Advances in dairy Research
Open Access

K Plaut

Publications

• Research Article
  Continuously Changing Light-Dark Phase Decreases Milk Yield, Fat, Protein and Lactose in Dairy Cows
  Author(s): T Casey, J Crodian, SS Donkin1 and K Plaut T Casey, J Crodian, SS Donkin1 and K Plaut
  
  Photoperiod impacts feeding behavior, health, growth and milk production of dairy cattle. In humans behaviors that are asynchronous with the natural light-dark cycle, such as shift work or jet lag, are strongly associated with metabolic disorders as well as impaired reproductive performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exposing mid-lactation dairy cows to chronically shifting 8h light (L)-8h dark (D) cycles on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition and mammary gene expression. Six first lactation Holsteins ∼90d in milk were maintained on a 16 h L: 8 h D cycle and milked at 5AM and 4PM for 7d (control, Period 1). During Period 2, 7 d immediately following Period 1, cows were exposed to  continuous cycles of 8 h L: 8 h D, but maintained on the same milking and feeding schedule. Exposure to chronic 8 h LD cycles significantly depressed milk yie.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2329-888X.1000119

  Abstract PDF

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