Impact of the volume and the profile of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fermentation on cow productivity and milk composition

Cilj ovog rada bio je utvrditi odnose između odabranih produkata fermentacije u buragu i sastava mlijeka muznih krava. Istraživanje je provedeno na 10 krava pasmine holstein-friesian. Životinje su držane u slobodnom stajskom uzgoju i hranjene TMR-om. Produktivnost stada određena je pomoću A4 metode, a podaci o sastavu mlijeka dobiveni su iz centralnog sustava praćenja. Ferment iz buraga izuzet je pomoću želučane pumpe 2 sata nakon jutarnje hranidbe smjesom TMR. Izuzeti uzorci razrijeđeni su puferom i homogenizirani, a dobivena suspenzija je analizirana pomoću plinskog kromatografa opremljenog s FID detektorom kako bi se odredila koncentracija ukupnih, kao i udjeli pojedinačnih hlapivih masnih kiselina (VFA). Sastav mlijeka preuzet je iz zapisa sustava praćenja RW-1, a koeficijent korelacije prema Pearsonu je izračunat iz dobivenih parametara. Utvrđeno je da se odnos propionat/butirat u fermentu buraga povećava s povećanjem udjela proteina i proteinskih frakcija u mlijeku. Koeficijent iskoristivosti hlapivih masnih kiselina u fermentu buraga pokazao je pozitivnu korelaciju s udjelom proteina i negativnu korelaciju s koncentracijom kazeina u mlijeku. Procesi koji se odvijaju u kravljem buragu značajno utječu na sastav i kvalitetu mlijeka. Spoznaje o ukupnom sadržaju kao i sadržaju pojedinih hlapivih masnih kiselina omogućuju podešavanje upravljanja fermentacijom u buragu u svrhu dobivanja boljih tehnoloških svojstava mlijeka.The aim of the research was to establish relations between the selected rumen fermentation products and the milk composition in dairy cows. The experiment was conducted on 10 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows of black and white variety. The animals were kept in the free stall housing system and fed with the total mixed ration (TMR). The herd’s milk production was assessed using the A4 method and the milk analyses were obtained from the milk recordings. The rumen digesta were sampled two hours after the morning delivery of TMR using a stomach pump. The sampled digesta were diluted with buffer, homogenized and the obtained suspension was analysed using gas chromatograph with the FID detector to determine the total concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and the percentage of individual VFAs. Milk composition was obtained from the RW-1 reports, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for the obtained parameters. It was determined that propionate and the relation of propionate to butyrate in the rumen digesta increased the protein content and its fractions in milk. The volatile fatty acids utilization coefficient in the rumen digesta a positive correlation to protein contents and a negative correlation to the level of caseins in milk were shown. Processes taking place in the cow rumen significantly influence the composition and quality of milk. The knowledge of volatile fatty acids content and the of individual VFAs allows for the management of the rumen fermentation in order to obtain better technological parameters of milk

Use of Corn Dried Distillers Grains (DDGS) in Feeding of Ruminants

Bioethanol is the product of fermentation of starch contained in renewable resources, such as corn, wheat, rye and rice. Depending on the technology used for its production, dried distillers decoction may exist in different forms: dried distillers grain (DDG); dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) and high-protein dried distillers grains (HPDDG), as well as wet distillers grain (WDG), wet distillers grain with solubles (WDGS), and high-protein wet distillers grains HPWDG). Research conducted in recent years has demonstrated the possibilities of corn DDG as feed for livestock due to its high content of valuable protein, high calorific value and bioelements. Distillers grain has been used as feed for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. In case of ruminants, it is important that distillers grain is foodstuff high in ruminal undegradable protein, with beneficial fibre content that does not cause rumen acidosis. DDGS has positive influence on milk yield and its fat and protein content. Research on rumen fermentation has proven that DDGS positively affecs processes in forestomachs: methanogenesis, ammonia emission and volatile fatty acids profile. Reprocessing of agri-food industry by-products may well be an alternative for traditional methods of feeding animals and utilizing valuable nutrients that they contain

Utjecaj hranidbe na kvalitetu kolostruma i mlijeka preživača

The composition and properties of mammary glands’ secretions are influenced by numerous genetic and environmental factors. Types and quality of the feed and feed additives determine the characteristics and quality of products of animal origin. In terms of quality and quantity, the desired effects may be achieved only when the feed ration fully responds to the needs of the animal. Not supplying the required components with the feed affects the composition of both, colostrum and milk, and reduces their production, which influences health condition of animals and - as a result - food safety. Milk and milk products are considered functional food not only due to high nutritional value but also due to positive impact on human health. Nowadays there are various initiatives to produce the so-called healthy food obtained through specially programmed nutrition of animals, which means enriching foodstuffs in biologically active substances. In order to obtain good physicochemical parameters in colostrum and milk of ruminants, it is vital to use high quality feeds in order to satisfy protein and energy demand in animals, and mineral and vitamin contents in the feed ration should be properly balanced. It is also important to use energy additives in dry cows. Another important issue is obtaining the rumen fermentation profile that reduces the emission of methane and determines an appropriate profile of volatile fatty acids. The manuscript is devoted to physiochemical properties of colostrum and milk of cows, goats, sheep as well as the influence of nutrition on the quality of mammary secretions of ruminants.Sastav i svojstva sekreta mliječnih žlijezda sisavaca pod utjecajem su brojnih genetskih utjecaja i utjecaja okoliša. Vrsta i kvaliteta krmiva i dodataka krmnim smjesama određuju svojstva i kvalitetu proizvoda životinjskog podrijetla. S aspekta kvalitete i kvantitete željeni učinci mogu se postići samo ukoliko omjeri sastojaka u krmivu potpuno odgovaraju potrebama životinje. Nedostatna opskrba potrebnim nutrijentima utječe na sastav i kolostruma i mlijeka, te umanjuje njihovu proizvodnju, što konačno utječe na zdravstveno stanje životinje a time i na sigurnost hrane. Mlijeko i mliječni proizvodi smatraju se funkcionalnom hranom ne samo zbog visoke nutritivne vrijednosti, već i zbog povoljnih zdravstvenih učinaka na ljudski organizam. U današnje doba postoji niz inicijativa s ciljem proizvodnje tzv. zdrave hrane, primjenom posebno osmišljene hranidbe životinja, što prije svega podrazumijeva obogaćivanje hrane biološki aktivnim sastojcima. Kako bi se dobila dobra fizikalno-kemijska svojstva kolostruma i mlijeka preživača, nužno je koristiti visokokvalitetna krmiva kojima se zadovoljavaju potrebe životinje za proteinima i energijom, dok omjeri mineralnih tvari i vitamina moraju biti uravnoteženi. Također je važno koristiti dodatke za povećanje energetskog unosa u mliječnih krava. Osim toga, važno je postići mikrofloru buraga koja će omogućiti snižavanje emisije metana, kao i postizanje odgovarajućeg sastava masnih kiselina u mlijeku. Ovaj rad bavi se fizikalno-kemijskim svojstvima kravljeg, kozjeg i ovčjeg kolostruma i mlijeka, kao i utjecajem hranidbe na kvalitetu sekreta mliječnih žlijezda preživača

Assessment of lipid peroxidation in dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis

Mastitis is still one of the major causes of economic losses in dairy sector. The routine application of bacteriologic examination of milk samples is often insufficient and for this reason, alternative parameters are used to identify trends in the development of the udder health. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of oxidative product levels, using malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker on occurrence of mastitis and its causing pathogens. Dairy herd of 223 Slovak spotted cattle were tested for etiology and occurrence of mastitis based on assessment of clinical signs, abnormal udder secretions, Californian Mastitis Test (CMT) with subsequent collecting of milk samples for bacteriological examination. From 892 quarter milk samples were selected for MDA detection 51 subclinical (SM) and 26 clinical mastitis (CM) quarters with positive CMT score and positive bacteriological examination of Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. as well 40 healthy quarters. Results showed that among the current pathogens of the mammary gland belong CNS, S. aureus, S. sanguinis, S. uberis and E. coli, which were the most frequently isolated from SM and CM. The highest MDA level was observed from clinical cases of mastitis however, increased MDA levels were detectable from subclinical cases. Bacterial isolates from subclinical quarter milk samples are different levels of MDA. In this study, we found that quarter milk samples infected with S. uberis were higher compared to other pathogens. In conclusion, differences in both severity of mastitis and mastitic pathogens were associated with differences of oxidative products in infected udders

Sheep mastitis caused by staphylococci and streptococci and their influence on oxidative status

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-14 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.53-57AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of oxidative product levels, using malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker on occurrence of mastitis and its causing pathogens in two dairy flocks of ewes situated in east and north of Slovakia. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of milk, with the evaluation of Californian mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological analysis of individual raw milk samples. From total 537 and 444 halves ewe’s milk samples were 16.6% and 23.2% positive to CMT, respectively. The prevalence of mastitis caused by bacterial pathogenes in the monitored herds was 14.3% to 19.1%, respectively. In all monitored sheep flocks were confirmed predominantly subclinical forms (SM) of intramammary infection (IMI). The highest of etiological agents in all monitored herds had coagulase negative staphylococci and coagulase positive staphylococci especially Staphylococcus aureus. Except for staphylococci were Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp. most frequently pathogens isolated from mastitic sheep. The highest MDA level was observed from clinical cases of mastitis however, increased MDA levels were detectable from subclinical cases. Bacterial isolates from mastitc halves milk samples are different in levels of MDA. In this study, we found that milk samples infected with S. aureus were higher compared to other pathogens. In conclusion, differences in both severities of IMI and mastitis pathogens were associated with differences of MDA in infected udders.Keywords: sheep, milking, mastitis, lipid peroxidation,S. aureus, coagulase negative staphylococciReferencesContreras, A. et al. (2007). Mastitis in small ruminants. Small Ruminant Research, 68(1-2), 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.09.011Fthenakis, G. C. (1995). California mastitis test and White side test in diagnosis of subclinical mastitis of dairy ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 16(3), 271–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4488(95)00638-2Hariharan, H. et al. (2004). Bacteriology and somatic cell counts in milk samples from ewes on a Scottish farm. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 68(3), 188–192.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142138/Malinowski, E. et al. (2008). Etiological agents of dairy cows’ mastitis in western part of Poland. Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 9(3), 191-194. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17020014/Mørk, T. et al. (2007). Clinical mastitis in ewes; bacteriology, epidemiology and clinical features. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 49(1), 23. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1751-0147-49-23Pyörälä, S. and Taponen, S. (2009). Coagulase-negative staphylococci - Emerging mastitis pathogens. Veterinary Microbiology, 34(2), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.09.015Sharma, N. (2011). Oxidative stress and antioxidant status during transition period in dairy cows. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science, 24(4), 479–484. https://www.ajas.info/upload/pdf/24-58.pdfSuriyasathaporn, W. (2006). Higher somatic cell counts resulted in higher malondialdehyde concentrations in raw cow´s milk. International Dairy Journal, 16(9), 1088–1091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2005.11.004Turk, R. et al. (2017). The role of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of mastitis in dairy cows. Mljekarstvo, 67(2), 91–101. https://doi.org/10.15567/mljekarstvo.2017.020

Influence of nutrition on the quality of colostrum and milk of ruminants

The composition and properties of mammary glands’ secretions are influenced by numerous genetic and environmental factors. Types and quality of the feed and feed additives determine the characteristics and quality of products of animal origin. In terms of quality and quantity, the desired effects may be achieved only when the feed ration fully responds to the needs of the animal. Not supplying the required components with the feed affects the composition of both, colostrum and milk, and reduces their production, which influences health condition of animals and - as a result - food safety. Milk and milk products are considered functional food not only due to high nutritional value but also due to positive impact on human health. Nowadays there are various initiatives to produce the so-called healthy food obtained through specially programmed nutrition of animals, which means enriching foodstuffs in biologically active substances. In order to obtain good physicochemical parameters in colostrum and milk of ruminants, it is vital to use high quality feeds in order to satisfy protein and energy demand in animals, and mineral and vitamin contents in the feed ration should be properly balanced. It is also important to use energy additives in dry cows. Another important issue is obtaining the rumen fermentation profile that reduces the emission of methane and determines an appropriate profile of volatile fatty acids. The manuscript is devoted to physiochemical properties of colostrum and milk of cows, goats, sheep as well as the influence of nutrition on the quality of mammary secretions of ruminants

Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the SLC27A3 Gene on the Nutritional Value of Sheep Milk

The current research was undertaken to use the genetic potential of animals to obtain high-quality dairy products. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC27A3 gene were identified in Zošľachtená valaška sheep using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Correlations between genotypes and milk composition and nutritional value were analysed This study showed that milk from sheep with TT genotype in the SNP4 locus was characterised by higher (p < 0.01) fat and dry matter content and lower lactose concentration, compared to sheep with AA and TA genotypes, respectively. Moreover, it was found that animals with GG genotype in SNP1 produced milk with higher C18:1n9c, C18:1n7t, CLA, and other unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) content than sheep with TT. Additionally, milk from animals with CC at the SNP3 locus had significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of UFAs than milk from sheep with other genotypes in the SNP3. In summary, it may be concluded that milk from animals with TT genotype of SNP4 is characterised by higher fat and dry matter content. Whereas, milk from sheep with GG in SNP1 and with CC in SNP3 is characterised by higher content of UFAs, which increases milk value as material for functional food production

New trends in the use of recycled manure solids in dairy housing

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-14 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.109-113The aim of the study was to compare improved bedding composition with conventional straw bedding under farm conditions, regarding its effects on the indicator microorganisms influencing hygiene levels. Dairy cows were housed in newly-built stables divided into two parts each with four sections and bedded cubicles arranged in three rows. In the first part, the bedded cubicle floors were layered with straw up to a height of 20 cm. In the second part, the cubicles were layered to a height of 20 cm with improved bedding composition consisting of recycled manure solids (RMS; 10 kg), ground limestone (200 kg), straw (40 kg) and water (110 l). After layering the bedding was treated with a concrete selector to provide strength and sufficient resistance. Samples for microbiological examination were taken from four sections according to the time interval of production and bedding. From three sections were taken bedding samples according to a new recipe in intervals of 1-3 months after its use. A control sample of bedding, consisting of straw, was taken from the last, fourth section. Comparing classical straw bedding with the improved recipe bedding, the total viable count (TVC) and coliforms bacteria (CB) in a first and second month after laying were found to be reduced. In addition to TVC and CB, decreased numbers of faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS) were observed in the first, second and third months after layering. In addition to reducing the number of microorganisms, the improved bedding showed a stabilizing effect by keeping the litter thickness up to the bedding threshold (200 mm), which has a beneficial effect for increased purity of the body and udder.Keywords: dairy cows, housing, hygiene, improved bedding, microorganismsReferences Bradley, A.  et al. (2018). The impact of dairy cows’ bedding material and its microbial content on the quality and safety of milk–A cross sectional study of UK farms. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 23(269), 36–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.12.022Brouček, J. et al. (2015). Impact of gestation and lactation stage on the dairy cow response following removal to unfamiliar housing and milking system. Italian Journal of Animal Scince, 14(2), 233–237.https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2015.3410Fournel, S. et al. (2018). Production of recycled manure solids for bedding in Canadian dairy farms: I. Solid-liquid separation. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(2), 1832–1846. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-14966Heinonen-Tanski,  H. et al. (2006). Methods to reduce pathogen microorganisms in manure. Livestock Science, 102(3), 248–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2006.03.024Ismaïl, R. et al. (2013). Methods for recovering microorganisms from solid surfaces used in the food industry: a review of the literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(11), 6169–6183.https://dx.doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph10116169Maiorano, G. (2014). Livestock Production for a Sustainable Development. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. Food Sci. 3, 34–38. Available online: https://www.jmbfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10_jmbfs_maiorano_2014_fs.pdfLeach, K. A. et al. (2015). Recycling manure as cow bedding: Potential benefits and risks for UK dairy farms. Vet. J., 206, 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.08.013Popescu, S. et al. (2014). The effect of the housing system on the welfare quality of dairy cows. Italian Journal of Animal Scince, 13(1), 2940. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2014.2940 Tančin, V. et al. 2013. Livestock farming in marginal areas (In Slovak), CVŽV, Nitra, Slovakia 2013. p. 70. ISBN 978-80-89418-26-8. Wolfe, T. et al. (2018). Effects of alternative deep bedding options on dairy cow preference, lying behavior, cleanliness, and teat end contamination. Journal of Dairy Science,101(1), 530-536. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-12358

In vitro study and comparison of caecal methanogenesis and fermentation pattern in the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

The brown hare and the domestic rabbit are mid-sized herbivorous mammals and hindgut fermenters, though their digestive physiologies differ in some traits. The objective of this study was to estimate and compare the caecal microbial activity in hares and rabbits via an analysis of the following end-products of in vitro caecal fermentation: methane, total gas production, short chain fatty acids and ammonia concentration. Hare caecal methanogenesis occurred at a much lower level (0.25 mmol/kg for samples incubated without substrate and 0.22 mmol/kg for samples incubated with substrate) than that of the rabbit (15.49 and 11.73 mmol/kg, respectively) (P<0.001). The impact of the substrate's presence on caecal methanogenesis was not significant, though its presence increased the total gas production during fermentation (P<0.001). Hare caecal microflora produced a lower short chain fatty acids concentration than did rabbit microorganisms (P<0.05). In unincubated hare samples, the short chain fatty acids concentration was 28.4 mmol/kg, whereas in unincubated rabbit samples, the short chain fatty acids concentration was 51.8 mmol/kg. The caecal fermentation pattern of the hare was characterised by higher propionate and isobutyrate molar proportions compared with those observed in rabbit caecum (P<0.01). No significant changes in the ammonia concentration in either rabbit or hare caecum were found. The results obtained indicate some differences in the activity of the microbial populations colonising the hare and rabbit caecum, particularly in regards to methanogenic Archaea