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Cai A, Wang S, Li P, Descovich K, Fu T, Lian H, Gao T, Phillips CJC. The Effect of an Exercise Paddock on Dairy Cow Behavior, Health, and Nutrient Digestion during the Transition from Pregnancy to Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2353. [PMID: 39199886 PMCID: PMC11350652 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Providing an exercise paddock may improve the behavior and health of cows in their dry period. We compared a control group of cows in a shed with no exercise paddock and an experimental group in the same shed but with access to an exercise paddock. Both groups had ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR) indoors combined with access to a paddock (Group EX). The other group was just offered TMR indoors (Group IN). Total lying time was longer for cows without the exercise paddock (859 min/d) than for those with the paddock (733 min/d) (p = 0.012). Lying bouts were shorter, there were more allogrooming bouts, and drinking time was longer if an exercise paddock was provided. Cows with the paddock spent on average 76 min/d in paddock activity. Non-esterified fatty acids in the blood were increased by providing the exercise paddock. No significant differences in postpartum milk yield and calf weight of dry cows with or without access to exercise paddock were observed. However, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were increased by providing the exercise paddock. The results suggest that providing an exercise paddock for cows in their dry period increased activity, including allogrooming, reduced lying, and improved digestibility of some major nutrients in the feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Shiwei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Pengtao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Kris Descovich
- Center for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton 4343, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Tong Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Hongxia Lian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Tengyun Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (A.C.); (S.W.); (P.L.); (T.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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2
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Caradus JR, Chapman DF, Rowarth JS. Improving Human Diets and Welfare through Using Herbivore-Based Foods: 1. Human and Animal Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1077. [PMID: 38612316 PMCID: PMC11010820 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human health and diet are closely linked. The diversity of diets consumed by humans is remarkable, and most often incorporates both animal and plant-based foods. However, there has been a recent call for a reduced intake of animal-based foods due to concerns associated with human health in developed countries and perceived impacts on the environment. Yet, evidence for the superior nutritional quality of animal-sourced food such as meat, milk, and eggs, compared with plant-based foods, indicates that consumption of animal-sourced food should and will continue. This being the case, the aim here is to examine issues associated with animal-sourced foods in terms of both the quantification and mitigation of unintended consequences associated with environment, animal health, and herd management. Therefore, we examined the role of animal proteins in human societies with reference to the UN-FAO issues associated with animal-sourced foods. The emphasis is on dominant grazed pastoral-based systems, as used in New Zealand and Ireland, both with temperate moist climates and a similar reliance on global markets for generating net wealth from pastoral agricultural products. In conclusion, animal-sourced foods are shown to be an important part of the human diet. Production systems can result in unintended consequences associated with environment, animal health, and herd management, and there are technologies and systems to provide solutions to these that are available or under refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Caradus
- Grasslanz Technology Ltd., PB 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Jacqueline S. Rowarth
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Lincoln University, 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand;
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3
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Crump A, Jenkins K, Bethell EJ, Ferris CP, Arnott G. Pasture access and eye temperature in dairy cows. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:234-242. [PMID: 35416093 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2063020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pasture access can benefit dairy cows' behavior, health, and welfare, but herds are increasingly housed indoors full-time. Recent infrared thermal-imaging (thermography) studies suggest that higher eye temperatures may be a physiological indicator of chronic stress. We, therefore, hypothesized that, compared to cows with pasture access, cows housed indoors full-time would have higher eye temperatures. In a two-phase crossover experiment, 29 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows experienced 18 days of overnight pasture access and 18 days of full-time indoor housing. We measured each animal's eye temperature 16 times (eight/phase). During Phase One, cows with pasture access had higher eye temperatures than cows housed indoors full-time (contrary to our hypothesis). However, during Phase Two, cows with pasture access had lower eye temperatures than cows housed indoors full-time. It is, therefore, unclear whether eye temperature reflected disparities in dairy cow welfare between different housing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Crump
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Kirsty Jenkins
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Emily J Bethell
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Conrad P Ferris
- Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, UK
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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4
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Balivo A, Sacchi R, Genovese A. The Noble Method in the dairy sector as a sustainable production system to improve the nutritional composition of dairy products: A review. INT J DAIRY TECHNOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0307.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balivo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences University of Naples Federico II 80055 Portici (NA) Italy
| | - Raffaele Sacchi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences University of Naples Federico II 80055 Portici (NA) Italy
| | - Alessandro Genovese
- Department of Agricultural Sciences University of Naples Federico II 80055 Portici (NA) Italy
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5
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Knorr D, Augustin MA. From Food to Gods to Food to Waste. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:5379-5397. [PMID: 36503306 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2153795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present global food waste problem threatens food systems sustainability and our planet. The generation of food waste stems from the interacting factors of the need for food production, food access and availability, motivations and ignorance around food purchase and consumption, and market constraints. Food waste has increased over time. This is related to the change in how humans value food through the generations and altered human food consumption and food discard behaviors. There is also a lack of understanding of the impacts of current food production, processing and consumption patterns on food waste creation. This review examines the cultural, religious, social and economic factors influencing attitudes to food and their effects on food waste generation. The lessons from history about how humans strove toward zero waste are covered. We review the important drivers of food waste: waste for profit, food diversion to feed, waste for convenience, labeling, food service waste and household food waste. We discuss strategies for food waste reduction: recovery of food and food ingredients, waste conversion to energy and food, reducing waste from production/processing and reducing consumer food waste, and emphasize the need for all stakeholders to work together to reduce food waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Knorr
- Food Biotechnology and Food Process Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Differences in the microRNAs Levels of Raw Milk from Dairy Cattle Raised under Extensive or Intensive Production Systems. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9120661. [PMID: 36548822 PMCID: PMC9783024 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9120661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying microRNA (miRNAs) in certain agri-food products is attractive because (1) they have potential as biomarkers that may allow traceability and authentication of such products; and (2) they may reveal insights into the products' functional potential. The present study evaluated differences in miRNAs levels in fat and cellular fractions of tank milk collected from commercial farms which employ extensive or intensive dairy production systems. We first sequenced miRNAs in three milk samples from each production system, and then validated miRNAs whose levels in the cellular and fat fraction differed significantly between the two production systems. To accomplish this, we used quantitative PCR with both fractions of tank milk samples from another 20 commercial farms. Differences in miRNAs were identified in fat fractions: overall levels of miRNAs, and, specifically, the levels of bta-mir-215, were higher in intensive systems than in extensive systems. Bovine mRNA targets for bta-miR-215 and their pathway analysis were performed. While the causes of these miRNAs differences remain to be elucidated, our results suggest that the type of production system could affect miRNAs levels and potential functionality of agri-food products of animal origin.
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7
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Abou el qassim L, Le Guillou S, Royo LJ. Variation of miRNA Content in Cow Raw Milk Depending on the Dairy Production System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11681. [PMID: 36232984 PMCID: PMC9569736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pasture-based milk presents several advantages over milk from intensive industrial farming in terms of human health, the environment, animal welfare, and social aspects. This highlights the need for reliable methods to differentiate milk according to its origin on the market. Here, we explored whether miRNA profiles could serve as a marker of milk production systems. We compared levels of previously described miRNAs in milk from four production systems (altogether 112 milk samples): grazing, zero grazing, grass silage or corn silage. Total RNA was extracted from the fat phase, and miRNAs levels were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The levels of the miRNAs bta-miR-155 and bta-miR-103 were higher in the grazing system than in corn silage farms. The levels of bta-miR-532, bta-miR-103 and bta-miR-7863 showed differences between different farm managements. The miRNAs bta-miR-155 and bta-miR-103 were predicted to participate in common functions related to fat metabolism and fatty acid elongation. All four differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to participate in transport, cell differentiation, and metabolism. These results suggest that the dairy production system influences the levels of some miRNAs in milk fat, and that bta-miR-155 and bta-miR-103 may be potential biomarkers to identify milk from pasture-managed systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Abou el qassim
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Sandrine Le Guillou
- GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luis J. Royo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
- Department of Functional Biology, Genetics, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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8
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The Value of ‘Cow Signs’ in the Assessment of the Quality of Nutrition on Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111352. [PMID: 35681817 PMCID: PMC9179339 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide dairy farm advisors, consultants, nutritionists, practitioners, and their dairy farmer clients with an additional toolkit that can be used in the assessment of the quality of their dairy cattle nutrition. Cow signs are behavioral, physiological, and management parameters that can be observed and measured. They are detected by examining and observing the cattle. Other physiological parameters such as fecal scoring, rumen fill, and body condition scoring are also included in ‘cow signs’. The assessment should be both qualitative and quantitative; for example, is the cattle individual lame and what is the severity of lameness. The ‘diagnosis’ of a problem should be based on establishing a farm profile of ‘cow signs’ and other relevant information. Information gathered through assessment of cow signs should be used as an advisory tool to assist and improve decision making. Cow signs can be used as part of an investigation and or farm audit.
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Alsaaod M, Dürr S, Iten D, Buescher W, Steiner A. Locomotion behavior of dairy cows on traditional summer mountain farms in comparison with modern cubicle housing without access to pasture. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264320. [PMID: 35263371 PMCID: PMC8906619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pasture based systems enable cattle to express their natural behavior and are thus expected to provide better welfare than the majority of confinement systems. The aim of this study was to objectively measure locomotion activity of healthy dairy cattle kept on mountain pastures (n = 44) compared with cows kept in cubicle housing systems (n = 38). Selected cows were equipped with a validated 3D-accelerometer on one hind limb, and locomotion behavior was recorded for 48 hours. The 1-hour summaries of the variables lying time, walking time, standing bouts, walking bouts and number of strides were summed up to 24-hour summaries, and the means of the stride distance and stride duration were weighted by the variable number of strides. Mountain pasture cows had higher locomotor activity levels in comparison to cubicle cows. Mountain pasture cows spent less time lying down (528.1±109.5 min/day vs. 693.3±73.8 min/day; P<0.0001) and more time walking (75.6±25.9 min/day vs. 38.8±15.8 min/day; P <0.0001) than cubicle cows. Lying bout duration was longer in cubicle than in mountain pasture cows (90.9± 15.2 min/bout vs. 74.2 ± 21.1 min/bout; P = 0.0001), whilst the number of walking bouts was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (199.1 ± 49.1 vs. 123.8 ± 43.8 bouts per day; P < 0.001). Likewise, the number of strides was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (2040.5 ± 825.3 vs. 916.7 ± 408.6; P < 0.001). Mountain pasture cows had shorter stride duration (P < 0.0001) and shorter strides (P = 0.0002) than cubicle cows (1.8 ± 0.1 s/stride vs 2 ± 0.2 s/stride and 126.3 ± 18.1 vs 142.1 ± 17.8 m/stride, respectively). In summary, cows kept on mountain pasture were more active and spent longer than 12 hours / day standing. Lying markedly less than 12 hours per day seems to represent the normal behavior of pastured cows searching for fresh grass. This does not cause any obvious damage to the locomotor system as claws of cattle are well adapted to long periods of movement on mountain pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damian Iten
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Buescher
- Livestock Technology Section, Institute for Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Velarde-Guillén J, Arndt C, Gómez CA. Carbon footprint in Latin American dairy systems. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 54:15. [PMID: 34905115 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-03021-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The study reviewed carbon footprint (CF) analyses for milk production in Latin America from cradle to farm gate. The objective was to estimate (1) the effect of feeding management (zero-grazing, semi-confinement, and pasture), (2) cattle system (specialized dairy vs. dual-purpose), and (3) region (tropical vs. temperate) on milk production (kg/cow/day) and CF (kg CO2eq/kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM)). A systematic literature review was conducted, and for the final analysis, a total of 32 individual CF (from 11 studies) were used. Studies included in the final analysis allowed to calculate CF per kg FPCM, included upstream emissions calculations, and used the IPCC's tier 2 approach for enteric methane emissions. The range of the CF observed in the region was from 1.54 to 3.57 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM. Feeding management had a significant effect on milk production, but not on CF. Zero-grazing compared with pasture systems had a 140% greater milk production (20.1 vs. 8.4 kg milk/cow/day), but numerically greater CF for pasture systems (2.6 vs. 1.7 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM). Compared with specialized dairy cattle, dual-purpose cattle produced less milk (P < 0.001) and higher CF (P < 0.05). Compared with temperate regions, tropical region systems produced less milk and higher CF. In conclusion, in Latin America, the cattle system and region have a significant impact on CF, whereas the feeding management (zero-grazing, semi-confinement, and pasture) does not impact the CF of milk produced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Arndt
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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11
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Montcho M, Padonou EA, Houngbédji M, Montcho M, Mutua MN, Sinsin B. Variation of nutritional and microbiological properties of milk in relation to climate adaptation strategies across dairy production systems in West Africa. Int Dairy J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Morales AG, Vibart RE, Li MM, Jonker A, Pacheco D, Hanigan MD. Evaluation of Molly model predictions of ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and performance by dairy cows consuming ryegrass-based diets. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:9676-9702. [PMID: 34127259 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted to improve grazing management and supplementation in pasture-based systems. However, it is necessary to develop tools that integrate the available information linking the representation of biological processes with animal performance for use in decision making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the Molly cow model predictions of ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and animal performance by cows consuming pasture-based diets to identify model strengths and weaknesses, and to derive new digestive parameters when relevant. Model modifications for adipose tissue, protein synthesis in lean body mass and viscera representation were included. Data used for model evaluations were collected from 25 publications containing 115 treatment means sourced from studies conducted with lactating dairy cattle. The inclusion criteria were that diets contained ≥45% perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and that dry matter intake, dietary ingredient composition, and nutrient digestion observations were reported. Animal performance and N excretion variables were also included if they were reported. Model performance was assessed before and after model reparameterization of selected digestive parameters, global sensitivity analysis was conducted after reparameterization, and a 5-fold cross evaluation was performed. Although rumen fermentation predictions were not significantly improved, rumen volatile fatty acids absorption rates were recalculated, which improved the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for rumen propionate and ammonia concentration predictions but decreased CCC for acetate predictions. Similar degradation rates of crude protein were observed for grass and total mixed ration diets, but rumen-undegradable protein predictions seemed to be affected by the solubility of the protein source as was the intestinal digestibility coefficient. Ruminal fiber degradation was greater after reparameterization, driven primarily by hemicellulose degradation. Predictions of ruminal and fecal outflow of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, as well as total fecal output predictions, improved significantly after reparameterization. Blood urea N and urinary N excretion predictions resulted in similar accuracy using both sets of model parameters, whereas fecal N excretion predictions were significantly improved after reparameterization. Body weight and body condition score predictions were greatly improved after model modifications and reparameterization. Before reparameterization, yield predictions for daily milk, milk fat, milk protein, and milk lactose were greatly overestimated (mean bias of 61.0, 58.7, 73.7, and 64.6% of mean squared error, respectively). Although this problem was partially addressed by model modifications and reparameterization (mean bias of 3.2, 1.1, 1.7, and 0.4% of mean squared error, respectively), CCC values were still small. The ability of the model to predict grass digestion and animal performance in dairy cows consuming pasture-based diets was improved, demonstrating the applicability of this model to these productive systems. However, the failure to predict grass digestion based on standard model inputs without reparameterization indicates there are still fundamental challenges in characterizing feeds for this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Morales
- Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061; Animal Science Institute, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - R E Vibart
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - M M Li
- Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - A Jonker
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - D Pacheco
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - M D Hanigan
- Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
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13
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McClements DJ, Grossmann L. The science of plant-based foods: Constructing next-generation meat, fish, milk, and egg analogs. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 20:4049-4100. [PMID: 34056859 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly demanding foods that are more ethical, sustainable and nutritious to improve the health of themselves and the planet. The food industry is currently undergoing a revolution, as both small and large companies pivot toward the creation of a new generation of plant-based products to meet this consumer demand. In particular, there is an emphasis on the production of plant-based foods that mimic those that omnivores are familiar with, such as meat, fish, egg, milk, and their products. The main challenge in this area is to simulate the desirable appearance, texture, flavor, mouthfeel, and functionality of these products using ingredients that are isolated entirely from botanical sources, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. The molecular, chemical, and physical properties of plant-derived ingredients are usually very different from those of animal-derived ones. It is therefore critical to understand the fundamental properties of plant-derived ingredients and how they can be assembled into structures resembling those found in animal products. This review article provides an overview of the current status of the scientific understanding of plant-based foods and highlights areas where further research is required. In particular, it focuses on the chemical, physical, and functional properties of plant-derived ingredients; the processing operations that can be used to convert these ingredients into food products; and, the science behind the formulation of vegan meat, fish, eggs, and milk alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lutz Grossmann
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Cow in Motion: A review of the impact of housing systems on movement opportunity of dairy cows and implications on locomotor activity. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Leal Yepes FA, Mann S, Martens EM, Velasco-Bolaños J, Ceballos-Marquez A, Puerto S, Gómez MI, McArt JAA. Blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and early lactation management strategies on pasture-based dairy farms in Colombia. Prev Vet Med 2019; 174:104855. [PMID: 31864169 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The increasing global demand for food requires sustainable solutions to close the gap in agricultural yield between industrialized and non-industrialized countries. Our objectives in this cross-sectional study were to: 1) characterize farm populations, milk yield, and early lactation management strategies of dairy cows in three different regions of Colombia, and 2) determine the association of these management strategies with blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in the first 42 days in milk (DIM). Dairy herds (n = 56) in the Antioquia, Caldas, and Cundinamarca regions of Colombia were visited once from May through July 2018. A survey was administered to farm owners to collect demographic, management, and herd nutrition information. Blood samples from dairy cows (n = 880) between calving and 42 DIM were used to measure blood BHB concentration. Associations between management and nutritional strategies and blood BHB concentration were examined using mixed models. Prevalence of hyperketonemia was calculated as the number of samples with BHB concentration ≥1.2 mmol/L divided by the total number of samples. The estimated diet composition for early lactation dairy cows was 65.5% pasture and 31.8% commercial concentrates. The farm median milk yield, protein concentration, and fat concentration were 21.0 kg (range = 13.1-36 kg), 3.2% (range = 2.7-4.1%), and 3.5% (range = 3.0-4.1%), respectively. Milk yield least squares means (95% confidence interval; CI) differed by region: 21.7 (20.3, 23.2), 18.5 (17.0, 20.2), and 20.3 (18.5, 22.4) kg in Antioquia, Caldas, and Cundinamarca, respectively. Median blood BHB concentration was 0.5 and ranged from 0.1-4.4 mmol/L; blood BHB concentration was not different among the three regions. Pasture fertilization, increased parity, and BCS were associated with changes in blood BHB concentration. The overall prevalence of hyperketonemia was 4.5%. Geographical region affected the prevalence of hyperketonemia at 2.5%, 4.0%, and 10.2% in Antioquia, Caldas, and Cundinamarca, respectively. Mean stocking density (95% CI) was greater in Cundinamarca than Antioquia or Caldas at 3.3 (2.2, 5.0), 2.8 (2.1, 3.9) and 1.7 (1.2, 2.6) animals per ha, respectively, and was associated with hyperketonemia prevalence. Farms that abruptly stop milking cows at dry-off had 80% of the hyperketonemia events in the study. Pasture-based dairies in Colombia had lower blood BHB concentrations and estimated milk yield compared with confined production systems in temperate zones. However, geographical region, stocking density, and abrupt cessation of milking at dry-off were associated with prevalence of hyperketonemia in pasture-based dairies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Leal Yepes
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Sabine Mann
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Martens
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Juan Velasco-Bolaños
- Faculty of Agricultural Research Sciences, CLEV Research Group, Universidad De Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Ceballos-Marquez
- Faculty of Agricultural Research Sciences, CLEV Research Group, Universidad De Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Sergio Puerto
- Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Miguel I Gómez
- Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jessica A A McArt
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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Alothman M, Hogan SA, Hennessy D, Dillon P, Kilcawley KN, O'Donovan M, Tobin J, Fenelon MA, O'Callaghan TF. The "Grass-Fed" Milk Story: Understanding the Impact of Pasture Feeding on the Composition and Quality of Bovine Milk. Foods 2019; 8:E350. [PMID: 31426489 PMCID: PMC6723057 DOI: 10.3390/foods8080350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk is a highly nutritious food that contains an array of macro and micro components, scientifically proven to be beneficial to human health. While the composition of milk is influenced by a variety of factors, such as genetics, health, lactation stage etc., the animal's diet remains a key mechanism by which its nutrition and processing characteristics can be altered. Pasture feeding has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the nutrient profile of milk, increasing the content of some beneficial nutrients such as Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vaccenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), while reducing the levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and palmitic acid. These resultant alterations to the nutritional profile of "Grass-Fed" milk resonate with consumers that desire healthy, "natural", and sustainable dairy products. This review provides a comprehensive comparison of the impact that pasture and non-pasture feeding systems have on bovine milk composition from a nutritional and functional (processability) perspective, highlighting factors that will be of interest to dairy farmers, processors, and consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alothman
- Department of Food Chemistry & Technology, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Sean A Hogan
- Department of Food Chemistry & Technology, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Hennessy
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Pat Dillon
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Kieran N Kilcawley
- Department of Food Quality & Sensory Science, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael O'Donovan
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - John Tobin
- Department of Food Chemistry & Technology, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Mark A Fenelon
- Department of Food Chemistry & Technology, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Tom F O'Callaghan
- Department of Food Chemistry & Technology, Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland.
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Ledinek M, Gruber L, Steininger F, Fuerst-Waltl B, Zottl K, Royer M, Krimberger K, Mayerhofer M, Egger-Danner C. Analysis of lactating cows on commercial Austrian dairy farms: the influence of genotype and body weight on efficiency parameters. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:491-500. [PMID: 31807660 PMCID: PMC6852849 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-491-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the
influence of body weight on the efficiency of dairy cows, and second, to
analyze the current state of dairy cattle populations as part of the
Austrian Cattle Breeding Association's Efficient Cow project. Data of Fleckvieh (FV, dual-purpose Simmental), Fleckvieh×Red
Holstein (FV×RH), Holstein (HF) and Brown Swiss (BS) dairy cows
(161 farms, 6098 cows) were collected at each performance recording during
the year 2014. In addition to routinely recorded data (e.g., milk yield, fertility),
body weight, body measurements, body condition score (BCS) and individual
feed information were also collected. The following efficiency traits were
considered: body weight efficiency as the ratio of energy-corrected milk
(ECM) to metabolic body weight, feed efficiency (kilogram ECM per kilogram dry-matter intake) and energy efficiency expressed as the ratio of energy in milk to
energy intake. The relationship of milk yield to body weight was shown to be nonlinear.
Milk yield decreased in cows above the 750 kg body weight class for HF, BS
and FV×RH with 68 % RH genes, but less dramatically and later
for FV at 800 kg. This resulted in an optimum body weight for feed and
energy efficiency. BS and HF had the highest efficiency in a narrower and
lighter body weight range (550–700 kg) due to a stronger curvature of the
parabolic curve. Contrary to this, the efficiency of FV did not change as
much as it did in the dairy breeds with increasing body weight, meaning that
FV had a similar feed and energy efficiency in a range of 500–750 kg. The
breed differences disappeared when body weight ranged between 750 and
800 kg. The average body weight of the breeds studied (FV 722 kg, BS 649 and HF
662 kg) was in the optimum range. FV was located at the upper end of the
decreasing segment. In conclusion, an optimum body weight range for efficiency does exist, due
to the nonlinear relationship of milk yield and body weight. Specialized
dairy breeds seem to respond more intensively to body weight range than
dual-purpose breeds, due to the stronger curvature. Cows with medium weights
within a population are the most efficient. Heavy cows (>750 kg)
produce even less milk. A further increase in dairy cows' body weights
should therefore be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ledinek
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Leonhard Gruber
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, 8952, Austria
| | | | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Karl Zottl
- LKV Niederösterreich, Zwettl, 3910, Austria
| | - Martin Royer
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, 8952, Austria
| | - Kurt Krimberger
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, 8952, Austria
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Ledinek M, Gruber L, Steininger F, Fuerst-Waltl B, Zottl K, Royer M, Krimberger K, Mayerhofer M, Egger-Danner C. Analysis of lactating cows in commercial Austrian dairy farms: interrelationships between different efficiency and production traits, body condition score and energy balance. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2019.1569485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ledinek
- Department für Nachhaltige Agrarsysteme, BOKU–University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Leonhard Gruber
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
| | | | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- Department für Nachhaltige Agrarsysteme, BOKU–University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Martin Royer
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
| | - Kurt Krimberger
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
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Readily Available Water Access is Associated with Greater Milk Production in Grazing Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9020048. [PMID: 30764501 PMCID: PMC6406619 DOI: 10.3390/ani9020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In Santa Catarina, Brazil, most milk is produced on small-scale farms that utilize grazing as the main form of nutrition; however, the farms differ in how they provide water for their herds, with some herds not providing access to drinking water while on pasture and other herds having unrestricted access to water. In this study, we assessed the milk production on farms that differ in the way drinking water is provided to the herd. Herds with unrestricted access to drinking water produced more milk than herds that had restricted access to drinking water, regardless of the main breed of the herd, and amount of concentrate offered per cow per day. Simple changes in water management practices may positively impact milk production. Abstract In this cross-sectional study, we measured the association between water provision and milk production on intensively managed small-scale grazing dairy herds. Farms (n = 53) were categorized according to water provision as follows: (1) Restricted—cows did not have access to a water trough while on pasture; and (2) Unrestricted—cows had free access to a water trough while on pasture. Herd main breed and feeding practices were included in a model to assess the effect of water provision category on farm average milk yield/cow/d. The effect of pasture condition and environmental variables on milk production were also assessed, however were not retained on the final model. Herds provided with unrestricted access to drinking water produced on average 1.7 L more milk per cow/d (p = 0.03) than herds with restricted access to drinking water. Predominantly Holstein herds produced 2.8 L more milk per cow/d (p < 0.01) than non-Holstein herds. Each extra kg of concentrate offered per day increased milk yield by 1.1 L/cow/d (p < 0.01). In conclusion, providing free access to drinking water while grazing was associated with greater milk production.
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20
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Ledinek M, Gruber L, Steininger F, Zottl K, Royer M, Krimberger K, Mayerhofer M, Egger-Danner C, Fuerst-Waltl B. Analysis of lactating cows in commercial Austrian dairy farms: diet composition, and influence of genotype, parity and stage of lactation on nutrient intake, body weight and body condition score. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2018.1504632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ledinek
- Department für Nachhaltige Agrarsysteme, Institut für Nutztierwissenschaften, BOKU–University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Leonhard Gruber
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
| | | | | | - Martin Royer
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
| | - Kurt Krimberger
- Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria
| | | | | | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- Department für Nachhaltige Agrarsysteme, Institut für Nutztierwissenschaften, BOKU–University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
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Romanzin A, Corazzin M, Piasentier E, Bovolenta S. Concentrate Supplement Modifies the Feeding Behavior of Simmental Cows Grazing in Two High Mountain Pastures. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8050076. [PMID: 29772724 PMCID: PMC5981287 DOI: 10.3390/ani8050076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Traditional Alpine husbandry systems require dairy cows to be grazing on mountain pasture during summer and kept indoors during the remaining part of the year. Nowadays, the pasture is not able to fully satisfy the nutritional requirements of cattle; therefore, the use of concentrates is frequently required. From their use, some issues arise: the cows tend to consume the concentrates at the expense of the grass; concentrates are competitive with human diets; concentrates decrease the environmental sustainability of farm. Therefore, in order to minimize their use, it is imperative to obtain data on the grazing behavior of cows. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concentrate levels on the behavior of dairy cows during summer grazing in two pastures characterized by Poion alpinae and Seslerion caeruleae alliance. Cows were equipped with an electronic device to evaluate feeding behavior (grazing, rumination, and walking). In addition, the plant selection by animals was assessed. In Poion alpinae, a rich pasture, the increased supplement influenced the selectivity of the pasture species, while in Seslerion caeruleae, a poor pasture, supplementation resulted in a reduction in grazing times. The study highlights how the supplement level induced a different grazing behavior depending on pasture type. Abstract During grazing on Alpine pastures, the use of concentrates in dairy cows’ diet leads to a reduction of the environmental sustainability of farms, and influences the selective pressure on some plant species. In order to minimize the use of concentrates, it is imperative to obtain data on the grazing behavior of cows. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concentrate levels on the behavior of dairy cows during grazing. One hundred and ten lactating Italian Simmental cows, that sequentially grazed two pastures characterized by Poion alpinae (Poion) and Seslerion caeruleae (Seslerion) alliance, were considered. For each pasture, eight cows were selected and assigned to two groups: High and Low, supplemented with 4 kg/head/d, and 1 kg/head/d of concentrate respectively. Cows were equipped with a noseband pressure sensor and a pedometer (RumiWatch system, ITIN-HOCH GmbH) to assess grazing, ruminating, and walking behavior. In addition, the plant selection of the animals was assessed. On Poion, increased supplement intake caused a more intense selection of legumes, without affecting feeding and walking times. On Seslerion, grazing time was higher in Low than High. Grazing management in alpine region must take into account the great variability of pastures that largely differ from a floristic and nutritional point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romanzin
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Mirco Corazzin
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Edi Piasentier
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Stefano Bovolenta
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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Abstract
This Research Paper addresses the hypothesis that is possible to identify the type of feed used for dairy cows by means of the analysis of milk composition and the fatty acid profile of milk fat. Sixteen dairy farms were monitored during 1 year with quarterly visits between summer 2014 and spring 2015. Rations varied throughout the year due to annual dynamic change of forage production, forage rotation, variation of nutrient requirements according to physiological state of the animal, etc. The ingredients of the rations were analysed by cluster identifying five feeding systems based on the main ingredient of the diet: grazing, maize silage, grass silage, dry forage and concentrate. Milk composition could explain up to 91·3% of the total variability among feeding systems, while fatty acid profile could explain only up to 61·2% of total variability. However, when the sum of types of fatty acids and their ratios are taken, up to 93·5% of total variability could be explained. The maize silage system had the greatest milk yield, protein, solid non-fat and urea proportions, as well as the highest proportion of saturated fatty acid and lowest concentration of trans11 18 : 1, cis9 18 : 1 and 18 : 3 n3. Principal component analysis distinguishes the maize silage system from other feeding systems, both from milk composition and milk fatty acid profile. Concentrate system overlapped partially with the grazing, grass silage and dry forage systems. The latter systems had the highest concentrations of cis9 18 : 1, trans11 18 : 1 and 18 : 3, but there was no clear differentiation among them.
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May K, Brügemann K, Yin T, Scheper C, Strube C, König S. Genetic line comparisons and genetic parameters for endoparasite infections and test-day milk production traits. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:7330-7344. [PMID: 28690064 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Keeping dairy cows in grassland systems relies on detailed analyses of genetic resistance against endoparasite infections, including between- and within-breed genetic evaluations. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare different Black and White dairy cattle selection lines for endoparasite infections and (2) the estimation of genetic (co)variance components for endoparasite and test-day milk production traits within the Black and White cattle population. A total of 2,006 fecal samples were taken during 2 farm visits in summer and autumn 2015 from 1,166 cows kept in 17 small- and medium-scale organic and conventional German grassland farms. Fecal egg counts were determined for gastrointestinal nematodes (FEC-GIN) and flukes (FEC-FLU), and fecal larvae counts for the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus (FLC-DV). The lowest values for gastrointestinal nematode infections were identified for genetic lines adopted to pasture-based production systems, especially selection lines from New Zealand. Heritabilities were low for FEC-GIN (0.05-0.06 ± 0.04) and FLC-DV (0.05 ± 0.04), but moderate for FEC-FLU (0.33 ± 0.06). Almost identical heritabilities were estimated for different endoparasite trait transformations (log-transformation, square root). The genetic correlation between FEC-GIN and FLC-DV was 1.00 ± 0.60, slightly negative between FEC-GIN and FEC-FLU (-0.10 ± 0.27), and close to zero between FLC-DV and FEC-FLU (0.03 ± 0.30). Random regression test-day models on a continuous time scale [days in milk (DIM)] were applied to estimate genetic relationships between endoparasite and longitudinal test-day production traits. Genetic correlations were negative between FEC-GIN and milk yield (MY) until DIM 85, and between FEC-FLU and MY until DIM 215. Genetic correlations between FLC-DV and MY were negative throughout lactation, indicating improved disease resistance for high-productivity cows. Genetic relationships between FEC-GIN and FEC-FLU with milk protein content were negative for all DIM. Apart from the very early and very late lactation stage, genetic correlations between FEC-GIN and milk fat content were negative, whereas they were positive for FEC-FLU. Genetic correlations between FEC-GIN and somatic cell score were positive, indicating similar genetic mechanisms for susceptibility to udder and endoparasite infections. The moderate heritabilities for FEC-FLU suggest inclusion of FEC-FLU into overall organic dairy cattle breeding goals to achieve long-term selection response for disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany; Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Brügemann
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Tong Yin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Carsten Scheper
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany.
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Magrin L, Brscic M, Lora I, Contiero B, Cozzi G. Physiological and productive response of lactating dairy cows to the alpine transhumance at the end of the summer grazing*. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2015.1132541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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