Search

not available yet

Currently, dairy calves are most commonly separated from their dam within 24 hours after 28 birth. The interest for prolonged contact between dairy calves and lactating cows during early 29 life is increasing, but little is known about how farmers implement cow-calf contact. The aim 30 of this study was to identify which practices are currently used on European farms with cow-31 calf contact (CCC), and which management challenges these farmers face. We found that 32 cow-calf contact was practiced on a wide variety of farms, from small farms with outdoor 33 housing to large farms with technology intensive systems. The calves were reared together 34 with their dam, with foster cows, or using a combination of the two. It was also common to 35 manually milk feed the calves during parts of the milk period. How much time cows and 36 calves are kept together varied between farms, from 30 minutes per day to permanent contact 37 except at milking. Building constraints were often mentioned as a barrier for implementing 38 CCC. Many farmers reported stress-related behaviours when cows and calves were separated, 39 and some alleviating strategies, e.g. different types of gradual separation and weaning, were 40 identified. More research how to optimise weaning and separation practices, and to improve 41 indoor housing on cow-calf contact farms would be beneficial for this growing sector.

A characteristic feature of the organic system of production is the lower productivity of cows. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of cow age and collecting number on the level of immunostimulating colostrum components in an organic farm. From the basic herd specializing in organic milk production, 40 cows of the Polish Holstein-Friesian Black and White breed were selected: 10 primiparous, 10 cows in 2nd lactation, 10 cows in 4th lactation and 10 cows in 5th lactation. The colostrum samples were collected according to the following scheme: the first one maximum of two hours after calving, the second on the same day and the third and fourth on the following day. For three consecutive days samples were taken once a day (7 colostrum samples from each cow). Statistically significant differences in the level of bioactive components of colostrum with immunostimulating properties has been shown due to the time of intake from calving and significant differences in the level of these components due to the age of cows. Multiparous cows synthetized colostrum with a higher content of total protein, casein and non-fat dry matter than the primiparous. Variability of the immunoglobulin content of colostrum obtained in 1st and in the 2nd collecting after calving was higher in multiparous cows than in primiparous cows. Furthermore, it has been shown that there was a clear correlation between the quality of colostrum and the age of cows. In conclusion, a high impact of the interaction of age of cows x collecting number on the development of colostrum stimulating ingredients in the organic production system has been demonstrated.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe strategies used by European dairy farmers with cow-calf contact (CCC) systems. Farms allowing at least 7 days CCC in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland were interviewed between September 2018 and January 2019 following a standardised questionnaire. In total, 104 interviews were included in the analysis; no CCC farms were identified in Poland. Average herd size was 53±59 (mean ± SD) cows. Dam rearing was practiced on 34% of farms, while 12% used foster cows, 28% used a mix of dam and foster cows and 23% first let the calves suckle their dam and then manually milk fed them. On 46% of farms, the calves had full day contact (except at milking), while 5% practiced half day CCC and 36% let the calves suckle at milking. Farmers perceived several benefits with keeping cow and calf together, including improved overall health (79% of farms) and weight gains (84%) in calves. Udder health in suckled cows was most often perceived as the same (40% of farms) or improved (38%) as in systems with early separation. Common drivers for using CCC systems were improved calf health, more natural farming system and increased labour efficiency. The most commonly stated barrier for implementing CCC was barn construction, while stress responses when separating cows and calves were observed by many farmers (87% of farms). The study suggests that there is a range of different strategies allowing CCC used on European farms, and identifies research regarding suitable housing during the suckling period and routines for cow-calf separation as key.

The ProYoungStock project aimed to improve the lives of young cattle and conducted research in 8 European countries: Austria (AT), France (FR), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Poland (PL), Slovenia (SI), Sweden (SE), and Switzerland (CH). Interviews with 104 dairy farmers in AT, FR, DE, IT, SE, CH showed that many diverse cow-calf contact systems (CCC) are practised in Europe. Better animal welfare and reduced labour were perceived as benefits of CCC, while stress when cow and calf are separated, lower amounts of saleable milk, and building constraints were seen as challenges. Trials in different countries with either focus on feeding strategies (e. g. more milk, use of supplements as linseeds or tannins, silage vs. no silage) or different rearing systems (i.e. 7 different CCC systems compared to control without CCC) revealed the following results concerning: Calf growth: Calves benefited from increased milk levels (10-12 l/day compared to 6-8 l/day) (DE, AT), from permanent CCC compared to control (PL), from CCC when fed by dams before morning milking and with 6 h/day access to dams until weaning. But there was no impact when CCC of 6 h/day was carried out for only 3 weeks (FR) as well as when CCC was restricted to 2 x 30 min/d until 16 weeks of life. These results show that CCC alone does not necessarily promote calf growth! Behaviour disorders and welfare: Main behaviour disorders in calves are sucking each other (cross sucking) or manipulating any objects with their mouth. We observed less cross sucking in calves with permanent foster cow contact and with 2x30 min/d contact to the dam (CH, PL). Calves with permanent foster cow contact also manipulated less objects compared to bucket fed calves (PL). Increased milk feeding (DE) and limited access to the dam 2x30 min/d (CH) however, did not reduce those manipulations. CCC calves had lower hair cortisol contents (less stress) before weaning, but after weaning they vocalized earlier and longer (indicating stress) than control calves. (FR). Calf health: Immunoglobulin-levels in calves’ serum from mothers supplemented with linseeds 30 days before and after calving were higher than in calves from control mothers (PL). However, calf health in 5 variations of CCC systems did not differ compared to control systems (PL, FR, SE, and CH). We found no relevant effect of CCC on the gut microbiota development in calves, nor on the passive immune transfer from cows to neonatal calves (FR), nor on a further build-up of the active immune defence during the pre-weaning period (FR, CH). Cow health: There were no differences in somatic cell count (udder health indicator) and cows’ health events in 3 variations of CCC-systems compared to control (FR, SE). CCC practices did not influence contents of immunoglobulin G and lactoferrin in cow’s milk (FR, CH). Reproductive performance of multiparous cows did not differ between CCC and control, but was improved in primiparous cows in CCC systems (FR, CH, and SE). Extensively reared animals showed lower disease incidences than animals that did not have this experience (AT, FR), but there was no influence of extensive rearing on calving interval (AT, FR, SI). There was no difference between farms with or without silage feeding regarding reproduction (AT, DE, SI), but a negative effect of silage free rearing on udder health was found (AT, DE). Milk contents: In CCC-systems we found higher protein contents and lower fat contents (except when calves suckled before milking) than in milk from control cows (FR). Linseed-feeding before calving increased unsaturated fatty acids in colostrum (PL). Milk and fat yields were higher with silage feeding than without in AT, DE, FR, but lower in SI. Feeding tannin extracts to cows during the dry season (hay feeding) revealed lower urea contents, a better fatty acid profile and a higher antioxidant capacity in milk and cheese (IT). Meat quality: pH of meat 24 h after slaughter was lower in calves with foster cow rearing, but the main fatty acids did not differ between calves from CCC systems and control (PL, CH). Economic impact of CCC: CCC systems produced 21% to 43% less saleable milk compared to control. The best compromise between milk yield and calf growth was reached with 6 – 9 h CCC between morning and evening milking until weaning (SE, FR). Ecological impact of tannin feeding: In vitro blended tannin extracts reduced ruminal protein degradation and ammonia and methane emissions; especially when hay feeding was simulated (IT). As there is no one-fits all solution (but there are many pieces of a puzzle), the large variation in management led us to organise many workshops for farmers, so they could exchange on the diverse possibilities of CCC and find out which is the best one for their farm. Those workshops are great to introduce CCC-systems because farmers advise farmers. More information for farmers and the scientific community is available at www.proyoungstock.net.

SusCatt considered a wide range of innovations or system comparisons in the 6 countries, all aimed to improve sustainability within European cattle farming. On the whole, these involved reducing production intensity, making greater use of home-grown grass and other forage crops on farms – generally with promising results for beef and dairy production when we considered their potential impact across the 3 pillars of sustainability...

The experiment was carried out at the ecological farm Ekofarma Kaszubska in Poland. Ten Holstein-Friesian bulls of the same age were selected for the experiment and divided into two experimental groups. Five calves were raised in a pen without access to their mothers. They were taken with whole milk served from a bucket equipped with a teat. The remaining five bulls were reared at two foster cows. The rearing lasted six months, after which the animals were slaughtered. During the rearing, behavioural observations of each of the experimental groups were carried out every month for 3 hours. During the observation, the number of ‘licking cases’ of the pen equipment or other calf was counted. The study was conducted in three identical replications one after the other. The collected experimental data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. It was found that calves reared with suckler cows gained weight faster and were characterised by better muscle class (assessed in the EUROP system) compared to the control group. Behavioural assessments showed less adverse behaviours, such as licking other calves or pen equipment, in the suckling group compared to the control group. This difference was most evident in relation to calves up to 3 months of age. No significant differences were found between the groups of older calves. This is due to the increased need for calves to suck in the first weeks of life. Strong urine drinking tendencies were demonstrated in both groups, so this type of behaviour would not be related to the rearing system, but rather to mineral deficiencies in the diet. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the increased availability of milk, and the frequent natural intake of milk directly from the udder, have a positive effect on calves’ growth and well-being.

Coraz więcej rolników zastanawia się nad tym czy warto nowonarodzone cielę zaraz po wycieleniu odseparować od matki? Czy zysk ze sprzedaży mleka przeważy nad zachowaniem naturalnych relacji cielę-matka w pierwszym okresie odchowu?

This review constitutes a part of the Core Organic project ‘ProYoungStock’ – Promoting young stock and cow health and welfare by natural feeding systems. The overarching aim of the project is to improve young stock rearing systems concerning animal welfare-friendly husbandry, feeding and disease prevention by identifying approaches on different levels. More natural rearing systems are one approach to solve welfare problems in current calf rearing. Previous studies have shown considerable variations in herd characteristics and management strategies between organic dairy farms in Europe. The differences have been associated with regional and national conditions for organic farming. However, it is possible that differences in national legislation also play a part in these variations. Relevant EU and national rules on organic production and animal welfare were compiled in the following seven European countries: Sweden (SE), France (FR), Poland (PL), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Austria (AT), and Switzerland (CH). The purpose was to provide information on drivers and barriers for cow-calf contact systems in organic dairy production and to identify possible areas for improvement and/or harmonization. Our results did not identify any major barriers in national rules for the use of rearing systems allowing cow-calf contact. Instead, cow-calf contact is promoted by the requirement to feed organic calves preferably maternal milk during the first three months of their life. Specifications regarding calf rearing derives from animal protection legislation rather than regulations of organic farming but milk hygiene regulations can also have an influence on practicability of cow-calf contact. Variations in national legislation can affect details of design and implementation of cow-calf systems, however, other factors (e.g. overall conditions for organic dairy farming, traditions, economics and disease prevention strategies) rather than regulations likely play more important roles.

Although good colostrum quality is highly desired, not many researches show what factors have impact on its components. It is believed that udder diseases, ketosis and chronic acidosis significantly lower the level of immunoglobulines in colostrum simultaneously causing its poor quality. The aim of this study was to indicate which intramammary infections, and as a result cytological quality, impact on the content of immunostymulating components of colostrum. The experiment was conducted on 250 cows all kept in a freestall housing system. Animals were divided into two groups , depending on somatic cell counts in colostrum (SCC) per ml: 400 x 103 (LCC).Obtained results ensured that variety of colostrum is determined by its cytology. In GCC group not only protein content but also fat was higher. Noticeable changes in concentration of immunoglobulins were proved according to Lf and Lz increase, moreover very meaningful varieties in amount of unsaturated fatty acids were noticed. It is crucial to improve colostrum quality in dairy breeding, so all factors that affect it must be recognized in detail. The quality of colostrum varies, with that variability being determined by cytological quality. Colostrum rich in health-promoting ingredients (especially IgG) and with low level of SCC shortens the period in which calves are at high risk for disease. Bacteria in colostrum may bind free IgG in the gut lumen or block the uptake and transport of IgG molecules into the enterocytes, thus reducing absorption of IgG. “The authors acknowledge the financial support for this project provided by transnational founding bodies, being partners of the Horizon 2020, ERA-net project, CORE Organic Cofund, and cofound from the NCBR”.

Basic bovine behavior is a crucial parameter influencing cattle domestication. In addition, behavior has an impact on cattle productivity, welfare and adaptation. The aim of the present study was to infer quantitative genetic and genomic mechanisms contributing to natural dual-purpose cow behavior in grazing systems. In this regard, we genotyped five dual-purpose breeds for a dense SNP marker panel from four different European countries. All cows from the across-country study were equipped with the same electronic recording devices. In this regard, we analyzed 97,049 longitudinal sensor behavior observations from 319 local dual-purpose cows for rumination, feeding, basic activity, high active, not active and ear temperature. According to the specific sensor behaviors and following a welfare protocol, we computed two different welfare indices. For genomic breed characterizations and multi-breed genome-wide association studies, sensor traits and test-day production records were merged with 35,826 SNP markers per cow. For the estimation of variance components, we used the pedigree relationship matrix and a combined similarity matrix that simultaneously included both pedigree and genotypes. Heritabilities for feeding, high active and not active were in a moderate range from 0.16 to 0.20. Estimates were very similar from both relationship matrix-modeling approaches and had quite small standard errors. Heritabilities for the remaining sensor traits (feeding, basic activity, ear temperature) and welfare indices were lower than 0.09. Five significant SNPs on chromosomes 11, 17, 27 and 29 were associated with rumination, and two different SNPs significantly influenced the sensor traits "not active" (chromosome 13) and "feeding" (chromosome 23). Gene annotation analyses inferred 22 potential candidate genes with a false discovery rate lower than 20%, mostly associated with rumination (13 genes) and feeding (8 genes). Mendelian randomization based on genomic variants (i.e., the instrumental variables) was used to infer causal inference between an exposure and an outcome. Significant regression coefficients among behavior traits indicate that all specific behavioral mechanisms contribute to similar physiological processes. The regression coefficients of rumination and feeding on milk yield were 0.10 kg/% and 0.12 kg/%, respectively, indicating their positive influence on dual-purpose cow productivity. Genomically, an improved welfare behavior of grazing cattle, i.e., a higher score for welfare indices, was significantly associated with increased fat and protein percentages.

Demand for organic milk is partially driven by consumer perceptions that it is more nutritious. However, there is still considerable uncertainty over whether the use of organic production standards affects milk quality. Here we report results of meta-analyses based on 170 published studies comparing the nutrient content of organic and conventional bovine milk. There were no significant differences in total SFA and MUFA concentrations between organic and conventional milk. However, concentrations of total PUFA and n-3 PUFA were significantly higher in organic milk, by an estimated 7 (95 % CI −1, 15) % and 56 (95 % CI 38, 74) %, respectively. Concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA), very long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA+DPA+DHA) and conjugated linoleic acid were also significantly higher in organic milk, by an 69 (95 % CI 53, 84) %, 57 (95 % CI 27, 87) % and 41 (95 % CI 14, 68) %, respectively. As there were no significant differences in total n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid (LA) concentrations, the n-6:n-3 and LA:ALA ratios were lower in organic milk, by an estimated 71 (95 % CI −122, −20) % and 93 (95 % CI −116, −70) %. It is concluded that organic bovine milk has a more desirable fatty acid composition than conventional milk. Meta-analyses also showed that organic milk has significantly higher α-tocopherol and Fe, but lower I and Se concentrations. Redundancy analysis of data from a large cross-European milk quality survey indicates that the higher grazing/conserved forage intakes in organic systems were the main reason for milk composition differences.

Wie kann die ökologische Tierzucht vorangebracht werden? Länderübergreifende Kooperationen bieten die Möglichkeit, Synergien zugunsten der Erhaltung von Rassen und deren züchterische Weiterentwicklung zu bilden.Ein neues deutsch-polnisches Projekt 1 nutzt diese Möglichkeiten. Aufgrund der gemeinsamen Geschichte Polens und Deutschlands bestehen bei einzelnen Nutztierrassen genetische Vermischungen bis hin zu engen Verwandtschaften.Um die Forschung im Bereich ökologische Tierzucht in beiden Ländern zu koordinieren, sollen deutsch-polnische Netzwerke gebildet werden. Sie erleichtern die Kooperation zwischen Forschungsinstitutionen, mit Züchtung befassten landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben, Zuchtorganisationen, staatlichen Institutionen im Bereich Tierzucht,Verantwortlichen für tiergenetische Ressourcen und ökologischen Verbänden. Ein wichtiges Projektziel ist deshalb die Identifizierung aller Ebenen und Akteure, die für die Entwicklung einer dem ökologischen Landbau dienlichen Zucht notwendig sind.Es sollen Voraussetzungen dafür geschaffen werden, die Entwicklung der ökologischen Tierzucht auf eine breitere Grundlage zu stellen.