Hepatic lipid metabolism in transition dairy cows fed flaxseed

Thirty-three Holstein cows averaging 687 kg of body weight were allotted 6 wk before the expected date of parturition to 11 groups of 3 cows blocked within parity for similar calving dates to determine the effects of feeding different sources of fatty acids on blood parameters related to fatty liver and profile of fatty acids in plasma and liver. Cows were fed lipid supplements from 6 wk before the expected date of parturition until d 28 of lactation. Cows within each block were assigned to 1 of 3 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary supplements: control with no added lipids (CO); unsaturated lipids supplied as whole flaxseed (FL; 3.3 and 11.0% of the dry matter in prepartum and postpartum diets, respectively); and saturated lipids supplied as Energy Booster (EB; 1.7 and 3.5% of the DM in prepartum and postpartum diets, respectively). Diets EB and FL had similar ether extract concentrations. Multiparous cows fed EB had lower dry matter intake and milk production, higher concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in plasma and triglycerides (TG) and total lipids in liver, and lower concentrations of plasma glucose and liver glycogen than those fed FL and CO. Production of 4% fat-corrected milk was similar among treatments. Multiparous cows fed FL had the highest liver concentrations of glycogen on wk 2 and 4 after calving and lowest concentrations of TG on wk 4 after calving. Liver C16:0 relative percentages in multiparous cows increased after calving whereas those of C18:0 decreased. Relative percentages of liver C16:0 were higher in wk 2 and 4 postpartum for multiparous cows fed EB compared with those fed CO and FL; those of C18:0 were lower in wk 4 postpartum for cows fed EB compared with those fed CO and FL. Liver C18:1 relative percentages of multiparous cows increased after calving and were higher in wk 4 for cows fed EB compared with those fed CO and FL. The inverse was observed for liver C18:2 relative percentages. In general, diets had more significant effects on plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glucose and liver profiles of fatty acids, TG, total lipids, and glycogen of multiparous than primiparous cows. These data suggest that feeding a source of saturated fatty acids increased the risk of fatty liver in the transition cow compared with feeding no lipids or whole flaxseed. Feeding flaxseed compared with no lipids or a source of saturated fatty acids from 6 wk before calving could be a useful strategy to increase liver concentrations of glycogen and decrease liver concentrations of TG after calving, which may prevent the development of fatty liver in the transition dairy cow.     

Factors affecting conception rates following artificial insemination or embryo transfer in lactating Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors that may affect conception rates (CR) following artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET) in lactating Holstein cows. Estrous cycling cows producing 33.1 ± 7.2 kg of milk/d received PGF_2α injections and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups (AI or ET). Cows detected in estrus (n = 387) between 48 and 96 h after the PGF_2α injection received AI (n = 227) 12 h after detection of estrus or ET (n = 160) 6 to 8 d later (1 fresh embryo, grade 1 or 2, produced from nonlactating cows). Pregnancy was diagnosed at 28 and 42 d after estrus, and embryonic loss occurred when a cow was pregnant on d 28 but not pregnant on d 42. Ovulation, conception, and embryonic loss were analyzed by a logistic model to evaluate the effects of covariates [days in milk (DIM), milk yield, body temperature (BT) at d 7 and 14 post-AI, and serum concentration of progesterone (P4) at d 7 and 14 post-AI] on the probability of success. The first analysis included all cows that were detected in estrus. The CR of AI and ET were different on d 28 (AI, 32.6% vs. ET, 49.4%) and 42 (AI, 29.1% vs. ET, 38.8%) and were negatively influenced by high BT (d 7) and DIM. The second analysis included only cows with a corpus luteum on d 7. Ovulation rate was 84.8% and was only negatively affected by DIM. Conception rates of AI and ET were different on d 28 (AI, 37.9% vs. ET, 59.4%) and 42 (AI, 33.8% vs. ET, 46.6%) and were negatively influenced by high BT (d 7). The third analysis included only ovulating cows that were 7 d postestrus. Conception rates of AI and ET were different on d 28 (AI, 37.5% vs. ET, 63.2%) and 42 (AI, 31.7% vs. ET, 51.7%) and were negatively influenced by high BT (d 7). There was a positive effect of serum concentration of P4 and a negative effect of milk production on the probability of conception for the AI group but not for the ET group. The fourth analysis was embryonic loss (AI, 10.8% vs. ET, 21.5%). The transfer of fresh embryos is an important tool to increase the probability of conception of lactating Holstein cows because it can bypass the negative effects of milk production and low P4 on the early embryo. The superiority of ET vs. AI is more evident in high-producing cows. High BT measured on d 7 had a negative effect on CR and embryonic retention.     

Short communication: extraction of beta-casein from goat milk

Peptides derived from milk β-casein have potential biological activities, such as antihypertensive and immunostimulating properties. These biological properties increase the demand for the production of specific bioactive peptides. β-Casein can be isolated directly from renneted skim milk, based on the preferential solubilization of β-casein at low temperature. This study was conducted to compare the recovery and purity of β-casein extracted from goat and cow milks. Rennet casein was prepared from both milks, heat treated, and dispersed in demineralized water at various temperatures. β-Casein recovery in the soluble phase increased with decreasing incubation temperature. Concentration of β-casein was 43% higher in goat milk than in cow milk, which had a direct effect on β-casein recovery. Furthermore, β-casein was extracted more efficiently from goat rennet casein. As a result, the extraction yield of β-casein was 53% higher in goat milk than in cow milk. The purity of β-casein extracted from both milks reached approximately 90% after incubation at 0°C.     

Effects of feeding fish meal and n-3 fatty acids on milk yield and metabolic responses in early lactating dairy cows

The study was designed to test the effects of feeding fish meal (FM) and specific n-3 fatty acids on milk yield and composition, dry matter intake, plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites, and liver triglyceride accumulation in early lactating cows. From 5 to 50 d in milk (DIM), cows were fed diets that were isonitrogenous, isoenergetic, and isolipidic containing none (control), 1.25, 2.5, or 5% menhaden FM or 2.3% Ca salts of fish oil fatty acids (CaFOFA). Milk yield (48.2, 49.8, 48.6, 53.5, and 52.2 ± 1.0 kg/d, respectively) and dry matter intake (22.7, 22.8, 23.0, 23.8, and 24.7 ± 0.5 kg/d, respectively) differed among diets. Average daily plasma glucose concentration (53.4, 55.3, 51.1, 57.6, and 57.3 ± 1.3 mg/dL, respectively) was also affected by diet, and plasma insulin concentration was increased by 5% FM and 2.3% Ca-FOFA. At 25 and 50 DIM, blood was collected before feeding and hourly for 11 h after feeding. Plasma glucose concentrations in cows during the day were similar among diets at 25 DIM, but differed at 50 DIM (54.6, 54.4, 52.4, 60.5, and 58.3 ± 1.4 mg/dL for 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5% FM or 2.3% CaFOFA, respectively). Plasma insulin was increased in cows fed 5% FM and 2.3% CaFOFA at 25 DIM and was similar among diets at 50 DIM. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on milk composition, energy balance, or on daily plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and urea. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic triglyceride concentration in cows did not differ among diets at 21 DIM. Results from this experiment demonstrate that dietary supplementation with FM or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in early lactating dairy cows significantly increased milk yield and DMI with no change in milk composition.     

Detection of quantitative trait loci affecting lameness and leg conformation traits in Danish Holstein cattle

Lameness is an important factor for culling animals. Strong legs and feet improve herd life of dairy cows. Therefore, many countries include leg and feet conformation traits in their breeding programs, often as early predictors of longevity. However, few countries directly measure lameness related traits to include these in a breeding program. Lameness indices in 3 different lactations and 5 leg conformation traits (rear legs side view, rear legs rear view, hock quality, bone quality, and foot angle) were measured on granddaughters of 19 Danish Holstein grandsires with 33 to 105 sons. A genome scan was performed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) based on the 29 autosomes using microsatellite markers. Data were analyzed across and within families for QTL affecting lameness and leg conformation traits. A regression method and a variance component method were used for QTL detection. Two QTL each for lameness in the first [Bos taurus autosome (BTA); BTA5, BTA26] and second (BTA19, BTA22) lactations were detected. For the 5 different leg conformation traits, 7 chromosome-wise significant QTL were detected across families for rear legs side view, 5 for rear legs rear view, 4 for hock quality, 4 for bone quality, and 1 for foot angle. For those chromosomes where a QTL associated with 2 different traits was detected (BTA1, BTA11, BTA15, BTA26, and BTA27), a multitrait-1-QTL model and a multitrait-2-QTL model were performed to characterize these QTL as single QTL with pleiotropic effects or distinct QTL.     

中草药抗热应激剂对高温环境奶牛生产性能的影响

选用32头健康无病,体重、年龄、胎次、泌乳量、乳脂率、乳蛋白和乳固形物等相近的中国黑白花奶牛,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在饲喂基础日粮的基础上分别添加50、100和150 g/(头·d)中草药抗热应激剂,进行中草药抗热应激剂缓解高温天气对奶牛的影响试验,试验期为40 d.结果表明,B、C和D组每头奶牛平均日产奶量比A组分别增加1.89、2.62和2.83 kg,提高幅度分别为11.91%、16.51%和17.83%,差异均极显著(P＜0.01).在乳脂率方面,B、C和D组比A组分别提高0.10、0.23和0.15个百分点,提高幅度分别为3.47%、7.99%和5.21%,其中C组差异显著(P＜0.05);在乳蛋白方面,B、C和D组比A组分别提高0.06、0.10和0.08个百分点,差异不显著(P＞0.05);B、C和D组乳固形物比A组分别提高0.39、0.42和0.38个百分点.B、C和D组比A组每头每日分别多收入2.64、3.08和2.53元.     

乳制品中邻苯二甲酸酯类化合物残留量检测方法

建立了测定乳制品中邻苯二甲酸之类物质残留量的气质联用方法。液体乳及含乳饮料采用正己烷萃取后直接测定;乳粉类样品先用正己烷萃取、再用凝胶萃取小柱净化后上机测定。色谱测定条件为采用DB-5MS(30 m×0.25 mm×0.25μm)石英毛细管柱梯度升温进行分离质谱条件为色谱与质谱接口温度280℃、电子轰击源、选择离子扫描模式、电力能量70 eV。通过各组分的定性与定量离子分别对邻苯二甲酸酯进行定性、定量测定。该方法样品加标回收率分别在86%~105%之间,液体乳及乳饮料检出限为0.05 mg/kg,乳粉为0.1 mg/kg。本法具有操作简单、测定快速、灵敏度高、专属性及准确性好等优点。     

HACCP在乳品生产中的应用探讨

在食品的生产管理中，对其质量的预防和控制传统的做法是把重点放在监督检查和对成品的监测上，而HACCP是把预防和控制重点前移，对全过程进行危害分析，找出关键控制点并采取有效措施加以控制。在实际应系统地分析整个生产过程，确定CCP点，并制定有效的控制措施。     

热应激时奶牛血液中游离氨基酸流向与乳蛋白下降的关系研究

目的:探讨热应激时奶牛血液中氨基酸与乳蛋白的相互关系。方法:选取6头相同泌乳期奶牛,正常饲喂和饮水,实验期35 d(6月29日—8月5日)。每日10:00和18:00记录气温,统计产奶量,每周取全天奶样,Foss乳成分分析仪检测乳蛋白含量。于实验开始第1周和最后1周采集颈静脉血液,反相高效液相色谱法检测血液中游离氨基酸含量。结果:随着气温的升高(由26℃升高至最高38℃),实验奶牛日均产奶量由15.2 kg/d下降至10 kg/d,乳蛋白产量由0.47 kg/d下降至0.31 kg/d。血液中Glu、Asp、Gly和Val等主要的生糖氨基酸(参与糖异生作用)以及Leu、Ile等生酮氨基酸均升高或显著升高(0.01P0.05);总支链氨基酸(Val、Ile、Leu,主要参加免疫反应)含量显著增加(P0.05),在必需氨基酸中所占的比例由54.75%增至67.89%。结论:在夏季高温高湿条件下,奶牛可发生热应激,产奶量和乳蛋白含量均降低,但血液中游离氨基酸,特别是支链氨基酸含量显著升高。提示热应激时奶牛血液中高水平的游离氨基酸并未完全用于乳蛋白的合成,还发挥了除此之外的其他作用,而后者的作用优先于参与乳蛋白的合成,即可能优先作为功能性氨基酸参与了机体的其他活动。     

Nutritive value of maize silage in relation to dairy cow performance and milk quality

Maize silage has become the major forage component in the ration of dairy cows over the last few decades. This review provides information on the mean content and variability in chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and ensiling quality of maize silages, and discusses the major factors which cause these variations. In addition, the effect of the broad range in chemical composition of maize silages on the total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows is quantified and discussed. Finally, the optimum inclusion level of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows for milk production and composition is reviewed. The data showed that the nutritive value of maize silages is highly variable and that most of this variation is caused by large differences in maturity at harvest. Maize silages ensiled at a very early stage (dry matter (DM) < 250 g kg^?1) were particularly low in starch content and starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio, and resulted in a lower DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content. The DMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled at DM contents of 300–350 g kg^?1, and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg^?1. The increases in milk (R² = 0.599) and protein (R² = 0.605) yields with maturity of maize silages were positively related to the increase in starch/NDF ratio of the maize silages. On average, the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage‐based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d^?1, milk yield by 1.9 kg d^?1 and milk protein content by 1.2 g kg^?1. Further comparisons showed that, in terms of milk and milk constituent yields, the optimum grass/maize silage ratio depends on the quality of both the grass and maize silages. Replacement of grass silage with maize silage in the ration, as well as an increasing maturity of the maize silages, altered the milk FA profile of the dairy cows, notably, the concentration of the cis‐unsaturated FAs, C18:3n‐3 and n‐3/n‐6 ratio decreased in milk fat. Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield. Harvesting maize silages at a DM content between 300 and 350 g kg^?1 and feeding in combination with grass silage results in a higher milk yield of dairy cows. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry