Influence of proportion of Brahman genetics on productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning.

This study evaluated the association between the proportion of Brahman genetics and productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning using a 31-yr dataset containing 6,312 cows and 5,405 pregnancies. Cows were contemporaneously reared and enrolled in yearly breeding seasons under subtropical conditions of North-Central Florida. They were evenly distributed in six-breed groups (G) according to the proportion of Brahman genetics: G0% to 19%, G21% to 34%, G38% (Brangus), G41% to 59%, G63% to 78%, and G81% to 100%.

Rumen-Protected Choline Improves Metabolism and Lactation Performance in Dairy Cows.

Choline is required for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important constituent of lipoproteins. Early lactation cows presumably synthesize insufficient phosphatidylcholine, and choline supplementation in a rumen-protected form might benefit metabolism and lactation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of feeding rumen-protected choline (RPC) on lactation and metabolism in dairy cows.