, this study also clarified the fluctuations observed in the profiles of fatty acids of the adipose tissues in cows with advanced hepatic lipidosis, particularly the decline in the proportions of stearic acid.     

青贮紫花苜蓿对奶牛生产性能、尿素氮和血液生化指标的影响

在苜蓿（Medicago sativa）中添加5%的糖蜜,并进行苜蓿大窖青贮和饲喂试验,研究以青贮苜蓿（试验组）替代相同干物质量（DM）的苜蓿干草（对照组）对奶牛生产性能、尿素氮及血液生化指标的影响。结果表明,给奶牛饲喂苜蓿青贮饲料有利于提高奶牛干物质采食量（Dry Matter Intake,DMI）、日产奶量和乳脂率,试验后期乳蛋白含量有所下降,但差异均不显著（P0.05）;乳尿素氮（Milk Urea Nitrogen,MUN）及尿液尿素氮（Urinary Urea Nitrogen,UUN）含量均呈现下降趋势,血浆尿素氮（Plasma Urea Nitrogen,BUN）先下降后上升,其中试验组MUN和BUN低于对照组（P0.05）,UUN则高于对照组,在试验后期,试验组和对照组UUN分别为48.35和27.52 mmolL-1,差异显著（P0.05）;谷丙转氨酶（Alanine Aminotransferase,ALT）、谷草转氨酶（Aspartate Transaminase,AST）和碱性磷酸酶（Alkaline Phosphatase,ALP）含量均为试验组高于对照组,差异不显著（P0.05）;血浆中总蛋白（Albumin,ALB）和葡萄糖（Glucose,GLU）含量试验组逐渐降低,且低于对照组,但差异不显著（P0.05）;胆固醇（Chinese Hamster Ovary,CHO）的含量试验组逐渐升高,对照组逐渐降低,在试验后期分别为3.64和2.82 mmolL-1（P=0.059）,差异最大。总之,饲喂苜蓿青贮饲料有利于改善奶牛的生产性能和机体代谢能力,由于美拉德反应的发生,试验后期降低了苜蓿青贮饲料营养物质在奶牛体内的代谢利用效果。     

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.     

青贮金针菇对荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃发酵、甲烷排放及原生动物数量的影响

文章旨在研究不同水平青贮金针菇及尿素对奶牛养分消化率、瘤胃发酵、甲烷排放及原生动物数量的影响。试验选择15头荷斯坦奶牛[(542±68)kg],随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复1头牛。试验一共设计5种日粮,对照组饲喂基础日粮,各处理组分别在基础饲粮中添加青贮金针菇,处理1组(90%青贮金针菇,10%玉米秸秆),处理2组(90%青贮金针菇,9%玉米秸秆,1%尿素),处理3组(80%青贮金针菇,20%玉米秸秆),处理4组(80%青贮金针菇,19%玉米秸秆,1%尿素)。试验期分为2周适应期和1周数据收集期。饲粮中添加青贮金针菇较对照组显著提高了酸性洗涤木质素的摄入量(P<0.05);金针菇添加水平和尿素对干物质和其他营养素的摄入量无显著影响(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,在处理组日粮中添加青贮金针菇显著增加总短链脂肪酸(SCFA)和丙酸含量(P<0.05),但乙酸含量及乙酸与丙酸比值显著降低(P<0.05)。添加青贮金针菇和尿素对短链脂肪酸含量有显著影响(P<0.05)。日粮添加80%青贮金针菇和1%尿素时,乙酸浓度显著高于未添加尿素组(P<0.05);青贮金针菇日粮添加尿素显著降低了瘤胃丁酸含量(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,在日粮中添加青贮金针菇可显著降低瘤胃原生动物总数(P<0.05)。饲粮中添加青贮金针菇可导致荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃原生动物总数逐步减少(P<0.05)。青贮金针菇日粮组中螺旋体数量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。饲喂青贮金针菇的荷斯坦奶牛较对照组显著降低了甲烷排放量(P<0.05)。综上所述,用金针菇废弃底物与尿素、玉米秸秆混合日粮可以提高奶牛日粮的营养价值,日粮添加青贮金针菇显著降低了奶牛瘤胃原生动物种群和肠道甲烷排放量。     

Effect of feeding Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation product on milk production and composition, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation in early lactation dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation on blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and milk production and composition in early lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows (DIM = 29 ± 6 days, parity = 2.8 ± 1.1) were blocked by DIM and parity and then randomly assigned to three treatments (12 per treatment) in a 9-week trial. Cows in control, DFM1 and DFM2 were fed TMR diets supplemented with 0, 6 and 12 g of B. subtilis natto solid-state fermentation product per day per cow respectively. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids were lower (p = 0.03) in DFM1 and DFM2 compared with control cows (633 and 639 vs. 685 μm). Ruminal propionate increased (23.9 vs. 26.3 and 26.9/100 mol, control vs. DFM1 and DFM2 respectively) and acetate decreased (64.2 vs. 62.7 and 62.1/100 mol, control vs. DFM1 and DFM2 respectively) with increasing B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation. DMI of the cows in three treatments was not affected by B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation, but milk yield was 3.1 and 3.2 kg/day higher for DFM1 and DFM2 than that for control cows on average across the 9-week trial, and significant differences were observed during weeks 5-9 of the trial, which resulted in 9.5% and 11.7% increase in feed efficiency. B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation did not affect milk fat percentage and protein yield but increased (p < 0.05) milk fat yield and lactose percentage (p < 0.01) and tended to decrease protein percentage (p = 0.06). The findings show that B. subtilis natto fermentation product was effective in increasing lactation performance of early lactation dairy cows possibly by altering the rumen fermentation pattern without any negative effects on blood metabolites.     

Effect of high environmental temperatures on ascorbic acid, sulfhydryl residue and oxidized lipid concentrations in plasma of dairy cows

Information on oxidative stress under hot conditions from the levels of cells to organs and the whole body has accumulated in the last decades. Although a hot climate decreased dairy performance, changes of oxidative stress markers under hot conditions have remained obscure. Therefore, the effect of high environmental temperature on ascorbic acid, sulfhydryl (SH) residue and oxidized lipids concentrations in plasma from a total of 128 dairy cows was investigated. The monthly average maximum day temperature varied from 9.2°C in January to 32°C in August of 2004 in this institute. High ambient temperatures increased the rectal temperature of dairy cows up to 39.3°C in August. One of the reducing equivalents in plasma, SH residue concentration, decreased in July compared with December (P < 0.05). Another antiradical molecule, ascorbic acid concentration in plasma, also decreased in July (P < 0.01). The oxidative stress index, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), which was produced from the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids under oxidative conditions, increased in summer (P < 0.05). A significant positive relationship of SH residue and ascorbic acid concentrations in the hot season was observed (P < 0.01). A negative correlation between rectal temperatures and ascorbic acid concentrations in the hot season was obtained (P < 0.01). However, TBARS concentration varied independently of the SH residue and ascorbic acid concentration. These results suggest that the response of oxidative stress markers of SH residue, ascorbic acid and TBARS concentration to oxidative stress under hot conditions were not shown to be the same, and that oxidative stress in dairy cows in the hot season increased.     

鞣酸对奶牛饲料利用、产奶和抗氧化状态的影响

本研究旨在探讨日粮中添加富含鞣酸的柿子皮对泌乳期奶牛饲料利用、产奶和抗氧化状态的影响.试验将平均体重为(348.85±8.98)kg、泌乳量为(7.20±0.56)kg/d的8头奶牛随机分为2组,每组4个重复,每个重复1头奶牛.对照组饲喂玉米-米糠-菜粕型日粮,处理组在日粮中添加10％柿子皮(鞣酸含量为1.2?mg/k...     

Plasma cholesterol levels and short-term adaptations of metabolism and milk production during feed restriction in early lactating dairy cows on pasture

Low plasma total cholesterol (TC) concentrations are characteristic during the negative energy balance in early lactating dairy cows. The objective was to investigate short-term effects of different TC concentrations during an aggravated energy deficiency through a 1-week concentrate withdrawal on adaptations of metabolism and milk production. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 15) were investigated during 3 week beginning at 24 ± 7 DIM (mean ± SD). Cows were kept on pasture and received additional concentrate in experimental week 1 and 3, while in week 2, concentrate was withdrawn. Blood was sampled once and milk twice daily. Based on their average TC concentration during week 1 (prior to concentrate withdrawal), cows were retrospectively assigned into a high (H-Chol; n = 8, TC ≥ 3.36 mmol/L) and a low TC groups (L-Chol; n = 7, TC < 3.36 mmol/L). Concentrations of phospholipids and lipoproteins were higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol throughout the study (p < 0.05). During concentrate withdrawal, milk yield, glucose and insulin concentrations decreased similarly in both groups, while milk fat, milk acetone and plasma BHB were higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol (p < 0.05). Compared to initial values, plasma NEFA, TAG and VLDL increased in both groups within 2 days after concentrate withdrawal (p < 0.05). Concentrations of NEFA during week 2 were greater in L-Chol compared to H-Chol (p < 0.05). Despite reintroduction of concentrate, milk yield in H-Chol remained lower for two more days compared to week 1 (p < .05), whereas milk yield recovered immediately in L-Chol. Activity of aspartate aminotransferase was higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol in week 2 (p < 0.05). Greater plasma TC concentrations were associated with a reduced increase of NEFA. Further research is warranted if TC concentrations are related to adipose tissue mobilization and fatty acid turnover.     

Effect of brewer's grain on rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

Six lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups (n = 3) and used in a double reversal trial with three periods of 14 days each to evaluate the rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition of cows fed brewer's grain (BG). The control diets contained 14% chopped Sudangrass hay, 24% corn silage, 18% alfalfa hay cube, 34% concentrate mixture‐1 and 10% concentrate mixture‐2 (wheat bran, soybean meal and cottonseed). In the experimental diet, wet BG replaced the concentrate mixture‐2. The protozoal population, concentration of ammonia‐N and volatile fatty acids in the ruminal fluid did not differ between the control and BG diets. The molar percentage of acetic acid was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with the BG diet at 5 h after feeding. The milk yield, the percentage of protein, lactose, solids not‐fat and somatic cell counts of milk did not differ between the two diets. The percentage of milk fat tended to increase with the BG diet. The BG diet significantly increased the proportions of C18:0 and C18:1 in milk fat (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) and tended to increase that of conjugated linoleic acid.