A new cactus variety for dairy cows in areas infested with Dactylopius opuntiae

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 479 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. F. Monteiro ◽  
M. A. Ferreira ◽  
A. S. C. Véras ◽  
S. I. Guido ◽  
M. P. Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Lactating Cows

Spineless cactus is an important part of dairy cow diet in the semiarid Brazilia. Severe infestation of cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell) destroyed a vast area of the most common species of cactus planted in the region; Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. resistant varieties with superior agronomic performance were recently selected, but they still need to be tested with dairy cows. We evaluated the use of a resistant variety, ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ (OEM, Opuntia spp.), in dairy cow diet. We tested its effect on intake, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein, blood parameters and performance of lactating cows. Ten cows with an average milk yield of 20 kg/day were assigned to an experiment using a double 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental diets consisted of five replacement levels of Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck cv. (‘Miúda’) by ‘OEM’ (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) on a dry-matter (DM) basis) and were formulated considering the ingredient composition. The roughage:concentrate ratio was 70:30 on a DM basis. The replacement of ‘Miúda’ by OEM did not change the intake (kg/day) of DM (18.0), organic matter (16.3), crude protein (CP, 2.8), total digestible nutrients (11.6), non-fibre carbohydrates (7.6) and neutral detergent fibre (5.7), or the apparent digestibility (g/kg) of DM (655), organic matter (694), CP (739) and non-fibre carbohydrates (950), whereas apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fibre increased linearly. Microbial protein production (1.5 g/day), microbial protein efficiency (129.2 g CP/kg total digestible nutrients), plasma urea nitrogen (21.4 mg/dL), nitrogen balance (123 g/day), feed efficiency (1.1), nitrogen efficiency (0.2), milk production (20.0 kg/day), fat-corrected milk production (20.1 kg/day) and milk composition were not influenced by the replacement. Therefore, we recommend the use of OEM in the diet of lactating cows with an average milk yield of 20 kg/day.

Differences in the behaviour of high and low yielding dairy cows selected by genetic merit

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 220-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D. Cooper ◽  
D. R. Arney ◽  
C. J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
High Nutrient

The effects of high milk yields on the behaviour and welfare of the dairy cow are unclear. A high milk yield increases the need to consume sufficient fodder in an attempt to meet high nutrient demands. The failure to meet the demands may result in persistent hunger in the dairy cow having to modify her behaviour by employing various coping strategies. These modifications may help the cow overcome a state of hunger but at the expense of being unable to express other important behaviours. The objective of this study was therefore to determine whether the behaviour and welfare of the genetically high yielding dairy cow is being compromised by the increased nutritional demands of milk production, and to investigate the possibility that an increased amount of time spent in food-directed behaviours may have a detrimental effect on the time available to perform other important behaviours.

Consequences for reproductive function of metabolic adaption to load

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Webb ◽  
P. C. Garnsworthy ◽  
J. G. Gong ◽  
R. S. Robinson ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Embryo Survival

AbstractAn effective method for enhancing milk production efficiency in dairy cows is to increase milk yield and significant progress has been achieved through intense selection, assisted by the application of new reproductive techniques. However this increased milk yield has been accompanied by a slow but steady decline in dairy cow fertility. The two main reasons for this reducing level of fertility appear to be selection for increased milk yield and large herd sizes, although the affect of the introduction of Holstein genes needs to be investigated. In addition, other negative consequences such as an increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases and lameness have been observed. This has given rise to public concern that the high-yielding dairy cow may be under a state of metabolic stress during peak lactation and therefore the welfare and performance of other body functions are compromised.The reason for this decline in fertility is not well understood, although a nutritional influence on the initiation of oestrous cycles, follicular growth, oocyte quality and early embryonic development has been implicated. In early lactation dietary intake is unable to meet the demands of milk production and most cows enter a period of negative energy balance. Negative energy balance has a broadly similar effect to undernutrition leading to a mobilization of body reserves. Furthermore diets high in rumen degradable protein lead to an excess of rumen ammonia, which before it is converted to urea by the liver and excreted in the urine, may cause an alteration in the reproductive tract environment reducing embryo survival. Such major changes in the metabolic and endocrine systems can therefore influence fertility at a number of key points.Possible reproductive sites where inadequate nutrition may have detrimental effects include: (i) the hypothalamic/pituitary gland where gonadotropin release may be impaired; (ii) a direct effect on the ovaries, where both follicular growth patterns and corpus luteum function may be directly influenced; (iii) the quality of the oocyte prior to ovulation may be reduced and coupled with an inadequate uterine environment will result in reduced embryo survival and (iv) there may be effects on subsequent embryo development. The initiation of normal oestrous cycles post partum is usually delayed in dairy cows with a higher genetic merit for milk production, confirming that intense selection towards high milk yield can compromise reproductive function. In addition, the effects of increased milk yield may include changes in circulating GH and insulin concentrations, which in turn alter both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein production. Nutrition has recently been shown to have a direct effect at the level of both the ovaries and the uterus to alter the expression of these growth factors.In conclusion, further knowledge is required to determine how the metabolic changes associated with high milk output reduce fertility. Identification and understanding of the mechanisms involved and the key sites of action responsible for compromised reproductive function, will enable the identification of possible indices for future multiple-trait selection programmes.

scholarly journals Ruminal Ecology, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Milk Production in Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Glycerin-Based Diet: A Comparison Study on Chitosan Sources Supplementation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuthida Seankamsorn ◽  
Anusorn Cherdthong ◽  
Sarong So ◽  
Metha Wanapat
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Microbial Protein Synthesis ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Different Sources

The study compared the influence of chitosan sources on rumen fermentation, methane emission and milk production in lactating dairy cows fed a glycerin-based diet. Six, lactating Holstein-Frisian crossbreeds (410 ± 5.0 kg BW, 120 ± 21 day-in-milk), were arranged in a 3 x 3 replicated Latin square design. In addition to control, a 2% chitosan extract supplement and a 2% commercial chitosan supplement of dry matter intake were the treatments. The results denoted that no significant differences on daily dry matter, nutrients or estimated energy intake were noted when cows received different sources of chitosan. Nutrient digestibility was not influenced differently by extraction based or commercial chitosan supplements. The pH, temperature, ammonia nitrogen, blood urea and microbial count were similar among treatments. The different sources of chitosan supplements did not change the totals of volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate; in contrast, different chitosan sources influenced (P<0.05) propionate content. The ruminal acetate to propionate ratio was markedly (P<0.05) reduced with chitosan supplement, but no change appeared between sources of chitosan. At 4 hours after feeding, the methane estimation significantly decreased with the addition of chitosan supplementation (P<0.05) compared to the control group. The purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were not altered by the treatments. No significant differences existed on milk yield, milk composition or milk urea nitrogen when cows received different sources of chitosan (P>0.05). In sum, supplementing extracted chitosan showed more potential than did commercial chitosan for enhancing economic efficiency and recycling shrimp residues, therefore, reducing environmental waste.

scholarly journals Effects of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Methionine on Production Performance, Apparent Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Ruminal Metabolites and Economic Effectiveness in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialin Wei ◽  
Mengying Dou ◽  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Bichuan Yan ◽  
Cuiyu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Economic Effectiveness ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Abstract Background: Because of disadvantages of excessive dietary crude protein (CP), decreasing dietary CP of dairy cows has attracted the worldwide attention. Rumen protected methionine (RPM) supplementation can allow lower CP diets and is beneficial to milk production performance, N efficiency of cows and environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of reducing dietary CP and supplementing RPM on production, digestibility of nutrients, blood parameters, ruminal metabolites and economic effectiveness in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Results: A total of 96 lactating cows (63 ± 25 d in milk; 34.4 ± 5.74 kg/d of milk production; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: diet containing 17.3% CP without RPM (control group; CON; n = 49); diet containing 16.4% CP with supplementing 15.0 g/d of RPM (treatment group; RPM; n = 47). No effect was observed of reducing dietary CP on milk yield and milk composition. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was similar between treatments. The results related to blood showed that cows in RPM group exhibited lower concentration of blood urea nitrogen than that in CON group (P < 0.001). Moreover, there were no differences between treatments on concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, globulin and albumin. In ruminal metabolites, microbial crude protein (MCP) of dairy cows in RPM group was higher compared with CON group (P = 0.006). Ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents were not changed by treatments except that the concentrations of butyrate and isovalerate of RPM group were higher than that of CON group at 2 h after feeding (P < 0.05). In addition, supplying the diet of 16.4% CP with RPM supplementation to cows could reduce feeding cost by 0.5 $/d per cow and boost net profits. Conclusions: Lower dietary CP with RPM supplementation did not limit milk yield, milk composition and apparent digestibility of nutrients, and could improve nitrogen utilization of dairy cows and synthesis of MCP in rumen, change VFA production at 2 h after feeding, as well as boost the economic benefits of the dairy farms.

scholarly journals Use of condensed molasses fermentation solubles as an alternative source of concentrates in dairy cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-212
Author(s):  
Jian Ma ◽  
Chen Ma ◽  
Xue Fan ◽  
Ali Mujtaba Shah ◽  
Jiang Mao
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Lactating Cows

Objective: The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) on lactation performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters of dairy cows.Methods: A total of 75 healthy Holstein cows with the same parity (milk production = 35±2.5 kg, body weight = 570±28 kg) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups. One group served as control group (CON; no CMS), whereas the other 4 groups were CMS1 (accounted for 1% of the diet), CMS2 (2%), CMS3 (3%), and CMS4 (4%). All cows were fed regularly three times each day at 0800, 1600, and 2400 h. Cows received diet and water <i>ad libitum</i>. The experiment lasted for 60 days.Results: Results showed that the dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein of CMS2 were maximum and higher (p<0.05) than CMS4. The ruminal pH was observed less than 6 in CMS3 and CMS4 groups. No noticeable difference of microbial protein was found between CON and CMS2 groups, while the microbial protein in these groups was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in CMS2 group was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. Compared to CMS3 and CMS4 groups, the CMS2 group increased (p<0.05) the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M on d 60.Conclusion: Therefore, it is practicable that CMS substitutes for a part of concentrates in lactating cows’ diets, but higher addition of CMS (more than 3% of the diet) could decrease production performance of dairy cows as seen in the present study.

scholarly journals Analysis of the yield milk effect on the economics of milk production

2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 473-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kopeček
Keyword(s):  
Cost Function ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Economic Data ◽  
Agricultural Enterprises ◽  
Maximum Profit ◽  
The Cost

Relations between the level of milk yield and the economic results of dairy cows breeding were analysed on the base of operational and economic data received from 135 agricultural enterprises. The analysis was aiming at the optimization of milk production expressed by means of the cost function. By evaluating the above-mentioned relations, there was recorded a tendency of the faster growth of milk yield compared to the costs for market milk for one feeding day of a dairy cow. On the base of the expense function, there was expressed the maximum profit for a litre of market milk, the maximum profit for a dairy cow per year and the interval of profitability of milk production in 2000.

scholarly journals Effects of chitosan on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk yield and composition of dairy cows

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Gomes de Paiva ◽  
Elmeson Ferreira de Jesus ◽  
Tiago Antonio Del Valle ◽  
Gustavo Ferreira de Almeida ◽  
Artur Gabriel Brao Vilas Boas Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Microbial Protein Synthesis ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Four Levels

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of providing increasing levels of chitosan on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, blood parameters, nitrogen utilisation, microbial protein synthesis, and milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cows. Eight rumen-fistulated Holstein cows [average days in lactation = 215 ± 60.9; and average bodyweight (BW) = 641 ± 41.1 kg] were assigned into a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 21-day evaluation periods. Cows were assigned to be provided with four levels of chitosan, placed into the rumen through the fistula, as follows: (1) Control: with no provision of chitosan; (2) 75 mg/kg BW; (3) 150 mg/kg BW; and (4) 225 mg/kg BW. Chitosan had no effect on dry matter intake (P > 0.73); however, chitosan increased (P = 0.05) crude protein digestibility. Propionate concentration was increased (P = 0.02), and butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and acetate : propionate ratio were decreased (P ≤ 0.04) by chitosan. Chitosan had no effect (P > 0.25) on acetate, pH and NH3 ruminal concentration. Glucose, urea, and hepatic enzyme concentrations in the blood were similar (P > 0.30) among treatments. Nitrogen balance was not affected, but chitosan increased milk nitrogen (P = 0.02). Microbial protein synthesis was not affected by chitosan (P > 0.44). Chitosan increased (P = 0.02) milk yield, fat-corrected milk, protein and lactose production. Chitosan changes ruminal fermentation and improves milk yield of lactating dairy cows; therefore, we conclude that chitosan can be used as a rumen modulator instead of ionophores in diets for dairy cows.

Duration of a severe feed restriction required to reversibly decrease milk production in the high-producing dairy cow

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanelle A. Toerien ◽  
John P. Cant
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Post Trial

To establish the duration of a severe feed restriction necessary to reversibly decrease milk production in high-producing Holstein cows, milk, plasma and urine parameters were assessed every 6 h during a 24-h restriction and 18-h refeed period. The 24-h restriction decreased yields of milk, protein and lactose by more than 30% without inducing ketosis or impairing milk production post-trial. Key words: Feed restriction, dairy cows, milk yield, plasma metabolites

scholarly journals A comparison of Barkant turnips and Superchow sorghum for summer milk production

1997 ◽  
pp. 157-161
Author(s):  
D.A. Clark ◽  
S.L. Harris ◽  
E.R. Thom ◽  
C.D. Waugh ◽  
P.J.A. Copeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Substitution Rates ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Sparing Effect

Barkant turnips and Superchow sorghum were compared as summer-autumn crops for lactating cows, in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment fed at 3 levels (0, 4 and 8 kg DM/cow/day) to supplement pasture offered at a constant allowance of 25 kg DM/cow/ day. Sixty lactating twin cows were used in 2 experimental periods in January and March 1996. Pasture and crop intakes were estimated by the alkane, and pre- and post-grazing, techniques. Feeding either 4 or 8 kg DM/cow/day increased milksolids (MS) yield by 25% for turnips and 15% for sorghum compared with pasture alone. Turnips gave responses of 42.5 and 50 g MS/kg DM offered, at the lower allowance, in summer and autumn respectively; compared with 25 g MS/kg DM in both seasons for sorghum. Crop intakes were lower on sorghum than turnips and were only partially compensated for by increased pasture intakes on the former. For both crops, increasing allowance from 4 to 8 kg DM/cow/day did not increase daily MS yield. The cows grazing sorghum were 8 and 15 kg heavier than either the turnip or pasture-fed cows in summer and autumn respectively. Substitution rates for both crops were higher (0.72- 0.87) in summer than in autumn (0.35-0.45). This means that although both crops will have a "pasture sparing" effect in summer they will not contribute much to increased per cow intake. Keywords: alkanes, crop intake, dairy cows, milksolids, milk yield, pasture intake, sorghum, turnips Introductio

scholarly journals Effects of Paper Mulberry Silage on the Milk Production, Apparent Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Bacteria Composition in Holstein Dairy Cows

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1152
Author(s):  
Yangyi Hao ◽  
Shuai Huang ◽  
Jingfang Si ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Naren Gaowa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fecal Bacteria ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is an excellent and extensive type of roughage in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM silage on the milk production, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition in Holstein dairy cows. Forty-five lactating Holstein dairy cows with a similar milk yield and parity were selected and randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was fed a non-PM silage diet, and the PM-treated groups were fed 4.5 and 9.0% PM silage supplementary diets for 28 days. Then, treatment groups were fed diets containing 13.5 and 18.0% PM silage for the next 28 days, respectively. PM silage increased the milk urea nitrogen and decreased the somatic cell count (p < 0.05), but did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. PM silage can enhance the blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and immune globulin content (p < 0.05). The PM silage significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Tyzzerella-4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PM silage enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows, but did not influence the milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition.

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