An investigation of a novel milk allergy-friendly food supplement program.

Introduction: Compared to households not managing food allergy, households managing food allergy are faced with greater direct and indirect costs. To address these cost burdens, we developed and piloted a milk allergy-friendly food supplement program for lower- and middle-income households managing a dairy allergy in a child age <6 years. Herein, we aimed to evaluate to the impact of this program on food costs, food security, and caregiver mental health using a longitudinal design. Methods: Participants living in or near the city of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, Canada were recruited from January to February 2022 via social media, word-of-mouth, and a database maintained by the principal investigator. Consenting participants took part in a 6-month allergen-friendly food supplement program that provided them with biweekly deliveries of allergen-friendly foods free of charge. To evaluate the impact of the program on food costs, food security, and well-being, participants completed a series of questionnaires at baseline, mid-point, and at the end of the program. Changes in these variables were assessed via a series of Friedman tests. Results: The final sample was comprised of 8 households. Relative to baseline, participants reported higher total direct food costs at midpoint (+5.6%) and endpoint (+13.5%), but these changes did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, total indirect food costs decreased over the course of the study relative to baseline (midpoint = -28.2%; endpoint = -18.5%), but the changes were not found to be statistically significant. Participants did, however, report a statistically significant decrease in costs related to lost time from work or school as a result of their child's food allergy at endpoint relative to baseline (-100%). Few changes in food security, caregiver well-being, or child food allergy quality of life were noted. Discussion: The provision of allergen-friendly foods helped keep grocery costs below the pace of inflation. Participants also reported reduced costs associated with missed time from work or school as a result of their child's food allergy. Despite these encouraging findings, a relatively high proportion of the current sample reported experiencing food insecurity throughout the study period, suggesting that additional financial support for families is needed.

Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium-yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4 wk prepartum through 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th mo of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs (OBCFA) in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total-tract digestibility of DM (P = 0.03), CP (P = 0.07), EE (P = 0.03) and ADF (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term subsitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and fatty acid composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility and antioxidant status.

The effect of adding protein to a carbohydrate meal on postprandial glucose and insulin responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of acute controlled feeding trials.

BACKGROUND: protein influences acute postprandial-glucose and -insulin responses but the effects of dose, protein-type and health-status are unknown. OBJECTIVE: to determine the acute effect of adding protein to carbohydrate on postprandial responses and identify effect modifiers. METHODS: we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases through 30 July 2023 for acute, crossover trials comparing acute postprandial-responses elicited by carbohydrate-containing test-meals with vs without added protein in adults without-diabetes or with type-2 (T2DM) or type-1 (T1DM) diabetes. Group data were pooled separately using generic inverse-variance with random-effects models and expressed as ratio-of-means with [95% CIs]. Risk-of-bias and certainty-of-evidence (GRADE) were assessed. RESULTS: in 154 trial-comparisons of animal-, dairy- and plant-proteins (without-diabetes, n=22,67,32; T2DM, n=14,16,3), each gram-protein/gram-carbohydrate (g/g) reduced glucose-area-under-the-curve (AUC) less in T2DM than in those without-diabetes (-10% vs -50%, P<0.05) but increased insulin-AUC similarly (+76 vs +56%, respectively). In subjects without-diabetes, each g/g of dairy- and plant-proteins reduced glucose-AUC by 52 and 55% and increased insulin-AUC by 64 and 45% (all P<0.05). Animal-proteins significantly reduced glucose-AUC by 31% and increased insulin-AUC by 37% (pooled effects), but without a significant dose-response. In T2DM animal-protein reduced glucose-AUC by 13% and increased insulin-AUC by 105%, with no significant dose-response. Dairy-protein reduced glucose-AUC by 18% (no dose-response), but each g/g increased insulin-AUC by 34% (P<0.05). In T1DM protein increased glucose-AUC by 40% (P<0.05, n=5). Data-source (reported vs calculated) and study-methodology-quality significantly modified some outcomes and contributed to high between-study heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: in people without-diabetes, adding dairy- or plant-protein to a carbohydrate-containing meal elicits physiologically significant reductions in glucose-AUC and increases insulin-AUC. Animal-protein may slightly reduce glucose-AUC and may increase insulin-AUC. In T2DM, protein may not have such large and consistent effects. Further research is needed to determine if the effects of protein differ by health status and protein-source. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022322090. FUNDING: General Mills.

Staphylococcus aureus in Dairy Industry: Enterotoxin Production, Biofilm Formation, and Use of Lactic Acid Bacteria for Its Biocontrol.

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known pathogen capable of producing enterotoxins during bacterial growth in contaminated food, and the ingestion of such preformed toxins is one of the major causes of food poisoning around the world. Nowadays 33 staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and SE-like toxins have been described, but nearly 95% of confirmed foodborne outbreaks are attributed to classical enterotoxins SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE. The natural habitat of S. aureus includes the skin and mucous membranes of both humans and animals, allowing the contamination of milk, its derivatives, and the processing facilities. S. aureus is well known for the ability to form biofilms in food processing environments, which contributes to its persistence and cross-contamination in food. The biocontrol of S. aureus in foods by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their bacteriocins has been studied for many years. Recently, LAB and their metabolites have also been explored for controlling S. aureus biofilms. LAB are used in fermented foods since in ancient times and nowadays characterized strains (or their purified bacteriocin) can be intentionally added to prolong food shelf-life and to control the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Regarding the use of these microorganism and their metabolites (such as organic acids and bacteriocins) to prevent biofilm development or for biofilm removal, it is possible to conclude that a complex network behind the antagonistic activity remains poorly understood at the molecular level. The use of approaches that allow the characterization of these interactions is necessary to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that govern the inhibitory activity of LAB against S. aureus biofilms in food processing environments.

Dairy intake and cardiovascular diseases risk factors: a cross-sectional study on Iranian obese and overweight women.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary interventions can directly affect several ASCVD risk factors. This study aimed to assess an association between dairy consumption and the odds of ASCVD and its risk factors in women with overweight and obesity. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 Iranian women aged 18-48 years and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m². Dairy consumption was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants were divided into tertiles based on their dairy consumption with 130 (33.3%) women in each category. RESULTS: The participants had an average age of 36.73 ± 9.18 years, and the mean BMI was 31.28 ± 4.30 kg/m2. In the unadjusted model, individuals in the third tertile of dairy consumption had 0.79 times lower odds of ASCVD compared to those in the first tertile (OR: 0.21; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.11, 0.41; P-value = 0.001). Additionally, we observed a significant inverse relationship between higher dairy intake and adiposity markers, blood pressure, and Triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI). CONCLUSION: The study revealed a negative association between dairy intake and the risk of ASCVD but this association diminished after adjusting for confounding factors. It also found a negative association between dairy consumption with BMI, fat mass index, body fat, blood pressure, and TyG-BMI.

Gut colonization by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in dairy herd in Brazil: successful dissemination of a One Health clone.

The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock has contributed to the emergence and selection of clinically relevant multidrug-resistant bacteria. In Brazil, there is no conclusive information on the occurrence of Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESßL) in cattle breeding, which is an important sector of agribusiness in this country. Herein, we investigated the presence of ESßL-positive E. coli strains in dairy cattle from a commercial farm with routine practice of therapeutic cephalosporins. Ninety-five rectal swab samples were collected from healthy dairy calves and cows under treatment with ceftiofur. Samples were screened for the presence of ESßL producers, and positive isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF, with subsequent screening for genes encoding ESßL variants by PCR and sequencing. The presence of ESßL (CTX-M-15)-producing E. coli was confirmed in calves, and lactating and dry cows. Most ESßL strains with genetic homologies ≥ 90% were grouped into two major PFGE clusters, confirming the suscessful expansion of clonally related lineages in animals from different lactating cycles, on the same property. Four representatives CTX-M-15-positive E. coli strains had their genomes sequenced, belonging to the clonal complex (CC) 23 and sequence type (ST) 90. A phylogeographical landscape of ST90 was performed revealing a global One Health linkage. Our results highlight the intestinal microbiota of dairy cattle as a hotspot for the spread of critical priority ESßL-producing E. coli and demonstrate that ST90 is an international clone genomically adapted to human and animal hosts, which deserve additional investigation to determine its zoonotic potential and impact in food chain.

Compatibility of pulse protein in the formulation of plant based yogurt: a review of nutri-functional properties and processing impact.

With the increased environmental concerns and health awareness among consumers, there has been a notable interest in plant-based dairy alternatives. The plant-based yogurt market has experienced rapid expansion in recent years. Due to challenges related to cultivation, higher cost of production and lower protein content researchers have explored the viability of pulse-based yogurt which has arisen as an economically and nutritionally abundant solution. This review aims to examine the feasibility of utilizing pulse protein for yogurt production. The nutritional, antinutritional, and functional characteristics of various pulses were discussed in detail, alongside the modifications in these properties during the various stages of yogurt manufacturing. The review also sheds light on pivotal findings from existing literature and outlines challenges associated with the production of pulse-based yogurt. Pulses have emerged as promising base materials for yogurt manufacturing due to their favorable nutritional and functional characteristics. Further, the fermentation process can effectively reduce antinutritional components and enhance digestibility. Nonetheless, variations in sensorial and rheological properties were noted when different types of pulses were employed. This issue can be addressed by employing suitable combinations to achieve the desired properties in pulse-based yogurt.

Risks of dairy derived excipients in medications for lactose intolerant and cow milk protein allergic patients.

The use of lactose and cow milk protein (CMP) as potential allergens in pharmaceuticals and their ability to cause allergic reactions remains a significant concern in medicine. Lactose, a common pharmaceutical excipient due to its inert, inexpensive, and stable properties, is found in many prescription-only and over-the-counter medications. However, despite their widespread use, individuals with lactose intolerance (LI) or cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) may experience adverse reactions to these excipients. This study investigated the prevalence of lactose and other dairy-derived ingredients in pharmaceuticals marketed in Portugal. Using the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from the INFOMED database, various medications, including analgesics, antipyretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiasthmatics, were analyzed. Results showed a high prevalence of dairy-derived excipients, particularly in antiasthmatic drugs (62.6%) and NSAIDs (39%). Although CMP are not explicitly mentioned in SmPCs, the presence of lactose as an ingredient poses a risk of cross-contamination. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of potential allergens in medications and the importance of developing lactose-free alternatives to ensure the safety of patients with LI and CMPA. Further research is required to assess the safety and implications of lactose in medicines for these populations.

Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Swiss dairy herds and risk factors for a positive herd status and within-herd prevalence.

Introduction: Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic enteric disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of PTB is important given its negative economic consequences and the potential zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn's disease in humans. Methods: To determine the seroprevalence of MAP in Swiss dairy herds and to identify risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence, 10,063 serum samples collected from cattle over 12 months of age in 171 Swiss dairy farms were analyzed using a commercial ELISA test. Eight herds were excluded due to non-interpretable ELISA results. Risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence were investigated with regression models using results from a questionnaire on management practices possibly associated with the introduction or spread of MAP in the remaining 163 herds. Univariable logistic regression was performed, carrying forward for multivariable regression analysis when p < 0.2. Results: The calculated between-herd true seroprevalence was 3.6% (95% CI, 0.96-8.4%). Due to the low within-herd seroprevalence, it was not possible to calculate the true seroprevalence at animal level; the apparent within-herd seroprevalence ranged from 2.3 to 5.5% with a median of 3.6% in nine positive farms. Herd size (p = 0.037) and the common grazing of lactating cows with cows from other herds (p = 0.014) were associated with seropositive herd status, while heifers sharing alpine pasture with dairy cattle from other herds were associated with a decreased probability of the herd to test seropositive (p = 0.042). Reliable identification of significant risk factors associated with MAP spread and high seroprevalence of PTB within seropositive herds was not possible due to low observed seroprevalence within herds and low sensitivity of the ELISA test. Discussion: These results highlight the limitation of serology for MAP diagnosis in small herds with low infection prevalence.

Early life supplementation with mannan-rich fraction to regulate rumen microbiota, gut health, immunity and growth performance in dairy goat kids.

Enhancing gastrointestinal health, immunity, and digestion are key factors to support dairy goat kid performance. Several additives have been studied in relation to these actions. This study investigated the impact of mannan-rich fraction (MRF) inclusion in goat milk on the growth performance, gut health, rumen fermentation and microbial profiles of Xinong Saanen dairy goat kids. Eighty kids aged 14 d and 4.72 ± 0.33 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Control and MRF (1g/d MRF mixed into milk), each group consisted of 40 kids with 10 kids per pen. All kids were given milk individually and fed starter diet by pen, with the trial lasting 10 weeks. BW and blood samples were collected on the 7th day at 2, 6, 10 and 12 weeks of age, and feed intake was determined daily. From the 1st to 7th day at 12 weeks of age, fecal samples were collected on 4 kids from each group to analyze nutrient digestibility. On the 7th day of 12 weeks of age, 4 kids from each group were slaughtered for evaluation of rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota and gut morphology. The results indicated that MRF supplementation led to greater overall BW (P < 0.01), overall starter dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.01) and overall average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.021), while showing lower overall diarrhea rate (P < 0.01). However, no difference in overall feed efficiency (FE) (P = 0.063) and apparent digestibility of nutrients was observed (P > 0.05). Furthermore, MRF supplementation resulted in increased ileal villus height (P = 0.05), and higher RNA expression of Claudin-1 and Occuldin in the duodenum (P < 0.05), ZO-1, JAM-2, and Occuldin in the jejunum (P < 0.05), and Claudin-1, JAM-2, and Occuldin in the ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the concentrations of overall IgA, overall IgM and overall IgG were higher in the MRF group (P < 0.01). The concentrations of ruminal acetate and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) were higher with MRF supplementation (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with MRF resulted in higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and Succinivibrio, but lower abundance of Firmicutes and Succiniclasticum in the rumen. In conclusion, growth performance, gut health, immunity, and ruminal microbial structure of dairy goat kids benefited from MRF supplementation.

Label-free-based proteomics analysis reveals differential proteins of sheep, goat and cow milk.

Regarding the limited information on species protein differences between sheep, goat, and cow milk, the differentially expressed proteins in sheep, goat, and cow milk and their functional differences are analyzed using label-free proteomics technology to identify potential biomarkers. 770 proteins and 2914 peptide segments were identified. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the relative abundances of the 74 proteins among the sheep, goat, and cow milk. CSN3 and LALBA can be used as potential biomarkers for goat milk, XDH can be used as potential biomarkers for cow milk, and CTSB and BPIFB1 can be used as potential biomarkers for sheep milk. The functional analysis using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that these significantly different proteins were enriched by different pathways including thyroid hormone synthesis and glycerol phospholipid metabolism. The data revealed differences in the amounts and physiological functions of the milk proteins of different species, which may provide an important basis for research on the nutritional composition of dairy products and adulteration identification technology.

Evaluating the effectiveness of minimum chlorate technologies employed by manufacturers of skim milk powder from both microbiological quality and chemical residue perspectives.

Dairy processors in the Republic of Ireland have adopted chlorine-free chemicals for cleaning and chlorine gas for water disinfection as a means of minimizing chlorate residue in dairy products. For these 'minimum chlorate technologies' to be satisfactory, they must be able to deliver product with acceptable levels of bacteria as well as minimum levels of chlorate and other chlorine based residues. To establish the effectiveness of these technologies, sampling was conducted across the skim milk powder (SMP) manufacturing chain in 3 separate milk processing sites. Across the 3 sites a total of 11 different batches of SMP were sampled in duplicate from the whole milk silo through the manufacturing process to the powder product; yielding a total of 137 samples. Samples were tested for chlorate, perchlorate and trichloromethane alongside a suite of microbiological plate count tests including total bacteria, thermophilic bacteria, thermoduric bacteria and both mesophilic and thermophilic spore-forming bacteria. Chlorate was detected at reportable levels (≥0.01 mg/kg) in 9 of 22 SMP samples analyzed; resulting in a mean chlorate concentration 0.0183 mg/kg. Bacteria were ubiquitous across all samples analyzed with spore-forming bacteria counts ranging from 1.30 to 2.33 log cfu/ g in SMP.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of providing a rest period during long-distance transportation of surplus dairy calves: Part II. Impact on hematological variables.

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine if providing a rest stop including provision of feed and water between periods of continuous transportation mitigates the impact of long-distance transportation on markers of energy status and hydration in calves transported by road for 16 h. This study was conducted between September 2022 to January 2023 and included male and female Holstein and crossbred dairy calves ≥7 d old from 2 commercial dairy farms in Ontario, Canada (n = 96). On the day before transportation, calves were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: 1) continuous transportation by road for 16 h or 2) 8 h of transport, 8 h of rest, and a further 8 h of transport to a single calf-raising facility. Calves that received a rest stop were fed 2 L of milk replacer at the time of unloading for the rest period and again immediately before reloading for the second leg of the journey. Blood samples were collected before and after transportation as well as daily for 3 d following arrival to the calf-raising facility. Serum was analyzed for concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), haptoglobin, and creatine kinase, while acid-base disturbances were evaluated within 1 h of collection of whole blood to assess glucose, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, hematocrit, hemoglobin, pH, base excess, pO2, TCO2, HCO3, pCO2, and sO2. Mixed linear regression models with repeated measures were built to assess the effect of treatment group, age at transportation, breed, and sex on these parameters. Immediately after transportation, calves that received the rest period had lower BHBA (-68.04 µmol/L, 95% CI: -99.59 to -36.49), NEFA (-0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.07), and sodium (-1.10 mmol/L, 95% CI = -2.18 to -0.02), and higher glucose (0.48 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.74), potassium (0.27 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.43), ionized calcium (0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.08), and sO2 (8.76%, 95% CI = 1.61 to 15.91) compared with calves that were continuously transported for 16 h. Additionally, calves transported between 11 and 12 d old had lower hematocrit (-1.22%, 95% CI = -2.19 to -0.25), hemoglobin (-3.07 g/L, 95% CI = -5.70 to -0.43), haptoglobin (-0.13 g/L, 95% CI = -0.23 to -0.02), and potassium (-0.13 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.22 to -0.04) and higher sodium (0.83 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.03 to 1.63) than 7-8 d old calves. Furthermore, calves that were 13-24 d old at transport had lower haptoglobin (-0.16 g/L, 95% CI = -0.27 to -0.06) and potassium (-0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.23 to -0.05), and higher sodium (1.02 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.22 to 1.82) and ionized calcium (0.02 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.035) compared with calves transported at 7-8 d old. The results of this trial demonstrate that a rest period improves energy status upon arrival to a calf-raising facility, suggesting that the benefit of a rest period may be mostly related to the provision of mid-journey milk meals.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of providing a rest period during long-distance transportation of surplus dairy calves: Part I. Impact on health, growth, and activity.

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine if providing a rest period (RP) to surplus calves transported for 16 h reduced the impact of long-distance transportation on health, growth, and activity after arrival to a calf-raising facility. Between September 2022 to January 2023, 6 to 24 d old surplus calves were randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: 1) continuous transportation by road for 16 h (n = 86) or 2) 8 h of transport, 8 h RP, then a further 8 h of transport to a single commercial calf-raising facility in Ontario, Canada (n = 84). Calves that received the RP were fed 2 L of milk replacer at the time of unloading for the RP and again before reloading for the second leg of transportation. Calves were weighed before and after transportation and once weekly until they left the calf-raising facility at 11 weeks after arrival. Additionally, fecal consistency and respiratory health were assessed immediately before and after transportation, as well as twice daily following arrival. The odds of abnormal fecal and respiratory scores were assessed with mixed effects logistic regression models, whereas cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the hazard of treatment for diarrhea and respiratory disease. To evaluate weight loss during transportation, average daily gain, lying bouts, and steps, mixed linear regression models were used. Furthermore, mixed logistic regression models with repeated measures were built to assess associations with the odds of having a sunken flank and prolonged skin tent. There were no statistical differences in the odds of abnormal fecal or respiratory scores or the treatment for diarrhea between treatment groups; however, there was evidence that calves that received a rest period had a higher hazard of treatment for respiratory disease. Calves >10 d old had reduced odds of having an abnormal respiratory score and calves 13-24 d old had lower odds of arriving with a prolonged skin tent, lower odds of abnormal fecal score, and reduced hazard of treatment for diarrhea compared with calves 6-8 d old at transportation. During transportation, calves that received a rest period lost less weight than continuously transported calves. With respect to ADG over the 77-d study, an interaction between age at transport and treatment group was identified where calves aged 9 to 10 d old and received a rest period had higher ADG compared with calves that were 9 to 10 d old and did not receive a rest period. As for calf activity, calves receiving an RP spent more time lying on the day after transportation compared with calves that were continuously transported. The results of this trial show few differences in the health and growth of calves having a RP compared with those that underwent continuous transport. Furthermore, calves receiving a rest period may arrive more fatigued than calves who arrive to their destination in a shorter period of time overall. Transporting calves at older ages presents an opportunity to reduce the impact of long-distance transportation on subsequent health, growth, and activity.

Feeding nanoparticles of copper oxide coated with lysine with or without added antagonists affects the copper status but not performance of Holstein dairy cows.

The apparent absorption of copper (Cu) in ruminants is low, with between 0.01 and 0.07 g/g absorbed from sources such as copper oxide (CuO) under typical feeding conditions, resulting in high levels of excretion. Improving the bioavailability of Cu could reduce the supplemental amount required to maintain Cu status and reduce excretion, particularly in the presence of dietary antagonists such as sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo). The objective of our study was to determine the Cu status of cows when fed nanoparticle CuO coated with Lys compared with conventional CuO when fed without or in combination with antagonists to Cu absorption (S and Mo) in the diet of dairy cows. Fifty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows that were 48 d ± 17.4 (mean ± SD) post calving and yielding 40.6 ± 6.9 kg milk/d were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The 4 treatment groups were; CuO (O-), CuO with added antagonists (O+), nano CuO with a lysine coating (N-), and nano CuO with a Lys coating with added antagonists (N+), fed for 16 wks. We formulated the diets to contain approximately 17 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM) and diets with antagonists contained an additional 1 g S/kg DM and 6 mg Mo/kg DM, with Lys added to O- and O+ to provide the same daily supply as N- and N+. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 2, 4, 6, 10 and 16, and liver biopsy samples at wk 0 and 16. We found no effect of dietary treatment on DM intake, milk yield, live weight or body condition score, with mean values of 23.3 kg/d, 40.1 kg/d, 646 kg and 2.68, but milk SCC was higher in cows fed conventional compared with non CuO, or with added antagonist. We also found no effect of treatment on blood activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase or ceruloplasmin, hematology profile, or plasma Cu and iron concentration. We found that plasma Mo concentration was increased from 0.36 µmol/L in cows fed O- or N- to 0.80 µmol/L in those receiving O+ or N+. Additional dietary antagonists also decreased the concentration of Cu in the liver of cows fed conventional CuO (C+) over the study period by 1.3 mg/kg DM/d, but in cows fed dietary antagonists and nano CuO coated with Lys (N+), liver Cu concentration was increased by 1.1 mg/kg DM/d. Our study is the first to demonstrate that reducing the particle size of CuO into the nano scale with a lysine coating improves the bioavailability of CuO in the presence of dietary antagonists in dairy cattle, and we did not observe any negative effects on performance or health.

Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy cattle from the Western Region of Thailand.

In total, 901 dairy cow sera and data were collected from 51 farms in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces (Western Region of Thailand). Serum samples were processed via the multispecies ELISA method to detect IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii infection. The results demonstrated that the calculated true prevalence was 1.48% (95% CI, 0.64-2.75%) for the individual-level and 29.41% (95% CI, 18.71-43%) for the farm-level. The univariate risk factor analysis showed that the number of total owned cats, the presence of stray cats, and the frequency of cleaning per day were significant factors (p < 0.2). These three factors were subjected to logistic regression analysis, and the results revealed that the frequency of cleaning farms per day was a potential risk factor for T. gondii-seropositive farms (OR = 2.745, 95% CI, 1.15-8.69, p = 0.02). The frequency of cleaning might increase the T. gondii oocyst distribution within the barn area, thus increasing the possibility of infection. Our findings show that T. gondii continues to circulate in the dairy cow population in the western part of Thailand. The presence of cats on farms was not found to be associated with T. gondii infection, but the high frequency of cleaning the floor was, and contributed to the potential risk of infection.

Title: Prévalence et facteurs de risque de l'infection à Toxoplasma gondii chez les bovins laitiers de la région occidentale de la Thaïlande. Abstract: Au total, 901 sérums de vaches laitières et des données ont été collectés dans 51 fermes des provinces de Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi et Kanchanaburi (région occidentale de la Thaïlande). Les échantillons de sérum ont été traités via la méthode ELISA multi-espèces pour détecter les anticorps IgG contre l'infection à Toxoplasma gondii. Les résultats ont démontré que la prévalence réelle calculée était de 1,48 % (IC à 95 %, 0,64­2,75 %) au niveau individuel et de 29,41 % (IC à 95 %, 18,71­43 %) au niveau des exploitations. L'analyse factorielle a montré que le nombre total de chats possédés, la présence de chats errants et la fréquence quotidienne de nettoyage étaient des facteurs significatifs (p < 0,2). Ces trois facteurs ont été soumis à une analyse de régression logistique et les résultats ont révélé que la fréquence quotidienne de nettoyage des exploitations était un facteur de risque potentiel pour les exploitations séropositives à T. gondii (OR = 2,745, IC à 95 % = 1,15­8,69, p = 0,02). La fréquence du nettoyage pourrait favoriser la répartition des oocystes de T. gondii dans les étables, augmentant ainsi le risque d'infection. Nos résultats indiquent que T. gondii continue de circuler dans la population de vaches laitières de l'ouest de la Thaïlande. La présence de chats dans les fermes n'a pas été associée à l'infection à T. gondii, mais la fréquence élevée du nettoyage du sol l'était et contribuait au risque potentiel d'infection.

Potential relationships between apelin and metabolic-associated indices in transition dairy cows.

Metabolic disorders pose significant challenges in transition dairy cows. Numerous parameters have been investigated in this context, and apelin has recently emerged as a potential metabolic indicator. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the associations between this hormone and other metabolic parameters. Twenty-two adult Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, 21 days before their expected calving date, were selected for blood sampling and serum separation at four time points: 21 and 10 days before calving and 10 and 21 days after parturition. Serum concentrations of apelin, leptin, insulin, cortisol, T3, T4, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, triglycerides, cholesterol, high, low and very low-density lipoproteins, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were measured in these samples. Surrogate indices for insulin resistance, body condition score, and milk production were also evaluated. Throughout the transition period, a significant increase in apelin levels was observed. Various models were employed to identify associations between apelin and the studied metabolic parameters. Notably, significant correlations between apelin and Leptin, Insulin, Cortisol, T3, T4, NEFA, Cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin and Indirect Bilirubin were observed, with some being immediate while others developed over time. These findings indicate a mutual influence between apelin and specific metabolic indices. Changes in any component of the metabolic profile at one stage can lead to alterations in apelin levels in subsequent stages. The correlations uncovered between apelin and other components of the metabolic profile in transitioning dairy cows offer valuable insights, contributing to a better understanding of the potential effects of apelin on the studied indicators and vice versa.

Nutritional Evaluation of Milk Thistle Meal as a Protein Feedstuff for Diets of Dairy Cattle.

The objective of this work is to investigate the chemical and nutritional value of milk thistle meal (MTM) in order to improve it and to provide theoretical support for its application in dairy cattle production. MTM was assessed in comparison with seven conventional protein feed sources, namely, soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CS), canola meal (CN), palm kernel meal (PK), rice bran meal (RB), corn germ meal (CG), and sesame meal (SS). The chemical composition of these feedstuffs was assessed using wet chemical analysis, the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System was used to evaluate the carbohydrate and protein fractions, and the in situ nylon bag technique and the modified three-step in vitro method were used to assess the rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared technology was used to determine the feedstuff protein spectral molecular structure and its amino acid profile was also assessed. The result showed that MTM acid detergent fiber, lignin, unavailable nitrogen, and non-degradable carbohydrate content were higher than those of the other feedstuffs. It had a 17% and 36% rumen effective degradation rate of neutral detergent fiber and dry matter, respectively, and had the lowest small intestinal rumen undegradable protein digestibility rate. It was low in leucine, histidine, arginine, and proline, but high in methionine. The total area of amide I and amide II in the protein secondary structure was similar to that of CN and CS, and the amide I and II ratio was not different from that of RB. To sum up, MTM has a poor carbohydrate composition and is high in fiber but, in comparison to most other protein feeds, has a higher crude protein rumen effective degradation rate, similar to that of SBM, and it is a good source of methionine, a limiting amino acid. Hence, its nutritional value can be further improved for application in dairy feeding through processes such as microbial or enzymatic fermentation.

Impact of Parenteral Maternal Supplementation with Trace Minerals and Vitamins on Neonatal Calf Antioxidant System and Growth in a Dairy Herd.

Oxidative stress may affect new born calves due to high stress suffered around birth. We hypothesized that maternal supplementation with micronutrients and vitamins in late gestation enhance the neonatal calf's antioxidant system, decreasing the occurrence and duration of diarrhea, and improving growth from birth through weaning. To test this hypothesis, 80 multiparous cows were cluster-assigned to treatment groups. Treated group (TG) cows received mineral and vitamin supplementation while control group (CG) cows received saline solution. Feed intake and fecal score were measured daily until the ninth week. Weight and body measurements were registered weekly, and blood samples were collected from postpartum cows and calves after birth and at 7, 14, and 63 days of life. Although CG calves had greater fecal scores (p = 0.01), diarrhea characteristics did not differ. Calves in the TG showed greater starter intake (p = 0.04). Feed efficiency showed a trend with treatment-age interaction (p = 0.06). Calves in the CG had wider hips in the first week (p = 0.03), but not by the ninth week. Total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and haptoglobin did not differ between treatment groups. Serum metabolites showed no differences. Supplementation did not impact calf antioxidant system or growth in the first two months.

Changes in Parameters Registered by Innovative Technologies in Cows with Subclinical Acidosis.

The hypothesis of this study was that there were changes in biomarkers registered by innovative technologies in cows with subclinical acidosis. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the in-line milk fat-to-protein ratio and cow feeding behaviors such as reticulorumen pH, reticulorumen temperature, cow activity, and water intake with subclinical acidosis. From a total of 98 cows, 59 cows were selected to meet the following criteria (2 or more lactations, with 31 days in milk (DIM)). The selected animals were separated into two groups based on general clinical examination and reticulorumen pH: the subclinical acidosis group (SCA, n = 23) and the healthy group (HC, n = 36). During the diagnosis of subclinical acidosis and following the clinical examination of the healthy group using the BROLIS HerdLine system, the daily averages of milk yield (kg/day), milk fat (%), milk protein (%), and the milk fat-to-protein ratio were recorded. Simultaneously, by using Smaxtec technology, reticulorumen parameters and cow activity, including pH, temperature (°C), rumination time (minutes/day), and water intake (hours/day), were registered. Changes in parameters measured using innovative technologies were able to identify cows with subclinical acidosis. Cows with subclinical acidosis had a lower reticulorumen pH by 18.8% (p < 0.0001), a decreased milk yield by 10.49% (p < 0.001), a lower milk fat-to-protein ratio by 11.88% (p < 0.01), and a decreased rumination time by 6.59% (p < 0.01). However, the activity of these cows was higher by 57.19% (p < 0.001) compared to healthy cows. From a practical point of view, we suggest that veterinarians and farmers track parameters such as reticulorumen pH, milk yield, milk fat-to-protein ratio, rumination time, and activity for the identification of subclinical acidosis.