O presente experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) na eficiência reprodutiva de vacas de leite de alta produção inseminadas no período pós-parto. Vacas Holandesas com média de 50 dias pós-parto foram distribuídas homogeneamente em um de dois grupos experimentais, levando em consideração a presença ou ausência de corpo lúteo (CL), o escore de condição corporal e a produção de leite. No grupo Controle (G-Controle; n = 490), as vacas foram submetidas à observação do comportamento de aceitação de monta (duas vezes ao dia por uma hora) e inseminadas 12 horas após a primeira detecção. No grupo IATF (G-IATF; n = 495), as vacas receberam um implante auricular de norgestomet, mantido por oito dias, e 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol IM no dia 0 (D0; dia aleatório do ciclo estral). No momento da retirada do implante (D8) foram administrados 150 µg de prostaglandina F2α, 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica eqüina e 1 mg de cipionato de estradiol. A IATF foi realizada de 54 a 56 h após a retirada do implante auricular, concomitante à administração de 100 µg de gonadorelina. Após a IATF, as vacas foram submetidas à observação de cio com subseqüente inseminação, seguindo os mesmos critérios descritos para o G-Controle. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de um subgrupo de animais (G-Controle, n = 50; G-IATF, n = 58) 5 e 11 dias após a primeira inseminação artificial (IA) para dosagem de progesterona (P4) circulante. Todos os animais foram mantidos no experimento até a terceira IA ou 150 dias após o parto e os tratamentos foram realizados no inverno e no verão. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado aos 30 dias pós-IA por ultrassonografia e aos 60 dias pós-IA por palpação transretal. Os dados binomiais foram analisados por regressão logística utilizando o PROC GLIMMIX e as variáveis contínuas por ANOVA utilizando PROC GLM do SAS. Não se verificou interação entre estação do ano e tratamento na análise das taxas de concepção, perda gestacional, intervalo entre IAs, intervalo parto-concepção (IPC) e taxa de prenhez aos 150 dias pós-parto. Os resultados são indicativos de que não existem diferenças nas taxas de concepção entre os diferentes grupos após as IAs (primeira, segunda e terceira). A perda gestacional relativa à primeira IA foi maior nas vacas do G-IATF. Os intervalos parto-primeira IA, parto-segunda IA e parto-concepção foram inferiores para as vacas do G-IATF. Entretanto, o intervalo entre a primeira e a segunda IA foi maior para o G-IATF. Não houve diferença na taxa de prenhez aos 150 dias entre os grupos. Ainda, a taxa de serviço (TS) nos primeiros 21 dias após o período voluntário de espera (PVE) foi maior para o grupo IATF. Entretanto, a TS entre 21 e 42 dias após o PVE foi maior para o G-Controle. As concentrações circulantes de P4 não diferiram entre os grupos e as estações do ano. Concluiu-se que o emprego da IATF 60 dias pós-parto foi eficiente para diminuir o IPC. Contudo, a porcentagem de vacas prenhes aos 150 pós-parto foi semelhante entre os dois tratamentos (Controle e IATF) / The aim of the present study was evaluate the impact of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on reproductive efficiency of high-producing dairy cows inseminated during the postpartum period. Holstein cows with average 50 days in milk were allocated to one of two groups considering the presence or absence of corpus luteum (CL), body condition score and milk production. On Control group (Control-G; n = 490), the cows were submitted to estrus detection twice per day for one h and were inseminated 12 hours after the first detection. On FTAI group (FTAI-G; n = 495), the cows received a norgestomet ear implant (kept for eight days) plus administration of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate i.m. on Day 0 (random day of the estrous cycle). The implant was removed on Day 8 followed by FTAI 54 to 56 h later and the administration of 100 µg of gonadorelin. On Day 8, cows received 400 IU eCG, 150 &micro:g of prostaglandin F2α and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate. After FTAI, cows were submitted to estrus detection and artificial insemination (AI) 12 h after. Blood samples were collected from a subset of animals (Control-G, n = 50; FTAI-G, n = 58) on Day 5 and 11 after the first AI to investigate serum progesterone concentration (P4). All animals were maintained on the experiment until 150 days post-partum and the treatments were conducted during the winter and summer. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography 30 days after AI (Day 30) and by rectal palpation 60 days after AI (Day 60). Binomial data were analyzed by logistic regression using the PROC GLIMMIX and continuous variables by ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS. No interaction was found between season and treatment when conception rate, pregnancy loss, interval between inseminations, interval from calving to conception and pregnancy rate 150 post-partum were analysed. The results indicate no differences on conception rate among both experimental groups after AI (first, second and third). However, the interval from calving to first and second AI and interval from calving to conception were lower on FTAI-G. No difference on pregnancy rate 150 days post-partum was found among groups. Pregnancy loss after first AI was greater on FTAI-G. The interval from calving to first AI, from calving to second AI and the interval from calving to conception were shorter on FTAI-G. However, the interval between first and second AI was longer on FTAI-G. There was no difference on pregnancy rate 150 days post-partum among treatments. Also, the service rate (SR) 21 days after the voluntary waiting period (VWP) was greater on FTAI-G compared to Control-G. Conversely, the SR was lower between 21 and 42 days after the VWP on FTAI-G. No difference was found in serum concentration of P4 among treatment groups and season. Thus, the use of FTAI 60 days post-partum was efficient to anticipate the conception of high-producing dairy cattle by reducing the interval from calving to conception, but did not increase the pregnancy rate 150 days post-partum

Este estudo comparou o desempenho de quatro protocolos de extração de DNA a partir de homogeneizados de diferentes órgãos provenientes de vacas infectadas experimentalmente com a B. abortus 2308. Os protocolos de extração comparados foram o método de GT (lise com isotiocianato de guanidina), Boom (lise com GT e tratamento com suspensão carreadora Diatomaceous earth), PK (lise com proteinase K) e Santos (lise por fervura e congelamento com nitrogênio líquido). Foram constituídos os grupos padrão ouro positivo e negativo baseados na bacteriologia clássica e compostos por: 54 cotilédones (27 pos. e 27 neg.), 39 linfonodos supra mamários (12 pos. e 27 neg.), 44 pré-escapulares (17 pos. e 27 neg.), 33 fígados (6 pos. e 27 neg.), 37 baços (10 pos. e 27 neg.), e 34 úberes (7 pos. e 27 neg.). Todas as amostras foram submetidas aos quatro protocolos de extração e a um mesmo processo de amplificação com os primers B4 e B5. Nos resultados consolidados por órgãos, a proporção de positivos no cotilédone foi maior do que a encontrada no linfonodo supramamário (p=0,0001), linfonodo pré-escapular (p<0,0001), fígado (p=0,0006), baço (p<0,0001) ou úbere (p=0,0019). Os resultados acumulados para os métodos de extração mostraram que o protocolo de Santos teve maior sensibilidade relativa do que o método de Boom (p=0,003) e GT (p=0,0506), e foi igual ao PK (p=0,2969). As demais comparações de proporções não resultaram em diferenças estatisticamente significantes. No estudo verificou-se amostas positivas a PCR e negativas ao isolamento e viceversa. Assim, apesar das desvantagens do método bacteriológico clássico, a melhor estratégia para o diagnóstico direto da infecção de vacas por B. abortus em homogeneizado de órgãos é a utilização conjunta do isolamento e da PCR, examinando os cotilédones e utilizando os métodos de extração de DNA Santos ou PK. / This study compared the performance of four protocols of DNA extraction from suspensions of different tissues from experimentally infected cows with 2308 strain. The compared extraction protocols were GT protocol (lyse with guanidine isotiocianate), Boom (lyse with GT and treated with the carrying suspension Diatomaceous earth), PK (lise with proteinase K) and Santos (lyse by boiling and freezing with liquid nitrogen). Based on classical bacteriology, positive and negative gold standard groups were built and consisted of 54 cotyledons (27 pos. and 27 neg.), 39 supramammary lymph nodes (12 pos. and 27 neg.), 44 prescapulars (17 pos. and 27 neg.), 33 livers (6 pos. and 27 neg.), 37 spleens (10 pos. and 27 neg.), and 34 udders (7 pos. and 27 neg.). All the samples were submitted to the four DNA extraction protocols and the same amplification process using the primers B4 and B5. According to consolidated results by tissue, the proportion of positives in cotyledon was bigger than supramammary lymph node (p=0,0001), prescapular lymph node (p<0,0001), liver (p=0,0006), spleen (p<0,0001) and udder (p=0,0019). The consolidated results for the extraction methods show that Santos protocol had bigger relative sensitivity than Boom method (p=0,003) and GT (p=0,0506), and was equal than PK (p=0,2969). There were not significant statistical differences in the others comparisons of proportions. In the study, PCR-positive and isolation-negative samples and vice-versa were verified. However, the disadvantages of the classic bacteriological method, the best strategy for direct diagnosis of the infection of cows for B. abortus in homogenized of tissues is combined use of isolation and PCR, examining the cotyledons and using the methods of DNA extraction from Santos or PK.

O Teste de Provocação Oral Duplo Cego Placebo Controlado (TPODCPC) é considerado um método diagnóstico de extrema importância na alergia alimentar, entretanto não existe, em nosso meio, uma padronização em relação aos materiais e métodos para a sua execução, especialmente na faixa etária pediátrica. O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar TPODCPC para o diagnóstico de alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca (APLV) mediada por IgE, em crianças e adolescentes. O objetivo secundário foi descrever a relação entre os antecedentes de atopia associados a dados laboratoriais e os resultados dos TPODCPC. Foram incluídos 58 pacientes que se dividiram em dois grupos. O grupo 1 foi composto por 39 pacientes (mediana de idade: 5,3 anos; 1,6M:1F) com história sugestiva de APLV IgE mediada, sem relato de história de anafilaxia recente e com pesquisa positiva de IgE específica para leite de vaca (LV) e/ou frações. No grupo 2 foram incluídos 19 pacientes (mediana de idade: 8,3 anos; 1,4 M:1F) sem história sugestiva de APLV. Os itens avaliados na adaptação deste método diagnóstico incluíram: escolha do local, materiais a serem utilizados e operacionalização do teste. O hospital dia mostrou-se, por suas características, adequado à realização do exame. Em relação aos materiais escolhidos para a oferta do veículo, os recipientes opacos e vedados revelaram-se mais adaptados às necessidades do teste, os veículos de maior aceitação foram sopa de legumes e bebida à base de soja e o LV a ser oferecido de maneira mais apropriada foi na forma líquida e com baixo teor de lactose. As dificuldades observadas na realização do TPODCPC não comprometeram a sua execução, entretanto houve dificuldade na interpretação dos resultados especialmente nos pacientes com sintomas como pápulas periorais ou achados clínicos inespecíficos. Observou-se concordância entre os critérios clínico-laboratoriais adotados para a definição dos grupos 1 e 2 com os resultados do TPODCPC. Em conclusão, o teste mostrou-se exeqüível e seguro e a adaptação deste para o diagnóstico de APLV IgE mediada nesta faixa etária pediátrica foi possível, sendo necessária a avaliação da sua reprodutibilidade em outras populações. / The Double Blind Placebo Controlled Food Challenge (DBPCFC) is considered an important method for food allergy diagnosis, nevertheless it is not standardized among us. The aim of this study was to adapt DBPCFC for cows milk allergy (CMA) diagnosis in children and adolescents. A secondary aim was to describe the relation between history of atopy and laboratorial findings with DBPCFC results. It was included 58 patients that were distributed in two groups. Group 1 was composed of 39 patients (median age: 5,3 years; 1,6M:1F) with suggestive history of CMA without recent anaphylaxis, and specific IgE to cow´s milk (CM) and/or its fractions. In group 2 was included 19 patients (median age 8,3 years; 1,4 M:1F) where the CMA diagnosis was excluded based on clinical findings. The items evaluated in the adaptation of this method were: setting choice, kind of milk processing and vehicles, besides material and test performance. Day hospital was considered adequate for this test. Regarding to elected materials to offer the vehicle, opaque and sealed recipients showed more suitable to test demands. Vehicles more accepted were legumes soup and soy beverage and the most adequate CM to be offered was liquid and with low lactose concentration. The difficult observed in performance of DBPCFC do not compromise its execution, however the interpretation of the results was very difficult specially in patients with perioral wheals and unspecific clinical findings. There is an agreement Comparing adopted clinical and laboratorial criterion for definition of group 1 and 2 with DBPCFC results. In conclusion, the test proved to be feasible and safe and its adaptation is possible for IgE mediated CMA diagnosis, being necessary to evaluate its reproducibility in other populations.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as associações entre a ocorrência de estro após os protocolos de sincronização da ovulação e diâmetro folicular no momento da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) nas respostas ovarianas e na taxa de concepção após IATF em fêmeas zebuínas de corte. Assim, avaliaram-se as possíveis implicações práticas do uso dessas informações para a melhoria dos programas de IATF em fêmeas zebuínas lactantes. Essa tese é dividida em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, estudou-se a associação entre o diâmetro folicular no momento da IATF com as respostas das fêmeas após sincronização da ovulação e IATF. Observou-se que o aumento do diâmetro folicular no momento da IATF aumenta tanto a taxa de ovulação, quanto a taxa de concepção após IATF. O segundo capítulo relata a realização de quatro estudos onde foram avaliadas as associações da ocorrência de estro no intervalo entre o final do protocolo de sincronização e o momento da IATF na resposta ovariana e a taxa de concepção após a IATF. Foi observado que a ocorrência de estro após o protocolo de sincronização está associada à melhores respostas ovarianas, melhor função luteínica no ciclo subsequente e melhor taxa de concepção após IATF. Por fim, o terceiro capítulo trata da utilização das informações supracitadas para a seleção de fêmeas com maior probabilidade de gestação após IATF para receberem sêmen sexado. Os resultados são indicativos de que é possível obter maiores taxas de concepção após uso de sêmen sexado ou convencional nas fêmeas selecionadas pela ocorrência de estro ou pela presença de folículo de maior diâmetro no momento da IATF. Portanto, estratégias para melhorar a ocorrência de estro e o diâmetro folicular no momento da IATF são importantes para o sucesso dos programas de sincronização da ovulação para IATF de fêmeas zebuínas, e tais critérios podem ser utilizados na seleção de fêmeas de melhor resposta para receberem sêmen sexado. / The objective of the present thesis was to evaluate the associations between the occurrence of estrus after synchronization of ovulation protocols and ovarian follicle diameter at the timed artificial insemination (TAI) on ovarian responses and conception rates after TAI in Zebu beef females. Finally, there were evaluated some practical tools using established information to select cows to receive great value semen during TAI program. This thesis was divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, it was evaluated the association between ovarian follicle diameter at the TAI moment on ovarian responses and pregnancy per TAI. It was observed that the increase in the ovarian follicle diameter at TAI increases both the ovulation and conception rates following the TAI synchronization protocol. In the second chapter, there were four studies in which was analyzed the effect of occurrence of estrus between the end of the synchronization protocol and the IATF. It was observed that the occurrence of estrus after synchronization protocol is associated with higher ovarian responses, greater luteal function on subsequent estrous cycle and higher pregnancy per TAI. Finally, the third chapter, the established information were used to select females with greater odds of pregnancy to receive sex-sorted sperm. It was possible to obtain higher conception rates following the selection of females through the occurrence of estrus or the presence of larger ovarian follicle at the time of TAI after the use either sex-sorted or non sex-sorted sperm. Therefore strategies to improve the occurrence of estrus and the ovarian follicle diameter at TAI moment are important to improve the reproductive outcomes following synchronization of ovulation protocols for TAI in lactating zebu cows. Besides, such selection criteria can be used to select females with greater odds of pregnancy to receive sex-sorted sperm.

The aim of this diploma thesis was to determine allele and genotype frequencies for g.10329C>T (A293V) polymorphism in the SCD1 gene in dairy cow populations, establish effects of this locus on milk production traits and fatty acids composition. At first, allele and genotype frequencies were determined. Subsequently the effect of this polymorphism on milk production traits was proved and effects of this polymorphism were demonstrated as well. For the determination allele and genotype frequencies the PCR/RFLP technique was applied. In this diploma thesis the effect of polymorphism g.10329C>T (A293V) on milk production traits was demonstrated as well as the effects of this polymorphism on fatty acids composition. The findings following from this diploma thesis show economical and health benefits of this SCD1 locus.

Forages containing condensed tannins (CT) have potential to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming. In 3 studies, I hypothesized that feeding CTcontaining birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus, BFT) would result in improved nutrient utilization and lactational performance of dairy cows compared with control forages of the respective experiments. Improved milk components, reduction in waste N, and overall improved N efficiency were hypothesized for BFT-fed cows compared to those cows fed alfalfa hay (Study 1) or grass-based diets (Study 2). In addition, a decrease in in vitro methane production and improved rumen fermentation due to diets based on BFT pasture and concentrate supplementation compared with grass pasture-based diets was the hypothesis of the third study. Study 1 showed BFT-hay diets improved lactational performance through increased energy-corrected milk yield and increased milk protein yield, resulting in improved N utilization efficiency compared with the alfalfa hay diet. Total volatile fatty acids concentration tended to increase, and greater microbial protein yield was exhibited by cows fed BFT compared to other diets tested. Therefore, BFT can replace alfalfa hay in dairy diets and showed improved feed and N utilization efficiencies and lactational performance. Study 2 determined that pasture nutrient content increased for BFT pasture compared to the mixed grass control, contributing to increases in milk yield most weeks during the 2-year study. Energy-corrected milk yield increased most weeks by BFT-grazed cows due to increased milk yield, although milk protein concentration was similar between treatments. Cows grazing BFT pasture increased N efficiency coupled with decreased milk urea N secretion in the first, but not the second year, suggesting an environmental advantage over traditional grass-based pastures depending on the effect of growing conditions on pasture quality at time of grazing. Study 3 showed that offering BFT pasture to continuous cultures without or with barley grain or total mixed ration supplements reduced methane production and altered rumen microbial populations. The reduced methane production on the continuous cultures was likely due to direct and/or indirect effects of CT on rumen microbiota. Overall, diets including BFT showed improved nutritive, lactational, and environmental benefits by decreasing N waste and methane production over typical alfalfa hay-based dairy diets and grass pastures.

Oil seeds are natural sources of fat and protein in diets for lactating cows, and are usually fed whole or crushed. A recently released variety of safflower seed, 'Nutrasaff,' contains high fat (47% crude fat) and low fiber (26% NDF), and has a potential to be effectively used as a fat supplement for lactating dairy cows. Therefore, a lactating dairy cow trial was conducted to assess production performance of dairy cows when fed graded levels of whole Nutrasaff safflower seed (NSS), to determine the optimum level of NSS supplementation in the diet and to identify its impact on milk fat content and milk fatty acid (FA) profiles. Fifteen Holstein dairy cows in midlactation (118 ± 39 days in milk) were assigned into 5 groups of 3 cows each according to previous milk yield. The experimental design was a triple 5 × 5 Latin square with each period lasting 21 d (14 d of treatment adaptation and 7 d of data collection). The animals were fed a basal diet containing 56% forage (69% alfalfa hay and 31% corn silage) and 44% concentrate mix. The diet was supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, or 4% (DM basis) whole NSS. The NSS was added to the diet by replacing whole linted-cottonseed. Intake of DM ranged from 26.4 to 27.5 kg/d across all treatments, and did not differ due to NSS inclusion. Yield of milk and ECM averaged 33.7 and 31.6 kg/d, respectively, and they were similar in response to NSS inclusion. Milk fat percentage decreased with increasing NSS inclusion, while milk protein and lactose concentrations did not differ among treatment diets. Milk fat concentration was reduced by 11% when NSS was included at 4% of the dietary DM. Feeding NSS at 1, 2, or 3% resulted in a similar milk fat concentration, and these diets also had similar milk fat percentage compared with the control diet. Concentration of milk urea N decreased by NSS inclusion regardless of level of NSS inclusion, implying that NSS supplementation improved dietary N use for milk production. Digestibilities of DM (P = 0.12) tended to increase when NSS was supplemented at 1, 2, or 3%. Cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) linearly increased as the NSS inclusion increased. Total concentration of n-3 FA increased by feeding NSS at 1 and 2%, whereas total concentration of n-6 FA linearly increased with increasing inclusion level of NSS. This study clearly demonstrates that it is highly possible to use NSS as a means of fat supplementation to lactating dairy cows without negative impact on lactational performance if added less than 3% of dietary DM. The enhanced milk quality with increased cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration due to the addition of NSS could have positive implications to human health.

Forty-eight Holstein cows at Utah State Dairy Farm were blocked statistically according to date of calving, previous milk production, and numbers of lactation at parturition. The cattle were assigned randomly to one of four treatments within blocks. The four treatments included a base ration (control, treatment #1), base ration plus .8% of sodium bicarbonate (treatment #2), base ration plus .4% of magnesium oxide (treatment #3), and base ration plus both .8% of sodium bicarbonate and .4% of magnesium oxide (treatment #4). The research was conducted from February 1983 to November 1984. A formagraph was used to measure milk coagulation parameters and pH was determined. There was no significant difference in milk coagulation parameters or pH between the control and the buffer treatments. Milk parameters were significantly different in individual cow, week, and milk pH. Milk parameters did not appear to be dependent upon season. Curd firmness was significant in interaction of season and treatment. Significant variations in milk pH were observed in relation to week, season, and individual cow. Overall treatments, the clotting time, K20, and pH value increased each wee, and A30 decreased each week. The milk parameters and pH in each treatment were significant between weeks except K20 and A30 in treatment #3, and A30 in treatment #2 (p Somatic cell count was positively correlated with clotting time, K20, and pH and negatively correlated with A30. Milk pH was the most significant and had positive correlation coefficient with clotting time and firming rate and negative correlation coefficient with curd firmness.

Three non-lactating Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannula were used to determine crude protein and dry matter rate of disappearance of two protein supplements: 1) soybean meal and 2) bypass protein blend by using the in situ bag technique. Rate disappearance (%/hr) was higher for soybean meal. Two collection periods were completed using 6 cows with a minimum of 21 d adaptation to the treatment top dressed on to the total mixed ration. Ruminal concentration of ammonia N, blood ammonia, and urea did not differ between treatments. Total concentration of volatile fatty acids was higher for bypass protein blend-fed cattle as well as percent molar concentration of propionate, butyrate, and valerate, while pH was lower. Total protozoa, and total and cellulolytic viable bacteria populations did not differ. Four of the cows received a dose of 5 ml of Prostaglandin F,a. Blood and cervical muc us samples obtained showed no difference in blood ammonia and urea concentration . Forty-six Holstein cows were assigned to one of the two treatments (top dressed on the t otal mixed ration), according to parity during the following 125 d postpartum. Daily dry matter intake and milk production were recorded. Feed, orts, and feces were sampled. Milk samples were collected weekly and analyzed for components. Percent lactose and solid non-fat showed higher for cattle fed the bypass prorein blend. Starting on day 10 postpartum, cows were observed for signs of estrus and bred at first estrus observed after 45 d postpartum. Cervical mucus and blood collected at first standing estrus, and first, seco nd, and third service, did not show a significant difference in urea concentration between rations. Twice-weekly collected blood samples showed similar monthly mean concentration of ammonia, urea, and progesterone profile for both treatment groups. Percent pregnancy, services per pregnancy, first service pregnancy and embryo mortality showed no significant difference. Motility and survivability of bull sperm were evaluated by incubating thawed semen in different levels of previously observed and/or ammonia. physiological There were no concentrations of urea significant treatment differences observed. Detrimental effects of treatment on sperm were not detected.

Third-cutting alfalfa hay harvested at bud stage in each of 2 yrs, treated with a live bacterial incoulant, packed in polyethylene-bonded bags and allowed to ensile. In both years, treated haylage had a lower pH, and a period effect was found for pH and mold count, regardless of treatment. In year 1, there was a period effect found for acid detergent fiber. In year 2, mean lactic-acid-producing bacteria numbers (log 10) were significantly higher for treated haylage (9.69 and 10.36) for control and treated haylage, respectively). Regardless of treatment, lactic-acid-producing bacteria numbers and water soluble carbohydrates significantly declined through time. For both years, treated haylage was fed to early-lactating dairy cows at 60% of the ration dry matter. In year 1, lactating cows were fed treated haylage for a 10-wk period, and no differences were observed in milk production performance or dry matter intake over cows fed untreated haylage. In year 2, cows were fed for a 6-wk period, and no differences were detected between treatments for milk production, milk composition, or dry matter intake.