H Galyon, L Robinson, B A Corl, K M Payne, S Stewart, W E Thomason, G Ferreira
This study evaluated the production performance, milk fatty acid profile, nutrient digestibility, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions of high-producing dairy cows fed high-forage (HF; 52% forage) or low-forage (LF; 37% forage) diets containing triticale silages harvested at either the boot (BT) or soft-dough (SFT) stage. The BT stage silage contained 16.7% CP, 51.1% NDF, 35.0% ADF, 3.7% ADL, and 2.2% starch, whereas the SFT stage silage contained 8.7% CP, 62.6% NDF, 46.1% ADF, 6.4% ADL, and 4.6% starch. The experiment followed a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods using 8 primiparous and 16 multiparous Holstein cows. Treatments followed a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of forage inclusion level and triticale maturity stage. Forage maturity did not affect DMI in cows fed LF diets, but cows fed the HFBT diet consumed more DM than those fed the HFSFT diet (26.3 vs. 23.4 kg/d). Cows fed BT stage diets produced more milk than those on SFT stage diets (46.9 vs. 43.4 kg/d), whereas cows on LF diets produced more milk than those on HF diets (47.1 vs. 43.2 kg/d). The production of ECM did not differ between maturity stages but was greater for cows consuming LF diets compared with HF diets (49.1 vs. 45.6 kg/d). Cows consuming BT stage diets exhibited greater apparent total-tract digestibility of DM (69.3% vs. 67.3%) and NDF (59.4% vs. 54.5%) than SFT stage diets. Cows consuming HF diets exhibited greater digestibilities of DM (70.2% vs. 66.4%), NDF (60.3% vs. 55.8%), and starch (95.5% vs. 94.8%) than LF diets. Cows fed BT stage diets produced 23 g/d less CH4 than cows on SFT stage diets (368 vs. 391 g/d), with no difference between HF and LF diets in absolute CH4 output. However, CH4 yield was lower in cows consuming BT stage diets compared with SFT stage diets on a DMI basis (13.6 vs. 15.2 g/kg DMI). Cows consuming LF diets exhibited reduced CH4 yields compared with HF diets (13.2 vs. 15.6 g/kg DMI). In conclusion, dairy production appears relatively resilient to differences in triticale silage maturity. However, harvesting at the boot stage offers a methane mitigation strategy by reducing CH4 yield. Low-forage diets improved milk yield and reduced CH4 emissions at the expense of nutrient digestibility.
本研究评价了饲喂高饲粮(HF; 52%饲粮)和低饲粮(LF; 37%饲粮)的高产奶牛在孕畜期(BT)和软面团期(SFT)收获的小黑麦青贮饲料的生产性能、乳脂肪酸分布、营养物质消化率和肠道甲烷(CH4)排放。BT期青贮CP含量为16.7%、NDF含量为51.1%、ADF含量为35.0%、ADL含量为3.7%、淀粉含量为2.2%,SFT期青贮CP含量为8.7%、NDF含量为62.6%、ADF含量为46.1%、ADL含量为6.4%、淀粉含量为4.6%。试验采用4 × 4拉丁方重复设计,周期21 d,选取8头初产荷斯坦奶牛和16头多产荷斯坦奶牛。处理遵循饲料包涵水平和小黑麦成熟期的2 × 2因子安排。饲料成熟度对低脂饲粮的DMI没有影响,但HFBT饲粮的DM消耗高于HFSFT饲粮(26.3 vs 23.4 kg/d)。BT期奶牛产奶量高于SFT期奶牛(46.9比43.4 kg/d), LF期奶牛产奶量高于HF期奶牛(47.1比43.2 kg/d)。不同成熟阶段的泌乳素产量没有差异,但低脂饲粮的泌乳素产量高于高脂饲粮(49.1 kg/d vs 45.6 kg/d)。BT期饲粮对DM(69.3%比67.3%)和NDF(59.4%比54.5%)的全道表观消化率均高于SFT期饲粮。高脂肪饲粮对DM(70.2%比66.4%)、NDF(60.3%比55.8%)和淀粉(95.5%比94.8%)的消化率均高于低脂肪饲粮。BT期饲粮的CH4产出量比SFT期低23 g/d (368 g/d vs 391 g/d), HF和LF饲粮的CH4绝对产出量无显著差异。然而,在DMI基础上,BT期饲粮的CH4产量低于SFT期饲粮(13.6 g/kg DMI vs 15.2 g/kg DMI)。与高脂饲粮相比,低脂饲粮的CH4产量降低(13.2 g/kg DMI vs 15.6 g/kg DMI)。综上所述,乳制品产量对小黑麦青贮成熟度的差异表现出相对的弹性。然而,在启动阶段收获通过减少CH4产量提供了一种甲烷缓解策略。低粗饲粮提高了产奶量,降低了甲烷排放,但牺牲了养分消化率。
{"title":"Production performance, nutrient digestibility, and enteric methane emissions of lactating Holstein cows fed triticale silage of different maturities in different dietary forage inclusions.","authors":"H Galyon, L Robinson, B A Corl, K M Payne, S Stewart, W E Thomason, G Ferreira","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the production performance, milk fatty acid profile, nutrient digestibility, and enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions of high-producing dairy cows fed high-forage (HF; 52% forage) or low-forage (LF; 37% forage) diets containing triticale silages harvested at either the boot (BT) or soft-dough (SFT) stage. The BT stage silage contained 16.7% CP, 51.1% NDF, 35.0% ADF, 3.7% ADL, and 2.2% starch, whereas the SFT stage silage contained 8.7% CP, 62.6% NDF, 46.1% ADF, 6.4% ADL, and 4.6% starch. The experiment followed a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods using 8 primiparous and 16 multiparous Holstein cows. Treatments followed a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of forage inclusion level and triticale maturity stage. Forage maturity did not affect DMI in cows fed LF diets, but cows fed the HFBT diet consumed more DM than those fed the HFSFT diet (26.3 vs. 23.4 kg/d). Cows fed BT stage diets produced more milk than those on SFT stage diets (46.9 vs. 43.4 kg/d), whereas cows on LF diets produced more milk than those on HF diets (47.1 vs. 43.2 kg/d). The production of ECM did not differ between maturity stages but was greater for cows consuming LF diets compared with HF diets (49.1 vs. 45.6 kg/d). Cows consuming BT stage diets exhibited greater apparent total-tract digestibility of DM (69.3% vs. 67.3%) and NDF (59.4% vs. 54.5%) than SFT stage diets. Cows consuming HF diets exhibited greater digestibilities of DM (70.2% vs. 66.4%), NDF (60.3% vs. 55.8%), and starch (95.5% vs. 94.8%) than LF diets. Cows fed BT stage diets produced 23 g/d less CH<sub>4</sub> than cows on SFT stage diets (368 vs. 391 g/d), with no difference between HF and LF diets in absolute CH<sub>4</sub> output. However, CH<sub>4</sub> yield was lower in cows consuming BT stage diets compared with SFT stage diets on a DMI basis (13.6 vs. 15.2 g/kg DMI). Cows consuming LF diets exhibited reduced CH<sub>4</sub> yields compared with HF diets (13.2 vs. 15.6 g/kg DMI). In conclusion, dairy production appears relatively resilient to differences in triticale silage maturity. However, harvesting at the boot stage offers a methane mitigation strategy by reducing CH<sub>4</sub> yield. Low-forage diets improved milk yield and reduced CH<sub>4</sub> emissions at the expense of nutrient digestibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda L Miller, John A Renye, Jennifer Thomas, Adam M Oest, David B Johnston, Rafael A Garcia
This study evaluated the fermentative performance of several yeast strains on the aqueous by-product of waste ice cream (WIC) to ethanol, comparing 3 reported lactose-utilizers, Kluyveromyces marxianus Y-329, Dekkera anomala Y-1414, and Kluyveromyces lactis 8585, with the non-lactose utilizer Streptomyces cerevisiae Y-45. Fermentation progression was monitored by weight loss, and HPLC was used to analyze the composition of the fermentates. Ethanol production reached >10% for S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus but was <5% for D. anomala and K. lactis, possibly due to catabolite repression from the hydrolysis of sucrose. Treatment of the WIC by-product with lactase increased the availability of fermentable carbohydrates, resulting in greater ethanol yields for all strains except K. marxianus Y-1414, which may be limited by its ethanol tolerance. A minimal medium supplemented with lactose, sucrose, or a combination of both sugars was used to test whether the yeast could metabolize lactose alone or in the presence of sucrose. Sucrose was utilized by all 4 strains and produced ethanol in the absence and presence of lactose. Lactose was only utilized by D. anomala Y-1414 and K. lactis 8585 in the absence of sucrose, confirming that the presence of sucrose can prevent lactose utilization by yeasts in this study. Fermentation efficiency was also determined, with S. cerevisiae Y-45 having achieved the greatest efficiency in sucrose alone, whereas K. lactis 8585 showed the greatest efficiency in lactose alone. Results from this study showed that S. cerevisiae remains the ideal candidate for the valorization of waste ice cream, as it had the highest ethanol yield in WIC by-product with lactose and increased when lactose was hydrolyzed with lactase, reaching 12.5% at 72 h.
{"title":"Fermentation of an aqueous ice cream by-product by lactose-utilizing yeast species.","authors":"Amanda L Miller, John A Renye, Jennifer Thomas, Adam M Oest, David B Johnston, Rafael A Garcia","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27684","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the fermentative performance of several yeast strains on the aqueous by-product of waste ice cream (WIC) to ethanol, comparing 3 reported lactose-utilizers, Kluyveromyces marxianus Y-329, Dekkera anomala Y-1414, and Kluyveromyces lactis 8585, with the non-lactose utilizer Streptomyces cerevisiae Y-45. Fermentation progression was monitored by weight loss, and HPLC was used to analyze the composition of the fermentates. Ethanol production reached >10% for S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus but was <5% for D. anomala and K. lactis, possibly due to catabolite repression from the hydrolysis of sucrose. Treatment of the WIC by-product with lactase increased the availability of fermentable carbohydrates, resulting in greater ethanol yields for all strains except K. marxianus Y-1414, which may be limited by its ethanol tolerance. A minimal medium supplemented with lactose, sucrose, or a combination of both sugars was used to test whether the yeast could metabolize lactose alone or in the presence of sucrose. Sucrose was utilized by all 4 strains and produced ethanol in the absence and presence of lactose. Lactose was only utilized by D. anomala Y-1414 and K. lactis 8585 in the absence of sucrose, confirming that the presence of sucrose can prevent lactose utilization by yeasts in this study. Fermentation efficiency was also determined, with S. cerevisiae Y-45 having achieved the greatest efficiency in sucrose alone, whereas K. lactis 8585 showed the greatest efficiency in lactose alone. Results from this study showed that S. cerevisiae remains the ideal candidate for the valorization of waste ice cream, as it had the highest ethanol yield in WIC by-product with lactose and increased when lactose was hydrolyzed with lactase, reaching 12.5% at 72 h.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lin Liu, Yangbo Jiao, Yuexin Qiang, Ge Qiqi, Ping Lu, Jicheng Wang, Yongfu Chen, Musu Zha
In this study, a novel composite probiotic fermented milk was developed using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ProSci-92 strains with promising probiotic properties. Different proportions of the 2 strains were evaluated to identify the optimal coculture ratio. The physicochemical properties, storage stability, viable bacterial counts, and metabolomic profiles of the coculture fermented milk, single-strain fermented milk samples, and a commercial fermented milk (PYS-010) were compared. The results demonstrated that the ProSci-92&P-8 (1,000:1) coculture exhibited a significant synergistic effect. This coculture not only enhanced viable counts, acid production capacity, and water-holding capacity but also markedly improved the texture and flavor characteristics of the fermented milk. Untargeted metabolomic analysis further revealed the positive effect of cofermentation on the accumulation of various characteristic flavor-inducing compounds (acetoin, acetaldehyde, butyric acid, propionic acid, arachidonic acid) and functionally relevant AA (lysine, ornithine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine) in the fermented milk. Glutathione was identified as a potential metabolic biomarker associated with synergistic interactions between the strains. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for developing next-generation fermented dairy products with desirable sensory attributes and health benefits.
{"title":"Synergistic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ProSci-92 in cofermented milk: Metabolomic and physicochemical evaluation.","authors":"Lin Liu, Yangbo Jiao, Yuexin Qiang, Ge Qiqi, Ping Lu, Jicheng Wang, Yongfu Chen, Musu Zha","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27878","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, a novel composite probiotic fermented milk was developed using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ProSci-92 strains with promising probiotic properties. Different proportions of the 2 strains were evaluated to identify the optimal coculture ratio. The physicochemical properties, storage stability, viable bacterial counts, and metabolomic profiles of the coculture fermented milk, single-strain fermented milk samples, and a commercial fermented milk (PYS-010) were compared. The results demonstrated that the ProSci-92&P-8 (1,000:1) coculture exhibited a significant synergistic effect. This coculture not only enhanced viable counts, acid production capacity, and water-holding capacity but also markedly improved the texture and flavor characteristics of the fermented milk. Untargeted metabolomic analysis further revealed the positive effect of cofermentation on the accumulation of various characteristic flavor-inducing compounds (acetoin, acetaldehyde, butyric acid, propionic acid, arachidonic acid) and functionally relevant AA (lysine, ornithine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine) in the fermented milk. Glutathione was identified as a potential metabolic biomarker associated with synergistic interactions between the strains. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for developing next-generation fermented dairy products with desirable sensory attributes and health benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anton Maria Vorndran, Heinz Bernhardt, Julia Steinhoff-Wagner
This study investigated early postnatal weight dynamics in 19 Brown Swiss calves (11 male, 8 female) during their first week of life. It was hypothesized that high-frequency weight monitoring during the first week of life in neonatal calves could reveal patterns of postprandial weight loss and early growth dynamics, which may be used to estimate metabolic activity. Calves were housed individually in hutches on calibrated scales that recorded BW every 10 s, enabling high-resolution monitoring of growth and postprandial weight changes. All calves were fed their dam's milk twice daily in unrestricted volumes for 14 feedings. Urine was quantitatively collected and weighed to estimate the proportion of weight loss attributable to metabolization and evapotranspiration. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with sex, feeding number, hours postprandial, and their interaction as fixed effects, and calf ID as a random intercept. A first-order autoregressive correlation structure accounted for autocorrelation in repeated measurements. Based on significant differences in weight-loss dynamics, feedings were grouped into early (1-3) and later (4-14) feedings. Sawtooth-like growth curves were observed for weight development during the first week of life due to daily fluctuations in BW with maxima occurring after feeding and minima before the next feeding. The calves showed an ADG of 1.31 ± 0.28 kg during the first week of life. Postprandial weight loss ranged from 3.5% to 7.4% of BW over 10 to 14 h and was significantly influenced by the feeding event and the duration of the postprandial period. The rate of weight loss was lowest during the first 3 feedings (0.346% BW/h), increasing and stabilizing at 0.607% BW/h at later feedings. Fourth-degree polynomial models best described the hourly postprandial weight loss patterns for feedings 1 to 3 and 4 to 14 (R2 = 0.994 and 0.999, respectively). The highest weight loss occurred in the first hour postprandial and weight loss continuously decreased thereafter. Metabolization and evapotranspiration losses, calculated by the separation of the collected urine amounts from total weight loss observed on the scales, accounted for 79% of total weight loss at the first feeding and 33% to 49% in subsequent feedings. Strong positive correlations were found between postprandial weight loss to urine excretion (r = 0.729), and milk intake (r = 0.811). The findings highlight the dynamic nature of BW and the value of high-resolution, continuous monitoring (1 measurement every 10 s) in early calf development.
{"title":"Growth during the first week of life and physiological body weight oscillation between feedings using high-frequency weighing in individually housed calves fed unrestricted amounts of milk twice daily.","authors":"Anton Maria Vorndran, Heinz Bernhardt, Julia Steinhoff-Wagner","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27650","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated early postnatal weight dynamics in 19 Brown Swiss calves (11 male, 8 female) during their first week of life. It was hypothesized that high-frequency weight monitoring during the first week of life in neonatal calves could reveal patterns of postprandial weight loss and early growth dynamics, which may be used to estimate metabolic activity. Calves were housed individually in hutches on calibrated scales that recorded BW every 10 s, enabling high-resolution monitoring of growth and postprandial weight changes. All calves were fed their dam's milk twice daily in unrestricted volumes for 14 feedings. Urine was quantitatively collected and weighed to estimate the proportion of weight loss attributable to metabolization and evapotranspiration. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with sex, feeding number, hours postprandial, and their interaction as fixed effects, and calf ID as a random intercept. A first-order autoregressive correlation structure accounted for autocorrelation in repeated measurements. Based on significant differences in weight-loss dynamics, feedings were grouped into early (1-3) and later (4-14) feedings. Sawtooth-like growth curves were observed for weight development during the first week of life due to daily fluctuations in BW with maxima occurring after feeding and minima before the next feeding. The calves showed an ADG of 1.31 ± 0.28 kg during the first week of life. Postprandial weight loss ranged from 3.5% to 7.4% of BW over 10 to 14 h and was significantly influenced by the feeding event and the duration of the postprandial period. The rate of weight loss was lowest during the first 3 feedings (0.346% BW/h), increasing and stabilizing at 0.607% BW/h at later feedings. Fourth-degree polynomial models best described the hourly postprandial weight loss patterns for feedings 1 to 3 and 4 to 14 (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.994 and 0.999, respectively). The highest weight loss occurred in the first hour postprandial and weight loss continuously decreased thereafter. Metabolization and evapotranspiration losses, calculated by the separation of the collected urine amounts from total weight loss observed on the scales, accounted for 79% of total weight loss at the first feeding and 33% to 49% in subsequent feedings. Strong positive correlations were found between postprandial weight loss to urine excretion (r = 0.729), and milk intake (r = 0.811). The findings highlight the dynamic nature of BW and the value of high-resolution, continuous monitoring (1 measurement every 10 s) in early calf development.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Shan, Xiaolin Huang, Xue Han, Yuju Yang, Miaomiao Zheng
3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL) is a naturally occurring prebiotic in milk, known to regulate intestinal microbiota and prevent diseases. However, the mechanisms through which 3'-SL alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea remain poorly understood. In this study, an antibiotic-associated diarrhea model was established through the co-administration of ampicillin and neomycin. The effects of 3'-SL supplementation on diarrhea phenotype, inflammation, intestinal permeability, and barrier function were examined in antibiotic-associated diarrhea-model mice. Moreover, gut microbiota composition, metabolite profiles, and their alterations were analyzed using genomic and metabolomic approaches. The results demonstrate that 3'-SL increased body weight and aquaporin (AQP) 3 and AQP4 levels but reduced diarrhea rate, cecal mass, and fecal water content in the model mice, indicating its therapeutic effect on diarrhea. Furthermore, 3'-SL reduced serum levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β, while increasing IL-10 levels in the mice. Moreover, 3'-SL reduced intestinal permeability by enhancing both the mechanical barrier (ZO-1 and occludin mRNA expression) and the chemical barrier (MUC2 mRNA and protein expression) in the mice. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that mice in the 3'-SL group exhibited greater abundances of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Dubosiella, along with a reduced relative abundance of the diarrhea-associated bacterium Alloprevotella. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis indicated that 3'-SL promoted enrichment of purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway, which may be associated with diarrhea development, inflammation amelioration, and barrier regulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that 3'-SL ameliorates antibiotic-associated diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota and metabolite profiles.
{"title":"3'-Sialyllactose ameliorates antibiotic-associated diarrhea by shaping unique gut microbiota and metabolite composition.","authors":"Yi Shan, Xiaolin Huang, Xue Han, Yuju Yang, Miaomiao Zheng","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27362","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL) is a naturally occurring prebiotic in milk, known to regulate intestinal microbiota and prevent diseases. However, the mechanisms through which 3'-SL alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea remain poorly understood. In this study, an antibiotic-associated diarrhea model was established through the co-administration of ampicillin and neomycin. The effects of 3'-SL supplementation on diarrhea phenotype, inflammation, intestinal permeability, and barrier function were examined in antibiotic-associated diarrhea-model mice. Moreover, gut microbiota composition, metabolite profiles, and their alterations were analyzed using genomic and metabolomic approaches. The results demonstrate that 3'-SL increased body weight and aquaporin (AQP) 3 and AQP4 levels but reduced diarrhea rate, cecal mass, and fecal water content in the model mice, indicating its therapeutic effect on diarrhea. Furthermore, 3'-SL reduced serum levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β, while increasing IL-10 levels in the mice. Moreover, 3'-SL reduced intestinal permeability by enhancing both the mechanical barrier (ZO-1 and occludin mRNA expression) and the chemical barrier (MUC2 mRNA and protein expression) in the mice. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that mice in the 3'-SL group exhibited greater abundances of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Dubosiella, along with a reduced relative abundance of the diarrhea-associated bacterium Alloprevotella. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis indicated that 3'-SL promoted enrichment of purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway, which may be associated with diarrhea development, inflammation amelioration, and barrier regulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that 3'-SL ameliorates antibiotic-associated diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota and metabolite profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Farmers can use automated milk feeders (AMF) to identify changes in the behavior of individual calves before they are clinically sick. However, other management factors, such as routine procedures, may affect group- and individual-level feeding behavior patterns in calves. This matched cohort study (n = 44; 22 pairs of booster-vaccinated calves matched to controls) evaluated the effects of a booster vaccination comprised of inactivated SalmonellaTyphimurium and SalmonellaDublin on feeding behavior and relative changes in behavior of Angus × Holstein calves reared at one calf-rearing facility. All calves were vaccinated with Bovilis Bovivac S on d 1 after farm arrival. Booster calves received a booster vaccination at 15 d after farm arrival (d 0 of the study). Control calves did not receive the booster. We pair-matched booster-vaccinated calves to controls by sex, the first day they independently drank from the feeder, and arrival weight (±6 kg). Daily feeding behaviors (milk intake, drinking speed, and rewarded visits) were recorded by an AMF (Foerster-Technik, Engen, Germany). Calves were offered a maximum of 3.0 L of milk replacer per meal with no daily limit, using a 2-h block between meals to limit size. Mixed linear regression models assessed the effects of booster status, day (days -2 to 4), pair, and the day × booster status interaction on calf feeding behavior, with calf as a random effect and day as the repeated measure. Models also assessed effects on relative changes in feeding behavior using the same model structure. Relative change was calculated as [(day of interest behavior - baseline behavior on day -2) ÷ baseline behavior] × 100, giving the percent change at the individual calf level. Significant day × booster interactions had mean differences adjusted using the Tukey method. We observed a milk intake × day interaction: booster calves consumed more milk than controls on d 0, 2, 3, and 4. For example, on the booster day, control calves consumed 8.26 L/d (95% CI: 7.78 to 8.75; LSM) compared with 10.5 L/d (95% CI: 9.31 to 10.28) in booster calves. Booster status was also associated with greater rewarded visits and faster drinking speeds (control 0.49 L/min, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.51 vs. booster 0.52 L/min, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.54), but there was no day × booster interaction for these metrics. Interestingly, booster status was not associated with relative changes in milk intake, drinking speed, or rewarded visits. This suggests that although booster-vaccinated calves, as a group, consumed more milk and drank faster, the magnitude of the within-calf behavioral change after a booster shot was not significant. We suggest that calves injected with a booster vaccine for inactivated SalmonellaTyphimurium and SalmonellaDublin did not experience individual changes in their behavior patterns, but group milk intake increases on the days after the booster shot.
{"title":"A booster vaccination for Salmonella spp. minimally affects feeding behavior in beef × dairy calves fed with automated milk feeders.","authors":"B J Bone, R E James, M C Cantor","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Farmers can use automated milk feeders (AMF) to identify changes in the behavior of individual calves before they are clinically sick. However, other management factors, such as routine procedures, may affect group- and individual-level feeding behavior patterns in calves. This matched cohort study (n = 44; 22 pairs of booster-vaccinated calves matched to controls) evaluated the effects of a booster vaccination comprised of inactivated SalmonellaTyphimurium and SalmonellaDublin on feeding behavior and relative changes in behavior of Angus × Holstein calves reared at one calf-rearing facility. All calves were vaccinated with Bovilis Bovivac S on d 1 after farm arrival. Booster calves received a booster vaccination at 15 d after farm arrival (d 0 of the study). Control calves did not receive the booster. We pair-matched booster-vaccinated calves to controls by sex, the first day they independently drank from the feeder, and arrival weight (±6 kg). Daily feeding behaviors (milk intake, drinking speed, and rewarded visits) were recorded by an AMF (Foerster-Technik, Engen, Germany). Calves were offered a maximum of 3.0 L of milk replacer per meal with no daily limit, using a 2-h block between meals to limit size. Mixed linear regression models assessed the effects of booster status, day (days -2 to 4), pair, and the day × booster status interaction on calf feeding behavior, with calf as a random effect and day as the repeated measure. Models also assessed effects on relative changes in feeding behavior using the same model structure. Relative change was calculated as [(day of interest behavior - baseline behavior on day -2) ÷ baseline behavior] × 100, giving the percent change at the individual calf level. Significant day × booster interactions had mean differences adjusted using the Tukey method. We observed a milk intake × day interaction: booster calves consumed more milk than controls on d 0, 2, 3, and 4. For example, on the booster day, control calves consumed 8.26 L/d (95% CI: 7.78 to 8.75; LSM) compared with 10.5 L/d (95% CI: 9.31 to 10.28) in booster calves. Booster status was also associated with greater rewarded visits and faster drinking speeds (control 0.49 L/min, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.51 vs. booster 0.52 L/min, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.54), but there was no day × booster interaction for these metrics. Interestingly, booster status was not associated with relative changes in milk intake, drinking speed, or rewarded visits. This suggests that although booster-vaccinated calves, as a group, consumed more milk and drank faster, the magnitude of the within-calf behavioral change after a booster shot was not significant. We suggest that calves injected with a booster vaccine for inactivated SalmonellaTyphimurium and SalmonellaDublin did not experience individual changes in their behavior patterns, but group milk intake increases on the days after the booster shot.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liguang Cao, Jiatong Han, Guojin Li, Kai Liu, Wenrui Gao, Zifeng Yang, Yifei Dong, Yushan Du, Xiliang Du, Yuxiang Song, Xinwei Li, Lin Lei, Wenwen Gao, Guowen Liu
Subclinical ketosis in dairy cows is accompanied by adaptive changes in the secretory function of the mammary gland. However, the molecular basis underlying this adaptation remains unclear. The secretory capacity of the mammary gland is closely linked to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) biogenesis, particularly the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) pathway. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether BHB activates the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling axis to promote ER biogenesis, thereby sustaining casein synthesis. In this study, MAC-T cells were treated with 1.8 mM BHB for 0, 12, 24, or 48 h to mimic subclinical ketotic conditions. We first observed that BHB activated all 3 branches of the UPR without inducing the proapoptotic element of the UPR. Meanwhile, MAC-T cells treated with BHB show a significant increase in ER tracker staining and upregulated mRNA levels of ER biogenesis-related genes, such as choline kinase α (CHKA), choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (PCYT1A), and surfeit locus protein 4 (SURF4). Subsequently, BHB upregulated the mRNA abundance of genes related to ribosome biogenesis and the proregenerative phenotype in MAC-T cells. The MAC-T cells treated with 1.8 mM BHB also displayed increased protein abundance of β-casein, along with the β-casein (CSN2), κ-casein (CSN3), αs1-casein (CSN1S1), and αs2-casein (CSN1S2) milk protein genes. Compared with the 1.8 mM BHB group, KIRA6, an inhibitor of the IRE1α signaling pathway, significantly suppressed the BHB-induced increase in ER tracker fluorescence, ER biogenesis-related gene expression, and β-casein protein abundance. Silencing XBP1 via small interfering RNA inhibited BHB-induced ER biogenesis and β-casein synthesis, whereas the overexpression of XBP1 alleviated these effects. Furthermore, under BHB treatment, overexpression of XBP1 partially attenuated the suppressive effects of IRE1α inhibition on ER biogenesis and β-casein synthesis. Overall, our data demonstrate that BHB promotes ER biogenesis and milk protein synthesis in mammary epithelial cells through activation of the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling pathway, suggesting a protective and adaptive role for BHB in maintaining mammary gland function under subclinical ketotic conditions.
奶牛的亚临床酮症伴随着乳腺分泌功能的适应性变化。然而,这种适应的分子基础尚不清楚。乳腺的分泌能力与未折叠蛋白反应(UPR)和内质网(ER)生物发生的激活密切相关,特别是肌醇要求酶1α (IRE1α)途径。因此,本研究旨在探讨BHB是否激活IRE1α-XBP1信号轴促进内质网生物发生,从而维持酪蛋白合成。在这项研究中,用1.8 mM BHB处理MAC-T细胞0、12、24或48小时,模拟亚临床酮症状态。我们首先观察到BHB激活了UPR的所有3个分支,而没有诱导UPR的促凋亡因子。同时,经BHB处理的MAC-T细胞内质网追踪器染色显著增加,内质网生物发生相关基因如胆碱激酶α (CHKA)、胆碱-磷酸胞基转移酶(PCYT1A)和过量位点蛋白4 (SURF4) mRNA水平上调。随后,BHB上调了MAC-T细胞中核糖体生物发生和促再生表型相关基因的mRNA丰度。1.8 mM BHB处理的MAC-T细胞中β-酪蛋白的蛋白丰度增加,同时β-酪蛋白(CSN2)、κ-酪蛋白(CSN3)、αs1-酪蛋白(CSN1S1)和αs2-酪蛋白(CSN1S2)乳蛋白基因的蛋白丰度也增加。与1.8 mM BHB组相比,IRE1α信号通路抑制剂KIRA6显著抑制了BHB诱导的内质网追踪器荧光、内质网生物发生相关基因表达和β-酪蛋白丰度的增加。通过小干扰RNA沉默XBP1可抑制bhb诱导的内质网生物发生和β-酪蛋白合成,而过表达XBP1可减轻这些影响。此外,在BHB处理下,XBP1的过表达部分减弱了IRE1α抑制内质网生物发生和β-酪蛋白合成的抑制作用。总之,我们的数据表明BHB通过激活IRE1α-XBP1信号通路促进乳腺上皮细胞ER生物发生和乳蛋白合成,提示BHB在亚临床酮症条件下维持乳腺功能方面具有保护和适应性作用。
{"title":"β-Hydroxybutyrate in subclinical ketosis promotes endoplasmic reticulum biogenesis and milk protein synthesis via IRE1α-XBP1 in bovine mammary epithelial cells.","authors":"Liguang Cao, Jiatong Han, Guojin Li, Kai Liu, Wenrui Gao, Zifeng Yang, Yifei Dong, Yushan Du, Xiliang Du, Yuxiang Song, Xinwei Li, Lin Lei, Wenwen Gao, Guowen Liu","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Subclinical ketosis in dairy cows is accompanied by adaptive changes in the secretory function of the mammary gland. However, the molecular basis underlying this adaptation remains unclear. The secretory capacity of the mammary gland is closely linked to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) biogenesis, particularly the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) pathway. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether BHB activates the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling axis to promote ER biogenesis, thereby sustaining casein synthesis. In this study, MAC-T cells were treated with 1.8 mM BHB for 0, 12, 24, or 48 h to mimic subclinical ketotic conditions. We first observed that BHB activated all 3 branches of the UPR without inducing the proapoptotic element of the UPR. Meanwhile, MAC-T cells treated with BHB show a significant increase in ER tracker staining and upregulated mRNA levels of ER biogenesis-related genes, such as choline kinase α (CHKA), choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (PCYT1A), and surfeit locus protein 4 (SURF4). Subsequently, BHB upregulated the mRNA abundance of genes related to ribosome biogenesis and the proregenerative phenotype in MAC-T cells. The MAC-T cells treated with 1.8 mM BHB also displayed increased protein abundance of β-casein, along with the β-casein (CSN2), κ-casein (CSN3), αs1-casein (CSN1S1), and αs2-casein (CSN1S2) milk protein genes. Compared with the 1.8 mM BHB group, KIRA6, an inhibitor of the IRE1α signaling pathway, significantly suppressed the BHB-induced increase in ER tracker fluorescence, ER biogenesis-related gene expression, and β-casein protein abundance. Silencing XBP1 via small interfering RNA inhibited BHB-induced ER biogenesis and β-casein synthesis, whereas the overexpression of XBP1 alleviated these effects. Furthermore, under BHB treatment, overexpression of XBP1 partially attenuated the suppressive effects of IRE1α inhibition on ER biogenesis and β-casein synthesis. Overall, our data demonstrate that BHB promotes ER biogenesis and milk protein synthesis in mammary epithelial cells through activation of the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling pathway, suggesting a protective and adaptive role for BHB in maintaining mammary gland function under subclinical ketotic conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V Weerasingha, A L Kelly, J J Sheehan, A Alehosseini
Understanding salt diffusion is essential for optimizing salt uptake during cheese production. Although multiple interacting factors complicate this process, the utilization of a model cheese system offers a controlled platform to evaluate their relative influence. This study developed a model using renneted gels prepared from micellar casein concentrate and investigated the use of salty whey, a secondary byproduct of Cheddar production, as an alternative salting medium. We assessed the effects of varying the pH, fat, and calcium contents of the model cheese and salting temperature on salt migration. Salt diffusivity was modeled using Fick's second law. Increasing calcium content during formulation of the model system (0%-1% wt/wt, weight basis) significantly increased salt penetration. Similarly, salting at 30°C significantly enhanced salt diffusion compared with salting at 20°C or 40°C. Diffusion coefficients of salt in the model cheese systems ranged from 3.1 × 10-9 to 8.4 × 10-9 m2/s. Increasing calcium level promoted a more continuous compact protein matrix, which in turn increased salt diffusion; in contrast, fat globules hindered salt movement within the matrix. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that higher levels of salt migration corresponded to more ordered protein secondary structures with stronger hydrogen bonding. The diffusivity of salty whey, however, was less than that of brine, likely due to the higher osmotic pressure and viscosity of the former.
{"title":"Understanding salt diffusion in dairy-based systems: A model approach using rennet-coagulated micellar casein concentrates.","authors":"V Weerasingha, A L Kelly, J J Sheehan, A Alehosseini","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding salt diffusion is essential for optimizing salt uptake during cheese production. Although multiple interacting factors complicate this process, the utilization of a model cheese system offers a controlled platform to evaluate their relative influence. This study developed a model using renneted gels prepared from micellar casein concentrate and investigated the use of salty whey, a secondary byproduct of Cheddar production, as an alternative salting medium. We assessed the effects of varying the pH, fat, and calcium contents of the model cheese and salting temperature on salt migration. Salt diffusivity was modeled using Fick's second law. Increasing calcium content during formulation of the model system (0%-1% wt/wt, weight basis) significantly increased salt penetration. Similarly, salting at 30°C significantly enhanced salt diffusion compared with salting at 20°C or 40°C. Diffusion coefficients of salt in the model cheese systems ranged from 3.1 × 10<sup>-9</sup> to 8.4 × 10<sup>-9</sup> m<sup>2</sup>/s. Increasing calcium level promoted a more continuous compact protein matrix, which in turn increased salt diffusion; in contrast, fat globules hindered salt movement within the matrix. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that higher levels of salt migration corresponded to more ordered protein secondary structures with stronger hydrogen bonding. The diffusivity of salty whey, however, was less than that of brine, likely due to the higher osmotic pressure and viscosity of the former.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xi Lu, Bingyan Zhang, Man Zhao, Rong Tang, Xiaocao Liu
This study established a systematic framework to isolate and functionally characterize lactic acid bacteria from camel milk collected in Western China, targeting strains exhibiting robust antioxidant properties. Among 199 isolates, Leuconostoc mesenteroides C8 exhibited high oxidative stress tolerance and superior antioxidant activity. Its incorporation into yogurt fermentation significantly improved product stability and antioxidant retention during 21-d storage, even under light and thermal stress. This dual-level validation-from functional screening to food system application-highlights C8's functional potential and positions camel milk-derived probiotics as valuable resources for developing antioxidant-enriched, value-added fermented dairy products.
{"title":"Isolation and functional characterization of Leuconostoc mesenteroides from camel milk with application in antioxidant-enhanced yogurt fermentation.","authors":"Xi Lu, Bingyan Zhang, Man Zhao, Rong Tang, Xiaocao Liu","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study established a systematic framework to isolate and functionally characterize lactic acid bacteria from camel milk collected in Western China, targeting strains exhibiting robust antioxidant properties. Among 199 isolates, Leuconostoc mesenteroides C8 exhibited high oxidative stress tolerance and superior antioxidant activity. Its incorporation into yogurt fermentation significantly improved product stability and antioxidant retention during 21-d storage, even under light and thermal stress. This dual-level validation-from functional screening to food system application-highlights C8's functional potential and positions camel milk-derived probiotics as valuable resources for developing antioxidant-enriched, value-added fermented dairy products.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C Velasquez, L M Campos, D A Vesga, J M V Pereira, F C Ferreira, C C Fantini, X Yang, P H V Carvalho
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of published equations for estimating the BW of day-old beef × dairy (B × D) male calves based on morphological measures, and to develop, test, evaluate, cross-evaluate, and validate BW-predictive equations using body morphological measurements. Three hundred twenty B × D male calves were enrolled upon arrival at the calf-raising facility, and morphological measurements such as BW, heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), and hoof circumference (HC) were recorded from each calf within the first 24 h of life. Forty-six published peer-reviewed equations were evaluated against the development dataset using root mean squared error (RMSE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and mean squared error decomposition (mean bias, slope bias, and residual error) to assess agreement between observed and predicted BW. Moreover, 3 linear equations were developed using a forward selection criterion for HG (Equation 1), HG and HH (Equation 2), and HG, HH, and HC (Equation 3). In addition to linear models, evaluation of quadratic, cubic, and exponential models was assessed to determine the relationship between BW and morphological traits. Among the tested models, the linear equation proved more effective and simpler than the quadratic, cubic, and exponential models and was ultimately selected for validation. Overall, 76% of the published equations demonstrated poor agreement with observed BW, as indicated by an average CCC (0.49) and an average BW RMSE of 107.00 kg. An additional 17% of the published equations achieved moderate agreement, with average CCC values between 0.50 and 0.60 and an RMSE for BW of 6.20 kg; only 7% (the top-performing published equations) had CCC values greater than 0.60 and an RMSE for BW of 4.50 kg. All 3 developed equations exhibit greater predictive performance than 43 (93%) of the published equations, with an average CCC of 0.75 and an RMSE for BW of 3.50 kg. Cross-evaluation of the 3 developed equations demonstrated moderate to high BW-predicting performance (RMSE = 3.80 kg; CCC = 0.74). The validation assessment using an independent dataset of 176-d-old B × D male calves that only included HG as a morphological measurement indicated that the HG equation (Equation 1) had a moderate to high performance (RMSE = 3.80 kg; CCC = 0.64) in predicting the BW of day-old B × D male calves. Thus, indicating that this developed equation (Equation 1) can be applied as an on-farm tool to predict the BW of day-old B × D male calves.
{"title":"Evaluation of body weight prediction equations and development of morphological models for day-old beef-on-dairy calves.","authors":"C Velasquez, L M Campos, D A Vesga, J M V Pereira, F C Ferreira, C C Fantini, X Yang, P H V Carvalho","doi":"10.3168/jds.2025-27606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the performance of published equations for estimating the BW of day-old beef × dairy (B × D) male calves based on morphological measures, and to develop, test, evaluate, cross-evaluate, and validate BW-predictive equations using body morphological measurements. Three hundred twenty B × D male calves were enrolled upon arrival at the calf-raising facility, and morphological measurements such as BW, heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), and hoof circumference (HC) were recorded from each calf within the first 24 h of life. Forty-six published peer-reviewed equations were evaluated against the development dataset using root mean squared error (RMSE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and mean squared error decomposition (mean bias, slope bias, and residual error) to assess agreement between observed and predicted BW. Moreover, 3 linear equations were developed using a forward selection criterion for HG (Equation 1), HG and HH (Equation 2), and HG, HH, and HC (Equation 3). In addition to linear models, evaluation of quadratic, cubic, and exponential models was assessed to determine the relationship between BW and morphological traits. Among the tested models, the linear equation proved more effective and simpler than the quadratic, cubic, and exponential models and was ultimately selected for validation. Overall, 76% of the published equations demonstrated poor agreement with observed BW, as indicated by an average CCC (0.49) and an average BW RMSE of 107.00 kg. An additional 17% of the published equations achieved moderate agreement, with average CCC values between 0.50 and 0.60 and an RMSE for BW of 6.20 kg; only 7% (the top-performing published equations) had CCC values greater than 0.60 and an RMSE for BW of 4.50 kg. All 3 developed equations exhibit greater predictive performance than 43 (93%) of the published equations, with an average CCC of 0.75 and an RMSE for BW of 3.50 kg. Cross-evaluation of the 3 developed equations demonstrated moderate to high BW-predicting performance (RMSE = 3.80 kg; CCC = 0.74). The validation assessment using an independent dataset of 176-d-old B × D male calves that only included HG as a morphological measurement indicated that the HG equation (Equation 1) had a moderate to high performance (RMSE = 3.80 kg; CCC = 0.64) in predicting the BW of day-old B × D male calves. Thus, indicating that this developed equation (Equation 1) can be applied as an on-farm tool to predict the BW of day-old B × D male calves.</p>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}