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Development of the average annual milk production per cow in the United States since 1924. Data from https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/ (USDA NASS, 2023, assessed January 09, 2023).
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... milk production of dairy cows has increased steadily for many decades. In the United States, the average annual milk production per cow has doubled within the last 40 years and is nowadays approximately six times greater than 100 years ago ( Figure 1; USDA NASS, 2023). Whereas the secretory capacity of the mammary gland currently seems not to be compromised, a significant number of health disorders and reduced reproductive performance related to the high milk production are observed. ...
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The experiment involved eighteen crossbred cows (Gir x Holstein Friesian and Gir x Jersey), divided into three equal groups of six each: T0, T1, and T2. The control group, T0, received the standard concentrate mixture based on the farm's routine practice. Treatment group T1 was provided with the same concentrate mixture as T0 but supplemented with...
Objective: To obtain a machine learning (ML) model to predict the milk yield adjusted to 305 d (MY305) from the same lactation period. Design/methodology/approach: A database of test days (TD) was used, made up by 11,892 records of daily milk production from cows with more than 150 days in milk (DIM), from 19 barns in Querétaro, Mexico. The milk pr...
The aim of the research was to develop a selection index for the evaluation and selection of dairy cattle for increasing milk production and reproductive traits. Materials of the research were data on milk production and reproduction of cows of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed in commercial farm in Kharkiv region. Studies showed that there...
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... Over the last forty years, milk production in the United States has risen two-fold, thus standing at six times the level recorded a century prior [4]. Nonetheless, the milk yield improvement has also been associated with a notable decline in fertility [5]. The extended postpartum anestrus results in an elongated calving interval, which engenders significant economic consequences [6]. ...
Citation: Citation: Shahzad, M.; Cao, J.; Kolachi, H.A.; Ayantoye, J.O.; Yu, Z.; Niu, Y.;Wan, P.; Zhao, X. Unravelling the Signature Follicular Fluid Metabolites in Dairy Cattle Follicles Growing Under Negative Energy Balance: An In Vitro Approach. Int. J.
Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 12629. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312629
Abstract: The astringent selection criteria for milk-oriented traits in dairy cattle have rendered these animals prone to various metabolic disorders. Postpartum lactational peak and reduced feed intake lead to negative energy balance in cattle. As a compensatory mechanism, cattle start mobilizing fat reserves to meet the energy demand for vital body functions. Consequently, diminished glucose concentrations and elevated ketone body levels lead to poor ovarian function. The impaired follicular development and subpar oocyte quality diminish the conception rates, which poses significant economic repercussions. Follicular fluid is integral to the processes of follicular growth and oocyte development. Hence, the present study was performed to identify potential alterations in metabolites in the follicular fluid under in vitro culture conditions mimicking negative energy balance. Our results revealed nine distinct metabolites exhibiting differential expression in follicular fluid under negative energy balance. The differentially expressed metabolites were predominantly associated with pathways related to amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, signal transduction mechanisms, and membrane transport, alongside other biological processes. The identified signature metabolites may be further validated to determine oocyte fitness subjected to in vitro fertilization or embryo production from slaughterhouse source ovaries.
... During this period, cows face substantial metabolic stress due to increased energy demands for peak milk production. A negative energy balance (NEB) is expected, characterized by elevated blood non-esterified fatty acid levels, indicating body fat mobilization to meet energy (Brady et al., 2021;Gross, 2023). These metabolic changes are accompanied by complex hormonal fluctuations, such as growth hormone and cortisol increases and insulin decreases (Barletta et al., 2017;Qiao et al., 2024). ...
... The high concentration of livestock at dairy complexes implies the formation of new approaches to raw milk quality management [22,23]. However, there are still many unsolved issues related to improving the welfare and ensuring the health of the udder of cows [24,25]. ...
The object of this study is the force parameters of the working process when cleaning the udder nipples of cows from contamination. Failure to provide adequate care for a cow, especially concerning its udder, could lead to significant health and productivity problems. On the other hand, utilizing modern tools, devices, and materials could improve the sanitary and hygienic conditions for milking cows and udder care, thus leading to better overall outcomes. As part of the research, mathematical expressions were derived theoretically, allowing the determination of the force parameters of the working process for cleaning cows’ udders from contamination by expanding the range of the device’s functional characteristics. Distinctive features of the results regarding the solution to this problem is evaluation of the elasticity force exerted by the lint bundles on the nipple during the rotation of the brush device’s drum and the circular force generated by the brush lint. The developed algorithm of the work process aimed at cleaning the nipples and udders of cows made it possible to combine a set of clearly defined and sequentially performed operations into a single whole. It has been demonstrated that the efforts required to retain different types of contamination on the skin vary significantly. To objectively determine it, a new device has been designed. Its distinctive features are the precision of measurement and simplicity of operation. Following laboratory testing, it was established that the highest contaminant retention forces were exhibited by solid manure (Fret=40±3.21 N), while the lowest values were observed for sawdust (Fret=19±2.17 N) (p ≤ 0.001). The developments are relevant and could be used at cattle breeding farms of various forms of ownership, the scientific community, and at industrial enterprises manufacturing technological equipment.
... This change in milk composition could be due to reduced milk volume at late lactation (Hinz et al., 2012), resulting in the concentration of milk constituents within the udder. Conversely, early lactation is characterized by increased energy and nutrient demands, impacting fat and protein content (Gross, 2023). Despite facing a significant negative energy balance (NEB) during early lactation, cows continue to produce more till peak lactation, demanding higher energy and nutrient supply (Jozwik et al., 2012). ...
... However, dry matter intake (DMI) decreases during this period and rises much slowly than the increase in production. Consequently, DMI fails to meet the necessary nutrient requirements, leading to a NEB characterized by body weight loss and reduction in protein, calcium, and other nutrients (Gross, 2023). Fat and milk protein percentages are similarly influenced by the lactation stage. ...
Purpose: This study investigated the effect of feeding time, parity, stages of lactation, milking methods, and breed on milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC) with the main objective of understanding how these factors influence the nutritional properties and udder health of dairy cow. Methods: Twenty (Holstein Frisian, Jersey and Lulu) subclinical mastitis-free crossbred cows were used for a 180-day study on different feeding strategies (pre-milking, during milking, and post-milking feeding at varying intervals). The animals were categorized into three groups, each based on their parity (early, mid and late) and stages of lactation (early, mid and late), then their effect on different parameters were examined. The milk composition and SCC was analyzed (by transforming them at log10 base) fortnightly. The effect of feeding time, parity, stages of lactation, breed and milking methods on SCC and milk composition were worked out for ANOVA by General Linear Model (univariate) using SPSS statistical packages (version 25). Results: Results revealed that feeding time significantly affected milk composition, with pre-milking feeding yielding in higher milk fat, while post-milking feeding strategies led to lower SCC. Parity and stages of lactation also showed notable effects on milk composition and SCC, with early parity and mid-lactation cows exhibiting higher SCC. Additionally, milking methods and breed influenced milk composition, with higher protein and lactose in machine milked cows, and Lulu producing milk with higher fat (numerical), protein and lactose. Conclusions: Our research findings provided valued insights into the factors influencing milk quality and udder health in dairy cows, which could be inferred for a better management practice aimed at optimizing quality milk production.
... Increases in dry matter consumption and consequently an increase in milk volume are characteristic during the postpartum period in dairy animals [23]. The increased milk production matches the increased feed intake in groups of animals supplemented with bioactive compounds [24]. ...
The present study evaluates the effect of including microencapsulated hot chili pepper (MHCP) in the diet of crossbred dairy cows on the volume and quality of milk and on ovarian morphofunctionality. Twenty-four crossbred females in their lactating period were used. The cows were divided into two experimental groups, a control (CT) and an MHCP -supplemented group (CP) given 1 g a day per animal of microencapsulated hot chili in concentrate for 42 days. Over seven weeks of daily milk production was measured, and sample milk was collected weekly for composition analysis. Animals were subject to an ovulation synchronization protocol on day 0 (D0), and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant, estradiol benzoate, and prostaglandin (PGF2α) were administered. On D8, the P4 implant was removed and PGF2α, equine chorionic gonadotropin, and estradiol cypionate were administered to the animals. The ovarian dynamics were evaluated in B mode and color Doppler. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the group X time interaction, the volume of milk produced, and the amount in kg/day of milk components. There was a higher percentage of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle in the CP group (p ≥ 0.10). The findings show that the inclusion of MHCP in the diet of dairy cows does influence their milk production and reproduction.
... Incorporating lipids into the diet of high-yielding buffaloes is a common practice (Sirohi et al., 2010); however, studies have shown an increase in milk fat when fats are used as an energy source (Fahey et al., 2002;Schroeder et al., 2003;Zheng et al., 2005;Palmquist and Griinari, 2006). This increase is attributable to the increased energy requirements during various phases, particularly during early lactation, a period of production stress (Gross et al., 2023). ...
This study was conducted to examine the effect of bypass fat supplementation on milk production, composition, and body weight gain in Nili Ravi Buffaloes living in the unique geo-climatic conditions of Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Twenty lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes were randomly assigned to control and bypass fat supplementation groups in randomized, controlled experiment. Over the course of three months, data were collected on milk yield, milk composition, and body weight while environmental factors were considered. The bypass fat group gained significantly more weight on average than the control (p<0.05), which gained 4.75 kg. In addition, milk yield in bypass fat group increased to the average of 13.15 liters, compared to 10.4 liters in the control (p<0.05). The percentage of milk fat in supplemented group was 7.35 percent, compared to 6.79 percent in the control (p<0.05). Lactose concentrations were significantly higher in the bypass fat group (p<0.05), whereas proteins, solid-not-fat, and total solids were statistically comparable between the two groups (p>0.05). Bypass fat supplementation can substantially increase milk production, milk fat content, and weight gain in Nili Ravi buffaloes from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This strategy could provide dairy farming in the region with prospective advantages in terms of animal health and economic returns.
... Dairy cows have a strong metabolism and high production intensity when they are at the peak of the lactation period. Which means that cows can obtain more nutrients from feed and use them more efficiently (42), which provides the material basis for the improvement of milk yield. On the other hand, selenium supplementation can strengthen the distribution of breast capillaries, and the breast vascular area tends to increase (43), which provides organizational conditions for the improvement of milk production. ...
To compare the impact of nanoselenium and sodium selenite on the performance, blood indices, and milk metabolites of dairy cows during the peak lactation period, two groups of dairy cows under the same conditions were selected as the control group (CON group) and treatment group (NSe group) for a 38-day (10 days for adaptation and 28 days for sampling) experiment. The control group (CON) was provided a basal diet +3.3 g/d of sodium selenite (purity1%), whereas the nanoselenium group (NSe) was offered the same diet +10 mL/d of nanoselenium (selenium concentration 1,500 mg/L). The results showed that NSe significantly increased the milk yield, milk selenium content, and feed efficiency (p < 0.05), but had no significant effect on other milk components (p > 0.05). NSe significantly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05), but had no significant effects on malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), blood total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), or blood selenium (p > 0.05). In addition, the nontargeted metabolomics of the milk was determined by LC–MS technology, and the differentially abundant metabolites and their enrichment pathways were screened. According to these findings, NSe considerably increased the contents of cetylmannoside, undecylenoic acid, 3-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, 16-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, threonic acid, etc., but decreased the contents of galactaric acid, mesaconic acid, CDP-glucose etc. Furthermore, the enriched metabolic pathways that were screened with an impact value greater than 0.1 included metabolism of niacin and niacinamide, pyruvate, citrate cycle, riboflavin, glycerophospholipid, butanoate and tyrosine. Pearson correlation analysis also revealed a relationship between different milk metabolites and blood selenium, as well as between milk selenium and blood biochemical indices. In conclusion, compared with sodium selenite, nanoselenium improves the milk yield, feed efficiency, and milk selenium content of dairy cows and regulates milk metabolites and related metabolic pathways in Holstein dairy cows during the peak lactation period, which has certain application prospects in dairy production.
... In the last decades, management and productive performance of livestock have transformed and developed dramatically, especially in the dairy cattle sector. In the past 40 years the milk yield per cow has more than doubled in specialised breeds like Holstein, now being approximately six times greater than 100 years ago (Gross 2023). High-producing cows nowadays can easily deliver 12,000 kg of milk per year (Gross 2023). ...
... In the past 40 years the milk yield per cow has more than doubled in specialised breeds like Holstein, now being approximately six times greater than 100 years ago (Gross 2023). High-producing cows nowadays can easily deliver 12,000 kg of milk per year (Gross 2023). With this in mind, it is evident that in modern lactating animals milk production represents the metabolic priority around which all other physiological activities are coordinated and, in some respects, minimised (e.g. ...
Over recent decades, there was a substantial evolution in the productive management of dairyanimals worldwide with a consequent boost in individual milk yield. This evolution positionedthe milk production as the central metabolic priority around which all other physiological func-tions are coordinated and partially minimised. This shift underscores the crucial role of effect-ively managing stressful phases in intensive dairy farming systems, also highlighting theresilience exhibited by the animals. Indeed, monitoring the nutritional and health statusbecomes paramount, aiming for an early detection of (sub)clinical health impairments. Giventhe mammary gland’s centrality in high-yielding dairy breeds, it’s unsurprising that the milkmatrix provides insights about udder itself but also systemic metabolic function. The emergingfield of milk phenomics explores links between milk components and animal health, holdinggreat promise for studying dairy cow resilience. The use of infrared spectroscopy on milk to pre-dict indicators and complex traits at the herd level is a promising approach. In the dairy sector,the available infrared instruments mainly implement the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spec-troscopy. This method is widely employed in milk recording schemes worldwide for animalmonitoring and breeding purposes. In addition, visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy isincreasingly integrated into milking systems for daily on-farm monitoring of milk quality andanimals’ physiological status. This review examines the topic of milk phenomics together withpotential and challenges of infrared spectroscopy to predict indicators and complex traitsrelated to health and nutritional disorders exploiting the biological bonds that exist betweenmilk and blood in dairy animals.
... The rapid development of breeding to increase milk productivity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and the ever-increasing consumer demand for dairy products made it possible to significantly increase not only lactation milk yield but also the udder volume of cows. This was a cause of their discomfort, reduced mobility, and gait disorders (Gross, 2023). This led to an increase in the incidence of limb disorders, especially in the hind limbs, due to the increased pressure of the total body weight on the lateral toes (Bicalho & Oikonomou, 2016). ...
Milk production and breeding of highly productive cows using modern innovative technologies have led to specific unfavorable combinations of technological factors in how cows are kept, which has significantly increased their susceptibility to developing various pathological processes in the musculoskeletal system. Lameness is the most common pathology. It is important to note that this information is based on objective evaluations and scientific research. The article is devoted to developing methodological approaches to determine the comfort state of cows based on mobility assessment. When determining the comfort state of a cow, in particular, the detection of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, a three-dimensional image of the animal was used, the position of the specified points of the animal's body was determined (tracking), the kinematic indicators of the movement of these points were calculated, the degree of bending of the animal's back during movement was assessed, complex mobility indicators were calculated, and the calculated complex mobility indicator was compared with the reference one. Based on the research results, a structural and technological scheme of a system for determining the comfort state of an animal based on the assessment of its mobility was developed, and software for video recording of movement was created. The step length, maximum step height, step duration, posture, and free state, as well as the speed of movement of healthy animals, those with single lesions and hoof ulcers were determined, and, as a result, the dynamics of changes in the accelerations of nodal points in the joints for each body link of healthy cows was revealed. The key variables of the biomechanical model for assessing the limbs of cattle (cows) are substantiated. The value of the specific force of the support reaction acting on the hooves of cows was determined: the highest value (9.8 N/kg) was observed for the concrete surface, the lowest (5 N/kg) – for rubber mats. The practical examples of the complex relationship between welfare indicators (lameness), elements of physiology (mobility), and technology (floor type) presented in the publication are recommended to be effectively used in monitoring the results of detecting gait disorders in animals and evaluating its effectiveness even in the early stages of the disease. The prospect of further research is to determine the comfort state of animals depending on environmental and climatic conditions.
... More recently, the association of level of dam milk production (DMP) with productive and reproductive performance of offspring was evaluated and DMP was found to be positively associated with birth weight, and negatively associated with survival rate, potential for milk production, postpartum metabolic status and fertility of the offspring [23]. The level of milk production majorly contributes to the metabolic pressure cows undergo during lactation, particularly during early postpartum stage [24][25][26][27][28][29]. However, there is individual variation among cows in terms of energy and nutrient homeostasis and capability of enduring the metabolic pressure imposed by various levels of milk production, and in turn, level of milk production per se could not indicate the level of metabolic pressure cows experience during lactation [24][25][26][27][28][29]. ...
... The level of milk production majorly contributes to the metabolic pressure cows undergo during lactation, particularly during early postpartum stage [24][25][26][27][28][29]. However, there is individual variation among cows in terms of energy and nutrient homeostasis and capability of enduring the metabolic pressure imposed by various levels of milk production, and in turn, level of milk production per se could not indicate the level of metabolic pressure cows experience during lactation [24][25][26][27][28][29]. In this context, milk fat to protein ratio (FPR) has been found as an easily accessible measure with acceptable reliability for assessment of metabolic status in postpartum dairy cows [30][31][32]. ...
... Indeed, it is undeniable that level of milk production plays a key role in pathogenesis of postpartum metabolic disorders [90][91][92] and optimized management of dry cows alleviates the risk of postpartum diseases [26,88,89]. However, the resilience of the metabolic system in each individual cow seems to determine how well the cow handles the catabolic conditions due to the sudden commencement of lactation so as to suffer less from the grave and debilitating degrees of postpartum disorders [24][25][26]28,29]. Accordingly, we should not only know the potential of cows for milk yield but also be aware of the robustness of their metabolic system in order to provide the cows a greater level of welfare [24][25][26]28,29]. ...
Although the association of maternal milk production with developmental programming of offspring has been investigated, there is limited information available on the relationship of maternal milk components with productive and reproductive performance of the offspring. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze the association of maternal milk fat and protein percentage and milk fat to protein ratio with birth weight, survival, productive and reproductive performance and AMH concentration in the offspring. In study I, data of birth weight, milk yield and reproductive variables of offspring born to lactating dams (n = 14,582) and data associated with average maternal milk fat percentage (MFP), protein percentage (MPP) and fat to protein ratio (MFPR) during 305-day lactation were retrieved. Afterwards, offspring were classified in various categories of MFP, MPP and MFPR. In study II, blood samples (n = 339) were collected from offspring in various categories of MFP, MPP and MFPR for measurement of serum AMH. Maternal milk fat percentage was positively associated with birth weight and average percentage of milk fat (APMF) and protein (APMP) and milk fat to protein ratio (FPR) during the first lactation, but negatively associated with culling rate during nulliparity in the offspring (P < 0.05). Maternal milk protein percentage was positively associated with birth weight, APMF, APMP, FPR and culling rate, but negatively associated with milk yield and fertility in the offspring (P < 0.05). Maternal FPR was positively associated with APMF and FPR, but negatively associated with culling rate, APMP and fertility in the offspring (P < 0.05). However, concentration of AMH in the offspring was not associated with MFP, MPP and MFPR (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that maternal milk fat and protein percentage and their ratio were associated with birth weight, survival, production and reproduction of the offspring. Yet it was a preliminary research and further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations.
