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The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Most genotypes in the National Cooperator Database now originate from cows, but most previous studies validating genomic predictions have primarily focused on bulls. This study paired official within-breed genomic PTA (GPTA) and parent average (PA) for genotyped heifer calves born between 2019 and 2021 using the August 2021 database with their corresponding performance deviations (PDEV) for 17 different traits. The PDEV data became available when the heifers completed their first lactation and were extracted from the August 2023 database in which at least one PDEV value for those 17 traits existed for each genotyped heifer record. The separate breed analyses included records for 219 Ayrshires (AY), 2,715 Brown Swiss (BS), 1,055 Guernseys (GU), 949,904 Holsteins (HO), and 125,275 Jerseys (JE). These validation cows were heifer calves born between 2019 and 2021. However, due to timing or recording patterns, each trait had missing or incomplete PDEV data, leading to unbalanced distributions of records across traits. The squared accuracy of genomic prediction, or genomic reliability (r2), was divided by the corresponding heritability for each trait, as only the heritable portion of cow records could be predicted, and this reliability varied across different traits and breeds. For HO and JE, the predictive ability of GPTA outperformed PA in predicting cow PDEV for yield, productive life, SCS, fertility, and health traits. The improvement ranged from 33% to 142% compared with the predictive ability of the PA. However, the results for AY, BS, and GU breeds were less consistent due to the smaller number of genotyped heifers. The r2 gains in those breeds were smaller and aligned with the published reliabilities of GPTA. Weighted and unweighted regressions of PDEV on GPTA and PA traits mostly exceeded the expected value of 2.00 when predicting the future trait PDEV using GPTA or PA. The larger number of observations and lower SE of the weighted regression coefficient prediction in HO and JE breeds contributed to more stable and consistent regression coefficients for all traits except milk fever and heifer livability. Our study suggests that herd owners may experience greater benefits from genomics than originally forecast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study was to assess the recent evolution of cattle breeding in Alpine areas based on the number, quality and price of calves sold at local auctions in the South Tyrol region over the last decade, as case study. In addition, the effect of grazing during dam’s late gestation on calves’ auction quality was investigated to assess whether the inclusion of pasture in Alpine production system has an impact on auction parameters of calves beside its well-known positive effects on cattle welfare and the environment. Similarly, to other geographical areas, the study revealed that the numbers of crossbred calves (especially from specialised dairy breeds) has increased over the last years also in the Alpine area, because of more targeted breeding plans with an intensive use of beef bulls’ semen. Further, purebred calves from dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Alpine Grey, Pinzgauer) received a higher remuneration in terms of price and market value at auction than purebred calves from specialised Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss cows. A part of these animals could be available to support an innovative alpine meat supply chain which, if grass-fed, could further strengthen the current landscape maintenance service provided by the mountain livestock husbandry. Dams grazing during the last 90 days of gestation had a limited negative effect on calves’ liveweight and quality traits at auctions. All these results provide useful technical insights to support the switch from dairy to suckler herd system as future productive alternative for some small-scale mountain cattle farms whose viability is essential for the provision of several ecosystem services in the fragile Alpine environment.

The main aim of the study was to assess the recent evolution of cattle breeding in Alpine areas based on the number, quality and price of calves sold at local auctions in the South Tyrol region over the last decade, as case study. In addition, the effect of grazing during dam's late gestation on calves' auction quality was investigated to assess whether the inclusion of pasture in Alpine production system has an impact on auction parameters of calves beside its well-known positive effects on cattle welfare and the environment. Similarly, to other geographical areas, the study revealed that the numbers of crossbred calves (especially from specialised dairy breeds) has increased over the last years also in the Alpine area, because of more targeted breeding plans with an intensive use of beef bulls' semen. Further, purebred calves from dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Alpine Grey, Pinzgauer) received a higher remuneration in terms of price and market value at auction than purebred calves from specialised Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss cows. A part of these animals could be available to support an innovative alpine meat supply chain which, if grass-fed, could further strengthen the current landscape maintenance service provided by the mountain livestock husbandry. Dams grazing during the last 90 days of gestation had a limited negative effect on calves' liveweight and quality traits at auctions. All these results provide useful technical insights to support the switch from dairy to suckler herd system as future productive alternative for some small-scale mountain cattle farms whose viability is essential for the provision of several ecosystem services in the fragile Alpine environment. The present study offers an overview about the evolution of cattle farming in the Alps over the last decade. Overall, the small-scale holdings operating in the case study area of South Tyrol maintain their dairy orientation, but there is a growing trend to implement crossbreeding schemes to increase the economic value of the offspring not kept for replacement. The local fattening of a part of these calves could support an innovative Alpine beef supply chain. As no relevant effect of the use of pasture by the pregnant dams on calves auction price and market value was observed, such chain, especially if grass-fed based, could further strengthen the landscape maintenance service provided by the mountain livestock husbandry. An increase of crossbred calves over the years is recognisable in Alpine area Dual-purpose and crossbred calves are heavier than dairy ones and leading to higher selling prices at auctions Calves market value at auctions remained stable over the last decade The percentage of grazing dams was higher in dual-purpose breeds Dams grazing over the last part of the gestation had a limited effect on auction parameters of calves [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of DGAT1, FABP, OLR1 and ATP1A1 genes using PCR-DNA sequencing, and to associate these genetic structures to changes in metabolic biochemical markers and milk composition indicators in a total of 90 dairy cows of the Holstein, Simmental, and Brown Swiss breeds (30 cows each). PCR was carried out for amplification of 411-bp of DGAT1, 525-bp of FABP, 582-bp of OLR1, and 300-bp of ATP1A1 genes. Three breeds’ nucleotide sequence variations in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detailed by DNA sequencing analysis. Chisquare analysis showed that the distribution of all discovered SNPs varied significantly (P < 0.001). Biochemical indices in cow’s serum revealed no significant difference in serum total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol among the three breeds. However, triglyceride showed a significant increase in Simmental compared to either Holsteins or Brown Swiss, while the highest mean value of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) was detected in Holstein dairy cows The milk composition indicators analysis revealed that milk protein, sugar, and density were significantly higher in Holsteins than both Simmental and Brown Swiss. Meanwhile, milk fat and total solids revealed a significantly higher increase in Simmental than both brown Swiss and Holstein. As a result, the metabolic biochemical markers profile along with the identified SNPs could be used as a candidate and a reference guide for effective characterization of the Holstein, Simmental, and Brown Swiss breeds, leading to the creation of a marker-assisted selection system for production traits in dairy cattle breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical environments, dairy cattle production is constrained by several factors, including climate. The seasonal loss of milk due to heat stress is a recurring challenge for many dairy producers. The objective of this study was to detect heat stress thresholds, milk yield loss and individual animal variations using random regression models for dairy cattle from test-day milk records. Data were obtained from the Kenya Livestock Breeders Organization for the years 2000–2017 and merged with weather data. The weather parameters were grid-interpolated solar and meteorological data obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources (NASA/POWER). After editing, the records comprised 49 993, 45 251 and 36 136 test-day records for first, second, and third lactations, respectively, for the four main dairy breeds: Friesian (68.0%), Ayrshire (21.1%), Jersey (7.6%) and Guernsey (3.3%). Variance components were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood in ASReml software. Random regression models with third-order Legendre polynomials were fitted to the average and individual lactation curves and the reaction norms. An extended factor analytic variance structure for the random cow effects was used to estimate (co)variances between days in milk and thermal load. The daily average temperature (TA) and temperature humidity index (THI) were identified as the most suitable thermal load indicators for assessing milk yield losses. Considering a one day lag, the estimated heat stress thresholds were about 22 °C and 69 index units for TA and THI, respectively. Almost no differences were observed for estimated residual variances between the thermal load indicators, indicating there was no better model fit by TA or THI. The heat stress thresholds and milk loss patterns are important for management of dairy production systems in the tropics with climatic conditions similar to this study. Data recording should be improved as a tool to monitor the expected impacts of climate change and mitigation measures.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation of organic selenium (Se) in non-lactating goats, as well as possible changes in the physiological responses of thermoregulation and in blood constituents under semiarid conditions. The study was undertaken for 42 consecutive days using 22 animals. Data were collected: (1) meteorological, (2) physiological and (3) haematological. The respiratory rate, rectal temperature, epidermis temperature and surface temperature of the pelt presented decreasing values from day zero to the 42nd day of evaluation, with the highest reduction in animals supplemented with Se. For haematological values, it was observed that the values of packet cell volume and mean corpuscular volume decreased significantly (p < 0.05) on the 42nd day of the experiment. For the animals that received dietary supplementation, it is possible to identify a greater association with factor 1, some haematological variables, and for factor 2, some physiological traits were also highlighted. The addition of Se in the diet reduced endogenous heat by reducing respiratory thermolysis and the superficial temperatures of the skin and epidermis, improving sensible and latent heat dissipation and keeping the rectal temperature within normal limits. Abbreviations: RR: respiratory rate; RT: rectal temperature; CT: coat surface temperature; ET: epidermis temperature; RH: relative humidity; AT: air temperature; RHL: radiant heat load; BGHI: black globe humidity index, PCV: packet cell volume; HC: haemoglobin concentration; MCV: mean cell volume; MCH: mean cell haemoglobin; MCHC: mean cell haemoglobin concentration; WBC: white blood cell count; RBC: red blood cell; PCA: principal component analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth, conformation, carcase and meat quality traits of crossbred calves obtained in the Alps from selected Belgian Blue sires (BB) and Brown Swiss (BS), Simmental (Si) and Rendena (Re) dams were studied, emphasising differences on dairy and dual purpose maternal breed. Six pens with five heifers (3 BB × BS, 1 BB × Si, 1 BB × Re) and six pens with four young bulls (2 BB × BS, 1 BB × Si, 1 BB × Re) were used. In total 53 crossbred calves were tested: 30 from BS dams and 23 from dual purpose (12 from Si and 11 from Re dams). Growth performances were measured, carcases were scored for muscle conformation and fatness, the fifth rib was dissected, and the Longissimus thoracis (LT) was analysed. The maternal breed had significant effects when the calves from dairy cows (BB × BS) were compared to those of the dual purpose breeds (BB × Si and BB × Re), as at slaughter the former were 1.2% taller, 6.0% less in vivo muscle score, 5.0% less carcase muscle score, with a 13% greater proportion of bone in the rib, and their LT had 12.5% less drip losses, but 3% greater cooking losses and 25% greater shear force. It was concluded that when using a BB as a sire, the dam breed has influence on the growth performance traits of the derived crossbreds, but the major influence would regard the carcase and meat quality traits. In the Alps, these differences are reflected in different sold prices of the crossbred calves from dairy and dual purpose breeds at local auctions.

Beef production is a natural possibility in dairy herds through culled cows and rearing bull calves for veal or beef production. This potential is not always exploited fully, probably because of its relatively small contribution to overall farm income. Studies were conducted comparing different breeds in crossbreeding programs towards improving milk output, fertility and beef production potential through rearing of dairy and crossbred bull calves as veal or beef. Initially, Jersey cows in a pasture-based system were serviced by Belgian-Blue and Limousin sires. Crossbred bull and heifer calves were reared on pasture to 24 months of age and growth rate parameters compared to Jersey steers. At marketing, the live weight of crossbreds was heavier than Jersey steers, although lower than expected because of poor pasture quality and utilization. Further crossbreeding studies included Holstein and Jersey cows serviced by either purebred sires or Fleckvieh sires, a Simmentaler-derived breed from Germany. Pure- and crossbred bull calves were reared intensively as veal to live weights of approximately 200 kg to ensure a carcass weight not exceeding 100 kg. Another group of bull calves were reared as beef to 21 months of age on rain-fed pasture. As expected, the daily live weight gain was higher in crossbred bull calves and steers compared to Jersey calves and steers, while not differing between Fleckvieh x Holstein and Holstein bull calves and steers. A preliminary study also indicates that the pure Holstein bull calves may perform well in the feedlot. Results indicate a potentially higher beef income for crossbred veal calves and steers. Further studies are required to determine an optimal feeding program and marketing age as well as its effect on beef quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different silage-based diets in Holstein and Nordic Red dairy bulls were studied. • Increasing silage proportion in the diet led to a higher meat shear force value. • Increasing silage proportion in the diet decreased meat redness and yellowness values. • Marbling score of meat was higher in Nordic Red compared to Holstein bulls. • Drip loss was higher in Holstein compared to Nordic Red bulls. The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of different silage-based diets on beef quality of Holstein (HO) and Nordic Red (NR) bulls. Moderate concentrate diet (MC) included grass silage (GS), barley grain and mineral-vitamin mixture in proportions of 600:385:15 on dry matter basis while the respective proportions on low concentrate diet (LC) were 850:135:15. No concentrate diet (NC) included GS, whole-crop barley silage and mineral-vitamin mixture (685:300:15). Thirty-five HO and 30 NR bulls (21–22 bulls per feeding treatment) were randomly selected for the meat quality research. One day post-slaughter, the muscle longissimus lumborum (LL) from the right side of each carcass was cut at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. The pH value of LL muscle was highest in LC, intermediate in MC and lowest in NC diet but did not differ between the breeds. For meat lightness a significant (P < 0.05) breed × diet interaction was observed. The NR bulls had lighter meat compared to the HO bulls especially with MC, but not with LC. Meat redness and yellowness were higher in MC compared to LC or NC fed bulls (P < 0.001). The breed did not affect meat redness, but yellowness was higher in HO compared to NR bulls (P < 0.05). Drip loss was higher in LL of HO than NR bulls (P < 0.01). The diets had no effects on marbling score but it was higher in NR than HO bulls (P < 0.05). Shear force was lowest in MC but no difference was found between the LC and NC and between the breeds. No differences between the treatments were found in sensory tenderness, juiciness, and flavour. Overall, the observed diet effects on meat eating quality were minor. This demonstrated the ability of finishing dairy bulls to adapt to different feedings without major effects on meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of the Irish dairy herd has led to more dairy breed male calves being available for beef production. This study investigated the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of beef from Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey × HF (JEX) young bulls fed pasture grass only or pasture grass plus 2 kg concentrate during their first grazing season and slaughtered at 15, 19 or 22 mo of age. Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles were collected from 67 carcasses. Postmortem pH, ultimate pH (pHu), meat colour, chemical composition, collagen content and solubility were evaluated. After ageing for 21 d, Warner-Bratzler shear force and cooking loss were determined, and assessments by a trained sensory panel were conducted. Meat from older animals was darker. The pHu, moisture and ash contents decreased, while residual roast beef flavour length increased with age. However, increasing age to slaughter did not negatively influence tenderness. JEX beef had lower cooking loss, was darker and redder, in addition to having higher sensory scores for initial tenderness and fattiness than HF beef. Warner-Bratzler variables were positively correlated with cooking loss and chewiness and were negatively correlated with intramuscular fat (IMF) content, soluble collagen and initial tenderness. In summary, most young dairy bull beef samples were acceptably tender after 21 d of ageing and half of them had acceptable IMF content. Slaughter age affected beef colour, pHu, chemical composition and flavour length. The eating quality of meat from the JEX breed type was considered to be superior to that of the HF breed type. Diet during the first season had no effect on meat quality traits.

Data from standard milk recording are available for many dairy farms about 11 times per year and can be used cost-efficiently for herd management support and feed monitoring. Established threshold values for characterization of energy supply often do not agree with other recent animal related observations. For revision of the evaluation framework 15 different milk and dual-purpose breeds were compared on the basis of 7.37 million data sets from milk recording collected throughout Germany in the year 2015. There are, except of milk yield, very low differences between the numbers of lactation within the breed. Shape of lactation curves differs negligible between breeds, just the level and the characteristic are associated with performance and the predominant genetically fixed fat and protein contents. German breeds of Jersey and Angler are significant different to all other breeds in this analysis in milk fat content and fat:protein ratio (p < 0.0001). A common evaluation framework is obvious for German breeds Holstein, Simmental, Brown, red and white cattle breed, black and white cattle breed, Vorderwälder, Montbeliard, other breeds as well as Crossbreeds. Data suggest separate evaluation tools for Jersey and Angler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the classical sense, benchmarking is the most effective way to find hidden production reserves through a comparative analysis of production and economic indicators of farms (agricultural enterprises) in the industry. It allows you to determine your strengths and weaknesses; to identify those methods of work that need to be improved; compare your achievements with competitor performance; improve business processes and product quality, increase efficiency, reduce costs, etc. In this article by the method of benchmarking was determined the economic feasibility of keeping Lebedynska breed of dairy cows, despite the small amount of livestock. The calculations confirmed the economic feasibility of keeping the Lebedynska breed of dairy cows compared with other more common breeds of dairy cows, taking into account biologically-selective features. In the total cost of milk over 50% is the cost of forage. Therefore, to calculate how profitable is the milk production, it is worth to determine how many kilograms of milk we get from 1 kg of dry matter of forage. Among our calculations, the highest conversion rate of dry matter of forage (1.42-1.44) have Holstein, Ukrainian brown and Ukrainian black-pinto breeds, and the smallest has Ukrainian red-pinto breed (1.18). Lebedynska breed has an index of 1.28. It is very clear: increasing productivity will increase the efficiency of forage conversion and farm profitability. But important factor for the efficiency of forage conversion is the improvement of roughage quality. Productivity of cows has a direct dependence on feeding: Holstein breed has 31.9 kg of milk yield per day (fat 3.84%, protein 3.28%); Lebedynska - 25.1 kg per day (fat 3.8%, protein 3.43%). The structure of the cow ration determines the forage costs (the cost of a feed-day). The highest forage costs have the farms where the concentrated feed is dominated by the structure of ration. It`s the farms holding the Holstein breed - 191.7 UAH (by feeding 20.5 kg of grain per day per cow), the smallest - 82 UAH - farms holding the Ukrainian brown (4.3 kg grain per day per cow). In the structure of the diet of Lebedynska breed cows, grains contain 8.5 kg, and the cost of the feed-day is 100.3 UAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of male calves from the Irish dairy herd has increased following the abolition of EU milk quotas in 2015. This is a new resource for the industry, and they can be reared economically to produce meat of acceptable eating quality with optimal fatty acid (FA) profile. The effects of breed and feeding treatment on the FA profile of the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles of young dairy bulls (n = 69) of Holstein–Friesian and Jersey × Holstein–Friesian were evaluated. The relationship between FA composition and sensory characteristics was also investigated. Bulls were offered either 1 or 2 kg of concentrates at pasture during the first grazing season. Bulls finished on silage with 5 kg of concentrates or on ad libitum concentrates were slaughtered at 15 months of age, while bulls slaughtered at 19 months were fed either ad libitum pasture or pasture with 5 kg of concentrates during a second grazing season and finished on pasture with 5 kg of concentrates or ad libitum concentrates. Pasture-finished 19-month-old bulls had higher relative proportions of C18:0 (P < 0.001), C20:5n3 (eicosapentaenoic acid; P < 0.001), C18:2n6c (P < 0.05), C20:4n6 (P < 0.01), and total n-3 (P < 0.001) and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (P < 0.05), but reduced C14:0, C16:0, C14:1, C16:1 and total monounsaturated FA (P < 0.001) proportions than in other production treatments. The silage-based finishing system of 15-month-old bulls increased the relative proportions of C15:0 (P < 0.01), C18:0 (P < 0.001) and total saturated FA (P < 0.01), but decreased the proportions of C20:3n6 (P < 0.05) and total unsaturated FA (P < 0.01) compared with the ad libitum -concentrate finishing system. However, the feeding system of the first or second grazing seasons had limited effects on the FA profile. Jersey × Holstein–Friesian breed type had higher relative proportions of C14:1 and C16:1 (P < 0.05), but lower C15:0 (P < 0.01), C17:0 (P < 0.001) and C17:1 (P < 0.01) proportions than did Holstein–Friesian beef. Slaughter age did not affect the FA profile. Monounsaturated FA, C14:0 and C16:0 proportions were positively (P < 0.05) correlated, but polyunsaturated FA proportion was negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with intramuscular fat content, sensory roast beef aroma, flavour, flavour length, juiciness, initial tenderness and ease of disintegration scores. Finishing system and slaughter weight were well discriminated on the basis of FA relative proportions by canonical discriminant analysis. Fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy bull beef from different production systems is an important issue on the end of milk quotas. Forage-fed beef had relatively better nutritional property, while nutritionally beneficial FA had a negative effect on palatability. There appears to be considerable scope to change FA of beef to make it more acceptable to consumers from both healthiness and taste perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef production from cull cows is an additional source of income for dairy farms and greatly contributes to red meat production, but the sources of variation of live animal characteristics and the carcass traits of cull cows have rarely been examined. This study investigated the effects of the farm type, breed, age at slaughter (AGE) and calving to culling interval (Calv_Cull) on the body traits and carcass characteristics of dairy and dual-purpose cull cows. Data from 555 cull cows from 182 herds belonging to five farm types, characterised by a combination of housing and feeding systems, were recorded and analysed. Dairy breeds, such as Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss, and dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Rendena) were included in the trait assessments. The day before slaughter, the cows were weighed and scored for body condition (BCS) and fleshiness, and then, their heart girth and wither height were measured. At the slaughterhouse, the carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), carcass conformation and fatness scores, carcass price per kg and carcass total value were obtained. On average, the cows were slaughtered at nearly 71±27 months of age, 285±187 days after the last calving; 615±95 kg BW; and provided a 257±51 kg CW. Nearly 50% of the cows fell within the BCS range of 2.75 to 3.50, and the carcasses were mostly graded in the lowest class of conformation and fatness scores. Cull cows from free-stall farms had a higher DP, carcass conformation score and price than those from traditional tie-stall farms. The breed influenced the AGE, live animal characteristics and carcass traits. Cows from dairy breeds were younger at slaughter, had a lower BCS and fleshiness, and greater body measurements, but a lower DP and carcass price than those from dual-purpose breeds, although differences between the breeds were found within both groups. The age of the cows at slaughter influenced the Calv_Cull and increased the BW, body measurements and CW, but not the fleshiness and fatness appreciation (both in vivo and postmortem) or carcass price. The increasing Calv_Cull improved the BW, BCS, fleshiness, CW and carcass conformation and fatness. In conclusion, the decision to cull dairy cows should also take into account the factors that affect their carcass value in regards to improving the carcass price of cows.

Early-life nutrition affects calf development and thus subsequent performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect plane of nutrition on growth, feeding behaviour and systemic metabolite concentrations of artificially reared dairy bull calves. Holstein-Friesian (F; n=42) and Jersey (J; n=25) bull calves with a mean±SD age (14±4.7 v. 27±7.2 days) and BW (47±5.5 v. 33±4.7 kg) were offered a high, medium or low plane of nutrition for 8 weeks using an electronic feeding system which recorded a range of feed-related events. Calves were weighed weekly and plasma samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on weeks 1, 4 and 7 relative to the start of the trial period. The calves offered a high plane of nutrition had the greatest growth rate. However, the increased consumption of milk replacer led to a reduction in feed efficiency. Holstein-Friesian calves offered a low plane of nutrition had the greatest number of daily unrewarded visits to the feeder (P

Organic farming is believed by many to be an environmentally friendly production system that promotes the use of local forage while strongly limiting the input of chemicals, including allopathic treatments. As organic dairy farming has grown, farmers have realised that many available conventional breeds of cow are not well adapted to the new situations and that more 'robust' cows, able to function well in the constraining organic environment, are needed to yield acceptable longevity and productivity. In this review paper, the current breed diversity in organic dairy farming is analysed with the aim of identifying the types of cow that would best fulfil organic breeding goals. Unlike the conventional sector, organic dairy farming is very heterogeneous and no single type of cow can adapt well to all scenarios. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of existing breeds (rustic Holstein-Friesian, other rustic breeds and crosses), and strong genotype × environment interactions demand different strategies for very diverse situations. Organic dairy farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume would benefit from using higher milk yielding cows, and rustic Holstein-Friesian cows may be the best option in such cases. Although most Holstein-Friesian cows are currently selected for use in conventional systems, this situation could be reversed by the implementation of an organic merit index that includes organic breeding goals. Farms producing milk either for systems that recompense milk solids or for transformation into dairy products would benefit from using breeds other than Holstein-Friesian or their crosses. Organic farmers who focus on rural tourism, farm schools or other businesses in which marketing strategies must be taken into account could benefit from using local breeds (when possible) or other rustic breeds that are highly valued by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth, conformation, carcase and meat quality traits of crossbred calves obtained in the Alps from selected Belgian Blue sires (BB) and Brown Swiss (BS), Simmental (Si) and Rendena (Re) dams were studied, emphasising differences on dairy and dual purpose maternal breed. Six pens with five heifers (3 BB × BS, 1 BB × Si, 1 BB × Re) and six pens with four young bulls (2 BB × BS, 1 BB × Si, 1 BB × Re) were used. In total 53 crossbred calves were tested: 30 from BS dams and 23 from dual purpose (12 from Si and 11 from Re dams). Growth performances were measured, carcases were scored for muscle conformation and fatness, the fifth rib was dissected, and the Longissimus thoracis (LT) was analysed. The maternal breed had significant effects when the calves from dairy cows (BB × BS) were compared to those of the dual purpose breeds (BB × Si and BB × Re), as at slaughter the former were 1.2% taller, 6.0% less in vivo muscle score, 5.0% less carcase muscle score, with a 13% greater proportion of bone in the rib, and their LT had 12.5% less drip losses, but 3% greater cooking losses and 25% greater shear force. It was concluded that when using a BB as a sire, the dam breed has influence on the growth performance traits of the derived crossbreds, but the major influence would regard the carcase and meat quality traits. In the Alps, these differences are reflected in different sold prices of the crossbred calves from dairy and dual purpose breeds at local auctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented the data about the state of genetic resources of the dairy cattle breeding industry of Ukraine. Noted a small number of breeding stock under control in the basic breeds that reduces the intensity of selection and the probability of evaluating the breeding value of sires. The possibilities and necessity of applying modern approaches based on achievements in genetics (genomics), biotechnology (extracorporal fertilization, in vitro fertilization) have been proved. Consider options for small breeding population of such species as Ukrainian Black Pied, Red Pied, Red and Brown dairy breed. Established a steady trend regarding the growth of the proportion of Holstein breed of North American origin. Made proposals on breeding directions with the main dairy breeds in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-life nutrition affects calf development and thus subsequent performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect plane of nutrition on growth, feeding behaviour and systemic metabolite concentrations of artificially reared dairy bull calves. Holstein-Friesian (F; n=42) and Jersey (J; n=25) bull calves with a mean±SD age (14±4.7 v. 27±7.2 days) and BW (47±5.5 v. 33±4.7 kg) were offered a high, medium or low plane of nutrition for 8 weeks using an electronic feeding system which recorded a range of feed-related events. Calves were weighed weekly and plasma samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on weeks 1, 4 and 7 relative to the start of the trial period. The calves offered a high plane of nutrition had the greatest growth rate. However, the increased consumption of milk replacer led to a reduction in feed efficiency. Holstein-Friesian calves offered a low plane of nutrition had the greatest number of daily unrewarded visits to the feeder (P<0.001). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were greater in F calves on a low plane of nutrition (P<0.001). Although there was no effect of plane of nutrition, BHB concentrations in F calves increased before weaning, concomitant with an increase in concentrate consumption. Urea concentrations were unaffected by plane of nutrition within either breed. Jersey calves on a low plane of nutrition tended to have lower triglycerides than those on a high plane (P=0.08), but greater than those on a medium plane (P=0.08). Holstein-Friesian calves offered a high plane of nutrition tended to have greater triglyceride concentrations than those on a medium plane (P=0.08). Triglycerides increased from the start to the end of the feeding period (P<0.05), across both breeds. A medium plane of nutrition resulted in a growth, feeding behaviour and metabolic response comparable with a high plane of nutrition in pre-weaned bull calves of both F and J breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Beef production from cull cows is an additional source of income for dairy farms and greatly contributes to red meat production, but the sources of variation of live animal characteristics and the carcass traits of cull cows have rarely been examined. This study investigated the effects of the farm type, breed, age at slaughter (AGE) and calving to culling interval (Calv_Cull) on the body traits and carcass characteristics of dairy and dual-purpose cull cows. Data from 555 cull cows from 182 herds belonging to five farm types, characterised by a combination of housing and feeding systems, were recorded and analysed. Dairy breeds, such as Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss, and dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Rendena) were included in the trait assessments. The day before slaughter, the cows were weighed and scored for body condition (BCS) and fleshiness, and then, their heart girth and wither height were measured. At the slaughterhouse, the carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), carcass conformation and fatness scores, carcass price per kg and carcass total value were obtained. On average, the cows were slaughtered at nearly 71±27 months of age, 285±187 days after the last calving; 615±95 kg BW; and provided a 257±51 kg CW. Nearly 50% of the cows fell within the BCS range of 2.75 to 3.50, and the carcasses were mostly graded in the lowest class of conformation and fatness scores. Cull cows from free-stall farms had a higher DP, carcass conformation score and price than those from traditional tie-stall farms. The breed influenced the AGE, live animal characteristics and carcass traits. Cows from dairy breeds were younger at slaughter, had a lower BCS and fleshiness, and greater body measurements, but a lower DP and carcass price than those from dual-purpose breeds, although differences between the breeds were found within both groups. The age of the cows at slaughter influenced the Calv_Cull and increased the BW, body measurements and CW, but not the fleshiness and fatness appreciation (both in vivo and postmortem) or carcass price. The increasing Calv_Cull improved the BW, BCS, fleshiness, CW and carcass conformation and fatness. In conclusion, the decision to cull dairy cows should also take into account the factors that affect their carcass value in regards to improving the carcass price of cows. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Meat quality traits for Holstein–Friesian (HF), Norwegian Red × Holstein–Friesian (NR) and Jersey × Holstein–Friesian (JE) cattle reared to slaughter as two genders (bulls and steers) and 2 slaughter weights (570 kg and 640 kg) were compared. Adipose tissue from JE was more yellow (p

The present study was carried out to develop valuation index for dairy cattle and buffalo in Tamil Nadu. The data were collected through personal interview using pre-tested interview schedule from 525 dairy cattle and buffalo owners from 7 districts in Tamil Nadu, viz. Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Namakkal, Salem, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Thiruchirapalli covering 4 agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. A multiple linear regression equation was fitted for arriving at the valuation index for various breeds of dairy cattle and buffaloes. The overall dairy cow valuation index was also fitted and it explained 57.70% of variations through the included variables. The factors like activeness, triple wedge, pregnancy and milk yield were found to be highly significant and each unit of the above variables had influenced the value of animals to the tune of ₹2,431.81, ₹2,728.59, ₹1,114.07 and ₹719.54, respectively. The factors like milk yield and pregnancy were found to be significant and had influenced the value of buffaloes to the tune of ₹1,746.81 and ₹4,188.62, respectively. On the other hand, the factor on calving interval had significant negative influence on the buffalo value to the tune of ` 575.22 per year. As a whole, many variables like activeness, whirls, triple wedge, pregnancy and milk yield were highly significant and each unit of the above variables had influenced the value of dairy animals to the tune of ₹ 2,543.45, ₹2,462.60, ₹2,414.79, ₹1,706.37 and ₹1,044.27, respectively. In addition, 2 variables namely breed and species were included to fit the overall cattle and buffalo valuation index and the results implied that these variables were significant at 1% level and they had the influence of ₹2,178.00 and ₹3,462.99, respectively on the cattle and buffalo value.

Prions are responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also called scrapie in sheep. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PRNP have been shown to play a crucial role in terms of incubation period and/or susceptibility to scrapie. Considering codons 136, 154, 171, five main alleles, associated with different degrees of susceptibility to classical scrapie have been detected. Homozygous ARR sheep are resistant to scrapie infection, however this genotype is not so frequent in some breeds. VRQ and ARQ alleles on the other hand are associated with a high susceptibility to scrapie. Additional polymorphisms within the ARQ allele, have been associated with scrapie resistance. Therefore, it is important to assess the frequency of both main and minor allelic variants, in order to develop a breeding programme based on genetic selection that simultaneously, increases scrapie resistance, and maintains a high variability of PRNP. Allelic and genotypic PRNP frequencies, at the three main codons, were determined in four sheep breeds reared in central Italy (Appenninica, Bergamasca, Comisana and Sarda). Moreover homozygous ARQ sheep have been investigated to measure the frequencies of minor allelic variants. In this study the AT 112 RQ and ARQK 176 protective allelic variants were detected. The AT 112 RQ allele was observed (ranging from 6.3% to 31.8%) in all the analysed breeds with the exception of Sarda sheep. The ARQK 176 allele by contrast was observed only in Sarda breed (4.6%). Moreover five non synonymous polymorphisms were also found (Q101R, G127S, L141F, H143R, and H180Y). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the impact on emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) of cheese production based on milk from different types of hay and breeds of cows in Denmark. An integral part of the study involved estimating GHG emissions from production of hay in a climate less favourable for field drying. The GHG emission was estimated using life cycle assessment (LCA) with kg of milk and kg of energy-corrected milk (ECM) delivered to the dairy and kg of cheese at the retailer as functional units (FU). Allocation at farm gate, between milk and meat, was made according to the biological relation between energy requirement for milk and meat production or as an economic allocation. Allocation at the dairy, between cheese and whey, was made either as an economic allocation or by system expansion. Inventory data were based on farm, herd and crop production data from commercial farms participating in research activities with controlled production of hay, in combination with either production information from cheese processing or literature estimates, all built into a static model. There was no effect on GHG emission per kg cheese of the proportion of herbs in the hay, but an effect of breed was found. The carbon footprint (CF) per kg cheese was lowest – 9.88 kg CO 2 eq. – for milk from the Jersey herd compared with 12.1 and 12.7 from the two Holstein herds, although the GHG emission per kg milk at farm gate was highest from Jersey, but this was more than offset by a higher utilisation of Jersey milk for cheese production. The GHG emission from farm to retailer contributed less than 10% to total emissions, with the largest contribution from the energy used for cheese manufacture at the dairy, including storage. Methane was the largest source at approximately 50%, followed by feed production and the rearing of heifers. Use of energy for hay-drying added 7–8% to emissions and soil carbon change on average 3%, with some variation between farms. The sensitivity analysis showed that higher herb content could potentially reduce methane emissions by 6–7%, while the herbs' larger roots had only a marginal effect on GHG emissions from soil carbon at product level. If the feed conversion in Holstein breeds was assumed the same as in Jersey, the difference in emission per kg cheese due to breed was reduced but still lower from Jersey, which illustrates the positive effect of Jersey milk composition on cheese production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aimed to develop a valuation index for dairy cattle and buffalo in Tamil Nadu, India. Personal interview using pre-tested interview schedule was conducted in 525 dairy cattle and buffalo owners from seven districts, in which a multiple linear regression equation was used to arrive at the index. The index covers pregnancy and milk yield, calving interval, and breed and species.

The crossbreeding with the Jersey breed has been used mainly as an alternative to increasing the concentration of milk solids in Holstein herds. Mastitis is a major cause of culling in dairy herds and the loss of milk quality. The somatic cell count in milk (CCS) is an indicator of subclinical mastitis, and has difference in your presentation in breeds, which is the motivation of this study, whose aim was to evaluate the somatic cell count in milk of crossbred Holstein x Jersey cows and pure Holstein. Data were obtained from a herd located in the municipality of Carambeí-PR, which has pure Holstein cows and crossbred Holstein x Jersey in different proportions of each breed. Somatic Cell Count (SCC) data were obtained from the official milk control in the period of 2005-2010. The SCC data were transformed to somatic cell score (SCS) and subjected to analysis of variance using repeated measures. Adult crossbred cows (from 3 years old at the time of calving), had lower ECS (P<0.0001). It was concluded that adult crossbred cows have lower somatic cell score (SCS) in relation to adult Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the main polymorphisms in casein beta (CSN2), casein kappa (CSN3) and lactoglobulin beta (LGB) genes in Estonian dairy cattle and compare these among breeds. The study was based on 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms among 122 individuals from three cattle breeds. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and genotypic disequilibrium tests were performed. Genotypic differentiation was statistically significant between Estonian Red and Estonian Native cattle and between Estonian Red and Estonian Holstein cattle. Regarding CSN3, Estonian Holstein were characterized by a high genotype AA frequency in comparison with the other common AB genotype and higher A-allele and AB genotype frequency for LGB. The proportion of uncommon CSN3 B-allele (BB and BE genotypes) in the studied breeds was higher in the Estonian Red. For CSN2, the A2 allele occurred more frequently in Holstein and Estonian Native cattle than in Estonian Red. The studied genetic variants of milk proteins influence milk yield, milk composition and may have a range of implications for human health. Utilization of natural genetic resources represented by local breeds is helpful in cattle breeding, and in sustaining the breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 8 valid, reliable, rapid, non-invasive indicators were used to assess sheep welfare. • Farmers scored the relevance of the 8 animal welfare indicators. • Mastitis was scored as the most relevant followed by leanness and lameness. • No differences between dairy and dual-purpose farms were found in terms of welfare. Accurate and reliable on-farm protocols are essential in sheep welfare evaluation. However, protocols with a high number of measures are demanding in terms of time. The aim of this trial was to use a few already validated, reliable, feasible, rapid and non-invasive animal-based indicators to evaluate and compare welfare on dairy and mixed purpose sheep farms. Indicators included prevalence of leanness, fleece condition, fleece cleanliness, skin lesions, tail docking, lameness, hoof overgrowth and mastitis. Farmers were asked to rank the relevance of the animal welfare indicators. Nine farms with dairy and nine farms with dual-purpose breeds were tested. The relevance given by eighteen farmers was affected by the type of indicators. Farmers scored mastitis as the most relevant welfare indicator, followed by leanness and lameness. The least relevant indicator was docked tail. The prevalence of poor fleece condition was lower in dairy sheep, whereas dual-purpose farms had higher prevalences of tail-docked animals. Farms showing a higher prevalence of skin lesions had animals with lower body condition and higher longevity. Hoof overgrowth was positively correlated with fleece dirtiness. No differences between dairy and dual-purpose farms were found in terms of the final score, which ranged from 33 (best welfare score) to 187 (worst welfare score). The final score was highly variable among farms. Identification of indicators showing higher prevalences allow the farmers to identify the main areas for intervention at farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of research on dairy crossbreeding. "Comparison of the Fertility of Pure Holstein Sires and F1 Jersey x Holstein Sires Mated to Pure Holstein Cows in an Experimental Herd," by K. Weigel and C. Maltecca; "Effect of Holstein Females Carrying Holstein Versus Jersey Sired Calves on Subsequent MEMilk, Days Open and Involuntary Culling," by A. J. Seykora et al; "Overview of Different Breeding Objectives in Various Countries for Holsteins," by F. Miglior.

Presents abstracts of research on dairy crossbreeding. "Comparison of the Fertility of Pure Holstein Sires and F1 Jersey x Holstein Sires Mated to Pure Holstein Cows in an Experimental Herd," by K. Weigel and C. Maltecca; "Effect of Holstein Females Carrying Holstein Versus Jersey Sired Calves on Subsequent MEMilk, Days Open and Involuntary Culling," by A. J. Seykora et al; "Overview of Different Breeding Objectives in Various Countries for Holsteins," by F. Miglior.

Presents abstracts of research on dairy crossbreeding. "Comparison of the Fertility of Pure Holstein Sires and F1 Jersey x Holstein Sires Mated to Pure Holstein Cows in an Experimental Herd," by K. Weigel and C. Maltecca; "Effect of Holstein Females Carrying Holstein Versus Jersey Sired Calves on Subsequent MEMilk, Days Open and Involuntary Culling," by A. J. Seykora et al; "Overview of Different Breeding Objectives in Various Countries for Holsteins," by F. Miglior.

Various strains of Holstein–Friesian cattle have been imported into Ireland in recent years. The objective of this study was to evaluate for beef production the male progeny of New Zealand (NZ) and European/American (EU) Holstein–Friesians, and Belgian Blue×Holstein–Friesians (BB). The NZ animals were imported from New Zealand as embryos which were implanted into Irish heifers. The EU animals were the progeny by artificial insemination (AI) of high genetic merit Irish cows and high genetic merit European/North American-bred bulls. The BB animals were the progeny both by AI and natural mating of Belgian Blue bulls and Holstein–Friesian cows on commercial farms. A total of 96 spring-born male cattle (32 per genotype) were reared from calfhood to slaughter. They spent their first summer together at pasture and they were then blocked on weight to a 3 genotypes (NZ, EU and BB)×2 production systems (bulls and steers)×2 slaughter weights (550 and 630 kg) factorial experiment. After slaughter, carcasses were measured and the ribs joint was dissected into subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, muscle and bone. For NZ, EU and BB, respectively, mean daily gains from arrival to slaughter were 773, 822 and 850 (S.E.D. 9.8) g, mean carcass weights per day from arrival were 425, 459 and 528 (S.E.D. 3.8) g, mean kill-out proportions were 496, 508 and 554 (S.E.D. 2.8) g/kg and mean carcass weights were 284, 302 and 339 (S.E.D. 3.0) kg. Carcass conformation score, carcass fat score, fat depth and m. longissimus area did not differ significantly between NZ and EU, but BB had higher values for carcass conformation and m. longissimus area and lower values for the fatness indicators. Compared with NZ, EU had more muscle and bone and less fat in the ribs joint, while BB had more muscle and less fat and bone than the dairy strains. Bulls had significantly higher slaughter and carcass weights per day from arrival than steers and also had a higher proportion of muscle and a lower proportion of fat in the ribs joint. Delaying slaughter increased slaughter and carcass weights but there was no significant effect on ribs joint composition. It is concluded that EU were slightly superior to NZ for beef production and BB were considerably superior to both dairy strains. Rearing as bulls rather than as steers improved carcass traits and retaining animals to a heavier slaughter weight improved carcass compactness with little effect on rib joint composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increasing demands for land is necessitating the optimisation of grazing land used for livestock production. Hormonal growth promoter implants (HGPI) are widely used to improve cattle performance and thus land-use efficiency. However, there is limited information on their efficacy in grazing systems. Forty grazing steers, 10 of each breed (Angus, Hereford, Holstein, Overo Colorado), had growth rates monitored for 85 days after which half received HGPI and half continued as a control. Growth rates were monitored for an additional 61 days and performance between the groups compared. Implants had a significant impact on liveweight gain (LWG; p = 0.013), and whilst breed did not (p = 0.65), there was an interaction effect of breed × treatment (p = 0.029). For three of the four breeds, the LWG was greater in the implant group (mean +14.3%). The exception was for Holstein steers which did not respond to the implant. In general, HGPI were found to be effective in increasing LWG of grazing cattle and thus has the potential to increase yield densities and relieve pressures of land use and competition. The efficacy may be affected by breed and other extraneous factors not covered in this study. Furthermore, the use of HGPI must be carefully considered in a wider context since its use might have secondary impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical environments, dairy cattle production is constrained by several factors, including climate. The seasonal loss of milk due to heat stress is a recurring challenge for many dairy producers. The objective of this study was to detect heat stress thresholds, milk yield loss and individual animal variations using random regression models for dairy cattle from test-day milk records. Data were obtained from the Kenya Livestock Breeders Organization for the years 2000–2017 and merged with weather data. The weather parameters were grid-interpolated solar and meteorological data obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources (NASA/POWER). After editing, the records comprised 49 993, 45 251 and 36 136 test-day records for first, second, and third lactations, respectively, for the four main dairy breeds: Friesian (68.0%), Ayrshire (21.1%), Jersey (7.6%) and Guernsey (3.3%). Variance components were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood in ASReml software. Random regression models with third-order Legendre polynomials were fitted to the average and individual lactation curves and the reaction norms. An extended factor analytic variance structure for the random cow effects was used to estimate (co)variances between days in milk and thermal load. The daily average temperature (TA) and temperature humidity index (THI) were identified as the most suitable thermal load indicators for assessing milk yield losses. Considering a one day lag, the estimated heat stress thresholds were about 22 °C and 69 index units for TA and THI, respectively. Almost no differences were observed for estimated residual variances between the thermal load indicators, indicating there was no better model fit by TA or THI. The heat stress thresholds and milk loss patterns are important for management of dairy production systems in the tropics with climatic conditions similar to this study. Data recording should be improved as a tool to monitor the expected impacts of climate change and mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A wide-range MALDI-MS lipid characterization of dairy breeds oocytes were provided. • The lipid profiles of the oocytes could be discriminated between the pure breeds. • Gir and crossbred oocytes were predominantly represented by phospholipids. • Holstein oocytes were predominantly enriched in triacylglycerol. The differential expression of many productive and reproductive traits has already been associated with the genotype effect observed between Bos taurus indicus (Bos indicus) and Bos taurus taurus (Bos taurus) breeds. Lipids have a crucial role during oocyte development. The aim of this work was to characterize the lipid profiles of oocytes recovered from dairy breeds: Gir (Bos indicus), Holstein (Bos taurus) and their crossbred (Gir x Holstein). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected by ovum pick-up from Gir (n=21), Holstein (n=36), and crossbreed (n=33) cows and submitted to MALDI-MS lipid fingerprint analysis. Multi- and univariate analyses were used to characterize lipid profiles of oocytes derived from each breed. Third lipid profiles (Gir n=7; Holstein n=12; and crossbred n=11) were evaluated and allowed characterization of oocyte's lipids among breeds. The lipid profiles from Gir and Holstein were observed to be the most distinct, whereas Gir and crossbred oocytes presented greater similarities. Overall, a wide-range oocyte lipid profile characterization from distinctive bovine dairy breeds recovered by OPU were provided. We have identified two distinguishable lipid profile patterns among groups and revealed that phospholipids and triacylglycerol were the predominantly lipid assigned in Gir (Bos indicus) and Holstein (Bos taurus) oocytes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]