Organic fermented milk products are an area of interest combining functional properties and sustainable practices. Limited information is available regarding the specific components of organic milk that may impact the growth of lactic acid bacteria. This study emphasised the differences in bioactive compounds between organic and conventional milk and their potential influence on lactic acid bacteria growth. Analysis of organic (n = 15) and conventional (n = 15) farm milk using GC-MS revealed differences in fatty acid (FA) concentrations, mainly mono-, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. Individual FA, such as stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids, were up to 33.6%, 31.0%, and 25.23% higher in conventional milk. Detection of the whey proteins using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed lysozyme content was up to 40.6% higher in conventional (22.04 µg L⁻¹) than in organic (15.68 µg L⁻¹) milk. Conversely, lactoferrin content was 20.4% higher in the organic (45.27 µg L⁻¹) than in conventional (36.04 µg L⁻¹). No difference in the content of immunoglobulin A was found. The higher concentrations of lysozyme, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in conventional milk could enhance a higher inhibitory activity against lactic acid bacteria compared to organic milk.

The aim of the research was to find out an appropriate method of treatment of retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows for conditions of Latvia. Three protocols for the treatment of retained fetal membranes in dairy cows were evaluated in a field trial. Cows that retained the fetal membranes for more than 24 hours were assigned to three treatment groups. Group 1 – control group; group 2 – cows with RFM, which were removed manually, and cows were intrauterine treated with antibiotics; group 3 – cows with RFM, which were not removed, and cows were intrauterine treated with antibiotics, and group 4 – cows with RFM, which were not removed, and cows were not treated. In animals with a decreased feed consumption or milk production, body temperature above 39.5 °C, systemic therapy was applied with ceftiofur hydrochloride or procaine benzilpenicillin. In order to establish subclinical endometritis, all cows were histologically examined on the 42nd day postpartum (PP). Subclinical mastitis was diagnosed both in cows with RFM and control group cows. Results indicated that better reproductive results were in cows of group 2 and group 4. Actually, results indicated that treatment of RFM without intrauterine manipulation and parenteral treatment could be as effective as conventional treatment including RFM detachment and local antibiotic treatment.

The present study envisages the effect of PGF2α and antibiotic treatment on ovarian cyclic activity and regression of corpus luteum verum in post-partum dairy cows. Cows were divided into three treatment (PG8, PG25, antibiotic) and a control group. Ovarian activity was studied by examining follicular dynamics up to 42 days post-partum in which diameter of dominant follicle before first ovulation, the number of days to first ovulation and complete regression of corpus luteum verum were evaluated. Body condition score was recorded for all the cows in different groups. Also, ovulation on ovary ipsilateral or contralateral to previous gravid uterine horn was noted. On transrectal ultrasonography at a 3-day interval, dominant follicle diameter prior to ovulation was significantly higher (p is less than 0.01) in PG8 group. The mean time required for complete regression of CL verum was not significantly (p is greater than 0.05) lower in PG8 group i.e. 24.33±1.48 days in comparison to PG25, antibiotic and control group (26.67±1.48, 29.00±1.81and 27.60±1.40 days post-partum, respectively). A subsequent ovarian activity was affected as 70.83 and 66.33% 1st and 2nd ovulations occurred on the ovary contralateral to corpus luteum verum. In conclusion, contralateral ovary was more active in terms of ovulation whereas presence of corpus luteum verum had no effect on post-partum ovarian cyclic activity.