Assessment of the degree of lameness in cows

Relevance. The structure of the hoof of cows is a complex biological mechanism consisting of the hoof joint, hoof bone, finger pad, sole, hoof wall, etc. According to V.A. Lukyanovsky (1982), hooves are an additional heart of the animal, since when the hoof hits the ground, the blood actively rises, which allows to create auxiliary pressure in the blood vessels, facilitating the work of the heart muscle. When this system is violated, pathologies of the cardiovascular system often develop. The appearance of foci of the pathological process in different parts of the hoof will not only disrupt the work of the heart, but also cause discomfort, pain, and most importantly — lameness, which will be the driving force in a significant decrease in the productivity of cattle.Methods. Scientists identify three main signs of developing lameness in an animal. The first is the position of the back when walking, normally the back should be smooth and straight, while with the onset of lameness, the animal will carefully rearrange the limb, thereby straining the dorsal muscles, after which a bend in the back will be observed. The second sign is a short step, since with pain syndrome, the animal tries to minimize the load on the diseased limb. The third sign will be the obvious protection of the diseased limb, as a result of which the animal will completely cease to rely on the limb, both when walking and when standing.Results. A systematic approach will allow us to present a mathematical model of a healthy animal and of lame one. Thus, the following pattern can be identified: In order to receive nutrients together with the feed, the cow must reach the feeder, therefore, depending on the degree of lameness, there is a decrease in the consumption of dry matter, up to 15%. Based on this, it can be calculated that with a lack of nutrients and energy, there will be a decrease in milk yield of up to 36%. Which, according to P.I. Nikanorov and I.M. Kasyanov, will lead to a loss of up to 300 kg of milk for the entire lactation period. It was found that in the presence of overgrown and deformed hooves, the daily milk yield of cows is reduced by 5–12%, and with the appearance of cracks in the fragments of the horny capsule — by 19–20%. Also, the birth of a calf is required to obtain milk, and the presence of lameness will negatively affect the production of reproductive hormones, lead to the appearance of “quiet” hunting, which in turn will indirectly lead to a loss of milk productivity.

Body mass index at calving on performance and efficiency of Zebu cow herds

This study examines the impact of the body mass index (BMI) at calving on the development and postpartum efficiency of cows of Zebu origin. The study involved 87 cows and their calves [pure Nellore (N) or predominant Nellore composition in a cross with Charolais (C) (3/4N1/4C and 5/8N3/8C)]. The mothers were grouped into classes according to their BMI at calving, namely, ‘small’, ‘moderate’ and ‘large’. Body mass index was determined by dividing the body weight of the cows by their length and by hip height and then dividing the result by 10. Cows were weighed at calving, at weaning, at the end of the breeding period and at the diagnosis of pregnancy. Calves were weighed at birth, at early weaning (63 days) and at 210 of age. To evaluate milk yield and quality, milk was collected at 21, 42 and 63 days after calving. Milk yield was measured by the direct method, with manual milking, followed by analysis of the lactose, fat, total solids and crude protein contents. Pregnancy rate was similar between the three BMI groups; however, cows with a lower BMI were more efficient at calving in producing kilograms of calf per kilogram of cow kept. Higher BMI provide higher milk yields, without affecting its quality, as well as heavier calves at early weaning and at 210 days of age.

Polymorphism detection of <i>DGAT1</i> and <i>Lep</i> genes in Anatolian water buffalo (<i>Bubalus bubalis</i>) populations in Turkey

Acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol–acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) enzyme plays a key role in controlling the synthesis rate triglyceride from diacylglycerol. Leptin (LP, OB, obese) is an important hormone that synthesizes mostly from adipose tissue and regulates glucose metabolism and homeostasis. DGAT1 and Lep genes are closely related to reproduction, growth, milk yield and composition in water buffalo breeds. This study aimed to identify genetic variation in the DGAT1 and Lep gene regions in 150 water buffalo individuals from five different provinces of Turkey using DNA sequencing. A total of 38 nucleotide variations and indels have identified 761 bp long partial intron 2 and exon 3 and 5′ UTR regions of the Lep gene in Anatolian water buffalo populations; 422 bp long partial exon 7–9 and exon 8 regions of DGAT1 gene were amplified and two mutations were defined in the point of 155 and 275 nucleotide that is three genotypes for S allele and Y allele of DGAT1 gene in intron 7 in Anatolian buffalo populations, respectively. These SNPs may have an effect on reproduction, growth, milk yield and composition in water buffalo populations and may prove to be useful for water buffalo breeding.

Characteristics of population genetic and breeding parameters of the traits of milk productivity of black-and-white and Holstein cows of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Purpose: determination of the selection and genetic parameters of the daily milk productivity of black-and-white and Holstein cows to characterize the population.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out using a database formed on the basis of the information and analytical management system of animal husbandry in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) for daily control milking of Holstein and black-and-white cows. The sample included indicators of milk productivity for three lactations of animals bred in 43 herds: I lactation - 14 482 records (3130 cows and 391 bull fathers), II lactation - 13 656 records (2734 cows and 537 bull fathers), III lactation - 4,911 records (886 cows and 260 bull fathers).Results. Phenotypic variability indices (CvP) by lactation varied: daily milk yield - 34.1 ... 38.8%, MJ - 9.8 ... 11.6%, BMD - 6.7 ... 8.6%, SCS - 32.5 ... 37.8%. The additive genetic variability (CvA) was lower and ranged for: daily milk yield - 22.9 ... 27.0%, MJ - 3.8 ... 4.7%, BMD - 2.6 ... 3.1%, SCS - 13 , 8 ... 14.7%. The heritability of indicators of milk productivity on average for three lactations was: in terms of milk yield - h2 = 0.440, percentage of fat - h2 = 0.155, percentage of protein - h2 = 0.121, SCS - h2 = 0.161. Evaluation of the dynamics of changes in daily milk yield and SCS showed the standard nature of the shape of lactation curves with the values ​​of the determination coefficient of the phenotypic trend equation, respectively, R2 = 69.9 ... 86.4% and R2 = 11.8 ... 20.5%. An increase in the number of recorded days of control milking from 1 to 10 increased the accuracy of the forecast of the breeding value (EBV) of animals for signs of milk production by 1.7-2.4 times. Evaluation of cows by their own productivity for milk yield with optimal values ​​of forecast reliability over 70% can be carried out on the basis of 4 control milking units. At the same time, for the percentage of fat and protein, SCS, the number of observations to achieve reliable EBV results ranged from 8 to 10. Based on the average values ​​of the breeding value of cows, the population genetic characteristics of the farmed cattle in the Republic of Kazakhstan were determined in the context of breeds, country and region (population) origin. Holstein animals (+54.3 kg of milk) were characterized by the highest EBV values. Among imported cows, the best breeding value forecast was obtained for cows imported from Germany (+63.3 kg of milk). For the Kazakh population of cattle, leading positions in terms of genetic prognosis were achieved in East Kazakhstan region (KZF, +334.4 kg of milk). A principal component analysis based on an assessment of the breeding value of cows showed clear differentiation by breed level, country and region of origin of the livestock. The most significant differences were found for animals originated in the Kostanay region (KZP).Conclusion. Analysis of the results of population-genetic and breeding parameters of the characteristics of milk productivity of black-and-white and Holstein cattle showed that there are necessary prerequisites for the development of their own breeding base, increasing the efficiency of selection of animals for breeding groups.

Formation of bull-producing groups of cows in Ayrshire breed using genomically evaluated candidates

Purpose: Assessment of the quality of the well-producing groups, the productivity of candidates for the first lactation, the possibility of using genomically estimated cows to increase the parameters of mothers of future bulls, to analyze the quality of the offspring of bulls of various origins.Materials and methods. Research was performed on the basis of breeding plants Karelia Megrega (1455 cows) and Ilinskoe (1200 cows). Analyzed the productivity of bob-producing groups isolated on trivials. 66 Genomically estimated flaws were delivered from Finland after calving for milk productivity for the first lactation with local peers. In assessing the quality of the offspring of producers of different origin, the productivity of 1441 of the daughter of imported bulls and 620 daughters of domestic bulls took place. The degree of differences was assessed by the results of biometric processing of indicators.Results. At the Ilyinskoye dairy farm, the milk yield for lactation of cows of the bull-producing group is 11977 kg of milk with a fat content of 4.33%, protein content of 3.22%. There are 11119 kg of milk at the Megrega farm, 4.42% and 3.23%, respectively. A significant number of individuals (14.7-19.8%) with a milk yield above 9,000 kg of milk, which are a source of replenishment of bull-producing groups, were identified at breeding farms among the first heifers. The possibility of forming and improving the quality of bull-producing groups of cows at the expense of their own livestock is noted, provided that the factors of feeding and keeping animals, increasing the fat content and protein content of milk are optimized.Comparison of productivity indicators of imported "genomic" cows with local peers gave mixed results. At the Ilyinskoye farm, "genomic" cows significantly outperformed subjects of conventional breeding in all indicators: milk yield by 796-903 kg of milk, fat content by 0.27%, protein content by 0.09-0.06%, fat production by 59.4-63.8 kg, protein production by 33.9-34.8 kg, live weight by more thanAt the Megrega farm, in terms of fat content and production, "genomic" individuals also significantly outperformed local peers, and in milk yield and protein content, the differences were unreliable. Genomic evaluation of animals and the involvement of "genomic" cows can contribute to the formation of better groups of mothers of future bulls, especially to solve the most urgent problem of increasing fat and protein milk.Conclusion. In the conditions of large dairy breeding complexes with the technology of loose maintenance, it is advisable to use a system for placing groups of bull mothers in comfortable conditions in special rooms, including individual service.

Azolla as a Green Fodder Feed Supplent of Cross Breed Cows in District- Sehore (M.P.)

Background: Azolla is a floating fern also known as duck weed is belongs to the family Salviniaceae. Azolla is a good source of protein and contains almost all essential amino acids and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese etc. Methods: In the present dairy business, the cost of milk production is increasing due to market based feed management and lack of green fodder. In the context of which, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District- Sehore (M.P.) were conducted 20 no of trais in the field of farmers during 2014-15 and 2015-16. KVK, Sehore assessed the technology is Dry fodder 4 Kg/ Day/ Animal + Green Fodder @ 20 Kg/ Day/ Animal + 2 Kg Concentrate feed/Day/Animal for body maintenance alongwith additional 1 Kg Concentrate feed/Day/Animal in every 3 litre Milk yield + 50 gm mineral mixture/ Day/ Animal. Result: Under the assessed technology, farmers found 12.5 per cent milk enhancement in assessed technology 2 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) and 26.04 per cent higher milk yield in assessed technology 3 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) likewise 4.76 per cent enhance the fat per cent in assessed technology 2 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) and 9.24 per cent enhance the fat per cent in assessed technology 3 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1).