Composition of milk fat from cows selected for milk fat globule size and offered either fresh pasture or a corn silage-based diet

The objective of this study was to examine the synthesis and composition of milk produced by dairy cows that secrete either small milk fat globules (SMFG) or large milk fat globules (LMFG), and to study their response to diets known to alter milk composition. Four groups of 3 multiparous dairy cows were assigned to 2 isoenergetic feeding treatments: a corn silage treatment supplemented with soybean meal, and fresh pasture supplemented with cereal concentrate. The 4 groups comprised 2 groups of 3 dairy cows that produced SMFG (3.44 microm) and 2 groups of 3 dairy cows that produced LMFG (4.53 microm). The SMFG dairy cows produced higher yields of milk, protein, and calcium. Nevertheless, their milk had lower fat and protein contents. Both SMFG and LMFG cows secreted similar amounts of milk fat; therefore, higher globule membrane contents in milk fat were observed in SMFG cows. Higher calcium mineralization of the casein micelles in SMFG cows suggests that it may be possible to improve cheese-making properties even if the lower protein content may lead to lower cheese yields. The SMFG cows secrete milk fat with a higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and a lower concentration of short-chain fatty acids. They also have a higher C18:1/C18:0 ratio than LMFG cows. This suggests that SMFG cows have more significant fatty acid elongation and desaturation. The pasture treatment led to an increase in milk and protein yields because of increased energy intake. It also resulted in lower milk fat yield and fat and protein contents. The pasture treatment led to a decrease in milk fat globule size and, as expected, an increase in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. However, it induced a decrease in the protein content, and in calcium mineralization of casein micelles, which suggests that this type of milk would be less suitable for making cheese. This study also shows that there is no correlation between the cows, based on milk fat globule size and diet. These results open up possibilities for improving milk fat quality based on milk fat globule size, and composition. The mechanisms involved in milk fat globule secretion are still to be determined.

Spondylocostal dysostosis, anal and genitourinary malformations in a fetal case: A new case of Casamassima–Morton–Nance syndrome?

Casamassima-Morton-Nance syndrome belongs to the heterogeneous group of spondylocostal dysostoses (SCD) represented by a large heterogeneous group in which diverse diagnoses, associations and modes of inheritance are found. Common features include segmentation abnormalities of the vertebrae and ribs. Here, we report on a fetal case with spondylocostal dysostosis, anal and genitourinary malformations and discuss Casamassima-Morton-Nance syndrome.

The Linear Relationship Between the Proportion of Fresh Grass in the Cow Diet, Milk Fatty Acid Composition, and Butter Properties

Fresh grass in the cow diet improves the rheological and nutritional properties of butter. However, the relationship between the proportion of fresh grass in the diet and these properties is still unknown. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between the proportion of fresh grass in the diet and the properties of milk and butter. Four groups of 2 cows were fed 4 isoenergetic diets characterized by increasing amounts of fresh grass (0, 30, 60, and 100% dry matter of forage) according to a Youden square design. Energy levels were similar among all diets. Thus, no effect of mobilization was observed and the results were only due to the proportion of fresh grass in the diet. Milk yield linearly increased with the proportion of fresh grass in the diet (+0.21 kg/d per 10% of grass). Fat yield remained unchanged. Thus, by effect of dilution, increasing the proportion of fresh grass in the diet induced a linear decrease in fat content. Milk fat globule size decreased by 0.29 mum when the proportion of grass reached 30% in the diet. Increasing the proportion of fresh grass in the diet induced a linear increase in unsaturated fatty acids percentages at the expense of saturated fatty acids. Relationships were +0.38, +0.12, +0.05 and -0.69 points/10% of fresh grass in the diet for C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9,trans-11, C18:3n-3, and C16:0, respectively. These modifications in fatty acid composition, and in particular in the spreadability index, C16:0/C18:1, were responsible for linear decreases in final melting temperature and solid fat content in butter fat, perceived in sensory analysis by a linear decrease in firmness in mouth. The nutritional value of butter was also linearly improved by the proportion of fresh grass in the diet by halving the atherogenicity index.

A new osteochondrodysplasia with severe osteopenia, preaxial polydactyly, clefting and dysmorphic features resembling filamin-related disorders

BACKGROUND

We report a 19-week gestation female foetus with a new syndrome characterised by increased nuchal translucency and severe micromelia with campomelia evident from the early second trimester.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cytogenetic studies performed on amniocytes revealed a normal female karyotype. Autopsy after termination of pregnancy showed facial dysmorphism, cleft palate, bowed, shortened limbs, hypoplasia of the preaxial elements in all four limbs with accompanying accessory ossification centres in the feet, and severe calvarial underossification. A diagnosis of otopalatodigital syndrome type 2, associated with mutations in FLNA, a gene encoding the cytoskeletal protein filamin A, was considered but discarded due to the severity of micromelia, early lethality, and the presence of generalised osteopenia instead of hyperostosis. The degree of undermodelling and campomelia was reminiscent of another group of conditions that include atelosteogenesis types 1 and 3, caused by mutations in FLNB. Sequencing analysis did not reveal any pathogenic mutation in the three paralogous filamin genes: FLNA, FLNB and FLNC.

CONCLUSION

Clinical, radiological and cytogenetic findings suggest that this phenotype is a new entity whose aetiopathogenesis may be functionally related to the filaminopathies.

Prenatal diagnosis of enteric duplication cyst of the tongue

Cysts located on the tongue are rare and usually diagnosed in childhood. Here we report on the prenatal diagnosis of an unusual cystic malformation of the tongue with heterotopic intestinal tissue explored by prenatal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and on its surgical treatment and histological examination. The prenatal differential diagnoses as well as perinatal management of cystic lesions of the tongue are reviewed.