scholarly journals Selection for Test-Day Milk Yield and Thermotolerance in Brazilian Holstein Cattle

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Renata Negri ◽  
Ignacio Aguilar ◽  
Giovani Luis Feltes ◽  
Jaime Araújo Cobuci
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Information Criterion ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Environmental Sensitivity ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Selection For

Intense selection for milk yield has increased environmental sensitivity in animals, and currently, heat stress is an expensive problem in dairy farming. The objectives were to identify the best model for characterizing environmental sensitivity in Holstein cattle, using the test-day milk yield (TDMY) combined with the temperature–humidity index (THI), and identify sires genetically superior for heat-stress (HS) tolerance and milk yield, through random regression. The data comprised 94,549 TDMYs of 11,294 first-parity Holstein cows in Brazil, collected from 1997 to 2013. The yield data were fitted to Legendre orthogonal polynomials, linear splines and the Wilmink function. The THI (the average of two days before the dairy control) was used as an environmental gradient. An animal model that fitted production using a Legendre polynomials of quartic order for the days in milk and quadratic equations for the THI presented a better quality of fit (Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC)). The Spearman correlation coefficient of greatest impact was 0.54, between the top 1% for TDMY and top 1% for HS. Only 9% of the sires showed plasticity and an aptitude for joint selection. Thus, despite the small population fraction allowed for joint selection, sufficient genetic variability for selecting more resilient sires was found, which promoted concomitant genetic gains in milk yield and thermotolerance.

scholarly journals Inclusion of bioclimatic variables in genetic evaluations of dairy cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Negri ◽  
Ignacio Aguilar ◽  
Giovani Luis Feltes ◽  
Juliana Dementshuk Machado ◽  
José Braccini Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Information Criterion ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Yield Losses ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Genetic Evaluations

Objective: Considering the importance of dairy farming and the negative effects of heat stress, more tolerant genotypes need to be identified. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress via temperature-humidity index (THI) and diurnal temperature variation (DTV) in the genetic evaluations for daily milk yield of Holstein dairy cattle, using random regression models.Methods: The data comprised 94,549 test-day records of 11,294 first parity Holstein cows from Brazil, collected from 1997 to 2013, and bioclimatic data (THI and DTV) from 18 weather stations. Least square linear regression models were used to determine the THI and DTV thresholds for milk yield losses caused by heat stress. In addition to the standard model (SM, without bioclimatic variables), THI and DTV were combined in various ways and tested for different days, totaling 41 models.Results: The THI and DTV thresholds for milk yield losses was THI = 74 (–0.106 kg/d/THI) and DTV = 13 (–0.045 kg/d/DTV). The model that included THI and DTV as fixed effects, considering the two-day average, presented better fit (–2logL, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion). The estimated breeding values (EBVs) and the reliabilities of the EBVs improved when using this model.Conclusion: Sires are re-ranking when heat stress indicators are included in the model. Genetic evaluation using the mean of two days of THI and DTV as fixed effect, improved EBVs and EBVs reliability.

scholarly journals The Effect of Environmental Cooling Rate and Temperature-Humidity Index on the Milk Yield of Holstein Cattle on a Specific Farm

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Stanislav Navrátil ◽  
Matěj Benešovský ◽  
Daniel Falta
Keyword(s):  
Cooling Rate ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Negative Relation ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
South Moravia

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of environmental cooling rate and temperature-humidity index on the milk yield of Holstein cattle on a specific farm. The experiment took place at a university farm (South Moravia) in the summer of 2017 and lasted over one month. The cows with the highest production have been chosen for this study since these cows have been suspected to be affected by heat stress more than the low-producing ones. The Environmental cooling rate (ECR) was measured by Hill´s thermometer and later calculated according to a formula. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated from temperature and humidity data obtained by a data logger placed in the stable. Milk yield data were obtained directly from the milk parlour. The results show that the ECR is in a weak positive relationship (r= 0.07) with the milk yield. On the contrary, the THI showed moderate negative relation to the milk yield (r= -0.14).

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

Animals ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Effects of Sprinkler Flow Rate on Physiological, Behavioral and Production Responses of Nili Ravi Buffaloes during Subtropical Summer

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Musa Bah ◽  
Muhammad Afzal Rashid ◽  
Khalid Javed ◽  
Talat Naseer Pasha ◽  
Muhammad Qamer Shahid
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Group Water ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. These sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of different sprinkler flow rates on the physiological, behavioral, and production responses of Nili Ravi buffaloes during summer. Eighteen buffaloes were randomly subjected to three sprinkler flow rate treatments in a double replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The flow rates were 0.8, 1.25, and 2.0 L/min. During the study, the average afternoon temperature humidity index was 84.6. The 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups had significantly lower rectal temperature and respiratory rates than the 0.8 L/min group. Water intake was significantly higher in the 0.8 L/min group. Daily milk yield was higher in the 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups than in the 0.8 L/min group. These results suggested that the sprinkler flow rates > 0.8 L/min effectively cooled the buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min appeared to be more efficient, as it used 37.5% less water compared to the 2.0 L/min.

scholarly journals Bayesian analysis of random regression models using B-splines to model test-day milk yield of Holstein cattle in Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 150 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 401-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.B. Bignardi ◽  
L. El Faro ◽  
M.L. Santana ◽  
G.J.M. Rosa ◽  
V.L. Cardoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Analysis ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Model Test ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
B Splines

PSIV-4 Characterization of heat stress condition on productive performance and physiological indicators, milk composition, gene expression, and metabolomics in blood and milk of early lactating Holstein cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 299-299
Author(s):  
JangHoon Jo ◽  
Jalil Ghassemi Nejad ◽  
WonSeob Kim ◽  
Hyeran Kim ◽  
SnagHo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Normal Heart Rate ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
C 50

Abstract We aimed to characterize heat stress (HS) effects in early lactating Holstein cows using measures of productive performance, physiological and genetic indicators, blood and milk parameters, and metabolomics in blood and milk. Eight cows (milk yield = 29.27 ± 0.38 kg/d, days in milk = 40 ± 8 d) were equally housed in environmentally controlled chambers by providing temperature-humidity index (THI) at two levels of 70~71 (25°C, 35~50% humidity, threshold) and 86~87 (31°C, 80~95% humidity, severe). For each treatment, the environment inside the chamber was adjusted for 7 days of adaptation at 67~68 THI (22°C, 50~60% humidity, normal) level. After the adjustment period, cows were subjected to HS for 7 days. Feed and water intake and milk yield were measured daily, and blood was collected and physiological indicators were monitored on the 7th and 14th days. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS. Feed intake and milk yield were lower (P&lt; 0.05) and water intake was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the severe than the threshold and normal. Lactose tended to be lower (P = 0.082) in the severe than the threshold and normal. Heart rate, rectal and skin temperature were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the severe than the threshold and normal. Blood HSP90 and HSPB1 were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the severe than threshold and normal. Alanine, proline, glutamic acid, tryptophan, lactic acid, and citric acid in milk and blood were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the severe than threshold and normal. In conclusion, early lactating Holstein cows are characterized to receive higher HS by showing the changes in historical measures of productive performance, physiological and genetic indicators, and blood and milk parameters under severe HS condition whereas the new approach of metabolomics in blood and milk are recognized as sensitive and reliable indicators of severe HS.

Responses of dairy cows to short-term heat stress in controlled-climate chambers

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Garner ◽  
M. Douglas ◽  
S. R. O. Williams ◽  
W. J. Wales ◽  
L. C. Marett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Humidity Index

The objective of the present research was to describe the physiological and production responses of lactating dairy cows during and after sudden exposure to temperate-climate heat-wave conditions, compared with cows in thermoneutral conditions. Twelve lactating multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were housed in controlled-climate chambers for 4 days. Six were exposed to a short-term temperature and humidity challenge (THc, diurnal temperature and humidity fluctuations inducing moderate heat stress; temperature humidity index 74–84) and six cows were exposed to thermoneutral conditions (THn, temperatur humidity index 55–61). Cows were also measured during a 7-day pre-experimental and 14-day post-experimental period. Physiological indicators of heat stress were measured, including rectal and vaginal temperature and respiration rate, which indicated that the THc in controlled-climate chambers induced moderate heat stress. The cows exposed to the 4-day THc reduced their milk yield by 53% and their dry-matter intake by 48%, compared with the cows in the THn treatment. Milk yield of THc cows returned to pre-experimental milk yield by Day 7 and dry-matter intake by Day 4 of the post-experimental period. The short-term heat challenge induced metabolic adaptations by mobilising adipose tissue, as indicated by increased non-esterified fatty acids, and amino acids from skeletal muscle, as indicated by increased urea nitrogen to compensate for reduced nutrient intake and increased energy expenditure. Endocrine responses included greater prolactin concentrations, which is associated with thermoregulation and water metabolism. The cows exposed to THc displayed production and physical responses that facilitated lower metabolic heat production and greater heat dissipation in an attempt to maintain homeostasis during the short-term heat exposure. These results indicated that the conditions imposed on the cows in the controlled-climate chambers were sufficient to induce heat-stress responses and adversely affected production in the lactating dairy cow, and the delay between the return to normal feed intake and milk yield following the heat challenge suggests a period of metabolic recovery was occurring.

scholarly journals Genetic Parameters Estimation of Milking Traits in Polish Holstein-Friesians Based on Automatic Milking System Data

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1943
Author(s):  
Joanna Aerts ◽  
Dariusz Piwczyński ◽  
Heydar Ghiasi ◽  
Beata Sitkowska ◽  
Magdalena Kolenda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Parameters Estimation ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Effective Selection ◽  
Milking Frequency ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Automatic Milking System ◽  
Automatic Milking

The automatic milking system (AMS) provides a large amount of information characterizing the course of each milking cow, which is not available in the conventional system. The aim of our study was to estimate heritability and genetic correlations for milk yield (MY), milking frequency (MF), and speed (MS) for 1713 Polish Holstein-Friesian primiparous cows milked in barns with an AMS. Daily heritability indicators estimated using second-order Legendre polynomials and Random Regression Models showed high variation during lactation, ranging 0.131–0.345 for MY, 0.153–0.322 for MF, and 0.336–0.493 for MS. The rates of genetic correlation between traits ranged: 0.561–0.929 for MY-MF, (−0.255)−0.090 for MF-MS, (−0.174)−0.020 for MY-MS. It is possible to carry out effective selection for milking speed, which provides an opportunity to increase the number of cows per milking robot, and thus increase the profitability of production in the herd. The results proved that selection for milk yield and daily milking frequency is also feasible. The research showed a high, positive genetic correlation between milking frequency and milk yield, which allows us to conclude that preferring breeding cows with a natural tendency to frequent visits to the milking robot should indirectly improve the genetic basis of milking.

scholarly journals Impact of Heat Stress on Selected Parameters of Robotic Milking

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3114
Author(s):  
Roman Gálik ◽  
Gabriel Lüttmerding ◽  
Štefan Boďo ◽  
Ivana Knížková ◽  
Petr Kunc
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Robotic Milking ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Two Parameters

The values of the temperature-humidity index and its influence on the performance parameters of dairy cows were monitored on four farms located in the southern part of the central Slovakia during a period of three years. The observed parameters included: the milk yield per cow per day, average milk speed and maximum milk speed. The thermal-humidity index was calculated based on a formula. The individual periods were divided according to the achieved THI. The results of dairy cows with a milk yield of 29 kg to 31 kg show that there is not a decrease in the milk yield per milking if the THI value is lower than 68. It was also found that there was a decrease in the milk yield per dairy cow in the robotic milking parlor for a THI value greater than 72. The influence of a THI value higher than 68 in these dairy cows results in a higher average milk speed, as well as a higher maximum milk speed. These two parameters are not yet in the main area of research interest. This study enriches the area with new knowledge, according to which dairy cows can show thermal stress by increasing the milk speed as well as the maximum milk speed.

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