Barry Bradford

Choline is a methyl donor, which may influence DNA methylation, gene expression, and cellular processes. Past studies have found an increase in milk yield when periparturient dairy cows were supplemented with dietary rumen-protected choline (RPC); however, the mechanism behind this response is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary RPC supplementation ...

IntroductionThe periparturient period in dairy cows is characterized by substantial metabolic stress, endocrine changes, depressed feed intake, and negative energy balance [1]. In response to these changes, dairy cows mobilize adipose tissue triglyceride (TG), leading to elevated non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the blood. The high flux of blood NEFA to the liver often exceeds th ...

Introduction The multitude of disorders that dairy cows face during the transition to lactation is a perennial source of concern for dairy producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians. Total disease incidence in the several weeks after parturition accounts for a substantial proportion of all morbidity on many dairies, with particularly high rates of mastitis, metritis, milk fever, displaced aboma ...

IntroductionThe multitude of disorders that dairy cows face during the transition to lactation is a perennial source of concern for dairy producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians. Total disease incidence in the several weeks after parturition accounts for a substantial proportion of all morbidity on many dairies (Ingvartsen, 2006), with particularly high rates of mastitis, metritis, milk fever, ...

Reducing cull rates and improving fertility in early lactation has a dramatic effect on the profitability of many dairies. Continuing research on transition cow nutrition has led to the development of an array of nutritional strategies to prevent disorders during the transition period. It is important, however, to realize that some of these strategies have similar modes of action, and as such, the ...