Effect of forage-to-concentrate ratio on production efficiency of low-efficient high-yielding lactating cows.

Feed is usually the costliest input in lactating cow's farms. Therefore, the developing of methods for a better adjustment of feed intake to cow's energetic needs in order to improve efficiency is desired. The aim of this study was to improve feed efficiency of low-efficient (LE) cows through a moderate increase in diet forage-to-concentrate ratio. We studied the effects of replacing 8.2% corn grains in a control low-fiber (LF) diet that contained 17.5% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with 7.5% wheat straw +0.7% soybean meal for a high-fiber (HF) diet that contained 23.4% forage NDF. Based on efficiency data of individual cows from the Agricultural Research Organization's herd measured in our previous study, 15 pairs of pre-classified LE multiparous mid-lactating Israeli Holstein dairy cows were selected, each pair with similar performance, intake, and efficiency data; each member of a pair was then adapted for 2 weeks to one or the other dietary treatment. Traits examined during the 5 weeks of the experiment were DM intake (DMI), eating behavior, milk production, in vivo digestibility, and estimation of feed efficiency [energy-corrected milk (ECM)/DMI and energy balance]. Cows fed the HF diet showed slower eating rate, smaller visit and meal sizes, longer daily eating time, higher visit frequency, and longer meal duration, compared to those fed the LF diet. The DMI of cows fed the HF diet was 9.1% lower, their DM digestibility decreased from 65.7 to 62.2%, and their ECM yield was 7.0% lower than in cows fed the LF diet. Feed efficiency, measured as net energy captured/digestible energy intake, improved in the cows fed the HF vs. LF diet while feed efficiency measured as ECM/DMI remained similar. Our results thus show the potential of improving feed efficiency for milk production in LE cows by increasing the forage-to-concentrate ratio.

Dietary restriction improved feed efficiency of inefficient lactating cows.

The aim of this study was to reduce voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) to increase feeding efficiency of preclassified inefficient (INE) dairy cows through restricted feeding. We studied the effects of dietary restriction on eating behavior, milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) production, in vivo digestibility, energy balance, and measures of feed efficiency [residual feed intake (RFI) and ECM/DMI]. Before the experiment, 12 pairs of cows were classified as INE. The 2 dietary treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding versus restricted feeding of the same total mixed ration containing 36.5% roughage. Inefficient cows fed the restricted total mixed ration had a shorter eating time and lower meal and visit frequency, but a similar rate of eating, meal size, and meal duration compared with INE cows fed ad libitum. Compared with the INE cows fed ad libitum, restricted INE cows had 12.8% lower intake, their dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility remained similar, and their ECM yield was 5.3% lower. Feed efficiency, measured as RFI, ECM/DMI, and net energy retained divided by digestible energy intake, was improved in the restricted INE cows as compared with the ad libitum cows. Our results show that moderate DMI restriction has the potential to improve feed efficiency of preclassified INE cows.

Effect of lactation trimester and parity on eating behavior, milk production and efficiency traits of dairy cows.

There is absence knowledge about the effects of lactation trimester and parity on eating behavior, production and efficiency of dairy cows. Objective of this study was to identify and characterize in 340 dairy cows, the 20% high efficient (HE), 20% low efficient (LE) and 60% mid efficient (ME) cows according to their individual residual feed intake (RFI) values, within and between lactation trimesters and between 1st and 2nd parities. Efficiency effect within each lactation trimester, was exhibited in daily dry matter intake (DMI), eating rate and meal size, that were the highest in LE cows, moderate in the ME cows and lowest in the HE group. Daily eating time, meal frequency, yields of milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) and BW were similar in the three efficiency groups within each trimester. The lower efficiency of the LE cows in each trimester attributes to their larger metabolic energy intake, heat production and energy losses. In subgroup of 52 multiparous cows examined along their 1st and 2nd trimesters, milk and ECM production, DMI, eating behavior and efficiency traits were similar with high Pearson's correlation (r=0.78 to 0.89) between trimesters. In another subgroup of 42 multiparous cows measured at their 2nd and 3rd trimesters, milk and ECM yield, DMI and eating time were reduced (P<0.01) at the 3rd trimester, but eating rate, meal frequency and meal size remained similar with high Pearson's correlation (r=0.74 to 0.88) between trimesters. In subgroup of 26 cows measured in 1st and 2nd parities, DMI, BW, milk and ECM yield, and ECM/DMI increased in the 2nd lactation, but eating behavior and RFI traits were similar in both parities. These findings encourage accurate prediction of DMI based on a model that includes eating behavior parameters, together with individual measurement of ECM production. This can be further used to identify HE cows in commercial herd, a step necessary for potential genetic selection program aimed to improve herd efficiency.

Eating behavior, milk production, rumination, and digestibility characteristics of high- and low-efficiency lactating cows fed a low-roughage diet.

This study aimed to identify individual characteristics differing among high-efficiency (HEf; upper 20%, n = 31), low-efficiency (LEf; lower 20%, n = 31), and mid-efficiency (MEf, 60% n = 93) lactating cows. Primiparous (37) and multiparous (118) high-producing milking cows at 30 to 180 d in milk were fed individually a low-roughage diet [31.6% of dry matter (DM)] for 4 wk. Daily average DM intake, rate of eating, visit duration, meal size, and daily rumination time were higher in LEf compared with HEf cows. On the other hand, HEf cows exhibited higher digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber than the LEf cows. Daily eating time was similar in the HEf and LEf groups and higher than that of the MEf cows. Visit and meal frequency, average visit and meal duration, daily lying time, and pedometer activity were similar in the HEf, LEf, and MEf groups. The HEf cows produced 1.75% more milk, but similar energy-corrected milk compared with the LEf cows. Milk fat and protein content were lower by 1.8 and 3.8%, respectively, in the HEf cows than in the LEf group. Body weight (BW) and BW gain were similar in the 3 efficiency groups. Diurnal distribution of DM intake showed 6 distinct major meals, each composed of 1.1 to 1.6 visits. Higher intake peaks (greater meal size) were found in the LEf cows compared with the HEf group. Daily DM intake was highly correlated (affected) with energy-corrected milk production (r = 0.61), BW (r = 0.4), eating rate (r = 0.57), and visit size (r = 0.54). Energy balance showed that the lower efficiency of the LEf cows was attributed to their excess heat production and energy loss.

Use of the novel atypical opioid tapentadol in goats (Capra hircus): pharmacokinetics after intravenous, and intramuscular administration.

The objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of the novel atypical drug tapentadol (TAP) after intravenous (I.V.) and intramuscular (I.M.) injections in clinically healthy goats. A 2 × 2 cross-over design study was carried out. Six local adult Nubian nonlactating, nonpregnant female goats, were given 5 mg/kg body weight of TAP by I.V. and I.M. routes. The concentrations of TAP in plasma were evaluated using a validated HPLC method. Transient adverse effects were noticed in some animals, especially after I.V. administration (tremors and ataxia). Three days after drug administration, severe hair loss was also recorded. The plasma concentrations after the two routes of administration were best described by a bi-compartmental model. After I.M. injection, TAP showed a very fast absorption (Tmax  = 0.17 h) and a short half-life (1.29 h). The I.M. bioavailability was quite high, despite being variable (87.8 ± 35.6%). This is the first pharmacokinetic study of TAP in goats but due to its unknown safety profile and efficacy, it is premature to recommend the use of this drug in clinical ovine practice.

Effect of photoperiod and heat stress in the third trimester of gestation on milk production and circulating hormones in dairy goats.

The influence of photoperiod manipulation in the dry period was examined in dairy goats experiencing environmental heat stress. Multiparous Israeli Saanen goats were blocked at dry off (∼60 d prepartum) into 2 groups of 4 goats each based on body weight, previous milk production, and detected embryo number. Treatments consisted of long-day (16 h light:8 h dark) and short-day (8 h light:16 h dark) photoperiods (LDPP and SDPP, respectively). Heat-stress conditions were applied by manipulating the environment of metabolic rooms to reach a maximum temperature of 37°C between 1000 and 2200 h, and a minimum of 23°C and 70.3% relative humidity. All goats were returned to ambient photoperiod after kidding, milked twice daily, and milk yield was automatically recorded. Dry matter intake during the dry period was similar between treatments, averaging 1,114 g/d. Milk production was significantly higher in the SDPP than the LDPP group (2,172 vs. 1,550 g/d) during the 12-wk experimental period. Milk protein and fat contents were similar in both groups and averaged 3.63 and 4.34%, respectively, whereas milk lactose was higher in the LDPP group (4.77 vs. 4.67%). Heart rates were similar between treatments and averaged 112.6 beats per minute (BPM). Respiration rates were lower in the morning (58.4 BPM) compared with the afternoon (91.2 BPM) and were not influenced by photoperiod. Rectal temperature was higher for the LDPP than the SDPP group (40.4 vs. 39.6°C). The thyroid hormone level (mean ± SE) was similar in both groups during the dry period, but higher during lactation in the LDPP goats up to 40 d postpartum (110±6.59 vs. 156±8.76 ng/mL). Plasma IGF-1 (mean ± SE) was higher in the LDPP group (279±62 vs. 162±27 ng/mL in SDPP) during the dry period but was similar postkidding, averaging 132±24 ng/mL. Plasma prolactin level (mean ± SE) was higher in the LDPP than the SDPP group during the dry period (17.2±1.6 vs. 10.6±0.99 ng/mL), whereas it was similar throughout lactation (0.61±0.28 ng/mL). These data support the idea that SDPP manipulation during heat load in dry goats can be used as an abatement strategy to reduce the carryover effect of heat stress observed during the subsequent lactation. The higher milk production in SDPP goats is explained by changes in circulating prolactin profile rather than differences in feed intake or secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1.

Hyperinsulinemic clamp modulates milk fat globule lipid composition in goats.

We determined the effect of insulin on milk fatty acid (FA) and lipid composition in goats. Four dairy goats, 150 d in milk, were subjected to hyperinsulinemic clamp (treatment) or saline (control) infusion for 4d in a crossover design study. Composition and concentration of plasma and milk FA, triglycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol were determined. Mammary gland biopsies were taken at the end of each experimental period and lipogenic gene expression was determined. Plasma insulin was elevated 3.5-fold, whereas plasma glucose remained constant during the treatment period. Feed intake decreased by 26% and fat yield decreased by 17% relative to controls. No change in nonesterified FA concentration was found between controls and treatment. Compared with controls, insulin decreased yield of long-chain saturated FA by 14%. Milk concentration of long-chain FA was reduced by 3%, whereas that of medium-chain FA increased by 5% during the treatment compared with controls. Hyperinsulinemic clamps increased the yields of milk phospholipids by 9% and cholesterol by 16%, whereas it only tended to decrease triglyceride yields (by 11%). Hyperinsulinemic treatment resulted in compositional changes in the milk fat globule membrane, as reflected by 15 and 9% decreases in phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine concentrations, respectively. Lipogenic gene expression of acyl coenzyme A carboxylase, stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase, and FA synthase did not change, whereas lipoprotein lipase gene expression tended toward an increase in the treatment period compared with controls. Hyperinsulinemic clamps reduce the availability of long-chain FA, which are considered to originate from the diet and adipose lipolysis for milk lipid synthesis by the mammary gland of goats. Under these conditions, long-chain FA might be preferentially channeled to phospholipid rather than triglyceride synthesis, hence increasing phospholipid yields. Mechanisms determining FA distribution among milk lipid components and the consequences of altered milk fat globule membrane lipid composition remained to be elucidated.

Effect of feeding cows in early lactation with diets differing in roughage-neutral detergent fiber content on intake behavior, rumination, and milk production.

This study measured the effects of including soyhulls as partial roughage replacement in total mixed rations (TMR) fed to 25 pairs of cows during early lactation, on the dry matter (DM) intake, particle kinetics, rumination, in vivo DM and NDF digestibility, milk and FCM yields, and BW changes. The 2 diets used in this study differed in the content of roughage and roughage NDF [23.5 vs. 35.0%, and 12.8 vs. 18.7% in the experimental (EXP) and control (CON) TMR, respectively]. The EXP TMR contained 20.5% less physically effective NDF than the CON TMR (11.7 vs. 14.1% of DM, respectively). These differences were expressed in a greater intake per meal (by 13.3%), a higher rate of meal intake (by 23.2%), a similar number of meals per day, a shorter daily eating duration (by 13%), and a higher total daily DMI (by 7.2%) in the EXP cows as compared with the CON cows. The in vivo DM and NDF digestibility was higher by 4.9 and 22.7%, respectively, in the EXP cows than in the CON cows. The rumination time for the TMR in the EXP cows was 12.7% (54.3 min/d) shorter than in the CON cows, and this was probably related to the difference of 12.4% in physically effective NDF intake between the 2 groups. Patterns of daily rumination and feed consumption throughout an average day showed a delay of approximately 1 to 2 h between the eating and rumination peaks. Particle flow from the rumen of the EXP cows was characterized by a longer rumen mean retention time (by 17.8%) and longer rumination time per kilogram of roughage ingested (by 23.5%) as compared with the CON cows. Thus, favorable conditions for NDF digestion were created in the rumen of the EXP cows, as reflected in their rumen pH values (6.67). The advantage of the EXP cows in intake and digestibility was reflected in a concomitant increase of 7.4% in milk production and of 9.2% in FCM yield as compared with the CON cows. No difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to efficiency of feed utilization for milk production and BW changes.

Leptin up-regulates the lactogenic effect of prolactin in the bovine mammary gland in vitro.

The ability of leptin to up-regulate prolactin action in the mammary gland is well established. We examined the effect of leptin and prolactin on traits associated with lactation. Leptin and prolactin enhanced proliferation (thymidine incorporation) of the mammary gland cells, elevated the cells' proliferation in a dose-responsive manner, and synergized to elevate the expression of amino acid metabolism via a 90% increase in aminopeptidase N expression. Leptin and prolactin decreased apoptosis (decreased caspase-3 expression by 60%) in the same manner. Leptin enhanced the effect of prolactin on all of these processes in bovine mammary explants. Leptin and prolactin regulated mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) by increasing expression by 66%, which is one of the signal-transduction junctions involved in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and protein synthesis. These findings support the hypothesis that leptin up-regulates prolactin action in the bovine mammary gland.

Effect of photoperiod in the third trimester of gestation on milk production and circulating hormones in dairy goats.

Multiparous Israeli Saanen goats (n = 8) were blocked at dry off (approximately 45 d prepartum) into 2 treatments of 4 goats each based on body weight (BW), previous milk production, and the number of detected embryos in utero. Treatments consisted of long-day (16 h light:8 h dark) and short-day (8 h light:16 h dark) photoperiods at normothermic ambient temperature (22 degrees C, 72% relative humidity). All goats were returned to ambient photoperiod after kidding, milked twice daily, and milk yield was automatically recorded. Dry matter intake was similar between treatments and averaged 980 g/d. Milk production was greater in the short-day than in the long-day treatment (2,932 vs. 2,320 g/d) during the 12-wk experimental period. Milk protein and lactose contents were similar in both treatments and averaged 3.61 and 4.88%, respectively, whereas milk fat was greater in the long-day treatment (4.80 vs. 4.22%). Plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 was greater in the long-day treatment (149 vs. 73 ng/mL) during the dry period than in the short-day treatment, but was similar postkidding, averaging 76 ng/mL. Concentrations of triiodothyronine in plasma were similar in both treatments during the dry period, but greater during lactation in the short-day treatment (122.1 vs. 94.1 ng/mL). Plasma prolactin was greater in the long-day than in the short-day treatment during the dry period (28.0 vs. 17.5 ng/mL), whereas it was similar throughout lactation (11.7 ng/mL). These data support the idea that greater milk production in goats exposed to short days during the dry period is not explained by differences in feed intake or increased secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1.

Prolactin affects leptin action in the bovine mammary gland via the mammary fat pad.

One of the roles of the endocrine system is to synchronize mammary function. Hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin act directly on the mammary gland. Metabolic hormones, such as GH, glucocorticoids, insulin, and leptin are responsible for coordinating the body's response to metabolic homeostasis. Leptin has been shown to be an important factor in regulating the metabolic adaptation of nutrient partitioning during the energy-consuming processes of lactation. In the present study, we show that leptin is secreted from the mammary fat, and is regulated by prolactin. The expression of alpha-casein in a co-culture of epithelial cells and fat explants was enhanced by prolactin compared with that in epithelial cells cultured alone. Leptin antagonist abolished the effect of leptin on alpha-casein expression in mammary gland explants when exogenous leptin was not present in the medium. This finding supports our hypothesis that the antagonist abolishes the action of endogenous leptin secreted by the mammary adipocytes. These results lead us to the hypothesis that prolactin and leptin act in the bovine mammary gland, via mammary fat pad/adipocytes.

Aminopeptidase N gene expression and abundance in caprine mammary gland is influenced by circulating plasma peptide.

This study examined the localization and the effect of circulating peptides on the expression of aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2) in caprine mammary gland. Four lactating goats in mid to late lactation were used in a crossover design and were subjected to 2 dietary treatments. Abomasal infusion of casein hydrolysate was used to increase the concentration of peptide-bound amino acid in the circulation. Samples of mammary gland tissue from each goat were taken by biopsy at the end of each treatment period to measure gene and protein expression of aminopeptidase N in the tissue. There were no measurable effects on feed intake and milk production for any of the treatments. Western blot analysis showed that aminopeptidase N is located on the basolateral side of parenchymal cells and not on the apical membranes. Abomasal infusion of casein hydrolysate caused a marked change in the profile of arterial blood free amino acids and peptide-bound amino acids smaller than 1500 Da. Abundance of aminopeptidase N mRNA and protein increased by 51 and 58%, respectively, in casein hydrolysate-infused goats compared with the control treatment. It was concluded that aminopeptidase N is one candidate actively involved in the mammary gland to support protein synthesis and milk production. In accordance with the nutritional conditions in the current experiment, it is suggested that aminopeptidase N expression is partly controlled by the metabolic requirements of the gland and postabsorptive forms of amino acids in the circulation.

Digestibility in lactating cows of diets containing whole Pima treated with sodium hydroxide versus Akala or Pima cottonseed.

This study examines the effect of NaOH treatment on the nutritive value of Pima cottonseed for lactating cows. Treatment of Pima cottonseed with NaOH increased the extent of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber in vitro digestibility. Three groups of cows were fed 3 similar total mixed rations (TMR) differing only in the type of cottonseed fed, either whole linted Akala, whole unlinted Pima, or whole Pima treated with 4% NaOH (T-Pima). Dry matter and organic matter (OM) intakes of Akala and Pima TMR were similar and tended to be lower compared with cows fed T-Pima. This was reflected in similar intake of crude protein and lipids by cows fed the 3 TMR. Digestibility of DM, OM, and crude protein were similar in cows fed Pima and T-Pima diets, and slightly higher in cows fed the Akala TMR. Lipid digestibility was highest in cows fed Akala TMR, whereas cellulose and NDF digestibility were lowest in Pima TMR. In the 3 TMR, there was a large gap between the high values of "digestibility of intact seeds" and actual in vivo digestion of DM and OM. Similar yields of milk and milk protein were obtained in cows fed the Akala and Pima TMR, whereas higher yields of milk, milk protein, milk fat, and 4% fat-corrected milk were found in the T-Pima cows. Similar efficiency of DM intake for fat-corrected milk production was achieved by cows fed the 3 TMR.

Expression of albumin in nonhepatic tissues and its synthesis by the bovine mammary gland.

Albumin is a well-characterized product of the liver. In the present study, objectives were to determine if the albumin gene is also expressed in various nonhepatic tissues in the bovine; whether mammary gland epithelial cells synthesize albumin; and how its synthesis is affected by bovine mastitis. Albumin expression was monitored using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Tissues examined were: liver, mammary gland, tongue, intestine, lymph gland, testicle, ovary, and uterus. All tissues except the ovary expressed the albumin gene, albeit less so than the liver. The highest level of expression (other than liver) was found in the lymph nodes but expression was also found in the mammary gland. Incubation of mammary gland explants with the labeled amino acid L-[(35)S] methionine resulted in formation of labeled immunoprecipitable albumin, newly synthesized in the explant. Immunoprecipitable albumin in the medium verified that newly synthesized albumin was also secreted into the medium. This shows that the gland itself is a source of milk albumin. Albumin mRNA expression was approximately 4 times higher in mammary gland tissue from 6 mastitic cows compared with expression in mammary tissue from 6 healthy glands. Further, secretion of albumin was increased 3.5-fold from explants of mastitic mammary glands compared with secretion from explants of healthy mammary glands. Addition of lipopolysaccharide increased the synthesis and secretion of albumin in mammary gland cells in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide accelerated albumin synthesis in a time-dependent manner up to 48 h. These results lead us to suggest that the secretion of albumin by the mammary gland is part of the innate nonspecific defense system.

Leptin affects prolactin action on milk protein and fat synthesis in the bovine mammary gland.

Leptin, a protein hormone produced and secreted predominantly by white adipose tissue, has a critical role in the regulation and coordination of energy metabolism. Identification of leptin in the milk of several mammals, including humans, led us to investigate its presence and regulatory effect in the cow mammary gland. The expression of leptin receptor in tissue culture of lactating mammary gland was augmented approximately 25 times by prolactin, but had no effect on virgin calf mammary tissue. Expression of leptin in tissue culture from mammary glands of lactating cows was enhanced 2.2-fold by prolactin. No effect of prolactin on leptin and leptin receptor expression was found in mammary gland tissue culture from calves. Leptin-enhanced fatty acid synthesis in the presence of prolactin, but had no effect without presence of prolactin. A similar pattern was found in the expression of alpha-casein and beta-lactoglobulin in mammary gland explants from a lactating cow. Our findings indicate that leptin plays an important role in mammary gland lactogenesis, and that the expression of leptin requires the presence of prolactin.

Nutrient transport in the small intestine: Na+,K+-ATPase expression and activity in the small intestine of the chicken as influenced by dietary sodium.

The Na+-K+-ATPase, localized in the basolateral membrane of enterocytes plays a major role in nutrient transport in the small intestine by transferring K+ ions into and Na+ out of the cell. Within the enterocyte, homeostasis is maintained by active exclusion of Na from the cell by the Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) or sodium pump. Because much of the intestinal nutrient transport is by Na cotransporters, Na+,K+-ATPase may be used to evaluate nutrient uptake. In this study, nutrient transport was evaluated by determining expression and activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in the jejunum of chicks fed diets with different concentrations of Na. Expression of the chicken Na+-K+-ATPase gene was examined following isolation of an 1,140 bp cDNA fragment of the alpha-subunit using a reverse transcription (RT)-PCR reaction with specific primers. This fragment was sequenced and showed 95 to 98% homology with the mammalian alpha-subunit of the Na+-K+-ATPase genes. This cDNA fragment was used as a specific probe in Northern blot hybridization for determination of expression in the chicken jejunum. Expression of mRNA of Na+-K+-ATPase was enhanced at low dietary Na but was unchanged at high dietary Na concentrations. In contrast, activity of the enzyme was low with low dietary Na and unchanged at high dietary Na. The Vmax of the Na+-K+-ATPase was unchanged, but affinity was altered by dietary Na concentrations. Thus, determination of expression and activity of intestinal Na+-K+-ATPase allows clearer understanding of changes in intestinal uptake due to dietary Na.

Vascular sources of amino acids for milk protein synthesis in goats at two stages of lactation.

An arteriovenous technique, combined with a 30-h i.v. infusion of [5-(13)CH3]Met and [5,5,5-(2)H]Leu, was used to monitor mammary uptake of free amino acid (AA) and to estimate the proportion of casein synthesized from circulating peptides in goats in early and late lactation. At both stages, kinetics was performed on the last day of consecutive 5.5-d periods. The first period was an i.v. infusion of saline and the second an i.v. infusion of lysine (8.9 g/h) plus methionine (2 g/h). Net uptake of essential AA and protein yields were higher in early than in late lactation. Uptake of free Met, His, and Pro was less than, uptake of Tyr and Lys was equal to, and uptake of Arg, Leu, Val, and Ile was greater than milk protein synthesis. Peptide uptake, estimated from the difference in casein and plasma free AA enrichment, accounted for a larger fraction of casein-Met (17 vs. 8%) and casein-Leu (27 vs. 12%) in late than in early lactation. Small decreases in mammary blood flow, AA transport activity, and AA concentrations accounted for the lower uptake of AA in late compared with early lactation. Based on our studies of several AA, the utilization of circulating peptides for casein synthesis appears to be a general phenomenon.

Polyethylene glycol, determined by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, as a marker of fecal output in goats.

We report the application of NIR spectroscopy to determine the fecal concentration of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, MW 6000) used as an external marker of fecal output in goats. Calibration was carried out, using the modified partial least-squares method (MPLS), combining all wavelengths in the 1100-2500 nm range, with high linearity (R2 = 0.99). In goats fed at maintenance level, the recovery of PEG in feces was complete, and the estimation of fecal output was accurate, when a moderate dose of PEG was given (20 g/d). A higher dose of PEG (40 g/d) was associated with underestimation of fecal output, probably because PEG interacted with water metabolism. Using PEG and its NIRS-aided analysis to determine fecal output is accurate, simple, and cheap. However, the feasibility of this new method must be verified in goats feeding on tannin-containing diets, and in goats at high feeding level.

Effect of site and source of energy supplementation on milk yield in dairy cows.

The effect of infusing similar energy equivalents of starch into the rumen, or starch or oil into the abomasum was studied in four midlactation cows in a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment; controls were ruminally infused with water. Cows were fitted with cannulas in the rumen, abomasum, and ileum, and nutrient digestion in the rumen and small intestine was evaluated with Cr as a digesta marker. Ruminal infusions of starch, or abomasal infusions of starch or oil, were associated with a decrease in voluntary feed organic matter intake. Overall energy intake was reduced in oil-infused, but not in starch-infused cows. Nonstructural carbohydrate digestibility in the rumen and in the small intestine was similar among treatments. In abomasally infused cows 3.4 kg/d of nonstructural carbohydrates was apparently digested in the small intestine. Milk production was reduced in oil-infused cows, but the efficiency of milk energy and protein yield was unaffected by treatments. Plasma glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 concentration, mammary glucose extraction rate, rumen ammonia and plasma urea, and arterial and mammary extraction rate of amino acids were all similar among treatments. Large quantities of starch can be digested in the rumen or small intestine of dairy cows. There appear to be no metabolic advantage to increasing the supply of starch to the rumen or the abomasum of mid-lactation dairy cows maintained on highly concentrated diets and exhibiting a positive energy balance.

The effect of roasting nonlinted whole cottonseed on milk production by dairy cows.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of roasting nonlinted whole cottonseed on ruminal crude protein (CP) degradability and performance in high-yielding dairy cows. Multiparous Israeli Holstein-Friesian cows (parity average 2.5+/-1.5; n = 132) with 571+/-65 kg of body weight (BW), 107+/-48 d in milk (DIM), and 37+/-5.8 kg of milk yield/d were used in the study. Cows were divided into two dietary treatment groups according to their BW, DIM, and milk production. The two diets were similar in CP, net energy for lactation, and neutral detergent fiber content [17%, 1.74 Mcal/kg, and 30% on a dry matter (DM) basis] and included either 15% (on a DM basis) whole cottonseed or roasted whole cottonseed. Ruminal effective degradability of CP, organic matter (OM), and ether extract (EE) decreased 14, 11, and 10%, respectively, compared to whole cottonseed. Total tract digestibilities of CP and EE were similar for both treatments and averaged 57 and 59%, respectively. However, DM and OM digestibilities were 6 and 5% higher in cows offered roasted whole cottonseed relative to those fed whole cottonseed diet. The inclusion of roasted whole cottonseed in the ration decreased ruminal ammonia and blood urea N concentration by 12% compared with diet with the raw whole cottonseed. Milk production, milk fat content, and production, and milk protein yield increased when roasted, nonlinted whole cottonseed was included in the diet. Milk protein content was similar for both treatments, averaging 2.92%.