| 1. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of increased milking frequency and residual milk removal on milk production and milk fatty acid composition in lactating cows
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Research. - 0022-0299 .- 1469-7629. ; 84, s. 453-463
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has been well established that milk yield is affected both by milking frequency and due to the removal of residual milk, but the influence of a combination of these factors is unclear. In this study, four mid-lactation cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to test the hypothesis that the effects of more frequent milking and residual milk removal on milk yield and composition are additive and alter milk fatty acid composition. Treatments comprised two or four times daily milking in combination with (or without) residual milk removal over a 96 h interval preceded by a 2 d pretreatment period and followed by a 8 d washout in each 14 d experimental period. Milk was sampled at each milking for the analysis of gross composition and SCC. Samples of available and residual milk collected on the last milking during each treatment period were collected and submitted for fatty acid composition analysis. Increases in milking frequency and residual milk removal alone or in combination had no effect on milk yield or on the secretion of lactose and protein in milk. However, residual milk removal during more frequent milking increased milk fat yield. Milking treatments had no major influence on the fatty acid composition of available milk, but resulted in rather small changes in the relative abundance of specific fatty acids, with no evidence that the additive effects of treatments were due to higher utilisation of preformed fatty acids relative to fatty acid synthesis de novo. For all treatments, fat composition of available and residual milk was rather similar indicating a highly uniform fatty acid composition of milk fat within the mammary gland.
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| 2. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of Low Light Intensity on Stress Indicators in Dairy Cows
- 2014
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Ingår i: Animal Production in Australia. - 0728-5965. ; 30, s. 152-152
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- One of the most important senses for cows is vision, which accounts for approximately 50% of all sensory information (Phillips 2002). It has been shown that cows’ vision differs from that of humans (Phillips and Weiguo 1990), but how cows perceive different light intensities is not yet known (Phillips et al 2000). There is a concern that lighting at night might interfere with cows’ diurnal rhythm and the benefits of certain long day photoperiods. Red light has been suggested to affect cows less than white light and red lights are therefore marketed as night lighting for cows. Using red lights should in theory make it possible for stockmen to observe their animals without disturbing them (Dahl 2005). However, it has also been found that cows are more active when exposed to red light compared to light of other colours (Dabrowska I 1981; Riol et al 1989; Phillips and Lomas 2001). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of four low light intensities and additional red light on behavioural and physiological stress indicators in dairy cows. The change-over trial included four groups of cows and four different light intensity treatments, in total 12 dry cows of the breeds Swedish Red (n=10) and Swedish Holstein (n=2). Each group of three cows was in the study for four consecutive days, exposed to one light intensity treatment per day. The light intensities used in the study were 0±0, 5±1, 20±1 and 50±2 lux, with and without the addition of 0.2±0.1 lux red light. The light sources used were a combination of fluorescent, halogen and LED. The cows were encouraged to walk through an obstacle course at all four light intensities. The cows passed through the course once in full light (221±19 lux) before each light intensity was set. The cows then passed through the same test course twice. After this, the obstacle course was rebuilt for the following two rounds, generating two new (and unfamiliar) courses. Additional red light was applied in random order for each set of obstacle courses. In total, the cows passed through the course five times per day, of which two were in additional red light. The obstacle course measured 14 m and was constructed from white rails and cavaletti blocks. When navigating through the obstacle course, the cow walked toward the single pens where the remaining two cows in the group were held and a bucket with concentrate that was used to actively encourage the cow to move. In addition, one person went behind the cow and encouraged her to move if standing still for more than approximately 15 seconds. Heart rate was measured before and after the obstacle course using a blood pressure tail cuff. Direct observations were used to record number of steps and time to pass through the obstacle course. At 0 lux, infrared light and video cameras were used in order to see the cows. The number of steps taken by cows in the obstacle course was significantly higher at 0±0 lux (16 steps) than at 5, 20 and 50 lux (14 steps per treatment, p<0.001). In the presence of red light the cows took fewer steps through the obstacle course than in the absence of red light (14 and 15 respectively, p<0.01), and the cows spent a longer time in the obstacle course at 0 lux than at 20 and 50 lux (87.4, 51.6 and 57.6 sec respectively, p<0.005). The presence of red light did not affect the time spent in the obstacle course. Heart rate did not differ between any of the treatments, and was unaffected by the presence of red light. Our conclusion is that cows walk slower and with shorter steps at 0 lux compared with 0.2 lux and higher light intensities. However, in this study the cows did not show any signs of physiological stress at low light intensities or darkness and thus it could be argued that no additional light is needed at all during night-time. We also conclude that red light may be perceived by cows as light and affect their behaviour, since the cows in this study tended to respond to red light. The recommended use of red light in cow housing should therefore be questioned.
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| 3. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of automatic cluster removal and feeding during milking on milking efficiency, milk yield and milk fat quality
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Research. - 0022-0299 .- 1469-7629. ; 83, s. 180-187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In order to increase milking efficiency, the effects of two different cluster take-off levels (200 and 800 g/min) and feeding vs. not feeding during milking were tested in a Latin square design study including 32 cows. Milk yield, milking time, milk flow and milking interval were measured and milk samples were analysed for gross composition, sodium and potassium concentration, free fatty acid (FFA) content, milk fat globule (MFG) size, MFG membrane (MFGM) material and fatty acid composition. Residual milk was harvested to evaluate udder emptying. Increasing the take-off level from 200 to 800 g/min at the whole udder level decreased milking time and increased harvest flow. Udder emptying decreased slightly, but there were no effects on milk yield, FFA content or MFGM. There were interactive effects of take-off level and feeding during milking on content of fatty acids C4:0, C6:0, C16:0, C18:3(n-3) and C20:0. Feeding during milking increased milk yield per day and decreased milking interval. Sodium and potassium concentrations in milk were unaffected by treatments, indicating no loss of tight junction integrity. From these results, it is clear that feeding during milking should be used to increase milk yield and improve milking efficiency, regardless of take-off level used, and that the effect of feeding is more pronounced when a low take-off level is used. Feeding seemed to counteract the effects of the low take-off level on milking time and milking interval. Low take-off levels can therefore be used in combination with feeding.
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| 4. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine
(författare)
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Milk removal : effect on milk yield, milk composition and milking efficiency in dairy cows
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Milk from dairy cows is a staple dietary component for humans all over the world. Regardless of whether milk is consumed in its purest, unaltered form or as high-end products such as fine cheese or ice cream, it needs to be of high quality when taken from the cow, produced at a low price and produced in a system that consider aspects such as animal health, animal welfare and sustainability. This thesis investigated the role of milk removal and the importance of residual milk on milk yield, milk composition and milking efficiency in dairy cows. The specific aspects examined were whether residual milk retained in the udder, specifically its fat component, is involved in regulation of milk synthesis and secretion and whether removal of this residual milk influences milk yield, composition and quality, measured as milk fatty acid composition and free fatty acid content. The results showed that milking efficiency could be increased by increasing the pulsation ratio or using a higher cluster or teat cup take-off threshold, without negative effects on milk yield or milk composition. Milking time in automatic milking systems could thereby be decreased by one minute per cow and milking or more. Milk fatty acid composition was affected by several treatments tested, but the content of free fatty acids and the size distribution of milk fat globules were unaffected. Residual milk yield increased both due to repeated residual milk removal and to use of a higher cluster take-off level. Residual milk removal also increased the relative proportion of short-chain fatty acids in milk. The overall conclusion of this thesis is that residual milk removal in mid-lactation dairy cows does not affect milk yield and that milking efficiency in an automatic milking system can be increased with higher takeoff levels without affecting milk yield or composition. No evidence of a regulatory mechanism in residual milk was found, but residual milk removal increased milk fat synthesis.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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Milking time and risk of over-milking can be decreased with early teat cup removal based on udder quarter milk flow without loss in milk yield
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Science. - : American Dairy Science Association. - 0022-0302 .- 1525-3198. ; 100, s. 6640-6647
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Increasing the milk flow rate at which milking is terminated can shorten milking time and increase milking efficiency. The effects on milk yield and composition have not been fully investigated when the take-off is set at the udder quarter level and independent of feeding during milking. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 take-off levels at the udder quarter level (0.06, 0.3, and 0.48 kg/min) applied with or without feeding during milking on milking time, milk yield, the degree of udder emptying, milk composition, and free fatty acids. In this study, 30 cows were allocated into 6 groups, balanced by lactation number, lactation stage, and milk yield, and subjected to a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using a Latin square design. Treatments were applied for 1 wk each. This study demonstrated milking time could be reduced by applying up to a take-off level of 0.48 kg/min on udder quarter level without losing milk yield or compromising milk composition or udder health.
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| 7. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of pulsation ratio on teat condition, milk somatic cell count and productivity in dairy cows in automatic milking
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Research. - 0022-0299 .- 1469-7629. ; 82, s. 453-459
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The pulsation ratio of a milking machine affects milk flow and milking time, and has also been reported to influence teat condition and milk somatic cell count (SCC). However, most studies comparing pulsation ratios have been performed on conventional cluster milking (whole-udder level), where effects such as deteriorated teat end condition and increased milk SCC are likely to be caused by over-milking on teats that are emptied faster than the other teats. When the teat cups are detached from each udder quarter separately which can be done in automatic milking systems (AMS), the risk of over-milking, especially in front teats, may be significantly reduced. This study investigated the effects of pulsation ratio on teat end condition, milk SCC, milk yield, milking time and milk flow in an automatic milking system where each udder quarter is milked separately. In total, 356 cows on five commercial farms were included in a split-udder design experiment comparing three pulsation ratios (60:40, 70:30 and 75:25) with the standard pulsation ratio (65:35) during 6 weeks. Pulsation rate was 60 cycles/min and vacuum level 46 kPa. The 70:30 and 75:25 ratios increased peak and average milk flow and the machine-on time was shorter with 75:25, while both peak and average milk flows were lower and machine-on time was longer with the 60:40 ratio. No negative effects on teat condition or milk SCC were observed with any of the pulsation ratios applied during the study. Thus it is possible that increased pulsation ratio can be used to increase milking efficiency in AMS where quarter milking is applied.
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| 8. |
- Ferneborg, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of pulstation ratios on teat and udder health and productivity in dairy cows in AMS
- 2014
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effect of pulsation ratios on teat and udder health and productivity in dairy cows in AMS Ferneborg, Sabine and Svennersten Sjaunja, Kerstin. Kungsängens Research Centre, Sw. Univ. Agric. Sci., SE-753 23 Uppsala, Sweden The pulsation ratio of a milking machine affects not only milk flow and milking time, but has also been reported to cause oedema in the teats and increased somatic cell count. However, most of the studies comparing pulsation ratios have been performed on traditional cluster milking, and the effects are likely to be caused by over milking. A large part of the milking today is performed on quarter level using automatic milking systems (AMS), where the risk of over milking is reduced. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of different pulsation ratios on teat and udder health, productivity and milking parameters in AMS, where each quarter is individually milked. 356 cows on 5 privately owned farms were included in the study, which was performed in a split-udder design where three pulsation ratios; 60:40, 70:30 and 75:25 were compared to the standard pulsation 65:35. Teat score and teat thickness were measured on three occasions during the trial. Milk samples were taken from strip milk for the analysis of milk SCC. Milk yield, milking time and milk flow were registered automatically by the AMS for each milking. All statistical analysis was performed on the differences between control and treated fore- and hind quarter respectively. Data was analyzed using procedures MIXED and GLIMMIX in SAS 9.3. The MIXED model included the fixed effects of treatment and week, as well as treatment by week interaction and the random effect of cow. We found that the pulsation ratios 70:30 and 75:25 increased peak and average flow, and that machine-on-time was shorter on 75:25, while both peak and average flow were lower and machine-on-time shorter on 60:40. We found no support for negative effects on teat or udder health from any of the pulsation ratios applied, and do therefore conclude that increased pulsation ratios can be used to increase productivity in automatic milking systems where quarter milking is applied.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Hjalmarsson, Fanny, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of low light intensity at night on cow traffic in automatic milking systems
- 2014
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Ingår i: Animal Production Science. - 1836-0939 .- 1836-5787. ; 54, s. 1784-1786
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several studies have shown benefits of long-day (16 h) photoperiod in lactating dairy cows, but have not identified a suitable light intensity for the dark hours. It is known that the locomotion pattern of dairy cows is altered at low light intensities and this may translate to reduced cow traffic and milking frequency, which would have a negative impact on system productivity. However, it is also recognised that a significant disturbance of rest may have a negative impact on the health and productivity of high-yielding dairy cows. This study examined the effect of three different night-time light intensities (LOW: 11 +/- 3, MED: 33 +/- 1 and HIGH: 74 +/- 6 lx) on number of gate passages, milking frequency and milk yield in dairy cows in automatic milking systems. The study was conducted in Sweden during the winter of 2012-13 and the treatments were applied in a crossover design to three herds with an automatic milking system. Minimum day time light intensity was 158 lx. Data on gate passages, milking frequency and milk yield for 172 +/- 49 (mean +/- s.d.) cows during the last 22 days of each 34-day study period were analysed for treatment differences and differences in daily distribution over 24 h, during day time and night time. Light intensity did not affect total number of gate passages per 24-h period and cow, but number of gate passages per hour and cow was in all treatments lower during night time than during day time. Milking frequency was increased in MED compared with both HIGH and LOW (P < 0.05). Milk yield decreased with reduced light intensity, and differed significantly between HIGH and LOW treatments, 45 +/- 1 kg and 44 +/- 1 kg, respectively (P < 0.001). Our conclusion is that reducing light intensity to 11 lx at night time does not affect cows' general activity as gate passages remained the same for all treatments. However, milk yield decreased with reduced light intensity, which might be related to a lower feed intake. We argue that providing night light for dairy cows, as required by many welfare acts, might be related to production level rather than welfare aspects and that the recommendations should be revised.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Lindkvist, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of achromatic and chromatic lights on pupillary response, endocrinology, activity, and milk production in dairy cows
- 2021
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Artificial light can be used as a management tool to increase milk yield in dairy production. However, little is known about how cows respond to the spectral composition of light. The aim of this study was to investigate how dairy cows respond to artificial achromatic and chromatic lights. A tie-stall barn equipped with light-emitting diode (LED) light fixtures was used to create the controlled experimental light environments. Two experiments were conducted, both using dairy cows of Swedish Red and light mixtures with red, blue or white light. In experiment I, the response to light of increasing intensity on pupil size was evaluated in five pregnant non-lactating cows. In experiment II 16h of achromatic and chromatic daylight in combination with dim, achromatic night light, was tested on pregnant lactating cows during five weeks to observe long term effects on milk production, activity and circadian rhythms. Particular focus was given to possible carry over effects of blue light during the day on activity at night since this has been demonstrated in humans. Increasing intensity of white and blue light affected pupil size (P<0.001), but there was no effect on pupil size with increased intensity of red light. Milk yield was maintained throughout experiment II, and plasma melatonin was higher during dim night light than in daylight for all treatments (P<0.001). In conclusion, our results show that LED fixtures emitting red light driving the ipRGCs indirectly via ML-cones, blue light stimulating both S-cones and ipRGCs directly and a mixture of wavelengths (white light) exert similar effects on milk yield and activity in tied-up dairy cows. This suggests that the spectral composition of LED lighting in a barn is secondary to duration and intensity.
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| 13. |
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