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Mastitis is one of the most important causes of loss of cattle production, burdening producers due to the increased cost of milk production and decreased herd productivity. The development of alternative methods for the treatment and prevention of mastitis other than traditional chemical antibiotic therapy needs to be implemented to meet international pressures to reduce the use of these drugs and promote the elimination of multiresistant microbial strains from the environment. Treatment with probiotic bacteria or yeast strains offers a possible strategy for the control of mastitis. The objective of this work was to isolate, identify, and characterize lactic bacteria from milk and the intramammary duct of Gyr, Guzerat, Girolando 1/2, and Holstein cattle breeds from Brazil. Samples of 115 cows were taken, a total of 192 bacteria isolates belonging to 30 species were obtained, and 81 were selected to evaluate their probiotic potential in in vitro characterization tests. In general, bacteria isolated from the mammary gland have low autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and co-aggregation with mastitis etiological bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also, they have biofilm assembly capacity, inability to produce exopolysaccharides, high production of H2O2, and strong antagonism against mastitis pathogens. Ten lactic bacteria isolates were used in co-culture with human MDA-MB-231 breast epithelial cells to assess their adhesion capacity and impairment of the S. aureus invasion. Our results, therefore, contribute to the future production of new prevention and treatment tools for bovine mastitis.

The objective for this study was to evaluate the supplementation with different non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) sources for grazing dairy cows in diets with high or low concentrations of rumen undegradable protein (RUP). Twelve multiparous cows averaging 30kg/d of milk production and 45±23 days in milk in a 4x4 Latin square design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement were used. The difference in NFC content of the diets was achieved using ground corn (GC) or dried citrus pulp (DCP). Dietary RUP was altered by the partial replacement of soybean meal (LRUP) by roasted whole soybean and corn gluten meal (HRUP). Greater dry matter intake (DMI) was observed in DCP treatments compared to GC treatments (19.2 and 17.7kg/day of DM, respectively). Milk fat concentration was lower for LRUP treatments (3.4%) when compared to HRUP (3.6%). The milk protein concentration was greater for GC treatments (2.9%) in relation to DCP treatments (2.8%). Lower milk ureic nitrogen was observed when DCP diets were fed compared to those with GC (17.8 and 21.2mg/dL, respectively). The use of DCP as CNF source increased dry matter intake as well as milk fat concentration, although no differences in milk production were observed for RUP level.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, as digestibilidades aparentes dos nutrientes e os parâmetros de fermentação ruminal em dietas de vacas leiteiras com alta inclusão de concentrado suplementadas com virginiamicina e/ou monensina. Foram utilizadas cinco vacas mestiças fistuladas no rúmem, com 88 ± 26 dias de lactação, produção média diária de leite de 26 ± 6,0 kg peso corporal médio de 550 ± 58 kg no início do experimento em delineamento de quadrado latino 5x5. Cada período experimental deve duaração de 28 dias, sendo 21 dias de adaptação as dietas experimentais e sete dias de coletas de dados e amostras. As dietas experimentais diferiam quanto à inclusão e proporção destes aditivos: 300 mg/d de VM (VM300); 300 mg/d de MO (MO300); 300 mg/d de VM e 300 mg/d de MO (VM300 + MO300); 300 mg de VM e 150 mg de MO (VM300 + MO150); Controle, sem aditivos (C). As médias foram comparadas por contrastes ortogonais e a significância dos efeitos foi considerada com P

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos das estações do parto e da inseminação, da retenção de placenta, da natimortalidade e da ordem de parto sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras. Utilizou-se a regressão logística, em que as variáveis dependentes foram concepção à primeira inseminação pós-parto e percentual de vacas prenhes no rebanho aos 100, 150 ou 200 DEL e as variáveis independentes foram a estação do parto e a estação da inseminação, a retenção de placenta, a natimortalidade e a ordem de parto. A estação do parto e a estação da inseminação influenciaram o desempenho reprodutivo, reduzindo a fertilidade das vacas nas estações quentes do ano. O atraso na primeira inseminação aumentou a concepção na primeira inseminação, mas reduziu o percentual de vacas prenhes ao longo da lactação. O desempenho reprodutivo da vaca leiteira foi afetado por vários fatores, relacionados à vaca, ao ambiente e ao manejo a ela imposto. ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the calving season, insemination, placenta retention, stillbirth and birth order on the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Logistic regression was used, where the dependent variables were conception at the first postpartum insemination and the percentage of cows pregnant in the herd at 100, 150 and 200 DEL. The independent variables were delivery season and insemination season, placenta retention, stillbirth and delivery order. The calving season and the insemination season influenced reproductive performance, and in the hot seasons of the year the fertility of the cows was reduced. The delay in the first insemination increased conception in the first insemination but reduced the percentage of pregnant cows during lactation. The reproductive performance of the dairy cow was affected by several factors, related to the cow, the environment and the management imposed on it.

This study's aim is to evaluate the substitution of soybean meal with a yeast-derived protein (YDP) in the diet of F1 Holstein (Bos Taurus) x Gyr (Bos indicus) dairy cows under rotational grazing (Guinea Grass, Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca) and to analyze the effects on milk yield, milk solids percentage, blood parameters, and feed efficiency (FE). Sixteen Holstein X Gyr (F1) multiparous cows with an average of 30 ± 1.8 kg/d (Mean ± SD) of milk, 489 ± 22 kg of body weight, and 62 ± 26 days in milk (DIM), at the beginning of the study, were assigned to four squares based on their DIM, milk yield, and parity. The experimental diets were based on the substitution of soybean meal with a YDP in equal proportions: treatment YDP0 (without a YDP), treatment YDP150 (substitution of 150 g of soybean meal with a YDP), treatment YDP300 (substitution of 300 g of soybean meal with a YDP), and treatment YDP450 (substitution of 450 g of soybean meal with a YDP). The substitution of soybean meal with a YDP in the diets of dairy cows under rotational grazing linearly decreased milk and solids production and affected the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, without affecting the total feed intake. No difference was found in the microbial protein synthesis between treatments. FE tended to be lower at high inclusions of the YDP.

Quinze vacas Holandês, com 156±53 dias em lactação, produção média de leite 31,4±0,5 kg/d e peso corporal médio de 665±16 kg foram utilizadas com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de aditivos microbianos na dieta. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de quadrado latino 3 x 3, com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram: DFM-B (Ruminobacter amylophilum, Ruminobacter succinogenes, Succinovibro dextrinsolvens, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococus faecium em carbonato de cálcio); DFM-BL (Bactérias e veículo inerte associado a 6x109/g de células vivas e 2x108/g de células mortas de Sacharomyces cerevisiae) ou Controle - 10g de carbonato de cálcio. Os aditivos foram fornecidos em cápsulas por ingestão forçada duas vezes ao dia. A suplementação de animais em terço médio de lactação com DFM-B ou DFM-BL não alterou o consumo, produção e composição de leite, eficiência alimentar, peso e escore de condição corporal. No entanto, animais suplementados com DFM-B tenderam a ter menor pH ruminal, menor excreção de alantoína na urina, maior Nitrogênio ureico no leite (NUL) e menor digestibilidade da matéria seca. Animais suplementados com DFM-BL tenderam a ter menor contagem de células somáticas no leite e maior tempo de mastigação diária, sugerindo que a suplementação associada de bactérias e leveduras tem maior potencial benéfico do que a utilização de apenas bactérias.

FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Outra Agência The goal of this study was to evaluate the ruminal metabolic parameters and milk fatty acid composition of cows managed under continuous grazing on Marandu grass. Four rumen-cannulated Holstein x Gyr cows with an average milk yield of 21±2 kg day-1 and 79±16 days in milk were used in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Each cow received 6 kg day-1 of a concentrate formulated with 0 (control), 1.3, 2.6 or 3.9 kg of roasted soybeans (as-fed basis), which were the experimental treatments. The inclusion of roasted soybeans promoted a linear reduction in the acetate concentration, with no effect on the pH and ruminal ammonia N concentration. There was no effect of the treatments on the ruminal degradability of the dry matter and neutral detergent fiber of Marandu grass or on the kinetic parameters of the fluids in the rumen. There were linear increases in the contents of fat and total solids in the milk and a linear decrease in the milk lactose content, but there was no effect of the treatments on the yield of these components or on milk yield. There were linear increases in milk fat stearic, elaidic, oleic, linoleic and ?-linolenic acids contents, but there was no effect of the treatments on the milk fat contents of vaccenic and rumenic acids. Notably, supplementing Marandu grass with a concentrate containing up to 3.9 kg of roasted soybeans improved the nutritional quality of the milk fat due to increases in the milk fat contents of oleic and ?-linolenic acids, which are considered beneficial to human health, and reductions in the levels of lauric, myristic and palmitic, which are considered hypercholesterolemic fatty acids. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar parâmetros de metabolismo no rúmen e o perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas manejadas sob pastejo contínuo em capim-Marandu. Foram utilizadas quatro vacas mestiças Holandês x Gir com 79±16 dias de lactação, produzindo 21±2 kg dia-1 de leite, canuladas no rúmen e alocadas em delineamento Quadrado Latino 4 x 4. Cada vaca recebeu 6 kg dia-1 de concentrado formulado com 0 (Controle); 1,3; 2,6 ou 3,9 kg de grão de soja tostado (base matéria natural), que consistiram nos tratamentos experimentais. A inclusão de grão de soja tostado promoveu redução linear na concentração de acetato, sem efeito sobre o pH e a concentração de N amoniacal no rúmen. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro do pasto, nem sobre os parâmetros da cinética de fluidos no rúmen. Houve incremento linear nos teores de gordura e de sólidos totais e redução linear no teor de lactose do leite, mas não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre as produções destes componentes nem sobre a produção de leite. Houve incremento linear nos teores dos ácidos graxos esteárico, elaídico, oleico, linoleico e α-linolênico no leite, mas não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre os teores no leite dos ácidos vacênico e rumênico. A suplementação do pasto de capim-Marandu com concentrado contendo até 3,9 kg de grão de soja tostado melhorou a qualidade nutricional da gordura do leite, com aumento nos teores dos ácidos oleico e α-linolênico, benéficos à saúde humana, e redução dos teores dos ácidos graxos hipercolesterolêmicos láurico, mirístico e palmítico.

Weaning may be associated with negative energy balance and body weight loss when calves are still immunologically immature, predisposing them to infectious diseases. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of treatment of preweaning dairy calves with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the somatotropic axis, selected immune parameters, and hematology of calves around weaning. Thirty-six Holstein female calves were randomly assigned to receive 1.5 to 1.8 mg of rbST (Posilac, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) per kilogram of body weight or to receive injections of saline (saline solution 0.9%, Valley Vet Supply, Marysville, KS) every 7 d from 21 to 63 d of life. Calves were fed milk replacer ad libitum from birth to 38 d of age (d −11), when progressive weaning started, and calves were weaned at 49 d of age (d 0). Calves were weighed at birth and weekly from 21 to 63 d of age, when wither height also was measured. Calves were vaccinated with 0.5 mg of ovalbumin on study d −28 and −7. Blood samples were collected on d −28, −25, −21, −11, 0, 3, 7, and 14. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were isolated and challenged ex vivo with Escherichia coli to determine phagocytosis and oxidative burst capacity. Additionally, expression of cluster of differentiation (CD)62L and CD18 by granulocyte, lymphocyte, and CD14+ monocyte were determined. Blood samples were also used to determine hematological parameters and concentrations of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, glucose, fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, and anti-ovalbumin IgG. Calves treated with rbST had greater concentrations of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 from d −25 to 14 than control calves, whereas insulin, fatty acid, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations did not differ. On d −11, glucose concentration was greater for rbST-treated calves. Treatment did not affect polymorphonuclear lymphocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst, but intensity of expression of CD62L and CD18 by granulocytes tended to be increased by rbST treatment. Treatment did not affect the concentration of anti-ovalbumin IgG in serum. Haptoglobin concentration was reduced in rbST treated calves on d 3 and we noted a tendency for hematocrit to be lower in rbST-treated calves. Treatment did not affect body weight, wither height, and average daily gain, despite the fact that rbST-treated calves had lower daily milk replacer intake. The relatively minor improvements in immune responses resulting from rbST treatment of weaning calves may not be sufficient to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases.

We aimed to determine the effects of partially replacing conventional solvent-extracted soybean meal by amino resin-treated soybean meal in the concentrate supplement of lactating dairy cows grazing Guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca) on dry matter intake, milk production and composition, feed and nitrogen use efficiency, and nutrient digestibility. Eighteen Holstein x Gyr crossbred multiparous cows (79 ± 38 days in milk and 37.4 ± 4.69 kg/d of milk yield) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design study with three experimental periods of 21 d The solvent extract soybean meal of the control diet (CON) was replaced by 1.0 (TSBM1.0) and 1.5 (TSBM1.5) kg as-fed basis of amino resin-treated soybean meal (29 and 43% as dry-matter basis, respectively) in the treatment diets. Dry matter intake, milk casein, protein, and fat contents, feed efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and nutrient digestibility did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). The metabolizable protein was not increased by the treatments; however, cows fed with TSBM1.5 tended to produce 1.2 kg/d more milk (P = 0.09) and 64.3 g/d more lactose (P = 0.06) than CON cows. Although the supply of metabolizable protein was not affected by treatments, increasing rumen undegradable protein supply by 43% by replacing conventional solvent-extracted soybean meal with amino resin-treated soybean meal tended to increase milk production of high producing grazing cows.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of genes encoding enzymes and other factors involved with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the liver of 2 genetic groups of dairy cows during the transition period. We analyzed the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC), cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C), methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT), β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase-2 (BDH2), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (CPT2), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), glucose transporter-2 (SLC2A2), and the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARA). Blood concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate were also determined. Liver biopsies and blood samples were taken at d 15 prepartum and at d 6, 21, 36, 51, and 66 postpartum from Holsteins (n = 6) and F1 Holstein-Gir (n = 6) cows. Cows were kept under the same prepartum and postpartum management conditions. The results showed that the expression of G6PC, PEPCK-C, BDH2, ACC, CPT2, HMGCR, SLC2A2, and PPARA genes did not differ between genetic groups. Except for PEPCK-C, no interaction between genetic groups and the experimental period was observed. Within both groups of cows, G6PC and PEPCK-C gene expression decreased when comparing prepartum gene expression with 21 and 36 DIM, and increased in d 51 postpartum. MUT mRNA levels differed between the 2 genetic groups and displayed a significant increase after d 36 postpartum, whereas mRNA levels of HMGCR tended to increase when comparing d 21 and 36 to d 51 postpartum. Glucose concentrations also differed between genetic groups, being significantly higher in the plasma of F1 Holstein-Gir cows than in Holstein cows, but no differences were found within each group during the analysis period. β-Hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations did not differ between genetic groups, but displayed increased levels from prepartum to d 6 and 21 postpartum. Our results indicated that expression in the liver of genes involved with glucose and fatty acid metabolism were similar in both groups of cows and significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the expression of MUT, a gene involved in propionate metabolism.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets containing sunflower or corn silages and concentrate based on citrus pulp or ground corn on intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, microbial protein production, and production, composition, and fatty acid profile of milk from dairy cows. Eight multiparous lactating Holstein cows (586±61 kg live weight; 25.0±4.0 kg daily milk yield at 80 to 120 days in milk) were randomly assigned to a double 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial array. The experimental diets were: sunflower silage + citrus pulp-based concentrate; sunflower silage + ground corn-based concentrate; corn silage + citrus pulp-based concentrate; and corn silage + ground corn-based concentrate. The dry matter intake was highest for diets containing sunflower silage and lowest for diets with citrus pulp. Sunflower silage provided the highest intakes of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract. Except for the ether extract, the type of forage and carbohydrate did not influence the apparent nutrient digestibility. The forage and carbohydrate sources did not influence the feed eating time, but animals fed sunflower silage showed decreased rumination time and chewing activity. The microbial protein production was not altered with the diets. No differences were observed for milk production or composition, except for the milk urea nitrogen and lactose concentration. The type of forage influenced the milk fatty acid profile, to which corn silage presented higher values for fatty acids up to a 17-carbon chain length. The inclusion of sunflower silage and citrus pulp, compared with corn silage and ground corn, alters dry matter intake and ingestive behavior, but maintains milk production and composition with satisfactory characteristics of the milk fatty acid profile, providing an alternative feed for dairy cows.

Sixteen cows in early lactation were randomly distributed into two groups in order to evaluate the effects of mammary biopsies and increased milking frequency on tissue characteristics, post-biopsy udder health and histology. One group was milked twice a day (2×) starting on the 2nd day after calving, until 28 days in milk (DIM). The other group was milked four times a day (4×) from two to 21 DIM, and twice a day (2×) from 22 to 28 DIM. On days 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 postpartum, one fragment of secretory tissue was collected from one mammary quarter at a time. Collections were alternated between the four mammary quarters per collection day. A total of 80 mammary tissue samples were collected. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the tissues were conducted by histologic examination. Animal health was assessed by observation of feed intake behavior immediately after biopsy, and weight and body condition score before and one week after biopsy. Udder health was assessed daily from calving to 60 DIM with California Mastitis Test (CMT) and by noting alterations in the milk such as blood, milk clots, blood clots, clinical signs of mastitis. Milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC) were analyzed before and after the biopsies. Milk production was evaluated before biopsy, on the day of biopsy, and after the biopsy. An average of 10 fields at 40× magnification was obtained from each sample. There were no evident changes in mammary morphology as a result of milking two or four times/day at any of the evaluated time points. Biopsy wounds healed rapidly without infection. Intramammary bleeding and CMT alterations were observed in 96% and 75% of the biopsied mammary quarters, respectively. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed in 12% of the biopsied quarters. Different milking frequencies had no effect on the frequency and duration of post-biopsy alterations. Milk production decreased after biopsies done on days 2 for 2× and 4× groups, but it returned to pre-biopsy values within 1 day. Milk composition and SCC were affected transiently. Increased milking frequency did not influence udder health. Post-biopsy recovery was rapid and the procedure proved effective without damaging the cows' health.

This study aimed to propose a model called Two-compartment Logistic-von Bertalanffy (LVB) and to identify among the proposed and Two-compartment Logistic (TL) models the one that has the best goodness of fit to the kinetic curve of cumulative gas production (CGP) of sunflower and corn silages alone and combined using the in vitro semi-automated gas production technique. A random block split-plot experimental design was employed in which the inoculums were the blocks, the incubation times were the split-plots, and the experimental diets were: CS - corn silage, SS - sunflower silage (as single roughage), and their mixtures, i.e., 340SS (660 g kg-1 corn silage and 340 g kg-1 sunflower silage) and 660SS (340 g kg-1 corn silage and 660 g kg-1 sunflower silage). The parameters were estimated by the least squares method using the iterative Gauss-Newton process in the software R version 3.4.1. The criteria adopted were: adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj.), residual mean squares (RMS), mean absolute deviation (MAD), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and relative efficiency (RE). The TL model had higher R2adj. values compared to LVB, however, such difference may be considered negligible. The LVB model had RE above one, which indicates it is superior to the TL model, in addition to the lowest RMS, MAD, AIC, and BIC values, The Two-compartment Logistic-von Bertalanffy model had the best fit to describe the CGP over time according to the methodology and conditions of the present study.

Exogenous amylase supplementation can increase starch and fiber digestibility in lactating dairy cows. We evaluated the effect of exogenous amylase supplementation on diets with high starch concentration (32% of dry matter). Twenty-eight Holstein cows (171 ± 80 d in milk, 4 primiparous) received a standard diet for 14 d and then a treatment for 63 d, in a covariate-adjusted randomized block design with repeated measures over time. Treatments were amylase [0.5 g of Ronozyme RumiStar (DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) per kg of total mixed ration dry matter] or control. The diets contained (% of dry matter): 39.4% corn silage, 11.2% rehydrated and ensiled mature corn grain, and 11.7% finely ground mature corn. Amylase increased milk yield (32.3 vs. 33.0 kg/d) and reduced dry matter intake (20.7 vs. 19.7 kg/d), increasing feed efficiency (1.52 vs. 1.63). Amylase also increased milk lactose synthesis (1.49 vs. 1.56 kg/d) and plasma glucose concentration (59.3 vs. 68.6 mg/dL). Secretions of milk fat and protein did not differ. Although milk urea N did not differ, amylase reduced the concentration of urea N in blood, suggesting an increase in ruminal starch degradation. However, the total-tract apparent digestibility of starch (96.3% of intake) and neutral detergent fiber (44.4% of intake), ruminal fermentation profile, and microbial yield estimated by urinary allantoin excretion did not differ. Cows fed amylase sorted in favor of long feed particles and against short particles, had shorter chewing activity (780 vs. 699 min/d), and had fewer meals per day (11.5 vs. 9.7). Amylase improved the feed efficiency of lactating cows fed a high-starch diet; the enzyme increased milk yield and reduced intake.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of incremental amounts of ground flaxseed (GFX) on milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components, milk fatty acids (FA) profile, ruminal metabolism, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows fed high-forage diets. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows averaging (mean ± SD) 112±68d in milk and 441±21kg of body weight and 8 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 98±43d in milk and 401±43kg of body weight were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. Each period lasted 21d with 14d for diet adaptation and 7d for data and sample collection. Treatments were fed as a total mixed ration (63:37 forage-to-concentrate ratio) with corn meal and soybean meal replaced by incremental levels (i.e., 0, 5, 10, or 15% diet dry matter) of GFX. The ruminal molar proportions of acetate and butyrate decreased linearly with GFX supplementation, whereas the ruminal molar proportion of propionate increased linearly resulting in decreased acetate-to-propionate ratio. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of nutrients either decreased (dry matter) or tended to decrease (organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber) linearly in cows fed GFX. Milk yield decreased linearly in cows fed increasing amounts of GFX, which is explained by the linear reduction in dry matter intake. Except for the concentrations of milk protein and urea N, which decreased linearly with GFX supplementation, no other changes in the concentration of milk components were observed. However, yields of milk protein and fat decreased linearly with GFX supplementation. The linear decrease in the yields of milk fat and protein are explained by reduced milk yield, whereas that in milk urea N is explained by decreased crude protein intake. No treatment effects were observed for plasma urea N and nonesterified fatty acids, serum cortisol, and body weight change. Milk odd- and branched-chain FA and saturated FA decreased linearly with GFX supplementation. Milk trans-11 18:1, α-linolenic acid, cis-9,trans-11 18:2, and the sum of n-3 FA all increased linearly and quadratically, whereas the milk ratio of n-6 to n-3 decreased linearly in cows fed GFX. Overall, compared with the control diet (0% GFX), the diet with 15% GFX supplementation resulted in the lowest milk yield but highest milk proportions and yields (data not shown) of cis-9,trans-11 18:2 and n-3 FA.

RESUMO - Avaliou-se o efeito da adição de teores crescentes de ureia (0,0; 0,5 e 1,0%) na matéria natural da cana-de-açúcar sobre a produção e composição do leite, eficiência alimentar e viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizadas 18 vacas em lactação, com produção média inicial de 21,3±0,8kg/dia de leite e com 83±7 dias em lactação, distribuídas em delineamento ensaio de reversão do tipo switch-back, 3x3. As dietas experimentais foram constituídas de cana-de-açúcar como volumoso único e concentrado, na relação de 50:50 (base MS). Não houve efeito da suplementação dos diferentes teores de ureia sobre a produção e composição do leite. Contudo, a eficiência alimentar (produção de leite/consumo de matéria seca) foi melhor nas dietas em que se utilizou ureia, sendo 1,14; 1,17 e 1,17, respectivamente, para as dietas com 0,0; 0,5 e 1,0% de ureia (P

This work evaluated the production and composition of milk from dairy cows fed increasing levels of cashew nuts in the concentrate portion of the diet. Eight Holstein multiparous cows were used, between the third and fifth lactation, with an average milk yield of 28.0 ? 4.0 kg day-1, arranged in a double 4 x 4 Latin square experimental design. The assessed diets consisted of including different amounts of ground cashew nuts (CN): 0; 80; 160 and 240 g kg-1 of concentrate portion, which resulted in ether extract contents of 31.6; 46.0; 68.9 and 73.1 g kg-1 of dietary dry matter, respectively. Corn silage was used as the only roughage at a proportion of 50% and diets were formulated to be isoprotein. Diet was offered as a complete mixture. Average milk yield was 30.3 kg day-1. The concentration of protein, N-urea and lactose did not present significant variations (p>0.05) among the diets. The inclusion of 24% of cashew nut in the concentrate portion of the diet, maintains milk production, reduces milk fat content and together with the reduction in the concentration of short chain fatty acids and the increase in the concentrations of long chain fatty acids, provide a greater nutraceutical value to milk, making the use of cashew nut an excellent alternative for obtaining milk with more benefits to human health. RESUMO O presente trabalho avaliou a produção e a composição do leite de vacas leiteiras alimentadas com níveis crescentes de castanha de caju na porção concentrada da dieta. Foram utilizadas oito vacas holandesas multíparas, entre a terceira e a quinta lactação, com produção média de 28,0 ? 4,0 kg de leite dia-1, dispostas em delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4 x 4, duplo. As dietas avaliadas consistiram na inclusão de diferentes níveis de castanha de caju moída (CC): 0; 80; 160 e 240 g kg-1 na porção concentrada, possibilitando concentrações de extrato etéreo de 31,6; 46,0; 68,9 e 73,1 g kg-1 na matéria seca da dieta, respectivamente. A silagem de milho foi utilizada como volumoso único, na proporção 50% e as dietas foram formuladas para serem isoproteicas. A dieta foi fornecida na forma de mistura total. A produção média de leite foi 30,3 kg dia-1. As concentrações de proteína, N-ureico e lactose não apresentaram variações significativas (p>0,05) entre as dietas. A inclusão de 24% de castanha de caju na porção concentrada da dieta, mantem a produção de leite, reduz o conteúdo de gordura no leite e juntamente com a redução na concentração de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta e o aumento nas concentrações de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa, proporciona maior valor nutracêutico ao leite, tornando a utilização de castanha excelente alternativa para obtenção de leite com maior benefício à saúde humana.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a suplementação de lisina e metionina em associação ou não ao óleo de soja na dieta de vacas leiteiras e seus efeitos sobre a produção e a composição do leite. Doze vacas Holandesas foram distribuídas em quadrado latino 4x4, com as dietas O+LM (dieta acrescida de óleo de soja, lisina e metionina misturados na dieta total), OLM (dieta com o complexo óleo de soja/lisina e metionina fornecido separadamente da dieta total), OS (dieta acrescida de óleo de soja fornecido separadamente da dieta total) e LM (dieta acrescida de lisina e metionina fornecidos separadamente da dieta total). A produção de leite, a de proteína e a de gordura não foram afetadas pela adição de lisina e metionina associadas ou não com óleo de soja. O percentual de gordura do leite, a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura e a produção de leite corrigida para sólidos totais reduziram-se com a adição de óleo de soja na dieta. O percentual de proteína aumentou 0,14% (p

Resumo Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da substituição do milho por polpa cítrica sobre o desempenho de vacas leiteiras. Utilizaram-se nove vacas (três canuladas no rúmen) da raça Holandesa, pluríparas, com 80 ± 24 dias de lactação e produção média diária de 20 ± 0,58 kg de leite. Os animais foram confinados em tie stall, com cocho e bebedouro individuais. Utilizou-se um quadrado latino 3 x 3. Os períodos experimentais tiveram duração de 21 dias, sendo 14 de adaptação e sete de coleta. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de 100% milho grão (MG), 50% milho grão e 50% polpa cítrica (MP) e 100% polpa cítrica (PC). Não houve diferenças significativas na ingestão dos nutrientes (MS, MO, FDN, FDA, PB, amido) entre dietas. O tratamento com polpa cítrica produziu maior proporção de acetato em relação aos demais, bem como maior relação acetato/propionato. As médias de pH situaram-se entre 5,86 e 7,35. As médias de N-NH3 apresentaram maiores diferenças nos tempos 2 e 3 horas pós-alimentação. Não houve diferenças entre as dietas para produção total de leite corrigido para 4% de gordura, proteína, lactose, extrato seco total (EST) e nitrogênio uréico do leite (NUL). Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain by citrus pulp on dairy cows performance. Nine Holstein cows (three cannulated in the rumen), at 80 ± 24 milking days, and daily medium production of 20 ± 0.58 kg/day were used. Animals were maintained in tie stall with individual feeder and drinker. Experimental design was a 3 x 3 Latin square. Experiment lasted 21 days, being 14 days of adaptation and seven of collection. Treatments were 100% corn grain (CG); 50% corn grain and 50% citric pulp (CG-P) or 100% citrus pulp (P). There were no differences in nutrients (DM, OM, NDF, ADF, CP, starch) ingestion among diets. The treatment with citrus pulp produced larger proportion of acetate in relation to the others, as well as larger acetate/propionate ratio. The pH averages ranged between 5.86 and 7.35. The averages of N-NH3 presented larger differences in the times 2 and 3 hours after feeding. There were no differences among the diets for total 4%-fat corrected milk production, protein, lactose, total dry extract (TDE) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption, performance, feed efficiency, glucose concentration, and the cost per kilogram of weight gain of crossbred Holstein-Gyr heifers (n = 33) subjected to one of the three waste milk step-down strategies: 6L-30d/4L-60d/2L-90d (T1), 6L-45d/4L-60d/2L-90d (T2), and 8L-30d/6L-60d/3L-90d (T3). Heifers were weaned at the age of 91 days. Water and starter were provided ad libitum. The average waste milk intake was higher in T3 than in T1 and T2 strategies until 30 days and between 60 and 90 days. The starter intake did not differ among the strategies until 45 days, but it was higher in strategy T1 than in strategy T3 between 60 and 90 days. The waste milk step-down strategy did not influence the total dry matter intake, average daily gain, body weight, and feed efficiency. Glucose concentrations in plasma varied within a range that could be considered normal and were similar among the treatments. The average cost per kilogram of weight gain was the lowest in strategy T1 (US$3.0) compared to that in the other strategies (T2, US$3.2, and T3, US$3.6). The 6L-30d/4L-60d/2L-90d waste milk step-down strategy was the most effective, since it increased the starter intake, led to normal glucose concentrations in plasma, and caused similar weight gain compared with the other strategies; however, it had a lower cost per kilogram.

Os efeitos do uso de minerais complexados durante o pré-parto sobre a ocorrência de retenção de placenta foram avaliados em 135 vacas Holandesas de dois ou mais partos: grupo mineral iônico (69 animais) e grupo mineral complexado (66 animais). Em 55 desses animais foram também avaliadas as concentrações séricas da imunoglobulina G (IgG), Zn, Cu e a qualidade do colostro. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo em parcelas subdivididas. As concentrações séricas de IgG e dos microminerais foram avaliadas por análise de variância, sendo utilizados, respectivamente, os testes de Duncan e Fisher. A taxa de erro α admitida foi de 7%. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos para ocorrência de retenção de placenta, qualidade do colostro, concentrações séricas de Zn e IgG (P>0,07), sendo observada diferença para a concentração de Cu (P0.07), a difference was observed for Cu (P

Avaliaram-se os parâmetros de fermentação ruminal e a concentração de derivados de purinas na urina de vacas leiteiras alimentadas com teores crescentes de castanha de caju na dieta. Foram utilizadas oito vacas Holandesas multíparas, sendo quatro fistuladas no rúmen, com produção média de 28±4kg de leite/dia. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o quadrado latino 4x4, com parcelas subdivididas para os parâmetros ruminais e duplo para determinação dos derivados de purina. Os tratamentos avaliados consistiram na inclusão de 0; 8; 16 e 24% de castanha de caju moída na porção concentrada da dieta. O comportamento do pH ruminal foi semelhante entre as dietas avaliadas segundo os tempos após alimentação. A concentração média de nitrogênio amoniacal foi 12,70mg/100mL de líquido ruminal. Os valores médios de acetato e butirato apresentaram padrão linear de resposta, contudo a relação acetato:propionato não foi alterada pela adição do coproduto. As excreções de derivados de purina na urina não variaram significativamente (P>0,05) com a adição de castanha de caju. A inclusão de castanha de caju não afetou os parâmetros de fermentação ruminal nem as concentrações de derivados de purinas; dessa forma, pode ser recomendada como alternativa potencial na alimentação de vacas leiteiras em lactação. The parameters of rumen fermentation and the concentration of purine derivatives in the urine of dairy cows fed with increasing levels of cashew nut in the diet were evaluated. Eight multiparous holstein cows were used, being four rumen cannulated, with average production of 28±4kg of milk/day. The experimental design adopted was a 4x4 Latin square with split plots for the ruminal parameters and double for the determination of purine derivatives. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of 0; 8; 16 and 24% of cashew nut in the concentrate portion of the diet. The behavior of the ruminal pH was similar between the evaluated diets according to the time after feeding. The average concentration of ammonia nitrogen was 12.70mg/100mL of rumen fluid. The average values of acetate and butyrate showed a linear response, but the acetate:propionate ratio wasnot altered by the addition of the coproduct. The excretions of purine derivatives in urine did not differ significantly (P>0.05) with the addition of cashew nut. The inclusion of cashew nut did not affect ruminal fermentation parameters neither the concentrations of purine derivatives, so it can be recommended as a potential alternative for feeding dairy cows.

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de castanha de caju (CC) - 0, 8, 16 e 24% - na porção concentrada da ração sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o comportamento ingestivo em oito vacas Holandesas pluríparas, com produção média de 28±4kg de leite/dia, dispostas em delineamento quadrado latino 4x4, duplo. A silagem de milho foi utilizada como alimento volumoso único. A CC contribuiu com, aproximadamente, 46,0; 61,8 e 67,7% do total de extrato etéreo presente no concentrado quando a inclusão foi de 8, 16 e 24%, respectivamente. O consumo de matéria seca não foi alterado em função da inclusão de CC na ração, apresentando valor médio de 21,29kg/dia. A digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes apresentaram variações que não foram relacionadas ao aumento no teor de lipídeos das dietas. Embora tenha sido observada redução no tempo de ingestão de matéria seca, o tempo despendido com a ruminação possibilitou que a atividade mastigatória não fosse afetada pela suplementação lipídica. A maior proporção de CC adicionada ao concentrado, 24%, não influenciou o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o comportamento ingestivo, dessa forma pode ser recomendada como alternativa potencial na alimentação de vacas leiteiras em lactação. The effect of the inclusion of cashew nut (CN) at the amounts of 0, 8, 16 e 24% in the concentrate portion of the ration on the intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and ingestive behavior was evaluated, using eight Holstein dairy cows, producing 28±4kg milk/day, allocated in a 4x4 double Latin Square Design. Corn silage was used as main forage. The CN contributed with approximately 46.0; 61.8 and 67.7% of total ether extract present in the concentrate when the inclusion levels were 8, 16 and 24%, respectively. The dry matter intake was not altered by the inclusion of CN in the rations, showing mean value of 21.29kg/day. The digestibility of dry matter and nutrients showed variations that were not related to the increased lipid content of the rations. Although reductions have been observed in the time spent with dry matter intake, the time spent ruminating enabled the chewing activity to not be affected by fat supplementation. The highest proportion of CN added to the concentrate (24%) did not influence the intake, apparent digestibility and ingestive behavior, so it can be recommended as a potential alternative for feeding dairy cows.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a qualidade do colostro de vacas mestiças Holandês Zebu e a transferência de imunidade a seus bezerros. Efeitos de ordem de parto, sexo do bezerro, estação do ano e grupo genético foram estudados em vacas distribuídas em quatro grupos genéticos. Amostras de sangue dos bezerros foram coletadas aos três dias de vida. Foi avaliada a concentração de proteína total no soro (PT) por refratometria e espectrofotometria. As amostras de colostro apresentaram alta qualidade, com concentração média de Ig de 78,5mg/mL. Houve adequada transferência de imunidade passiva, com 88,3% dos bezerros com PT acima de 5,5g/dL. Não houve efeito de ordem de parto, sexo do bezerro, estação do ano e grupo genético da vaca na qualidade do colostro e na PT (P>0,05). Vacas F1 produziram, em média, colostro de alta qualidade e houve sucesso na transferência de imunidade passiva. The objective of this paper was to evaluate crossbred Holstein Zebu cows colostrum quality and passive immunity transfer to their calves. Parity, calf sex, season of the year and cow genetic group effects in both responses were analyzed. Quality (immunoglobulin - Ig - concentration) was measured in colostrum samples of 186 crossbred cows from four different genetic groups with a colostrometer. Calf’s blood samples were collected on the third day of life. Serum total protein concentration (PT) was measured through refractometry and spectrophotometry. Colostrum samples were classified as high quality and showed mean Ig concentrations of 78.5mg/mL. Passive immunity transfer was successful, since 88.3% of calves had PT higher than 5.5g/dL. There was no effect of parity, calf sex, season of the year or cow genetic group in colostrum quality or serum total protein concentration (P>0.05). Crossbred Holstein Zebu cows produced high quality colostrums. There was success in passive immunity transfer to the calves.

Cinquenta e três vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu, multíparas, foram distribuídas em quatro grupos para avaliar os efeitos de quatro e duas ordenhas diárias até o 21º dia da lactação, seguidas de duas ordenhas diárias, com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro, sobre: produção, composição do leite, peso corporal das vacas e dos bezerros e características reprodutivas. A produção e a composição do leite foram avaliadas a cada quatro dias até o 33º dia da lactação e, a partir desta data, a cada 15 dias. Os animais foram pesados ao parto, semanalmente até dois meses após o parto e, a partir desta data a cada 30 dias. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. As produções médias de leite foram 16,7, 17,2, 19,0 e 18,9kg/d (P0,05).

Avaliaram-se o efeito da adição de diferentes fontes energéticas na dieta de vacas primíparas leiteiras, durante o período de transição, sobre a produção e a composição do leite, as ocorrências clínicas no pós-parto e sua relação com as concentrações plasmáticas de ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE). Foram utilizadas 50 vacas primíparas da raça Holandesa no período de 28 dias antes da data prevista do parto até o 21º dia pós-parto. Os animais foram designados aos grupos: controle, Megalac- E®, soja tostada (ST) ou propileno glicol (PG). Avaliações clínicas foram realizadas todos os dias. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas no pré e pós parto, antes da primeira alimentação do dia, para avaliação de AGNE. Os grupos Megalac- E® e propileno glicol apresentaram maior volume de leite corrigido para 3,5% de gordura (LCG 3,5%) em relação ao grupo soja tostada (P=0,05). Nos grupos controle, Megalac- E® e soja tostada, os valores de AGNE aumentaram até o parto, seguidos de queda após o parto. Essa queda foi menos acentuada no grupo-controle, que apresentou equação de regressão quadrática, estando associado à maior incidência de afecções no pós-parto. O grupo Megalac-E® apresentou comportamento cúbico, o soja tostada hiperbólico, e o propileno glicol quadrático. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effect of different energy sources added to the diet over milk production and composition, disease incidence during postpartum period and its relationship to NEFA concentrations during the transition period. Fifty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were used from 28 days before the expected calving date until 21 days postpartum. Cows were randomly distributed in four groups, being: control, Megalac- E®, toasted soybean (TS) and propylene glycol (PG). Clinical evaluations were performed during all experimental days. Blood samples were collected in pre and postpartum periods, before the first feeding of sampling day in order to determine NEFA prolife. Megalac- E® and propylene glicol groups showed greater milk production corrected to 3.5% fat compared to group toasted soybean (P=0.05). In control groups, Megalac-E® and toasted soybean values of NEFA increased until delivery and then decreased. This decrease was less pronounced in the control group that showed a quadratic regression equation associated with higher incidence of postpartum disorders. The Megalac-E® group showed a cubic model, the toasted soybean hyperbolic and propylene glycol quadratic equations.

Avaliou-se financeiramente o efeito de quatro ordenhas diárias nos primeiros 21 dias da lactação, seguidas de duas ordenhas diárias, com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro em um dos tetos durante a ordenha. Foram utilizadas 53 vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu multíparas. A produção e a composição do leite foram mensuradas a cada quatro dias até o 33° dia da lactação e, posteriormente, a cada 15 dias. Como indicador do desempenho financeiro dos diferentes grupos, foi utilizada a margem bruta. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. As produções médias de leite foram 16,7, 17,2, 19,0 e 18,9kg/d (PÂ0,01) para vacas ordenhadas duas e quatro vezes por dia, com ou sem a sucção do leite pelo bezerro durante a ordenha, respectivamente. O aumento da frequência de ordenhas nos primeiros 21 dias da lactação proporcionou incremento na produção de dois litros/dia e 17,3% na margem bruta estimada com a venda de leite.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de 25 novilhos Holandês x Zebu, castrados, com média de peso vivo inicial de 265±50 kg, sob pastejo emBrachiaria decumbens, distribuídos em cinco grupos e em cinco piquetes, segundo os tratamentos: controle - suplementação múltipla sem ionóforos (CONT); suplementação múltipla com 100mg/cab/dia de monensina (M100); suplementação múltipla com 200mg/cab/dia de monensina (M200); suplementação múltipla com 100mg/cab/dia de lasalocida (L100); suplementação múltipla com 200mg/cab/dia de lasalocida (L200). O período experimental foi de 105 dias, com rotação dos grupos nos piquetes a cada 21 dias. A suplementação foi fornecida ad libitum. A avaliação de desempenho ocorreu mediante a pesagem dos animais, em jejum de alimento e água de 14 horas, no início de cada período e término do experimento. Os animais alimentados com suplementos com ionóforos apresentaram maior ganho de peso em relação aos do controle (0,357 vs. 0,268; P = 0,0068). Entre os ionóforos, os animais alimentados com lasalocida ganharam mais peso (0,398 vs. 0,333; P=0,0175). O melhor desempenho pode ser explicado pelo maior consumo dos suplementos pelos animais alimentados com lasalocida (0,53 vs. 0,42; P

O padrão fermentativo in vitro de dietas compostas por fubá de milho, farelo de arroz integral, farelo de arroz parboilizado e suas associações em diferentes proporções foi estudado, na porção concentrada da dieta de ruminantes. Até 12h de incubação, a produção de gases foi superior (p < 0,05) para os tratamentos com farelo de arroz integral (FAI) e farelo de arroz parboilizado (FAP), mas ao final de 96h, o tratamento com 100% de fubá de milho (FM) produziu mais (p < 0,05) gases (379,41mL g MS-1). As degradabilidades totais da matéria seca (MS) e matéria orgânica (MO) foram superiores (p < 0,05) para os tratamentos FAI e FAP até 12h, mas ao final de 96h de incubação, a degradabilidade total da MS e MO foi maior (p < 0,05) para o tratamento FM (90,46 e 91,08%, respectivamente). O potencial nutricional do farelo de arroz parboilizado ou integral na dieta de ruminantes foi evidenciado por proporcionar maior taxa fracional de produção de gases in vitro (12,39 e 13,17 mL h-1) e maior degradação da MS e MO nos tempos iniciais.The in vitro fermentation pattern of diets composed of corn meal, rice bran, parboiled rice bran and their associations was studied in different proportions in the concentrate portion in ruminants diets. Up to 12 hours of incubation, gas production was higher (p < 0.05) for the treatments with rice bran (FAI) and parboiled rice bran (FAP); however, after 96 hours, the treatment with 100% corn meal (FM) produced more (p < 0.05) gases (379.41 mL g DM-1). Total degradability of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were higher (p < 0.05) for treatments FAI and FAP up to 12 hours; however, after 96 hours of incubation the total degradability of DM and OM was higher (p < 0.05) for the FM treatment (90.46 and 91.08%, respectively). The nutritional potential of rice bran or parboiled rice bran was confirmed in the diet of ruminants, as it provides a higher fractional rate of in vitro gas production (12.39 and 13.17 mL h-1) and faster degradation of DM and OM in initial times.

Avaliou-se o efeito da adição de diferentes fontes energéticas na dieta de vacas leiteiras, durante o período de transição, sobre a primeira onda folicular e o intervalo parto-primeira ovulação. Foram utilizadas 40 vacas primíparas da raça Holandesa, no período de 28 dias antes da data prevista do parto até o 46º dia pós-parto. As vacas foram submetidas a quatro tratamentos (grupos) durante o período de transição: grupo-controle e grupos tratados com, Megalac-E (sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos da soja), soja tostada ou propileno-glicol. Avaliações ultrassonográficas foram realizadas do 10º ao 46º dia pós-parto, com a classificação dos folículos ovarianos em quatro classes (I, II, III e IV) de tamanho e do registro do volume do tecido luteal. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 10, 17, 24, 31, 38 e 45 após o parto para análise de progesterona. O padrão de crescimento folicular mais eficiente foi apresentado pelos animais dos grupos Megalac-E e propileno-glicol, que foram caracterizados pela redução no número de folículos de classes I e II e aumento no número de folículos de classes III e IV. Os intervalos entre o parto e a primeira ovulação dos grupos controle, Megalac-E, soja tostada e propileno-glicol foram de 29, 23, 30 e 37 dias, respectivamente (P