Comparative susceptibility and pathogeny of Nelore and Holstein-Friesian calves to the experimental infection of Haemonchus placei (Place, 1893)

Two groups of Holstein-Friesian and Nelore calves, five animals each, about nine months old, received, by oral route, 1,000 infective larvae (L-3) per kg of body weight of Haemonchus placei. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture, at weekly intervals, from one week before, to eight weeks after infection. Hematological studies comprised the hematocrit, differential leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, fibrinogen and plasma protein determinations. Parasitological examinations covered weekly fecal egg counts (EPG) and worm burden counts at necropsy. Samples of the abomasal mucosa were submitted to gross examination and histopathological studies. Both groups had increasing EPG after the fifth week, with Holstein calves showing higher counts than the Nelore. Holstein calves had anemia and hipoproteinemia from the third week post-infection to the end of the experiment, whereas Nelore calves showed no significant differences in those, parameters. Holstein calves had significantly larger worm counts than the Nelore. The gross and histopathological lesions in the abomasum at necropsy were very similar, although macroscopically they look more apparent in the Holstein group. These results showed that Holstein calves are more susceptible to the infection and pathogenic effects of H. placei than Nelore calves.

Successful treatment of an intrathoracic bronchogenic cyst in a Holstein-Friesian calf

A 5-½-month-old female Holstein-Friesian calf was presented with a history of recurring ruminal tympany and poor development. The absence of lung sounds on the right hemithorax suggested a right-sided intrathoracic pathology. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a large thin-walled cavernous lesion with a gas-fluid interface which almost completely filled the right thoracic cavity. Fluid aspirated from the lesion was clear, yellowish and odorless. These findings led to the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. Thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia. The cyst strongly adhered to the adjacent lung tissue. After removal of the free wall, the adjacent lung tissue was sealed using surgical stapling instruments, and the non-removable part of the wall was curetted and rinsed. The intensive postoperative management included antibiotic therapy, oxygen supplementation and regional lidocaine infusion. Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered for further pain control. The calf recovered well and was released from the clinic on postoperative day 11. Intra- or extrathoracic bronchogenic cysts result from abnormal budding during the embryonic development of the tracheobronchial system. Successful treatment of this calf despite the size of the lesion and the invasive character of the surgical intervention indicates that resection of bronchogenic cysts in cattle may be an option for valuable animals.

Holstein-Friesian herd-book, containing a record of all Holstein-Friesian cattle ...

Vols. 12-19 contain Advanced register.

Holstein-Friesian herd book.

Vol. 12-16, 1909-1913 contains the section, Record of performance.

Holstein-Friesian foundations,

Mode of access: Internet.

Holstein-Friesian history,

"The concluding section of the book consists of a thorough revision of the earlier work, Holstein-Friesian foundations (Prescott and Prescott, 19239"--Pref.

The Illinois holstein-friesian year book, 1932.

Contains directory of breeders.

Breeding experiments with Holstein-Friesian cattle : results of 35 years' research at Beltsville, Md. /

Caption title.

Holstein-Friesian herd-book.

Vols. 12-13, 15, 19-20 contain: Advanced register, v. 5-6, 8, 12-13.

Advanced register year book of the Holstein-Friesian association of America.

Mode of access: Internet.

Monensin supplementation of lactating cows fed tropical grasses and cane molasses or grain

Effects of monensin (Mon) on performance of Holstein-Friesian cows fed tropical grasses and cane molasses (M) or cereal grain were examined in three experiments. In experiment I (incomplete 4 x 4 Latin square), three rumen-fistulated cows [188 I I days in milk (DIM)] were fed mixed diets based on rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv. Callide) bay where M was substituted for wheat grain (W) at rates of 0 (MO), 125 (M 125) or 250 (M250) g/kg dry matter (DM). A fourth diet contained M250 plus 0.02 g Mon/kg DM (M250 + Mon). Substituting M for W tended (P < 0.10) to decrease the ratio of rumen molar proportions of acetate+butyrate (Bu):propionate (Pr) (4.3 versus 3.8 and 4.0 for M0, M125 and M250, respectively). There were no treatment effects (P> 0.10) on intake, organic matter digestibility, milk production or liveweight (LW) change. In experiment 2, 48 cows (173 &PLUSMN; 28.3 DIM) grazing kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum cv. common) pastures and supplemented with maize silage and a grain-based concentrate were offered either M (2.6 kg DM/(cow day)) or barley grain (B) (2.7 kg DM/(cow day)). Within each supplement type, half were fed 0 or 320 mg of Mon/(cow day). There were Mon x supplement interactions (Mon x S; P < 0.05) on the rumen molar proportion of Pr and Bu at 15:00 h, with B + Mon having the highest value for Pr (0.259 mmol/mmol) and lowest value for Bu (0.121 mmol/mmol). A Mon x S effect (P < 0.05) on milk fat content was noted with Mon causing a lower value regardless of energy source (31 and 36 g/l versus 40 and 38 g/l for B + Mon, M + Mon, B - Mon and M - Mon, respectively). As a main effect, M as opposed to B, reduced yields of milk (P < 0.05; 16.21/(cow day) versus 18.01/(cow day)) and protein (P < 0.05; 479 g/(cow day) versus 538 g/(cow day)). Monensin reduced milk fat yield (P < 0.05; 669 g/(cow day) versus 562 g/(cow day)), raised milk protein concentration (P < 0.05; 31 g/l versus 29 g/l) and caused LW gain rather than loss (P < 0.05; +0.06 kg/(cow day) versus -0.30 kg/(cow day)). No treatment effects on pasture intake were noted. In experiment 3, 48 cows (91 &PLUSMN; 16.1 DIM) grazing kikuyu pasture and supplemented with grain-based concentrate, sugar cane silage and 2.7 kg DM(cow day) of M were supplemented with either 0 or 320 mg Mon/(cow day). Monensin reduced (P < 0.05) milk fat content (33 g/l versus 30 g/l) and tended (P < 0.10) to reduce milk protein content (29 g/l versus 28 g/l). No effects of Mon on other milk production parameters, LW change or pasture intake were noted. Feeding monensin to mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows offered diets based on tropical grasses, and cane molasses or grain, improves rumen fermentation efficiency, thereby improving energy efficiency resulting in higher LW gain. Monensin had no effect on milk yield, but reduced milk fat concentration.

Impacts of feeding system and season on milk composition and Cheddar cheese yield in a subtropical environment

Milk obtained from cows on 2 subtropical dairy feeding systems were compared for their suitability for Cheddar cheese manufacture. Cheeses were made in a small-scale cheesemaking plant capable of making 2 blocks ( about 2 kg each) of Cheddar cheese concurrently. Its repeatability was tested over 10 separate cheesemaking days with no significant differences being found between the 2 vats in cheesemaking parameters or cheese characteristics. In the feeding trial, 16 pairs of Holstein - Friesian cows were used in 2 feeding systems (M1, rain-grown tropical grass pastures and oats; and M5, a feedlot, based on maize/barley silage and lucerne hay) over 2 seasons ( spring and autumn corresponding to early and late lactation, respectively). Total dry matter, crude protein (kg/cow. day) and metabolisable energy (MJ/cow.day) intakes were 17, 2.7, and 187 for M1 and 24, 4, 260 for M5, respectively. M5 cows produced higher milk yields and milk with higher protein and casein levels than the M1 cows, but the total solids and fat levels were similar (P > 0.05) for both M1 and M5 cows. The yield and yield efficiency of cheese produced from the 2 feeding systems were also not significantly different. The results suggest that intensive tropical pasture systems can produce milk suitable for Cheddar cheese manufacture when cows are supplemented with a high energy concentrate. Season and stage of lactation had a much greater effect than feeding system on milk and cheesemaking characteristics with autumn ( late lactation) milk having higher protein and fat contents and producing higher cheese yields.

Options for selecting dairy cattle for milk coagulation ability

Lypsylehmien maidon juoksettumiskyvyn jalostuskeinot Väitöskirjassa tutkittiin lypsylehmien maidon juustonvalmistuslaadun parantamista jalostusvalinnan avulla. Tutkimusaihe on tärkeä, sillä yhä suurempi osa maidosta käytetään juustonvalmistukseen. Tutkimuksen kohteena oli maidon juoksettumiskyky, sillä se on yksi keskeisistä juustomäärään vaikuttavista tekijöistä. Maidon juoksettumiskyky vaihteli huomattavasti lehmien, sonnien, karjojen, rotujen ja lypsykauden vaiheiden välillä. Vaikka tankkimaidon juoksettumiskyvyssä olikin suuria eroja karjoittain, karja selitti vain pienen osan juoksettumiskyvyn kokonaisvaihtelusta. Todennäköisesti perinnölliset erot lehmien välillä selittävät suurimman osan karjojen tankkimaitojen juoksettumiskyvyssä havaituista eroista. Hyvä hoito ja ruokinta vähensivät kuitenkin jossain määrin huonosti juoksettuvien tankkimaitojen osuutta karjoissa. Holstein-friisiläiset lehmät olivat juoksettumiskyvyltään ayrshire-rotuisia lehmiä parempia. Huono juoksettuminen ja juoksettumattomuus oli vain vähäinen ongelma holstein-friisiläisillä (10 %), kun taas kolmannes ayrshire-lehmistä tuotti huonosti juoksettuvaa tai juoksettumatonta maitoa. Maitoa sanotaan huonosti juoksettuvaksi silloin, kun juustomassa ei ole riittävän kiinteää leikattavaksi puolen tunnin kuluttua juoksetteen lisäyksestä. Juoksettumattomaksi määriteltävä maito ei saostu lainkaan puolen tunnin aikana ja on siksi erittäin huonoa raaka-ainetta juustomeijereille. Noin 40 % lehmien välisistä eroista maidon juoksettumiskyvyssä selittyi perinnöllisillä tekijöillä. Juoksettumiskykyä voikin sanoa hyvin periytyväksi ominaisuudeksi. Kolme mittauskertaa lehmää kohti riittää varsin hyvin lehmän maidon keskimääräisen juoksettumiskyvyn arvioimiseen. Tällä hetkellä juoksettumiskyvyn suoran jalostamisen ongelmana on kuitenkin automatisoidun, laajamittaiseen käyttöön soveltuvan mittalaitteen puute. Tämän takia väitöskirjassa tutkittiin mahdollisuuksia jalostaa maidon juoksettumiskykyä epäsuorasti, jonkin toisen ominaisuuden kautta. Tällaisen ominaisuuden pitää olla kyllin voimakkaasti perinnöllisesti kytkeytynyt juoksettumiskykyyn, jotta jalostus olisi mahdollista sen avulla. Tutkittavat ominaisuudet olivat sonnien kokonaisjalostusarvossa jo mukana olevat maitotuotos ja utareterveyteen liittyvät ominaisuudet sekä kokonaisjalostusarvoon kuulumattomat maidon valkuais- ja kaseiinipitoisuus sekä maidon pH. Väitöskirjassa tutkittiin myös mahdollisuuksia ns. merkkiavusteiseen valintaan tutkimalla maidon juoksettumattomuuden perinnöllisyyttä ja kartoittamalla siihen liittyvät kromosomialueet. Tutkimuksen tulosten perusteella lehmien utareterveyden jalostaminen parantaa jonkin verran myös maidon juoksettumiskykyä sekä vähentää juoksettumattomuutta ayrshire-rotuisilla lehmillä. Lehmien maitotuotos ja maidon juoksettumiskyky sekä juoksettumattomuus ovat sen sijaan perinnöllisesti toisistaan riippumattomia ominaisuuksia. Myöskin maidon valkuais- ja kaseiinipitoisuuden perinnöllinen yhteys juoksettumiskykyyn oli likimain nolla. Maidon pH:n ja juoksettumiskyvyn välillä oli melko voimakas perinnöllinen yhteys, joten maidon pH:n jalostaminen parantaisi myös maidon juoksettumiskykyä. Todennäköisesti sen jalostaminen ei kuitenkaan vähentäisi juoksettumatonta maitoa tuottavien lehmien määrää. Koska maidon juoksettumattomuus on niin yleinen ongelma suomalaisilla ayrshire-lehmillä, väitöksessä selvitettiin tarkemmin ilmiön taustoja. Kaikissa kolmessa tutkimusaineistoissa noin 10 % ayrshire-lehmistä tuotti juoksettumatonta maitoa. Kahden vuoden kuukausittaisen seurannan aikana osa lehmistä tuotti juoksettumatonta maitoa lähes joka mittauskerralla. Maidon juoksettumattomuus oli yhteydessä lypsykauden vaiheeseen, mutta mikään ympäristötekijöistä ei pystynyt täysin selittämään sitä. Sen sijaan viitteet sen periytyvyydestä vahvistuivat tutkimusten edetessä. Lopuksi tutkimusryhmä onnistui kartoittamaan juoksettumattomuutta aiheuttavat kromosomialueet kromosomeihin 2 ja 18, lähelle DNA-merkkejä BMS1126 ja BMS1355. Tulosten perusteella maidon juoksettumattomuus ei ole yhteydessä maidon juoksettumistapahtumassa keskeisiin kaseiinigeeneihin. Sen sijaan on mahdollista, että juoksettumattomuusongelman aiheuttavat kaseiinigeenien syntetisoinnin jälkeisessä muokkauksessa tapahtuvat virheet. Asia vaatii kuitenkin perusteellista tutkimista. Väitöksen tulosten perusteella maidon juoksettumattomuusgeeniä kantavien eläinten karsiminen jalostuseläinten joukosta olisi tehokkain tapa jalostaa maidon juoksettumiskykyä suomalaisessa lypsykarjapopulaatiossa.

Immediate, cumulative and residual effects of short- and long-term low plane of nutrition on milk protein and casein composition

Immediate and residual effects of two lengths of low plane of nutrition (PON) on the synthesis of milk protein and protein fractions were studied at the Mutdapilly Research Station, in south-east Queensland. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows, between 46 and 102 days in milk (DIM) initially, were used in a completely randomised design experiment with three treatments. All cows were fed on a basal diet of ryegrass pasture (7.0 kg DM/cow.day), barley-sorghum concentrate mix (2.7 kg DM/cow.day) and a canola meal-mineral mix (1.3 kg DM/cow.day). To increase PON, 5.0 kg DM/cow.day supplemental maize and forage sorghum silage was added to the basal diet. The three treatments were (C) high PON (basal diet + supplemental silage); (L9) low PON (basal diet only) for a period of 9 weeks; and (L3) low PON (basal diet only) for a period of 3 weeks. The experiment comprised three periods (1) covariate – high PON, all groups (5 weeks), (2) period of low PON for either 3 weeks (L3) or 9 weeks (L9), and (3) period of high PON (all groups) to assess ability of cows to recover any production lost as a result of treatments (5 weeks). The low PON treatment periods for L3 and L9 were end-aligned so that all treatment groups began Period 3 together. Although there was a significant effect of L9 on yields of milk, protein, fat and lactose, and concentrations of true protein, whey protein and urea, these were not significantly different from L3. There were no residual effects of L3 or L9 on protein concentration or nitrogen distribution after 5 weeks of realimentation. There was no significant effect of low PON for 3 or 9 weeks on casein concentration or composition.

Immediate and residual effects of heat stress and restricted intake on milk protein and casein composition and energy metabolism

The effects of heat stress on dairy production can be separated into 2 distinct causes: those effects that are mediated by the reduced voluntary feed intake associated with heat stress, and the direct physiological and metabolic effects of heat stress. To distinguish between these, and identify their effect on milk protein and casein concentration, mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 24) were housed in temperature-controlled chambers and either subjected to heat stress HS; temperature-humidity index (THI) ~78 or kept in a THI < 70 environment and pair-fed with heat-stressed cows (TN-R) for 7 d. A control group of cows was kept in a THI < 70 environment with ad libitum feeding (TN-AL). A subsequent recovery period (7 d), with THI < 70 and ad libitum feeding followed. Intake accounted for only part of the effects of heat stress. Heat stress reduced the milk protein concentration, casein number, and casein concentration and increased the urea concentration in milk beyond the effects of restriction of intake. Under HS, the proportion in total casein of αS1-casein increased and the proportion of αS2-casein decreased. Because no effect of HS on milk fat or lactose concentration was found, these effects appeared to be the result of specific downregulation of mammary protein synthesis, and not a general reduction in mammary activity. No residual effects were found of HS or TN-R on milk production or composition after THI < 70 and ad libitum intake were restored. Heat-stressed cows had elevated blood concentrations of urea and Ca, compared with TN-R and TN-AL. Cows in TN-R had higher serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations than cows in HS. It was proposed that HS and TN-R cows may mobilize different tissues as endogenous sources of energy.