Ninety-six multiparous sows were randomly assigned into 2 different gestation housing systems on d 35 of gestation: individual gestational crates (n = 24) or small groups with 3 sows in gestational pens (n = 24). Sows were classified into 4 treatments based on gestation housing systems and social ranks within each gestational pen: sows housed in individual gestational crates were in control tre...

Nonlinear equations were compared with categorical analysis to account for DIM effects on milk production. Five different models for lactation curves were evaluated. Derived from a multiphasic lactation curve, the selected lactation curve appeared to result in random residuals and performed more consistently than the multiphasic curve. Residuals from the fitting of lactation curves were then us...

In dairy cows, milk yield increases rapidly after parturition until a peak at around wk 6 of lactation. However, the description of the shape of the lactation curve is commonly based on weekly average milk yields. For a more detailed analysis of the milk production curve from the very beginning of lactation including the colostral period and the effect of colostrum yield on further lactational ...

Dietary electrolyte balance is calculated as the sum of Na and K minus Cl and is expressed in mEq/kg of diet. The manipulation of dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) to enhance lactation and reproductive performance in dairy cattle and laying hens is not a new concept. However, the effects of dEB on reproduction and lactation in sows have not been elucidated. Thus, our objective for the experimen...

The transition period for a dairy cow is from 3 to 2 wk prepartum until 2 to 3 wk postpartum. The term transition is to underscore the important physiological, metabolic, and nutritional changes occurring in this time frame. It constitutes a turning point in the productive cycle of the cow from one lactation to the next. The manner in which these changes occur and how they are managed are of gr...

background & aim: in traditional medicine, boswellia species gum resin known as frankincense or olibanum, has been administrated in elderly for enhancement of memory and also in pregnant women to increase memory and intelligence of progeny. however, it has been rarely scientifically documented so far. we have previously reported that maternal administration of frankincense during lactation ...