Rafael Villela Barletta

Desempenho e parâmetros sanguíneos de vacas leiteiras alimentadas com grão de soja

The editorial process of Archivos de Zootecnia during 2012 is reported below. A total of 361 manuscripts coming from 28 countries, mainly from Brazil (78 %), were received. Consequently, the language most frequently used in the manuscripts was Portuguese, followed by Spanish and English. The mean time elapsed from submission of a manuscript until printing, was 599 days, a hundred days shorter than 2011. The rejection rate was 65 %. In 2011, 53 articles, 11 short notes and 7 reviews (total 72) were published by authors coming from 14 different countries.

Effects of flaxseed, raw soybeans and calcium salts of fatty acids on apparent total tract digestibility, energy balance and milk fatty acid profile of transition cows

Oilseeds offer some protection to the access of ruminal microorganisms and may be an alternative to calcium salts of fatty acids (FA), which are not fully inert in the ruminal environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different sources of FA supplementation on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, and energy balance (EB) of cows during the transition period and early lactation. We compared diets rich in C18:2 and C18:3 FA. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the four diets: control (n=11); whole flaxseed (WF, n=10), 60 and 80 g/kg (diet dry matter (DM) basis) of WF during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; whole raw soybeans (WS, n=10), 120 and 160 g/kg (diet DM basis) of WS during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CSFA, n=11), 24 and 32 g/kg (diet DM basis) of CSFA during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. Dry cows fed WF had higher DM and net energy of lactation (NEL) intake than those fed WS or CSFA. The FA supplementation did not alter DM and NDF apparent total tract digestibility, dry cows fed WF exhibited greater NDF total tract digestion than cows fed WS or CSFA. Feeding WS instead of CSFA did not alter NEL intake and total tract digestion of nutrients, but increased milk fat yield and concentration. Calculated efficiency of milk yield was not altered by diets. FA supplementation increased EB during the postpartum period. Experimental diets increased long-chain FA (saturated and unsaturated FA) in milk. In addition, cows fed WS and CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 FA and C18:2 cis, and lower C18:3 FA in milk than those fed WF. Furthermore, cows fed CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 and cis-9, trans-11 FA than cows fed WS. Although supplemental C18:2 and C18:3 FA did not influence the milk yield of cows, they positively affected EB and increased unsaturated long-chain FA in milk fat.

Fatty acid profile and composition of milk protein fraction in dairy cows fed long-chain unsaturated fatty acids during the transition period

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of different sources of unsaturated long-chain fatty acids in diets for dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation on the milk fatty acid profile and composition of the protein fraction. Thirty-six Holstein cows were divided into three groups, fed the following diets: control (C); soybean oil (SO); and calcium salts of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (CS). The milk samples utilized for analysis were obtained weekly from parturition to twelve weeks of lactation; each one of the samples originated from two daily milkings. Milk composition and total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen levels were analyzed. The cows receiving the diet with calcium salts had lower concentrations of non-protein nitrogen (%CP) in milk compared with the animals fed the diet with soybean oil. There was a decrease in concentration of medium-chain fatty acids C12-C16, and a concomitant increase in concentrations of long-chain fatty acids >C18 in milk fat for the animals fed the diets CS and SO when compared with diet C. Soybean oil and CS diets increased milk-fat concentrations of the acids C18: 1 trans-11, C18: 2 cis-9, trans-11 and C18: 2 trans-10 cis-12 in relation to diet C. The utilization of sources of long-chain fatty acids in the diet of dairy cows increases the biological value of milk in early lactation due to higher concentrations of specific fatty acids such as CLA C18: 2cis-9, trans-11.

Effect of unsaturated fatty acid supplementation on digestion, metabolism and nutrient balance in dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of unsaturated fatty acids in diets for dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation on intake, digestion and nutrient balance. Thirty-six multiparous and pregnant Holstein cows were randomly distributed to receive one of the experimental diets in the period from 35 days before the expected date of parturition to 84 days post-partum. Diets were fed as a total mixed ration and were as follows: control (C); soybean oil (SO), based on inclusion of 30 g/kg (DM basis); and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CS), based on inclusion of 30 g/kg (DM basis). Pre-partum dry matter intakes (DMI) of cows fed C, SO and CS were 11.9, 9.5 and 9.6 kg/d, respectively. Post-partum DMI was affected by experimental diets (18.5, 15.0 and 17.4 kg/d for C, SO and CS, respectively). The energy balance in the transition period of animals fed CS was 4.41 Mcal/d higher than cows fed SO and 1.3 Mcal/d higher than cows fed C. Supplementing cows with unsaturated fatty acid sources is a strategy for dairy cows in the transition period.

Productive performance of simmental dairy cows supplemented with ricinoleic acid from castor oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and blood parameters of Simmental dairy cows, supplemented with 2 g/day of ricinoleic acid (RA) in diet. Forty Simmental dairy cows in mid lactation, individually housed in stable type tie-stall, were used. The animals were randomly assigned to two treatments: 0 or 2 g of RA/animal/day. The experimental period consisted of 42 days divided into two 21-day. It was observed reduction in dry matter intake (DMI), increased milk, fat and FCM (fat corrected milk) yield, as well as increased of fat content of milk in cows that received RA in diets. No effects were observed for red and white blood cells and blood metabolites. Supplementation of RA improves performance of dairy cows in mid lactation.

Evaluation of the Milk Fatty Acid Profile from Mediterranean Buffalo Cows in the First Eight Weeks of Lactation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of buffalo milk in the first eight weeks oflactation. It was used 18 cows multiparous Buffaloes of Mediterranean race, the data collection starting four weeksbefore of the calving provided by the 8th week of lactation. The animals were mechanically milked once daily in themorning. The milk samples used for composition analysis were collected weekly from parturition to eight weeks oflactation. There was effect of weeks during the transition period and early lactation for fat yield (kg/day) and for bodyweight of the buffalo cows in lactation (kg).There was effect of weeks of lactation on the fatty acid composition of milkfat.Variations in levels of unsaturated fatty acids of milk fat of buffaloes are similar to those found in dairy cows of thepartum to eighth week of lactation.

Desempenho e perfil plasmático de vacas leiteiras alimentadas com grão de soja integral ou moído

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different forms of use of processed or full whole raw soybean in different ground of screens and their effects on dry matter intake, milk yield and composition and blood parameters. Twelve Holstein cows were grouped in three balanced 4x4 Latin squares and fed the following diets: 1) control (C), 2) whole raw soybean (GI), 3) ground soybean 2mm (G2) and 4) ground soybean 4 mm (G4). A reduction in dry matter intake in cows fed diets containing whole raw soybean or ground in relation to the control diet. The parameters of production and milk composition were not affected by the experimental diets. There was no effect of diets for cows on concentrations of blood parameters, glucose, urea, blood urea nitrogen (NUS), total protein, albumin and hepatic enzymes aminotranferase aspartate (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) except for total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. The processing of whole raw soybean did not affect the performance and plasma profile of midlactation dairy cows.

Whole flaxseed, raw soybeans, and calcium salts of fatty acids supplementation for transition cows: follicle development and embryo quality

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids (FA) during the transition period and early lactation on size and number of follicles, oocyte and embryo quality, and blood metabolites of Holstein cows. Forty-two cows were assigned to the diets: control (CON, with no fat sources and dietary ether extract content of 28.8 and 24.8 g/kg during the pre- and post-partum periods, respectively); whole flaxseed (WF, diet rich in omega-3 FA), 60 and 80 g/kg of WF during the pre and post-partum periods, respectively; whole raw soybeans (WS, diet rich in omega-6 FA), 120 and 160 g/kg of WS during the pre and post-partum periods; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CSFA, diet rich in omega-6 FA), 24 and 32 g/kg of CSFA during the pre and post-partum periods. Diets were supplied from 35 d of the expected calving date until 84 days in milk (DIM). The ovaries of cows were examined from 14 to 84 DIM. Ovum pick-ups were performed on days 35 ± 7 and 65 ± 7 of lactation. Diets rich in omega-3 and -6 FA had greater follicle number than the CON. No differences were detected among diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 FA on number and size of follicles and corpus luteum area. Cows had similar oocyte quality regardless of diet supplied. Although FA supplementation had no effect on embryo quality (number of cleaved and viable embryos), diets rich in omega-6 FA had lower viable embryos compared with WF. Supplementation with diets rich in omega-3 and -6 FA resulted in greater blood cholesterol concentration in early lactation cows. Fat supplementation increased the number of small and total follicles of early lactating cows. However, diets rich in omega-3 or -6 FA had no effect on oocyte quality. Cows fed WS during the transition period had the least viable embryos, and consequently cows fed diets rich in omega-6 FA had lower viable embryos than those fed WF.

Soybean oil and calcium salts of fatty acids as fat sources for Holstein dairy cows in transition period

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos do uso de diferentes fontes de acido graxo omega 6 na dieta de vacas leiteiras no periodo de transicao e inicio da lactacao sobre o desempenho produtivo e bioquimico em vacas da raca Holandesa. As vacas foram alimentadas com as seguintes dietas: 1) controle, 2) oleo de soja refinado, 3) os sais de calcio de acidos graxos insaturados (Megalac-E). As dietas foram formuladas para atender as exigencias nutricionais das vacas durante o periodo de pre-parto e pos-parto, dentro de cada grupo experimental. As dietas experimentais afetaram o consumo de materia seca, o peso corporal, escore de condicao corporal e equilibrio de energia no periodo pos-parto. As dietas experimentais nao afetaram os parâmetros bioquimicos no soro: glicose, proteina total, albumina, ureia, ureia serica, colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, acidos graxos nao esterificados, β-hidroxibutirato, aspartato aminotransferase, γ-glutamil transferase, fosfatase alcalina, tambem nao sendo observadas diferencas entre os contrastes analisados. As fontes de acido graxo omega 6 nao influenciaram diretamente o bioquimico de vacas leiteiras no periodo de transicao.

Ruminal biohydrogenation and abomasal flow of fatty acids in lactating cows fed diets supplemented with soybean oil, whole soybeans, or calcium salts of fatty acids

Ruminants have a unique metabolism and digestion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Unlike monogastric animals, the fatty acid (FA) profile ingested by ruminants is not the same as that reaching the small intestine. The objective of this study was to evaluate whole raw soybeans (WS) in diets as a replacer for calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) in terms of UFA profile in the abomasal digesta of early- to mid-lactation cows. Eight Holstein cows (80 ± 20 d in milk, 22.9 ± 0.69 kg/d of milk yield, and 580 ± 20 kg of body weight; mean ± standard deviation) with ruminal and abomasal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 22-d periods. The experiment evaluated different fat sources rich in linoleic acid on ruminal kinetics, ruminal fermentation, FA abomasal flow, and milk FA profile of cows assigned to treatment sequences containing a control (CON), with no fat source; soybean oil, added at 2.68% of diet dry matter (DM); WS, addition of WS at 14.3% of diet DM; and CSFA, addition of CSFA at 2.68% of diet DM. Dietary fat supplementation had no effect on nutrient intake and digestibility, with the exception of ether extract. Cows fed fat sources tended to have lower milk fat concentration than those fed CON. In general, diets containing fat sources tended to decrease ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility in relation to CON. Cows fed WS had lower ruminal digestibility of DM and higher abomasal flow of DM in comparison to cows fed CSFA. As expected, diets containing fat supplements increased FA abomasal flow of C18:0 and total FA. Cows fed WS tended to present a higher concentration of UFA in milk when compared with those fed CSFA. This study suggests that under some circumstances, abomasal flow of UFA in early lactation cows can be increased by supplementing their diet with fat supplements rich in linoleic acid, regardless of rumen protection, with small effects on ruminal DM digestibility.