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Milk composition responses amplify economic damages from heat stressHeat stress affects more than milk yield—it also reduces milk quality, with major economic consequences. Using data from over 6.5 million U.S. dairy cows, researchers found that while milk yield declines mainly when THI exceeds 70, milk fat and protein […]
Jul 8, 2026
Economic effects of automated health monitoring based on sensors versus visual observation for dairy cows in early lactationAutomated health monitoring can translate into measurable economic gains in early lactation. In a study of 1,192 Holstein cows, automated health monitoring (AHM) using rumination, activity, and milk yield alerts was compared with visual observation (VO) for detecting health issues […]
Jun 18, 2026
Modeling changes in rumination time and milk yield to detect the onset of heat stress in lactating dairy cows of different physiological traitsIdentifying early warning signals of heat stress, this study assessed rumination time (RT) and milk yield (MY) to determine critical threshold levels in dairy cows. RT declined at lower temperature-humidity index (THI) values (≈57–62) than MY (≥65), indicating it is […]
Jun 5, 2026
Meta-analysis of the effects of dietary interventions to alleviate heat stress in lactating dairy cowsA recent meta-analysis conducted a systematic evaluation of dietary interventions tested in lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions. Drawing on a large body of peer‑reviewed studies (53 studies included in the analysis), the authors quantify the effects of different […]
May 13, 2026
Study links heat stress to increased environmental impact of milk production and highlights nutrition as a key mitigation leverHeat stress has a considerable impact on dairy performance and animal welfare. Reduced feed intake and rumination impair milk yield, efficiency, health, and fertility, while increasing environmental impact and economic losses. New data show that rumen‑specific live yeast, by improving […]
Apr 2, 2026
Heat stress increases enteric methane emissions yield and intensity while impairing rumen function and productivity in lactating dairy cattleHeat stress represents an increasing challenge to dairy sustainability. While its negative effects on rumen function and milk production are well established, its impact on enteric methane emissions has remained largely understudied, until now. Recent research demonstrates that heat‑stressed cows […]
Mar 23, 2026
Field trial of antibody response to inactivated bacterial vaccine in young Holstein calves: influence of animal health statusField data confirm that early vaccination against calf pneumonia is more effective in calves with good colostrum-derived immunity and adequate growth. Rather than blocking vaccine response, maternal antibodies support stronger immunity, highlighting the critical role of early-life management in BRD […]
Mar 9, 2026
Persistent auxiliary microbiome of early novel colonizers in the developing rumen with lasting functional significanceDiscover how the early‑life microbiome shapes a cow’s future.Groundbreaking metagenomic research reveals that unique early rumen colonizers form a persistent, functionally powerful auxiliary microbiome. These early communities adapt to dietary transitions, boost key metabolic pathways, and act as ecosystem engineers—shaping […]
Mar 3, 2026
Importance and Characterisation of Concurrent Pathogens in Diarrhoeic Calves from North-Western SpainNeonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) is far more complex than once believed. This study uncovers how young calves commonly face multiple gut pathogens at the same time—sometimes up to seven in a single case. By revealing frequent co‑infections, including agents often […]
Feb 14, 2026
Modeling diurnal rumen metabolism dynamics in dairy cattle: An update to a mechanistic model representing eating behavior, rumen content, rumination, and acid-base balanceDiscover how eating patterns drive the rumen’s daily rhythm.This updated mechanistic model reveals how meal frequency and diet type drive fluctuations in rumen volume, acidity, and microbial activity. By integrating diurnal dynamics—rumination, particle breakdown, pH, and lactic acid metabolism—it offers […]
Jan 12, 2026