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Water salinity effects on performance and rumen parameters of lactating grazing Holstein cows

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Abstract

Eighteen multiparous lactating grazing Holstein cows, 9 ruminally cannulated, average 136.1 +/- 14.6 days in milk, were randomly assigned to three treatments consisting of water containing different levels of total dissolved solids (TDS; mg/l): Treatment 1 = 1,000; Treatment 2 = 5,000 and Treatment 3 = 10,000, at the Experimental Dairy Unit at Rafaela Experimental Station (31 degrees 11'S latitude) during summer 2005. Animals were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three 28-day experimental periods, with 3 weeks for water adaptation and 1 week for measurements. Feed and water intake, milk production and composition, body weight and condition score and rumen parameters were evaluated. No treatment effects were observed in any of the variables evaluated, with the exception of water intake, which was higher for animals receiving 10,000 mg/l TDS in the drinking water (189 l/day vs. 106 and 122 l/day for cows receiving water with 1,000 and 5,000 mg/l TDS, respectively). Water intake was significantly higher for animals in treatment 10,000 (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the rumen presents a surprising buffer capacity and that consideration of TDS alone is insufficient to characterize drinking water quality.

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... Most researchers reported unequivocal results concerning the impact of saline water consumption on the rumen ecosystem. Feed degradability and apparent digestibility are related to the changes in microbial population, pH, concentration of minerals, osmolarity, passage rate, microbial fermentation products and rumen movements (Attia et al., 2008;Valtorta et al., 2008;Elshaer and Squires, 2016;Yousfi et al., 2016). Valizadeh et al. (2019) said that the majority of ruminal bacteria populations and some protozoa need sodium and potassium for growth, which may explain their tolerance to different levels of salt in water and diet. ...
... The habituation of rumen bacteria to consumption of diet or water containing high salinity is also of particular importance to ruminal function (Mayberry, 2003;Thomas et al., 2007;Valizadeh et al., 2019). Valtorta et al. (2008) reported that drinking water salinity did not affect ruminal parameters (pH, population of microorganisms and volatile fatty acids) in dairy cows, but growth of cellulolytic bacteria was reduced with increasing salinity levels of 1000 to 10000 mg/kg TDS. El-Shaer and Squires (2016) found that high salt stress increased the fermentation efficiency by increasing the rate of fluid dilution and microbial growth, and reducing the substrate required for microbial maintenance. ...
... Furthermore, Costa et al. (2019) stated that production of microbial protein will increase when the available substrate for microorganisms is starch or glucose at different salinity levels. Contradictory, Valtorta et al. (2008) showed that a gradual increase in ruminal ammonia levels is decreased with increasing water salinity levels in dairy cows. As the water salinity increases, microbial protein production reduces linearly, and the concentration of ammonia in the rumen increases when the dominant substrate is cellulose. ...
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The study was conducted to determine the soybean meal (SBM) fermentation and degradation kinetics using gas production (GP) and nylon bag techniques in sheep under saline water stress. Eight rumen-cannulated Iranian Shaal rams that received different levels of saline water, including the control group (480), 4000, 8000, and 12000 mg/kg total dissolved solids (TDS) were used. The results showed significant differences between the experimental treatments in terms of the amount of methane produced, total GP, dry mater (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation and the relevant parameters (P<0.05). The treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS had the highest GP at 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation times. Short-chain fatty acids, digestible organic matter, metabolizable energy, and net energy for lactation of SBM significantly differ between treatments (P<0.05), with the lowest amount at the 4000 mg/kg salinity level. The lowest amount of methane emission was observed in the treatment containing 8000 and 12000 mg/kg TDS. The results demonstrated that drinking water salinity significantly influenced the DM and CP degradability in SBM. The highest effective degradability values for DM and CP were observed in the treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS. The highest values of b fraction for DM and CP were observed in the treatment containing 8000 mg/kg TDS. Also, slowly degradable protein and effective rumen degradable protein significantly (P<0.05) increased by increasing the salinity levels. In contrast, the undegradable protein, digestible undegradable protein and metabolizable protein were decreased with increasing water salinity. In conclusion, drinking water salinity affected the soybean meal fermentation and degradation kinetics and nutritional value. The treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS in drinking water decreased methane production and metabolizable protein in sheep.
... High dissolved solids in animal water used for drinking inhibit feed proficiency and growth, induce health issues (e.g. scours, tooth decay) and are potentially lethal (costa et al., 2021; Gaughan & mader, 2009;Jaster et al., 1978;Kronberg & schauer, 2013;lópez et al., 2014Valtorta et al., 2008). recommended values for dissolved solids are undetermined. ...
... moreover, the quality of water influences both the productivity and health of milk as well as its quality, as it induces the bioaccumulation of water solutes in dairy and tissues within the body (Giri et al., 2020). inadequate or poor-quality water for dairy animals can reduce the production of milk and development and pose health complications (ilri, 2015; Valtorta et al., 2008). the primary quality of water concerns influencing the farming of livestock includes excessive mineral concentrations (excess salinity), high levels of nitrogen (nitrates and nitrites), contamination by bacteria, high growth of blue-green algae, and unintentional contamination by petroleum, pesticides, or fertilizer products (Alkire, 2008;bagley et al., 1997;dyer et al., 2017). ...
... sanchez et al. (1994) discovered that feeding high levels of sodium did not affect the yield of milk or lactating efficiency under nongrazing situations. milk protein and urea nitrogen levels in the blood of sheep who drank saline water were high (elgharbi et al., 2015), whereas water salinity did not affect milk quality in dairy cows (Valtorta et al., 2008). ...
Article
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Freshwater availability is seriously threatened by expanding water demand and contamination concerns, particularly in dryland regions worldwide. Furthermore, global climate change is increasing water salinity by altering the global supply of groundwater and surface water. The quality of animal water has a significant impact on livestock production, influencing several processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and body temperature. Although animals can tolerate bad water quality better than humans, livestock can be harmed if chemicals are added to the water. The poor quality of drinking water can have an impact on livestock productivity and welfare; however, tolerance to low water quality varies by species, race, and environmental conditions. As a result, this review examined the influences of poor-quality water on livestock production and productivity in arid and semi-arid areas in an era of changing climate. Despite variations in adapted physiological parameters, blood hematology, biochemical, food, and water consumption, camels and goats adapt to high salt levels in desert regions. Small ruminants’ nutritional intake and performance, as well as their breathing rate and blood biochemistry concentrations, all decrease when the salinity of their drinking water increases. While research on small and resilient ruminant breeds that can survive high salinity levels is underway around the world, further study is needed to understand the water-resistant features of adapted livestock species and breeds, particularly in dry and salty places impacted by changing climate.
... In addition, comparable results have been reported in dairy cattle. Also, water consumption was increased with salinity in cows (Valtorta et al., 2008), heifers (Alves et al., 2017, calves and young bulls (Visscher et al., 2013). Similar results were observed in pigs (Anderson and Stothers, 1978), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Abdel-Samee and El-Masry, 1992;Habeeb et al., 1997;Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
... In addition, saline water did not affect feed intake in sheep (Badawy, 1999;Yousfi et al., 2016), both camels and sheep (Assad et al., 1997), goats (Youssef, 1995), Holstein cows (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Valtorta et al., 2008), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Marai et al., 2005). ...
... In addition, El Gawad (1997) found that the body weight was not affected in goats consuming saline water containing 1,050 or 8,250 mg TDS/l for 6 weeks. Similar results were observed in sheep (Walker et al., 1971), cows (Bahman et al., 1993Valtorta et al., 2008) and rabbits (Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
Article
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Limited freshwater resources and climatic change are major challenge face animal production industry, especially in the arid and semiarid regions. Climate changes are reflected in global warming and rainfall reduction, which in turn may increase the salinity of both soil and water. Within the reclamation strategy, groundwater will be the main source of used water in cultivated desert lands in Egypt. However, the groundwater has high salinity and the cost of desalination is expensive. This review gives an overview of the impact of using saline water as an alternative source of fresh water to avoid water scarcity effect on the performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of farm animals. The ability of animals to tolerate saline water depends on the animal species, salinity level and the type of salt minerals in water. Some studies indicated that the animals' performance improved in low levels of salinity, but the performance decreased when the salinity levels was increased. In conclusion, this study implies that the saline water containing high concentrations of minerals mainly sodium chloride can largely affect the livestock productive aspects.
... In addition, comparable results have been reported in dairy cattle. Also, water consumption was increased with salinity in cows (Valtorta et al., 2008), heifers (Alves et al., 2017), calves (Kewalramani et al., 2017) and young bulls (Visscher et al., 2013). Similar results were observed in the monogastric animals, in pigs ( Anderson and Stothers, 1978), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Abdel-Samee and El-Masry, 1992;Habeeb et al., 1997;Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
... Furthermore, Alves et al. (2017) reported that the increase of TDS concentrations in drinking water from 640, 3187, 5740 to 8326 mg TDS/l did not affect the dry matter intake in heifers. In addition, saline water did not affect feed intake in sheep (Badawy, 1999;Yousfi et al., 2016), both camels and sheep (Assad et al., 1997), goats (Youssef, 1995), Holstein cows (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Valtorta et al., 2008), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Marai et al., 2005). ...
... In addition, El Gawad (1997) found that the body weight was not affected in goats consuming saline water containing 1,050 or 8,250 mg TDS/l for 6 weeks. Many studies found similar results in sheep (Walker et al., 1971), cows (Bahman et al., 1993Valtorta et al., 2008) and rabbits (Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
... Water intake was higher for animals receiving 10,000 mg/L of TDS in the drinking water as compared to cows that received water with 1000 and 5000 mg/L of TDS, respectively. Regarding treatments with 10,000 mg/L of TDS, it can be pointed out that diets high in salt, sodium, or protein appear to stimulate water intake (12). A study by Guadalupe et al. (13) showed that Holstein dairy cows consuming water with a low TDS level had better milk yield efficiency, lower feed intake, lower somatic cell count, and lower risk of milk fat depression than those consuming untreated water from the farm's deep well (13). ...
... Similarly, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in milk production efficiency of about 17% was observed by Guadalupe et al. (13) in cows that consumed reverse osmotic desalinated drinking water. Contrary to these observations, milk production was found not to be affected in multiparous lactating Holstein cows offered water with various salinity levels (10,000 mg/L, 5000 mg/L, or 1000 mg/L of TDS (12). Similarly, other authors could not find any differences either in daily milk yield between water types with various TDS levels (5,13,17). ...
... Moreover, Revelli et al. (17) observed that the fat percentage in milk was high in animals that drank water with low salt concentrations. Composition of milk was not affected among lactating Holstein cows offered water with increasing quantities (10,000 mg/L, 5000 mg/L, or 1000 mg/L) of TDS (12) or nondesalinated (>1809 mg/L TDS) or reverse osmosis desalinated (<554 mg/L TDS) drinking water (13). Moreover, Arjomandfar et al. (5) also found no effects of water with various TDS levels on fat concentration. ...
Article
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The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of drinking water quality on the milk production performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes (n = 12) of the same parity were randomly divided into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 4). Group A was offered turbine water, group B (the control) was kept on tap water, and group C was given canal water for drinking. Mean daily milk production was found significantly (P < 0.01) higher for group A as compared to the other groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lowest in group B followed by group A. Milk composition, including fat, solid not fat, and total solid percentages, was found statistically different (P < 0.001) among all groups. Feed efficiency was higher in the control (group B) followed by group C and group A. A significant (P < 0.001) difference for water intake was also observed among all groups. In conclusion, buffaloes kept on tap drinking water showed better milk production performance.
... In addition, comparable results have been reported in dairy cattle. Also, water consumption was increased with salinity in cows (Valtorta et al., 2008), heifers (Alves et al., 2017, calves and young bulls (Visscher et al., 2013). Similar results were observed in pigs (Anderson and Stothers, 1978), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Abdel-Samee and El-Masry, 1992;Habeeb et al., 1997;Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
... In addition, saline water did not affect feed intake in sheep (Badawy, 1999;Yousfi et al., 2016), both camels and sheep (Assad et al., 1997), goats (Youssef, 1995), Holstein cows (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Valtorta et al., 2008), deer (Kii and Dryden, 2005) and rabbits (Marai et al., 2005). ...
... In addition, El Gawad (1997) found that the body weight was not affected in goats consuming saline water containing 1,050 or 8,250 mg TDS/l for 6 weeks. Similar results were observed in sheep (Walker et al., 1971), cows (Bahman et al., 1993Valtorta et al., 2008) and rabbits (Ahmed and Abdel-Rahman, 2004). ...
... Results on milk yield using drinking water with high or low TDS concentration have varied depending on the conditions of specific studies. Reports of no differences in daily milk yield, similar to the present study, were published by Revelli et al. (2005), Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010). In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Solomon et al., 1995). ...
... In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Solomon et al., 1995). The results on milk quality reported by Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010) coincide with the estimates of the present study, but differ from those of Solomon et al. (1995). These authors estimated higher yields of fat (1.02 vs. 0.96 kg cow -1 d -1 ), protein (1.01 vs. 0.93 kg cow -1 d -1 ) and percentage of lactose (4.50 vs. 4.44%) in milk from cows that drank water with a low TDS concentration. ...
... Solomon et al. (1995) reported similar feed intake (22.6 vs. 23.0 kg MS cow -1 d -1 ) for dairy cows that drank water with either high or low salt concentrations, whereas Valtorta et al. (2008) found similar feed intake values of 18.0, 17.4 and 17.3 kg MS cow -1 d -1 (p>0.05) for grazing dairy cows that drank water with 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000 ppm TDS values, respectively. In the present study, the higher DMI in the NDW group could be explained by the high levels of sulfates that adversely affect rumen microorganisms, reducing their number and activity (Umar et al., 2014). ...
Article
Abstract: High salt concentration in drinking water on dairy cattle farms in the semiarid region of northern Mexico is a concern because it can negatively affect health and productive performance of dairy cows. The study was conducted to assess the effect of drinking water quality on feed intake, daily milk yield and composition, milk fat depression and somatic cell count of dairy cows in a Mexican semiarid environment. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 29) were individually fed on a total mixed ration during the first 15 weeks of lactation. Fifteen cows were randomly assigned to the control group, which received a daily supply of non-desalinated drinking water (concentration of total dissolved salts >1,809 mg L-1) from the farm’s water well, and cows in the treatment group (n = 14) had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water, with a low concentration of total dissolved salts (<554 mg L-1). Milk yield and composition were not affected by drinking water treatment. However, milk production efficiency was 17% higher (p<0.05) for cows on the reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water treatment, due to a 9% reduction in daily dry matter intake. Furthermore, the risk of milk fat depression was 3.3 times higher (p<0.05) and somatic cell count was 111% higher (p<0.05) for cows in the control group. Lactating cows that had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water produced milk more efficiently and had some health and productive performance advantages; however, an economic evaluation is needed before implementing desalination by reverse osmosis on a large scale. [García-Muñiz, JG, Herrera-Monsalvo CD, Lara-Bueno A, López-Ordaz R, Jaimes-Jaimes J, Ramírez-Valverde R. Effects of Drinking Water Desalination on Several Traits of Dairy Cows in a Mexican Semiarid Environment. Life Sci J 2015;12(2s):87-93]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 13
... Results on milk yield using drinking water with high or low TDS concentration have varied depending on the conditions of specific studies. Reports of no differences in daily milk yield, similar to the present study, were published by Revelli et al. (2005), Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010). In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Solomon et al., 1995). ...
... In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978;Bahman et al., 1993;Solomon et al., 1995). The results on milk quality reported by Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010) coincide with the estimates of the present study, but differ from those of Solomon et al. (1995). These authors estimated higher yields of fat (1.02 vs. 0.96 kg cow -1 d -1 ), protein (1.01 vs. 0.93 kg cow -1 d -1 ) and percentage of lactose (4.50 vs. 4.44%) in milk from cows that drank water with a low TDS concentration. ...
... Solomon et al. (1995) reported similar feed intake (22.6 vs. 23.0 kg MS cow -1 d -1 ) for dairy cows that drank water with either high or low salt concentrations, whereas Valtorta et al. (2008) found similar feed intake values of 18.0, 17.4 and 17.3 kg MS cow -1 d -1 (p>0.05) for grazing dairy cows that drank water with 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000 ppm TDS values, respectively. In the present study, the higher DMI in the NDW group could be explained by the high levels of sulfates that adversely affect rumen microorganisms, reducing their number and activity (Umar et al., 2014). ...
Article
Full-text available
Abstract: High salt concentration in drinking water on dairy cattle farms in the semiarid region of northern Mexico is a concern because it can negatively affect health and productive performance of dairy cows. The study was conducted to assess the effect of drinking water quality on feed intake, daily milk yield and composition, milk fat depression and somatic cell count of dairy cows in a Mexican semiarid environment. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 29) were individually fed on a total mixed ration during the first 15 weeks of lactation. Fifteen cows were randomly assigned to the control group, which received a daily supply of non-desalinated drinking water (concentration of total dissolved salts >1,809 mg L-1) from the farm’s water well, and cows in the treatment group (n = 14) had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water, with a low concentration of total dissolved salts (<554 mg L-1). Milk yield and composition were not affected by drinking water treatment. However, milk production efficiency was 17% higher (p<0.05) for cows on the reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water treatment, due to a 9% reduction in daily dry matter intake. Furthermore, the risk of milk fat depression was 3.3 times higher (p<0.05) and somatic cell count was 111% higher (p<0.05) for cows in the control group. Lactating cows that had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water produced milk more efficiently and had some health and productive performance advantages; however, an economic evaluation is needed before implementing desalination by reverse osmosis on a large scale. [García-Muñiz, JG, Herrera-Monsalvo CD, Lara-Bueno A, López-Ordaz R, Jaimes-Jaimes J, Ramírez-Valverde R. Effects of Drinking Water Desalination on Several Traits of Dairy Cows in a Mexican Semiarid Environment. Life Sci J 2015;12(2s):87-93]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 13 Keywords: Holstein cows, water quality, reverse osmosis technique, total dissolved salts.
... Results on milk yield using drinking water with high or low TDS concentration have varied depending on the conditions of specific studies. Reports of no differences in daily milk yield, similar to the present study, were published by Revelli et al. (2005), Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010. In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978; Bahman et al., 1993; Solomon et al., 1995). ...
... In contrast, some authors have published results indicating that cows consuming water with a low TDS concentration had higher milk yield (5.8 to 9.8%) than cows consuming water with a high TDS concentration (Jaster et al., 1978; Bahman et al., 1993; Solomon et al., 1995). The results on milk quality reported by Valtorta et al. (2008) and Arjomandfar et al. (2010) coincide with the estimates of the present study, but differ from those of Solomon et al. (1995). These authors estimated higher yields of fat(1.02 vs. 0.96 kg cow -1 d -1 ), protein (1.01 vs. 0.93 kg cow -1 d -1 ) and percentage of lactose (4.50 vs. 4.44%) in milk from cows that drank water with a low TDS concentration. ...
... Solomon et al. (1995) reported similar feed intake (22.6 vs. 23.0 kg MS cow -1 d -1 ) for dairy cows that drank water with either high or low salt concentrations, whereas Valtorta et al. (2008) found similar feed intake values of 18.0, 17.4 and 17.3 kg MS cow -1 d -1 (p>0.05) for grazing dairy cows that drank water with 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000 ppm TDS values, respectively. In the present study, the higher DMI in the NDW group could be explained by the high levels of sulfates that adversely affect rumen microorganisms, reducing their number and activity (Umar et al., 2014). ...
Article
Abstract: High salt concentration in drinking water on dairy cattle farms in the semiarid region of northern Mexico is a concern because it can negatively affect health and productive performance of dairy cows. The study was conducted to assess the effect of drinking water quality on feed intake, daily milk yield and composition, milk fat depression and somatic cell count of dairy cows in a Mexican semiarid environment. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 29) were individually fed on a total mixed ration during the first 15 weeks of lactation. Fifteen cows were randomly assigned to the control group, which received a daily supply of non-desalinated drinking water (concentration of total dissolved salts >1,809 mg L-1) from the farm’s water well, and cows in the treatment group (n = 14) had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water, with a low concentration of total dissolved salts (<554 mg L-1). Milk yield and composition were not affected by drinking water treatment. However, milk production efficiency was 17% higher (p<0.05) for cows on the reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water treatment, due to a 9% reduction in daily dry matter intake. Furthermore, the risk of milk fat depression was 3.3 times higher (p<0.05) and somatic cell count was 111% higher (p<0.05) for cows in the control group. Lactating cows that had access to reverse osmosis desalinated drinking water produced milk more efficiently and had some health and productive performance advantages; however, an economic evaluation is needed before implementing desalination by reverse osmosis on a large scale. [García-Muñiz, JG, Herrera-Monsalvo CD, Lara-Bueno A, López-Ordaz R, Jaimes-Jaimes J, Ramírez-Valverde R. Effects of Drinking Water Desalination on Several Traits of Dairy Cows in a Mexican Semiarid Environment. Life Sci J 2015;12(2s):87-93]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 13 Keywords: Holstein cows, water quality, reverse osmosis technique, total dissolved salts. 1.
... The only effect of WT occurred with KAT, and magnitudes of difference among treatments were relatively small. Water salinity in a natural source also did not influence ruminal fermentation conditions with TDS up to 8000 mg/L in buffalo calves (Preeti et al., 2018) and 9220 mg/L by addition of different salts, resulting in a sodium concentration of 2770 mg/L and sulfate of 2090 mg/L in Holstein cows (Valtorta et al., 2008). Total numbers of amylolytic and cellulolytic bacteria and protozoal populations were not affected by water with a TDS level up to 9220 mg/L (Valtorta et al., 2008). ...
... Water salinity in a natural source also did not influence ruminal fermentation conditions with TDS up to 8000 mg/L in buffalo calves (Preeti et al., 2018) and 9220 mg/L by addition of different salts, resulting in a sodium concentration of 2770 mg/L and sulfate of 2090 mg/L in Holstein cows (Valtorta et al., 2008). Total numbers of amylolytic and cellulolytic bacteria and protozoal populations were not affected by water with a TDS level up to 9220 mg/L (Valtorta et al., 2008). ...
Article
Understanding how different livestock species and breeds respond to consumption of brackish water could improve usage of this resource. Therefore, Angora, Boer, and Spanish goat doelings and Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewe lambs (6 animals per animal type [AT]; initial age = 296 ± 2.1 days) consuming water with varying concentrations of minerals of a natural brackish water source (BR) and sodium chloride (NaCl; SL) were used to determine effects on water and feed intake, nutrient digestion, heat energy, methane emission, ruminal fluid conditions , and blood constituent concentrations. There were 6 simultaneous 6 (water treatments [WT]) × 6 (AT) Latin squares with 3-wk periods. The WT were fresh (FR), BR alone (100-BR), a similar total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration as 100-BR via NaCl addition to FR (100-SL), BR with concentrations of all minerals increased by approximately 50% (150-BR), a similar TDS level as 150-BR by NaCl addition to FR (150-SL), and a similar 150 TDS level achieved by addition of a 1:1 mixture of BR minerals and NaCl to 100-BR (150-BR/SL). Concentrations (mg/kg) in BR were 4928 TDS, 85.9 bicarbonate, 224.9 calcium, 1175 chloride, 60.5 magnesium, 4.59 potassium, 1387 sodium, 1962 sulfate, and 8.3 boron, and TDS in other WT were 209, 5684, 7508, 8309, and 7319 for FR, 100-SL, 150-BR, 150-SL, and 150-BR/SL, respectively. There were very few significant effects of WT or AT × WT interactions, although AT had numerous effects. Water intake was affected by AT (P = 0.02) and WT (P = 0.04) with greater water intake for 150-SL than for FR, 100-BR, 100-SL, and 150-BR. Dry matter intake among AT was lowest (P < 0.05) for Angora. Digestion of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber and heat energy differed among AT (P < 0.05), but nitrogen digestion and ruminal methane emission were similar among AT. Blood aldosterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) for FR than for other WT. In conclusion, all AT seemed resilient to these WT regardless of mineral source and concentrations, with TDS less than 8300 mg/ kg, which did not influence nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation, energy balance, or blood constituent levels .
... De acuerdo con estudios realizados por Rosa et al. (2019) se reporta que el consumo en el agua de bebida que contiene hasta 8326 mg L -1 de STD no producen alteraciones en el metabolismo ruminal. Se ha determinado que a estos niveles de salinidad no hay aumento de la presión osmótica (menor a 400 mOmol Kg -1 ) del contenido ruminal, por tanto, las bacterias ruminales no se encuentran en estrés salino y pueden realizar de forma adecuada sus funciones metabólicas (Valtorta et al., 2008). En nuestra investigación los mayores niveles de salinidad de los pastos Cayman y Cobra se presentaron a 6 y 10 dS m -1 , que correspondieron a 3800 y 6400 mg L -1 de NaCl, respectivamente, los cuales son menores a los reportados por Attia-Ismail (2015) como críticos para provocar estrés salino en las bacterias. ...
... Investigaciones realizadas por Kara et al, (2016) en tres especies crecidas en suelo salino reportaron poblaciones de 4.29 x 10 5 mL -1 para Medicago sativa; 4.30 x 10 5 mL -1 para Atriplex patula y 4.26 x10 5 mL -1 para Plantago lanceolata. Por su parte, Valtorta et al. (2008) reportan que la salinidad del agua para consumo de vacas Holstein no afectó la población de protozoarios; sin embargo, reportaron poblaciones de 9.3, 13.8 y 12.9 x 10 3 mL -1 , considerados como valores bajos a concentraciones de salinidad de 1000, 5000 y 10 000 mg L -1 de STD, respectivamente. Los resultados de las investigaciones anteriores contrastan con los obtenidos en el presente estudio, los pastos Cobra y Cayman crecieron en las máximas condiciones de salinidad, sobre todo en los dos últimos tratamientos a 3840 y 6400 mg L-1, las cuales probablemente no fueron suficientes para afectar el crecimiento de las poblaciones de protozoarios. ...
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Antecedentes. El estrés salino de los suelos del trópico afecta el crecimiento y la composición nutritiva de los pastos, como consecuencia se afecta la disponibilidad y calidad de forraje para el ganado. La salinidad puede reducir el contenido de proteína cruda y aumentar la proporción de fibra detergente neutra (FDN) de los pastos. Lo anterior puede disminuir la degradabilidad ruminal, las poblaciones microbianas, y alterar la producción de ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV) que son la principal fuente de energía para los rumiantes. Por otra parte, un aumento de FDN en los pastos puede incrementar la emisión de metano (CH4). Por tal motivo, se requiere generar información suficiente sobre la calidad nutritiva de los pastos cultivados en suelos salinos y sus patrones de fermentación ruminal. Objetivo. Evaluar los pastos híbridos del género Urochloa, Cayman y Cobra crecidos en cinco concentraciones de salinidad, para determinar su efecto durante la fermentación ruminal in vitro, sobre la composición química, degradabilidad, parámetros de fermentación, microorganismos ruminales, en la producción de CH4 y CO2. Metodología. Se evaluaron cinco tratamientos experimentales: niveles de salinidad, para ambos pastos de 0, 2, 4, 6, 10 dS m-1 de NaCl. A los dos pastos experimentales se les determinó la composición química, y posteriormente fueron incubados in vitro en medio de cultivo para bacterias totales con adición de fluido ruminal fresco, para determinar degradabilidad de materia seca (DIVMS), parámetros de fermentación ruminal, poblaciones microbianas y producción de biogás. Resultados. El pasto Cayman presentó mayor (P<0.05) contenido de ceniza y extracto etéreo a CE ≥ 4 dS m-1; sin embargo, disminuyó su contenido de proteína cruda. En el pasto Cobra también se presentó reducción de proteína a 10 dS m-1. En ambos pastos DIVMS, producción de AGV y de CH4 no fueron afectados por la salinidad, ni se presentaron cambios en el conteo de microorganismos ruminales. Implicaciones. Los resultados del presente estudio evalúan el efecto de la salinidad sobre el contenido de proteína cruda y paredes celulares de los pastos Cayman y Cobra crecidos en estrés salino. Se determinó que la salinidad no afecta la degradabilidad ni los patrones de fermentación ruminal de los pastos estudiados. Conclusiones. Con nivel de salinidad de 10 dS m-1 la proteína de los pastos Cayman y Cobra disminuyó 8.42% y 18.0%, respectivamente. Los niveles de salinidad estudiados no afectan no afectan DIVMS, población microbiana, ni producción de CH4 durante la fermentación ruminal in vitro de las especies evaluadas
... This could be observed when there were high NaCl concentrations in the media (Table 3). Valtorta et al. (2008) did not find any effect of water salinity on the rumen parameters (microorganism count, pH, and VFA) of dairy cows. However, the microbial growth of cellulolytic bacteria declined as the presence of TDS was increased from 100 to 1000 mg/dL. ...
... mg/dL with MgCl 2 and 894.4 mg/dL with CaCl 2 ) than with cellulose (572.9 mg/dL with NaCl, 3150.8 mg/dL with MgCl 2 , and 421.19 mg/dL with CaCl 2 ). Valtorta et al. (2008) also observed a gradual increase in ammonia concentration in the rumen environment as they elevated the water salinity level to 100, 500, and 1000 mg/dL TDS, in dairy cows. When the NaCl levels were increased, there was a linear decrease in microbial protein content and an increase in the concentration of ammonia in the medium that contained cellulose (Tables 3 and 4). ...
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of three salts (sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2)) on the in vitro rumen fermentation of cellulose, starch, and protein substrates. Six salt concentrations were tested, separately, namely 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/dL. The experiment was conducted using the completely randomized design in a 6 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with main effects of salt concentration and salt type (six levels of three salts (NaCl, MgCl2, or CaCl2) (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/dL) into three substrates [starch, cellulose, and glucose]) with three replicates. Cellulose- and glucose-fermenting bacteria were sensitive to NaCl concentrations greater than 400 mg/dL (17.48 decisiemens per metre (dS/m)) and 800 mg/dL (20.55 dS/m) in the media, respectively. In contrast, starch-fermenting bacteria continued to grow in NaCl concentrations up to 1600 mg/dL (29.09 dS/m). Thus, it was concluded that starch-fermenting microorganisms tolerated higher concentrations of NaCl compared with the other microbial groups. Cellulose-fermenting microorganisms are less tolerant to MgCl2 in relation to the other microbial groups. Starch, cellulose-, and glucose-fermenting bacteria from cattle tolerate CaCl2 concentrations of up to 1600 mg/dL (12.26 dS/m). These results suggest that brackish water may be used for ruminants. However, it is important perform an analysis of that water and then to adjust diets to minimize the effects of types of salt and concentrations of salt on rumen microorganisms. Keywords: brackish water, dissolved salts, rumen microbes, water quality
... Estes animais são capazes de se adaptar ao consumo de água com níveis de salinidade de até 9.500 mg SDT/l, mantendo a ingestão de alimentos. Valtorta et al. (2008), ofertando água com três níveis diferentes de sólidos dissolvidos totais na água -1.000, 5.000 e 10.000 mg/l, para vacas de alta produção leiteira, não observaram efeito para consumo de matéria seca, demais nutrientes e na produção dos animais, apenas um aumento significativo no consumo de água ingerida. Isso demonstra que o rúmen apresenta uma surpreendente capacidade tampão adaptada ao consumo de água com elevadas concentrações de SDT. ...
... 3 (2012) Trabalhos de Yape Kii e Mcl Dryden (2005), que avaliaram o consumo de água com diferentes níveis de sólidos dissolvidos totais para cervídeos confinados recebendo 570, 1.000, 3.500, 6.000 e 8.500 mg/l SDT, nos Estados Unidos e de Valtorta et al. (2008) com vacas holandesas em período de lactação submetidas a 1.000, 5.000 e 10.000 mg/l de SDT, criadas em piquetes na Argentina, mostraram que houve um comportamento semelhante aos observados nos experimentos acima citados, visto que os animais consumiram mais água, conforme o aumento das concentrações de sal na água. Esses resultados são interpretados como uma tentativa de o animal manter o equilíbrio eletrolítico dos fluidos corporais dentro dos limites fisiológicos. ...
Article
As zonas áridas e semiáridas em todo mundo têm expressivos rebanhos de grandes e pequenos ruminantes, que fazem parte de importantes sistemas de produção e da geração de renda das populações. As mudanças climáticas estão atingindo a pecuária destas regiões e, consequentemente, suas produções estão sendo afetadas significativamente, por problemas de baixa oferta hídrica, queda na produção e disponibilidade de forragens, bem-estar animal, causadas por alterações da temperatura, radiação solar, evapotranspiração, baixa pluviosidade e umidade do solo. Este desafio está posto e só poderá ser superado com um esforço conjunto de várias instituições, envolvendo governos, organizações e instituições de pesquisas, que possam aportar recursos, conhecimentos, ferramentas e tecnologias capazes de proporcionar a sustentabilidade ambiental e econômica da atividade pecuária. Este artigo aborda alguns aspectos relacionados aos efeitos das mudanças climáticas sobre os recursos hídricos e as consequências sobre a produção animal. Descreve algumas ferramentas de zoneamento bioclimático e de monitoramento de risco pecuário, além de trazer algumas possíveis alternativas de mitigação aos efeitos das mudanças climáticas, particularmente, relacionadas a diminuição da oferta hídrica para os sistemas de produção de ruminantes, no semiárido. Arid and semi-arid areas in the world has significant herds of large and small ruminants, which are part of major production systems and the generation of income populations. Climate change is affecting the livestock of these regions and, consequently, their productions are being significantly affected by low water supply problems, decrease in the production and availability of feed, animal welfare, caused by changes in temperature, solar radiation, evapotranspiration, low rainfall and soil moisture. This challenge is set and can only be overcome by a joint effort of various institutions, involving governments, organizations and research institutions that can provide resources, knowledge, tools and technologies that provide environmental and economic sustainability of the livestock activity. This article discusses some aspects related to the effects of climate change on water resources and the consequences on animal production. Describes some tools of zones bioclimatic and livestock risk monitoring, and bring some possible alternatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly related to decreased water supply to the ruminant production systems in semi-arid. Keyworlds: water, increase temperature, animal welfare, ruminants, production system.
... However, interaction between water salinity and microbial growth is not clear. Valtorta et al., (2008) reported ruminal ammonia concentration for treatments containing different amounts of TDS: 1,000; 5,000 and 10,000 ppm in the drinking water as 7.6, 8.1 and 8.4 mg/ 100ml respectively in lactating Holstein cows. This might be due to the rumen surprising capability to resist change in rumen fermentation parameters. ...
... The result obtained in present study was in accordance with the findings of Arjomandfar et al. (2010) where neither pH nor the concentrations of VFA in the ruminal fluid were significantly affected by the water salinity. Valtorta et al. (2008) recently reported that water TDS up to10000 ppm did not influence the VFA production of grazing Holstein cows. Ingestion of a large volume of saline water has the potential to alter the pH and thus the microbial function and activity; however, the secretion of a large volume of saliva of high buffering capacity seems to have compensated for any effect of ingested minerals on ruminal pH. ...
Article
Twenty growing male Murrah calves, with average body weight (kg) 220±5, were randomly assigned to five treatments of water containing total dissolved solids (TDS; ppm) viz CON=500; T1=2,000; T2=4,000; T3=6,000 and T4=8,000 at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal India. Animals were arranged in a randomized block design with 120-day experimental period. Feed and water intake were measured daily, rumen fermentation parameters and blood profile were evaluated at monthly interval. Water intake was apparently higher in T1 (17.46 l/day) and T2 (16.77 l/day) as compared to CON (control; 14.07 l/day) but did not differ significantly. However, water intake was lower (P<0.05) in T3 (10.40 l/day) and T4 (8.18 l/day) as compared to group T1, T2 and T3CON. Except ammonia nitrogen which was decreased with increasing TDS of water, all other rumen liquor parameters were found similar. In blood parameters, there was significant decrease (P<0.05) in plasma glucose, total protein, and albumin while there was significant increase (P<0.05), in AST and ALT with increasing TDS of water. Blood Urea Nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid were not affected. On the basis of above results it was inferred that water intake was decreased at higher TDS (above 4000 ppm). © 2018, Agricultural Research Communication Centre. All rights reserved.
... Saline water tended to increase the plasma levels of minerals and thyroid hormones 7 . Our results agree with Valtorta et al., 9 , who showed an insignificant effect of lactating grazing Holstein cows drinking water with 10,000mg/l of total dissolved solids. Jaster et al. 3 showed a milk production less than 2kg for cows on salt water, and stated that although the difference was small, it reflected a trend which, if extended over the entire lactation, could be dramatic. ...
... Milk protein and urea nitrogen presented high concentrations in S-sheep (P<0.05). Those results disagree with Revelli et al., 11 , Valtorta et al., 9 . ...
Article
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Seventy lactating sheep were allotted into two groups (n=35). One group was offered potable water (5% NaCl) and another group was offered saline water containing 10% NaCl. Sheep were used to evaluate the influence of high drink salty water on milk yield, chemical and physical characteristics and metabolites blood concentrations. There are no significant effect of water salinity on milk yield, milk composition of fat and lactose and serum concentrations of glucose, total protein, uric acid, creatinine and γ-GT (P>0.05). Milk production on the 30 days of lactation for S-sheep was rich with protein, urea nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05) and low in mean somatic cells, pH, salinity and conductivity (P<0.001). Moreover, consuming saline water decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations during the first month of lactation (P<0.05) and serum urea concentration during the second month (P<0.01).
... The saline water had 3.4 times more total dissolved solids (TDS) than desalinated water as presented in Table 3. (Solomon et al (1995). Valtorta et al (2008) reported that cows drank more water with the high amount of total dissolved solids (TDS, 10,000 mg/L compared to 1,000 and 5,000 mg/L). This citation isn't a recommendation, merely referencing what was reported. ...
... As the review states, factors other than water TDS -such as diet, and what the actual composition of the water-may influence water consumption. Valtorta et al (2008) concluded that "consideration of TDS alone is insufficient to characterize drinking water quality". ...
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Water quality can affect a number of physiological states such as growth rate, lactation and reproduction of ruminant livestock. Typical factors that affect water quality include odour and taste, physical and chemical properties, presence of toxic compounds and concentrations of macro- and micro-mineral elements. This study reviewed the literature on water quality and its impact on the water intake, health and productivity of ruminants; identified water tests suitable for use on-property and laboratory options for north Australian beef producers; produced maps showing different aspects of groundwater quality for northern Australia and made recommendations on measures to treat or prevent water quality problems. Data and information from peer reviewed journal papers, conference proceedings, publications of various state departments of agriculture, manufacturers' brochures and standards including ANZECC Guidelines, and USEPA, and of Government of Canada were used as resource material. Groundwater sampling, storage, handling procedure and testing – both on property and at external laboratories were investigated and approximate unit costs, of various options for groundwater treatment for northern beef producers was provided. It was recommended MLA develop an interactive CD or internet link for producers, which would provide maps of northern Australia, with time series data of groundwater quality embedded at the sampling locations.
... increase in dairy productivity of about 17% was seen by Guadalupe et al. (2015) in lactating dairy animals that burned through switch osmotic desalinated drinking water. Thus, it can be possible by means of the provision of adequate clean and palatable water to dairy animals is of prime importance for better production (Valtorta et al., 2008). As per recommendation of the National Research Council (2001) for the good health and better production of the dairy animals 5000mg/L of total dissolved salts in water are quite satisfactory, while beyond the critical limits of suspended salts in water (>7000 mg/L) should be risk factor for animal health and its production potential. ...
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Current study was conducted to observe the influence of canal water and ground water on the milk production and its physico-chemical attributes of Kundhi buffalo at the Milk Ocean Dairy Farms Gaddap Town Karachi and Department of Livestock management, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tando jam during the year of 2020. Twenty (n=20) lactating Kundhi buffaloes of same parity and lactation stage were selected, and divided in to two groups. Group-1 offered with canal water and group-2 watered with ground water. The average per time milk yield of Kundhi buffalo offered canal water was recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher than buffalo watered with ground water. Milk pH was numerically varied in both groups, while density noted notably (P<0.05) higher in milk of Kundhi buffalo directed with canal water compared to ground water. Milk protein, fat, lactose, total solids and solid not fat contents were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in milk of Kundhi buffaloes offered canal water than drunk ground water. In vice versa, total salt contents were noted comparatively (P<0.05) higher in milk of Kundhi buffaloes offered ground water than animals drunk canal water. It is concluded from the results of the study amongst both source of drinking water, canal water could be a better choice of to be offered as drinking water for Kundhi buffaloes to improve their production potential, nutritional quality of the milk.
... Followed by chloride with Beta (0.1-0.2) as some authors revealed that high water chloride affects rumen microbes negatively, increase rumen and urine osmolality, suppress feed intake and decrease ruminant performance (Alves et al., 2017), but other authors as (Valtorta et al., 2008) reported that chloride has no effect on animal performance and ruminants can tolerate high levels of chloride in water. And sulfate with Beta (0.1-0.2) which reported to has laxative effect, synergize with molybdenum and cause deficiency of essential minerals such as Cu, Se, Fe and vitamins such as thiamin and vitamin E, sulfates have negative effect on reproduction and affect both humoral and cellular immunity so, increase the rate of infection, morbidity and mortality rates (McKenzie et al., 2009), but no adverse effects of high water sulfate with presence of ruminal adaptation was reported by (Digesti and Weeth, 1976). ...
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Drinking water of bad quality plays detrimental role in suppression of cattle immunity, causing health and reproductive problems, giving chance for increasing rate of emerged epidemics and resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to evaluate rate of emerged epidemics with different health and reproductive indicators in cattle farms in relation to drinking water quality in these farms. Structured questionnaire is used to survey convenience sample of 132 Egyptian cattle beef and dairy farms suffering emerged epidemics to identify different risk factors and hygienic standards which may affect cattle health and reproduction. 132 water samples were collected for physiochemical and microbial analysis. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the level of association between each water quality parameter and number of emerged epidemics, health and reproductive indicators in each farm. Results revealed that large percent (78.8, 30.3, 70.5, 48.5, 15.9, 13, 86.3, 86.3 %) of the survey farms showed levels of pH, TDS, Hardness, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulfate, TCC and Coliform, respectively out of the permissible limits. Statistical analysis shows moderate positive correlation (rho 0.3-0.7) between number of emerged epidemics and all farm indicators with all water parameters except pH in both winter and summer season. Each farm indicator has specific water parameters that predict its value better, but water nitrate level was the highest predictor of all farm indicators with highest Beta value (0.5-0.8), followed by TDS, hardness, chloride, sulfate and microbial count. Weak to moderate correlation (rho 0.1-0.4) was found with some farm risk factors such as housing system, bedding type, water source type, water tanks and pipes type, drinker lining type, herd size, operation type, pregnancy detection and breeding methods. We could conclude that drinking water quality highly affects the rate of emerged epidemics and different farm health and reproductive indicators, but we cannot exclude the effect of some risk factors and hygienic standards inside each farm.
... Results showed that the cattle that have direct access to clean drinking water have more weight than those who have no access to clean water. Cattle spent more time on grazing with access to good water, while cattle that had no proper access to clean water spent more time resting (Van-Eenige et al., 2013;Umar et al., 2014;Valtorta et al., 2008). Water from deep wells sa high salt content, so groundwater contains variable amounts of dissolved nutrients. ...
... Thus, for fattening sheep that received high-concentrate diets, Mehrez et al. (1977) suggested 23 mg/100 mL ruminal fluid as the minimum concentration of NH 3 -N to obtain a maximum microbial growth rate. Valtorta et al. (2008) found no effect of salinity on ruminal bacteria, protozoa, pH, NH 3 -N, and VFA in dairy cows, illustrating the rumen buffering capacity, probably because of effects of the substrate. ...
Article
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, namely 0 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, 200 mg/dL, 400 mg/dL, 800 mg/dL, and 1600 mg/dL in the culture medium. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement of salt concentration and substrate (starch, cellulose, and glucose) with three replications of each treatment combination. Concentrations of microbial protein, ammonia (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were measured. A quadratic effect of CaCl2 concentration on the production of microbial protein was observed in the cellulose medium. The effect of MgCl2 on NH3-N production in the cellulose medium decreased linearly. Propionate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of NaCl and MgCl2 in the media containing starch. There was a decreasing linear effect of MgCl2 on the concentration of butyrate in the media containing glucose. In conclusion, concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 1,600 mg/dL did not affect the microbial activity of starch, cellulose, and glucose-fermenting organisms. However, the microbial activity of starch-fermenting microbes was inhibited at salt concentrations above 800 mg/dL. Thus, brackish water could be used by goats in semiarid regions, but its use should be managed carefully so that it does not have a negative impact on rumen microbial populations.
... Although Rumen have a wide range of buffer capacity for salinity, higher concentration lowers water intake. Avian species respond to excessive salinity by showing reduced food and water intake, so reproductive rates and weight gain are also reduced (Valtorta et al., 2007;Sharma et al., 2017). pH ranged from 6.89 to 7.59 mg/l with average value of 7.30±0.24 ...
Article
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The study is aimed at assessing the water quality index (WQI) of groundwater in Nimrud district, southeast of Mosul province, Iraq. Ten wells were randomly selected to collect water samples during the dry season from the study area. This area is famous for livestock and poultry business. The samples collected were subjected to physicochemical analysis. Eleven parameters were considered for WQI calculation; Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Sulphate, and Nitrate. The sample's WQI values were found to range from 62 to 140. The majority of the groundwater samples (70%) fell within poor category rating while others (30%) fell in good category rating, indicating that majority of the groundwater is unfit for livestock and poultry consumption.
... Le minimum (407,21 jours) est enregistré dans l'exploitation n°10 où le cheptel est régulièrement contrôlé par le vétérinaire de la ferme. Des recherches récentes avec des vaches à potentiel de production élevé (près de 32 litres /vache/jour), ont montré la grande capacité de ces animaux à s'adapter aux différentes qualités de l'eau potable en raison de l'effet tampon du rumen (VALTORTA et al, 2008). Ceci peut être lié à la variabilité des facteurs de risque de mammites chez les vaches laitières dans chaque unité de production (tableau XXIX). ...
... Lack of a negative response to rumen microbial protein synthesis as concentrations of TDS increased may suggest that the high TDS inclusion rate in drinking water as used in the current study did not have a direct toxic effect on rumen microbes, although allantoin excretion decreased in a linear fashion in response to the increasing concentrations of saline water due to a trend towards decreased excretion of total PD (Moorby et al. 2006). This is consistent with the results found by Valtorta et al. (2008), who reported no reduction in ruminal population of amylolytic and cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa when lactating cows were fed saline water that had NaCl as the predominant salt and TDS concentrations ranging from 1000 to 10 000 mg/l during an experimental period of 3 months. However, Thomson et al. (1978) and Hungate (1966) reported changes in species of ruminal bacteria and a reduction in size and number of protozoa as animals were fed a high salt diet (0·06 and 0·11) compared with those fed a low-salt diet (0·0 incorporated). ...
Article
In the near future, ruminants may be forced to consume low-quality water since potable drinking water will become increasingly scarce in some regions of the world. A completely randomized design trial was completed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of total dissolved salts (TDS) (640, 3187, 5740 and 8326 mg TDS/l) in drinking water on the performance, diet digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen (N) and water balance using 24 Red Sindhi heifers (200 ± 5 kg) that were fed Buffel ( Cenchrus ciliaris ) grass hay and concentrate in a ratio of 50 : 50. After a 15-day diet adaptation period, the digestion study was completed over a 5-day period and the performance trial was completed over a 56-day period. Dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed:gain, intake and digestibility of most feed components were unaffected by the concentration of salt in the water. However, intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre declined linearly as TDS inclusion rate increased. Further, the inclusion of TDS resulted in a linear increase in the intake of drinking water and total (food plus drinking) water intake. Similarly, TDS inclusion levels resulted in a linear increase in total water excretion, with urine being the major route of water excretion. In contrast, increasing concentrations of TDS caused a linear decrease in creatinine and allantoin excretions. Finally, increasing the inclusion rate of TDS resulted in a linear decrease in N retention and a linear increase in urinary N excretion, which may pose a considerable challenge for farmers with respect to the reduction and management of nutrient losses.
... It is in agreement with various other studies (Patterson et al., 2002 and2003;López et al., 2016) who also observed decreased DWI in animals due to higher levels of water TDS. It is in disagreement with the results of Valtorta et al. (2008) who found highest water intake in Holstein cows offered with 10,000 mg/L TDS water in comparison to 1000 and 5000 mg/L groups. Shapasand et al. (2010) also did not observe any effect of water TDS on DWI. ...
... It is in agreement with various other studies (Patterson et al., 2002 and2003;López et al., 2016) who also observed decreased DWI in animals due to higher levels of water TDS. It is in disagreement with the results of Valtorta et al. (2008) who found highest water intake in Holstein cows offered with 10,000 mg/L TDS water in comparison to 1000 and 5000 mg/L groups. Shapasand et al. (2010) also did not observe any effect of water TDS on DWI. ...
Article
This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water on nutrient intake, utilisation and performance of growing Murrah buffaloes under tropical climatic conditions (maximum ambient temperature (Tmax) = 10 to 42.6 °C; relative humidity (RH) = 10 to 100%). Twenty male Murrah buffalo calves were divided according to body weight (BW = 220 ± 36 kg) into 5 groups viz. 557, 2571, 4467, 6113 and 8789 which were offered water containing TDS 557, 2571, 4467, 6113 and 8789 mg/L, respectively for a period of 165 days. Animals in all groups were offered a total mixed ration (crude protein = 10.3% and metabolisable energy = 8.6 MJ/kg dry matter) prepared from green oats, concentrate mixture and wheat straw in 20:35:45 proportion daily. Results revealed an increase in the concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions with increasing levels of TDS in drinking water. Daily drinking water (L/100 kg BW) and dry matter intake (kg/100 kg BW) decreased (P < 0.05) by 36.1 and 17.2% in group 8789 as compared to group 557. Similarly, average daily gain (g/d) and nitrogen intake (g/d) was lower (P < 0.05) in groups 6113 and 8789 in comparison to all other groups. However, nutrient digestibility and concentration of major minerals (Na, Ca, K and Mg) in plasma showed non significant differences among the groups. Overall it can be concluded that TDS level >4500 mg/L in drinking water adversely affected water and feed intake which ultimately resulted in reduced growth performance of Murrah buffalo calve
... Water salinity or Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a physiochemical property of water which causes reduction in water and food intake and put animal health at risk (NRC, 2001;Lopez et al., 2016).The Central Ground Water Board of India in the year 2009 found that 71 blocks/mandals/taluks in India are completely under the influence of saline ground water. Effect of saline water on animal's dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), milk production have been studied (Valtorta et al., 2008;Arjomandfar et al., 2010;Shapasand et al., 2010) and it has been found that DWI varies with varying water TDS level. Thus, there is need to determine water requirements of buffaloes reared under saline water and so far no literature is available in this regards. ...
Article
The present investigation was carried out with the aim of determining water requirement of Murrah buffalo calves under saline water. Twenty male buffalo calves were divided into five different treatment groups (n = 4 each) with average body weight of 219.94 kg. The animals in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups were offered water having total dissolved solids (TDS) 0.55, 2.57, 4.46, 6.11 and 8.78 parts per thousand, respectively for 180 days. Data regarding environmental factors (maximum ambient temperature (Tmax), relative humidity (RH), rainfall and sunshine hour), dry matter intake (DMI) and drinking water intake (DWI) of individual animals were recorded daily. Results showed that Tmax, DMI, body weight (BW), rainfall and sunshine hours were positively related (P<0.001) while, relative humidity (RH) and total dissolved solids (TDS) of water were negatively correlated (P<0.001) to DWI. Applying a multiple linear regression analysis to all independent variables yielded DWI prediction equation as: (DWI) (L/day) = - 7.81- 0.45 × TDS (parts per thousand) + 0.41 × Tmax (°C) + 2.97 × DMI (kg/day) - 0.004 × BW (kg) with coefficient of multiple determination (R2 = 0.80), which can be useful to predict DWI of buffalo calves reared on saline water under tropical climatic conditions.
... High salt rations decreased the total VFA production and the values were similar to those obtained when animals are fed Atriplex nummularia ). Salinity in drinking water (Silvia et al. 2008;Squires, this volume) at TDS levels of: 1,000; 5,000 and 10,000 mg/l; rumen pH remained unchanged (6.37, 6.37 and 6.36 respectively). Added salt linearly increased percentages of butyrate and isobutyrate leading to an increased energy charge of ruminal VFA and reduced pH (Care et al. 1984). ...
... Sub-chronic effects of excessive sodium chloride level in drinking water in mammals include reduced intake of water/feed and lower weight gain [24]. Rumen provides wide range of buffer capacity for TDS but in higher concentration it lowers water intake [25]. Avian species respond to excessive salinity by showing reduced food and water intake so reproductive rates and weight gain are also reduced. ...
Article
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Water is principle constituent of living bodies and it is vital nutrient needed to sustain life. Water quality is an important parameter, directly or indirectly affecting feed intake and physiological health status of animals thus influencing on productivity and performance. Total dissolved solids [TDS], turbidity, temperature, mineral, pH, hardness, and microbial load are the quality determining factors of water. Livestock farmers are usually unaware of the importance of water quality for production and performance of livestock. They can make a big profit by reducing the productivity losses associated with water quality. This article tends to review water quality parameters and their effect on livestock production and performance.
... Offering of saline drinking water leads to an increase in water intake in ruminants (e.g. Kii and Dryden, 2005;Valtorta et al., 2008) that translates into increased RR fluid throughput, but investigations are so far concentrated on the negative effects of saline water rather than on potentially positive effects of isotonic drinking solutions. Pharmacolo- gical approaches have been pursued using salivary stimu- lants and positive effects were demonstrated such as increased bacterial protein outflow from the RR ( Wiedmeier et al., 1987;Froetschel et al., 1989;Bird et al., 1993). ...
Conference Paper
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... However, the infusion of saline solutions or artificial saliva, as well as inclusion of mineral salts in the diet, can be used to increase the RR fluid throughput (Chalupa, 1977). Offering of saline drinking water leads to an increase in water intake in ruminants (e.g.Kii and Dryden, 2005;Valtorta et al., 2008) that translates into increased RR fluid throughput, but investigations are so far concentrated on the negative effects of saline water rather than on potentially positive effects of isotonic drinking solutions. Pharmacological approaches have been pursued using salivary stimulants and positive effects were demonstrated such as increased bacterial protein outflow from the RR (Wiedmeier et al., 1987;Froetschel et al., 1989;Bird et al., 1993). ...
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Chapter
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Four groups, each of six sheep, were fed in pens for 15 months on an adequate diet of chaffed lucerne and wheaten hays. One group was offered rain-water to drink, whereas the others were offered similar water to which sufficient sodium chloride had been added to give concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride. The intake of water increased with concentration of sodium chloride, the mean daily intakes for the entire experiment being 2.0, 3.0, 4.4, and 3.0 1. for the groups whose water contained 0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride, respectively. It also increased in all groups with temperature, being 50-70 per cent. higher in the hottest months than in the coldest months. The intake of sodium chloride by some sheep was very high; four of them consumed over 115 g (0.25 lb) daily for more than half the experiment, and 170-230 g daily for periods of 1-10 weeks. A concentration of 1.0 per cent. sodium chloride in the drinking water had no adverse effects on the sheep, but 1.5 per cent. TI-as detrimental to a small proportion and 2.0 per cent. was detrimental to all of the sheep. There was a decline in food consumption and body weight of the affected ammals, and several receiving 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride became very emaciated and weak and two were killed in extrentis. The only other obvious sign was an occasional diarrhoea which occurred in most of the sheep receiving 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride. Sodium chloride in the drinking water had no effect on the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood plasma. It did, however, affect the chloride concentration; this was significantly higher, throughout the experiment, in the group which received water containing 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride.
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Growing turkeys (hens) were fed diets comprised of wheat or corn as their primary cereal grain with or without added enzymes to study the effects of these ingredients on energy availability, starch disappearance along the intestinal tract, and cecal microflora populations. There was considerable starch disappearance (80%) occurring distal to the ileocecal junction, which was independent of enzyme supplementation and cereal source. Hens fed the wheat-based diets had improved feed utilization compared with those fed the corn-based diets and this was further improved with the addition of exogenous enzyme (Avizyme 1500). In hens fed the wheat-based diet supplemented with enzyme, there was also a significant reduction in the concentration of starch-degrading bacteria in the ceca. The data suggest that supplemental enzymes may be a tool for the dietary manipulation of intestinal microflora.
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This paper examines whether or not responses of dairy cattle to various dietary macromineral elements differed in hot weather compared with thermoneutral conditions. The consequences of heat stress and the interrelationships of macromineral elements on feed intake, digestive function, use of dietary buffers, mineral element uptake from the portal-drained viscera, perturbation of acid-base physiology and related mineral element nutrition, effects of dietary macromineral element concentrations on lactational performance as affected by season, and influence of mineral elements in drinking water are reviewed, and new research results are presented. Dietary mineral buffers aided in alleviation of the decline in DMI and milk yield induced by heat stress. New research results showed that portal plasma flow declined with heat stress or by restriction of DMI in a thermoneutral environment and that uptake of P from the portal-drained viscera by lactating cows was reduced 50% by heat stress compared with that of cows with the same DMI in a thermoneutral environment. Accelerated respiration rate caused respiratory alkalosis and apparently compensated metabolic acidosis, changing the demand for Na and K during heat stress. There is need to characterize more accurately the nyctohemeral pattern of acid-base physiology in the heat-stressed lactating dairy cow and to relate it to macromineral element needs. A large data set (n = 1444 cow period means) was used to compare milk yield and DMI responses to varying dietary concentrations of P, Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, and cation-anion difference in summer compared with those in winter. Interactions of dietary concentrations of Cl, Ca, and Mg with season on DMI and K, Ca, and Mg with season on 4% FCM yield were detected. Interactions of Na by Cl, Na by P, and Cl by P with season on DMI and of Cl by P with season on 4% FCM yield were detected. High concentrations of sulfate and chloride in drinking water jeopardized productivity of cows during hot weather.
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Natural sources of minerals the detection and correction of mineral imbalances in animals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and chloride potassium, sulphur, cobalt, copper, iodine iron, manganese, selenium, zinc occasionally beneficial elements essentially tosic elements design of supplementation trials for assessing mineral deprivation.
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Volume and type of medium, carbohydrate concentration, carbohydrate ratios, and inoculum level were investigated as possible factors influencing total colony counts of anaerobic rumen bacteria obtained in roll tubes (18 by 150 mm). Colony counts were lower when the rumen fluid was clarified by centrifugation before inclusion in the medium; however, decreasing the volume of 40% rumen fluid glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA medium with 0.025% each of glucose and cellobiose and 0.05% starch, 4 ml per tube) was compared to the clarified rumen fluid medium and non-rumen fluid medium (medium 10) of Caldwell and Bryant (1966), 9 ml of each per tube. Total counts of rumen contents from sheep consuming four different types of rations were higher with the 4 ml of RGCSA medium than with the other two media. Dilution of the basal medium as a result of inoculum volume, as much as 1.5 ml per 4 ml of medium, did not appear to affect total counts. Colony counts and the simplicity of medium preparation and inoculation would favor the present method for routine use in estimating numbers of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria, especially when large numbers of samples are involved.
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There is a need to standardize the NDF procedure. Procedures have varied because of the use of different amylases in attempts to remove starch interference. The original Bacillus subtilis enzyme Type IIIA (XIA) no longer is available and has been replaced by a less effective enzyme. For fiber work, a new enzyme has received AOAC approval and is rapidly displacing other amylases in analytical work. This enzyme is available from Sigma (Number A3306; Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO). The original publications for NDF and ADF (43, 53) and the Agricultural Handbook 379 (14) are obsolete and of historical interest only. Up to date procedures should be followed. Triethylene glycol has replaced 2-ethoxyethanol because of reported toxicity. Considerable development in regard to fiber methods has occurred over the past 5 yr because of a redefinition of dietary fiber for man and monogastric animals that includes lignin and all polysaccharides resistant to mammalian digestive enzymes. In addition to NDF, new improved methods for total dietary fiber and nonstarch polysaccharides including pectin and beta-glucans now are available. The latter are also of interest in rumen fermentation. Unlike starch, their fermentations are like that of cellulose but faster and yield no lactic acid. Physical and biological properties of carbohydrate fractions are more important than their intrinsic composition.
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Twelve lactating Holstein cows were blocked according to age and milk production into groups of three cows and assigned to three 4 x 4 Latin squares in a split-plot design with subtreatments. Treatments on each square were four diets formulated to provide -10, 0, +10, or +20 meq/Na + K) -Cl/100 g diet DM. The four balances were achieved on squares 1, 2, and 3 by manipulating Na, K, and Cl, respectively. Actual milk yield was 8.6% higher on +20 than -10 averaged across the three squares. Blood pH and bicarbonate increased linearly with dietary cation-anion balance. Rumen pH increased linearly with dietary cation-anion balance, but fermentation patterns were largely unaffected. Urine pH increased linearly and quadratically with increasing dietary cation-anion balance. Square times balance response differences proved nonsignificant for all parameters except blood bicarbonate and rumen isovalerate, indicating responses could be attributed to the dietary cation-anion balance itself rather than to the effects of a single ion. Regulation of dietary cation-anion balance may become a useful tool for improving the performance of lactating dairy cattle.
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1. A study was made of the changes in electrolyte concentrations and ruminal function which resulted from the provision of 1.3% sodium chloride solutions instead of fresh water to sheep consuming roughage rations in chaffed and in ground pelleted forms. 2. Significantly higher osmotic pressures were observed in the rumen fluid of the sheep drinking saline water, the change being especially marked when the ration was ground and pelleted. 3. Of the individual electrolytes measured, chloride showed a larger rise in concentration than did sodium plus potassium and it appeared that the sodium and chloride ions in the ingested saline water were differentially removed from the rumen. 4. Provision of 1.3% NaCl solution in place of fresh water resulted in greater voluntary intakes of fluid and consequently in greater flows of fluid through the rumen. 5. Based upon measurements of deoxyribonucleic acid and polysaccharide, there appeared to be a tendency for the total microbial populations in the rumens of sheep drinking 1.3% NaCl solution to be smaller than for the sheep drinking fresh water. 6. The total metabolic activity of the rumen flora, measured calorimetrically, was not appreciably changed when saline water was drunk and the chaffed ration eaten, but was significantly reduced when the ration was ground and pelleted. 7. Adaptation of the rumen microflora to high concentrations of NaCl was demonstrated in animals accustomed to drinking 1.3% NaCl solution.
Article
Our objective was to examine re- lationships between water intake by dairy cows in early lactation and dry matter intake, milk production, sodium intake, and ambient temperature. After parturi- tion, 19 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned randomly to one of four diets for 16 wk. Water consumption, dry matter intake, milk production, and maximum and minimum temperature were recorded daily and averaged weekly. There was no significant dietary effect on water intake, dry matter intake, or milk production; therefore, data were analyzed by stepwise multiple linear regression across diets. The final equation was: water intake (kg/day) = 15.99 + 1.58 (standard error .271) × dry matter intake (kg/day) + .90 (.157) × milk production (kg/day) + .05 (.023) × sodium intake (g/day) + 1.20 (.106) × minimum tem- perature (°C). Coefficient of multiple determination was .59. All tempera- ture measures (mean, minimum, maxi- mum) were closely correlated which justified the use of only one. Dry matter intake and milk production also were correlated but out of phase. Regression coefficients for milk production and sodium intake agreed with literature estimates. Major factors determining water consumption in early lactation have been identified and quantitated.
Article
The effect of supplying high producing Israeli Holstein cows with desalinated or salty water on milk composition and production was examined in the Arava desert of southern Israel. Daily water consumption of cows offered desalinated water was higher by 10.6 L than that of the group offered salty drinking water; DMI was similar for the two groups. Daily production of milk and 3.5% FCM was higher for the cows receiving desalinated water than for the cows receiving salty water; 35.2 versus 33.1 kg and 31.6 versus 29.8 kg, respectively. The percentage of protein in milk and the daily protein production were higher for the cows receiving desalinated water than for the cows receiving salty water: 2.89% and 1.01 kg versus 2.84% and .93 kg, respectively. The percentage of milk fat and the daily fat production were higher for the cows receiving desalinated water. These results indicate that water salinity negatively affects milk production. Improvement of water quality by desalination increased production of milk and milk constituents.
Article
Hot weather causes heat stress in dairy cattle. Although effects are more severe in hot climates, dairy cattle in areas with relatively moderate climates also are exposed to periods of heat stress. The resultant decrease in milk production and reproductive efficiency can be offset by implementation of a program consisting of cooling through shades, ventilation and spray, and fans. The economic benefit should be determined before installation of equipment to reduce heat stress.
Article
The present study was designed to describe the relationship between mineral metabolism and urine production by lactating dairy cows. Regression studies were performed to predict urine volume from either observed concentrations of K, Na, and N in urine or observed intakes of K, Na, and N. In addition, empirical equations were derived to assist in the estimation of urinary excretion of K, Na, and N in practical situations. Data used to derive the relationships (n = 67 observations) and to evaluate them (n = 62 observations) were obtained from a wide range of feeding conditions in 10 independent balance trials with lactating cows. Linear relationships of K, Na, and N that were excreted in urine or consumed were fitted against the observed urine production, which explained 89.8% (SE = 4.2 kg of urine/d) and 84.8% (SE = 5.2 kg of urine/d) of the variance. In evaluating these relationships, the observed variation in urine production was predicted with acceptable accuracy. Mean prediction errors were 4.5 and 5.6 kg of urine/d. Urine production could be predicted based on relationships between intakes of digestible Na, K, and N and their excretion in milk and urine. Reliable predictions of urine production are important as attention on the effect of manure production by dairy cows on nutrient management at the farm level increases.
Article
Diets offered to grazing dairy cows can vary considerably in their dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and are often well in excess of what has been considered optimal. The effects of a range of DCAD on the health and production of pasture-based dairy cows in early lactation was examined in a randomized block design. Four groups of 8 cows were offered a generous allowance of pasture (45 +/- 6 kg/d of dry matter (DM) per cow) for 35 d and achieved mean pasture intakes of approximately 17 kg/d of DM per cow. Cows were drenched twice daily with varying combinations of mineral compounds to alter the DCAD. Dietary cation-anion difference ranged from +23 to +88 mEq/100 g of DM. A linear increase in blood pH and HCO(3)(-) concentration and blood base excess, and a curvilinear increase in the pH of urine with increasing DCAD indicated a nonrespiratory effect of DCAD on metabolic acid-base balance. Plasma concentrations of Mg, K, and Cl declined as DCAD increased, whereas Na concentration increased. Urinary excretion of Ca decreased linearly as DCAD increased, although the data suggest that the decline may be curvilinear. These results in conjunction with the increased concentrations of ionized Ca suggest that intestinal absorption of Ca or bone resorption, or both, increased as DCAD declined. Dry matter intake, as measured using indigestible markers, was not significantly affected by DCAD. However, the linear increase in the yield of linolenic acid, vaccenic acid, and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in milk, as DCAD increased is consistent with a positive effect of DCAD on DM intake. Increasing DCAD did not significantly affect milk yield or milk protein, but the concentration and yield of milk fat linearly increased with increasing DCAD. The increased milk fat yield was predominantly a result of increased de novo synthesis in the mammary epithelial cells, although an increase in the yield of preformed fatty acids also occurred. Milk production results suggest that DCAD for optimal production on pasture diets may be higher than the +20 mEq/100 g of DM previously identified for total mixed rations.
Article
The effect of monensin on milk production was evaluated in 58 lactating Holstein cows (48 multiparous; 10 primiparous) grazing a mixed-alfalfa pasture and supplemented with a partial mixed ration in a completely randomized design with repeated measurements. Cows were paired by calving date, lactation number, previous lactation milk production, body weight, and body condition score and were assigned to one of 2 treatments: control or monensin. Cows on the monensin treatment received 2 monensin controlled-release capsules (335 mg/d for 90 d), one 30 d before the expecting calving date and the other 60 d after calving. Short-term (0 to 150 d in milk) and long-term (305-d adjusted lactation) effects of monensin were evaluated. Pasture (measured by difference between pre- and postgrazing pasture mass), supplements, and total dry matter intake did not differ between treatments and averaged 8.7, 14.1, and 22.9 kg/d, respectively. In the short-term, monensin increased milk production (27.7 vs. 26.6 kg/d) and milk protein yield (0.890 vs. 0.860 kg/d); milk fat yield was not affected (0.959 kg/d). Monensin decreased milk fat content (3.51 vs. 3.60%) with no changes in milk protein content (3.25%). In the long term, milk production and milk protein yield were also increased by monensin: 214 and 7 kg, respectively. Monensin reduced the loss of body condition score and increased percentage of pregnancy at first service (44.8 vs. 20.7%). Monensin improves production and reproduction performance of dairy cows grazing a mixed-alfalfa pasture and supplemented with a partial mixed ration.
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