Usporedba proizvodnih osobina poljskih holstein-friesian krava s F1 križankama poljskog holstein-friesian × švedskog crvenog goveda

The intensive breeding work of Holstein-Friesian cattle has led to the decrease in the diversity within the population and to inbreeding depression, which may impair its functional traits. In addition, as shown by the research, production traits are negatively correlated with functional traits such as reproduction, health, and longevity, which have a very strong impact on the profit of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to compare milk yield traits of hybrids obtained by crossbreeding of Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows and Swedish Red (SRB) bulls with values obtained for pure PHF cows. For the study, 100 primiparous cows were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 50 crossbreds (PHF×SRB), while the control group consisted of 50 purebred PHF cows. The study showed a higher content of milk components (fat by 11.78%, protein by 9.06%, dry matter by 5.75%) in PHF×SRB, as compared to PHF. A lower level of SCC (by 38.94%) has also been shown in hybrids, which indicates their higher resistance to udder diseases. The experiment demonstrated a highly significant impact of heterosis on performance parameters and technological quality of milk in F1 generation obtained as a result of crossbreeding between PHF cows and SRB bulls.Intenzivan uzgojno-selekcijski rad u holstein-friesian populaciji doveo je do smanjenja genetske raznolikosti unutar populacije i povećanja razine uzgoja u srodstvu, što može oslabiti proizvodne karakteristike. Uz to, dosadašnja istraži¬vanja upućuju na to da su proizvodne karakteristike u negativnoj korelaciji s funkcionalnim karakteristikama, kao što su reprodukcija, zdravlje i duljina života, što ima vrlo visok utjecaj na profit mliječnih farmi. Cilj ovog istraživanja je usporediti proizvodne osobine križanki poljskog holstein-friesian (PHF) × švedskog crvenog goveda (SRB), s proizvodnim osobinama jedinki čistokrvnog poljskog holstein-friesian goveda. Istraživanje je provedeno na 100 prvotelki podijeljenih u dvije sku¬pine, 50 križanki (PHF × SRB) i 50 čistokrvnih PHF prvotelki. Utvrđen je veći sadržaj komponenti mlijeka (mliječne masti za 11,78 %, mliječnih proteina za 9,06 %, suhe tvari za 5,75 %) kod križanki (PHF × SRB) u odnosu na čistokrvne PHF prvotelke. Niža razina SCC-a (za 38,94 %) utvrđena je kod križanki, što ukazuje na njihovu veću otpornost na oboljenja vimena. Istraživanje je ukazalo na značajan učinak heterozisa na sadržaj mliječne masti, mliječnog proteina i broja so¬matskih stanica u mlijeku

Improvement of calf behaviour and veal quality using rearing at foster cows

The experiment was carried out at the ecological farm Ekofarma Kaszubska in Poland. Ten Holstein-Friesian bulls of the same age were selected for the experiment and divided into two experimental groups. Five calves were raised in a pen without access to their mothers. They were taken with whole milk served from a bucket equipped with a teat. The remaining five bulls were reared at two foster cows. The rearing lasted six months, after which the animals were slaughtered. During the rearing, behavioural observations of each of the experimental groups were carried out every month for 3 hours. During the observation, the number of ‘licking cases’ of the pen equipment or other calf was counted. The study was conducted in three identical replications one after the other. The collected experimental data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. It was found that calves reared with suckler cows gained weight faster and were characterised by better muscle class (assessed in the EUROP system) compared to the control group. Behavioural assessments showed less adverse behaviours, such as licking other calves or pen equipment, in the suckling group compared to the control group. This difference was most evident in relation to calves up to 3 months of age. No significant differences were found between the groups of older calves. This is due to the increased need for calves to suck in the first weeks of life. Strong urine drinking tendencies were demonstrated in both groups, so this type of behaviour would not be related to the rearing system, but rather to mineral deficiencies in the diet. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the increased availability of milk, and the frequent natural intake of milk directly from the udder, have a positive effect on calves’ growth and well-being

Use of somatic cell count as an indicator of colostrum quality

The impact of cow mammary gland diseases on the quality of colostrum is not conclusively defined; research results are conflicting. However, it is widely believed that mastitis lowers the level of immunoglobulins and the quality of the colostrum produced. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of somatic cell counts (SCC) on the colostrum immuno-stimulating and chemical components. The experiment was conducted on an experimental organic dairy farm in which a herd of approximately 250 cows was kept in a freestall housing system, with the average performance exceeding 6,000 kg of milk per lactation. Colostrum and milk samples were taken individually from each cow seven times during the experiment: from the first to second day after calving–twice per day, and from the third to fifth day after calving–once per day. Therefore, after preliminary analyses, the cows were divided into two groups based on the cytological quality of their colostrum at the first collection: 1. SCC �400,000 cells/ml (good quality colostrum; GCC– 18 cows), 2. SCC � 400,000 cells/ml (low quality colostrum; LCC– 22 cows). The study found almost double the concentration of immunoglobulins and essential fatty acids in first milking colostrum in the GCC group than in colostrum from the LCC group. In addition, an increase in the concentration of lysozyme in first milking colostrum was associated with a decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins. In addition, the increase in the level of lysozyme was associated with a decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins. In conclusion, the SCC of first milking colostrum can be used as an indicator of colostrum quality

Age of cows, as a factor shaping the level of immunostimulating properties of colostrum

A characteristic feature of the organic system of production is the lower productivity of cows. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of cow age and collecting number on the level of immunostimulating colostrum components in an organic farm. From the basic herd specializing in organic milk production, 40 cows of the Polish Holstein-Friesian Black and White breed were selected: 10 primiparous, 10 cows in 2nd lactation, 10 cows in 4th lactation and 10 cows in 5th lactation. The colostrum samples were collected according to the following scheme: the first one maximum of two hours after calving, the second on the same day and the third and fourth on the following day. For three consecutive days samples were taken once a day (7 colostrum samples from each cow). Statistically significant differences in the level of bioactive components of colostrum with immunostimulating properties has been shown due to the time of intake from calving and significant differences in the level of these components due to the age of cows. Multiparous cows synthetized colostrum with a higher content of total protein, casein and non-fat dry matter than the primiparous. Variability of the immunoglobulin content of colostrum obtained in 1st and in the 2nd collecting after calving was higher in multiparous cows than in primiparous cows. Furthermore, it has been shown that there was a clear correlation between the quality of colostrum and the age of cows. In conclusion, a high impact of the interaction of age of cows x collecting number on the development of colostrum stimulating ingredients in the organic production system has been demonstrated

Interaction between the level of immunoglobulins and number of somatic cells as a factor shaping the immunomodulating properties of colostrum

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between immunoglobulins and SCC as a factor in shaping the content of the immunostimulatory components of colostrum. Seventy-eight multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows were selected for the experiment. Colostrum samples were collected immediately after calving (up to a max. of 2 h). The cows were divided into groups according to the following levels: Immunoglobulins (IG class)—(IG1) over 50 g/L, (IG2) up to 50 g/L; SCC class—(SCC1) up to 400 000/ml, (SCC2) 400–800 000/ml, (SCC3) over 800 000/ml. Colostrum assigned to the IG1 SCC1 group had a statistically significant higher (p ≤ 0.01) concentration of both whey proteins and fatty acids compared to the IG1 SCC2 and SCC3 groups. The concentration of IgG, IgM, and IgA was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 226%, 149%, and 115%, respectively. The concentration of lactoferrin was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 149%. The determination of colostrum quality based on the concentration of immunoglobulins in the colostrum may not be sufficient because serum IgG concentrations at birth show a linear increase relative to colostrum SCC. A breakdown of colostrum into quality classes, taking into account the level of SCC, should therefore be introduced

Relationship between the Quality of Colostrum and the Formation of Microflora in the Digestive Tract of Calves

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the quality of colostrum and the formation of intestinal bacterial microflora in calves from birth to day 7. Seventy-five multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows were selected. Colostrum samples were collected individually up to two hours after calving. The analysis was carried out on 75 calves; which were divided into three groups based on the colostrum quality class of the first milking. Faecal samples were collected rectally from each calf on its seventh day of life. Calves were weighed twice; on days 0 and 7 of life. It has been shown that with a higher concentration of colostrum protein fraction, primarily immunoglobulins, the colonization of anaerobic bacteria occurs faster. Colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3 promoted the significant development of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp. which at the same time contributed to the reduction of unfavorable microflora, such as Coliforms or Enterococci. Regardless of the initial body weight, daily weight gains were highest for calves fed with colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3. The study showed a significant influence of colostrum quality class on the formation of the intestinal microflora and the daily weight gains of calves

Comparison of Enzyme Activity in Order to Describe the Metabolic Profile of Dairy Cows during Early Lactation

Enzymatic diagnostics have practical applications in diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas, muscles, blood, and neoplastic diseases. This study aimed to compare enzyme activity to describe dairy cows’ metabolism during early lactation. Based on their general health symptoms, the cows were assigned to one of three groups: acidotic, healthy and ketotic. Samples of milk, blood and rumen fluid were collected at 12 ± 5 days postpartum. Ketotic cows were characterized by the highest malondialdehyde (MDA, 76.098 nM/mL), glutathione reductase (GluRed, 109.852 U/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 294.22 U/L) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP, 71.175 U/L) activity. In comparing ketotic and acidotic cows, MDA, GluRed, SOD and GGTP activity were higher by a factor of almost: 1.85, 1.89, 0.79 and 2.50, respectively. Acidotic cows were characterized by the highest aspartate aminotransferase activity (AspAT, 125.914 U/L). In comparing acidotic and ketotic cows, AspAT activity was higher by a factor of almost 1.90. The use of enzymatic markers could limit the frequency of sampling for laboratory analyses and may result in a faster diagnosis of metabolic disorders. AspAT activity in blood serum seems to be a good indicator of acidosis; GGTP may participate in the pathogenesis of ketosis

Obecność i rola audiodeskrypcji jako wizerunku audialnego, mediującego w akcie komunikacyjnym: badanie pilotażowe

Audiodescription is a type of translation in which visual elements are transferred into verbal descriptions. Numerous studies discuss the influence of this additional narration on media accessibility for its target audiences, namely partially sighted and blind people. Nevertheless, the impact of audiodescription on different audiences, such as sighted people, is still underdeveloped. The aim of this article is to investigate the influence of audiodescription which can be considered an example of mediation in the act of communication, on sighted audiences

Changes in colostrum bioactive components depend on cytological quality

Although good colostrum quality is highly desired, not many researches show what factors have impact on its components. It is believed that udder diseases, ketosis and chronic acidosis significantly lower the level of immunoglobulines in colostrum simultaneously causing its poor quality. The aim of this study was to indicate which intramammary infections, and as a result cytological quality, impact on the content of immunostymulating components of colostrum. The experiment was conducted on 250 cows all kept in a freestall housing system. Animals were divided into two groups , depending on somatic cell counts in colostrum (SCC) per ml: 400 x 103 (LCC).Obtained results ensured that variety of colostrum is determined by its cytology. In GCC group not only protein content but also fat was higher. Noticeable changes in concentration of immunoglobulins were proved according to Lf and Lz increase, moreover very meaningful varieties in amount of unsaturated fatty acids were noticed. It is crucial to improve colostrum quality in dairy breeding, so all factors that affect it must be recognized in detail. The quality of colostrum varies, with that variability being determined by cytological quality. Colostrum rich in health-promoting ingredients (especially IgG) and with low level of SCC shortens the period in which calves are at high risk for disease. Bacteria in colostrum may bind free IgG in the gut lumen or block the uptake and transport of IgG molecules into the enterocytes, thus reducing absorption of IgG. “The authors acknowledge the financial support for this project provided by transnational founding bodies, being partners of the Horizon 2020, ERA-net project, CORE Organic Cofund, and cofound from the NCBR”

Linseed supplementation for improvement of colostrum quality (Practice abstract ProYoungStock)

Thanks to the supplementation used, colostrum has a higher content of immunoglobulins, on average above 50 g / L. The use of fatty additives in the form of linseeds is a procedure that can easily be put into practice, enabling the beneficial modification of the immune components of the colostrum. Linseeds have to be fed raw and unprocessed once a day, 300 g per cow. With an average absorption of immunoglobulins by the intestines (20-30%), the calf should consume 100-200 g of Ig G within 6 hours after calving, which is guaranteed by an appropriate passive transfer. This will promote calf health