• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1227-1232
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of concentrates containing different levels of a vitamin-trace elements premix on milk yield and composition of dairy cows. The trial, which lasted 14 weeks, was conducted from January to March and used 45 multiparous Brown cows in the early phase of lactation. Cows (n = 15 per treatment) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: the first group (control, C-0) was fed pelleted concentrate containing background vitamins and trace elements that supplied 1.0 times cows' daily requirements; the second group were fed the same concentrate, but containing 2.5 g/kg of vitamin and trace mineral premix per kg of concentrate (C-2.5); the third group were fed the same concentrate, but containing 5 g/kg of vitamin and trace mineral premix per kg of concentrate (C-5). The daily ration included ad libitum chopped oat hay, and the cows also had 8 h/d grazing on a ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pasture. During the performance trial, cow milk yield was daily recorded and individual milk samples were analysed for milk composition and to determine milk renneting properties. Cows fed the intermediate premix level (C-2.5) in diet showed the highest fat-corrected milk production (p<0.05) compared to other groups. None of the milk quality parameters studied were influenced by dietary treatment, except for milk rheological parameters (rennet clotting time and curd firmness) that were positively improved in cows fed the C-2.5 diet (p<0.05). The findings from this study show that intermediate level of vitamin-trace elements premix in concentrate can be advantageously used in grazing dairy cows without negative effects on yield and quality of milk produced.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.658-664
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• 2002

This study was conducted to determine a proper feeding regime for lactating Holstein cows during the warm season in Taiwan. In Feeding Trial, 21 lactating Holstein cows were randomly allotted into three feeding regimes in a Completely Randomized Design. The feeding regimes were roughage fed ad libitum along with concentrate fed either twice daily (2C) or four times daily (4C), and total mixed ration (TMR) for 8 weeks. No significant differences among the three feeding regimes were found in body weight changes, and intakes in terms of dry matter, crude protein and net energy. For milk yield and 4% FCM yield, 4C were higher than the other two feeding regimes (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in milk compositions or differences noted in the yields of the respective milk components. TMR was worse than 2C and 4C (p<0.05) in milk production efficiencies in terms of dry matter intake per kg milk yield, crude protein intake per kg milk protein yield, as well as dry matter intake, net energy intake and crude protein intake per kg 4% FCM yield. Three ruminally fistulated Holstein dry cows were randomly assigned into the same three feeding regimes in a 3${\times}$3 Latin Square Design. No significant differences were found among the feeding regimes in ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, total VFA concentration, molar percentages of VFA, and acetic acid: propionic acid ratio (C$_2$/C$_3$). Taken all together, roughage fed ad libitum and concentrate fed four times daily was the better feeding regime for lactating cows during the warm season in Taiwan.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.187-191
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• 2017

Objective: An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of dried and ground foliage of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) on feed intake and utilization, and production performance of crossbred lactating cows. Methods: Eighteen lactating crossbred (Bos taurus${\times}$Bos indicus) cows (body weight $330.93{\pm}10.82kg$) at their second and mid lactation (milk yield $6.77{\pm}0.54kg/d$) were randomly divided into three groups of six each in a completely randomized block design. Three supplements were formulated by quantitatively replacing 0, 50, and 100 per cent of dietary wheat bran of concentrate mixture with dried and ground foliage of black gram. The designated supplement was fed to each group with basal diet of rice straw (ad libitum) to meet the requirements for maintenance and milk production. Daily feed intake and milk yield was recorded. A digestion trial was conducted to determine the total tract digestibility of various nutrients. Results: The daily feed intake was increased (p<0.05) with the supplementation of black gram foliage. Although the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract did not vary (p>0.05), the fibre digestibility was increased (p<0.05), which ultimately improved (p<0.05) the total digestible nutrients content of composite diet. Although, the average milk yield (kg/animal/d) and composition did not differ (p>0.05) among the groups, milk yield was increased by 10 per cent with total replacement of wheat bran in concentrate mixture with of black gram foliage. The economics of milk production calculated as feed cost per kg milk yield (INR 10.61 vs 7.98) was reduced by complete replacement of wheat bran with black gram foliage. Conclusion: Black gram foliage could be used as complete replacement for wheat bran in concentrate mixture of dairy cows in formulating least cost ration for economic milk production in small holders' animal production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.231-237
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• 1994

Three concentrations of P (0.33, 0.43 and 0.54%) and two concentrations of Ca (0.60 and 0.97%) in ration dry matter were evaluated for effects on dry matter intake and on milk yield and composition using 24 Holstein cows. Cows were arranged in a $3{\times}2$ factorial experiment as an incomplete randomized block design with three 28-day periods. Each cow consumed at least one ration with each concentration of Ca. Dry matter intake, yield of 3.5% Fat Corrected Milk, and milk composition were not affected by concentration of P, but milk yield was greater when lowest concentration of P was fed (22.8 vs. 22.1 kg/day; p<0.07). Cows fed rations containing 0.60% Ca had greater milk (22.7 vs. 21.9 kg/day; p<0.02) and 3.5% Fat Corrected Milk yields (p<0.03) and slightly greater protein content than when fed 0.97% Ca. Dietary Ca:P ratios between 1.1:1 and 2.9:1 had no effect on dry matter intake, milk yield, or composition. Concentrations of P in plasma were within the normal range for all rations. Because cows had high dry matter intake, mean daily intakes of both P and Ca were greater than required for their level of milk yield.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.1121-1129
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• 2024

Objective: Objective of the study was to reduce heat stress in Murrah buffaloes and maintain their milk production and other vital functions during heat stress. Methods: A total of 21 dyads of calf-mother Murrah buffalo were selected for the study and equally divided in 3 treatment groups. First treatment group was restricted calf contact (RCC), second treatment group was fence line calf contact (FCC) and third treatment groups fence line calf contact and heat stress protection (FCC-HSP [time-controlled fan-fogger system] in the shed). Present study was conducted from April to mid-September 2021. Results: Maximum temperature and temperature humidity index in FCC-HSP shed were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in FCC and RCC shed. Higher (p<0.05) mean daily milk yield in both the treatment groups FCC (10.36±0.30) and FCC-HSP (10.97±0.31) than RCC (8.29±0.41) was recorded. Though no significant difference between FCC and FCC-HSP in daily milk yield but FCC-HSP yielded 600 gm more milk than FCC. Pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were lowest in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Cortisol and prolactin levels were lower (p<0.05) in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Conclusion: Hence, FCC along with heat stress ameliorative measures helped the buffaloes to be free of stress and maintain milk yield during heat stress period of the year in tropical conditions.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2005

The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of daily milk yield, somatic cell count(SCC), days in milk(DIM), and parity on the compositions of milk and blood in high or low producing dairy cows. To divide the high or low producing group, there were some restrictions in this study. 235 Holstein dairy cows had a average daily milk yield of 23.2 $\pm$ 6.8 kg were grouped into two classes with low producing(average daily milk 17kg) or high producing(average daily milk 29 kg). The other restrictions were two parities(first and second parity), two SCC groups(under $l{\times}10^5$cells/ml, and $l{\times}10^5$ to $7{\times}10^5$ celis/ml), and three DIM groups(under 80, 81 to 180, and 181 to 305DIM). The blood urea nitrogen(BUN), milk urea nitrogen(MUN) and glucose between two group with high and low somatic cell count were not affected by parity, DIM and SCC. But there were significantly different on BUN and glucose between high and low milk producing(p< 0.01), also was different on glucose between parities(p < 0.05). White blood cell(WBC) and lymphocyte were affected(p< 0.05) by SCC level, protein percent was also affected by DIM(p< 0.01). The least square means of protein in second parity was a 1.3 times higher than that in first parity(p < 0.05), and it showed a higher level in the low producing group than the high producing group(p < 0.0l). WBC and lymphocyte were lower in the $1{\sim}7{\times}10^5$ celis/ml than those under $1{\times}10^5$ celis/ml(p< 0.05). Neutrophil was a higher level in first parity than that in second parity(p < 0.05). Only protein and total solid were affected by parity, the other compositions were not affected by parity, DIM, SCC and milk yields. The results suggested that significant differences were in the blood components such as glucose, WBC, lymphocyte and neutrophil between high and low producing cows. The results also show that more studies are required to clarify the factors and markers related to milk yield, quality and mastitis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1742-1748
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• 2006

The experiment was conducted on 264 crossbred Karan-Fries (Holstein Friesian${\times}$Tharparkar) cows, over one year to explore the possibility of using milk urea (MU) concentration and milk protein content to monitor feeding adequacy under farm condition and to investigate the effects of different animal factors and season on MU concentration. Individual noon (1200 to 1300 h) milk samples were collected once in every month and analysed for urea and protein contents. Representative feed samples were also collected on the same day of milk collection and were analysed for CP content. A significant positive association (p<0.01) between MU concentration and milk yield was observed. MU concentrations (mg/dl) were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher and lower in first lactation (44.8${\pm}$0.7) and in early lactation stage (40.7${\pm}$0.5), respectively. Average MU values were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in winter (50.7${\pm}$0.3) and lower in summer (32.9${\pm}$0.6). During the investigation, of the total MU observations, 50.3% were within the range of 30 to 50 mg/dl, 21.4% were <30 mg/dl and only 7.5% were >60 mg/dl. MU concentration was found to be associated significantly (p<0.05) with CP content of forages rather than concentrate. A close positive association (p<0.01) between MU level and daily milk protein (DMP) yield was observed during the investigation. The regression equation, DMP yield (g) = -24.6+33.5 daily milk yield (kg) +0.9 MU (mg/dl) was developed to establish the reference level of DMP yield. The result indicates that the effect of parity and stage of lactation may be ignored while interpreting MU values. However, reference MU values may be standardised separately for high milk yielders as level of milk yield contributes significantly to the variation of MU. The study revealed that the MU values together with DMP yield and milk protein content could be used as a potential non-invasive pointer to monitor feeding adequacy in dairy cows under farm conditions.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.707-718
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• 2004

This study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of an alternative a.m. - p.m. testing scheme for milk yield in comparison with the official test method based on weighing two milkings within 24 h. A total of 8,309 p.m. milking weights and 6,767 am. milking weights from 72 Holstein cows raised at N.L.R.I. were collected between October 2000 and November 2001. Seven statistical models were fitted to the data to derive formulas for estimating daily milk yields from morning or evening yields. In general, use of evening milkings less accurately estimated than did use morning rnilkings. Although the models do not differ much in the correlations between estimated and true daily milk yields, systematic under- and overestimation of daily milk yields were observed in all models with the exception of model 7, which accounted for heterogeneous variances by parity class, milking interval class, and lactation stage by fitting separate regression formulas within each combination of three factors.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.92-95
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• 2001

The Baghabarighat Milk Shed Area (BMSA), in Bangladesh belonging to the Bangladesh Milk Producers Cooperative Union Limited (BMPCUL) was selected to study the qualitative and quantitative aspects of dairy milk and to establish a trend throughout the year (July 1995 to June 1990) of milk collected at morning and evening, and daily. The average fat, solids-not-fat (SNF) and total solid (TS) contents of the morning milk were 4.58, 7.75 and 12.33%, respectively, and evening milk contained 5.41, 7.81 and 13.23%. The values for the quality varied (p<0.01) throughout the year without a specific trend. Higher milk collection occured at morning (52.77%) than evening (47.24%), but total yield of fat from morning milk was lower (48.74%) than evening milk (51.26%) due to a lower fat value (4.58%). Yield of SNF (52.57% morning, 47.37% evening) followed the values of the amount of milk collected due to their similar value at morning (7.75) and evening (7.81). Overall, TS yield was 51 and 49% from morning and evening. There was not a significant (p>0.01) relationship between fat and TS values of morning milk with those of evening milk, but there was a correlation (p<0.01) between milk yield at morning and all other parameters for evening. Solids-not-fat value of morning milk was related with yield and SNF value of milk from evening, but not with fat and TS evening milk. It may be concluded that evening milk contains higher amounts of fat, SNF and TS, but yields were higher at morning, except fat. Milk collected at morning showed a relationship with all the parameters found at evening.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.516-519
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing whole crop corn silage (WCCS) with whole crop rice silage (WCRS) in the total mixed ration (TMR) on nutrient intake, milk yield and its composition in Holstein cows. The Chucheong rice variety (Oryza sativa L. Japonica) and corn (Pioneer 32 P75) were harvested at yellow-ripe stage and were ensiled in round bales and in trench silos, respectively. Two TMR containing either WCCS or WCRS were prepared. These diets were randomly assigned to 16 midlactating Holstein cows (8 cows per treatment) and were fed for 120 days. The first 20 days were used for dietary adaptation and for the next 100 days daily feed intake, milk yield and its composition were recorded. The pH, lactic acid, NDF, ADF, CP, Ca and P contents were similar in WCRS and WCCS. The DM, ash and EE contents of WCRS were greater compared with WCCS. Nutrient (DM, NDF, TDN and CP) intakes were similar in cows fed WCCS- and WCRS-based TMR. Daily and 4% fat corrected milk yield were not affected by the treatments. Milk composition (percent milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids) was similar in cows fed either WCCS- or WCRSbased TMR. The concentration of milk urea N was greater in cows fed WCRS-based TMR than those fed WCCS-based TMR. In conclusion, round-baled WCRS can replace WCCS in the diet of mid- to late-lactating Holsteins without any deleterious effects on feed consumption, milk yield and its composition. The present findings raise the possibility that WCRS can be used as an alternative roughage source in the diets of dairy cows in countries with surplus rice production.