Sustainable Animal Production 2021

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal System and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 30857

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Interests: feed additives; feed evaluation; exogenous enzymes; greenhouse gas emissions; gut health and function; integrated crop-livestock systems; nutraceuticals; rumen fermentation; rumen microbiome; ruminants; metabolomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
Interests: abatement of greenhouse gas emissions in ruminant; alternatives to antimicrobial use in ruminants; animal welfare; big data analytics; feed additives; feed evaluation and utilization; integrated crop/livestock systems; integrated omics; nutrient utilization and management; nutrition; one health; resource-use efficiency

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Guest Editor
Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Interests: integrated crop/livestock systems; alternatives to antimicrobial use in ruminants; ruminant nutrition; feed additives; feed evaluation and utilization; nutrient utilization and management; mitigation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions, food safety, forage conservation, animal physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increased demand for high-quality animal-based protein is increasing the pressure on the livestock sector to meet this growing global demand which is largely driven by increasing human population. To meet this increasing demand for meat while protecting the environment, there is urgent need for adoption of sustainable practices. Sustainable animal production must combine economic, environmental, political, regulatory and social aspects of farming. Currently, the livestock sector is the largest anthropogenic user of land so increasing livestock production through land expansion is out of the question and definitely not the solution. The key is finding ways to efficiently convert livestock feed into useful products for humanity. Feed efficiency is a key criterion to improve the economic as well as environmental sustainability of the livestock. Additionally, improving feed efficiency will help reduce energy losses as methane, and nitrogen as ammonia, which typically reduce animal performance and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.

We invite original research papers and reviews that address the major issues related to animal health, welfare and production (eggs, meat and milk production). Additional topics may include improving productivity, minimizing potential negative impacts on natural resources, reducing greenhouse gases emission as well as ensuring animal welfare, health and safety. 

Dr. Uchenna Y. Anele
Dr. Ahmed E. Kholif
Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Animal welfare
  • Feeds
  • Feed efficiency
  • Gut health
  • Livestock production
  • Monogastrics
  • Nutrient utilization
  • Ruminants
  • Sustainability

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Effects of Essential Oil Blends on In Vitro Apparent and Truly Degradable Dry Matter, Efficiency of Microbial Production, Total Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Two Dairy Cow Diets
by Rosetta M. Brice, Peter A. Dele, Kelechi A. Ike, Yasmine A. Shaw, Lydia K. Olagunju, Oluteru E. Orimaye, Kiran Subedi and Uchenna Y. Anele
Animals 2022, 12(17), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12172185 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1556
Abstract
The current study evaluated nine essential oil blends (EOBs) for their effects on ruminal in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), efficiency of microbial production, total short-chain fatty acid concentration (SCFA), total gas, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using two dietary substrates (high forage [...] Read more.
The current study evaluated nine essential oil blends (EOBs) for their effects on ruminal in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), efficiency of microbial production, total short-chain fatty acid concentration (SCFA), total gas, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using two dietary substrates (high forage and high concentrate). The study was arranged as a 2 × 2 × 9 + 1 factorial design to evaluate the effects of the nine EOBs on the two dietary substrates at two time points (6 and 24 h). The inclusion levels of the EOBs were 0 µL (control) and 100 µL with three laboratory replicates. Substrate × EOBs × time interactions were not significant (p > 0.05) for total gas and greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of EOBs in the diets resulted in a reduction (p < 0.001) in GHG emissions, except for EOB1 and EOB8 in the high concentrate diet at 6 h and for EOB8 in the high forage diet at 24 h of incubation. Diet type had no effect on apparent IVDMD (IVADMD) whereas the inclusion of EOBs reduced (p < 0.05) IVADMD with higher values noted for the control treatment. The efficiency of microbial production was greater (p < 0.001) for EOB treatments except for EOB1 inclusion in the high forage diet. The inclusion of EOBs affected (p < 0.001) the total and molar proportion of volatile fatty acid concentrations. Overall, the inclusion of the EOBs modified the rumen function resulting in improved efficiency of microbial production. Both the apparent and truly degraded DM was reduced in the EOB treatments. The inclusion of EOBs also resulted in reduced GHG emissions in both diets, except for EOB8 in the high forage diet which was slightly higher than the control treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
15 pages, 961 KiB  
Article
Associations between Feeding Behaviors Collected from an Automated Milk Feeder and Neonatal Calf Diarrhea in Group Housed Dairy Calves: A Case-Control Study
by Meridith H. Conboy, Charlotte B. Winder, Melissa C. Cantor, Joao H. C. Costa, Michael A. Steele, Catalina Medrano-Galarza, Taika E. von Konigslow, Amanda Kerr and Dave L. Renaud
Animals 2022, 12(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020170 - 11 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
The objective of this case-control study was to determine if feeding behavior data collected from an automated milk feeder (AMF) could be used to predict neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) in the days surrounding diagnosis in pre-weaned group housed dairy calves. Data were collected [...] Read more.
The objective of this case-control study was to determine if feeding behavior data collected from an automated milk feeder (AMF) could be used to predict neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) in the days surrounding diagnosis in pre-weaned group housed dairy calves. Data were collected from two research farms in Ontario between 2017 and 2020 where calves fed using an AMF were health scored daily and feeding behavior data (milk intake (mL/d), drinking speed (mL/min), number of rewarded or unrewarded visits) was collected. Calves with NCD were pair matched to healthy controls (31 pairs) by farm, gender, and age at case diagnosis to assess for differences in feeding behavior between case and control calves. Calves were first diagnosed with NCD on day 0, and a NCD case was defined as calves with a fecal score of ≥2 for 2 consecutive days, where control calves remained healthy. Repeated measure mixed linear regression models were used to determine if there were differences between case and control calves in their daily AMF feeding behavior data in the days surrounding diagnosis of NCD (−3 to +5 days). Calves with NCD consumed less milk on day 0, day 1, day 3, day 4 and day 5 following diagnosis compared to control calves. Calves with NCD also had fewer rewarded visits to the AMF on day −1, and day 0 compared to control calves. However, while there was a NCD status x day interaction for unrewarded visits, there was only a tendency for differences between NCD and control calves on day 0. In this study, feeding behaviors were not clinically useful to make diagnosis of NCD due to insufficient diagnostic ability. However, feeding behaviors are a useful screening tool for producers to identify calves requiring further attention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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12 pages, 1212 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Management of Voluntary Culling Risk in Primiparous Zaraibi Goats in Egypt: Roles of Season and Reproductive and Milk Production-Related Traits
by Ali Ali El-Raghi, Mahmoud A. E. Hassan, Ibrahim T. El-Ratel, Nesrein M. Hashem and Sameh A. Abdelnour
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082342 - 09 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2905
Abstract
The purpose of the current study is to reconnoiter the relationships between season (birth season, BS, and kidding season, KS), reproductive traits (birth weight, BW; total litter size at birth, TLS; litter size at weaning, LSW; the number of kids dead, NKD, and; [...] Read more.
The purpose of the current study is to reconnoiter the relationships between season (birth season, BS, and kidding season, KS), reproductive traits (birth weight, BW; total litter size at birth, TLS; litter size at weaning, LSW; the number of kids dead, NKD, and; age at first kidding, AFK) and milk production (total milk yield, TMY; average daily milk yield, DMY, and; lactation period, LP), with voluntary culling risk in primiparous Zaraibi goats. Records of 637 primiparous does were collected during the period 2008–2014 from a herd of Zaraibi goats raised at the El-Serw Experimental Station, which belongs to the Animal Production Research Institute. Our data revealed that the voluntary and involuntary culling was 89.12% and 10.88%, respectively. Moreover, the BW, TLS, LSW, NKD, TMY, DMY, LP, AFK had significant effects on culling risk (p < 0.05), while both the season of birth and kidding did not exhibit significant effects on culling risk. The thinnest goats at birth were more likely to be culled compared to those with body energy reserves. Does with weaned twins and triplets kids were 9.5% (OR = 0.905) and 43% (OR = 0.570), respectively less likely to be culled compared to those with singles. Likewise, does with dead twins and triplets kids had 2.566 and 2.138 times, respectively higher odds of culling compared to those with singles. Interestingly, culling risk decreased with 74.6% (OR = 0.254), 79.8% (OR = 0.202), and 75.6% (OR = 0.244) in does with TMY, LP, and DMY more than 230 kg, 260 days, and 0.800 kg, respectively compared to their counterparts (less than 185 kg, 240 day, and 0.500 kg, respectively). Moreover, culling risk increased steadily along with increasing AFK; the animals with an AFK of more than 24 months had 2.974 times higher odds of culling compared to those with an AFK that varied between 22 and 24 months. It could be concluded that the most critical issues for higher culling probability in dairy goats were attributed to the lower TMY (<185 kg) and DMY (<0.5 kg), and shorter LP (<245 days), as well as older age at first kidding (>2 years). This putative information could be used as indicators to enhance the management and genetic approaches in dairy goats and thus sustain productivity with low cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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15 pages, 449 KiB  
Article
Effect of Oats and Wheat Genotype on In Vitro Gas Production Kinetics of Straw
by Karen A. Peñailillo, María Fernanda Aedo, María Carolina Scorcione, Mónica L. Mathias, Claudio Jobet, Manuel Vial, Iris A. Lobos, Rodolfo C. Saldaña, Paul Escobar-Bahamondes, Paulina Etcheverría and Emilio M. Ungerfeld
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061552 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3775
Abstract
Increases in cereals grain yield in the last decades have increased the accumulation of straw on the soil after harvest. Farmers typically open burn the straw to prepare the soil for the next crop, resulting in pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, erosion, loss [...] Read more.
Increases in cereals grain yield in the last decades have increased the accumulation of straw on the soil after harvest. Farmers typically open burn the straw to prepare the soil for the next crop, resulting in pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, erosion, loss of soil organic matter, and wildfires. An alternative is feeding straw to ruminants, but straw nutritive value is limited by its high content of lignocellulose and low content of protein. Cereal breeding programs have focused on improving grain yield and quality and agronomic traits, but little attention has been paid to straw nutritive value. We screened straw from 49 genotypes of oats and 24 genotypes of wheat from three cereal breeding trials conducted in Chile for in vitro gas production kinetics. We found moderate effects of the genotype on gas production at 8, 24, and 40 h of incubation, and on the maximum extent and rate of gas production. Gas production was negatively associated with lignin and cellulose contents and not negatively associated with grain yield and resistance to diseases and lodging. Effects observed in vitro need to be confirmed in animal experiments before gas production kinetics can be adopted to identify cereal genotypes with more digestible straw. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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12 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Dietary Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracted by Ultrasound Technology or Refined Olive Oil on the Quality Traits of Pork and “Capocollo di Martina Franca” Dry-Cured Meat
by Maria Antonietta Colonna, Simona Tarricone, Francesco Giannico, Maria Selvaggi, Francesco Carriero, Pasquale Crupi, Filomena Corbo and Maria Lisa Clodoveo
Animals 2021, 11(4), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040954 - 30 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
The “Capocollo di Martina Franca” is a traditional dry-cured pig meat product made in Apulia. The dietary fat source is able to influence the lipid profile of muscle and subcutaneous fat in pork, thus affecting its nutritional and sensorial quality as well as [...] Read more.
The “Capocollo di Martina Franca” is a traditional dry-cured pig meat product made in Apulia. The dietary fat source is able to influence the lipid profile of muscle and subcutaneous fat in pork, thus affecting its nutritional and sensorial quality as well as its suitability for technological processing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a diet containing extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, 3%, as-fed basis) extracted by ultrasound technology in comparison to refined olive oil (ROO, 3%, as-fed basis) on the quality of pig meat (longissimus lumborum muscle) and capocollo in relation to its storage time after seasoning (t1 = 0 vs. t2 = +6 months). The EVOO diet lowered the concentration of myristic, palmitic, stearic and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased oleic, linoleic, total monounsaturated (MUFAs), polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in pig meat; moreover, the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices were lowered, with potential benefits for human health. The overall quality of capocollo was positively affected by the EVOO diet, although storage for 6 months after ripening levelled the protective effects of extra virgin olive oil in comparison with refined olive oil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
14 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
Performance and Milk Composition of Nubian Goats as Affected by Increasing Level of Nannochloropsis oculata Microalgae
by Ahmed E. Kholif, Gouda A. Gouda and Hatem A. Hamdon
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122453 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2629
Abstract
Fat supplementation affects the lactational performance of goats and dramatically changes milk nutritive value. In the present experiment, two levels of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, a natural source of rumen-protected eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were studied in the diet of Nubian goats. Using quintuplicated 3 [...] Read more.
Fat supplementation affects the lactational performance of goats and dramatically changes milk nutritive value. In the present experiment, two levels of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, a natural source of rumen-protected eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were studied in the diet of Nubian goats. Using quintuplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, fifteen lactating goats, (14 ± 2 months old and 33.0 ± 1.3 kg) after kidding, were randomly assigned into three treatments in an 84-d assay. Goats were offered a basal diet comprising berseem clover, wheat straw and concentrates in 3:2:5, respectively, (control treatment-no supplementation). The other two treatments were supplemented with N. oculata microalgae at 5 g (NOM5 treatment) or 10 g (NOM10 treatment)/doe/d. Without affecting intake, treatments improved (p < 0.01) nutrient digestibility. Supplementations had no effect on ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen, however, NOM5 and NOM10 linearly improved (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids and propionic acids. N. oculata supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.01) milk yield and lactose content. Supplementation reduced atherogenic index (p = 0.004) and enhanced the concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and C20:5n3 (EPA). Conclusively, feeding Nubian goats on diet supplemented with N. oculata at 5 and 10 g improved milk production and the nutritive value. No improvements in the performance were observed when N. oculata dose was increased from 5 g to 10 g/doe; thus, 5 g dose is recommended for use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
13 pages, 971 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Ag Nanoparticles and Multimicrobial Preparation as Factors Stabilizing the Microbiological Homeostasis of Feed Tables for Cornu aspersum (Müller) Snails on Snail Growth and Quality Parameters of Carcasses and Shells
by Andrzej Łozicki, Tomasz Niemiec, Robert Pietrasik, Sylwester Pawęta, Anna Rygało-Galewska and Klara Zglińska
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122260 - 01 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ag nanoparticles (nano-Ag) used in the paint covering feed tables or a multimicrobial preparation applied to feed tables on the microbiological composition of the feed table environment, the growth and mortality of [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ag nanoparticles (nano-Ag) used in the paint covering feed tables or a multimicrobial preparation applied to feed tables on the microbiological composition of the feed table environment, the growth and mortality of snails, and selected parameters for assessing the quality of carcasses and snail shells. The research was carried out in a farm of Cornu aspersum (Müller) snails. In the control (K) group, paint without nano-Ag was used. In two other groups (N-Ag and N-Ag + effective microorganisms (EM)), the feed tables were covered with the same paint as in the control group but with the addition of 100 mg/L of nano-Ag it (N-Ag group). Additionally, multimicrobial preparation (EM Bokashi®) at a concentration of 10% was spread on the tables in the N-Ag + EM group. In the last group (EM), the feed tables were covered with paint without nano-Ag, and only multimicrobial preparation was applied at a concentration of 10%. During the tests, the body weight of snails was measured three times, and swab samples were taken from the feed tables for the examination of microbiological composition. At the end of the experiment, the snails were killed, and the weight of the carcass and the size of the shell were measured. The content of Ag and the degree of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) in the carcasses were analyzed, and the content of Ca and the crushing strength of the shells were determined. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a significant reduction in the total number of bacteria, fecal streptococci, and Escherichia coli was found, while there was also a reduction in mold and fungi in the N-Ag + EM and EM groups. In the K and EM groups, the mortality of animals was higher than in the nano-Ag groups. In subsequent weight checks, the highest body weight was found in the EM group and the lowest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups. In addition, the carcass weight and shell size in the N-Ag group was significantly lower compared to the K and EM groups. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a higher Ag content in the carcasses and a greater degree of lipid peroxidation were found. The Ca content of the shells was the highest in the N-Ag group, and the hardness of shells was the highest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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18 pages, 3071 KiB  
Article
Efficiency of Crude Protein Utilisation in Grazing Dairy Cows: A Case Study Comparing Two Production Systems Differing in Intensification Level in New Zealand
by Martín Correa-Luna, Daniel Donaghy, Peter Kemp, Michael Schutz and Nicolas López-Villalobos
Animals 2020, 10(6), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10061036 - 15 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
In this study, we modelled and compared lactation curves of efficiency of crude protein utilisation (ECPU) and the nitrogen (N) excreta partitioning of milking cows of two contrasting spring-calving pasture-based herds to test some aspects of farming intensification practices on cow performance and [...] Read more.
In this study, we modelled and compared lactation curves of efficiency of crude protein utilisation (ECPU) and the nitrogen (N) excreta partitioning of milking cows of two contrasting spring-calving pasture-based herds to test some aspects of farming intensification practices on cow performance and N partition. In the low-intensity production system (LIPS), 257 cows were milked once-daily and fed diets comprised of pasture with low supplementary feed inclusion during lactation (304 kg pasture silage/cow). In the high-intensity production system (HIPS), 207 cows were milked twice-daily and fed pasture with higher supplementary feed inclusion (429 kg pasture silage and 1695 kg concentrate/cow). The dietary crude protein (CP) utilisation was calculated for each cow at every herd test date as the ECPU as a proportion of protein yield (PY) from the CP intake (CPI) derived from intake assessments based on metabolisable energy requirements, and the CP balance (CPB) calculated as the difference between CPI and PY. Total N excreta partitioned to faeces (FN) and urine (UN) was estimated by back-calculating UN from FN, considering dietary N, and from N retained in body tissues, taking into account live weight change during the lactation. The higher CPI (2.7 vs. 2.5 kg CP/day), along with the reduced milk yield (1100 kg milk/cow less), of the LIPS cows led to a lower ECPU (23% vs. 31%) and to a higher CPB (2.1 vs. 1.8 kg CP/day) when compared to the HIPS cows. Mean N excreta, and particularly UN, was significantly higher in LIPS cows, and this was explained by higher dietary CP and by the reduced PY when compared to the HIPS cows. Reducing the low-CP supplementation in the “de-intensified” herd lessened the ECPU, resulting in higher UN, which is sensitive in terms of body water eutrophication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 846 KiB  
Review
The Use of Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Its Extracts for Sustainable Animal Production
by Baishuang Yin, Wei Li, Hongyu Qin, Jinyan Yun and Xuezhao Sun
Animals 2021, 11(4), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041039 - 07 Apr 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4505
Abstract
Drugs have been widely adopted in animal production. However, drug residues and bacterial resistance are a worldwide issue, and thus the most important organizations (FAO, USDA, EU, and EFSA) have limited or banned the use of some drugs and the use of antibiotics [...] Read more.
Drugs have been widely adopted in animal production. However, drug residues and bacterial resistance are a worldwide issue, and thus the most important organizations (FAO, USDA, EU, and EFSA) have limited or banned the use of some drugs and the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. Natural products such as medicinal herbs are unlikely to cause bacterial resistance and have no chemical residues. With these advantages, medicinal herbs have long been used to treat animal diseases and improve animal performance. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal herbs. S. baicalensis is a herb with a high medicinal value. The main active compounds are baicalin and baicalein. They may act as antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, and antitumor agents. They also possess characteristics of being safe, purely natural, and not prone to drug resistance. S. baicalensis and its extracts can effectively promote the production performance of livestock and treat many animal diseases, such as mastitis. In this review, we summarize the active compounds, biological functions, and applications of S. baicalensis in the production of livestock and provide a guideline for the application of natural medicines in the production and treatment of diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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21 pages, 4668 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Identification of Factors Influencing Milking Frequency of Cows in Automatic Milking Systems Combined with Grazing
by Françoise Lessire, Nassim Moula, Jean-Luc Hornick and Isabelle Dufrasne
Animals 2020, 10(5), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050913 - 25 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3497
Abstract
More dairy farms (up to more than one in four in some countries) are equipped with automatic milking systems (AMS) worldwide. Because of the positive impacts of grazing, e.g., on animal welfare or on production costs, numerous researchers have published papers on the [...] Read more.
More dairy farms (up to more than one in four in some countries) are equipped with automatic milking systems (AMS) worldwide. Because of the positive impacts of grazing, e.g., on animal welfare or on production costs, numerous researchers have published papers on the combination of AMS with grazing. However, pasture-based AMS usually causes a reduction in milking frequency (MF) compared to indoors systems. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to review publications on the impacts of pasture-based AMS on MF and mitigation strategies. First, data from 43 selected studies were gathered in a dataset including 14 parameters, and on which a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed, leading to the description of four clusters summarizing different management practices. Multiple pairwise comparisons were performed to determine the relationship between the highlighted parameters of MF on milk yield (MY). From these different analyses, the relationship between MF and MY was confirmed, the systems, i.e., Clusters 1 and 2, that experienced the lowest MF also demonstrated the lowest MY/cow per day. In these clusters, grazed grass was an essential component of the cow’s diet and low feeding costs compensated MY reduction. The management options described in Clusters 3 and 4 allowed maintenance of MF and MY by complementing the cows’ diets with concentrates or partial mixed ration supplied at the AMS feeding bin or provided at barn. The chosen management options were closely linked to the geographical origin of the papers indicating that other factors (e.g., climatic conditions or available grasslands) could be decisional key points for AMS management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Animal Production 2021)
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