Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

End date: 1989Subject: search.filters.subject.Dairy cattle

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 30
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Studies on the fertility and breeding management of New Zealand dairy cows : a thesis presented to Massey University as a requirement for the degree of Doctor of Science
    (Massey University, 1982) Macmillan, K. L.
    This thesis reviews an extensive research program on the fertility of dairy catt1e in New Zealand. Most of the work was completed between 1967 and 1977. It involved studying numerous basic aspects of reproductive physiology by analysing extensive amounts of data either lodged within a large centralised recording system, or produced through the participating cooperation of herd owners or inseminators. New concepts were developed and old recommendations sometimes found to be inappropriate.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Pasture utilization in relation to New Zealand dairy farming : a thesis presented in part fulfilment of the requirements for the Animal Husbandry section of the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) McArthur, Alistair Thomas Giles
    The world shortage of food is the most serious crisis which faces mankind today. It is a crisis which has no earlier precedent and one for which remedial measures will be hard to find. The problem, first mentioned by Malthus in 1798, is one of limited food resources combined with an increasing world population. The basis of food production lies in the soil mantle of the world which is limited in extent and decreases yearly both in quantity and quality through the use of bad farming practices which lead to soil erosin. The present level of human nutrition throughout the world is far from adequate. In North .America and Australasia, the average daily consumption of calories per head is above 3000 but in the Middle East it is only 2400 while in the Far East it varies between 1700 and 2100, which is well below requirements (Fawcett (1948)). Not only are these people in need of more food energy but they also require more protein, minerals and vitamins. Livestock products are, of course, rich in these 'protective' foods and the expansion of livestock production will play an important part in raising the level of nut­rition of the world's population. [From Introduction]
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Studies of variation in the rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and skin temperature of some New Zealand Jersey cows with particular reference to summer climatic conditions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Agricultural Science in the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1959)
    The field of research known as Environmental Physiology covers Studies on the physiological responses of animals to variations in their immediate environment and on the adaptation of animals to environment. Generally, studies with cattle in this field have been pursued either in tropical environment or, lately, in very cold climate (see series of papers by MacDonald and Bell, 1958). The use of climatic chambers, such as those described by Brody (1948) and by Findlay (1950), has enabled research workers to study the effects on animals of a wide range of climatic variables but the results have a restricted application in the field. [From Introduction]
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Some aspects of the development of rumen function in dairy calves reared on pasture : a thesis presented at Massey College in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in the Victoria University of Wellington
    (Massey University, 1962) Stewart, John Alexander
    Economy in feeding the ruminant is based on taking full advantage of rumen function. At birth however the rumen is not functional and the very young animal is dependent on a diet which it can digest without aid from microbial fermentation The need for a readily assimilated diet is normally fulfilled by the mothers milk. In the case of naturally reared animals this milk may continue to provide a significant proportion of the nutrients in the diet of the young animal even when rumen function has been established and it is capable of obtaining its nutrient requirements from grazing alone. Recognition of the fact that milk is an ideal food for young animals is reflected in the extended periods of milk feeding which in the past have been characteristic of the rations fed to artificially reared dairy stock. However there may be several disadvantages in such a practice, not the least of which being the amounts of milk and labour involved. In the search for more economical methods of calf rearing, the possibility of weaning at an earlier age has been investigated. Calves have been weaned as early as 3 weeks of age (Preston 1960), and it is known that calves which are provided with high quality pasture may be weaned at about 8 weeks of age without ill effect. [From Introduction]
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Studies on the effects of grazing regime on sward and dairy cow performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1986) Hoogendoorn, Coby Jean
    Grazed herbage is the major source of feed for dairy cows in New Zealand. The efficiency with which herbage grown is converted into animal product is thus of major concern to the dairy industry. The objectives of the present study were to assess sward response to different grazing regimes over a range of seasons, and to measure the performance, in short term trials, of cows grazing the resultant sward types over a range of herbage dry matter allowances (DA). Seasonal effects on sward structure and composition were great, with the effect of season often interacting with grazing regime imposed. Grazing regime had the greatest influence on sward characteristics in late spring. The cultivar mixture sown had a much less significant effect on sward characteristics measured. Swards grazed intensely and frequently had the lowest percentages of senescent matter, the highest values for herbage quality (DMD and N %) and optimal levels and patterns of NHA throughout the year. Intense grazint or topping (I) versus lenient grazing (L) in spring resulted in those swards maintaining high percentages of grass leaf and clover, low percentages of grass stem and senescent matter and a high herbage quality into early summer. The effect of sward type on dry matter intake (DMI) in early summer was variable, but milk and milk protein yield and sometimes milk fat yield were greater for cows grazing the I swards, at both a restricted and generous DA. When a common leaf allowance (LA) was offered, there were no significant differences in DMis or production between cows grazing the Land I swards. LA, rather than DA, was the best predictor of DMI and milk and milk protein yield over the three grazing trials conducted in early summer. Swards that had been allowed to regrow for 60 versus 120 days in autumn/winter had greater percentages of clover, lower percentages of senescent matter and a higher herbage quality in early spring, although pre-grazing total DM masses were lower. At a common nominal DA, milk, milk fat, and milk protein yields were greater on the 60 day regrowth swards despite DMis being similar. In all trials greater milk yields were attributed to greater percentages of grass leaf and clover and lower percentages of senescent matter and thus a higher herbage quality, both in the herbage consumed and on offer. Irrespective of sward type or DA on offer, the percentage of grass leaf was higher and the percentage of senescent matter lower, in the diet than that present in the herbage on offer. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of maintaining swards with a high percentage of grass leaf and clover and a minimal percentage of senescent matter. This is best achieved by maintaining an intense and frequent defoliation regime, especially during reproductive growth in spring.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Observations on ruminant fat metabolism with particular relation to lactation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M. Agr. Sc. of the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) Mayhead, J W
    In that animal fat is a major economic "building block" the mechanism of its production has attracted particular study. Although observations regarding digestion of fats may be traced back as far as those of Asellius in 1622 it was in 1843 that specific investigations into body fat production were first instituted by Lawes and Gilbert. From 1900 onwards biochemical research has made its greatest advances but, in spite of the volume of literature published on the subject of fat metabolism the state of knowledge in this field may yet be in its infancy. The three main experiments to be described relate principally to the changes effected in the degree of unsaturation of milk fat from dairy cows when highly unsaturated oils are included in the daily ration. The immediate effects of short-term inanition are also investigated. Two minor experiments are described; the first concerning the tracing of ingested stained fat into the milk and depot fats of simple-stomached animals; the second relation to the keeping qualities of milk fats of varying degrees of unsaturation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The effect on food intake and milk production of adding concentrate to the ration of cows fed pasture : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1967) Taparia, A. L.
    It has long been appreciated that well managed leafy pasture will provide sufficient energy and protein for high milk production. However, because of seasonality of pasture production there are periods in the year when the supply of pasture is deficient. Hay and silage are used to supplement pasture during these periods of shortages on New Zealand dairy farms, but are limited in their ability to maintain high levels of milk production, particularly early in lactation. Thus recourse may have to be made to the use of concentrates to maintain milk production during periods of pasture shortage. The limited amount of experimental work conducted in New Zealand on the use of concentrates (Hancock, 1953; Wallace, 1957) indicated that their use may be worthwhile. However, information on the effects of supplementing pasture with concentrates under controlled (indoor) experimental conditions is non-existent under New Zealand conditions. Results obtained by overseas workers on the effect of concentrate feeding on milk production suggest that responses have been most erratic, especially when concentrates have been fed with pasture. In general these responses were less than would have been expected on the basis of feeding standards. Reports on supplementary feeding of dairy cows by Corbett and Boyne (1958), MacLusky (1955) and Seath et. al. (1962) suggest that the concentrated fed acted as a substitute for pasture. In all of these experiments, however, the intake of pasture was measured by indirect methods. Taking the above points into consideration two experiments were conducted. The first one was a small grazing experiment with the object of studying the effects of concentrates on milk yield and composition and to obtain experience in the problems of experimentation in a simple continuous trial using 16 Friesian cows. The other experiment involved nine Jersey cows and was mainly designed to study the effect of feeding concentrates on voluntary intake of pasture. This experiment consisted of a 3 x 3 Latin square replicated three times, with squares being run concurrently. Measurements of milk yield and milk composition were also carried out. Additional information was obtained on the rate of passage of feedstuffs with some of the cows, on digestibility of feeds with sex wethers, and rumen fermentation studies with four (extra) fistulated cows.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effect of concentrate supplementation on herbage consumption, milk production and composition, and on liveweight and condition score change in early lactation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science, Animal Science Department, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1988) Wisitiporn Suksombat
    Each of 15 sets of identical twins was allocated to two grazing treatments, the pasture fed treatment (PF) and the concentrate fed treatment (CF). Cows in PF treatment were fed pasture only and those cows in CF treatment were supplemented with concentrates. The swards used were predominantly of perennial ryegrass. The experiment was carried out for 14 weeks (14th September-21st December 1987) of the early grazing season of 1987. The experiment was carried out in two periods, Period I with an allowance of 20 kgDM/cow/day from 13th to 27th October 1987 and Period II with an allowance of 25 kgDM/cow/day from 21st to 30th November 1987. Milk yield, milk composition, animal liveweight and condition score were measured. Herbage intake was estimated by sward cutting technique and was 10.0 and 9.0 kgDM/cow/day for supplemented cows, and 11.8 and 12.2 kgDM/cow/day for unsupplemented cows in Periods I and II respectively. Supplemented cows consumed 6.7 kgDM/cow/day concentrates in both periods. There was a significant increase in milk yield due to concentrate supplementation. The average response was 0.40 kg milk/kg concentrate DM eaten or 0.68 kg milk/kg extra feed DM eaten. Yields of milk constituents were increased except for fat in Period II. Concentrate feeding had no effect on milk fat and milk lactose concentrations but milk protein concentration was increased. Supplemented cows gained more liveweight and condition score than unsupplemented cows. Concentrate supplement increased total intakes by 0.65 kgDM/kgDM concentrate eaten and 0.69 MJME/MJME concentrate eaten. Herbage intake was decreased by an average 0.34 kgDM/kgDM concentrate eaten. Residual herbage mass was increased by concentrate supplementation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A study of the effects of plane of nutrition on bovine milk proteins, with particular emphasis on the individual whey proteins : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Animal Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1977) Gray, Robert Macauley
    Milk and other dairy products comprise a major source of man's food. The milk of the cow (Bos taurus) is of overwhelming importance (F.A.O. Yearbook 1974). Interest in the composition of cows milk stems largely from its importance in the human diet and from the need of milk producers to meet the legal requirements governing its sale (Rook 1961a). Prior to about the 1850's milk had been found to contain fat, sugar, protein and minerals (Jenness and Patton 1959). The development and refinement of qualitative and quantitative techniques has subdivided these gross categories of milk composition into a vast array of molecules (jenness 1974). The composition of cows milk has been extensively reviewed: Cerbulis and Farrell (1975), Jenness (1974), Webb and Johnson (1965), Ling et al. (1961), Rook (1961a & b), Armstrong (1959), Jenness and Patton (1959). The Sale of Food and Drugs Act (l908) prescribed minimum compositional standards required for milk sold or intended for sale in New Zealand. These were"8.5 parts per centum of milk solids other than milk fat and 3.25 parts per centum of milk fat" (Sykes 1952).
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The influence of importations on the New Zealand pedigree Jersey breed and the level of inbreeding, 1895-1950 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science of the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1952) Jhala, Girish Manilal
    Of the 1,845,000 dairy cows in milk in New Zealand in January 1950, 85% were either purebred or grade Jersey cattle (A & P Statistics 1950). With the exception of the Island of Jersey no other country has such a predominance of this breed and it is of interest to both the animal husbandman and the geneticist, to trace not only the growth of the breed in this country but also the changes in its structure during the last half century. There is at present no authoritative information available relating to the breeding methods employed by New Zealand dairy farmers and the lack of comprehensive records of performance in the Jersey breed as a whole makes it unlikely that the selection policies of the last fifty years will ever be adequately presented. The dependence of the more popular breeders on the importations during the present century is, however, generally recognised but no attempt has yet been made to measure the influence of these much popularised animals on the breed as a whole. If imported animals differ in their genotype from New Zealand-bred animals, then a general preference for the former or their descendents should gradually change the average genotype of the breed. That such a preference exists is suggested by Fahimuddin (1952). He found that the Jersey breed was divided into strata and that the herds using imported sires were in the upper and the most important strata. There is no way of calculating whether imported and New Zealand-bred animals do differ genetically, but estimates of the proportion of the genes in the breed as a whole for which imported animals are ultimately responsible are of interest for several reasons.