Journal of Dairy Science

Efficacy of a stabilized liquid potassium sorbate preservative to prevent bacterial proliferation in bovine colostrum and milk

This study aimed to describe the effect of a potassium sorbate preservative on bacterial proliferation in bovine colostrum and milk, and on colostrum pH and IgG concentrations, when stored at refrigeration (RF) or room temperature (RT) for 96 h. Fifteen batches of previously frozen raw colostrum and bulk tank milk (BTM) were inoculated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Each batch was divided into 2 aliquots, with one kept as an untreated control (CON) and the other treated with a liquid potassium sorbate preservative (PSP) to achieve a 0.3% and 0.15% solution for colostrum and milk, respectively.

Differences in Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Metabolism Contribute to Variability in Dairy Cattle Feed Efficiency

Understanding the biology underlying variation in feed efficiency is crucial for improving nutrient use efficiency at the tissue and molecular level in dairy cows. This study aimed to identify key differences in hepatic nutrient metabolism by analyzing protein-level alterations through proteomics and quantifying associated changes in circulating AA levels between cows with high- or low-residual feed intake (RFI). Ninety-two mid-lactation (119 ± 33 d in milk) primi- (n = 34) and multi-parous (n = 58) Holstein cows were enrolled in 42-d studies in 2 cohort groups.

Electrical resistance tomography as a tool to understand the stability of dairy-based high-protein beverages

During the production of dairy-based drinks or their early storage months, there are no established chemical or physical indicators to reliably predict whether a specific beverage will remain stable throughout its intended shelf life or undergo premature destabilization. Consequently, the industry relies on observing physical changes, such as increased viscosity or particle size, to assess the shelf stability of milk protein concentrate–based low-acid beverages. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the electrical resistance tomography in liner configuration in detecting destabilization in high-protein beverages (HPB).

Effect of a tannin and saponin blend feed additive on greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine if a commercial feed additive blend composed of quebracho, chestnut tannins, and saponins (TAN; Silvafeed BX) could reduce enteric GHG and ammonia (NH3) emissions without negatively effecting the productive performance of dairy cows. Twenty mid lactation Holstein dairy cows were blocked by DIM and parity in a randomized complete block design, and were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: TAN (n = 10) or control with no TAN (CON; n = 10). The treatments were administered as a top dress at each of 2 daily feedings with TAN supplemented at a rate of 0.07% of dietary DM.

Identification of dominant species common to kefir grains from seven origins for kefir grain reconstruction

Dominant species common to the kefir grains from 7 different origins were analyzed using culture-dependent methods using agar media that were able to grow and discriminate Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ssp. kefiranofaciens. Identification of all isolates was performed on the basis of MALDI-TOF MS analysis and colony morphology. Lactic acid bacteria were present at 9 log cfu g−1 in all kefir grains. Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens was the predominant species (ca. 87%), followed by Lentilactobacillus kefiri (ca.

Development of a consumer-driven chocolate milk sensory ballot for use in the dairy industry

Chocolate milk is an important dairy product in the United States, but current sensory ballots used to assess product quality and defects lack relevance for consumer-identified attributes of importance. Therefore, the objective of this research was to describe commonly encountered variation in desirable and undesirable attributes in commercially processed chocolate milk products, and to develop and test an improved expert sensory assessment ballot for chocolate milk. Eighteen commercially processed chocolate milk samples were collected and evaluated instrumentally for color parameters, and with an expert panel and a consumer panel for sensory properties.

Leveraging computer vision systems for monitoring hutch-housed dairy calves

Computer vision systems (CVS) have emerged as a powerful technology for animal monitoring. However, there is limited research on CVS for behavior monitoring of hutch-housed dairy calves, which account for >50% of all calf housing in the United States. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a CVS to monitor animal location and posture of hutch-housed dairy calves; (2) compare the predictive performance of 2 deep learning algorithms (large vs. small model) for object detection that can potentially be used in edge computing systems; (3) quantify lying bouts; and (4) investigate the relationship between image-based behavior, temperature-humidity index (THI), and respiration rate (RR) of outdoor hutch-housed dairy calves.

Effects of pre- and post-transport feeding protocols on the metabolism and physiological status of veal calves

This experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of pre- and post-transport feeding protocols with varying volumes of milk replacer on metabolic and physiological variables of unweaned calves during and after long-distance transport by ferry and road. We monitored 2 commercial shipments of male dairy and beef × dairy calves (n = 116). Pre-transport, calves (n = 58/treatment) were fed 2 L the morning of transport or 6 L divided over 2 feeds the evening before and the morning of transport.

Early-life management practices and their association with dairy herd longevity, productivity, and profitability

While improving the management of lactating cows to reduce health and reproductive issues can enhance cow longevity, the long-term effects of early-life management practices are less understood. The objectives of this study were to characterize dairy farms based on their early-life management practices and analyze their associations with herd longevity, productivity, and profitability. In this cross-sectional observational study, early-life management practices regarding colostrum feeding, milk feeding, solid feed and weaning, and housing were collected from 1,658 dairy farms in Quebec, Canada, using a questionnaire between February 2020 and February 2021.

The betA/B genes as a key factor in Cronobacter sakazakii survival under desiccation stress

Cronobacter is capable of long-term survival in dry environments such as powdered milk, which poses a health hazard to infants. To study the relationship between pathways and phenotypes from complex metabolic networks, this study used metabolomics and transcriptomics to analyze the different metabolites and genes of the strong desiccation resistance Cronobacter sakazakii CS 34 before and after drying treatment. It was found that betaine levels and genes related to its synthesis and transport were significantly upregulated posttreatment.

Can high-lipid concentrates offset the high enteric methane production caused by high-forage diets fed to lactating dairy cows?

Ruminants have the ability to utilize forages to produce high-quality products for human consumption. However, feeding high-forage diets can increase enteric methane (CH4) production. Therefore, this study examined the viability of using a high-ether extract concentrate as a compensatory strategy to mitigate elevated CH4 production, while assessing impacts on performance, digestibility, energy utilization, and ruminal and fecal microbiota. Four multiparous Nordic Red dairy cows in early lactation (averaging 61 ± 16.4 DIM) were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments.

Evaluation of a test-and-cull strategy to control bovine paratuberculosis based on the detection of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis DNA using the HT-J fecal PCR test

Bovine Johne's Disease (BJD) is a chronic, debilitating enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) with both animal welfare and economic consequences. The detection of MAP in feces is an important measure of transmission from infectious animals through environmental contamination. Therefore, control programs focused on early removal of infectious animals from a herd, combined with management approaches to reduce exposure of susceptible young animals, have a high likelihood of reducing the disease burden.

Cost-efficiency of mastitis control strategies on smallholder dairy farms

Mastitis poses significant challenges to the global dairy industry, including smallholder farms, which contribute substantially to global milk production. In Indonesia, where smallholder farming is vital to the dairy sector, mastitis represents a substantial obstacle to sustainable milk production and farm profitability. The objectives of this study were to estimate the costs associated with mastitis on Indonesian smallholder dairy farms and evaluate the cost-efficiency of various mastitis control strategies.

Pages