Inwieweit kann pflanzliches Futterfett als zusätzliche Energie oder anstelle anderer Energieträger zum Einsatz kommen? Die Energieversorgung der Wiederkäuer über Futterfett zu erhöhen, wird in jüngster Zeit in verschiedenen Ländern untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass bei Fetteinsatz noch nicht alle Fragen der Stoffwechselbeeinflussung und Fütterungspraxis geklärt sind (MAHLKOW-NERGE, 2002). Aufgrund der z. T. noch offenen Fragen sollte in länderübergreifender Zusammenarbeit der Landesanstalten Sachsen (Köllitsch) und Sachsen-Anhalt (Iden) die Wirkung eines bereits vielerorts in der Milchkuhfütterung eingesetzten pansengeschützten Fettes charakterisiert werden. Es geht darum, die Kühe in der Hochleistungsphase (1. 150 Laktationstage) möglichst ausreichend mit Energie zu versorgen (Stoffwechselstabilisierung). Inwieweit dafür das pansengeschützte Pflanzenfett (Bergafat T 300) geeignet ist, wurde in Abstimmung mit der Sächsischen Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft (LfL) in einem 140-tägigen Einzelfütterungsversuch der Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau Sachsen-Anhalt am Standort Iden untersucht.

Modifying milk fat composition to enhance its content of valuable fatty acids (FA) is required to meet the needs of a society which is becoming better informed about the relationship between diet and health. Manipulating the cow’s diet is an effective, natural way to modify the amount and composition of milk fat of cows. The two main factors that affect the cow’s diet concern management system (MS; pasture vs. confinement), and supplementation of diets with lipid supplements. Marine oils specifically are fed to enhance milk with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA (n-3 LC-PUFA). The effects of source of marine lipid supplement (LS; fish oil vs. microalgae) in the cow’s diet and its interaction with MS on milk fat composition have not been studied. Thus, the main objective was to determine the interaction of MS and LS on milk FA profile and on expression of lipogenic genes in mammary, adipose and liver of lactating dairy cows. Compared with cows in confinement, grazing cows produced milk fat with lower content of unfavorable FA (12:0-16:0), while increasing the levels of beneficial FA including cis-9 18:1, 18:3 n-3 and conjugated 18:2. Feeding either fish oil or microalgae improved levels of n-3 LC-PUFA and reduced those of 16:0 in milk fat regardless of MS, but concurrently increased the level of other trans 18:1 isomers at the expense of trans-11 18:1. The reduced secretion of 12:0-16:0 in milk from grazing compared with confined cows was associated with lower mammary expression of lipogenic genes suggesting that part of the effect of MS on milk FA profile is mediated transcriptionally. The effect of LS on lipogenic gene expression was tissue specific with the greatest response to treatment observed in liver despite its minor role in lipogenesis in cattle relative to the mammary and adipose. Major conclusions were that milk produced in pasture systems has a more healthful FA profile than that of confinement systems, and that MS and LS have tissue specific effects on lipogenic gene expression in dairy cattle which have important effects on cow performance and healthfulness of the milk FA profile.

This thesis is an investigation of the interactions of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic markers, neutrophil function, and reproductive health in peripartum dairy cows, including the evaluation of a hand-held glucometer for diagnosis of IR. The neutrophil functions of interest were oxidative burst and phagocytosis capacity, and reproductive diseases were endometritis and cervicitis. A total of 81 Holstein cows were enrolled 3 wk prior to expected calving date from November 2010 until October 2011, and were followed until 5 wk postpartum. Known markers of IR, neutrophil function, and disease were monitored through this period. The hand-held glucometer was identified as a useful alternative to laboratory measurements of glucose. Markers of IR influenced phagocytosis capacity and reproductive disease. High haptoglobin concentrations were associated with increased risk of reproductive disease and diminished oxidative burst function. Metabolically related inhibition of neutrophil function may be important in development of reproductive disease. / National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

The health and productive output of dairy cows can be closely correlated to individual cow feed intake. Being able to monitor feed intake on a daily basis is beneficial dairy farm management. Each cow can be addressed individually with minimal time required from those working with the animals. This is essential as time management is closely tied to resource management in a dairy operation. Anything that can save time and resources and increase profitability and herd health is a paramount advantage in dairy farming. This study examined the use of machine vision structured light illumination three-dimensional scanning of cow feed to determine the volume and weight of feed in a bin before and after feeding dairy cow. Calibration and control tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness and capability of implementing such a machine vision feed scanning system. Such a system is ideal as it does not obstruct workflow or cow feeding behavior. This is an improvement over existing systems as the system in this research study can be implemented into existing farm operations with minimal effort and costs.

In der Literatur steht die Herzfrequenz (HF) in engem Zusammenhang mit dem Sauerstoffverbrauch und dem Energieumsatz sowohl von Menschen als auch von verschiedenen Tierarten. In der vorliegenden Arbeit sollte die Hypothese überprüft werden, ob Kühe mit einer hohen Milchleistung und einer hohen Energieaufnahme eine höhere HF infolge eines leistungsabhängig höheren Sauerstoffverbrauchs als niedriglaktierende Tiere haben. So könnte die HF als Indikator für quantitative Veränderungen des Energieumsatzes sowohl für die Einzelkuh als auch auf Bestandsebene genutzt werden. Material und Methoden In vorliegender Untersuchung wurde die HF von 32 Milchkühen der Rasse Deutsche Holstein gemessen. Die Herde erhielt während der Versuche betriebseigenes Grundfutter sowie Maisschrot, Sojaextraktionsschrot und Milchleistungsfutter II. Die tägliche Futter-, Energie- und Proteinaufnahme wurde bestimmt. Die HF-Messung der Kühe erfolgte in zwei Abschnitten. Abschnitt A: Bei 23 Kühen, unterteilt in unterschiedliche Reproduktions- und Leistungsstadien, wurde an fünf aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen die HF erfasst. Abschnitt B: Bei elf Einzeltieren wurde vom 6. bis 101. Laktationstag (LT) die HF in regelmäßigen Abständen alle 14 Tage und an drei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen gemessen. Den Tieren wurde hierzu ein Polar Equine RSCX800 Science® Gurt mit integrierten Elektroden, ein dazugehöriger Sender und ein Empfänger (Polar Uhr RS800®) angelegt. Die HF wurde einmal pro Minute gespeichert und alle 24 h in das Computerprogramm Polar Pro Trainer Equine Edition 5® übertragen. Folgende weitere Daten wurden erhoben: Stalltemperatur, relative Luftfeuchtigkeit des Stalles, Body Condition Score, Körpermasse, Körperinnentemperatur, tägliche Milchmenge, Milchfett-, Milcheiweiß- und Milchharnstoffgehalt. Ergebnisse Abschnitt A: Die trockenstehenden Kühe hatten eine HF von 83±8 Schlägen/min, die laktierenden Kühe wiesen mit steigender Milchleistung (24,0; 37,1 und 47,7 kg fett- und eiweißkorrigierte Milch) HF-Werte von 84±3, 85±6 und 87±2 Schlägen/min auf. Abschnitt B: In den ersten 100 Tagen der Laktation verhielt sich die HF mit steigendem LT wie folgt: LT 8: 86±9 Schläge/min, LT 22: 86±11 Schläge/min, LT 36: 87±11 Schläge/min, LT 52: 83±10 Schläge/min, LT 66: 83±10 Schläge/min, LT 81: 83±10 Schläge/min, LT 95: 85±8 Schläge/min. Weder in Abhängigkeit von der Leistung (p=0,75) noch in Abhängigkeit vom LT (p=0,81) waren signifikante Unterschiede der HF zu verzeichnen. Die HF der trockenstehenden Kühe variierte im Vergleich zur HF der laktierenden Tiere nicht. Während ihres 24 h-Verlaufs unterlag die HF aller Gruppen einer großen Variation. Es war zu Ruhezeiten der Tiere eine leistungsabhängige Abstufung der HF zu erkennen. Die Umgebungstemperatur hatte in dieser Untersuchung keinen Einfluss auf die HF (r=0,01; p=0,95). Einen signifikanten negativen Zusammenhang gab es zwischen der HF und dem Alter der Tiere (r=-0,44; p<0,01). Dieser führte am 22. LT zu einem signifikanten Unterschied der HF der erstlaktierenden Kühe im Vergleich mit der HF der älteren Tiere (p=0,04). Ein hoher und signifikanter Zusammenhang konnte zwischen der HF und dem Graviditätstag der trockenstehenden Kühe gezeigt werden (r=0,83; p=0,04). Die Tiere, die sich in einer negativen Energiebilanz befanden, neigten in dieser Untersuchung zu einer niedrigeren HF als die Kühe mit einer positiven Energiebilanz. Schlussfolgerung Telemetrische Systeme gewinnen beim Monitoring von Gesundheitsproblemen und Stoffwechselparametern eines Milchviehbestandes zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die HF kann hier jedoch nicht eingesetzt werden, da sie als Indikator für quantitative Veränderungen des Energieumsatzes weder für die Einzelkuh noch auf Bestandsebene geeignet ist. Nach vorliegenden Ergebnissen haben Kühe mit einer höheren Milchleistung und einer höheren Energieaufnahme keine höhere HF. / Previous studies have revealed a close relationship between heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure in humans and some other animal species. The present study examined whether dairy cows with a higher milk yield and greater energy intake have a higher HR due to greater oxygen consumption. HR might serve as an indicator of quantitative changes of energy expenditure in an individual or in a group of dairy cows at the herd level. Materials and methods The HRs of 32 dairy cows of the German Holstein breed were measured. The cows received forages and fresh beet pulp in combination with ground corn, soybean extracts, and a concentrate during the study. Daily feed, energy, and protein intake were determined. HR measurement was performed in two blocks. In Block A, cows were divided into four groups that differed in reproductive state and milk yield, and HR was measured for five consecutive days. In Block B, every 14 days, HR was recorded for three consecutive days in 11 cows from 6 to 101 days in milk (DIM). A Polar Equine RSCX800 Science® belt with integrated electrodes, a transmitter, and a receiver (Polar RS800®) was applied to the animals. HR was recorded once a minute and transferred every 24 h to the software Polar Pro Trainer Equine Edition 5®. The following data were also collected: stable temperature, stable relative humidity, body condition score, body weight, body temperature, daily milk yield, milk fat, milk protein, and milk urea. Results In Block A, dry cows had a HR of 83±8 beats/min, and lactating cows with increasing milk yield (24.0, 37.1, and 47.7 kg energy-corrected milk) showed HRs of 84±3, 85±6, and 87±2 beats/min, respectively. In Block B, the HRs were as follows: 8 DIM: 86±9 beats/min, 22 DIM: 86±11 beats/min, 36 DIM: 87±11 beats/min, 52 DIM: 83±10 beats/min, 66 DIM: 83±10 beats/min, 81 DIM: 83±10 beats/min, 95 DIM: 85±8 beats/min. There was not a significant difference in the HR according to milk yield (p=0.75) or days of lactation (p=0.81). The HR of dry cows did not differ from that of lactating cows. There was a large variation of HR in all groups during the day. During resting times, HR of the high-yielding cows tended to be higher and HR of the dry cows tended to be lower than the HR of the other groups. The ambient temperature had no influence on HR in this study (r=0.01, p=0.95). There was a significant negative correlation between HR and a cow’s age (r=–0.44, p<0.01). The HR of primiparous cows was higher than that of multiparous cows, but the difference was only significant when cows were 22 DIM (p=0.04). A high and significant correlation was found between HR and pregnancy status (r=0.83, p=0.04), with HR increasing during pregnancy. Dairy cows with a negative energy balance tended to have a lower HR than cows with a positive energy balance. Conclusion Telemetry systems have become increasingly important in monitoring health problems and the parameters of energy metabolism in dairy herds. The results of this study indicate that HR cannot be used as a monitoring tool, because HR is not a suitable indicator of quantitative changes of energy expenditure either at the individual or herd level. According to the results of this study, dairy cows with a higher milk yield and greater energy uptake do not have a higher HR.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of feeding extruded and non-extruded mixtures of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles with peas (WP) or canola meal (WC) on ruminal fermentation, total tract nutrient digestion and milk production in dairy cows. Eight dairy cows (712 ± 54 kg body weight; 90 ± 31 days-in-milk at the beginning of the experiment) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (28-d periods) with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Four cows in one Latin square were fitted with rumen cannulas for the measurement of ruminal fermentation characteristics. Treatment diets contained either WP or WC combinations fed in an extruded or non-extruded form (16% of DMI). Diets were isonitrogenous (17.1% crude protein; CP) and contained approximately 53% concentrate and 47% forage (DM basis). Dietary treatment had no significant effect on DMI (P > 0.10). Starch intake was higher for cows fed extruded diets compared to those fed non-extruded diets (P = 0.028) and was also higher for cows fed WP compared to those fed WC (P = 0.042). Cows fed extruded diets had higher apparent ruminal digestion of DM (P = 0.02) and a tendency (P = 0.05) for a higher OM apparently digested in the rumen compared to those fed non-extruded diets. Total tract digestibilities of organic matter (P < 0.01), CP (P < 0.01), ether extract (P < 0.01) and starch (P = 0.047) were higher for cows fed extruded diets compared to those fed non-extruded diets. Total tract digestibility of ether extract was lower (P = 0.011) but digestibility of starch was higher (P < 0.01) and CP digestibility tended to be higher (P = 0.08) for cows fed WP compared to those fed WC. Fecal N excretion was lower in cows fed extruded diets compared to those fed non-extruded diets (P < 0.01), but there was no difference in N retention, productive N, RDP or RUP between diets (P > 0.10). Ruminal pH was higher for cows fed non-extruded WC compared to those fed extruded WC, but there was no difference between WP diets (interaction; P = 0.047). Ruminal acetate displayed the opposite interaction where concentration was highest for cows fed extruded WC and lowest for those fed non-extruded WC but there was no difference between WP diets (interaction; P = 0.019). Ruminal ammonia-N concentration tended to be higher for cows fed WC compared to those fed WP (P = 0.06). Ruminal propionate concentration was higher for cows fed extruded diets compare to those fed non-extruded diets (P = 0.026). Ruminal isobutyrate concentration was higher for cows fed WC compared to those fed WP (P < 0.01). Ruminal butyrate (P < 0.01) and isovalerate (P < 0.01) concentrations were higher for cows fed extruded WC compared to those fed non-extruded WC, but concentrations decreased for cows fed extruded WP compared to those fed non-extruded WP. Plasma glucose concentration was higher for cows fed WC compared to those fed WP but concentration was highest for cows fed extruded WC but lowest for cows fed extruded WP (interaction; P < 0.01). Milk protein yield (P = 0.047) was higher and milk yield tended to be higher (P = 0.06) for cows fed WP compared to those fed WC diets. Milk protein content was not affected by diet; however, milk fat content (P = 0.04) and MUN (P = 0.011) were lower, whereas milk yield (P = 0.030), 3.5% fat corrected milk yield (P = 0.027), milk fat yield (P = 0.027), lactose content (P = 0.011) and lactose yield (P < 0.01) were higher in cows fed the extruded diets compared to those fed non-extruded diets. In summary, these results indicate that extrusion had positive effects on overall milk production and total tract nutrient digestion.

Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2018-02-15T15:43:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA185.pdf: 387046 bytes, checksum: c4b42029e4e9bd31fb6f0967fb2fe202 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-15T15:43:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA185.pdf: 387046 bytes, checksum: c4b42029e4e9bd31fb6f0967fb2fe202 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-22 / Capes / The inclusion of pasture in dairy feeding systems based on a total mixed ration (TMR) reduces feed costs, benefits herd health and reduces environmental impact. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) combined with a partial TMR or a TMR on the enteric methane emissions, dry matter intake (DMI), and performance of dairy cows from mid- to late lactation. The experimental treatments included 100% TMR (control), partial TMR + 6 h of continuous grazing (0900 – 1500 h) and partial TMR + 6 h of grazing that was divided into 2 periods of 3 h after milking (0900 – 1200 h; 1530 – 1830 h). Twelve F1 cows (Holstein × Jersey; 132 ± 44 days in milk) were divided into 6 lots and distributed in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 periods of 21 d (15 d of adaptation and 6 d of evaluation). Ryegrass pasture was used, and the TMR was composed of 80% corn silage, 18% soybean meal, and 2% mineral and vitamins mixture, based on dry matter (DM). The same mixture was used for cows with access to pasture. The total DMI (average = 16.1 kg/d) and milk production ( average = 20.0 kg/d) were similar for all cows; however, the pasture DMI (7.4 vs. 6.0 kg/d) and grazing period (+ 40 min/d) were higher in cows that had access to pasture for 2 periods of 3 h compared to those that grazed for a continuous 6 h period. Methane emission was higher (656 vs. 547 g/d) in confined cows than in those receiving partial TMR + pasture. The inclusion of ryegrass pasture in the diet of dairy cows maintained animal performance and reduced enteric methane emissions. The percentage of grazed forage in the cow’s diet increased when access to pasture was provided in 2 periods after morning and afternoon milking / A inclusão da forragem em sistemas de produção de leite baseados em ração totalmente misturada (RTM) reduz os custos com a alimentação, traz benefícios à saúde do rebanho e reduz o impacto ambiental. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito do pastejo de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) combinado com o uso de RTM parcial em comparação à RTM sobre a emissão de metano, a ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e o desempenho das vacas no terço médio de lactação. Os tratamentos experimentais foram 100% RTM (controle), RTM parcial + 6h de pastejo contínuo (09:00–15:00h) e RTM parcial + 6 h de pastejo divididos em dois períodos de três horas (09:00 – 12:00 h; 15:30 – 18:30h). Doze vacas F1 (Holandês × Jersey; 132 ± 44 DEL) foram divididas em seis lotes e distribuídas em um Quadrado latino com três períodos de 21 dias (15 dias de adaptação e 6 de dias avaliação). O pasto utilizado foi o azevém e a RTM foi composta de 80% de silagem de milho, 18% farelo de soja, e 2% de mistura mineral e vitaminas (na matéria seca, MS). A mesma mistura foi utilizada para as vacas com acesso ao pasto. A IMS total (média = 16,1 kg MS/dia) e a produção de leite (média = 20,0 kg leite/dia) foram similares entre os tratamentos, entretanto, a IMS de pasto (7,4 vs. 6,0 kg/d) e o tempo de pastejo (+ 40 min/d) foram superiores nas vacas com acesso ao pasto por dois períodos de 3h quando comparadas às vacas com acesso ao pasto por 6h contínuas. A emissão de metano foi maior (656 vs. 547 g/d) nas vacas confinadas do que nos animais recebendo RTM parcial + pasto. A inclusão de pasto de azevém na dieta de vacas leiteiras recebendo RTM manteve o desempenho animal e reduziu a emissão de metano entérico. A proporção de forragem pastejada aumentou nas vacas com acesso ao pasto quando o período de acesso foi dividido em dois períodos após a ordenha da manhã e a ordenha da tarde

Milk presents good marker metabolic levels in dairy cows. Subscribe milk in moreover to cow does not stressful. Each month has a breeder in the yield control available basic data on milk composition (fat, protein, lactose). This basic data can be expanded to include other parameters (milk urea, ketones and citric acid). Based on these milk parameters can then correct interpretation preventively diagnose metabolic diseases in the herd. In this work, based on yield controlling diagnosed with high metabolic burden herd Haklovy Dvory. In March 2014, according to the results of the composition of milk probably 33,3% of dairy cows exposed to challenges from acidogenic burdens and 15,2% negative energy balance. In April, was then exposed to challenges from acidogenic burdens 37,8% of herds and negative energy balance 26,7% of the herd. For selected cows are then carried out an analysis of the metabolic state based on milk composition and biochemical blood tests. Milk always signaled higher metabolic burden cows associated with the appearance of serious metabolic diseases (acidogenic burdens) than blood. Diagnosis of rumen acidosis of the blood is not simple and milk, this could serve as a useful indicator of the current state of the acid-base balance in the rumen.

The aim of this diploma thesis was to obtain and formulate the knowledge about the process of milking and the activity of dairy cows 30 minutes after milking in the milking parlour with a robot and in the herringbone milking parlour. Three ethological observations took place in three seasons. The observation on the farm with a milking robot took 24 hours continuously. The observation on the farm with a milking parlour lasted for the duration of milking and subsequent observation of the last group of dairy cows. In total, there were evaluated 452 successful milkings on the farm with the robot and 112 successful milkings on the farm with the milking parlour. Crosses of Czech Fleckvieh Breed and red Holstein Breed in the same ratio were observed during the monitoring. Parameters during milking and ethological performance, such as drinking, feed intake and lying down, in the duration of 30 minutes after milking were monitored. The instructions of the thesis are based on the project NAZV - QJ1210144 and NAZV QJ1530058.

The aim of this thesis was the evaluation of selected factors on milking yield and longevity of the selected herd of dairy cows of Holstein cattle in the company Prima Agri a.s. There were monitored the indicators of dairy cows of Holstein cattle such as genotype, milk performance, the order of the lactation, the age of the first calving, the length of interim and of the service period, lifetime performance and reasons for elimination. The data were taken from the dairy cows whose first lactation was finished from January 1st to December 31 st 2016. 385 dairy cows were included to the monitoring. As for the genotype influence on milk performance, statistically significant difference was found out between the first and the fourth and the third and the fourth group on the level of significance (P<0,01). The effect of the age of the first calving on milk performance in kg of milk on first lactation wasn´t statistically provable (P>0,05). Statistically highly significant difference was found out by the effect of the order of the lactation on milk performance on the level of significance (P<0,01) between the groups of the first lactation and of the other groups of lactation. Statistically significant difference was found out between the 2nd lactation and the 4th and higher lactation on the level of significance (P<0,05). The effect of the genotype on the length of interim and the effect of the order of lactation on the length of interim weren´t statistically provable (P>0,05). The effect of genotype on length of the service period was statistically significant on the level of significance (P<0,01) between the group H2 and the group H3. Statistically significant difference (P<0,05) was found out between the groups H1 and H3, H1 and H4 and as well as between the groups H2 and R. The effect of the order of lactation on the length of service period was statistically highly significant on the level of significance (P<0,001) between the groups of the first lactation and of the other groups of lactation and between the groups of the second and fourth and higher lactation. The effect of the genotype of eliminated dairy cows on lifetime performance in kg of milk was statistically highly significant on the level of significance (P<0,001) between the groups H 1 and H2, H1 and H3, H2 and H3, H2 and R, H3 and R. An average number of eliminated dairy cows was 28,62 %. The biggest number of the eliminated dairy cows was on the grounds of fertility disorders and that is 35%. Longevity of the eliminated dairy cows was 2,7 lactation.