In several studies, hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandins and oxytocin were used to increase pregnancy rate by inducing ovulation and improving the sperm transport in the female reproductive tract in lactating dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of GnRH, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin treatments at the time of artificial ...

The current water scarcity situation in South Africa is a threat to sustainable development. The present paper has assessed the water footprint of milk produced and processed in South Africa using the procedures outlined in the water footprint assessment manual. The results show that 1352 m3 of water is required to produce one tonne of milk with 4% fat and 3.3% protein in South Africa. The wate...

To produce milk that is healthier for human consumption, the present study evaluated the effect of including canola oil in the diet of dairy cows on milk production and composition as well as the nutritional quality of this milk fat. Eighteen Holstein cows with an average daily milk yield of 22 (± 4) kg/d in the middle stage of lactation were used. The cows were distributed in 6 contemporary 3x...

Concentrations of total cholesterol and progesterone were measured in early lactating dairy cows fed either a control diet or a diet containing a protected fat (1.8% on a OM basis) between weeks 4 and 12 post pactum. All cows were fed the control diet from parturition to week 4 post partum. Plasma samples were collected twice weekly. Plasma total cholesterol and progesterone were greater in cow...

Using two PGF(2α) treatments 14 days apart as a way to enhance estrus detection rate following the 2nd treatment is a reproductive management tool that continues to be used on large dairy farms. In one study, in cows with a functional CL and a dominant follicle, treatment with cloprostenol vs. dinoprost resulted in greater peripheral estradiol concentrations. The objective of the present study ...

Mastitis is the most common and costly disease of dairy cows (Hortet and Seegers, 1998; Zafalon et al., 2007); this is also the single most common reason for antimicrobial use in dairy herds, since antimicrobial therapy is the major primary tool for mastitis control in lactating and dry cows. Recently, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) are increasing in importance as cause of bovine intram...

Increased cost of common feedstuffs and increased availability of coproducts from plant-based biofuel manufacturing has enhanced interest in the use of these coproducts in rations for dairy cattle (Donkin and Doane, 2007). Glycerol (commonly marketed as crude glycerine with a glycerol content of approximately 80%) is a coproduct produced during biodiesel production from soybean oil and is becom...

In the Alps, summer farms are temporary units where the livestock herds are moved during summer to graze on highland pastures. Th is study aimed to analyze the role of summer farms in the dairy farming systems of the Trento province, in the eastern Italian Alps. Data on the structures and management of the 395 active summer farms were collected from the veterinarian services of the province: 34...

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a partial substitution of soybean meal with field pea (Pisum sativum) in Holstein lactating dairy cow diets on dry matter intake, milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, rumen ammonia-N concentration and pH. Eighteen lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned into three groups based on parity, days in milk, and mil...

The objective of this study was to determine effect of dietary essential oil (EO) compounds, which contained cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, peppermint, coriander, cumin, lemongrass, and an organic carrier on feed intake, milk composition, and rumen fermentation of dairy cows during heat exposure. Thirty-two Holstein cows (days in milk= 60 ± 5) were assigned to one of two treatment groups: a Control a...