In September 2023, bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) emerged in the Netherlands for the first time. To be prepared for a potential resurgence in 2024, a study was performed during early spring 2024, considered as a low-risk period, to estimate the prevalence of BTV-3 and identify associated risk factors in Dutch dairy cattle. Between December 2023 and April 2024, bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 12,756 dairy herds were tested to estimate the herd-level and within-herd antibody prevalence. Additionally, an online survey was distributed to participating farmers to collect farm management information from 2023.

This study aimed to estimate the association of udder health and herd management practices with bulk tank SCC (BTSCC) and the partial costs of subclinical mastitis (milk yield losses and penalties) on dairy farms in Uruguay. As part of a cross-sectional study, a survey on udder health and herd management practices was conducted on 190 randomly selected dairy farms stratified by region and milk shipment volume (MSV). Herd data comprising 13 mo of BTSCC and MSV were obtained from the dairy processing company, and BTSCC values exceeding 250 × 103 cells/mL (BTSCC >250) were identified.

The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in dairy cattle, particularly affecting the mammary glands, highlights the adaptability of influenza A viruses (IAV) to infect nontraditional species. Mammals like pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids contribute >$30 billion annually to the US economy and are a source of meat and milk for millions, highlighting the importance of understanding viral susceptibility in these species. The zoonotic transmission of HPAI H5N1 to several dairy and poultry farm workers involved with farm operations during outbreaks is also a cause for public health concerns.

This paper explores stakeholder responses to policy changes under Ireland's Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), focusing on the effectiveness of a top-down, compliance-driven approach. Despite the Water Framework and the Nitrates Directives, overall biological status in Irish waterbodies has shown little improvement. Using semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants and responses to open-ended questions from surveys with 42 dairy farmers, responses to qualitative questions, the study analyzes perceptions of new measures and the broader social and ecological challenges influencing water quality outcomes.

Fats are considered effective in reducing enteric methane (CH4) emissions in ruminants, but limited research exists on the use of flaxseed fatty acids for this purpose in Holstein dairy cows. We evaluated the effects of an extruded flaxseed-based supplement that included a mix of flaxseed, peas, and alfalfa hay (LinPRO-R) on enteric CH4 emissions and milk quality. Holstein cows (n = 24, 113 ± 31 DIM) were arranged in a 3 × 3 Latin square design and assigned to one of the 3 treatments: control (CON), ration containing 4.5% LinPRO (4.5% LinPRO-R), or ration containing 9% LinPRO (9% LinPRO-R) on a DM basis.

This study evaluated how the form and fatty acid (FA) profile of dietary fat supplements influence nutrient digestibility and milk yield in mid-lactation dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows (mean ± SD; 44.3 ± 3.00 kg/d of milk; 99 ± 23 DIM) were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were a non-FA-supplemented control diet (CON) and 3 diets incorporating FA supplements at 2.0% DM of total FA of 1) blend of FA supplements to achieve a ratio of 70% palmitic (C16:0) + 20% oleic (cis-9 C18:1) using an FA prill and a Ca-salt of palm FA (PFAD) distillate (70FB), 2) a Ca-salt of fractionated FA containing 70% C16:0 + 20% cis-9 C18:1 (70CS), and 3) a Ca-salt of PFAD distillate containing 45% C16:0 + 35% cis-9 C18:1 (45CS).

We compared the effects of silage from a tall-stature corn (TSC) hybrid with silage from a new short-stature corn (SSC) hybrid (due to a brachytic mutation) on DMI, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, and performance of lactating Holstein dairy cows. A total of 24 cows (12 per group) received identical diets for 2 wk and were then stratified according to BW, parity, DIM, and average milk production and randomly assigned to the TSC group or the SSC group. Data were collected for 70 d. Data from cows were analyzed as a completely randomized design using a mixed model procedure, and week of treatment was the repeated measure.