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Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and...
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Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Cattle".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 7042

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Robert Kupczyński

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Guest Editor
Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmonskiego 38c, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: dairy science; animal welfare; cattle health; metabolic disorders; nutrition; dairy products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Michał Bednarski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunawladzki 45, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: veterinary sciences; cattle diseases; prevention of cattle; diagnostics; immunology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, food safety has become a priority for agricultural policy as well as consumers, while there has been a constant increase in the need for milk and dairy products. Dairy production systems must still provide good productivity and profitability, but also demonstrate a reduced impact on the environment and good animal welfare standards. Increased milk output will require improved feeding and management and an increase in average herd size. Genetic selection is a very powerful tool for achieving lasting gains in dairy cattle performance; however, without proper management of the health status of animals, the productive effects cannot be achieved. Unfortunately, organizational factors on farms, including nutritional errors, increase the frequency of metabolic disorders. Metabolic disorders limit animal physiological efficiency, worsening milk's properties, which reduces milk's quality and technological usefulness. On the other hand, any other disturbance in the health of dairy cows causes a decrease in milk yield and its quality. Additionally, we do not consider only adult cattle, as calf diseases can influence subsequent health, productivity, fertility and longevity.

Submissions are invited for this Special Issue of Animals entitled “Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition” to try and further our knowledge and the possibility of sustainable milk production, based on health, welfare, and economic viability, taking into account the principles of environmental protection.

We are looking for authors internationally who wish to publish their work on cows’ health and factors affecting milk, taking into account the health of cows, productivity and milk quality. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Cows and calves health
  • Milk productivity
  • Dairy products
  • Production system
  • Bioactive compounds
  • Management and welfare
  • Nutrition
  • Feed additives
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Therapeutics

We are particularly keen to receive manuscripts examining diverse nutrition systems, including the use of feed additives or innovative solutions to obtain products of the highest quality. We will take into account research on the impact of health and broadly understood nutritional factors, as well as innovative approaches less frequently documented in the literature. With this Special Issue, we hope to be able to provide updated and useful information on the relationship between the health of dairy cows, their milk yield, and milk quality.

The papers published in this SI will, we hope, become benchmark contributions to the scientific literature on factors affecting milk yield and milk quality related to animal health, cited long after they have been written by their authors.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Robert Kupczyński
Dr. Michał Bednarski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cows and calves health
  • milk quality
  • feed additives
  • diseases
  • epidemiology
  • welfare

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Former Food and Agro-Industrial By-Products in Dairy Cow Diets: Effects on Milk Quality and Cheese Production
by Ludovica Maria Eugenia Mammi, Francesca Ghiaccio, Elisa Benini, Carla Giuditta Vecchiato, Isa Fusaro, Giovanni Buonaiuto, Damiano Cavallini, Alberto Palmonari, Giorgia Canestrari, Riccardo Colleluori and Andrea Formigoni
Animals 2025, 15(8), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081113 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 235
Abstract
The use of former foodstuff and by-products in cow diets could improve the environmental sustainability of livestock. However, knowledge about the effects of these feeds in ruminant diets on the quality of dairy products is lacking. This study investigated the effects of integrating [...] Read more.
The use of former foodstuff and by-products in cow diets could improve the environmental sustainability of livestock. However, knowledge about the effects of these feeds in ruminant diets on the quality of dairy products is lacking. This study investigated the effects of integrating wheat distillers’ grain with solubles (WDGS) and a former foodstuff product (FFP) into the diet of dairy cows on milk and cheese quality. The environmental impact of the two feeding systems has been evaluated by LCA. A double crossover design was set up with 84 Holstein cows, alternating a control diet and a circular one. In the circular diet, traditional feeds were partially replaced with 4 kg/d WDGS and 3 kg/d FFP. The results showed no effects on dry matter intake and milk yield, while fiber digestibility improved. A reduction in the milk fat content and a modification of the fatty acid profile of milk and cheese were observed. Conversely, cheese yield, composition, and sensory attributes were not affected. The environmental impact of the diet was significantly reduced in terms of land occupation, net fresh water, and global warming potential. These findings suggest that these feeds can be safely included in dairy cow diets. This approach could significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing the sustainability of the dairy system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 469 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Colostrum Components and Milking Status Affecting Colostrum IgG Concentration
by Shuji Kayasaki, Hitomi Satoh, Keitaro Oguchi, Kyoko Chisato, Rika Fukumori and Shin Oikawa
Animals 2025, 15(5), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050718 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 687
Abstract
This study investigated IgG concentrations, bacterial contamination, and nutrient components of colostrum on dairy farms in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, to examine the factors making it possible to obtain high-quality colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected from 266 Holstein cows. The general criteria for high-quality [...] Read more.
This study investigated IgG concentrations, bacterial contamination, and nutrient components of colostrum on dairy farms in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, to examine the factors making it possible to obtain high-quality colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected from 266 Holstein cows. The general criteria for high-quality colostrum are an IgG concentration of 50 g/L or higher and a total plate count of less than 100,000 CFU/mL. The percentage of samples with the criteria for IgG concentration was low, at 48.9%, but the percentage with the criteria for total plate count was high, at 86.5%. The colostrum Brix value was significantly correlated with the colostrum IgG concentration (r2 = 0.233, p < 0.001) and provided a rough estimate of that concentration. There was no association between the colostrum IgG concentration and milk components other than protein. For colostrum milking conditions, the time from calving to milking tended to be shorter for high-IgG colostrum than for low-IgG colostrum (p < 0.01). The likelihood of high-IgG colostrum increased 1.28-fold with first parity higher and decreased 0.92-fold with a 1 L higher milking volume (p < 0.01). The results suggest that, in addition to estimating the colostrum IgG concentration via the Brix value, the likelihood of obtaining high-IgG colostrum is increased by taking into account parity, milking volume, and time from calving to milking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 882 KiB  
Article
Organic Zinc and Selenium Supplementation of Late Lactation Dairy Cows: Effects on Milk and Serum Minerals Bioavailability, Animal Health and Milk Quality
by Gabriel S. Klein, Karoline W. Leal, Camila A. Rodrigues, Taynara M. R. Draszevski, Andrei L. R. Brunetto, Maksuel G. Vitt, Mathias S. Klein, Vitoria H. Cauduro, Erico M. M. Flores, Gilnei B. da Silva, Margarete D. Bagatini, Alana B. de M. Chitolina, Matheus D. Baldissera and Aleksandro S. Da Silva
Animals 2025, 15(4), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040499 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)—without [...] Read more.
This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)—without organic supplementation; Zinc (n = 7)—zinc supplementation (zinc amino acid chelate) and Selenium (n = 7)—selenium supplementation (selenium amino acid complex). The basal diet contained inorganic minerals. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 28. Serum selenium concentration was higher in the Selenium group, and zinc level in milk was higher in the Zinc group. On day 28, supplementations resulted in higher lymphocyte counts, and lower serum creatine kinase, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and iron. In milk, lower somatic cell count was also observed when cows were zinc or selenium supplemented compared to the control. Lower serum cholinesterase activity and higher heavy chain immunoglobulin concentration were observed on days 14 and 28. Selenium supplementation resulted in a higher immunoglobulin A concentration on days 14 and 28, and lower ceruloplasmin concentration on day 28 compared to Control, as well as a lower haptoglobin concentration on day 28. The Selenium group also had lower milk fat content compared to the Control. Supplementations changed the milk fatty acid profile, producing a higher unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. There was no effect on lactation persistence. It is concluded that mineral supplementation with selenium and zinc benefits immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Conversely, milk quality was affected both positively and negatively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Canonical Correlation of Milk Composition Parameters and Blood Biomarkers in High-Producing Dairy Cows During Different Lactation Stages
by Eva Kovacikova, Anton Kovacik, Lubos Harangozo, Katarina Tokarova, Zuzana Knazicka, Eva Tvrda, Tomas Jambor, Marian Tomka, Peter Massanyi and Norbert Lukac
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223294 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1043
Abstract
This study explores milk composition and blood markers in cows across lactation stages. Holstein cows were divided into four groups: beginning of lactation (BL; n = 21), peak of lactation (PL; n = 21), middle of lactation (ML; n = 21), and end [...] Read more.
This study explores milk composition and blood markers in cows across lactation stages. Holstein cows were divided into four groups: beginning of lactation (BL; n = 21), peak of lactation (PL; n = 21), middle of lactation (ML; n = 21), and end of lactation (EL; n = 20). Blood (1 × 15 mL) and milk samples (1 × 100 mL) were collected for biomarker analysis. Blood chemistry profiles were determined using a clinical chemistry analyser, and milk lactose, fat, and protein levels (%) were determined using an infrared absorbance analyser. Minerals (Ca, P, and Mg) in milk were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralizing the samples. Glucose was higher in the EL group than in the BL group (p < 0.01), whereas D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB) was higher in the BL group than in the PL and ML groups (p < 0.001). Cholesterol was higher in the PL, ML, and EL groups than in the BL group (p < 0.001). Gamma-glutamyl transferase was increased in the PL group compared to the BL group. Phosphorus levels were lower in the PL than in the BL group, whereas protein levels were higher in the EL than in the PL group. Spearman and partial correlation analysis showed several significant associations between the observed variables. Using canonical correlation analysis were identified three significant correlations (rc1 = 0.853; rc2 = 0.823; rc3 = 0.739). The main canonical correlation identified blood TG and milk urea as the strongest variables. According to the canonical loading, the biomarkers TG, Mg, urea, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase (U1) are the primary variables associated with milk parameters (V1), specifically with milk urea, milk Mg and P, protein, and lactose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 11033 KiB  
Article
Nitidine Chloride Alleviates Hypoxic Stress via PINK1-Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy in the Mammary Epithelial Cells of Milk Buffalo
by Zhiwei Kong, Haichang Pan, Zi Wang, Alida Abla and Yingming Wei
Animals 2024, 14(20), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203016 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
Hypoxia in the mammary gland epithelial cells of milk buffalo (BMECs) can affect milk yield and composition, and it can even cause metabolic diseases. Nitidine chloride (NC) is a natural alkaloid with antioxidant properties that can scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, [...] Read more.
Hypoxia in the mammary gland epithelial cells of milk buffalo (BMECs) can affect milk yield and composition, and it can even cause metabolic diseases. Nitidine chloride (NC) is a natural alkaloid with antioxidant properties that can scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the effect of NC on the hypoxic injury of BMECs and its molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Here, an immunofluorescence assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry, combined with untargeted metabolomics, were used to investigate the protective effect of NC on hypoxic stress injury in BMECs. It was found that NC can significantly reduce cell activity (p < 0.05) and inhibit cellular oxidative stress (p < 0.05) and cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in mitophagy mediated by the PINK1-Parkin pathway was observed after NC pretreatment (p < 0.05). In addition, a metabolic pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the mechanisms of NC against hypoxic stress may be related to the downregulation of pathways involving aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis; arginine and proline metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. Thus, NC has a protective effect on hypoxic mitochondria, and it can regulate amino acid metabolism in response to hypoxic stress. The present study provides a reference for the application of nitidine chloride to regulate the mammary lactation function of milk buffalo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1034 KiB  
Article
Comparing the Performance of Automatic Milking Systems through Dynamic Testing Also Helps to Identify Potential Risk Factors for Mastitis
by Stefano Milanesi, Dario Donina, Viviana Chierici Guido, Francesca Zaghen, Valerio M. Sora and Alfonso Zecconi
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192789 - 26 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304
Abstract
Automatic milking systems (AMSs) are revolutionizing the dairy industry by boosting herd efficiency, primarily through an increased milk yield per cow and reduced labor costs. The performance of milking machines, whether traditional or automated, can be evaluated using advanced vacuum meters through dynamic [...] Read more.
Automatic milking systems (AMSs) are revolutionizing the dairy industry by boosting herd efficiency, primarily through an increased milk yield per cow and reduced labor costs. The performance of milking machines, whether traditional or automated, can be evaluated using advanced vacuum meters through dynamic testing. This process involves scrutinizing the system and milking routine to identify critical points, utilizing the VaDia™ logger (BioControl AS, Rakkestad, Norway). Vacuum recordings were downloaded and analyzed using the VaDia Suite™ software under the guidance of a milking specialist. Access to data from AMSs across various manufacturers and herds facilitated a retrospective study aimed at describing and comparing key milk emission parameters for different AMS brands while identifying potential mastitis risk factors. Using the proper statistical procedures of SPSS 29.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), researchers analyzed data from 4878 individual quarter milkings from cows in 48 dairy herds. Results indicated a significant variability in milking parameters associated with quarter milk yield and AMS brand. Notably, despite AMSs standardizing teat preparation and stimulation, this study revealed a surprisingly high frequency of two major mastitis risk factors—bimodality and irregular vacuum fluctuations—occurring more frequently than in conventional milking systems. This study, one of the few comparing different AMS brands and their performance, highlights the crucial role of dynamic testing in evaluating AMS performance under real-world conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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Review

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22 pages, 732 KiB  
Review
A Framework for Comprehensive Dairy Calf Health Investigations
by Kristen Y. Edwards and David L. Renaud
Animals 2025, 15(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020181 - 11 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1226
Abstract
The objective of this narrative review is to provide a systematic framework for veterinarians to investigate dairy calf health, focusing on critical control points and key performance indicators (KPIs) to address morbidity and mortality challenges in preweaned calves. Recommendations target prenatal maternal nutrition, [...] Read more.
The objective of this narrative review is to provide a systematic framework for veterinarians to investigate dairy calf health, focusing on critical control points and key performance indicators (KPIs) to address morbidity and mortality challenges in preweaned calves. Recommendations target prenatal maternal nutrition, heat stress abatement, and optimal calving management to minimize risks associated with perinatal mortality and preweaning morbidity. Further, comprehensive colostrum management is discussed to ensure excellent transfer of passive immunity, which includes prompt collection and feeding within two hours of birth at a volume of 8.5–10% of calf body weight. Nutritional guidance emphasizes the importance of transition milk and feeding higher planes of nutrition to support immunity, with recommendations that milk total solids exceed 10% to meet energy needs. Environmental management recommendations include a minimum of 3.3 m2 of space per calf, the use of low-dust bedding, and air quality controls to reduce respiratory disease. Lastly, regular health data collection and KPI monitoring, such as average daily gain and morbidity rates, are essential for data-driven improvements. By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, veterinarians can support dairy farmers in reducing calf morbidity and mortality, ultimately enhancing calf welfare and lifetime productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Milk Productivity, Milk Quality, and Dairy Cow and Calves Health—2nd Edition)
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