• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2024

Hoof health management plays an important role in dairy farms because lameness can impact productivity via decreased milk yield, reproduction rate, and increased culling rate. Regular hoof trimming can help reduce the incidence of hoof diseases in dairy cows. However, its effects on healthy dairy cows remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of hoof trimming on milk yield, rumination time, and activity in healthy Holstein and Jersey cows. Fourteen cows (7 Holstein and 7 Jersey) without lameness were used in this study. We trimmed the cows and collected data from 3 days prior to 9 days after hoof trimming. Milk yield, rumination time, and activity were measured using automatic milking and health monitoring systems. Milk yield and rumination time decreased, whereas activity level increased on the trimming day compared to the previous days in both breeds, although the difference was not significant. On the days after hoof trimming, milk yield, rumination time, and activity recovered to normal. Especially in Holstein cows, a temporary increase in milk yield was observed compared to that in the pre-trimming period. Hoof trimming did not negatively affect the productivity of dairy cows of either breed. Furthermore, productivity can temporarily increase.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.650-657
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• 2002

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of forage:concentrate ratios and feeding principles on milk yield, milk composition, body weight change, postpartum oestrus and feed cost. A total of 36 crossbred F1 cows (Holstein Friesian${\times}$Local Yellow) in the 8th week of lactation were used. In each experiment, animals were divided into three groups using a randomized block design according to the milk yield of the previous eight weeks. Cows were fed 30, 50 and 70% concentrate in the diet based on DM. In experiment 1 (Fc), cows were given the same amount of DM with constant ratios of forage and concentrate within treatments. In experiment 2 (Fa), cows were given the same constant amounts of concentrate as in experiment 1 and ad libitum forage. The forage consisted of a natural grass mixture based on 5 species of grasses with high nutritive values. There was no difference in total DM intake between treatments within experiments. However, cows fed forage ad libitum had higher DM intakes compared to cows fed constant forage (1.6, 4.5 and 9.5% for cows fed 70, 50 and 30% forage, respectively). Daily milk yield of cows fed forage ad libitum was higher than that of cows fed constant forage:concentrate ratio. Within experiment, milk yield was highest for cows fed 30% DM forage, followed by cows fed 50% and then cows fed 70% forage (11.17, 10.98 and 10.71 for the 30Fc, 50Fc and 70Fc cows; 11.73, 11.16 and 10.81 kg for the 30Fa, 50Fa and 70Fa cows, respectively). Decreased forage ratio in the diets resulted in decreased milk fat content and tended to increase milk protein. Increased concentrate ratio in the diet and feeding forage ad libitum increased body weight gain. The effect of forage:concentrate ratio on postpartum oestrus was not significant. The feed cost per kg milk produced was lowest for the cows fed 70% forage. It is concluded that increased ratio of concentrate resulted in increased body weight gain, milk yield, milk protein, and decreased milk fat. Feeding forage ad libitum increased feed intake, milk yield and body weight gain. The ratio of 50% forage is more suitable for milk production and animal condition, but in terms of feed cost and under the conditions of small dairy farmers, the 70% ad libitum forage feeding is recommended.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2005

Finger millet straw and rice straw are the major source of dry roughage in southern India. They distinctly vary in their morphological and nutritional characters. Hence an effort was made to study the nutrient utilization, milk yield and composition in crossbred dairy cows fed either finger millet (group 1) or rice straw (group 2) as a source of dry roughage. The cows in both the groups were fed as per requirement with concentrate, green fodder and straw in the ratio of 30:45:25 parts (DM). At the end of 50 days of preliminary feeding a digestibility trial was conducted for 7 days and pooled samples of feed, fodder, feces, urine and milk were analysed for macro and micro nutrient content. Finger millet straw contained more CP, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn and Co than rice straw and rice straw contained higher ADF, ash and silica. The intake of DM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and most micronutrients (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co) was significantly higher in cows fed finger millet straw. The digestibility of DM, CP, NDF and ADF was significantly higher in cows fed finger millet straw and the gut absorption of Ca, Cu, Mn and Co was significantly higher in cows fed finger millet straw. The dietary requirement of all micronutrients in both the group of cows could be met irrespective of the type of roughage fed except that of Ca, which was low (0.61 and 0.40%) in rice straw fed cows. The average daily milk yield (L/cow) was also higher (7.0 L) in cows fed finger millet straw as compared to cows fed rice straw (6.3 L). The average milk composition also did not differ except that of milk fat which was significantly (4.7 and 4.5%) low in cows fed rice straw. The overall results of this study have indicated that finger millet straw is a better source of dry fodder than rice straw and while feeding rice straw as the sole roughage to dairy cows there is need to supplement additional calcium as this could be one of the limiting nutrients for milk production.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.57 no.12
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• pp.46.1-46.19
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• 2015

Background: This study examined whether activation of innate immunity and alterations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism precede development of subclinical mastitis (SCM). Methods: Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein from 100 Holstein dairy cows at -8, -4, disease diagnosis week, and +4 weeks postpartum. Six healthy cows (controls - CON) and six cows that showed clinical signs of SCM were selected for serum analyses. All serum samples were analyzed for acute phase proteins (APP) haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA); proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and serum lactate, BHBA, and NEFA concentration. Data of DMI, milk production, and milk composition were recorded and analyzed. Results: The results showed that cows with SCM had greater concentrations of SAA, TNF (P < 0.01), and lactate before expected day of parturition (P < 0.05) compared to CON cows. Cows with SCM showed greater concentrations of lactate starting at -8 weeks (P < 0.05) and TNF starting at -4 weeks prior to the expected day of parturition (P < 0.01). Interestingly, at -4 weeks, concentrations of IL-1 and Hp were lower in cows with SCM compared to healthy cows (P < 0.01) followed by an increase during the week of disease diagnosis (P < 0.05). Subclinical mastitis was associated with lower DMI, at -4 weeks before calving, milk production (P < 0.05) and increased somatic cell counts (SCC) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that SCM is preceded by activated innate immunity and altered carbohydrate metabolism in transition dairy cows. Moreover the results support the idea that Hp, lactate, and SAA, at -8 weeks, and TNF and IL-1 at -4 weeks can be used as early indicators to screen cows during dry off for disease state.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.457-463
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• 2000

Fifty mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a six-week feeding trial to study effects of high-forage, high-fat diets on dry matter intake and production performance. Cows were divided into 10 replicates, each consisting of five cows. Each cow was assigned to a control (diet 1) or one of the four experimental diets (high-forage (75%), high-fat (7.5%) (diet 2); high-forage, medium-fat (5%) (diet 3); medium forage (65%), high-fat (diet 4); medium-forage, medium-fat (diet 5)), or a control diet containing about 50% forage and 2% fat. All diets were isonitrogenous (17.7% crude protein). The forage mixture consisted of 20% alfalfa hay, 40% alfalfa haylage, and 40% com silage. Supplemental fat included 80% rumen-protected fat and 20% yellow grease. Dry matter intake was decreased (p<0.01) in cows fed experimental diets (18.4, 20.9, 19.9, and 22.6 kg for cows fed diets 1-4, respectively vs. 27.5 kg for cows fed the control diet). Daily milk production was lower (p<0.05) for cows consuming experimental diets (30.5, 31.3, 31.0, and 32.5 kg for cows fed greater for cows consuming experimental diets (1.74, 1.55, 1.60, and 1.53 kg milk/kg dry matter intake for cows fed diets 1-4, respectively, vs. 1.26 kg milk/kg dry matter intake for cows fed the control diet).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.831-836
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• 2006

This study compared the effects of two levels of crude protein (CP) supplementation during a close-up dry period on the productive performance, nitrogen balance, and blood profiles of Holstein cows. Eighteen cows (8 primigravid and 10 multiparous), 21 days prior to calving, were divided into four groups and fed a diet containing a low (11.5 to 12.7% CP) or high (14.1 to 15.3% CP) level of protein. Following parturition, all cows were offered the same diet. Nitrogen balance was measured 12 d to 10 d prior to the expected calving date. Whole feces and urine were collected. The higher close-up CP did not improve milk production during the early lactation period (14 w) in multiparous cows but tended to increase production by 2 kg of milk per day in primigravid cows. There were no differences in the weight of calves, the weight of the placenta, or the incidence of calving difficulty. Nitrogen intake, urine nitrogen and nitrogen retention were increased by the higher CP diet in primigravid and multiparous cows. All groups of cows showed a positive nitrogen balance. In particular, higher nitrogen retention was observed in primigravid cows fed the higher CP diet. With the exception of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), non of the blood profiles were influenced by the CP level. The higher close-up CP increased the PUN during the period studied in primigravid and multiparous cows. These results indicate that a CP level of 14% during a close-up dry period is optimal for primigravid cows, and 12% CP level is sufficient for multiparous cows.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.635-646
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• 1996

To establish the effective ways to prevent bovine mastitis, the study has been performed to investigate the attributable factors causing down-regulation of immune responses in mammary gland of non-lactating cows. Lymphocytes from peripheral blood and mammary gland secretions(MGS) were obtained from normal healthy cows and mastitic cows, respectively. Cellular immune responses were examined by comparison of proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations using a set of monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. The results obtained are as follows. 1. Proportions of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations expressing BoCD2 and BoCD4 molecules were 32.9%, 15.4% in mastitic cows and 43.3%, 28.3% in normal healthy cows, respectively. The ratios of BoCD4 to BoCD8 were 0.76 and 1.47, respectively. 2. Proportions of mammary gland lymphocyte subpopulations expressing BoCD2 and BoCD4 molecules were 18.5%, 8.3% in mastitic cows and 38.2%, 14.2% in normal healthy cows, respectively. The ratios of BoCD4 to BoCD8 were 0.6 and 2.0, respectively. 3. Proportions of T lymphocyte subpopulations from MGS were significantly lower than those from peripheral blood both in mastitic cows and normal healthy cows. However, lymphocyte subpopulations expressing ACT2 and ACT3, which represent activated T suppressor cells, were significantly higher in MGS than those in peripheral blood.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.905-911
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• 2002

A study was carried out to assess the therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid in mastitis of dairy cows. The herd with a population of 250-275 lactating cows was screened for clinical and subclinical mastitis for a period of 5 months. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, eighteen animals each with clinical and subclinical mastitis in one quarter only were selected as study population. Twelve cows (group A) with normal udder and health were also selected as a healthy control. Clinical mastitis cows were grouped as B (n=12) and C (n=6). Cows of group B were treated with ascorbic acid at 25 mg/kg, subcutaneously for 5 consecutive days and intramammary infusion (Ampicillin sodium 75 mg and Cloxacillin sodium 200 mg/infusion) based on antibiotic sensitivity test, till complete recovery. Group C cows received only intramammary infusion till the complete recovery. Eighteen subclinical mastitis cows were divided in group D (n=12) and E (n=6). Cows of group D were treated with ascorbic acid at 25 mg/kg subcutaneously for 5 consecutive days while group E did not receive any treatment. California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC), physical changes of udder and milk were used to diagnose and classify the mastitis. Evaluation of the therapy was based on CMT score and physical changes of udder and milk. Sample size calculation was also performed but was not followed for control groups due to scarcity of cases. Adequate blinding was done when and where required to avoid the biases. Confounding variables like herd, age of the cow, stage of the lactation, season and geographical region were duly considered and adequate blocking was followed. Ascorbic acid was administered in clinical and subclinical cases even after cure considering its immunostimulatory and healing inducing effects. The recovery rate was faster in cases of clinical mastitis treated with ascorbic acid along with an intramammary infusion (group B) than the quarters of group C cows. Quarter wise the average duration/number (3.16${\pm}$0.11 days) of antimicrobial intramammary infusion was significantly (p<0.01) less in group B than that of average duration/number (5.33${\pm}$0.20 days) of group C. Subclinical mastitis cows treated with ascorbic acid showed 83.33% recovery while 16.77% did not respond to treatment till last day of study. Cows of group E (untreated) did not recovered from the mastitis. Subjective parameters viz. swelling, pain reflex of udder and physical changes in milk from quarter of ascorbic acid treated cows (group B) disappeared earlier than that of group C cows. It is concluded from this study that the ascorbic acid might be useful as an adjunct in case of clinical mastitis to get quick recovery with less number of intramammary infusions. High recovery rate in subclinical mastitis quarters of group D cows is appreciable and opens a new avenue to conduct further trials in a larger population in various field conditions. However, the pharmacology of ascorbic acid with particular reference to health of mammary gland needs to be investigated.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.133-143
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• 2006

Diagnosis on reproductive failures of dairy cows by ultrasonography was performed for 151 dairy cows. To diagnose types of reproductive failures, ultrasonography (SA 600, Medison, 5.0 MHz rectal linear transducer) was carried out in combination with rectal examination. Of 151 dairy cows, pregnant cows were 13 and the cows in normal estrual cycle were 40 cows, thereby the cows with reproductive failures were 98 cows. 1. Of 98 cows with reproductive failures, the cows with ovarian diseases were 34 cows (34.7%) and the cows with uterine diseases were 41 cows (41.8%). 2. The diameter of follicle in proestrus was 1.94 cm and it was longer than that of follicle in diestrus (p<0.05). 3. The mean size of corpus luteum of pregnant cows was bigger than that of corpus luteum in normal diestrus (p<0.05). 4. The length of cystic corpus luteum was 3.26 and the width of that was 1.91 cm. The length of corpus luteum tissue was 1.95 and the width of that was 1.91 cm excluding the size of cavity in corpus luteum. 5. The mean length of follicular cyst was 3.31 and the mean width of that was 2.3 cm. 6. The mean length and width of luteal cyst was 3.45 and 2.25 cm, respectively. The mean length and width of corpus luteum tissue was 1.15 and 0.67 cm, respectively, excluding the size of cyst in the luteal cyst. 7. The width of uterine horn associated with endometritis was significantly reduced as the period after parturition was elapsed (p<0.05). The mean width of uterine horn within 40 days after parturition was 4.55 cm. These results indicated that ultrasonography is of great use for accurate diagnosis both on ovarian diseases and uterine diseases and that it is very effective to diagnose endometritis in dairy cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1125-1129
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• 2005

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding sugar cane silage compared to chopped whole sugar cane or grass silage on performances of lactating dairy cows during the dry season. Twenty four Holstein Friesian crossbred (>87.5% Holstein Friesian) lactating dairy cows in mid lactation; averaging 15.4${\pm}$3.2 kg of milk, 120${\pm}$23 days in milk, 50.5${\pm}$6.5 months old and 432${\pm}$39 kg live weight, were stratified for milk yield, days in milk, age, stage of lactation and body weight, and then randomly allocated to three treatment groups (8 cows in each group). All cows were fed 7.5 kg/d commercial concentrate plus ad libitum roughage according to treatment groups, which were grass silage, sugar cane silage or chopped whole sugar cane respectively. All cows consumed similar DM and produced similar milk and milk composition yields. However, cows on grass silage lost more weight than the other cows. The present study indicated that, during the dry season, sugar cane silage can be fed to lactating dairy cows, while giving similar milk yield to grass silage or chopped whole sugar cane.