Bozhao Li, Thomas C. France, James A. O'Mahony
et al.
ABSTRACT: The rennet and acid coagulation properties of reconstituted micellar casein concentrate prepared using cold or warm microfiltration (MF), at similar casein contents, were investigated, with low-heat skim milk powder (LHSMP) as a control. The MF retentates had higher casein content (as % of total protein) compared with LHSMP, and heat-induced whey protein-casein aggregates were only present in LHSMP. All MF retentates showed shorter rennet coagulation times and higher gel strengths than LHSMP, which may be linked to lower levels of whey protein (either native or denatured). At similar casein contents, longer rennet coagulation times were evident for cold MF retentates compared with warm MF retentates, as the ratio of κ-CN as a function of total increased with the depletion of β-CN. In terms of acid-induced coagulation, all MF retentates coagulated at a pH >5, higher than the gelation pH of LHSMP (4.7–4.9), which was confirmed by microscopic and textural analysis. An inflection point (increase, followed by a decrease) in the storage modulus value was seen during the acidification of warm MF retentates, but not cold MF retentates; this may be related to structural rearrangements of the gel initiated by release of colloidal calcium phosphate and compacting of the structure of warm MF retentate gels as pH decreased. Both warm and cold MF retentates exhibited shorter rennet coagulation times, stronger rennet-induced gels and higher acid-induced gelation pH compared with LHSMP, which might influence their use for the manufacture of cheese or yogurt with tailored functionalities.
ABSTRACT: We measured the effect of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in diets containing lower or higher concentrations of undegraded NDF at 240 h of in vitro fermentation (uNDF240) on DMI, milk production and composition, chewing behavior, ruminal responses, and nutrient digestibility. Sixteen Holstein cows (8 ruminally cannulated) averaging 123 ± 9 (SD) DIM were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4-wk periods. Cows were fed TMR that differed in uNDF240 and peNDF content primarily by changing forage-to-concentrate ratio and particle size of timothy hay. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of (1) lower uNDF240 (LU; 8.9% of TMR DM) or higher uNDF240 (HU; 11.4% of TMR DM) and (2) lower peNDF (LP; 18.6%–20.1% of TMR DM) or higher peNDF (HP; 21.8%–22.0% of TMR DM). Physically effective uNDF240 (peuNDF240) was calculated as the product of the dietary physical effectiveness factor (pef; % of TMR DM retained on a ≥1.18-mm sieve with vertical dry sieving) and uNDF240 (as a percentage of DM) with the purpose of combining particle size and undegradability of fiber into one measure. Dietary peuNDF240 concentrations were 5.4% (LU-LP), 5.8% (LU-HP), 5.9% (HU-LP), and 7.1% (HU-HP) of TMR DM. Cows were housed in individual tiestalls, fed TMR once daily, and milked 3×/d. Data were analyzed as a factorial arrangement of treatments within a replicated Latin square design using the MIXED procedure of SAS (ver. 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The model included the fixed effects of uNDF240, peNDF, uNDF240 × peNDF, period within replicated square, and square. Cow within square was a random effect. There was an interaction between dietary peNDF and uNDF240, with cows fed the HU-HP diet consuming 10% less DM (24.9 kg/d) than cows fed the HU-LP (27.4 kg/d) or either LU diet (27.4 kg/d). Diets higher in peNDF content elicited greater peNDF intake. However, there was an interaction between uNDF240 and peNDF for uNDF240 intake driven by the HU-LP diet (3.1 kg/d) compared with the HU-HP (2.9 kg/d) and LU diets (2.4 kg/d). Intake of peuNDF240 reflected dietary pef and uNDF240 content, as expected. There was an effect of uNDF240 and peNDF on ECM production, and it tracked with dietary peuNDF240 (47.5, 45.2, 46.5, and 44.1 kg/d for diets LU-LP, LU-HP, HU-LP, and HU-HP, respectively). Mean ruminal pH increased, total VFA concentration (millimolar) decreased, and acetate-to-propionate ratio increased with higher dietary uNDF240, but peNDF content had no effect. Rumination time (min/d) was unaffected by diet, although eating time (min/d) was increased by both uNDF240 and peNDF content. An interaction between uNDF240 and peNDF resulted in lower dietary peNDF reducing eating and rumination time (min/kg of DMI) primarily for the HU diets. The HU diets increased the ruminal pool size of NDF and uNDF240 versus the LU diets, slowed NDF ruminal turnover rate, and increased apparent total-tract digestibility of potentially degradable NDF (NDF − uNDF240). Responses in DMI, ECM, chewing behavior, and ruminal characteristics reflected dietary particle size and fiber undegradability as measured by dietary uNDF240, peNDF, and peuNDF240 content.
ABSTRACT: We aimed to evaluate the effects of prepartum supplementation of different I sources (Ascophyllum nodosum [ASCO] meal and ethylenediamine dihydroiodide [EDDI]) on colostrum yield, blood concentrations of glucose, BHB, and thyroid hormones, and growth of dairy calves. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by lactation number and expected calving date and assigned to 1 of 4 treatments 28 d before parturition: (1) EDDI supplemented (11 mg/d) to a basal diet to meet the NRC (2001) I concentration of 0.5 mg of I/kg of DMI (control = CON [0 g/d of ASCO meal]; actual I concentration = 0.68 mg/kg of DMI); (2) CON plus 57 g/d of ASCO meal (low seaweed supplementation = LSW); (3) CON plus 113 g/d of ASCO meal (high seaweed supplementation = HSW); or (4) CON plus 151.3 mg/d of EDDI formulated to match the amount of I provided by HSW (high EDDI = HEDDI). Forty-one calves were blocked based on their dams' treatments and received 300 g of IgG via colostrum replacer immediately after birth. At 24 h after calving, calves were offered (DM basis) 676 g of milk replacer (25.3% CP, 16.5% fat) until d 49 and 338 g until weaning. Free-choice texturized starter (28.2% CP) and water were offered ad libitum from 24 h to 8 wk of life. Blood samples were collected for analyses of IgG (0 h and 24 h of age), thyroid hormones (d 14, 28, and 56 of age), and BHB (weekly). On d 5 of life, a xylose challenge was conducted by supplementing 0.5 g of d-xylose/kg of BW, with blood samples taken over a 12-h period. Weekly skeletal and BW measurements were also recorded. The concentration of colostral fat was greater in HSW than HEDDI cows, and it tended to increase linearly with ASCO meal supplementation. Although I intake increased linearly with feeding incremental amounts of ASCO meal to close-up cows, the transfer of I from feed to colostrum decreased quadratically. Neither I intake nor colostral I transfer efficiency changed when feeding HSW versus HEDDI. Calves born to HSW dams had a greater initial BW and final hip height, as well as tendencies for greater weekly hip height and final withers height compared with HEDDI calves. Calf BW gain tended to decrease linearly with ASCO meal supplementation. The 24-h apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG tended to increase in HSW versus HEDDI calves. Plasma glucose concentration on d 5 of life decreased linearly in response to incremental levels of ASCO meal. Furthermore, the plasma concentration of biweekly total thyroxin and whole-blood concentrations of weekly BHB and final BHB responded quadratically to ASCO meal, with the lowest values observed for LSW calves. In summary, prepartum supplementation with incremental amounts of ASCO meal to close-up cows did not change colostrum composition. However, feeding HSW versus HEDDI increased colostral fat concentration and initial BW in calves.
ABSTRACT: The flavor development of koumiss is intricately linked to its starter culture. This research aimed to delve into the microbial diversity of mare milk and koumiss, isolate the dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast, and assess the effects of composite strains on the fermentation characteristics and flavor quality of koumiss. In mare milk, the dominant microbial genera were Enterobacter and Rhodotorula. As fermentation progressed, the microbial diversity of mare milk gradually declined, and Lactobacillus and Dekkera became the dominant bacterial genera. A total of 42 LAB types and 24 yeast types were isolated. A 1:1 combination of Lactobacillus helveticus 3-4 and Kazachstania unispora A-3 led to a high viable bacterial count and rapid acid production in koumiss. Twenty-one flavor substances were detected, endowing the koumiss with intense umami and sour profiles. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the development and industrial application of koumiss starters.
ABSTRACT: The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to characterize associations among genomic merit for fertility with ovarian and endocrine function and the estrous behavior of dairy cows during an entire nonhormonally manipulated estrous cycle. Lactating Holstein cows entering their first (n = 82) or second (n = 37) lactation had ear-notch tissue samples collected for genotyping using a commercial genomic test. Based on genomic predicted transmitting ability values for daughter pregnancy rate (gDPR), cows were classified into high (Hi-Fert; gDPR > 0.6, n = 36), medium (Med-Fert; gDPR −1.3 to 0.6, n = 45), and low fertility (Lo-Fert; gDPR < −1.3, n = 38) groups. At 33 to 39 DIM, cohorts of cows were enrolled in the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol for synchronization of ovulation and initiation of a new estrous cycle. Thereafter, the ovarian function and endocrine dynamics were monitored daily until the next ovulation by transrectal ultrasonography and concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol, and FSH. Estrous behavior was monitored with an ear-attached automated estrus detection system that recorded physical activity and rumination time. Overall, we observed an association between fertility group and the ovarian and hormonal phenotype of dairy cows during the estrous cycle. Cows in the Hi-Fert group had greater circulating concentrations of P4 than cows in the Lo-Fert group from d 4 to 13 after induction of ovulation and from day −3 to −1 before the onset of luteolysis. The frequency of atypical estrous cycles was 3-fold greater for cows in the Lo-Fert than the Hi-Fert group. We also observed other modest associations between genomic merit for fertility with the follicular dynamics and estrous behavior. We found several associations between milk yield and parity with ovarian, endocrine, and estrous behavior phenotypes as cows with greater milk yield and in the second lactation were more likely to have unfavorable phenotypes. These results demonstrate that differences in reproductive performance between cows of different genomic merit for fertility classified based on gDPR may be partially associated with circulating concentrations of P4, the incidence of atypical phenotypes during the estrous cycles, and, to a lesser extent, the follicular wave dynamics. The observed physiological and endocrine phenotypes might help explain part of the differences in reproductive performance between cows of superior and inferior genomic merit for fertility.
ABSTRACT: Milk composition, particularly milk fatty acids, has been extensively studied as an indicator of the metabolic status of dairy cows during early lactation. In addition to milk biomarkers, on-farm sensor data also hold potential in providing insights into the metabolic health status of cows. While numerous studies have explored the collection of a wide range of sensor data from cows, the combination of milk biomarkers and on-farm sensor data remains relatively underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to identify associations between metabolic blood variables, milk variables, and various on-farm sensor data. Second, it seeks to examine the supplementary or substitutive potential of these data sources. Therefore, data from 85 lactations on metabolic status and on-farm data were collected during 3 wk before calving up to 5 wk after calving. Blood samples were taken on d 3, 6, 9, and 21 after calving for determination of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, and fructosamine. Milk samples were taken during the first 3 wk in lactation and analyzed by mid-infrared for fat, protein, lactose, urea, milk fatty acids, and BHB. Walking activity, feed intake, and body condition score (BCS) were monitored throughout the study. Linear mixed effect models were used to study the association between blood variables and (1) milk variables (i.e., milk models); (2) on-farm data (i.e., on-farm models) consisting of activity and dry matter intake analyzed during the dry period ([D]) and lactation ([L]) and BCS only analyzed during the dry period ([D]); and (3) the combination of both. In addition, to assess whether milk variables can clarify unexplained variation from the on-farm model and vice versa, Pearson marginal residuals from the milk and on-farm models were extracted and related to the on-farm and milk variables, respectively. The milk models had higher coefficient of determination (R2) than the on-farm models, except for IGF-1 and fructosamine. The highest marginal R2 values were found for BHB, glucose, and NEFA (0.508, 0.427, and 0.303 vs. 0.468, 0.358, and 0.225 for the milk models and on-farm models, respectively). Combining milk and on-farm data particularly increased R2 values of models assessing blood BHB, glucose, and NEFA concentrations with the fixed effects of the milk and on-farm variables mutually having marginal R2 values of 0.608, 0.566, and 0.327, respectively. Milk C18:1 was confirmed as an important milk variable in all models, but particularly for blood NEFA prediction. On-farm data were considerably more capable of describing the IGF-1 concentration than milk data (marginal R2 of 0.192 vs. 0.086), mainly due to dry matter intake before calving. The BCS [D] was the most important on-farm variable in relation to blood BHB and NEFA and could explain additional variation in blood BHB concentration compared with models solely based on milk variables. This study has shown that on-farm data combined with milk data can provide additional information concerning the metabolic health status of dairy cows. On-farm data are of interest to be further studied in predictive modeling, particularly because early warning predictions using milk data are highly challenging or even missing.
ABSTRACT: Negative associations of health disorders with reproductive performance, often measured with pregnancy per AI or the risk of pregnancy loss, have been demonstrated extensively. Most studies investigated common clinical diseases but did not include subclinical disorders comprehensively. They often evaluated cows subjected to hormonal synchronization protocols for timed AI, limiting the ability to understand how disease may affect spontaneous reproductive function, which is essential for targeted management programs with selective hormonal intervention. It is plausible that metabolic and inflammatory disorders have short- and long-term detrimental effects on different features of reproductive function that result in or contribute to reduced fertility. These may include: (1) re-establishment of endocrine function to promote follicular growth and first ovulation postpartum, (2) corpus luteum (CL) function, (3) estrus expression, and (4) uterine environment, fertilization, and embryonic development. In this narrative literature review, we discuss insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with these processes of reproductive function. A growing set of observational studies with adequate internal validity suggest that these outcomes may be affected by metabolic and inflammatory disorders that are common in the early postpartum period. A better characterization of these risk factors in multisite studies with greater external validity is warranted to develop decision-support tools to identify subgroups of cows that are more or less likely to be successful in targeted reproductive management programs.
ABSTRACT: Protein lactosylation is a significant modification that occurs during the heat treatment of dairy products, causing changes in proteins' physical-chemical and nutritional properties. Knowledge of the detailed lactosylation information on milk proteins under various heat treatments is important for selecting appropriate thermo-processing and identifying markers to monitor heat load in dairy products. In the present study, we used proteomics techniques to investigate lactosylated proteins under different heating temperatures. We observed a total of 123 lactosylated lysines in 65 proteins, with lactosylation even occurring in raw milk. The number of lactosylated lysines and proteins increased moderately at 75°C to 130°C, but dramatically at 140°C. We found that 6 out of 10, 9 out of 16, 6 out of 12, and 5 out of 15 lysine residues in κ-casein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and αS1-casein, respectively, were lactosylated under the applied heating treatment. Moreover, different lactosylation states of individual lysines and proteins can indicate the intensity of heating processes. Lactosylation of K14 in β-lactoglobulin could distinguish pasteurized and UHT milk, while lactosylation of lactotransferrin can reflect moderate heat treatment of products.
K. Persson Waller, M. Myrenås, S. Börjesson
et al.
ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus chromogenes and Staphylococcus simulans are commonly found in intramammary infections (IMI) associated with bovine subclinical mastitis, but little is known about genotypic variation and relatedness within species. This includes knowledge about genes encoding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and potential virulence factors (pVF). The aim of this study was therefore to investigate these aspects by whole-genome sequencing of milk isolates from Swedish dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in an observational study. We also wanted to study if specific genotypes were associated with persistent IMI and the inflammatory response at udder quarter level. In total, 105 and 118 isolates of S. chromogenes and S. simulans, respectively, were included. Isolates were characterized using a 7-locus multilocus sequence typing (7-MLST), core genome analysis and in-silico analysis of AMR and pVF genes. Forty-seven sequence types (ST) and 7 core genome clusters of S. chromogenes were identified, and the most common ST were ST-6 and ST-109, both belonging to cluster VII. A 7-locus MLST scheme for S. simulans was not available, but 3 core genome clusters and 5 subclusters were described. Overall, substantial variation in ST and clusters among cows and herds were found in both species. Some ST of S. chromogenes were found in several herds, indicating spread between herds. Moreover, within-herd spread of the same genotype was observed for both species. Only a few AMR genes [blaZ, strpS194, vga(A)] were detected in a limited number of isolates, with the exception of blaZ coding for β-lactamase, which was identified in 22% of the isolates of S. chromogenes with ST-19, ST-102, and ST-103 more commonly carrying this gene compared with other ST. However, the blaZ gene was not identified in S. simulans. The average total number of pVF detected per isolate was similar in S. chromogenes (n = 30) and S. simulans (n = 33), but some variation in total numbers and presence of specific pVF or functional groups of pVF, was shown between ST/clusters within species. Differences in inflammatory response and potentially in persistent IMI at udder quarter level were found between S. chromogenes subtypes but not between S. simulans subtypes. In conclusion, the results from the present study generates new insight into the epidemiology of bovine S. chromogenes and S. simulans IMI, which can have implications for future prevention and antimicrobial treatment of infections related to these species.
Haruka Ukita, Takeshi Yamazaki, Satoshi Yamaguchi
et al.
ABSTRACT: Dairy cattle must allocate energy to milk production and reproduction. Therefore, understanding the environmental factors that affect conception rates in nulliparous and primiparous cows is helpful in appropriate feeding management strategies before and after calving. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors before and after the first calving on the conception rate, representing the starting point of milk production. The records of the first artificial insemination (AI) from Holstein nulliparous cows (n = 533,672) and primiparous cows (n = 516,710) in Hokkaido, Japan, were analyzed using separate multivariable logistic regression models. The mean conception rates for nulliparous and primiparous cows from 2012 to 2018 were 55.2 and 39.2%, respectively. In both nulliparous and primiparous cows, the conception rate of crossbreeding using Japanese Black (JB) semen was significantly higher than that for purebred Holstein breeding. The conception rate using sexed semen decreased in the warmer months only in nulliparous cows. Moreover, we grouped primiparous cows according to milk yield during peak lactation (PY; < 25, 25–30, 30–35, ≥35 kg) and the interval from calving to first insemination (CFI; < 60, 60–79, 80–99, ≥100 d), and evaluated their combined effect on the conception rate. Both PY and CFI strongly affected the conception rate in primiparous cows, which decreased with an increase in PY, even for the group with CFI ≥100 d; however, the conception rate increased for a CFI ≥60 d regardless of PY. Taken together, this study demonstrates the long-term effect of PY and an independent effect of CFI on the conception rate of cows. These results provide guidance for management to execute appropriate AI implementation strategies before and after lactation.
ABSTRACT: Milking 3 times in 2 d (3-in-2) could enhance the attractiveness of the dairy workplace relative to twice-a-day milking (TAD) by reducing labor requirements for milking and increasing workforce flexibility. The objective of this study was to quantify the farm system interactions associated with milking 3-in-2 at 3 stages of lactation, with the aim of providing guidance to pasture-based dairy farmers and advisors on the likely consequences of adopting 3-in-2 milking on farm productivity and business performance. Seventy-nine multiparous and 37 primiparous cows were randomly allocated to 4 experimental farms stocked at 3.5 cows/ha. One herd was milked TAD for the whole lactation (August 2019 to May 2020), with the remaining 3 milked 3-in-2 for either the whole lactation, after December 1 when cows were an average of 101 d in milk, or after March 1 when days in milk averaged 189 d. Milking intervals over 48 h were 10-14-10-14 h for TAD and 12-18-18 h for 3-in-2. Animal, pasture, and farm system data were analyzed by linear regression, with the dependent variable being the annualized value of the performance metric of interest, and the number of days in the lactation milked 3-in-2 as the independent variable. For the proportion of the season milked 3-in-2, there was a significant effect on milk (−11%), protein (−8%), and lactose (−12%) yield per cow per year, but no effect of fat. Additionally, there was a positive effect (+6%) on body condition score before dry-off and the energy required for liveweight change (+26%), and a negative effect on the energy required for walking (−30%). There were no differences in estimated feed eaten, or pasture herbage accumulation, composition, or quality. Therefore, pasture management and feed allocation under 3-in-2 should be similar to TAD. On commercial farms, the degree to which reduced milk income can be offset by lower costs will be highly farm-specific, but opportunities for savings were identified in the results. The short walking distances on the research farm and potential to improve farm management using the time saved from fewer milkings suggests better production may be achieved with 3-in-2 milking on a commercial farm.
H Mohammadi , A H Khaltabadi Farahani , M H Moradi and I Hajkhodadadi
Introduction: Understanding the genetic control of growth traits is essential for effective poultry breeding poultry. One way to identify new loci and confirm existing QTL is through genome-wide association analysis (GWAA) (Wang et al., 2011). In addition, identifying loci with large effects on economically important traits, has been one of the important goal to poultry breeding. QTL assisted selection and genomic regions affecting the production traits have been considered to increase the efficiency of selection and improve production performance (Seabury et al., 2017). Genome wide association studies typically focus on genetic markers with the strongest evidence of association. However, single markers often explain only a small component of the genetic variance and hence offer a limited understanding of the trait under study. A solution to tackle the aforementioned problems, and expand understanding of the genetic background of complex traits, is to move up the analysis from the SNP to the gene and gene-set levels (Peñagaricano et al., 2013). In a gene-set analysis, a group of related genes that harbor significant SNP previously identified in GWAS, is tested for over-representation in a specific pathway.
Material and methods: The aim of the this study was to genome wide association studies (GWAS) based on Gene set enrichment analysis for identifying the loci associated with related to body weight and shank length and diameter traits in advanced intercross line (AIL) using the high-confidence SNPs that enable us to study 161376 SNP markers simultaneously. For this purpose, the 599 advanced intercross line and 161376 markers were performed with mixed linear model (MLM) approach was used for the GWAS of the F9 generation, as implemented in the GCTA package (v1.92) (Yang et al., 2011) and no any correction to adjust the error rate. The gene set analysis consisted of three different steps: (1) the assignment of SNPs to genes, (2) the assignment of genes to functional categories, and (3) the association analysis between each functional category and the phenotype of interest.
In brief, for each trait, nominal P-values < 0.005 from the GWAS analyses were used to identify significant SNP. Using the biomaRt R package, the SNP were assigned to genes if they were within the genomic sequence of the gene or within a flanking region of 15 kb up- and downstream of the gene, to include SNP located in regulatory regions. For the assignment of the genes to functional categories, the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway databases were used. The GO database designates biological descriptors to genes based on attributes of their encoded products and it is further partitioned into 3 components: biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. The KEGG pathway database contains metabolic and regulatory pathways, representing the actual knowledge on molecular interactions and reaction networks. Finally, a Fisher’s exact test was performed to test for overrepresentation of the significant genes for each gene-set. The gene enrichment analysis was performed with the goseq R package. In the next step, a bioinformatics analysis was implemented to identify the biological pathways performed in BioMart, Panther, DAVID and GeneCards databases.
Results and discussion:
Gene set enrichment analysis has proven to be a great complement of genome-wide association analysis (Abdalla et al., 2016). Among available gene set databases, GO is probably the most popular, whereas KEGG is a relatively new tool that is gaining ground in livestock genomics (Morota et al., 2015, 2016). We had hypothesized that the use of gene set information could improve prediction. However, neither of the gene set SNP classes outperformed the standard whole-genome approach. Gene sets have been primarily developed using data from model organisms, such as mice and flies, so it is possible that some of the genes included in these terms are irrelevant for meat production. It is likely that a better understanding of the biology underlying meat production specifically, plus an advance in the annotation of the chicken genome, can provide new opportunities for predicting production using gene set information. Eleven SNP markers on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 27 located in MSTN, CAPN3, PNPLA3, ANXA2, IGF1, LDB2, LEPR, FN1, ¬TMEM135, MC4R, EDN1, and ADAMTS18 genes were identified. Some of the genes found to be consistent with some previous studies. Those seem to be involved in biological pathways related to muscle skeletal growth, energy metabolism and bone growth and development. According to pathway analysis, 19 pathways from gene ontology and KEGG pathway were associated with the body weight, shank length and diameter trait (P˂0.05). Among those pathways, the regulation of muscle organ development, regulation of cell growth and anatomical structure homeostasis biological pathway have important roles in the growth and skeletal muscle development. Also, the anatomical structure formation involved in morphogenesis, positive regulation of ossification and calcium signaling pathway presumably has significant association with body weight and shank length as well as diameter traits.
Some of these regulatory regions, such as enhancers, are located far from the genes. Therefore, although the gene might be part of the analysis, the relevant variant would probably not be included in the gene set SNP class. Finally, linkage disequilibrium interferes with the use of biological information in prediction because irrelevant regions (regions without any biological role) capture part of the information encoded in relevant regions, causing both regions to exhibit similar predictive abilities. The use of very high density SNP data or even whole genome sequence data could alleviate some of these issues.
Finally, it is worth noting that our gene-set enrichment analysis was conducted using a panel of SNP obtained from a single marker regression GWAS, which relies on a simplified theory of the genomic background of traits, without considering for instance the joint effect of SNP. Hence, other approaches (e.g., GWAS exploring SNP by SNP interactions) might provide a better basis for biological pathway analysis.
Conclusion: Our observations agreed with the previous results from GWAS of body weight, shank length and diameter traits. Moreover, additional regions in the chicken genome associated with economically important traits were revealed. Our findings would contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of growth traits in broiler chicken accelerating the genetic progress in poultry breeding programs.
Noémie Vanacker, Richard Blouin, Céline Ster
et al.
ABSTRACT: During the transition period, dairy cows often experience negative energy balance, which induces metabolic and immunological disturbances. Our previous work has shown a relationship between the inhibition of immune functions and increased blood nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 11 fatty acids (palmitoleic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, docosahexaenoic, conjugated linoleic, lauric, eicosapentaenoic, and linolenic acids) as well as a mix that represented the NEFA profile observed during the transition period at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 250 µM) on proliferation and cytokines secretion of lymphocytes. To assess lymphoproliferation, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from 5 healthy cows (166–189 d in milk) were isolated, stimulated with the mitogenic lectin concanavalin A (ConA), incubated for 72 h with or without fatty acids, and subjected to flow cytometry analysis. Our results showed that all fatty acids, except lauric acid, significantly reduced proliferation of PBMC in a dose-dependent manner. The most detrimental effect was observed with conjugated linoleic and stearic acids, where proliferation of PBMC was already inhibited at the lowest dose (50 µM). For cytokine secretion, we found that levels of IL-4 in culture supernatant of ConA-stimulated PBMC were reduced after a 24-h exposure to the lowest dose (50 µM) of oleic and palmitoleic acids. A dose of 100 µM of eicosapentaenoic acid, NEFA mixture, and myristic acid was necessary to observe a reduction in IL-4 levels. The PBMC also showed a decrease in the secretion of IFN-γ in response to lauric, linolenic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids at 50 µM and myristic acid at 100 µM. Overall, polyunsaturated fatty acids were more potent inhibitors of cytokine secretions than saturated fatty acids. In addition, we detected an inverse relationship between the melting points of fatty acids and their ability to inhibit IL-4 and IFN-γ secretions, as evidenced by greater inhibition with low–melting point fatty acids. Overall, our study confirmed that NEFA have a negative effect on some lymphocyte functions, and that their inhibitory effect on cytokine secretions increases with the degree of unsaturation.
ABSTRACT: Shelf-stable cultured milk beverages that have high protein levels can be difficult to successfully manufacture. With increasing protein level, rapid phase separation and gel formation occur in cultured beverages, which may not be prevented even with the inclusion of stabilizers such as high methoxy (HM) pectin. To limit protein aggregation in cultured milk beverages we investigated micellar casein as an interesting alternative to milk, due to the absence of whey proteins, which can contribute to increased gel strength in cultured products. In this study, micellar casein dispersed in ultrafiltered milk permeate was fermented to pH 4.1, blended with HM pectin, homogenized, thermally processed, and bottled for storage at ambient temperature for 6 mo. Utilizing response surface methodology with a central composite rotatable design, the protein and pectin contents were varied between 5 and 9% and 0.0 and 1.0%, respectively. The elastic modulus, loss tangent, and yield stress of these beverages were measured during storage to observe the extent of bond restructuring, whereas particle size and visual phase separation were measured to determine stability. Response variables were measured initially after thermally processing the beverages, and after 1 and 6 mo of storage at ambient temperature. All samples quickly formed gels after homogenizing, regardless of the pectin level. The stiffness (elastic modulus) of all samples increased throughout storage and was determined mainly by the protein content; however, the growth of elastic bonds over time was slowed with high levels of pectin. At 6 mo of storage, yield stress values were significantly lower for beverages with <7.5% protein when they were stabilized with ≥0.85% pectin. Prediction models for visual phase separation in beverages stored for 6 mo were significantly affected by the protein content, with increasing instability at lower protein levels. Models were used to identify optimal protein (<7.5%) and pectin (≥0.85%) concentrations to minimize the stiffness of gels during ambient storage. Samples in this optimized region were predicted to have low yield stress values and were easily fluidized by gentle shaking of the bottle at 6 mo.
A study was conducted among 570 farmers spread across 57 districts (out of 75) of Uttar Pradesh from 10 April to 10 May 2020 by telephonic contact using the pre-structured interview schedule to assess the impact of CoVID 19 lockdown on the investment and profitability of major bovines of the state namely cattle and buffalo each with 460 data points. Different indicators for research variables namely investment pattern and profitability were measured by asking direct questions to the randomly selected 10 farmers from each district during the lockdown period and their experiences during last year (2019). The collected data were subjected for descriptive analysis - average, percentage, rank, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV), and also to the paired t-test to see the significance of difference, if any. Findings of the study showed that all the investments indicators like feed and fodder price, treatment cost, animal handling charges and total cost of milk production of cattle and buffalo enhanced significantly during the lockdown. The magnitude varied as per the nature of the cost components. The price variation was observed across the sample respondents and district. Similarly, for profitability indicators, there was reduction in the magnitude of milk sale (13-15%), selling price of milk (4-5%) and B:C ratio (5.2 -7.3%) significantly owing to lockdown. The perceptions of KVK experts from across the selected districts were also analyzed. During this period, KVKs of the state also disseminated various advisories, instructions, crop and enterprise-specific recommendations.
This research is about important factors affection sustainable livelihood of camel dairying on changing scenario of desert ecosystem and Camel management, Camelus dromedaries, Farmers, Milk, Desert eco-systems, Climate change, Camel use
In this study, combinations of different mineral salt replacement for sodium chloride were used in Turkish White cheese production. The effect of sodium chloride substitutes on the physical, chemical and textural characteristics of cheese samples was examined. Five types of brine solution including NaCl only (K: control) (16 % w/w), only 50 % NaCl (L) (8 % w/w), 30 % CaCl2 and 70 % NaCl (M) (16 % w/w), 30% KCl and 70 % NaCl (N) (16% w/w), and PanSalt (P) (16 % w/w) were used in cheese production. PanSalt (57 % NaCl+28 % KCl+12 % MgSO4) is a commercial salt with low sodium content. The characteristics of cheeses determined within the study included the total dry matter, ash, protein, fat, salt, titratable acidity, pH values, percentage of water soluble nitrogen, percentage of trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen and proteose-pepton nitrogen; the sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium content and the textural characteristics (via a texture profile analysis). In comparison to the control cheese, this substitution showed no significant effect on the comprehensive parameters evaluated. The Na, K, Ca and P content showed important differences among the cheese samples. The total sodium content of L, M, N and P samples decreased significantly. In regard to this research results it can be said that it is possible to produce low sodium cheese with using proper quantity of mineral salt replacers.