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The study determined the effect of the size of the Corpus Luteum (CL), the concentration of Progesterone (P4), time needed to pass the cervix, the place of deposit of the embryo and the total time required to complete the embryo transfer process (TE) on the pregnancy rate (PR) of Holstein heifers (n=40). Prior to the transfer, the recipients were ultrasounded and those with CL>15 mm entered the experiment. Fory quality 1 (excellent) frozen-thawed embryos were transferred, obtaining a TR of 45%. The CL size and P4 concentration of pregnant heifers (20.6 ± 0.31 mm; 4.4 ± 0.12 ng·mL−1) were greater than that of non-pregnant heifers (16.7 ± 0.28 mm; 3.1 ± 0.11 ng·mL−1; P<0.05). The time required to pass the cervix was greater in no-pregnant heifers than in pregnant (60.0 ± 5.32 s; 40.3 ± 4.65 s, respectively); as well as the total time spent in ET was greater in non-pregnant heifers (783.0 ± 31.43 s) compared to pregnant heifers (680.9 ± 29.93 s; P<0.05). A high and positive correlation was established between CL size and P4 concentration with pregnancy (r=0.84; r=0.77; P<0.001, respectively). However, the correlation observed between the time used to pass the cervix (r=0.35; P<0.05) and the total time spent transferring the embryo with the pregnancy was positive, but low (r=0.45; P<0.05). It concludes that a CL>20 mm at the time of transfer provided a higher concentration of P4, a factor that increases the probability of establishing a pregnancy. Furthermore, the less time required to pass the cervix, the embryo could be deposited with less manipulation in the cranial third of the uterine horn, decreasing the total time spent transferring the embryo, which increased the conception rate.

German nationalism in the Schleswig and Holstein duchies that predates the German Unification Wars of the Nineteenth Century continuously transformed in response to Danish encroachment, civic disputes regarding treaty legitimacy, and war. The Germans in the duchies fought to retain their ancestral homelands and, in doing so, embraced a pan-Germanic consciousness that is the foundation for early modern nationalism. This consciousness dates back hundreds of years. This case study examines the Germans of Schleswig and Holstein and their experiences with the consistent and pressing Danish encroachment. Despite the encroachment, the Germans remained connected with their culture, traditions, religion, and their respective national consciousness. This long-term struggle to maintain their identity and autonomy led to increased unity with themselves and other German states. Later, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, modern nationalism spread, causing the “Denmark to the Eider” movement, igniting the nationalist sentiments from the Germans in the duchies and starting the 1848 Schleswig-Holstein Conflict. This dissertation draws from the nationalist approach to identify and define German nationalist sentiment in the duchies from cultural, religious, and political perspectives.

Prolactin is a hormone best recognized for its roles in lactation and reproduction, although it has important immunomodulatory roles, particularly in the context of stress. Several mutations in the prolactin receptor gene have been identified in cattle that are associated with a short hair phenotype and improved thermotolerance in hot environments. Among these mutations, the SLICK1 allele is a single base pair deletion resulting in a frameshift mutation that introduces a premature stop codon, preventing transcription of 120 amino acids of the prolactin receptor intracellular tail. The shortened prolactin receptor tail lacks tyrosine residues that are docking sites for signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) molecules. The canonical pathway utilized by the prolactin receptor is JAK2/STAT5, although other STAT proteins such as STAT1 and STAT3 are also involved. It is unknown whether the presence of the SLICK1 allele could modify the functioning of JAK/STAT signaling pathways. To investigate prolactin receptor-associated signaling pathways in cattle carrying the SLICK1 allele, we performed immunohistochemistry in skin biopsies obtained from slick and non-slick heifers to evaluate the presence and abundance of phosphorylated (activated) STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 in hair follicles and sweat glands. The presence of pSTAT3 was detected less often (P = 0.03) in hair follicles of slick (42.5% ± 10.7%; n=5) compared to non-slick heifers (79.5% ± 9.7%; n=6). No difference between genotypes was found for the presence of immunoreactivity for pSTAT1 (slick = 37.9% ± 11.3%; non-slick = 43.9% ± 10.3%; P = 0.70) or pSTAT5 (slick = 8.9% ± 7.1%; non-slick = 15% ± 6.5%; P = 0.52) in hair follicles. Additionally, presence of immunoreactivity for pSTAT1 (slick = 47.5% ± 21.8%; non-slick = 91.7% ± 25.2%; P = 0.24) and pSTAT3 (slick = 33.3% ± 24.3%; non-slick = 91.7% ± 24.3%; P = 0.16) in sweat glands did not differ between genotypes. Immunoreactivity for pSTAT5 was only de

Evaluation of the effects of feeding NutraGen supplement (NutraGen, NTG; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ, USA) on growth performance, energetic efficiency, carcass characteristcs, and characteristics of digestion in calf-fed Holstein steers fed a conventional growing-finishing diet. Trial 1 evaluated growth performance, dietary energetics and carcass characteristics. Two hundred Holstein steer calves (134 ± 5 kg) were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 40 pens (5 steers/pen). Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6% NTG (DM basis). In trial 2, four Holstein steers (170 ±6 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate digestibility and ruminal characteristics using the treatments from trial 1. Compared to non-supplemented cattle, NTG increased BW (2.0%, P = 0.02) and tended to increase ADG (3.6%, P = 0.07) during the initial 56 d period. However, there were no treatment effects on overall growth performance and efficiency of dietary energy utilization after the first 56 days (P > 0.10). Supplementation of NTG increased (linear effect; P ≤ 0.03) longissimus muscle area and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.05) of NTG supplementation on other carcass characteristics, liver abscess incidence, or liver abscess scars. Supplementation decreased the molar proportion of ruminal propionate (P = 0.05) and tended to increase acetate:propionate molar ratio (P = 0.09). However, there was no effect of NTG supplementation on ruminal and total tract diet digestion. NTG increased performance of Holstein steers during the first 56 d on feed in the feedlot. In addition, the steers had an increase in KPH fat and LM area, indicating that the additive induced change in metabolism of the steers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental flavomycin on cattle growth performance, carcass characteristics, diet digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of calf-fed Holstein steers. One hundred Holstein steers (123 ± 7 kg) were balanced by weight and assigned to 20 pens. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (dry matter basis): 1) control, no feed additive; 2) 6.6 mg/kg flavomycin; 3) 13.2 mg/kg flavomycin, and 4) 30 mg/kg monensin (MON). There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.17) on live weight, average daily gain (ADG), and gain efficiency. Flavomycin did not affect dry matter intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.24). Flavomycin supplementation did not affect (P ≥ 0.37) the ratio of observed vs. expected DMI. However, MON decreased (P = 0.02) observed vs. expected DMI by 3.7%. There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.44) on ruminal pH or temperature. Flavomycin did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) carcass characteristics and liver abscess among steers. Four Holstein steers (463 ± 20 kg) with ruminal cannulas were used in 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to study treatment effects on site and extent of digestion, ruminal pH, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) molar proportions. Dietary treatments were the same as experiment 1. Flavomycin tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.07) ruminal organic matter (OM) digestion, associated with increased (linear effect, P < 0.01) ruminal starch digestion. Supplementing flavomycin at 13.2 mg/kg decreased net microbial N synthesis (quadratic effect, P = 0.03). Compared with control, MON tended to increase (P = 0.10) ruminal neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestion and increased (P < 0.01) ruminal starch digestion. Monensin did not affect (P = 0.39) net microbial N synthesis, but decreased (P = 0.01) ruminal degradation of feed nitrogen (N). There were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) on total tract apparent digestion of DM, OM, NDF, and starch. Flavomycin decreased ru

This study evaluates the partial replacement of steam-flaked corn (SFC) with increasing dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) levels in growing-finishing diets for calf-fed Holstein steers. Two experiments were conducted. In trial 1, 100 Holstein calves (136 ± 7 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of DDGS as a metabolizable protein source on cattle growth performance, and dietary energetics of calf-fed Holstein steers during the initial 111 d growing phase. Four dietary levels of DDGS were evaluated (10, 15, 20, and 25%, dry matter basis), replacing SFC (flake density, 0.31 kg/L). In trial 2, four Holstein steers (368 ± 20 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, nitrogen (N), and indispensable amino acid supply to the small intestine. The increasing level of DDGS did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) average daily gain, gain efficiency, and estimated dietary net energy values. Replacement of SFC with increasing levels of DDGS decreased (linear; P = 0.01) ruminal OM digestion. There was no treatment effect on the flow of microbial nitrogen to the small intestine (P = 0.34) and ruminal microbial efficiency (P = 0.79). However, increasing levels of DDGS in the diet increased (linear; P ≤ 0.04) flow of methionine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine but did not affect (P = 0.74) intestinal supply of lysine. Increasing DDGS in the diet increased (linear, P < 0.01) flow of N to the small intestine but decreased (linear; P < 0.01) ruminal N efficiency. Replacing SFC with DDGS increased intake and amino acid leaving the abomasum. Still, this effect was not sufficient to increase the growth performance of calf-fed Holstein during the first 111 d on feed.

The experiment had two phases, the first one determined the relationship between the antral follicle count (AFC) and the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) valued on the day the follicular wave restarted in 61 crossbred Holstein heifers, raised on farms, from the high tropics of Ecuador. The second phase compared the AFC assessed on the day of ultrasound-guided aspiration (OPU); as well as the quantity and quality of Cumulus Oocyte Complexes (COCs) recovered in animals with high (n=8) and low (n=8) concentrations of AMH. Follicular wave synchronization in the first phase of the study was performed with estradiol benzoate plus an intravaginal progesterone (IVD) and prostaglandin (PG) implant. The AFC and the taking of the blood samples in the first phase of the experiment were carried out on day 11 of the protocol. AMH cut-off values of greater than 0.12 ng·mL-1were established for the high AMH group and 0.05 ng·mL-1for the low AMH concentration group. The AMH concentration on day 0 (start of the follicular wave) was 0.13 ± 0.01 ng·mL-1, with an AFC of 17.31 ± 0.69 follicles and a high and positive correlation between AMH and the AFC of r=0.93; P<0.001. In the second phase of the experiment, it was observed that the heifers with a high concentration of AMH had double the number of follicles and COCs compared to those with a low concentration; however, the recovery rate was similar (57 %) in the two groups. The existence of a high and positive correlation between AFC and AMH concentration was confirmed; Furthermore, a strong relationship was observed between AMH and the quantity and quality of COCs recovered by OPU. Heifers with greater than 12 ng·mL-1should be selected as oocyte donors, since they provided double the COC's suitable for the production of embryos in vitro (PIVE), which will influence the quantity and quality of embryos obtained at the end of the PIVE.

The aim of this analysis is to outline why and how technical innovations and the development of associations among breeders led the Italian Holstein-Friesian breed of cattle (Frisona Italiana), known primarily for its high milk yield, to became dominant in the ‘60s, surpassing other breeds, previously more widespread in Italy.

This study aimed to find the parsimonious random regression model (RRM) to evaluate the genetic potential for milk yield (MY), fat content (FC), and protein content (PC) in Tunisian Holstein cows. For this purpose, 551,139; 331,654; and 302,396 test day records for MY, FC, and PC were analysed using various RRMs with different Legendre polynomials (LP) orders on additive genetic (AG) and permanent environmental (PE) effects, and different types of residual variances (RV). The statistical analysis was performed in a Bayesian framework with Gibbs sampling, and the model performances were assessed, mainly, on the predictive ability criteria. The study found that the optimal model for evaluating these traits was an RRM with a third LP order and nine classes of heterogeneous RV. In addition, the study found that heritability estimates for MY, FC, and PC ranged from 0.11 to 0.22, 0.11 to 0.17, and 0.12 to 0.18, respectively, indicating that genetic improvement should be accompanied by improvements in the production environment. The study also suggested that new selection rules could be used to modify lactation curves by exploiting the canonical transformation of the random coefficient covariance (RC) matrix or by using the combination of slopes of individual lactation curves and expected daily breeding values.

In this study, the authors focused on the evaluation of the genetic parameters of longevity, milk yield traits, and type traits in dairy cattle populations in the Republic of Serbia. The total dataset used consisted of production records and pedigree data for 32,512 Holstein cows that calved from 1981 to 2015. The animal model was applied to determine the variance and covariance components and genetic parameters of the analyzed traits by applying the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach and using the programs VCE6 and PEST. The heritability of longevity traits was estimated using the Survival Kit V6.0 software package. Variance and covariance were estimated for five production traits: milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), milk fat content (MC), and protein content (PC), and three longevity traits: length of productive life (LPL), lifetime milk yield (LMY), and the number of lactations achieved (NL) as well as for 18 standard type traits. Heritabilities for the milk, fat, and protein yield traits were 0.20 (MY), 0.15 (FY), and 0.19 (PY), respectively. The estimated coefficients of heritability for the longevity traits were higher when using the Weibull proportional hazards model compared to the traditional linear methods and ranged from 0.08 for NL to 0.10 for LPL. Heritability values for the type traits varied from a low of 0.10 (RLSsv—rear legs set–side view) to medium values of 0.32 (ST-stature). Genetic correlations were found between MY and the following longevity traits: LPL, LMY, and NL with values of −0.18, −0.11, and −0.09, respectively. Genetic correlations were found between MY and a number of linear type traits and varied from 0.02 (between MY and RUH-rear udder height) to 0.28 (between MY and FUA-fore udder attachment). Genetic correlations between the 18 investigated type traits ranged from −0.33 between TL (top line) and RTP (rear teats position) to 0.71 between AN (angularity) and RUH (rear udder height). Genetic correlations b

Anticoagulants, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium citrate (Na-citrate), or heparin are normally used in hematological clinical tests to prevent coagulation. Although anticoagulants are fundamental for the correct application of clinical tests, they produce adverse effects in different fields, such as those involving specific molecular techniques; for instance, quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) and gene expression evaluation. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 14 genes in leukocytes that were isolated from the blood of Holstein cows, and which were collected in Li-heparin, K-EDTA, or Na-citrate tubes; then, they were analyzed using qPCR. Only the SDHA gene showed a significant dependence (p ≤ 0.05) on the anticoagulant that was used with the lowest expression; this was observed in Na-Citrate after being compared with Li-heparin and K-EDTA (p < 0.05). Although a variation in transcript abundance with the three anticoagulants was observed in almost all the investigated genes, the relative abundance levels were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the qPCR results were not influenced by the presence of the anticoagulant; thus, we had the opportunity to choose the test tube that was used in the experiment without interfering effects impacting the gene expression levels caused by the anticoagulant.

This article was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Open Access Publication Fund of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin., German Black Pied cattle (Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Niederungsrind, DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose cattle breed originating from the North Sea region. The population comprises about 2,500 cattle and is considered one of the ancestral populations of the modern Holstein breed. The current study aimed at defining the breeds closest related to DSN cattle, characterizing their genomic diversity and inbreeding. In addition, the detection of selection signatures between DSN and Holstein was a goal. Relationship analyses using fixation index (FST), phylogenetic, and admixture analyses were performed between DSN and 68 other breeds from the 1000 Bull Genomes Project. Nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity were calculated as metrics for genomic diversity. Inbreeding was measured as excess of homozygosity (FHom) and genomic inbreeding (FRoH) through runs of homozygosity (RoHs). Region-wide FST and cross-population-extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) between DSN and Holstein were used to detect selection signatures between the two breeds, and RoH islands were used to detect selection signatures within DSN and Holstein. DSN showed a close genetic relationship with breeds from the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Germany, and Scandinavia, such as Dutch Friesian Red, Dutch Improved Red, Belgian Red White Campine, Red White Dual Purpose, Modern Angler, Modern Danish Red, and Holstein. The nucleotide diversity in DSN (0.151%) was higher than in Holstein (0.147%) and other breeds, e.g., Norwegian Red (0.149%), Red White Dual Purpose (0.149%), Swedish Red (0.149%), Hereford (0.145%), Angus (0.143%), and Jersey (0.136%). The FHom and FRoH values in DSN were among the lowest. Regions with high FST between DSN and Holstein, significant XP-EHH regions, and RoH islands detected in both breeds harbor candidate genes that were previously reported for milk, meat, fertility, production, and health traits, including one QTL detected in DSN for endoparas

One hundred sixty-eight Holstein steer calves (133.4 ± 7.9 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of virginiamycin (VM) supplementation on cattle growth performance and liver abscess incidence, and the effect of feeding 100% vs. 87% of metabolizable protein (MP) requirements during the initial 112 d on growth performance, efficiency of energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers were balanced by weight and assigned to 28 pens (6 steers/pen). During the initial 112-d feeding period, dietary treatments consisted of two levels of MP (100% vs. 87% of expected requirements) supplemented with or without 22.5 mg/kg VM in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were no VM × MP supplementation interactions (P ≥ 0.14) on any of the parameters measured in both experiments. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with VM increased (P ≤ 0.03) overall average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), observed/expected net energy (NE) values for maintenance and gain, and final body weight (BW). Cattle fed VM also increased (P ≤ 0.04) carcass weight, dressing percent, and longissimus muscle area. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.22) of VM supplementation on any other carcass characteristics. Calf-fed Holstein steers fed 100% MP requirements during the initial 112-d feeding period had greater (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, G:F, observed/expected NE values for maintenance and gain, and live BW compared with steers fed 87% of the expected MP requirements. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.17) of MP supply during the initial 112-d period on overall (342 d) growth performance measurements. The incidence of liver abscesses was low (averaging 7.7%) and not affected by dietary treatments. We conclude that, independent of MP supplies, supplemental VM enhances overall growth performance and efficiency of energy utilization of calf-fed Holstein steers.

ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of arrival weight on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age.Material and methodsThree hundred calf-fed Holstein steers (age 113 ± 1-day) were distributed in a completely randomly unbalanced design and divided into five categories (105, 112, 117, 123, and 129 kg) of shrunk initial weight (SIW). Calves were weighed on days 1, 112, 224, and 361. Calves were fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. Growth performance and dietary energy were evaluated for each period and the study as a whole (1-361-day).ResultsDuring the rearing period, average daily gain (ADG) increased (linearly effect, p < 0.01) with increasing birth weight. Birthweight was positively associated (p < 0.05) with feedlot arrival weight (R 2 = 0.47) and final harvest weight (R 2 = 0.36). Overall ADG increased (p < 0.01) with increasing SIW. Dry matter intake increased linearly during the first 224-day but quadratically during the last 137 days. Overall, there was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of SIW on gain-to-feed and observed-to-expected dietary NE, with lower efficiencies (4%) for steers in both the lightest and heaviest SIW. Hot carcass weight, Longissimus muscle area, marbling score, and fat thickness increased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.03) as SIW increased, whereas kidney-pelvic-heart fat and yield-grade were unaffected.ConclusionsThe initial arrival weight influences the growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age. The effect is more pronounced in the lighter (<112 kg) steers.

In calf-fed Holstein steers, the early growing phase is characterized by very high relative dry matter intake (DMI) accompanied with lower-than-expected efficiency of energy utilization. Although fat is commonly supplemented in growing-finishing diets, the comparative feeding value has not been investigated during the initial receiving-growing period. Eighty-four Holstein calves (127.7 ± 2.1 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of including 3.5% of supplemental yellow grease (YG) in the diet on characteristics of growth performance and dietary energy utilization of calves during the early growth phase. Morbidity and mortality were not affected by dietary treatments. Yellow grease supplementation did not affect DMI, but tended to increase average daily gain (4.6%; P = 0.07), and increased (P ≤ 0.03) gain efficiency (5.8%) and dietary net energy for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg) by 4.1% and 5.3%, respectively. Based on performance data, the estimated NE value of supplemental YG was 4.67 and 3.68 Mcal/kg for NEm and NEg, respectively. These values are consistent with current tabular values assigned for vegetable oils (4.75 and 3.51 Mcal/kg), but markedly less (16.6%) than NEm value assigned for YG (5.60 Mcal NEm/kg; NASEM, 2016. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. 8th ed. Washington (DC): National Academy Press.).

Background: No studies have been conducted evaluating sugarcane silage associated with both Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus for lactating dairy cows. Objective: To evaluate diets containing different roughages with and without microbial inoculants on intake, digestibility and milk yield of medium-producing cows. Methods: A total of 15 Holstein cows distributed into a randomized block design were used. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn silage-based diet (CS), 2) a fresh sugarcane-based diet (SC), 3) a sugarcane silage ensiled without inoculant (SS), 4) sugarcane silage ensiled with Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), and 5) sugarcane silage ensiled with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Results: Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) was lower (p<0.05) in cows fed SSLB (9.77 kg day-1) when compared with cows fed CS (13.29 kg day-1) and SSLP (12.42 kg day-1). Ensiling of sugarcane increased intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared to SC (mean of 6.00 kg day-1 versus 4.97 kg day-1; p<0.05). Dry matter digestibility was greater (p<0.05) in CS (77.80%) compared with diets based on sugarcane silage, whereas NDF digestibility was lower for treatments with sugarcane (p<0.05). Milk yield was similar among CS (27.99 kg), SC (25.59 kg), and silages with additives (25.47 and 27.07 for SSLB and SSLP, respectively). Cows fed CS produced more fat-corrected milk (25.89 kg) than those fed sugarcane-based diets (p<0.05). Conclusions: Fresh sugarcane or sugarcane silage with additives can be used as a roughage source for dairy cows producing up to 23.43 kg d-1 fat-corrected milk, considering the total diet is properly balanced., Antecedentes: Há carência de estudos avaliando a adição de Lactobacillus plantarum e Pediococcus pentosaceus na silagem de cana-de-açúcar para vacas em lactação. Objetivo: Avaliar dietas contendo diferentes forragens e silagens com e sem inoculantes microbianos sobre o consumo, digestibilidade e produção de leite de vacas de média produção de leite. Métodos: Quinze vacas Holandesas foram distribuídas em um delineamento em blocos casualizados. Os tratamentos foram: 1) dieta com silagem de milho (CS), 2) dieta com cana-de-açúcar fresca (SC), 3) dieta com silagem de cana ensilada sem inoculantes (SS), 4) dieta com silagem de cana-de-açúcar ensilada com Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), ou 5) dieta com silagem de canade-açúcar ensilada com Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Resultados: O consumo de matéria orgânica digestível foi menor (p<0,05) na dieta SSLB (9,77 kg day-1) comparada com CS (13,29 kg dia-1) e SSLP (12,42 kg dia-1). A ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar promoveu maior consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) em comparação com SC (média de 6,00 kg dia-1 versus 4.97 kg dia-1; p<0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca foi maior (p<0,05) para a dieta CS (77,80%) comparada com as dietas com silagem de cana-de-açúcar, enquanto que a digestibilidade da FDN foi menor para as dietas baseadas em cana-de-açúcar (p<0,05). A produção de leite foi similar entre CS (27,99 kg), SC (25,59 kg) e silagens com aditivos (25,47 e 27,07 para SSLB e SSLP, respectivamente). Vacas alimentadas com silagem de milho produziram mais leite corrigido para gordura (25,89 kg) que aquelas alimentadas com dietas baseadas em cana-de-açúcar (p<0,05). Conclusão: A cana-de-açúcar fresca ou ensilada com aditivos pode ser utilizada como fonte volumosa para vacas produzindo até 23,43 kg d-1 leite corrigido para gordura, desde que a dieta total esteja apropriadamente balanceada., Antecedentes: No existen estudios que evalúen la adición de Lactobacillus plantarum y Pediococcus pentosaceus en el ensilaje de caña de azúcar para vacas lactantes. Objetivo: Evaluar dietas con diferentes forrajes y ensilajes con y sin inoculantes microbianos sobre el consumo, digestibilidad y producción láctea de vacas de mediana producción. Metodología: Quince vacas Holstein se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques al azar. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) dieta con ensilaje de maíz (CS), 2) dieta con caña de azúcar fresca (SC), 3) dieta con ensilaje de caña sin inoculantes (SS), 4) dieta con ensilaje de caña de azúcar ensilada con Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), y 5) dieta con ensilaje de caña de azúcar ensilada con Lactobacillus plantarum y Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Resultados: El consumo de materia orgánica digestible fue menor (p<0,05) en la dieta SSLB (9,77 kg day-1) en comparación con CS (13,29 kg dia-1) y SSLP (12,42 kg dia-1). El ensilaje de caña de azúcar promovió un mayor consumo de fibra detergente neutra (NDF) en comparación con SC (promedio de 6,00 kg dia-1 versus 4,97 kg dia-1; p<0,05). La digestibilidad de la materia seca fue mayor (p<0,05) para la dieta CS (77,80%) en comparación con las dietas con ensilaje de caña de azúcar, mientras que la digestibilidad de la NDF fue menor para las dietas a base de caña de azúcar (p<0,05). La producción de leche fue similar entre CS (27,99 kg), SC (25,59 kg) y ensilajes con aditivos (25,47 y 27,07 para SSLB y SSLP, respectivamente). Las vacas alimentadas con ensilaje de maíz produjeron más leche corregida por grasa (25,89 kg) que las alimentadas con dietas a base de caña de azúcar (p<0,05). Conclusión: La caña de azúcar fresca o ensilada con aditivos se puede utilizar como fuente de forraje para vacas que producen hasta 23,43 kg d-1 leche corregida por grasa, siempre que la dieta total esté equilibrada adecuadamente.

Dairy cattle characteristically exhibit decreased milk yield and reproductive performance, as well as increased uterine infection rates during periods of high stress. Chromium supplementation has demonstrated efficacy as a feed additive capable of reducing the detrimental effects of stress. As such, its application in dairy production may help to alleviate economic losses associated with seasonal heat stress and the stress experienced during the early postpartum period. Therefore, the objective of the work described in this thesis was to evaluate the potential benefits of short-duration, high-dose chromium (Cr) supplementation in early postpartum dairy cows during the summer months. Multiparous, early postpartum cows (20.95 ± 0.21 DIM, 658.29 ± 13.61 kg) were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) normal TMR (Con; n=10) and 2) normal TMR + Cr propionate supplementation (CrPro; 12 mg/h/d Cr; n=12). Body weight (BW), milk yield, and feed intake were measured each day of the experiment. Ambient temperature and humidity were monitored, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated for the duration of the study as an indicator of the severity of the heat stress experienced by the cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed every three days to assess ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics. Respiration rates (RR), rectal temperatures (RT), and blood glucose were recorded concurrently with ovarian ultrasonography. Plasma was collected and used for analysis of progesterone concentrations. Every six days in conjunction with ultrasonography, endometrial cytology samples were collected via cytobrush from each cow to determine the incidences of subclinical endometritis (SCE), as determined by polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) %. There were no treatment-based differences in RR, RT, blood glucose, feed intake, milk yield, or BW. However, the supplementation strategy did improve reproductive parameters. Within the Con group, there was an increase in PMNL % betwe

One hundred sixty-eight Holstein steer calves (133.4 ± 7.9 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of virginiamycin (VM) supplementation on cattle growth performance and liver abscess incidence, and the effect of feeding 100% vs. 87% of metabolizable protein (MP) requirements during the initial 112 d on growth performance, efficiency of energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers were balanced by weight and assigned to 28 pens (6 steers/pen). During the initial 112-d feeding period, dietary treatments consisted of two levels of MP (100% vs. 87% of expected requirements) supplemented with or without 22.5 mg/kg VM in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were no VM × MP supplementation interactions (P ≥ 0.14) on any of the parameters measured in both experiments. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with VM increased (P ≤ 0.03) overall average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), observed/expected net energy (NE) values for maintenance and gain, and final body weight (BW). Cattle fed VM also increased (P ≤ 0.04) carcass weight, dressing percent, and longissimus muscle area. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.22) of VM supplementation on any other carcass characteristics. Calf-fed Holstein steers fed 100% MP requirements during the initial 112-d feeding period had greater (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, G:F, observed/expected NE values for maintenance and gain, and live BW compared with steers fed 87% of the expected MP requirements. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.17) of MP supply during the initial 112-d period on overall (342 d) growth performance measurements. The incidence of liver abscesses was low (averaging 7.7%) and not affected by dietary treatments. We conclude that, independent of MP supplies, supplemental VM enhances overall growth performance and efficiency of energy utilization of calf-fed Holstein steers.

ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of arrival weight on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age.Material and methodsThree hundred calf-fed Holstein steers (age 113 ± 1-day) were distributed in a completely randomly unbalanced design and divided into five categories (105, 112, 117, 123, and 129 kg) of shrunk initial weight (SIW). Calves were weighed on days 1, 112, 224, and 361. Calves were fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. Growth performance and dietary energy were evaluated for each period and the study as a whole (1-361-day).ResultsDuring the rearing period, average daily gain (ADG) increased (linearly effect, p < 0.01) with increasing birth weight. Birthweight was positively associated (p < 0.05) with feedlot arrival weight (R 2 = 0.47) and final harvest weight (R 2 = 0.36). Overall ADG increased (p < 0.01) with increasing SIW. Dry matter intake increased linearly during the first 224-day but quadratically during the last 137 days. Overall, there was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of SIW on gain-to-feed and observed-to-expected dietary NE, with lower efficiencies (4%) for steers in both the lightest and heaviest SIW. Hot carcass weight, Longissimus muscle area, marbling score, and fat thickness increased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.03) as SIW increased, whereas kidney-pelvic-heart fat and yield-grade were unaffected.ConclusionsThe initial arrival weight influences the growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age. The effect is more pronounced in the lighter (<112 kg) steers.

In calf-fed Holstein steers, the early growing phase is characterized by very high relative dry matter intake (DMI) accompanied with lower-than-expected efficiency of energy utilization. Although fat is commonly supplemented in growing-finishing diets, the comparative feeding value has not been investigated during the initial receiving-growing period. Eighty-four Holstein calves (127.7 ± 2.1 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of including 3.5% of supplemental yellow grease (YG) in the diet on characteristics of growth performance and dietary energy utilization of calves during the early growth phase. Morbidity and mortality were not affected by dietary treatments. Yellow grease supplementation did not affect DMI, but tended to increase average daily gain (4.6%; P = 0.07), and increased (P ≤ 0.03) gain efficiency (5.8%) and dietary net energy for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg) by 4.1% and 5.3%, respectively. Based on performance data, the estimated NE value of supplemental YG was 4.67 and 3.68 Mcal/kg for NEm and NEg, respectively. These values are consistent with current tabular values assigned for vegetable oils (4.75 and 3.51 Mcal/kg), but markedly less (16.6%) than NEm value assigned for YG (5.60 Mcal NEm/kg; NASEM, 2016. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. 8th ed. Washington (DC): National Academy Press.).

Dairy cattle must allocate energy to milk production and reproduction. Therefore, understanding the envi-ronmental factors that affect conception rates in nul-liparous and primiparous cows is helpful in appropriate feeding management strategies before and after calving. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors before and after the first calving on the conception rate, representing the starting point of milk production. The records of the first artificial insemination (AI) from Holstein nul-liparous cows (n = 533,672) and primiparous cows (n = 516,710) in Hokkaido, Japan, were analyzed using sepa-rate multivariable logistic regression models. The mean conception rates for nulliparous and primiparous cows from 2012 to 2018 were 55.2 and 39.2%, respectively. In both nulliparous and primiparous cows, the conception rate of crossbreeding using Japanese Black (JB) semen was significantly higher than that for purebred Holstein breeding. The conception rate using sexed semen de-creased in the warmer months only in nulliparous cows. Moreover, we grouped primiparous cows according to milk yield during peak lactation (PY; < 25, 25-30, 30-35, >= 35 kg) and the interval from calving to first insemination (CFI; < 60, 60-79, 80-99, >= 100 d), and evaluated their combined effect on the conception rate. Both PY and CFI strongly affected the conception rate in primiparous cows, which decreased with an increase in PY, even for the group with CFI >= 100 d; however, the conception rate increased for a CFI >= 60 d regard-less of PY. Taken together, this study demonstrates the long-term effect of PY and an independent effect of CFI on the conception rate of cows. These results provide guidance for management to execute appropriate AI implementation strategies before and after lactation.

Lactating Holstein cows carrying the SLICK1 allele of the prolactin receptor gene have demonstrated increased thermotolerance during periods of heat stress in tropical and subtropical climates. We aimed to evaluate Holstein heifers heterozygous for the SLICK1 allele for their (1) preweaning growth, (2) physiological responses to heat stress in low and high humidity climates at pre- and postweaned ages, and (3) reproductive performance as nulliparous heifers. Upon evaluation of 35 slick and 36 non-slick half-sister calves born in California during the cool season, birth weights of slick calves averaged 40.0 ± 0.9 kg while non-slick calves averaged 38.0 ± 1.0 kg (P = 0.08); however, weaning weights and average daily gain did not differ between slick and non-slick calves. In July 2020, 50 calves in Florida (21 slick and 29 non-slick half-sisters) and 222 calves in California (80 slick, 81 non-slick half-sisters, and 61 unrelated cohort control) were evaluated for physiological responses under environmental conditions where the average THI was 90 in Florida and 72 in California. Data were collected midday in Florida and at three times in California: morning and afternoon for all animals, and at an additional timepoint at midday for the pre-weaned calves. Two separate data analyses were performed. The first analysis combined the data from the measurements obtained in slick and non-slick heifer calves in Florida with the measurements obtained in the afternoon in the slick and non-slick heifer calves in California. Slick calves in Florida had rectal temperatures that were 0.4ºC lower than the non-slick calves in Florida while no difference between genotypes was detected in the calves in California. Regression analysis to test for a correlation between rectal temperature and THI revealed a stronger correlation between rectal temperature and THI of non-slick calves (Adj. R2 = 0.36) compared to slick calves (Adj. R2 = 0.06). Moreover, the calves in Florida had greater rectal

Dairy cattle must allocate energy to milk production and reproduction. Therefore, understanding the envi-ronmental factors that affect conception rates in nul-liparous and primiparous cows is helpful in appropriate feeding management strategies before and after calving. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors before and after the first calving on the conception rate, representing the starting point of milk production. The records of the first artificial insemination (AI) from Holstein nul-liparous cows (n = 533,672) and primiparous cows (n = 516,710) in Hokkaido, Japan, were analyzed using sepa-rate multivariable logistic regression models. The mean conception rates for nulliparous and primiparous cows from 2012 to 2018 were 55.2 and 39.2%, respectively. In both nulliparous and primiparous cows, the conception rate of crossbreeding using Japanese Black (JB) semen was significantly higher than that for purebred Holstein breeding. The conception rate using sexed semen de-creased in the warmer months only in nulliparous cows. Moreover, we grouped primiparous cows according to milk yield during peak lactation (PY; < 25, 25-30, 30-35, >= 35 kg) and the interval from calving to first insemination (CFI; < 60, 60-79, 80-99, >= 100 d), and evaluated their combined effect on the conception rate. Both PY and CFI strongly affected the conception rate in primiparous cows, which decreased with an increase in PY, even for the group with CFI >= 100 d; however, the conception rate increased for a CFI >= 60 d regard-less of PY. Taken together, this study demonstrates the long-term effect of PY and an independent effect of CFI on the conception rate of cows. These results provide guidance for management to execute appropriate AI implementation strategies before and after lactation.

Bans on the use of ionophores in several regions of the world has led to a need to identify alternative feed additivies to be added in cattle diets. Essential oil blends have been identified as a potential alternative to ionophores in feedlot diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supplemental a blend of essential oils and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics in calf-fed Holstein steers. Ninety Holstein steer calves (123 ± 7 kg; 4 months old) were randomly assigned to 18 pens (5 steers/pen; 6 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (DM basis): (1) no additives (CON); (2) 30 mg/kg DM of monensin (MON); (3) 200 mg/kg DM of a mixture of essential oils plus 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (EO+HYD). There were no treatment effects (P > 0.05) on initial, intermediate and final cattle live weight; moreover, cattle had similar (P > 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) among dietary treatments. However, during the first 112 days of feed, calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with EO+HYD had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G/F) than cattle fed the control diet but similar (P > 0.05) G/F to cattle supplemented with MON. However, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary treatments on 112 to 286 d and the overall G/F ratio of calf-fed Holstein steers. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with EO+HYD had greater (P ≤ 0.05) estimated net energy for maintenance (NEm) and net energy for gain (NEg) based on cattle growth performance than cattle fed the CON diet. Cattle supplemented with MON had an intermediate and similar (P > 0.05) NEm and NEg compared to the other two dietary treatments. However, when observed vs. expected NEm and NEg were calculated, cattle supplemented with MON and EO+HYD had greater efficiency of dietary energy utilization than cattle fed the CON diet. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplem

Dairy cattle characteristically exhibit decreased milk yield and reproductive performance, as well as increased uterine infection rates during periods of high stress. Chromium supplementation has demonstrated efficacy as a feed additive capable of reducing the detrimental effects of stress. As such, its application in dairy production may help to alleviate economic losses associated with seasonal heat stress and the stress experienced during the early postpartum period. Therefore, the objective of the work described in this thesis was to evaluate the potential benefits of short-duration, high-dose chromium (Cr) supplementation in early postpartum dairy cows during the summer months. Multiparous, early postpartum cows (20.95 ± 0.21 DIM, 658.29 ± 13.61 kg) were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) normal TMR (Con; n=10) and 2) normal TMR + Cr propionate supplementation (CrPro; 12 mg/h/d Cr; n=12). Body weight (BW), milk yield, and feed intake were measured each day of the experiment. Ambient temperature and humidity were monitored, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated for the duration of the study as an indicator of the severity of the heat stress experienced by the cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed every three days to assess ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics. Respiration rates (RR), rectal temperatures (RT), and blood glucose were recorded concurrently with ovarian ultrasonography. Plasma was collected and used for analysis of progesterone concentrations. Every six days in conjunction with ultrasonography, endometrial cytology samples were collected via cytobrush from each cow to determine the incidences of subclinical endometritis (SCE), as determined by polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) %. There were no treatment-based differences in RR, RT, blood glucose, feed intake, milk yield, or BW. However, the supplementation strategy did improve reproductive parameters. Within the Con group, there was an increase in PMNL % betwe

Dairy cattle must allocate energy to milk production and reproduction. Therefore, understanding the envi-ronmental factors that affect conception rates in nul-liparous and primiparous cows is helpful in appropriate feeding management strategies before and after calving. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors before and after the first calving on the conception rate, representing the starting point of milk production. The records of the first artificial insemination (AI) from Holstein nul-liparous cows (n = 533,672) and primiparous cows (n = 516,710) in Hokkaido, Japan, were analyzed using sepa-rate multivariable logistic regression models. The mean conception rates for nulliparous and primiparous cows from 2012 to 2018 were 55.2 and 39.2%, respectively. In both nulliparous and primiparous cows, the conception rate of crossbreeding using Japanese Black (JB) semen was significantly higher than that for purebred Holstein breeding. The conception rate using sexed semen de-creased in the warmer months only in nulliparous cows. Moreover, we grouped primiparous cows according to milk yield during peak lactation (PY; < 25, 25-30, 30-35, >= 35 kg) and the interval from calving to first insemination (CFI; < 60, 60-79, 80-99, >= 100 d), and evaluated their combined effect on the conception rate. Both PY and CFI strongly affected the conception rate in primiparous cows, which decreased with an increase in PY, even for the group with CFI >= 100 d; however, the conception rate increased for a CFI >= 60 d regard-less of PY. Taken together, this study demonstrates the long-term effect of PY and an independent effect of CFI on the conception rate of cows. These results provide guidance for management to execute appropriate AI implementation strategies before and after lactation.

In Chimborazo-Ecuador study of correlations between predicted ability to transmit protein (PTAP): Production-, type, and Reproduction of Holstein sires were analysed, using the database of bulls available in the US, marketed in Ecuador; 25 bulls were selected; the data were processed by descriptive statistics, and linear correlation analysis was performed by the Pearson method using SPSS Statistic version 19. In the correlation between productive and reproductive parameters, this indicated that 56% of the characteristics are not correlated, so, they are independent. That progress directly (correlated) are: daughters’ pregnancy rate (DPR) with productive life (PL) and habitability (LIV). In addition, the daughter’s conception rate (HCR) was correlated with predicted ability to transmit protein (PTAP) and cow’s conception rate (CRC) with LIV. In reference to the correlations between productive and type parameters, it was observed that 82.61% of the characteristics were independent. Dairy temperament (DF) was correlated with PTAP and predicted ability of fat transmission (PTAF). For the correlation between reproductive and type parameters, 67.82% of the characteristics are independent. PTAT was directly correlated with cup of conception of the bull (SCR) same as index udder Hosltein (JUI) with SCR. For this reason, the producers should select the studs looking for the characteristics that are correlated, because this influence the development of livestock., En Chimborazo-Ecuador se estudió las correlaciones entre PTA (habilidad de transmisión predicha) de toros Hosltein con valores genéticos disponibles en Ecuador: Producción-Tipo lineal–Reproducción, mediante el uso de banco de datos de toros Hosltein utilizados en EEUU, que son comercializados en Ecuador; de los cuales se seleccionó 25 toros, los datos se procesaron mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de correlación lineal por el método de Pearson utilizando SPSS versión Statistic 19. Entre parámetros productivos y reproductivos, el 56% de las características no se correlacionan, es decir son independientes; las que progresan de manera directa son PL=Vida productiva y LIV=Habitabilidad con DPR=Tasa de preñez de las hijas; P=Vida productiva; y LIV= Habitabilidad con CCR=Tasa de concepción de la vaca; PL=Vida productiva con HCR=Tasa de concepción de las hijas; PL=Vida productiva y LIV=Habitabilidad con FI= Índice de fertilidad. Con correspondencia a la correlación entre parámetros productivos y de tipo lineal, se indica que el 82,61% de las características son independientes; mientras que para PTAP= Habilidad predicha de trasmisión de proteína, PTAF=Habilidad predicha de trasmisión de grasa con CL=Carácter lechero; PTAP= Habilidad predicha de trasmisión de proteína con RLSV=; PTAM=Habilidad predicha de trasmisión de leche con TL=Longitud de pezones anteriores, progresan de manera directa. Para la correlación entre parámetros reproductivos y de tipo lineal el 67,82% de las características son independientes; los que progresan de manera directa son: SRC con PTAT; SCR con BDI=Índice de composición de cuerpo; SCR con RH=Altura ubre posterior.

Background: No studies have been conducted evaluating sugarcane silage associated with both Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus for lactating dairy cows. Objective: To evaluate diets containing different roughages with and without microbial inoculants on intake, digestibility and milk yield of medium-producing cows. Methods: A total of 15 Holstein cows distributed into a randomized block design were used. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn silage-based diet (CS), 2) a fresh sugarcane-based diet (SC), 3) a sugarcane silage ensiled without inoculant (SS), 4) sugarcane silage ensiled with Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), and 5) sugarcane silage ensiled with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Results: Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) was lower (p<0.05) in cows fed SSLB (9.77 kg day-1) when compared with cows fed CS (13.29 kg day-1) and SSLP (12.42 kg day-1). Ensiling of sugarcane increased intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared to SC (mean of 6.00 kg day-1 versus 4.97 kg day-1; p<0.05). Dry matter digestibility was greater (p<0.05) in CS (77.80%) compared with diets based on sugarcane silage, whereas NDF digestibility was lower for treatments with sugarcane (p<0.05). Milk yield was similar among CS (27.99 kg), SC (25.59 kg), and silages with additives (25.47 and 27.07 for SSLB and SSLP, respectively). Cows fed CS produced more fat-corrected milk (25.89 kg) than those fed sugarcane-based diets (p<0.05). Conclusions: Fresh sugarcane or sugarcane silage with additives can be used as a roughage source for dairy cows producing up to 23.43 kg d-1 fat-corrected milk, considering the total diet is properly balanced., Antecedentes: Há carência de estudos avaliando a adição de Lactobacillus plantarum e Pediococcus pentosaceus na silagem de cana-de-açúcar para vacas em lactação. Objetivo: Avaliar dietas contendo diferentes forragens e silagens com e sem inoculantes microbianos sobre o consumo, digestibilidade e produção de leite de vacas de média produção de leite. Métodos: Quinze vacas Holandesas foram distribuídas em um delineamento em blocos casualizados. Os tratamentos foram: 1) dieta com silagem de milho (CS), 2) dieta com cana-de-açúcar fresca (SC), 3) dieta com silagem de cana ensilada sem inoculantes (SS), 4) dieta com silagem de cana-de-açúcar ensilada com Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), ou 5) dieta com silagem de canade-açúcar ensilada com Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Resultados: O consumo de matéria orgânica digestível foi menor (p<0,05) na dieta SSLB (9,77 kg day-1) comparada com CS (13,29 kg dia-1) e SSLP (12,42 kg dia-1). A ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar promoveu maior consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) em comparação com SC (média de 6,00 kg dia-1 versus 4.97 kg dia-1; p<0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca foi maior (p<0,05) para a dieta CS (77,80%) comparada com as dietas com silagem de cana-de-açúcar, enquanto que a digestibilidade da FDN foi menor para as dietas baseadas em cana-de-açúcar (p<0,05). A produção de leite foi similar entre CS (27,99 kg), SC (25,59 kg) e silagens com aditivos (25,47 e 27,07 para SSLB e SSLP, respectivamente). Vacas alimentadas com silagem de milho produziram mais leite corrigido para gordura (25,89 kg) que aquelas alimentadas com dietas baseadas em cana-de-açúcar (p<0,05). Conclusão: A cana-de-açúcar fresca ou ensilada com aditivos pode ser utilizada como fonte volumosa para vacas produzindo até 23,43 kg d-1 leite corrigido para gordura, desde que a dieta total esteja apropriadamente balanceada., Antecedentes: No existen estudios que evalúen la adición de Lactobacillus plantarum y Pediococcus pentosaceus en el ensilaje de caña de azúcar para vacas lactantes. Objetivo: Evaluar dietas con diferentes forrajes y ensilajes con y sin inoculantes microbianos sobre el consumo, digestibilidad y producción láctea de vacas de mediana producción. Metodología: Quince vacas Holstein se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques al azar. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) dieta con ensilaje de maíz (CS), 2) dieta con caña de azúcar fresca (SC), 3) dieta con ensilaje de caña sin inoculantes (SS), 4) dieta con ensilaje de caña de azúcar ensilada con Lactobacillus buchneri (SSLB), y 5) dieta con ensilaje de caña de azúcar ensilada con Lactobacillus plantarum y Pediococcus pentosaceus (SSLP). Resultados: El consumo de materia orgánica digestible fue menor (p<0,05) en la dieta SSLB (9,77 kg day-1) en comparación con CS (13,29 kg dia-1) y SSLP (12,42 kg dia-1). El ensilaje de caña de azúcar promovió un mayor consumo de fibra detergente neutra (NDF) en comparación con SC (promedio de 6,00 kg dia-1 versus 4,97 kg dia-1; p<0,05). La digestibilidad de la materia seca fue mayor (p<0,05) para la dieta CS (77,80%) en comparación con las dietas con ensilaje de caña de azúcar, mientras que la digestibilidad de la NDF fue menor para las dietas a base de caña de azúcar (p<0,05). La producción de leche fue similar entre CS (27,99 kg), SC (25,59 kg) y ensilajes con aditivos (25,47 y 27,07 para SSLB y SSLP, respectivamente). Las vacas alimentadas con ensilaje de maíz produjeron más leche corregida por grasa (25,89 kg) que las alimentadas con dietas a base de caña de azúcar (p<0,05). Conclusión: La caña de azúcar fresca o ensilada con aditivos se puede utilizar como fuente de forraje para vacas que producen hasta 23,43 kg d-1 leche corregida por grasa, siempre que la dieta total esté equilibrada adecuadamente.

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

The two objectives for this thesis were to 1) validate a bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) ELISA for use in the laboratory and 2) validate interstitial glucose sensors designed for humans for use in lactating dairy cattle. The first experiment required validation of a bovine LH ELISA in order to measure the circulating concentration of LH in the blood of cows in altered thermal and/or metabolic states. Assays from two separate companies were tested. Half of one plate was run at a time resulting in a total of 6 separate analyses (3 plates total). Despite early, promising results, neither LH ELISA could be successfully validated. For many analyses, the standard curves did not even meet the minimal criteria to allow calculation of a formula for determining the concentrations of the unknowns. In analyses where the standard curves were acceptable, the coefficients of variation (CV%) for the unknowns were unacceptable. The second experiment attempted to validate the use of commercially available human interstitial glucose sensors (FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6) in lactating dairy cows. Blood glucose concentrations correlated well with sensors secured behind the cow's ear for both FreeStyle Libre (r=0.82) and Dexcom (r=0.88). Unfortunately, however, the absolute relative error's highest value was 47% for the FreeStyle Libre ear. In summary, neither the LH ELISAs nor the interstitial glucose sensors could be validated.

The aim of this study was to know the socioeconomic characteristics of dairy cattle producers, as well as to characterize the production units (PU) in the Tulancingo Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico. During the months of June and July 2020, a random survey was applied to 30 cattle producers. With the SAS statistical program, quantitative variables, percentages and absolute frequency tables were analyzed. The results of the study showed that 39.3% of the producers are between 20 and 30 years old, 82.9% are male with primary education (28.6%) and 35.7% with higher education. The producers feed their cattle with forages and premixes (50%), and they agree that the main diseases that appreciate their cattle are mastitis (82.1%) and Brucellosis (10.7%). The data regarding technical advice where 60.7% of the producers have not received any kind of advice. In the case of social programs, 92.9% of the surveyed population specifies that they have not participated in this type of call. In turn, 71.4% do not know the requirements to participate in livestock programs. It is concluded that dairy cattle producers in the Tulancingo Valley, even if they are small-scale producers, require technical advice and information on different sources of support., El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer las características socioeconómicas de los productores de ganado bovino lechero, así como, caracterizar las unidades de producción (UP) en el Valle de Tulancingo, Hidalgo, México. Durante los meses de junio y julio del 2020 fue aplicada una encuesta aleatoria a 30 productores de ganado bovino. Con el programa estadístico SAS, fueron analizadas variables cuantitativas, porcentajes y tablas de frecuencia absoluta. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el 39.3% de los productores tienen una edad entre los 20 a 30 años, el 82.9% pertenece al sexo masculino con estudios de primaria (28.6%) y el 35.7% con estudios superiores. Los productores alimentan a su ganado con forrajes y pre-mezclas (50%), y coinciden que las principales enfermedades que afectan a su ganado son la mastitis (82.1%) y Brucelosis (10.7%). Los datos respecto a la asesoría técnica indican que el 60.7% de los productores no han recibido ningún tipo de asesoría. En el caso de programas sociales el 92.9% de la población encuestada especifica que no ha participado en este tipo de convocatorias. A su vez el 71.4% desconoce los requisitos para participar en programas ganaderos. Se concluye que los productores de bovinos de leche del Valle de Tulancingo, aunque sean productores a baja escala requieren de asesoría técnica e información sobre diferentes fuentes de apoyo.

The wars between Denmark and the German states during the 19th century raised the issue in the Swedish public opinion of a potential Swedish intervention and of Scandinavism. This study examined the formation of opinion in Swedish newspapers during the years 1848-1850 and 1864 in order to identify similarities and differences in the reporting of the two wars. Furthermore, the study has aimed to examine which aspects were highlighted when it came to the possibility of a Swedish intervention and about the influence of Scandinavism surrounding this topic. The newspapers that were used as source material for the period 1848-1850 were Aftonbladet, Göteborgs Handels- och Sjöfartstidning, Öresundsposten and Stockholms Aftonpost while Aftonbladet, Göteborgs Handels- och Sjöfartstidning and Nya Dagligt Allehanda were used as examples for the opinions during the war of 1864. The study is focusing on external and internal influencing factors based on the realistic and idealistic traditions. Since the theory primarily deals with the view of a nation’s security and of international politics, it was modified so it could explain the newspapers perceptions of those very same issues. The results show that the opinion was ambivalent in its reporting on the external influencing factors during both wars, as both realistic and idealistic arguments were presented ongoingly. Based on the internal influencing factors, the results show that public opinion during the first war was predominantly idealistic in favour of a Swedish intervention. The most vital arguments for this were Scandinavism and the opinion formation against a norm-breaker, in this case the German states according to the newspapers. The public opinion had, however, changed during the second war to a more realistic point of view. Sweden’s self-interest and strategic situation were now being highlighted in order to emphasize that Sweden should not participate in the war. However, the results show that there were also exceptio

In fully revealing the genetic potential of cattle in productivity as the influence result of hereditary and paratypical factors, if the genetic factor depends on the type, breed, pedigree of the animal, that paratypical factors are related to feeding and storage conditions, the breeding and selection work effectiveness, and the activity type by live weight of cows in the experimental groups.

In our country, large-scale measures are being taken to meet the needs of the population in dairy and meat products, mainly dairy breeds and the use of hybrid animals of different genotypes obtained as a result of their crossbreeding. The Action Strategy for the further development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 states "Sustainable provision of the population with quality and sufficient food products through the development of the breeding base in animal husbandry, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers on the basis of breeding farms and the expansion of research in breeding"important strategic tasks such as

The wars between Denmark and the German states during the 19th century raised the issue in the Swedish public opinion of a potential Swedish intervention and of Scandinavism. This study examined the formation of opinion in Swedish newspapers during the years 1848-1850 and 1864 in order to identify similarities and differences in the reporting of the two wars. Furthermore, the study has aimed to examine which aspects were highlighted when it came to the possibility of a Swedish intervention and about the influence of Scandinavism surrounding this topic. The newspapers that were used as source material for the period 1848-1850 were Aftonbladet, Göteborgs Handels- och Sjöfartstidning, Öresundsposten and Stockholms Aftonpost while Aftonbladet, Göteborgs Handels- och Sjöfartstidning and Nya Dagligt Allehanda were used as examples for the opinions during the war of 1864. The study is focusing on external and internal influencing factors based on the realistic and idealistic traditions. Since the theory primarily deals with the view of a nation’s security and of international politics, it was modified so it could explain the newspapers perceptions of those very same issues. The results show that the opinion was ambivalent in its reporting on the external influencing factors during both wars, as both realistic and idealistic arguments were presented ongoingly. Based on the internal influencing factors, the results show that public opinion during the first war was predominantly idealistic in favour of a Swedish intervention. The most vital arguments for this were Scandinavism and the opinion formation against a norm-breaker, in this case the German states according to the newspapers. The public opinion had, however, changed during the second war to a more realistic point of view. Sweden’s self-interest and strategic situation were now being highlighted in order to emphasize that Sweden should not participate in the war. However, the results show that there were also exceptio

The two objectives for this thesis were to 1) validate a bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) ELISA for use in the laboratory and 2) validate interstitial glucose sensors designed for humans for use in lactating dairy cattle. The first experiment required validation of a bovine LH ELISA in order to measure the circulating concentration of LH in the blood of cows in altered thermal and/or metabolic states. Assays from two separate companies were tested. Half of one plate was run at a time resulting in a total of 6 separate analyses (3 plates total). Despite early, promising results, neither LH ELISA could be successfully validated. For many analyses, the standard curves did not even meet the minimal criteria to allow calculation of a formula for determining the concentrations of the unknowns. In analyses where the standard curves were acceptable, the coefficients of variation (CV%) for the unknowns were unacceptable. The second experiment attempted to validate the use of commercially available human interstitial glucose sensors (FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6) in lactating dairy cows. Blood glucose concentrations correlated well with sensors secured behind the cow's ear for both FreeStyle Libre (r=0.82) and Dexcom (r=0.88). Unfortunately, however, the absolute relative error's highest value was 47% for the FreeStyle Libre ear. In summary, neither the LH ELISAs nor the interstitial glucose sensors could be validated.

Mastitis is one of the costliest diseases in the dairy cattle industry. Environmental pathogens, such as Streptococcus uberis (Strep. uberis), are the most prevalent causes of mastitis infections, while contagious pathogen mastitis has declined in incidences due to improvement in management protocols. Antimicrobials and antibiotics are the primary therapies currently utilized in the dairy industry to treat mastitis. However, the concern for antibiotic overuse and potential bacterial resistance due to improper use of these therapies has steered research in exploration of alternatives to antibiotics or other strategies. One potential alternative is supplementation of an immunomodulatory feed additive to daily cattle total mixed rations (TMR). A current immunomodulator is OmniGen-AF ® (OMN) produced by Phibro Animal Health Corporation (Teaneck, NJ) and has been explored being fed to lactating dairy cattle by previous research groups. OmniGen- AF ® has been reported to improve initial innate immune response during infection. However, it is unknown how OMN influences the innate immune system in vivo to a S. uberis mastitis infection. The ability of OMN to modulate immune function during an environmental mastitis infection was tested compared to control groups. Cows fed OmniGen-AF® and challenged with Strep. uberis had numerically higher least squared mean Log somatic cell count compared to the control group that was not fed OMN and challenged with Strep. uberis. OMN fed cows displayed numerically higher average daily feed intake and fluid milk yield values compared to the control group. Further analysis of milk and blood samples using immunoassays to monitor the effects OMN has on cytokine and cortisol levels throughout mastitis infection is needed to determine innate immune response. In conclusion, OmniGen-AF® has the potential as an immunomodulator that improves innate immune system activity with continuous supplementation in the diet to prevention of dairy cattle envi

The aim of this study was to know the socioeconomic characteristics of dairy cattle producers, as well as to characterize the production units (PU) in the Tulancingo Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico. During the months of June and July 2020, a random survey was applied to 30 cattle producers. With the SAS statistical program, quantitative variables, percentages and absolute frequency tables were analyzed. The results of the study showed that 39.3% of the producers are between 20 and 30 years old, 82.9% are male with primary education (28.6%) and 35.7% with higher education. The producers feed their cattle with forages and premixes (50%), and they agree that the main diseases that appreciate their cattle are mastitis (82.1%) and Brucellosis (10.7%). The data regarding technical advice where 60.7% of the producers have not received any kind of advice. In the case of social programs, 92.9% of the surveyed population specifies that they have not participated in this type of call. In turn, 71.4% do not know the requirements to participate in livestock programs. It is concluded that dairy cattle producers in the Tulancingo Valley, even if they are small-scale producers, require technical advice and information on different sources of support., El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer las características socioeconómicas de los productores de ganado bovino lechero, así como, caracterizar las unidades de producción (UP) en el Valle de Tulancingo, Hidalgo, México. Durante los meses de junio y julio del 2020 fue aplicada una encuesta aleatoria a 30 productores de ganado bovino. Con el programa estadístico SAS, fueron analizadas variables cuantitativas, porcentajes y tablas de frecuencia absoluta. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el 39.3% de los productores tienen una edad entre los 20 a 30 años, el 82.9% pertenece al sexo masculino con estudios de primaria (28.6%) y el 35.7% con estudios superiores. Los productores alimentan a su ganado con forrajes y pre-mezclas (50%), y coinciden que las principales enfermedades que afectan a su ganado son la mastitis (82.1%) y Brucelosis (10.7%). Los datos respecto a la asesoría técnica indican que el 60.7% de los productores no han recibido ningún tipo de asesoría. En el caso de programas sociales el 92.9% de la población encuestada especifica que no ha participado en este tipo de convocatorias. A su vez el 71.4% desconoce los requisitos para participar en programas ganaderos. Se concluye que los productores de bovinos de leche del Valle de Tulancingo, aunque sean productores a baja escala requieren de asesoría técnica e información sobre diferentes fuentes de apoyo.

Endoparasites is a common problem affecting mainly dairy herdshealth and productivity. The objective was to determine the relationship betweenbody condition, number of births and time of year with the prevalence of gastroin-testinal parasites in family dairy cows established in District of Etla and Zimatlán deÁlvarez, Oaxaca, México. The study was carried out in spring, summer, autumnand winter, using 185 Holstein cows (116 from Etla and 69 from Zimatlán deAlvarez), with different body condition (≤2.0, 2.5 and≥3) and number of births(1-3 and 4-6). Fecal samples were analyzed using flotation technique with saturatedsodium chloride solution. Data were analyzed with a variance analysis througha categorical data model (p < 0.05), considering as fixed effects body condition,number of births, time of year and districts. 66% of cows had endoparasites, withno difference between districts. Of the parasites analyzed,Eimeriaspp. it was themost prevalence in both districts. The percentage of cows withCryptosporidium,StrongyloidesandOesophagostomumwere higher (p < 0.05) in Zimatlán deÁlvarez. The number of cases increased (p < 0.05) in spring and summer. It isconcluded that climatic conditions, body condition and number of births contribute toincreased gastrointestinal parasites, mainlyEimeriaspp., in family dairy cows in theDistricts of Etla and Zimatlán of Alvarez., La presencia de endoparásitos es un problema frecuente que afectan principalmente la salud y productividad de hatos lecheros. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de la condición corporal, número de partos y época del año en la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales en vacas de lechería familiar en los distritos de Etla y Zimatlán de Álvarez, Oaxaca, México. El estudio se realizó en primavera, verano, otoño e invierno, con 185 vacas Holstein (116 de Etla y 69 de Zimatlán de Álvarez), con diferente condición corporal (≤ 2.0, 2.5 y ≥3) y número de partos (1-3 y 4-6). Las muestras fecales se analizaron mediante la técnica de flotación con solución saturada de cloruro de sodio. Los datos se sometieron a un análisis de varianza a través de un modelo de datos categóricos (P < 0.05), considerando como efectos fijos la condición corporal, número de partos, época del año y distritos. El 66 % de las vacas presentaron huevos y ooquistes de parásitos intestinales, no habiendo diferencia entre distritos. Eimeria spp. fue mayor (p < 0.05) en ambos distritos. Cryptosporidium, Strongyloide y Oesophagostomum fueron mayores (p < 0.05) en Zimatlán de Álvarez. La proporción de casos se incrementaron (p < 0.05) en primavera y verano. Se concluye que las condiciones climáticas, la condición corporal y el número de partos son factores que contribuyen a incrementar la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales, principalmente de Eimeria spp. en vacas de lechería familiar de los Distritos de Etla y Zimatlán de Álvarez.

Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in dairy cattle and is the cause of considerable economic losses. Alongside somatic cell count (SCC), differential somatic cell count (DSCC) has been recently introduced as a new indicator of intramammary infection. The DSCC is expressed as a count or a proportion (%) of polymorphonuclear neutrophils plus lymphocytes (PMN-LYM) in milk somatic cells. These numbers are complemented to total somatic cell count or to 100 by macrophages (MAC). The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variation and heritability of DSCC, and its correlation with milk composition, udder health indicators, milk composition, and technological traits in Holstein cattle. Data used in the analysis consisted in single test-day records from 2,488 Holstein cows reared in 36 herds located in northern Italy. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to predict missing information for some milk coagulation and cheese-making traits, to increase sample size and improve estimation of the genetic parameters. Bayesian animal models were implemented via Gibbs sampling. Marginal posterior means of the heritability estimates were 0.13 for somatic cell score (SCS); 0.11 for DSCC, MAC proportion, and MAC count; and 0.10 for PMN-LYM count. Posterior means of additive genetic correlations between SCS and milk composition and udder health were low to moderate and unfavorable. All the relevant genetic correlations between the SCC traits considered and the milk traits (composition, coagulation, cheese yield and nutrients recovery) were unfavorable. The SCS showed genetic correlations of −0.30 with the milk protein proportion, −0.56 with the lactose proportion and −0.52 with the casein index. In the case of milk technological traits, SCS showed genetic correlations of 0.38 with curd firming rate (k20), 0.45 with rennet coagulation time estimated using the curd firming over time equation (RCTeq), −0.39 with asymptotic potential curd firmness, −0.