The efficiency of automatic milking systems depends on the continuous flow of cows, which may be affected by specific cow conducts, including milking unit preference. Moreover, providing resources that favor the expression of natural cow behaviors during the milking process may result in improved animal welfare. The objective of this study was to analyze the selection behavior for automatic milking units, comparing preference consistency across the lactation of 3 genetic groups (Holstein [HO], Jersey [JE], and Holstein × Jersey [HJ]) in a multibreed organic dairy farm using a batch milking system.

The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effect of cutting height during harvest on the nutrient composition, fermentation profile, and DM yield of whole-plant corn forage and silage and (2) evaluate the effect of cutting height on these variables at different DM at harvest categories. Data from 35 studies and 151 observations met the selection criteria, and 33 studies and 134 observations reported DM at harvest or DM of silage. Data were classified as low (LO; <32% DM; 42 observations from 15 studies), average (AVG; 32% to 37% DM; 52 observations from 14 studies) or high (HI; >37% DM; 29 observations from 9 studies) DM at harvest and the effect of cutting height was evaluated within each subset of DM at harvest, in addition to the full dataset.

Enterococci are present in traditional fermented foods, but their potential role as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes has raised concerns about food safety. To evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci in traditional fermented yogurt, microbial sequencing and culture methods were used to analyze the microbiota and Enterococcus composition in a total of 75 yogurts from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang, China). Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans were the predominant enterococcal species and belonged to 20 and 5 biotypes, respectively, according to randomly amplified polymorphic DNA PCR analysis.

Enteric methane emissions (EME) are the main source of anthropogenic GHG in the dairy industry. Certified food products, such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, are particularly interested in monitoring their environmental impact. To achieve this, a rapid, cost-effective method, applicable at the population level, is to estimate EME from predicted milk fatty acids obtained by milk mid-infrared spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in EME-derived traits according to dairy system and farm-level animal welfare indicators in farms belonging to the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.

Almond hulls are a rich source of triterpenoids (betulinic, urosolic, and oleanolic acids), flavonols, phenolics, catechins, and other polyphenolic compounds, some of which have antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating almond hulls into the compound feed of diets for dairy goats on milk performance, methane emissions, and energy partitioning. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (n = 5/group) in late lactation were used in a crossover design experiment (2 treatments across 2 periods).

In this study, a thermostable β-glucosidase derived from a hot spring metagenome was successfully immobilized on linen fabric to create an eco-friendly and reusable biocatalyst for lactose hydrolysis. The enzyme is derived from a metagenome of the high-temperature Pisciarelli hot springs, an extreme environment known to yield robust biocatalysts with industrial relevance. Two immobilization strategies were employed: direct covalent binding (Lf-β-glucosidase) and binding via a spacer arm (LfEG-β-glucosidase).

Hypercholesterolemia, a key culprit in cardiovascular diseases, poses challenges due to the limitations of current therapies, including adverse effects and poor long-term adherence. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), lauded for their safety, versatile mechanisms, and broad applicability across food, pharmaceutical, and livestock sectors, emerge as a promising natural alternative for cholesterol management. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of cholesterol and the risk of high intake, screening of cholesterol-lowering LAB and their in vitro and in vivo degradation mechanisms, and further summarizes the potential of their application in dairy products.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different vaccination schedules before dry-off (DO) on systemic inflammation and immunity during the early dry period and performance in the subsequent lactation in primiparous (PRIM) and multiparous (MULT) Holstein dairy cows in a commercial dairy farm. Farm standard operating procedure included administering vaccines (Enviracor J-5, ScourGuard 4KC, Ultrabac 7/Somubac, Zoetis) 2 d before DO and relocating to pasture where cows were fed only hay and milked once per day until DO.

Elevated concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA; ≥1.20 mmol/100 g of fat) reduce milk quality by changing milk sensory and functional properties. Bulk tank FFA levels vary between milk pickups, and there is limited research to identify factors associated with these short-term fluctuations in FFA. A time-temperature recorder (TTR) may be used on dairy farms to identify milk quality concerns through producer alarms related to milk cooling, storage, and contact surface sanitization. The objective of this study was to investigate whether specific TTR alarms could be associated with short-term increases in bulk tank milk FFA.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate enteric methane, manure composition, and digestor methane potential in lactating cows fed diets differing in substitution of dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS). The objectives of experiment 1 were to examine the effects of feeding DDGS by reducing dietary starch, NDF, and forage NDF (fNDF) on enteric methane production, feed intake, energy and N utilization, manure output, and milk production in lactating Jersey cows. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows (98 ± 6.5 DIM and weighing 441 ± 26.9 kg) were arranged in a triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design consisting of 4 periods of 28 d.

Scalar deregressions are used in dairy cattle to postprocess genetic evaluations into early and late, or separate, pieces of information. These separate pieces of information are in turn used, for example, to include foreign information or for validation of the genomic evaluation procedure. Here we detail the scalar algebra to separate “partial” evaluations from “whole,” with associated breeding values and reliabilities, into equivalent deregressed proofs (pseudophenotypes) and equivalent record contributions (pseudonumber of observed phenotypes).

The increasing incidence of vitamin D deficiency in Europe has generated interest in naturally enhancing vitamin D levels in commonly consumed foods, such as milk, by biofortification (defined here as increasing the concentration of a specific nutrient in a food by changing the diet or management of an animal). Endogenous, solar-driven biosynthesis of vitamin D is a potentially modifiable option for boosting vitamin D concentrations in milk. The objective of this study was to quantify milk and plasma vitamin D responses in housed cows exposed to artificial UV-B light over 12 wk.

Through an online questionnaire, we evaluated knowledge, implementation, interest, attitudes, and opinion regarding udder health management, bacteriological culturing (BC) of milk samples, and antimicrobial use among Flemish bovine dairy producers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, contingency tables, and multiple correspondence analysis. Most strikingly, 75% of the 126 participants were not able to differentiate clinical mastitis (CM) from subclinical mastitis (SCM) despite many years of knowledge dissemination through a multitude of channels.

Our objective was to determine the separate effects of lactose, soluble mineral concentration, and added dipotassium phosphate (DKP) on the heat stability of milk protein beverages made from rehydrated milk protein concentrate (MPC) with 85% crude protein on a DM basis (MPC85). Seven batches of rehydrated (7.5% protein) liquid MPC were made from each of 2 lots of MPC85 powder. Treatment 1 was 7.5% MPC85 in deionized (DI) water. Treatment 2 was 7.5% MPC85 that was rehydrated with 4°C Jenness–Koops (JK) buffer, a mix of salts that simulate milk salts.

This qualitative study explored Ontario dairy farmers' perceptions of educational programs and the factors that influenced their participation. Five focus groups were conducted with 20 dairy producers in southern Ontario to discuss their experiences, motivations, and barriers related to educational program participation. Through applied thematic analysis, 3 main themes were identified: (1) strategies for effective outreach and engagement, (2) perceived value of education as a driver for progress, and (3) participation in educational programs: motivators, barriers, and preferences.

The objectives of this study were to assess differences in lactational performance (reproduction, milk production, and removal from the herd) associated with time to clinical cure of metritis. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 3 experiments conducted at 5 dairy herds in Florida. Cows with metritis were randomly assigned to receive either ampicillin or ceftiofur in 2 experiments (1 experiment only implemented ceftiofur). Vaginal discharge assessment using the Metricheck device within 12 DIM was used to diagnose metritis, characterized by presence of fetid, watery, reddish-brown vaginal discharge (VD; n = 1,410), and the day of diagnosis was defined as d 0.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a 15-d administration of a polyphenol-rich extract from hazelnut skin (HS) on the incidence of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) and bronchopneumonia (BP) in Holstein heifers. Additionally, the study investigated whether the extract influenced reactive oxygen–derived metabolites (d-ROM), serum antioxidant capacity, fecal microbiota, growth rates, and severity of BP and NCD-related clinical parameters. In this randomized clinical trial, 80 healthy female dairy calves were allocated into 2 groups: a control group (CTRL, n = 40) and an HS-supplemented group (HS, n = 40), which received a milk replacer enriched with HS extract (5 g/day) from d 3 to d 18 of life.

The transition period is one of the most challenging phases for dairy cows. High incidences of metabolic and inflammatory disorders occur during this period due to negative energy balance and reduced immune functions. Acute phase proteins (APP), such as haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP), are important components of the innate immune response and serve as sensitive biomarkers of systemic inflammation. The current study aims to estimate heritability and identify candidate genes associated with serum levels of APP.

The periparturient period in dairy cows is marked by major metabolic and physiological changes that increase disease susceptibility and challenge immune function. However, the function of T helper (CD4+) cells across the periparturient period remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the in vitro metabolic function, proliferation capacity and phenotype of T helper cells across the periparturient period. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 22) having mean ± SD lactation of 4.16 ± 1.34 were sampled at −28, +3, and +28 d relative to calving.

During the transition period, dairy cows often experience negative energy balance (NEB), leading to excessive mobilization of adipose tissue and elevated circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). These excess NEFA can be taken up by the mammary gland, triggering redox imbalances and pro-inflammatory cascades that compromise its function. In nonruminants, sinomenine hydrochloride (SINH) has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation across a range of pathological conditions. However, its effects on NEFA-induced injury in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) remain largely unexplored.