Kinematic assessment of gait has been widely used in sports and equine science, this method gives objective and accurate information on the movement of the subject. Most locomotion scoring systems incorporate stride length however this is subjective and is difficult to compare observers. Kinematic studies have shown that cows with sole ulcers have a shorter stride length than those showing no hoof lesions (Flower et al, 2005). Telezhenko and Bergsten (2005) found a similar effect with moderately lame cows having a shorter stride length measured objectively from footprints than non lame cows. Increased locomotion score can also affect the tracking distance of the animal (Telezhenko and Bergsten, 2005). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing locomotion score on stride length and tracking distance of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.

In recent years sugarcane had been farmed in large quantities in Iran especially in Khoozestan state due to proper climate. By-products that remain after processing of sugarcane are Lignocellulosis materials contain more than 20% lignin. 700000 ton bagasse pith is produced yearly at Khoozestan that might be used in animal nutrition because industrial usage is limited. Supplying fiber requirement of ruminants in Iran because of hot and dry climate needs attention to new sources of fiber. Bagasse had been used intact in some countries or just with molasses and urea in fattening farms. Bagasse had been used in low milk production cows (1). A new technology (Steam treatment) had open new zones to apply bagasse as steam treated bagasse in ruminant nutrition and had been shown that it is more digestible (2). This study was conducted to use hydrolyzed bagasse pith in high producing dairy cows in early lactation.

Whole soybean has 40-42 percent CP and used as high energy-protein supplement for early lactation dairy cows. However, the protein is highly degradable, so small amounts of amino acids can be reached to small intestine to meet high amino acid requirements of early lactating cows. Therefore, various chemical and physical treatments have been suggested to decrease ruminal protein degradability of soybeans. The practical use and application of any one method to lower ruminal feed degradability is dependent not only on its efficacy but also on its cost effectiveness, safety and ease of application. For these reasons, heat treatment is the most commonly used physical method (Plegge et al., 1985). The purpose of this study was to determine how roasting of soybeans affect plasma essential amino acid concentrations in early lactation cows.

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is becoming an increasingly important source of protein for ruminants and nonruminants in the world. In some studies, inclusion of RSM instead of other protein sources such as SBM in dairy cow diets caused to increase milk production (Emanuelson, 1994). There was a positive association between the milk protein content and content of RSM in the ration (Emanuelson et al., 1993). Present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of inclusion of RSM or SBM in a basal diet on the responses of lactating Holstien dairy cows.

Milk quality control is one of the most important management tools used on dairy farms. Periodic recording and accurate analysis of data is needed. Management decisions and genetic evaluations are based on these data (Miglior, 2002; Wiggans, 1985). Good nutrition management is important for economical production (improvedmilk yield and protein% and fat%) and health of animals (Schroeder, 1996). It is possible to evaluate the management system and nutrition program in a herd according to the protein% and fat% of milk. Cows that produce low milk with high fat are generally weak or have a low DMI. Low milk fat is caused by metabolic disorders or unbalanced feed composition. Low milk protein is due to lack of energy in diet (JafariKhorshidi, K. and J. Soltaniha. 1382). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of protein % to fat % difference on milk production of Holstein dairy cows.

The non-NDF carbohydrates (NFC) are important sources of energy in the ration of high producing cows. The fibre must be proper quality and particle size to insure maximum DMI, optimal chewing activity, normal ruminal fermentation, and milk fat percentage. The NRC (1989) recommends 25 to 28% NDF in the rations of lactating cows; a minimum of 75% of the NDF should come from forages. These recommendations provide no adjustment for the physical effectiveness of the fibre, interactions among fibre sources and non fibre carbohydrates, or animal characteristics that may influence ration design. Few data are available to document the effect of the substitution of by-product NDF for forage NDF; our objective was to determine the effect of the substitution of alfalfa NDF from sugar beet on DMI, milk yield and composition, chewing activity, faecal and rumen pH, and apparent digestibility of DM.

Many non-forage fibrous sources (NFFS) such as beet pulp (BP) contain more NDF than some forage sources, and have been successfully used in dairy rations to replace a portion of the effective or physical effective fiber (peNDF) that is normally provided by forages. However, BP has limited forage replacement value and effectiveness factor of 0.40 (fraction of NDF) versus 1.0 for forages (Mertens, 1997). In addition, Mertens (1997) suggested that the physically effectiveness factor of ground and pellet were 0.40 and 0.30, respectively. However, the effects of BP when substituted with different feed sources in TMR are variable that depend on chemical composition, types and physical characteristics. The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of three types of BP on intakes, digestibility, and chewing activity and performance of Holstein dairy cows.

Iodine is an essential dietary element for mammals, required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones; thyroxin (T4, 3,5,3’,5’-tetraiodothyronine), and its active form T3 (3,5,3’-triiodothyronine) (SCF,2002). Thyroid hormones play a major role in the growth and development of brain and central nervous systems, control of several metabolic processes in body including carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin and mineral metabolism (EFSA, 2005). Milk and dairy products are an important source of iodine for human. Iodine concentration of cow milk can be influenced by its concentration in the diet or pasteurization process. A Linear correlation between iodine content of the diet and concentration in cow milk has been reported (Hemken; 1979, Fish & Swenson; 1982, Lysbet et. al, 2003). This study was conducted in order to increase the iodine concentration of cow milk in accordance with human requirements by examining (i) inclusion rate of iodine in the animals diet and (ii) the effect of pasteurization process.

Dairy products composition and quality are strongly influenced by the nature of the diet fed to cows, including their composition in micronutrients, among them carotenoids. These compounds are pigments that develop provitamin A and antioxidant functions, take part in the maintenance of cell communication, enhance the immune function, and UV skin and macula protection (Van den Berg et al., 2000). In dairy products, besides to having nutritional and sensorial properties, they have been recognized as tracer compounds indicating animal feeding management (review of Nozière et al., 2006). Factors controlling their concentration in cow’s milk must therefore be highlighted. The aim of this study was to determine the variation in plasma and milk carotenoids concentrations when cows shifted from a low-carotenoid diet to diets containing various levels of carotenoids.

Ensiling of forage rather than drying for hay become more common in many areas because of weather condition, field losses and other risks. Lucerne protein is subjected to extensive degradation during ensiling. Organic and inorganic acids as silage additives could decrease protein degradation of lucerne during ensiling. Cows fed on formic acid treated lucerne silage produced more daily milk and milk per ton of harvested forage. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diet containing untreated (U) or treated (T) lucerne silage with formic and sulphuric acids on performance of early lactating dairy Holstein cows.

Dried citrus pulp (DCP) as a by-product from juice extraction of citrus fruit can be used as a feedstuff for ruminant animals (Belbaskis and Tsirgogianni, 1996). The DCP is composed of peel, inside portions, and culled fruits of the citrus family (e.g., orange, lemons, and grapefruit). The DCP is a pectin-rich bulky concentrate that is rich source of energy, fibre and calcium, but poor in CP and phosphorous. There is a different of opinion among researchers about the effect of DCP on milk yield, milk composition and blood metabolites components. The main objective of this experiment was to evaluated effects replacement of dried citrus pulp with barley grain on milk yield, milk composition and blood metabolites of dairy cows.

In Khorasan province of Iran about 1 million tonnes of tomatoes are grown annually. They are either directly sold to the customers as vegetable (200,000 tonnes) or further processed to products such as paste, ketchup, sauces etc. After the juice is extracted from fresh tomatoes, a residue primarily consisting of water, tomato seeds and peels is left. Tomato processing residues which is called tomato pulp accounts about one fifth of fresh weight or 160,000 tonnes in the area (ministry of Jahad-Agriculture, 2004). Fresh tomato pulp becomes sour and mould rapidly because it is traditionally processed during summer time and has high moisture content. Consequently, it is advisable to be ensiled or dried. Although it is commonly fed to ruminants but little data is available on its effect on milk yield, milk composition and dry matter intake in dairy cows.

From birth to weaning calves tolerate most stress include metabolic stress and parturition and at new environment obtained nutrients from milk instead of mother blood. In order to successful production of calves, a set of nutritional and environmental management is needed. Calves mortality from birth to weaning is too much and cost effective for dairy industry. Instead, there is low mortality of heifers from weaning to parturition (1). Brown Swiss breed has low population in respect to Holstein in Iran. Low data is available about Brown Swiss population especially Brown Swiss calves. This study conducted to determine some information about Brown Swiss calves from birth to weaning and factors affecting economic traits at this period.

Artificial rearing is a common practice for rearing calves from the dairy herd destined for beef production. In commercial practice calves are typically weaned from 5 to 9 weeks old. There are four criteria that can be used to determine weaning time: age, compound feed intake, liveweight and milk price. Late weaning systems are based on the theory of giving the calf the best possible start in life, but are costly with high milk intakes (Davis and Drackley, 1998). Hence emphasis is usually placed on early weaning of the calf and encouraging concentrate intake. A number of factors can affect concentrate intake including quality and quantity of milk fed, size of the calf and concentrate texture. Recommendations are to typically wean calves when eating 1kg concentrate per day. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of weaning twice daily milk fed calves on either a low (0.75kg) or high (1.25kg) concentrate intake on performance to 12 weeks old.

Lameness in dairy cattle is a multifactorial problem involving a complex interaction of stockperson, environmental and animal-related hazards. With over 100 potential hazards for lameness, and a multiplicity of control measures arising from each of these hazards, decision making for intervention programmes can be complex. Furthermore, control of foot lesions such as digital dermatitis and claw horn disease may require a detailed understanding of veterinary pathogenesis and epidemiology. Therefore, in order for lameness control programmes to be effective, veterinary involvement may be necessary. This paper examines effect of vet and farmer attitude towards a lameness control programme for primiparous dairy heifers on lameness prevalence.

Bovine Brucellosis is a widespread, economically devastating and highly infectious zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. In cattle it causes premature abortion around five to seven months into the normal nine month gestation and the disease can be transferred to humans through milk. Great Britain (GB) has been “Officially Brucellosis Free” (OBF) since 1991 and it is in the country’s best interest to maintain this status. There have been three reintroductions of the disease since 2003, the most recent in a beef herd in Cornwall 2004 (DEFRA, 2004). Such outbreaks threaten the UK’s OBF status. By identifying epidemiological risk factors and using data from the Cattle Tracing Scheme for GB (CTS) we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of births for both the whole of GB and the South West region in particular and used this information to identify risk periods due to cattle births. Then cattle movements originating from, or ending in Cornwall (the location of the last outbreak) were identified from the CTS database. A subset of 57 000 high-risk, potentially infectious, moves were identified and examined to establish the potential spatial spread of the disease from these movements.

The re-emergence of tuberculosis (TB) has been observed in both developing and developed countries in recent years. Tuberculosis, a major public health and zoonotic problem, is responsible for 2 to 3 million human deaths annually (WHO 2003) and also causes great economic loss in the animal industry. Tuberculosis has been declared a global emergency by WHO in 1993; the first to be declared as such. Nigeria with a population of over 120 million people and cattle population of about 19.8 million has been ranked 4th among the world’s 22 countries with a high TB burden. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis among Fulani cattle, which are the main source of milk and milk products to the public. The culture of consuming raw milk as a local delicacy known as ‘fura da nono’ among Nigerians especially in the study area informed this study.

Biological de-lignification of straw by white-rot fungi seems a promising way of improving its nutritive value. The bio-conversion of lignocellulosic materials is circumscribed to the group of white-rot fungi, of which some species of Pleurotus are capable of producing upgraded spent-straws as ruminant feed (Fazaeli et al., 2004). Treating of cereal straw with white-rot fungi as animal feed was studied by several workers (Gupta et al., 1993; Zadrazil, 1997). However, most of the trials were conducted at in vitro stage and used cell wall degradation and in vitro digestibility as an index to evaluate the biological treatments. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of fungal treatment on the voluntary intake, in vivo digestibility and nutritive value index of wheat straw obtained from short-term and long-term solid state fermentation (SSF).

It is clear that providing sufficient fiber in dairy cattle diets has most positive effects on improvement of rumen ecosystem and feed intake efficiency. In semiarid countries such as Iran providing forage requirement of cattle is limited. So it is better to use plants with low water requirement, high growth rate and high forage yield per hectare. Canola (Brassica napus L.) recently has received consideration as a forage source for livestock (Lancaster et al., 1990). Canola is reasonably widely adapted and performs well in many areas of Iran. In addition to its low water requirements and high growth rate, its cultivation season is well matched with environmental condition in Iran. The main objective of this study was to evaluate effect of replacing maize silage with canola silage (as dry matter %) on Holstein dairy cow performance.

The improvement in animal performance obtained in silvopastoral systems has been explained either by their ingestion of a higher quality grass (Hernandez et al., 2001, Iglesias, 1998) resulting from the inclusion of a legume in the system which provide N for grass growth or due to the intake of the legume itself, which in turn is also of higher quality than grass. During the rainy season, animals might be able to increase selectivity and intake due to the higher availability of biomass hence possibly reducing the advantage of including a legume in the system. The objective of the present work was to discriminate in a silvopastoral system the effect of improved grass quality and legume intake on dual purpose lactating cows milk yield and composition.