Exploring herd-level perinatal calf mortality risk factors in eastern Canadian dairy farms

This closed cohort study aimed to identify the associations between dairy calf management practices and herd-level perinatal calf mortality risk. From February 2020 to June 2021, predominantly Holstein dairy farms in Québec (n = 1,832) and New Brunswick (n = 52), Canada, that were registered in the dairy herd improvement program were visited once. A questionnaire covering all aspects of precalving, calving, and colostrum management was administered. Data regarding perinatal mortality were retrieved from the dairy herd improvement program database for each farm for 2021. Perinatal mortality was calculated for each farm as the proportion of calves dead at birth or dying within 24 h after birth. A multivariable negative binomial model was used to assess herd-level factors associated with the risk of perinatal mortality. The final model included the lying surface in the calving area, the typical time to first colostrum intake, typical cow-calf contact time, the proportion of males born, the proportion of assisted calvings, and herd size. Herd-level perinatal mortality risk ranged from 0% to 38.1% (mean ± SE = 7.6% ± 0.1%). A greater proportion of males born, a higher proportion of assisted calvings, and delayed colostrum feeding were associated with increased herd-level perinatal mortality. Factors associated with a decreased herd-level perinatal mortality risk were having a typical cow-calf contact time between 7 and 12 h after calving compared with reduced cow-calf contact time, soft lying surfaces in the calving area compared with concrete and mat-lying surfaces, and an increased number of calvings per year. Our results show that although some of the significant risk factors are not well understood (i.e., calving area lying surface, typical cow-calf contact time), Canadian farmers could focus on the factors under their control (i.e., time to first colostrum feeding, proportion of difficult calvings, males born, and calvings per year) to reduce the risk of perinatal mortality. Future work should focus on qualitative research to understand the dairy farmer motivations and limitations to implementing practices identified in this and other studies to reduce perinatal mortality.

Farm-level risk factors associated with increased milk β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperketolactia prevalence on farms with automated milking systems

The objectives of this study were to determine the farm-level hyperketolactia (HKL) prevalence, as diagnosed from milk β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration, on dairy farms milking with an automatic milking system (AMS) and to describe the farm-level housing, management, and nutritional risk factors associated with increased farm-average milk BHB and the within-herd HKL prevalence in the first 45 DIM. Canadian AMS farms (n = 162; eastern Canada n = 8, Quebec n = 23, Ontario n = 75, western Canada n = 55) were visited once between April to September 2019 to record housing and herd management practices. The first test milk data for each cow under 45 DIM were collected, along with the final test of the previous lactations for all multiparous cows, from April 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The first test milk BHB was then used to classify each individual cow as having HKL (milk BHB ≥ 0.15 mmol/L) at the time of testing. Milk fat and protein content, milk BHB, and HKL prevalence were summarized by farm and lactation group (all, primiparous, and multiparous). During this same time period, formulated diets for dry and lactating cows, including ingredients and nutrient composition, and AMS milking data were collected. Data from the AMS were used to determine milking behaviors and milk production of each herd during the first 45 DIM. Multivariable regression models were used to associate herd-level housing, feeding management practices, and formulated nutrient composition with first test milk BHB concentrations and within-herd HKL levels separately for primiparous and multiparous cows. The within-herd HKL prevalence for all cows was 21.8%, with primiparous cows having a lower mean prevalence (12.2 ± 9.2%) than multiparous cows (26.6 ± 11.3%). Milk BHB concentration (0.095 ± 0.018 mmol/L) and HKL prevalence for primiparous cows were positively associated with formulated prepartum DMI and forage content of the dry cow diet while being negatively associated with formulated postpartum DMI, the major ingredient in the concentrate supplemented through the AMS, and the PMR-to-AMS concentrate ratio. However, multiparous cows' milk BHB concentration (0.12 ± 0.023 mmol/L) and HKL prevalence were positively associated with the length of the previous lactation, milk BHB at dry off, prepartum diet nonfiber carbohydrate content, and the major forage fed on farm, while tending to be negatively associated with feed bunk space during lactation. This is the first study to determine the farm-level risk factors associated with herd-level prevalence of HKL in AMS dairy herds, thus helping optimize management and guide diet formulation to promote the reduction of HKL prevalence.

Farm-level nutritional factors associated with milk production and milking behavior on Canadian farms with automated milking systems

The objective of this study was to describe nutritional strategies utilized on Canadian dairy farms with automated milking systems (AMS), both at the feed bunk and the concentrate offered at the AMS, as well as to determine what dietary components and nutrients, as formulated, were associated with milk production and milking behaviors on those farms. Formulated diets, including ingredients and nutrient content, and AMS data were collected from April 1, 2019, until September 30, 2020, on 160 AMS farms (Eastern Canada [East] = 8, Ontario [ON] = 76, Quebec [QC] = 22, and Western Canada [West] = 54). Both partial mixed ration (PMR) and AMS concentrate samples were collected from May 1 to September 30, 2019, on 169 farms (East = 12, ON = 63, QC = 42, West = 52). AMS milking data were collected for 154 herds. For each farm (n = 160), milk recording data were collected and summarized by farm to calculate average milk yield and components. Multivariable regression models were used to associate herd-level formulated nutrient composition and feeding management practices with milk production and milking behavior. Milk yield (37.0 ± 0.3 kg/d) was positively associated with the PMR ether extract (EE) concentration (PMR % EE; +0.97 kg/d per percentage point (p.p.) increase) and with farms that fed barley silage as their major forage source on farm (n = 16; +2.18 kg/d) compared with haylage (n = 42), while farms that fed corn silage (n = 96; +1.23 kg/d) tended to produce more milk than farms that fed haylage. Greater milk fat content (4.09 ± 0.28%) was associated with greater PMR-to-AMS concentrate ratio (+0.02 p.p. per unit increase) and total diet net energy for lactation (+0.046 p.p. per 0.1 Mcal/kg increase), but lesser % non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) of the PMR (-0.016 p.p. per p.p. increase of % NFC). Milk protein content (3.38 ± 0.14%) was positively associated with forage % of the PMR (+0.003 p.p. per p.p. increase of % forage) and total diet % starch (+0.009 p.p. per p.p. increase of % starch), but negatively associated with farms feeding corn silage (-0.1 p.p. compared with haylage) as their major forage. Greater milking frequency (2.77 ± 0.40 milkings/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.62 milkings/d) and positively associated with feed push-up frequency (+0.013 milkings/d per additional feed push-up), while being negatively associated with PMR NFC content and % forage of the total ration (-0.017 milkings/d per p.p. increase of % forage). Lastly, greater milking refusal frequency (1.49 ± 0.82 refusals/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.84 refusals/d) and farms feeding barley silage (+0.58 refusals/d) than guided flow and farms feeding either corn silage or haylage, respectively. These data give insight into the ingredients, nutrient formulations and type of diets fed on AMS dairy farms across Canada and the association of those factors with milk production and milking behaviors.

Relationship between farm management strategies, reticuloruminal pH variations, and risks of subacute ruminal acidosis

Low reticuloruminal pH (rpH), often observed in subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), may negatively affect rumen health and animal performance. To investigate the variability of rpH and the prevalence of SARA on commercial farms, we conducted an observational study on 110 early-lactation Holstein cows of different parities from 12 farms selected to cover a broad range of farm management strategies. The rpH of each cow was continuously monitored for 50 d using wireless boluses. To study the effects of animal and farm management characteristics on rpH, we used a multivariable mixed model analysis with the animal and farm as random effects. Automatic milking system and presence of corn silage in the ration were associated with a decrease in rpH of 0.37 and 0.20 pH units, respectively, whereas monensin supplementation was associated with an increase of 0.27 pH units. The rpH increased by 0.15 pH units during the first 60 d in milk. We defined a SARA-positive day as rpH below 5.8 (SARA5.8) or 6.0 (SARA6.0) for at least 300 min for 1 d. Using those definitions, during our study, a total of 38 (35%) and 65 (59%) cows experienced at least one episode of SARA5.8 and SARA6.0, respectively. The proportion of cows with at least one SARA-positive day varied among farms from 0 to 100%. Automatic milking system was associated with an increased risk of SARA5.8 (odds ratio: 10) and SARA6.0 (odds ratio: 11). The use of corn silage was associated with an increased risk of SARA5.8 (odds ratio: 21), whereas the use of monensin was associated with a decreased risk of SARA5.8 (odds ratio: 0.02). Our study shows that rpH is quite variable among farms, but also among animals on the same farm. We also show that multiple animal and farm characteristics are associated with rpH variability and the risk of SARA under commercial conditions.

Farm-level factors associated with lameness prevalence, productivity, and milk quality in farms with automated milking systems

Impaired locomotion (lameness) may negatively affect the ability and desire of cows to milk voluntarily, which is a key factor in success of automated milking systems (AMS). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with herd-level lameness prevalence and associations of lameness and other farm-level factors with milking activity, milk yield, and milk quality in herds with AMS. From April to September 2019, 75 herds with AMS in Ontario, Canada, were visited, and data on barn design and farm management practices were collected. Data from AMS were collected, along with milk recording data, for the 6-mo period before farm visits. Farms averaged 98 ± 71 lactating cows, 2.3 ± 1.5 robot units/farm, 43.6 ± 9.4 cows/robot, 36.4 ± 4.9 kg/d of milk, a milking frequency of 3.01 ± 0.33 milkings/d, and a herd average geometric mean SCC of 179.3 ± 74.6 (× 1,000) cells/mL. Thirty percent of cows/farm (minimum of 30 cows/farm) were scored for body condition (1 = underconditioned to 5 = over conditioned) and locomotion (1 = sound to 5 = lame; clinically lame ≥3 out of 5 = 28.3 ± 11.7%, and severely lame ≥4 out of 5 = 3.0 ± 3.2%). Clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥3) was less prevalent on farms with sand bedding, with increased feed bunk space per cow, and on farms with non-Holstein breeds versus Holsteins, and tended to be less prevalent with lesser proportion of underconditioned cows (with body condition score ≤2.5). Severe lameness occurrence (farms with any cows with locomotion score ≥4) was associated with a greater proportion of underconditioned cows and in farms with stalls with greater curb heights. Herd average milk yield/cow per day increased with lesser prevalence of clinical lameness (each 10-percentage-point decrease in clinical lameness prevalence was associated with 2.0 kg/cow per day greater milk yield) and greater milking visit frequency per day, and tended to be greater with increased feed push-up frequency. Lesser herd average somatic cell count was associated with lesser clinical lameness prevalence, herd average days in milk, and proportion of overconditioned cows, and somatic cell count tended to be lesser for farms with sand bedding versus those with organic bedding substrates. The results highlight the importance of minimizing lameness prevalence, using of sand bedding, ensuring adequate feed access and feed bunk space, and maintaining proper cow body condition to optimize herd-level productivity and milk quality in AMS herds.

Benchmarking of farms with automated milking systems in Canada and associations with milk production and quality

The objective of this study was to benchmark the herd-level housing and management strategies of automated milking system (AMS) farms across Canada and assess the associations of these herd-level housing factors and management practices with milk production and quality. Canadian AMS farms (n = 197; Western Canada: n = 50, Ontario: n = 77, Quebec: n = 59, Atlantic Canada: n = 11) were each visited once from April to September 2019, and details were collected related to barn design and herd management practices. Milk-recording data for the 6 mo before farm visits were collected. Farms averaged (± standard deviation) 110 ± 102 lactating cows, 2.4 ± 1.9 AMS units/farm, 47.5 ± 14.9 cows/AMS, 36.7 ± 5.0 kg/d of milk, 4.13 ± 0.34% fat, 3.40 ± 0.16% protein, and a herd-average somatic cell count of 186,400 ± 80,800 cells/mL. Farms mainly used freestall housing systems (92.5%), organic bedding substrates (73.6%), and free flow cow traffic systems (87.8%); farms predominantly milked Holsteins (90.4%). Multivariable regression models were used to associate herd-level housing factors and management practices with milk production and quality. At the herd level, feed push-up frequency (mean = 12.8 ± 8.3 times per day) and feed bunk space (mean = 64 ± 21.5 cm/cow) were positively associated with milk yield. Greater milk yield was associated with herds using inorganic (sand) versus organic bedding, milking Holsteins versus non-Holsteins, and using a form of mechanical ventilation versus natural ventilation alone. Milk fat and milk protein content were only associated with breed. Herds with lower somatic cell counts had more frequent alley cleaning (mean = 12.1 ± 7.5 times per day), wider lying alleys (mean = 304.5 ± 40.0 cm), and sand bedding. The results highlight the importance of using sand bedding, using mechanical ventilation, keeping feed pushed up, ensuring alleys are clean, and ensuring adequate space at the feed bunk for maintaining herd-level productivity and milk quality in farms with AMS.

Fatty Acid Profiles from Routine Milk Recording as a Decision Tool for Body Weight Change of Dairy Cows after Calving

Cows mobilize body reserves during early lactation, which is reflected in the milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Milk FA can be routinely predicted by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and be, thus, used to develop an early indicator for bodyweight change (BWC) in early lactating cows in commercial dairy farms. Cow records from 165 herds in Denmark between 2015 and 2017 were used with bodyweight (BW) records at each milking from floor scales in automatic milking systems. Milk FA in monthly test-day samples was predicted by FTIR. Predictions of BWC were based on a random forest model and included parity, stage of lactation, and test day milk production and components (fat, protein, and FA). Bodyweight loss was mainly explained by decreased short-chain FA (C4:0-C10:0) and increased C18:0 FA. The root mean square error (RMSE) of prediction after cross-validation was 1.79 g/kg of BW (R2 of 0.94). Model evaluation with previously unseen BWC records resulted in reduced prediction performance (RMSE of 2.33 g/kg of BW; R2 of 0.31). An early warning system may be implemented for cows with a large BW loss during early lactation based on milk FA profiles, but model performance should be improved, ideally by using the full FTIR milk spectra.

Evaluation of the new differential somatic cell count parameter as a rapid and inexpensive supplementary tool for udder health management through regular milk recording

Mastitis, particularly in its subclinical form, is the costliest disease in milk production causing substantial financial losses to the dairy industry, impairing animal welfare, and one of the main reasons for treating dairy cows with antimicrobials. Somatic cell count (SCC) is broadly used as an indicator for mastitis or intramammary infection (IMI) and is the basis for udder health management programmes, e.g., through monthly dairy herd improvement (DHI) testing. While SCC shows the total number of cells in milk, the new Differential SCC (DSCC) shows also the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and lymphocytes as a percentage of the total SCC. In this study, we investigated the test characteristics of DSCC as a new supplementary indicator for mastitis screening. We collaborated with 11 herds totalling 969 dairy cows and collected metered DHI samples once a month over four months. The IMI status was assessed through analysis of aseptic composite hand-stripped samples using culture and followed by species identification using MALDI-ToF. The pathogens detected were categorised as 'no', 'minor', 'major', or 'other' pathogens. The results of our study showed that the DSCC parameter was significantly associated with the IMI status and the cow's parity but not with days in milk or test-day milk weight. On the other hand, SCC was associated with all these four factors. DSCC counts were significantly higher in samples of cows with IMI caused by major pathogens as compared to cows with no IMI or IMI by minor or other pathogens. SCC alone, DSCC alone, and the combination of DSCC and SCC were further compared based on test characteristics using exemplary cut-offs. For example, working with a cut-off of 200,000 cells/ for SCC alone compared to working with the combination of DSCC of 65 % and/or 200,000 cells/mL to classify cows as infected by major pathogens, the sensitivity increased from 78 % to 92 % and the specificity decreased from 87 % to 66 %. With the combination, the positive predictive value changed from 52 % to 34 %, and the negative predictive value stayed at the same level (96 % vs 98 %). In summary, our study provides first insights on test characteristics of the DSCC parameter used in combination with the well-established SCC for monitoring udder health using DHI testing. This combination opens up the possibility to further improve udder health monitoring programmes (e.g., improved identification of IMI caused by major pathogens) but more work on the subject is needed.

Short communication: Potential prediction of vitamin B12 concentration based on mid-infrared spectral data using Holstein Dairy Herd Improvement milk samples

The purpose of this study was (1) to predict the quantitative concentration of vitamin B₁₂ in milk using mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometry, and (2) to evaluate the potential of MIR spectra to discriminate different clusters of records based on their B₁₂ concentration. Milk samples were collected from 4,340 Holstein cows between 3 and 592 d in milk and located in 100 herds. Samples were taken using in-line milk meters and divided into 2 aliquots: one for MIR spectrometry and the other for B₁₂ concentration reference analyses by radioassay. Analyses were performed on 311 selected spectral wavelengths. A partial least squares regression model was built to quantify B₁₂ concentration. Discriminant analysis was used to isolate B₁₂ concentration clusters. A B₁₂ concentration threshold was set at 442 ng/dL, because this represents the cutoff value for a 250-mL glass of milk to fulfill 46% of the daily vitamin B₁₂ recommended dietary allowance for individuals 14 yr or older. For each analysis, records coming from two-thirds of herds were used to calibrate prediction equations, and the remaining records (one-third of herds for validation) were used to assess the prediction performance. In the case of discriminant analysis, validation sets were divided into evaluation sets (one-third of herds) to obtain alternate probability cutoffs and in test sets (two-thirds of herds) to validate equations. Spectral and B₁₂ concentration outliers were identified by calculating standardized Mahalanobis distance and with a residual analysis, respectively (n = 3,154). Regarding quantitative B₁₂ concentration, cross-validation and validation coefficients of determination averaged 0.51 and 0.46, respectively, which are relatively low, which would limit the potential use of the developed quantitative equations. In addition, root mean square errors of prediction of cross validation and validation sets averaged 88.9 and 94.7 ng/dL, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of test sets averaged 0.81 based on the 442 ng/dL threshold, which could be considered to represent good accuracy of classification. However, the false discovery rate averaged 36%. In summary, models predicting quantitative B₁₂ concentration had low cross-validation and validation coefficients of determination, limiting their use, but the proposed discriminant models could be used to identify milk samples with naturally high B12.

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of incomplete milking during early lactation on ketonemia and body condition loss in Holstein dairy cows

Limiting milk production for a short period of time in early lactation could be a relevant strategy to prevent hyperketonemia (HYK). From December 2013 to March 2015, 838 multiparous Holstein cows from 13 herds were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of incomplete milking in early lactation on ketonemia and its effect on body condition score (BCS) loss. Cows were randomly assigned 4 wk before expected calving date to 1 of 2 treatment groups, (1) a conventional milking protocol (CON) for which cows were completely milked or (2) an incomplete milking protocol (INC) for which a maximum of 10 to 14 kg of milk/d were withdrawn during the first 5 d in milk (DIM). β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were measured from blood samples collected on each cow 3 times at weekly intervals. Hyperketonemia was defined as BHB ≥1.4 mmol/L. Body condition score variation in the postcalving period was calculated by subtracting BCS assessed at wk 7 from BCS assessed at first week after calving. Effect of treatment on ketonemia and prevalence of HYK were evaluated for 4 specific time periods: 1 to 3, 4 to 7, 8 to 17, and 18 to 26 DIM. Effect of treatment on ketonemia was investigated using linear mixed models with natural logarithm of BHB measurements as outcome and treatment groups as fixed effect. Generalized linear mixed models with HYK as outcome, using logit link, and treatment groups as fixed effect were used to investigate effect of treatment on odds of HYK. A logistic regression model with BCS loss (<0.75 or ≥0.75) as outcome and treatment groups and herd as fixed effects was used to study effect of INC on odds of having BCS loss ≥0.75. A total of 813 lactations had complete data and were used for statistical analysis of ketonemia and HYK. A total of 709 lactations had complete data and were used for analysis of BCS loss. Geometric means of blood BHB concentrations during the 1 to 3, 4 to 7, 8 to 17, and 18 to 26 DIM periods were, respectively, 0.72 (95% confidence interval = 0.66, 0.80), 0.66 (0.60, 0.73), 0.90 (0.80, 1.01), and 0.93 (0.83, 1.05) mmol/L for INC, and 0.65 (0.59, 0.72), 0.79 (0.72, 0.87), 0.94 (0.84, 1.06), and 0.92 (0.82, 1.04) mmol/L for CON. Cows in INC group had lower ketonemia during the 4 to 7 DIM period. Predicted prevalence of HYK during the 1 to 3, 4 to 7, 8 to 17, and 18 to 26 DIM periods were, respectively, 2.8 (3.2, 15.1), 4.6 (2.0, 10.0), 13.4 (8.4, 20.0), and 23.0% (17.4, 29.7) for INC and 2.6 (2.5, 13.8), 10.7 (5.6, 19.3), 19.4 (13.0, 27.9), and 21.3% (16.0, 27.8) for CON. The INC treatment reduced the prevalence of HYK during the 4 to 7 and 8 to 17 DIM periods. No association was observed between INC and BCS loss in the postcalving period. Overall, the incomplete milking protocol was effective for reducing ketonemia and prevalence of HYK during the early postpartum period.

Short dry period management improves peripartum ruminal adaptation in dairy cows

The present study aimed to determine whether the improvement in postpartum energy balance frequently reported in cows under short dry period management could be due to an improvement in ruminal function related to the reduction in the number of diet changes before calving. Six multiparous and 6 primiparous Holstein cows equipped with ruminal cannula were assigned to 6 blocks of 2 cows each according to parity, projected milk production at 305 d, and expected calving date. Within each block, cows were randomly assigned to either a conventional (CDP; 63.2 ± 2.0 d) or a short dry period (SDP; 35.2 ± 2.0 d) management in a randomized complete block design. The CDP cows were fed a far-off diet until 28 d before calving, followed by a prepartum diet, whereas SDP cows received only the prepartum diet. After calving, both groups were fed the same lactation diet. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily and milk composition, weekly. Blood samples were taken twice a week during the first 4 wk postcalving and weekly otherwise. Omasal and ruminal samples were collected approximately 3 wk prior and 3 wk after calving. From 28 d before calving until calving, when the 2 groups of cows were fed the same prepartum diet, there was no effect of the dry period length management on DMI, plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, and glucose and nutrient digestibility in the rumen. However, CDP cows tended to have lower ruminal pH and higher ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids than SDP cows. From calving to 60 d in milk, daily DMI was higher for SDP than for CDP cows (22.3 ± 0.44 vs. 20.7 ± 0.30 kg), but milk production and milk concentrations and yields of fat, protein, and total solids were not affected by the dry period length management. After calving, body weight loss was reduced and body condition score tended to increase more rapidly for SDP than for CDP cows. Nutrient digestibility in the rumen, expressed in kilograms per day, was greater or tended to be greater for SDP cows, but differences were no longer significant when expressed per unit of nutrient ingested. The decrease in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in SDP cows without effect on milk yield suggests an improved energy balance likely due to greater DMI. Results from the present study seem to indicate that reducing the number of diet changes before calving could facilitate ruminal adaptation to the lactation diet and improve energy balance postpartum.

Incidence of metabolic disorders and reproductive performance following a short (35-d) or conventional (60-d) dry period management in commercial Holstein herds

A total of 850 Holstein cows from 13 commercial dairy herds were involved in the present study to compare the effects of 2 different dry period (DP) management strategies on health and reproductive parameters. Cows were assigned to either a short (SDP; 35-d) or a conventional (CDP; 60-d) DP management within each herd, based on previous 305-d milk yield, parity (414 primiparous and 436 multiparous), and estimated calving interval. Cows assigned to CDP were fed a dry cow ration from dry-off until 21 d prepartum, and were then switched to a precalving ration. Cows assigned to SDP were fed the precalving ration throughout their DP. Rations were specific to each herd. A significant treatment × parity interaction was found for culling rate. Dry period management did not affect culling rate for second-lactation cows but a significantly higher culling rate occurred in multiparous CDP cows compared with SDP (42.6 vs. 31.6% ± 3.7 for CDP and SDP, respectively). Management used in the DP did not affect incidence of severe ketosis, displaced abomasum, milk fever, and mastitis, although incidence of these metabolic disorders were lower in second-lactation than third- or greater-lactation cows. The incidence of mild ketosis (evaluated by milk ketone concentration) was lower following SDP, probably as a result of better energy balance. On the other hand, the incidence of retained placenta was higher in multiparous cows assigned to SDP, but the reason for this increase remains unclear. Nevertheless, this did not lead to increased incidence of metritis. Moreover, DP management did not influence reproductive measures, including days in milk at first breeding, number of breedings per conception, as well as conception rates at first and second services. Regarding days open, overall, all 13 herds were not significantly affected by treatment, but 1 herd clearly showed opposite results to the 12 others. Our results indicate that a short DP management strategy could facilitate transition from one lactation to the next by decreasing the incidence of mild ketosis, with no major negative effects on other health parameters and reproduction. The variation in results observed among herds suggests that other management practices influence the response observed following a short or conventional DP, emphasizing the need for other field studies.

Apparent ruminal synthesis and intestinal disappearance of vitamin B12 and its analogs in dairy cows

The aim of the project was to calculate the apparent synthesis or destruction of cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) and its analogs in the rumen as well as their apparent intestinal disappearance in dairy cows. Four lactating cows were fed a diet supplemented with cobalt alone (0.76 mg/kg of DM; control) or with cobalt and vitamin B(12) (cyanocobalamin, 500 mg/d; treated). In addition to cobalamin, the only biologically active molecule for the cow, 7 analogs were identified in duodenal and ileal digesta: cobinamide, which lacks the base, ribose, and phosphate groups; and 6 other molecules in which the base, 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, is replaced by cresol, 2-CH(3)-adenine, adenine, 2-CH(3)-S-adenine, or 5-OH-benzimidazole, or an unidentified cobamine. Small amounts of cobalamin and cobinamide were detected in the total mixed ration, but apparent synthesis of all forms took place in rumen. During the control period, cobalamin represented 38% of the total amounts of corrinoids produced in rumen. Approximately 11% of the average daily intake of cobalt was used for apparent ruminal synthesis of corrinoids, of which only 4% was incorporated into cobalamin. Only 20% of the supplement of cyanocobalamin was recovered at the duodenal level; cobinamide appeared to be the major product of degradation of supplementary cyanocobalamin in the rumen. During the control and treatment periods, there was an apparent intestinal disappearance of cobalamin and 5-OH-benzimidazole cobamide only; only the apparent intestinal disappearance of cobalamin differed between the 2 periods. Although cobalamin was not the major form synthesized by ruminal microflora and, even if supplementary cyanocobalamin was extensively destroyed by ruminal microflora, based on calculations of apparent intestinal disappearance, cobalamin seems to be the major form absorbed in the small intestine.

Colostrum and milk fatty acids of dairy cows as influenced by extruded linseed supplementation during the transition period

The effects of precalving fat sources on fatty acid (FA) profile of colostrum and milk and on metabolic parameters in early lactation were determined. Two fat supplements (target: 21% fat, DM basis) fed at 1.8 kg DM d-1 were compared: Control (C; containing fractionated palm oil rich in 16:0) and Linseed (L; containing extruded linseed, rich in 18:3n-3). Sixteen dry Holstein (n = 7) and Brown Swiss (n = 9) cows were assigned to four groups receiving the supplements from 5 wk pre- to 4 wk post-calving in different sequences: CC, CL, LC and LL. Treatments did not affect metabolic parameters, milk yield or composition. Linseed supplementation increased proportions of 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 in colostrum and milk (except 18:1 for colostrum). The highest n-3 FA proportion was observed in milk of LL cows. For most 16 and 18 FA, a fast response occurred within the first week of lactation for cows that switched treatments over calving. Carry-over to milk of 18:3 and its biohydrogenation products from linseed fed precalving was low. Pre-calving feeding strategies to favour incorporation of these FA into early lactation milk were not successful, but the reasons for this failure remain unclear.Key words: Linseed, omega-3 fatty acids, transition period, milk, colostrum, dairy cows

Calculations of apparent ruminal synthesis and intestinal absorption of biotin in dairy cows as influenced by the extraction method

Biotin is present in nature either free or as biocytin, which is only degraded under the action of a specific enzyme: biotinidase. This enzyme is not included in analytical assays generally used. A method for sample preparation using biotinidase was developed in our laboratory before analysis by ELISA. Three cows equipped with duodenal and ileal cannulae were used to compare the effects of methods of sample preparation on calculations of apparent ruminal synthesis and intestinal absorption of biotin. There was no apparent ruminal synthesis of biotin, no matter whether free or total biotin was measured (p = 0.84). Results also suggested that rumen microbes cannot utilize nor degrade biocytin present in the feed. Estimates of apparent intestinal absorption were influenced by the sample preparation method (p = 0.002). Analysis of free biotin caused an artefact, suggesting intestinal synthesis of this vitamin; whereas determination of total biotin concentrations showed that absorption was taking place in the small intestine.

Fate of Supplementary B-Vitamins in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Dairy Cows

Four lactating Holstein cows equipped with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in 2 studies to evaluate the disappearance of supplementary B-vitamins before and from the small intestine. The cows were fed a total mixed ration with chromic oxide in 12 daily meals. Each study consisted of a control (no vitamin supplementation) and a treatment period (with vitamin supplementation). Amounts of vitamins (mg/d) supplemented in studies 1 and 2, respectively, were: thiamin: 300 and 10; riboflavin: 1600 and 2.0; niacin: 12,000 and 600; vitamin B6: 800 and 34; biotin: 20 and 0.02; folic acid: 2600 and 111; vitamin B12: 500 and 0.4. In study 1, vitamins were added to the feed 5 d before and during the 4-d collection period. In study 2, vitamins were infused postruminally 1 d before and during the 4-d collection period. Substantial disappearance before the duodenal cannula was noted in study 1 (67.8% thiamin, 99.3% riboflavin, 98.5% nicotinamide, 41.0% pyridoxine, 45.2% biotin, 97.0% folic acid, and 62.9% vitamin B12). Except for nicotinamide and folate, there was almost no disappearance of postruminally infused vitamins before the duodenal cannula (study 2), suggesting extensive ruminal destruction or use. Apparent intestinal absorption values differed greatly among vitamins, but the proportion of vitamins disappearing from the small intestine was not negatively influenced by supplementation. Except for riboflavin and niacin, absolute amounts disappearing from the small intestine were greater during the treatment than the control periods, suggesting that B-vitamin supply in dairy cows is increased by supplementation, although losses in the rumen are extensive.