Impact of diversified grazing systems on milk production, nutrient use and enteric methane emissions in dual-purpose cows.

This study evaluated three continuous grazing systems: Brachiaria Brizantha, Clitoria ternatea and naturalized pastures, complemented with commercial concentrate and C. ternatea silage on milk yield, nutrient use and enteric methane (CH4) emissions. Nine multiparous cows of local Zebu breeds, with an average weight of 448 ± 87 kg, were used. The chemical composition of the food was determined. Live weight, milk production, and quality were assessed. Furthermore, serum urea, urea nitrogen, creatinine and glucose in blood were monitored, and nitrogen use efficiency were calculated. Enteric methane (CH4) emissions were estimated using Tier-2 methodology. A 3 × 3 latin square experimental design was applied. The grazing systems of B. brizantha and C. ternatea had the greater live weights of 465.8 and 453.3 kg/cow, although the latter is similar to naturalized pasture. Milk production and quality were not affected by grazing system, with the exception of the non-fat solids, where the C. ternatea system was lower (102.2 g/kg) than the other grazing systems. The crude protein and N intake, and N excretion in feces and urine were lower in naturalized pasture systems (1139.0 g/day). N outputs in milk was high in the C. ternatea system (56.3 g/cow/day). The naturalized pastures systems showed the better feed use efficiency (25.7%) compared to others. Serum urea and blood urea nitrogen were greater in B. brizantha followed by C. ternatea. Enteric CH4 emissions were indifferent among grazing systems when expressed as a percentage of greenhouse gases (7.1%). In conclusion, the grazing C. ternatea supplemented with commercial concentrate and C. ternatea silage maintains milk production and quality, reduced cow/day emissions (by 2.5%) and lowered energy losses as methane.

Toward the nanoscale chemical and physical probing of milk-derived extracellular vesicles using Raman and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is an advanced technique to perform local chemical analysis of the surface of a sample through the improvement of the sensitivity and the spatial resolution of Raman spectroscopy by plasmonic enhancement of the electromagnetic signal in correspondence with the nanometer-sized tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM). In this work, TERS is demonstrated to represent an innovative and powerful approach for studying extracellular vesicles, in particular bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs), which are nanostructures with considerable potential in drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Raman spectroscopy has been used to analyze mEVs at the micrometric and sub-micrometric scales to obtain a detailed Raman spectrum in order to identify the 'signature' of mEVs in terms of their characteristic molecular vibrations and, therefore, their chemical compositions. With the ability to improve lateral resolution, TERS has been used to study individual mEVs, demonstrating the possibility of investigating a single mEV selected on the surface of the sample and, moreover, analyzing specific locations on the selected mEV with nanometer lateral resolution. TERS potentially allows one to reveal local differences in the composition of mEVs providing new insights into their structure. Also, thanks to the intrinsic properties of TERS to acquire the signal from only the first few nanometers of the surface, chemical investigation of the lipid membrane in correspondence with the various locations of the selected mEV could be performed by analyzing the peaks of the Raman shift in the relevant range of the spectrum (2800-3000 cm-1). Despite being limited to mEVs, this work demonstrates the potential of TERS in the analysis of extracellular vesicles.

Periparturient blood T-lymphocyte PD-1 and CTLA-4 expression as potential predictors of new intramammary infections in dairy cows during early lactation (short communication).

BACKGROUND: The periparturient period in dairy cows is marked by immunosuppression which increases the likelihood of infectious disorders, particularly also mastitis. An in-depth understanding of peripartum leukocyte biology is vital for the implementation of highly successful post-partum disease prevention measures. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), are critical inhibitory receptors expressed on immune cells, particularly T cells, that drive immunosuppressive signaling pathways. However, the potential role of immune checkpoint molecules expression in T-cells on udder health has never been explored. Thus, the association between the occurrence of new postpartum intramammary infections (IMIs) and the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) on blood T-cells during the peripartum period was investigated. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of IMIs by any pathogen in early lactation was not associated with a higher expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in the periparturient period. However, the incidence of IMIs by major pathogens throughout the first month of lactation was significantly associated with higher expression of PD-1 at 14 days before calving (P = 0.03) and CTLA-4 at parturition (P = 0.03) by blood T-cells. Also, the expression of CTLA-4 at D0 (P = 0.012) by T-cells was associated with the occurrence of persistent IMIs during the first month of lactation. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 by blood T-lymphocytes during the periparturient period in dairy cows and to explore their relationship with the incidence of new IMIs in the postpartum period. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of leukocyte biology during peripartum would appear to be a prerequisite for the identification of resilient dairy cows or targets innovative (immunological) non-antibiotic approaches in the transition period.

Milk miRNA expression in buffaloes as a potential biomarker for mastitis.

BACKGROUND: Buffaloes have the highest potential for production due to a promising gene pool that is being enhanced and upgraded. Mastitis is a significant health impediment that greatly diminishes milk yield and quality, affecting rural farmers' livelihoods. The traditional gold standard used for diagnosing mastitis or subclinical mastitis is CMT, but it has the drawback of false positive or negative results. Subclinical mastitis, if not treated promptly, can lead to mammary tumors. To address the gap in early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in CMT-negative milk of buffaloes, we performed a retrospective analysis and evaluated the milk miRNA expression profiles as potential biomarkers. RESULTS: Thirty buffalo milk samples based on clinical signs and CMT were divided into normal, subclinical, and clinical mastitis. SCC evaluation showed significant differences between the groups. The data analysis demonstrated that the elevation of miR-146a and miR-383 differed substantially between normal, subclinical, and clinical mastitis milk of buffaloes with 100% sensitivity and specificity. The relationship of SCC with miR-146a and miR-383 in normal/healthy and subclinical mastitis was positively correlated. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of miR-146a and miR-383 is associated with inflammation. It can be a valuable prognostic and most sensitive biomarker for early mastitis detection in buffaloes with SCC below 2 lakhs and CMT-ve, enhancing the accuracy of subclinical mastitis diagnosis.

Advanced Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Complex Mixtures of Triacylglycerol Regioisomers: A Case Study of Bovine Milk Fat.

Comprehensive analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) regioisomers is extremely challenging, with many variables that can influence the results. Previously, we reported a novel algorithmic method for resolving regioisomers of complex mixtures of TAGs. In the current study, the TAG Analyzer software and its mass spectrometric fragmentation model were further developed and validated for a much wider range of TAGs. To demonstrate the method, we performed for the first time a comprehensive analysis of TAG regioisomers of bovine milk fat, a very important and one of the most complex TAG mixtures in nature containing FAs ranging from short to long carbon chains. This analysis method forms a solid basis for further investigation of TAG regioisomer profiles in various natural fats and oils, potentially aiding in the development of new and healthier foods and nutraceuticals with targeted lipid structures.

DairyCoPilot-Automated data compilation and analysis tools for DairyComp data assets.

Modern dairy farm management requires meaningful data and careful analysis to maximize profitability, cow health, and welfare. Current data platforms, such as DairyComp, lack robust integrated data analysis tools. Producers and consultants need dedicated tools to turn collected data sets into assets for informed decision-making processes. The DairyCoPilot app allows users to rapidly extract health and production data from DairyComp, then compile and analyze the data using a menu-driven point-and-click approach. Prospects for training consultants in applied data analysis skills make DairyCoPilot a tool to identify farm management bottlenecks with less time spent for data analysis, improving cow health, and dairy production. The DairyCoPilot Dashboard R Shiny application is published using RStudio Connect: https://connect.doit.wisc.edu/dairy-copilot/.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on Lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink as adjuvant therapy for depression in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently linked with coexisting mental illnesses. Our previous study discovered that 32.1% of IBS patients had subthreshold depression (SD), placing them at higher risk of developing major depression. Gut microbiota modulation through psychobiotics was found to influence depression via the gut-brain axis. However, the efficacy of lessening depression among IBS patients remains ambiguous. The study's aim was to investigate the roles of cultured milk drinks containing 109 cfu Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lactobacillus paracasei L. CASEI-01 on depression and related variables among IBS participants with SD. A total of 110 IBS participants with normal mood (NM) and SD, were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups: IBS-NM with placebo, IBS-NM with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-SD with probiotic. Each participant was required to consume two bottles of cultured milk every day for a duration of 12 weeks. The following outcomes were assessed: depression risk, quality of life, the severity of IBS, and hormonal changes. The depression scores were significantly reduced in IBS-SD with probiotic and placebo from baseline (p < 0.001). Only IBS-SD with probiotic showed a significant rise in serotonin serum levels (p < 0.05). A significantly higher life quality measures were seen in IBS-SD with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-NM with placebo (p < 0.05). All groups, both placebo and probiotic, reported significant improvement in IBS severity post-intervention with a higher prevalence of remission and mild IBS (p < 0.05). Dual strains lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink via its regulation of relevant biomarkers, is a potential anti-depressive prophylactic agent for IBS patients at risk.

Bayesian approach for evaluation of lactation curve in cross bred cattle based on monthly and bimonthly test day milk yield.

In field progeny testing program milk recording at monthly or bimonthly intervals and prediction of first lactation 305-day milk yield (FL305DMY) from these test day yields have been adapted as an alternative to daily milk recording. Wood's incomplete gamma function is the one of the commonly used nonlinear lactation curve model. In recent years Bayesian approach of fitting nonlinear biological models is gaining attention among researchers. In this study Wood's incomplete gamma function was fitted using Bayesian approach using monthly (MTDY) and bimonthly test day (BTDY) yields. The lactation curve parameters thus obtained were used for prediction of FL305DMY. Efficiency of prediction based on monthly and bimonthly test day milk yield were compared using error of prediction. It was found to be 5.78% and 7.59% as root mean square error (RMSE) based on MTDY and BTDY respectively.The Breeding values of 97 Karan Fries sires were estimated using BLUP-AM based on actual and predicted FL305DMY thus obtained. The RMSE was calculated as the difference between estimated breeding values based on actual and predicted yield. It was found that RMSE calculated based on MTDY showed only a marginal superiority of 0.79% over BTDY and showed high degree of correlation with actual yield. Therefore, recording at bimonthly intervals could be an economical alternative without compromising the efficiency.

Effects of supplementing cassava root silage to grazing dairy cows on nutrient utilization, milk production and composition in the tropics.

The current study evaluated the effects of supplementing cassava root silage (CRS) to dairy cows grazing on Megathyrsus maximus cv Mombasa on nutrient intake and digestibility, as well as on milk production and composition. Ten primiparous Girolando cows with average body weight ± (SEM) of 373.45 ± (63.55) kg were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square. Animals were subjected to five treatments: (I) grazing cows without supplementation (WCS); (II) grazing cows provided with 5 kg DM of supplement without CRS (0 g/kg DM of CRS) or including (III) 260, (IV) 520, and (V) 780 g/kg DM of CRS. Statistical analyses were performed using the PROC MIXED of SAS with significance at P < 0.05. Intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract decreased (P < 0.01), while intake of non-fiber carbohydrates increased (P < 0.01), with increased CRS in the diets. Total DM intake and digestibility of DM, and digestibility of nutritional components were lower (P < 0.03) in WCS animals compared to supplemented animals, except for intake and digestibility of NDF, which was the opposite. Milk yield (MY) and fat corrected milk (FCM), as well as all milk components were unaffected (P > 0.05) by CRS inclusion. In contrast, MY, FCM, protein, lactose, casein, and non-fat milk solids (NFMS) were greater for animals that received supplementation (P < 0.05), compared to animals WCS. Milk fat and total dry extract (TMS) did not differ (P > 0.11) between two groups. In conclusion, CRS may be a potential corn meal replacer in the supplement of dairy cows under tropical conditions.

The usage of the autoregressive integrated moving average model for forecasting milk production in Egypt (2022-2025).

Background: Milk is considered one of the most important capital goods and essential sources of animal protein in the diet of the Egyptian family, as well as an effective means to improve the economic condition of farmers, considering this important view, the policymakers need accurate and advance information regarding future supply for planning on the both short and long term. Aim: The study aims to forecast the production of milk in Egypt during the period from 2022 to 2025 using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model using time series data of milk production (MP) (1970-2021) obtained from the Central Agency for public mobilization and statistics (CAPMS). Methods: Augmented Dickey-Fullar Unit Root test, Partial autocorrelation function (PACF), and Autocorrelation function (ACF) of the time series sequence were used to judge the stationarity of the data. After confirming the stationarity of the data, the appropriate ARIMA model was selected based on certain statistical parameters like significant coefficients, values of adjusted R-squared, Akaike information criteria (AIC), Schwarz criterion (SC), and Standard Error of Regression. After the selection of the model based on the previous parameters, the verification of the model was employed by checking the residuals of the Correlogram-Q-Statistics test. Results: The most fitted model to predict the future levels of MP in Egypt was ARIMA (1, 1, and 3). Conclusion: Using the ARIMA (1, 1, 3) model, it could be forecasted that the production of milk in Egypt would show an increasing trend from 6,152.606 thousand tons in 2022 to 6,360.829 thousand tons in 2025.

The effect of first-lactation calving season, milk production, and morphology on the survival of Simmental cows.

Longevity in dairy and dual-purpose cattle is a complex trait which depends on many individual and managerial factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the survival (SURV) rate of Italian Simmental dual-purpose cows across different parities. Data of this study referred to 2 173 primiparous cows under official milk recording that calved between 2002 and 2020. Only cows linearly classified for type traits, including muscularity (MU) and body condition score (BCS) were kept. Survival analysis was carried out, through the Cox regression model, for different pairwise combinations of classes of milk productivity MU, BCS, and calving season. Herd-year of first calving was also considered in the model. SURV (0 = culled; 1 = survived) at each lactation up to the 6th were the dependent variables, so that, for example, SURV2 equal to 1 was attributed to cows that entered the 2nd lactation. Survival rates were 98, 71, 63, 56, and 53% for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th lactation, respectively. Results revealed that SURV2 was not dependent on milk yield, while in subsequent parities, low-producing cows were characterized by higher SURV compared to high-producing ones. Additionally, cows starting the lactation in autumn survived less (47.38%) than those starting in spring (53.49%), suggesting that facing the late gestation phase in summer could increase the culling risk. The present study indicates that SURV in Italian Simmental cows is influenced by various factors in addition to milk productivity. However, it is important to consider that in this study all first-calving cows culled before the linear evaluation - carried out between mid- and late lactation in this breed - were not accounted for. Finding can be transferred to other dual-purpose breeds, where the cows' body conformation and muscle development - i.e. meat-related features - are often considered as important as milk performance by farmers undertaking culling decisions.

A smartphone-based diagnostic analyzer for point-of-care milk somatic cell counting.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis, a pervasive and detrimental disease in dairy farming, poses a significant challenge to the global dairy industry. Monitoring the milk somatic cell count (SCC) is vital for assessing the incidence of mastitis and the quality of raw cow's milk. However, existing SCC detection methods typically require large-scale instruments and specialized operators, limiting their application in resource-constrained settings such as dairy farms and small-scale labs. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel, smartphone-based, on-site SCC testing method that leverages smartphone capabilities for milk somatic cell identification and enumeration, offering a portable and user-friendly testing platform. RESULTS: The central findings of our study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for counting milk somatic cells. Its on-site applicability, facilitated by the microfluidic chip, optical system, and smartphone integration, heralds a paradigm shift in point-of-care testing (POCT) for dairy farms and smaller laboratories. This approach bypasses complex processing and presents a user-friendly solution for real-time SCC monitoring in resource-limited settings. This device boasts several unique features: small size, low cost (<$1,000 total manufacturing cost and <$1 per test), and high accuracy. Remarkably, it delivers test results within just 2 min. Actual-sample testing confirmed its consistency with results from the commercial Bentley FTS/FCM cytometer, affirming the reliability of the proposed method. Overall, these results underscore the potential for transformative change in dairy farm management and laboratory testing practices. SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, this study concludes that the proposed smartphone-based method significantly contributes to the accessibility and ease of SCC testing in resource-limited environments. By fostering the use of POCT technology in food safety control, particularly in the dairy industry, this innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the monitoring and management of mastitis, ultimately benefiting the global dairy sector.

Bacterial proteome adaptation during fermentation in dairy environments.

The enzymatic repertoire of starter cultures belonging to the Lactococcus genus determines various important characteristics of fermented dairy products but might change in response to the substantial environmental changes in the manufacturing process. Assessing bacterial proteome adaptation in dairy and other food environments is challenging due to the high matrix-protein concentration and is even further complicated in particularly cheese by the high fat concentrations, the semi-solid state of that matrix, and the non-growing state of the bacteria. Here, we present bacterial harvesting and processing procedures that enable reproducible, high-resolution proteome determination in lactococcal cultures harvested from laboratory media, milk, and miniature Gouda cheese. Comparative proteome analysis of Lactococcus cremoris NCDO712 grown in laboratory medium and milk revealed proteome adaptations that predominantly reflect the differential (micro-)nutrient availability in these two environments. Additionally, the drastic environmental changes during cheese manufacturing only elicited subtle changes in the L. cremoris NCDO712 proteome, including modified expression levels of enzymes involved in flavour formation. The technical advances we describe offer novel opportunities to evaluate bacterial proteomes in relation to their performance in complex, protein- and/or fat-rich food matrices and highlight the potential of steering starter culture performance by preculture condition adjustments.

Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in Brazilian artisanal cheeses: Occurrence, counts, phenotypic and genotypic profiles.

The present study aimed to assess the occurrence and counts of Staphylococcus aureus in Brazilian artisanal cheeses (BAC) produced in five regions of Brazil: Coalho and Manteiga (Northeast region); Colonial and Serrano (South); Caipira (Central-West); Marajó (North); and Minas Artisanal cheeses, from Araxá, Campos das Vertentes, Cerrado, Serro and Canastra microregions (Southeast). The resistance to chlorine-based sanitizers, ability to attach to stainless steel surfaces, and antibiogram profile of a large set of S. aureus strains (n = 585) were assessed. Further, a total of 42 isolates were evaluated for the presence of enterotoxigenic genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, sei, sej, and ser) and submitted to typing using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). BAC presented high counts of S. aureus (3.4-6.4 log CFU/g), varying from 25 to 62.5%. From the S. aureus strains (n = 585) assessed, 16% could resist 200 ppm of sodium hypochlorite, whereas 87.6% produced strong ability to attach to stainless steel surfaces, corroborating with S. aureus ability to persist and spread in the environment. Furthermore, the relatively high frequency (80.5%) of multidrug-resistant S. aureus and the presence of enterotoxin genes in 92.6% of the strains is of utmost attention. It reveals the lurking threat of SFP that can survive when conditions are favorable. The presence of enterotoxigenic and antimicrobial-resistant strains of S. aureus in cheese constitutes a potential risk to public health. This result calls for better control of cheese contamination sources, and taking hygienic measures is necessary for food safety. More attention should be paid to animal welfare and hygiene practices in some dairy farms during manufacturing to enhance the microbiological quality of traditional cheese products.

Mining key circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks for milk fat metabolism in cows with varying milk fat percentages.

BACKGROUND: Cow milk fat is an essential indicator for evaluating and measuring milk quality and cow performance. Growing research has identified the molecular functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) necessary for mammary gland development and lactation in mammals. METHOD: The present study analyzed circRNA expression profiling data in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) from cows with highly variable milk fat percentage (MFP) using differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). RESULTS: A total of 309 differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) were identified in the high and low MFP groups. WGCNA analysis revealed that the pink module was significantly associated with MFP (r = - 0.85, P = 0.007). Parental genes of circRNAs in this module were enriched mainly in lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, such as focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, adherens junction and AMPK. Finally, six DE-circRNAs were screened from the pink module: circ_0010571, circ_0007797, circ_0002746, circ_0003052, circ_0004319, and circ_0012840. Among them, circ_0002746, circ_0003052, circ_0004319, and circ_0012840 had circular structures and were highly expressed in mammary tissues. Subcellular localization revealed that these four DE-circRNAs may play a regulatory role in the mammary glands of dairy cows, mainly as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Seven hub target genes (GNB1, GNG2, PLCB1, PLCG1, ATP6V0C, NDUFS4, and PIGH) were obtained by constructing the regulatory network of their ceRNAs and then analyzed by CytoHubba and MCODE plugins in Cytoscape. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are crucial and most probable ceRNA regulators in milk fat metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several vital circRNAs and ceRNAs affecting milk fat synthesis, providing new research ideas and a theoretical basis for cow lactation, milk quality, and breed improvement.

Feed characteristics of dried corn grain and corn grain silage produced in Japan compared with imported corn grain.

We compared the in situ dry matter degradability (ISDMD) and crude protein degradability (ISCPD) of high-moisture corn grain silage and dried corn grains produced in Japan (JHC and JDC, respectively) with corn grains imported from the United States (USC), Brazil (BRC), and South Africa (SAC). The ISDMD values of USC, BAC, and SAC were between those of JHC and JDC, but ISDMD did not differ significantly between USC and SAC. In contrast, ISDMD was lower for BAC than USC and SAC. Overall, our results indicate that ISDMD and ISCPD in the rumen differ between corn grains sources (domestic compared with imported and between production locations), primarily due to differences between the corn varieties represented. In particular, the ISDMD and ISCPD of JHC were greater than those of JDC, and this difference in degradability needs to be considered when using high-moisture corn grain silage as a substitute for dried corn grain as a feed for dairy cattle.

Intraday and interday variations of milk fatty acids in dairy cows in early and late lactation.

The composition of milk fatty acid (FA) was determined using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy, which enables the rapid measurement of many samples. Milk FA is one indicator supporting the management of dairy cows and herds. This study aimed to determine an appropriate sampling method for milk FA in a practical farm condition based on intraday and interday variations in milk FA composition during early and late lactation stages. Milk samples were collected in the morning (07:00-08:00 h) and afternoon (16:30-17:30 h) for five consecutive days during early and late lactation. Within the day, de novo FA as the total FA basis was higher in the morning than in the afternoon, whereas preformed FA as the total FA basis was lower in the morning than in the afternoon. The weighted averages of milk FA composition according to milk yield collected in the morning and afternoon were significantly different between cows in early and late lactation; however, these were not significantly different among the consecutive five sampling days in each period. It was concluded that milk samples collected in the morning and afternoon for 1 day are suitable for milk FA determination. These results provide basic data for determining precise sampling methods for practical farms.

Pathogen group-specific risk factors for intramammary infection in water buffalo.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) associated bacteria and to identify risk factors for pathogen group-specific IMI in water buffalo in Bangladesh. A California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological cultures were performed on 1,374 quarter milk samples collected from 763 water buffalo from 244 buffalo farms in nine districts in Bangladesh. Quarter, buffalo, and farm-related data were obtained through questionnaires and visual observations. A total of 618 quarter samples were found to be culture positive. Non-aureus staphylococci were the predominant IMI-associated bacterial species, and Staphylococcus (S.) chromogenes, S. hyicus, and S. epidermidis were the most common bacteria found. The proportion of non-aureus staphylococci or Mammaliicoccus sciuri (NASM), S. aureus, and other bacterial species identified in the buffalo quarter samples varied between buffalo farms. Therefore, different management practices, buffalo breeding factors, and nutrition were considered and further analyzed when estimating the IMI odds ratio (OR). The odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.8) or by NASM (OR: 2.2) was high in buffalo herds with poor milking hygiene. Poor cleanliness of the hind quarters had a high odds of IMI caused by any pathogen (OR: 2.0) or NASM (OR: 1.9). Twice daily milking (OR: 3.1) and farms with buffalo purchased from another herd (OR: 2.0) were associated with IMI by any pathogen. Asymmetrical udders were associated with IMI-caused by any bacteria (OR: 1.7). A poor body condition score showed higher odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.4) or by NASM (OR: 1.7). This study shows that the prevalence of IMI in water buffalo was high and varied between farms. In accordance with the literature, our data highlight that IMI can be partly controlled through better farm management, primarily by improving hygiene, milking management, breeding, and nutrition.

Antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw cow milk in Sylhet district, Bangladesh: A molecular approach.

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent probiotic bacterium employed in the food industry is Lactobacillus because it can produce metabolites with antibacterial capabilities and exhibits hostility towards infections and microorganisms that cause spoilage. AIM: This study set out to identify naturally occurring Lactobacillus and plantaricin (pln EF) coding genes in raw cow milk and to assess the antibacterial potency of isolated Lactobacillus isolates. METHODS: Following enrichment in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth, single colonies were isolated, and pure colonies were obtained by streaking on MRS agar. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the cultural positivity of all isolates. Additionally, the presence of plantaricin was verified by targeting the pln EF gene through PCR. OUTCOME: Out of the 166 raw milk specimens acquired from cows, 153 (91.17%; CI: 86.98-95.76) were identified as positive for Lactobacillus through both culture and biochemical screening. Subsequently, 121 (72.89%; CI: 65.46-79.49) of the isolates were affirmed to harbour Lactobacillus through PCR analysis. Within this subset, 6 isolates (4.96%; CI: 1.84-10.48) were found to possess the plnEF gene. When exposed to Lactobacillus isolates, Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica displayed an average maximum zone of inhibition with a diameter measuring 24 mm. In contrast, Escherichia coli exhibited an average minimum zone of inhibition, featuring a diameter of 11 mm. Additionally, the Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated inhibitory zones against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, measuring 14, 22 and 19 mm, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli, are plentiful in cow milk and possess broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

Potential biological functions and future perspectives of sialylated milk oligosaccharides.

Sialyllactoses (SLs) primarily include sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOs). First, the safety assessment of 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) revealed low toxicity in various animal models and human participants. SLs constitute a unique milk component, highlighting the essential nutrients and bioactive components crucial for infant development, along with numerous associated health benefits for various diseases. This review explores the safety, biosynthesis, and potential biological effects of SLs, with a specific focus on their influence across various physiological systems, including the gastrointestinal system, immune disorders, rare genetic disorders (such as GNE myopathy), cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diverse cancers, and viral infections, thus indicating their therapeutic potential.