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Recording of direct health traits in Austria--Experience report with emphasis on aspects of availability for breeding purposes
Various studies have underlined the genetic variability of direct health traits based on the Austrian Health Monitoring System. Although the recording and use of data on health disorders is beneficial for farmers and veterinarians, it is a challenge to establish such a system for breeding purposes. Measures to ensure data security and data quality as well as motivation are very important. It is advisable to avoid additional effort for farmers and veterinarians by taking circumstances and existing infrastructure into account. For the application of genomic selection, besides genotypes, many valid phenotypes for health disorders are needed. Genotypes and phenotypes across herds have additional benefits beyond collecting data on just the genetically most interesting cows within herds.
Other Issue Highlights
- Effect of alternative models for increasing stocking density on the short-term behavior and hygiene of Holstein dairy cows
This study investigated the effect of 3 methods for experimentally increasing stocking density (denial of access to feeding and resting space; denial of feeding, resting, and alley space; and addition of cows) on the behavior and hygiene of dairy cows. Regardless of method used to simulate overcrowding, the mean daily lying time decreased with increasing stocking density. Feeding time tended to be affected, but the extent of reduction in feeding time was dependent on the method of increasing stocking density. Overall, the 3 methods for imposing stocking density were equivalent in their effects on cow behavior (except rumination time) and hygiene. - Adding liquid feed to a total mixed ration reduces feed sorting behavior and improves productivity of lactating dairy cows
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding a molasses-based liquid feed to a total mixed ration on the feed sorting behavior and production of dairy cows. Less sorting against the longest ration particles and higher dry matter intake occurred when cows were fed the liquid feed–supplemented ration. As a result of the increased dry matter, cows tended to produce more milk when fed the liquid feed–supplemented ration. - Forage proportion and particle length affects the supply of amino acids in lactating dairy cows
Lactating dairy cows were fed diets differing in forage particle lengths of alfalfa silage (short or long) that were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage to concentrate ratios. The study shows that increasing the forage proportion reduced overall amino acid supply because both duodenal flow and intestinal digestibility of amino acids decreased. However, increasing forage particle length had only marginal effects on amino acid supply.
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Effects of Heat-Stress on Production in Dairy CattleJune 2003 (Vol. 86 | No. 6 | Pages 2131-2144)
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Invited review: Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfareDecember 2009 (Vol. 92 | No. 12 | Pages 5769-5801)
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Nutritional Management of Transition Dairy Cows: Strategies to Optimize Metabolic HealthJuly 2004 (Vol. 87 | Pages E105-E119)
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Preweaning milk replacer intake and effects on long-term productivity of dairy calvesFebruary 2012 (Vol. 95 | No. 2 | Pages 783-793)
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Use of individual cow milk recording data at the start of lactation to predict the calving to conception intervalOctober 2010 (Vol. 93 | No. 10 | Pages 4677-4690)
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