scholarly journals Chewing and Drinking Activity during Transition Period and Lactation in Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Rations

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoria Brandstetter ◽  
Viktoria Neubauer ◽  
Elke Humer ◽  
Iris Kröger ◽  
Qendrim Zebeli

Dairy cows need sufficient physically effective fibre (peNDF) in their diet to induce chewing with the latter stimulating salivation and maintaining rumen health. Thus, monitoring of chewing activity can be a non-invasive tool to assess fibre adequacy, and thus helping in the optimization of the diet. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare chewing activities of cows during transition period and in the course of lactation. Simmental dairy cows, in four different production groups such as dry period (from 8 to 6 weeks ante-calving), calving (24 h before and after calving), early-lactation (7–60 days in milk), and mid-lactation (60–120 days in milk) were used in the study. Cows were fed partial mixed rations supplemented with different amounts of concentrates. The chewing and drinking activity were recorded using rumination-halters (RumiWatch System, Itin+Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland). Feed data analysis showed that the peNDF content of the partial mixed ration (PMR) was highest during dry period, decreased around parturition, reaching the nadir in the lactation, in all cases, however, exceeding the peNDF requirements. Chewing data analysis showed that rumination time decreased (p < 0.05) in the time around parturition (from 460 min/d during dry period to 363 min/d 24 h before calving) and increased again in early-lactation (505 min/d), reaching a maximum in mid-lactation (515 min/d). Eating time was lowest for cows during early-lactation (342 min/d) and the highest for those in mid-lactation (462 min/d). Moreover, early-lactation cows spent less time (p < 0.05) drinking (8 min/d) compared to other groups (e.g., 24 min/d the day before calving and 20 min/d postpartum). Monitoring of chewing activity might be a useful tool to assess rumen disorder risks and welfare of the cows during the transition period. It further shows promising results to be used as a tool to identify cows that are shortly before calving.

2017 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Baratta ◽  
Silvia Miretti ◽  
Paolo Accornero ◽  
Giovanna Galeati ◽  
Andrea Formigoni ◽  
...  

The work reported in this Research Communication describes the modification in epithelial cell populations during the first and the last month of milking in Holstein Friesian cows that have undergone different management during the dry period, and we report the differential expression of CD49f+ and cytokeratin18+ cell subpopulations. Twenty six cows were randomly divided into 2 balanced groups that were housed at stocking density of either 11 m2 (CTR) or 5 m2 from 21 ± 3 d before the expected calving until calving. Cells collected from milk samples taken in early lactation and late lactation were directly analysed for CD45, CD49f, cytokeratin 14, cytokeratin 18 and cell viability. We observed a differential expression with a significant reduction in CD49f+ (P < 0·01) and cytokeratin 18+ (P < 0·05) cells in early lactation. Differences were still evident in late lactation but were not significant. These observations suggest that mammary epithelial cell immunophenotypes could be associated with different animal management in the dry period and we hypothesise they may have a role as biomarkers for mammary gland function in dairy cows.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 894-903
Author(s):  
Marina Žekić-Stošić ◽  
Zdenko Kanački ◽  
Dragica Stojanović ◽  
Dejan Bugarski ◽  
Miodrag Lazarević ◽  
...  

Introduction: Hormonal and metabolic changes, as well as energy imbalance, can affect health, production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In the present study, we evaluated phagocytosis and respiratory burst neutrophil activity during the transition period and early lactation and compared it with biochemical and hematological parameters in dairy cows. Methodology: Simmental cows (n = 21) were enrolled in the study. Whole blood samples were collected weekly from 3 weeks pre- calving until 6 weeks post calving. Basic metabolic and blood parameters were assessed by routine laboratory analyses, while neutrophil functions were analyzed by commercial test kits. Results: Optimal neutrophil response was observed pre and post calving. The highest value was recorded in the 6th week after calving (89.54 ± 7.61%) and being significantly higher (p < 0.01) as compared to values recorded at two and one week before and one week after calving. The percentage of activated neutrophils was high during the entire study period: from 70.80 ± 5.22% at the beginning of the study to 89.54 ± 7.61% at the end of the study. During the study period, production of Reactive Oxidative Species by neutrophils was positively correlated with β-hydroxybutyrat and non-esterified fatty acids values (0.454** and 0.423**, respectively) and calcium levels (0.164* and 0.212**, respectively). Conclusions: The most prominent changes in all parameters had no influence on phagocytic and respiratory burst activity of neutrophils. Neutrophil function is preserved at the optimal level during the transition period and early lactation in Simmental cows.


2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 197-197
Author(s):  
C A Middlemass ◽  
C M Minter ◽  
M Marsden

Through the dry period to early lactation the cow goes through a dramatic change in her metabolism. To supply the high energy requirement in early lactation fat supply from the diet and body mobilisation increases substantially. As a result, the liver accumulates fat, the rate of detoxification slows down, ammonia accumulates and there’s a reduced supply of fat, glucose and protein to the udder. This trial was designed to evaluate the response of dairy cows to product called ABN-LiFT a proprietary mixture of B-group vitamins and methyl group donors (rumen protected choline, niacin, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid and thiamine) designed to reduce the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver and accelerate VLDL export.


2019 ◽  
Vol 169 ◽  
pp. 104694 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.R. Hut ◽  
A. Mulder ◽  
J. van den Broek ◽  
J.H.J.L. Hulsen ◽  
G.A. Hooijer ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
D E Santschi ◽  
H -R Wettstein ◽  
F Leiber ◽  
A.-K. M Witschi ◽  
M Kreuzer

The effects of precalving fat sources on fatty acid (FA) profile of colostrum and milk and on metabolic parameters in early lactation were determined. Two fat supplements (target: 21% fat, DM basis) fed at 1.8 kg DM d-1 were compared: Control (C; containing fractionated palm oil rich in 16:0) and Linseed (L; containing extruded linseed, rich in 18:3n-3). Sixteen dry Holstein (n = 7) and Brown Swiss (n = 9) cows were assigned to four groups receiving the supplements from 5 wk pre- to 4 wk post-calving in different sequences: CC, CL, LC and LL. Treatments did not affect metabolic parameters, milk yield or composition. Linseed supplementation increased proportions of 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 in colostrum and milk (except 18:1 for colostrum). The highest n-3 FA proportion was observed in milk of LL cows. For most 16 and 18 FA, a fast response occurred within the first week of lactation for cows that switched treatments over calving. Carry-over to milk of 18:3 and its biohydrogenation products from linseed fed precalving was low. Pre-calving feeding strategies to favour incorporation of these FA into early lactation milk were not successful, but the reasons for this failure remain unclear.Key words: Linseed, omega-3 fatty acids, transition period, milk, colostrum, dairy cows


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 30-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Sretenovic ◽  
S. Aleksic ◽  
M.M. Petrovic ◽  
Milan Petrovic ◽  
Lj. Stojanovic ◽  
...  

The paper presents review of authors? own results as well as results of other researchers on the effects of nutritional factors in overcoming of problems in transition period, 30 days prior and 70 days post calving, and to ensure satisfactory productive and reproductive performances. The significance of proper diet balance for total and non degradable protein, sufficient amount of energy, addition of some minerals and vitamins as well as additives in order to achieve good health, high milk production and satisfactory reproductive performances are pointed out. In general, all mentioned factors have great influence in increasing economical effects in cattle breeding.


Dairy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-636
Author(s):  
Matteo Mezzetti ◽  
Luca Cattaneo ◽  
Matilde Maria Passamonti ◽  
Vincenzo Lopreiato ◽  
Andrea Minuti ◽  
...  

Recent research on the transition period (TP) of dairy cows has highlighted the pivotal role of immune function in affecting the severity of metabolic challenges the animals face when approaching calving. This suggests that the immune system may play a role in the etiology of metabolic diseases occurring in early lactation. Several studies have indicated that the roots of immune dysfunctions could sink way before the “classical” TP (e.g., 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving), extending the time frame deemed as “risky” for the development of early lactation disorders at the period around the dry-off. Several distressing events occurring during the TP (i.e., dietary changes, heat stress) can boost the severity of pre-existing immune dysfunctions and metabolic changes that physiologically affect this phase of the lactation cycle, further increasing the likelihood of developing diseases. Based on this background, several operational and nutritional strategies could be adopted to minimize the detrimental effects of immune dysfunctions on the adaptation of dairy cows to the new lactation. A suitable environment (i.e., optimal welfare) and a balanced diet (which guarantees optimal nutrient partitioning to improve immune functions in cow and calf) are key aspects to consider when aiming to minimize TP challenges at the herd level. Furthermore, several prognostic behavioral and physiological indicators could help in identifying subjects that are more likely to undergo a “bad transition”, allowing prompt intervention through specific modulatory treatments. Recent genomic advances in understanding the linkage between metabolic disorders and the genotype of dairy cows suggest that genetic breeding programs aimed at improving dairy cows’ adaptation to the new lactation challenges (i.e., through increasing immune system efficiency or resilience against metabolic disorders) could be expected in the future. Despite these encouraging steps forward in understanding the physiological mechanisms driving metabolic responses of dairy cows during their transition to calving, it is evident that these processes still require further investigation, and that the TP—likely extended from dry-off—continues to be “the final frontier” for research in dairy sciences.


2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Lin ◽  
He Lv ◽  
Minghui Jiang ◽  
Jinyu Zhou ◽  
Shuyuan Song ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this research communication we used digital gene expression (DGE) analysis to identify differences in gene expression in the mammary glands of dairy cows between early lactation and the mid-dry period. A total of 741 genes were identified as being differentially expressed by DGE analysis. Compared with their expression in dry cows, 214 genes were up-regulated and 527 genes were down-regulated in lactating cow mammary glands. Gene Ontology analysis showed that lactation was supported by increased gene expression related to metabolic processes and nutrient transport and was associated with decreased gene expression related to cell proliferation. Pathway mapping using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that 579 differentially expressed genes had pathway annotations related to 204 pathways. Metabolic pathway-related genes were the most significantly enriched. Genes and pathways identified by the present study provide insights into molecular events that occur in the mammary gland between early lactation and mid-dry period, which can be used to facilitate further investigation of the mechanisms underlying lactation and mammary tissue remodeling in dairy cows.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2394
Author(s):  
Lucia Bailoni ◽  
Laura Da Dalt ◽  
Gianfranco Gabai ◽  
Elisa Giaretta ◽  
Nadia Guzzo ◽  
...  

Various supplementations in animal feeding have been investigate in order to enrich food of animal origin with n-3 fatty acids. Although the effects of flaxseeds inclusion in diets for lactating dairy have already been assessed, few studies have focused on this n-3 source supplementation during the transition period. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flacked flaxseed (200 g/head/day; 2.13% DM) dietary treatment during the dry period on milk yield and quality in the 30 days after calving. In addition, the enterolactone content in plasma (before and after calving) and in milk of cows fed diets supplemented or not with flaxseed was considered. The study demonstrated that the carry-over effect on the milk profile of C18:2, C18:3 n-3, and C20:5 n-3 was significantly higher in flaxseed diet than in the control one at 4th day of lactation. A significant increase of enterolactone on milk from flaxseed fed cows was observed only at 15 sampling day. The quick modification in fatty acid (FA) profile of the milk in the first few days of lactation suggests that the carry over effect from pre-calving flaxseed feeding at this concentration was very short lasting.


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