The impact of genetic variants related to the fatty acid metabolic process pathway on milk production traits in Jersey cows.

The synthesis of fatty acids plays a critical role in shaping milk production characteristics in dairy cattle. Thus, identifying effective haplotypes within the fatty acid metabolism pathway will provide novel and robust insights into the genetics of dairy cattle. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the individual and combined impacts of fundamental genes within the fatty acid metabolic process pathway in Jersey cows. A comprehensive phenotypic dataset was compiled, considering milk production traits, to summarize a cow's productivity across three lactations. Genotyping was conducted through PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing, while the association between genotype and phenotype was quantified using linear mixed models. Moderate biodiversity and abundant variation suitable for haplotype analysis were observed across all examined markers. The individual effects of the FABP3, LTF and ANXA9 genes significantly influenced both milk yield and milk fat production. Additionally, this study reveals novel two-way interactions between genes in the fatty acid metabolism pathway that directly affect milk fat properties. Notably, we identified that the GGAAGG haplotype in FABP3×LTF×ANXA9 interaction may be a robust genetic marker concerning both milk fat yield and percentage. Consequently, the genotype combinations highlighted in this study serve as novel and efficient markers for assessing the fat content in cow's milk.

EFFECTS OF BEEF SEMEN AND BEEF EMBRYO STRATEGIES ON PROFITABILITY: Economics of using beef semen and beef in vitro produced embryo transfer in Jersey herds.

Dairy herds have adopted sexed semen (SS) and beef semen (BS) to control heifer inventory and increase calf sales revenue. Beef in vitro-produced embryo transfer (beef IVP-ET) may be an alternative to increase calf sales revenue. Besides, raising those Jersey beef crossbred and/or pure beef animals in a dairy system may be a new source of revenue. We aimed to evaluate breed strategies combining dairy conventional semen (CS), SS, BS, and beef IVP-ET on herd dynamics and profitability by marketing those animals with one-day-old or raising them to 180 kg. A Markov chain model was developed to maximize the profitability of Jersey herds by changing the number of dairy heifers sold at birth and the culling rate of 3rd and greater parity cows. The model presents inputs on the reproductive and productive performance of heifers and cows over time. The last year's data (year 10 - steady state) was used to calculate accrual operational cost and revenue per cow per year. We varied the breeding strategy by breeding order and parities, the embryo transfer cost ($85 or $170), the pure beef calf market price ($200 or $300), and by marketing Jersey-beef and pure beef animals with one-day-old or raising them to 180 kg. A total of 8 scenarios + default scenario were simulated. Overall, the proportion of SS use was 47.3 ± 0.6%. For the scenarios replacing all CS breedings with BS breedings, the proportion of CS and BS used was 52.3 ± 0.6. When beef IVP-ET was used, the percentage of BS and beef IVP-ET used was 22.4 ± 0.1% and 31.0 ± 0.1%, respectively. We observed that when we compared SS:BS with the default scenario, the production of purebred Jersey male calves was reduced by 83.5%, and profit/cow per year was increased from $113.5 to $203.3 with SS:BS. When a beef IVP-ET of $85 per transfer was used (scenarios 2 and 3), profit/cow per year was $145.5 and $176.2 for a pure-beef calf price of $200 and $300, respectively. In scenario 4, with a beef IVP-ET cost of $170, the lowest profit ($52.9 per cow per year) was found when marketing one-day-old pure-beef calves at $200. The highest profit was achieved for scenario raising the Jersey-beef crossbred animals to 180 kg ($232.9, scenario 6), followed by scenario 7 ($222.9, SS:BS:IVP-ET) with an embryo transfer cost of $85. Under the current market conditions, combining SS and BS in the reproductive program was a feasible economic opportunity for Jersey herds, yielding the highest net return. The adoption of beef IVP-ET in a reproductive program can potentially increase profit/cow per year, but its profitability will depend on the beef IVP-ET pregnancy cost, the pure-beef market price, calf performance, and the herd reproductive performance. In conclusion, raising the Jersey-beef crossbred calves may be a profitable strategy, and dairy producers need to evaluate the best option to invest in since it will take an extra risk to produce high-quality animals to the market.

Intramammary infections in lactating Jersey cows: Prevalence of microbial organisms and association with milk somatic cell count and persistence of infection.

There are limited data available regarding pathogens causing intramammary infections (IMI) in Jersey cows. The objectives of this study were to characterize the prevalence of IMI caused by different microorganisms in lactating Jersey cattle and evaluate the associations among microbes and somatic cell count (SCC) and persistence of IMI. This prospective, observational, longitudinal study included lactating Jersey cows (n = 753) from 4 farms within a 415 km radius of Columbia, Missouri. Quarter foremilk samples were aseptically collected monthly for 3 consecutive months. Microorganisms were identified using aerobic milk culture and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A commercial laboratory measured SCC using flow cytometry. Milk culture results were used to classify single microorganism infections as persistent (same microorganism species identified at first sampling and one other sampling) or nonpersistent infection. Mixed models were built to evaluate the associations between IMI status and SCC natural logarithm (lnSCC), as well as persistence and lnSCC. Overall, staphylococci were the most commonly isolated microorganisms among the 7,370 quarter-level milk samples collected. Median prevalence (using all 3 samplings) of specific microbes varied among farms; however, Staphylococcus chromogenes was a common species found at all farms. The most common microbial species that persisted were Staph. chromogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus simulans, and Streptococcus uberis. Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staph. aureus were the IMI associated with the most inflammation based on lnSCC. The small number of herds included in this study with the large variation in herd type limits the generalizability of the data. However, results of this study seem to be similar to those of previous studies in other breeds, suggesting management factors are more important than breed-specific differences when evaluating causes of IMI and associated subclinical mastitis.

Assessment of genetic diversity, inbreeding and collection completeness of Jersey bulls in the US National Animal Germplasm Program.

Genomic selection and extensive use of a few elite bulls through artificial insemination are leading to reduced genetic diversity in Jersey cattle. Conservation of genetic diversity through gene banks can protect a breed's genetic diversity and genetic gain, ensuring continued genetic advancement in the future. The availability of genomic information in the US National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) facilitates characterization of Jersey bulls in the germplasm collection. Therefore, in this study, we compared the genetic diversity and inbreeding between Jersey bulls in the NAGP and the national cooperator database (NCD). The NCD is maintained and curated by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). We found the genetic diversity to be marginally higher in NAGP (Ho = 0.34 ± 0.17) relative to the NCD population (Ho = 0.33 ± 0.16). The average pedigree and genomic inbreeding (FPED, FGRM, FROH > 2Mb) were similar between the groups, with estimates of 7.6% with FPED, 11.07% with FGRM and 20.13% with FROH > 2Mb. An increasing trend in inbreeding was detected, and a significantly higher level of inbreeding was estimated among the older bulls in the NAGP collection, suggesting an overrepresentation of the genetics from elite bulls. Results from principal component analyses (PCA) provided evidence that the NAGP collection is representative of the genetic variation found in the NCD population and a broad majority of the loci segregating (98.2%) in the NCD population were also segregating in the NAGP. Ward's clustering was used to assess collection completeness of Jerseys in the NAGP by comparison with top 1000 sires of bulls, top 1000 sires of cow, and bulls with high Lifetime Net Merit (NM$). All the clusters were represented in the NAGP suggesting that most of the genetic diversity in the US Jersey population is represented in the NAGP and confirmed the PCA results. The decade of birth was the major driver grouping bulls into clusters, suggesting the importance of selection over time. Selection signature analysis between the historic bulls in the NAGP with the newer bulls, born in the decade after implementation of genomic selection, identified selection for milk production, fat and protein yield, fertility, health, and reproductive traits. Cluster analysis revealed that the NAGP has captured allele frequency changes over time associated with selection, validating the strategy of repeated sampling and suggests that the continuation of a repeated sampling policy is essential for the germplasm collection to maintain its future utility. While NAGP should continue to collect bulls that have large influence on the population due to selection, care should be taken to include the entire breadth of bulls, including low merit bulls.

Evaluation of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin at transfer of in vitro produced beef embryos on reproductive outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows after a synchronized ovulation.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of transfer of in vitro produced (IVP) beef embryos on pregnancy outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows. Grade 1, Stage 7 (expanded blastocyst), IVP beef embryos were produced from black Angus-based dams using 3 proven high fertility Angus sires and were frozen for direct transfer. In a preliminary experiment, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were randomized to a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to test the main effect of recipient synchronization protocol (Double-Ovsynch; DO; n = 169 vs. a synchronized estrus; ED; n = 180) and were randomly assigned within recipient protocol to serve as untreated controls (DO-CON, n = 78; ED-CON, n = 44) or to receive i.m. treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG (DO-hCG, n = 79; ED-hCG, n = 46) at the time of embryo transfer (ET). The recipient utilization rate was greater for DO (93%) than for ED (50%) cows, and there was an interaction between recipient synchronization protocol and hCG treatment in which DO-hCG cows had more pregnancies per embryo transfer (P/ET) at 26, 33, and 61 d than DO-CON, ED-hCG, and ED-CON cows. Based on a partial budget analysis, the cost per pregnancy for DO cows was $135.35 less than for ED cows. In Experiment 2, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO, n = 386) and were randomly assigned to serve as untreated controls (CON, n = 192) or were treated with 2,500 IU hCG (hCG, n = 194) at ET. Progesterone concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET were greater for hCG than for CON cows. In contrast to the preliminary experiment, treatment with hCG did not affect P/ET at 26, 33, or 61 d, and treatment with hCG did not affect pregnancy loss from 26 to 61 d. In conclusion, treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG at ET increased P4 concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET but did not increase pregnancy outcomes or decrease pregnancy loss in lactating multiparous Jersey cows receiving frozen/thawed IVP beef embryos.

Effect of glycolysis on water holding capacity during postmortem aging of Jersey cattle-yak meat.

BACKGROUND: Postmortem muscle moisture loss leads to a decrease in carcass weight and can adversely impact overall meat quality. Therefore, it is critical to investigate water holding capacity (WHC) to enhance meat quality. Current research has primarily focused on examining the correlation between signaling molecules and meat quality in relation to the glycolysis effect on muscle WHC. But there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the mechanism of WHC in Jersey cattle-yak meat. RESULTS: Jersey cattle-yak meat pH decreased and then increased during postmortem aging. Lactate content, cooking loss, pressing loss, drip loss and centrifuging loss of Jersey cattle-yak meat increased and then decreased during postmortem aging. The glycogen content of Jersey cattle-yak meat was significantly higher than that of yak meat at 6-120 h, being 8.40% higher than that of yak meat at 120 h. The activity of key glycolytic enzymes hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in Jersey cattle-yak meat was lower than that in yak meat. Correlation analysis showed that Jersey cattle-yak meat WHC was positively correlated with the activity of HK, PK, PFK and LDH. CONCLUSIONS: The WHC of Jersey cattle-yak meat was higher than that of Gannan yak meat, and it was significantly positively correlated with the activity of key enzymes of the glycolytic signaling pathway. Therefore, the glycolysis rate can be reduced by inhibiting enzyme activity to improve Jersey cattle-yak meat WHC and meat quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Farm management and husbandry practices associated with spontaneous humeral fractures in New Zealand dairy heifers.

AIMS: To use a farm-based survey to identify characteristics of the New Zealand dairy system associated with the risk of spontaneous humeral fracture in dairy heifers. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed and made available in print and online to collect information from dairy farmers and/or veterinarians, across New Zealand, about the management and nutrition of cows from birth to first lactation. Data were collected from July 2019 to March 2020 from farms that either had recorded (case farms) or not recorded (control farms) cases of humeral fractures in dairy heifers. RESULTS: A total of 68 completed questionnaires were returned, with 35 responses from case farms and 33 responses from control farms. Twenty-six responses (38%) were from the South Island (13 case farms and 13 control farms) and 38 responses (56%) were from the North Island (20 case farms and 18 control farms). For four questionnaires (6%) farm location was not given. Adjusting for the effect of age when calves accessed pasture, case farms had increased odds of having Holstein-Friesian Jersey crossbreed cows as the predominant breed (OR = 9.7; 95% CI = 3.1-36.0; p < 0.001). Adjusting for the effect of breed, allowing calves access to pasture a week later decreased the odds of being a case farm (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.47-0.90; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Cows being Holstein-Friesian Jersey crossbreed was identified as a possible risk factor associated with spontaneous humeral fracture in dairy heifers in New Zealand. Given the small sample size, the likely multifactorial aetiology for humeral fractures, and the non-randomised survey, this risk factor, and the possible association between age at turn out and herd production with humeral fractures, all require further investigation.

Breed differences in oral behaviors in feed-restricted dairy heifers.

Holsteins and Jerseys, the 2 most prominent dairy breeds in the United States, differ in many regards. They have not been evaluated for differences in oral behavior performance, despite anecdotal evidence that Jerseys perform more abnormal behaviors than Holsteins. As abnormal behaviors can indicate compromised welfare, we evaluated whether breed differences existed in year-old heifers. Because many oral behaviors could be expressed in abnormal ways, we also sought to describe performance of a wide range of behaviors and whether these varied among individuals. We studied 42 pair-housed heifers (33 Holstein, 9 Jersey) at 12.8 ± 1.1 mo of age (mean ± SD) that were restricted to 50% of their ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR) intake for 2 d as part of a short-term feed challenge. Using continuous video recording from 0800 to 2000 h on the second day of feed restriction, we scored time spent performing tongue rolling, tongue flicking, self-grooming, allogrooming, intersucking, drinking urine, drinking water, and nonnutritive oral manipulation (NNOM) of rice hull bedding, the feed bin, or other pen fixtures. Eating TMR was recorded at 5-min intervals. We found that Jerseys spent more time tongue rolling (3.3% vs. 0.2% proportion of 12-h observations) and performing all types of NNOM than Holsteins (feed bin: 3.8% vs. 2.4%; bedding: 7.7% vs. 5.4%; other: 7.5% vs. 4.2%; total: 19.0% vs. 12.0%), and tended to spend more time tongue flicking (1.4% vs. 1.1%). Jerseys spent less time allogrooming than Holsteins (1.3% vs. 3.4%). There was no evidence of an effect of breed on self-grooming (2.0%), water drinking (1.0%), eating TMR (16.0%), or intersucking (0.06%). Urine drinking was performed by 9 total heifers and was not compared between breeds. All behaviors were highly variable across individuals, particularly tongue rolling and intersucking. Allogrooming was more variable than self-grooming, and each subcategory of NNOM was more variable than total NNOM. Outliers, or extreme performance of oral behaviors relative to the rest of our population, were present in most behaviors. Heifers who were outliers in one behavior were not consistently outliers in all. Overall, there are breed differences in many oral behaviors in a feed-restricted environment. Despite no difference in proportion of time spent eating, Jerseys often performed higher levels of potentially abnormal behaviors than Holsteins, though both breeds performed many oral behaviors, sometimes at extreme levels, that may indicate a concern.

Association of time to metritis diagnosis with circulating concentration of metabolites, minerals, and haptoglobin in Jersey cows.

Our objective was to investigate the association of early metritis [EMET, diagnosed at <5 d in milk (DIM)] and late metritis (LMET, diagnosed at ≥5 DIM) with circulating concentrations of energy metabolites, minerals, and haptoglobin (Hp) throughout the first 14 d postpartum. A total of 379 purebred Jersey cows were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from a single herd in west Texas. Cows were examined for metritis using the Metricheck device (Simcro Ltd.) at 4, 7, and 10 DIM. Cows identified by farm employees as possible metritis cases were also evaluated for metritis. Blood samples were collected for analysis of concentrations of Ca, Mg, and glucose at DIM 1 through 5, 7, 10, and 14. Albumin, urea, fructosamine, free fatty acids (FFA), creatinine, and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were analyzed at DIM 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, and Hp at DIM 1 through 5 and 7. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and PHREG procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). A series of mixed general linear models accounting for repeated measures were fitted to the data. The independent variables metritis [no metritis (NMET), EMET, and LMET], DIM of analyte assessment, and parity were forced in all models. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were built to assess the risk of pregnancy and culling within 150 DIM. The overall metritis incidence was 26.9% (EMET = 49; LMET = 53; NMET = 277). Average concentrations of glucose, Mg, and urea were not associated with metritis. The associations of Ca, creatinine, BHB, and fructosamine with metritis were dependent on the DIM of analyte assessment. Cows categorized as EMET and LMET had, on average, lower albumin and fructosamine compared with NMET cows. Both EMET and LMET cows had, on average, greater BHB than NMET cows. A greater FFA concentration was only observed in cows diagnosed with EMET compared with NMET cows (EMET = 0.58, LMET = 0.52, NMET = 0.48 mmol/L). Additionally, circulating Hp concentration was greater for LMET and EMET compared with NMET cows, and EMET cows had greater Hp compared with LMET cows (EMET = 1.15; LMET = 1.00; NMET = 0.84). In conclusion, several blood biomarkers were temporally associated with early versus late metritis diagnosis in postpartum Jersey cows. No meaningful differences were observed in production, reproduction, or culling between EMET and LMET cows. These results suggest that cows with EMET undergo a more severe degree of inflammation and negative energy balance compared with NMET cows.

Characterization of semen type prevalence and allocation in Holstein and Jersey females in the United States.

Our objective was to characterize semen type prevalence and allocation to inseminate US Holstein and Jersey females by year, parity, service number, and herd size. A secondary objective was to identify the prevalence of beef breed sires selected to create beef × Holstein and beef × Jersey crossbred calves. The final data set included 8,244,653 total inseminations of 4,880,752 Holstein females across 9,155 herds, and 435,267 total inseminations of 266,058 Jersey females across 2,759 herds from October 2019 to July 2021. This data set represents approximately 42 and 27% of the total dairy cows and heifers, respectively, across approximately 40% of the total licensed dairy herds in the continental United States. Holstein and Jersey females were inseminated with 1 of 4 semen types: (1) beef, (2) conventional, (3) sexed, or (4) other dairy. The top 4 beef breeds used to produce beef × Holstein and beef × Jersey crossbred calves, respectively, were Angus (55.1 and 39.1%), Limousin (13.9, and 23.5%), Simmental (11.7 and 20.5%), and Crossbreed Beef (11.3 and 4.8%). From 2019 to 2021, the use of sexed semen to inseminate Holstein and Jersey females increased from 11.0 and 24.5% to 17.7 and 32.1%, respectively, and the use of beef semen to inseminate Holstein and Jersey females increased from 18.2 and 11.4% to 26.1 and 21.2%, respectively. The use of beef semen to inseminate Holstein and Jersey females increased with increasing parity and service number, whereas the use of sexed semen decreased with increasing parity and service number supporting that farmers used sexed semen more aggressively in higher fertility and younger females with greater genetic merit. Overall, the increase in sexed and beef semen inseminations was driven primarily by larger herds. In conclusion, sexed and beef semen inseminations in US Holstein and Jersey females increased from 2019 to 2021 and was allocated differentially based on parity and service number. This increase was driven primarily by larger dairy herds possibly due to differences in reproductive performance and economies of scale.

All-Suture Anchor Repair of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Insertion: A Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Suturing Techniques.

PURPOSE: We compared 2 suturing techniques for reattachment of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) via all-suture anchor. METHODS: We used fresh, matched-pair, cadaveric hands. We disarticulated the fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints, preserving the proximal FDP. We released the FDPs at their distal insertion and placed an all-suture, 1.0-mm anchor at the center of each FDP footprint. Each anchor's sutures were used to reattach each FDP using 1 of 2 techniques: group H (n = 14) via horizontal mattress; group H + K (n = 12) via horizontal mattress with knots thrown and, with each suture tail, 3 proximal, running-locking, Krackow-type passes on the radial and ulnar FDP sides with the suture ends tied together. We excluded 2 specimens from the H + K group because of improper anchor placement. All other fingers in both groups were individually mounted in an MTS machine for FDP loading in the following sequence for 500 cycles each: (1) to 15 N to simulate passive motion forces; (2) to 19 N for short-arc active motion forces; and (3) to 28 N for full active motion forces. Specimens that had not failed during cyclic testing were then loaded to failure. We measured FDP-to-bone gapping via a digital transducer. We defined failure as >3-mm gapping. RESULTS: The H + K group had significantly less gapping during cyclic loading up to 19 N and significantly higher load to failure. The H + K group failed exclusively at the anchor-bone level; the H group failed mostly by suture-tendon pullout. CONCLUSIONS: The H + K group performed significantly better regarding cyclic and load-to-failure testing after FDP reattachment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The H + K technique combines the benefits of horizontal-mattress tendon-to-bone apposition and Krackow-tendon locking. It converts the point of failure to the bone level rather than the suture-tendon level.

Statewide prioritization of vernal pools for pond-breeding amphibians in New Jersey.

Vernal pools are required habitat of pond-breeding amphibians, yet their legal protections in the United States are not established, leaving vernal pools vulnerable to development and habitat fragmentation. Seasonally, amphibians migrate to breed in vernal pools. Roads and upland forest loss can jeopardize that migration, resulting in mortality. Vernal pools surrounded by fewer roads and more upland forest are of greater preservation priority in the management of amphibian populations. This study presents a statewide preservation prioritization of New Jersey's 13,594 vernal pools mapped in a previous work. The prioritization builds on that work by calculating a preservation score based on a combination of six characteristics regarding habitat fragmentation in the migratory area surrounding a vernal pool. The scores are calculated at a range of migration distances to account for a variety of amphibian species, and it is found that the different distances make little difference to preservation scores because of the overall small scale at which amphibians migrate. Results are presented that show clear parts of the state that should be prioritized for vernal pool preservation, mainly in areas where fewer roads lead to less development and habitat fragmentation. Areas of preservation priority are further refined using geographic clusters which show assemblages of vernal pools with favorable migratory areas. A special class of vernal pools has migratory areas that are uninterrupted by roads. These vernal pools and the assemblages of favorable migratory areas are often in preserved lands, but those that are not should receive special attention in both the field confirmation of amphibian habitat and subsequent protective measures, which can vary from conservation easements to citizen science interventions in sustaining local amphibian populations. Furthermore, surrounding states that also have a significant amount of vernal pools may be able to use this prioritization framework for preservation and conservation.

Proteomics-based milk whey proteome profiling of Indian Jersey crossbreed cows followed by chromosomal mapping.

BACKGROUND: Milk contains a massive class of minor proteins that are known for their various biological and molecular functions. Many whey proteins transfer the host defense mechanism to the human body. In this assay, electrophoresis followed by a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach has been applied to identify the whey proteome of Indian Jersey crossbreed bovines. RESULTS: Two search engines, MS Amanda and Sequest HT, have shown more than 29 minor proteins. Chromosomal mapping revealed that chromosomes 5 and 9 are expressing maximum proteins in the whey proteome. The principal component analysis, outlier plots, scree plots, score plots, and loading plots were generated to further assess the results. CONCLUSION: The majorly expressed ones are glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule-1, ubiquitin, desmoglein, annexin, glycoprotein, arginase, histones, peroxiredoxin, vimentin, desmin, catenin, peripherin, and 70 kDa heat shock protein. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Most Reliable Remedy for Man or Beast Ever Before the Public!

A unique "miracle cure-all" developed for both Man or Beast that was available from the mid-1800s into the 20 century is highlighted with some interesting anecdotal perspectives.

Development and Evaluation of Statewide Prospective Spatiotemporal Legionellosis Cluster Surveillance, New Jersey, USA.

Incidence of Legionnaires' disease is increasing, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic states in the United States; since 2015, New Jersey has documented ≈250-350 legionellosis cases per year. We used SaTScan software to develop a semiautomated surveillance tool for prospectively detecting legionellosis clusters in New Jersey. We varied temporal window size and baseline period to evaluate optimal parameter selections. The surveillance system detected 3 community clusters of Legionnaires' disease that were subsequently investigated. Other, smaller clusters were detected, but standard epidemiologic data did not identify common sources or new cases. The semiautomated processing is straightforward and replicable in other jurisdictions, likely by persons with even basic programming skills.

Physical and economic performance of dairy cows managed within contrasting grassland-based milk production systems over 3 successive lactations.

A diverse range of grassland-based milk production systems are practiced on dairy farms in temperate regions, with systems differing in relation to the proportion of grazed grass, conserved forages and concentrates in diet, calving season, duration of housing, cow genotype, and performance levels. The current study was conducted to examine performance within diverse grassland-based systems of milk production under experimental conditions. This study examined 4 milk production systems over 3 successive lactations (20 cows per system during each lactation). With winter calving-fully housed (WC-FH), Holstein cows were housed for the entire lactation and offered a complete diet consisting of grass silage, maize silage, and concentrates [approximately 50% forage on a dry matter (DM) basis]. With winter calving-conventional (WC-Con), Holstein cows were housed and offered the same diet from calving until turnout (late March) as offered with WC-FH, and thereafter cows were given access to grazing and supplemented with 5.0 kg of concentrate/cow daily. Two spring-calving systems were examined, the former involving Holstein cows (SC-H) and the latter Jersey × Holstein crossbred cows (SC-J×H). Cows on these systems were offered a grass silage-concentrate mix (70% forage on a DM basis) until turnout (late February), and thereafter cows were given access to grazing supplemented with 1.0 kg of concentrate/cow per day. The contributions of concentrates (3,080, 2,175, 722, and 760 kg of DM/cow per lactation), conserved forages (3,199, 1,556, 1,053, and 1,066 kg of DM/cow per lactation), and grazed grass (0, 2,041, 2,788, and 2,692 kg of DM/cow per lactation) to total DMI (6,362, 5,763, 4,563, and 4,473 kg of DM/cow per lactation) with WC-FH, WC-Con, SC-H, and SC-J×H, respectively, varied considerably. Similarly, milk yield (9,333, 8,443, 6,464, and 6,049 kg/cow per lactation), milk fat content (44.9, 43.3, 42.8, and 49.0 g/kg), and milk protein content (34.6, 34.9, 33.6, and 36.3 g/kg) differed between systems (WC-FH, WC-Con, SC-H, and SC-J×H, respectively). The higher milk yields with the WC systems reflect the greater concentrate inputs with these systems, whereas the greater milk fat and protein content with SC-J×H reflect the use of Jersey crossbred cows. Crossbred cows on SC-J×H produced a similar yield of milk solids as Holstein cows on SC-H. Cows on WC-FH ended the lactation with a greater body weight (BW) and body condition score than cows on any other treatment. While Jersey crossbred cows on SC-J×H had a lower BW than Holstein cows on SC-H, cows on these 2 systems were not different for any of the other BW, body condition score, or blood metabolite parameters examined. Cows on WC-FH had a greater interval from calving to conception, a greater mastitis incidence, and a greater locomotion score than cows on the spring calving systems. Whole-system stocking rates and annual milk outputs were calculated as 2.99, 2.62, 2.48, and 2.50 cows/ha, and 25,706, 20,822, 15,289, and 14,564 kg of milk/ha, with each of WC-FH, WC-Con, SC-H, and SC-J×H, respectively. Gross margin per cow was highest with WC-Con, gross margin per hectare was highest with WC-FH, and gross margin per kilogram of milk was highest with SC-J×H. This study demonstrated that diverse grassland-based milk production systems are associated with very different levels of performance when examined per cow and per hectare.

First-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and yields: Comparison to second milking and associations with serum mineral concentrations, parity, and yield in multiparous Jersey cows.

This observational study described first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields, and evaluated its associations with cow serum mineral concentrations, parity, and first postpartum milking yield in 100 multiparous Jersey cows from a single herd fed a negative dietary cation-anion difference diet prepartum. Additionally, first- and second-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields were compared in a subset of 65 cows. Serum minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu) were assessed before first milking. Cows were milked at 9 h and 4 min ± 3 h and 32 min and at 21 h and 11 min ± 3 h and 43 min postpartum (± standard deviation); yields were recorded and samples collected for mineral concentrations assessment (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu). Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields and cows' serum mineral concentrations, parity, first-milking colostrum yield, and calving-to-milking interval. The most abundant minerals in first-milking colostrum were (least squares mean ± standard error of the mean) Ca (55.71 ± 13.52 mmol/L; 8.75 ± 5.74 g) and P (41.91 ± 13.01 mmol/L; 5.26 ± 3.72 g), followed by Na (39.65 ± 13.23 mmol/L; 3.08 ± 1.77 g), K (36.47 ± 7.57 mmol/L; 5.79 ± 4.20 g), Mg (13.43 ± 3.09 mmol/L; 1.25 ± 0.78 g), Zn (272.12 ± 113.34 µmol/L; 71.98 ± 55.34 mg), Fe (12.51 ± 3.79 µmol/L; 2.56 ± 1.55 mg), and Cu (3.34 ± 1.22 µmol/L; 0.77 ± 0.56 mg). Higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cu, and total yields of Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu were observed at first- compared with second-milking colostrum. Serum and first-milking colostrum Cu concentrations were positively associated, but no significant associations were observed between other minerals' serum and first-milking colostrum concentrations or total yields. Parity was associated with first-milking colostrum Ca, P, K, and Fe concentrations and yields; younger multiparous cows had higher concentrations and total yields of these minerals. Linear (Fe), quadratic (P, Na, and K), and cubic (Mg, Zn, and Cu) associations were observed between first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and yield. In all cases, mineral total yields were linearly associated with first-milking colostrum yield. In conclusion, variation in first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields across cows could be partially explained by cow parity and colostrum yield. Further research including primiparous and cows under different management settings is needed to expand the knowledge and understanding of colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields in dairy cows.

Inheritance of a mutation causing neuropathy with splayed forelimbs in Jersey cattle.

A new undesirable genetic factor, neuropathy with splayed forelimbs (JNS), has been identified recently in the Jersey breed. Calves affected with JNS are unable to stand on splayed forelimbs that exhibit significant extensor rigidity and excessive lateral abduction at birth. Affected calves generally are alert at birth but exhibit neurologic symptoms, including spasticity of head and neck and convulsive behavior. Other symptoms reported include dislocated shoulders, congenital craniofacial anomalies, and degenerative myelopathy. Inheritance of an undesirable genetic factor was determined from a study of 16 affected calves reported by Jersey breeders across the United States. All of their pedigrees traced back on both paternal and maternal sides to a common ancestor born in 1995. Genotypes revealed that JNS is attributable to a specific haplotype on Bos taurus autosome 6. Currently 8.2% of the genotyped US Jersey population are carriers of the haplotype. Sequencing of the region of shared homozygosity revealed missense variant rs1116058914 at base 60,158,901 of the ARS-UCD1.2 reference map as the most concordant with the genetic condition and the most likely cause. The single-base G to A substitution is in the coding region of the last exon of UCHL1, which is conserved across species. Mutations in humans and gene knockouts in mice cause similar recessive symptoms and muscular degeneration. Since December 2020, carrier status has been tracked using the identified haplotype and reported for all 459,784 genotyped Jersey animals. With random mating, about 2,200 affected calves per year with losses of about $250,000 would result from the 1.3 million US Jersey cows in the national population. Selection and mating programs can reduce numbers of JNS-affected births using either the haplotype status or a direct gene test in the future. Breeders should report calf abnormalities to their breed association to help discover new defects such as JNS.

Body growth of replacement dairy heifers from 3 distinct genetic groups from commercial Brazilian dairy herds.

Few studies have been published on the body growth of replacement dairy heifers from Jersey (JER) and Holstein × Gyr (H × G) breeds, as most of them have focused on Holstein (HOL) heifers. In addition, HOL genetics vary significantly across countries. Our goal was to study the body growth curves of 3 distinct genetic groups of heifers (HOL, H × G, and JER) using data from Brazilian commercial dairy herds. Heart girth [to estimate body weight (BW)], hip height (HH), and withers height (WH) were measured. Weights (heifers and cows) and heights (only heifers) were collected from animals in several herds for each genetic group to model and describe the growth rates, mature body weight (MBW), weights, and heights for the recommended age at first breeding (RAFB) and first calving (RAFC). The RAFB values for HOL, H × G, and JER cattle were 15, 18, and 13 mo, respectively. The RAFC values for HOL, H × G, and JER cattle were 24, 27, and 22 mo, respectively. Data were obtained from 18 dairy farms located in 4 Brazilian states and analyzed using nonlinear modeling. Data were collected from 2,266 animals: 878 HOL, 610 H × G, and 778 JER cattle. We observed different body growth patterns in each genetic group. Jersey cattle matured earlier than HOL and H × G, especially for BW and HH. Mature BW of the HOL, H × G, and JER cattle was 681, 607, and 440 kg, respectively. All genetic groups reached the recommended BW at RAFB. However, the genetic groups did not reach the recommended BW at RAFC. Average daily weight gain from weaning to RAFB was 0.84, 0.53, and 0.54 kg/d for HOL, H × G, and JER cattle, respectively. Average daily gain from RAFB to RAFC was 0.53, 0.42, and 0.48 kg/d for HOL, H × G, and JER cattle, respectively. The HH at RAFB and RAFC were 130 and 139 cm for HOL, 130 and 137 cm for H × G, and 114 and 124 cm for JER. Withers height at RAFB and RAFC were 125 and 134 cm, 125 and 134 cm, and 110 and 121 cm for HOL, H × G, and JER cattle, respectively. In general, the rearing practices were adequate to reach the recommended BW at RAFB but below the recommended BW at RAFC for all genetic groups. In addition, each genetic group demonstrated different body growth patterns, especially for BW.

Bayesian approach for genetic analysis of production and reproduction traits in Jersey crossbred cattle.

The knowledge of genetic parameters of performance traits is crucial for any breeding programme in dairy animals. The present study was conducted to use a Bayesian approach for estimation of genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits in Jersey crossbred cattle. Data of Jersey crossbred cattle maintained at Eastern Regional Station, National Dairy Research Institute, West Bengal spread over a span of 41 years were utilized. The marginal posterior medians of heritability for 305-day milk yield (305MY), total milk yield (TMY), peak yield (PY), lactation length (LL), calving interval (CI), total milk yield per day of lactation length (TMY/LL) and total milk yield per day of calving interval (TMY/CI) were 0.31 ± 0.07, 0.29 ± 0.07, 0.27 ± 0.06, 0.16 ± 0.05, 0.15 ± 0.05, 0.29 ± 0.06, 0.27 ± 0.06, respectively. Moderate heritability estimates for 305MY, TMY, PY and production efficiency traits indicate the presence of adequate additive genetic variance in these traits to respond to selection combined with better herd management. Repeatability estimates for 305MY, TMY, PY, LL, CI, TMY/LL and TMY/CI were 0.57 ± 0.08, 0.58 ± 0.08, 0.51 ± 0.07, 0.34 ± 0.06, 0.31 ± 0.06, 0.54 ± 0.07 and 0.49 ± 0.07, respectively. Repeatability estimates for 305MY, TMY and PY were high in the current study, suggesting the use of first lactation records for early evaluation of Jersey crossbred cattle for future selection. Genetic correlations varied from 0.21 to 0.97 and maximum genetic correlation was observed between 305MY and TMY indicating that consideration of 305MY instead of TMY in breeding programmes would suffice. Positive genetic correlations of CI with 305MY and TMY indicated the antagonistic association between production and reproduction traits.