Impact of feed supplement with alfa-amylase and beta-glucanase on ingestive-related biomarkers registered with real-time sensors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of feed supplements with alfa-amylase and beta-glucanase (Optipartum C+ 200) on ingestive-related behaviour biomarkers registered with real-time sensors: rumination behaviours and reticulorumen parameters (pH and temperature). Cows (n=20) in the treatment group (TG) were fed with Optipartum C+ 200 (Enzymes feed supplement: Alfa-Amylase 57 Units; Beta-Glucanase 107 Units) from 21 days before calving until 30 days after calving with a feeding rate of 200 g/cow/day. Cows (n=22) in the control group (CG) were fed a feed ration without feed supplement. Measurements started from 6 days before calving and continued until 21 days after calving. The following indicators were registered: with the RumiWatch System: Rumination time; Eating time; Drinking time; Rumination chews; Eating chews; Drinking gulps; Bolus; Chews per minute; Chews per bolus. With the SmaXtec system: the temperature, pH of the contents of the cows' reticulorumens, and cows' walking activity. According to our results, feed supplementation with alfa-amylase and beta-glucanase (Optipartum C+ 200) in the TG group resulted in increases in the following parameters: 9% rumination time and eating time, 19% drinking time, 11% rumination chews, 16% eating chews, 13% number of boluses per rumination, 5% chews per minute and 16% chews per bolus. The rumination time showed a strong, positive relation with rumination chews and bolus indicators in both groups (TG and CG) (p⟨0.001); while the rumination time in both groups of cows showed an opposite direction and was negatively related to eating time and eating chews (p⟨0.05). We found a 1.28 % lower reticulorumen pH and a 0.64 % lower reticulorumen temperature in cows fed with the supplement compared with cows in the control group. Cows in TG were 8.80% more active than those in the CG group. For improvement of ingestive-related behaviour we suggest adding a feed supplement with alfa-amylase and beta-glucanase (Optipartum C+ 200).

Usefulness of Acidity and Temperature of the Rumen and Abomasum in Diagnosing SARA in Dairy Cows after Calving.

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the acidity and temperature of the contents of the reticulorumen and abomasum in the first 10 days after calving and to evaluate these factors as predictive traits for the diagnosis of subclinical acidosis. The acidity and temperature of the contents of the reticulorumen and abomasum were measured using specific smaXtec boluses manufactured for animal care. According to the directions of the manufacturer, the boluses were inserted into the reticulorumen of the cows researched with the help of a specific tool. The boluses were inserted into the abomasa by way of surgery, laparotomy and abomasotomy through the right flank. The readings of 7 cows were taken on a total of 10 days, twice a day (at 9 a.m. and at 9 p.m.). In total, 140 measurements were taken. The acidity of the reticulorumen is associated with the acidity of the abomasum. The acidity of the rumen increases, if the acidity of the reticulorumen increases also. A negative correlation was observed between the pH of the contents of the abomasum and this temperature. The increase in the acidity (decrease of pH) of the contents of the reticulorumen increases its temperature and also increases the temperature of the contents of the abomasum. There is a positive statistically significant dependence between the reticulorumen content temperature and the rectal temperature. Through measurement of the ruminoreticular temperature, it is possible to predict the health status of a cow's stomach in regard to acidosis.

Changes in reticulorumen content temperature and pH according to time of day and yearly seasons.

The monitoring of rumen content temperature can be useful for the evaluation of cow health condition and heat. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the circadian rhythm (time of day) and season on reticulorumen acidity (pH) and temperatures (RT) in lactating dairy cows. The research was performed on ten 2nd - lactation, clinically healthy Lithuanian Black and White fresh dairy cows (up to 1 day after calving). The cows were milked twice daily at 05:00 and 17:00. The cows were kept in a loose housing system, and were fed a feed ration throughout the year at the same time, balanced according to their physiological needs. Cow feeding took place every day at 06:00 and 18:00. The pH and temperature of the contents of cow reticulorumens were measured using specific smaXtec boluses manufactured for animal care. The temperature starts rising 6 hours after the evening feeding and milking, whereas 1 hour after the morning milking, it starts decreasing. The lowest temperature observed in the springtime was 38.81±0.001, and the highest was in autumn 39.17±0.001. The pH starts decreasing 3 hours after the morning feed, whereas 4 hours after the evening feed, it starts increasing. The lowest pH was observed in the summertime - 5.99±0.001, and the highest was in autumn and springtime - 6.18±0.001. In conclusion the reticulorumen temperature in lactating cows was found to be influenced by the circadian rhythm and season. The acidity of the reticulorumen content changes similar to the temperature. The pH of the reticulorumen contents was also found to be influenced by the circadian rhythm and season.