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Ruminant husbandry contributes to global methane (CH4) emissions and beside its negative impact on the environment, enteric CH4 emissions cause a loss of gross energy intake in cows. The study is aimed to estimate CH4 emission and metabolic status in dairy cows via the methane concentration profile as a tool for analyzing the CH4 production pattern. The study included eighteen cows whose enteric CH4 emission was measured during three consecutive days in three periods: 2 hours before (P1), 2–4 hours (P2) and 6–8 hours (P3) after the morning feeding. Based on CH4 enteric emissions, cows were divided into two groups (n=6, respectively): HM (average CH4 concentration: 5430.08 ± 365.92 ppm) and LM (average CH4 concentration: 1351.85 ± 205.20 ppm). Following CH4 measurement, on day 3, venous blood was sampled to determine the indicators of the metabolic status. HM cows had significantly higher average CH4 concentrations, maximum and average CH4 peak amplitude than LM cows in all measuring periods (P1-P3), while the number of CH4 peaks tended to be higher in HM than in LM cows in P2. There were no differences in the maximum and average CH4 peak width and average distance among two CH4 peaks between examined groups of cows. HM cows had significantly higher total protein concentrations and significantly lower total bilirubin and NEFA concentrations than LM cows. In conclusion, HM cows have a greater number of eructations and release more CH4 per eructation than LM cows, hence the differences in metabolic status are most likely related to the differences in their liver function.

An intensive cattle breeding encompasses a whole range of procedures that should enable continuous production and optimal utilization of production capacities. In such conditions, newborn calves must adapt to a variety of environmental factors, including housing, care, and feeding conditions. Inappropriate rearing conditions favour the emergence of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, as the most common health problems for calves. The same factors, and especially the unbalanced diet, have a major impact on the health of dairy cows and the incidence of diseases such as ketosis, fatty liver syndrome, puerperal paresis, rumen acidosis, and laminitis. This review paper is based on monitoring results of the health of calves and adult cows on dairy farms in Serbia, from 2011 to 2019. Also, some procedures in nutrition that can prevent the occurrence of metabolic diseases of cows are discussed.

This paper presents the results of investigations on the effects of a mineral mixture with a buffering properties, on the quantity and composition of milk, pH value of cow's rumen contents, number and motility of microorganisms. The study was conducted from June to November on two groups cows; the control-C (129) and experimental-E (119). The cows were in linked system of keeping. Groups were formed according to 'couple' system (two cows with similar characteristics) after 7-10 days calving and alloted to one of two stables. The given meals were identical with the difference that in the complete feed mixture in group E a mineral mixture with buffering properties was added in the quantity of 1%. The mixture was produced at the Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia. The mixture composition is based on natural bentonite, natural zeolite, magnesium oxide and sodium bicarbonate, The milk yield during the hottest summer months (June - August) in group E was higher by 1.99 kg or 8.16% (p lt 0.05). During the period (September - November) the milk yield in this group was also higher, but insufficiently to make the difference (0.38kg or 1.53%) between the C and E group (p>0.05). The differences in the content and yield of milk fat and protein, (% and kg) were insignificantly higher for group E during both investigation periods. The pH value of the rumen content was higher in group E and was within the optimal physiological limits. Before the morning meal the values for group K and E were 6.25 ; 6.79 (p>0.05), respectively. After the morning meal the corresponding rumen pH values were 6.01 ; 6.92 (p lt 0.05).The number and motility of the infusoria present in the rumen of group E cows was increased. That the studied mineral mixture with buffering properties has a positive effect on the pH stability and development of the microorganisms present in the rumen under conditions of heat stress. This contributes to the arousal of favorite conditions for food digestion and utilization and hence to higher milk production and increased fat and protein content.

In modern calf rearing an early development from calf to ruminant plays an important role. A faster rumen development and therefore ability of the digestive tract to ferment roughage and concentrate feed contributes to beneficial growth performance, health and productivity. Some recent studies show that insoluble cellulose and lignin rich fiber in prestarter and starter diet have positive influence on early intestinal development in non-ruminant species. Objective of the trial was to investigate the influence of VITACEL ® 200 raw fiber concentrate (74% crude fiber, 90 % NDF) given in milk/milk replacer on performance parameters of calves. Trial was conducted on total 20 male Holstein calves divided in two groups (control and experimental) of 10 calves in group. Experiment started with 30 days of age and finished with 122 days of age. Both groups of calves received the same amount of the milk and milk replacer according to standard feeding regime until 80 days of age. In the milk and milk replacer experimental group of calves received raw fiber concentrate (Vitacel® 200, JRS Germany) at the dosage rate of 10 g/ L. Starter feed (18% crude protein), and alfalfa hay was fed ad libitum. Water was supplied trough automatic drinkers. Calves fed fiber concentrate in the liquid feed achieved 8, 69% higher final body weight (158, 9 kg vs. 146,2 kg) and 5,17% higher daily weight gain (1140g vs. 1084g, p lt 0,05). Concentrated feed intake per day was very similar in both groups but calves fed Vitacel® 200 during the liquid feeding phase utilized concentrated feed more efficiently compared to control calves (1.67 vs. 1,74). Level of glucose and pH value in the blood was higher in calves fed Vitacel® 200 (p>0,05). Earlier development of gastrointestinal tract in calves triggered by Vitacel® 200 enabled higher feed intake and better feed utilization. U modernom uzgoju teladi je rani razvoj buraga od velikog značaja. Brži razvoj buraga, a time i sposobnosti za fermentaciju kabaste i koncentrovane hrane doprinosi boljim performansama, zdravlju i produktivnosti. Novija istraživanja pokazuju da dodatak vlakana bogatih u nerastvorljivoj celulozi i ligninu u predstarteru i starteru imaju pozitivan uticaj na rani razvoj digestivnog trakta kod nepreživara. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita uticaj Vitacel® 200 raw fiber concentrate (74% sirova vlakna, 90 % NDF) u mleku i zameni za mleko na performanse uzgoja teladi. Ogled je izveden na ukupno 20 muške Holstein, teladi podeljene u dve grupe (kontrolna i ogledna) od po 10 teladi u grupi. Ogled je počeo u starosti od 30 dana, i trajao do 122. dana starosti. Obe grupe teladi su dobijale istu količinu mleka i zamene za mleko prema standardnom režimu ishrane do 80. dana starosti. Ogledna grupa teladi je u mleku i zameni za mleko dobijala koncentrat sirove celuloze (Vitacel® 200, JRS Nemačka) u koncentraciji od 10 g/L. Starter koncentrat (18% sir. proteina), i lucerkino seno su davani ad libitum. Voda je bila na raspolaganju iz automatskih pojilica. Telad koja su u tečnoj ishrani dobijala koncentrat celuloznih vlakana su postigla za 8,69% veću završnu telesnu masu (158,9 kg : 146,2 kg) i 5,17% veći dnevni prirast (1140 g : 1084 g, p lt 0,05). Konzumacija koncentrata je bila podjednaka u obe grupe, ali su telad ogledne grupe (Vitacel® 200) u toku perioda tečne ishrane ostvarila bolju konverziju koncentrovane hrane u poređenju sa kontrolnom grupom (1,67 : 1,74). Nivo glukoze i pH vrednost krvi je bila viša kod teladi koja su dobijala Vitacel® 200 (p>0,05). Na osnovu iznetog se može zaključiti da je raniji razvoj digestivnog trakta, koji je podstaknut dodatkom Vitacel® 200 u mleku/zameni za mleko, omogućio bolje iskorišćenje hrane i brži telesni porast teladi.

The objective of the investigations presented in this paper was to establish the frequency of the incidence of subacute acidosis in the rumen of cows (SARA) in the first three months of lactation and the possibilities for its prevention using a mineral mix based on bentonite, zeolite, magnesium oxide, and sodium bicarbonate (Mix plus). The values obtained for the rumen pH content show that subacute rumen acidosis occurs in in 20 percent of the examined cows in the early stage of lactation. For these investigations, cows in early stages of lactation were chosen and divided into 2 groups. Cows of the experimental group were administered a fodder mix which contained the mineral mix for a buffer effect (Mix plus). The average values of the rumen pH content in the control and the experimental group of cows at the beginning and on the 30th day of the experiment were approximately the same and did not differ significantly (p>0.05). On the 60th day of the experiment, the values for the electrochemical reaction of the rumen content for the control group amounted to an average of 6.219±0.18, and for the experimental group of cows it was 6.772±0.23. The obtained difference was statistically very significant (p lt 0.001). At the end of the experiment, on the 90th day, the average pH value of the rumen content of cows of the control group was 6.308±0.16, while this value in the experimental group of cows was significantly higher and amounted to 6.676±0.29 (p lt 0.01). Cilj istraživanja u ovom radu je bio da se utvrdi učestalost pojave subakutne acidoze buraga krava (SARA) u prva tri meseca laktacije i mogućnost njenog preveniranja korišćenjem mineralne smeše na bazi bentonita, zeolita, magnezium-oksida i natrijum-bikarbonata (Mix plus). Vrednosti dobijene za pH sadržaja buraga pokazuju da se kod 20 posto ispitivanih krava u ranoj fazi laktacije, pojavljuje subakutna acidoza buraga. Za ova ispitivanja odabrane su krave u ranoj fazi laktacije i podeljene u 2 grupe. Krave ogledne grupe dobijale su krmnu smešu u koju je umešana mineralna smeša sa puferskim dejstvom (Mix plus). Prosečne vrednosti pH sadržaja buraga u kontrolnoj i oglednoj grupi krava na početku i 30. dana ogleda bile su približno iste i nisu se statistički razlikovale (p>0,05). 60. dana ogleda vrednosti elektrohemijske reakcije sadržaja buraga za kontrolnu grupu su iznosile proseč no 6,219 ± 0,18 a za oglednu grupu krava 6,772 ± 0,23. Dobijena razlika je bila statistički visokoznačajna (p lt 0,001). Na kraju ogleda, 90. dana, prosečna vrednost pH sadržaja buraga krava kontrolne grupe je iznosila 6,308 ± 0,16 dok je u oglednoj grupi ta vrednost bila značajno veća i iznosila 6,676 ± 0,29 (p lt 0,01).

The aim of the research of this paper has been to examine concentration of the main colostrum ingredients after calving, when mammary gland activity is very intensive before the forthcoming lactation. Holstein-Frisian cows have been chosen for this experiment. The experiment has included cows that have had at least one (n=5) up to more lactation cycles (n=8). The cows yielding 7000 litters of milk p.a. in the previous lactation and have minimum two calving cycle. Of each animal one samples of colostrum have been taken. The results obtained show that there are statistical value (p lt 0.001) in concentration of the proteins, lipids, lactose, calcium, phosphorous, dry supstances examined in cows colostrums with one lactation, while another cows group with more lactateon, between three and seven, concentration of proteins, lipids and lactose is statistical values is p lt 0.01, calcium, dry supstances and pH statistical values is p lt 0.001, while concentration of phosphorus is on statistical values p lt 0.1. With compare those groups concentrations of phosphorus and pH statistical values is p lt 0.1, while concentration in proteins, lipids and lactose, statistical values is not proof. Ispitivali smo koncentracije glavnih sastojaka kolostruma krava Holštajn-Frizijske rase, vezanog sistema držanja, koje su podeljene u dve grupe. U prvoj grupi su bile krave koje su imale jednu laktaciju, u drugoj grupi su krave sa više laktacija. Analizom pojedinačnih vrednosti unutar grupa dokazano je da postoji statistički vrlo značajna razlika u sadržaju sastojaka kolostruma kod krava koje su imale jednu laktaciju. Kod druge grupe krava, razlika u sadržaju ispitivanih parametara je na nižem nivou statističke značajnosti. Međusobnim poređenjem ovih grupa dokazana je značajna razlika u sadržaju fosfora (p lt 0.05).

In this paper we presented recent results about initiation and consequences of acid indigestion, especially in high yielding lactating cows in first two to three months after calving. It is pointed to the consequences of acid indigestions, and one of them is aseptic sub dermatitis which cause serious economic loses in cattle production. In this paper, it is presented that this problem could be resolved using mineral mixtures with buffering activity, prepared on bentonite, zeolite, magnesium oxide and sodium bicarbonate basis. Supplementation of this mineral mixture, in amount of 1%, beside prevention of rumen acidosis, significantly reduced frequency of aseptic sub dermatitis incidence, and increased milk production and milk fat content. U radu se razmatraju novija saznanja o uzrocima nastanka i posledicama do kojih dolazi usled kiselih indigestija goveda, u prvom redu kod visokoproizvodnih krava u prva dva do tri meseca posle teljenja. Skrenuta je pažnja da su posledice kiselih indigestija višestruke, a jedna od njih je i aseptični pododermatitis koji nanosi značajne ekonomske štete u govedarskoj proizvodnji. Ukazano je da se ovaj problem može rešavati korišćenjem mineralnih smeša sa pufernim dejstvom, na bazi bentonita, zeolita, magnezijum oksida i natrijum bikarbonata. Uključivanje ove mineralne smeše u koncentrat (u količini od 1%) pored preveniranja acidoze buraga značajno je doprinelo smanjenju učestalosti aseptičnog pododermatitisa kao i povećanju količine mleka i sadržaja masti u mleku.

The contemporary informations about importance and possibilities for maintaining the optimal electrochemical reaction in the organism in high yielding dairy cows were given in this paper. The most important functions were shown for cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) and anions (P3-, S2-, Cl-), and variability in their content in feedstuffs. The equations for calculation the cation/anion balance (DCAD)in cow diets were given and practical examples of their use. It is concluded that the problem of optimal electrochemical reaction in the body of high yielding dairy cows can be solved, although to a limited extent, using feedstuffs with favorable cation/anion ratio. When it is not possible to solve the problem with feedstuff choice, the effective way is to use chemical compounds in the form of cation and anion salts, and preparations based on natural minerals (zeolite, bentonite). The results of experiments where some DCAD-regulating mixtures were used and their effects on prevention of hypocalcaemia, which causes puerperal paresis, and the main productive and reproductive parameters in cows. U radu se razmatraju novija saznanja o održavanju optimalne elektrohemijske reakcije u organizmu visokomlečnih krava. Ukazano je na važnije funkcije katjona (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) i anjona (P3-, S2- Cl-) i posledice njihovog deficita ili suficita u obrocima. Date su formule za izračunavanje bilansa katjona i anjona u obrocima (BKAO) i praktični primeri njihove primene. Zaključeno je da se elektrohemijska reakcija u buragu, a time i u organizmu visokomlečnih krava može rešiti korišćenjem hraniva sa odgovarajućim odnosom katjona i anjona. Kada ne postoji mogućnost da se ovaj problem reši izborom hraniva, efikasan put je korišćenje preparata na bazi soli ili prirodnih mineralnih sirovina ( zeolit i bentonit i dr).