Effects of Feeding Practices on Milk Fat Concentration for Dairy Cows

AbstractTesting blood and milk parameters as well as analysing the relationships among these markers is very useful for monitoring the internal homeostasis and health in high-yielding dairy cows during various production periods. The aim of the study was to assess the correlations (relationships) among macro-minerals, such as calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), other selected bone profile markers, such as total protein (TP), albumin, activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measured in serum and selected milk components such as number of somatic cells (SCC), colony-forming units (CFU), milk fat (MF), milk protein (MP), milk lactose (ML), dry matter (DM), non-fat dry matter (FDM) and milk production in late-lactation cows. Both blood and milk samples were collected from 11 clinically healthy milking cows during the late-lactation period. The cows were examined once a day for 3 consecutive days resulting in 33 sets of blood and milk samples for laboratory and statistical analysis. Significant correlations were observed between: Mg and MP, Mg and FDM, ALP and SCC, TP and SCC, TP and MP, TP and FDM, albumin and MP, albumin and FDM, P and Mg, Mg and albumin, and between TP and albumin. When monitoring macro-mineral homeostasis and mammary gland health, especially in intensively fed high-yielding dairy cows correlations between these markers should be considered. The revealed correlations can allow for deeper comparative laboratory diagnostics of homeostasis and can be especially useful for laboratory monitoring of the potential risk of subclinical macro-mineral deficiency in high-yielding dairy cows.

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Modulation of ruminal pH, milk fat secretion, and biohydrogenation intermediates by alkalizing agents in dairy cows fed starch-rich diets

Livestock Science ◽

10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104485 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104485

Author(s):

Ali Razzaghi ◽

Mohammad Malekkhahi ◽

R. Valizadeh ◽

Ehsan Parand ◽

Ali-Reza Bayat

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Ruminal Ph ◽

Biohydrogenation Intermediates

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Metabolic and Productive Response and Grazing Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows Supplemented with High Moisture Maize or Cracked Wheat Grazing at Two Herbage Allowances in Spring

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11040919 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 919

Author(s):

Verónica M. Merino ◽

Lorena Leichtle ◽

Oscar A. Balocchi ◽

Francisco Lanuza ◽

Julián Parga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Production ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Latin Square ◽

Ruminal Fermentation ◽

High Moisture ◽

Plasma Urea ◽

Grazing Behavior

The aim was to determine the effect of the herbage allowance (HA) and supplement type (ST) on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and composition, grazing behavior, rumen function, and blood metabolites of grazing dairy cows in the spring season. Experiment I: 64 Holstein Friesian dairy cows were distributed in a factorial design that tested two levels of daily HA (20 and 30 kg of dry matter (DM) per cow) and two ST (high moisture maize (HMM) and cracked wheat (CW)) distributed in two daily rations (3.5 kg DM/cow/day). Experiment II: four mid-lactation rumen cannulated cows, supplemented with either HMM or CW and managed with the two HAs, were distributed in a Latin square design of 4 × 4, for four 14-d periods to assess ruminal fermentation parameters. HA had no effect on milk production (averaging 23.6 kg/day) or milk fat and protein production (823 g/day and 800 g/day, respectively). Cows supplemented with CW had greater protein concentration (+1.2 g/kg). Herbage DMI averaged 14.17 kg DM/cow.day and total DMI averaged 17.67 kg DM/cow.day and did not differ between treatments. Grazing behavior activities (grazing, rumination, and idling times) and body condition score (BCS) were not affected by HA or ST. Milk and plasma urea concentration increased under the high HA (+0.68 mmol/L and +0.90 mmol/L, respectively). Cows supplemented with HMM had lower milk and plasma urea concentrations (0.72 mmol/L and 0.76 mmol/L less, respectively) and tended (p = 0.054) to have higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Ruminal parameters did not differ between treatments.

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Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Concentrations of Milk Fat, Protein, Urea and Efficiency of Crude Protein Utilization in Grazing Dairy Cows

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12030456 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 456

Author(s):

Hewa Bahithige Pavithra Chathurangi Ariyarathne ◽

Martin Correa-Luna ◽

Hugh Thomas Blair ◽

Dorian John Garrick ◽

Nicolas Lopez-Villalobos

Keyword(s):

Gene Ontology ◽

New Zealand ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Candidate Genes ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Single Locus ◽

Protein Utilization ◽

Grazing Dairy Cows ◽

Genomic Regions

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with milk fat percentage (FP), crude protein percentage (CPP), urea concentration (MU) and efficiency of crude protein utilization (ECPU: ratio between crude protein yield in milk and dietary crude protein intake) using grazing, mixed-breed, dairy cows in New Zealand. Phenotypes from 634 Holstein Friesian, Jersey or crossbred cows were obtained from two herds at Massey University. A subset of 490 of these cows was genotyped using Bovine Illumina 50K SNP-chips. Two genome-wise association approaches were used, a single-locus model fitted to data from 490 cows and a single-step Bayes C model fitted to data from all 634 cows. The single-locus analysis was performed with the Efficient Mixed-Model Association eXpedited model as implemented in the SVS package. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with genome-wide association p-values ≤ 1.11 × 10−6 were considered as putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). The Bayes C analysis was performed with the JWAS package and 1-Mb genomic windows containing SNPs that explained > 0.37% of the genetic variance were considered as putative QTL. Candidate genes within 100 kb from the identified SNPs in single-locus GWAS or the 1-Mb windows were identified using gene ontology, as implemented in the Ensembl Genome Browser. The genes detected in association with FP (MGST1, DGAT1, CEBPD, SLC52A2, GPAT4, and ACOX3) and CPP (DGAT1, CSN1S1, GOSR2, HERC6, and IGF1R) were identified as candidates. Gene ontology revealed six novel candidate genes (GMDS, E2F7, SIAH1, SLC24A4, LGMN, and ASS1) significantly associated with MU whose functions were in protein catabolism, urea cycle, ion transportation and N excretion. One novel candidate gene was identified in association with ECPU (MAP3K1) that is involved in post-transcriptional modification of proteins. The findings should be validated using a larger population of New Zealand grazing dairy cows.

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Characterization of Short-Term Heat Stress in Holstein Dairy Cows Using Altered Indicators of Metabolomics, Blood Parameters, Milk MicroRNA-216 and Characteristics

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11030722 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 722

Author(s):

Jang-Hoon Jo ◽

Jalil Ghassemi Nejad ◽

Dong-Qiao Peng ◽

Hye-Ran Kim ◽

Sang-Ho Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Short Term ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Humidity Index ◽

Holstein Dairy Cows

This study aims to characterize the influence of short-term heat stress (HS; 4 day) in early lactating Holstein dairy cows, in terms of triggering blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and composition, and milk microRNA expression. Eight cows (milk yield = 30 ± 1.5 kg/day, parity = 1.09 ± 0.05) were homogeneously housed in environmentally controlled chambers, assigned into two groups with respect to the temperature humidity index (THI) at two distinct levels: approximately ~71 (low-temperature, low-humidity; LTLH) and ~86 (high-temperature, high-humidity; HTHH). Average feed intake (FI) dropped about 10 kg in the HTHH group, compared with the LTLH group (p = 0.001), whereas water intake was only numerically higher (p = 0.183) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Physiological parameters, including rectal temperature (p = 0.001) and heart rate (p = 0.038), were significantly higher in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Plasma cortisol and haptoglobin were higher (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group, compared to the LTLH group. Milk yield, milk fat yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were lower (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Higher relative expression of milk miRNA-216 was observed in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). Valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, lactic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, 1,5-anhydro-D-sorbitol, myo-inositol, and urea were decreased (p < 0.05). These results suggest that early lactating cows are more vulnerable to short-term (4 day) high THI levels—that is, HTHH conditions—compared with LTLH, considering the enormous negative effects observed in measured blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and compositions, and milk miRNA-216 expression.

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Effects of feeding peas to high-producing dairy cows

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas95-092 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 75 (4) ◽

pp. 625-629 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

R. R. Corbett ◽

L. A. Goonewardene ◽

E. K. Okine

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Production ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Dairy Herd ◽

Protein Source ◽

Canola Meal ◽

Stage Of Lactation ◽

Nutrient Analyses ◽

Protein Milk

The effect of substituting peas for soybean and canola meals as a protein source in a high-producing dairy herd was studied in 66 Holstein cows, divided into two groups based on stage of lactation, parity, level of milk production and days in milk. Two 18.5% crude protein grain concentrate diets were formulated based on the nutrient analyses of the forages available. The control grain mix contained standard protein sources, principally soybean and canola meal (SBM\CM) while the test grain mix was formulated to contain approximately 25% field peas as the major source of protein. Both grain rations were formulated to the same nutrient specifications and balanced for undegradable protein. The duration of the trial was 6 mo during which grain feeding levels were adjusted monthly based on milk yield. For cows in early lactation, 4% fat-corrected milk yield was higher (P < 0.05) for cows fed pea based concentrates (31.3 kg d−1) than for cows fed SBM\CM supplement (29.7 kg d−1). Fat-corrected milk yield was not affected by source of protein in mid- and late-lactation cows. Fat-corrected milk production was not different (P > 0.05) for cows fed SBM\CM compared with cows fed the pea supplement when cows across all stages of lactation were included in the analyses. Milk fat percent was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for early- and mid-lactation cows fed the pea supplement. The results suggest that peas can be substituted for SBM\CM as a protein source for high-producing dairy cows. Key words: Dairy cow, pea, soybean and canola meal supplement, undegradable protein, milk production

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Influence of Dietary Fish Oil on Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Other Fatty Acids in Milk Fat from Lactating Dairy Cows

Journal of Dairy Science ◽

10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(00)75155-1 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 83 (11) ◽

pp. 2620-2628 ◽

Cited By ~ 139

Author(s):

D.C. Donovan ◽

D.J. Schingoethe ◽

R.J. Baer ◽

J. Ryali ◽

A.R. Hippen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Linoleic Acid ◽

Fish Oil ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Conjugated Linoleic Acid ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Dietary Fish

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The effect of compound composition and silage characteristics on silage intake, feeding behaviour, production of milk and live-weight change in lactating dairy cows

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s000335610000564x ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 11-19 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

D. A. Jackson ◽

C. L. Johnson ◽

J. M. Forbes

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Weight Change ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Feeding Behaviour ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Live Weight ◽

Productive Performance ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Principal Energy ◽

Friesian Cows

ABSTRACTAn experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of compound composition and silage characteristics on silage intake, feeding behaviour and productive performance of dairy cows during the first 25 weeks of lactation. Over a period of 3 years, 36 lactating British Friesian cows (12 per year), in their third or later lactations, were divided into two groups. The cows in each group received either compound S, in which the principal energy source was cereal starch, or compound F containing a mixture of high quality digestible fibre. Cows given compound F ate 2·2 kg more silage dry matter per day (P < 0·05). The type of compound had no effect on the frequency of silage feeding and the time spent eating was significantly different only over weeks 10 to 25 of lactation (P < 0·05), with cows on compound F spending on average 20 min longer feeding per day. Cows on compound F produced 1·7 kg more milk per day than cows on compound S. Although there were no significant differences in the concentration of milk constituents, compound F was associated with higher yields of milk constituents. Significant differences were found between the years of experiment in the frequency of feeding (P < 0·05) and also in the concentration of milk protein and milk fat. There were no significant differences in the magnitude of live-weight change between treatments or year of experiment.

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Injectable α-tocopherol for control of oxidized flavour in milk from dairy cows

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas93-040 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 73 (2) ◽

pp. 381-392 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

E. Charmley ◽

J. W. G. Nicholson

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Tocopheryl Acetate ◽

Tocopherol Concentration ◽

Oral Supplementation ◽

Stage Of Lactation ◽

Commercial Farms ◽

Quadratic Response ◽

Control Milk ◽

And Control

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of intramuscular injections of d-α-tocopherol for control of spontaneous oxidized flavour (SOF) in milk. In exp. 1, 12 mid-lactation dairy cows were either not injected or given an intramuscular injection of 1500 or 3000 IU α-tocopherol on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 29-d experiment. Peak blood plasma and milk α-tocopherol levels were observed 1 and 3 d, respectively, after injection. In plasma there was a quadratic response (P = 0.02) in maximum α-tocopherol concentration to the level of α-tocopherol injected, but in milk the response was linear (P < 0.01). Milk fat concentration increased as level of α-tocopherol injected was increased (P < 0.01). Approximately 5% of the injected dose was excreted in milk over the 7 d following injection. In exp. 2, four commercial farms with a SOF problem in milk were used to test the efficacy of injectable α-tocopherol for control of SOF. Prior to the trial, cows with milk susceptible to oxidation were younger (P = 0.04), were at an earlier stage of lactation (P = 0.03) and tended to give more milk (P = 0.08). All cows were given an oral supplmement of 3000 IU dl-α-tocopheryl acetate per day and half were injected with 3000 IU α-tocopherol. Injection reduced the intensity of oxidized flavour (week 1, P < 0.01; week 2, P = 0.09) and elevated the levels of α-tocopherol in milk for up to 2 wk after injection (P < 0.01). α-Tocopherol injected intramuscularly can increase α-tocopherol levels in milk within 3 d and control milk oxidation. Subsequent oral supplementation can prolong these benefits. Key words: Oxidized milk, tocopherol, flavour, dairy cow

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Effects of protected vegetable fats on rumen metabolism and productivity dairy cows

Veterinariya, Zootekhniya i Biotekhnologiya ◽

10.36871/vet.zoo.bio.202109009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (9) ◽

pp. 68-74

Author(s):

A. V. Golovin ◽

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Volatile Fatty Acids ◽

Metabolic Energy ◽

Black And White ◽

Rumen Metabolism ◽

Economic Experiment ◽

Feed Costs

In a scientific economic experiment conducted in the experimental farm «Klenovo-Chegodaevo» (Moscow) on three groups of Holsteinized black-and-white cows with a milk yield of 7000 kg of milk per lactation, 10 heads in each, it was found that the inclusion in the diet of cows of the experimental groups tested protected fats (hydrogenated and fractionated) in the amount of 300 g per head per day, contributed to the tendency for more intensive metabolic processes in the rumen due to a slight increase in the concentration of volatile fatty acids by 5,6–7,4% and an increase in the mass of microorganisms in the contents of the rumen by 5,4–14,4% (P≥0,05). At the same time, an increase in the concentration of metabolic energy in the dry matter of the cows ration from 10,7 to 11,0 MJ / kg in the period from 21 to 120 days of lactation, due to the inclusion of protected fats in the diet of cows from the experimental groups, contributed to an increase in milk yield 4% fat content for 100 days of the experiment by 9,7% and 11,0% (P≤0,05), compared with the control, as well as the production of milk fat and protein, respectively by 9,6–11,0% (P≤0,05 in the second case) and 7,4–8,3%, feed costs expressed in ME decreased by 4,9–5,2%.

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