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The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to global food security, human health, and the future of livestock production. Higher rates of antimicrobial use in dairy farming and the sheer lack of new antimicrobials available for use focused attention on the question of how the dairy production sector contributed to the development of AMR and paved the path toward taking action to curtail it on the targeted type of farms. This paper aims to provide an introduction to a phenomenon that has gained considerable attention in the recent past due to its ever-increasing impact, the use of antimicrobial drugs, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on dairy farms, and seeks to discuss the possibilities of approaches such as digital health monitoring and precision livestock farming. Using sensors, data, knowledge, automation, etc., digital health monitoring, as well as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), is expected to enhance health control and minimize disease and antimicrobial usage. The work presents a literature review on the current status and trends of AMR in dairy farms, an understanding of the concept of digital health monitoring and PLF, and the presentation and usefulness of digital health monitoring and PLF in preventing AMR. The study also analyses the strengths and weaknesses of adopting and incorporating digital technologies and artificial intelligence for dairy farming and presents areas for further study and level of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to carry out a short statistical analysis on the fat content of milk from two breeds of cattle from a farm in the Moldavian area. 30 milk samples were analysed, more precisely 23 from the Holstein breed and 7 from the Simmental breed in two periods, such as the cold season (autumn-winter) and the warm season (spring-summer). It is known that these breeds are among the best breeds of cows for milk, the first being considered the most productive in the world, and the second the best breed of cows for farms in Romania. The Holstein breed is a highly specialized breed for milk production, while the Simmental breed is a dual-purpose breed selected for both meat and milk production. Following the statistical analysis, it can be seen that there were significant differences between the two breeds of cattle studied and also between the milk fat content recorded in the cold season compared to the fat content recorded in the warm season. The value of P was less than 0.0001, confirming the heterogeneity of the data recorded in the two seasons. The main conclusion is that for the total experiment, the data are significant (alpha=5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a new type of cow's milk, called "A2 milk," has been introduced to the market. This type of milk was first marketed in New Zealand and has since gained a presence in the markets of several countries. It mainly contains two types of ß-casein: the A1 and A2 variants. In recent years, researchers have studied the possible implications of the composition of the ß-casein protein fraction for the manifestation of a new intolerance: milk protein intolerance. Casein is the main component of milk proteins, of which approximately 30-35% is beta-casein. A2 beta-casein has proline at position 67 of the protein amino acid chain, while A1 beta-casein has histidine at that position; this is associated with a possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort due to ß-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) released during gastrointestinal digestion. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the impact of A2 milk on human health as well as on its many technological qualities for the production of dairy products with improved health benefits for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health status of the hoof in dairy cattle is crucial for their overall well-being and productivity. Hoof diseases and lesions can lead to lameness, decreased milk production, and economic losses for dairy farmers. Traditional methods of assessing hoof health involve manual inspection and trimming, which can be time-consuming and subjective. This research article explores the potential use of a phone-connected infrared camera as a non-invasive and objective tool for assessing the health status of the hoof in dairy cattle, by investigating the association between foot skin temperature (FST) and locomotion scoring (LS) in a group of Romanian Black Spotted dairy cows. LS was carried out using the mobile app developed by the Wisconsin University (Locomotion Scorer). The thermograms were collected during afternoon milking and processed using the FLIR software. Overall, 73.9% of the cows were scored as non-lame, while 13.04% presented signs of foot lesions. The highest temperature observed in the interdigital area, in the lame group, by thermography, was T°=36.5°C. In conclusion, monitoring hoof health status in dairy cattle is essential for ensuring their well-being and productivity. The use of an infrared thermal camera for the assessment of foot surface temperature has shown promise as a noninvasive tool for evaluating hoof health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis, defined as the inflammation of the mammary gland, is the most important diseases of the mammary gland in cows due to the considerable losses in milk production and the danger that milk from ill cows poses to public health. The number of somatic cells in milk is the most important indicator used for directly evaluating the condition of the mammary gland and the quality of the milk. The development of inflammatory disease in the mammary gland is indicated by somatic cell counts above 200 000 cells per millilitre. Differences in the composition of milk, such as its lactose content, are related to variations in the number of somatic cells. The present paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the correlations between lactose content and milk somatic cell count, and the potential of this parameters as a biomarker for assessing udder health status in modern dairy cow health prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammary gland's secretion, called colostrum, is synthesized throughout the last weeks of pregnancy and the first few days following calving. It is meant to give the calf the necessary nutrients and physiologically active substances. High immunoglobulin concentration and low pathogen load define high-quality colostrum. The amount and quality of colostrum that is available and the timing of the first feeding after birth both have an impact on the level of immunity. Heifers produce substantially less colostrum than cows do, and the breed has a big impact as well. Colostrum handling and storage techniques, as well as milking procedures are essential steps toward quality colostrum management on dairy farms. This review focuses on colostrum management, methods, and techniques for assessing colostrum quality and the factors that influence bovine colostrum quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of dairy cattle changes when they are exposed to settings that cause heat stress. As a result, the analysis of changes in behaviour may serve as an indicator of abnormalities in either the environment or the body itself. In addition, precision livestock farming tools enable the individual and ongoing monitoring of animal behaviour, which might serve as a method for determining whether or not animals are treated properly. The goal of this study was to assess the effect that heat stress has on the behaviour of dairy cows. The research was conducted during the summer of 2022, in a dairy farm located in the north-east of Romania. A total 40 cows, with ages ranging from 3 to 5 years, average days in milk (DIM) and milk production of 85 +/- 35 days, respectively 21 +/- 2.2 kg (mean +/- SD) were included in the study. Temperature and Heat Index (THI) were computed each day, for the entire period of the study. Data regarding the individual activity pattern of each animal were provided by the AfiFarm software. The findings indicated that heat stress impacted animal behaviour, a significant correlation being observed between heat stressed and non-heat-stressed regarding the activity period (p <0.05), respectively the rest period (p <0.05). As the THI increased, the general activity and resting pattern were modified, implicitly impacting animal welfare. Precision livestock farming sensors and analysis of daily patterns may be excellent tools for monitoring animal behaviour and detecting heat stress-related changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is considered the leading cause of economic losses in dairy farms worldwide due to the associated treatment costs, reduced cow performance, milk quantity, and quality decline, as well as early culling. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC), and physicochemical milk parameters in Romanian Black and White spotted dairy cows. In the study conducted between March and September of 2022, on a farm from the Northeast Romania, a total of 62 cows, with ages ranging from 3 to 5 years, average days in milk (DIM) 75 +/- 35 days, and milk production 22+/- 1.8 kg (mean +/- SEM and clinical signs of mastitis were enrolled. Cows were clinically examined and milk samples were collected in order to evaluate milk SCC and physicochemical parameters such as fat, protein, lactose, casein, dry matter percentage, and density using the fluorooptic method (Combiscope, Delta Instruments). Statistical analysis was carried out using Graphpad Prism software. A correlation matrix was computed to establish the relationship between the number of somatic cells, and the physicochemical parameters of milk. A very small significant negative relationship was observed between somatic cell score and lactose percentage (r= -0.56), as well as milk fat (r= -0.39) and protein (r= -0.37). In conclusion, bovine mastitis has a negative impact on both milk production and composition, however further studies involving both healthy and cows with mastitis are needed for a more robust evaluation of clinical mastitis effect on milk parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colostrum is a mammary gland fluid that is produced and secreted throughout the last trimester of pregnancy and the first few days following calving. Colostrum aids in the growth, development, and protection of the new-born calves' immune system. In order for the immunoglobulins to be effective, colostrum it must be given to the new-born within the first few hours of life. Lab tests for IgG levels may be quite precise, but they are time-consuming and not always accessible to farmers. Colostrometer and refractometers could be foreseen as promising tools in the estimation of IgG for distinguishing colostrum of high quality. This paper describes quick methods for evaluating colostrum quality and prospective uses of colostrum in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the end of the teat is smooth and undamaged, and the skin is soft and elastic, the teat can ensure its function, as a natural barrier against the intrusion of microorganisms that cause mastitis. Any type of stress applied to a teat, even for a very short period of time can cause the teat's inherent ability to withstand bacterial stress to decrease. Teat skin dryness may favour the development of teat-end hyperkeratosis, a condition that, in turn, increases the likelihood of new intra-mammary infections in dairy cows. This condition also causes pain and discomfort for the cows, thus leading to a decline in milk production. Monitoring the level of teat end hyperkeratosis using a four-point system as well as other types of teat lesions in a dairy herd, on a consistent basis, may be an extremely helpful management tool for determining whether or not the milking routine is appropriate and the risk of mastitis is controllable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the optimal optimization of feed ration, it is crucial to assess the quality of the forage feed to dairy cows. To have a good production of milk and meat on a cattle farm, the farmers must collaborate with the nutrition and feed control laboratories in order to formulate in a timely manner feed that is nutritionally sound Non-destructive procedures provide benefits such as high sensitivity and minimal sample preparation. The portable instruments of near infrared spectroscopy can be utilized in "on line" and" modes, removing the need for lengthy response times and allowing for fast intervention in the prevention and/or correction of disorders. When determining the feed ratio for dairy cows, one of the physical parameters that are considered is nitrogen, and implicitly the protein level, which can also be readily measured using the Dumas analysis method. The paper presents the analysis of the protein content of various vegetable substrates with that are fed to dairy cows, results obtained by applying both destructive and nondestructive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolites are compounds of either natural or synthetic origin and have been employed successfully in a number of industries, including veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. Clinoptilolite is the form of naturally occurring zeolite that has undergone the most scientific study out of the 140 various varieties and is also used the most as a component in animal feed. Natural clay minerals and zeolites are administered with encouraging results due to their detoxifying, antioxidant, hemostatic, anti-diarrheal, and immunostimulant properties. In this paper, the characteristics and possible applications of clinoptilolite as an animal feed additive in order to prevent and/or treat particular diseases in dairy cows will be discussed. Natural and manufactured zeolites have been used as feed additives in cow nutrition, primarily to reduce the absorption of mycotoxins through the gastrointestinal tract, improve general health status, and increase overall animal performance. Clinoptilolite is marketed as a feed additive that helps maintain and improve the fertility, well-being, and productivity of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the quality of raw cow milk is essential to maintain food safety and human health. To guarantee the quality and safety of milk, easy-to-use non-destructive analysis methods are available. Non-destructive methods have made progress, being useful for obtaining quantitative and qualitative data, destroying the sample, and offering several advantages, such as high sensitivity, adequate response time, and minimal sample preparation. Conventional methods are laborious, destructive, toxic, and time-consuming, require fully equipped laboratories and skilled personnel, extensive sample preparation, and are not suitable for real-time continuous monitoring of milk quality. The rapid development of non-destructive methods for the evaluation of milk quality consists of applications based on imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, conductivity, biosensors, and ultrasound. This paper presents different non-destructive methods applied to determine the physicochemical parameters of raw milk (fats, proteins, lactose, casein, dry matter, acidity, density), the number of somatic cells, and the microbiological load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of milk is a component based on certain individual indicators that allow the correct assessment of the quality of the dairy product starting from the producing animal, the quality of the feed, the exploitation system, the state of health, milking hygiene, the storing and transportation conditions of milk towards the processing unit. The purpose of this study was to monitor udder health and establish a proper treatment based on a specialized protocol that employs the assessment of physicochemical milk parameters, number of somatic cells, as well as identification of the pathogen agent generating the disease. Milk samples from 69 dairy cows were collected at the beginning and middle of lactation, a total number of 19 cases of clinical and subclinical mastitis cases being observed. The physicochemical parameters of milk, somatic cell count, and pathogen prevalence were assessed. A very small significant negative relationship was observed between somatic cell score and lactose percentage, (r = 0.667, p < .001). The most frequent encountered pathogens were Streptococcus spp. A management approach for mastitis, as well as other diseases, should include the following major components: prevention, monitoring, and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is the most common reason for antibiotic usage in dairy cows, its costs being estimated at more than $350 per mastitis case. Accurately identifying the bacterial species at the core of a mastitis infection may help narrow down treatment choices and cut down on the overuse of antibiotics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of etiological agents in milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis using commercially available culture plates (ClearMilk, LabMediaServis, Czech Republic). Briefly, milk samples were collected from udder quarters with clinical mastitis and were aerobically cultured using the on-farm culture system. If two prominent mastitis pathogens were identified, the sample was labelled as "mixed growth," and if three or more pathogens were observed, it was labelled as "contaminated". Our results indicate that ClearMilk might be an useful on-farm milk culturing tool for detecting pathogens linked with bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases with a multifactorial aetiology that causes high economic losses in dairy industry, having a direct negative impact on the profitability of the farm and animal welfare. Fungal mastitis is widespread in dairy cows, and in recent years, fungal agents have been frequently reported as being responsible for mastitis. The aim of this study is to identify the species of fungi in various milk samples collected from cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis, in order to monitor the number of somatic cells. A total number of 30 samples of milk collected from cows diagnosed with mastitis were studied to determine if the disease was caused by the presence of fungal species or other etiological agents. In the analysed milk samples, a number of species of fungi belonging to the genera: Fusarium, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus were identified. The presence of fungal contamination in the environment is almost ubiquitous, thereby strategies to prevent fungal mastitis in dairy farms, have become the main goal for most farmers, in order to increase the quality of raw milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defined as the mammary glands/udder inflammation, mastitis caused by various infectious etiological agents, is still considered a debilitating condition in dairy cows, influencing both animal welfare and the dairy industry through decreased production performance and increased culling rates. The consumption of raw milk or other milk products is related to the microbiological quality of raw milk. The main disadvantages in applying laboratory microbiological culture are related to logistical limitations and the expense of shipping samples, as well as the time required for analysis to receive interpretations, which can range from three to five days. The aim of this study is to validate the Soleris System as a rapid alternative method to the plate-count method in order to assess the microbiological quality of raw milk. Thus, this study establishes the reliability of this alternative method for determining the total viable count in raw milk in samples from cows. In conclusion, raw milk evaluation using the Soleris System demonstrates its promise as a valid tool for accurate testing in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defined as a severe welfare problem, lameness in cattle is associated with impaired locomotion and lesions of the hind limb, affecting fertility, milk yield, and considerable economic losses. This study aims to determine the prevalence of lameness and to establish risk factors involved in herd lameness in cattle within a farm in the northeastern part of Romania. A total of 370 animals were scored for lameness as well as for other information on individual cows (parity, body condition score, milk yield, days in milk). Additional information like nutrition, resting, cow comfort, social confrontation, and density were also collected. Thus, herd lameness prevalence ranged between 0 to 72%, with a mean of 22%. Higher milk production was associated with lower chances of being lame. Compared to first parity, multiparous cows had higher odds of being lame, which was also correlated with a low body condition score (<2.5). Overgrown claws, injured hocks, slippery floors, hygiene and care were also correlated with this condition, emphasizing the importance of housing conditions and welfare. Therefore, actions like improving management practices in order to improve cow welfare as well as detection and proper treatment of this disorder promptly are essential for dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a feasible alternative to reduce the use of conventional polymers in the plastic sector has become a top priority, since industrially generated plastic waste, mostly traditional food packaging, has turned into a global environmental disaster. The aim of the study was the preparation and characterization of biodegradable films based on whey protein isolate, functionalized with green synthesized nanoparticles. Green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using cinnamon extract as both capping and reducing agent. Biodegradable nanocomposite blend films based on silver nanoparticles and whey protein isolate (WPI) were made by casting denatured WPI film solutions incorporated with green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The film thickness and water vapor permeability (WVP) of both control and AgNPs were determined. The biodegradable films based on whey and (1%) green synthesized nanoparticles have potential application as active food packaging in the cheese industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at using a green, rapid, and efficient method for silver nanoparticles synthesis using different types of agri-waste. Ag was reduced to Ag-NPs using the banana, apple and walnut waste extracts that served as both capping and reducing agent. Silver nitrate solution (1mM) was mixed with the vegetal extract (1:9 ratio) and sonicated in a cleaning bath, at 60C. The successful bio-reduction of silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band being recorded for all the samples. Concluding, agri-waste may be harnessed to phyto-fabricate eco-friendly silver nanoparticles, with multiple applications in the agri-food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop topical phytotherapeutic gels containing essential oils alone or in combination with copper ions and to assess their antibacterial activity in vitro. Following the formulation of the gels, the organoleptic properties, physicochemical properties, and in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. Copper sulfate demonstrated strong synergistic antibacterial activity when combined with the selected essential oil blend. This preliminary study assessed and confirmed the synergistic antimicrobial properties of sulfate copper and essential oils in phytotherapeutic formulations with topical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania is a country with a lot of potential for high-quality food production. However, despite rising demand for milk and dairy production, the production has been declining in recent years and Romanian milk farmers face growing competition from other farms on a national and international basis in terms of production and milk quality. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential use of a phone-connected infrared camera, as a potential non-invasive tool for the monitoring of udder health and control of bovine subclinical mastitis in family-size farms. The somatic cell count (SCC) (r=0.79) was positively correlated with the udder skin surface temperature (USST), a difference of 1.4 °C being observed between healthy and mastitis affected quarters. Infrared thermal imaging using phone-connected camera could be used as a potential noninvasive, quick cow-side diagnostic method for monitoring udder health and improvement of milk quality in family-sized farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of screening methods applied in the analysis of plant products (cereal seeds, feed, hay, etc.) used in agriculture and animal husbandry. Their screening can be done both during the harvesting season aswell as during their storage for the cold season. Information regarding the physico-chemical parameters and mycotoxicological load may be obtained by applying this rapid screening techniques. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) screening techniques can provide a quick result regarding the quality of plant products. In this study, the efficiency of using the Perten FT-NIR Analyzer in determining the physico-chemical parameters was tested. The sample were scanned and the values were provided shortly after. The analyzed products were also tested from a mycotoxicological point of view by identifying the presence of different types of mycotoxins in plant products by applying thin layer chromatography (TLC). The use of fast screening methods leads to lower costs, elimination of toxicity and shortening of the time to results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their wide spectrum antibacterial activity against distinct microorganisms and different mechanisms of action that may reduce the growth of resistant bacteria, silver nanoparticles may be a promising solution for the control and treatment of bacterial infections in livestock. Nanoparticle synthesis from plant extracts is tentatively offering a path for large-scale production of commercially appealing nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNP). In this study we report our preliminary findings regarding the phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Curcuma longa, emphasizing on their antioxidative characteristics as expressed by the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and the possible applications of silver green synthesized nanoparticles in the agri-food sector. The green synthesis of AgNPs was performed by mixing curcuma extract with AgNO3 solution (1 mM) in a 1:9 proportion and adjusting the pH to 10, using NaOH 0.1N solution. The solution was kept under dark conditions at room temperature. The color of the curcuma extract varied from bright yellow to pale yellow when the AgNO3 was added and finally changed to dark red-brown after 24 hours, indicating complete reduction of silver ions to AgNPs. The ability of green synthesized AgNPs to scavenge hydrogen peroxide was evaluated using UV-VIS spectroscopy, by incubating the curcuma-AgNP with hydrogen peroxide. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Curcuma longa extract was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of AgNPs covered a wide range between 330-500 nm with a prominent peak at 428 nm, indicating the formation of AgNPs because this value is consistent with the range of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for AgNPs. Additionally, the spectroscopic analysis showed that the curcuma AgNP extract (500 μg/ml) has moderate hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Curcuma longa is a promising nanotechnological strategy that enables the simple, cost-effective and ecological production of silver nanoparticles that may be used afterwards for a multitude of applications, including the development of alternative antimicrobial agents by exploiting the antibacterial activity of Curcuma longa extracts and silver ions against pathogens, in the agri-food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lucrari Stiintifice, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole Si Medicina Veterinara Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi, Seria Horticultura is the property of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (Editura Ion Ionescu de la Brad) 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.)

Copyright of Lucrari Stiintifice, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole Si Medicina Veterinara Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi, Seria Horticultura is the property of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (Editura Ion Ionescu de la Brad) 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 global COVID-19 outbreak has a major effect on food safety management and assurance of food safety in all retailers and manufacturers. The industry understood that COVID-19 outbreak has created and continues to create audit restrictions, which already have severe impact on the certification status of certain sites. As a result, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) released numerous statements focusing on business continuity, while Certification Programme Owner (CPO) and Certification Body’s (CB) would have to comply with requirements of the national regulations applicable to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, as part of the ongoing support for food businesses facing certification obstacles / inconvenients, GFSI made available the harmonized risk assessment, although till now there are no scientific evidence that the virus is transmitted by food in the context of last months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Milk progesterone-based assays may be a valuable tool for the assessment of reproductive performance in dairy cattle, because the milk progesterone levels are directly interconnected with certain fertility events such as estrus, pregnancy, acyclicity or ovarian disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a rapid progesterone (P4) assay for determining early gestation in dairy cows in two family-type farms. Material and Method: Milk samples was collected from 9 cows in day 18 post artificial insemination, respectively day 21. A small volume of milk sample was collected from each cow in clean Falcon tubes, after the first jets of milk were discarded. Subsequently, 1 ml of milk sample was centrifuged 10000 rpm for 10 minutes. The milk sample was separated into 3 layers and the serum located at the bottom of the tube was recovered with a pipette. A drop of serum was placed in the cassette and the results were read in maximum 5 minutes. Results: From the 9 females taken into study, 3 were considered non-pregnant and 6 pregnant according to the results of the P4 rapid assay. The non-pregnancy diagnosis was confirmed by rectal palpation at 60 days, while pregnancy was confirmed for 5 out of the 6 cows examined at 60 days post-IA. Conclusions: The rapid P4 assay may be performed directly by farmers from either milk or urine and the results are available in less than 5 minutes, the ease and reduced costs together with the ability to determine early gestation and assess the reproductive status are making the rapid milk progesterone assay a useful tool for effective management of dairy herds including, smallholder dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]