Mineral status and enteric methane production in dairy cows during different stages of lactation

Reference limits for blood gas analysis performed from coccygeal vessels of multiparous Holstein dairy cows: Effects of stage of lactation and season of sampling

Blood gas analysis is a great support to the diagnostic process of critically ill patients. Its correct application to the medicine of dairy cows depends on the availability of specific reference intervals that are still difficult to find in the literature. They may vary according to the type of blood sampled, the animals' age and production stage, and climatic conditions. This study aimed at calculating the reference limits for some blood gas parameters in the blood collected from the coccygeal vessels of multiparous Holstein dairy cows. This site of sampling implies the risk of withdrawing blood of unknown origin (venous, arterial, or mixed), but it has a high practical interest for easy and quick performance and minimal animal restraint required. Data from 379 cows were used, and reference limits were produced for pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, total carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen saturation (sO2), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), base excess, glucose, Na, K, and ionized calcium (iCa). The effects of stage of lactation (5-60 vs. >60 DIM) and season of sampling (cold vs. hot) were investigated, and specific reference limits were produced for each variable and each level of the factors whenever a significant effect was detected. The pH, sO2, K, and iCa were not influenced by season or stage of lactation. All the other blood gas parameters were significantly affected by season of sampling, and Hb, Hct, glucose, and Na were also affected by stage of lactation. Reference limits provided in this study are specific to the site of sampling (coccygeal vessels) and the animal category considered. Further studies are needed to produce reference intervals for other blood gas parameters, cow categories, and blood types.

Genetic analysis of rumination time based on an analysis of 77,697 Israeli dairy cows

Reduction of methane emission may become necessary for sustainable milk production. Several studies indicate a relationship between rumination time and the level of methane emission. The objectives of the current study were to estimate environmental factors affecting daily rumination time in high-yielding dairy cattle, genetic parameters for rumination time across parities, and environmental and genetic correlations between rumination time and economic traits, and to predict the consequence of inclusion of this trait in the Israeli breeding index. The data included more than 30 million daily records from 77,697 Israeli Holstein cows for rumination time and milk production. A lactation measure of daily rumination time per cow was computed as the mean of the residuals from a linear model analysis with rumination time as the dependent variable. The independent variables were parity and the square root, linear, quadradic and inverse of DIM by parity. Because of the shape of the lactation curve for rumination time, separate linear model analyses were performed for records up to 40 DIM and records with >40 DIM. The phenotypic correlation between first- and second-parity lactations for rumination time was almost 0.8, and close to 0.7 for milk. The heritability of lactation rumination time was close to 0.44 for parities 1 to 3. Heritability for milk production decreased from 0.5 in first parity to 0.3 in third parity. For both traits, genetic correlations among parities were all >0.9. Thus, for routine genetic analysis of rumination time, records in the different parities can be considered the same trait. The genetic correlation between rumination time and milk on first parity was 0.25 and increased slightly with increase in parity. Genetic correlations between rumination time, based on the first 40 DIM, were economically unfavorable with retained placenta but economically favorable with metritis, ketosis, and displaced abomasum. Genetic correlations between rumination time and the 9 traits included in the Israeli breeding index (milk, fat, and protein production; SCS; female fertility; herd-life; milk production persistency; calving ease; and calf mortality) were all economically favorable, except for the correlation of 0.17 with SCS. With the current index, daily rumination time with a current mean of 536 min and SD of 90 min is expected to increase by 11 min/d after 10 yr of selection. Inclusion of this trait with a positive index weight equivalent to 10% of the index should increase rumination time by 19 min. All changes in expected gains due to inclusion of rumination time in the index were economically positive, except for fat and SCS. Inclusion of rumination time in the index should result in 1 kg less gain in fat, a miniscule gain of 0.03 for SCS; and gains of 1.5 kg protein, 0.3% female fertility, and 5 d herd-life. Even though the case for a genetic correlation between rumination time and methane emission is still weak, inclusion of this trait in the commercial index may be justified, considering that equipment is now commercially available for routine recording at reasonable cost.

Effects of Brown Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) Supplementation on Enteric Methane Emissions, Metabolic Status and Milk Composition in Peak-Lactating Holstein Cows

The dairy industry contributes significantly to anthropogenic methane emissions, which have an impact on global warming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary inclusion of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on enteric methane emissions (EMEs), hematological and blood biochemical profiles, and milk composition in dairy cows. Eighteen Holstein cows were divided into three groups: CON (non-supplemented cows), BS50 (50 mL of 10% A. nodosum), and BS100 (100 mL of 10% A. nodosum). In each cow, measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield (MY), as well as blood and milk sampling with respective analyzes, were performed before supplementation (P1), after 15 (P2) days, and after 30 (P3) days of supplementation. A. nodosum reduced (p < 0.05) methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in both BS50 and BS100, and raised DMI (p < 0.05) only in BS50. Total bilirubin (p < 0.05) was higher in BS50 compared to CON cows in P2, and triacylglycerols were lower (p < 0.05) in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. Higher milk fat content was found in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. C16:0 proportions were higher (p < 0.05) in BS50 and BS100 than in CON cows, while C18:3n-3 was higher (p < 0.05) in BS100 than in BS50 and CON cows in P3. Dietary treatment with A. nodosum reduced EMEs and showed the potential to increase DMI and to improve energy status as well as milk composition in peak-lactating dairy cows.

Relationship between Dairy Cow Health and Intensity of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The dairy industry is facing criticism for its role in exacerbating global GHG emissions, as climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue. These emissions mostly originate from methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). An optimal strategy involves the creation of an economical monitoring device to evaluate methane emissions from dairy animals. Livestock production systems encounter difficulties because of escalating food demand and environmental concerns. Enhancing animal productivity via nutrition, feeding management, reproduction, or genetics can result in a decrease in CH4 emissions per unit of meat or milk. This CH4 unit approach allows for a more accurate comparison of emissions across different animal production systems, considering variations in productivity. Expressing methane emissions per unit allows for easier comparison between different sources of emissions. Expressing emissions per unit (e.g., per cow) highlights the relative impact of these sources on the environment. By quantifying emissions on a per unit basis, it becomes easier to identify high-emission sources and target mitigation efforts accordingly. Many environmental policies and regulations focus on reducing emissions per unit of activity or output. By focusing on emissions per unit, policymakers and producers can work together to implement practices that lower emissions without sacrificing productivity. Expressing methane emissions in this way aligns with policy goals aimed at curbing overall greenhouse gas emissions. While it is true that total emissions affect the atmosphere globally, breaking down emissions per unit helps to understand the specific contributions of different activities and sectors to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling cattle health issues can increase productivity, reduce GHG emissions, and improve animal welfare. Addressing livestock health issues can also provide favourable impacts on human health by reducing the prevalence of infectious illnesses in livestock, thereby mitigating the likelihood of zoonotic infections transmitting to humans. The progress in animal health offers the potential for a future in which the likelihood of animal diseases is reduced because of improved immunity, more effective preventative techniques, earlier identification, and innovative treatments. The primary objective of veterinary medicine is to eradicate clinical infectious diseases in small groups of animals. However, as the animal population grows, the emphasis shifts towards proactive treatment to tackle subclinical diseases and enhance production. Proactive treatment encompasses the consistent monitoring and implementation of preventive measures, such as vaccination and adherence to appropriate nutrition. Through the implementation of these measures, the livestock industry may enhance both animal well-being and mitigate the release of methane and nitrous oxide, thereby fostering environmental sustainability. In addition, advocating for sustainable farming methods and providing farmers with education on the significance of mitigating GHG emissions can bolster the industry's endeavours to tackle climate change and infectious illnesses. This will result in a more robust and environmentally sustainable agriculture industry. This review seeks to conduct a thorough examination of the correlation between the health condition of cattle, the composition of milk produced, and the emissions of methane gas. It aims to identify areas where research is lacking and to provide guidance for future scientific investigations, policy making, and industry practices. The goal is to address the difficulties associated with methane emissions in the cattle industry. The primary global health challenge is to identify the causative relationship between climate change and infectious illnesses. Reducing CH4 and N2O emissions from digestive fermentation and animal manure can be achieved by improving animal well-being and limiting disease and mortality.

Intake, digestibility, energy and nitrogen utilisation, and enteric methane emission in Holstein and Girolando-F1 cows during the transition period

This study aimed to evaluate intake, energy and nitrogen balance as well as methane emission in Holstein and ½ Holstein ½ Gyr (Girolando-F1) cows during the transition period. Twenty-four cows (12 Holstein and 12 Girolando-F1) were used to evaluate feed intake, apparent digestibility, heat production and methane emission, carried out in two periods: from 28 to 19 days pre-calving and from 15 to 23 days post-calving. A completely randomised design was used and data were analysed by ANOVA within periods (pre- and post-calving) considering the main effect of genetic groups. Girolando-F1cows presented greater body condition score (BCS) compared with Holstein. During pre-calving, there were no differences between genetic groups, except for highest heat production per kilogram of metabolic body weight for Holstein cows. After calving, Holstein cows had greater intake of DM, nitrogen, NDF per kg of BW and produced more heat per kg of metabolic body weight. Holstein cows yielded more milk and fat-corrected milk (FCM4%) compared with Girolando-F1 cows. Holstein cows presented higher methane emission per unit of BW and of metabolic weight. Emissions of enteric methane per kilogram of milk and per kilogram of FCM4% tended to be lower for Holstein compared with Girolando-F1 cows. Nitrogen and energy retention were similar for both Holstein and Girolando-F1 at pre- and post-calving. Despite differences in BCS, DMI, and milk yield, Girolando-F1 and Holstein cows present overall similar energy efficiency, albeit Holstein cows tended to present less methane emission per kg of eligible product (milk).

Methane Emission and Metabolic Status in Peak Lactating Dairy Cows and Their Assessment Via Methane Concentration Profile

Ruminant husbandry contributes to global methane (CH4) emissions and beside its negative impact on the environment, enteric CH4 emissions cause a loss of gross energy intake in cows. The study is aimed to estimate CH4 emission and metabolic status in dairy cows via the methane concentration profile as a tool for analyzing the CH4 production pattern. The study included eighteen cows whose enteric CH4 emission was measured during three consecutive days in three periods: 2 hours before (P1), 2–4 hours (P2) and 6–8 hours (P3) after the morning feeding. Based on CH4 enteric emissions, cows were divided into two groups (n=6, respectively): HM (average CH4 concentration: 5430.08 ± 365.92 ppm) and LM (average CH4 concentration: 1351.85 ± 205.20 ppm). Following CH4 measurement, on day 3, venous blood was sampled to determine the indicators of the metabolic status. HM cows had significantly higher average CH4 concentrations, maximum and average CH4 peak amplitude than LM cows in all measuring periods (P1-P3), while the number of CH4 peaks tended to be higher in HM than in LM cows in P2. There were no differences in the maximum and average CH4 peak width and average distance among two CH4 peaks between examined groups of cows. HM cows had significantly higher total protein concentrations and significantly lower total bilirubin and NEFA concentrations than LM cows. In conclusion, HM cows have a greater number of eructations and release more CH4 per eructation than LM cows, hence the differences in metabolic status are most likely related to the differences in their liver function.

Relationship between Reticulorumen Parameters Measured in Real Time and Methane Emission and Heat Stress Risk in Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to investigate a connection between CH4 emissions and reticulorumen pH and temperature. During the experiment, we registered the following parameters: reticulorumen pH (pH), reticulorumen temperature (RR temp.), reticulorumen temperature without drinking cycles, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, cow activity, heat index, temperature−humidity index (THI), and methane emissions (CH4). The experimental animals were divided into two groups based on the reticulorumen pH: 1. pH < 6.22 and 2. pH 6.22−6.42. We found that cows assigned to the second pH class had higher (46.18%) average values for methane emissions (p < 0.01). For the other indicators, higher average values were detected in cows of the first pH class, RR temperature (2.80%), relative humidity (20.96%), temperature−humidity index (2.47%) (p < 0.01), and temperature (3.93%) (p < 0.05), which were higher compared to cows of the second pH class. Reticulorumen pH was highly negatively correlated with THI and temperature (r = −0.667 to 0.717, p < 0.001) and somewhat negatively with heat index, relative humidity, and RR temperature (r = −0.536, p < 0.001; r = −0.471 to 0.456, p < 0.01). Cows with a higher risk of heat stress had a higher risk of lower reticulorumen pH.

Global Warming and Dairy Cattle: How to Control and Reduce Methane Emission

Agriculture produces greenhouse gases. Methane is a result of manure degradation and microbial fermentation in the rumen. Reduced CH4 emissions will slow climate change and reduce greenhouse gas concentrations. This review compiled studies to evaluate the best ways to decrease methane emissions. Longer rumination times reduce methane emissions and milk methane. Other studies have not found this. Increasing propionate and reducing acetate and butyrate in the rumen can reduce hydrogen equivalents that would otherwise be transferred to methanogenesis. Diet can reduce methane emissions. Grain lowers rumen pH, increases propionate production, and decreases CH4 yield. Methane generation per unit of energy-corrected milk yield reduces with a higher-energy diet. Bioactive bromoform discovered in the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis reduces livestock intestinal methane output by inhibiting its production. Essential oils, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids are anti-methanogenic. While it is true that plant extracts can assist in reducing methane emissions, it is crucial to remember to source and produce plants in a sustainable manner. Minimal lipid supplementation can reduce methane output by 20%, increasing energy density and animal productivity. Selecting low- CH4 cows may lower GHG emissions. These findings can lead to additional research to completely understand the impacts of methanogenesis suppression on rumen fermentation and post-absorptive metabolism, which could improve animal productivity and efficiency.

The Effect of Rumination Time on Milk Performance and Methane Emission of Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Ration Based on Maize Silage

Simple Summary

Greenhouse gas emission has attracted considerable public attention in recent years, driving the search for genetic, nutritional, and management strategies to reduce methane emissions and increase the sustainability of milk production. Rumination activity has an important function in feed particle size reduction, condition of feeding behavior, and feed intake as well as in stabilizing rumen fluid pH through saliva production. A total of 365 high-yielding Polish Holstein -Friesian multiparous dairy cows were included in the study covering 24 to 304 days of lactation. Next, the data from the cows were assigned to three groups based on daily rumination time: low rumination up to 412 min/day (up to 25th rumination percentile), medium rumination from 412 to 527 min/day (between the 25th and 75th percentile), and high rumination above 527 min/day (from the 75th percentile). We showed that a longer rumination time leads to a lower methane emission level. Therefore, strategies that increase chewing activity may be used to reduce the environmental impact of dairy cows production.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the rumination time on milk yield and composition as well as methane emission during lactation in high-yielding dairy cows fed a partial mixed ration based on maize silage without pasture access. A total of 365 high-yielding Polish Holstein-Friesian multiparous dairy cows were included in the study covering 24 to 304 days of lactation. Methane emission, rumination time, and milk production traits were observed for the period of 12 months. Next, the data from the cows were assigned to three groups based on daily rumination time: low rumination up to 412 min/day (up to 25th rumination percentile), medium rumination from 412 to 527 min/day (between the 25th and 75th percentile), and high rumination above 527 min/day (from the 75th percentile). Rumination time had no effect on milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, or fat and protein-corrected milk yield. High rumination time had an effect on lower fat concentration in milk compared with the medium and low rumination groups. The highest daily CH₄ production was noted in low rumination cows, which emitted 1.8% more CH₄ than medium rumination cows and 4.2% more than high rumination cows. Rumination time affected daily methane production per kg of milk. Cows from the high rumination group produced 2.9% less CH₄ per milk unit compared to medium rumination cows and 4.6% in comparison to low rumination cows. Similar observations were noted for daily CH₄ production per ECM unit. In conclusion, a longer rumination time is connected with lower methane emission as well as lower methane production per milk unit in high-yielding dairy cows fed a maize silage-based partial mixed ration without pasture access.