New bicompartmental model: an application for the production of gases using the in vitro technique / Novo modelo bicompartimental: uma aplicação para a produção de gases pela técnica in vitro

The purpose of this study was to propose a bicompartmental nonlinear model and to identify the best-performing model between the proposed model and the bicompartmental logistic (BL) mode regarding the quality of fit to the curve of cumulative gas production (CGP) using corn silage, sunflower, and their mixtures. Gas production was measured 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h after beginning the in vitro fermentation process. The generated data were used to generate the parameters of each model tested using the stats package of the R computational tool version 4.0.4. The mathematical models were subjected to the following selection criteria: the adjusted coefficient of determination (Raj.), residual mean square (RMS), mean absolute deviation (MAD), and Akaike information criterion (AIC). It was demonstrated that the proposed model had better performance with a high Raj., and lower values of RMS, AIC, and MAD than the bicompartmental logistic model for the prediction of the parameters of cumulative gas production (CGP), per to present a superior fit in the set of criteria according to the methodology and conditions in which the present study was developed.(AU)

No presente trabalho, com silagem de milho, girassol e suas misturas, objetivou-se propor um modelo não linear bicompartimental e identificar entre o modelo proposto e Logístico Bicompartimental (LB), aquele que apresenta maior qualidade de ajuste à curva de cinética de produção cumulativa de gases (PCG). A leitura da produção de gás foi realizada nos tempos 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 e 96 horas, após o início do processo de fermentação in vitro. Os dados gerados foram utilizados para geração dos parâmetros de cada modelo testado com auxílio do pacote stats da ferramenta computacional R versão 4.0.4. Os modelos matemáticos foram submetidos aos seguintes critérios de seleção o coeficiente de determinação ajustado (Raj.), quadrado médio do resíduo (QMR), desvio médio absoluto (DMA) e o critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). Foi demonstrado que o modelo proposto teve melhor desempenho com altos Raj., e menores valores de QMR, AIC e DMA, por apresentar um ajustamento superior no conjunto dos critérios em comparação com o modelo logístico bicompartimental para a predição dos parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases (PCG) de acordo com a metodologia e condições em que foi desenvolvido o presente estudo.(AU)

Transtornos alimentares: vivências de mulheres acima de 30 anos / Eating disorders: experiences of women aged over 30 years / Trastornos alimentarios: experiencias de mujeres de más de 30 años

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como mulheres adultas (acima de 30 anos) diagnosticadas com transtornos alimentares (TAs) vivenciam o adoecer. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, desenvolvido com base no referencial teórico-metodológico da Análise Fenomenológica Interpretativa (AFI). Participaram seis mulheres, com idades entre 34 e 65 anos, atendidas em um serviço especializado. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista aberta, de inspiração fenomenológica, na modalidade remota. As entrevistas foram audiogravadas, transcritas e analisadas seguindo os passos da AFI. Duas categorias temáticas foram identificadas: "Vivendo antes do adoecer" e "Encontrando-se doente." Constatou-se que os sintomas tiveram início anteriormente à vida adulta e que houve dificuldade na confirmação do diagnóstico. Na perspectiva das participantes, conviver com a sintomatologia ficou mais complicado em função de particularidades de manejo dos sintomas na vida adulta, e a idade é percebida como um fator que impacta e dificulta ainda mais a recuperação. As participantes relataram desesperança em relação ao futuro, apesar de a maioria reconhecer melhoras no quadro clínico ao longo do tempo e de valorizar a relação de confiança estabelecida com a equipe multiprofissional.(AU)

This study aimed to understand the experience of illness of adult women (over 30 years) diagnosed with eating disorders (ED). This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as theoretical and methodological framework. A sample of six women aged 34-64 years, assisted in a specialized service, were recruited to complete a phenomenological in-depth open interview. The data were remotely collected. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed following the IPA. Two thematic categories were identified: "Living before the illness" and "Finding about the illness." It was found that the symptoms started before adulthood and that there was difficulty establishing the diagnosis. Living with the symptoms became more complicated due to particularities of symptom management in adulthood and age is perceived as a factor that impacts recovery and makes it even more difficult. The participants reported hopelessness about the future, although most recognized improvements in the clinical condition over time and valued the trusting relationship they established with the multiprofessional team.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender las experiencias de las mujeres adultas (mayores de 30 años) diagnosticadas con trastornos alimentarios (TA) respecto a la enfermedad. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, desarrollado a partir del marco teórico y metodológico del Análisis Fenomenológico Interpretativo (AFI). Participaron seis mujeres, con edades de entre 34 y 65 años, atendidas en un servicio especializado. Los datos se recogieron mediante entrevistas abiertas, de inspiración fenomenológica, en la modalidad a distancia. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas en audio, transcritas y analizadas siguiendo los pasos del AFI. Se identificaron dos categorías temáticas: "Vivir antes de enfermar" y "Encontrarse enfermo." Se constató que los síntomas comenzaron antes de la edad adulta y que hubo dificultades de establecer el diagnóstico. La convivencia con síntomas se complicó debido a las particularidades del manejo de los síntomas en la vida adulta y la edad se percibe como un factor que influye y dificulta aún más la recuperación. Los participantes manifestaron desesperanza sobre el futuro, aunque reconocieron mejoras en el cuadro clínico con el paso del tiempo y valoraron la relación de confianza establecida con el equipo multiprofesional.(AU)

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal / Consumo, digestibilidade, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim

The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda ou orelha-de-elefante-mexicana (OEM). Trinta cabritos machos, castrados, sem raça definida, com idades entre 12 e 14 meses e peso corporal médio de 19,0±2,8kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos (controle - feno de tifton; miúda e OEM) e 10 repetições; o peso inicial foi considerado a covariável. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) foi maior no tratamento controle; enquanto a ingestão de CNF foi maior na dieta OEM. Tratamentos contendo palma forrageira apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades de MS, MO e CNF. Os animais alimentados com a dieta controle gastaram mais tempo em ruminação e em mastigação total, mas o tempo gasto com alimentação ou a eficiência alimentar e o desempenho não diferiram. A utilização de genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda e orelha-de-elefante-mexicana) na dieta de caprinos, na quantidade de 450g/kg de MS, não interfere no desempenho dos animais e melhora a digestibilidade de MO e CNF.(AU)

Effect of oral calcium administration on metabolic status and uterine health of dairy cows with reduced postpartum rumination and eating time.

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcemia has detrimental effects on health and performance of dairy cows. As hypocalcemic cows show reduced feed intake, we hypothesized that cows with reduced combined rumination and eating time (CRET) may benefit from Ca supplementation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of postpartum oral Ca administration on metabolic status (Calcium [Ca], fatty acids [FA], and ß-Hydroxybutyrate [BHB] serum concentrations) and incidence of puerperal metritis (PM) in dairy cows with reduced postpartum CRET. Cows in an organic-certified dairy, diagnosed with reduced CRET (< 489 min/d; n = 88) during the first day postpartum were assigned into 1 of 2 treatments: i) Calcium administration (CA; n = 45) that received 1 Ca oral capsule (Bovikalc bolus, Boehringer Ingelheim, St. Joseph, MO) containing CaCl2 and CaSO4 (43 g of Ca) once per day, for 3 consecutive days, starting at d 1 postpartum; and ii) Control (CON; n = 43) that did not receive oral Ca. A convenience group consisting of cows with CRET ≥489 min/d was used for comparison and did not receive oral Ca (NOR; n = 96). RESULTS: At day 1 postpartum cows with reduced CRET had lower Ca serum concentrations (CA = 2.08 mmol/L; CON = 2.06 mmol/L) compared with NOR cows (2.17 mmol/L). Calcium concentrations at d 3, 5, and 12 postpartum were not different among the three groups. Serum FA concentrations at d 1, 3 and 5 postpartum were higher in both CA and CON cows compared with NOR. At d 12, only CA cows had higher FA concentrations than NOR cows. Serum BHB concentrations at d 3 were highest in CA, with no difference between CON and NOR. At d 5, BHB concentrations were higher in CA, followed by CON, and NOR. No effect was observed for Ca administration on incidence of PM and reproductive performance. CON cows had lower survival at 30 DIM (86.5%) than NOR cows (97.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of remote sensor technology identified cows with reduced rumination and eating time that had lower postpartum serum concentrations of calcium and altered metabolic status. However, oral calcium administration to cows with reduced CRET did not affect incidence of metabolic disorders nor reproductive health and subsequent pregnancy. Although survival at 30 days postpartum was lower for non-Ca supplemented cows, the identification of effective interventions in cows with reduced CRET requires further consideration.

A field study using different technologies to detect calving at a large-scale hungarian dairy farm.

The objective of this study was to investigate three different calving detection systems in order to assess and compare their efficiency. The study was conducted at a large-scale dairy farm involving 54 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and heifers. Animals were fitted with multiple devices: a rumination measuring device (Ruminact® (RA)), an intravaginal thermometer (Vel'Phone® (VP)) and a tail movement sensor (Moocall® (MC)) 5 to 7 days before expected calving and were removed after parturition. RA detects rumination time (RT) and calculates it in 2-hr intervals. VP detects a decrease in vaginal temperature that might indicate calving within 48 hr and the drop in temperature resulting from the expulsion of the device at calving (EXP message). MC detected increased tail movements and if they persisted for one hour, 1HA message was sent. If they continued during the subsequent hour, then 2HA message was sent. Messages sent by MC within 4 hr before calving (C4) were selected retrospectively as true positives for the prediction of calving, using the significant changes in RT as a baseline. All other messages were categorized as false positive. The mean value of RT decreased in a non-significant manner between interval -22 and -4 before calving. Significant decrease of RT was detectable between the two intervals of -4 and -2 before calving (24.7 ± 18.6 min/2 hr and 14.0 ± 13.0 min/2 hr, respectively). There was no significant difference between RT of primiparous and multiparous animals. EXP messages were accurate (positive predictive value 100%) indicators of the onset of calving. We received on average 12.7 ± 15.2 messages/animal (11.0 ± 10.1 and 16.6 ± 22.2 for cows and heifers, respectively). Positive predictive value was 12.6%. The number of false-positive messages was significantly higher in heifers. All three automatic systems could be used in a large-scale farm environment.

Effects of Grazing in a Sown Pasture with Forestland on the Health of Japanese Black Cows as Evaluated by Multiple Indicators.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extensive grazingin a sown pasture with forestland on the health of beef cows by measuring multiple indicators. Ten Japanese Black beef cows were used in this experiment. Five of the ten cows were grazed for two months on a 1.8 ha field. The remaining cows were fed under confinement conditions. Behavioral assessments showed that grazing increased sternum lying with rumination of the cows. The grazing cows did not show any abnormal behaviors. There was a tendency for the numbers of red blood cells and lymphocytes to be lower in grazing cows than in confined cows, whereas the number of neutrophils in grazing cows was significantly higher than that in confined cows. In addition, grazing cows had a higher total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity than confined cows. These results suggest that extensive grazing in a sown pasture with forestland increases natural behaviors, decreases circulating red blood cells and lymphocytes and enhances neutrophil circulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity.

Calving difficulty influences rumination time and inflammatory profile in Holstein dairy cows.

Difficult calving may adversely affect dairy cow health and performance. Maternal:fetal disproportion is a major cause of dystocia. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the effects of dam:calf body weight ratio (D:C) on calving difficulty, rumination time, lying time, and inflammatory profile in 25 Holstein dairy cows. Using automatic monitoring systems, we monitored behavior and production in 9 primiparous and 16 pluriparous cows between dry-off and 30 d in milk. During the same period, we collected blood samples to monitor metabolism and inflammatory profile of these cows. Calvings were video recorded to assess calving difficulty and observe the duration of the expulsive stage. After parturition, the cows were separated into 3 classes according to their D:C: easy (E; D:C >17), medium (M; 14 < D:C <17), and difficult (D; D:C <14). The cows in class D showed relatively longer labor durations (108 min vs. 54 and 51 min for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and higher calving assistance rates (50% vs. 0 and 11% of calvings for classes D, M, and E, respectively) than those in the other 2 classes. Compared with the cows in classes M and E, those in class D exhibited shorter rumination times on the day of calving (176 min/d vs. 288 and 354 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and during the first week of lactation (312 min/d vs. 339 and 434 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and maintained lower rumination values until 30 DIM (399 min/d vs. 451 and 499 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively). Primiparous class D cows had shorter resting times during the first week after calving compared with those in class M (8 vs. 11 h/d for classes D and M, respectively). Interclass differences were found in terms of the levels of inflammation markers such as acute-phase proteins (ceruloplasmin, albumin, retinol, and paraoxonase). Moreover, cows in class D had lower plasma levels of fructosamine and creatinine after calving. Low D:C reduced postcalving rumination time and increased inflammation grade, suggesting a lower welfare of these animals at the onset of lactation. The D:C might serve as a useful index for the identification of cows at relatively higher risk of metabolic and inflammatory disease, thus helping farmers and veterinarians improve the welfare and health of these cows.

Technical note: fluorescein as an indicator of enteric mucosal barrier function in preruminant lambs.

Increased intestinal permeability can be observed during the physiologic stress response and has been linked to suppression of animal health and performance. Previously published data have shown the efficacy of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d; 4.17 mg/kg) as a marker of enteric inflammation and mucosal barrier function in multiple species. Fluorescein is a smaller, less expensive alternative molecule possessing similar properties. The following two experiments compared FITC-d and fluorescein as potential indicators of intestinal permeability in pre- and postweaned lambs administered daily intramuscular injections of dexamethasone (Dex; 0.1 mg/kg) for 1 wk. Experiment 1 consisted of five preweaned lambs that were placed in one of two treatment groups: fluorescein with Dex (F+Dex) or fluorescein only (F). On day 7, blood was collected before and 1 h after oral administration of fluorescein (50 mg/kg). Experiment 2 included 12 weaned lambs and four treatment groups: F+Dex, F, FITC-d with Dex (Fd+Dex), and FITC-d only (Fd). On day 7, blood was collected before and 2 h after oral administration of FITC-d (4.17 mg/kg) or fluorescein (50 mg/kg). Plasma fluorescence was reported as the ratio between T1h/T0 or T2h/T0 for experiment 1 or 2, respectively. Experiment 1 showed a significant increase in T1h/T0 ratio of F+Dex relative to F lambs (P = 0.05) indicative of increased leaky gut; however, no differences (P = 0.22) were obtained in experiment 2. Results of these experiments suggest fluorescein may serve as a suitable marker of enteric permeability in preruminant lambs, but not in those with functional rumens.

Klason lignin is a nutritionally heterogeneous fraction unsuitable for the prediction of forage neutral-detergent fibre digestibility in ruminants.

Although lignin has been negatively correlated with neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (NDFD) in ruminants and used to predict potential extent of NDF digestion of forages, selection of an analysis, Klason lignin (KL) or acid-detergent lignin (ADL), to describe that the nutritionally relevant lignin has not been resolved. Dismissed as an artifact is the difference between KL and ADL (ΔL). A question is whether ΔL influences NDFD. We evaluated the relationships of ΔL, KL and ADL with NDFD in order to determine the nutritionally homogeneous or heterogeneous nature of KL. Data sets from two laboratories (DS1 and DS2) were used that included ADL, KL and in vitro NDFD at 48 h (NDFD48). DS1 contained seven C3 grasses, seventeen C4 maize forages and nineteen alfalfas, and DS2 had fifteen C3 grasses, eight C4 forages and six alfalfas. Mean ΔL was greater than ADL in C3 and C4 samples and less in alfalfas. Within forage type and laboratory, ΔL was not correlated with NDFD48 (r -0·34-0·49; all P > 0·17). ADL was more consistently correlated with NDFD48 (r -0·47--0·95; P < 0·01-0·21) than with KL (r 0·03--0·91; P < 0·01-0·94). ΔL as a proportion of KL was correlated with NDFD48 in C3 and C4 samples (r 0·44-0·76; P < 0·01-0·08). The differing behaviours of ΔL and ADL relative to NDFD48 indicate that KL is a nutritionally heterogeneous fraction, the behaviour of which may vary by forage type and ratios of ADL and ΔL present.

Daily rumination time of lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions.

The dairy industry in regions with moderate climates, such as Central Europe, will be increasingly challenged in the future by climate change. The problem of heat stress will especially affect dairy husbandry in naturally ventilated barns (NVB). The approach of the study was to determine a heat stress threshold of the average daily temperature-humidity index (THI) that results in changes in the daily rumination time (RT) of lactating, high-yielding cows. The data set was composed of a high sample size of 183 cows and long-duration measurements of 21240 daily observations over two years from June 2015 to May 2017, which were collected in an NVB in Groß Kreutz, Germany. The THI was calculated in 5-min intervals by data from several sensors in different positions inside the barn. Additionally, every cow from the herd of an average of 53 cows in the experimental procedure was wearing a neck collar with a Lely Qwes HR system that provided the RT 24 h a day (12 2-h recordings were summarized). The study showed that heat stress also negatively influenced RT in moderate climates. The heat stress threshold of 52 THI was determined by broken-stick regression and indicated changes of RT of lactating dairy cows in Germany. During the experimental period, the heat stress threshold for RT was reached from April to September for up to 720 h per month. The changes in RT to the heat stress threshold will be affected by cows' characteristics. Therefore, we considered several cow-related factors, such as milk yield (MY), lactation number (LN), lactation stage (days in milk, or DIM) and pregnancy stage (P) to better understand cows' individual reactions to heat stress. Multiparous, high-yielding cows in later lactation stages are potentially more strongly affected than other cows.

Validation of the RumiWatch Converter V0.7.4.5 classification accuracy for the automatic monitoring of behavioural characteristics in dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to validate the accuracy of algorithms, implemented in the currently available RumiWatch Converter (RWC) version V0.7.4.5 of the RumiWatch System (RWS), for the classification of behavioural characteristics from jaw and head movements which are monitored by a noseband halter comprising a pressure sensor and a triaxial accelerometer. The accurate classification of behavioural characteristics in different time resolutions is critical for the usage of the RWS for scientific and practical purposes as chewing behaviour provides essential indicators for the assessment of diet adequacy in dairy cows. To validate the RWC V0.7.4.5 classification accuracy for behavioural characteristics of rumination, eating, drinking, other activity and ruminating chews per bolus by direct observation as reference method, 14 dairy cows participated in the trial. Concordance between the consolidated 1-min and 1-h classification results was assessed. The RWC V0.7.4.5 classified only rumination and ruminating chews per bolus precisely, whereas an algorithm optimisation for the classification of eating, drinking and other activity is required. Additionally, classification results from the 1-min and 1-h time summaries were not in agreement with each other except for rumination.

Pseudoachalasia: a systematic review of the literature.

Pseudoachalasia, also known as secondary achalasia, is a clinical condition mimicking idiopathic achalasia but most commonly caused by malignant tumors of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Our aim was to systematically review and present all available data on demographics, clinical features, and diagnostic modalities involved in patients with pseudoachalasia. A systematic search of literature published during the period 1978-2019 was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (end-of-search date: June 25th, 2019). Two independent reviewers extracted data with regards of study design, interventions, participants, and outcomes. Thirty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, 140 patients with pseudoachalasia were identified, of whom 83 were males. Mean patient age was 60.13 years and the mean weight loss was 13.91 kg. A total of 33 (23.6%) patients were wrongly 'treated' at first for achalasia. The most common presenting symptoms were dysphagia, food regurgitation, and weight loss. The median time from symptoms' onset to hospital admission was 5 months. Most common etiology was gastric cancer (19%). Diagnostic modalities included manometry, barium esophagram, endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Pseudoachalasia is a serious medical condition that is difficult to be distinguished from primary achalasia. Clinical feature assessment along with the correct interpretation of diagnostic tests is nowadays essential steps to differentiate pseudoachalasia from idiopathic achalasia.

Effect of subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia and dietary cation-anion difference on rumination activity in periparturient dairy cows.

Rumination involves a complex series of muscle contractions that bring a bolus of ingesta to the mouth for further mastication before it is swallowed again. Healthy cows ruminate 8 to 9 h/d. Hypocalcemia is known to disrupt nerve and muscle function. Our hypothesis was that hypocalcemia in periparturient cows would reduce rumination activity. Twenty-six Holstein cows entering their third lactation or greater were fed a control diet [dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) = +196 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM)] or a low DCAD diet supplemented with anions (DCAD = -9 mEq/kg of DM) prepartum. Periparturient plasma Ca concentration and rumination rate were determined. Four of 12 control cows developed clinical milk fever, necessitating intravenous Ca therapy. Rumination rate decreased in all cows around the time of calving. Rumination rate on the first and second day of lactation was highly correlated with the cow's plasma Ca concentration on the first day of lactation. In one of our statistical models, a normocalcemic cow was defined as a cow whose plasma Ca concentration remained above 2.00 mM. Cows were retrospectively classified as normocalcemic, subclinically hypocalcemic, or clinically hypocalcemic (milk fever). Only 4 cows were considered normocalcemic, and all had been fed the low DCAD diet. Normocalcemic cows spent more time ruminating on the first day after calving than subclinically hypocalcemic cows or cows with milk fever. Cows with milk fever had a lower rumination rate than normocalcemic cows through d 3 of lactation. Rumination activity in cows with milk fever was almost nondetectable in the hours before and after intravenous Ca treatment for an extended period, despite the return of muscle function that allowed the cows to stand and eructate following treatment. Other statistical models using different definitions of normocalcemia gave qualitatively similar results. Diet had a great effect on plasma Ca concentration and rumination rate. Even when cows with clinical milk fever were removed from the control cow data set, cows on the low DCAD diet had significantly greater plasma Ca concentrations in the first 36 h after calving and a higher rumination rate on d 1 of lactation (248 ± 26 min) than control cows (158 ± 32 min).

Effects of processing methods (rolling vs. pelleting vs. steam-flaking) of cool-season adapted oats on dairy cattle production performance and metabolic characteristics compared with barley.

Several processing techniques can be used to slow the degradation rate in the rumen and thus provide more bypass crude protein (CP) and starch to the small intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of processing methods on cool-season adapted oat grain compared with dry-rolled barley grain, when fed as total mixed ration (TMR) for lactating dairy cows. Eight lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods and fed TMR with 1 of 4 treatments: dry-rolled oats, steam-flaked oats, pelleted oats, or dry-rolled barley. Dry matter intake (DMI) ranged from 28.19 to 31.61 kg/d and was lower for rolled oats compared with pelleted oats. Despite the nutrient intake being higher for cows fed pelleted oats, those fed rolled oats had the highest milk production and milk fat percentage (49.23 kg/d and 4%, respectively). Ruminal fermentation characteristics were similar across treatments, with only significant differences in concentrations of acetate (lowest for pelleted oats) and total short-chain fatty acids (highest value for rolled barley) and a lower pH for flaked oats at the 9-h and 12-h points. Dietary treatments did not affect total-tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, or CP; digestibility of starch was the lowest for rolled barley (89.04%). Measured blood metabolites, urea, glucose, and ß-hydroxybutyrate, were not affected by dietary treatment. Purine derivatives and microbial N supply were also unaffected by dietary treatments. Cows fed flaked oat-based TMR showed the lowest N excretion in milk; however, the lack of difference between diets with regard to urinary N and fecal N excretion resulted in no significant changes in N balance between diets. Therefore, rolled oats allow cows to have higher milk production with lower DMI compared with all other treatments in this study.

Diet change from a system combining total mixed ration and pasture to confinement system (total mixed ration) on milk production and composition, blood biochemistry and behavior of dairy cows.

This study aimed to determine if a diet change from a mixed system to a confinement system affects the milk production and composition, behavior and blood biochemistry of dairy cows. Cows were assigned randomly to one of the two treatments: cows fed with TMR (total-mixed-ration) (confined) throughout the period group fed TMR (GTMR, n = 15) and cows that changed their diet from pasture plus TMR to exclusive TMR at 70 ± 14 DIM (GCHD, n = 15). GTMR cows produced more milk and greater lactose and protein yield before the change of diet than GCHD cows (p ≤ .01), but these differences disappeared after the change. GCHD cows decreased the frequency of rumination and lying from before to after the change (p ≤ .03), but in GTMR cows no changes were observed. After diet change, GCHD cows had lower frequency of rumination and lying than GTMR cows (p ≤ .02). Before the change, GCHD cows had greater NEFA (non esterified fatty acids) concentrations than GTMR cows (p = .002). Abrupt change from a mixed system to a confined system was favorable on blood biochemical and milk variables of dairy cows. However, in relation to behavior, the cows expressed difficulties to adapt quickly to the abrupt change of system.

Effects of winter housing system on hygiene, udder health, frostbite, and rumination of dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 winter (December to April) housing systems on dairy cow hygiene scores, frostbite, teat condition, clinical mastitis, and activity and rumination across 3 winter seasons (2013, 2014, and 2015). Certified-organic cows (n = 268) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments (2 replicates per system): (1) outdoor straw pack (outdoor) or (2) 3-sided compost-bedded pack barn (indoor). Cows calved during 2 seasons (spring or fall) at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, Minnesota, organic dairy. Organic wheat straw was used as bedding for the 2 outdoor straw packs, and bedding was maintained by farm management to keep cows dry and absorb manure throughout the winter. The compost-bedded pack barn (2 pens in the barn) was bedded with organic-approved sawdust, and the bedding material was stirred twice per day with a small chisel plow. Hygiene scores were recorded biweekly as cows exited the milking parlor. Incidence of clinical mastitis was recorded in a binary manner as treated (1) or not treated (0) at least once during a lactation. Frostbite incidence was collected monthly. Activity and rumination times (daily and 2-h periods) were monitored electronically using a neck collar sensor (HR-LD Tags, SCR Dairy, Netanya, Israel). Indoor cows had greater udder hygiene scores (1.75 vs. 1.46) and greater abdomen hygiene scores (1.79 vs. 1.43) compared with outdoor cows. Additionally, the indoor cows had greater upper and lower leg hygiene scores compared with outdoor cows. Incidence of clinical mastitis was greater for indoor cows compared with outdoor cows (27.1% vs. 15.1%, respectively). Frostbite incidence was not different between indoor (30.1%) and outdoor (17.5%) cows. Daily rumination was 509 min/d for indoor cows and 530 min/d for the outdoor cows. In summary, lactating cows housed outdoors on straw-bedded packs had cleaner udders and improved udder health compared with cows housed in a compost-bedded pack barn.

Effects of supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product during the transition period on rumen fermentation of dairy cows fed fresh diets differing in starch content.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) during the transition period (d -28 ± 3 to 23 ± 3 relative to calving) on rumen fermentation and mRNA abundance of genes in the rumen epithelium of fresh cows (d 1 to 23 ± 3 after calving) fed diets differing in starch content. Eighteen ruminally cannulated multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets with SCFP (n = 9) or without (CON; n = 9) throughout the experiment. All cows were fed a common basal controlled-energy close-up diet (1.43 Mcal/kg, net energy for lactation; 13.8% starch) before calving. Cows within each treatment (CON or SCFP) were fed either a low-starch (LS; 22.1% starch) or high-starch (HS; 28.3% starch) diet during the fresh period. Cows were assigned to treatment after balancing for parity, body condition score, and expected calving date. Rumen pH was measured continuously for 72 h starting on d -10, -3, 1, 7, and 21 relative to calving date. Rumen papillae were collected on d -10 and 21 relative to calving. Supplementation of SCFP had no effect on rumen pH during d -10 to -8, but mean rumen pH tended to be higher (6.64 vs. 6.49) for SCFP cows than for CON cows during d -3 to -1. Feeding SCFP decreased the range of rumen pH variation compared with CON within the HS group during both d 7 to 9 (1.08 vs. 1.38) and d 21 to 23 (1.03 vs. 1.30) after calving. In addition, nadir rumen pH tended to be higher (5.64 vs. 5.44) and duration of pH below 5.8 tended to be shorter (116 vs. 323 min/d) for the SCFP group than for the CON group during d 21 to 23 after calving. Supplementation of SCFP increased the mRNA abundance of insulin-like growth factor-6 (1.10 vs. 0.69) before calving and decreased the mRNA abundance of putative anion transporter isoform 1 (1.12 vs. 2.27) after calving. Nadir rumen pH tended to be higher during d 1 to 3 (5.63 vs. 5.41) for LS cows than for HS cows, but rumen pH was not affected by dietary starch content during other time periods. Dietary starch content had no effect on mRNA abundance of genes in the rumen epithelium after calving. These results suggest that supplementation of SCFP may reduce the range of variation in rumen pH in fresh cows fed HS diets and the duration of subacute ruminal acidosis by the end of the fresh period regardless of dietary starch content and that decreasing dietary starch content during the fresh period may reduce the decrease in rumen pH immediately after parturition.

Ruminal fermentation, kinetics, and total-tract digestibility of lactating dairy cows fed distillers dried grains with solubles in low- and high-forage diets.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of concentrations of forages and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on ruminal fermentation, ruminal kinetics, and total-tract digestibility of nutrients in lactating dairy cows. Four lactating Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Diets were formulated to contain low forage [LF; 17% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF)] or high forage (HF; 24.5% forage NDF) and DDGS at 0 or 18% (0DG or 18DG) of diet dry matter (DM). Intake of DM was not affected by the diets. Daily mean ruminal pH was affected by forage NDF × DDGS interactions, as the lowest ruminal pH was observed among cows fed LF18DG (6.02). Apparent total-tract digestibility for DM, organic matter, crude protein, NDF, acid detergent fiber, and starch was not affected by diets. Cows fed LF diets had a greater total volatile fatty acid concentration compared with cows fed HF (122 vs. 116 mM). Molar proportions of acetate were greater for HF compared with that of LF diets (62.6 vs. 57.5 mmol/100 mmol) and greater for 0DG diet compared with that of 18DG diets (61.3 vs. 58.7 mmol/100 mmol) diets. The molar proportion of propionate was affected by forage × DDGS interaction as the greatest propionate molar proportion was observed with cows fed LF18DG diet (27.7 mmol/100 mmol). Also, molar proportion of butyrate was affected by forage × DDGS interaction, as the greatest butyrate molar proportion was observed in cows fed HF18DG diet (13.5 mmol/100 mmol). Average fractional dilution rate for all diets was 11.9%/h and was not affected by diets. Fractional passage rate of the solid phase was greater for HF than for LF (4.40 vs. 3.76%/h). The ruminal retention time of solid phase was greater for LF compared with HF diets (27.3 vs. 23.3 h). Fractional passage rate of DDGS was affected by forage × DG interaction, as the highest fractional passage rate of DDGS was observed with cows fed HF18DG diet (7.72%/h). Our results demonstrated that concentrations of forage, DDGS, and their interaction influence ruminal degradation and kinetics of diets fed. Diets formulated at 17% forage NDF at 17% (DM basis) can decrease milk fat concentration compared with diets formulated at 25% forage NDF. Additionally, feeding DDGS at 18% DM basis to lactating dairy cows did not affect milk fat concentration or yield.

Are dietary strategies to mitigate enteric methane emission equally effective across dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep?

The digestive physiology of ruminants is sufficiently different (e.g., with respect to mean retention time of digesta, digestibility of the feed offered, digestion, and fermentation characteristics) that caution is needed before extrapolating results from one type of ruminant to another. The objectives of the present study were (1) to provide an overview of some essential differences in rumen physiology between dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep that are related to methane (CH4) emission; and (2) to evaluate whether dietary strategies to mitigate CH4 emission with various modes of action are equally effective in dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep. A literature search was performed using Web of Science and Scopus, and 94 studies were selected from the literature. Per study, the effect size of the dietary strategies was expressed as a proportion (%) of the control level of CH4 emission, as this enabled a comparison across ruminant types. Evaluation of the literature indicated that the effectiveness of forage-related CH4 mitigation strategies, including feeding more highly digestible grass (herbage or silage) or replacing different forage types with corn silage, differs across ruminant types. These strategies are most effective for dairy cattle, are effective for beef cattle to a certain extent, but seem to have minor or no effects in sheep. In general, the effectiveness of other dietary mitigation strategies, including increased concentrate feeding and feed additives (e.g., nitrate), appeared to be similar for dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep. We concluded that if the mode of action of a dietary CH4 mitigation strategy is related to ruminant-specific factors, such as feed intake or rumen physiology, the effectiveness of the strategy differs across ruminant types, whereas if the mode of action is associated with methanogenesis-related fermentation pathways, the strategy is effective across ruminant types. Hence, caution is needed when translating effectiveness of dietary CH4 mitigation strategies across different ruminant types or production systems.

Increasing dietary levels of docosahexaenoic acid-rich microalgae: Ruminal fermentation, animal performance, and milk fatty acid profile of mid-lactating dairy cows.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary levels of microalgae (ALG), rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; All-G-Rich, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY), in isolipidic diets, on animal performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk fatty acid profile, energy balance, microbial protein synthesis, and blood serum metabolites in mid-lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows [130.3 ± 15.4 d in milk, and 30.8 ± 0.543 kg/d of milk yield (mean ± standard error)] were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the following treatments: control diet, without addition of ALG; and increasing levels of ALG [2, 4, and 6 g/kg of dry matter (DM)]. The ALG decreased DM intake and increased total-tract DM apparent digestibility. A tendency was observed for a quadratic effect on total-tract NDF digestibility by ALG inclusion, with peak value of the quadratic response at 4.13 g/kg of DM dose. Moreover, ALG increased ruminal pH and decreased acetate and total volatile fatty acid concentrations. Fat-corrected milk and energy-corrected milk were quadratically affected, and a tendency for a milk yield effect was observed when ALG levels increased, whereas maximal yields were observed with intermediate doses. Milk fat, protein, and lactose concentrations were diminished, whereas productive efficiency was improved by the increase of ALG levels. Saturated fatty acid proportions were decreased, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions were increased when ALG was fed. There was low DHA transfer into milk; however, ALG inclusion decreased C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, C18:2 cis-9,12, and C18:3 cis-9,12,15 proportions, and increased C18:2 cis-9,trans-11, C18:1 trans-9, and C18:1 trans-11 proportions. Gross energy intake was decreased, whereas no effect was observed on digestible, metabolizable, or net energy intake. The ALG inclusion quadratically affected the microbial protein synthesis, with maximal enhancement at 3.24 g/kg of DM dose, and also increased serum cholesterol concentration. Under the conditions of this experiment, the inclusion of ALG in diets for mid-lactating dairy cows decreased feed intake and increased nutrient digestibility, improving productive efficiency and modifying milk fatty acid profile. Estimated intermediate doses (1.22 to 2.90 g/kg of DM) of DHA-rich ALG may be beneficial to milk, fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk yields, and is recommended for dairy cows.