Search Results (480)

Age at first calving (AFC) and 305-day milk yield in the first lactation (MY) data of 18,545 Holstein-Friesian cows born between 2008 and 2018 in six herds were evaluated. The effects of some genetic and environmental factors, population genetic parameters, breeding value (BV), and phenotypic and genetic trends of AFC and MY traits were estimated. The GLM method (ANOVA Type III) and BLUP animal model were used for the estimations. One-way linear regression analysis was used for trend calculations. The adjusted overall mean value (±SE) of the AFC and MY traits was 25.19 ± 0.02 months and 10,287.14 ± 24.79 kg, respectively. The percentage proportion contribution of the different factors in the phenotype in the case of AFC was as follows: herd 94.41%, birth year of cow 3.26%, birth season of cow 1.39%, and sire 0.71%. For MY, the contribution was as follows: herd 89.17%, birth season of cow 5.38%, birth year of cow 4.09%, and sire 1.05%. The heritability of AFC and MY traits by two different models proved to be moderate (0.26 ± 0.02, 0.19 ± 0.01 and 0.30 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.01, respectively). There were relatively small differences between the sires in the estimated BV for the traits AFC and MY. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between AFC and MY traits were weak (between −0.05 and −0.16). Based on the phenotypic trend calculation, AFC showed a decreasing direction (−0.12 months per year) and MY an increasing direction (+42.30 kg per year). However, the genetic trend was very slightly decreasing for AFC (−0.00 and −0.05 months per year) and slightly increasing for MY (+5.52 and +16.49 kg per year) over the period studied. Full article

Dairy cow longevity is a key driver of farm profitability, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Despite genetic progress in milk production, the average herd life has declined in many high-yielding dairy systems, raising concerns about early culling. This study analyzed data from 2057 Holstein–Friesian cows in Hungary to characterize the distribution and timing of culling events and to identify major risk factors affecting productive lifespan. We studied age, parity, milk yield, and culling reason using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, multinomial logistic regression, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Udder health problems were found to be the most frequent cause of culling (22.8%), followed by metabolic disorders (18.2%), locomotive problems (17.3%), and reproductive disorders (17.1%). Economic reasons such as low milk production contributed to a smaller proportion of culling. Most cows were culled after the second or third lactation, with survival probability dropping sharply within the first 1500–2000 days of life. Cows reaching four or more lactations represented a small but economically and genetically valuable subset of the herd. Our results indicated that in Hungary culling decisions are largely determined by health problems, which represent a greater limitation to the productive potential of dairy cows than economic factors. This research recommends that breeding programs prioritize genetic selection for robustness and that herd management adopts preventive health and reproductive strategies to prolong cow longevity, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production systems. Additionally, prevention of animal wastage to foster animal welfare could be suggested as an additional advantage. Full article

The Icelandic Government’s climate action plan proposes climate-neutral beef production, reduced methane emissions, and improved fertilizer management. However, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of cattle production is lacking to determine the current status of its environmental impacts. This study conducts a cradle-to-farm gate LCA of interconnected dairy and beef cattle systems. The functional unit (FU) is “1 kg of edible cattle meat” for the meat and “1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk” (FPCM) for milk produced in Iceland in 2019. The multifunctionality between meat and milk from the dairy system is handled using mass, economic, and biophysical allocations, respectively. The environmental impacts were estimated using the ReCiPe 2016 v1.08 mid-point (H) impact assessment method. Furthermore, this study conducts an uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis to understand the possible range of environmental impacts and identifies key influential parameters in the dairy and beef cattle system. Animal production is a hotspot for global warming, while the feed (hay and concentrate) is a hotspot for other environmental categories. The allocation method choice highly influences the environmental impacts. This study underscores the need to harmonize data collection and access to centralized, reliable data sources to reduce uncertainty and meet climate action plan goals on both the national and global scale. Full article

Background: Butana are native Sudanese Bos indicus cattle that are well adapted to arid environments and valued for their relatively high milk performance and resilience under harsh conditions. Despite their adaptive advantages, Butana cattle face the risk of genetic erosion due to low production performance and the absence of structured breeding programs underscoring the urgent need to conserve their unique genetic potential for climate-resilient livestock development. Methods: In this study, we analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 40 Butana cattle to assess their genetic diversity, population structure, signatures of selection, and potential pathogen load. Results: Butana cattle exhibited high nucleotide diversity and low levels of inbreeding, indicating a stable gene pool shaped by natural selection rather than by intensive breeding. Signatures of selection and functional variant analysis revealed candidate genes involved in heat stress adaptation (COL6A5, HSPA1L, TUBA8, XPOT), metabolic processes (G6PD, FAM3A, SLC10A3), and immune regulation (IKBKG, IRAK3, IL18RAP). Enrichment analyses and RoH island mapping consistently highlighted immune and thermoregulatory pathways as key selection targets, distinguishing Butana from both the geographically neighbored Kenana cattle and the specialized dairy cattle breed Holstein. Furthermore, metagenomic screening of unmapped reads detected the tick-borne parasite Theileria annulata and the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia in all animals, underscoring the importance of integrating pathogen surveillance into genomic studies. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings highlight the distinct adaptive genomic profile of Butana cattle and reinforce their value in breeding programs aimed at improving climate resilience and disease resistance in livestock through the utilization of local breeds. Full article

Buffalo milk plays a vital role in the dairy industry, with milk yield regulated by both transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms. While previous studies have primarily focused on differences among individuals or breeds, the epigenetic basis underlying milk yield variation in genetically identical animals remains poorly understood. In this study, we employed a cloned buffalo model and integrated whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate how DNA methylation and transcriptional regulation contribute to milk yield variation. Results tentatively revealed that low-yielding buffalo exhibited globally reduced DNA methylation in mammary tissues, with distinct distribution patterns across genomic features and regulatory regions. Differentially methylated genes were enriched in PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and immune-related pathways, whereas hypomethylated genes were associated with calcium signaling, cAMP pathways, and metabolic processes. Transcriptome analysis showed that high-yielding buffalo upregulated genes involved in lipid metabolism and cell proliferation, while low-yielding buffalo displayed enrichment in immune stress and amino acid metabolism. Integrative analysis identified 126 hypo-upregulated genes and highlighted hub regulators such as KLF6, NR4A1, ESR1, KCNQ1. Collectively, this study outlines a preliminary multi-omics regulatory landscape of milk yield variation in cloned buffalo, suggests the interplay between DNA methylation and transcription, provides preliminary insights into the potential interplay between DNA methylation and transcription, and suggests potential connections that merit further investigation. Full article

This study investigated the effects of supplementing rumen-protected lysine (RPL; 60 g/d) and methionine (RPM; 30 g/d) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial composition in 30 early-lactation Holstein dairy cows under both heat stress (HS) and non-heat stress (NHS) conditions. Cows were paired based on parity, milk yield, and body weight, and then assigned to one of two dietary treatments: the control group (CON), receiving the basal diet only, or the RPLM group, which received the basal diet supplemented with 60 g/d of RPL and 30 g/d of RPM (n = 15 per group). All animals underwent a transition from HS to NHS conditions during the experimental period, allowing for within-animal comparison across thermal environments. Results demonstrated that RPLM supplementation significantly improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05), with a significant treatment × environment interaction observed for DM digestibility (p < 0.01). Under HS conditions, RPLM reduced ruminal NH₃-N concentration (p < 0.05) and increased total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and butyrate levels (p < 0.01), suggesting enhanced nitrogen utilization and energy metabolism. No significant effects were observed on ruminal pH or the acetate-to-propionate ratio. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that RPLM supplementation increased the relative abundance of fiber-degrading and butyrate-producing taxa, including NK4A214_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, norank_f__Muribaculaceae, and norank_f__F082. These microbial taxa exhibited strong positive correlations with DM and CP digestibility (p < 0.001). LEfSe analysis further confirmed their status as key microbial biomarkers in the RPLM-NHS group. Collectively, concurrent supplementation of RPL and RPM modulates the ruminal microbiota, alleviates HS-induced reductions in digestive efficiency, and enhances overall nutrient utilization in dairy cows. Full article

The proteins most frequently associated with pregnancy are the pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), which are abundantly expressed placental products in species belonging to the order Cetartiodactyla. Multiple PAG isoforms are expressed across different species and stages of gestation, with their expression influenced by factors, such as breed and bodyweight. These proteins can be detected in both blood and milk samples using ELISA or RIA assays, serving as early indicators of pregnancy. The present study aimed to detect PAGs in caprine milk through a non-invasive, high-throughput, mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approach. Milk samples were collected from 20 Skopelos breed goats at 20 and 45 days post-mating. Following appropriate processing for whey protein extraction, the samples underwent tryptic digestion to generate peptides for LC-MS/MS analysis. The proteomic investigation identified five distinct PAGs (caPAG₂ on day 20 and caPAG₃, caPAG₅, caPAG₆, and caPAG₁₂,on day 45 post-mating) annotated to Capra hircus, along with 22 additional proteins associated with the fetal–maternal interface, pregnancy progression, and immune-related pathways. These findings demonstrate that LC-MS/MS provides a non-invasive, sensitive, and reliable method for detecting PAGs in caprine milk during the early stages of pregnancy (day 20, as the presence of caPAG₂ revealed), applicable to both individual animals and flock-level monitoring. Full article

Gastrointestinal strongyle infections are a common challenge in dairy goat farming, potentially impacting animal health and milk production. We, therefore, conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of pour-on eprinomectin (EPM) in early-lactating dairy goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal strongyles and to verify the related effects on milk yield and quality. A total of 42 pluriparous Camosciata delle Alpi goats, from two farms (F1 and F2), were involved in the trial. In each farm, the goats were divided into two groups: untreated (CONTROL) or treated (EPM, 1 mg/kg BW). Following the treatment, faeces were individually collected weekly for one month, subjected to copromicroscopic analysis, a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test, and coproculture; according to the same time schedule, individual milk yield was recorded, and individual milk samples were collected and analysed (fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell count). Data were statistically analysed by a mixed-model procedure for repeated measures over time. The low efficacy of EPM was demonstrated at all experimental times; overall FECR percentages (90% CI lower and upper bounds) were 39.00% (30.12–50.53) for F1 and 38.82% (30.08–50.10) for F2. Coprocultures allowed the identification of larvae of the genera Haemonchus, Teladorsagia, and Trichostrongylus. Goats treated with EPM showed a lower prevalence of Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus larvae, and higher prevalence of Haemonchus larvae, compared with CONTROL goats (p < 0.001). The treatment did not significantly improve milk yield or overall milk composition. Full article

This study investigated the use of K-means and hierarchical clustering, to group Italian Mediterranean buffalo using routinely collected test-day records. The analysis was first conducted on a combined dataset comprising three buffalo herds and subsequently on each herd individually. The main objective was to determine whether data-driven groupings could be implemented to support improvements in general herd management strategies. Results indicated that K-means consistently outperformed hierarchical clustering across all datasets, as reflected by average silhouette scores (0.17–0.18 vs. 0.10–0.12 for K-means and hierarchical, respectively), favorable Davies–Bouldin Index (DBI; 2.05–2.16 vs. 2.11–2.5 for K-means and hierarchical, respectively) and Calinski–Harabasz Index values (CHI; 1034–3877 vs. 729–2109 for K-means and hierarchical, respectively). K-means identified two clusters in the combined dataset and in two of the three herds, while three clusters were identified in the remaining herd. Cluster composition analysis revealed that days in milk and milk yield were the main discriminating factors when two clusters were formed. When three clusters emerged, K-means also identified a subgroup of animals that differed from the others in both age and lactation stage. These findings were supported by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), which showed statistically significant differences among most of the evaluated variables. Full article

Bovine respiratory disease is a significant health concern in dairy calves, impacting short-term growth and potentially long-term productivity. While previous studies have linked early-life lung consolidation, often subclinical and diagnosed by lung ultrasonography, to reduced preweaning average daily gain, its extended effects on production and reproductive parameters remain less studied, particularly in specific geographical contexts. This study presents a follow-up analysis on a cohort of dairy calves originally monitored weekly from birth to weaning for lung consolidation via TUS in an Iranian dairy herd. Two years post-weaning, comprehensive production and reproduction data were collected and analyzed for these same animals. Our objective was to investigate the long-term associations between early-life lung consolidation and subsequent outcomes, including mature equivalent milk yield, corrected milk yield, culling risk before and during lactation, age at first breeding, age at first calving, and reproduction parameters such as services per conception and conception rate (the percentage of cows or heifers that become pregnant after a single insemination or breeding attempt). Data analysis, employing descriptive statistics, survival analysis, and non-parametric tests, revealed that while early-life lung consolidation (defined by ≥1 cm or ≥3 cm depth, and number of episodes) did not show significant associations with culling probability or mature equivalent milk yield, interesting numerical trends were observed. The study highlights the complexities of establishing clear long-term links, suggesting that while subclinical BRD can have immediate growth impacts, its chronic effects on later production and reproduction may be subtle and require larger cohorts or more targeted analysis to achieve statistical significance. The findings reinforce the need for cautious interpretation of p-values in the context of multiple comparisons and underscore the challenges in quantifying long-term economic consequences of early-life respiratory health. Full article

Animal welfare is increasingly recognised as a core component of sustainable dairy production, yet objective assessment at the herd level remains challenging. This study evaluated whether milk biomarkers can serve as non-invasive indicators of cow welfare. Thirty-seven dairy farms were assessed using the Welfare Quality^® protocol and various milk analysis parameters. As a first line of results, Spearman correlations revealed strong associations between milk biomarkers and welfare indicators. For example, a higher fat-to-protein ratio was linked to better feeding, lower prevalence of hunger, and improved human–animal relationships. In contrast, elevated somatic cell count and differential somatic cell count were associated with mastitis, lameness, dirtiness, and reduced emotional well-being. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), three dimensions were identified, health–hygiene, socio-behavioural, and metabolic stress, explaining 44.7% of variance. K-means clustering distinguished three herd profiles: feeding–metabolic balance, behavioural–comfort, and clinical–hygiene risk. These findings demonstrated that routine milk biomarkers provide integrated, non-invasive information on herd health, behaviour and, comfort. Incorporating routine milk analysis into welfare assessments can support the early detection of issues, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and promote sustainable dairy management. Full article

Mastitis represents one of the most economically devastating diseases in dairy production, causing billions of dollars in annual losses through reduced milk quality and quantity. Recent advances in microbiome research have unveiled a critical gut–mammary axis that fundamentally influences mastitis susceptibility and pathogenesis in dairy cattle. Through comprehensive analysis of microbial communities across multiple anatomical sites, we demonstrate that mastitis development involves systematic disruption of both mammary and gastrointestinal microbiomes, characterized by reduced beneficial bacterial populations and increased pathogenic species. Healthy animals maintain balanced microbial ecosystems dominated by protective taxa including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and beneficial Lactobacillus species, while mastitis-affected animals exhibit dysbiotic shifts toward Proteobacteria dominance, elevated Streptococcus and Staphylococcus populations, and compromised microbial diversity. Mechanistic investigations reveal that gut microbiota disruption compromises systemic immune competence, alters metabolite production including short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, and influences inflammatory mediators that circulate to mammary tissue. Therapeutic interventions targeting this axis, including probiotics, prebiotics, and plant-derived compounds, demonstrate significant efficacy in restoring microbiome homeostasis and reducing mastitis severity. These findings establish the gut–mammary axis as a fundamental regulatory mechanism in mastitis pathogenesis, opening new avenues for microbiome-based prevention and treatment strategies that could significantly enhance dairy health management while addressing antimicrobial resistance concerns. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of winemaking, is rich in polyphenols and fiber, making it a promising and sustainable feed supplement for ruminants. This study evaluated the safety and productive impact of a 5% GP-supplemented diet (GP5) including non-lactating end-cycle (EC) ewes regularly destined for slaughter and human consumption, and lactating (LAC) ewes, over a 30-day period. Control (CTRL) animals received a standard pellet diet with no GP inclusion. Sampling was performed at four time points (T0, T10, T20, and T30), corresponding to days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experimental period. The study assessed clinical status, hematology/biochemistry (T0 and T30), milk composition (T0, T10, T20, and T30), meat quality traits and oxidative stability in EC ewes (T30). Since no significant differences were observed in the CTRL animals, the effects were evaluated within the GP5 group by comparing T0 vs. T30. Meat quality was assessed by comparing EC-GP5 to CTRL at T30. The GP extract showed a high total phenolic content (254.02 ± 20.39 mg GAE/g DW). No clinical or hematological alterations were observed, and most values remained within physiological ranges. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increases in albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and triglycerides (p < 0.05), with significant decreases in plasma urea and glucose (p < 0.05). In LAC-GP5 ewes, milk urea and lactose concentrations decreased (p < 0.05), while pH increased (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in fat or casein content. These findings are consistent with reduced ruminal propionate availability, leading to decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis and lactose synthesis, with secondary effects on nitrogen metabolism and the acid–base profile of milk. In EC-GP5 ewes, meat quality traits were unaffected, and DPPH scavenging activity did not differ from CTRL (p > 0.05). GP5 was metabolically safe, induced adaptive changes in milk composition, and had no negative effects on meat quality, supporting the valorization of grape pomace as a sustainable feed resource. This trial was designed as a metabolic safety assessment, representing a preliminary step toward future mechanistic and molecular investigations. Full article

Ketosis is one of the most common metabolic disorders in high-yielding dairy cows in early lactation. It has a negative impact on milk yield, reproduction, and general health of the animals. The present review aims to systematize and critically analyze current scientific data on the monitoring, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of subclinical and clinical ketosis, with the aim of developing an applicable protocol for good veterinary medical practices (GMP). Based on the comparative analysis method of data from the literature and clinical practice, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in blood is confirmed as the gold standard for diagnosis with specificity and sensitivity above 90%. Indicators such as fat/protein (F/P) > 1.4 and NEFA > 0.4 mmol/L, as well as reduced citrate content in milk, have been evaluated as useful screening tools, although with lower diagnostic value. Despite the advantages of some indirect methods (such as F/P), critical analysis shows that they are strongly influenced by physiological status, lactation stage, and diet and cannot replace direct blood tests. Preventive approaches emphasize the importance of stable nutrition in the pre- and post-calving period, restriction of ketogenic feeds, and use of oral glucose precursors. Literature analysis shows that propylene glycol is effective, but with prolonged use it can reduce appetite. Combined antiketotic products have also been introduced, providing not only energy support but also liver protection. Particular attention has been paid to monensin (applied in the commercial product “Kexxtone”)—a polyether antibiotic with sustained release, which reduces the incidence of ketosis by over 50% and increases milk yield in the first weeks after calving. However, its high cost, antibiotic nature, and need for veterinary supervision limit its universal use. The treatment protocol is differentiated according to the clinical type: glucose I. V. and propylene glycol in type I ketosis and avoidance of glucocorticoids in suspected type II (hepatic steatosis). In the critical analysis It is noted that improper use of glucocorticoids can lead to a worsening of the condition. A structured protocol for DVMP (Dairy Veterinary Medical Practice) is proposed, which includes targeted metabolic monitoring (NEFA, BHBA, F/P); proven preventive regimens (Kexxtone, propylene glycol, balanced rations), and staged prevention and treatment according to the form of ketosis. The adaptation of good practices to the scale of the farm and the level of knowledge and skills of the staff for their correct application remains a challenge. Providing training, a standardized control log, and access to field diagnostic tools is key to the success of any protocol. Full article

(1) Background: Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are important for dairy and meat production. Up to now, genomic analysis has focused on female subjects, leaving the Y chromosome essentially unknown. Advances in third-generation sequencing (TGS) made it possible to improve the study of complex genome sequences, such as buffalo and other mammalian species including humans. (2) Methods: In this study, we applied TGS-based long-read sequencing to generate, in one step, high-quality whole-genome sequences, which can take full advantage of a rapid bioinformatic pipeline, such as that described in the companion paper. (3) Results: Five male buffalo genomes have been fully sequenced at relatively high depth (20–40×) which, combined with the read length typical of TGS, provide the basis for important insights into male-specific genetic traits, including those linked to meat and milk production. (4) Conclusions: With the use of TGS technologies, we offer a complete strategy for fast, one-step genome sequencing which can also be applied to other farm animals with a comparably large genome. This approach can help in revealing genetic features characteristic of an animal individual beyond the simple assessment of a number of SNPs or other known sequence variations, thus supporting improved genetic selection for dairy productivity and future research on genetic variability in buffalo breeds. Full article