Correlations between the Total Antioxidant Activity and Biochemical Parameters of Cow Milk Depending on the Number of Somatic Cells

The aim of the work was to study the correlations between the total amount of water-soluble antioxidants (TAWSA) and biochemical parameters (BC) of cow milk depending on the somatic cell count (SCC). The BC and TAWSA values of cow milk were measured by spectroscopic and amperometric methods, respectively. The milk samples from the black-and-white cows (Moscow region) were divided according to SCС values: (1) ≤200, (2) 200-499, (3) 500-999, and (4) ≥1000 thousand units/mL. The average TAWSA values for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (33, 15, 13, and 12 milk samples) were the following: 15.95 ± 0.74 , 14.45 ± 0.84 , 16.04 ± 0.63 , and 14.58 ± 1.18 . The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 1) were the following: total fat percentage (TFP) -0.305; true protein percentage (TP1) -0.197; total nitrogen percentage (TN2) -0.210; lactose -0.156; solids-not-fat (SNF) -0.276; total dry matter (TDM) -0.399; freezing point (FP) -0.112; pH -0.114; somatic cell count (SCC) - (-0,052). The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 2) were the following: TFP -0.332; TP1 -0.296; TN2 -0.303; lactose - (-0.308); SNF -0.159; TDM -0.391; FP -0.226; pH - (-0.211); SCC -0.193. The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 3) were the following: TFP - (-0.352); TP1 - (-0.411); TN2 – (-0.401); lactose - (-0.166); SNF - (-0.462); TDM - (-0.504); FP - (-0.766); pH - (-0.047); SCC - (-0.698). The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 4) were the following: TFP -0.159; TP1 -0.046; TN2 – 0.077; lactose - (-0.317); SNF - (-0.237); TDM -0.058; FP - (-0.036); pH - (-0.477); SCC - (-0.072). These data are important in assessing the physiological-biochemical status and state of the antioxidant defense system of cows’ organism.

Classification of dairy properties according to the geometric mean of the somatic cell count and its antimicrobial resistance profile

Milk and its derivatives are highly consumed foods worldwide, with recognized nutritional importance. The search for the production of products with superior quality is constant. For the present work, 26 milk-producing properties were selected, with a total of 506 milk samples collected during the period from October 2019 to May 2020 being evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of milk produced in dairy properties in the region west Paraná, classified as good or bad based on the results of the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and through sampling (n = 10) to evaluate the resistance profile of enterobacteria and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from milk samples, in addition to the presence of the mecA gene in strains of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to oxacillin. There were significant differences between the good and bad properties for the levels of lactose, SCC (cell/mL), and Standard Plate Count (SPC) (CFU/mL). The strains of Staphylococcus spp. showed differences in the percentage of resistance in relation to the good and bad properties for antibiotics: tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, oxacillin, amikacin, clindamycin, gentamycin, and erythromycin. The mecA gene was not detected in any of the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates that showed resistance to oxacillin. For enterobacteria, the isolated species differed in relation to the classification of properties, with predominance for Escherichia coli (40%) for properties classified as bad and Hafnia alvei (40%) for those classified as good. The percentage of antibiotic resistance compared to enterobacteria isolates was higher in properties classified as good. Monitoring through microbial culture and antibiogram is extremely important, favoring the correct choice for the treatment of animals with a reduced selection of resistant strains.

The influence of crossbreeding and LPL genotype on the yield, composition and quality of goat milk

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of crossbreeding and the LPL genotype on goat milk yield, composition and quality indicators. This research was carried out in a herd of pure-breed Saanen, Anglo-Nubian, and crossbred Saanen and Anglo-Nubian goats (n=137) in Lithuania. Saanen x Anglo-Nubian crossbred goats and Saanen had a significantly (P<0.05) higher (34.91% and 16.03 %, respectively) milk yield compared to Anglo-Nubian goats. The highest (P<0.05) fat and protein and the lowest (P<0.05) lactose percentages and somatic cell count were found in the milk of Anglo-Nubian goats, compared to Saanen x Anglo-Nubian crossbreds and Saanen goats. The highest (P<0.05) milk yield was determined in the CC genotype of the LPL gene (on average 20.08 % higher than in the CG and GG genotypes) of goats. However, the milk yield of the CC genotype was characterised (P<0.05) by the lowest fat, protein and milk urea levels, and the highest amount of lactose compared to the milk of the GG genotype. The study showed that breed and LPL genotype affected goat milk yield and composition and appear to be the valuable biomarkers of the goat selection process.

Evaluation of Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) on milk parameters in the dairy cow

Background Any dairy herd that continually has a somatic cell count (SCC) above 200,000 cells/ml has an indication of mammary gland inflammation (mastitis). Routine use of antibiotics to prevent mastitis is prohibited by organic farming regulations. This limitation has lead researchers to focus on cows natural defense mechanisms [1]. Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) is a complex high diluted medication comprised of comprised of Calcarea carbonica 16x, Aconitum napellus 20x, Arsenicum album 18x, Asa foetida 20x, Conium maculatum 17x, Ipecacuanha 13x, Phosphorus 20x, Rhus toxicodendron 17x, Silicea 20x, Sulphur 24x, and Thuya occidentalis 19x. Dilution procedures have followed standard methodology described at the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. This medication has enhanced immune system responses both in vitro and in vivo in a murine model [2]. Aims In the present study, we investigate the response of dairy cows after M8 treatment. Methodology The study was performed as a randomized, observer double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial, with a stratified design, using lactation number and SCC as stratification factors. The study sample consisted of 42 lactating dairy cows (Holstein) in one high producing dairy herd with 52 cows in milk in southern Brazil, divided into two experimental groups (n=21). Exclusion criteria were cows with clinical mastitis or receiving any other medical treatment. Pre- and post-milking teat disinfection was practiced in the herd. All cows were clinically examined, with udder and milk samples being appraised according to Rosenberger (1990) [3]. During 3 months one group received daily M8 treatment, the other placebo. Oral administration of 5 ml/day/cow was performed using an automatic dosage dispenser. Monthly, milk production, SCC, fat and total protein content were carefully recorded for each animal by an official milk recording program. SCC were log transformed for analysis. ANOVA and Tukey test were used to compare the averages. The Bartlett´s test was used for homogeneity of variance evaluation. Results There were no significant differences (P=0.435) among the groups in the initial evaluation (Values of SCC x103 : Placebo 67,37±80,48; Treatment 359,39±677,02). After 3 months, the M8 treated group showed a decrease (134,00±178,76 P= 0.047) in SCC when compared with control group (391,71±686,60). Fat and protein did not differ between groups and time analysed. Milk production decreased in the placebo group during time (Before: 34,97±6,69kg; After:28,69±4,33kg), whereas the treatment group did not change total amount (Before: 28,7±6,54kg; After: 26,39±5,73kg; P > 0.05). Conclusions These results indicate that the M8 influenced positively SCC and suggest that it may be considered as a possible tool to promote bovine mastitis prophylaxis. Keywords: Calcarea carbonica complex, mastitis, somatic cell count [1] McDougall S, Parker KI, Heuer C, Compton CWR. A review of prevention and control of heifer mastitis via non-antibiotic strategies. Vet Microbiol. 2009; 154:177–85. [2] Oliveira CC, Abud APR, Oliveira SM, Guimarães FSF, Andrade LF, Di Bernardi RP, Coletto ELO, Kuczera D, Da Lozzo EJ, Gonçalves JP, Trindade ES, Buchi DF. Developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics: highly diluted tinctures act as biological response modifiers. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011; 11(101): 2-11. [3]Rosenberger, G. Die klinische Untersuchung des Rindes, 3. Neubearbeitete Auflage, Paul Parey Verlag, Berlin, 1990.

Tryptophan, Kynurenine and Kynurenic Acid Concentrations in Milk and Serum of Dairy Cows with Prototheca Mastitis

The aim of this work was to investigate serum and milk levels of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA), as well as the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cows with mastitis due to Prototheca algae. The study was prompted by previous research showing a link between the KYN pathway of TRP metabolism and bovine mastitis of bacterial etiology. The study was carried out over a 2-year period (2018–2019) and included quarter milk and serum samples collected from six dairy herds in Poland. The samples were obtained from healthy cows and cows with Prototheca mastitis of either clinical and subclinical manifestation, as determined upon direct measurement of the somatic cell count or indirectly by performing a California Mastitis Test on suspected quarters. Both TRP and KYN concentrations were significantly lower in milk of mastitic cows compared to healthy animals (0.8 vs. 8.72 µM, p = 0.001; 0.07 vs. 0.32 µM, p = 0.001, respectively). The difference in TRP and KYN concentrations in the sera of the two animal groups was much less pronounced (25.55 vs. 27.57 µM, 3.03 vs. 3.56 nM, respectively). The concentration of KYNA was almost at the same level in milk (1.73 vs. 1.70 nM) and in serum (80.47 vs. 75.48 nM) of both mastitic and healthy cows. The data showed that the level of TRP and its metabolites in serum was conspicuously higher compared to milk in all cows under the study. The activity of IDO was significantly higher in milk of cows with Prototheca mastitis compared to healthy animals (71.4 vs. 40.86, p < 0.05), while in serum it was pretty much the same (135.94 vs. 124.98, p > 0.05). The IDO activity differed significantly between serum and milk both for mastitic (135.94 vs. 71.4, p < 0.05) and healthy cows (124.98 vs. 40.86, p < 0.001). In conclusion, low values of TRP and KYN concentrations or elevated IDO activity in milk samples might be used as markers of mastitis due to infectious causes, including Prototheca spp.

​Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Cumin Seed (Cuminum cyminum) on Voluntary Feed Intake, Milk Yield, Milk Quality and Udder Health of Dairy Cows

Background: Plants containing essential oils can be a cost-effective means of improving efficiency of milk production and optimizing milk composition of dairy cows. Cuminum cyminum (green cumin) belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a well-known herbal medicine in Iran. The medicinal properties of cumin may have beneficial effects on milk production. However, very few studies have been reported whereby cumin has been fed to ruminants. Therefore, the present study is design to investigate the effect of cumin supplementation on milk yield, milk quality and udder health of lactating dairy cows. Methods: Twelve multiparous lactating cows at early stage of lactation was selected and randomly allotted to two equal groups (n=6) on the basis of milk yield. In addition to normal routine feeds and fodders, cows in groups T1 was fed cumin seed @ 50 g/d/head for 90 days. Fortnightly body weight was determined on the basis of body measurement of animals. All feed samples was analysed for proximate composition, Ca and P. The daily milk yield (kg/d) of individual cows was recorded by weighing. Milk samples were collected after complete milking and thorough mixing for determination of milk composition. Udder health was monitored by MCMT (modified california mastitis test), measuring milk pH and SCC (somatic cell count) at fortnightly intervals. Result: The results indicated that overall mean body weight, average DMI was statistically (P greater than 0.05) similar in both the groups. The average milk yield (kg) of animals was statically non significant (P greater than 0.05) but numerically 20.64% higher milk yield was observed in cumin seed supplemented group than control group. There was no effect of cumin supplementation on chemical composition (Fat, TS, SNF, Lactose and Protein) of milk in dairy cows. Overall mean milk pH and somatic cell count (SCC) in both the groups was statically similar but numerically lower in treatment group. The overall mean (%) of MCMT positive animals was 14.29 and 9.52 in T0 (Control) and T1 (Treatment) groups, respectively. From the results it can be deduced that the cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum) supplementation improves milk yield by 20.64%. However, it has no effect on composition of milk in dairy cows. Supplementation improved the udder health and found no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) in dairy cows.

Alterations in the Hemato-biochemical, Endocrine, Somatic Cell Count and Milk Composition in Lactating Tarai Buffaloes during Different Lactation Stages

Background: Tarai buffalo is indigenous buffalo breed of Uttarakhand state, dual purpose, well adapt to hot-humid climatic condition of Tarai area. This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in the hemato-biochemical, endocrine, milk somatic cell count and milk composition in lactating Tarai buffaloes. Methods: Thirty-six healthy Tarai buffaloes were selected from four different Gujjar farms and divided into four groups consisting nine buffaloes in each group as early (60±30 days), mid (120±30 days) and late (180±30 days) lactation stages and dry buffaloes. Both blood and milk samples were collected once from each lactation stage of selected animals. Hematological parameters and milk composition were evaluated by standard procedures and methods. Biochemical and endocrine parameters were evaluated using commercially available kits as per manufacturer’s protocol. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) was done by direct microscopic counts using Newman Lampert stain. Result: It observed significantly (p less than 0.05) higher TLC value but lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and urea levels during early lactation stage. Significantly (p less than 0.05) declined in plasma total protein during late lactation stage and triglyceride in dry cows. Plasma hormone significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in cortisol during early lactation while higher T4 and insulin in late lactation stages. Milk fat, urea and total solids were significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased during early lactation and again increased during late lactation while milk SCC significantly (p less than 0.05) higher during early and late lactation stages.

Association between Udder and Quarter Level Indicators and Milk Somatic Cell Count in Automatic Milking Systems

Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) record a lot of information, at udder and quarter level, which can be useful for improving the early detection of altered udder health conditions. A total of 752,000 records from 1003 lactating cows milked with two types of AMS in four farms were processed with the aim of identifying new indicators, starting from the variables provided by the AMS, useful to predict the risk of high milk somatic cell count (SCC). Considering the temporal pattern, the quarter vs. udder percentage difference in milk electrical conductivity showed an increase in the fourteen days preceding an official milk control higher than 300,000 SCC/mL. Similarly, deviations over time in quarter vs. udder milk yield, average milk flow, and milking time emerged as potential indicators for high SCC. The Logistic Analysis showed that Milk Production Rate (kg/h) and the within-cow within-milking percentage variations of single quarter vs. udder milk electrical conductivity, milk yield, and average milk flow are all risk factors for high milk SCC. The result suggests that these variables, alone or in combination, and their progression over time could be used to improve the early prediction of risk situations for udder health in AMS milked herds.