Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland. It is the most costly disease in dairy cattle due to the milk production loss and culling of infected animals (Barlow, 2011). This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine mastitis and to understand the factors that predict the occurrence and the use of antibiotics in the treatment and control of mastitis in dairy cattle farms assisted by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) in Batangas, Philippines. Two thousand four hundred six (2,406) teats from 624 milking cows in 12 dairy cattle farms were subjected to the California mastitis test (CMT) last June 2016. A pretested standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on each farm. CMT results showed a 9% (215/2,406) subclinical mastitis rate and an 18% (425/2,406) clinical mastitis rate. Thirty nine percent (14/36) of the potential risk factors were identified. The practice variable: dry off treated cows without markings (P18) and the knowledge variable: incorrect knowledge on extra-label use of antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance (K6) remained significant (p<0.05) in the regression analysis. Mastitis management is essential not only for farm economics but also for public health.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the possible role of Moringa oleifera on sow productivity and ghrelin - growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) metabolic pathway. In the first experiment, the effects of 15% M. oleifera leaf meal (MoLM) inclusion in the diet on the plasma ghrelin and IGF-1 levels were determined using four sexually mature gilts with indwelling catheter. Results showed that plasma ghrelin and IGF-1 levels between the control and experimental groups were not statistically different, although pigs fed with MoLM had apparently lower baseline and higher amplitude of plasma ghrelin levels particularly a few hours right after feeding time. On the other hand, IGF-1 level in pigs fed with MoLM seemed down regulated. The second experiment aimed to know the effects of supplementing 15% MoLM on body condition and sow productivity during the week of gradual feed withdrawal prior to farrowing. A total of 16 sows with 141 piglets were used. Although the experimental group registered higher values, the difference in backfat losses from the control group is not statistically significant. The same results were observed for the corresponding piglets; despite higher weaning weight and average daily gain, the control group was not statistically different from the experimental group. The results showed the potential of 15% MoLM in improving sow productivity through ghrelin - GH/IGF-1 metabolic pathway. Further studies are recommended with longer duration of supplementation. These are also recommended to isolate the potential component in MoLM that improves milk production because the high fiber in MoLM possibly contradicts ghrelin release in the stomach.

Two experiments, namely the situ nylon bag technique and the in vitro gas production technique, were carried out to determine the correlations between the in situ ruminal degradability and the in vitro gas production of different forages, and to predict the ruminal degradability of the forages using the gas production parameters. Forage samples from Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), Para grass (Brachiaria mutica), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Rain tree (Samanea saman), and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) were incubated in the rumen of three rumen-cannulated buffaloes using the in situ nylon bag technique for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The six forage samples were also subjected to the in vitro gas production analysis following the modified methods developed by Menke & Steingass (1988), along with 30 other commonly used forages in the Philippines. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Their dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP) degradation kinetics and effective degradability (ED) as well as the gas production parameters were then estimated. Results revealed that the ED of each nutrient was found to be moderately to strongly correlated with some of the gas production times and estimated gas parameters. The predictor models generated using the gas production parameters for the ED of DM, OM, and NDF were sufficiently strong (R-2 = 0.740, p value= 0.0002; R-2 = 0.659, p value= 0.0009; and R-2 = 0.813, p value < 0.0001, respectively) while that of CP was only moderate (R-2 = 0.500, p value= 0.0055). It was concluded that the relationship between the two techniques is sufficiently strong and therefore the gas production parameters can be used to predict the in situ ruminal nutrient degradability of forages.

The study was conducted to compare the incidence of right-horn and left-horn pregnancies in Holstein Freisian-Sahiwal dairy cows and heifers. Pregnancy diagnosis was done by rectal palpation. Pregnancies wherein the corpus luteum is on the same side or on the opposite side of the pregnant horn is also presented. Six hundred seventy-eight dairy cows and 178 dairy heifers from four dairy farms in Laguna and Batangas provinces were used in the study. The study showed that 64.2% of the cows examined had right-horn pregnancy which was higher (Pu003c0.05) than left-horn pregnancy at 35.8%. For the heifers, right-horn pregnancy (61.2%) was also higher (Pu003c0.05) than left left-horn pregnancy (38.8%). There was no significant difference between right and left-horn pregnancies in the cows and heifers examined. The study also showed that of the 678 cows and 178 heifers, 98.1% and 97.8%, respectively had corpus luteum on the same side of the pregnant horn. These figures were higher (Pu003c0.05) than the 13 or 1.9% of the pregnant cows and 4 or 2.2% of the heifers with corpus luteum on the opposite side of the pregnant horn. The present study confirms previous findings that the incidence of right-horn pregnancy is higher than left-horn pregnancy and in almost all cases, the corpus luteum was on the same side of the pregnant horn. Key words: corpus luteum, dairy cattle, left horn, pregnancy, rectal palpation, right-horn

The study was conducted to determine the M-mode echocardiographic measurements in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cattle and identify possible relationships between the echocardiographic measurements and pregnancy status. Ninety-one (91) 2-13 year-old Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal crossbred dairy cattle, weighing 275-450 kg were utilized in the study. The animals were grouped by status of pregnancy into pregnant (63 animals) and non-pregnant (28 animals). Pregnant animals were further grouped into easy breeders (with 1-2 inseminations/ pregnancy) and repeat breeders (with more than 2 inseminations/ pregnancy). The heart was examined on the right thorax using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex scanner. The cardiac structures were identi ed using B-mode ultrasonography and measurements were made using M-mode echocardiography. No signi cant di erences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant animals, except for higher interventricular septum at systole in pregnant compared to non-pregnant animals. No di erences were observed between easy breeders and repeat breeders. The results suggest that status of pregnancy does not a ect the echocardiographic measurements. The echocardiographic values obtained in the study can be useful in diagnosing cardiovascular disorders of pregnant and non-pregnant crossbred dairy cattle.

The study was conducted to characterize the ultrasonographic features of the heart in lactating dairy cattle and identify possible relationships between the ultrasonographic features and milk production performance. Sixty-eight 4-13 year-old Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal crossbred dairy cattle, weighing 400-450 kg, with milk production of 4-20 kg/day were utilized to determine the two-dimensional and M-mode ultrasonographic features of the heart. The animals were grouped by average daily milk production into low producers ( 11 kg, 19 animals). The heart was examined on the right thorax using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex scanner. The cardiac structures were identified using two-dimensional ultrasonography and measurements were made using M-mode echocardiography. No significant differences were observed between the three groups, except for interventricular septum in diastole which was higher in high milk producers than in low and medium milk producers. The echocardiographic values obtained in the study can be helpful in diagnosing cardiovascular disorders of lactating dairy cattle with different milk production performances. Key words: cattle, echocardiography, heart, lactation, ultrasound

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of live probiotic supplements on milk yield and components of crossbred dairy goats. Sixteen lactating crossbred Anglo-Nubian x Saanen dairy goats in early to mid-lactation, 35-40 kg body weight, were randomly assigned into four treatments (four animals per treatments) fed daily with 6 ml of 5 x 10 9 cfu/ml probiotic supplements for 9 weeks: Treatment 1- control (w/o probiotics); Treatment 2 - lactic acid bacteria ( Pediococcus acidilactici 3G3 and Lactobacillus plantarum BS), Treatment 3 - Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2030; and Treatment 4 - multi-strain probiotic ( P. acidilactici 3G3, L. plantarum BS, and S. cerevisiae 2030). Daily rations for each of the experimental animals consisted of 1 kg concentrate mixed-feed and 4 kg fresh Pennisetum purpureum and Gliciridia sepium leaves. Results of the study revealed that the milk yield of crossbred lactating goats were not significantly (P≤0.05) affected by probiotic feeding but induced a total net income increase of PhP8.82 per animal/day compared to the control group. Milk components such as total milk fat yield, solid-non-fat, and lactose were significantly affected (P≤0.05) by probiotic feeding while total protein yield remained unchanged throughout the experimental period. The findings suggest that live probiotic feeding could have a significant role in improving milk yield and components of crossbred lactating dairy goats. Keywords: dairy goat, Lactobacillus , milk yield, probiotic, Saccharomyces

Data from the three-year breeding records of a dairy cattle farm were obtained and the monthly distribution of artificial insemination (AI) was analyzed. The conception rate of dairy cattle artificially inseminated after natural and induced estrus was also compared. More AIs were done after natural estrus during November to March compared to induced estrus for the same period. On the contrary, more AIs after induced estrus were done during April to October. During these months, the cows were said to exhibit silent estrus due to heat stress. Conception rate varied according to type of estrus within the year. Conception rates from April to September after natural estrus were higher (P<0.05) than those of induced estrus. Regardless of the month, AI after natural estrus did not adversely affect the conception rate. For AI after induced estrus, there was a tendency for the conception rate to decline during April to October. The conception rate of AI after natural estrus were higher (P<0.05) than those of induced estrus. It can be concluded that AI after natural estrus gave higher conception rate compared to induced estrus but it is recommended to induce estrus during the period when incidence of silent estrus is high. Key words: artificial insemination, conception rate, dairy cattle, estrus, prostaglandin

Eighteen Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal crossbred lactating cows, 3-8 years old, previously diagnosed with mastitis were used to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on mastitis and milk production. The animals were distributed randomly into one control (non-treated) and two acupuncture treatment groups, conventional white needle acupuncture (CWNA) group and aquapuncture group, with six animals per group. For the acupuncture groups, two acupoints, Bai-Hui and Nyukon were stimulated daily for three consecutive days and repeated after a week for two weeks. The CWNA group was stimulated by thrusting and twirling of filiform needles for one minute at five minute intervals for 20-30 min daily. For the Aquapuncture group, 1 ml of 1% chilli pepper decoction was injected into each acupoint using a hypodermic needle. The observation period lasted for three months. Improvement against mastitis was observed in the Aquapuncture group but not in the CWNA and Control groups. The average daily milk production presented as percentage change in milk production showed that the Control group had the steepest decline while CWNA group had the least decline. The above results suggest that aquapuncture has the potential to decrease incidence of mastitis while both CWNA and aquapuncture have the potential to increase milk production. Keywords: acupuncture, aquapuncture, cattle, mastitis, milk production

The study was conducted to determine the effects of Trace Mineral Supplement with Urea (TMS+U) on milk production, butterfat content of milk and body weight change of lactating dairy cows. Thirty-five (35) lactating crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned into two groups (Control and Treatment) using Randomized Complete Block Design. Mineral blocks containing TMS+U were provided to the Treatment group while the Control group received no feed supplement. Both groups were subjected to similar management practices. Better persistency of the milk curve was observed in the Treatment group compared to the Control group. There was a significant increase (P

Porcine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH-P) was used to superovulate 22 donor cows utilizing two methods of administration. Nine of eleven donors responded to FSH-P administered in decreasing dose while 10 of 11 donors responded to FSH-P in constant dose. Although donors given constant dose of FSH-P yielded more corpora lutea, embryos and normal embryos, than donors treated with decreasing dose of FSH-P, a significant difference was not observed. Twenty-six normal embryos were transferred to estrus-synchronized recipients resulting in 17 pregnancies and 16 live births. Seventy-five normal embryos recovered were vitrified. Twenty vitrified embryos were subsequently warmed and transferred to recipients resulting in 10 pregnancies and eight live births. Keywords: embryo, embryo transfer, follicle stimulating hormone, superovulation

The study was conducted to determine structural changes, ultrasound features and measurements of the ovaries from days 20 to 90 of pregnancy. Four crossbred pregnant dairy cows starting at day 20 post breeding were used in the experiment. B-mode ultrasonography of the ovaries was conducted per rectum. Ultrasound densities were classified into hypoechoic, hyperechoic and anechoic. Upon diagnosis of pregnancy, ovaries were classified into ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Presence of wave-like pattern of increase and decrease in the number of subordinate follicles was observed on both ovaries, suggesting the presence of follicular wave development. Dominant follicle appeared as circular anechoic area that was observed in the contralateral ovary of some of the animals on days 27 to 33 of gestation. The corpus luteum appeared as a hypoechoic structure which usually dominates the ipsilateral ovary during the latter part of gestation. Subordinate follicles appeared as small anechoic areas that were usually located near the periphery of the ovary that changed in number during each examination. Both ovaries differ mainly due to the presence of large corpus luteum and several numbers of subordinate follicles and dominant follicle. Ovarian follicular cycle continues even after conception and both ovaries were in different stages of follicular cycle as suggested by different numbers of subordinate follicles during each examination.

A feeding trial was conducted to enhance the utilization of Gliricidia sepium (Kakawate) and Samanea saman (Acacia) as protein supplement for goats. Fifteen (is) dairy goats of Saanen breed were randomly allotted to three rations: Ration 1 -grass and Gliricidia leaf meal at SO% of the ration on dry matter basis; Ration 2 - grass and Samanea leaf meal at 50% of dry matter ration; and Ration 3 - grass plus concentrate (control). The milk yield of goats fed with concentrates was higher than that of those fed without concentrates, however milk yield means of the three treatments did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Milk composition of goats fed different rations also showed no significant difference, although milk obtained from goats fed concentrate supplementation had the lowest protein and the highest butterfat. Income over feed cost was favorable in treatment groups feeding on leaf meals (P15.46 and P16.04) than that of those feeding on concentrates (P9.84). All the rations were profitable assuming that feed cost represents 60% of the total cost to produce a liter of milk.

A total of 24 postpartum cows were used to determine the effect of intramuscular injection of long-acting penicillin on their reproductive performance. They were grouped into treatment and control according to parity and age. Ten of the 12 (83.3%) antibiotic-treated cows had complete uterine involution 30 days postpartum compared to 75% for the control. Mean calving to first estrus and mean calving to first service intervals were shorter for the treatment group at 57.1 and 66.6 days, respectively compared to the control group at 66.9 and 68.6 days, respectively. Moreover, 50% of the treated cows conceived at first service compared to 33.3% for the control. The results showed that cows injected with penicillin postpartum may have better reproductive performance.

The effect of intrauterine infusion of 2% povidone iodine solution on the reproductive performance of repeat breeder cows was examined. Sixty (50) repeat breeder dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups: (a) the treatment group was given intrauterine infusion of 50 ml of 2% povidone iodine 24 hr after insemination , and (b) the control group was left untreated. Results showed that in the treated group, the average number of days open was 169.84 days; the number of services per conception was 1.54; conception rate at first treatment after service was 53.3%, and overall conception rate was 86.7%. The corresponding figures in the control group were 207.9 days, 2.05 , 16% and 66.7%. AU reproductive indices used were superior in the treatment group than that of the control group, and were statistically significant (P<0.05) except for the overall conceptio n rate. Thus, intrauterine infusion of 2 % povidone iodine was found to improve the reproductive performance of repeat breeder cows particularly in shortening the number of days open , lessening the numbe r of services per conception and increasing the conception rate.

A total of 36 postpartum anestrus Holstein-Friesian crossbreds, with parity of 1-4, 3-9 years old, were equally distributed into 3 groups, and subjected to the following treatments: a) aquapuncture treatment using red pepper decoction; b) electroacupuncture treatment; and c) no treatment, control group. The reproductive performances of the three groups were compared in terms of conception rates, mean days from start of observation/treatment to conception and mean days open. The number of cows coming into estrus within 150 days from start of observation/treatment was similar for all treatment groups. Electroacupuncture group had the highest number of cows coming into estrus after only one treatment. The total mean days from start of observation/treatment to estrus within 150 days were 47.8 for control group, 36.9 for aquapuncture group and 38.8 for electroacupuncture group. The number of pregnant cows within 180 days from first artificial insemination exclusive of early embryonic deaths (EEDs) were 8/12 for control, 8/12 for aquapuncture, and 9/12 for electroacupuncture; and the mean days from start of observation/treatment to conception within 180 days from first AI exclusive of EEDs was 98.6, 113.9 and 101.2 respectively. The overall conception rate for acupuncture-treated groups was higher than the non-treated group. Electroacupuncture group also had the highest conception rate for primaparous cows, followed by aquapuncture group.