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Brazil has one of the largest herds in the world and is highlighted in global dairy production. To reach the final consumer, milk and dairy products undergoes several stages from milking on farms up to distribution in supermarkets. All these dairy products must be inspected by one of the sanitary authorities at the federal, state or municipal levels, which will supervise the hygiene and sanitation practices used throughout the production chain. However, it is known that nowadays there is sale and consumption of milk and dairy products that were not inspected, putting the population into risks. This study aimed to assess consumers' knowledge about foodborne diseases and the informal consumption of dairy products and posteriorly educating them about the risks of consuming milk and illegal dairy products. We conducted 120 interviews with questions structured in a semi-open questionnaire, verifying the interviewees' knowledge about the consumption of milk and dairy products inspected or not and the diseases transmitted by dairy products. It was observed that 97% (117/120) of people consumed milk and dairy products, 21% (25/120) people preferred to consume informal products directly from the producer and 8% (9/120) stated that they have this preference because consider them as healthier products. Only 9% (11/120) of persons knew the meaning of official inspection seals from federal, state and municipal inspection services (SIF, SIE, SIM), with only 7% (9/120) persons looking for the seal when buying a product. After applying the questionnaire, with the intention of promote health education, a folder was delivered to respondents, containing information on milk contamination, on foodborne diseases and on the importance of inspection of animal origin products. These results demonstrated that improving or adopting educational actions are urgently required on this population, reducing or eliminating the trade and consumption of informal products which can cause risks to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus argenteus is a new specie positive coagulase staphylococci. We investigate the presence of S. argenteus in isolates previously classified as S. aureus, obtained from the milk of cows with mastitis in Brazil. Results: Among 856 S. aureus tested in chocolate agar, tryptone soya agar and salt egg yolk agar, white or colorless colonies were observed in 185 (21.6%) isolates. Regarding the ctrOPQMN operon, 111 (60%) presented the complete cluster. Despite some missing genes in this cluster, the remaining strains (74) were confirmed as S. aureus using the nrps gene. Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first review of S. aureus collection in Brazil and S. argenteus does not appear to be a significant problem in Brazilian herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis occurring in the municipality of Montes Claros de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil, from December 2015 to August 2016. Seven acute cases in June 2016 triggered the subsequent search. Methods: A total of 251 individuals were selected through an active search, of which 114 (45.4%) agreed to participate in the research and blood collection. For serological diagnosis were used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG and IgM and avidity tests. Results: Of the 114 serum samples evaluated, 12.3% (14/114) showed antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, with a profile indicative of acute infection. Samples of artisan fresh cheese, public water, vegetables and irrigation water were collected. Toxoplasma gondii DNA fragments were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction from two samples of artisan fresh cheese and a sample of irrigation water from the vegetable garden. A control case study was carried out, and the variable cow's artisan fresh cheese consumption was statistically significant (p =.01). Conclusions: The results showed that cheese analysed and/or irrigated water of vegetable represented an important route of transmission for the disease. This is the first reported outbreak possibly caused by cow's artisan fresh cheese. It is difficult to prove that these routes were the cause of the outbreak; however, the findings allow us to infer that the individuals involved in the outbreak were in contact with these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The term ESKAPE, recognized by the WHO, is an acronym, which refers to the pathogens Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., which is extremely virulent and multidrug-resistant. Although the term is used to designate nosocomial pathogens, in a milking environment, strains of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus have been isolated from cattle diagnosed with clinical and subclinical mastitis. Resistant strains may be involved in the transfer of genes conferring resistance to beta-lactam antimicrobials among the species of microorganisms related to mastitis etiology. This study aimed to trace the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of susceptibility to beta-lactams in S. aureus isolated from milk of cattle diagnosed with subclinical mastitis obtained from different rural properties located in the North of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Materials and Methods: Sixteen microorganisms previously identified as S. aureus isolated from milk of cattle diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were submitted to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF), mass spectrometry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for microbial species confirmation. The S. aureus beta-lactams antimicrobial phenotypic resistance profile was investigated by disk diffusion method. PCR methods were also performed to investigate the S. aureus genotypic beta-lactams resistance profile. For this purpose, blaZ, mecA, mecALGA251, blaOxa23, and blaKPC genes were screened among S. aureus isolates. The genetic diversity of S. aureus by fingerprint random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR was also performed in this study. Results: All isolates showed phenotypic resistance to at least three beta-lactams, among which was meropenem. None of the isolates tested positive for the genes mecALGA251, blaOxa23, and blaKPC; however, the presence of the genes blaZ and mecA was detected among the isolates. The fingerprint analysis divided isolates into two distinct groups and 15 different subgroups. Despite the presence of clonality among the isolates, the PCR-RAPD analysis unveiled a heterogeneous profile with genetic diversity among the S. aureus isolates. Conclusion: In this study, we identified beta-lactams resistant S. aureus strains isolated from the milk of cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. The S. aureus beta-lactams resistance was investigated using a phenotypic and genotypic approach. We believe that molecular epidemiology, improved knowledge, and genetic basis of resistance to beta-lactams might assist in asserting guidelines for better management practices of dealing with subclinical mastitis and mapping of origin of resistant pathogens in the studied Brazilian area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasons influence the production of buffalos’ milk. Because of this, the producers may produce a mixture of buffalo and bovine milk during cheese production in periods of low production. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate fraud in buffalo cheese and the relationship between seasonality and different physicochemical properties of buffalo cheeses produced and marketed in eastern Amazonia. We obtained commercial samples of buffalo cheese during two Amazonian climatic periods from commercial points of Marajó-Pará, Brazil. After collection, there were lipid, protein, ash, and humidity analyses. Determination of carbohydrates and energy values was also performed for the nutritional characterization of samples, as well as for mPCR analysis to detect buffalo and/or bovine DNA. DNA extraction protocol of the samples was standardized and two pairs were used for the mPCR reaction, amplifying fragments of approximately 220 bp for Bubalus bubalis DNA and 346 bp fragments for Bos taurus DNA. Among the samples acquired in the rainy season, we observed that 33% were inadequately labeled, indicating fraud from cow’s milk incorporation and fraud from substitution of raw material. From the nine samples obtained in the dry season, all the samples showed cow’s milk incorporation fraud. The highest fraud rate coincided with the period of low milk production from buffalo and there was a difference in composition between fraudulent and non-fraudulent cheeses. Therefore, seasonality influences increase in cattle milk for the production of buffalo cheese, and this adulteration may decrease the nutritional content of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen with a worldwide distribution that is responsible for Q fever in humans. It is a highly infectious bacterium that can be transmitted from cattle to humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk. We report the molecular identification of C. burnetii in raw cow's milk being sold directly for human consumption in Brazil without official inspection or pasteurization. One hundred and twelve samples of raw milk were analysed by real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and C. burnetii was detected in 3.57% (4/112) of the samples at a concentration ranging from 125 to 404 bacteria per millilitre. The identification of this zoonotic pathogen in raw milk sold directly for human consumption is a public health concern since C. burnetii can be transmitted through the oral route. This result indicates that health education and other preventive measures should be officially implemented in Brazil to prevent the spread of infection. To our knowledge, this is the first qPCR‐based detection of C. burnetii in raw milk samples from cows sold in Brazil that do not undergo official inspection or pasteurization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional is the property of Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Portal de Periodicos Eletronicos Cientificos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study compared two breed groups of Girolando (½ Holstein ½ Gyr vs. ¾ Holstein ¼ Gyr) through analysis of physiological, productive, and reproductive parameters to determine the group best suited to rearing in a semiarid tropical climate. The experiment was conducted at the Companhia de Alimentos do Nordeste (CIALNE) farm, in the municipality of Umirim, State of Ceará, Brazil. Eighty cows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial study; 40 of each breed group were kept under an extensive system during the wet season and an intensive system during the dry season. The collection of physiological data and blood samples were obtained in the afternoon after milking. Rectal temperature (RT), surface temperature (ST), and respiratory rate (RR) were obtained for each cow after milking. Blood samples were obtained by tail vein puncture and were determined triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and cortisol. The environmental parameters obtained were relative humidity (RH) and air temperature (AT), and from these, a temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. Pregnancy diagnosis (PD) was determined by ultrasonography 30 days after artificial insemination (AI). The milk production of each cow was recorded with automated milkings in the farm. The variables were expressed as mean and standard error, evaluated by ANOVA at 5 % probability using the Proc GLM of SAS. Chi-square test at 5 % probability was applied to data of pregnancy rate (PR) and the number of AI's to obtain pregnancy. It can be concluded that the breed group ½ Holstein ½ Gyr is most suited for farming under conditions of thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty samples of Requeijão Marajoara cheese and thirty samples of Minas Frescal cheese, made both with buffalo milk, were analyzed to determine main components levels and physicochemical characteristics. The cheeses were obtained from industrial establishments located in the municipalities of Salvaterra, Marajó Island, and Moju, northeastern of Pará State. The data were statistically analyzed by Descritive Analyses, using the SAS® system. For the Requeijão Marajoara, the average results obtained were: pH 5.15 (± 0.13); acidity 0.62% (±0,08); moisture 43% (±1.64); fat 31.57% (±3.13); fat on dry extract (FDE) 55.84% (±4.38); protein 34.59 % (±1.68); and ash 2.45% (±0.47). For the Minas Frescal pH 6.26 (±0.69); acidity 0.15% (±0.14); moisture 60.99% (±2.58); fat 25.09% (±1.68); fat on dry extract (FDE) 62.95% (±4.38); protein 11.06% (±1.65);and ash 2.09% (±0.32). The variation between macronutrients and physicochemical characteristics revealed standardization lack in the technology used in the processing, what can be related to the inexistence of specifi c legislations for the elaboration of these flowed from buffalo milk. It's crucial the establishment of criteria for processing and legal requirements, aiming to obtain standardized products, with consequent aggregation of values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gestão e Regionalidade is the property of Universidade Municipal de Sao Caetano do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The health and safety at work are important and might be considered as essential and relevant for all productive sectors, including agribusiness, specifically in the milk chain production. This paper presents the results of an environment work conditions analysis in a milking sector at southwest region of Bahia State. The study aimed to identify the occupational risks (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and accidents), as well as aspects related to food hygiene. The research consisted in a case study with qualitative and exploratory characteristics, aiming to observe and report the real conditions identified in the work environment and comparing with the current legislation. It was diagnosed predominantly ergonomic and accident risks, as well as irregular sanitary conditions that can result in biological risks. It was not found chemical or physical risks in the sector. Facing the results, it was proposed some recommendations involving issues related to organizational conditions, by offering training on operational procedures and health and safety at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the adulteration of goat milk produced by smallholders in semiarid northeastern Brazil with bovine milk as an adulterant. The study was requested by the association of smallholder producers in the region to investigate and to inhibit adulteration practices as a need to ensure the quality and safety of goat milk. A duplex PCR assay has been developed and standardized. Further validation was performed in 160 fresh bulk goat milk samples. The detection limit of the duplex PCR was 0.5% bovine milk in goat milk and the results indicated that 41.2% of the goat milk presented to market was positive for bovine milk. Making the test available to the association of producers, together with extension activities, have been applied to reduce adulteration in goat milk sold to small-scale dairy plants and to ensure the species origin for goat milk in the state of Paraíba. c [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New statistical models for genetic parameters estimation based on longitudinal data have been proposed. In this study, we considered the data of 47,614 test-day milk yields from 1,578 buffaloes, with 4,757 complete lactations, calving from 1985 to 2006. Single-, two- and multiple trait analyses were used and variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood. The model used to evaluate the milk yield trait at 305 days (MY305) included: i) herd-year-calving season (contemporary group) and milking number as fixed effects; ii) buffalo age at calving as covariate (linear and quadratic effect); iii) additive genetic, permanent environmental, residual and the animal as random effects. The same effects were included in the test-day milk yield model except the contemporary group, defined as herd-year-test day. The heritability estimations for TDMY vary from 0.13 to 0.23 for single-trait analyses, from 0.13 to 0.24 for two-trait analyses and from 0.15 to 0.24 for the multiple-trait analyses. The results obtained for each of the three models showed that the higher heritability estimations were always obtained in the third test month. The genetic correlations between the TDMY and MY305 were high and positive. In conclusion, the TDMY trait use into the selective process will promote genetic changes similar to the ones obtained through the MY305. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives were to evaluate age at first calving, and weight and gain in the milking phases of buffalo in Brazil, using 462 heifers at first parturition and 1,125 calves with gain during the milking phase and weaning weight (PROMEBULL program). The model included fixed effects of season, year, sex, herd, age of dam a covariate and random error. To evaluate age at first calving we used dams with age equal or less than 60 months. The model has fixed effects of month, year of dam at calving, herd and month of birth of dam. All sources of variation were significant. Buffalo show good gain in the milking phase and have potential for use in meat production. The parturitions were concentrating in the first semester of the year (84%). The Brazilian Buffalo has best growth in the summer due the high forage production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good manufacturing practices (GMP) training course was applied for goat milkers and evaluated using microbiological analysis in milk before and after training. Milkers from three dairy goat farms located in São Paulo, Brazil, were submitted to a one-hour course on GMP and recommended guidelines for milking. Samples of raw milk were collected before and one to two months after training, and analysed for aerobic mesophilic, psychrotrophic, coliform, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp counts. Only mesophilic counts decreased ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify the length of post-partum anoestrus (PPA) in Anglo-Nubian and Saanen goats raised in North-eastern Brazil. Thirty-four Anglo-Nubian and 25 Saanen goats were used and the following parameters were observed: parity (order I or II), type of parturition (single or multiple), length of PPA, type of oestrous cycle, milk production and body condition score (BCS). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between breeds for PPA length. Concerning order I, Saanen goats showed a higher PPA when compared to Anglo-Nubian (P<0.05). In both breeds, order I goats showed a higher PPA than order II (P<0.05). Concerning the type of parturition, no significant difference was observed for the length of PPA. Anglo-Nubian goats showed a shorter first oestrous cycle length (mean±S.E.M.) (23.89±5.64 days) when compared to Saanen goats (46.20±9.50 days) (P<0.05). For both breeds it was observed a greater proportion of long oestrous cycles (P<0.05). Saanen goats showed higher daily milk production in comparison to Anglo-Nubian breed (P<0.001). A significant fall in BCS was observed (P<0.05) in both breeds. In conclusion, when raised in North-eastern Brazil, Saanen goats showed more efficient milk production but presented a longer PPA in primiparous females. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The economic importance of donkeys has decreased in Brazil, which has led to their mass abandonment. Asinine milk production is a potential solution to the reintroduction of donkeys into the Brazilian social and economic scenario. The milk has nutraceutical properties that make it valuable for human consumption, and thus a donkey dairy industry is likely to help stop their abandonment. That said, in any such industry, the welfare of jennies maintained for milk production must be guaranteed. Few studies have been published measuring the impact of milking management on the welfare of jennies and foals, and the potential behavioural and physiological challenges it may cause. It is also unknown whether these animals adapt to the milking routine. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of separating Pêga jennies from their foals for 2 h on indicators of welfare. Animal welfare was analysed through behavioural and hormonal assessments, their potential adaptive responses and effects on milk yield. Few significant alterations were found in behaviour, salivary cortisol concentrations, or milk yield as a result of the 2-h separation, which could indicate that the welfare of the animals was not compromised; however, the adaptation of jennies and foals to separation stress remains to be fully verified. The 2-h separation period, based on the reported data, is possibly not a stressful experience for the assessed group of Pêga jennies and foals. The reported protocol, which included frequent positive interactions with the animals, may be useful to assure acceptable animal welfare levels for donkeys in small-scale dairy production settings. The goal of this study was to assess whether or not a separation period of 2 h is stressful for jennies and foals, as measured by changes in behaviour, salivary cortisol, and milk production. This study was reviewed and approved by the Committee for the Use and Care of Animals in Research (CEUA) of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo. Fourteen multiparous Pêga jennies (245 kg average body weight) and their foals were assessed from day 45 to 135 of lactation. Dams and foals were separated for 2 h prior to milking. Behavioural assessments and saliva samples were collected before and after separation, every 15 days, resulting in 14 samples per individual animal. Behavioural states (affiliative and inactivity) and events (agonistic, abnormal, eliminative and vocalisations) of the jennies were observed during 6 min in both periods. Moreover, milk yield was measured. Few significant behavioural and salivary cortisol changes were observed, and milk yield was not affected by cortisol levels in response to the separation. The 2-h separation period, on the basis of the collected variables, did not appear to be stressful for the assessed group of Pêga jennies or foals; however, their ability to adapt to milking routine stress remains to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to identify and characterize the producers of buffalo milk in the state of Pernambuco. The farms were located with help from the Builders Association of Buffalo and Defense Agency and Supervisory Agricultural State of Pernambuco. The study was conducted in eighteen different farms from January to October 2009, but only six of them explored buffalo milk. Farmers were handed with a questionnaire with the purpose of gathering data on their farms. The questions addressed infrastructural and technological management aspects. Infrastructural issues were centered at identifying the farm's location, its average land area and access roads. As for the technological management, its goal was to define which technical resources being used for reproductive management, feed management and milking management. The data obtained from the questionnaire were subjected to frequency analysis so to identify common points. From the inspected farms, 50% were greater than 100 hectares, 42.82% had fewer than 50 cows, pasture with dry roughage supp lamentation represented 66.66% of intake food, 71.43% held natural breeding, and in 57.14% of them the milking was conducted manually with calf at foot. Mostly, the buffalo milk producers in Pernambuco use low-cost system with low technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalos have become an economically viable source of protein due to their adaptability, precocity and longevity. Knowledge about the behavior of this species contributes to its welfare and good performance in terms of productivity. In an attempt to promote advances, 24 Murrah buffaloes participating in an improvement program at Recôncavo of Bahia, Brazil, were monitored during the first three months of Milk Control (CL) for their behavior in the milking room, in the presence of st rangers. The behavioral variables monitored through direct observation were: permanence in the milking room (TPOR); milking time (TOR); rumination (Ru); defecation (Def); miction (Mic); reactivity (Reat); stress level (Nest). In addition, records were made of milk production on the date (PLO), milk production one week later (PLP) and class (CAT1 for first parturition and CAT2 for multiparous). The mean TPOR was 21, and the mean TOR was seven minutes. Only one defecated and three urinated during the first CL. Approximately 50% presented Reat mode equal to 1, 33% equal to 2 and only 17% equal to 3, with 80% in CAT1 and 58% in CAT2 showing little or no restlessness during milking. As for the modal Nest, only t wo CAT2 animals were rated as restless, 40% as slightly restless and 50% as quietly. The mean PLO was 7.54 kg, whereas the mean PLP was 10.06kg. The modal Nest and CAT were significant (P<0.05) over the mean PLO and PLP, and the females presenting Nest equal to 2 (slightly restless) produced 5kg more than those whose Nest values were 1 (restless). The modal Reat and the CAT were not significant over the same traits (P>0.05). The rank correlations between PLO and PLP were significant (P<0.05) and ranged between 0.44 and 0.91, suggesting that the presence of strangers during CL affected milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was conducted a comparative study of bubaline populations of Cuba and Brazil with 7346 y 10152 records respectivaly of milking and reproductive traits corresponding to calving period between years 1962 - 2001 with 14 herds (Brazil) and 1985 - 2008 with 62 herds (Cuba). The possibilities of mixed and random regression models are stressed in prediction of genetic values and repetabilities and also possible joint works between both countries in this sence. It was outlined 13 general conclusions related with differences in milking production and reproductive performance of cow buffa loes of both countries that can be used as guides in future projections of breeding work. The use of mixed and random regression models processing similar databases without genealogy as the used in the present study are common in Cuba and possibly in other countries to handle the initial situation accounted for amelioration of buffaloes for milking and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming evaluate the influence of the actions of stockpeople in buffaloes behavior in the parlor, 271 buffaloes were observed on day-control, in the morning, in mechanized milking, belonging to 3 properties in State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We recorded the milking time (TO), the time spent in the parlor (TSO) for each dam, and yours movements in teat cup attachment moment (MOV: stop, pass or kick) and occurrence of urination or defecation in parlor. The actions of stockpeople were classified as positives and negative. The managements in properties were different concerning the frequencies of negative actions (Hitting: c2=11,94; df =2; p<0,01) and positive actions (Talk: c2=11,15; df =2; p<0,01; Naming: c2=7,51; df =2; p<0,05). The property I had a higher frequency of negative actions (30% the animals suffered assaults physical). In property III a higher frequency of positive actions (the stockpeople talked with 23% of the animals and were the only one to naming the buffaloes) were found. The property II had intermediate values of these actions. The property on which had greater proportion of negative actions were also higher frequencies of urination (c2=14,51; df=2; p<0,01) and defecation (c2=22,11; df=2; p<0,01), which showed to be dependent on the MOV (p <0.01), but there were no differences between the properties on this record (p = 0.08). When classfying activities in the parlor the frequency of animals reactive (kicking, urination and defecation) were also higher in the property I. Thus, we conclude that the treatment is carried out with negative and actions such as hitting the animal increases the reactivity of the buffaloes in the parlor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Days in milk, low BCS and parity were associated with increases of lameness prevalence. • Severely lame cows produced on average 1.3 kg/day less milk than non-lame cows. • The slipperiness of the alley located adjacent to the feed bunk was associated with higher lameness prevalence. • Cows in sand deep-bedding freestall and compost-bedded barns had lower lameness prevalence. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate factors associated with lameness in dairy cows on intensive farms in southern Brazil. Farms (freestall: n = 38; compost-bedded pack: n = 12) having on average 274 (range: 41–901) lactating cows were visited once in 2016 (March to October). Potential risk factors for lameness at the cow, pen and herd levels were investigated through inspection of facilities, examination of cows and the use of data collected on routine management practices. All milking cows on each farm were assessed for gait score and BCS (n = 13,716). Associations between lameness, days in milk (DIM), BCS, parity, and test-day milk yield were investigated in 16 farms with available data (n = 5,301 cows). Mixed-effects linear and logistic regressions were used to model the data. Within-herd lameness prevalence was 41.1% (range: 13.8–64.5, SD = 11.3). First- and second-lactation cows after 120 DIM and older cows after 335 DIM were more likely to be observed lame than early lactation cows. Greater parity and low BCS (≤ 2.75) were associated with increased odds of lameness. Severely lame cows had lower milk yield (on average 1.3 kg/d) than non-lame cows. Freestall dairies using mattresses as stall base had greater within-pen (95% CI: 52–69%) and herd-level (38–57%) lameness prevalence than compost-bedded farms. Higher lameness prevalence was observed on farms having slippery feed bunk alley floors (32–49%) and shortened dry periods (< 60 days: 32–42%). First-lactation pens had lower predicted within-pen lameness prevalence (0–4%) and special-needs pens higher (52–73%) compared with the prevalence observed in compost-bedded fresh-cow pens (19–41%). Freestall pens using sawdust deep-bedding had greater (46–68%) within-pen lameness prevalence, but the prevalence in barns using sand was not different from compost-bedded farms. Given the high lameness prevalence observed in this study, there is a great opportunity for implementation of lameness prevention programs. Providing walking surfaces with high traction that facilitates mobility and using soft and deep-bedded material, such as compost and sand (and avoiding the use of mattresses) may reduce lameness prevalence in the types of dairy farms visited in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gir cows (adapted to tropical conditions) and Holstein bulls (more productive) have been crossbred in Brazil to improve dairy production. In general, this crossbreeding program was a success and at present, many specialized farmers have Holstein cows with varying percentages of Gir blood. Although Gir cows and Gir/Holstein cows are reputed to be easily stressed and not well-adapted to machine milking, adaptation to exclusive machine milking has not been described in the literature for these cows. Taking this into account, 6 Gir cows (group G), 6 Gir x Holstein cows (F3; group GH) and 6 Holstein cows (group H) were used to evaluate the effect of exclusive machine milking on oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CORT) release and on milk yield. Milk yield was recorded throughout lactation. Blood samples were taken on days 45, 48, and 51 of lactation, before and after milking. Plasma concentration of OT was measured by EIA method and CORT was measured by commercial EIA Kit (dslab Inc). As expected, milk yield was significantly higher in the H group (25.6 ± 3.3 L/day) than in the GH group (20.2 ± 1.7 L/ day), and the GH group produced more milk than the G group (13.1 ± 1.0 L/day). In contrast, all groups exhibited similar levels of OT, although OT increased more rapidly during milking of the H and GH groups (1 min) than of the G group (3 min). Simultaneously, CORT levels were significantly different for groups, the G group presented highest levels of CORT than GH and H groups. Our results indicate that G, G/H and H groups presented similar release of OT during exclusive milking, however CORT levels were inversely related to milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unspecialized cattle farmers in Brazil have used crossbred Gir x Holstein cows to produce both calves and milk during spring and summer in extensive systems. Traditionally, these crossbred cows are reputed not to be welladapted to machine milking and are milked with their calves. However, this type of management increases the labour of milkers and also milking time. For these reasons, 10 Gir x Holstein cows (F2) were used to evaluate the effect of different milking methods on oxytocin (OT) and prolactin (PRL) release and on milk yield. All experimental cows were milked twice/day: 5 cows were suckled by their calves, immediately before and after milking (SM group) and the other 5 cows were separated from their calves and submitted to exclusive milking (M group). Milk yield was recorded throughout lactation. Blood samples were taken on days 60, 61, 62 and 63 of lactation, before and after udder stimulation. Plasma concentrations of OT and PRL were measured by EIA and RIA method, respectively. Highest OT levels were observed during suckling, however there were no significant differences between peak levels of OT measured during suckling and milking in the SM group. At the same time, both groups had similar levels of OT during machine milking, however, the hormone profiles were different because OT increased more rapidly in the SM group (2 min after the beginning of milking) than in the M group (5 min). In general, the SM group showed higher PRL levels than the M group and during suckling, PRL levels were significantly higher in the SM than in the M group. Despite these results, SM cows produced more milk (milking plus suckling, 18.4 ± 1.2 L/day) than M cows (15.0 ± 0.4 L/day). Our results indicate that both type of management were effective to induce OT and PRL release in crossbred Gir x Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]