Influence of Cane Molasses Inclusion to Dairy Cow Diets during the Transition Period on Rumen Epithelial Development

The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of cane molasses during a 60 day dry period on performance and metabolism of Holstein cows during prepartum and postpartum periods. For experiment 1, 26 primiparous and 28 multiparous cows were used. Upon freshening, all cows were offered a common lactation diet. For experiment 2, six multiparous cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used to measure performance and metabolism, following the same protocol as experiment 1. Ruminal propionate increased by 10% during both prepartum and postpartum periods; however, papillae area was greater for cows not fed molasses, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) absorption from the rumen was not increased, resulting in similar glucagon-like-peptide-2 receptor (GLP-2R) density. The improved dry matter intake, when molasses was added into prepartum diets, translated into increased milk yield and energy-corrected milk (ECM) in Experiment 1 only for multiparous cows. For experiment 2, the improvement on milk performance was also observed, where cows fed molasses had 18.5% greater ECM production. Feeding molasses during a 60 day dry period positively influenced transition cow performance, and it was not accompanied by changes in rumen morphometrics; however, this indicates enhanced adaptation by the rumen epithelium based on similar capabilities for VFA absorption.

Developments in housing of cattle to promote health and welfare

While housing systems have served to provide shelter and protection from predation, they have also been associated with negative effects on cow health and welfare. Efforts in the dairy sector have had significant impact on transition cow housing, feeding and resting behaviors, and protection from climate extremes. While consumers of dairy products continue to demand that cows graze pasture, cows appear to value the benefits of housing. Well-designed freestall housing, with comfortable deep bedded stalls, sized to the animals using them, in pens that promote feed access for all of the cows to eat simultaneously, within barns designed to protect the cows from extremes of climate, have proven that we can house cattle successfully. The cow continues to live within a complex hierarchical social system within these buildings, and it is incumbent on our designs to allow cows to exhibit a wide range of natural behaviors to enhance their well-being.

Ultrasound and Radiographic Imaging Diagnosis of Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Transition Cow: A Case Report

A four and half-year-old recently calved cross breed Jersey cow was presented with the clinical signs of anorexia, recurrent bloat, bruxism and not voided dung for the past one week. Clinical examination revealed congested mucous membrane, sunken eyeball, and severely distended lower abdomen; clinically, bloat was evident. On Auscultation of heart at 4th intercoastal space, low-intensity heart sounds were heard. Rectal examination revealed scanty foul-smelling dung with blood tinge. In an attempt to relieve the bloat rumen stomach was intubated, which failed to relieve the gas. The clinical suspicion pointed to the possibility of foreign body syndrome. Hence radiography was done by keeping the animal in standing position; however it revealed no clear contour of heart, reticulum, and diaphragm; another attempt was made, wherein the animal was cast on right lateral recumbency and radiography was done at 90-100 kVp, 50-60 mAs and a focus film distance of 90-100 cm using an 800 mA X-ray machine. As we would not get any diagnostic confirmation findings in radiography, an ultrasonographic assessment was planned. Ultrasonography was done with (Esoate Mylab 1) 2.5. to 5 MHz curvy linear transducer. Ultrasound examination of the heart (Venkatesan et al., 2019) and reticulum (Braun et al., 1993) was done at the left side between 4th to 5th intercostal space of thoracic cavity using the window between 6th to 8th intercoastal in the abdominal cavity. Physical examination revealed a dull and depressed animal; distended left flank, moderate dehydration, elevated rectal temperature (40°C), low-intensity heart sounds with a normal heart rate was observed. Hematology was unremarkable; smear study was negative for blood parasites.