Effect of Extending Voluntary Waiting Period on Health of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows

The aim of this of this experimental study to investigate the effect of 3 voluntary waiting periods (VWP) on health of dairy cows. A total of 100 lactations of 100 Holstein Friesian cows with high milk production (average 9.442 ± 620 kg) were randomly (based on the ear tags digits of cows) distributed to 1 to 3 experimental groups with VWP of 50 (VWPG50;n = 32), 100 (VWPG100;n = 34) or 150 days (VWPG150;n = 34). Observations relating to diseases of the cows were made by the farm veterinarian and research personnel. Were defined eight disease: puerperal fever, retained fetal membranes, displaced abomasum, metritis, clinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, ovarian cysts, and claw diseases. The experimental days (ED) were from 4 days in milk (DIM) to 100 days after the next calving. The experiment was managed at Dairy Research Farm ?imnic-Craiova January 2018 to December 2022. A clear set of clinical signs were used to define a case at the diseases without the need for laboratory confirmation. Values of Lactational incidence risk (LIR) median postpartum days at diagnosis and pairwise comparison of proportion between VWPs were calculated. LIR for puerperal fiver, retained fetal membranes, displaced abomasum, clinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, ovarian cysts and claw disease were 4;5;2;8;8;and 4% respectively. Numerically, cows with VWP of 100 and150 days had more disease cases compared with VWP of 50 days. The differences between experimental groups of cows regarding proportions of cows with disease cases were not statistically significant. Any of the eight disorders reported in this study was analyzed independently to other health problems. For all enrolled cows (n = 100) VWP was extended until 100 or 150 days postpartum with no effect on the lactational incidence risk for the eight disorders analyzed.

Repeated inoculation with rumen fluid accelerates the rumen bacterial transition with no benefit on production performance in postpartum Holstein dairy cows

Background The dairy cow’s postpartum period is characterized by dramatic physiological changes,therefore imposing severe challenges on the animal for maintaining health and milk output.The dynamics of the ruminal microbiota are also tremendous and may play a crucial role in lactation launch.We aim to investigate the potential benefits of early microbial intervention by fresh rumen microbiota transplantation(RMT)and sterile RMT in postpartum dairy cows.Twelve fistulated peak-lactation dairy cows were selected to be the donors for rumen fluid collection.Thirty postpartum cows were divided into 3 groups as the transplantation receptors respectively receiving 10 L fresh rumen fluid(FR),10 L sterile rumen fluid(SR),or 10 L saline(CON)during 3 d after calving.Results Production performance,plasma indices,plasma lipidome,ruminal microbiome,and liver transcriptome were recorded.After fresh and sterile RMT,we found that the molar proportion of propionic acid was increased on d 7 in the FR and SR groups and the bacterial composition was also significantly changed when compared with the CON group.A similarity analysis showed that the similarities between the CON group and FR or SR group on d 7 were 48.40%or 47.85%,whereas the similarities between microbiota on d 7 and 21 in the FR and SR groups were 68.34%or 66.85%.Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not affected by treatments.Plasmaβ-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the FR group was decreased and significantly different lipids mainly included phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.Hepatic transcriptomics analysis indicated acutephase response pathways were upregulated in the SR group.Conclusions Our study suggests that RMT can shorten the transition process of the ruminal microbiota of postpartum dairy cows with no benefit on dry matter intake or feed efficiency.Inoculation with rumen fluid may not be a useful approach to promote the recovery of postpartum dairy cows.

Identification Effects of Pedometer on Estrus of Holstein Cows during Peak Lactation Period

[Objective]The paper was to discuss identification effects of pedometer on estrus of Holstein cows during peak lactation period. [Method]The estrus of Holstein cows during peak lactation period were identified by manual observation and pedometer monitoring. [Result]Compared with manual observation,the detection rate of estrus in Holstein cows using pedometer monitoring was increased by 24. 01%,which reduced the labor cost and enhanced accuracy rate. [Conclusion]The research could provide reliable basis for estrus identification of cows.

Association of residual feed intake with abundance of ruminal bacteria and biopolymer hydrolyzing enzyme activities during the peripartal period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows

Background: Residual feed intake(RFI) in dairy cattle typically calculated at peak lactation is a measure of feed efficiency independent of milk production level. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in ruminal bacteria, biopolymer hydrolyzing enzyme activities, and overall performance between the most-and the leastefficient dairy cows during the peripartal period. Twenty multiparous Holstein dairy cows with daily ad libitum access to a total mixed ration from d-10 to d 60 relative to the calving date were used. Cows were classified into most-efficient(i.e. with low RFI, n = 10) and least-efficient(i.e. with high RFI, n = 10) based on a linear regression model involving dry matter intake(DMI), fat-corrected milk(FCM), changes in body weight(BW), and metabolic BW.Results: The most-efficient cows had ~ 2.6 kg/d lower DMI at wk 4, 6, 7, and 8 compared with the least-efficient cows. In addition, the most-efficient cows had greater relative abundance of total ruminal bacterial community during the peripartal period. Compared with the least-efficient cows, the most-efficient cows had 4-fold greater relative abundance of Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens at d-10 and d 10 around parturition and tended to have greater abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Megaspheara elsdenii. In contrast, the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Streptococcus bovis was lower and Succinimonas amylolytica and Prevotella bryantii tended to be lower in the most-efficient cows around calving. During the peripartal period, the most-efficient cows had lower enzymatic activities of cellulase, amylase, and protease compared with the least-efficient cows.Conclusions: The results suggest that shifts in ruminal bacteria and digestive enzyme activities during the peripartal period could, at least in part, be part of the mechanism associated with better feed efficiency in dairy cows.

Body condition score prior to parturition is associated with plasma and adipose tissue biomarkers of lipid metabolism and inflammation in Holstein cows

Background: Previous research has revealed a strong inflammatory response within adipose(AT) tissue during the transition into lactation. Whether this effect is a result of oxidative stress induced by lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation associated with differences in prepartum body condition score remains to be determined. The objectives of this study were to investigate systemic biomarkers of energy balance and inflammation and the expression of lipid metabolismand inflammation-related genes in AT during the transition period in dairy cows.Results: Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by body condition score(BCS) prior to parturition into two groups(10 cows/group): BCS ≤ 3.25(Lo BCS) and BCS ≥ 3.75(Hi BCS). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was biopsied from the tail-head region at d-10, 7 and 20 relative to parturition. Plasma was used to evaluate biomarkers of energy balance(EBAL) [free fatty acids(NEFA), glycerol, insulin] and inflammation [IL-1β, haptoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)]. Although insulin concentration was not affected by BCS, NEFA was overal greater and glycerol lower in HiB CS cows. Greater activity of myeloperoxidase in plasma coincided with increased haptoglobin and IL-1β postpartum in LoB CS cows.Among genes related with oxidative stress, the expression of the cytosolic antioxidant enzyme SOD1 was greater in LoB CS compared to HiB CS. Cows in LoB CS compared with HiB CS had greater overal expression of ABDH5 and ATGL along with ADIPOQ, indicating enhanced basal lipolysis and secretion of adiponectin. Expression of CPT1 A, ACADVL, and ACOX1 was greater overal in HiB CS than LoB CS indicating enhanced NEFA oxidation. Although the temporal increase in plasma NEFA regardless of BCS coincided with the profile of CPT1 A, the gradual decrease in genes related with reesterification of NEFA(PCK1) and glycerol efflux(AQP7) coupled with an increase in glycerol kinase(GK) suggested some stimulation of NEFA utilization within adipose tissue. This idea is supported in part by the gradual decrease in insulin regardless of BCS. Although expression of the inflammation-related gene toll-like receptor 4( TLR4) was greater in Hi BCS versus Lo BCS cows at-10 d, expression of TLR9 was greater in Hi BCS versus Lo BCS at 20 d.These profiles did not seem to be associated with concentrations of pro-inflammatory biomarkers or ROM.Conclusions: Overall, data indicated that cows with BCS 3.25 or lower before calving experienced greater alterations in systemic inflammation and basal lipolysis without excessive increases in NEFA plasma concentrations.Despite the greater plasma NEFA around parturition, cows with BCS 3.75 or higher seemed to have a more active system for catabolism of NEFA and utilization of glycerol within adipose tissue. A linkage between those pathways and risk of disorders postpartum remains to be determined.

Characterization and mitigation option of greenhouse gas emissions from lactating Holstein dairy cows in East China

Background:This study investigated greenhouse gas(GHG)emission characteristics of lactating Holstein dairy cows in East China and provided a basis for formulating GHG emission reduction measures.GreenFeed system was used to measure the amount of methane(CH_(4))and carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emitted by the cows through respiration.Data from a commercial cow farm were used to observe the effects of parity,body weight,milk yield,and milk component yield on CH_(4) and CO_(2) emissions.Results:Mean herd responses throughout the study were as follows:111 cows completed all experimental processes,while 42 cows were rejected because they were sick or had not visited the GreenFeed system 20 times.On average,lactating days of cows was 138±19.04 d,metabolic weight was 136.5±9.5 kg,parity was 2.8±1.0,dry matter intake(DMI)was 23.1±2.6 kg/d,and milk yield was 38.1±6.9 kg/d.The GreenFeed system revealed that CH_(4) production(expressed in CO_(2) equivalent,CO_(2)-eq)was found to be 8304 g/d,CH_(4)_(CO_(2)−eq)/DMI was 359 g/kg,CH_(4)_(CO_(2)−eq)/energy-corrected milk(ECM)was 229.5 g/kg,total CO_(2) production(CH_(4) production plus CO_(2) production)was 19,201 g/d,total CO_(2)/DMI was 831 g/kg,and total CO_(2)/ECM was 531 g/kg.The parity and metabolic weight of cows had no significant effect on total CO_(2) emissions(P>0.05).Cows with high milk yield,milk fat yield,milk protein yield,and total milk solids yield produced more total CO_(2)(P<0.05),but their total CO_(2) production per kg of ECM was low(P<0.05).The total CO_(2)/ECM of the medium and high milk yield groups was 17%and 27%lower than that of the low milk yield group,respectively.Conclusions:The parity and body condition had no effect on total CO_(2) emissions,while the total CO_(2)/ECM was negatively correlated with milk yield,milk fat yield,milk protein yield,and total milk solids yield in lactating Holstein dairy cows.Measurement of total CO_(2) emissions of dairy cows in the Chinese production system will help establish regional or national GHG inventories and develop mitigation approaches to dairy production regimes.

Milk Yield of Holstein Cows Induced into Lactation Twice Consecutively and Lactation Curve Models Fitted to Artificial Lactations

Nineteen multiparous barren Holstein cows were subjected to an induction of lactation protocol for 21 d administering estradiol cypionate （2 mg kg-1 of body weight （BW） d-1, on day 1 to 14）, progesterone （0.10 mg kg-1 of BW, on day 1 to 7）, lfumethasone （0.03 mg kg-1 of BW, on day 18 to 20） and recombinant bovine somatotropin （rbST;500 mg per cow, on day 1, 6, 16 and 21）. At the end of lactation and with a minimum of a 2-mon dry period, the same cows were again hormonally induced into lactation. Cows in both lactations were not artiifcially inseminated, they were milked 3 times daily and received rbST throughout lactation. Mean accumulated milk yield at 305 d in milk （DIM） did not differ between the ifrst and second induced lactations （（9 710 ＆#177;1 728） vs. （9 309＆#177;2 150） kg;mean＆#177;SD）. Total milk yield （（12 707＆#177;3 406） vs. （12 306＆#177;4 218） kg;mean＆#177;SD） and lactation length （（405＆#177;100） vs. （410＆#177;91） d;mean＆#177;SD） were not different between the ifrst and second induced lactations. In a second study, 15 empirical models including exponential, power law, yield-density, sigmoidal and miscellaneous models were compared for their suitability by modeling 12-mon （n=334）, 18-mon （n=164） and 29-mon （n=22） lactation cycles of Holsteins cows induced into lactation and treated with rbST throughout the lactation. Hoerl （Y=ab1/xxc）, Wood （Y=axb exp（cx）） and Dhanoa （Y=ax（bc）exp（cx）） models were equally suitable to describe 12-mon lactations. An exponential model with ifve parameters （Y=exp（a＋bx＋cd2＋e/x）） showed the best ift for milk yield for 18-mon lactations. The rational model （Y=a＋bx/1＋cx＋dx2） was found to produce the closest ift for 29-mon lactations. It was concluded that, with the protocol used in the present study, multiparous cows respond favorably to a second cycle of induced lactation, with milk yield similar to that experienced during the ifrst cycle. Thus, dairy producers might be able to lengthen the productive life of infertile high producing cows with a renewal of artiifcial lactation, which would imply an overall reduction in voluntary culling of cows. Also, various equations used to describe the lactation curves demonstrated the potential for iftting monthly milk records of Holstein cows with prolonged lactations and induced hormonally into lactation.

Effects of different sources of carbohydrates on intake, digestibility, chewing, and performance of Holstein dairy cows

To investigate the effects of different sources of carbohydrates on intake, digestibility, chewing, and performance, nine lactating Holstein dairy cows （day in milk= 100±21 d; body weight=645.7 ± 26.5 kg） were allotted to a 3 × 3 Latin square design at three 23-d periods. The three treatments included 34.91% （B）, 18.87% （BC）, and 18.86% （BB） barley that in treatment B was partially replaced with only corn or corn plus beet pulp in treatments BC and BB, respectively. The concentration of starch and neutral detergent soluble carbohydrate varied （22.2, 20.2, and 14.5; 13.6, 15.9, and 20.1% of DM in treatments B, BC, and BB, respectively）. Cows in treatment BB showed a higher DMI and improved digestibility of DM, NDF, and EE compared with treatments B or BC Ruminal pH was higher in cows fed on BB （6.83） compared with those that received B or BC treatments （6.62 and 6.73, respectively）. A lower proportion of propionate accompanied the higher pH in the BB group; however, a greater proportion of acetate and acetate： propionate ratio was observed compared with cows fed either on the B or BC diet. Moreover, cows fed on the BB diet showed the lowest ruminal passage rate and longest ruminal and total retention time. Eating time did not differ among treatments, rumination time was greater among cows fed on the BB diet compared with the others, whereas total chewing activity was greater than those fed on BC, but similar to those fed on B. The treatments showed no effect on milk yield. Partially replacing barley with corn or beet pulp resulted in an increase in milk fat and a lower protein concentration. Changing dietary NFC with that of a different degradability thus altered intake, chewing activity, ruminal environment, retention time or passage rate, and lactation performance. The results of this study showed that beet pulp with a higher NDF and a detergent-soluble carbohydrate or pectin established a more consistent ruminal mat than barley and corn, thus resulting in higher mean retention time and chewing activity, whereas no changes in 3.5% ECM and milk fat were observed.

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake,lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health, milk performance, and profitability of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of dose-up diets on dry matter intake （DMI）, lactation performance and energy balance （EB） in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall barn and fed for ad libitum intake. Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet [HD, n = 13; 6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation （NEL）/kg; 14.0% crude protein （CP） ], or a middle energy density diet （MD, n = 13; 6.2 MJ NEh/kg; 14.0% CP）, or a low energy density diet （LD, n = 13; 5.4 MJ NEh/kg; 14.0% CP） from d 21 before expected day of calving. After parturition, all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk （DIM）. The DMI and NEE intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets （P 〈 0.05）. The LD group consumed 1.3 last 24 h before calving. The milk yield and the postpartum kg/d （DM） more diet compared with HD group in the DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum （P 〈 0.05）. The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation （P 〈 0.05）. The energy consumption for HD, MD and LD groups were 149.8%, 126.2% and 101.1 % of their calculated energy requirements prepartum （P 〈 0.05）, and 72.7%, 73.1% and 7.5.2% during the first 4 wk postpartum, respectively. In conclusion, the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NF_L intake prepartum, and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield, and alleviating negative EB postpartum.

Effects of Supplemental Dietary Energy Source on Feed Intake, Lactation Performance, and Serum Indices of Early-Lactating Holstein Cows in a Positive Energy Balance

The present study investigated the effects of the supplemental dietary energy source on early lactating cows in a positive energy balance. Cows in the control group were fed a basal total mixed ration containing high-quality hay as forage, and the dietary concentrate to forage ratio was 45:65. The corn supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in the milk fat content (P P = 0.15), whereas the fat supplementation resulted in a decreasing trend of the milk protein and lactose content (P ≤ 0.1). Additionally, the corn supplementation significantly decreased the serum 5-hydroxytryptamine level (P < 0.05). The results support the proposal that the source of supplemental dietary energy has varying effects on feed intake, lactation performance, and the intermediate metabolism of early lactating cows in a positive energy balance. 5-Hydroxytryptamine secretion may be associated with the varying effects of the source of supplemental dietary energy.

Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows

Background The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting and influencing fetal development.We compared the effects of prepartum supplementation with omega-3(n-3)fatty acid(FA)sources,flaxseed oil(FLX)and fish oil(FO),on the expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism,inflammation,oxidative stress,and the endocannabinoid system(ECS)in the expelled placenta,as well as on FA profile and inflammatory response of neonates.Late-pregnant Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with saturated fat(CTL),FLX,or FO.Placental cotyledons(n=5)were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted RNA and proteins were analyzed by RTPCR and proteomic analysis.Neonatal blood was assessed for FA composition and concentrations of inflammatory markers.Results FO increased the gene expression of fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4),interleukin 10(IL-10),catalase(CAT),cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1),and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)compared with CTL placenta.Gene expression of ECS-enzyme FA-amide hydrolase(FAAH)was lower in FLX and FO than in CTL.Proteomic analysis identified 3,974 proteins;of these,51–59 were differentially abundant between treatments(P≤0.05,|fold change|≥1.5).Top canonical pathways enriched in FLX vs.CTL and in FO vs.CTL were triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory processes.Both n-3 FA increased the placental abundance of FA binding proteins(FABPs)3 and 7.The abundance of CNR1 cannabinoid-receptor-interacting-protein-1(CNRIP1)was reduced in FO vs.FLX.In silico modeling affirmed that bovine FABPs bind to endocannabinoids.The FLX increased the abundance of inflammatory CD44-antigen and secreted-phosphoprotein-1,whereas prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 was decreased in FO vs.CTL placenta.Maternal FO enriched neonatal plasma with n-3 FAs,and both FLX and FO reduced interleukin-6 concentrations compared with CTL.Conclusion Maternal n-3 FA from FLX and FO differentially affected the bovine placenta;both enhanced lipid metabolism and modulated oxidative stress,however,FO increased some transcriptional ECS components,possibly related to the increased FABPs.Maternal FO induced a unique balance of pro-and anti-inflammatory components in the placenta.Taken together,different sources of n-3 FA during late pregnancy enhanced placental immune and metabolic processes,which may affect the neonatal immune system.

Quantification and prediction of enteric methane emissions from Chinese lactating Holstein dairy cows fed diets with different dietary neutral detergent fiber/non-fibrous carbohydrate(NDF/NFC)ratios

Methane(CH_(4))emissions from ruminant production are a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas production,but few studies have examined the enteric CH_(4)emissions of lactating dairy cows under different feeding regimes in China.This study aimed to investigate the influence of different dietary neutral detergent fiber/non-fibrous carbohydrate(NDF/NFC)ratios on production performance,nutrient digestibility,and CH_(4)emissions for Holstein dairy cows at various stages of lactation.It evaluated the performance of CH_(4)prediction equations developed using local dietary and milk production variables compared to previously published prediction equations developed in other production regimes.For this purpose,36 lactating cows were assigned to one of three treatments with differing dietary NDF/NFC ratios:low(NDF/NFC=1.19),medium(NDF/NFC=1.54),and high(NDF/NFC=1.68).A modified acid-insoluble ash method was used to determine nutrient digestibility,while the sulfur hexafluoride technique was used to measure enteric CH4 emissions.The results showed that the dry matter(DM)intake of cows at the early,middle,and late stages of lactation decreased significantly(P<0.01)from 20.9 to 15.4 kg d^(–1),15.3 to 11.6 kg d^(–1),and 16.4 to 15.0 kg d^(–1),respectively,as dietary NDF/NFC ratios increased.Across all three treatments,DM and gross energy(GE)digestibility values were the highest(P<0.05)for cows at the middle and late lactation stages.Daily CH_(4)emissions increased linearly(P<0.05),from 325.2 to 391.9 kg d^(–1),261.0 to 399.8 kg d^(–1),and 241.8 to 390.6 kg d^(–1),respectively,as dietary NDF/NFC ratios increased during the early,middle,and late stages of lactation.CH_(4)emissions expressed per unit of metabolic body weight,DM intake,NDF intake,or fat-corrected milk yield increased with increasing dietary NDF/NFC ratios.In addition,CH_(4)emissions expressed per unit of GE intake increased significantly(P<0.05),from 4.87 to 8.12%,5.16 to 9.25%,and 5.06 to 8.17%respectively,as dietary NDF/NFC ratios increased during the early,middle,and late lactation stages.The modelling results showed that the equation using DM intake as the single variable yielded a greater R^(2)than equations using other dietary or milk production variables.When data obtained from each lactation stage were combined,DM intake remained a better predictor of CH_(4)emissions(R^(2)=0.786,P=0.026)than any other variables tested.Compared to the prediction equations developed herein,previously published equations had a greater root mean square prediction error,reflecting their inability to predict CH_(4)emissions for Chinese Holstein dairy cows accurately.The quantification of CH_(4)production by lactating dairy cows under Chinese production systems and the development of associated prediction equations will help establish regional or national CH_(4)inventories and improve mitigation approaches to dairy production.

Expression of fatty acid sensing G-protein coupled receptors in peripartal Holstein cows

Background： G-protein coupled receptors（GPCR）, also referred as Free Fatty Acid Receptors（FFAR）, are widely studied within human medicine as drug targets for metabolic disorders. To combat metabolic disorders prevalent in dairy cows during the transition period, which co-occur with negative energy balance and changes to lipid and glucose metabolism, it may be helpful to identify locations and roles of FFAR and other members of the GPCR family in bovine tissues.Results： Quantitative RT-PCR（qPCR） of subcutaneous adipose, liver, and PMNL samples during the transition period（-10, ＋7, and ＋20 or ＋30 d） were used for expression profiling of medium-（MCFA） and long-chain fatty acid（LCFA）receptors GPR120 and GPR40, MCFA receptor GPR84, and niacin receptor HCAR2/3. Adipose samples were obtained from cows with either high（HI; BCS ≥ 3.75） or low（LO; BCS ≤ 3.25） body condition score（BCS） to examine whether FFAR expression is correlated with this indicator of health and body reserves. Supplementation of rumen-protected methionine（MET）, which may improve immune function and production postpartum, was also compared with unsupplemented control（CON） cows for liver and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes（PMNL） samples. In adipose tissue, GPR84 and GPR120 were differentially expressed over time, while GPR40 was not expressed; in PMNL, GPR40 was differentially expressed over time and between MET vs. CON, GPR84 expression differed only between dietary groups, and GPR120 was not expressed; in liver, GPCR were either not expressed or barely detectable.Conclusions： The data indicate that there is likely not a direct role in liver for the selected GPCR during the transition period, but they do play variable roles in adipose and PMN. In future, these receptors may prove useful targets and/or markers for peripartal metabolism and immunity.

Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto-acids alter lactation performance and liver triglycerides in fresh cows

Background Dairy cows are at high risk of fatty liver disease in early lactation,but current preventative measures are not always effective.Cows with fatty liver have lower circulating branched-chain amino acid(BCAA)concentra-tions whereas cows with high circulating BCAA levels have low liver triglyceride(TG).Our objective was to determine the impact of BCAA and their corresponding ketoacids(branched-chain ketoacids,BCKA)on production performance and liver TG accumulation in Holstein cows in the first 3 weeks postpartum.Methods Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design experiment.Cows were abomasally infused for the first 21 d postpartum with solutions of 1)saline(CON,n=12);2)BCA(67 g valine,50 g leu-cine,and 34 g isoleucine,n=12);and 3)BCK(77 g 2-ketovaline calcium salt,57 g 2-ketoleucine calcium salt,and 39 g 2-ketoisoleucine calcium salt,n=12).All cows received the same diet.Treatment effects were determined using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS.Results No differences were detected for body weight,body condition score,or dry matter intake averaged over the first 21 d postpartum.Cows receiving BCK had significantly lower liver TG concentrations compared to CON(6.60%vs.4.77%,standard error of the mean(SEM)0.49)during the first 3 weeks of lactation.Infusion of BCA increased milk yield(39.5 vs.35.3 kg/d,SEM 1.8),milk fat yield(2.10 vs.1.69 kg/d,SEM 0.08),and lactose yield(2.11 vs.1.67 kg/d,SEM 0.07)compared with CON.Compared to CON,cows receiving BCA had lower plasma glucose(55.0 vs.59.2 mg/dL,SEM 0.86)but higherβ-hydroxybutyrate(9.17 vs.6.00 mg/dL,SEM 0.80).Conclusions Overall,BCAA supplementation in this study improved milk production,whereas BCKA supplementa-tion reduced TG accumulation in the liver of fresh cows.

Feeding Calcium Salts of Linseed Oil on Metabolic Status and Reproductive Traits in Grazing Dairy Cows

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium salts of linseed oil (rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3) on metabolic and reproductive traits in high-producing dairy cows under grazing. Thirty-six Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned, in a complete block design, to receive ALA supplementation (0.85 kg∙day−1 of calcium salts of linseed oil) or to remain as untreated control (CON). The concentrate was formulated to offer the same amount of energy across treatments (CON cows received an extra kg of corn to compensate for the higher energy density of ALA treatment). A PMR + Alfalfa pasture was offered to all cows at the same time. A fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 80 DIM, preceded by a Presynch plus Ovsynch protocol was implemented for the first service and later, on return to estrus, heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) were performed. Pregnancy diagnosis was checked at 30, 42, 60, and 90 d after AI. Blood and milk samples were taken biweekly. Treatment affected plasma cholesterol concentration (160.36 vs. 186.70 mg∙dl−1, p = 0.03, for ALA and CON, respectively) and on size of corpus luteum (CL, 17.6 vs. 13.7 mm, p = 0.02, for ALA and CON, respectively). Supplementation tended (p = 0.136) to increase conception rate by 200 DIM (81.69% vs. 55.43% in ALA and CON cows, respectively). However, treatment had no effect (p > 0.05) on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and circulating levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Our results suggest that supplementation with calcium salts of linseed oil could enhance ovarian function without affecting energy metabolism in early lactation dairy cows.

Prepartum dietary energy intake alters adipose tissue transcriptome profiles during the periparturient period in Holstein dairy cows

Background:The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of energy overfeeding during the dry period on adipose tissue transcriptome profiles during the periparturient period in dairy cows.Methods:Fourteen primiparous Holstein cows from a larger cohort receiving a higher-energy diet(1.62 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of dry matter;15%crude protein)for ad libitum intake to supply 150%(OVR)or 100%(CTR)of energy requirements from dry off until parturition were used.After calving,all cows received the same lactation diet.Subcutaneous adipose tissue(SAT)biopsies were collected at−14,1,and 14d fromparturition(d)and used for transcriptome profiling using a bovine oligonucleotide microarray.Data mining of differentially expressed genes(DEG)between treatments and due to sampling time was performed using the Dynamic Impact Approach(DIA)and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis(IPA).Results:There was a strong effect of over-feeding energy on DEG with 2434(False discovery rate-corrected P<0.05)between OVR and CTR at−14 d,and only 340 and 538 at 1 and 14 d.The most-impacted and activated pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database that were highlighted by DIA analysis at−14 d in OVR vs.CTR included 9 associated with carbohydrate metabolism,with‘Pyruvate metabolism’,‘Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis’,and‘Pentose phosphate pathway’among the most-activated.Not surprisingly,OVR led to marked activation of lipid metabolism(e.g.‘Fatty acid biosynthesis’and‘Glycerolipid metabolism’).Unexpected metabolic pathways that were activated at−14 d in OVR included several related to metabolism of amino acids(e.g.branched chain)and of cofactors and vitamins(thiamin).Among endocrine and immune system pathways,at−14 d OVR led to marked activation of‘PPAR signalling’and‘Antigen processing and presentation’.Among key pathways affected over time in OVR,a number were related to translation(e.g.mTOR signaling),endocrine/immune signaling(CXCR4 and IGF1),and lipid metabolism(oxidative phosphorylation)with greater activation in OVR vs.CTR specifically at−14 d.Although statistical differences for several pathways in OVR vs.CTR nearly disappeared at 1 and 14 vs.−14 d,despite the well-known catabolic state of adipose depots after calving,the bioinformatics analyses suggested important roles for a number of signaling mechanisms at−14 vs.14 than 1 vs.-14 d.This was particularly evident in cows fed to meet predicted energy requirements during the dry period(CTR).Conclusions:Data underscored a strong activation by overfeeding energy of anabolic processes in the SAT exclusively prepartum.The study confirmed that higher-energy diets prepartum drive a transcriptional cascade of events orchestrated in part by the activation of PPARγthat regulate preadipocyte differentiation and lipid storage in SAT.Novel aspects of SAT biology to energy overfeeding or change in physiologic state also were uncovered,including the role of amino acid metabolism,mTOR signaling,and the immune system.

Use of Random Regression Test-Day Model to Estimate Genetic Parameters of Milk Yield in Holstein Cows

(Co) variance components and genetic parameters were estimated for milk yield of Iranian Holstein cows. A total number of 68,945 milk test-day records of first, second and third lactations of 8515 animals from 100 sires and 7743 dams originated from 34 herds collected during 2007 to 2009 by Iranian animal breeding center were used. The ASReml computer program was used to analyze the milk test-day records using the random regression procedure. Herd test date (HTD), milking times per day (milking frequency), number of lactations, year of birth, year of calving, age of animal at calving and days in milk (DIM) considered as fixed effects and additive genetic effects and animal permanent environmental effects were considered as the random effects. Additive genetic variance, animal permanent environment variance, residual variance, phenotypic variance, heritability and repeatability were estimated during different months of lactation between 5.7 - 19.6, 15.3 - 27.1, 31.4 - 17.2, 45.8 - 64.83, 0.1 - 0.32 and 0.4 - 0.6, respectively. Genetic correlation and phenotypic correlation were also estimated between months of lactation in range of -0.35 - 0.98 and 0.03 - 0.67, respectively. Genetic correlation and phenotypic correlation both showed the same changing pattern and they decreased as the interval between months of lactation increased.

Growth and Development Regularity of Holstein Cows

[ Objective ] The paper was to study growth and physical structure of Holstein cows at specific phase under intensive rearing conditions in the South China. [ Method] The body sizes of 279 Holstein cows including 49 calves, 35 young cows and 195 adult cows in the experimental farm of Yangzhou University were measured. The raw data were processed by computer to obtain body size index at various physiological stages. The body size indexes were analyzed by SPSS 15.0 software to reflect changes in different physiological stages and various parities of cows. Body size indexes such as body height, body length and heart girth of young cows and calves were fitted by scatter plot. [ Result] The eider the cows were, the longer their bodies were. Calves had a stable growth and development. The body size of young cow at different month-ages was imbalanced. The physical structure of adult cows showed no regularity at different parities, so the specific feeding for growth and development of bone should be strengthened in multiparous cows. [ Conclusion] The study provides reference for keeping management of calves, breeding and keeping management of young cows as well as selection and assortative mating of adult cows.

Effects of Chinese Herb Additive on Milk Yield and Anti-heat Stress Ability of Holstein Cows

[Objective] To explore the effects of Chinese herb additive on milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein diary cow. [Method] A total of 36 Holstein cows at same parity and with similar milk yield were randomly divided into three groups, namely, control group, Chinese medi- cine group I and Chinese medicine group I1. The cows in the Chinese medicine group I were fed basal diet containing 4% compound Chinese herb additive; those in the Chinese medicine group II were fed basal diet containing 3% compound Chinese herb additive; and those in the control group were fed common basal diet. All cows in the three groups were analyzed comparatively. [Result] Supplementing some compound Chinese herb ad- ditive into basal diet increased milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein cows, besides, it also decreased cow diseases like cow mastitis. The Chinese medicine group I generated the highest economic benefit of practical production. [ Conclusion] Supplementing Chinese herb additive in- to basal diet is an effective way to relieve heat stress and increase milk yield.

Relationship between heart girth, serum progesterone and superovulation response ofdonor Holstein cows

Objective: To determine effects of variations of heart girth, volume trait on embryo quality grade, and to explore the relationship between heart girth and circulating progesterone and correlations of circulating progesterone with embryo quality grade in superstimulated donor Holstein cows. Methods: Nineteen cows were subjected to a standard superstimulation protocol using follicle stimulating hormone. Blood samples were collected before superovulation, at insemination and at collection of embryos for progesterone analysis. Embryo quality grades were compared between high and low heart girth donors. Moreover, Pearson's correlations were determined between heart girth, progesterone and embryo quality. Results: Variation of heart girth was not associated with significant differences in embryo quality grade between high and low heart girth donor cows (P>0.05). However, we observed a significantly higher percentage of the third-grade embryo (24.09%) in low heart girth donors compared to 9.64% in high heart girth donors. Moreover, the percentage of the transferable embryo was numerically higher and that of the degenerated embryo was numerically lower in low heart girth cows. Donor cows with low response to superovulation (total structures ≤ 3) expressed numerically higher mean heart girth, compared to donors with high (total structures>15) and medium (total structures = 4-15) superovulation. Heart girth and body weight of donor cows were moderately correlated (r=0.45, P<0.05), but none was correlated with circulating progesterone at different sampling times except for a moderate correlation between body weight and progesterone at embryo collection (r=0.54, P=0.02). Circulating progesterone before superovulation was moderately correlated to the second-grade embryo (r=0.46, P<0.05) and to the third grade (r=0.52, P<0.05) embryo. Conclusions: Volume traits heart girth may influence the response of Holstein cows to superovulation;however, future studies with a higher number of cows are warranted to clarify significant influences.