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Some factors associated with the late-winter decline in the lactose content of herd bulk milks
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 June 2009
Summary
A survey of the composition of the milk of individual cows in 6 commercial herds in the North of England was undertaken from October 1968 to July 1969. In all herds there was a decline in solids-not-fat (SNF) content; in 4 of the herds this was mainly the result of a fall in protein content, although in all herds there was a decline in lactose content in association with an increase in udder infection and an advance in average stage of lactation. Between-herd differences in the minimum value for lactose content were related to differences in udder infection, stage of lactation and lactation number.
Two of the herds were selected for further study from October 1970 to April 1971. After a preliminary period each herd was divided into 2 matched groups. One group received the usual management, and the other was subjected to remedial changes of supplementary feeding and antibiotic therapy and improved udder hygiene. In both herds, treatment reduced udder infection and improved lactose content and in one of the herds there was also an increase in protein content.
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- Research Article
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- Copyright © Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 1974
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