Efekt koncentrace beta-hydroxybutyrátu v krvi na reprodukci, produkci a zdraví krav v prvních týdnech po otelení

The constant monitoring of dairy cow metabolism is extremely important, especially in the period immediately after calving, when the animals face the consequences of negative energy balance. The concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate is one of the reliable indicators of metabolic status. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the blood on selected parameters of production, reproduction, and health of Holstein dairy cows. The limit for subclinical ketosis was set to >1.2 mmol/L of beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood. Furthermore, the effects of lactation number, season, and year of assessment were added to the model equation. The results showed that high betahydroxybutyrate concentration in blood is associated with poor reproduction parameters (worse insemination interval and service period) and lower milk production. However, the results were ambiguous in relation to the somatic cell count and the occurrence of selected diseases (mastitis and ovarian cysts). Moreover, the effect of seasonality on the evaluated parameters was also confirmed (P<0.05), while assessed years were similar in most parameters. It can be concluded that the assessment of beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration as an indicator of potential ketosis is important and can be a suitable parameter for routine monitoring as it influences milk production, reproduction, and cow\u27s health.Sledování úrovně metabolismu u dojnice je neustále důležité a to hlavně v období bezprostředně po otelení, kdy jsou zvířata ohrožena důsledky negativní energetické bilance. Jedním z dobrých ukazatelů úrovně metabolismu je koncentrace beta-hydroxybutyrátu. Cílem této práce bylo zhodnotit vliv koncentrace beta-hydroxybutyrátu v krvi na vybrané parametry produkce, reprodukce a zdraví dojnic holštýnského skotu. Jako hranice subklinické ketózy byla nastavena hodnota beta-hydroxybutyrátu v krvi 1.2 mmol/L. Dele bylo provedeno vyhodnocení s využitím efektů pořadí laktace, kalendářního měsíce a roku hodnocení Z výsledků vyplývá, že je vysoká úroveň beta-hydroxybutyrátu v krvi spojená se zhoršenými parametry plodnosti (horší inseminační interval a servis perioda) a mléčné produkce. Nicméně, ve vztahu k počtu somatických buněk a výskytu vybraných onemocnění (mastitidy a výskyt ovariálních cyst) byly výsledky nejednoznačné. Navíc byl také potvrzen vliv sezónnosti na hodnocené ukazatele (P<0.05) a to i přesto, že hodnocené roky byly ve většině parametrů podobné. Z výsledků lze konstatovat, že hodnocení obsahu beta-hydroxybutyrátu jako indikátoru potenciální ketózy je důležité a potvrzuje se jako vhodný parametr pro rutinní monitoring ovlivňující mléčnou produkci, reprodukci a zdraví krav

Osnovni sastav mlijeka i slobodne masne kiseline kao parametar lipolize mlijeka holstein krava

The aim of this study was to evaluate in detail the relationship between the basic milk components (fat and protein percentage) and the free fatty acids (FFA) content, as indicators of spontaneous and/or induced lipolysis. The additional aim of the study was to compare the FFA content of milk with respect to spontaneous and induced lipolysis. Milking was carried out in herringbone parlour twice a day. In total, 540 milk samples were obtained for evaluation of spontaneous (n=240) and induced lipolysis (n=300). The milk samples for determination of basic milk components and FFA (li¬polysis) levels were collected during four subsequent lactation weeks. Milk samples for spontaneous lipolysis detection were taken directly in parlour immediately after milking using the ICAR methodology and subsequently grouped. Induced lipolysis was observed from bulk milk in time 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after milking (T0-T4). The evaluation of basic components and FFA content was carried on MILKOSCAN F120 (Foss Electronic; Denmark). Statistical evaluation was carried out using SAS 9.3. (SAS/STAT® 9.3, 2011). An increase of one percentage of milk fat was equal to 0.318 mmol x 100 g-1 FFA decline (spontaneous lipolysis) or from 0.232 to 0.370 mmol x 100 g-1 FFA decline (induced lipolysis T0-T4) respectively. One percentage increase of milk protein was equal to 1.219 mmol x 100 g-1 FFA increase (spontaneous lipolysis) or 0.421 to 1.531 mmol x 100 g-1 FFA decrease (induced lipolysis T0 - T4) respectively. Significant differences (P<0.01) were detected among FFA content in relation to spontaneous and induced lipolysis evaluated during storage and cooling after milking. The minimal differences were detected between the FFA content during 4 hours cooling and storage of milk in the tank.Cilj istraživanja bio je detaljno ispitati odnose između osnovnih sastojaka mlijeka (udjela masti i proteina) i sastava slobodnih masnih kiselina (SMK), kao pokazatelja spontane i/ili inducirane lipolize. Dodatni cilj bio je usporediti sastav SMK mlijeka s obzirom na spontane i inducirane lipolize. Mužnja je provedena u izmuzištu tipa riblja kost dva puta dnevno. Analizirano je 540 uzoraka mlijeka, od čega za ocjenu spontane (n=240) i inducirane (n =300) lipolize. Prikupljeni su uzorci mlijeka za određivanje osnovnih sastojaka mlijeka i SMK (lipoliza) tijekom četiri uzastopna tjedna mužnje. Uzorci mlijeka za otkrivanje spontane lipolize uzeti su izravno u izmuzištu odmah nakon mužnje korištenjem ICAR metoda i nakon toga su grupirani. Inducirana lipoliza uočena je u uzorcima mlijeka u vremenu 0, 1, 2, 3, i 4 sata nakon mužnje (T0-T4). Procjena osnovnih sastojaka mlijeka i sadržaja SMK utvrđena je pomoću MILKOSCAN F120 (Foss Electronic; Denmark). Statistička analiza provedena je korištenjem programa SAS 9.3. (SAS/STAT® 9.3, 2011). Utvrđeno je da je povećanje udjela mliječne masti za 1 % jednako smanjenju SMK od 0,318 mmol x 100 g-1 (spontana lipoliza) ili smanjenju SMK od 0,232- 0,370 mmol x 100 g-1 (inducirana lipoliza T0-T4). Povećanje udjela proteina za 1 % jednako je porastu SMK od 1,219 mmol x 100 g-1 (spontana lipoliza) ili smanjenju SMK od 0,421-1,531 mmol x 100 g-1 (inducirana lipoliza T0-T4). Utvrđene su značajne razlike (P<0,01) između sadržaja SMK u odnosu na spontane i inducirane lipolize tijekom skladištenja i hlađenja mlijeka nakon mužnje. Minimalne razlike utvrđene su između sadržaja SMK tijekom 4 sata hlađenja i skladištenja mlijeka u spremniku

Utjecaj rednog broja laktacije na omjer važnih zdravih masnih kiselina u sirovom mlijeku krava holstein pasmine

The objective of this study was to determine and evaluate the effect of parity on the fatty acids groups’ proportion in Holstein cows’ milk during the first phase of lactations, with an emphasis on its potential importance for consumer health. A total of 25 Holstein cows, 9 primiparous, 9 in the 2nd, and 7 in the 3rd and subsequent parity, were observed and sampled at 7-day intervals through the first 17 weeks of lactation. The percentage proportion of saturated (hypercholesterolemic and volatile as its components) and unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated as its components) fatty acids in the samples of milk fat (n=425) was determined. The effects of parity and negative energy balance, as well as regression, on the lactation week and the fat to protein ratio were evaluated using SAS 9.3. A significantly (P<0.01) lower proportion of unhealthy hypercholesterolemic fatty acids was detected in primiparous cows (-2.67 %) and those in the 3rd and subsequent lactation (-2.94 %) compared to the 2nd lactation, as well as a simultaneously higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fatty acids (+2.07, respectively +3.08 %). The determined relationships corresponded to organism stress evoked by the initiation of milk production and its maintenance in higher parities. Therefore, the generally required prolongation of dairy cows’ longevity can influence on the quality of raw milk, especially considering composition of fatty acids.Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi i procijeniti utjecaj rednog broja laktacije na udio pojedinih skupina masnih kiselina, u mlijeku holstein krava tijekom prve faze laktacije, s naglaskom na njihovu potencijalnu važnost za zdravlje potrošača. Ukupno 25 holstein krava, devet prvotelkinja, devet u drugoj, i sedam u trećoj i naknadnim laktacijama, promatrane su i uzorkovane u sedmodnevnim intervalima tijekom prvih 17 tjedana laktacije. Utvrđivan je udio zasićenih (unutar te skupine hiperkolesterolemičnih i hlapivih masnih kiselina) te nezasićenih (unutar te skupine mononezasićenih i polinezasićenih) masnih kiselina u uzorcima mliječne masti (n=425). Utjecaj rednog broja laktacije i negativne energetske bilance, kao i regresija, na tjedne laktacije i omjer masti i proteina procijenjeni su pomoću SAS 9.3. Značajno (P<0,01) manji udio po zdravlje nepovoljnih hiperkolesterolemičnih masnih kiselina utvrđen je u prvotelkinja (-2,67 %) i onih u 3. i naknadnim laktacijama (-2,94 %) u odnosu na krave u drugoj laktaciji, kao i istodobno veći udio po zdravlje povoljnih nezasićenih masnih kiselina (2,07 %, odnosno 3,08 %). Utvrđena veza objašnjava se stresom organizma prouzrokovanim početkom proizvodnje mlijeka i održavanjem te proizvodnje tijekom kasnijih laktacija. Dakle, općenito dulji životni vijek mliječnih krava može utjecati na kvalitetu sirovog mlijeka, osobito s obzirom na sastav masnih kiselina

Muzna svojstva krava Jersey pasmine tijekom razdoblja laktacije i utjecaj na produljenje sisa izazvano mužnjom

The aim of this study was to monitor milkability traits of Jersey cows over the course of lactation, and to investigate how milkability characteristics affected milking induced teat prolongation (MITP; %). For the purpose of the experiment, milkability parameters and teat length of 43 Jersey cows were monitored throughout the lactation. The effects of milk yield, milking time, lag time, average milk flow, and milk flow during various stages of milking on milking induced teat prolongation were evaluated. Jersey cows in this study achieved an average daily milk yield of 16.8 kg with an average milking time of 5 min. The average milk flow was 1.73 kg min-1 and the occurrence of bimodal milk flows was 23.8 %. Milkability characteristics significantly affected MITP. Milk yield, lag time and milk flow at the beginning of milking affected the MITP of both pairs of teats, while average milk flow and milk flow during the second minute of milking showed significant differences only for MITP of front teats. Furthermore, MITP was not dependent on milking time nor milk flow after the second min of milking, but was strongly affected by milk yield and milk flow disturbances at the beginning of milking. Higher MITP was observed for high milk yields, low lag times, normal milk flows at the beginning of milking, and fast milk flows during the milking. Thus, the desired milkability characteristics caused higher MITP. The findings of this study suggest that the high teat prolongation during milking might be interpreted as a positive sign for milking efficiency.Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je praćenje muznih svojstava krava Jersey pasmine tijekom razdoblja laktacije te utvrditi utjecaj parametara muznih svojstava na produljenje sisa izazvano mužnjom uzrokovano mužnjom (MITP; %). U tu svrhu su tijekom razdoblja laktacije određivani muzni parametri i duljina sisa u 43 krave Jersey pasmine. Pritom se određivao utjecaj količine mlijeka, vremena mužnje, brzine otpuštanja mlijeka, prosječnog protoka mlijeka te protoka mlijeka u različitim stadijima laktacije na produljenje sisa izazvano mužnjom. Jersey krave na kojima je provedeno istraživanje imale su prosječnu dnevnu količinu mlijeka od 16,8 kg uz prosječno trajanje mužnje od 5 min. Prosječan protok mlijeka iznosio je 1,73 kg min-1, a pojava bimodalnog protoka mlijeka bila je 23,8 %. Muzna svojstva pokazala su statistički značajan utjecaj na MITP. Količina mlijeka, brzina otpuštanja mlijeka i protok mlijeka na početku mužnje utjecali su na MITP oba para sisa, dok su prosječan protok mlijeka i protok mlijeka tijekom druge minute mužnje značajno utjecali samo na MITP vrijednosti prednjih sisa. Nadalje, nakon druge minute mužnje, MITP se nije pokazao ovisnim ni o trajanju mužnje, niti o protoku mlijeka, ali je bio pod jakim utjecajem količine mlijeka te varijacijama u protoku zabilježenim na početku mužnje. Više vrijednosti MITP zabilježene su kod viših količina mlijeka, bržeg otpuštanja mlijeka, normalnog protoka mlijeka na početku mužnje i brzih protoka mlijeka tijekom mužnje. Stoga se može reći kako su poželjna muzna svojstva uzrokovali više MITP vrijednosti. Prema rezultatima ovog istraživanja visok stupanj produljenja sisa tijekom mužnje bi se mogao protumačiti kao dobar znak za procjenu učinkovitosti mužnje

Influence of selected factors on growth performance of Suffolk lambs and their crossbreds

The monitoring was performed in one year period in selected population of Suffolk sheep (SF, n = 257) and their crossbreds with Merinolandschaf (SF × ML, n = 87). Total of 627 lambs (SF, n = 463; SF × ML, n = 164) were observed in breeding conditions of two semi-extensive flocks. Lambs’ live weight at 100 days of age (LW100); musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT100) depth and backfat thickness (BT100) at the same age were assessed. Effects of breed, ewes’ live weight at mating, litter size, sex of lambs and ewe’s age as linear regression were evaluated using SAS 9.1. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW100, MLLT100 and BT100 between SF and SF × ML were observed. All the evaluated traits of growth performance were also influenced (P < 0.05) by ewes’ live weight at mating. The highest lambs’ growth performance traits were detected in lambs of ewes with highest live weight at mating (group of ≥ 80.7 kg). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among singles, twins and triplets lambs as well. Significantly higher LW100 was marked in ram lambs compared to ewe lambs (P < 0.05)

Effect of Different Thawing Methods on Bull’s Semen Characteristics

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different thawing methods on bull’s semen characteristics. The semen was collected and processed from 8 bulls (Holstein, n = 4; Czech Fleckvieh, n = 4) kept in private Sire insemination Centre. Four different thawing methods were tested: control thawing methods (temperature = 38.5 °C, time = 30 seconds), slow thawing method (temperature = 30 °C, time = 50 seconds), moderate thawing method (temperature = 50 °C, time = 15 seconds), rapid thawing rate (temperature = 70 °C, time = 3 seconds). The percentage rate of total and progressive motile spermatozoa above head as well as movement characteristics of straight‑line velocity (VSL, µm/s) and linearity (LIN, %) were recorded using CASA system immediately after thawing and after 2 hrs. of heat incubation (±38 °C). Subsequently the differences between semen characteristics measured immediately after thawing and after 2 hours of incubation were calculated. The data were analyzed with SAS software. All the evaluated semen traits reached significantly lowest values in total motility (−8 % to −10.5 %, P &lt; 0.05), progressive motility (−5.6 % to −10 %, P &lt; 0.05) VSL (−3.9 µm/s to −9 µm/s, P &lt; 0.05) and LIN (−1.5 % to −4.8 %, P &lt; 0.05) in control thawing method immediately after the thawing compared to others. However, these differences were negligible after 2 hrs. of incubation. The highest values of progressive motility and movement characteristics after thawing and after 2 hours incubation were detected using slow thawing method. Moreover, the rapid method of thawing showed the significantly the lowest results in progressive motility (−3.6 % to −6.6 %), VSL (−3.2 to −5.6 µm/s) and LIN (−3 % to −4.6 %) characteristics assessed after 2 hrs. of incubation compared the others (P &lt; 0.05). Control method of thawing was most stable during the incubation and showed the significantly lowest decrease of total motility (−7.6 % to −11.8 %, P &lt; 0.05), progressive spermatozoa motility above head (−7.5 % to −9.8 %, P &lt; 0.05) and VSL characteristics (−2.4 to −9.7 µm/s, P &lt; 0.05) during incubation. Therefore, this thawing protocol can be recommended at this study based on the lowest spermatozoa characteristics decline during incubation for using artificial insemination

Relationships between changes in Holstein cow’s body condition, acetone and urea content in milk and cervical mucus and sperm survival

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between changes in Holstein cow’s body condition score (BCS), acetone and urea content in the milk and cervical mucus (CM) and sperm survival in CM. At insemination, samples of milk and CM were collected from 64 Holstein cows. Content of acetone and urea were determined. Sperm motility was assessed subjectively at the beginning and after 30, 60 and 90 minutes of the short-term heat test in CM. Data about evaluation of cow’s BCS were taken from farm evidence. The data set was analyzed using SAS/STAT software. Effect of change in cow’s BCS one month before insemination was significant only in relation to the acetone content in milk (P &lt; 0.05). Higher values of acetone and urea content were found in the CM compared to milk. Higher levels of both metabolites were detected in primiparous cows and in cows on the third and subsequent lactation, resp. in cows inseminated 3 times and more. The highest values of both metabolites negatively affected sperm survival during the short-term heat test, especially after 90 minutes (P &lt; 0.05–0.01). Significant decreases (P &lt; 0.05–0.01) were detected in cows with the highest level of acetone and urea

Short communication: scoring system based on five teat morphology traits relates to udder health

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to propose and verify a scoring system for the evaluation of udder susceptibility to mastitis, which combined five influential teat traits into one overall score for the udder. The traits included barrel diameter, apex diameter, canal length, the change in wall thickness, and the change in apex diameter. Teat morphology of 38 Holstein cows were measured twice during lactation by ultrasonography. Each teat was scored for the presence of traits with negative implications for the udder health at the start (ScoreLactStart) and the end of lactation (ScoreLactEnd). Results showed that cows with higher score had significantly worse udder health. The number of mastitis warning days was significantly correlated to both scores. In addition, ScoreLactEnd was correlated to somatic cell count (SCC) and lactose content. Each increase of ScoreLactEnd by 1 point represented an increase in SCC by 17,745 cells mL−1, 9.4 more days with mastitis warning, and 4.6 more days with SCC above 400,000 cells mL−1 during observed lactation. Only ScoreLactStart was significantly related to blood content, but relations to SCC were weaker compared to ScoreLactEnd. Ranking udders based on teat morphology traits show potential for detection of mastitis susceptible cows in commercial herds