• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.1749-1754
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• 2003

The study was undertaken to see the effect of elevated feeding during pre-partum or pre- as well as post-partum period on the productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cows. The experiment lasted for 60 d pre-partum to 120 d post-partum. Eighteen dry pregnant crossbred cows divided into three equal groups were fed either as per NRC feeding standard (C) or 20% above NRC during 60 d pre-partum ($T_1$) or fed 20% above NRC during both 60 d pre-partum to 120 d post-partum ($T_2$) period. During prepartum period body weight gain was significantly ($p{\leq}0.05$) higher in $T_1$ and $T_2$ groups than that of control group. The animals fed at higher plane of nutrition ($T_1$ and $T_2$) took significantly lesser time for complete relaxation of pelvic muscles, act of calving and for expulsion of placenta than that of control group. Moreover, such cows delivered 2 to 3 kg heavier calves as compared to normal fed dams. During post-partum period, the average daily milk yield was significantly higher in $T_2$ group than that in $T_1$ and control groups. The peak yield was significantly higher in $T_2$ group, it took longer time to reach peak production but it was more persistent in this group as compared to $T_1$ and control groups. Average milk fat, solids-not-fat (SNF) and total solids were significantly higher in $T_1$ and $T_2$ groups as compared to control group. Body weight losses incurred during early lactation were not even compensated by end of 4th month of lactation in C and $T_1$ groups whereas the animals in $T_2$ group gained 2.0 kg. The 1st post-partum estrus and conception rate were better in high fed groups ($T_1$ and $T_2$) than that of control group. The returns over feed cost of milk production were higher in $T_2$ group followed by $T_1$ and control groups indicating the advantage of elevated feeding during pre- and post-partum periods.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.351-359
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• 2015

Twelve multiparous Holstein dairy cows in mid-lactation were selected for a replicated $4{\times}4$ Latin square design with a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement to investigate the effects of corn and soybean meal (SBM) types on rumen fermentation, N metabolism and lactation performance in dairy cows. Two types of corn (dry ground [DGC] and steam-flaked corn [SFC]) and two types of SBM (solvent-extracted and heat-treated SBM) with different ruminal degradation rates and extents were used to formulate four diets with the same basal ingredients. Each period lasted for 21 days, including 14 d for adaptation and 7 d for sample collection. Cows receiving SFC had a lower dry matter (DM) and total N intake than those fed DGC. However, the milk yield and milk protein yield were not influenced by the corn type, resulting in higher feed and N utilization efficiency in SFC-fed cows than those receiving DGC. Ruminal acetate concentrations was greater and total volatile fatty acids concentrations tended to be greater for cows receiving DGC relative to cows fed SFC, but milk fat content was not influenced by corn type. The SFC-fed cows had lower ruminal ammonia-N, less urea N in their blood and milk, and lower fecal N excretion than those on DGC. Compared with solvent-extracted SBM-fed cows, cows receiving heat-treated SBM had lower microbial protein yield in the rumen, but similar total tract apparent nutrient digestibility, N metabolism measurements, and productivity. Excessive supply of metabolizable protein in all diets may have caused the lack of difference in lactation performance between SBM types. Results of the present study indicated that increasing the energy degradability in the rumen could improve feed efficiency, and reduce environmental pollution.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.819-828
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• 2007

Two experiments were conducted to observe the effects of direct fed microbials on metabolic characteristics in sheep and milking performance in dairy cows. A metabolic trial with four ruminally cannulated sheep(60±6kg) was conducted in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the supplementation effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Clostridium butyricum or mixed microbes of S. cerevisiae and C. butyricum on ruminal fermentation characteristics and whole tract digestibility. Sheep were fed 1.25 kg of total mixed ration(TMR, DM basis) supplemented with S. cerevisiae (2.5g/day), C. butyricum (1.0g/day) or its mixture(S. cerevisiae 1.25g/day+C. butyricum 1g/day), twice daily in an equal volume. But control sheep were fed only TMR. A feeding trial with 28 lactating Holstein cattle was also conducted for 12 weeks to investigate the effects of the same microbial supplements as for the metabolic trial on milking performance. The cows were fed the TMR(control), and fed S. cerevisiae(50g/day), C. butyricum(15g/day) or its mixture (S. cerevisiae 25g/day + C. butyricum 7.5g/day) with upper layer dressing method. Total VFA concentration and the digestibility of whole digestive tract in the sheep increased by supplementation of S. cerevisiae, C. butyricum or their combined microbials compare to control group. The proportion of propionic acid at 1h(P<0.039) and 3h(P<0.022) decreased by supplementation of S. cerevisiae while tended to increase acetic acid proportion at the same times. Daily dry matter intake(DMI) was not influenced by the microbial treatments, but milk yield(P<0.031) and feed efficiency(milk yield/DMI, P<0.043) were higher for the cow received C. butyricum than those for other treatments. The milk fat content was higher (P<0.085) when cows fed S. cerevisiae(4.11%) than that fed the control (4.08%), the diets with C. butyricum (3.85%) and the microbial mixture. Based on the results obtained from the current experiments, supplementation of C. butyricum or mixture with S. cerevisiae might be increased milk fat content and milk productivity of lactating daily cows. (Key words:Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Clostridium butyricum, Fermentation characteristics,

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.9
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• pp.37-49
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• 1991

This study was conducted to estimate the effects of year, age of dam at calving, farm and lactation period on milk yield with the data of 4,008 cows' records which were collected at 32 farms by Korea Animal Improvement Association from 1985 to 1989. The results obtained in this study are summarized as follows: 1. The average performance of the dairy cattle in the study were $5,959.23{\pm}2,113.03kg$ in actual milk yield, $49.19{\pm}22.77$ months in age of dam at calving, $27.11{\pm}5.13$ months in age at first calving and $255.11{\pm}79.68$ days in lactation period. 2. The percentages of variance component for different sources were 29.39% for the residuals, 1.91% for years, 4.86% for age at calving, 8.89% for farms and 54.94% for lactation period. 3. The overall mean of least-square estimate on the milk yield was 6,229.31kg. In the effects of year, the least-square means of milk yield were estimated 6,000.76kg in 1985-1987, 6,028.11kg in 1988 and 6,659.07kg in 1989. 4. The least-square means of calving age on the milk yield were estimated 5,456.01kg in less than 24 months, 6,565.48kg in 61-66 months which were the highest least-square means. This effects were gradually increased until the 61-66months and gradually decreased after the 61-66months, with highly significant differences among different months of age at calving(p<0.01). 5. In the effects of farm, the least-square means of milk yield were estimated 4,959.50 kg in the lowest farm and 7,497.07kg in the highest farm. Among the milk yield of each farm the effects showed highly significant difference(p<0.01). 6. The least-square means of milk yield in the effects of lactation period were gradually increased with the lapse of the lactation period. Among the lactation period the effects showed highly significant difference(p<0.01).

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.65-94
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• 1993

This study examined metabolic profiles of 1349 Holstein cows from 91 commercial herds. Thirteen parameters which are consisted of twelve blood components and body condition score were examined and their mean values. standard deviations and standard limits, which are 80% confidential limits, in each lactational stage were reported. The variations of each parameter affected by season, individual milk yield, adjusted corrected milk yield of herd. and lactation number were also reported. A model of metabolic profile test applicable to this country where the average number of cows in a herd is small as to be fifteen is designed. Metabolic profiles as reflected in each parameter were discussed in relation to adequacy of dietary intake for production, milk production, reproductive performance, and diseases, and the possible measure to improve productivity of dairy cows were proposed. Much of the variation in parameters was due to differences between herds, and less to differences between seasons, differences between individual milk yield, and differences between lactational stages. As the average herd size in this country is small, it is believed that all the cows in a herd must be sampled, and the individual result of each parameter was compared with the standard limit for each lactational stage, and the percentage of cows which are outside the standard limits in a herd was calculated to use as a criteria for evaluation of the herd. Data outside the 99% confidential limits were to be deleted at first, but when the trends of the data outside the 99% confidential limits are same as the trends of the data within 99% confidential limits, the deleted data must be reviewed again, otherwise some important informations would be missed. The mean concentration of blood urea nitrogen in this study was much higher than that was reported in England, U.S.A. and Japan, and it was similar to the upper limits reported in England, U.S.A. and Japan. So it was thought that the concentration of blood urea nitrogen is improper as a criteria for protein intake. The increase of serum total protein cocentration beyond standard limits was due to increase of serum globulin concentration in most of the cows. The correlation coefficient between serum and protein and serum globulin concentration was 0.83. Serum globulin concentration was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd. Serum albumin, calcium and magnessium concentrations were negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd, which indicate that high-producing individual or high-producing herd have not taken sufficient protein/amino acids, calcium and magnessium. Packed cell volume was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of the herd, and the trend was same In each lactational stage. The correlation coefficient between serum and packed cell volume was 0.16 and the correlation was very weak. Blood glucose concentration was lowest in early lactational stage, which indicates negative energy balance in early lactational stage. Blood glucose concentration was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd from peak to late lactational stage, which indicates negative energy balance during the period in high-producing individuals or high-producing herds. Correlation coefficient between serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and serum ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase activity was 0.41, and this indicates that serum ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase should be included as a parameter of metabolic profile test to evaluate liver function. Body condition score of dairy cows in this country was lower than that of Japan in every lactational stages, and the magnitude of increase in body condition score during middle and late lactational stages was small. Metabolic profile can not be evaluated with solely nutritional intake. When an individual or large percentage of cows in a herd have adnormal values In parameters of metabolic profile test, veterinary clinician and nutritionist should cooperate so as to diagnose diseases and to calculate the e of no운ents simultaneously.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.419-425
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• 1995

Twenty growing female Damascus (Shami) goats and twenty growing Chios ewes of two mating ages (10 and 12 months) were used to study the effect of mating age (MA) on reproductive performance (RP). In addition to (RP), The growth, milk production and nutrient requirements were also evaluated. A complete random design in a $2{\times}2$ factorial was used, with (MA) and species as the main factors. (MA) had no effects on (RP), milk production and mortality. No significant difference (p > 0.05) were observed between (MA) or between species, for age at kidding/lambing (K/L). Sheep reached puberty earlier than goats. Average age (months) at conception and at (K/L) was 15.8; 20.8 and l7.0; 22.0 for sheep and goats respectively. Body weight (BW), rather than age was the most important factor determining puberty. Both goats and ewes conceived when they reached about 67% of their mature (BW) for goats and 85% for ewes. Sheep grew faster than goats, but the latter had higher twinning (67.8% versus 25%). Chios sheep were suitable for meat and Shami goats for dairying or dual purpose systems. Nutrient requirements for growth of goats and ewes were similar with an average DM-intake of about 4% (BW); 12-13% CP and 65-69% TDN (DM-basis) of the total ration. It is recommended to breed Chios ewes at a (BW) of at least 50 kg and Shami does at 38 kg, irrespective of their age.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.486-495
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• 2012

Twenty four periparturient cows were used to determine the effects of DCAD on acid-base balance, plasma and urine mineral concentrations, health status, and subsequent lactation performance. Each group of 12 cows received either a diet containing -100 DCAD or +100 DCAD for 21 d prepartum. Both anionic and cationic groups were divided into two groups, one received a +200 DCAD and the other +400 DCAD diet for 60 d postpartum. Prepartum reduction of DCAD decreased DMI, urinary and blood pH, urinary concentrations of Na or K and increased plasma and urinary Ca, Mg, Cl and S. Also cows fed -100 DCAD diet consumed the most dry matter in the first 60 d after calving. Postpartum +400 DCAD increased milk fat and total solid percentages, urinary and blood pH and urinary Na and K concentrations, but urinary Ca, P, Cl and S contents decreased. Greater DMI, FCM yields were observed in cows fed a diet of +400 DCAD than +200 DCAD. No case of milk fever occurred for any diets but feeding with a negative DCAD diet reduced placenta expulsion time. In conclusion, feeding negative DCAD in late gestation period and high DCAD in early lactation improves performance and productivity of dairy cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.947-953
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• 2004

The present research was designed to evaluate the effects of pre and post-partum energy level and feeding pattern on the performance of crossbred dairy cows and their calves under farm conditions. A total of 16 crossbred dairy cows were divided into two equal groups on the basis of their body weight and milk production. One group was given 30% less and the another was given 30% more energy than MAFF's (1984) recommendation. After calving all cows were given same ad.libitum diet to assess the effects of feeding during pregnancy on their performance. It was observed that just before calving cows on low energy group gained less (p<0.05) weight than that of the cows on high energy group (12.9$\pm$11.71 vs. 42.25$\pm$12.74 kg/cow. Birth weight of calves of low energy group was lower (p<0.05) than that of the calves of high energy group (17.87$\pm$1.78 vs. 20.73$\pm$2.24 kg/calf). Cows that were on low pre-calving dietary energy level produced less milk during lactation than the cows of high energy pre-calving group (3.45$\pm$0.75 vs. 4.27$\pm$0.79 lit./cow). No significant difference was noticed on calf growth rate and reproductive parameters of cow. Energy level that was 30 % less than MAFF's (1984) recommendation was found to be very low and not suitable for our crossbred cows during their last three months of pregnancy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.188-194
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• 2002

To study the effect of wheat bran and lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) on the performance of calves, 20 crossbred male cattle calves (day old), distributed into two groups were fed on calf starters containing 50 or 0% maize grain, along with green berseem ad libitum and milk as per body weight. Each group was further divided into two sub groups and one subgroup of each group was supplemented with mixed culture of LAB (Lactobacillus acidophilus L. casei, L. Jugarti). Milk feeding was discontinued after 8 weeks of age. The addition of culture increased (p<0.05) DM intake in calves receiving grainless diet from eighth week to the thirteenth one. There was about 21% higher body weight gain and 14% lower feed : gain ratio in culture supplemented calves. DM digestibility was significantly lower (p<0.05) in calves getting grain without culture. The crude protein NDF and ADF digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in grainless than the grain fed group. No major change on rumen fermentation pattern among different treatments was found. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and protozoa count was higher (p<0.05) in grain fed group. However, lactic acid concentration was higher and rumen pH was lower due to culture feeding. The incidence as well as severity of diarrhoea was reduced in culture supplemented group. The results indicate that crossbred calves can be reared successfully on grainless diet and berseen fodder. The performance of calves was also improved by LAB supplementation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.184-187
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• 2002

This study was designed to examine the response of feeding early weaning diets without and with amino acids supplemented cottonseed meal on growth performance and digestibility of early weaned cow calves. Fifteen 14-21 days old cross bred cow calves were randomly allotted to three experimental diets. Diet A comprised of milk replacer and concentrate feed whereas two isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous early weaning diets viz., B and C were prepared without and with lysine and methionine supplemented cottonseed meal, respectively. These early weaning diets were used as substitute of milk replacer for calves. Calves were placed in individual cages and fed twice daily for a period of 60 days. Daily feed intake, feed refused and weekly weight gain was recorded. Two digestibility trials I and II were performed at 5th and 9th week of the experiment, respectively. During the digestibility trial I, calves were fed on ad libitum basis whereas in trial II, calves were fed at 90% of their voluntary DMI. Feed, orts and feces samples were collected, weighed daily, composited, subsampled and analysed for DM and CP. Results indicated that weight gain of calves was (p<0.05) higher on diets A (0.63 kg/d/calf) and C (0.64 kg/d/calf) compared to calves on diet B (0.57 kg/d/calf). Significantly (p<0.05) less daily DMI was observed on diet A (1.48 kg) compared to early weaning diets B (1.70 kg) and C (1.72 kg). The feed efficiency was (p<0.05) better on diet A (2.33) compared to diets B (2.95) and C (2.65). The economic efficiency was noticed to be better on diets B and C compared to diet A. In trial I, digestibility of DM and CP of diet A was (p<0.05) higher than diets B and C. Whereas in trial II, digestibility of DM and CP of diet A was (p<0.05) less than diets B and C. It was concluded that early weaning diet based on lysine and methionine supplemented cottonseed meal produced better weight gain and feed efficiency compared to non-supplemented cottonseed meal based diet.