Variation in Milk Production and Lactation Performance in Grey Seals and Consequences for Pup Growth and Weaning Characteristics

1999 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 677-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo‐Ann E. Mellish ◽  
Sara J. Iverson ◽  
W. Don Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Pup Growth

scholarly journals Late lactation in small mammals is a critically sensitive window of vulnerability to elevated ambient temperature

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (39) ◽  
pp. 24352-24358
Author(s):  
Zhi-Jun Zhao ◽  
Catherine Hambly ◽  
Lu-Lu Shi ◽  
Zhong-Qiang Bi ◽  
Jing Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Pup Growth ◽  
Pup Mortality

Predicted increases in global average temperature are physiologically trivial for most endotherms. However, heat waves will also increase in both frequency and severity, and these will be physiologically more important. Lactating small mammals are hypothesized to be limited by heat dissipation capacity, suggesting high temperatures may adversely impact lactation performance. We measured reproductive performance of mice and striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis), including milk energy output (MEO), at temperatures between 21 and 36 °C. In both species, there was a decline in MEO between 21 and 33 °C. In mice, milk production at 33 °C was only 18% of that at 21 °C. This led to reductions in pup growth by 20% but limited pup mortality (0.8%), because of a threefold increase in growth efficiency. In contrast, in hamsters, MEO at 33 °C was reduced to 78.1% of that at 21 °C, yet this led to significant pup mortality (possibly infanticide) and reduced pup growth by 12.7%. Hamster females were more able to sustain milk production as ambient temperature increased, but they and their pups were less capable of adjusting to the lower supply. In both species, exposure to 36 °C resulted in rapid catastrophic lactation failure and maternal mortality. Upper lethal temperature was lowered by 3 to 6 °C in late lactation, making it a critically sensitive window to high ambient temperatures. Our data suggest future heat wave events will impact breeding success of small rodents, but this is based on animals with a long history in captivity. More work should be performed on wild rodents to confirm these impacts.

The relationship between the cobalt nutrition of ewes and the vitamin B12 status of ewes and their lambs

1987 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
MF Quirk ◽  
BW Norton
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Acid Concentration ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Cotton South ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Relationship

An experiment was undertaken at Mt Cotton, south-east Queensland, to investigate the relationship between the cobalt nutrition of ewes and the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency in ewes and their lambs. Ewes received either no supplementary cobalt (C), 0.03 mg cobalt day-1 (LC), 0.06 mg cobalt day-1 (HC) or a cobalt bullet and grinder (CB). LC and HC ewes received their supplement as a weekly drench. Supplementation commenced prior to joining, and ewes subsequently grazed pangola grass pastures containing between 0.05 and 0.11 mg kg-1 cobalt.Cobalt supplementation of ewes increased their liveweight, reproductive and lactation performance. The milk production of ewes was influenced by the level of supplementation, with C, LC, HC and CB ewes producing 31.1, 41.5, 47.7 and 50.31. of milk respectively during the first 4 weeks of lactation. The lower productivity of C ewes was associated with concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of less than 200 pg ml-1 and with the presence of detectable concentrations of methylmalonic acid (>80 8moles l-1) and formiminoglutamic acid (>30 8moles l-1) in their urine.The growth of lambs was influenced by the cobalt nutrition of their dams; the mean liveweight gain from birth to weaning (14 weeks of age) for lambs from C, LC, HC and CB ewes was 95, 158, 194 and 231 g day-1. Vitamin B12 deficiency was evident in lambs reared by C ewes from 4 weeks of age, but lambs from LC and HC ewes did not become deficient until 8 and 12 weeks of age respectively. Lambs from CB ewes remained free of signs of deficiency prior to weaning. Urinary formiminoglutamic acid concentration was a more reliable indicator of vitamin B12 status in young lambs than urinary methylmalonic acid concentration. The concentrations of vitamin B12 in the serum of lambs were low in all groups (< 150 pg ml-1) and were generally unaffected by the cobalt nutrition of their dams.A dietary cobalt intake of about 0.15 mg day-1 appeared to be necessary for optimal milk production from ewes. However, this level of dietary cobalt was inadequate for provision of sufficient quantities of maternal vitamin B12 to meet the requirements of lambs in the later stages of lactation.

LACTATION PERFORMANCE OF RANGE BEEF AND DAIRY-BEEF COWS

1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
SARAH BUTSON ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Brown Swiss ◽  
Percent Protein ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
Better Than

A milking experiment with range, single-suckled beef cows was conducted over two lactations in 1976 and 1977 at the University of Alberta Research Ranch. A total of 428 cows were milked, ranging from 2 to 10 yr of age and representing four breed groups of Herefords and crossbreds of traditional beef and dairy breeds. Measurements of milk were taken in June and September each year. Milk was extracted following an intrajugular injection of 20 IU of oxytocin. Samples were analyzed for butterfat percent, protein percent and lactose percent. Age and breed of dam differences in milk yields, constituent percentages and yields were assessed. Least squares means of yields pooled over the two periods each year indicated that dams with Holstein and Brown Swiss breeding (DS) yielded more milk than beef crossbreds and purebred Herefords. Average milk yields estimated over 24 h ranged from 5.7 kg/day for Herefords to 7.8 kg/day for DS dams. Compared to 2-yr olds at 100%, 3-yr olds produced 125%, 4-yr olds 136% and mature cows 139% greater yield. The difference between June and September yields was evident between breed groups. Hereford milk production exhibited the greatest decline over 87 days compared to all other crossbreds and DS were the most persistent. Mature cows maintained milk yields better than younger cows, and 2-yr old milk yields declined most noticeably. All crossbred groups produced less butterfat percent and lactose percent content than the Herefords, yet yielded more total energy. All constituent percentages were higher than those reported for commercial dairy cattle. All constituent percentages increased significantly from June to September at approximately 130 days in lactation. A significant decline was noted for all constituent yields in September. Dairy crossbreds demonstrated the highest persistency for all constituent yields. Beef Synthetic dams were intermediate in yield persistency. Average milk yields had negative (P < 0.05) correlations with average constituent percentages. Inter-correlations among constituent percentages were variable and generally small and negative. Key words: Lactation, range cows

scholarly journals Effect of Natural Chinese Herbal Supplements (TCMF4) on Lactation Performance and Serum Biomarkers in Peripartal Dairy Cows

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yizhe Cui ◽  
Zhuorui Shan ◽  
Lintong Hou ◽  
Qiuju Wang ◽  
Juan J. Loor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
High Dose Group ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Lactation Performance

This study examined the effect of mixed medicinal herbs from China in the ground form on milk yield and various blood metabolites before and after parturition in Holstein cows. Crushed Agastache rugosus, Scutellaria barbata, Pericarpium citri reticulate, and Radix glycyrrhizae were used to develop TCMF4. Thirty-two Chinese Holstein cows were randomly divided into a control group or groups receiving 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 kg TCMF4/cow/d from −7 through 21 d relative to parturition. Blood samples for serum isolation were collected at −7, −1, 1, 7, 14, and 21 d relative to parturition and used to measure glucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), total protein, albumin, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase. Milk production was recorded daily for the first 21 d postpartum, and composition was analyzed at 7, 14, and 21 d. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for multiple comparisons. The average milk production during the first 21-d postpartum was 28.7 ± 6.9, 27.2 ± 7.1, 31.2 ± 6.8, and 38.5 ± 6.1 kg/d for control group and groups receiving 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 kg TCMF4. Thus, average daily milk production increased between 9 to 34% by supplementation with TCMF4 compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, in the middle dose group, milk concentrations of lactose and total protein decreased by 21 and 19%, respectively, at d 7 around parturition, while total solids increased by 23% at d 21 in the high-dose group. Furthermore, compared with the control group, serum BHBA decreased by 50 and 20% at d −1 and 21 around parturition in the high-dose group. Overall, TCMF4 supplementation improved dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production of dairy cows during the periparturient period without adverse effects on liver function, and plasma BHBA concentrations of dairy cows tended to decrease when dietary TCMF4 increased, which suggested that TCMF4 might be used as potential additives in dairy cows to improve production performance.

scholarly journals Identification of SNPs and Candidate Genes for Milk Production Ability in Yorkshire Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijun Shi ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
Qian Liu ◽  
Longchao Zhang ◽  
Ligang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Significant Snps ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Yorkshire Pigs ◽  
Sow Lactation

Sow milk production ability is an important limiting factor impacting suboptimal growth and the survival of piglets. Through pig genetic improvement, litter sizes have been increased. Larger litters need more suckling mammary glands, which results in increased milk from the lactating sow. Hence, there is much significance to exploring sow lactation performance. For milk production ability, it is not practical to directly measure the milk yield, we used litter weight gain (LWG) throughout sow lactation as an indicator. In this study, we estimated the heritability of LWG, namely, 0.18 ± 0.07. We then performed a GWAS, and detected seven significant SNPs, namely, Sus scrofa Chromosome (SSC) 2: ASGA0010040 (p = 7.73E-11); SSC2:MARC0029355 (p = 1.30E-08), SSC6: WU_10.2_6_65751151 (p = 1.32E-10), SSC7: MARC0058875 (p = 4.99E-09), SSC10: WU_10.2_10_49571394 (p = 6.79E-08), SSC11: M1GA0014659 (p = 1.19E-07), and SSC15: MARC0042106 (p = 1.16E-07). We performed the distribution of phenotypes corresponding to the genotypes of seven significant SNPs and showed that ASGA0010040, MARC0029355, MARC0058875, WU_10.2_10_49571394, M1GA0014659, and MARC0042106 had extreme phenotypic values that corresponded to the homozygous genotypes, while the intermediate values corresponded to the heterozygous genotypes. We screened for flanking regions ± 200 kb nearby the seven significant SNPs, and identified 38 genes in total. Among them, 28 of the candidates were involved in lactose metabolism, colostrum immunity, milk protein, and milk fat by functional enrichment analysis. Through the combined analysis between 28 candidate genes and transcriptome data of the sow mammary gland, we found nine commons (ANO3, MUC15, DISP3, FBXO6, CLCN6, HLA-DRA, SLA-DRB1, SLA-DQB1, and SLA-DQA1). Furthermore, by comparing the chromosome positions of the candidate genes with the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) as previously reported, a total of 17 genes were found to be within 0.86–94.02 Mb of the reported QTLs for sow milk production ability, in which, NAV2 was found to be located with 0.86 Mb of the QTL region ssc2: 40936355. In conclusion, we identified seven significant SNPs located on SSC2, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 15, and propose 28 candidate genes for the ability to produce milk in Yorkshire pigs, 10 of which were key candidates.

OMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE TIME-BASED PARAMETERS OF COWS’ LACTATION PERFORMANCE WITH THE USE OF AN AUTOMATIC DEVICE

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
В.П. МЕЩЕРЯКОВ
Keyword(s):  
Production Process ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Average Duration ◽  
Automatic Device ◽  
Comparative Assessment ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Duration Of Stay ◽  
Close Relationship

Проведена сравнительная оценка времени пребывания коров-первотелок в доильном боксе с минимальной, максимальной и средней продолжительностью молоковыведения из всех четвертей вымени высоко- и низкопродуктивных при доении на автоматической установке «Astronaut A». У высокопродуктивных животных по сравнению с низкопродуктивными установлено увеличение длительности исследуемых четырех периодов молоковыведения на 34,5—60,6%. Между изученными временными параметрами молоковыведения выявлена тесная взаимосвязь (r=0,69-0,98; P<0,001). Выведено уравнение регрессии между периодом доения, рассчитанного путем определения максимальной продолжительности выдаивания одной из четвертей вымени, и средней продолжительностью молоковыведения из всех четвертей вымени (r=0,96; P<0,001). Установлено, что доля технологических операций, не связанных с процессом молоковыведения, составляет 24,1—31,6% от длительности периода пребывания в доильном боксе. Показана возможность использования для оценки интенсивности молоковыведения на автоматической установке «Astronaut A4» наряду с продолжительностью пребывания коровы в доильном боксе показателей максимальной и минимальной продолжительности молоковыведения из одной четверти вымени, а также средней продолжительности молоковыведения из всех четвертей вымени у высоко- и низкопродуктивных коров. Comparative assessment of the time of stay of first-calf cows in a milking box with minimum, maximum, and average duration of milk production from all udder quarters with high and low productivity when milked using the Astronaut A automatic device was carried out. When compared to low-productive animals, high-productive ones showed the increase in duration of the studied milk production periods by 34.5—60.6%. Close relationship between the time-based parameters of milk production was established (r=0.69-0.98; P<0.001). Equation of regression between the milking period, calculated by determining the maximum milking duration of one of the four udder quarters, and the average duration of milk production from all four udder quarters (r=0.96; P<0.001) was derived. It was established that the share of technological operations not connected to milk production process amounts to 24.1—31.6% from the duration of stay in the milking box. The possibility for using the parameters of maximum and minimal duration of milk production from one of udder quarters, as well as the average duration of milk production from all four quarters of the udder in high- and low-productive cows along with the length of cow’s stay in the milking box for the evaluation of milk production intensity using the Astronaut A4 automatic device was shown.

Effects of body condition and dry cow feeding on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation in Holstein-Friesian cows

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 201-201
Author(s):  
R. J. Dewhurst ◽  
J. M. Moorby ◽  
D. W. R. Davies ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
N. C. Friggens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Body Reserves ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
As Effects

Genetic potential for milk production has increased rapidly in the Holstein-Friesian breed and there is concern that this might be causing an increased incidence of health problems. We have recently (Ingvartsen et al., 2002) reviewed the inter-relationships between lactation performance and health, demonstrating the importance of considering effects on/of body reserves as well as effects on/of milk production. Whilst we identified mechanisms whereby body reserves can have a direct effect on susceptibility to disease, disease also affects body reserves making it difficult to study their inter-relationships. The dry period is a particularly interesting period in this regard, because additional nutrients are directed towards reserves, whilst it is followed by a period (early lactation) of high disease incidence. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving, as well as the effects of dry period diets designed to alter BCS, on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation.

Effect of diurnally fluctuating high ambient temperatures on performance and feeding behaviour of multiparous lactating sows

2000 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Quiniou ◽  
D. Renaudeau ◽  
S. Dubois ◽  
J. Noblet
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Large White ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Total Food Intake ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Ad Libitum

AbstractForty-two multiparous Large White sows were used to investigate the effect of diurnally fluctuating temperature (T) on lactation performance and feeding behaviour. The animals were allocated to one of the four thermic treatments: constant T at 25°C (25C) and 29°C (29C) or equal-mean diurnal cyclic T varying from 21 to 29°C (25V) and from 25 to 33°C (29V). Photoperiod was fixed to 14 h of light. The sows were given food ad libitum between the 7th and the 19th day post partům. Lactation performance was measured for all sows whereas the feeding behaviour was recorded only on 28 sows. The ad libitum food intake was comparable at 25C and 25V (6•31 kg/day) as were milk production and body reserves mobilization. In contrast, food intake at 29V was higher than at 29C (4•53 v. 3•48 kg/day) with no difference in milk production between the two treatments. The increased daily food intake at 29V resulted from higher intakes over the coolest periods of the day and especially during the dark period. Neither meal size nor daily number of meals were significantly affected by T. Feeding behaviour was mainly diurnal but with differences between treatments: 0•90 of total food intake at 29C v. 0•78 at the other three T It appears that the effects of diurnally fluctuating T on lactation performance of sows depend on the mean level of T

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing milk production traits in buffalo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajia Liu ◽  
Zhiquan Wang ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Liguo Yang
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Buffalo Milk ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Milk Production Traits ◽  
Chromosomal Distribution ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

Abstract Background: The diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) are a vital group of enzymes in catalyzing triacylglycerol biosynthesis. DGAT genes like DGAT1 and DGAT2 , have been identified as two functional candidate genes affecting milk production traits, especially for fat content in milk. Buffalo milk is famous for its excellent quality, which is rich in fat and protein content. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize DGAT family genes in buffalo and to find candidate markers or DGAT genes influencing lactation performance. Results: We performed a genome-wide study and identified eight DGAT genes in buffalo. All the DGAT genes classified into two distinct clades (DGAT1 and DGAT2 subfamily) based on their phylogenetic relationships and structural features. Chromosome localization displayed eight buffalo DGAT genes distributed on five chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the DGAT family genes were extensive homologous between buffalo and cattle. Afterward, we discovered genetic variants loci within the genomic regions that DGAT genes located in buffalo. Seven haplotype blocks were constructed and were associated with buffalo milk production traits. Single marker association analyses revealed four most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mainly affecting milk protein percentage or milk fat yield in buffalo. Genes functional analysis indicated that these DGAT family genes could influence lactation performance in the mammal through regulating lipid metabolism. Conclusion: In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis for the DGAT family genes in buffalo, which including identification, structural characterization, phylogenetic classification, chromosomal distribution, collinearity analysis, association analysis, and functional analysis. These findings provide useful information for an in-depth study to determine the role of DGAT family gens play in the regulation of milk production and milk quality improvement in buffalo.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing milk production traits in buffalo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajia Liu ◽  
Zhiquan Wang ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Liguo Yang
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Buffalo Milk ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Milk Production Traits ◽  
Chromosomal Distribution ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

Abstract Background: The diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) are a vital group of enzymes in catalyzing triacylglycerol biosynthesis. DGAT genes like DGAT1 and DGAT2 , have been identified as two functional candidate genes affecting milk production traits, especially for fat content in milk. Buffalo milk is famous for its excellent quality, which is rich in fat and protein content. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize DGAT family genes in buffalo and to find candidate markers or DGAT genes influencing lactation performance. Results: We performed a genome-wide study and identified eight DGAT genes in buffalo. All the DGAT genes classified into two distinct clades (DGAT1 and DGAT2 subfamily) based on their phylogenetic relationships and structural features. Chromosome localization displayed eight buffalo DGAT genes distributed on five chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the DGAT family genes were extensive homologous between buffalo and cattle. Afterward, we discovered genetic variants loci within the genomic regions that DGAT genes located in buffalo. Seven haplotype blocks were constructed and were associated with buffalo milk production traits. Single marker association analyses revealed four most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mainly affecting milk protein percentage or milk fat yield in buffalo. Genes functional analysis indicated that these DGAT family genes could influence lactation performance in the mammal through regulating lipid metabolism. Conclusion: In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis for the DGAT family genes in buffalo, which including identification, structural characterization, phylogenetic classification, chromosomal distribution, collinearity analysis, association analysis, and functional analysis. These findings provide useful information for an in-depth study to determine the role of DGAT family gens play in the regulation of milk production and milk quality improvement in buffalo.

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