The aim of this study was to identify the c.495C > T polymorphism within exon 1 of the osteoponti... more The aim of this study was to identify the c.495C > T polymorphism within exon 1 of the osteopontin gene (OPN), and to analyze its association with susceptibility to ketosis in Polish Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows. The study utilized blood samples from 977 HF cows, for the determination of β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and for DNA isolation. The c.495C > T polymorphism of the bovine osteopontin gene was determined by PCR-RFLP. The CT genotype (0.50) was deemed the most common, while TT (0.08) was the rarest genotype. Cows with ketosis most often had the CC genotype, while cows with the TT genotype had the lowest incidence of ketosis. To confirm the relationship between the genotype and ketosis in cows, a weight of evidence (WoE) was generated. A very strong effect of the TT genotype on resistance to ketosis was demonstrated. The distribution of the ROC curve shows that the probability of resistance to ketosis is > 75% if cows have the TT genotype of the OPN gene (cutoff value is 0.758). Results suggest that TT genotype at the c.495C > T locus of the OPN gene might be effective way to detect the cows with risk of ketosis. Ketosis, one of the metabolic diseases found in dairy cattle, is characterized by increased levels of ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), acetylacetic acid, and acetone) in body fluids. Ketone bodies are formed by ketogenesis and result from the oxidation of free fatty acids in the liver. Whitaker et al. 1 indicate that in healthy cows, BHB levels range from 0.6 to 1.0 mmol/L. There are two classification schemes in the literature for ketosis. The first, which divides ketosis into subclinical (SCK) and clinical (CK), is based on the measurement of BHB levels in blood, milk or urine. In general, SCK refers to cows with blood BHB levels ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 mmol/L 2 , although other studies have suggested blood BHB levels indicative of SCK to be from 1.0 mmol/L 3 , 1.2 mmol/L 2,4 or 1.4 mmol/L 3,5. In addition to significant hyperketonemia (blood BHB levels >3 mmol/L 5), CK is characterized by hypoglycemia and symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and decreased milk yield 6. The second classification scheme divides ketosis into three types: I, II, and III. Type I and Type II ketosis are analogous to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in humans 6,7. Type I ketosis affects cows between the third and sixth weeks of lactation, in which the demand for energy (including glucose) due to increasing milk production is so high that it exceeds the body's ability to meet its needs from feed 7. Satisfying the body's energy needs is accomplished by increasing the secretion of ketone bodies, and hyperketonemia in this case is accompanied by very low levels of insulin and plasma glucose 6. Type II ketosis occurs immediately after parturition and is associated with hepatic steatosis. Cows with Type II ketosis have high concentrations of both insulin and blood glucose at the time of diagnosis of hyperketonemia 6. Type III ketosis is attributable to the consumption of feed rich in ketogenic precursors (including butyric acid), and low energy or high protein content in the daily ration, as well as poor quality silage. The onset of Type I and Type II ketosis can be followed by the onset of conditions including rumen acidosis and displacement of the digestive tract 8. The occurrence of both CK and SCK severely affects the economics of production on dairy farms, due to their impact on the milk yield, the incidence of other diseases, and the costs of veterinary treatment and loss of cows from the herd due to premature death 6,9. Moreover, it has been shown that cows with SCK often produce milk with higher somatic cell counts 10. It is extremely important for breeders to diagnose SCK quickly and cost-effectively, since, according to some estimates, the prevalence of undiagnosed cases of this disease in dairy herds is in the range of 15-40% 6. Measuring serum or milk BHB levels continues to be widely used for the diagnosis of ketosis in cows 9. Recently, a method to diagnose subclinical ketosis based on the analysis of milk samples using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to determine the content of
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Samples of automotive ethanol, marketed in the northern and eastern regions of the state of Paran... more Samples of automotive ethanol, marketed in the northern and eastern regions of the state of Paraná, Brazil, underwent physical and chemical tests. Rates were assessed by Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network for classification. For network training, two hundred epochs, a 0.05 learning rate and a random subdivision of samples in three groups with 70 for training, 15 for test and 15% for validation were employed. Sixty networks were trained from three different initializations. Three networks, one at each start-up, were highlighted and the one with the best performance presented 8 neurons in the hidden layer, with 95 accuracy training, 96 in the test and 96% in validation. The most important variables in classifications, identified by the network, occurred in the following order: alcohol content, density, pH and electrical conductivity. Application of MLP segmented ethanol samples and identified the commercialization regions.
Pedigree analysis in the Polish Red cattle population
Animal, 2021
The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding level of the ... more The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding level of the population of Polish Red Cattle (PRC). The structure of the breed was analysed in the context of the existing genetic resources conservation programme. The level of genetic diversity and the effective population size were also determined. The analyses were carried out based on pedigree records of 9 170 animals. Data and pedigree information were collected during the time period of 1950-2014. Records were collected by the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice, Poland. The population structure was analysed using the CFC programme. All the animals were grouped into five classes according to their inbreeding coefficient: the first class included non-inbred animals; and the next classes included inbred animals 0% < F ≤ 5%, 5% < F ≤ 10%, 10% < F ≤ 20%, 20% < F ≤ 30% or F > 30%. The average inbreeding in PRC population was 4% and there were 2 182 (23.8%) inbred animals. The study also included the determination of ancestral paths for the PRC population. The longest ancestral path (LAP) consisted of 12 generations (three animals) while only 229 animals (2.53%) had an LAP comprising at least 10 generations. Therefore, a need exists, particularly in PRC as a small local breed, to manage selection and mating decisions to control future coancestry and inbreeding, which would lead to better handling of the effective population size. The study results showed the possibility of disrupting the balance of the structure of a small population like PRC. Hence, endangered populations need to be monitored on a continuous basis.
In recent years, artificial neural networks have become the subject of intensive research in a nu... more In recent years, artificial neural networks have become the subject of intensive research in a number of scientific areas. The high performance and operational speed of neural models open up a wide spectrum of applications in various areas of life sciences. Objectives pursued by many scientists, who use neural modelling in their research, focus – among others – on intensifying real-time calculations. This study shows the possibility of using Multilayer-Perceptron (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF) models of artificial neural networks for the future development of new methods for animal science. The process should be explained explicitly to make the MLP and RBF models more readily accepted by more researchers. This study describes and recommends certain models as well as uses forecasting methods, which are represented by the chosen neural network topologies, in particular MLP and RBF models for more successful operations in the field of animals sciences.
Predicting Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Cows Using Machine Learning Techniques
Simple Summary The maintenance of cows in good health and physical condition is an important comp... more Simple Summary The maintenance of cows in good health and physical condition is an important component of dairy cattle management. One of the major metabolic disorders in dairy cows is subclinical ketosis. Due to financial and organizational reasons it is often impossible to test all cows in a herd for ketosis using standard blood examination method. Using milk data from test-day records, obtained without additional costs for breeders, we found diagnostic models identifying cows-at-risk of subclinical ketosis. In addition, to select the best models, we present a general scoring approach for various machine learning models. With our models, breeders can identify dairy cows-at-risk of subclinical ketosis and implement appropriate management strategies and prevent losses in milk production. Abstract The diagnosis of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows based on blood ketone bodies is a challenging and costly procedure. Scientists are searching for tools based on results of milk performanc...
Dairy cows production plays a significant role in development of Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Progre... more Dairy cows production plays a significant role in development of Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Progress in this production branch may depend on the dairy production support which is given after relevant types of actions are undertaken. The objective of the research was to determine changes in the level of welfare of production animals, evaluation of practice in dairy cows breeding in the province of Ropczyce and Sędziszów. Breeding documentation and control protocols of the Coordinated Veterinary Inspection Program were applied pursuant to the resolution (1) of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 28 June 2010 on minimal conditions of maintaining farm animal species. 10 production herds of dairy cows (n-240) and heifers (n=101) which produce ≥ 10200 kilo of milk per lactation were used to achieve this objective. Dairy production was observed during individual visits in farms. Surveys were carried out with farm employees with the use of properly prepared veterinary control protocols of the Coordinated Veterinary Inspection Program. Control results were obtained based on the respondents' opinion from controlling institutions, such as: The Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture, Regional Veterinary Office and similar certified bodies.
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A, May 28, 2015
Calf mortality is one of important problems of calf rearing in dairy farms worldwide. Besides, se... more Calf mortality is one of important problems of calf rearing in dairy farms worldwide. Besides, several noninfectious factors, such as management around birth, colostrum management, calf housing, feeding system, hygiene and pathogens, play an important role in calf rearing. The aim of the study was to show the most common causes of mortality of calves up to 90 d of their lives. Some data are available concering calf rearing management on small and medium size dairy farm typical for Polish regions. The research was conducted in seven selected herds of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows located in South of Poland. Data on calves mortality covered the period of three years from 2004 to 2007 and were collected using medical documentation and medical inquire in the farms. All evidence was enrolled untill three months of age of calves. There were 1,800 calves tested. The influence of such factors as maintaining system (free stalls barn and stalls barns), feeding systems and herd size on falls of calves was examined. Overall, mortality throughout the three months of study period was diarrhea, which increased the risk of death among calves younger than 90 d of age. Also, respiratory system disorders were the common cause of loss of calves. The calf mortality rate during 90 d in all herds registered in free stall barns was 61% and in stalls barns was only 29%. Effect of pneumonia in free stall barns was 18% and in stall barns was 29%. In all groups, calf mortality rates increased with increasing herd size.
Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW - Animal Science, Dec 28, 2018
Effect of heat stress on dairy farming at the period of global warming. The thermal environment i... more Effect of heat stress on dairy farming at the period of global warming. The thermal environment is a major factor that can negatively affects milk production of dairy cows. Our objective was to provide a review of factors in uencing heat stress (HS) in lactating dairy cows in time of global warming. Heat stress affects dairy cows in many regions of the world and leads to substantial economic losses through its detrimental effect on cow's rumen health, metabolism, production and reproduction. Dairy breeds are typically more sensitive to HS than some other animals. It directly affects feed intake thereby, reduces growth rate, milk yield, reproductive performance, and even death in extreme cases. In future years, climate change will exacerbate these losses by making the climate warmer. More research is needed to identify improved comprehensive cow-side measurements and welfare that can indicate real-time responses to elevated ambient temperatures and that could be incorporated into heat abatement management decisions. Forecasted the severity of HS issue as an increasing problem in near future because of global warming progression. Hence, sustainable dairy farming remains a vast challenge in these changing conditions globally.
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