Concentration of conjugated linoleic acid in grazing sheep and goat milk fat

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of grazing sheep and goat milk fat, throughout their lactation period, was examined. Six sheep and six goat representative farms were selected at random and milk samples were taken at monthly intervals for fatty acids profile determination. Sheep and goat nutrition was based on natural grazing and on supplementary feeding during the winter months. From April onwards, grazing native pastures was the only source of feed for sheep and goats. The University farm whose sheep are kept indoors all year round without any grazing, was also used as reference. Fifteen individual milk samples were also taken in April from a sheep and goat farm respectively, in order to see the variability of CLA inside the farm. The results showed that: a. the CLA content of grazing sheep and goat milk fat increased significantly in April–May (early growth stage of grass) and then declined while that of indoors kept sheep was more or less constant during the same period, b. the isomers cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 of CLA were found in grazing sheep milk fat, while in indoors kept sheep and goats' milk fat only the cis-9, trans-11 isomer was found, c. the CLA content of sheep milk fat was much higher than that of goats, d. a negative correlation between sheep milk fat and CLA content was found and e. there was considerable variation in milk fat CLA content between sheep and goat farms and inside the farms.     

Converting to organic dairy farming: Consequences for production, somatic cell scores and calving interval of first parity Holstein cows

This paper aims to describe the changes prompted by conversion to organic farming for milk production and fertility of first parity Holstein cows.

Data was collected for Dutch organic farms, with a distinction made between long-standing-organic farms, converted organic farms and a reference group of conventional farms. The percentage Holstein blood in the herds, milk production (kg milk, % milk fat, % milk protein), somatic cell scores (SCS), calving interval (CI) and age at first calving (AFC) were described over time. An animal model was used to estimate the effects of conversion on different traits based on data from converted organic farms.

Milk production was lower and somatic cell counts were higher on long-standing-organic farms than on conventional and converted organic farms. Interestingly, at pre-organic farms, i.e. before their conversion, the milk production level was already lower than at conventional farms.

The estimates from our statistical analysis showed a highly significant decrease in milk yield and protein percentage due to conversion. Also fat content decreased, SCS increased and AFC increased significantly.

It can be concluded that the conversion to organic farming is a gradual process over years. Dutch farmers who decided during the late 1990s to convert to organic farming, represented a specific group of farmers distinct from conventional farmers, which was reflected by lower milk yields, milk fat percentage and protein percentage before conversion as compared to conventional farms. During conversion, significant changes in milk production, protein and fat contents and somatic cell scores took place. Age of first calving is an important difference between organic and conventional farming.     

Farming practices in Sweden related to feeding milk and colostrum from cows treated with antimicrobials to dairy calves

Background

Milk produced by cows in receipt of antimicrobial therapy may contain antimicrobial residues. Such antimicrobial-containing waste milk must be withdrawn from human consumption and is therefore sometimes used as calf feed. Unfortunately, this approach might promote selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the calves’ intestinal microbiota. The objectives of this study were therefore to obtain an overview of waste milk feeding practices on Swedish dairy farms and to investigate if these practices were associated with certain farm characteristics. A representative group of 457 Swedish dairy farmers participated in a web-based survey with questions about the use of colostrum and milk from cows treated with antimicrobials at dry off or during lactation, respectively, as calf feed.

Results

Colostrum (milk from the first milking after calving) and transition milk (milk from the second milking to the fourth day after calving) from cows treated with antimicrobials at dry off was fed to calves on 89% and 85% of the farms in the study, respectively. When antimicrobial therapy was given to cows during lactation, 56% of the farms fed milk that was produced during the course of treatment to calves, whereas milk that was produced during the subsequent withdrawal period was fed to calves on 79% of the farms. Surveyed farmers were less prone to feed such milk if the antimicrobial therapy was due to mastitis than other infections. In Sweden, a majority of antimicrobial treatments during lactation are systemic administration of benzylpenicillin and thus, the bulk of waste milk in Sweden is likely to contain residues of this drug. Feeding waste milk to calves was more common on non-organic farms, and on farms located in Southern Sweden, and was less common on farms with cows housed in cold free stalls barns.

Conclusions

Waste milk that may contain antimicrobial residues is, at least occasionally, used as feed for calves on a majority of surveyed Swedish dairy farms. Future work should focus on the effect of waste milk feeding on the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the calves’ intestinal microbiota.     

呼和浩特近郊奶牛乳样体细胞分与乳成分相关性分析

本试验旨在研究呼和浩特近郊两个奶牛场荷斯坦奶牛体细胞数(somatic cell count,SCC)变化规律及体细胞分(somatic cell score,SCS)与乳成分的相关性。试验按常规方法采集奶样,并借助Bentley FTS/FCM 400 Combi奶牛生产性能测定仪测定奶样,然后对所得数据用SPSS 17.0软件进行统计分析。结果显示,奶牛各胎次中SCC在第1胎时最低(P<0.01),在第7胎时最高(P<0.01);随着泌乳天数的增加奶样SCC亦明显增加;奶样SCC<100×10³/mL到SCC>1000×10³/mL的过度中,奶牛日产奶量和奶样乳糖含量明显降低(P<0.01),分别降低了6.07 kg(22.97%)和0.40%(8.06%),而奶样乳脂率和乳蛋白率显著升高(P<0.01),分别增加了0.32%(8.31%)和0.26%(8.05%)。秋、冬季奶样乳脂率要明显高于春、夏季奶样乳脂率(P<0.01),秋季奶样乳蛋白率最高,春季奶样乳蛋白率最低;春季奶样乳糖含量最高,秋、冬季奶样乳糖含量相对较低;冬季奶样SCC最高,而秋季奶样SCC则最低。SCS与日产奶量(-0.172)和乳糖含量(-0.283)之间存在极显著负相关(P<0.01),SCS与乳脂率(0.034)和乳蛋白率(0.111)之间存在极显著正相关(P<0.01)。因此,随着胎次增高,SCC有逐渐升高趋势;随着SCC的升高,日产奶量和乳糖含量有降低趋势,而乳脂率和乳蛋白率有升高趋势;季节对乳成分和SCC均有不同程度的影响;SCC对奶牛日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖含量均有明显影响。     

Nitrogen and phosphorus surpluses on Danish dairy and pig farms in relation to farm characteristics

N and P surpluses per hectare at farm level were determined on 63 private pilot farms with data from 2 to 7 years between 1997 and 2003 (a total of 245 observations). Farms were classified in the following four farm types: Conventional mixed dairy, organic mixed dairy, conventional pig farms (indoor) and conventional pig farms with outdoor sows. Import of nutrients with concentrate and fertilizer was the major input to all conventional farm types. On the organic dairy farms major input was N fixation, but also import of nutrients with concentrate and manure were important inputs. Output from the dairy farms was dominated by nutrients in milk. On pig farms nutrients in meat dominated the output, but also export of nutrients with cash crops and manure were important outputs. Farm type, year and farm within farm type significantly affected both N and P surpluses per hectare. Farm type was the major source of variation in both N and P surpluses. In the period investigated N surplus decreased by 6.5 kg N ha^− 1 yr^− 1 and P surplus decreased by 0.7 kg P ha^− 1 yr^− 1. The N and P surpluses observed on the conventional dairy farms significantly exceeded surpluses observed on the organic dairy farms. At equal number of livestock units (LU) per hectare (1.28 LU ha^− 1) the difference was 43 kg N ha^− 1 and 6 kg P ha^− 1. At equal rates of N or P in manure to fields (147 kg N ha^− 1, 29 kg P ha^− 1, respectively) the difference was 45 kg N ha^− 1 and 4 kg P ha^− 1. Conventional dairy farms and pig farms with sows indoors had equal N and P surpluses at equal rates of N or P in manure to fields. Corrected to the average year (1999.5) the estimated average N and P surpluses showed highest levels on pig farms with outdoor sows (251 kg N ha^− 1, 42 kg P ha^− 1) and lowest levels on organic dairy farms (113 kg N ha^− 1, 7 kg P ha^− 1). Surpluses on the conventional dairy farms were 175 kg N ha^− 1 and 16 kg P ha^− 1 and on the indoor pig farms they were 123 kg N ha^− 1 and 13 kg P ha^− 1. The N and P surpluses observed on Danish conventional mixed dairy farms were comparable with intensive dairy farming systems in other European countries.     

The economic implications of bush encroachment on livestock farming in rangelands of Uganda

The objective of this study was to assess the economic implications of shrub encroachment on pastoral rangeland productivity in Mbarara district, in south western Uganda. Sixty pastoral households were surveyed, thirty of which were grazing on cleared farms (with less than 25% of grazing covered by bush) and thirty were grazing on bushy farms (with more than 75% of grazing land covered by bush). The study was a survey and did not involve rigorous experimental work. Results indicated that cleared farms had higher herbage dry matter yield ranging from 1 850 kg ha^?1 to 2 230 kg ha^?1, compared to a range of 622 kg ha^?1 to 1 190 kg ha^?1 on bushy farms. Heifers on cleared farms reached puberty earlier and calved relatively earlier (12-30 months) as opposed to 24-36 months on bushy farms. The mean calving rate on cleared farms was higher (33.6%) than 22.6% on bushy farms. Mean milk yield on cleared farms was 3.8 L cow^?1 d^?1 compared to 2.4 L cow^?1 d^?1 on bushy farms. Results of body condition score indicated that cattle on cleared range had a higher mean score of 5.8 compared to 4.2 on bushy farms. Mean annual gross income was US$49.393 per cow per annum on cleared farms compared to US$23.351 on bushy farms. Financial efficiency measured by TR/TVC ratio was 1.2 on cleared farms compared to 1.1 on bushy farms. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that shrub encroachment led to reduced herbage DM yield and low levels of crude protein of the pasture, while clearing more than doubled herbage DM production. As a result, animal productivity in terms of milk yield, body condition and reproductive performance were also reduced. Cleared farms were more profitable than bushy ones in terms of gross margins due to higher animal performance and hence higher incomes. The financial efficiency of cleared farms was low due to high costs of shrub control. Shrub encroachment is a serious problem facing pastoral production in Mbarara district and requires adequate attention.     

Reduction of Radiocesium Transfer to Animal Products Using Sustained Release Boli with Ammoniumiron(III)-Hexacyanoferrate(II)

Hove, K. and H. S. Hansen: Reduction of radiocesium transfer to animal products using sustained release boli with ammoniumiron (III) - hexacyanoferrate (II). Acta vet. scand. 1993,34,287-297.– A sustained release bolus with the cesium binder ammoniu-miron(III) - hexacyanoferrate (AFCF) has been developed as a countermeasure for small ruminants grazing pastures contaminated by radiocesium (¹³⁴Cs+¹³⁷Cs). The boli (40-50 g) are produced by compression of a mixture of AFCF, barite and wax. The release of AFCF from boli labelled with 137Cs-iron-hexacyanoferrate complex was studied in laboratory sheep. The release rate followed first order kinetics during the 108 d of observation and decreased from 40 to 22, 110 to 35 and 280 to 25 mg d⁻¹ in sheep treated with 1, 2 or 3 boli respectively. The efficiency of boli in reducing radiocesium transfer to meat and milk was tested in laboratory studies with goats fed ¹³⁴Cs tracer. Until 40 d after treatment the transfer of radiocesium to milk was reduced by 35%, 60% and 85% in goats given 1, 2 or 3 boli, respectively. The reduction in radiocaesium transfer persisted for 90 d but with a lower efficiency. A similar relationship was found between number of boli and the reduction in radiocesium transfer to meat with an observed maximal reduction of 60%.     

Effects of ear corn silage supplementation on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms

This study investigated the effects of substituting ear corn silage (ECS) for commercial formula feed on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms during the summer season. A field survey was conducted on five grazing dairy farms in every summer month of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Three of the five farms substituted fresh ECS for the commercial formula feed at a ratio of 2:1 from July of each year (ECS farms). Other farms maintained the same feeding management as before (non‐ECS farms). An interview survey was conducted on each farm to calculate feed intake and milk yield per cow. Feed and milk samples were collected in each survey. Milk compositions and milk fatty acid profiles were determined. The substitution of ECS for the commercial formula feed did not affect milk yield or milk composition, but ECS farms maintained low levels of milk urea compared with non‐ECS farms (p < .01). The ECS substitution also influenced some of the milk fatty acid proportions; C16:0 and C16:1 increased, and trans‐11 C18:1, cis‐9,trans‐11 C18:2, and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased, while these fatty acid proportions were maintained in non‐ECS farms throughout the summer season (p < .05).     

A comparison of somatic cell count between organic and conventional dairy cow herds in West Germany stressing dry period related changes

Mastitis is one of the major threats to animal health and thus to productivity in all dairy farming systems. Previous studies of organic dairy herds have indicated better udder health in organic herds, as compared to conventional herds but opposite results have also been reported. In view of the great implications that the dry period (DP) has on udder health, we aimed to compare milk performance data between organic and conventional dairy herds by specifically addressing the relation of somatic cell counts in milk (SCC) before and after the DP. On 68 farms (35 organic, 33 conventional) in Western Germany individual cow and herd production data were recorded next to data on SCC (herd, individual) between June 2002 and June 2004. For data analysis, SCC values > 150,000 cells/mL were defined as indicative for disorders of udder health.     

Neospora abortion epidemic in a dairy herd

Neospora caninrm is a protozoan closely related to Toxoplasma gonclii. It was discovered only a few years ago, but it is now recognised as one of the most common and important causes of abortion in cattle. Brain lesions characteristic of Neospora infection have been found in about 25% of aborted foetuses submitted to diagnostic laboratories in New Zealand and overseas⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾. Average abortion rates due to Neospora on New Zealand farms have been estimated at 7% of pregnancies compared with 4% due to other causes⁽¹⁾. The upper range of abortion rates for Neospora was 17–30% compared to only 7–10% for other causes, showing that the economic effects of Neospora abortions on the more severely affected farms can be devastating.     

An economic comparison of typical dairy farming systems in South Africa, Morocco, Uganda and Cameroon

Population growth, urbanisation and increased per capita milk consumption are main reasons for recent increasing milk demand in Africa. Due to globalisation, it is important to know how competitive various production systems are, especially as most governments promote local production and disfavour dairy imports. The TIPI-CAL (Technology Impact, Policy Impact Calculations model) was used to analyse and compare costs and returns of predominant dairy farming systems in South Africa, Morocco, Uganda and Cameroon. Results show that, as farms grew larger in size, family resources (especially land and labour) became insufficient and there was need for their acquisition from external sources. Though extensive dairy farming systems had the lowest cost of milk production (<20 US-$ per 100 kg milk), their input productivities and milk yields were lower, leading to very low net cash returns from dairying. Large intensive farms in South Africa had relatively low costs (<30 US-$ per 100 kg milk) and a high Return on Investment (ROI) due to a higher efficiency of input utilisation. It was concluded that, intensification of dairy farming and simultaneously increasing the scale of production will greatly increase productivity of farm inputs, thus recommended for development of the dairy sector in African countries.     

Assessment of early postpartum reproductive performance in two high producing Estonian dairy herds

Early postpartum (6 weeks) ovarian activity, hormonal profiles, uterine involution, uterine infections, serum electrolytes, glucose, milk acetoacetate and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were studied in 2 Estonian high producing dairy herd with annual milk production of 7688 (Farm A) and 9425 (Farm B). From each farm 10 cows, with normal calving performance were used. Blood samples for the hormonal (PGF2alpha-metabolite, progesterone) analyses were withdrawn. On day 25 PP blood serum samples were taken for the evaluation of metabolic/electrolyte status. On the same day estimation of milk acetoacetate values was done. The ultrasound (US) was started on day 7 PP and was performed every 3rd day until the end of experiment. Uterine content, follicular activity and sizes of the largest follicle and corpus luteum were monitored and measured. Vaginal discharge and uterine tone were recorded during the rectal palpation. Each animal in the study was sampled for bacteriological examination using endometrial biopsies once a week. Two types of PGF2alpha-metabolite patterns were detected: elevated levels during 14 days PP, then decline to the basal level and then a second small elevation at the time of final elimination of the bacteria from the uterus: or elevated levels during first 7 days PP, then decline to the basal level and a second small elevation before the final elimination of bacteria. Endometritis was diagnosed in 5 cows in farm A and in 3 cows in farm B respectively. In farm A, 5 cows out of 10 ovulated during experimental period and in 1 cow cystic ovaries were found. In farm B, 3 cows out of 10 ovulated. In 3 cows cystic ovaries were found. Altogether 40% of cows had their first ovulation during the experimental period. Three cows in farm A and 5 cows in farm B were totally bacteria negative during the experimental period. The most frequent bacteria found were A. pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., E. coli., F. necrophorum and Bacteroides spp. The highest incidence of bacteriological species was found during the first 3 weeks in both farms. All animals were free from bacteria after 5th week PP in farm A and after 4th week in farm B respectively. Serum electrolytes and glucose levels were found to be within the reference limits for the cows in both farms. No significant difference was found between farms (p > 0.05). Low phosphorus levels were found in both farms. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in BUN levels between farms. In both farms milk acetoacetate values were staying within the reference range given for the used test (< 100 micromol/l). The uterine involution and bacterial elimination in the investigated cows could consider as normal but more profound metabolic studies could be needed to find reasons for later resumption of ovarian activity. Some recommendations to changing feeding regimes and strategies should also be given.     

Examination of milk microbiota,fecal microbiota,and blood metabolites of Jersey cows in cool and hot seasons

Microbiota of individual cow milk, bulk tank milk, and feces of Jersey cows were examined. Samples were collected from two farms (F1 and F2) in cool (November, Nov) and hot (July, Jul) seasons. Milk yield and milk composition were similar between the two farms and between the two seasons. Prevalent taxa of the fecal microbiota, i.e. Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Clostridiaceae, were unaffected by the farm and season. Relative abundance of milk microbiota for Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Streptococcaceae (F1 > F2) and Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, and Cellulomonadaceae (F1 < F2) were different between the two farms, and those for Staphylococcaceae, Bacillaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Veillonellaceae (Nov < Jul) and Methylobacteriaceae and Moraxellaceae (Nov > Jul) were different between the two seasons. The microbiota of bulk tank milk was numerically different from that of individual cow milk. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that the milk microbiota was unrelated to the fecal microbiota. The finding that relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and Moraxellaceae appeared greater than those reported for Holstein milk suggested that higher protein and fat content may result in a greater abundance of proteolytic and lipolytic taxa in Jersey cow milk.     

Changes in intake of milk and dairy products among elementary schoolchildren following experiential studies of dairy farming

This study intends to clarify the effects of hands‐on dairy farming experience on the consumption of milk and dairy products. A survey was conducted on 474 elementary schoolchildren and their parents at eight elementary schools that offered hands‐on dairy farming experience at four dairy farms in Hokkaido, Japan. In the survey, questionnaires were used to inquire about the children's milk and dairy product intake before and after the hands‐on experience. In addition, milk intake at school was investigated weekly for 3 months after the hands‐on experience. The parents were asked about the children's intake of milk and dairy products at home before and after the hands‐on experience. Analysis of the survey results indicated a significant increase in the amount and frequency of milk consumed and the frequency of yogurt consumed at home by the children immediately after the hands‐on experience. Accordingly, the study suggested that the hands‐on dairy farming experience had the effect of increasing children's milk and dairy product consumption at home.     

Patterns of between-farm contacts via professionals in Sweden

Background

Infectious diseases of livestock have negative consequences for animal production as well as animal health and welfare and can be transmitted between farms via direct (live animal movements) as well as indirect (via physical vectors such as, people, transport vehicles and fomites) contacts. The objective of the study was to examine the travel patterns of professionals visiting Swedish farms (veterinarians, milk tanker drivers, artificial inseminators, maintenance technicians and livestock hauliers). This was done by obtaining records of the farms visited by a sample of professionals in the above categories in one week in January, one week in April, one week in July and one week in October in the Swedish counties Västerbotten, Södermanland, Västergötland and Skåne.

Results

There were twelve participating organisations, and data was provided for one to three individuals/vehicles/veterinary practices per professional category and per geographic region (except for dairy service technicians and livestock hauliers who did not provide data from all regions). There was a trend towards larger areas covered and smaller number of farms visited per week in the north, but exceptions occurred and there were regional variations. Generally, the greatest areas were travelled by milk tankers and livestock hauliers, and the profession travelling over the smallest areas tended to be the veterinarians. Milk tankers visited most farms per week, one milk tanker could visit between 23 and 90 farms per week and travel over areas between 717 km² and 23,512 km² per week.

Conclusions

Valuable insight into the travel patterns of Swedish professionals has emerged although the implications of the study largely concern highly infectious diseases. Movement of live animals pose the greatest risk for the spread of infectious animal diseases; however indirect contacts are important for many diseases. The results of this study indicate that in Sweden a highly contagious disease might spread over a large area in the time span of one incubation period, which ought to be kept in mind in case of an outbreak and in outbreak investigations. The difficulties in contacting some professionals visiting farms could be a problem in an outbreak situation.     

放牧对乳成分和乳产品感官品质影响的研究进展

集约化养殖提高了牧场奶牛的生产效率,其生产过程中动物福利、环境保护以及产品质量等议题也逐渐引起消费者的关注。放牧养殖将户外放牧和牧草采食作为养殖模式的评判标准,其产品正逐渐受到欧美等发达国家消费者的青睐。饲料中的优质牧草是影响乳成分及其乳制品品质的主要因素之一,牧草中较高的纤维含量维持了瘤胃健康,较高的不饱和脂肪酸提高了乳脂中不饱和脂肪酸的比例,丰富的可降解蛋白提供了乳蛋白的合成原料,并且牧草中脂肪酸、氨基酸、碳水化合物和其他营养物质在奶牛体内的代谢影响了牛奶以及乳制品的感官品质。作者重点关注一些国家放牧养殖的实际状况和标准要求,及其与有机养殖的差异对比,并分析放牧养殖和全混合日粮喂养条件下饲料成分差异对奶牛瘤胃代谢的影响,以及由此造成的牛奶脂肪、蛋白成分和感官指标等方面的差异。     

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and isolated udder pathogens in dairy cows in Southern Vietnam

Dairy production is not traditional in Vietnam. The farmers have little practical knowledge and udder health control is generally lacking. In order to give the farmers appropriate advice, knowledge about the distribution of udder pathogens is crucial. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis and to identify udder pathogens isolated from smallholder dairy herds in Southern Vietnam. Twenty farms with a herd somatic cell count (SCC) ranging from low (≤400?×?10³?cells/mL) to high (>400?×?10³?cells/mL) were randomly selected. Milk samples were collected from 458 quarters of 115 clinically healthy cows. SCC was analyzed on farm by a portable cell counter. Bacteriological samples were taken using Mastistrip^© cassettes and sent to Sweden for examination. For all herds the mean herd SCC was 632?×?10³/mL milk. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at quarter SCC basis was 63.2 % and at cow basis 88.6 %. Only 40 % of all cows were bacteriologically negative in all quarters. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most commonly found bacteria species, isolated from 96 of the 458 quarter samples, in 13 of the 20 farms. The results indicate pronounced subclinical mastitis problems among the dairy cows in this region mainly due to infections with S. agalactiae. The high prevalence of this highly contagious pathogen is probably attributable to the generally poor milking hygiene and low awareness of proper measures to prevent occurrence and spread of udder infections. A strict, targeted action program for the herds in this area is required in order to lower the prevalence of subclinical mastitis.     

Impact of Mastitis Control Measures on Milk Production and Mastitis Indicators in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Kiambu District,Kenya

Bovine mastitis and mastitis control were investigated on smallholder farms in central Kenya. After an initial observational study, a clinical trial to assess the impact of three different mastitis control strategies – (1) improved udder hygiene, (2) treatment of subclinical cases, and (3) a combination of these – was conducted on 100 randomly selected farms with 332 lactating cows. Before the implementation of control measures, the milk yield was low (mean 6.5 kg/day; median 6 kg/day) and somatic cell counts (SCC) were high, with 80% and 43% of cows having milk with SCC greater than 250×10³ cells/ml and 600×10³ cells/ml, respectively. Infectious pathogens were also commonly isolated, with 63% of cows being positive for pathogenic bacteria. Neither intervention strategy alone had any effect on mastitis indicators or milk yield. In combination, the measures had some impact, lowering the prevalence of contagious pathogens by 18%, but this was not reflected in a significantly increased milk yield, lowered SCC or reduced incidence of clinical mastitis.     

Advance on Effects of Grass Feeding on Milk Composition and Sensory Quality of Dairy Products

With the development of intensive cultivation in dairy cows,the production efficiency of dairy farms has been improved.However,issues such as animal welfare,environmental protection and product quality of dairy farm have received more attention.As judging criteria in the pattern,outdoor grazing and grass intake necessary in grass-fed farming,and its products are gradually being favored by consumers in developed countries,such as Europe and the United States.The effect of grass-fed on milk and dairy products mainly depend on the quality of forage grass.The high fiber content in forage grass maintains rumen health,high unsaturated fatty acids increase the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat,and rich degradable proteins promote milk protein synthesis.The metabolism of fatty acids,amino acids,carbohydrates and other nutrients from forage in dairy cows may affect the sensory quality of milk and dairy products.This review focused on the actual situation and standard requirements of grass-fed in some countries,and their differences compared with organic farming,and analyzed the effects of feed composition differences on rumen metabolism of dairy cows under grazing farming and total mixed diet feeding conditions,as well as resulting differences in milk fat,protein and sensory indicators.     

Animal production systems of small farms in the Kaski district of Nepal

The aim of this study was to describe animal production on small farms in the Kaski district of Nepal, with the goal of identifying areas where animal health and productivity could be improved. Eighty-five randomly selected farms from four different Village Development Committees were visited. Farmers were interviewed and premises and animals visually inspected on all farms. Feed samples were collected from a subset of farms. The most commonly kept species were water buffalo (used for milk and meat), cattle (used for milk and labor), and goats (used for meat). Average milk production levels were 4.7?kg/day for water buffalo and 1.9?kg/day for cattle. All animals were milked manually, no calves were weaned, and only one farm practiced artificial insemination. A majority of cattle and goats had access to pasture, and a majority of farms fed their working or producing animals concentrates; however, nutritional input was insufficient in terms of energy, protein, and micronutrient content to increase levels of production. Goat-raising was the most profitable endeavor, followed by water buffalo and cattle. We conclude that animals have the potential to contribute significantly to improved livelihoods of farmers in terms of both income generation and non-tangible benefits. However, we found that significant constraints on animal production exist, including insufficient nutritional levels and a lack of preventative care resulting in animal disease. Furthermore, cultural considerations reflecting attitudes toward cattle shape farming in ways that may limit production. Nevertheless, targeted interventions that improve animal health and productivity are possible without being cost prohibitive.