We evaluated the performance, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of cows fed diets composed of cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw), sugarcane bagasse and increasing levels of full-fat corn germ (FFCG). We hypothesized that ground corn can be effectively replaced by FFCG when cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse are used as forage sources. The cows were randomly distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin Squares and fed five diets in which ground corn was progressively replaced with full-fat corn germ (FFCG; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of substitution). Adding FFCG to the diet increased milk production and milk fat content and reduced milk protein content. Overall, FFCG reduced the proportion of saturated FAs and increased mono- and polyunsaturated FAs in milk, including CLA isomers. In addition, activity indices of stearoyl-CoA desaturase were reduced by increasing levels of FFCG. We conclude that the substitution of corn for FFCG in diets based on cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse positively modifies the FA profile of milk and could add commercial value to milk products (e.g., CLA-enriched milk). In addition, the milk fat response indicates that the basal diet was favorable to the rumen environment, preventing the trans-10 shift commonly associated with milk fat depression.

The aim of this study was to characterize organic dairy systems in Brazil. It was hypothesized that the production level of the herd influences the productivity and marketing aspects of organic milk production systems. A descriptive analysis was carried out in which the variables were geographical location, herd size, animal production, feed used, health and reproduction management, organic inputs used, feed production management, and transportation of products. The characteristics of the systems were evaluated according to the level of production, with farmers divided into 3 groups, with the upper extract comprising farms with an average production of over 16 L/cow per day (HIG), the medium extract with a production between 10.5 and 16 L/cow per day (MED), and the lower extract with an average production of less than 10.5 L/cow per day (LO). The variables were subjected to binomial logistic regression and comparisons were made by odds ratio. The average area of the properties was 107 ha (minimum 3 ha and maximum 1,450 ha); the area for organic milk production was 44 ha (minimum 1 ha and maximum 550 ha). The average daily milk production was 645 L/d (minimum of 12 L/d and maximum of 5,000 L/d), with an average production of 13 L/cow per day (minimum of 4 L/cow per day and maximum of 25 L/cow per day). The herds had an average of 58 cows (minimum 2 cows and maximum 310 cows) and 40 lactating cows (minimum 2 and maximum 255 cows). The average annual production was 7,517 L/ha per year (minimum 21 L/ha per year and maximum 29,877 L/ha per year). The average number of family workers was 2 (minimum 2 and maximum 7); the average number of external workers was 3 (minimum 2 and maximum 16). The HIG and MED farms were found to be 90% less likely to produce cheese. In addition, HIG and MED farms were 10.7 and 6.6 times more likely to have Holstein × Jersey crosses in their herd, respectively. The MED farms were 80% less likely to have Urochloa spp. pastures, whereas HIG farms were 93.2% less likely to have Urochloa spp. pastures and 92% less likely to use chopped grass to supplement the herd. However, the odds of having Megathyrsus maximus pastures was 4.66 times greater for HIG. In addition, HIG farms were 4.5 times more likely to use any type of management software. The analysis of certified organic dairy farms revealed a concentration in the Southeast region of Brazil, where production is mainly focused on milk, whereas other regions have more diversified organic production. The HIG farms are more likely to use specialized cattle breeds, herd supplementation, pastures formed by higher-yielding forage species with greater nutritional value, and management software. These results emphasize the need for public policies that promote the adoption of technological and sustainable practices to increase the efficiency and productivity of the organic dairy sector.

The present study investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient utilization in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66 kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed into a replicated 5 x 5 Latin Square, and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased energy-corrected milk yield and synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) intake of dry matter, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients, and linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the intake of total non-fiber carbohydrates. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Feeding corn germ reduced (p < 0.05) the excretion of urea-N in milk and N excretion via urine. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance production efficiency in crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.