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.

Dynamics of productivity and indicators of functional homeostasis of lactating cows when supplements based on natural zeolites enriched with a biocomplex of free L-amino acids are introduced into the diet

Purpose: to study the effect of feeding lactating cows with a feed additive enriched with a biocomplex of free L-amino acids of plant origin on the indicators of functional homeostasis, productivity and quality characteristics of milk.Materials and methods. Research and production tests were carried out on the basis of the OS "Streletskaya" branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center of Legumes and Groats". To conduct scientific and production tests, 2 groups of cows of 3-4 lactation were formed, 70 heads each. The groups were formed on the principle of analogous pairs.The cows of the experimental group, starting from the second day after calving, in the morning, once a day, received a granulated feed additive "ZEO-AMINO" (Russia) fraction 0.2-0.7 mm at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the ration daily for the first 100 days lactation. Experimental animals were monitored daily. Clinical examination of animals was carried out with obligatory control of the general condition, thermometry, counting of respiratory movements and rumen contractions, assessment of the udder condition. The productivity of cows was determined according to the results of control milking. Morphological and biochemical blood tests were performed.Results. It was revealed that the daily use of a granular feed additive of fraction 0.2-0.7 mm, starting from the second day after calving, once a day at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the diet during the first 100 days of lactation, contributes to an increase in the average daily milk yield of cows on average by 15.9%; by 7 months lactation, an increase in the average daily milk yield was established by an average of 18.3%. It was found that feeding the supplement to cows after calving due to better absorption of nitrogen in the diet and accumulation of proteins in the animal's body allows partially neutralizing the negative consequences of negative energy balance after calving, and contributes to a more intensive recovery of live weight loss, which is reliably confirmed by indicators of animal productivity. The results of a biochemical blood test suggest that the use of a feed supplement in obtaining milk has a positive effect on the assimilation of the diet, metabolism and assimilation processes in the body, activates a number of vital functions during the normal course of physiological processes and ensuring functional homeostasis, which ultimately determines increasing the milk production of animals. Analysis of the quality indicators of milk allows us to conclude that the mass fraction of fat when feeding the additive increased by an average of 0.12 abs. %; the mass fraction of protein increased by an average of 0.22 abs.%.Conclusion. To increase milk productivity, reduce the negative effects of negative energy balance after calving, and more intensively restore body weight loss, as well as increase the efficiency of using feed proteins and normalize metabolic processes, it is recommended that daily use of the feed granulated dietary supplement "ZEO-AMINO" fraction in the diets of dairy cows 0.2-0.7 mm at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the diet, starting from the second day after calving, once a day during the first 100 days of lactation.

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.

A SİMULATİON STUDY TO DETERMİNE THE RESPONSE OF MORKARAMAN SHEEP RAİSED İN CENTRAL AND EASTERN ANATOLİAN TO CHANGİNG CLİMATE CONDİTİONS

Climate change has begun to affect the whole world seriously. If necessary and sufficient measures are not taken, it seems possible that much bigger disasters will occur in the future. The agricultural sector, which forms the basis of food production, is affected the most and rapidly by this change. Significant decreases have been observed in plant and animal production. Our primary purpose is to determine the reproductive potential of animals and the amount of resistance to climate change and evaluate the economic situation. The study was carried out within ten years, covering 2009-2019. In this study, morkaraman sheep bred in the province of Kırşehir in the Central Anatolian Region and the province of Bingöl in the Eastern Anatolia Region is considered material in Turkey. In order to obtain the data used, a total of 296 sheep, 145 sheep in the Eastern Anatolia Region and 151 sheep in the Central Anatolia Region, were evaluated. The simulation study was carried out using the polygenic model. The variables examined are as follows; Lactation time (days), Average daily milk yield (ml), Daily amount of feed consumed for 1 kg live weight (kg), Yield (%), Incidence of Mastitis, Daily oil yield (g/day), Daily protein yield ( g/day), Fertility (%), Fertility time (productivity) (Days), Change in milk yield for each degree above 22 °C and Protein change for each degree above 22 °C (g/°C /day). As a result, in a one-degree increase in temperature, the highest negative effect is seen in the average daily milk yield and lactation period. Fertility and the amount of feed consumed per kg of weight had the lowest value. The preliminary work to be done with the work is that the selection of animals that are resistant/tolerant to climate change should be made. Keywords: Genotypic effects, climatic change, morkaraman sheep, simulation, sustainability.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUITABILITY FOR MACHINE MILKING OF SIMMENTAL COWS AND ITS CROSS-BREED WITH RED-AND-WHITE HOLSTEINS

Для характеристики пригодности к машинному доению коров разной степени кровности по симментальской породе в условиях Поволжья были оценены 237 особей симментальской породы и помесей разной степени кровности по красно-пестрым голштинам (КПГ): 25—50%, 50—75% и выше 75%. Оцениваемыми признаками являются форма вымени и сосков, среднесуточный удой, время доения, интенсивность молокоотдачи. Установлено, что среднесуточный удой в группе коров с кровностью 25—50% по КПГ достоверно (Р<0,01) превышал этот показатель у чистопородных симменталов. Время доения в этой группе (12,23±0,21 мин) было достоверно меньше, а интенсивность молокоотдачи (1,9±0,03 кг/мин) достоверно (Р<0,01) выше по сравнению с чистопородными животными. По величине среднесуточного удоя между коровами с ваннообразной и чашеообразной формами вымени не выявлено достоверных различий, коровы с ваннообразным выменем достоверно (Р<0,05) превосходят особей с округлым выменем. Установлено, что все изученные признаки пригодности к машинному доению достоверно коррелируют друг с другом, что требует обязательного использования хотя бы одного из них при селекционной работе. Коэффициент корреляции между среднесуточным удоем и временем доения колебался от 0,416 до 0,603 во всех исследуемых группах. Взаимосвязь между суточным удоем и скоростью доения варьировала от 0,316 до 0,758. Ее показатели были значимыми при Р<0,01 во всех исследуемых группах. Между среднесуточным удоем и скоростью доения выявлена положительная связь, которая меняется от сильной до почти слабой с увеличением кровности по КПГ. To characterize the suitability for machine milking of cows of different pedigree in the Simmental breed in the Volga region we evaluated 237 cows of Simmental breed and crossbreeds of different blood streak by red and white Holstein: 25—50%, 50—75% and above 75%. The udder and teat shape, daily milk yield, time of milking and intensity of milk yield were evaluated. It was established that the average daily milk yield in the group of cows with blood 25—50% by Holstein was significantly higher than that in the group of purebred Simmental cows (P<0.01). The milking time in this group (12.23±0.21 min) was significantly shorter, and the milking intensity (1.9±0.03 kg/min) was significantly higher in comparison with purebred cows (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the average daily milk yield between the cows with bowl-shaped and tub-shaped udders, the cows with tub-shaped udders significantly exceeded the cows with round udders (P<0.05). It was found that all the studied traits of suitability for machine milking significantly correlate with each other, which requires obligatory use of at least one of them in selection work. The correlation coefficient between the average daily milk yield and time of milking ranged from 0.416 to 0.603 and the correlations were significant in all the groups. In our study, the correlation between daily milk yield and milking rate ranged from 0.316 to 0.758, its values were significant at P<0.01 in all groups under investigation. Positive correlation between average daily milk yield and milking rate was found in all studied groups; however, it varied from strong to almost weak with the increase of the blooding rate.

Feed behavior and milk productivity in cows of different fattening

The results of feed behavior and milk productivity in the cows of Ukrainian black-speckled dairy breed of different fattening of the first and second lactations from the first month to the end of lactation are given. The analysis of the herd showed that the highest milk productivity in cows of the first lactation was found in the group of fattening from 3 to 4 points, which was by 9.2 % (P ≥ 0.99) higher, compared to the group of cows with fattening 4 points and more. The milk yield in cows of the second lactation with fattening from 3 to 4 points exceeded the milk yield of cows with fattening 4 points and more by 12.9 % (P ≥ 0.95). The content of fat and protein in milk was higher in the cows with higher fattening, compared to the cows with lower fattening. The highest average daily milk yield was found in cows of the first lactation with fattening from 3 to 4 points. Depending on the month, it was by 5.5–11.7 % (P ≥ 0.95 – P ≥ 0.999) higher, compared to the cows with fattening 4 points and more, while it was by 6.9–10.0 % (P ≥ 0.95 – P ≥ 0.999) higher in cows of the second lactation. The gestation period of cows has a significant effect on the reduction of milk yield. The milk yield of cows in connection with the term of their gestation are reduced by 0.1 kg per day during the second month after insemination, by 0.2 kg per day during the third month, by 0.3 kg per day during the fourth month, by 0.6 kg per day during the fifth month, by 1.0 kg per day during the sixth month, by 1.7 kg per day during the seventh month and by 2.8 kg per day during the eighth month. The analysis of the dynamics of monthly milk yield shows that lactation curves of cows increase from the first day of lactation to its peak, which occurs in the 2nd – 4th month after calving. The lactation curve in the cows with fattening from 3 to 4 points has a higher peak in the 2nd –3d month of lactation, compared to the cows with higher (more than 4 points) fattening. The animals of all groups, except for cows of the second lactation (with fattening 4 and more points) showed the maximum productivity in the 2nd –3d month of lactation; then the lactation curve decreased with different intensity. The index of constancy of lactation and the index of falling milk yield are the important indicators that characterize the stability of lactation curves. The constancy of lactation curves having been determined by I. Johansson-Hansson index was higher in the cows with fattening 4 and more points, compared to the indicator of the cows with fattening from 3 to 4 points. The studies of behavioral reactions have shown that the animals of the first lactation with an average (from 3 to 4 points) fattening consume feed during 208.5 minutes, which is by 17 minutes (P ≥ 0.999) longer than the animals with higher average fattening, and by 14.5 minutes (P ≥ 0.99) longer than the animals of the second lactation.

Random Regression Model for Genetic Evaluation and Early Selection in the Iranian Holstein Population

The objective of this study was to use a model to predict breeding values for sires and cows at an early stage of the first lactation of cows and progeny groups in the Iranian Holstein population to enable the early selection of sires. An additional objective was to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters associated with this model. The accuracy of predicted breeding values was investigated using cross-validation based on sequential genetic evaluations emulating yearly evaluation runs. The data consisted of 2,166,925 test-day records from 456,712 cows calving between 1990 and 2015. (Co)-variance components and breeding values were estimated using a random regression test-day model and the average information (AI) restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). Legendre polynomial functions of order three were chosen to fit the additive genetic and permanent environmental effects, and a homogeneous residual variance was assumed throughout lactation. The lowest heritability of daily milk yield was estimated to be just under 0.14 in early lactation, and the highest heritability of daily milk yield was estimated to be 0.18 in mid-lactation. Cross-validation showed a highly positive correlation of predicted breeding values between consecutive yearly evaluations for both cows and sires. Correlation between predicted breeding values based only on records of early lactation (5–90 days) and records including late lactation (181–305 days) were 0.77–0.87 for cows and 0.81–0.94 for sires. These results show that we can select sires according to their daughters’ early lactation information before they finish the first lactation. This can be used to decrease generation interval and to increase genetic gain in the Iranian Holstein population.

Somatic cells count in milk and its relation with productive traits in dairy cows

The aim of the study was to determine the dependence between Test Day (TD) milk productivity traits and somatic cells count (SCC) in milk and also the influence of the factors: farm, parity and TD recording season of Holstein cows. The survey included a total of 484 lactating cows from 8 cattle farms in Bulgaria. A total of 3473 TD records including data on TD milk yield, fat %, protein % and SCC in milk were used. A statistically significant effect of the farm, recording season, and SCC on TD milk yield, fat % and protein % was reported. The highest TD milk yield was reported in spring (22.42 kg), followed by winter (21.95 kg). In winter and autumn were reported higher mean values for TD fat (3.77 and 3.84%) and TD protein (3.38 and 3.40%) content in milk. At the highest SCC – above 999 000 cells/ml, the highest average daily milk yield – 24.1 kg and the lowest fat (3.48%) was reported. With the highest and positive statistically significant value was the phenotypic correlation between TD milk yield and SCC (0.21). The correlation with TD fat % was statistically significant, with negative value (- 0.07).

The relationships between leptin gene polymorphism and some performance traits in Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle

This study was carried out to determine the genotype and allele frequencies and association between the Leptin gene Sau3AI polymorphism and some performance characteristics in Simmental (n=60) and Brown Swiss (n=62) breed cattle raised in the province of Erzurum, Turkey. In the study, leptin/Sau3AI gene polymorphisms in DNA isolated from blood samples obtained from Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle were determined using PCR-RFLP method. As genotype frequencies of leptin/Sau3AI gene in the population, in Brown Swiss cattle, 88,7% with genotype AA, 9,7% with AB and 1,6% with BB genotypes were determined, Simmental breed cattle, 78,3% with genotype AA, 16,7% with AB and with 5,0% BB genotypes were determined. AA genotype frequencies were the highest in the population, and those with BB genotypes had the lowest frequency in both breeds. When the population was examined in terms of allele frequencies, the A allele was 0,87 and B allele was 0,13 in the Simmental cattle, and the A allele was 0,94 and B allele was 0,06 in the Brown Swiss breed. According to Hardy-Weinberg genetic balance test, the distribution of genotype frequencies was balanced (P>0.05) in the Brown Swiss breed but not in the Simmental breed in the population studied. As a result of the analysis performed in the Simmental breed, the general averages were found to be 5422,4 ± 1901,74 kg for actual milk yield, 5626,6 ± 1475,85 kg for 305-day milk yield, 298,7 ± 84,80 days for lactation duration and 18,5 ± 4,84 kg for daily milk yield. According to the statistical analysis results, the effect of genotype on the actual milk yield during lactation, lactation duration and daily milk yield was significant. As a result of the analysis made in the Brown Swiss breed, the general averages were 3917,8 ± 1584,38 kg for actual milk yield, 4614,3 ± 982,62 kg for 305 days milk yield, 254.9 ± 99.88 days for lactation duration and 16,0 ± 3,82 kg for daily milk yield. According to the statistical analysis results, the effect of genotype on performance characteristics was insignificant in Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle.

Use of virginiamycin improves performance of high-prolific sows during gestation and lactation over two cycles

Feed additives can be used as potential strategies to enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization by the sow can impact on the reduction of feed costs and in addition improve sow and litter health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the supplementation of virginiamycin (VM) in diets for gestating and lactating sows over two consecutive productive cycles on the animals productive and reproductive performance. Sows that received VM showed a lower BW, body protein and energy losses during both lactations when compared to control sows (P = 0.001). VM treatment increased (+6%; P = 0.001) piglet weaning weight. The litter daily gain was also influenced (P = 0.001) by the treatments were litters from VM fed sows showed an improved daily gain when compared to control sows (2.61 vs. 2.24 kg d-1 respectively). Average daily milk production improved by 17% (P = 0.001) in the VM sows when compared with the control. Also, an improvement in milk fatty acid profiles were found in sows fed VM. As a conclusion, we can infer that the constant use of VM in the diets of sows during gestation and lactation improves both sow and litter performance.