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.

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.

Dairy cows inoculated with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1

Highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)H5N1 hemagglutinin clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in the United States in 2021.These HPAI viruses caused mortality events in poultry,wild birds,and wild mammals.On March 25,2024,HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was confirmed in a dairy cow in Texas in response to a multi-state investigation into milk production losses.1 Over 200 positive herds were identified in 14 U.S.states.The case description included reduced feed intake and rumen motility in lactating cows,decreased milk production,and thick yellow milk.2,3 The diagnostic investigation revealed viral RNA in milk and mammary tissue with alveolar epithelial degeneration and necrosis and positive immunoreactivity of glandular epithelium.A single transmission event,likely from birds,was followed by limited local transmission and onward horizontal transmission of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13.4 We sought to experimentally reproduce infection with genotype B3.13 in Holstein yearling heifers and lactating cows.Heifers were inoculated by aerosol respiratory route and cows by intramammary route.Clinical disease was mild in heifers,but infection was confirmed by virus detection,lesions,and seroconversion.Clinical disease in lactating cows included decreased rumen motility,changes to milk appearance,and production losses.Infection was confirmed by high levels of viral RNA detected in milk,virus isolation,lesions in mammary tissue,and seroconversion.This study provides the foundation to investigate additional routes of infection,pathogenesis,transmission,and intervention strategies.

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.

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.

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.

Dietary supplementation with xylooligosaccharides and exogenous enzyme improves milk production,energy utilization efficiency and reduces enteric methane emissions of Jersey cows

Background Sustainable strategies for enteric methane(CH_(4))mitigation of dairy cows have been extensively explored to improve production performance and alleviate environmental pressure.The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary xylooligosaccharides(XOS)and exogenous enzyme(EXE)supplementation on milk production,nutrient digestibility,enteric CH_(4) emissions,energy utilization efficiency of lactating Jersey dairy cows.Forty-eight lactating cows were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments:(1)control diet(CON),(2)CON with 25 g/d XOS(XOS),(3)CON with 15 g/d EXE(EXE),and(4)CON with 25 g/d XOS and 15 g/d EXE(XOS+EXE).The 60-d experimental period consisted of a 14-d adaptation period and a 46-d sampling period.The enteric CO_(2)and CH_(4) emissions and O2 consumption were measured using two GreenFeed units,which were further used to determine the energy utilization efficiency of cows.Results Compared with CON,cows fed XOS,EXE or XOS+EXE significantly(P<0.05)increased milk yield,true protein and fat concentration,and energy-corrected milk yield(ECM)/DM intake,which could be reflected by the significant improvement(P<0.05)of dietary NDF and ADF digestibility.The results showed that dietary supplementation of XOS,EXE or XOS+EXE significantly(P<0.05)reduced CH_(4) emission,CH_(4)/milk yield,and CH_(4)/ECM.Furthermore,cows fed XOS demonstrated highest(P<0.05)metabolizable energy intake,milk energy output but lowest(P<0.05)of CH_(4) energy output and CH_(4) energy output as a proportion of gross energy intake compared with the remaining treatments.Conclusions Dietary supplementary of XOS,EXE or combination of XOS and EXE contributed to the improvement of lactation performance,nutrient digestibility,and energy utilization efficiency,as well as reduction of enteric CH_(4) emissions of lactating Jersey cows.This promising mitigation method may need further research to validate its long-term effect and mode of action for dairy cows.

Multi‑omics reveals that the host‑microbiome metabolism crosstalk of differential rumen bacterial enterotypes can regulate the milk protein synthesis of dairy cows

Background Dairy cows’lactation performance is the outcome of the crosstalk between ruminal microbial metabo-lism and host metabolism.However,it is still unclear to what extent the rumen microbiome and its metabolites,as well as the host metabolism,contribute to regulating the milk protein yield(MPY).Methods The rumen fluid,serum and milk of 12 Holstein cows with the same diet(45%coarseness ratio),parity(2–3 fetuses)and lactation days(120–150 d)were used for the microbiome and metabolome analysis.Rumen metabolism(rumen metabolome)and host metabolism(blood and milk metabolome)were connected using a weighted gene co-expression network(WGCNA)and the structural equation model(SEM)analyses.Results Two different ruminal enterotypes,with abundant Prevotella and Ruminococcus,were identified as type1 and type2.Of these,a higher MPY was found in cows with ruminal type2.Interestingly,[Ruminococcus]gauvreauii group and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae(the differential bacteria)were the hub genera of the network.In addition,differential ruminal,serum and milk metabolome between enterotypes were identified,where the cows with type2 had higher L-tyrosine of rumen,ornithine and L-tryptophan of serum,and tetrahydroneopterin,palmitoyl-L-carnitine,S-lactoylglutathione of milk,which could provide more energy and substrate for MPY.Further,based on the identi-fied modules of ruminal microbiome,as well as ruminal serum and milk metabolome using WGCNA,the SEM analysis indicated that the key ruminal microbial module1,which contains the hub genera of the network([Ruminococcus]gauvreauii group and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae)and high abundance of bacteria(Prevotella and Ruminococcus),could regulate the MPY by module7 of rumen,module2 of blood,and module7 of milk,which contained L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan.Therefore,in order to more clearly reveal the process of rumen bacterial regulation of MPY,we established the path of SEM based on the L-tyrosine,L-tryptophan and related components.The SEM based on the metabolites suggested that[Ruminococcus]gauvreauii group could inhibit the energy supply of serum tryptophan to MPY by milk S-lactoylglutathione,which could enhance pyruvate metabolism.Norank_f_Ruminococcaceae could increase the ruminal L-tyrosine,which could provide the substrate for MPY.Conclusion Our results indicated that the represented enterotype genera of Prevotella and Ruminococcus,and the hub genera of[Ruminococcus]gauvreauii group and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae could regulate milk protein synthesis by affecting the ruminal L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan.Moreover,the combined analysis of enterotype,WGCNA and SEM could be used to connect rumen microbial metabolism with host metabolism,which provides a fundamental understanding of the crosstalk between host and microorganisms in regulating the synthesis of milk composition.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on components of the endocannabinoid system and metabolic and inflammatory responses in adipose and liver of peripartum dairy cows

Background:Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the activation of the endocannabinoid system(ECS)by decreasing the availability of arachidonic acid,thus lowering endocannabinoids(e CBs)levels.The ECS is a modulator of energy metabolism,stress response and inflammation in mammals,yet there is little information on the roles of the ECS in transition dairy cows.During the periparturient period,the adipose tissue and liver are the main metabolic organs that participate in the adaptations of dairy cows to onset of lactation;however,exceeded adipose tissue lipolysis and accumulation of lipids in the liver have adverse effects on cows'physiology.Here we aimed to examine whether omega-3 supplementation during the transition period will modulate ECS activation and affect metabolic and inflammatory indices in postpartum dairy cows,by supplementing twenty-eight transition Holstein dairy cows with either saturated fat(CTL)or encapsulated flaxseed oil(FLX).Components of the ECS,metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured in blood,liver,and subcutaneous adipose tissue.Results:FLX supplementation reduced feed intake by 8.1%(P<0.01)and reduced plasma levels of arachidonic acid(by 44.2%;P=0.02)and anandamide(by 49.7%;P=0.03)postpartum compared to CTL.The m RNA transcription levels of the cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1/CB1)tended to be lower(2.5 folds)in white blood cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.10),and protein abundance of ECS enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase was higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.04).In adipose tissue,palmitoylethanolamide levels were lower in FLX than in CTL(by 61.5%;P=0.02),relative m RNA transcription of lipogenic genes were higher,and the protein abundance of cannabinoid receptor 2(P=0.08)and monoacylglycerol lipase(P=0.10)tended to be higher in FLX compared to CTL.Hepatic 2-arachidonoylglycerol tended to be higher(by 73.1%;P=0.07),and interlukin-6 m RNA transcription level was 1.5 folds lower in liver of FLX than in CTL(P=0.03).Conclusions:Nutritional supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids seems to partly modulate ECS activation,which could be related to lower feed intake.The altered ECS components in blood,adipose tissue and liver are associated with moderate modulations in lipid metabolism in the adipose and inflammation in liver of peripartum dairy cows.

Assessment of the Effects of Supplemental Rumen Protected B Vitamins and Choline for Periparturient Cows: A Meta-Analysis of 28 Feeding Studies

There are currently no prescribed requirements for B vitamins or choline for dairy cows during the transition period, but many recent studies have shown a variety of benefits from supplying these nutrients to periparturient cows. The purpose of this research effort was to determine the potential benefit of including a rumen protected blend composed of B vitamins (riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12) and choline (RPBlend, Jefo Nutrition Inc., St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) for dairy cows during the transition period, based on results from 28 on-farm feeding studies (USA-12, Mexico-7, Canada-4, Chile-3, Australia-1, Brazil-1) conducted between 2011 and 2018. All farms participated in monthly herd management record keeping systems and were selected to participate in studies due to their excellent management. Meta-analyses in which risk differences were determined were used to assess the effects of the supplemental RPBlend on health parameters and reproduction. The effect size was used as the determinant of the possible contribution of RPblend on the yields of milk, energy corrected milk (ECM), fat and protein yields during the first four weeks of lactation. Results showed that the inclusion of RPblend reduced (P < 0.05) involuntary culling and mastitis by cows during the first 30 days after calving. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for reduced retained placenta and metritis. The meta-analyses revealed that the risk of the displaced abomasum and milk fever did not diminish (P > 0.10) with the inclusion of the BPBlend. The incidence rate of subclinical ketosis, determined as blood beta hydroxy butyric acid greater than 1.2 mM was lower (P (than those not supplemented. The proportion of cows confirmed pregnant by 100 days in milk was greater for cows given the BPBlend (P < 0.05). Milk yield and ECM were greater for cows receiving the RPBlend (1.13 and 0.93 kg/cow respectively, P < 0.05). There was no change in fat yield (P > 0.10) while the yield of milk protein was greater (P < 0.05) when the cows received the blend. These results suggest that the inclusion of rumen protected B vitamins and choline can assist cow health, reproduction and production at the start of lactation.

The effect of ensiled paulownia leaves in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation,methane production,fatty acid composition,and milk production performance of dairy cows

Background:The use of industrial by-products rich in bioactive compounds as animal feeds can reduce greenhouse gas production.Paulownia leaves silage(PLS)was supplemented to dairy cows'diet and evaluated in vitro(Exp.1;Rusitec)and in vivo(Exp.2,cannulated lactating dairy cows and Exp.3,non-cannulated lactating dairy cows).The study investigated the PLS effect on ruminal fermentation,microbial populations,methane production and concentration,dry matter intake(DMI),and fatty acid(FA)proportions in ruminal fluid and milk.Results:Several variables of the ruminal fluid were changed in response to the inclusion of PLS.In Exp.1,the p H increased linearly and quadratically,whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)concentrations increased linearly and cubically.A linear,quadratic,and cubical decrease in methane concentration was observed with increasing dose of the PLS.Exp.2 revealed an increase in ruminal p H and ammonia concentrations,but no changes in total VFA concentration.Inclusion of PLS increased ruminal propionate(at 3 h and 6 h after feeding),isovalerate,and valerate concentrations.Addition of PLS also affected several populations of the analyzed microorganisms.The abundances of protozoa and bacteria were increased,whereas the abundance of archaea were decreased by PLS.Methane production decreased by 11%and 14%in PLS-fed cows compared to the control in Exp.2 and 3,respectively.Exp.3 revealed a reduction in the milk protein and lactose yield in the PLS-fed cows,but no effect on DMI and energy corrected milk yield.Also,the PLS diet affected the ruminal biohydrogenation process with an increased proportions of C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15,conjugated linoleic acid,C18:1 trans-11 FA,polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),and reduced n6/n3 ratio and saturated fatty acids(SFA)proportion in milk.The relative transcript abundances of the 5 of 6 analyzed genes regulating FA metabolism increased.Conclusions:The dietary PLS replacing the alfalfa silage at 60 g/kg diet can reduce the methane emission and improve milk quality with greater proportions of PUFA,including conjugated linoleic acid,and C18:1 trans-11 along with reduction of SFA.

Predicting nitrogen use efficiency,nitrogen loss and dry matter intake of individual dairy cows in late lactation by including mid‑infrared spectra of milk samples

Background Nitrate leaching to groundwater and surface water and ammonia volatilization from dairy farms have negative impacts on the environment.Meanwhile,the increasing demand for dairy products will result in more pollution if N losses are not controlled.Therefore,a more efficient,and environmentally friendly production system is needed,in which nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)of dairy cows plays a key role.To genetically improve NUE,extensively recorded and cost-effective proxies are essential,which can be obtained by including mid-infrared(MIR)spectra of milk in prediction models for NUE.This study aimed to develop and validate the best prediction model of NUE,nitrogen loss(NL)and dry matter intake(DMI)for individual dairy cows in China.Results A total of 86 lactating Chinese Holstein cows were used in this study.After data editing,704 records were obtained for calibration and validation.Six prediction models with three different machine learning algorithms and three kinds of pre-processed MIR spectra were developed for each trait.Results showed that the coefficient of determination(R2)of the best model in within-herd validation was 0.66 for NUE,0.58 for NL and 0.63 for DMI.For external validation,reasonable prediction results were only observed for NUE,with R2 ranging from 0.58 to 0.63,while the R2 of the other two traits was below 0.50.The infrared waves from 973.54 to 988.46 cm−1 and daily milk yield were the most important variables for prediction.Conclusion The results showed that individual NUE can be predicted with a moderate accuracy in both within-herd and external validations.The model of NUE could be used for the datasets that are similar to the calibration dataset.The prediction models for NL and 3-day moving average of DMI(DMI_a)generated lower accuracies in within-herd validation.Results also indicated that information of MIR spectra variables increased the predictive ability of models.Additionally,pre-processed MIR spectra do not result in higher accuracy than original MIR spectra in the external validation.These models will be applied to large-scale data to further investigate the genetic architecture of N efficiency and further reduce the adverse impacts on the environment after more data is collected.

Evaluation of Holstein cows with different tongue‑rolling frequencies:stress immunity,rumen environment and general behavioural activity

Background The tongue-rolling behaviour of cows is regarded as an outward sign of stressed animals in a low welfare status.The primary aim of this observational study was to evaluate the association between the frequency of tongue-rolling behaviour and its physiological function.The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between general activities and the frequency of tongue-rolling behaviour of cows.A total of 126 scan sampling behavioural observations were collected over 7 d on 348 Holstein cows with the same lactation stage in the same barn.The tongue-rolling frequency was defined as the number of tongue-rolling observations as a percentage to the total observations per individual cow.According to their tongue-rolling frequency,the cows were grouped into the CON(no tongue-rolling),LT(frequency 1%),MT(frequency 5%),and HT(frequency 10%)groups.Six cows from each group were randomly selected for sampling.Serum samples,rumen fluid,milk yield,and background infor-mation were collected.The general behaviour data during 72 continuous hours of dairy cows,including eating time,rumination time,food time(eating time+rumination time),and lying time,were recorded by the collar sensor.Results Cortisol(P=0.012),γ-hydroxybutyric acid(P=0.008),epinephrine(P=0.030),and dopamine(P=0.047)levels were significantly higher in tongue-rolling groups than in the CON group.Cortisol levels and tongue-rolling frequency had a moderate positive correlation(linearly r=0.363).With the increase in tongue-rolling frequency,the rumen pH decreased first and then increased(P=0.013),comparing to the CON group.HT cows had significantly less food time than CON cows(P=0.035).The frequency of tongue-rolling had a moderate negative relationship with rumination time(r=-0.384)and food time(r=-0.492).Conclusions The tongue-rolling behaviour is considered as a passive coping mechanism,as the stress response in cows with high tongue-rolling frequency increased.Food intake and rumination activities were all closely related to the occurrence of tongue-rolling behaviour.

Effects of Herbal Feed Additive on Milk Production of Dairy Cows

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the herbal feed additive Zengrujianniusan on the milk production of dairy cows. [Method] Thirty-two black-white lactating cows were randomly divided into four groups, and were fed with forage supplemented with 0 （control group）, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan for 60 d. During this period, the contents of fat, protein and non-fat solid in milk were measured every 20 d. [Result] The milk production of the cows whose forage was added with 0.2 %, 0.4 % and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan was 4.02%, 12.50%, 14.00% higher than that of the control （P〉0.05）. The herbal feed additive had no significant influence on the contents of fat, milk and non-fat solid in milk, but significantly reduced the number of somatic cells. [Conclusion] The study will provide reference for developing feed additives which is safe and non-toxic to cows and their milk.

Determination of reference intervals for metabolic profile of Hanwoo cows at early, middle and late gestation periods

Background： Metabolic profile was initially designed as a presymptomatic diagnostic aid based on statistical analyses of blood metabolites to provide an early warning of certain types of metabolic disorder. However, there is little metabolic profile data available about Korean Hanwoo cows. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference intervals of metabolic profile for Korean Hanwoo cows. Methods： Healthy animals （2,205） were selected and divided into early （day 1 to 95）, middle （day 96 to 190） and late （day 191 to 285） period according to their gestating period. Metabolic profile including total protein （TP）, albumin （AIb）, urea （UREA）, glucose （Glu）, total cholesterol （T-Cho）, long-chain fatty acid （LCFA）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT）, creatinine （Crea）, calcium （Ca）, inorganic phosphorous （iP） and magnesium （Mg） were analyzed using a TBA-4OFR automatic biochemical analyzer. The data of Korean Hanwoo cows were then compared to those of the Japanese Wagyu cows. Results： Most of the data of the Korean Hanwoo cows were relatively higher than those of Japanese Wagyu cows, with the exception of Glu and GGT. This may indicate that the nutritional level of feed for the Korean Hanwoo cows was higher than that of the Japanese Wagyu cows because of the different feeding system. In particular, relatively higher levels of UREA and LCFA were observed in the Korean Hanwoo cows, and this may also contribute to the low reproduction efficiency. Conclusions： These findings may provide some theoretical basis for understanding the reproductive and feeding situation of Korean Hanwoo cows.

COWS原油储罐清洗技术在黄岛油库的应用

日本大凤公司研制开发的COWS原油储罐清洗技术可以利用同种油品,在不改变原油质量的前提下对油罐进行机械清洗,并回收罐底的全部原油。采用该技术进行清洗油罐,原油回收率高,安全环保,是清洗油罐的极佳选择。介绍了COWS油罐清洗技术的工作原理和过程,并对黄岛油库6002号油罐清洗的实际效果进行了分析。

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.

Adipose tissue lipolysis and remodeling during the transition period of dairy cows

Elevated concentrations of plasma fatty acids in transition dairy cows are significantly associated with increased disease susceptibility and poor lactation performance. The main source of plasma fatty acids throughout the transition period is lipolysis from adipose tissue depots. During this time, plasma fatty acids serve as a source of calories mitigating the negative energy balance prompted by copious milk synthesis and limited dry matter intake.Past research has demonstrated that lipolysis in the adipose organ is a complex process that includes not only the activation of lipolytic pathways in response to neural, hormonal, or paracrine stimuli, but also important changes in the structure and cellular distribution of the tissue in a process known as adipose tissue remodeling. This process involves an inflammatory response with immune cell migration, proliferation of the cellular components of the stromal vascular fraction, and changes in the extracellular matrix. This review summarizes current knowledge on lipolysis in dairy cattle, expands on the new field of adipose tissue remodeling, and discusses how these biological processes affect transition cow health and productivity.

Rumen microbiome structure and metabolites activity in dairy cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis

Background:Due to the high prevalence and complex etiology,bovine mastitis(BM)is one of the most important diseases to compromise dairy cow health and milk quality.The shift in milk compositions has been widely investigated during mastitis,but recent studies suggested that gastrointestinal microorganism also has a crucial effect on the inflammation of other peripheral tissues and organs,including the mammary gland.However,research focused on the variation of rumen inner-environment during mastitis is still limited.Therefore,the ruminal microbial profiles,metabolites,and milk compositions in cows with different udder health conditions were compared in the present study.Furthermore,the correlations between udder health status and ruminal conditions were investigated.Based on the somatic cell counts(SCC),California mastitis test(CMT)parameters and clinical symptoms of mastitis,60 lactating Holstein dairy cows with similar body conditions(excepted for the udder health condition)were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=20 per group)including the healthy(H)group,the subclinical mastitis(SM)group and the clinical mastitis(CM)group.Lactation performance and rumen fermentation parameters were recorded.And rumen microbiota and metabolites were also analyzed via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics,respectively.Results:As the degree of mastitis increased,rumen lactic acid(LA)(P<0.01),acetate,propionate,butyrate,valerate(P<0.001),and total volatile fatty acids(TVFAs)(P<0.01)concentrations were significantly decreased.In the rumen of CM cows,the significantly increased bacteria related to intestinal and oral inflammation,such as Lachnospiraceae(FDR-adjusted P=0.039),Moraxella(FDR-adjusted P=0.011)and Neisseriaceae(FDR-adjusted P=0.036),etc.,were accompanied by a significant increase in 12-oxo-20-dihydroxy-leukotriene B4(FDR-adjusted P=5.97×10^(−9))and 10beta-hydroxy-6beta-isobutyrylfuranoeremophilane(FDR-adjusted P=3.88×10^(−10)).Meanwhile,in the rumen of SM cows,the Ruminiclostridium_9(FDR-adjusted P=0.042)and Enterorhabdus(FDR-adjusted P=0.043)were increased along with increasing methenamine(FDR-adjusted P=6.95×10^(−6)),5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde(5-HMF)(FDR-adjusted P=2.02×10^(−6))and 6-methoxymellein(FDR-adjusted P=2.57×10^(−5)).The short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)-producing bacteria and probiotics in rumen,including Prevoterotoella_1(FDRadjusted P=0.045)and Bifidobacterium(FDR-adjusted P=0.035),etc.,were significantly reduced,with decreasing 2-phenylbutyric acid(2-PBA)(FDR-adjusted P=4.37×10^(−6)).Conclusion:The results indicated that there was a significant shift in the ruminal microflora and metabolites associated with inflammation and immune responses during CM.Moreover,in the rumen of cows affected by SM,the relative abundance of several opportunistic pathogens and the level of metabolites which could produce antibacterial compounds or had a competitive inhibitory effect were all increased.

Milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of heat-stressed lactating dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress(HS) on the feed intake, milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments according to a completely randomized design. Half of the cows were allocated to the HS group in August(summer season), and the other half were assigned to the HS-free group in November(autumn season). HS reduced(P<0.01) dry matter intake(DMI), milk yield, milk protein and milk urea nitrogen(MUN) of cows compared with HSfree control, but increased(P<0.01) milk somatic cell counts(SCC). We determined the HS-induced metabolic alterations and the relevant mechanisms in dairy cows using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analyses. Thirty-four metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HS in dairy cows. Ten of these metabolites, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, lactose, β-hydroxybutyrate, citric acid, α-ketoglutarate, urea, creatine, and orotic acid, had high sensitivity and specificity for HS diagnoses, and seven metabolites were also identified as potential biomarkers of HS in plasma, milk, and liver. These substances are involved in glycolysis, lactose, ketone, tricarboxylic acid(TCA), amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, indicating that HS mainly affects lactose, energy and nucleotide metabolism in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows. This study suggested that HS might affect milk production and composition by affecting the feed intake and substance metabolisms in the mammary gland tissue of lactating dairy cows.