Blood samples, taken on 6 occasions during 1 year from 172 cows resident in a dairy herd, were analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin, urea N, total protein, Ca, inorganic phosphate, Mg, Na and K. The data were analysed statistically, firstly with respect to date of sampling, stage of pregnancy or lactation and the interaction between stage of pregnancy or lactation and date of sampling, and secondly with milk yield as an additional factor for the data for lactating cows.

Concentrations of all constituents except inorganic phosphate and K varied significantly (P<0·001) with stage of lactation and/or pregnancy. The most significant changes in concentrations were confined to the periods up to 3 months either side of calving. The greatest changes in concentration during these periods occurred for Mg which rose during late pregnancy and for albumin which fell at or near calving. Albumin, urea and glucose were all, on average, lowest in concentration during the first month of lactation; globulin concentrations showed the reverse trend. Haemoglobin concentrations decreased during late pregnancy and early lactation and were lowest in the period 30–120 d post partum. Calcium concentrations decreased during late pregnancy and rose during early lactation. Sodium concentrations rose during late pregnancy. Interactions between dates of sampling and stages of lactation or pregnancy were significant (P<0·001) for all constituents, and most marked for glucose, urea, albumin, Hb, Ca and Na.

Haemoglobin and K concentrations fell and Mg concentrations rose with increasing milk yield, but the proportions of the total variance accounted for by differences in milk yield were small in relation to those accounted for by stage of lactation. These findings are of significance in relation to the selection of animals for sampling in the Compton Metabolic Profile Test.

Five ovine αsl-casein variants (A–E) were identified in an Italian population sample using gel electrophoresis at alkaline pH, gel isoelectric focusing, two dimensional gel electrophoresis, and immunoblotting with polyclonal antibodies against αs1-casein. Each casein sample produced two peaks by fast reversed-phase HPLC. Gel isoelectric focusing and electrospray mass spectrometry were used to demonstrate that the first HPLC peak contained the 191 residue αsl-casein molecular species and the second the 199 residue species, in proportions of ∼20:80. Only in the case of the sample containing αsl-casein CE was the method for the separation of the single short and long forms of each variant unsuccessful. Both two dimensional electrophoresis followed by staining with polyclonal antibodies against αsl-casein and electrospray mass spectrometry showed a heterogeneity consistent with that expected from a protein chain with three levels of phosphorylation and two different lengths. However, especially for αsl-caseins D and E, a further uncharacterized heterogeneity was detected.

Whole casein preparations obtained from paired quarters (one healthy and one subclinically infected) of each of 6 individual cows were fractionated quantitatively by column chromatography on hydroxyapatite. Infection was associated with an apparent decrease in the αs- and β-casein fractions and increase in the γ- and κ-casein fractions. The increase in the κ-casein fraction was attributable mainly to enrichment with chymosin-resistant minor components of casein.

The profile produced by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose of casein isolated from a healthy quarter of a single cow differed significantly from that from a subclinically infected quarter of the same cow. These differences were increased by incubation of the quarter milks at 37 °C for 8 h. Extensive fragmentation of [14C]methylated αs2- and β-casein, and less extensive fragmentation of [14C]methylated αs1-casein, occurred during incubation of these proteins in milk from an infected quarter. Fragmentation was almost entirely inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. From a consideration of the chromatographic behaviour of the radiolabeled fragments on DEAE-cellulose, and other data presented, it was concluded that proteolysis of caseins by a plasmin-like enzyme was sufficient to account, in qualitative terms, for most of the compositional changes exhibited by casein from subclinically infected quarters.

In five short-term experiments conducted in Victoria in 1997 and 1998, grazing dairy cows were given either pasture alone or pasture supplemented with high-energy concentrates, and the fatty acid profiles of milk fat were measured. We established the effects of these feeds on some aspects of milk fat of importance for human nutrition, but we specifically focused on the hypothesis that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations in milk fat increase as pasture intake increases, and decrease as more concentrates are fed. In agreement with previous research, feeding fresh pasture alone resulted in high concentrations (1·0–1·8 g/100 g milk fat) of CLA. When the effect of level of pasture consumption on CLA content was examined, a significant positive relationship (r2=0·35; P<0·05) was obtained. When cereal grain concentrates were used to supplement pasture intake, the CLA content of milk fat generally declined (P<0·05), except where the amount of concentrates given led to a marked reduction in total milk fat concentration. The use of cereal grain concentrates also generally resulted in significant (P<0·05) increases in medium-chain saturated fatty acids, but always reduced the contribution of butyric acid to milk fat, from 4·5 to 3·9 g/100 g milk fat, on average.

The effect of storing Cheddar cheeses at elevated temperatures on proteolysis and flavour development was examined. Cheeses were stored under the following ripening conditions: (1) 8 °C for 32 weeks (control); (2) 15 °C for 8 weeks then 8 °C for 24 weeks; (3) 17·5 °C for 8 weeks then 8 °C for 24 weeks; (4) 20 °C for 8 weeks then 8 °C for 24 weeks; (5) 15 °C for 32 weeks; (6) 17·5 °C for 32 weeks; and (7) 20 °C for 32 weeks. The rates of build up of products of proteolysis and flavour increased in the order of the above treatments and substantial acceleration of ripening was achieved. However, after 32 weeks at 17·5 °C and 16 weeks at 20 °C, cheeses received significantly lower preference scores than the control cheeses (P < 0·05) mainly owing to the development of off flavours. The maximum temperature at which cheeses could be stored for 32 weeks without reduction in quality was 15 °C. Cheeses stored at this temperature for the entire period had levels of products of proteolysis at 12 weeks of age which were similar to those of controls at 32 weeks, and estimations of age at 20 weeks which were similar to those of controls at 32 weeks.

Rheology is denned as the science of the deformation of matter. It includes the study of all deformations, recoverable (elastic) and non-recoverable (plastic). In this paper cheese is primarily considered although the fundamental principles apply to all materials.

The elastic and plastic properties of cheese exercise a great influence in the ripening processes and the incidence of faults. Although much progress has been made in the bacteriological and chemical investigations of cheese ripening, little fundamental work on the nature of and the factors controlling the physical properties of curd and cheese has been carried out.

Differences in flavour scores and in the concentrations of free fatty acids, methyl ketones and H2S were measured in Cheddar cheeses containing various groups of non-starter bacteria or starter streptococci alone, made under controlled bacteriological conditions by the aseptic vat technique. The non-starter bacteria were made up of lactobacilli, leuconostocs, pediococci, micrococci and Gram-negative rods isolated in commercial creameries from raw milk or fresh cheese curd. These were added to the experimental cheese as single groups or as complete floras (reference floras). Several bacterial groups influenced the measured concentrations of the flavour compounds, but flavour differences were not correlated with these chemical differences. Only cheese containing a curd-derived whole reference flora or cheese made in open vats in the N.I.R.D. Experimental Dairy had significantly better flavour than starter-only cheese, but this improvement was not attributable to any particular group of bacteria.

Naturally occurring tumours in domestic animals have been recognized as an interesting opportunity for comparative oncology (MacEwen, 1990; Vail & MacEwen, 2000). Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in humans and the first one in dogs and cats (Jemal et al. 2003). The age-adjusted overall cancer incidence per 100000 individuals per year is comparable in humans and domestic animals, being approximately 300 in humans, 381 in dogs and 264 in cats (Vail & MacEwen, 2000). When analysing the incidence by site, breast cancer is the most frequent (32%) in women, the first of all neoplasia (52%) occurring in bitches and the third (17%) in queens after lymphohaemopoietic and skin tumours (Hayes et al. 1981; Hayes & Mooney, 1985; MacEwen, 1990; MacEwen & Withrow, 1996; Jemal et al. 2003). Several other aspects contribute to the value of domestic animals as models for human cancers (MacEwen, 1990; Vail & MacEwen, 2000). Tumours occur spontaneously in companion animals that share a similar environment with humans and therefore might be exposed to similar risk factors. The high incidence of some tumour types offers large population samples. The shorter overall lifespan of domestic animals associated with a more rapid progression of cancer allows adequate comparison of response time with humans. Biological, anatomical, histopathological, genetic, and molecular similarities between some animal and human tumours are also well established (Hansen & Khanna, 2004). Finally, testing novel therapies is more ethically acceptable when treating spontaneous diseases in companion animals rather than experimentally induced pathologies in animal models. At the same time, there is an increasing interest of owners towards the use of the most advanced therapeutic tools for companion animals despite the higher economic costs associated with these therapies.

Due to increasing public concern regarding separation of the dairy cow and calf within the first days after birth, alternative systems, where cows and calves stay in contact for an extended period, are receiving increasing interest from a broad array of researchers and other stakeholders. With more research in the area, there is a risk of inconsistencies emerging in the use of terminology. To create a better consensus in further discussions, the aim of this Research Reflection is to provide definitions and propose a common terminology for cow-calf contact in dairy production. We also suggest definitions for various systems allowing cow-calf contact and describe the distinct phases of cow-calf contact systems.

The possible hypocholesterolaemic properties of milk and fermented milk products have been investigated in groups of albino rats given a basal diet, basal diet plus cholesterol, and basal diet plus cholesterol together with whole milk or standard or bifidus yogurt. The yogurts were fortified with skim milk powder, condensed whey or lactose-hydrolysed condensed whey. After 30 d, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were measured in serum. Whole milk and ordinary yogurt had no hypocholesterolaemic effect, but standard yogurt containing lactose-hydrolysed condensed whey and all bifidus yogurts lowered serum cholesterol. In general, yogurts changed HDL-cholesterol little, but tended to raise triacylglycerols. There was marked lowering of LDL-cholesterol in rats given either type of yogurt fortified with whey proteins. This study has demonstrated in a rat model that bifidus yogurts and yogurts fortified with whey proteins can reduce total and LDL-cholesterol, and suggests that if they have the same effect in human subjects they have potential value in cholesterol-lowering diets.

Twelve spring-calving and twelve winter-calving cows were managed for extended lactation cycles of 18-months duration, with the former group then completing a second extended lactation. Half of the cows were fed according to standard management practice for the herd; the other half received supplementary concentrate from week 9 of lactation onwards. Commencing at the same time, half of the udder of each cow was subjected to increased milking frequency (thrice daily rather than twice daily). Lactation persistency (and hence total milk yield) was significantly increased by frequent milking. Winter calving cows and supplemented cows also exhibited better persistency, but this was only evident up until the point of re-breeding, at around lactation week 33. Milk composition was measured in the spring-calving cows in both their first and second extended lactations. Composition altered during the course of the lactation, protein and fat percentages increasing and lactose percentage decreasing, irrespective of treatment. The quality of the milk for processing into cheese, fermented products, heat-treated products and cream liqueurs was assessed by calculation of casein number (casein protein as a proportion of total protein). Processing quality declined across the course of lactation in those groups that showed poor persistency but not in those that maintained a persistent lactation. Milk hygienic quality (somatic cell counts) showed parallel changes. Body condition score increased during the course of lactation but was not affected by supplementation; none of the cows became excessively fat. All cows remained healthy throughout the extended lactations and the majority (33/36) re-bred successfully. By demonstrating that lactation persistency is plastic and can be improved by simple management interventions, the results lend support to the economic arguments in favour of extended lactation cycles. The likely welfare benefits of extended lactation are also discussed.

In a series of short-term experiments cows were subjected to exaggerated bacterial challenge and accentuated milking machine conditions known to predispose to new mammary infection. The incidence of new intramammary infection was significantly greater in quarters with peak flow rates > 1·6 kg/min whether they were exposed to impacts (P < 0·05) or milking without pulsation (P <0·001). The infection rates were much lower (P < 0·001) in quarters milked with ‘pulsation and shields’ to protect against these two machine factors. Despite this, quarters with peak flow > 1·6 kg/min still showed a 12-fold increase in mastitis incidence compared with quarters with peak flow < 0·8 kg/min. Rates of milk flow have increased dramatically in the last 40 years through selection and breeding: whole udder peak flow rates in heifers have doubled from 1·9 to 3·8 kg/min. Increased emphasis, therefore, should be placed on hygiene, husbandry and milking techniques to minimize bacterial numbers at teat ends to control mastitis as the drive for higher flow rate and yield make cows increasingly more susceptible to infection. These results suggest that the benefits of reduced infection rate from mastitis control are significantly underestimated since animals are now considerably more susceptible than 40 years ago.

Aseptic udder quarter secretion samples (n = 1112) from 200 mastitic and 65 non-mastitic control heifers from 160 different farms were collected for bacteriological examination and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most frequently isolated bacteria (57·8%). The percentage of Staphylococcus aureus was 20·1, of streptococci 11·3 and of other pathogens 10·8. Staph. simulans, Staph. hyicus, Staph. xylosus and Staph. chromogenes were the most common CNS. Staph. simulans and Staph. hyicus were most frequently found in clinical samples after parturition, whereas other CNS were equally or more often found in control samples. Most CNS infections detected in the prepartum period were eliminated spontaneously or with antibiotic treatment during early lactation, but the infected quarters were more susceptible to new infection by other pathogens. Milk N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities were measured to monitor changes in inflammation. Among the CNS infections, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities were highest for Staph. hyicus and lowest for Staph. xylosus in the lactating mammary gland of heifers. CNS were resistant to trimethoprim–sulphonamide, ampicillin and erythromycin. Staph. aureus was more resistant than CNS to β-lactamase-sensitive penicillins.

The incorporation of serum proteins into the synthetic fat globule membrane in milks that had been heated and subsequently homogenized has been quantitatively determined using electrophoresis and densitometry. The results indicated that the amounts of serum proteins present in the fat globule membrane were smaller in milk that was heated before homogenization than in milk that had been homogenized and then heated. The thickness of the adsorbed layer of protein on the surfaces of the fat particles, measured using photon correlation spectroscopy in dissociating and non-dissociating buffer solutions, was also lower in the former case (∼ 20 nm) compared with the latter (∼ 34 nm). The kinetics of adsorption of both β–lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in heated homogenized milk on the vacant ‘sites’ on the synthetic fat globule membrane followed similar trends at 75 and 90 °C.

A sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of the two-site type has been successfully developed for the detection of cows' milk in goats' or ewes' milk. The assay uses two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) raised in mice against cows' β-lactoglobulin (β-lg). These MAb recognize different epitopes of the β-lg, which are sufficiently distinct to allow simultaneous binding of the corresponding antibodies. One of the MAb recognizes a species-specific epitope of the bovine β-lg and was adsorbed to a plastic microtitration plate (capture antibody). The second MAb was labelled with peroxidase and used to detect the captured cows' β-lg. Factors affecting assay performance were investigated. The optimized assay is highly specific, reproducible (intra- and inter-assay CV were 8 and 13% respectively) and sensitive: as little as 5 ng β-lg/ml or 1 part cows' milk per 100000 parts goats' or ewes' milk can be detected. The technique is robust, cheap, rapid, reliable and suitable for high sample throughput, semi-automation and screening surveys. The MAb used guarantee the high specificity of the assay and indefinite reagent supply of constant quality once approved by collaborative national or international trials.

Cation-exchange chromatography on a Mono S column (Pharmacia) was used to separate macropeptide from whey proteins. Macropeptide was eluted by 0·1 M-NaCl in a 20 mM-KCl–HCl buffer, pH 2. This technique was suitable for quantitative determination of macropeptide in rennet whey and also for following the action of chymosin on κ-casein in skim milk. Precipitation at pH 4·6 was used to remove residual caseins and to keep macropeptide in solution. In comparison with other methods for determining macropeptide, the present one eliminates the need for pretreatment of samples with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and allows the recovery of all the macropeptide. Quantitative determination of macropeptide in the 8% TCA-soluble fraction by cation-exchange chromatography showed that only 50–75% of the macropeptide was recovered. This chromatographic technique could also be applied for isolating and producing whole macropeptide on a preparative scale.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementing dairy cows with 1000 IU/day of all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (SynAc), RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (NatAc), or RRR-α-tocopherol (NatAlc), from approximately 3 weeks before estimated calving until 2 weeks after calving, on the concentration of α-tocopherol and its stereoisomers (RRR-, RSS-, RRS-, RSR- and the four 2S-forms of α-tocopherol) in blood and milk. An unsupplemented group was included as control. Blood samples were collected at 3, 2 and 1 weeks before estimated calving, at calving, and 3, 7 and 14 days after calving, while milk samples were taken twice within 24 h after calving and at 7 and 14 days in milk. Overall, time and treatment had significant effects on plasma α-tocopherol with higher concentrations in NatAc than in the other groups. In addition, SynAc had higher concentrations than Control, and NatAlc tended to be higher than Control. The lowest plasma concentrations were observed at calving and 3 days after calving. Independent of treatment, the concentration was higher in colostrum than in milk day 7 and 14 after calving. Analyses of the stereoisomer distribution in plasma and milk showed that, irrespective of dietary treatment, RRR-α-tocopherol was the most predominant form, constituting more than 86%, whereas the remaining part of α-tocopherol was made up by the three synthetic 2R isomers, while the 2S isomers only contributed less than 1% of the total α-tocopherol. In control cows and cows supplemented with natural vitamin E, the proportion of RRR-α-tocopherol in plasma and milk constituted more than 98% of the total α-tocopherol. In conclusion, the results indicate that daily oral supplementation of dairy cows with RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate gives the highest blood concentrations of α-tocopherol in the periparturient period. Analyses of the distribution of the individual stereoisomers of α-tocopherol further indicate that the bioavailability of RRR-α-tocopherol relative to synthetic stereoisomers in cattle is considerably higher than officially accepted until now.

The effect of bacterial infections, produced by infusions of Streptococcus dysgalactiae and of Staphylococcus pyogenes into one quarter of the udder, on milk yield and composition in heifers has been investigated. After a quarter became infected there was invariably a decrease in the yield of milk and in the concentrations of lactose and potassium, while there was an increase in those of sodium, chloride and non-casein proteins. These effects persisted into the 2nd lactation if the infection was not eliminated. If the infection was eliminated during the 1st lactation or during the dry period before 2nd calving there was a complete recovery in the composition of the milk in the 2nd lactation, but the recovery in milk yield was not complete.

Peptide and amino acid transport in Streptococcus lactis was both energy-and temperature-dependent. Separate systems were present for the transport of amino acids, dipeptides and oligopeptides as well as for individual amino acids. Both tri- and tetra-peptides were readily transported while an apparent size restriction at the point of uptake resulted in a relatively low rate of uptake of the pentapeptide. The effects of pH, temperature and salt concentration on the uptake of amino acids and peptides were studied. Exchange reactions played a significant role in the uptake of both peptides and amino acids.