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Gao T, Li R, Hu L, Hu Q, Wen H, Zhou R, Yuan P, Zhang X, Huang L, Zhuo Y, Xu S, Lin Y, Feng B, Che L, Wu D, Fang Z. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improves insulin sensitivity and offspring survival via modulation of gut microbiota and serum metabolite in a sow model. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:89. [PMID: 38951898 PMCID: PMC11218078 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01046-z] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sows commonly experience insulin resistance in late gestation and lactation, causing lower feed intake and milk production, which can lead to higher mortality rates in newborn piglets. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to improve insulin resistance. However, whether supplementing LGG can improve insulin sensitivity in sows and enhance lactation performance, particularly the early survival of offspring remains unclear. Hence, we explored the effects and mechanisms of supplementing LGG during late gestation and lactation on sow insulin sensitivity, lactation performance, and offspring survival. In total, 20 sows were randomly allocated to an LGG (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). RESULTS In sows, LGG supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity during late gestation and lactation, increased feed intake, milk production and colostrum lactose levels in early lactation, and enhanced newborn piglet survival. Moreover, LGG treatment significantly reshaped the gut microbiota in sows, notably increasing microbiota diversity and enriching the relative abundance of insulin sensitivity-associated probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides. Serum metabolite and amino acid profiling in late-gestation sows also revealed decreased branched-chain amino acid and kynurenine serum levels following LGG supplementation. Further analyses highlighted a correlation between mitigated insulin resistance in late pregnancy and lactation by LGG and gut microbiota reshaping and changes in serum amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, maternal LGG enhanced immunity in newborn piglets, reduced inflammation, and facilitated the establishment of a gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first evidence that LGG mitigates insulin resistance in sows and enhances offspring survival by modulating the gut microbiota and amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianle Gao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ran Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Processing and Nutrition Health (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya' an, 625014, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Processing and Nutrition Health (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya' an, 625014, China
| | - Quanfang Hu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hongmei Wen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Peiqiang Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lingjie Huang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Yu Q, Wang H, Qin L, Wang T, Zhang Y, Sun Y. Interpretable machine learning reveals microbiome signatures strongly associated with dairy cow milk urea nitrogen. iScience 2024; 27:109955. [PMID: 38840841 PMCID: PMC11152649 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109955] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays an important role in the healthy and efficient farming of dairy cows. However, high-dimensional microbial information is difficult to interpret in a simplified manner. We collected fecal samples from 161 cows and performed 16S amplicon sequencing. We developed an interpretable machine learning framework to classify individuals based on their milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentrations. In this framework, we address the challenge of handling high-dimensional microbial data imbalances and identify 9 microorganisms strongly correlated with MUN. We introduce the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method to provide insights into the machine learning predictions. The results of the study showed that the performance of the machine learning model improved (accuracy = 72.7%) after feature selection on high-dimensional data. Among the 9 microorganisms, g__Firmicutes_unclassified had the greatest impact in the model. This study provides a reference for precision animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Linqing Qin
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tianlin Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yonggen Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yukun Sun
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin 150030, China
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Madilindi MA, Zishiri OT, Dube B, Banga CB. Genetic parameter estimates for daily predicted gross feed efficiency and its association with energy-corrected milk in South African Holstein cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:339. [PMID: 37770720 PMCID: PMC10539442 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Genetic parameters for daily predicted gross feed efficiency (pGFE) and energy corrected milk (ECM) in the first three parities of South African Holstein cattle were estimated by repeatability animal models. Data comprised of 11,068 test-day milk production records of 1,575 Holstein cows that calved between 2009 and 2019. Heritability estimates for pGFE were 0.12 ± 0.06, 0.09 ± 0.04 and 0.18 ± 0.05 in early, mid and late lactation, respectively. Estimates were moderate for primiparous (0.21 ± 0.05) and low for multiparous (0.10 ± 0.04) cows. Heritability and repeatability across all lactations were 0.14 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.03, respectively. Genetic correlations between pGFE in different stages of lactation ranged from 0.87 ± 0.24 (early and mid) to 0.97 ± 0.28 (early and late), while a strong genetic correlation (0.90 ± 0.03) was found between pGFE and ECM, across all lactations. The low to moderate heritability estimates for pGFE suggest potential for genetic improvement of the trait through selection, albeit with a modest accuracy of selection. The high genetic correlation of pGFE with ECM may, however, assist to improve accuracy of selection for feed efficiency by including both traits in multi-trait analyses. These genetic parameters may be used to estimate breeding values for pGFE, which will enable the trait to be incorporated in the breeding objective for South African Holstein cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matome A Madilindi
- Discipline of Genetics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
- ARC-Animal Production, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa.
| | - Oliver T Zishiri
- Discipline of Genetics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Bekezela Dube
- ARC-Animal Production, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa
| | - Cuthbert B Banga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
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Ferreira FG, Leite LC, Alba HDR, Pina DDS, Santos SA, Tosto MSL, Rodrigues CS, Silva RR, de Freitas Júnior JE, Mesquita BMADC, de Carvalho GGP. Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production and Composition, and Nitrogen Metabolism. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2535. [PMID: 37570343 PMCID: PMC10416849 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152535] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in the diets of lactating goats on productive and metabolic performance. Twelve lactating goats, eight Saanen and four Anglo-Nubian, were distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design, with four treatments (0, 66.7, 133.3, and 200 g kg-1 of dry matter-DM). On the one hand, the LC inclusion increased neutral detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.001) intake. On the other hand, LC inclusion reduced ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrate (p < 0.001) intake. There was a reduction in dry matter digestibility (p = 0.018) and an increase in neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p = 0.036). Feeding (p = 0.005) and rumination (p < 0.001) efficiencies increased with LC inclusion. The nitrogen balance was similar for all tested diets; however, we observed recycling metabolism. Based on the studied parameters, mainly milk production and composition, we recommend the LC inclusion of up to 200 g kg-1 DM in diets for lactating goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda G. Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Laudí C. Leite
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas 44380000, Brazil;
| | - Henry D. R. Alba
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Douglas dos S. Pina
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Stefanie A. Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Manuela S. L. Tosto
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Carlindo S. Rodrigues
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Robério R. Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Sudoeste da Bahia, Itapetinga 45700000, Brazil;
| | - José E. de Freitas Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
| | - Bruna M. A. de C. Mesquita
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros 39404547, Brazil;
| | - Gleidson G. P. de Carvalho
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.D.R.A.); (D.d.S.P.); (S.A.S.); (M.S.L.T.); (C.S.R.); (J.E.d.F.J.)
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Carta S, Cesarani A, Correddu F, Macciotta NPP. Understanding the phenotypic and genetic background of the lactose content in Sarda dairy sheep. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3312-3320. [PMID: 37028961 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22579] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Lactose, the principal carbohydrate found in milk, plays an important role in the physiological processes of milk production because it is related to milk volume, and it is responsible for the osmotic equilibrium between blood and milk in the mammary gland. In this study, factors affecting lactose content (LC) in sheep milk are investigated. For this purpose, 2,358 test-day records were sampled from 509 ewes (3-7 records per animal). The LC and other main milk traits were analyzed using a mixed linear model that included days in milk (DIM) class, parity, lambing month, and type of lambing as fixed effects and animal, permanent environment, and flock test day as random effects. The pedigree-based approach was used to estimate the heritability and repeatability of LC. Moreover, the genomic background of LC was investigated through a GWAS. The LC was affected by all tested factors (i.e., DIM class, parity, lambing month, and type of lambing). Low heritability (0.10 ± 0.05) and moderate repeatability (0.42 ± 0.02) were estimated for LC. High negative genetic correlations were estimated between LC and NaCl (-0.99 ± 0.01) and between LC and somatic cell count (-0.94 ± 0.05). Only 2 markers passed the chromosome-wide Bonferroni threshold. Results of the present study, although obtained on a relatively small sample, suggest the possibility to include LC in the breeding programs, particularly because of its strong relationship with NaCl and somatic cell count.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Carta
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - A Cesarani
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602
| | - F Correddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - N P P Macciotta
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Jayawardana JMDR, Lopez-Villalobos N, McNaughton LR, Hickson RE. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations for milk production and fertility traits of spring-calved once-daily or twice-daily milking cows in New Zealand. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1910-1924. [PMID: 36710178 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations and heritabilities for milk production and fertility traits in spring-calved once-daily (OAD) milking cows for the whole season in New Zealand and compare those estimates with twice-daily (TAD) milking cows. Data used in the study consisted of 69,252 first parity cows from the calving seasons 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 in 113 OAD and 531 TAD milking herds. Heritability estimates for production and fertility traits were obtained through single-trait animal models, and estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations were obtained through bivariate animal models. Heritability estimates of production traits varied from 0.26 to 0.61 in OAD and from 0.13 to 0.63 in TAD. Heritability estimates for fertility traits were low in both OAD and TAD milking cow populations, and estimates were consistent (OAD: 0.01 to 0.10 and TAD: 0.01 to 0.08) across milking regimens. Estimates of phenotypic and genetic correlations among production traits were consistent across populations. In both populations, phenotypic correlations between milk production and fertility traits were close to zero, and most of the genetic correlations were antagonistic. In OAD milking cows, genetic correlations of milk and lactose yields with the start of mating to conception, 6-wk in-calf, not-in-calf, and 6-wk calving rate were close to zero. Interval from first service to conception was negatively genetically correlated with milk and lactose yields in OAD milking cows. Protein percentage was positively genetically correlated with 3-wk and 6-wk submission, 3-wk in-calf, 6-wk in-calf, first service to conception, 3-wk calving, and 6-wk calving rate in the TAD milking cow population, but these correlations were low in the OAD milking cow population. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship of protein percentage and fertility traits in the OAD milking system. The phenotypic correlations between fertility traits were similar in OAD and TAD milking populations. Genetic correlations between fertility traits were strong (≥0.70) in cows milked TAD, but genetic correlations varied from weak to strong in cows milked OAD. Further research is required to evaluate the interaction between genotype by milking regimen for fertility traits in terms of sire selection in the OAD milking cow population.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M D R Jayawardana
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka.
| | - N Lopez-Villalobos
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - L R McNaughton
- Livestock Improvement Corporation, Private Bag 3016, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - R E Hickson
- Focus Genetics, 17C Mahia St, Ahuriri, Napier 4144, New Zealand
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Dynamics of Milk Parameters of Quarter Samples before and after the Dry Period on Czech Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040712. [PMID: 36830497 PMCID: PMC9952134 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040712] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to monitor milk parameters on three different dairy farms in the Czech Republic to describe their readiness for implementing selective dry cow therapy. Fat, protein, casein, lactose, solids-not-fat content, total solids content, freezing point, titratable acidity, and somatic cell count of quarter milk samples collected from tested Holstein cows were evaluated. Associations between the tested parameters, as well as the effects of parity, farm, day of calving, and time of evaluation at dry-off and after calving, were assessed. Values of the leading milk components dynamically changed between dry-off and after calving, but only protein content was significantly affected. The most important parameter of our research, the somatic cell count of quarter milk samples, was also not affected by the time of evaluation. Even though a slight increase in the mean of somatic cell count is expected before the dry period and after calving, at dry-off, we observed 30%, 42%, and 24% of quarters with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells per mL, while after calving, we observed 27%, 16%, and 18% of quarters with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells per mL on Farm 1, Farm 2, and Farm 3, respectively. High somatic cell counts (>200,000 cells per mL) indicate bacterial infection, as confirmed by the significant negative correlation between this parameter and lactose content. In addition, a deficient milk fat-to-protein ratio was observed on two farms, which may indicate metabolic disorders, as well as the occurrence of intramammary infections. Despite the above, we concluded that according to the thresholds of somatic cell counts for selective dry cow therapy taken from foreign studies, a large part of the udder quarters could be dried off without the administration of antibiotics. However, it is necessary to set up more effective mechanisms for mastitis prevention.
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Josan C, Shiplo S, Fusch G, Raha S, Shea AK. Cannabis use during lactation may alter the composition of human breast milk. Pediatr Res 2022:10.1038/s41390-022-02315-1. [PMID: 36195631 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is often used by women to manage symptoms of morning sickness during pregnancy, and postpartum stress and anxiety. While exclusive breastfeeding has been recommended for the first 6 months of an infant's life, the presence of cannabinoids in the milk of cannabis users complicates this recommendation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal cannabis use on changes in the levels of macronutrients and bioactive factors in breast milk. METHODS Milk was collected from women who were 6-8 weeks postpartum and were either using cannabis post-delivery, had used cannabis during pregnancy, or were non-users. Levels of cannabinoids, macronutrients, lactose, and SIgA were assessed in the milk of all subjects. RESULTS THC was detected in the milk of women who reported cannabis use during lactation (n = 13, median: 22 ng/mL). Carboxy-THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, CBD, and CBN were also detected in the milk of women who used cannabis postpartum. Relative to non-users (n = 17), lactose levels were higher and SIgA levels were significantly lower in the milk of subjects who used cannabis during lactation (n = 14). CONCLUSIONS The presence of cannabinoids, along with altered lactose and SIgA levels in the milk of cannabis users, may have implications for infant health. IMPACT Metabolites of cannabis are found in breast milk and can accumulate in higher concentrations with ongoing consumption, which is concerning for potential exposure among infants born to mothers who consume cannabis. This work reports that lactose levels are increased and SIgA levels are decreased in the breast milk of cannabis users, relative to the milk of non-users. Change in levels of lactose and SIgA in the milk of cannabis users may have significant implications on infant health, which must be investigated in the future to better inform mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitmandeep Josan
- Department of Pediatrics and the Medical Science Graduate Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Shiplo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gerhard Fusch
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and the Medical Science Graduate Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Alison K Shea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph's Healthcare and McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production, and Nitrogen Metabolism. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182323. [PMID: 36139182 PMCID: PMC9495131 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the optimal inclusion rate of palm kernel cake (PKC) in diets for lactating goats based on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk production and nitrogen metabolism. Twelve goats were used, eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian, with a body weight of 46.0 ± 9.4 kg and 105 ± 5 days of lactation, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design in triplicate. The diets were composed of increasing levels of PKC; 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates intakes decreased (p < 0.01) with the PKC inclusion. Milk production and milk protein decreased (p = 0.001), and milk production efficiency was not affected (p > 0.05) by the PKC inclusion. The ether extract intake varied quadratically (p < 0.01). Feeding and rumination efficiencies of dry matter and NDF were reduced (p < 0.001). The fat and total solids contents of the milk were influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Nitrogen excretion (feces and milk), and retained nitrogen decreased (p < 0.001). Moderate use of up to 80 g kg−1 DM of PKC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended since at these levels milk production or body weight are significantly affected.
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Dallago GM, Pacheco JAS, Dos Santos RA, de Frias Castro GH, Verardo LL, Guarino LR, Moreira EU. The relationship between dry period length and milk production of Holstein dairy cows in tropical climate: a machine learning approach. J DAIRY RES 2022; 89:1-9. [PMID: 35652601 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029922000425] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate the relationship between dry period length and the production of milk, fat, protein, lactose and total milk solids in the subsequent lactation of Holstein dairy cows under tropical climate. After handling and cleaning of the data provided by the Holstein Cattle Breeders Association of Minas Gerais, data from 32 867 complete lactations of 19 535 Holstein animals that calved between 1993 and 2017 in 122 dairy herds located in Minas Gerais state (Brazil) were analysed. In addition to dry period length, calving age, lactation length, milking frequency, parity, calf status at birth, herd, year, and season of calving were included in the analysis as covariables to account for additional sources of variation. The machine learning algorithms gradient boosting machine, extreme gradient boosting machine, random forest and artificial neural network were used to train models using cross validation. The best model was selected based on four error metrics and used to evaluate the variable importance, the interaction strength between dry period length and the other variables, and to generate partial dependency plots. Random forest was the best model for all production outcomes evaluated. Dry period length was the third most important variable in predicting milk production and its components. No strong interactions were observed between the dry period and the other evaluated variables. The highest milk and lactose productions were observed with a 50-d long dry period, while fat, protein, and total milk solids were the highest with dry period lengths of 38, 38, and 44 d, respectively. Overall, dry period length is associated with the production of milk and its components in the subsequent lactation of Holstein cows under tropical climatic conditions, but the optimum length depends on the production outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roseli Aparecida Dos Santos
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - Campus JK, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique de Frias Castro
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - Campus JK, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Lima Verardo
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - Campus JK, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Uba Moreira
- Associação dos Criadores de Gado Holandês de Minas Gerais, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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11
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Antanaitis R, Juozaitienė V, Jonike V, Baumgartner W, Paulauskas A. Milk Lactose as a Biomarker of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1736. [PMID: 34200862 PMCID: PMC8230553 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine subclinical mastitis can cause great harm to dairy herds because of its negative impact on milk production and quality and cow health. Improved diagnostic tools are needed to maximise the control of subclinical mastitis distribution and ensure the high quality of milk as an industrial product. Between 2015 and 2020, seventy-two dairy herds were screened for bovine subclinical mastitis causative agents to identify the relationship between seasons, lactose levels and subclinical mastitis infection. The predominant species found in the milk samples were mixed microbiota, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Yeasts were found exclusively in autumn, while Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli were only found in summer and autumn. A negative correlation was detected between milk lactose and number of somatic cells in milk (-0.471; p < 0.001). The lactose levels in milk were closely associated with the prevalence (%) of subclinical mastitis pathogens, such as Streptococcus agalactiae (y = -1.8011x + 10.867, R2 = 0.9298), Staph. aureus (y = -3.5216x + 25.957, R2 = 0.8604) and other Streptococci (y = -0.5956x + 7.6179, R2 = 0.6656). These findings suggest that milk lactose may be used as a biomarker of suspected udder inflammation in modern health prevention programmes for cows to reduce the prevalence of subclinical mastitis pathogens in dairy cattle herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramūnas Antanaitis
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vida Juozaitienė
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.J.); (V.J.); (A.P.)
| | - Vesta Jonike
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.J.); (V.J.); (A.P.)
| | - Walter Baumgartner
- University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.J.); (V.J.); (A.P.)
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12
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Antanaitis R, Juozaitienė V, Malašauskienė D, Televičius M, Urbutis M, Baumgartner W. Influence of Calving Ease on In-Line Milk Lactose and Other Milk Components. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030842. [PMID: 33809799 PMCID: PMC8002471 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to determine how the ease of calving of cows may influence changes in lactose concentration and other milk components and whether these two factors correlate with each other. To achieve this, we compared data of calving ease scores and average percentage of in-line registered milk lactose and other milk components. A total of 4723 dairy cows from nine dairy farms were studied. The cows were from the second to the fourth lactation. All cows were classified according to the calving ease: group 1 (score 1)-no problems; group 2 (score 2)-slight problems; group 3 (score 3)-needed assistance; group 4 (score 4)-considerable force or extreme difficulty. Based on the data from the milking robots, during complete lactation we recorded milk indicators: milk yield MY (kg/day), milk fat (MF), milk protein (MP), lactose (ML), milk fat/lactose ratio (MF/ML), milk protein/lactose ratio (MP/ML), milk urea (MU), and milk electrical conductivity (EC) of all quarters of the udder. According to the results, we found that cows that had no calving difficulties, also had higher milk lactose concentration. ML > 4.7% was found in 58.8% of cows without calving problems. Cows with more severe calving problems had higher risk of mastitis (SCC and EC). Our data indicates that more productive cows have more calving problems compared to less productive ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramūnas Antanaitis
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (M.T.); (M.U.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-6734-9064
| | - Vida Juozaitienė
- Department of Animal Breeding, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Dovilė Malašauskienė
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (M.T.); (M.U.)
| | - Mindaugas Televičius
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (M.T.); (M.U.)
| | - Mingaudas Urbutis
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (M.T.); (M.U.)
| | - Walter Baumgartner
- University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria;
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13
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Wei C, Luo HP, Wang YC, Huang XX, Zhang MH, Zhang XX, Wang D, Ge JJ, Xu L, Jiang H, Ju X. Analyses of the genetic relationships between lactose, somatic cell score, and growth traits in Simmental cattle. Animal 2021; 15:100027. [PMID: 33573989 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactose and somatic cell score (SCS) are major economic traits of milk. However, for many countries, they are typically not directly considered in the national genetic evaluation of Simmental cattle. This study aimed to estimate the genetic relationships between lactose, SCS, and growth traits of Simmental cattle to provide information for the national genetic evaluation of the selection of traits of this cattle population. The data of 1781 animals with 6519 records obtained over a period of 41 years (1975-2016) were collected from Xinjiang Hutubi Farm, China. The analyzed traits included 305 days of milk yield (305MY), milk fat percentage (MFP), milk protein percentage (MPP), milk lactose percentage (MLP), total solids (TS), SCS, body height (BH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), abdominal circumference (AC), rump width (RW), rump length (RL), leg circumference (LC), and cannon circumference (CC). The multiple-trait repeatability model was adopted to estimate (co)variance components using the average information-restricted maximum likelihood method implemented using the DMU statistical package. The heritability estimates for milk components and growth traits ranged from 0.09 (SCS) to 0.51 (BH). Genetic correlations for milk components ranged from 0.03 ± 0.14 (MFP and MLP) to 0.81 ± 0.08 (MFP and MPP). Genetic correlation between MLP and SCS was moderate and negative (-0.50 ± 0.15) compared with that among other traits. Genetic correlations between the milk components and growth traits ranged from 0.00 ± 0.07 (305MY and RW) to -0.64 ± 0.15 (MLP and BL). Genetic correlations of BL, LC, RW, and RL with MLP were moderate to high and negative ranging from -0.39 to -0.64. Somatic cell score showed the highest correlation with BL (0.41) followed by LC (0.21). An increase in MLP would result in an increase in 305MY or TS and a decrease in BL, LC, RW, and RL. Additionally, a decrease in SCS would occur with the selection of increased MLP and reduced BL. We conclude that selection based on easily and inexpensively measured growth traits could improve the milk quality from Simmental cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wei
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - H-P Luo
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Y-C Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - X-X Huang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
| | - M-H Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - X-X Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - D Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - J-J Ge
- Xinjiang Hutubi Farm, Changji, China
| | - L Xu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - H Jiang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - X Ju
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
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14
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Costa A, Bovenhuis H, Penasa M. Changes in milk lactose content as indicators for longevity and udder health in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:11574-11584. [PMID: 33069417 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Changes in milk production traits over time might be informative of the health status of cows and may contain useful information for selective breeding purposes. In particular, early indicators are useful for traits such as longevity, which become available late in the cow's life. Lactose percentage (LP) tends to decrease in the presence of udder infection and with parity. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that cows exhibiting limited changes in LP across lactations have experienced fewer udder infections in their productive life and have a higher chance to stay longer in the herd than cows with more pronounced reduction of LP across lactations. In this study, 9 descriptors of change in LP during a cow's lifetime were defined and evaluated as potential indicators for selective breeding. For the purpose of this study, test-day records of the first 44 days in milk (DIM) of each lactation were discarded, and cows were required to have at least 5 test-days/cow per lactation (≥45 DIM) over the first 3 lactations. In this study, descriptors of LP were available for 69,586 Italian Holstein cows. Changes in LP in each lactation were quantified by regressing LP on DIM; thus, β1, β2, and β3 represented the changes in LP within lactations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Changes in LP across multiple lactations were also quantified by regressing LP on DIM (with exclusion of the first 44 DIM of each lactation); briefly, β12 was the change of LP over lactation 1 and 2, β23 was the change of LP over lactation 2 and 3, and β123 was the change of LP over lactation 1, 2, and 3. Alternatively, changes in the LP lactation means (Δ) were quantified between lactations 1 and 2 (Δ12), 2 and 3 (Δ23), and 1 and 3 (Δ13). For comparison, β and Δ were also derived for milk yield (kg/d), somatic cell score, and log-transformed total somatic cells excreted daily in milk (units). Variance components and estimated breeding values (EBV) for all β's and Δ's were estimated. In addition, EBV for bulls with at least 25 daughters were used to assess Calo's genetic correlations between descriptors of change in LP with official published EBV for functional traits. Heritabilities for β and Δ of LP ranged from 0.06 (Δ23) to 0.20 (Δ13), and differed significantly from 0. Furthermore, LP EBV for β and Δ were correlated with official EBV for functional longevity index, udder health index, udder score (mammary gland morphology) index, and milk persistency; Calo's genetic correlations of LP β123 with functional longevity and udder health index were 0.52 and 0.33, respectively. Cows with a stronger reduction of LP across lactations (i.e., stronger and negative β, and greater and positive Δ) were characterized by lower milk persistency, impaired longevity, and worse udder health and morphology than cows with smaller reduction in LP across lactations. Results highlighted that changes in milk LP have the potential to be exploited as indicators for functional traits in Italian Holstein cattle. Further research on the biological relationship between changes in LP and mastitis is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - H Bovenhuis
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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15
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Pegolo S, Momen M, Morota G, Rosa GJM, Gianola D, Bittante G, Cecchinato A. Structural equation modeling for investigating multi-trait genetic architecture of udder health in dairy cattle. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7751. [PMID: 32385377 PMCID: PMC7210309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64575-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in dairy cattle. It results in changes in milk composition and quality which are indicators of udder inflammation in absence of clinical signs. We applied structural equation modeling (SEM) - GWAS aiming to explore interrelated dependency relationships among phenotypes related to udder health, including milk yield (MY), somatic cell score (SCS), lactose (%, LACT), pH and non-casein N (NCN, % of total milk N), in a cohort of 1,158 Brown Swiss cows. The phenotypic network inferred via the Hill-Climbing algorithm was used to estimate SEM parameters. Integration of multi-trait models-GWAS and SEM-GWAS identified six significant SNPs for SCS, and quantified the contribution of MY and LACT acting as mediator traits to total SNP effects. Functional analyses revealed that overrepresented pathways were often shared among traits and were consistent with biological knowledge (e.g., membrane transport activity for pH and MY or Wnt signaling for SCS and NCN). In summary, SEM-GWAS offered new insights on the relationships among udder health phenotypes and on the path of SNP effects, providing useful information for genetic improvement and management strategies in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pegolo
- Department of Agronomy, Food Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padua, Legnaro, (PD), Italy.
| | - Mehdi Momen
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Gota Morota
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Guilherme J M Rosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel Gianola
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Giovanni Bittante
- Department of Agronomy, Food Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padua, Legnaro, (PD), Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padua, Legnaro, (PD), Italy
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16
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Benedet A, Costa A, De Marchi M, Penasa M. Heritability estimates of predicted blood β-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acids and relationships with milk traits in early-lactation Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:6354-6363. [PMID: 32359995 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
At the beginning of lactation, high-producing cows commonly experience an unbalanced energy status that is often responsible for the onset of metabolic disorders and impaired health and performance. Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) are indicators of excessive fat mobilization and circulating ketone bodies. Recently, prediction models based on mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy have been developed to assess blood BHB and NEFA from routinely collected individual milk samples. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters of blood BHB and NEFA predicted from milk MIR spectra and to assess their phenotypic and genetic correlations with milk production and composition traits in early-lactation Holstein cows. The data set comprised the first test-day record within lactation and spectra of individual milk samples (n = 22,718) of 13,106 Holstein cows collected from 5 to 35 d in milk (DIM). Blood BHB and NEFA were predicted from milk MIR spectra using previously developed prediction models. Genetic parameters of blood metabolites and milk traits were estimated for the whole observational period (5-35 DIM) and within 6 classes of DIM. Blood BHB and NEFA showed similar genetic variation across DIM, with the highest heritability in the first 10 d after calving (0.31 ± 0.06 and 0.19 ± 0.05 for BHB and NEFA, respectively). The genetic correlation between BHB and NEFA was moderate (0.51 ± 0.05). Genetic correlations of BHB with milk yield, SCS, protein percentage, lactose percentage, and urea nitrogen content were similar to, or at least in the same direction as, the correlations of NEFA with the same traits, whereas opposite correlations were observed with fat percentage and fat-to-protein ratio. Results of the current study suggest that blood BHB and NEFA predicted from milk MIR spectra have genetic variation that is potentially exploitable for breeding purposes. Therefore, they could be used as indicator traits of hyperketonemia in a selection index aimed to reduce the susceptibility of dairy cows to metabolic disorders in early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Benedet
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - A Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - M De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - M Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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17
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Costa A, Neglia G, Campanile G, De Marchi M. Milk somatic cell count and its relationship with milk yield and quality traits in Italian water buffaloes. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5485-5494. [PMID: 32229124 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In Southern Italy, buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk is mostly intended for the manufacture of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) cheese. Despite the economic boost of the last 2 decades, the buffalo farming system should be improved to maximize the efficiency of the dairy industry, improve yield and quality of milk and cheese, and work toward better animal welfare. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) is used worldwide as an indicator of udder health in individual milk and is useful for monitoring farm hygiene in bulk milk. Mastitis data are currently not available on a large scale in Italy; thus, SCC is essential for identifying animals with suspected udder infection and inflammation. Moreover, high milk SCC is associated with altered composition and acidity, and poor technological properties of milk. However, payment systems of the PDO area are based simply on the delivered volume of milk rather than on quality characteristics. Hence, currently there are no penalties for elevated SCC in bulk milk in the Italian buffalo dairy industry. In addition, SCC for buffalo milk is not mentioned by either the European Community regulations or the PDO protocol, evidencing a lack of rules for the maximum SCC limit. To provide a phenotypic characterization of SCC at the population level and to improve knowledge on buffalo milk quality, 876,299 test-day records of 70,156 buffaloes reared in the PDO area were analyzed. Data revealed that around 11% of herd-test-dates (≥5 animals sampled each) showed average milk SCC ≥400,000 cells/mL (i.e., above the threshold fixed by the European Community for bovine milk). This suggests that there is room to improve SCC at both the farm and individual level. Within first parity, more than 28 and 15% of lactations had average SCC ≥200,000 and ≥300,000 cells/mL, respectively. Both percentages increased with parity and were 39 and 25% in sixth parity, respectively. Supporting this, the proportion of lactations with average SCC ≥500,000 cells/mL increased from 6% in first parity to 12% in sixth parity. Milk yield and SCC were negatively correlated with each other, especially when SCC level was high. An ANOVA was carried out on test-day record milk yield and composition traits, with fixed effects of parity, lactation stage, class of somatic cell score (n = 6), month of calving, and their interactions; buffalo, herd-test-date, and residual were considered random effects. Significantly lower milk yield and lactose percentage were estimated in progressively higher classes of somatic cell score, whereas no significant differences were observed for fat and protein percentages. This is the first attempt to investigate milk SCC in a large data set of Italian dairy buffaloes. These findings may be helpful for defining reliable and effective SCC thresholds to be adopted whenever specific penalties for high SCC are included in milk payment systems. Finally, these results could be used in mastitis monitoring plans aiming to reduce SCC and udder issues at both the individual and farm levels in the Italian buffalo population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - G Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Napoli (NA), Italy.
| | - G Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - M De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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18
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Lu H, Wang Y, Bovenhuis H. Genome-wide association study for genotype by lactation stage interaction of milk production traits in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5234-5245. [PMID: 32229127 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Substantial evidence demonstrates that the genetic background of milk production traits changes during lactation. However, most GWAS for milk production traits assume that genetic effects are constant during lactation and therefore might miss those quantitative trait loci (QTL) whose effects change during lactation. The GWAS for genotype by lactation stage interaction are aimed at explicitly detecting the QTL whose effects change during lactation. The purpose of this study was to perform GWAS for genotype by lactation stage interaction for milk yield, lactose yield, lactose content, fat yield, fat content, protein yield, and somatic cell score to detect QTL with changing effects during lactation. For this study, 19,286 test-day records of 1,800 first-parity Dutch Holstein cows were available and cows were genotyped using a 50K SNP panel. A total of 7 genomic regions with effects that change during lactation were detected in the GWAS for genotype by lactation stage interaction. Two regions on Bos taurus autosome (BTA)14 and BTA19 were also significant based on a GWAS that assumed constant genetic effects during lactation. Five regions on BTA4, BTA10, BTA11, BTA16, and BTA23 were only significant in the GWAS for genotype by lactation stage interaction. The biological mechanisms that cause these changes in genetic effects are still unknown, but negative energy balance and effects of pregnancy may play a role. These findings increase our understanding of the genetic background of lactation and may contribute to the development of better management indicators based on milk composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Lu
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yachun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Henk Bovenhuis
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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19
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Pizarro Inostroza MG, Landi V, Navas González FJ, León Jurado JM, Delgado Bermejo JV, Fernández Álvarez J, Martínez Martínez MDA. Integrating Casein Complex SNPs Additive, Dominance and Epistatic Effects on Genetic Parameters and Breeding Values Estimation for Murciano-Granadina Goat Milk Yield and Components. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E309. [PMID: 32183253 PMCID: PMC7140789 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing dominance and additive effects of casein complex single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (αS1, αS2, β, and κ casein), and their epistatic relationships may maximize our knowledge on the genetic regulation of profitable traits. Contextually, new genomic selection perspectives may translate this higher efficiency into higher accuracies for milk yield and components' genetic parameters and breeding values. A total of 2594 lactation records were collected from 159 Murciano-Granadina goats (2005-2018), genotyped for 48 casein loci-located SNPs. Bonferroni-corrected nonparametric tests, categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA), and nonlinear canonical correlations were performed to quantify additive, dominance, and interSNP epistatic effects and evaluate the outcomes of their inclusion in quantitative and qualitative milk production traits' genetic models (yield, protein, fat, solids, and lactose contents and somatic cells count). Milk yield, lactose, and somatic cell count heritabilities increased considerably when the model including genetic effects was considered (0.46, 0.30, 0.43, respectively). Components standard prediction errors decreased, and accuracies and reliabilities increased when genetic effects were considered. Conclusively, including genetic effects and relationships among these heritable biomarkers may improve model efficiency, genetic parameters, and breeding values for milk yield and composition, optimizing selection practices profitability for components whose technological application may be especially relevant for the cheese-making dairy sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gabriela Pizarro Inostroza
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.G.P.I.); (J.V.D.B.); (M.d.A.M.M.)
- Animal Breeding Consulting, S.L., Córdoba Science and Technology Park Rabanales 21, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Landi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
| | - Francisco Javier Navas González
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.G.P.I.); (J.V.D.B.); (M.d.A.M.M.)
| | - Jose Manuel León Jurado
- Centro Agropecuario Provincial de Córdoba, Diputación Provincial de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.G.P.I.); (J.V.D.B.); (M.d.A.M.M.)
| | - Javier Fernández Álvarez
- National Association of Breeders of Murciano-Granadina Goat Breed, Fuente Vaqueros, 18340 Granada, Spain;
| | - María del Amparo Martínez Martínez
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.G.P.I.); (J.V.D.B.); (M.d.A.M.M.)
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Phenotypic Characterization of Milk Yield and Quality Traits in a Large Population of Water Buffaloes. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020327. [PMID: 32092920 PMCID: PMC7070843 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The buffalo dairy industry has deep roots in Southern Italy, due to the traditional link with Mozzarella di Bufala, a Protected Designation of Origin cheese with high economic value and market demand. At farm level, strategies aiming to improve milk yield and quality are essential to maximize profitability and dairy chain efficiency. In this study, we analyzed a large data set of Italian Buffaloes (around 70 thousands animals) in order to detect the phenotypic sources of variation of milk yield and quality traits, disclose exploitable favorable correlations among milk traits, and provide useful information for dairy buffalo chain stakeholders. Abstract The buffalo milk industry has economic and social relevance in Italy, as linked to the manufacture of traditional dairy products. To provide an overview of the current status of buffaloes’ performances on a large scale, almost 1 million milk test-day records from 72,294 buffaloes were available to investigate milk yield, energy corrected milk, fat, protein, and lactose content, and somatic cell score (SCS). Phenotypic correlations between milk traits were calculated and analysis of variance was carried out through a mixed model approach including fixed effect of parity, stage of lactation, sampling time, month of calving, and all their interactions and random effects of buffalo, herd-test-date, and residual. Third-parity buffaloes were the most productive in terms of milk yield, while the lowest solid content was detected in sixth parity buffaloes. A considerable gap between primiparous and multiparous buffaloes was observed for milk yield, especially in early- and mid-lactation. Overall, SCS progressively increased with parity and showed a negative correlation with milk yield in both primiparous (−0.12) and multiparous (−0.14) buffaloes. Results suggested that, at the industrial level, milk of primiparous buffaloes may be preferred for transformation purposes, since it was characterized by greater solid content and lower SCS. Results of this study provide a picture of the Italian population of buffaloes under systematic performance records and might be beneficial to both dairy industry and breeding organizations.
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Genetic Analysis of Milk Production Traits and Mid-Infrared Spectra in Chinese Holstein Population. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010139. [PMID: 31952258 PMCID: PMC7022981 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Usually, spectral data are used as predictors to predict milk components, animal characteristics, and even reproductive status. Another innovative way to use spectral data involves considering spectral wavenumbers as traits and then analyzing from the genetic perspective. In this study, we considered milk spectral data directly as traits, then detected the influence of some non-genetic factors on spectral wavenumbers and estimated the genetic parameters of spectral points. The result of the present study could be used as a management tool for dairy farm and also provides a further understanding of genetic background of milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra. In future, milk spectral data could be applied more effective. For example, some sub-clinical diseases might be detected based on the difference between the expected and observed values of the spectral traits. In addition, we could also use genetic correlation between wavenumbers and a trait of interest, which are difficult and expensive to measure, to apply for the genetic improvement of dairy species. Abstract Milk composition always serves as an indicator for the cow’s health status and body condition. Some non-genetic factors such as parity, days in milk (DIM), and calving season, which obviously affect milk performance, therefore, need to be considered in dairy farm management. However, only a few milk compositions are used in the current animal selection programs. The mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy can reflect the global composition of milk, but this information is currently underused. The objectives of this study were to detect the effect of some non-genetic factors on milk production traits as well as 1060 individual spectral points covering from 925.92 cm−1 to 5011.54 cm−1, estimate heritabilities of milk production traits and MIR spectral wavenumbers, and explore the genetic correlations between milk production traits and 1060 individual spectral points in a Chinese Holstein population. The mixed models procedure of SAS software was used to test the non-genetic factors. Single-trait animal models were used to estimate heritabilities and bivariate animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations using the package of ASReml in R software. The results showed that herd, parity, calving season, and lactation stage had significant effects on the percentages of protein and lactose, whereas herd and lactation stage had significant effects on fat percentage. Moreover, the herd showed a significant effect on all of the 1060 individual wavenumbers, whereas lactation stage, parity, and calving season had significant effect on most of the wavenumbers of the lactose-region (925 cm−1 to 1200 cm−1), protein-region (1240 cm−1 to 1600 cm−1), and fat-regions (1680 cm−1 to 1770 cm−1 and 2800 cm−1 to 3015 cm−1). The estimated heritabilities for protein percentage (PP), fat percentage (FP), and lactose percentage (LP) were 0.08, 0.05, and 0.09, respectively. Further, the milk spectrum was heritable but low for most individual points. Heritabilities of 1060 individual spectral points were 0.04 on average, ranging from 0 to 0.11. In particular, heritabilities for wavenumbers of spectral regions related to water absorption were very low and even null, and heritabilities for wavenumbers of specific MIR regions associated with fat-I, fat-II, protein, and lactose were 0.04, 0.06, 0.05, and 0.06 on average, respectively. The genetic correlations between PP and FP, PP and LP, FP, and LP were 0.78, −0.29, and −0.14, respectively. In addition, PP, FP, and LP shared the similar patterns of genetic correlations with the spectral wavenumbers. The genetic correlations between milk production traits and spectral regions related to important milk components varied from weak to very strong (0.01 to 0.94, and −0.01 to −0.96). The current study could be used as a management tool for dairy farms and also provides a further understanding of the genetic background of milk MIR spectra.
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CALGARO JLB, FIORESI J, VELHO JP, STROEHER FH, ALESSIO DRM, PIUCO MA, WEBER CT, HAYGERT-VELHO IMP. Production and composition of milk per Holstein and Jersey cow from two farms in northwest Rio Grande do Sul. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE E PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-99402121212020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to monitor cow milk quality and composition in two farms in the Noroeste Rio-grandense mesoregion, located in the municipalities of Palmeira das Missões and Pinhal - RS. Both herds were mixed, with animals of the Holstein (70%) and Jersey (30%) breeds. The following overall parameters were evaluated: body condition score (BCS), udder dirtiness, and calving order, and the following milk composition factors were measured: total dry extract (TDE), defatted dry extract (DDE), milk lactose, fat, and protein contents, casein, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and somatic cell count (SCC). Multivariate statistical analysis was performed, and four factors were identified representing combinations of the measured variables. The first factor comprised negative relationships between milk production and cow breed, milk fat content, and milk protein content. The second factor comprised the positive relationships between lactation days and body condition score and milk protein content. The third factor represented the negative relationships between milk lactose content and SCC score, calving order, and BCS. The fourth factor was composed of the positive relationship between delivery order and udder dirtiness. Cluster analysis revealed that individual cows could be categorized into three groups. Monitoring the breed, calving order, body condition score, lactation days, milk production, fat, protein, and lactose contents, somatic cell counts, and udder dirtiness in cows allows greater control of the herd, allowing potential shortcomings to be rectified quickly and economic losses to production to be minimized.
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Pizarro Inostroza MG, Landi V, Navas González FJ, León Jurado JM, Martínez Martínez A, Fernández Álvarez J, Delgado Bermejo JV. Does the Acknowledgement of αS1-Casein Genotype Affect the Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Prediction of Breeding Values for Milk Yield and Composition Quality-Related Traits in Murciano-Granadina? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090679. [PMID: 31540251 PMCID: PMC6770805 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090679] [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: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genetic evaluations and the selection of breeding animals require the accurate estimation of genetic parameters for economically important traits. As a result, dairy livestock has evolved in response to the needs of producers and consumers. Genetic selection in goats has been mostly based on quantitative traits such as milk yield, fat, protein, and dry matter. However, as reported by the increased heritability values of these parameters after the inclusion of the different allelic variants of αS1 casein in evaluation models, the selection of animals carrying this gene could result in a more efficient genetic selection. High levels of genetic polymorphism (89.58% of polymorphic SNP—as only five out of the 48 SNPs assessed were monomorphic) that are related to greater production of coagulable proteins in milk, a fact that could be associated with a higher yield and improved curd firmness properties. Abstract A total of 2090 lactation records for 710 Murciano-Granadina goats were collected during the years 2005–2016 and analyzed to investigate the influence of the αS1-CN genotype on milk yield and components (protein, fat, and dry matter). Goats were genetically evaluated, including and excluding the αS1-CN genotype, in order to assess its repercussion on the efficiency of breeding models. Despite no significant differences being found for milk yield, fat and dry matter heritabilities, protein production heritability considerably increased after aS1-CN genotype was included in the breeding model (+0.23). Standard errors suggest that the consideration of genotype may improve the model’s efficiency, translating into more accurate genetic parameters and breeding values (PBV). Genetic correlations ranged from −0.15 to −0.01 between protein/dry matter and milk yield/protein and fat content, while phenotypic correlations were −0.02 for milk/protein and −0.01 for milk/fat or protein content. For males, the broadest range for reliability (RAP) (0.45–0.71) was similar to that of females (0.37–0.86) when the genotype was included. PBV ranges broadened while the maximum remained similar (0.61–0.77) for males and females (0.62–0.81) when the genotype was excluded, respectively. Including the αS1-CN genotype can increase production efficiency, milk profitability, milk yield, fat, protein and dry matter contents in Murciano-Granadina dairy breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Landi
- Animal Breeding Consulting, S.L., Córdoba Science and Technology Park Rabanales 21, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | | | - Jose Manuel León Jurado
- Centro Agropecuario Provincial de Córdoba, Diputación Provincial de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Amparo Martínez Martínez
- Animal Breeding Consulting, S.L., Córdoba Science and Technology Park Rabanales 21, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Javier Fernández Álvarez
- National Association of Breeders of Murciano-Granadina Goat Breed, Fuente Vaqueros, 18340 Granada, Spain.
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Costa A, Schwarzenbacher H, Mészáros G, Fuerst-Waltl B, Fuerst C, Sölkner J, Penasa M. On the genomic regions associated with milk lactose in Fleckvieh cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10088-10099. [PMID: 31447150 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lactose is a sugar uniquely found in mammals' milk and it is the major milk solid in bovines. Lactose yield (LY, kg/d) is responsible for milk volume, whereas lactose percentage (LP) is thought to be more related to epithelial integrity and thus to udder health. There is a paucity of studies that have investigated lactose at the genomic level in dairy cows. This paper aimed to improve our knowledge on LP and LY, providing new insights into the significant genomic regions affecting these traits. A genome-wide association study for LP and LY was carried out in Fleckvieh cattle by using bulls' deregressed estimated breeding values of first lactation as pseudo-phenotypes. Heritabilities of first-lactation test-day LP and LY estimated using linear animal models were 0.38 and 0.25, respectively. A total of 2,854 bulls genotyped with a 54K SNP chip were available for the genome-wide association study; a linear mixed model approach was adopted for the analysis. The significant SNP of LP were scattered across the whole genome, with signals on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28, and 29; the top 4 significant SNP explained 4.90% of the LP genetic variance. The signals were mostly in regions or genes with involvement in molecular intra- or extracellular transport; for example, CDH5, RASGEF1C, ABCA6, and SLC35F3. A significant region within chromosome 20 was previously shown to affect mastitis or somatic cell score in cattle. As regards LY, the significant SNP were concentrated in fewer regions (chromosomes 6 and 14), related to mastitis/somatic cell score, immune response, and transport mechanisms. The 5 most significant SNP for LY explained 8.45% of genetic variance and more than one-quarter of this value has to be attributed to the variant within ADGRB1. Significant peaks in target regions remained even after adjustment for the 2 most significant variants previously detected on BTA6 and BTA14. The present study is a prelude for deeper investigations into the biological role of lactose for milk secretion and volume determination, stressing the connection with genes regulating intra- or extracellular trafficking and immune and inflammatory responses in dairy cows. Also, these results improve the knowledge on the relationship between lactose and udder health; they support the idea that LP and its derived traits are potential candidates as indicators of udder health in breeding programs aimed to enhance cows' resistance to mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | | | - Gábor Mészáros
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Fuerst
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, Dresdner Strasse 89/19, A-1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Sölkner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Costa A, Visentin G, De Marchi M, Cassandro M, Penasa M. Genetic relationships of lactose and freezing point with minerals and coagulation traits predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:7217-7225. [PMID: 31155264 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the relationships of lactose percentage (LP), lactose yield (LY), and freezing point (FRP) with minerals and coagulation properties predicted from mid-infrared spectra in bovine milk. To achieve this purpose, we analyzed 54,263 test-day records of 4,297 Holstein cows to compute (co)variance components with a linear repeatability animal model. Parity, stage of lactation, season of calving, and herd-test-date were included as fixed effects in the model, and additive genetic animal, within- and across-lactation permanent environment, and residual were included as random effects. Lactose percentage was more heritable (0.405 ± 0.027) than LY (0.121 ± 0.021) and FRP (0.132 ± 0.014). Heritabilities (± standard error) of predicted milk minerals varied from 0.375 ± 0.027 for Na to 0.531 ± 0.028 for P, and those of milk coagulation properties ranged from 0.348 ± 0.052 for rennet coagulation time to 0.430 ± 0.026 for curd firming time. Lactose percentage showed favorable (negative) genetic correlations with milk somatic cell score (SCS) and FRP, and it was almost uncorrelated with casein-related minerals (Ca and P) and coagulation properties. Moreover, LP was strongly correlated with Na (-0.783 ± 0.022), a mineral known to increase in the presence of intramammary infection (IMI) and high somatic cell count. Indeed, Na is the main osmotic replacer of lactose in mastitic milk when the blood-milk barrier is altered during IMI. Being strongly associated with milk yield, LY did not favorably correlate with coagulation properties, likely because of the negative correlation of this trait with protein and casein percentages. Milk FRP presented moderate and null genetic associations with Na and SCS, respectively. Results of the present study suggest that the moderate heritability of LP and its genetic correlations with IMI-related traits (Na and SCS) could be exploited for genetic selection against mastitis. Moreover, selection for LP would not impair milk coagulation characteristics or Ca and P content, which are important for cheesemaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - G Visentin
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori della razza Frisona e Jersey Italiana (ANAFIJ), Via Bergamo 292, 26100 Cremona, Italy.
| | - M De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - M Cassandro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - M Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Costa A, Lopez-Villalobos N, Sneddon NW, Shalloo L, Franzoi M, De Marchi M, Penasa M. Invited review: Milk lactose-Current status and future challenges in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5883-5898. [PMID: 31079905 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lactose is the main carbohydrate in mammals' milk, and it is responsible for the osmotic equilibrium between blood and alveolar lumen in the mammary gland. It is the major bovine milk solid, and its synthesis and concentration in milk are affected mainly by udder health and the cow's energy balance and metabolism. Because this milk compound is related to several biological and physiological factors, information on milk lactose in the literature varies from chemical properties to heritability and genetic associations with health traits that may be exploited for breeding purposes. Moreover, lactose contributes to the energy value of milk and is an important ingredient for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite this, lactose has seldom been included in milk payment systems, and it has never been used as an indicator trait in selection indices. The interest in lactose has increased in recent years, and a summary of existing information about lactose in the dairy sector would be beneficial for the scientific community and the dairy industry. The present review collects and summarizes knowledge about lactose by covering and linking several aspects of this trait in bovine milk. Finally, perspectives on the use of milk lactose in dairy cattle, especially for selection purposes, are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Costa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - N Lopez-Villalobos
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - N W Sneddon
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - L Shalloo
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland
| | - M Franzoi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - M De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - M Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
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Costa A, Egger-Danner C, Mészáros G, Fuerst C, Penasa M, Sölkner J, Fuerst-Waltl B. Genetic associations of lactose and its ratios to other milk solids with health traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:4238-4248. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Gelsolin expression in sheep milk somatic cells during lactation. Animal 2019; 13:2297-2304. [PMID: 30837031 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119000399] [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: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of genes involved in phenotypes related to milk quality is important for both economic and health aspects in livestock production. The aim of this study was to assess the level of gelsolin gene expression in two breeds of dairy sheep - Sarda and Gentile - with pronounced differences in quantitative and qualitative milk traits. Gelsolin, a type of actin-modulating proteins is involved in the processes of actin remodeling during cell growth and apoptosis; therefore a role of this protein in mammary changes during lactation was here hypothesized. Individual milk samples were collected three times during lactation from 26 ewes of the two breeds. The differential gene expression of gelsolin in the two breeds and the three lactation times was estimated by quantitative PCR on RNA extracted from milk somatic cells. Correlations of gelsolin gene expression with milk yield and quality and days of lactation were also estimated. The results showed that gelsolin gene expression was significantly higher in the Sarda compared to the Gentile at each lactation stage, in agreement with the longer lactation duration and the higher daily milk yield of the first breed. Significant correlations of gelsolin gene expression were found with milk fat content in Sarda breed (-0.46, P<0.05). Gelsolin expression analysis confirmed the link between gelsolin gene function and milk fat content of sheep.
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Sanchez M, El Jabri M, Minéry S, Wolf V, Beuvier E, Laithier C, Delacroix-Buchet A, Brochard M, Boichard D. Genetic parameters for cheese-making properties and milk composition predicted from mid-infrared spectra in a large data set of Montbéliarde cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10048-10061. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Heritability and repeatability of milk lactose and its relationships with traditional milk traits, somatic cell score and freezing point in Holstein cows. Animal 2018; 13:909-916. [PMID: 30131088 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118002094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactose percentage (LP) in milk is currently determined in most herd-testing schemes, and globally, it is usually routinely recorded in the framework of the official milk recording procedures. However, few studies have investigated the phenotypic and genetic variability of this component. Data used in the present paper consisted of 59 811 test-day records from 4355 Holstein cows in 266 herds. Heritabilities of LP and lactose yield (LY) were estimated through single-trait repeatability animal models, whereas genetic and phenotypic correlations of LP and LY with milk composition and production traits, somatic cell score and milk freezing point were estimated using bivariate models. Fixed effects included in the analyses were herd-test-date, season of calving, parity, stage of lactation and the interaction between parity and stage of lactation. Random effects were animal additive genetic, within and across lactation permanent environment and the residual. Lactation curves of LP and LY increased from parturition to the peak of lactation and decreased thereafter, mirroring the typical curve of milk yield. Lactose percentage was greater in first- than later-parity cows. Heritabilities of LP and LY were 0.43±0.03 and 0.14±0.02, respectively, and LP and protein percentage were the most repeatable traits. Genetic correlations (r a) of LP with somatic cell score, LY and milk freezing point were -0.22±0.08, 0.28±0.08 and -0.46±0.05, respectively. Genetic relationships of LY with milk yield (r a=0.97±0.00), fat percentage (r a=-0.71±0.06), protein percentage (r a=-0.57±0.06) and protein yield (r a=0.64±0.06) were moderate to strong. Results suggest that milk LP could be considered in breeding strategies to accelerate the gain of correlated low heritable traits. Further research is needed to evaluate the feasibility of including LP in the selection index of Italian Holstein population to address country-specific needs and market demands.
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Haile-Mariam M, Pryce J. Corrigendum to “Genetic parameters for lactose and its correlation with other milk production traits and fitness traits in pasture-based production systems” (J. Dairy Sci. 100:3754–3766). J Dairy Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-100-7-6008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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