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Roche J. Transition Management in Grazing Systems: Pragmatism Before Precision. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2023; 39:325-336. [PMID: 37164520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Grazing cows undergo a similar degree of metabolic stress and immune dysregulation to those reported in high-yielding housed cows consuming total mixed rations, but the ability to manage daily nutrient intake is much less. Feed quality varies from day-to-day and weather can greatly influence amount consumed on any given day. Transition cow management, therefore, tends to revolve around pragmatism as opposed to precision. Mid- and late-gestation management of body condition score is essential to a smooth transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Roche
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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2
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Santos LGC, Breda JCDS, Cerri FM, Flaiban KKMDC, Filho EJF, Lisboa JAN. Effect of changes in body condition during the dry period, milk yield and genetic groups on the metabolic profiles of high-producing Holstein × Gir cows. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Singh AK, Bhakat C, Singh P. A review on water intake in dairy cattle: associated factors, management practices, and corresponding effects. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:154. [PMID: 35359163 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03154-2] [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] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this changing climate scenario, the availability of potable water has become scarce for both humans and animals in many parts of the world. Continuous supply of water is crucial for animals' life as well as different body and sanitary maintenance needs. Water availability has a direct and indirect role in clenching thirst, feeding, cleaning of animals and their environment, and other dairy operations. Water intake by dairy animals is affected by several factors including body weight of animals, genetic makeup, dry matter intake, mineral content of feed offered, milk productivity, environmental conditions, and water temperature. Behavioral patterns of dairy animals are adversely affected by restriction of water supply to them. Researchers have recommended that ad libitum water supply should be assured to the farm animals to avoid any negative effect on their health and performances. In the recent years, there is growing interest in quantifying the effects of restricted water supply to dairy animals. Many studies have demonstrated that the availability of potable water for animals will be a great challenge soon. Therefore, the present review paper has been formulated to gain better understanding of the factors affecting water intake in dairy animals and management strategies to ensure availability of water resources essential for their health, production, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Singh
- Livestock Production Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, India.
| | - Champak Bhakat
- Livestock Production Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, India
| | - Pooja Singh
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India
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Associations between peripartum lying and activity behaviour and blood non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in grazing dairy cows. Animal 2022; 16:100470. [PMID: 35183009 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During early lactation, most dairy cows experience negative energy balance (NEB). Failure to cope with this NEB, however, can place cows at greater risk of developing metabolic disease. Our objective was to characterise, retrospectively, lying behaviour and activity of grazing dairy cows grouped according to blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as indicators of postpartum metabolic state. Blood was sampled weekly for up to 4 weeks precalving, on the day of calving (day 0), daily between 1 and 4 days postcalving, and then at least weekly between week 1 and week 5 postcalving for analysis of plasma NEFAs and BHB concentrations. Two hundred and forty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey cows were classified into one of three metabolic status groups based on maximum blood NEFAs and BHB concentrations during week 1 and 2 postcalving. A cow was classified as having either: (1) low NEFAs and low BHB (Lo-Lo; n = 78), when all blood samples were <1.0 mmol/L for NEFAs and ≤1.0 mmol/L for BHB during the first 2 weeks postcalving; (2) high NEFAs and low BHB (Hi-Lo; n = 134), when blood NEFAs were ≥1.0 mmol/L and blood BHB was ≤1.0 mmol/L at the same sampling time point during the first 2 weeks postcalving; or (3) high NEFAs and high BHB (Hi-Hi; n = 32), when blood NEFAs were ≥1.0 mmol/L and blood BHB was ≥1.2 mmol/L at the same sampling time point during the first 2 weeks postcalving. Accelerometers (IceTag or IceQube devices; IceRobotics Ltd.) were used to monitor lying and activity behaviours peripartum (-21 to +35 days relative to calving). Changes in lying behaviour and activity occurred before the mean day that cows were classified Hi-Hi and Hi-Lo (2.2 and 3.5 d postcalving, respectively). Up to 3 weeks preceding calving, Hi-Hi cows were more active, had fewer daily lying bouts (LBs), and spent less time lying than Lo-Lo cows. In addition, Hi-Hi cows had fewer daily LBs and were less active up to 4 weeks postcalving than Lo-Lo cows, but these differences were biologically small. Groups of grazing cows classified as experiencing a more severe metabolic challenge behave differently up to 3 weeks precalving than their herdmates with lower blood NEFAs and BHB postcalving. These altered behaviours may allow identification of individual cows at risk of a metabolic challenge, but further research is required.
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Spaans OK, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Hickey A, Crookenden MA, Heiser A, Burke CR, Phyn CVC, Roche JR. Temporal profiles describing markers of inflammation and metabolism during the transition period of pasture-based, seasonal-calving dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:2669-2698. [PMID: 34998544 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The physiology of the dairy cow while transitioning from pregnancy to lactation is complex, with multifactorial processes studied extensively for the role they play in manifestation of disease along with associated economic losses and compromised animal welfare. Manuscripts outlining associations among nutrition, production, physiology, and genetics variables and transition cow disorders are common in literature, with blood analytes that are central to energy metabolism (e.g., nonesterified fatty acids; NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate; BHB) often reported. Immunity and inflammation have increasingly been explored in the pathogenesis and persistence of disorders, with cytokines and acute phase proteins well documented. However, most of these studies have involved cows fed total mixed rations, which may not always reflect profiles of blood analytes and other physiological indicators of transition cow health in grazing cows consuming fresh pasture. Considering the comparatively lesser characterization of these analytes and markers in pasture-based, seasonal-calving dairy cows, we compiled a database consisting of 2,610 cow lactations that span 20 yr of transition cow research in New Zealand. Using this database, analyte profiles from approximately 28 d precalving to 35 d postcalving were identified in dairy cows with a range of genetics, milk production potentials, and pasture-based farm management systems. These profiles characterize changes in energy reserves and metabolism (NEFA, BHB, glucose, insulin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, body condition score, body weight), liver function (globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, cholesterol, liver triacylglycerides), protein metabolism (albumin, total protein, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, creatine kinase), mineral balance (calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate), inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, haptoglobin, reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity), and uterine health (polymorphonuclear cells, macrophage cells, vaginal discharge score). Temporal changes are generally consistent with previously characterized homeorhetic changes experienced by the dairy cow during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in both pastoral and housed systems. Some of the profiles had not previously been presented for pastoral systems, or in some cases, presented for either system. Our results indicate that moderate-yielding dairy cows undergo similar homeorhetic changes to high-yielding housed cows; however, differences in diet composition result in greater BHB concentrations than expected, based on their milk production and NEFA concentrations. In addition, most cows were able to transition to a state of higher energy requirement following calving, albeit with an increased metabolic challenge in the liver, and only a small percentage of cows were classified with severe hepatic lipidosis or severe hyperketonemia. Increases in metabolic function of the liver were accompanied by changes in indicators of the immune system and changes in mineral balance that, combined, probably reflect the innate response to the transition from gestation to lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O K Spaans
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand 3240.
| | - B Kuhn-Sherlock
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand 3240
| | - A Hickey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand 1142
| | - M A Crookenden
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4442
| | - A Heiser
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4442
| | - C R Burke
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand 3240
| | - C V C Phyn
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand 3240
| | - J R Roche
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand 1142
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Steinwidder A, Rohrer H, Pfister R, Gallnböck M, Podstatzky L, Gasteiner J. Effects of concentrate supplementation strategies during the transition period and milking frequency in early lactation on seasonal winter-calving organic dairy cows. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Turner N, Abeysinghe P, Sadowski P, Mitchell MD. Exosomal Cargo May Hold the Key to Improving Reproductive Outcomes in Dairy Cows. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042024. [PMID: 33670752 PMCID: PMC7922264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive status of dairy cows remains a challenge for dairy farmers worldwide, with impaired fertility linked to a significant reduction in herd profitability, due in part to impaired immunity, increased metabolic pressure, and longer postpartum anestrous interval (PPAI). Exosomes are nanovesicles released from a variety of cell types and end up in circulation, and carry proteins, bioactive peptides, lipids, and nucleic acids specific to the place of origin. As such, their role in health and disease has been investigated in humans and animals. This review discusses research into exosomes in the context of reproduction in dairy herds and introduces recent advances in mass-spectrometry (MS) based proteomics that have a potential to advance quantitative profiling of exosomal protein cargo in a search for early biomarkers of cattle fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Turner
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation—Centre for Children’s Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (N.T.); (P.A.)
| | - Pevindu Abeysinghe
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation—Centre for Children’s Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (N.T.); (P.A.)
| | - Pawel Sadowski
- Central Analytical Research Facility—Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
| | - Murray D. Mitchell
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation—Centre for Children’s Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (N.T.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3069-7438
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Hendriks SJ, Huzzey JM, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Turner SA, Mueller KR, Phyn CVC, Donaghy DJ, Roche JR. Associations between lying behavior and activity and hypocalcemia in grazing dairy cows during the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10530-10546. [PMID: 32861495 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypocalcemia is a common metabolic disorder of transition dairy cows that is considered a gateway disease, increasing the risk of other health disorders and reducing cow performance. Clinical milk fever is associated with long periods of recumbency, and it is plausible that cows experiencing non-paretic hypocalcemia may spend more time lying; hence, lying behavior and activity measures may be useful in identifying at-risk cows. The objective of this study was to describe associations among blood calcium (Ca) status at calving and lying behavior and activity measures during the transition period in grazing dairy cows. Blood was sampled on the day of calving (d 0), and d 1, 2, 3, and 4 postcalving, and analyzed for total plasma Ca concentration. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey grazing dairy cows were classified, retrospectively, as clinically hypocalcemic (CLIN; blood Ca ≤ 1.4 mmol/L at 1 or more consecutive samplings within 48 h postcalving, but without parturient paresis). These cows were pair-matched (using milk production potential from their estimated breeding value for milk protein, mean body weight at wk -5 and -6 precalving, and, where possible, parity) with 24 cows classified as subclinically hypocalcemic (SUB; blood Ca > 1.4 and < 2.0 mmol/L at 2 consecutive samplings within 48 h postcalving), and 24 cows classified as normocalcemic (NORM; blood Ca ≥ 2.0 mmol/L at 3 consecutive samplings within 72 h postcalving). Lying behavior and activity were monitored using triaxial accelerometers from -21 to +35 d relative to calving. Data were summarized to calculate daily lying time (h/d), daily number of lying bouts (LB; no./d), mean LB duration (min/bout), and the number of steps taken (steps/d). On d 0, the CLIN group were less active and spent approximately 2.6 h longer lying than the SUB and NORM groups, particularly between 0200 and 1400 h. On d 0, the NORM group had fewer LB (16.3/d) than the SUB and CLIN groups (18.2 and 19.2/d, respectively). These differences in behavior were no longer detected 2 d postcalving, and no further differences were observed. The day before calving, the CLIN group spent 1.4 h longer lying down than did the SUB and NORM groups. Further, the relative change in steps from a precalving baseline period (d -14 to -7) until d 0 was positively, linearly associated with blood Ca concentration within 24 h postcalving. Future work should consider daily and temporal changes in behavior in individual cows to determine the potential for these measures to allow early detection of hypocalcemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hendriks
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - J M Huzzey
- Department of Animal Science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 93407
| | | | - S-A Turner
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - K R Mueller
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - C V C Phyn
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - D J Donaghy
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - J R Roche
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Melendez P, Bargo F, Tuñón G, Grigera J. Associations between postpartum diseases and milk yield and changes in body condition between drying off and parturition of dairy cows in Argentina. N Z Vet J 2020; 68:297-303. [PMID: 32422082 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2020.1763218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To assess the change in body condition score (BCS) during the early and late dry periods and its association with postpartum diseases and milk yield in grazing dairy cows from central Argentina. Methods: BCS assessments during the dry period, and cow health and milk production records up to 90 days in milk (DIM), were collated for cows from 28 farms at monthly visits between 2007 and 2008. Cows were categorised into four groups; those in Group 1 (n=7,067) maintained or gained BCS during the early and late dry periods; Group 2 (n=2,615) maintained or gained BCS during the early dry period and lost BCS during the late dry period; Group 3 (n=1,989) lost BCS during the early dry period and maintained or gained BCS during the late dry period; and Group 4 (n=5,144) lost BCS during the early and late dry periods. Results: Cows in Group 1 had reduced odds of having retained fetal membranes (RFM), metritis, and clinical mastitis up to 90 DIM than cows in Group 2 (p<0.001), but the odds of disease were similar to cows in Group 3. The odds of having RFM or clinical mastitis tended to be lower in cows in Group 1 than cows in Group 4 (p=0.08). The odds of cows being culled or dying during the first 90 DIM were lower for cows in Group 1 than for those in Groups 2, 3, and 4 (p≤0.05). Mean accumulated milk yield up to 90 DIM was higher in cows in Group 1 than Group 2 and Group 4 (p<0.001), but was similar to that of cows in Group 3 (p=0.28). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Cows that lost BCS during the late dry period had increased odds of being diagnosed with several postpartum diseases and had decreased milk yield compared to cows that maintained or gained BCS during the entire dry period. Loss of BCS during any stage of the dry period was also associated with increased incidence of culling or death during the first 90 DIM. These results should raise awareness among dairy cattle producers of the importance of properly managing cow body condition during the dry period, especially during the late dry period.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Melendez
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - F Bargo
- PROLACT (FIL-UNLZ), EPG, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Tuñón
- Department of Animal Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - J Grigera
- Bovine practitioner, Pergamino, Argentina
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Wu J, Liu J, Wang D. Effects of body condition on the insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress of lactating dairy cows. Lipids Health Dis 2020; 19:56. [PMID: 32228618 PMCID: PMC7106888 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overconditioned dairy cows are prone to greater insulin resistance in transition to successfully adapt to negative energy balance. The associations among body condition score (BCS), insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in cows during late lactation with positive energy balance remain to be elucidated. METHODS The objectives of this study were to investigate insulin sensitivity and oxidative status in late lactating dairy cows with different BCS but similar milk production, parity and days in milk. Forty-two multiparous Holstein cows were fed the same diet under the same management and divided into three groups based on BCS: low BCS (LBCS; BCS ≤ 2.75; n = 12), medium BCS (MBCS; 3.0 ≤ BCS ≤ 3.5; n = 15) or high BCS (HBCS; BCS ≥ 3.75; n = 15). Blood samples used for analysis of biochemical and hematological parameters were collected from the coccygeal vein at the end of experiment. RESULTS The concentrations of insulin and nonesterified fatty acid were higher and the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI) was lower in HBCS cows than in LBCS and MBCS cows. These results suggest that insulin resistance exacerbates lipolysis in HBCS cows. Serum concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein B were lower in HBCS cows than in LBCS or MBCS cows. Although LBCS and MBCS cows had higher reactive oxygen species levels than did HBCS cows, the malondialdehyde concentration was not different among cows with different BCS. Ceruloplasmin activity was higher in MBCS and HBCS cows than in LBCS cows, but superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase activities were not different among cows with different BCS. Despite the higher percentage of granulocytes in MBCS cows than in HBCS cows, no differences were found in leukocyte counts, red blood cell profiles and platelet profiles among the cows in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study showed that compared with MBCS and LBCS cows, HBCS cows at late lactation stage may have accumulated more hepatic triacylglycerol and lower antioxidant potential due to greater insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Wu
- Institute of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Liu
- Institute of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Diming Wang
- Institute of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
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Meier S, Kay JK, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Heiser A, Mitchell MD, Crookenden MA, Riboni MV, Loor JJ, Roche JR. Effects of far-off and close-up transition cow feeding on uterine health, postpartum anestrous interval, and reproductive outcomes in pasture-based dairy cows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:17. [PMID: 32042415 PMCID: PMC7003407 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-019-0416-8] [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: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In seasonal, pasture-based, dairy production systems, cows must recover from calving and become pregnant within two to 3 months. To achieve this, the uterus must involute and ovulation must occur and continue at regular intervals. As these processes are affected by the cows' nutritional or metabolic status post-calving, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cow feeding strategies on uterine health, the length of postpartum anestrous interval, and reproductive outcomes. The treatments consisted of two feeding strategies during late-lactation and early dry period (far-off period; starting 4-month pre-calving) and three close-up dry period feeding regimes (1-month pre-calving) in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. We randomly assigned 150 cows to one of two far-off treatments. During late lactation, the herds (n = 75 cows per herd) were either control-fed (Controlfed) or over-fed (Overfed) to achieve a low or high body condition score (4-month pre-calving; BCS; ~ 4.25 and ~ 4.75; 10-point scale) at cessation of lactation. Within each of these treatments, three feeding levels were applied during the close-up period (1-month pre-calving): ~ 65% (Feed65), ~ 90% (Feed90), or ~ 120% (Feed120) of metabolizable energy (ME) intakes relative to pre-calving requirements. Results Uterine health improved (i.e. polymorphonucleated (PMN) cells declined) with increased feeding during the close-up period for cows in the Overfed group. The reverse was evident for the Controlfed group with the greatest PMN at the highest intakes during the close-up period. The postpartum anoestrous interval (PPAI) was shorter in cows from the Overfed group when moderately fed (Feed90) during the close-up period; in comparison, the PPAI was shorter in the Controlfed group, when those cows were overfed in the close-up period (Feed120). The cows in the Overfed treatment had greater conception and pregnancy rates if cows had moderate dry matter intakes (Feed90) during the close-up period; these reproductive variables were less under excessive feed intakes (Feed120); yet, close-up dry matter intake had little effect on conception and pregnancy rates for the Controlfed group. Conclusions The far-off feeding strategies increased early reproductive outcomes at 3 weeks of mating. Additionally, the interaction between far-off and close-up feeding strategies resulted in high six-week pregnancy rate with a slight restriction during the close-up period but only in the far-off Overfed group. Thus, our hypothesis is supported under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Meier
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, 3240 New Zealand
| | - J K Kay
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, 3240 New Zealand
| | - B Kuhn-Sherlock
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, 3240 New Zealand
| | - A Heiser
- 2AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4442 New Zealand
| | - M D Mitchell
- 3Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Level 6, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101 Australia
| | - M A Crookenden
- 2AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4442 New Zealand.,4DairyNZ Limited, c/o University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland, 1010 New Zealand
| | - M Vailati Riboni
- 5Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, 61801 USA
| | - J J Loor
- 5Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, 61801 USA
| | - J R Roche
- DairyNZ Limited, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, 3240 New Zealand.,6Ministry for Primary Industries-Manatū Ahu Matua, Charles Ferguson Tower, Pipitea, Wellington, 6140 New Zealand.,7School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142 New Zealand
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12
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Hendriks SJ, Phyn CVC, Turner SA, Mueller KR, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Donaghy DJ, Huzzey JM, Roche JR. Effect of weather on activity and lying behaviour in clinically healthy grazing dairy cows during the transition period. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an18569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lying behaviour and activity were measured in healthy grazing dairy cows during the transition from late gestation to early lactation (i.e. the transition period). Behaviour data derived from IceTag® or IceQube® (IceRobotics, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) tri-axial accelerometers were collated from 311 cow parities of mixed age and breed (Holstein–Friesian, Jersey and crossbred Holstein–Friesian × Jersey) cows from four experiments. The IceTag and IceQube devices captured lying and step data at 1- and 15-min intervals respectively. Behaviour was recorded during the transition period (Day –21 prepartum to Day 34 postpartum) to determine daily lying time, number of lying bouts (LB), mean LB duration and number of steps. The effect of rainfall and air temperature on lying behaviour and activity during two periods, namely, prepartum (Day –21 to Day –3) and postpartum (Days 3–34) was evaluated. Multiple-regression analysis determined that decreased air temperature and increased rainfall is associated with a decline in daily lying time, number of LB and LB duration during both prepartum and postpartum periods. Exposure to both wet and cold conditions exacerbated the behavioural response. The results highlighted the importance of considering the effects of air temperature and rainfall and the interaction of these two climate variables when analysing lying behaviour and activity. Further work is required to quantify the trigger points for this activity modulation, to help understand the balance of welfare experiences in the life of a grazing cow.
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Santana PF, Rocha Júnior VR, Ruas JRM, Monção FP, Borges LA, Sousa TES, Silva FVE, Rabelo WDO, Carvalho CDCS, Sales ECJD. Nutritional efficiency of feed-restricted F1 Holstein/Zebu cows during the middle third of lactation. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:236-244. [PMID: 31208180 PMCID: PMC6946964 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of quantitative feed restriction on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, efficiency and feeding behavior, and productive performance in F1 Holstein/Zebu cows during the middle third of their lactation. Methods Sixty F1 Holstein/Zebu cows with 111.5±11.75 days of lactation and an initial body weight (BW) of 499±30 kg (mean±standard error of the mean) were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with the following diet levels of feed restriction: 3.39%, 2.75%, 2.50%, 2.25%, and 2.00% of BW, with 12 replications for each level. The experiment lasted for 63 days, of which each period lasted 21 days with the first 16 days for diet adaptation followed by 5 days for collection of data and samples. Results For each 1% of BW diet restriction, there was a decrease in dry matter intake of 5.26 kg/d (p<0.01). There was no difference in daily milk production (p = 0.09) under the restriction levels of 3.39% to 2.0% of BW. When corrected for 3.5% fat, milk production declined (p = 0.05) 3.46 kg/d for each percentage unit of feed restriction. Conclusion Restricting the feed supply for F1 Holstein/Zebu cows in the middle third of their lactation period altered nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and ingestive behavior but did not affect milk production or feed efficiency. However, considering the observed BW loss and decrease in milk production corrected for 3.5% fat, restriction of no less than 2.5% BW is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Felipe Santana
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
| | - Vicente Ribeiro Rocha Júnior
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology -INCT Animal Science Member, Brasília, 71605-001, Brazil
| | - José Reinaldo Mendes Ruas
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology -INCT Animal Science Member, Brasília, 71605-001, Brazil
| | - Flávio Pinto Monção
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
| | - Luana Alcântara Borges
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
| | - Thaís Eleonora Santos Sousa
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
| | - Fredson Vieira E Silva
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
| | - Walber de Oliveira Rabelo
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, State University of Montes Claros, Avenue Reinaldo Viana, Janaúba, MG 2630, Brazil
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14
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Lange J, Ganesh S, Meier S, Kay JK, Crookenden MA, Walker CG, Mitchell MD, Loor JJ, Roche JR, Heiser A. Far-off and close-up feeding levels affect immunological performance in grazing dairy cows during the transition period. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:192-207. [PMID: 30428048 PMCID: PMC6313127 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the peripartum period, dairy cows often have signs of inflammation. Various stresses, including infectious and metabolic diseases, have been discussed as causative for this inflammation. In this study, expression profiles for 17 immune markers were measured in whole blood preparations from 78 dairy cows over a time frame starting 1 wk before calving to 4 wk after calving. Additionally, the effects of far-off and close-up feeding on immune function of dairy cows during the peripartum period were investigated. Cows were assigned to 1 of 2 feeding levels in late lactation to achieve a low and high BCS at the time of dry-off (approximately 4.25 and 5.0 on a 10-point scale). Following dry-off, both herds were managed to achieve a BCS of 5.0 one month before calving; this involved controlled feeding (i.e., maintenance) and over-feeding of ME during the far-off dry period. Within each far-off feeding-level treatment, cows were offered 65, 90, or 120% of their precalving ME requirements for 3 wk precalving in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Analysis of gene expression profiles from blood cells revealed effects of time indicating that the transition cow's immune system counteracts the peripartum inflammation, whereas later postcalving it becomes activated to provide protection against postpartum infections. Far-off feeding affected (P < 0.05) the expression of 2 of the investigated genes at calving. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression in unstimulated, peripheral leukocytes were lower (P < 0.05) in animals from the Far-Off_Over-fed group compared with the Far-Off_Control-fed group. Close-up feeding had several effects on gene expression, indicating that immune function in Feed120 animals was distinct from the Feed90 and Feed65. In conclusion, feeding management precalving becomes an important intervention to ensure immunocompetence at and after calving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Murray D Mitchell
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Australia
| | - Juan J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
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15
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Roche J, Berry D, Bryant A, Burke C, Butler S, Dillon P, Donaghy D, Horan B, Macdonald K, Macmillan K. A 100-Year Review: A century of change in temperate grazing dairy systems. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:10189-10233. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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16
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Bates AJ, Saldias B. Effect of using an internal teat sealant at drying-off in cows wintered on forage crops in New Zealand on culling in the dry period and early lactation. N Z Vet J 2017; 66:72-78. [PMID: 29129139 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2017.1402716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the impact of treatment with internal teat sealant (ITS) compared to no treatment at drying-off on culling during the dry period and 90 days after calving, for cows wintered on forage crops. METHODS In four dairy herds in the South Island of New Zealand, cows with no history of clinical mastitis or somatic cell counts >100,000 cells/mL during the 2015-16 season were randomly assigned to treatment with ITS in each quarter (ITS group) or no treatment (Control group). Cows were otherwise treated similarly, wintered on forage crops and transferred to pasture for calving and lactation. Culling was defined as an unplanned exit from the herd, including cows sold for slaughter, cows slaughtered for salvage value and cows that died on farm. Culls and cull dates were recorded between drying-off and 90 days after calving. RESULTS Between drying-off and 90 days after calving 24/491 (4.9%) cows in the ITS group and 45/473 (9.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.51; 95% CI=0.75-0.83), and between 30 days before calving and 90 days after calving 20/491 (4.1%) cows in the ITS group and 40/473 (8.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.48; 95% CI=0.29-0.81). In the final multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for dry-period length, cow age, breed and farm, the OR for culling in the study period was 0.43 (95% CI=0.23-0.81) for cows in the ITS compared with the Control group. For a Friesian/Jersey cow, aged 4-8 years, with a dry period of 30-80 days, dried-off without ITS, the probability of culling in the study period was 0.10 (95% CI=0.06-0.16), and for such a cow treated with ITS the probability was 0.05 (95% CI=0.03-0.08). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In these four herds, the use of ITS at drying-off reduced the incidence of culling between drying-off and 90 days after calving. The use of ITS at drying-off in cows prior to wintering on forage crops may provide additional benefit to farmers through reduced incidence of culling and should be considered in any cost-benefit analysis of its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Bates
- a Centre for Dairy Excellence , 20 Wilson Street, Geraldine 7930 , New Zealand
| | - B Saldias
- a Centre for Dairy Excellence , 20 Wilson Street, Geraldine 7930 , New Zealand
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17
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McDougall S, LeBlanc SJ, Heiser A. Effect of prepartum energy balance on neutrophil function following pegbovigrastim treatment in periparturient cows. J Dairy Sci 2017. [PMID: 28647326 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases polymorphonuclear cell (neutrophil) count and enhances neutrophil function in the periparturient cow. Prepartum undernutrition was hypothesized to reduce the effect of a commercially available recombinant bovine G-CSF product (pegbovigrastim) on neutrophil count and function. Hence this study was undertaken to test the effect of undernutrition for approximately 1 mo before calving on the innate immune response to pegbovigrastim. Cows (n = 99) on pasture were blocked by expected calving date and body condition score and randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The first factor was that cows were fed to exceed energy requirements prepartum (full feeding) or restricted to approximately 85% of prepartum energy requirements (restricted feeding). The second factor was that at approximately 7 d before expected calving date, half the cows in each feed group were injected with pegbovigrastim and the remaining half were injected with saline. Treatments were repeated on the day of calving. Blood samples were collected pre- and postcalving for complete blood count, biochemistry, and in vitro assessment of neutrophil function including phagocytosis, myeloperoxidase release, and oxidative burst. Prepartum energy restriction resulted in lower body weight, a higher proportion of cows with elevated concentrations (i.e., >0.4 mmol/L) of fatty acids, and higher average β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations before calving relative to fully fed cows. Treatment with pegbovigrastim increased the total white cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts. Pegbovigrastim treatment resulted in increased release of myeloperoxidase by neutrophils. Prepartum feeding group did not have an effect, and no feeding group × treatment interaction was observed for any of the white cell counts or functional tests. We concluded that pegbovigrastim treatment results in significant increases in neutrophil count and enhances neutrophil function as indicated by increased myeloperoxidase release. The response to pegbovigrastim was not affected by restricted prepartum energy intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- S McDougall
- Cognosco, AnexaFVC, Morrinsville, 3300, New Zealand.
| | - S J LeBlanc
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - A Heiser
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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