Lifetime performance and longevity traits in Slovak Spotted dairy cows in dependence on feeding system

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-23 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.114-117The objective of this study was to analyse eight milk yield and longevity traits in dependence on feeding (grazing) system. Data of purebred Slovak Spotted dairy cows (35,812 heads) culled in the period between 2006 and 2019 were evaluated. Only herds those feeding (grazing) system was known were taken into account. Dairy cows were assigned to four groups: (1) heifers not grazed, cows not grazed (17,628 heads), (2) heifers grazed, cows not grazed (13,056 heads), (3) heifers not grazed, cows grazed (156 heads) and (4) heifers grazed, cows grazed (4,972 heads). The highest average 305-day milk yield (6,139.22 kg) and lifetime milk yield (18,606.78 kg) were found in animals of group (1). Contrariwise, longevity traits were found more favourable in animals of group (4). Their productive life was by 102.78 days longer and average parity was by 0.14 higher in comparison to group (1). The differences between groups were found significant.Keywords: milk yield, longevity, grazing, heifers, cows, Slovak Spotted cattleReferencesBujko, J. et al. (2020). Changes in production and reproduction traits in population of the Slovak spotted cattle. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 23(3), 161–166, https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.03.161-166.Čanji, V. et al. (2008). Effect of conformation traits on longevity of cows of Slovak simmental breed. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 41(2), 83–90.Fuerst–Waltl, B. et al. (2019). Mountain pasturing of rearing stock reduces the culling rist as dairy cows. Animal, 13(1), 209–212, doi: 10.1017/S1751731118001465.Krogmeier, D. et al. (2015). The effect of alpine pasturing of heifers on the longevity and on different yield traits of cows in Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle. Züchtungskunde, 87(2), 107–119.Petrović, M. et al. (2009). The effect of systematic factors on milk yield in Simmental cows over complete lactations. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry, 25(1-2), 61–71, DOI: 10.2298/BAH0902061P.Ludovic-Toma, C. et al. (2017). Comparative study on production, reproduction and functional traits between Fleckvieh and Braunvieh cattle. Asian – Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 30(5), 666-671, doi: 10.5713/ajas.16.0588.SAS Institute Inc.: SAS/STAT ® 9.2User’s Guide, Second Edition, Cary, NC USA, 2009.Strapák, P. et al. (2008). Effect of selected factors on the lenght of productive life of cows. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 41(2), 77–82.Strapák, P. et al. (2010). Relation of the length of productive life and the body conformation traits in Slovak Simmental breed. Archives Animal Breeding, 53, 393–402. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-53-393-201

Vplyv pasenia na celoživotnú úžitkovosť a dlhovekosť dojníc holštajského a slovenského strakatého plemena

The objective of the study was to analyse longevity and lifetime performance traits in dependence on access to grazing (G). Data of Holstein and Slovak Spotted dairy cows (143,566 and 30,412 heads culled between 2006 and 2019) were included. Within each breed, three groups of cows were considered: (1) cows not grazed throughout their entire life, (2) cows seasonally grazed as heifers (in summer), (3) cows seasonally grazed throughout their entire life (in summer). Eight (four longevity and four lifetime milk performance) traits were analysed. General Linear Model with fixed factors: G, herd nested within G, culling year, and cow’s age at first calving as covariate was applied. Cows of group (1) had the highest 305-day milk yield: 8,005.0±7.1 kg (Holstein) and 5,985.3±13.0 kg (Slovak Spotted) and lifetime milk yield: 18,408.5±59.4 kg (Holstein) and 18,237.2±129.1 kg (Slovak Spotted). Holstein cows of group (1) had the highest length of productive life (882.4±2.5 days) and number of lactations (2.37±0.01). The highest length of productive life (1,298.0±16.4 days) and number of lactations (3.46±0.04) were found in Slovak Spotted cows of group (3). The best lifetime performance (regardless of breed) was expected in cows not grazed; whereas, the best longevity traits were expected in Slovak Spotted cows seasonally grazed throughout their lives. Surprisingly, in Holstein cows, the best longevity traits were found in animals that were not grazed. This suggests that the living conditions of housed Holstein cows did not negatively affect their longevity.Cieľom tejto práce bolo analyzovať dlhovekosť a celoživotnú úžitkovosť dojníc v závislosti od toho, či dojnice mali alebo nemali prístup k pastve. Využili sme záznamy o mliekovej úžitkovosti dojníc holštajnského a slovenského strakatého plemena (143 566 and 30 412 kráv zabitých v rokoch 2006 až 2019). V rámci plemena sme kravy rozdelili na tri skupiny: 1) kravy bez celoživotného prístupu k letnej pastve, 2) kravy v lete pasené ako jalovice, 3) kravy s celoživotným prístupom k letnej pastve. Analyzovali sme osem ukazovateľov dlhovekosti a celoživotnej úžitkovosti. Použili sme štatistický model s pevnými faktormi: prístup k pastve, stádo v rámci prístupu k pastve, rok vyradenia a vek kravy pri prvom otelení (sprievodná premenná). Dojnice zaradené do skupiny 1) dosiahli najvyššiu produkciu mlieka za normovanú laktáciu (305 dní): 8 005,0±7,1 kg (hojštajnské) a 5 985,3±13,0 kg (slovenské strakaté) a celoživotnú produkciu mlieka: 18 408,5±59,4 kg (holštajnské) a 18 237,2±129,1 kg (slovenské strakaté). Holštajnské dojnice skupiny 1) mali najdlhší produkčný život (882,4±2,5 dní) a najvyšší počet laktácií (2,37±0,01). Naopak, najdlhší produkčný život (1 298,0±16,4 dní) a najvyšší počet laktácií (3,46±0,04) mali slovenské strakaté dojnice zaradené do skupiny 3). Skutočnosť, že dojnice bez prístupu k pastve (obe plemená) mali najlepšie výsledky ukazovateľov mliekovej úžitkovosti bola v súlade s očakávaním. Podobne boli v súlade s očakávaním najlepšie výsledky ukazovateľov dlhovekosti slovenských strakatých dojníc skupiny 3). Prekvapujúce bolo zistenie, že najlepšie ukazovatele dlhovekosti dosiahli holštajnské dojnice skupiny bez prístupu k pastve. To naznačuje, že životné podmienky ustajnených holštajnských dojníc neovplyvnili ich dlhovekosť negatívne

Utjecaj polimorfizma DGAT1 i LEP gena na osobine mlijeka holštajnskih prvotelki

The genes encoding the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT1) and leptin (LEP) became a functional candidate genes for lactation traits in cows. Several studies associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in these genes with fat and protein content in milk, fat and protein yield, milk yield and some reproductive traits. Three reported SNPs in these genes were investigated in our study (DGAT1-K232A, LEP-R25C, LEP-A80V). One hundred and sixty-three primiparous dairy cows from one farm were genotyped. The milk yield, fat and protein yield, fat and protein content and the age at first calving were recorded. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were assessed. The effect of genotypes on milk traits and age at first calving were studied using linear models. The assumption of the different allele frequencies resulting from selection aimed at milk yield was proved in DGAT1 and LEP-A80V. The significant effect (P<0.01) of DGAT1 polymorphism was estimated only for the fat content. No significant effect of individual LEP polymorphism on milk trait or age at first calving was estimated. No significant effect of combination of LEP polymorphisms was estimated for those traits. The effect of DGAT1 on the age at first calving was indicated.Geni koji kodiraju diacilglicerol O-aciltransferazu (DGAT1) i leptin (LEP) su funkcionalni geni za mliječne osobine krava. U nekoliko istraživanja povezani su polimorfizmi na pojedinačnim nukleotidima (SNP) tih gena sa sastavom i koncentracijom masti i proteina u mlijeku, količinom mlijeka, te nekim reproduktivnim svojstvima. U ovom su radu istraživani SNPs u tim genima (DGAT1-K232A, LEP-R25C, LEP-A80V). Ukupno je genotipizirano 163 krava prvotelki s jedne farme. Istraženi su sljedeći parametri: količina mlijeka, koncentracija i sastav masti i proteina, starost (dob) nakon prvog teljenja, frekvencije alela i genotipovi. Utjecaj genotipa na osobine mlijeka i dob kod prvog teljenja analizirani su linearnim modelom. Dokazana je pretpostavka različitih alelnih frekvencija u DGAT1 i LEP-A80V što je posljedica selekcije na količinu mlijeka. Signifikantan utjecaj (P<0,01) DGAT1 polimorfizma je utvrđen samo za sastav masti. Nije utvrđen signifikantan utjecaj pojedinačnih niti kombiniranih LEP polimorfizama na osobine mliječnosti, niti dob kod prvog teljenja. Postoje indikacije da DGAT1 gen utječe na dob prvog teljenja

Economic Importance of the Traits for Slovak Pinzgau Breed Reared in Dairy and Cow-calf System

The bio-economic approach was used to calculate economic weights for twelve production (dairy and growth), functional and carcass traits of Slovak Pinzgau cattle raised in dairy (A) and cow-calf (B) system. The breeding heifers for own herd replacement with ten reproduction cycles at maximum was produced. The sale of surplus male and female calves was assumed after finishing of weaning period in both systems. Milk production is with quota limited in Slovakia, but the quotas limits aren’t filling up if the whole dairy population is taken into account. In the system A, the base price per milk value was corrected according to the fat and protein content and somatic cells count. The marginal economic weights were calculated as the numeric derivation of the profit function. Marginal values were standardized (multiplied by the genetic standard deviation of the appropriate trait) and expressed as relative values (percentage proportion). The marginal economic weight for milk yield (+0.20 €) and for dressing percentage (+0.39 €) were the lowest in both systems. The highest marginal importance was found for production lifetime of cows in system A (+69.26 € per year and cow), and in system B (+52.55 € per year and cow), respectively. Functional traits achieved the highest marginal values in both systems. But the relative economic values for the functional traits complex represent only 37.04% in system A, and 73.52% in system B, respectively. The proportion of functional, production and carcass traits complexes was 37.04: 62.73: 0.23 in system A, and 73.52: 26.07: 0.41 in system B. The highest relative economic importance was observed for the 305 d milk production (37.70%) in system A and yearling weight (25.35%) in system B, respectively. Subsidies in the calculations were of positive effect on the profitability in the system B but it was not sufficient for positive profitability in the system A. The system A achieves negative profitability irrespective on assigned subsidies. The system B has positive profitability after accounting subsidies

Evaluation of Claw Conformation by Using Two Methods of Measuring-by Ruler and Image Analysis

The healthy claws with the correct shape are needed for non-problematic locomotion and welfare of dairy cows. Into the study 120 Slovak spotted dairy cows were included. Cows were kept on one farm in west part of Slovakia. Claws of right hind legs were evaluated after the regular functional trimming in October 2016. Claw measures as claw angle, claw length, heel depth, claw height, diagonal and claw width were analysed. Firstly, after the functional trimming the measures by ruler were taken. Secondly, the digital images of the bottom and right lateral side with ruler by digital camera Olympus SP-600 UZ were taken. Computer image analysis of digital images was performed by using NIS Elements 3.0. In addition to 6 claw parameters, total and functional claw areas were obtained from image analysis. The statistical analysis, t test and correlation between two types of measurements were performed in SAS. The correlations and the differences between measurements obtained by image analysis and taken by hand were calculated. Obtained correlation ranged from 0.11 to 0.74. Except claw angle, all correlations were significant (P<0.01). The lowest correlations were found in claw angle. The highest were found in claw width. The highest differences were found in claw angle a diagonal. The mean claw length was lower than is optimal for similar breed. Total claw area was 46.85±7.19 cm2 and functional claw area was 26.79±6.05 cm2. The higher number of observations for one parameters (for example 3) is necessary to obtain more precise comparison between both applied methods. In the future, this technique could be use as objective and very effective tool to measure claw shape

The state of conservation of animal genetic resources in Slovakia

To effectively conserve animal genetic resources, countries need to periodically review their conservation efforts and reflect on actual problems and challenges. This study provides a review of animal genetic resources conservation activities, as well as the related existing legislative measures, strategies and funding in Slovakia. We present the development of endangered and supported breeds, discuss the impact of subsidies and the importance of awareness raising, and provide a SWOT analysis of the current animal genetic resources conservation framework in the country. In Slovakia, conservation is primarily based on animal breeding in natural conditions (in situ) without any limitations to breed improvement, and cryoconservation of animal genetic resources is in its initial phase. Most of the funding for conservation measures is provided by the Rural Development Programme. In general, the animal genetic resources system in Slovakia is open in terms of including new breeds eligible for support and this paper shows that the provided subsidies helped to stabilize most of the supported populations. Promoting the presence, characteristics and advantages of local breeds in times of intensive import of exotic breeds into the country is crucial to motivate breeders to prefer local livestock breeds. While the future challenge for the government is to improve conservation and facilitate related activities, research should address not only diversity, pedigree studies and cryoconservation, but also focus on the characterization of animal genetic resources for food security and climate change

Genetic and phenotypic trends for weights of major beef and dual-purpose cattle breeds in Slovak Republic

Article Details: Received: 2019-12-17 | Accepted: 2020-06-03 | Available online: 2020-09-30https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.03.174-181Genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Slovakia started in first years of this century. After the first decade of running the routine evaluations it is important to review the progress made and to discuss the further development. The aim of this paper was to compile and deliver genetic and phenotypic trends in order to review importance of evaluated traits with respect to four major beef (Charolais, Limousine) and dual-purpose breeds (Slovak Pinzgau cattle, Slovak Spotted cattle). The study showed different progress made across the breeds. Higher genetic progress was observed in Charolais purebreds compared to Limousine counterparts. Moreover, almost similar progress to that in Charolais was observed in dual-purpose Slovak Pinzgau cattle. On the other hand no progress was observed in Slovak Spotted purebreds. Results also showed higher progress in bulls compared to cows. Phenotypic trends showed reserves for improvement in Charolais and closing to breed standards in Limousine. In dualpurpose breeds improvement was shown only in Slovak Pinzgau, while no improvement or decrease in actual weights was shown in Slovak Spotted purebreds.Keywords: beef cattle, dual-purpose cattle, trends, growth, genetic evaluationReferencesABIN, S. et al. (2016). Population structure and genetic trends for indigenous African beef cattle breeds in South Africa. South African J. Animal Science, 46(2), 152–156. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v46i2.5ABREU, L.R.A. et al. (2018). Genetic trends and trade-offs between growth and reproductive traits in a Nellore herd. PLoS ONE, 13(8): e0201392. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201392AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION (AICA). (2019) American-International Charolais Association. National Cattle Evaluation. Genetic Trend. Retrieved August 16, 2019 from http://www.charolaisusa.com/pdf/2019/07-02/GeneticTrend_July2019.pdfČEPON, M. et al. (2008). Genetic parameters for growth in Charolais calves. Acta agriculturae Slovenica, 92(2),111–117.DARNADIOVÁ, O. and DEBRECÉNI, O. (2009). Charolais beef breed cattle adaptation to breeding conditions in Slovakia. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 12(3), 81–84. Retrieved September 2, 2019 from http://www.slpk.sk/acta/docs/2009/afz03-09.pdfGROENEVELD, E. (2006). PEST User‘s Manual. Retrieved January 31, 2018 from ftp://ftp.tzv.fal.de/pub/pest/doc/ JOHNSTON, D.J. (2007). Genetic trends in australian beef cattle – making real progress. Proceedings of Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 17, 8–15. Retrieved May 3, 2018 from http://www.aaabg.org/ livestocklibrary/2007/johnston008.pdfLALMAN, D.L. et al. (2019). Weaning weight trends in the US beef cattle industry. Applied Animal Science, 35(1), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2018-01797KRUPA, E. et al. (2002). First estimates of genetic parameters for the growth performance of cattle in Slovak republic. Book of contributions from international conference ‘Genetic days 2002’. Brno : VŠZ, 194–196. In Slovak.KRUPA, E. et al. (2005a). Factors affecting growth traits of beef cattle breeds raised in Slovakia. Czech J. Animal Science, 50(1), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.17221/3990-CJASKRUPA, E. et al. (2005b). Optimisation of information system in genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Slovakia. Journal of Farm Animal Science, 38, 247–254.MACNEIL, M. D. (2003). Genetic evaluation of an index of birth weight and yearling weight to improve efficiency of beef production. J. Animal Science, 81(10), 2425–2433. https://doi.org/10.2527/2003.81102425xMUJIBI, F. D. N. and CREWS JR, D. H. (2009). Genetic parameters for calving ease, gestation length, and birth weight in Charolais cattle. J. Animal Science, 87(9), 2759–2766. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2008-1141PARRA-BRACAMONTE, G.M. et al. (2016). Genetic trends for live weight traits reflect breeding strategies in registered Charolais Farms in Mexico. Tropical Animal Health And Production, 48(8), 1729–1738. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-016-1150-2PHOCAS, F. and SAPA, J. (2004). Genetic parameters for growth, reproductive performance, calving ease and suckling performance in beef cattle heifers. Animal Science, 79(1), 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1357729800054515RUMPH, J. M. et al. (2004). Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proceedings American Society of Animal Science – Western Section, 55, 78–81.ŠIDLOVÁ, V. et al. (2015). Production type of Slovak Pinzgau cattle in respect of related breeds. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 18(2), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2015.18.02.25–29SULLIVAN, P.G. et al. (1999). Genetic trends and breed overlap derived from multiple-breed genetic evaluations of beef cattle for growth traits. J. Animal Science, 77(8), 2019–2027. https://doi.org/10.2527/1999.7782019xTEIXEIRAA, B.B.M. et al. (2018). Genetic parameters and trends for traits of the Hereford and Braford breeds in Brazil. Livestock Science, 208, 60–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.12.008TOMKA, J. and HUBA, J. (2019). Animal genetic resources in Slovak Republic. Danubian Animal Genetic Resources, 4, 7–12.ZCHMD. (2009a). Breeding standards for Charolais breed. Retrieved June 13, 2019 from http://www.zchmd.eu/charolais/charakteristika-93258. In Slovak.ZCHMD. (2009b). Breeding standards for Limousine breed. Retrieved June 13, 2019 from http://www.zchmd.eu/limousin/ harakteristika-90618. In Slovak.ZCHPD. (2016). Breeding standards for Slovak Pinzgau breed. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from http://www.pinzgau.sk/plemennystandard/. In Slovak.ZCHSSD. (2016). Breeding standards for Slovak Spotted breed. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from http://www.simmental.sk/oplemene/plemenny-standard.html. In Slovak

Morphological Responses and Gene Expression of Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Growing under Cd

Phytoremediation efficiency depends on the ability of plants to accumulate, translocate and resist high levels of metals without symptoms of toxicity. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of grain amaranth for remediation of soils contaminated with Cd. Three grain amaranth varieties, &ldquo;Pribina&rdquo; (A. cruentus), &ldquo;Zobor&rdquo; (A. hypochondriacus x A. hybridus) and Plainsman (A. hypochondriacus x A. hybridus) were tested under different level of Cd (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/L) in a hydroponic experimental treatment. All could be classified as Cd excluders or Cd-hypertolerant varieties able to grow and accumulate significant amounts of Cd from the hydroponic solution, preferentially in the roots. Under the highest level of Cd exposure, qRT-PCR expression analysis of five stress-related genes was examined in above- and below-ground biomass. The results show that the Cd concentration significantly increased the mRNA level of chitinase 5 (Chit 5) in amaranth roots as the primary site of metal stress. The involvement of phytochelatin synthase (PCS1) in Cd detoxification is suggested. Based on our findings, we can conclude that variety &ldquo;Pribina&rdquo; is the most Cd-tolerant among three tested and can be expected to be used in the phytomanagement of Cd loaded soils as an effective phytostabiliser