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Hernández-Castellano LE, Sørensen MT, Foldager L, Herskin MS, Gross JJ, Bruckmaier RM, Larsen M. Effects of feeding level, milking frequency, and single injection of cabergoline on blood metabolites, hormones, and minerals around dry-off in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:2919-2932. [PMID: 36894421 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22648] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the different dry-off strategies based on reducing feeding level (normal vs. reduced energy density), reducing milking frequency (twice vs. once daily), and administration of a dopamine agonist after last milking (i.e. saline vs. cabergoline injection) on blood metabolites, hormones, and minerals around dry-off. In this experiment, 119 Holstein dairy cows were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. In the last week before dry-off, cows were allocated to 1 of the 4 possible dry-off strategies based on feeding level and milking frequency. Within 3 h after last milking, cows were injected with either saline or a D2 dopamine agonist (cabergoline; Velactis, Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France; labeled for use only with abrupt dry-off, e.g., no preceding reduction in feeding level or milking frequency before last milking). After dry-off, all cows were fed the same dry cow diet and data collection continued for a week. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein on d -9, -6, -5, -2, 1, 2, 5, and 7 relative to dry-off. Additionally, blood was sampled at 0, 3, and 6 h relative to injection of either cabergoline or saline, equivalent to d 0.125, 0.250, and 0.375 relative to last milking (dry-off). The reduced feeding level before dry-off caused reduced glucose and insulin concentrations as well as increased free fatty acid concentrations, particularly when reduced feeding level was combined with milking the cows 2× daily. The intramuscular injection of cabergoline caused the expected reduction in circulating prolactin concentrations. In addition, dopamine-agonist cabergoline induced an atypical simultaneous pattern of plasma metabolites (i.e., increased glucose and free fatty acid concentrations), hormones (i.e., reduced insulin and increased cortisol concentrations), and minerals (i.e., reduced calcium concentration), indicating that normal metabolic and mineral homeostatic regulations were hindered after the injection of ergot alkaloid cabergoline. In conclusion, reducing milking frequency seems the best management strategy to reduce milk production at dry-off among those tested in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo E Hernández-Castellano
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University-Research Centre Foulum, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Animal Production and Biotechnology group, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain.
| | - Martin T Sørensen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University-Research Centre Foulum, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Leslie Foldager
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University-Research Centre Foulum, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mette S Herskin
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University-Research Centre Foulum, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Josef J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mogens Larsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University-Research Centre Foulum, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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Wredle E, Svennersten-Sjaunja K, Munksgaard L, Herskin MS, Bruckmaier RM, Uvnäs-Moberg K. Feeding and Manual Brushing Influence the Release of Oxytocin, ACTH and Cortisol Differently During Milking in Dairy Cows. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:671702. [PMID: 35368263 PMCID: PMC8964426 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.671702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to examine the effects of feeding or abdominal brushing on the release of the hormones oxytocin, ACTH and cortisol during milking in dairy cows. Methods Twelve cows in early lactation were used (2 × 2 factorial experimental design), testing the effects of two types of sensory stimulation during milking over a 3 day period; feeding concentrate or manual abdominal brushing (1 stroke/s). Blood samples for hormone analyses were collected at time at −15, −1, 0 (onset of cluster), every min for 8 min, at 10, 12, 14, 16, 30, and 60 min. Hormone levels were assayed and AUC was calculated. Results Milking was associated with an immediate and significant rise of oxytocin. When milking was combined with feeding, significantly higher levels of oxytocin were observed at 2 and 4 mins (p < 0.05). No effect of brushing on oxytocin levels was observed. Milking alone was associated with a significant rise of ACTH levels. Feeding in connection with milking reduced the immediate rise of ACTH levels (p < 0.05) and AUC (p < 0.02), whereas no effects of brushing were found. Milking caused a progressive rise of cortisol levels. Concomitant feeding did not influence cortisol levels, whereas brushing significantly decreased cortisol levels at 1, 5 and 14 mins after onset of milking (p < 0.05). Conclusion Feeding increases oxytocin release in response to milking and decreases ACTH levels. Abdominal brushing did not influence these variables, but decreased cortisol levels. These data demonstrate that activation of afferent vagal nerve fibres and of cutaneous sensory nerves originating from the abdominal skin in front of the udder influence milking related hormone release differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Wredle
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Lene Munksgaard
- Department of Animal Science, AU-Foulum, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Mette S Herskin
- Department of Animal Science, AU-Foulum, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
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Effect of Morphine Administration on Social andNon-Social Play Behaviour in Calves. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9020056. [PMID: 30759872 PMCID: PMC6406493 DOI: 10.3390/ani9020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Play can be used as an indicator of welfare in animals, because animals play more when all their basic needs are met. Opioids have a modulatory effect on social play behaviour in rodents and primates, however little is known regarding the central mechanisms involved in play behaviour in ruminants. In ruminants, we need to know more about what factors influence play behaviour, to determine which elements of play may more accurately be used as indicators of positive welfare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of morphine on social and non-social play behaviour in calves. In an arena test, morphine administration increased the performance of social play events but had no effect on locomotor play in calves. Similar to research in rodents and primates, morphine administration appears to increase social but not non-social elements of play in calves, suggesting that increased social play may be more indicative of a positive affective state. Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of morphine on social and non-social play behaviour in calves. Twelve calves experienced four treatments in a cross over 2 × 2 factorial design: Calves received an intravenous injection of morphine or saline 10 min prior to being tested individually or in pairs in an arena for 20 min. Play behaviour was continuously recorded in the arena test. Lying times were recorded in the home pen. Cortisol concentrations were measured before and after testing. In the arena test, calves given morphine tended to perform more social play events than calves given saline, however, morphine administration had no effect on locomotor play. Calves given morphine spent less time lying than calves given saline during the first 4 h after returning to the home pen. Cortisol concentrations were suppressed in calves given morphine. Administration of morphine appeared to increase social play but had no effect on locomotor play in calves. This study highlights the importance of investigating different aspects of play behaviour in animals as some may be more indicative of a positive affective state than others. More studies investigating the effects of morphine on play are needed to confirm the results found in this study.
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Hall L, Villar F, Chapman J, McLean D, Long N, Xiao Y, Collier J, Collier R. An evaluation of an immunomodulatory feed ingredient in heat-stressed lactating Holstein cows: Effects on hormonal, physiological, and production responses. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7095-7105. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fazio E, Medica P, Cravana C, Ferlazzo A. Release of β-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol in response to machine milking of dairy cows. Vet World 2015; 8:284-9. [PMID: 27047086 PMCID: PMC4774832 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.284-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study was undertaken with the objective to obtain insight into the dynamics of the release of β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in response to machine milking in dairy cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 healthy multiparous lactating Italian Friesian dairy cows were used in the study. Animals were at the 4th-5th month of pregnancy and were submitted to machine milking 2 times daily. Blood samples were collected in the morning: In baseline conditions, immediately before milking and after milking; and in the early afternoon: In baseline conditions, before milking and after milking, for 2 consecutive days. Endocrine variables were measured in duplicate, using a commercial radioimmunoassay for circulating β-endorphin and ACTH concentrations and a competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay for cortisol concentration. Results: Data obtained showed a similar biphasic cortisol secretion of lactating dairy cows, with a significant increase of cortisol concentration after morning machine milking, at both the 1st and the 2nd day (p<0.05), and a decrease after afternoon machine milking at the 2nd day (p<0.01). One-way RM ANOVA showed significant effects of the machine milking on the cortisol changes, at both morning (f=22.96; p<0.001) and afternoon (f=15.10; p<0.01) milking, respectively. Two-way RM ANOVA showed a significant interaction between cortisol changes at the 1st and the 2nd day (f=7.94; p<0.0002), and between the sampling times (f=6.09; p<0.001). Conversely, no significant effects of the machine milking were observed on β-endorphin and ACTH changes, but only a moderate positive correlation (r=0.94; p<0.06) after milking stimuli. Conclusions: A wide range of cortisol concentrations reported in this study showed the complex dynamic patterns of the homeostatic mechanisms involved during machine milking in dairy cows, suggesting that β-endorphin and ACTH were not the main factors that caused the adrenocortical response to milking stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - P Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - C Cravana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - A Ferlazzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Bruckmaier RM, Wellnitz O. Induction of milk ejection and milk removal in different production systems. J Anim Sci 2007; 86:15-20. [PMID: 17709779 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2007-0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Milk ejection is important during milking or suckling to obtain the alveolar milk fraction, which can represent more than 80% of the milk stored in the udder of dairy cows. In response to tactile teat stimulation, either manually or by the milking machine, milk ejection is induced by the release of oxytocin and resultant myoepithelial contraction. The time from the start of tactile stimulation until the occurrence of milk ejection spans 40 s to > 2 min and increases with a decreasing degree of udder filling. Therefore, cows need a longer prestimulation in the late stages of lactation or if the milking is performed shortly after the previous milking, whereas in full udders prestimulation is less important. Milk ejection is disturbed under several conditions, such as during milking in unfamiliar surroundings (i.e., a novel milking environment) or for several weeks immediately after parturition in primiparous cows. Disturbed milk ejection is due to a reduction of or absence of oxytocin release from the pituitary. The severity of disturbed milk ejection and the coping capacity toward a novel milking environment is related to cortisol release in response to ACTH (i.e., adrenal cortex activity). Therefore, susceptibility of individual cows to the inhibition of oxytocin release and milk ejection can be predicted by an ACTH challenge test. Comfortable surroundings, such as feeding in and lighting of the milking parlor, can increase the secretion of oxytocin. Overcoming the lack of oxytocin release by injection of exogenous oxytocin for an extended time results in a reduction of the mammary response to endogenous oxytocin. In different production systems, it has to be verified that udder stimulation is sufficient to prevent disturbed milk ejection. Different brands of automatic milking systems induce a sufficient prestimulation of the udder, even if a few minutes are needed for a successful onset of the teat clusters. Specific breeds used for less intense milk production may need the presence of their calves for sufficient oxytocin release during milking. In conclusion, in all milk production systems, the maximal possible reduction of stress has to be targeted and proper udder prestimulation must be performed for an optimal milking of the cow by the farmer.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Hopster H, Bruckmaier RM, Van der Werf JTN, Korte SM, Macuhova J, Korte-Bouws G, van Reenen CG. Stress responses during milking; comparing conventional and automatic milking in primiparous dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2002; 85:3206-16. [PMID: 12512594 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(02)74409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A comparative study was performed to evaluate the differences in behavioral and physiological stress responses during milking between cows that were milked by an automated milking system (AM-cows) and cows that were milked in a conventional tandem parlor (TM-cows). In a randomized design, 36 primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were observed and blood sampled (1-min intervals) individually during milking. AM-cows spent less time standing with their heads outside the feeding trough than TM-cows and had a lower heart rate. In addition, AM-cows had lower maximum plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations during milking. No differences were found in the number of steps. After tactile stimulation of the teats either by hand or by the cleaning brush, mean oxytocin concentrations did not differ. In AM-cows, however, elevated oxytocin levels were prolonged at the end of milking. Averaged over the first five blood samples, AM-cows tended to have higher plasma cortisol concentrations than TM-cows, but median fecal concentrations of the cortisol metabolite dioxoandrostane were comparable. Maximum quarter milk flow, maximum udder milk flow and residual milk as a percentage of the total milk volume was comparable. From this study it is concluded that behavioral and physiological responses, both in automatically and in conventionally milked cows, were relatively low and were typical for cows being milked. We therefore conclude that, as far as the welfare of the dairy cow during milking is concerned, automatic milking and conventional milking are equally acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hopster
- Institute for Animal Science and Health, Divison of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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