Characterisation of dairy soiled water in a survey of 60 Irish dairy farms

AbstractDairy farming in Ireland generates an effluent known as dairy soiled water (DSW), which consists of a relatively dilute mixture of cow faeces, urine, spilt milk and detergents that is typically applied to grassland. However, relatively little is known about the volumes generated, nutrient content and management factors that influence volume and concentration. Sixty dairy farms that had a separate storage tank for storing DSW were selected for this study. The spatial distribution of the farms reflected the spatial distribution of dairy cows across the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland, with each farm representing between 10,000 and 20,000 dairy cows. Samples were analysed for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonium N (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), phosphorus (molybdate-reactive and total) (MRP and TP) and dry matter (DM) content. Management characteristics and parlour properties were quantified. Factors influencing volume and concentration of DSW were determined using mixed model multiple regression analysis. On average, 9784 l (standard error 209 l) of DSW, including rainfall, was produced cow−1year−1and this contained significant quantities of total N, P and K (587, 80 and 568 mg l−1, respectively). A typical Irish dairy farm stocked at 1.9 cows ha−1could therefore supply approximately 13, 2 and 12 kg ha−1of total N, P and K, respectively, across the farm, annually to meet some of the nutrient requirements for herbage production and potentially replace some of the synthetic fertilizer use. Seventy one percent of samples were within the regulated concentration limits of soiled water for BOD (<2500 mg l−1), rising to 87% during the closed period for slurry spreading (mid October to mid-late January), while 81% were within the concentration limits for DM (<1% DM), rising to 94% during the closed period. The efficiency of a milking parlour (cows per unit, time taken) plays a key role in determining the volume of DSW generated. This, in turn, also influences the concentration of nutrients and other chemicals. Large variability was found in nutrient concentrations and this presents a challenge for effective nutrient management to maximise the fertilizer replacement value of DSW.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CHOICE OF MILKING INSTALLATIONS IN LOOSE HOUSING SYSTEMS OF COWS

Molochnoe i miasnoe skotovodstvo ◽

10.33943/mms.2020.12.24.001 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

В.В. ГОРДЕЕВ ◽

В.Е. ХАЗАНОВ

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

High Performance ◽

Large Scale ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Economic Indicators ◽

Technical Level ◽

Housing Systems ◽

Working Shift ◽

Technical And Economic Indicators

При выборе типа доильной установки и ее размера необходимо учитывать максимальное планируемое поголовье дойных коров и размер технологической группы, кратность и время одного доения, продолжительность рабочей смены дояров. Анализ технико-экономических показателей наиболее распространенных на сегодняшний день типов доильных установок одинакового технического уровня свидетельствует, что наилучшие удельные показатели имеет установка типа «Карусель» (1), а установка типа «Елочка» (2) требует более высоких затрат труда и средств. Установка «Параллель» (3) занимает промежуточное положение. Из анализа пропускной способности и количества необходимых операторов: установка 2 рекомендована для ферм с поголовьем дойного стада до 600 голов, 3 — не более 1200 дойных коров, 1 — более 1200 дойных коров. «Карусель» — наиболее рациональный, высокопроизводительный, легко автоматизируемый и, следовательно, перспективный способ доения в залах, особенно для крупных молочных ферм. The choice of the proper type and size of milking installations needs to take into account the maximum planned number of dairy cows, the size of a technological group, the number of milkings per day, and the duration of one milking and the operator's working shift. The analysis of technical and economic indicators of currently most common types of milking machines of the same technical level revealed that the Carousel installation had the best specific indicators while the Herringbone installation featured higher labour inputs and cash costs. The Parallel installation was found somewhere in between. In terms of the throughput and the required number of operators Herringbone is recommended for farms with up to 600 dairy cows, Parallel — below 1200 dairy cows, Carousel — above 1200 dairy cows. Carousel was found the most practical, high-performance, easily automated and, therefore, promising milking system for milking parlours, especially on the large-scale dairy farms.

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Metabolic Adaptations to Dynamic Energy Requirements during Lactation and Pregnancy in Dairy Cows with Varying Proportions of Holstein and Simmental Breed

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/ieca2020-08833 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 9

Author(s):

Deise Aline Knob ◽

André Thaler Neto ◽

Helen Schweizer ◽

Anna Weigand ◽

Roberto Kappes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Mixed Model Analysis ◽

Genetic Groups

Depending on the breed or crossbreed line, cows have to cope with a more or less severe negative energy balance during the period of high milk yields in early lactation, which can be detected by beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in blood. Preventing cows from undergoing a severe negative energy balance by breeding and/or feeding measures is likely to be supported by the public and may help to improve the sustainability of milk production. The aim was to compare BHBA and NEFA concentrations in the blood of Holstein and Simmental cows and their crosses during the prepartum period until the end of lactation. In total, 164 cows formed five genetic groups according to their theoretic proportion of Holstein and Simmental genes as follows: Holstein (100% Holstein; n = 9), R1-Hol (51–99% Holstein; n = 30), F1 crossbreds (50% Holstein, 50% Simmental; n = 17), R1-Sim (1–49% Holstein; n = 81) and Simmental (100% Simmental; n = 27). NEFA and BHBA were evaluated once a week between April 2018 and August 2019. A mixed model analysis with fixed effects breed, week (relative to calving), the interaction of breed and week, parity, calving year, calving season, milking season, and the repeated measure effect on cows was used. Holstein cows had higher NEFAs (0.196 ± 0.013 mmol/L), and Simmental cows had the lowest NEFA concentrations (0.147 ± 0.008 mmol/L, p = 0.03). R1-Sim, F1 and R1-Hol cows had intermediate values (0.166 ± 0.005, 0.165 ± 0.010, 0.162 ± 0.008 mmol/L; respectively). The highest NEFA value was found in the first week after calving (0.49 ± 0.013 mmol/L). BHBA did not differ among genetic groups (p = 0.1007). There was, however, an interaction between the genetic group and week (p = 0.03). While Simmental, R1-Sim and F1 cows had the highest BHBA value, the second week after calving (0.92 ± 0.07 and 1.05 ± 0.04, and 1.10 ± 0.10 mmol/L, respectively), R1-Hol and Holstein cows showed the BHBA peak at the fourth week after calving (1.16 ± 0.07 and 1.36 ± 0.12 mmol/L, respectively). Unexpectedly, Holstein cows had a high BHBA peak again at week 34 after calving (1.68 ± 0.21 mmol/L). The genetic composition of the cows affects NEFA and BHBA. Simmental and R1-Sim cows mobilize fewer body reserves after calving. Therefore, dairy cows with higher degrees of Simmental origin might be more sustainable in comparison with Holstein genetics in the present study.

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Changes in Dairy Cow Behavior with and without Assistance at Calving

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11080722 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 722

Author(s):

Bethan Cavendish ◽

John McDonagh ◽

Georgios Tzimiropoulos ◽

Kimberley R. Slinger ◽

Zoë J. Huggett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Video Surveillance ◽

Dairy Cow ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Generalized Linear Mixed Model ◽

Behavioral Data ◽

Behavioral Patterns ◽

Holstein Friesian ◽

Time Periods

The aim of this study was to characterize calving behavior of dairy cows and to compare the duration and frequency of behaviors for assisted and unassisted dairy cows at calving. Behavioral data from nine hours prior to calving were collected for 35 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Cows were continuously monitored under 24 h video surveillance. The behaviors of standing, lying, walking, shuffle, eating, drinking and contractions were recorded for each cow until birth. A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess differences in the duration and frequency of behaviors prior to calving for assisted and unassisted cows. The nine hours prior to calving was assessed in three-hour time periods. The study found that the cows spent a large proportion of their time either lying (0.49) or standing (0.35), with a higher frequency of standing (0.36) and shuffle (0.26) bouts than other behaviors during the study. There were no differences in behavior between assisted and unassisted cows. During the three-hours prior to calving, the duration and bouts of lying, including contractions, were higher than during other time periods. While changes in behavior failed to identify an association with calving assistance, the monitoring of behavioral patterns could be used as an alert to the progress of parturition.

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Comparing the performance of Holstein and Friesian dairy cows on British dairy farms

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200006748 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 2002 ◽

pp. 18-18

Author(s):

G. E. Pollott ◽

J. D. Leaver

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Dairy Herd ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Dairy Herds ◽

The Uk ◽

Friesian Cows

In recent years there has been an influx of Holstein genes into the UK dairy herd, largely achieved by a ‘grading up’ process using imported Holstein semen on Friesian cows. The research reported here investigates this process using performance records from UK dairy herds.

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Notable increases in nutrient concentrations in a shallow lake during seasonal ice growth

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2016.433 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 74 (12) ◽

pp. 2773-2783 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Yang Fang ◽

Li Changyou ◽

Matti Leppäranta ◽

Shi Xiaonghong ◽

Zhao Shengnan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liquid Water ◽

Shallow Lake ◽

Water Environment ◽

Open Water ◽

Middle Layer ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Unfrozen Water ◽

Total N ◽

Water And Sediment ◽

Increased Risk

Nutrients may be eliminated from ice when liquid water is freezing, resulting in enhanced concentrations in the unfrozen water. The nutrients diluted from the ice may contribute to accumulated concentrations in sediment during winter and an increased risk of algae blooms during the following spring and summer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of ice cover on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in the water and sediment of a shallow lake, through an examination of Ulansuhai Lake, northern China, from the period of open water to ice season in 2011–2013. The N and P concentrations were between two and five times higher, and between two and eight times higher, than in unfrozen lakes, respectively. As the ice thickness grew, contents of total N and total P showed C-shaped profiles in the ice, and were lower in the middle layer and higher in the bottom and surface layers. Most of the nutrients were released from the ice to liquid water. The results confirm that ice can cause the nutrient concentrations in water and sediment during winter to increase dramatically, thereby significantly impacting on processes in the water environment of shallow lakes.

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Recent Advances on Early Detection of Heat Strain in Dairy Cows Using Animal-Based Indicators: A Review

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11040980 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 980

Author(s):

Hang Shu ◽

Wensheng Wang ◽

Leifeng Guo ◽

Jérôme Bindelle

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Early Detection ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Real Time ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Time Measurement ◽

Heat Strain ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Livestock Farming ◽

Real Time Measurement

In pursuit of precision livestock farming, the real-time measurement for heat strain-related data has been more and more valued. Efforts have been made recently to use more sensitive physiological indicators with the hope to better inform decision-making in heat abatement in dairy farms. To get an insight into the early detection of heat strain in dairy cows, the present review focuses on the recent efforts developing early detection methods of heat strain in dairy cows based on body temperatures and respiratory dynamics. For every candidate animal-based indicator, state-of-the-art measurement methods and existing thresholds were summarized. Body surface temperature and respiration rate were concluded to be the best early indicators of heat strain due to their high feasibility of measurement and sensitivity to heat stress. Future studies should customize heat strain thresholds according to different internal and external factors that have an impact on the sensitivity to heat stress. Wearable devices are most promising to achieve real-time measurement in practical dairy farms. Combined with internet of things technologies, a comprehensive strategy based on both animal- and environment-based indicators is expected to increase the precision of early detection of heat strain in dairy cows.

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Prevalence and risk factors of mastitis in dairy cows

Bangladesh Veterinarian ◽

10.3329/bvet.v26i2.4951 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 54-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

MA Rahman ◽

MMU Bhuiyan ◽

MM Kamal ◽

M Shamsuddin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Clinical Mastitis ◽

Dry Season ◽

The Other ◽

Wet Season ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

California Mastitis Test ◽

Control Programmes

Identification of risk factors is important for the design of control programmes for mastitis in cows. Information about farms and management was collected at a farm visit. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed to assess sub-clinical mastitis, and cows, udder and milk were examined for clinical mastitis. A total of 347 lactating cows from 83 farms in the dry season (November - February) and 388 lactating cows from 89 farms in the wet season (June - October) were studied. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 19.9% and 44.8% in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The prevalence of mild mastitis was 17.3% and 40.7%, whereas that of moderate mastitis was 2.6% and 4.1% in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The prevalence of mastitis was higher (P<0.01) in wet than in dry season. On average, 18.7% quarters had mastitis during the wet season and 6.9% in the dry season. In the dry and wet seasons, respectively, 63.9% and 11.2% had completely dry floors, and the prevalence of mastitis was 22.6% and 30.0%. On the other hand, 88.8% and 36.1% of 83 farms had partly or completely wet and soiled floor and the prevalence of mastitis was 40.0% and 59.5% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Udder cleanliness, milk yield and peri-parturient diseases significantly (P<0.01) increased the risk of mastitis. The prevalence of mastitis is regarded as quite high. Dry and clean floor to keep cow's udder and teat clean would help control mastitis in the dairy farms of Bangladesh. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v26i2.4951 Bangl. vet. 2009. Vol. 26, No. 2, 54-60

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Impact Of Genotypes And Parity On Reproductive And Productive Attributes In Dairy Cattle Of Natore District, Bangladesh

Journal of Life and Earth Science ◽

10.3329/jles.v6i0.9727 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 91-96

Author(s):

M Saiful Islam ◽

Susanta Kumar Kundu

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cattle ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Gestation Length ◽

Overall Performance ◽

Daily Milk Yield ◽

Better Than ◽

Daily Milk ◽

Smallholder Dairy Farms

Impact of genotypes and parity on some vital reproductive and productive attributes in the local (L×L, n = 100) and four crossbred cows (L×F, L×SL, L×JR and L×S; n = 318) raised in randomly selected smallholder dairy farms scattered all over Natore District and adjacent areas have been assessed during a period from September 2007 to June 2010. With regard to reproductive attributes, significant differences existed among the cattle genotypes (P<0.05) except for gestation length (GL) and age at weaning (AW). The lowest age at puberty (AP) was found for L×F (21.42±0.37 months), while the highest for L×L (31.67±0.74 months). In terms of productivity, L×F cows produced the highest daily milk yield (DMY; 6.22±0.13 L), coupled with the highest total lactation yield (TLY; 2163.43±47.77 L), while L×L produced the lowest values (1.49±0.04 L and 416.40±12.3 L, respectively) for the traits. The effect of parity on both reproductive and productive attributes showed that the middle-aged dairy cows of the 3rd and 4th parities performed better than the younger (1st and 2nd parities) or the older (5th and beyond) ones. Considering the overall performance, the L×F cows could be ranked as the best genotype followed by their L×SL, L×JR, L×S and L×L counterparts in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v6i0.9727 JLES 2011 6: 91-96

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Chemical and Microbial Characterization of Washed Rice Water Waste to Assess Its Potential as Plant Fertilizer and for Increasing Soil Health

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11122391 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 2391

Author(s):

Abba Nabayi ◽

Christopher Teh Boon Sung ◽

Ali Tan Kee Zuan ◽

Tan Ngai Paing ◽

Nurul Izzati Mat Akhir

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Species ◽

Soil Health ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Total N ◽

Available N ◽

Microbial Characterization ◽

Rice Water ◽

Water Waste

The wastewater from washed rice water (WRW) is often recommended as a source of plant nutrients in most Asian countries, even though most current research on WRW lack scientific rigor, particularly on the effects of rice washing intensity, volumetric water-to-rice ratio (W:R), and condition of the WRW before plant application. This research was thus carried out: (1) to determine how various rice washing intensities, fermentation periods (FP), and W:R would affect the nutrient content in WRW, and (2) to isolate, identify, and characterize the bacterial community from fermented WRW. The WRW was prepared at several rice washing intensities (50, 80, and 100 rpm), FP (0, 3, 6, and 9 days), and W:R (1:1, 3:1, and 6:1). The concentrations of all elements (except P, Mg, and Zn) and available N forms increased with increasing FP and W:R. Beneficial N-fixing and P- and K-solubilizing bacteria were additionally detected in WRW, which helped to increase the concentrations of these elements. Monovalent nutrients -N, , and K are soluble in water. Thus, they were easily leached out of the rice grains and why their concentrations increased with W:R. The bacteria population in WRW increased until 3 days of fermentation, then declined, possibly because there was an insufficient C content in WRW to be a source of energy for bacteria to support their prolonged growth. While C levels in WRW declined over time, total N levels increased then decreased after 3 days, where the latter was most possibly due to the denitrification and ammonification process, which had led to the increase in -N and . The optimum FP and W:R for high nutrient concentrations and bacterial population were found to be 3 to 9 days and 3:1 to 6:1, respectively. WRW contained nutrients and beneficial bacterial species to support plant growth.

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SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BRACKISHWATER POND SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN PEKALONGAN CITY CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE

Indonesian Aquaculture Journal ◽

10.15578/iaj.6.1.2011.91-105 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 91

Author(s):

Andi Indrajaya Asaad ◽

Akhmad Mustafa

Keyword(s):

Spatial Distribution ◽

Soil Depth ◽

Research Result ◽

Soil Characteristics ◽

Kriging Interpolation ◽

Total N ◽

Central Java ◽

Kriging Interpolation Method ◽

Brackishwater Pond ◽

Central Java Province

Spatial distribution of brackishwater pond soil has a vital role in the system of bioenvironment including brackishwater pond environment. This research was aimed to determine the spatial distribution of brackishwater pond soil characteristics in Pekalongan City, Central Java Province. A total of 59 sampling points each with two different soil depth samplings were determined by simple random method. A total of 21 soil characteristics were measured in the field and analyzed further in the laboratory. Geostatistic with Kriging Interpolation method in the ArcGIS 9.3 software were used to depict the distribution of the data across the landscape. Furthermore, the spatial distribution was presented by using ALOS AVNIR-2 image. Research result indicates that in general, pond soil in Pekalongan City can be classified as soil with high variability or relatively heterogenic with the value of variation coefficient more than 36%. Soil characteristics which have similar pattern of spatial distribution are acid sulfate soil and soil nutrient content. High value of pH, organic matter, and total-N of soil, and on the other hand, low value of PO4 were generally found in the pond area of Krapyak Lor Village, while in Pekalongan City, it was found high clayish soil content but relatively homogenous. It is recommended that pond management must be based on soil characteristics which are different from one area to another. The soil characteristics itself can be drawn and assessed through spatial distribution.

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