White or red clover-grass silage in organic dairy milk production: Grassland productivity and milk production responses with different levels of concentrate

Red (RC) or white (WC) clover were grown in mixture with grasses, ensiled and offered to dairy cows in early lactation over two successive years (48 cows per year) to compare grassland yield, feed intake, milk production and milk quality. The crops were ensiled in round bales and proportional mixtures of the second and third cut prepared each year were used to ensure that the silage treatments were representative of the crop. In addition to silage type, concentrate supplementation, without and with (10 kg/day), was included as a factor in a 2 × 2 factorial, continuous experiment. Total dry matter (DM) yield, silage chemical composition and total DM intake was hardly affected by silage type. There was no effect of silage type on milk yield and milk constituents either, except for higher milk protein content (P < 0.05) on WC and higher milk fat content of C18:3n-3 (P < 0.001), C18:2n-6 (P < 0.05) fatty acids (FAs) and sum of polyunsaturated FA (P < 0.001) and lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio (P < 0.01) on RC. Concentrate supplementation increased total DM, N and net energy intakes (P < 0.001), milk yield (P < 0.001), milk fat (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.001) content, decreased the milk urea content (P < 0.001), and increased the milk fat content of short- and medium-chained FAs (< C16, P < 0.001), C18:0 (P < 0.01) and C18:2n-6 (P < 0.001), decreased the content of C16:0 (P < 0.05), C18:1t11 (P < 0.001) and C18:3n-3 (P < 0.001), and increased the n-6/n-3 FA ratio (P < 0.001). The effect of concentrate supplementation was not affected by silage type, except for milk protein content where the positive effect of supplementation was stronger on WC than on RC diets (P < 0.05). This study illustrates that the white- and red clover-grass mixtures investigated were widely similar with regard to their effects on grassland yield, silage intake and milk production and milk constituents, except for a higher milk fat content of C18:3n-3 and C18:2n-6 and lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio on red clover diets. Our findings also show that N conversion efficiency from feed to milk on pure forage diets is more sensitive to changes in dietary protein intake than silage diets containing cereal based concentrates.     

Effect of milking frequency in early lactation on energy metabolism, milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of imposing different milking frequencies for the first 4 weeks of lactation on energy balance, blood metabolic profiles and reproductive performance. The milking frequencies imposed were once daily for the first 4 weeks of lactation and twice daily subsequently (X1), twice daily for the entire lactation (X2) and three times daily for the first 4 weeks of lactation and twice daily subsequently (X3). Two weeks prior to the first expected calving date, sixty-three multiparous, Holstein-Friesian cows, were allocated to treatments based on expected calving date, parity (lactation number = 2 and lactation number > 2), BCS and BW. Mean DMI was lower (P < 0.05) on X1 than X2 (15.7 and 17.1 kg/day) over the first 4 weeks of lactation, but DMI on X3 was not different to either. Milk yield was lower (P < 0.05) on X1 than on X2 and X3 (24.1, 31.9 and 31.4 kg/day) from weeks 1 to 4 and at week 10 of lactation (30.9, 33.9 and 33.7 kg/day) but was not different at week 20. Yield of milk constituents followed the same pattern as milk yield. Milking frequency had no significant effect on milk fat or protein concentration but milk lactose concentration was higher (P < 0.05) on X1 than on X2. Cows on X1 experienced less (P < 0.05) negative energy balance than those on X2 and X3 from weeks 1 to 4, with no difference between X2 and X3. Cows on X1 lost less BW (P < 0.05) from weeks 1 to 4 and lost less BCS up to day 73 of lactation than cows on X2 and X3. Plasma NEFA and BHB concentrations tended to be lower and plasma glucose tended to be higher on X1 than on X2 and X3 from weeks 1 to 4, while plasma insulin was higher on X1 than on X2 and X3 for the first 2 weeks of lactation. There was no difference between treatments in any reproductive performance variable measured. These results indicate that reduced milking frequency decreases milk yield and improves energy balance and metabolic status in early lactation.     

Comparison of milk production of dairy cows kept in cold and warm loose-housing systems

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to test whether the lactation curves of cows kept in cold loose-housing systems (CLHs) were the same as for cows in warm loose-housing systems (WLHs) in the Nordic countries. Approximately 40 000 test-day records from 5366 Ayrshire or Black and White cows kept on 38 CLHs and 166 WLHs in Finland during 1996 and 1997 were used. Analysis used a random-coefficient model (correcting for parity, breed and calving-year-season and the correlation-structure between test-days of the same cow and cows of the same herd). Cows in a CLH produced up to 1 l less milk per test-day, but this difference was not statistically significant. Surprisingly, the difference in milk yield was not affected by calving-year-season, parity or breed.     

Effect of dietary phosphorus content on milk production and phosphorus excretion in dairy cows

Background：Phosphorus（P） supplementation is costly and can result in excess P excretion.This study investigated the effects of reducing dietary P on milk production and P excretion in dairy cows over a full lactation.Method：Forty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 15 blocks according to expected calving date and previous milk yield,and assigned randomly to one of the three dietary treatments：0.37,0.47,and 0.57%P（DM basis）;these P levels represent the NRC recommendations,Chinese recommendations,and the amount of dietary P commonly fed by Chinese dairy farmers,respectively.Average daily feed intake was calculated from monthly data on feed offered and refused.Milk yields of individual cows were recorded weekly,and milk samples were taken for analysis of protein,fat,solids-not-fat,lactose,and somatic cell count.Blood samples were collected on days-6,-3,0,3,6 relative to calving,and then monthly throughout lactation,and analyzed for P and Ca concentrations.Spot samples of feces and urine were collected for 3 consecutive d during weeks 12,24,and 36,and P concentrations were analyzed.Reproduction and health data were recorded.Results：Dietary P did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield（P〉 0.10）.Milk fat content was slightly higher in cows fed 0.37%P than in cows fed 0.47%P（P = 0.05）.Serum concentrations of P and Ca did not reflect dietary P content（P〉 0.10）.Fecal and urinary P both declined linearly（P〈 0.05） as dietary P decreased from 0.57 to0.37%.Fecal P content was 25%less when dietary P was 0.37%compared to 0.57%.Health events and reproductive performance were not associated with dietary P content（P〉 0.05）.Conclusions：Lowering dietary P from 0.57 to 0.37%did not negatively affect milk production,but did significantly reduce P excretion into environment.     

Effect of somatic cell count on milk and protein yields and female fertility in Tunisian Holstein dairy cows

The effects of test-day somatic cell scores (SCS) variations on milk and protein yields, and calving to first service and calving to conception intervals were studied in Tunisian Holsteins. There were 34,129, 25,700, and 18,077 test-day production records collected on first, second, and third parity cows, respectively. Records were of cows calving between 1996 and 2004 in 160 herds. Somatic cell scores and milk and protein yields were analysed using a linear model that included herd-test-day date and herd–year interactions, calving season, calving age, and calving to conception interval. Reproductive trait model included herd–year interaction, calving season, calving age, and month of insemination. Effects of SCS on milk and protein yields were studied by regressing current test-day yields on corresponding and preceding test-day SCS, while effects of SCS on fertility traits were investigated by separately regressing calving to first service and calving to conception intervals corrected for environmental and management factors on SCS corrected for actual milk yield. A cow produced around 19.0 kg (SD = 8.0 kg) and 0.6 kg (SD = 0.3 kg) milk and protein yields on a daily basis and had an average of 3.8 (SD = 2.1) SCS in the first three lactations. SCS varied consistently (p < 0.05) with herd-test-day date and herd–year interactions in all lactations. Days in milk, calving age, and calving to conception interval were all together important sources of variation (p < 0.05) for SCS mainly in the first and second parities. Test-day milk and protein yields were unfavourably affected by high SCS recorded in the same test-day and with a lesser degree by SCS observed in the nearest preceding test-day. Reduction in milk and protein productions from increased SCS varied from 0.23 to 1.76 kg and from 6 to 75 g, respectively. Likewise, increased test-day SCS lengthened both calving to first service (mean interval = 94.9 days; SD = 49.1 days) and calving to conception (mean interval = 161 days; SD = 69.6 days) intervals by 1.3 to 2.0 days for each unit increase in SCS. Using SCS in addition to milk traits as a criterion to select semen and improving veterinary care should result in increased milk and protein yields and in satisfactory fertility measures.     

Effects of peripartum biotin supplementation of dairy cows on milk production and milk composition with emphasis on fatty acids profile

Forty Holstein dairy cows receiving a 38% concentrate diet based on maize silage were assigned to either a control group, either a biotin group, receiving 20 mg of biotin per day from 15 days before expected calving date and for 120 days after calving. Milk production was measured daily, milk fat content, protein content, urea and somatic cell counts were determined weekly from week 2 to week 17 of lactation. The profile of milk fatty acids was determined at weeks 3 and 10. Plasma glucose and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate were determined before calving and at weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of lactation.

Biotin supplementation resulted in an increased milk production in multiparous cows during weeks 2 to 6, but the effect was no more significant between 7 and 17 weeks of lactation. Milk protein percent was decreased by 0.1% in multiparous cows. Milk fat content was not affected by biotin, and milk fat daily production tended to increase during early lactation. In milk fat, biotin supplementation tended to decrease the proportion of fatty acids with less than 16 carbons at week 3, but the daily amount was not affected. Biotin tended to decrease biohydrogenation intermediates, increased C16:1 at week 3, and tended to increase cis-9 C18:1 at weeks 3 and 10. After 7 weeks of lactation, biotin tended to increase blood beta-hydroxybutyrate in multiparous cows with values remaining in a normal range, and decreased plasma glucose in primiparous cows. These modifications of plasma parameters, milk protein content and profile of milk fatty acids could be due to a higher lipid mobilisation from adipose tissue driven by the increased milk production.     

Effect of dietary phosphorus content on milk production and phosphorus excretion in dairy cows

Background

Phosphorus (P) supplementation is costly and can result in excess P excretion. This study investigated the effects of reducing dietary P on milk production and P excretion in dairy cows over a full lactation.

Method

Forty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 15 blocks according to expected calving date and previous milk yield, and assigned randomly to one of the three dietary treatments: 0.37, 0.47, and 0.57% P (DM basis); these P levels represent the NRC recommendations, Chinese recommendations, and the amount of dietary P commonly fed by Chinese dairy farmers, respectively. Average daily feed intake was calculated from monthly data on feed offered and refused. Milk yields of individual cows were recorded weekly, and milk samples were taken for analysis of protein, fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, and somatic cell count. Blood samples were collected on days −6, −3, 0, 3, 6 relative to calving, and then monthly throughout lactation, and analyzed for P and Ca concentrations. Spot samples of feces and urine were collected for 3 consecutive d during weeks 12, 24, and 36, and P concentrations were analyzed. Reproduction and health data were recorded.

Results

Dietary P did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield (P > 0.10). Milk fat content was slightly higher in cows fed 0.37% P than in cows fed 0.47% P (P = 0.05). Serum concentrations of P and Ca did not reflect dietary P content (P > 0.10). Fecal and urinary P both declined linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary P decreased from 0.57 to 0.37%. Fecal P content was 25% less when dietary P was 0.37% compared to 0.57%. Health events and reproductive performance were not associated with dietary P content (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Lowering dietary P from 0.57 to 0.37% did not negatively affect milk production, but did significantly reduce P excretion into environment.     

Reproductive performance of crossbred and purebred male rabbits

The effect of buck genetic type and crossbreeding parameters on fertility and prolificacy were estimated using two rabbit sire lines and their reciprocal crosses. The relationship between the reproductive performance of inseminated multiparous does and several semen quality traits was also investigated. The semen characteristics evaluated were: pH (pH), mass and individual motility (MM, IM), percentage of viable spermatozoa (Vi), spermatozoa with normal apical ridge (NAR), normal spermatozoa (NSP), spermatozoa with morphological abnormalities of head (HAP), neck-midpiece (NAP), and tail (TAP), spermatozoa with the presence of proximal (PD) and distal (DD) cytoplasmic droplets.

Fertility was analysed as a continuous trait (kindling rate) or as a binary trait (success or failure of kindling). In the first case, the analysis was performed using GLM procedures of SAS v.8 according to a model that included the fixed factors of buck genetic type, number of ejaculates per pool and week of insemination. In the second case, fertility was analysed using GENMOD procedures of SAS v.8 according to a mixed model including the same fixed factors as before plus the physiological status of the does and the permanent random effect of female. Number of kits born alive and number of stillborn were analysed with MIXED procedures of SAS v.8 with the same model used for the analysis of fertility as a binary trait. Estimates of the estimable functions of crossbreeding genetic parameters of the lines were obtained from the solutions of the corresponding models by generalized least squares using GLM, GENMOD and MIXED procedures. Crossbreeding parameters were estimated according to the model of Dickerson. A linear regression was used to determine the relationship between fertility and litter size and the semen characteristics evaluated.

Significant differences in fertility were observed among buck genetic types, which were favourable to type R. Differences between lines in maternal genetic effects were relevant and favourable to type R for fertility. Individual heterosis was important but unfavourable for fertility.

A slight correlation was obtained between all semen quality traits and fertility and prolificacy. Two multiple models were found for fertility, including NAP, IM, NSP, buck genetic type and Vi in one model or NAR in other model. Individual motility had an important positive effect, while NAP had a small negative effect. When MM, TAP and buck genetic type were included in a multiple model for the number of kits born alive, both MM and TAP had significant small effects. Individual motility and DD appeared to be related to number of kits stillborn, but only DD had a significant although negligible effect.     

Effects of supplementary corn silage on the feed intake and milk production of time-restricted grazing dairy cows

The effects of supplementary corn silage (CS) of either 2 or 4 kg of dry matter (DM; S + 2 and S + 4, respectively) above the energy requirement for milk production and maintenance for grazing dairy cows (S) were determined. Time‐restricted grazing was used to compare the feed intake, milk production, and nitrogen and energy use of lactating cows. The experiment was carried out on two different pastures using a 3 × 3 Latin square design for each pasture. Cows were grazed for 5 h on a rotational grazing system and were fed concentrate (1 kg per 5 kg of milk yield). Herbage intake was measured using a weighing technique. To calculate the energy and nitrogen use, whole feces and urine were collected. There was no statistical effect of the pastures. Herbage intake decreased by the addition of CS (P = 0.02). The reduction of herbage DM intake per unit consumption of supplementary CS towards the S group were 0.80 and 0.45 kg for the S + 2 and S + 4 groups, respectively. The total DM intake for the S + 4 group was higher than that for the S and S + 2 groups (P = 0.02). Milk yield did not differ among treatments, even though the total DM intake for the S + 4 group was higher than that of the S and S + 2 groups. Nitrogen and energy use did not differ with the addition of CS.     

不同微生态制剂对奶牛产奶性能和乳品质的影响

[目的]研究旨在探讨不同微生态制剂对奶牛产奶性能和乳品质的影响,[方法]将40头荷斯坦奶牛随机分成4个处理组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,微生态制剂1组、微生态制剂2组、微生态制剂3组分别在基础日粮中添加0.1%的三种微生态制剂产品。[结果]结果显示：与对照组相比,微生态制剂1组、微生态制剂2组、微生态制剂3组的平均日产奶量、乳蛋白率均显著增加（P＜0.05）,体细胞数均显著降低（P＜0.05）。与对照组相比,微生态制剂1组的平均日采食量、乳脂率均显著增加（P＜0.05）,料奶比显著降低（P＜0.05）。与微生态制剂2组相比,微生态制剂1组的平均日产奶量、乳蛋白率均显著增加（P＜0.05）。[结论]说明三种微生态制剂产品均能在一定程度上提高奶牛的产奶性能和乳品质,以微生态制剂产品1的作用效果最好。     

Early lactation dairy cows: Development of equations to predict intake and milk performance at grazing

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of parity and days in milk (DIM) on dry matter intake (DMI) and actual milk yield (MY_Act) of grazing spring calving dairy cows in early lactation (< 100 DIM) and to develop equations to predict DMI and milk yield for grass based systems of milk production. A dataset containing 335 observations from 134 Holstein Friesian dairy cows was assembled from two early lactation grazing studies. Observations were available for primiparous (n = 130) and multiparous (n = 205) cows during periods of DMI measurement using the n-alkane technique. Animal performance was divided into two classes of DIM: less than 50 DIM (< 50 DIM) or between 51 and 100 DIM (> 50 DIM). Parity and DIM had a significant effect on grass DMI (GDMI), total DMI (TDMI), MY_Act and milk composition. TDMI increased with parity and DIM and ranged from 13.4 kg/cow per day (primiparous animals, < 50 DIM) to 20.1 kg/cow per day (multiparous animals, > 50 DIM). Actual MY increased with parity and decreased with DIM (range: 24.1 kg/cow per day (primiparous animals, > 50 DIM) to 33.0 kg/cow per day (multiparous animals, < 50 DIM)). Multiparous cows had greater bodyweight (BW) and lower BCS than primiparous cows. In the early lactation period a number of variables had a significant effect on GDMI, TDMI and milk yield. These predictor variables included BW, BCS, potential milk yield (MY_Pot), DIM, daily herbage allowance (DHA; > 4 cm), concentrate level and parity. The equations accounted for 79%, 83% and 86% of the variation in GDMI, TDMI and milk yield, respectively. Actual milk yield was always below the MY_Pot of the cows, the mean difference was 5.8 kg/cow per day. As DHA and concentrate level increased, the difference between MY_Act and MY_Pot reduced. This study supports the concept that immediately post-calving offering a grass based diet with a medium level of concentrate supplementation is sufficient to support high milk production in grazing dairy cows.     

Loss in milk yield and related composition changes resulting from clinical mastitis in dairy cows

Relationships between clinical mastitis and milk yield and composition in dairy cows were reviewed. Requirements for inclusion were: data had to be collected after 1975; dependent variables for milk yield and milk composition had to be defined at the cow level; mastitis cases had to be defined by clinical signs, and at least 250 lactations had to be considered. Twenty studies dealing with milk-yield loss and, for four of them, also with related composition changes were selected. Study populations, design of data collection, and analysis methods differed widely between studies. As expected from these differences – but also due to structural-variation factors such as type of pathogen, animal and production level – estimates for milk-yield losses differed in average magnitude and pattern. Literature data regarding changes in milk-fat % and total-protein % changes were contradictory. Critiques of materials and methods allowed us to propose some final recommendations for values to be used as basic inputs in economic calculations of losses caused by mastitis.     

Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows reared under traditional low input production system in the eastern Himalayas

Reproductive performance of crossbred cows reared under traditional low input production system was assessed. A total number of 160 farmers were surveyed and traditional fodders were evaluated for proximate composition. Total protein, albumin and cholesterol concentrations in blood serum were analyzed. The age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, calving to first service and calving to conception interval were calculated from records of 261 crossbred dairy cows. The crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract, ether extract and total ash content varied from 7.2 to 13.9, 18.2 to 34.4, 39.1 to 59.2, 2.1 to 4.1 and 7.2 to 17.9%, respectively. The total protein and albumin concentrations in blood serum were 7.6 ± 0.3 and 4.3 ± 0.3 g/dl, respectively. The cholesterol concentration was 221.1 ± 8.2mg/dl. The mean age at first service and age at first calving was 28.6 ± 1.0 and 40.7 ± 1.1months, respectively. The mean values for calving to first service and calving to conception intervals were 182 ± 14.5 and 224 ± 9.0days, respectively. The conception rate was significantly high among the cows that showed typical fern pattern of cervical mucus (56.6%). The conception rate based on 1^st insemination was 44.4%. The incidence of repeat breeders and anestrus among the crossbred cows were 12.8 and 14.1%, respectively.     

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Cratylia argentea to creole dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and milk composition

The effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Cratylia argentea (Desvaux) O. Kuntze to dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and milk composition was studied in the dry tropics in Nicaragua. The treatments were sorghum silage ad libitum, either unsupplemented or supplemented with 2 kg or 3 kg of Cratylia on a dry matter (DM) basis. Six Bos indicus cows of the Creole Reyna breed, with a mean body weight of 386 (SD 19) kg were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design. Supplementation with Cratylia increased (p < 0.05) DM intake from 6.6 to 7.8 and 8.7 kg DM/day and milk production from 3.9 to 5.1 and 5.7 kg/day for sorghum silage alone and supplementation with 2 kg and 3 kg DM of Cratylia, respectively. Milk fat, total solids and crude protein and organoleptic characteristics (smell, taste and colour) were not significantly different among diets. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were not affected significantly by supplementation with Cratylia. However, crude protein (CP) digestibility increased (p < 0.05) in the diets supplemented with Cratylia compared to sorghum silage alone. In conclusion Cratylia given as a protein supplement to a low-quality diet improved DM intake and CP digestibility of the diet and increased milk production, but did not affect milk composition.     

Pre-pubertal measurements of the somatotrophic axis as predictors of milk production in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

This study investigated possible relationships between measurements of the somatotrophic axis in pre-pubertal dairy calves and subsequent milk yields. Endogenous growth hormone (GH) release was measured through a fed and fasted period in fifty 6-month-old Holstein-Friesian heifers and they were then challenged with growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) to assess their GH release pattern. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin and glucose concentrations were measured in relation to time of feeding. Cows were subsequently monitored through their first three lactations to record peak and 305-day milk yields. In the first lactation, milk energy output for the first 120 days of lactation was also calculated. The mean 305-day milk yield increased from 7417 +/- 191 kg in the first lactation (n=37) to 8749 +/- 252 kg in the third (n=25). There were no significant relationships between any measures of GH secretion and peak or 305-day yield in any lactation. A highly significant positive relationship was established between the GH peak measured 10 min post-GRF challenge and 120-day milk energy values in the first lactation. This relationship was, however, only present in the sub-population of 12 cows culled after one or two lactations and was absent in the 25 animals remaining for the third lactation. There were no significant relationships between pre-pubertal IGF-I and fed or fasted insulin or glucose concentrations and any subsequent measurement of yield. The usefulness of GH secretagogue challenges in calves as a predictive test for future milk production is thus limited but may have some bearing on nutrient partitioning and longevity.     

The effects of calcium,phosphorus and zinc supplementation on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Tanzania

The effects of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on reproductive performance of grazing dairy cows was studied. Forty-eight cows in their first to third parity were allocated to eight groups of 6 animals each, based on stage of lactation and milk yield. Groups 1 (control), 2 (Ca), 3 (P) and 4 (Zn) received, respectively, no mineral supplement, 10 g Ca, 8 g P and 400 mg Zn. The rest of the groups received a combination of Ca/P, Ca/Zn, P/Zn or Ca/P/Zn. Animals were drenched daily. Ovarian activity was determined by progesterone concentrations in milk. Prepartum body condition score (BCS) measured using scale 1–5 was 2.5–3.5. Reproductive problems were observed in all groups except that supplemented with Ca. Cows supplemented with Ca, P, Ca/P, Ca/Zn and Ca/P/Zn had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter interval (30 days) from calving to resumption of oestrus as compared to control (69 days). Intervals from calving to conception and between calvings did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05), but were shorter in Ca-supplemented cows. Furthermore, cows in groups 2 and 3 needed an average of 2 services per conception against 3 for cows in other groups. Hence, supplementation with Ca, P and Zn of deficient dairy cows appears to improve reproductive performance.     

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage of Moringa oleifera to creole dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and composition

An experiment was conducted in Nicaragua to determine the effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Moringa oleifera Lam (synonym: Moringa pterygosperma Gaertner) to dairy cows on intake, digestibility, milk production and milk composition. The treatments were: Brachiaria brizantha hay ad libitum, either unsupplemented or supplemented with 2 kg or 3 kg of Moringa on a dry matter (DM) basis. Six Bos indicus cows of the Creole Reyna breed, with a mean body weight of 394 ± 24 kg were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Supplementation with Moringa increased (P < 0.05) DM intake from 8.5 to 10.2 and 11.0 kg DM day^− 1 and milk production from 3.1 to 4.9 and 5.1 kg day^− 1 for B. brizantha hay only and supplementation with 2 kg and 3 kg DM of Moringa, respectively. Milk fat, total solids and crude protein and organoleptic characteristics, smell, taste and colour, were not significantly different between the diets. Apparent digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF increased (P < 0.05) in the diets supplemented with Moringa compared with B. brizantha hay alone. The results showed that the inclusion of Moringa as a protein supplement to low quality diets improved DM intake and digestibility of the diet and increased milk production but did not affect milk composition.     

Comparison of two milk pricing systems and their effect on milk price and milk revenue of dairy farms in the Central region of Thailand

A study was conducted to investigate determinates of how milk pricing system, farm location, farm size, and month and year affected farm milk price (FMP), farm milk revenue (FMR) and loss in FMR of dairy farms in the Central region of Thailand. A total of 58,575 milk price and 813,636 milk yield records from 1034 farms were collected from November of 2004 to June of 2006. Farms were located in the districts of Muaklek, Pak Chong, Wang Muang, and Kaeng Khoi. A fixed linear model was used to analyze milk price of farms. Two pricing systems were defined as 1 = base price plus additions/deductions for milk fat percentage, solids-non-fat, and bacterial score, and 2 = same as 1 plus bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC). Farm size (small, medium, and large) was based on the number of cows milked per day of farms. Results showed that FMP were lower (P < 0.05) in pricing system 1 than pricing system 2. Most small farms had higher (P < 0.05) milk prices than medium and large farms across both pricing systems. Large farms lost more milk revenue due to deductions from bacterial score and BTSCC than small and medium farms.