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Dairy by-products – whey and permeate thereof – are widely used in both food and animal feed (including ruminant feed) production worldwide. In the study, which took place from 18 August to 16 December 2020, an experiment was performed with Holstein dairy heifer calves by feeding them milk acidifier (PP) obtained from whey permeate. Organic acids in acidifiers lower the pH level of the feed, and their antimicrobial effect creates environment unsuitable for pathogenic microorganisms to develop. The liquid acidifier obtained by fermentation can also serve as a functional feed ingredient – a source of B vitamins, protein and energy. In addition, reduction of the spread of antimicrobial resistance requires alternative ways how animal health is cared for both in Latvia and Europe, especially by natural means. The study was aimed at investigating the effect of the new product in a triple (divided) and single (undivided) feeding system on the calf growth and health. It covered 30 heifers born during the period from 18 August to 16 September 2020 and kept in SIA LLU MPS “Vecauce” dairy cow shed “Līgotnes” under equal housing conditions. The study groups were completed gradually, dividing the newborn heifers into three groups – E1, E2 and K (n=10 in each group). The mean live weight (at birth) in all groups was similar: 36.9±1.09 (E1), 39.3±0.69 (E2) and 38.7±1.33 (K) kg (p≥0.05). Control (K) group heifers received pasteurized whole milk without acidification. The heifers of the experimental groups – E1 and E2 – were fed 2-3 times a day with less acidified (pH 4.6–5.2) or once a day with more acidified (pH 4.2–4.6) pasteurized bulk milk. Acidified milk was fed to the animals from 7 to 75 days of age introducing the feed gradually. Animal health (appearance, fecal consistency and appetite) was assessed daily. One animal ate an average 533.6±3.45 (E1), 553.7±3.08 (E2) and 547.8±2.48 (K) liters of milk (d. 2–75) and 23.6±2.51 (E1), 24.2±3.03 (E2) and 30.7±3.64 (K) kg of concentrates between the ages of 2 and 75 days. Significant (p <0.05) differences were found only in the amount of milk eaten, which was smaller in the E1 group. Upon the cessation of milk feeding at 75 days of age, heifers reached the live weight of 105.0±3.76 (E1), 108.0±2.61 (E2) and 106.8±2.65 (K) kg, but the daily weight gain was 908±46.5, 917±32.7 and 909±24.4 g/d. Although the results of the E2 group were higher, the difference between the groups was not significant (p≥0.05). Fecal consistency, assessed on a point system from 0 to 4, also did not differ significantly between the groups (p≥0.05). During the first 30 days of life, it showed an average of 0.12±0.027 (E1), 0.12±0.035 (E2) and 0.07±0.019 (K) points. It should be noted that no cases of diarrhea (above 2 points) were observed in any animal throughout the study. The results confirm that PP can be used to acidify the milk fed to calves under both divided and undivided feeding; moreover it saves the time required for feeding. Milk acidifier can be added to milk directly as it does not need to be diluted, therefore use of the product is more convenient and safer than other more concentrated commercial products. The research received funding from the ERDF Post-doctoral Research Support Program No.1.1.1.2/16/I/001. Research application “Processing of Whey into Value-Added Products for Food Industry and Agriculture” Nr.1.1.1.2/VIAA/2/18/307, Investment in kind: SIA LLU MPS “Vecauce” and JSC “Smiltenes Piens”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine colostrum is an important source of different biologically active compounds: immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase etc., therefore vital for a dairy calf's ability to survive. There is the lack of information about microbiological quality of colostrum. Still it is very important parameter, which can be significant for calf mortality and antibodies absorption rate, the aim of the study was to evaluate microbiological quality of colostrum obtained from Latvian cows. Colostrum samples (n=20, 50 mL-1) were collected in conventional farm with 500 cows (Zemgale, Latvia) during December 2018 to January 2019 one hour after calving. Samples were immediately frozen (-19±1 °C, within 30 min) and delivered to the laboratory. The colony forming units (LVS EN ISO 4833-1:2013) and presence of ß-glucuronidase positive Escherichia col (LVS EN ISO 16649-2:2007) were detected in colostrum samples. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The average total plate count of analysed colostrum samples was 5.62 log CFU mL-1, colony forming units ranged from 4.97 to 5.90 log CFU mL-1. In the current research ß-glucuronidase positive Escherichia coli CFU ranged from >1 to 8300 mL-1 in colostrum sample. Research results associated with low antibodies absorption rate by calf and high risk of diarrhoea in the farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body condition scoring (BCS) refers to the relative amount of subcutaneous body fat or energy reserve in the dairy cow. BCS is an important management tool for maximizing milk production and reproductive efficiency while reducing the incidence of metabolic and other peripartum diseases. The threedimensional BCS camera, made by the Swedish company "DeLaval" was used in the research. This camera is connected to the cow identification system. According to the camera location place, the cow is evaluated 2 to 10 times per day. The obtained information is sent to the computer. DeLaval 3D camera has been developed for three different cow breed types. The research was done at the Latvia University of Agriculture research and study farm "Vecauce" and the results of 10 primiparous and 10 multiparous Holstein breed cows in the robotic voluntary milking system were analysed. The data were collected from February to December 2016. The research shows that milking cow BCS during 120 lactation days was reduced from 3.5 till 2.7 units and the correlation among the parameters average tight (r = - 0.72). The research cows were with a high productivity, in 120 lactation days it was 41.7 kg in average. The largest BCS during 120 lactation days was noticed to primiparous cows and the correlation between the BCS and milk yield was r = -0.71. The parameters among older lactation cow BCS and yielding were less (r = -0.22). The fastest increase of all age cows has been in the first lactation month, where the milk yield increase of primiparous cows was 13.5 %, but the BCS decrease was 5.7 %. The milk yield increase of multiparous cows was 10 %, but the BCS decrease was 5.7 %. Primiparous cows, which become pregnant in the first insemination time, were inseminated in the 89 ± 8.9 day and their BCS was 3.0 ± 0.12 units. Multiparous cows, which become pregnant, were inseminated in the 84 ± 3.5 lactation day and their BCS was 2.7 ± 0.3 units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in Latvia University of Agriculture Research and Study Farm 'Vecauce' in 600 dairy cows herd, in the period from 2009 to 2013. Within the framework of the research, growth indicators (from birth till the first delivery) of 102 dairy cow calves were analysed. Live weight and hip height of the heifers were found out at birth, at the age of 6 and 12 months, at first insemination and first calving. Heifers born to primiparous cows in both breed groups had notably lower live weight (42.0 and 42.4 kg), as compared to the 4th group heifers born to mature cows (p<0.05). At the age of one year, the greatest weight among the red breed animals was recorded for the 4th group heifers born to mature cows (on average 354.8 ± 7.09 kg), while in Holstein breed those were heifers born to mothers calving on average for the 2nd time (on average 363.0 ± 6.47 kg). The 4th group heifers born to mature Holstein cows had notably greater hip height at birth - on average 78.1 ± 0.9 cm (p<0.05). Heifers of red and Holstein breeds on average were inseminated at the age of 14.6 - 14.8 months as they reached live weight 395 - 396.5 kg. Heifers of red breeds on average calved at the age of 25.8 months, whereas Holstein heifers - of 26.4 months. The research aimed at different age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the serum immunoglobulins concentration were investigated in newborn heifers from birth to 7 days of age. The mothers of calves were determined serum and colostrum immunoglobulins (Ig) concentration. The research was carried out at the Latvia University of Agriculture (LLU), in dairy farm 'Ligotnes'of the Research and Study Farm 'Vecauce', in a loose housing system with 530 cows, of which 430 were milking cows. The cows during the dry period were kept tethered in the farm. Eighteen heifers and their dams (Latvian Brown and Holstein breeds) which calved from 30 November 2010 to 23 January 2011 were used in this study. The calves' serum total immunoglobulin concentration at birth was 9.0 ± 1.31 mg dL-1 (or 0.09 mg mL-1,), and after 24 hours (h) it increased significantly to 4.3 mg dL-1 (or 0.043 mg mL-1), p<0.05. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in calf serum after birth was 6.8 ±1.50 mg dL-1 (or 0.068 mg mL-1), and after 1 day and after 7 days it did not change significantly. The average Ig serum concentration in cows was 12.6 ± 1.36 mg dL-1 (or 0.126 mg mL-1), and Ig concentration in colostrum was 18.5 ± 1.68 mg mL-1. On average, close correlation (r=0.56) was found between cow blood serum IgM and colostrum IgM. Correlation between cow and calf IgG serum concentration proved to be weak (r=0.49). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jaunpiena kvalitāte ir nozīmīgs faktors teļu pasīvās imunitātes nodrošināšanai. Jaunpiena kvalitāti raksturo tajā esošo imūnglobulīnu koncentrācija. Ikdienas darbā, jaunpiena kvalitātes novērtēšanai vai izmantot kolostrometru vai refraktometru. Ar kolostrometru tiek mērīts šķidruma blīvums. Jo lielāka imūnglobulīna koncentrācija, jo lielāks ir jaunpiena blīvums. Ir noteikts, ka precīzu mērījumu iegūšanai, jaunpiena temperatūrai vērtēšanas laikā ir jābūt no 22 līdz 24 °C. Izmantojot ar kolostrometru iegūtos mērījumus, par ļoti labas kvalitātes jaunpienu uzskata tādu, kurā imūnglobulīnu koncentrācija ir >101 mg mL-1, labas kvalitātes no 65-100 mg mL-1, vidējas kvalitātes no 45-64 mg mL-1 un zemas kvalitātes < 45 mg mL-1. Ar refraktometru nosaka jaunpienā esošo olbaltumvielu ietekmi uz gaismas staru laušanas intensitāti, jeb refraktīvo indeksu (Brix%). Jo lielāks olbaltumvielu daudzums jaunpienā, jo lielāks iegūtais Brix%. Izmantojot šo metodi, jaunpiena temperatūra var būt plašā diapazonā -- no 10 līdz 40 °C. Ļoti labas kvalitātes jaunpienam Brix% ir >30.0%, labas kvalitātes 20-29%, vidējas 15-19% un zemas kvalitātes <15%. Pētījuma mērķis bija skaidrot praksē piedāvāto ekspress metožu izmantošanas iespējas jaunpiena kvalitātes novērtēšanai. Pētījumā izmantoti 25 jaunpiena paraugi, kas iegūti no Holšteinas melnraibās šķirnes govīm. Govis ganāmpulkā atnesušās vidēji 2.3±0.25 reizes. Vairākums pētījumā izmantoto govju atnesās pirmo un otro reizi, attiecīgi 7 un 10 govis, bet viena govs bija atnesusies sesto reizi. Jaunpiena paraugs, 0.3 L apjomā sagatavots no kopējā, pēc dzemdībām, no govs izslauktā jaunpiena daudzuma. Izmantojot kolostrometru, pētītajos paraugos jaunpiena imūnglobulīnu koncentrācija bija vidēji 86.9 ±3.72 mg mL-1, bet nosakot ar refraktometru 24.5±0.61%, kas abos variantos atbilst labas kvalitātes jaunpienam. Starp iegūtajiem rezultātiem iegūta būtiska, vidēji cieša, pozitīva korelācija (r=0.74, p<0.05). Izmantojot kolostrometru, noskaidrots, ka 6 paraugos (24.0%) imūnglobulīnu koncentrācija bija virs 101 mL-1, 16 paraugos (64.0%) no 65-100 mL-1, bet vienā paraugā mazāk nekā 45 mg mL-1, kas ir uzskatāms par nekvalitatīvu jaunpienu. Izmantojot refraktometru, iegūtie rezultāti atšķīrās, Brix virs 30.0% bija tikai 2 jaunpiena paraugiem, tas ir 8.0%, bet robežās no 21-30% bija 21 jaunpiena paraugam, kas ir 84.0% no visiem analizētajiem, ar šo metodi netika identificēts neviens nekvalitatīva jaunpiena paraugs. Atbilstoši citu pētījumu rezultātiem, lielākā imūnglobulīnu koncentrācija jaunpienā iegūta govīm, kuras atnesušās trīs un vairākas reizes (n=9), vidēji 95.1±4.04 mg mL-1 un Brix 26.3 ± 0.99%. Zemākais imūnglobulīnu daudzums jaunpienā iegūts govīm, kuras atnesās otro reizi (n=9), attiecīgi 76.8±6.16 mg mL-1 un 22.2±0.62%. Starp pētīto metožu iegūtajiem jaunpiena kvalitāti raksturojošiem rezultātiem pirmās laktācijas govīm pastāv vidēji cieša pozitīva korelācija r=0.49, bet cieša pozitīva korelācija iegūta 2. laktācijas govju jaunpienam, r=0.92 un vecāku govju jaunpienam, r=0.80. Sadalot ar kolostrometru iegūto jaunpiena imūnglobulīnu koncentrāciju 4 gradāciju klasēs ar soli 20 mg mL-1 noskaidrots, ka tai palielinoties līdz 109 mg mL-1, korelācija ar Brix% rādītājiem palielinājās no r=0.30 līdz r=0.86, bet sasniedzot koncentrāciju 110 mg mL-1 un vairāk, korelācija ar Brix% rādītājiem bija vidēji cieša negatīva (r=-0.35). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine colostrum is a mammary gland secret which, due to its high immunoglobulin concentration, is necessary for the transfer of passive immunity to the calf, preventing diseases caused by microbial infections in the newborn ruminants. Colostrum, however, may contain pathogens and can be an infection transmitter, affecting morbidity and mortality rates of calves in the farms. Total plate count and immunoglobulin concentration are two main factors affecting colostrum quality, therefore the aim of the study was to analyse Latvian dairy herd colostrum quality. Colostrum was collected from Holstein Black cows within the first six hours after calving, lactation period of animals ranged from 1st to 4th lactation. Colostrum samples (n=51, 50 mL) were collected from December 2018 to February 2019. Immunoglobulin concentration (n=51) was defined by colostrometer (COLOSTROMETERtm Biogenics, USA), total solids content by optical refractometer (Model BX, UK). Staphylococcus spp. colony-forming unit (CFU) (LVS EN ISO 6888-1+A1:2007), the presence of Listeria spp. (LVS EN ISO 11290-1+A1:2007) and Salmonella spp. (LVS EN ISO 6579-1:2017) were examined in the colostrum samples (n=20). Despite the high immunoglobulin concentration in the analysed samples, our research findings demonstrate suboptimal colostrum quality received by calves. That indicates the necessity for regular colostrum quality control and better management practise providing on the farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research has been carried out on the training and research farm (MPS) of the LUA „Vecauce‟ in a milk cow barn where two robots are used for milking of cows. The cows receive silage and hay as well as a part of concentrated feed as a total feed mixture (TMR) that is freely fed at the feeding table but the animals receive the mixed concentrated feed programmed according to the milk yield in the milking stand and the feeding stand. The research describes rationing of nutrients according to the productivity of cows, the choice of the structure of the most suitable feed rations, the choice of the most economically profitable composition of feed mixture and concentrated feed distribution as well as the limiting norms for dosing of concentrated feed in the milking and feeding stands. The research results are used for improvement of the cow feeding and handling technology on the LUA MPS "Vecauce". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteīnbagātu lopbarības izejvielu cenas Pasaulē strauji palielinās, būtiski ietekmējot kopējās lopbarības izmaksas un līdz ar to arī lopkopības produkcijas pašizmaksu. Ne tikai ievestā soja, bet arī Latvijā audzētie proteīnaugi - pupas, zirņi, lupīna - ir teicama lopbarība. Tos izēdina liellopiem, aitām, kazām un cūkām tā papildinot proteīna daudzumu barības devā. Pētījumi par zirņu, pupu un lupīnas izēdināšanas iespējām dažādu sugu dzīvniekiem notika piecu gadu periodā 15 saimniecībās, kuras specializējās piena lopkopībā, kazkopībā, aitkopībā un cūkkopībā. Izēdinot slaucamām govīm lauka pupas vai lupīnu, var panākt olbaltumvielu un kazeīna satura palielināšanos pienā, bet sabalansējot barības devu tajā iekļaujot zirņus, var panākt olbaltumvielu un tauku satura palielināšanos pienā. Lai optimizētu proteīna patēriņu piena ražošanai, proteīna barības līdzekļi jāizvēlas, ņemot vērā govs laktācija fāzi, izslaukumu un proteīna barības līdzekļu izmaksas. Slaucamām govīm ar izslaukumu līdz 25 kg piena dienā, zemāks proteīna patēriņš piena ražošanai bija grupā, kurā kā proteīnbarību izmantoja lauka pupas vai lupīnu (118.4-119.3 g proteīna uz 1 kg EKP), savukārt govīm ar izslaukumu virs 30 kg piena dienā, labāka proteīna izmantošanās bija govīm, kurām barības devā tika iekļauta soja (116.4 g proteīna uz 1 kg EKP). Iekļaujot kazu barības devās lauka pupas, tika panākta piena produktivitātes palielināšanās līdz 16%, bet, papildus izēdinot pupas, tika palielināts piena olbaltumvielu un kazeīna saturs. Iekļaujot pupas barības devās augstražīgu slaucamo kazu ganāmpulkā, tika panākta barības izmaksu samazināšanās par 14.5% viena kg piena ieguvei. Izēdinot lopbarības pupas Būru šķirnes un krustojumu kazu mātēm, vidējais dzīvmasas pieaugums kazlēniem bija par 63.6% augstāks (p<0.05) nekā kazlēniem, kur kazu mātes kā spēkbarību saņēma auzas. Optimizējot barības devas, ir iespējams panākt augstāku kazu pienīgumu, un, līdz ar to, arī lielāku dzīvmasas pieaugumu kazlēniem, tādejādi samazinot lopbarības izmaksas dzīvmasas pieauguma ieguvei līdz 9%. Pētījumos ar nobarojamām cūkām tika noskaidrots, ka labāk lopbarības pupas, zirņus vai lupīnas sēklas iekļaut spēkbarības maisījumos kopā ar citiem proteīna barības līdzekļiem (piem., sojas spraukumiem). Spēkbarības maisījums, iekļaujot tajā dažādas proteīnaugu lopbarības izejvielas, dod iespēju sabalansēt cūkām vajadzīgās neaizvietojamās aminoskābes, tādejādi nodrošinot pilnvērtīga proteīna uzņemšanu. Lauka pupām barības maisījumā nevajadzētu pārsniegt 20% un to daudzums barībā būtu jāpalielina pakāpeniski, sākot no 5%. Zirņu daudzumam cūku barības maisījumos nevajadzētu pārsniegt 15%. Lielāks zirņu daudzums cūkām samazināja augšanas tempu un pasliktināja barības izmantošanas efektivitāti. Lupīnas iekļaušana barībā cūkas kautķermeņa īpašības būtiski neietekmēja, un tās izēdināšanas daudzums atkarībā no cūku vecuma, dzīvmasas un fizioloģiskā stāvokļa var būt robežās līdz 15% no barības maisījuma. Izēdinot samaltas lopbarības pupas, zirņus un lupīnas sēklas, cūkgaļā paaugstinājās kopējais tauku saturs. Jēru ēdināšanā zirņu miltu piedeva (līdz 15%) pie citu pašražoto graudu maisījuma uzlabo kopproteīna daudzumu spēkbarības sausnā. Viena kg dzīvmasas pieauguma ieguvei dažādos apstākļos nobarotie jēri izmantoja no 5 līdz 8 kg kombinētās spēkbarības vai miltu maisījuma, kas izmaksāja no 1.33 līdz 2.93 EUR, dārgākā bija ar soju bagātinātās kombinētās spēkbarības izmantošana. Zirņu vai lauka pupu piedevu izmantošana neuzlaboja muskuļaudu daudzumu jēra liemenī, bet palielināja taukaudu daudzumu, kas kopumā pasliktina liemeņa kvalitāti. Izēdinot jēriem lauka pupas, lopbarības izmaksas bija vidēji par 30% zemākas, kā izēdinot iepirkto kombinēto spēkbarību. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]