Teat characteristics in relation to animal temperament during milking in buffaloes,and comparison of buffalo and cow teat morphology

This study aimed to examine the teat characteristics in relation to the animal temperament during milking in the Anatolian buffaloes using ultrasonographic, histomorphological and immunohistochemical methods. The teat canal length (TCL), teat wall thickness (TWT), teat cisternal diameter (TCD), teat diameter (TD), teat length (TL), and teat circumference (TC) values in docile (n = 5) and nervous (n = 7) buffaloes were measured at the 0th, 3rd and 6th minute of stimulation. In additional experiments, comparative histomorphology and immunohistochemical examinations of buffalo (n = 7) and cow teats (n = 8) were performed. It was determined that post-stimulation mean TCL values were significantly higher in nervous buffaloes than those of teats in docile buffaloes (p < .05). A significant positive correlation between TCD and TD, TL and TC in both docile and nervous buffaloes was noted (p < .05). Unlike nervous buffaloes where only 3/14 teat canals were open by 3rd minute of milking stimulation, almost all (9/10) teat canals were observed opened in docile buffaloes. There were fewer muscle but more collagen bundles in buffalo teats compared with cow teats. It seems that temperament of animal during milking effects the milking efficiency, and in nervous buffaloes, probably the stimulation alone may not be sufficient for opening of the teat canal and hence achieve complete milking.     

Dominant follicles development and estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes

This study was designed to evaluate the dominant follicles development and the estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum buffaloes. Sixteen Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes were submitted to transrectal ultrasonographic examination from the 1st post‐partum day until day 50, 3 days apart. The follicular diameter of the different categories of follicles and the ovulations was recorded. The animals were allocated into two groups: I (n = 6) non‐ovulating and II (n = 10) ovulating buffaloes. Serum estradiol‐17β concentrations on the days for dominant follicle registration were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were statistically processed by analysis of variance, non‐parametric and correlation analysis. The mean intervals between calving and first dominant follicle detection differed significantly (p < .05) among the groups (19.5 ± 6.2 vs. 13.8 ± 5.1 days), while the mean intervals between registered dominant follicles from two successive waves were comparable. The mean follicular diameters for the same category follicles in both groups were similar. Different estradiol‐17β concentrations (p < .05) for the first dominant follicle between non‐ovulating (23.5 ± 7.0 pg/ml) and ovulating (33.3 ± 8.4 pg/ml) buffaloes were determined. The cumulative percentages of buffaloes with firstly detected dominant follicle and ovulating animals correlated positively (r ≥ .84; p < .05) to post‐partum days. In conclusion, non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes showed differences in the development of the first dominant follicle and estradiol‐17β concentrations during the time of dominant follicles detection.     

Ovsynch Plus protocol improves ovarian response in anovular Murrah buffaloes in low‐breeding season

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian response and pregnancy rate in anovular buffaloes following Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus protocols. Buffaloes (n = 55) were divided into two groups: Ovsynch group (n = 26): GnRH (10 μg, GnRH1) on Day 0, PGF₂α (25 mg) on Day 7, GnRH (10 μg, GnRH2) on Day 9; Ovsynch Plus group (n = 29): 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 72 hr (day ?3) prior to Ovsynch protocol, followed by fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) 6 and 24 hr after GnRH2 injection in bot groups. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily, that is, from day 0 and ?3 in Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus group, respectively for ovarian response and pregnancy diagnosis at day 30 post‐insemination. In Ovsynch Plus group, administration of eCG prior to GnRH1 increased (p < .001) the diameter (mm) of dominant follicle (DF) from 10.15 ± 0.26 to 12.23 ± 0.34 within 72 hr of treatment resulting higher ovulatory response to GnRH1. Ovulation after GnRH1 was higher (p < .01) in Ovsynch Plus group (96.6%) than Ovsynch group (61.5%). However, ovulation rate to GnRH2 was similar (p > .05) between groups (Ovsynch group: 76.9% vs. Ovsynch Plus group: 70.0%). Mean DF diameter (mm) that ovulated to both GnRHs was higher (p < .01) than non‐ovulated counterparts in both groups (Ovsynch group: 10.80 ± 0.27 vs. 8.47 ± 0.53; Ovsynch Plus group: 11.99 ± 0.24 vs. 9.5 ± 0.63). Pregnancy was established in buffaloes which responded to both GnRHs, irrespective of groups, being higher (p = .52) in Ovsynch Plus group (34.5%) than Ovsynch group (23.1%), though non‐significant. In summary, this study showed that eCG inclusion prior to Ovsynch regimen improves ovulatory response in anovular buffaloes during low‐breeding season.     

Polymorphism in 5′ untranslated region of heat‐shock protein 70 gene as marker of post‐partum anoestrus in Murrah buffaloes

The enormous production potential of buffaloes has never been accomplished due to various reproductive insufficiencies. Among them, post‐partum anoestrus, a multifactorial disorder, is predominant but any genetic association is yet to be established. This study focused to identify novel polymorphisms in heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene and its possible association with post‐partum anoestrus in Murrah buffaloes. A 579‐bp fragment from 5′ untranslated region of HSP70 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from blood genomic DNA of 614 animals maintained under similar management conditions. In phase‐I experiment, custom sequencing and restriction enzyme (RE) digestion of the amplified fragment were performed in 40 buffaloes with similar post‐partum oestrous conditions over previous consecutive three or more gestations—20 animals each showing post‐partum anoestrus (>120 days after parturition) and normal cyclicity (<65 days after parturition). While in phase‐II experiment, herd screening by RE analysis was performed in remaining 574 animals. Four transversions at T‐75G, C+31G, T+38G and C+97A and three transition mutations at T‐153C, T+33C and A+44G positions were observed. Polymorphism at T+38G site revealed significant (p < .05) variation, where homozygous G was present only in post‐partum anoestrous animals while nucleotide T was present randomly in both groups of phase‐I animals whereas phase‐II experiments revealed homozygous G in 55 animals. Regression analysis in relation to average post‐partum interval against genotypic frequencies at T+38G also depicted significant association. HSP70 gene polymorphism at T+38G position can therefore be used as genetic marker for excluding probable post‐partum anoestrous buffaloes from herd for breeding programmes.     

Changes in some blood parameters,milk composition and yield of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period

In this study changes in hematochemical parameters, milk composition and yield were investigated in buffaloes during the transition period. A total of 93 buffaloes 113.9 ± 8.03 months old and 535 ± 50 kg average body weight were used. Parity was recorded, blood samples were collected from 80 days pre‐partum until 70 days post‐partum; milk samples were collected from 5 days to 70 days post‐partum. On serum samples, the values of non‐esterified fatty acids, β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, urea, total proteins were evaluated. On milk, percentage of fat, protein and lactose, along with the somatic cell count (SCC), milk yield and daily milk production (DMP) were assessed. The peripartum period significantly (P ≤ 0.01) influenced all studied parameters with the exception of glucose. Milk fat percentage showed decreasing trend from 10 until 40 days post‐partum; DMP significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased from 1 day post‐partum until 40 days post‐partum. Milk yield significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased in animals over the sixth lactation. Our results confirmed the importance of transit period in buffaloes. Blood parameters and milk composition alterations are crucial to predict the energy balance status of buffaloes in order to improve their management and feed intake during the transition period.     

Milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a tool to investigate ovarian cyclicity of water buffaloes in relation to body condition score and milk production

Background

Application of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes is limited to some extent by farmers’ inability to detect oestrus because of its poor expression. The present study aimed at investigating reliability of a milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the ovarian cyclicity during post partum, oestrus and post-breeding periods in water buffaloes.

Methods

Progesterone concentrations were measured by an ELISA in milk of 23 postpartum buffaloes in relation to oestrus, pregnancy, body condition score (BCS) and milk production. Two milk samples were taken at 10 days intervals, every month starting from day 30 and continued to day 150 post partum. BCS and milk production were recorded during sample collection. Milk samples from bred buffaloes were collected at Day 0 (day of breeding), Days 10–12 and Days 22–24. Defatted milk was preserved at −80°C until analysis. Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum on Days 70–90.

Results

Seventeen buffaloes had 47 ovulatory cycles, one to four in each, 13 were detected in oestrus once (28 % oestrus detection rate). Progesterone concentration ≥1 ng/ml in one of the two 10-day-interval milk samples reflected ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The intervals between calving to first luteal activity and to first detected oestrus varied from 41 to 123 days (n = 17) and 83 to 135 (n = 13) days, respectively. Eight buffaloes were bred in the course of the study and seven were found pregnant. These buffaloes had a progesterone profile of low (<1 ng/ml), high (≥ 1 ng/ml) and high (≥ 1 ng/ml) on Day 0, Days 10–12 and Days 22–24, respectively. Buffaloes cycling later in the postpartum period had fewer missed oestruses (P < 0.05). Buffaloes with a superior BCS had a shorter calving to oestrus interval and produced more milk (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Milk progesterone ELISA is a reliable tool for monitoring ovarian cyclicity and good BCS may be an indicator of resuming cyclicity in water buffalo.     

Effect of n‐3 PUFA‐rich fish oil supplementation during late gestation on kidding,uterine involution and resumption of follicular activity in goat

We have shown that dietary supplementation of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA)‐rich fish oil (FO) around the breeding time improved the utero‐ovarian functions in the goat. Here, we investigated the effect of FO supplementation during the periparturient period on serum n‐3 PUFA, prostaglandin F_2α metabolite (PGFM), placental expulsion, uterine involution, resumption of oestrus and neonatal vigour. Rohilkhandi goat in advanced gestation (n = 16) was divided into two equal groups. One group was supplemented with FO containing 26% n‐3 long‐chain PUFA at the rate of 156 mg per kg body weight, while the control group was fed isocaloric palm oil (PO) from ?3 to +3 week of kidding. Dietary FO increased serum concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 7.3‐ and 6.6‐fold, respectively, after 6 weeks of supplementation. Goats in FO group expelled the foetal membranes 99.1 min earlier (p < .01) than those of PO group. Further, dietary FO significantly decreased the serum PGFM on day 7 post‐partum. However, no difference was found on uterine involution, which was complete by day 20 post‐partum in either group. Resumption of follicular activity by day 5 post‐partum was 87.5% in the FO as compared to 25% in the PO group (p < .05). Similarly, occurrence of behavioural oestrus by day 90 post‐partum was 57.1% in goats of the FO group while none of does was in the PO group (p < .01) expressed oestrus. It was concluded that feeding FO‐rich diet during ?3 to +3 weeks of kidding decreased the PGFM till day 7 post‐partum, hastened the expulsion of foetal membranes and reduced the time from kidding to first post‐partum oestrus in Rohilkhandi does.     

The impact of cross‐breeding Egyptian and Italian buffalo on reproductive and productive performance under a subtropical environment

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive and productive performance of pure Egyptian (PE) buffaloes and their crosses with Italian buffaloes. In this study, 2969 dairy buffaloes were used (1599 PE; 615 F₁ crosses, 50% PE and 50% Italian buffaloes; and 755 backcross [BC], 75% PE and 25% Italian buffaloes). When compared to PE, the BC and F₁ had a significantly lower incidence of calving difficulty (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18, p < .0001 and .34, p < .0001, respectively) in conjunction with a lesser incidence of stillbirth (OR = 0.06, p < .0001 and 0.43, p < .0001, respectively). Backcross buffaloes were also noted to have a lower rate of not conceived after first insemination (OR = 0.74, p < .0001) in comparison with PE. The cross F₁ buffaloes were superior in terms of productive traits, whereas PE buffaloes were best in most of the reproductive traits (days of non‐pregnant p = .001, service per conception p < .0001 and calf weight p = .01). Although the study results appeared to indicate towards a contrary association between milk production and reproductive traits, BC was similar to F₁ in terms of production and similar to PE in terms of reproductive traits. Thus, the farmers should be encouraged to breed BC animals in their herds for enhancing milk yield to meet with the market demands.     

Supplementation of Slow‐Release Melatonin Improves Recovery of Ovarian Cyclicity and Conception in Summer Anoestrous Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The role of melatonin as a protective neurohormone against restoring cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals in photoperiod species has gained wider acceptance. This study was designed to uncover the evidence the slow‐release melatonin (MLT) has on initiation of ovarian cyclicity and conception rate (CR) in summer anoestrous buffaloes. Thus, buffaloes diagnosed as summer anoestrous (absence of overt signs of oestrus, concurrent rectal examination and radioimmunoassay for serum progesterone at 10 days interval) were grouped as untreated (Group I, sterilized corn oil, n = 8) and treated (Group II, single subcutaneous injection of MLT @18 mg/50 kg bwt in sterilized corn oil, n = 20). Animals treated and detected in oestrus were artificially inseminated (AI) followed by division into Group III (second dose of MLT on 5th day post‐AI, n = 8) and Group IV (no melatonin administration, n = 10). Blood samples were collected at 4 days interval for estimation of serum MLT, progesterone and oestrogen using radioimmunoassay kit. Mean oestrous induction rate (OIR), oestrous induction interval (OII), interoestrous interval (IOI) and CR were estimated. Compared to control, concentration of melatonin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in treated group ranging from 14.34 ± 1.72 to 412.31 ± 14.47 pg/ml whereas other two hormones did not show any concentration difference. Melatonin‐administered buffaloes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher (90%) OIR with OII of 18.06 ± 1.57 days. Results showed improvement in conception rate in buffaloes administered with post‐insemination melatonin. It can be concluded from the study that slow‐release melatonin supplementation restored cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals resulting in improvement in conception rate in buffaloes.     

Husbandry Factors and the Resumption of Luteal Activity in Open and Zero‐Grazed Dairy Cows in Urban and Peri‐Urban Kampala,Uganda

The study investigated the influence of selected husbandry factors on interval to resumption of post‐partum cyclicity among dairy cows in urban and peri‐urban Kampala. A prospective study of 85 day post‐partum period of 59 dairy cows in open (n = 38) and zero grazing (n = 21) systems was conducted on 24 farms. Cows of parity 1–6 were recruited starting 15–30 days post‐partum. Progesterone (P4) content in milk taken at 10–12 day intervals was analysed using ELISA. The cow P4 profiles were classified into ‘normal’ (< 56 days), ‘delayed’ (> 56 days), ‘ceased’ or ‘prolonged’ (if started < 56 days but with abnormal P4 displays) resumption of luteal activity and tested for association with husbandry and cow factors. Of the 59 cows, luteal activity in 81.4% resumed normally and in 18.6%, delayed. Only 23.7% maintained regular luteal activity, while the others had ceased (10.2%), prolonged (37.3%) or unclear luteal activity (20.3%). There were no differences between open and zero‐grazed cows. Milk production was higher (p < 0.05) in zero than open grazing, in urban than peri‐urban and in cows fed on brew waste (p < 0.001) compared with mill products and banana peels. Results suggest that luteal activity resumes normally in a majority of cows, although only a minority experienced continued normal cyclicity once ovulation had occurred, in the two farming systems irrespective of feed supplements or water, and that supplementing with brew waste is beneficial for milk production.     

Interrelationship between milk constituents,serum oestradiol and vaginal mucus indicators of oestrus in Egyptian buffaloes

The intensity of heat signs in buffaloes is generally low and the incidence of suboestrus varied from 15 to 73% (Buffalopedia). The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of monitoring the changes in some milk constituents, oestradiol levels and electrical conductivity of vaginal mucus during peri‐oestrous period in prediction of the timing of oestrus in buffaloes. Twenty‐one Egyptian buffaloes aged 3–9 year, 1st–6th lactations, were examined by oestrous detector and ultrasonographically for monitoring the ovarian and uterine activity for 7 days around the time of standing oestrus. Sodium, potassium, chloride and lactose were assayed in aqueous phase of milk; besides, oestradiol was estimated in serum. Current results declared highly significant acute changes in milk constituents at the time of oestrus characterized by peaking of chloride and sodium levels and lowering of potassium and lactose values. The alternation in milk composition when arranged in decreasing order of magnitude, sodium was the highest (77.78 ± 0.69%), followed by chloride (61.60 ± 1.52%) and potassium (?58.14 ± 10.89%). Concomitantly, milk lactose decreased by 26.07 ± 7.97% compared to baseline levels. Synchronously, vaginal electrical resistance (VER) showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease, but serum oestradiol 17β levels surged (59.93 ± 7.29 pg/ml) on day of oestrus. Serum oestradiol level was negatively correlated with VER (r = ?0.577), potassium (r = ?0.661), positively correlated with chloride (r = 0.707) and sodium (r = 0.579) and not correlated with lactose levels. These results for the first time suggested that the changes in constituents of milk during peri‐oestrous period may be used as a practical non‐invasive indicator for oestrous detection and prediction of ovulation in Egyptian buffaloes.     

Influence of conjugated linoleic acids and vitamin E on milk fatty acid composition and concentrations of vitamin A and α‐tocopherol in blood and milk of dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to investigate the influences of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA ) and vitamin E (Vit. E) and their interactions on fatty acid composition and vitamins in milk (α‐tocopherol, retinol and β‐carotene) as well as on α‐tocopherol in blood of pluriparous cows from week 6 ante partum until week 10 post‐partum (p.p.). We assigned 59 pluriparous German Holstein cows to four treatment groups with the treatment factors CLA and Vit. E at two levels in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk fatty acid composition and milk vitamins were analysed on lactation days 7 and 28. α‐tocopherol in blood serum was analysed on days ?42, ?7, 1, 7, 14, 28 and 70 relative to parturition. Milk concentration of α‐tocopherol was influenced by Vit. E (p  < .001) and CLA (p  = .034). Percentage of cis ‐9, trans ‐11 CLA in total milk fat was influenced by treatment with CLA (p  < .001), while for percentage of trans‐ 10, cis ‐12 CLA an interaction between treatment and day (p  = .019), driven by an increase in both CLA groups from day 7 to day 28, was found. Serum ratios of α‐tocopherol to cholesterol were influenced by Vit. E (p  < .001). Results suggest that treatment with CLA during late pregnancy and early lactation is suitable to enhance the proportion of trans‐ 10, cis ‐12 CLA in milk and thereby influencing nutritional properties. As treatment with Vit. E did not have an impact on milk fatty acid composition, it might be possible to increase the antioxidative capacity of the dairy cow without affecting milk properties. Consequently, combined treatment with CLA and Vit. E might elicit synergistic effects on the cow and milk quality by increasing the proportion of CLA in milk fat as well as the excretion of Vit. E and the Vit. E levels in serum.     

Clinical efficacy of intrauterine cephapirin benzathine administration on clearance of uterine bacteria and subclinical endometritis in postpartum buffaloes

This study examined the effect of single IU administration of cephapirin on clinical recovery, clearance of uterine bacteria and reproductive performance of postpartum buffaloes with subclinical endometritis (SCE). Buffaloes (n = 86) at 35 days postpartum (DPP) with >10% polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in endometrial cytosmears were designated as positive (SCEP, n = 29), and buffaloes with ≤10% PMN cell were designated as negative (SCEN, n = 57) for SCE. Out of 29 positive buffaloes, 15 were administered a single intrauterine dose of cephapirin benzathine on 40 DPP (SCEP‐CB), while the remaining 14 animals were kept as untreated control (SCEP‐C). All animals were observed regularly for oestrous signs and were again subjected to cytobrush sampling on the first postpartum (FPP) oestrus. Buffaloes positive for SCE at 35 DPP were later considered “recovered” if their PMN cells dropped to ≤5% on the FPP oestrus. Presence of Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum in uterus was detected based upon PCR amplification of genes related to bacteria‐specific virulence factors. A total of 66.7% of SCEP‐CB group buffaloes recovered as compared to 28.6% in SCEP‐C (χ² = 4.21; p < 0.05). Rate of bacterial clearance did not differ between treated (38.5%) and untreated buffaloes (8.3%) (χ² = 1.67; p > 0.05). The median days to first service did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the three groups, whereas cephapirin administration reduced (p < 0.05) the days open by 14 days in SCEP‐CB compared to SCEP‐C buffaloes. SCEP‐CB buffaloes were as likely to conceive as SCEN, whereas SCEP‐C had 0.28 hazard ratio for pregnancy. In conclusion, a single treatment with cephapirin benzathine at 40 DPP improved the reproductive performance of buffaloes with subclinical endometritis.     

Relationship between milk somatic cell count and postpartum ovarian cyclicity and fertility in dairy cows

The main objective of the study was to describe the relationship of high somatic cell count (SCC) with the incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The factors influencing SCC were also investigated. Four hundred and forty-seven cows from six dairy herds in Japan were monitored for SCC and postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Cows with high SCC (200,000 to 500,000) had a higher incidence of prolonged luteal phase (P < 0.01) than cows with an SCC of 50,000 to 100,000. The high SCC cows (> 500,000) also showed a higher incidence of delayed first ovulation post partum than cows with an SCC ≤500,000 (P < 0.05) during the first month post partum. Cows with an SCC of 200,000 to 500,000 showed lower conception and pregnancy rates, and more days from calving to conception than cows with an SCC of less than 200,000 (P < 0.05). Cows in parity 5 or more had a higher incidence of high SCC than cows in the first and second parities (P < 0.05). It is concluded that cows with a high SCC have a higher incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity, leading to reduced reproductive performance.     

Milk protein responses to balanced amino acid and removal of Leucine and Arginine supplied from jugular‐infused amino acid mixture in lactating dairy cows

This study was undertaken to evaluate the milk protein response when cows were supplied a balanced AA profile and to determine whether a deficiency of Leucine (Leu) or Arginine (Arg) had a negative effect on milk protein. Eight mid‐lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 5‐day continuous jugular infusions of saline (CTL), EAA mixture prepared on the profile of casein and supplied (in % of lysine (Lys)) 100% of Lys, 33.3% of methionine (Met), 110.2% of Leu, 43.6% of Arg, 50.8% of threonine (Thr), 81.6% of valine (Val), 69.7% of isoleucine (Ile), 61.4% of phenylalanine (Phe) and 34.2% of histidine (His) (Casein, 160 g/d), EAA mixture excluding Leu (?Leu, 163 g/d) or EAA mixture excluding Arg (?Arg, 158 g/d) in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four infusion periods separated by 7‐day interval period. The basal diet supplied 1.6 Mcal NE_L and 94.4 g MP per 1 kg DM to meet requirements for lactation. The Casein treatment provided a balanced supply (in % of MP) of 10.3% Leu and 5.3% Arg, whereas in the two subsequent ?Leu and ?Arg treatments, the concentration of Leu and Arg was reduced to 8.4 and 4.6% respectively. Dry matter intake (15.4 kg/day) was not affected by treatments. The Casein treatment increased milk yield (14.9%, p < 0.001), milk protein yield (120 g, p < 0.001) and milk protein efficiency (0.03, p = 0.099) than CTL treatment. However, the ?Leu treatment decreased the responses of above‐measured parameters by 6.25%, 70 g, 0.05 (p < 0.06) (compared with Casein). These effects of Leu were related to decreased Leu concentration and improved concentration of Ile and Val in plasma. The ?Arg treatment decreased the plasma Arg concentration than the Casein treatment, whereby resulted in the decrease of milk yield (5.7%, p = 0.073), milk protein yield (60 g, p = 0.011) and milk protein efficiency (0.04, p = 0.037). In conclusion, supply of EAA profile of casein can increase the lactation production in dairy cows, and 8.6% of Leu in MP partly limits the milk protein response when the requirements of Lys, Met and His were met. The level of Arg at 4.6% MP is not deemed to an ideal profile, as evidenced by decreased milk protein efficiency.     

Chitosan associated with whole raw soybean in diets for Murrah buffaloes on ruminal fermentation,apparent digestibility and nutrients metabolism

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan and whole raw soybean on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen utilization, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, digesta kinetics, and reticular flow of nutrients of buffaloes. Four ruminally‐cannulated Murrah buffaloes (351 ± 15 kg of initial BW) were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: the first factor was whole raw soybean (WRS), and the second factor was chitosan (CHI) with or without their inclusion in diets. Intake and apparent digestibility of ether extract (p < .01; p = .04, respectively), non‐fiber carbohydrates intake (p = .03) and apparent ruminal digestibility of dry matter (p = .01) were affected by diets. An interaction effect or tendency was observed for microbial nitrogen (p = .09), concentrations, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (p = .05), total volatile fatty acid (p = .03). Association of chitosan with whole raw soybean has potential effects as a modulator of rumen fermentation; therefore, chitosan can be applied as an alternative non‐ionophore for Murrah buffaloes.     

Predictors of beef calf temperament at weaning and its impact on temperament at breeding and reproductive performance

Two experiments were conducted to determine (i) factors influencing calf temperament at weaning, (ii) association between heifer–calf temperament at weaning and temperament at breeding and (iii) effect of heifer–calf temperament on pregnancy rate per artificial insemination (P/AI). In experiment 1, beef cows and their calves (n = 285) from three farms were used. Sire docility estimated progeny difference (EPD) score, birth type (normal or assisted), calf gender, calf behaviour (during 1st 4 weeks) and calf health status (until weaning) were recorded. Cows and calves were assigned a temperament score (0—calm; 1—excitable), and all cows were given a body condition score (BCS, 1–9; 1—emaciated; 9—obese) at weaning. Calf's illness (p < .05), low sire docility EPD score (p < .05), altered gait (p < .05), altered resting behaviour (p < .01), reduced/no play behaviour (p < .05) and cow excitable temperament (p < .001) increased calf excitable temperament at weaning. In experiment 2, replacement heifer–calves (n = 758) from 12 farms were assigned a temperament score at weaning and later at breeding. Blood from 40 calves at weaning and 31 heifers at initiation of synchronization (same animals) was collected by coccygeal venipuncture for determination of circulating cortisol and substance P concentrations. Heifers were assigned a BCS and reproductive tract score (RTS, 1–5; 1—immature, acyclic; 5—mature, cyclic), synchronized for fixed time AI, observed for oestrus and were artificially inseminated. Cortisol concentrations were increased in excitable heifer–calves compared to calm heifer–calves at weaning (p < .05), and substance P was increased in excitable compared to calm females both at weaning and breeding (p < .05). Low sire EPD docility score (p < .01), heifer–calf excitable temperament at weaning increased excitable temperament at breeding (p < .01). Controlling for BCS categories (p < .01), oestrous expression (p < .0001) and temperament at breeding by oestrous expression (p < .05), the calf's excitable temperament at weaning (p < .001) reduced P/AI (Calm, 62.7 (244/389) vs. Excitable, 53.4% (197/369); p < .01). In conclusion, selection of docile cows and sires with greater docility EPD score should be given consideration to reduce calf excitement. Temperament in beef female can be detected earlier in their life and could be used as a tool in the selection process and to improve their performances.     

Comparative biochemical profiles,production and reproduction status of the post‐partum dairy cows with and without purulent vaginal discharge

Purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) is a prevalent uterine disease of dairy cows during the puerperium that affects the milk production and affects the profitability of farms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile, the body condition score, the milk production of cows with PVD and the effects PVD on reproductive performance. A total of 338 Holstein dairy cows aged from 3 to 5 years, from three commercial dairy farms, from Brazil, were used. Blood samples were collected within 25 ± 3 days post‐partum from Holstein dairy cows without PVD (control cows, n = 242) and cows with PVD (n = 96), based on scoring of the vaginal discharge. The body condition score and milk production were recorded on the day of sampling. The biochemical profile encompassed albumin, urea, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, calcium, fibrinogen and cholesterol concentrations. The number of services per pregnancy was lower (p < 0.01), and the number of days until first insemination and the median time to pregnancy were higher in cows with PVD (p < 0.01) when compared with control cows. Milk production and body condition score were lower (p < 0.01) in cows with PVD than in control group. Cows with PVD had lower (p < 0.05) serum albumin, urea, calcium and cholesterol concentrations, and higher serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity and fibrinogen concentration than cows without PVD. Our results show that cows with PVD have changes in the biochemical profile and negative effects on production and reproduction performance.     

Associations between endotoxin‐induced metabolic changes and temperament in Brahman bulls,

The influence of temperament on the alteration of metabolic parameters in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was investigated. Brahman bulls were selected based on temperament score. Bulls (10 months; 211 ± 5 kg BW; n = 6, 8 and 7 for Calm, Intermediate and Temperamental groups, respectively) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters to evaluate peripheral blood concentrations of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, epinephrine and cortisol before and after LPS administration (0.5 μg/kg BW LPS). Feed intake was also recorded. Intermediate bulls consumed more feed than the Temperamental bulls during the challenge (p = 0.046). Pre‐LPS glucose (p = 0.401) and BUN (p = 0.222) did not differ among the temperament groups. However, pre‐LPS insulin (p = 0.023) was lower, whereas pre‐LPS NEFA (p < 0.001), cortisol (p < 0.001) and epinephrine (p < 0.001) were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls. Post‐LPS glucose was increased in Calm and Intermediate bulls but not in Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Insulin concentrations post‐LPS were greater in Calm than in Intermediate and Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Concentrations of NEFA post‐LPS were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls (p < 0.001). Serum BUN concentration increased post‐LPS, with values being greater in Calm and Intermediate than in Temperamental bulls (p = 0.012). Collectively, these data demonstrate that animal temperament is related to the metabolic responses of Brahman bulls following a provocative endotoxin challenge. Specifically, Temperamental bulls may preferentially utilize an alternate energy source (i.e. NEFA) to a greater degree than do bulls of Calm and Intermediate temperaments. The use of circulating NEFA from lipolysis may reduce the negative metabolic consequences of an immune response by allowing for a prompt answer to increasing energy demands required during immunological challenge, compared with the time required for glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.