Staphylococci have been isolated from various sites of the body of healthy sheep, as well as from many infections of those animals, the main one being mastitis. The objective of this review is to appraise the importance and significance of staphylococci in causing mastitis in ewes. The review includes a brief classification and taxonomy of staphylococci and describes the procedures for their isolation and identification, as well as their virulence determinants and the mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial agents. Various staphylococcal species have been implicated in staphylococcal mastitis and the characteristics of isolates are discussed with regards to potential virulence factors. Staphylococcal mastitis is explicitly described, with reference to sources of infection, the course of the disease and the relevant control measures. Finally, the potential significance of staphylococci present in ewes’ milk for public health is discussed briefly.

Increased animal productivity has reduced animal fitness, resulting in increased susceptibility to infectious and metabolic diseases, locomotion problems and subfertility. Future animal breeding strategies should focus on balancing high production levels with health status monitoring and improved welfare. Additionally, understanding how animals interact with their internal and external environment is essential for improving health, fitness, and welfare. In this context, the continuous validation of existing biomarkers and the discovery and field implementation of new biomarkers will enable us to understand the specific physiological process and regulatory mechanisms used by the organism to adapt to different environmental conditions. Thus, biomarkers may be used to monitor welfare and improve management and breeding strategies. In this article, we describe major achievements in the establishment of biomarkers in dairy cows and small ruminants. This review mainly focuses on the physiological biomarkers used to monitor animal responses to, and recovery from, environmental perturbations. We highlight future avenues for research in this field and present a timely positioning document to the scientific community.

Organic farming is believed by many to be an environmentally friendly production system that promotes the use of local forage while strongly limiting the input of chemicals, including allopathic treatments. As organic dairy farming has grown, farmers have realised that many available conventional breeds of cow are not well adapted to the new situations and that more ‘robust’ cows, able to function well in the constraining organic environment, are needed to yield acceptable longevity and productivity. In this review paper, the current breed diversity in organic dairy farming is analysed with the aim of identifying the types of cow that would best fulfil organic breeding goals. Unlike the conventional sector, organic dairy farming is very heterogeneous and no single type of cow can adapt well to all scenarios. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of existing breeds (rustic Holstein-Friesian, other rustic breeds and crosses), and strong genotype × environment interactions demand different strategies for very diverse situations. Organic dairy farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume would benefit from using higher milk yielding cows, and rustic Holstein-Friesian cows may be the best option in such cases. Although most Holstein-Friesian cows are currently selected for use in conventional systems, this situation could be reversed by the implementation of an organic merit index that includes organic breeding goals. Farms producing milk either for systems that recompense milk solids or for transformation into dairy products would benefit from using breeds other than Holstein-Friesian or their crosses. Organic farmers who focus on rural tourism, farm schools or other businesses in which marketing strategies must be taken into account could benefit from using local breeds (when possible) or other rustic breeds that are highly valued by consumers.

Milk is an important protein source in human diets, providing around 32 g protein/l (for bovine milk, which constitutes some 85% of global consumption). The most abundant milk proteins are α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, αs-casein, β-casein, and κ-casein. Besides their nutritional value, milk proteins play a crucial role in the processing properties of milk, such as solubility, water bonding, heat stability, renneting and foaming, among others. In addition, and most importantly for this review, these proteins are the main source of bioactive components in milk. Due to the wide range of proposed beneficial effects on human health, milk proteins are considered as potential ingredients for the production of health-promoting functional foods. However, most of the evidence for bioactive effects comes from in vitro studies, and there is a need for further research to fully evaluate the true potential of milk-derived bioactive factors. Animal genetics and animal nutrition play an important role in the relative proportions of milk proteins and could be used to manipulate the concentration of specific bioactive peptides in milk from ruminants. Unfortunately, only a few studies in the literature have focused on changes in milk bioactive peptides associated to animal genetics and animal nutrition. The knowledge described in the present review may set the basis for further research and for the development of new dairy products with healthy and beneficial properties for humans.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for environmental sensitivities in milk yield and composition of Iranian Holstein cows using the double hierarchical generalized linear model (DHGLM) method. Data set included test-day productive records of cows which were provided by the Animal Breeding Center and Promotion of Animal Products of Iran during 1983 to 2014. In the DHGLM method, a random regression model was fitted which included two parts of mean and residual variance. A random regression model (mean model) and a residual variance model were used to study the genetic variation of micro-environmental sensitivities. In order to consider macro-environmental sensitivities, DHGLM was extended using a reaction norm model, and a sire model was applied. Based on the mean model, additive genetic variances for the mean were 38.25 for milk yield, 0.23 for fat yield and 0.03 for protein yield in the first lactation, respectively. Based on the residual variance model, additive genetic variances for residual variance were 0.039 for milk yield, 0.030 for fat yield and 0.020 for protein yield in the first lactation, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlation between milk yield and macro- and micro-environmental sensitivities were 0.660 and 0.597 in the first lactation, respectively. The results of this study indicated that macro- and micro-environmental sensitivities were present for milk production traits of Iranian Holsteins. High genetic coefficient of variation for micro-environmental sensitivities indicated the possibility of reducing environmental variation and increase in uniformity via selection.

The experiment reported in this research communication aimed to determine the effects of post-weaning feeding level after early weaning on mammary parenchyma development in Alpine goats. Thirty Alpine female goat kids were weaned early (at around 9.8 kg and 32 d of age) and fed different levels of concentrate: Control (C, 730 g DM/d, n = 10), Low (L, 365 g DM/d, n = 10) or High (H, 1090 g DM/d, n = 10) until 235 d of age with ad libitum hay and water. Half of the goat kids were slaughtered before puberty (at around 208 d of age) and half at midgestation (at around 308 d of age and 70 d of gestation) for mammary parenchyma sampling. A histological analysis, Western blot and DNA quantification were performed. Blood samples were taken before puberty and at midgestation to determine plasma levels of IGF-I and prolactin. The mammary gland weights before puberty and at midgestation were positively and significantly associated with concentrate level. However, the organization of the mammary parenchyma and protein expression and quantity of DNA in the parenchyma were similar among the three groups. Before puberty, prolactin and IGF-I concentrations were significantly increased by the feeding level. In conclusion, feeding level after early weaning did not impact mammary parenchyma structure although it modified the weight of the mammary gland. The establishment of the mammary gland was not impacted by rearing management before puberty. Hence, increasing the feeding level during the rearing period could be an interesting way to increase the body development of goats without impairing mammary development whilst having a positive impact on reproductive parameters such as litter weight.

The objective of this study was to establish different single or multiple trait selection indices to calculate genetic and economic gains by combining some production, reproduction and udder health traits in a population similar to the overall practical situation in Iran, with and without imposing restrictions on genetic change for some traits. The SelAction software was used to perform the analyses based on selection index theory through a deterministic model. Results indicated that among established indices, the index that showed the highest genetic gain for milk yield did not maximize the total genetic and economic gains. Rather, the index that included all production, reproduction and udder health traits yielded the highest genetic and economic gains. When we placed restriction on the selection indices, the economic gain decreased and the amount of reduction depended on the heritability and the correlation of restricted trait(s) with other traits. Generally, regarding the economic genetic gain per generation, the indices based on records of 200 offspring were 4.819% more efficient than those that used information of 100 offspring.

Improving the production traits and resistance against mastitis in dairy cattle is a challenge for animal scientists across the globe. The present study was designed to investigate the genetic effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) genes with production and mastitis-related traits. Four SNPs in JAK2 and one in DGAT1 were analyzed through Chinese Cow's SNPs Chip-I (CCSC-I) and genotyped in a population of 312 Chinese Holsteins. Our findings demonstrated that milk fat percentage, somatic cell count (SCC), somatic cell score (SCS), serum cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) showed significant associations (P < 0.05) with at least one or more identified SNPs. Consequently, the analysis based on haplotypes amongst the SNPs in JAK2 revealed noteworthy (P < 0.05) association with SCC and IL-6. Collectively, our results verified the pleiotropic ability of detected SNPs in bovine JAK2 and DGAT1 for milk fat percentage as well as mastitis-related traits. The significant SNPs in both the genes could serve as powerful genetic markers to minimize mastitis risk. In addition, besides SCC and SCS, the IFN-γ and IL-6 could also be used as indicators of improved genetic resistance against mastitis.

The main objective of this study was to compare the performance of different ‘nonlinear quantile regression’ models evaluated at the τth quantile (0·25, 0·50, and 0·75) of milk production traits and somatic cell score (SCS) in Iranian Holstein dairy cows. Data were collected by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran from 1991 to 2011, comprising 101 051 monthly milk production traits and SCS records of 13 977 cows in 183 herds. Incomplete gamma (Wood), exponential (Wilmink), Dijkstra and polynomial (Ali & Schaeffer) functions were implemented in the quantile regression. Residual mean square, Akaike information criterion and log-likelihood from different models and quantiles indicated that in the same quantile, the best models were Wilmink for milk yield, Dijkstra for fat percentage and Ali & Schaeffer for protein percentage. Over all models the best model fit occurred at quantile 0·50 for milk yield, fat and protein percentage, whereas, for SCS the 0·25th quantile was best. The best model to describe SCS was Dijkstra at quantiles 0·25 and 0·50, and Ali & Schaeffer at quantile 0·75. Wood function had the worst performance amongst all traits. Quantile regression is specifically appropriate for SCS which has a mixed multimodal distribution.

The effect of weight gain during mid- and late gestation in dairy heifers on performance at the start of first lactation was studied. In this experiment, 47 Holstein heifers with first calving at 36 months of age were used. The plane of nutrition aimed to have a high (900 g/d, H; n = 23) and low (500, L; n = 24) average daily gain (ADG) from the 4th month of gestation until 3 weeks before the expected day of calving, achieved by ad libitum intake of high quality pasture (H) or controlled intake of a total mixed ration (L). Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), milking, and reproductive performances were recorded. Concentrations of plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and urea were characterised at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 of lactation. Milk fatty acid composition was determined at weeks 3 and 6. A total of 39 heifers successfully calved and completed first lactation. During feeding treatment the required ADG were achieved. BW and BCS were higher in H heifers at calving compared to L heifers: 707 vs. 640 kg, and 3.91 vs. 3.01 respectively. H heifers lost more weight, BCS and had lower feed intake during the beginning of first lactation (−0.8 kg DM/d/heifer over the first 4 weeks of lactation). Per day of lactation, H heifers produced significantly more milk (29.2 vs. 26.2 kg), fat (1.27 vs. 1.07 kg) and protein (0.84 vs. 0.477 kg) from 0 to 8 weeks of lactation. Concentrations of NEFA, glucose and BHBA were higher in H heifers compared to L heifers, but urea concentration was not affected. Concentration of preformed fatty acids in the milk (C16 and more) was higher. As a result, the calculated daily net energy balance during the first 8 weeks of lactation was −1.53 and −5.95 MJ for L and H heifers, respectively.

The work described in this research communication aimed to investigate whether rumen-protected methionine (Met) supplementation during the periparturient period would affect the expression of galectins in blood-derived neutrophils, and secretion of galectins, IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glucose in plasma. Because supplementation of rumen-protected Met would alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress during the peripartal period, we hypothesized that enhancing Met supply would benefit the innate immune response at least in part by altering the expression of galectin genes associated with neutrophil activity and inflammation. Galectins (Gal) have an immuno-modulating effect acting like cell-surface receptors whose activation often results in signaling cascades stimulating cells such as neutrophils. This study revealed an association between Met supplementation and galectin expression and secretion. This implies that galectin expression and secretion can be modulated by Met supplementation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the regulation of galectin gene expression for therapeutic and dietary intervention in the peripartal cow.

Grape marc (GPM) is a viticulture by-product that is rich in secondary compounds, including condensed tannins (CT), and is used as a supplement in livestock feeding practices. The aim of this study was to determine whether feeding GPM to lactating dairy cows would alter the milk proteome through changes in nitrogen (N) partitioning. Ten lactating Holstein cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) top-dressed with either 1.5 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day GPM (GPM group; n = 5) or 2.0 kg DM/cow/day of a 50:50 beet pulp: soy hulls mix (control group; n = 5). Characterization of N partitioning and calculation of N partitioning was completed through analysis of plasma urea-N, urine, feces, and milk urea-N. Milk samples were collected for general composition analysis, HPLC quantification of the high abundance milk proteins (including casein isoforms, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of the low abundance protein enriched milk fraction. No differences in DMI, N parameters, or calculated N partitioning were observed across treatments. Dietary treatment did not affect milk yield, milk protein or fat content or yield, or the concentrations of high abundance milk proteins quantified by HPLC analysis. Of the 127 milk proteins that were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, 16 were affected by treatment, including plasma proteins and proteins associated with the blood-milk barrier, suggesting changes in mammary passage. Immunomodulatory proteins, including butyrophilin subfamily 1 member 1A and serum amyloid A protein, were higher in milk from GPM-fed cows. Heightened abundance of bioactive proteins in milk caused by dietary-induced shifts in mammary passage could be a feasible method to enhance the healthfulness of milk for both the milk-fed calf and human consumer. Additionally, the proteome shifts observed in this trial could provide a starting point for the identification of biomarkers suitable for use as indicators of mammary function.

This research communication describes the possible association between feed sorting and the risk of metabolic disorders in dairy cows. Feed sorting, that is selecting smaller size TMR particles over longer length fibers, can lead to imbalanced energy input. In addition, sorting can lead to lower nutritive value of leftover TMR. To detect a possible relationship between TMR sorting and the occurrence of metabolic disorders in large-scale herds, TMR separation and metabolic profile tests were performed in 22 Hungarian dairies. Feed sorting was defined as >5% alteration in the mass proportion of any of the TMR fractions between the time of feed distribution and 5–6 h later. The prevalence of ketosis and subclinical acidosis differed between feed sorting and non-sorting groups. Inhomogeneous TMR seems to be a predisposing factor for imbalanced energy status. TMR homogeneity measurements should be routinely included in herd health monitoring.

This study aimed to calculate economic values (EVs) and economic selection indices for milk production systems in small rural properties. The traits 305-d milk yield in kg (MY), fat (FP) and protein (PP) percentage, daily fat (FY) and protein (PY) yield, cow live weight in kg (LW), calving interval (CI), and logarithm of daily somatic cell count (SCC) in milk were considered the goals and selection criteria. The production systems were identified from 29 commercial properties based on the inventory of revenues and costs and of zootechnical field data. Later, bioeconomic models were developed to calculate the productive performance, revenues, and costs concerning milk production to estimate EVs, which were calculated as the difference in annual profit with dairy production resulting from a change in one unit of the trait while keeping the others constant and dividing the value by the number of cows. After the EVs were known, ten economic selection indices were estimated for each system so they could be compared by modifying the selection criteria and calculating the relative importance of each selection criteria, the accuracy of the economic selection index, and response expected to the selection in USD, among other parameters. One of the systems detected was called less intensive (LS) and was characterized by having ten cows in lactation that produced 13·5 l/d and consumed 1·8 kg of concentrate/d. The second system detected was called more intensive (IS) and had 22 cows in lactation that produced 17·5 l/d and consumed 3·4 kg of concentrate/d. Monthly profits per cows in lactation of USD 2·60 and USD 68·77 were recorded for LS and IS, respectively. The EVs of the traits MY, FP, and PP were all positive, while for the other traits they were all negative in all situations. The best economic selection indices were those featuring selection criteria MY, LW, and CI, while the trait LW had the greatest importance in both systems. These results indicate that animal frame must be controlled in order to maximize the system's profit.

This research communication addresses the hypothesis that the association of dietary vitamin E and Yerba Mate could help to prevent or decrease oxidation of milk enriched in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Four multiparous lactating Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square. Treatments were: (1) control diet with no Yerba Mate or vitamin E; (2) diet containing 375 IU/kg vitamin E; (3) diet containing 30 g/kg Yerba Mate; and (4) diet containing 375 IU/kg vitamin E and 30 g/kg Yerba Mate. To increase unsaturated fatty acids in milk, cows were fed 172 g/kg soybean seeds (on a dry matter basis). There was no interaction between vitamin E and Yerba Mate supplementation for milk antioxidant-related (polyphenols, reducing power, conjugated dienes, and TBARS) analyses. Milk reducing power was increased when cows were supplemented with Yerba Mate. Our results suggest that the association of dietary vitamin E and Yerba Mate does not help to prevent or decrease oxidation of milk in UFA.

Based on ten years of data (2001–10), consisting of 12 673 observations on fortnightly milk yield of buffaloes reared in a dairy farm located in the Northern sub-tropics (29°41′0″N, 76°59′0″E), the present study establishes the relationship between weather conditions and production performance of lactating buffaloes. The critical threshold level of maximum temperature-humidity index (THI) was estimated to be 74, which is higher than that of crossbred cows. The duration of discomfort period for buffaloes begins in mid-March and lasts up to early November. During the aggravated stress condition (THI > 82) prevailing in the region for about 5 months starting from early May, milk productivity declines by more than 1% per unit increase in maximum THI over 82. The maximum temperature and minimum humidity (viz. maximum THI) are the most critical weather parameters causing thermal stress in animals, however, the climatic conditions in the region are such that not only maximum but also minimum THI crosses the critical threshold providing little relief to the animals during the night.