Relationship between Beef Quality and Bull Breed.

The beef industry in Poland heavily relies on the Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) breed, known for its primary use in dairy production, but which also contributes significantly to the beef supply. In contrast, the Limousine (LM), Hereford (HH), and Charolaise (CH) breeds have gained popularity due to their ideal specialized characteristics for beef production. As PHF continues to dominate the beef market, a thorough comparison of its beef quality and nutritional attributes with the three most popular beef breeds in Poland is essential. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a rigorous comparison. The experiment was carried out on the beef from 67 bulls kept in a free-stall system with standardized feeding. The highest total antioxidant status (TAS) was found in CH and was 147.5% higher than that in PHF. Also, compared with PHF, a large difference of 70% was observed in LM, while in HH it was only 6.25%. For degree of antioxidant potential (DAP), the highest concentration was found in LM, while CH had a slightly lower score than LM. PHF had the lowest scores for each of the analyzed parameters of protein fraction. For anserine, taurine, creatinine, and creatine content, the highest results were found for LM. For carnosine and coenzyme Q10, the highest values were found for CH. Overall, these results highlight the impact of maturity and breed on carcass composition and quality. Late-maturing breeds, such as LM and CH, tend to exhibit leaner carcasses with superior fatty acid profiles and antioxidant properties. This knowledge is valuable for producers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding breed selection and production strategies to meet specific market demands for beef with the desired composition and quality.

Polymorphism of Genes and Their Impact on Beef Quality.

The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) form of genes is a valuable source of information regarding their suitability for use as specific markers of desirable traits in beef cattle breeding. For several decades, breeding work focused on improving production efficiency through optimizing the feed conversion ratio and improving daily gains and meat quality. Many research teams previously undertook research work on single-nucleotide polymorphism in myostatin (MSTN), thyroglobulin (TG), calpain (CAPN), and calpastatin (CAST) proteins. The literature review focuses on the most frequently addressed issues concerning these genes in beef cattle production and points to a number of relevant studies on the genes' polymorphic forms. The four genes presented are worth considering during breeding work as a set of genes that can positively influence productivity and production quality.

Organic Milk Production and Dairy Farming Constraints and Prospects under the Laws of the European Union.

In recent years, there has been rapid development in organic farming. When choosing organic livestock products, consumers are guided by the conviction that animals are provided with the highest welfare standards and access to pasture. The purpose of this article was to trace the principles of organic farming prevailing in the EU with regard to milk production and cattle breeding. The principles of organic production are universal and their application is not limited to certified farms. Organic certification is intended to assure the consumer of the quality and method of production. Due to additional requirements imposed by law, organic cows are usually kept in better welfare conditions compared to conventional cattle, but this is not the rule. The altered taste and texture of organic milk and its products compared to conventional products mainly depends on the presence of pasture greens in the cows' diet. Therefore, milk from conventionally kept, pasture-grazed cows may have similar characteristics and composition. Organic farms tend to have lower milk yields compared to conventional farms due to the lower consumption of concentrate feed. In the future, it is expected that the proportion of land that is unsuitable for the production of crops for human consumption will increasingly be used for cow grazing.

The Influence of Cold-Pressed Linseed Cake Supplementation on Fatty-Acid Profile and Fat-Soluble Vitamins of Cows' Milk in an Organic Production System.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of linseed cake supplementation during the winter period as a factor influencing the level of some bioactive components (milk composition, fatty-acid profile, and fat-soluble vitamins) in the milk fat fraction in cows kept on an organic farm. Forty multiparous (second and third lactation) Holstein-Friesian cows were selected that had 81 ± 12 days in milk and produced 15.08 ± 1.20 kg of milk/day. Two groups were created for the experiment: control (CTL; n = 20) and experimental (LC; n = 20). The experiment was divided into two periods: an initial period lasting 7 days in which the experimental group was habituated to the new supplement in their diet; the proper experimental phase, lasting 6 weeks, in which the cows in the experimental group received an individual daily dose of linseed cake (300 g/day/cow). Linseed cake supplementation had a positive impact on the levels of bioactive components (fatty-acid profile and fat-soluble vitamins) in the milk fat fraction. At the end of the trial, the concentration of C18:2 cis9 trans11, C18:1 trans11, α-retinol, α-tocopherol, and total antioxidant status increased 1.59-, 1.94-, 3.12-, 3.38-, and 3.09-fold, respectively, relative to the control levels. The use of linseed cake in winter on organic farms makes it possible to increase the antioxidant potential of milk, thereby eliminating the disparity in the quality of milk from the summer season compared to the winter season.

Comparison between the Behavior of Low-Yield Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows under Barn and Pasture Feeding Conditions.

Cow pasturing poses many logistical and nutritional problems. Animals have more difficulty accessing pasture feed and require more time to consume the equivalent amount of dry matter compared to total mixed ration (TMR) feed from a feed table. The study was conducted during August 2016-October 2017 on 64 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 54 Brown Swiss (BS) cows. All animals were equipped with CowManager sensor devices, and the cows' behaviors were recorded: time spent on feed intake, rumination, physical activity, and rest. In winter, cows were mainly fed hay, while in summer, they took forage from the pasture or freshly cut forage provided in the barn. The study showed that the time of day had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on the cows' feeding behaviors. The study also showed behavioral differences between HF and BS breeds. HF cows, regardless of the location and type of feed provided, spent more time on feed intake and chewed less compared to the BS breed. These differences were observable in all studied lactation groups. Animals were most willing to take forage two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset and showed an increased willingness to take feed immediately after leaving the milking parlor.

The Effect of Supplementation Using a Mixture of Fish Oil and Linseed on the Level of Immunomodulatory Components in Bovine Colostrum.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing rations, with a mixture of fish oil and linseed, on the level of immunomodulatory components in colostrum. Twenty multiparous cows, that were three weeks before scheduled calving, had a body condition of 3-3.5, and had not been diagnosed with multiple pregnancies, were qualified for the experiment. The cows were divided into two groups: experimental (FOL) (n = 10) and control (CTL) (n = 10). The CTL group were individually given the standard food ration for dry cows for about 21 days before calving, while the FOL group received food rations that were enriched with 150 g of fish oil and 250 g of linseed (golden variety). Colostrum samples for testing were taken twice a day on the first and second days of lactation, and then once a day from the third to the fifth day of lactation. The experiment showed that the applied supplementation had an impact, in the form of increasing the fat, protein, IgG, IgA, IgM, vitamin A, C22:6 n-3 (DHA), and C18:2 cis9 trans11 (CLA) contents in colostrum; however, the C18: 2 n-6 (LA) and C20:4 n-6 (AA) contents decreased. Due to the lower quality of colostrum found in high-yield cows, and therefore in the Holstein-Friesian breed, it is possible to improve the quality by, among other things, introducing nutritional modifications during the second stage of the dry period.

The Effect of Parity on the Quality of Colostrum of Holstein Dairy Cows in the Organic Production System.

A special feature of organic production systems is the cows' significantly lower productivity, which is adapted to environmental conditions. The quantity and quality of colostrum is negatively correlated, high amounts of colostrum are associated with low amounts of immunoglobulins. Cows' parity is also a modulating factor, and studies have shown an increase in colostral IgG corresponds with increasing parity. This study's aim was to determine the effect of cows' parity on colostrum quality, in an organic farm setting. From a basic organic herd of dairy cattle, 40 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were selected: 10 cows each of primiparous, second lactation, fourth lactation, and fifth lactation. Colostrum and transition milk samples were taken from each cow seven times: twice daily on the 1st and 2nd days after calving (every 12 h), and once daily on the 3rd to 5th days. Multiparous cows' colostrum had higher levels of total proteins, casein, and non-fat dry matter, versus primiparous. Only cows in the second and fourth lactations produced very good quality colostrum (with immunoglobulins over 50 g/L), meeting standards for immunoglobulin concentration. In conclusion, the production of very good quality colostrum is limited during the first lactation, which may suggest the mammary gland is poorly developed, and, thus, immunoglobulin transport is limited. Variability in the colostrum's immunoglobulin content from first and second collections post-calving was higher in multiparous versus primiparous cows. Therefore, it should be good practice to freeze colostrum from multiparous cows in case of poor-quality primiparous colostrum.

Comparison of Enzyme Activity in Order to Describe the Metabolic Profile of Dairy Cows during Early Lactation.

Enzymatic diagnostics have practical applications in diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas, muscles, blood, and neoplastic diseases. This study aimed to compare enzyme activity to describe dairy cows' metabolism during early lactation. Based on their general health symptoms, the cows were assigned to one of three groups: acidotic, healthy and ketotic. Samples of milk, blood and rumen fluid were collected at 12 ± 5 days postpartum. Ketotic cows were characterized by the highest malondialdehyde (MDA, 76.098 nM/mL), glutathione reductase (GluRed, 109.852 U/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 294.22 U/L) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP, 71.175 U/L) activity. In comparing ketotic and acidotic cows, MDA, GluRed, SOD and GGTP activity were higher by a factor of almost: 1.85, 1.89, 0.79 and 2.50, respectively. Acidotic cows were characterized by the highest aspartate aminotransferase activity (AspAT, 125.914 U/L). In comparing acidotic and ketotic cows, AspAT activity was higher by a factor of almost 1.90. The use of enzymatic markers could limit the frequency of sampling for laboratory analyses and may result in a faster diagnosis of metabolic disorders. AspAT activity in blood serum seems to be a good indicator of acidosis; GGTP may participate in the pathogenesis of ketosis.

Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Beef Quality-A Review.

The flavor, quality, and composition of beef changes with the cattle diet regimen. The quality of meat varies, and that variability is determined by both individual and environmental factors: age, breed, live weight, fatness degree, plane of nutrition, and concentrate/roughage ratio. The strategy for the rearing and feeding of cattle for slaughter should therefore aim at reducing the saturated fatty acid content and increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid levels. Many diseases in humans, like atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, are associated with dietary fat, and their development process could take a year, the results of which can be a shorter life and its lower quality. The objective of this review was to describe the factors affecting the meat quality and fatty acid profile of the intramuscular fat of European cattle fed various diets.

Phytogenic Ingredients from Hops and Organic Acids Improve Selected Indices of Welfare, Health Status Markers, and Bacteria Composition in the Caeca of Broiler Chickens.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of phytogenic product-supplemented, organic acid-supplemented, and prebiotic-supplemented diets on the production results, antioxidative status, and selected welfare indices in broiler chickens. A total of 1155 one-day old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group C, no additives; Group A, supplemented with phytogenic supplement (50% hop); and Group P, supplemented with 65% organic acids and their salts, and 30% prebiotic complex. Health condition and production results were monitored during the entire experiment. After 42 days, 10 birds from each dietary treatment group were selected for blood sampling and slaughter analysis. The results obtained revealed that over the whole feeding period, none of the investigated additives significantly affected broiler performance indices. However, feeding the birds treatment-A increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in caecal digesta compared to the other treatments, whereas feeding treatment-P increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus compared to the control treatment. Overall, treatment-A was more effective at increasing relative abundance of Clostridia in birds at 42 days of age than treatment-P. Finally, there were no changes in blood levels of antioxidant indices or liver function indicators.

Interaction between the level of immunoglobulins and number of somatic cells as a factor shaping the immunomodulating properties of colostrum.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between immunoglobulins and SCC as a factor in shaping the content of the immunostimulatory components of colostrum. Seventy-eight multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were selected for the experiment. Colostrum samples were collected immediately after calving (up to a max. of 2 h). The cows were divided into groups according to the following levels: Immunoglobulins (IG class)-(IG1) over 50 g/L, (IG2) up to 50 g/L; SCC class-(SCC1) up to 400 000/ml, (SCC2) 400-800 000/ml, (SCC3) over 800 000/ml. Colostrum assigned to the IG1 SCC1 group had a statistically significant higher (p ≤ 0.01) concentration of both whey proteins and fatty acids compared to the IG1 SCC2 and SCC3 groups. The concentration of IgG, IgM, and IgA was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 226%, 149%, and 115%, respectively. The concentration of lactoferrin was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 149%. The determination of colostrum quality based on the concentration of immunoglobulins in the colostrum may not be sufficient because serum IgG concentrations at birth show a linear increase relative to colostrum SCC. A breakdown of colostrum into quality classes, taking into account the level of SCC, should therefore be introduced.

Using the Relationship between Concentrations of Selected Whey Proteins and BHBA to Characterize the Metabolism of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation.

A negative energy balance alters the concentration of various fractions of cows' milk. Therefore, by analyzing the concentration of individual proteins in milk, it is possible to indirectly monitor the health of the animal. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between the concentrations of blood ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and whey proteins in milk as a marker for the diagnosis of metabolic diseases. The analysis included milk and blood samples from 95 Holstein-Friesian cows, which were divided into three groups that were differentiated in terms of serum BHBA levels 5-7 days post-calving: LBHBA, low level of BHBA: 0.200-0.500 mmol/L; NBHBA, optimal level of BHBA- control group: 0.500-1.200 mmol/L; HBHBA, high level of BHBA: >1.200 mmol/L. Concentrations of α-lactoalbumin in the milk after 7 days of lactation proceeded in accordance with the concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric acid, as follows: LBHBA > NBHBA > HBHBA. Concentrations of ß-lactoglobulin in milk after 14 days of lactation proceeded in accordance with the concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric acid, as follows: LBHBA < NBHBA < HBHBA. Therefore, it can be concluded that whey proteins can be used as non-invasive markers for diagnosing metabolic diseases. A high concentration of ß-lactoglobulin can be a marker for diagnosing ketosis. Conversely, elevated levels of α-lactalbumin may indicate the occurrence of a metabolic disorder, such as acidosis.

Effect of Breed on the Level of the Nutritional and Health-Promoting Quality of Semimembranosus Muscle in Purebred and Crossbred Bulls.

Meat from commercial breed cattle are very often used to crossbreed with dairy breeds. The effect of heterosis is most evident when crossbreeds are genetically different from each other. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the influence of breed types on the nutritional and pro-health quality of beef. The experiment was conducted on 62 bulls from three breeds: Limousin, Polish Holstein-Friesian, and Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) × Limousin. During the fattening period, the animals were fed ad libitum using the same diet. Bulls were slaughtered at 21-23 months of age. The meat of PHF × Limousin hybrids was characterized by the lowest level of SFA and the highest content of n-3 PUFA fatty acids, carnosine, and α-tocopherol compared to the values obtained for the Polish Holstein-Friesian and Limousin breeds. In the case of PHF × Limousin hybrids, there was a 6% increase in n-3 PUFA, 21% in carnosine, and 66% in α-tocopherol compared to the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed. Commodity crossbreeding significantly improved the quality of beef analyzed in this study, resulting in similar or even better results than purebred cattle. This meant that beef from the hybrids with PHF was of the best nutritional and health-promoting quality.

The Effect of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae on the Development of Whey Protein Levels and Oxidative Stress Markers in Cows with Diagnosed Mastitis.

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases of high-yielding dairy cows, and over 90% of cases are caused by Streptococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, or Staphylococcus spp. Certain groups of proteins are very significant in terms of the cow's antioxidant, bacteriostatic, and germicidal properties: lysozyme (Lz), lactoferrin (Lf), and ß-lactoglobulin (BLG). This study aimed to determine the influence of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Enterobacteriaceae on the secretion of bioactive whey proteins and oxidative stress markers. From the herd, 60 multiparous cows with diagnosed mastitis were selected. Samples were taken individually from each quarter and pooled, which gave 60 samples. Enterobacteriaceae did not affect the BLG synthesis, whereas lysozyme and lactoferrin responded to a high concentration of these bacterial strains. In the case of Staphylococcus spp. infection, the BLG level increased. These strains did not affect the levels of di-malonic aldehyde (MDA), lactoferrin, and lysozyme. In contrast, they were significantly influenced by Streptococcus spp. In summary, the levels of whey proteins and oxidative stress markers changed depending on the bacterial strain inducing inflammation. Lysozyme and lactoferrin may be markers of udder inflammation caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus spp., whereas ß-lactoglobulin may prove useful in diagnosing Staphylococcus spp. induced mastitis.

Relationship between the Quality of Colostrum and the Formation of Microflora in the Digestive Tract of Calves.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the quality of colostrum and the formation of intestinal bacterial microflora in calves from birth to day 7. Seventy-five multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were selected. Colostrum samples were collected individually up to two hours after calving. The analysis was carried out on 75 calves; which were divided into three groups based on the colostrum quality class of the first milking. Faecal samples were collected rectally from each calf on its seventh day of life. Calves were weighed twice; on days 0 and 7 of life. It has been shown that with a higher concentration of colostrum protein fraction, primarily immunoglobulins, the colonisation of anaerobic bacteria occurs faster. Colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3 promoted the significant development of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp. which at the same time contributed to the reduction of unfavourable microflora, such as Coliforms or Enterococci. Regardless of the initial body weight, daily weight gains were highest for calves fed with colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3. The study showed a significant influence of colostrum quality class on the formation of the intestinal microflora and the daily weight gains of calves.

Composition and Factors Affecting Quality of Bovine Colostrum: A Review.

Colostrum as a secretion of the mammary gland is produced and accumulated in the final stage of pregnancy and in the first days after calving. It is designed to provide the calf with the necessary nutrients and biologically active ingredients. One of the most difficult periods in the life of animals is their rearing, and the most sensitive are the first days after birth. This is the time when most falls occur, and they are caused by mortality and morbidity, even at the level of 30%. Such losses affect the performance and profitability of animal production (the percentage of animals intended for reproduction or fattening is reduced and the intensity of selection in the herd is also reduced). Both diseases and mortality are the cause of serious economic, production, and breeding losses, which are the result of weak immune mechanisms. The adaptability of calves to the environment is determined by their immune status. Colostrum has a regulating function and stimulates the young organism to grow, and it has properties that support the functioning of systems: Endocrine and immunological. For colostrum to fulfil its role, it must be administered immediately after birth, because the immunoglobulins it contains are absorbed during the first 16-27 h after the birth of the calf, preferably within 2-4 h of age. Blood from calves that have been properly calved should have an antibody concentration of 15g/L (24-48 h of age). Therefore, immunoglobulins are the most important factor affecting infectious immunity; an adequate concentration of immunoglobulins in calves' blood is related to their survival and health. It is the intent of this review to synthesize and summarize the information currently available on colostrum, as well as to discuss the interpretation of the results.

The relationship between plasma ß-hydroxybutyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid in milk as a biomarker for early diagnosis of ketosis in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between plasma ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and conjugated linoleic acid in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows. The experiment was carried out at an experimental dairy farm, where a herd of approximately 350 cows was kept. Samples were taken at six time points: between days 5-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-35, and 36-42, resulting in 510 samples of both milk and blood. The cows involved in the experiment were divided into two groups - ketotic and healthy - by taking into account general health symptoms, blood serum BHBA, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration at 5-7 days postpartum. RESULTS: In the first week of lactation, at 5-7 day in milk (DIM), the study showed a 53% lower level of C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 (CLA9) and an 80% lower level of C18:2 trans-10 cis-12 (CLA10) in cows with diagnosed ketosis compared to healthy cows. In the second week of lactation (8-14 DIM), a 34% lower level of CLA9 and a 54% lower level of CLA10 was found in the group of cows with BHBA levels > 1.2 mmol/L. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between BHBA x CLA9 and BHBA x CLA10 in the first week of lactation: - 0.732and - 0.821, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study shows that that both CLA9 and CLA10 can be used as markers for the early diagnosis of elevated blood levels of BHBA in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows.

Effect of Dairy Cow Crossbreeding on Selected Performance Traits and Quality of Milk in First Generation Crossbreds.

The main goal of crossbreeding Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows with bulls of other dairy or combined breeds is to improve their performance traits. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to compare the dairy performance traits of first generation crossbreds produced by crossbreeding Polish HF cows with bulls of other breeds (Norman, Norwegian Red, Danish Red, Brown Swiss, Montbeliarde, and Simmental). This was done by analyzing the fatty acid profile and technological quality of the milk from these first generation crossbreds. The investigation showed that crossbreeding greatly influenced the performance parameters and technological quality of the milk of the first generation crossbreds obtained from crossbreeding Polish HF cows with bulls of other dairy or combined breeds. The crossbreed cows characterized by the highest both quantity and quality of milk. Also, the best parameters of milk fat dispersion (that is, the highest values of these parameters) that are useful in the production of hard ripening cheeses and butter were found in the milk of crossbreed cows. Health beneficially, saturated fatty acids level in milk of crossbreeds was by 25.96% lower in crossbreds milk when compared to purebred cows. The most beneficial content of whey proteins was found in the milk of Polish HF and Norwegian Red crosses, where it was 19.04% higher than in pure breed Holsteins. F1 cows tend to express better functional traits than Holstein (PHF) cows. Effect of heterosis was larger and gave better results when there was a greater genetic distance between the animals used for crossbreeding. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The effects of heterosis are opposite to the effects of inbreeding depression, and it extends the lifespan and use of animals as well as improves their fertility and health. The main goal of crossbreeding Holstein-Friesian cows with bulls of other dairy or combined breeds is to improve their performance traits. F1 cows tend to express better functional traits than Holstein (PHF) cows. Effect of heterosis was larger and gave better results when there was a greater genetic distance between the animals used for crossbreeding.