Effect of immunized egg proteins on the performance and neonatal diarrhoea incidence in newborn calves

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding immunized egg proteins (IEP) on the health and performance of newborn dairy calves. Sixty-four Holstein calves, both male and female, were divided over two treatments. Calves either received IEP or a placebo (PCB) in their colostrum and calf milk replacer (CMR) for the first 14 days of their life. Until day 49, CMR was offered at 15% of birth weight (BW), at 10% on days 49–57 and at 5% on days 57–63. In addition, calves received starter concentrate, chopped straw and water from 3 days old until 70 days old at the end of study. Individual CMR and concentrate intake were measured daily whilst BW was recorded weekly. Visual faecal scoring and health observations were conducted daily. Faecal samples were collected weekly up to 4 weeks and during the first 4 days of scouring to screen for presence of Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli and Salmonella. Results indicated that feeding IEP increased BW (p < .05) at 42 and 56 days old, and BW also tended (p = .06) to be higher after weaning at 63–70 days old compared to the PCB group. When analysed using a repeated measures model, compared to feeding PCB, feeding IEP increased total concentrate consumption (p = .001) by 3.6kg/calf. Over the entire study, daily water intake was higher (p = .002) for the IEP group when compared with the PCB group. In the IEP group, 12 calves were scored as scouring whereas there were 14 calves in the PCB group. There were no significant differences between treatments in faecal pathogen load of neither healthy nor scouring calves. In conclusion, supplementing IEP during the first 14 days of calf life improved the performance of newborn calves. Further work is warranted to understand the mode of action of IEP in calves.     

布拉氏酵母对哺乳期犊牛生长性能、营养物质消化率和血清生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究布拉氏酵母菌对哺乳犊牛的生长性能、营养物质表观消化率和血清生化指标的影响。选择48头初生体重(38.16±3.73)kg且健康状况良好的中国荷斯坦犊牛,随机分为4组,每组12头,公母对半。各处理组饲粮中分别添加0(对照)、1(Ⅰ组)、3(Ⅱ组)、5(Ⅲ组)g/(天·头)的布拉氏酵母,整个试验共42 d。结果表明:(1)试验第21天,Ⅱ、Ⅲ组犊牛体重显著高于对照组(P<0.05);试验组犊牛1~21 d平均日增重(ADG)和平均日采食量(ADMI)均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);1~21 d的饲料转化率(F/G)试验组显著低于对照组(P<0.05);Ⅱ、Ⅲ组犊牛21 d胸围和胸深显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。(2)试验第42天,Ⅱ组犊牛干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、粗脂肪(EE)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的消化率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。(3)试验第21天,Ⅱ组犊牛血清总蛋白(TP)和球蛋白(GLB)浓度均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);试验第42天,Ⅱ、Ⅲ组犊牛血清甘油三酯(TG)浓度显著降低(P<0.05)。综合分析,在犊牛前期的饲粮中添加布拉氏酵母,能提高犊牛的生长性能,促进营养物质的消化吸收,添加3 g(1.38×1010 CFU/g)布拉氏酵母的效果最佳。     

不同断奶模式对犊牦牛生长发育、血清生化指标及抗氧化能力的影响

【目的】 本研究通过比较不同断奶模式对犊牦牛生长发育、血清生化指标及抗氧化能力的影响,以期探索科学的犊牦牛早期培育模式。【方法】 选取体重相近、健康的新生犊牦牛24头,随机分为3个处理组,每组8头,公母各半。对照组（GF）犊牦牛出生后在天然牧场内随母放牧哺乳;早期断奶组（EW）犊牦牛随母放牧哺乳至15日龄时隔离母犊,逐渐过渡为饲喂代乳粉,提供开食料及天然牧草自由采食,至犊牦牛固体饲料采食量达到0.5 kg/d时停喂代乳粉,90日龄后停喂开食料转入天然牧场放牧饲养;早期断奶＋益生菌组（EWP）断奶过程同EW组,并在代乳粉、开食料中添加复合益生菌（乳酸杆菌、芽孢杆菌、酵母菌,≥9.98×10¹¹ CFU/g）。分别于犊牦牛30、60、90、150日龄时测定体重及体尺指标,于30、60、90日龄晨饲前采集犊牦牛颈静脉血,测定血清中生化指标、激素、免疫球蛋白水平及抗氧化能力指标。【结果】 30日龄时,EW、EWP组犊牦牛体重、体尺,血清葡萄糖（GLU）、甘油三酯（TG）、胆固醇（CHO）,生长激素（GH）、胰岛素样生长因子1（IGF-1）,以及免疫球蛋白A （IgA）、免疫球蛋白G （IgG）水平均显著低于GF组（P<0.05）,EW组皮质醇水平显著高于GF组（P<0.05）;60~150日龄各组犊牦牛体重、体尺均无显著差异（P>0.05）;60日龄时,EW、EWP组犊牦牛血清IGF-1以及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH）含量均显著高于GF组（P<0.05）;90日龄时EW、EWP组犊牦牛血清GLU、尿素氮（BUN）、IGF-1、甲状腺素（T₄）及IgA水平均显著高于GF组（P<0.05）,且EWP组血清TG、GH含量及过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性均显著高于GF组（P<0.05）。【结论】 与随母放牧哺乳模式相比,两种早期断奶方式在断奶初期（30日龄）对犊牦牛均产生了一定负面影响,但在断奶后补饲代乳粉与开食料有利于改善犊牦牛后期的生长发育、营养代谢、机体免疫与抗氧化能力,且补充益生菌能够缓解犊牦牛的早期断奶应激,并对犊牦牛生长发育及抗氧化能力的提升有进一步促进作用。     

Influence of restricted suckling and level of feed supplementation on postpartum reproductive performance of zebu and crossbred cattle in the semi-arid tropics.

This study was carried out in central Tanzania on a group of 45 Zebu and 37 crossbred cows which were 4 to 10 years old. At calving time, the animals were allocated to one of the 4 treatment groups. In addition to free access to grazing for all cows in the study, in group H:AR (n = 18), cows were fed a high level of concentrate supplementation (4kg/day) and calves were artificially reared; in group H:RS (n = 24), cows were fed a high level of concentrate supplementation (4kg/day) and calves were only allowed restricted suckling up until the weaning age of 6 months. In group L:AR (n = 23) cows were fed a low level of concentrate supplementation (2kg/day) and calves were artificially reared; and in group L:RS (n = 17) cows were fed a low level of concentrate supplementation (2kg/day) and calves were only allowed restricted suckling up until the weaning age of 6 months. Milk progesterone was used as a means of determining the postpartum resumption interval (PRI) and the interval from parturition to conception (PCI). The overall PRI was 47.4 +/- 0.4 days and was significantly affected by breed but not by calving season, with crossbred cows exhibiting a shorter PRI than Zebu cows. The effect of the treatments was significant, with cows in the group H:AR displaying a significantly shorter PRI than those in the other groups, while cows in group L:RS showed a significantly longer PRI than those in the other groups. The overall PCI was 149.5 +/- 3.7 days, and was not significantly affected by breed or calving season. The effect of the treatments was significant, with cows in the group H:AR having a significantly shorter PCI than cows in the other groups, while cows in group L:RS showed a significantly longer PCI than those in the other groups. Crossbred cows had higher live weights at calving (299.4 kg) than Zebu cows (272.6 kg), while all cows gained weight during the first 3 months after calving. The treatments had a significant effect on weight gain, with cows in the group H:AR gaining significantly more weight than those in the other groups. Cows which had high live weights at calving exhibited significantly shorter PRI and PCI than the lighter cows. Animals which had gained more than 5 kg during the first month after calving, or which had gained more than 8 kg during the first 3 months after calving, showed significantly shorter PRI and PCI than cows which had gained less weight. The results show that the calf rearing system and the level of feed supplementation interact with each other and can influence the postpartum anoestrous period in Zebu and Zebu crossbred cattle. Increasing the level of nutrition in restricted suckling cows tended to improve the postpartum anoestrous period, but the positive effects of supplementation could not completely compensate for the negative effects of suckling.     

Calf foetal and early life nutrition on grazing conditions: metabolic and endocrine profiles and body composition during the growing phase

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nutrition during foetal and lactation periods on calf growth and body composition, and their association with changes in metabolic and endocrine profiles during the calf first year of life on purebred (Hereford and Angus) and cross‐bred (F1) dam offspring. Forty cross‐bred calves and their dams (purebred – PU: Hereford and Angus, and cross‐bred – CR: F1) were used in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of herbage allowance of native pastures (high: Hi‐HA and low: Lo‐HA), 4 vs. 2.5 kg dry matter/kg body weight (BW) and dam genotype (PU vs. CR). Calf BW and blood samples were collected monthly from birth to 380 ± 15 days of age, and body composition was estimated by the urea dilution technique at weaning (142 ± 15 days) and 380 days. Calf birthweight did not differ among groups but from birth to 380 days, and BW was reduced (p = 0.046) in Lo‐PU offspring. Although Lo‐CR calves achieved similar BW than Hi‐PU and Hi‐CR offspring, they showed an increased fat in detriment of lean tissue deposition. At birth, plasma total protein was less (p = 0.04), while plasma glucose, insulin or IGF‐I tended or were greater (p < 0.072) in Hi‐HA than Lo‐HA calves. Greater (p < 0.03) plasma total protein and/or glucose concentrations during the first months of lactation were observed in CR offspring associated with the greater dam milk production. Although glucose concentrations did not differ among calf groups after weaning, plasma insulin was greater (p = 0.004) in Hi‐PU than other groups at 380 days. Consistent with the reduced BW, Lo‐PU offspring presented the lowest (p = 0.026) plasma IGF‐I from birth to 380 days. Herbage allowance of native grasslands during calf foetal and lactation periods interacted with maternal heterosis to affect, in the short and/or long term, calf BW or body composition, and metabolic and endocrine profiles.     

Effects of plane of nutrition on growth,feed intake,digestibility and nitrogen balance in Murrah graded male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves in Nepal

An experiment was conducted using 17 male buffalo calves to assess the effects of plane of nutrition on dry matter intake (DMI), daily gain (DG), body size measurement, apparent digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance. To attain 250 kg BW, the calves were allocated into three groups: H, L‐H and L, receiving the concentrate at 1.50% of BW, 0.75% of BW until 190 kg BW and 1.50% thereafter and 0.75% of BW, respectively. The animals had ad libitum access to urea‐treated rice straw (UTRS). The DMI of UTRS through the experiment was higher in L and L‐H than H, showing 3.52, 2.90 and 2.62 kg/day, respectively (P < 0.01), but the total DMI did not differ among the treatment groups. The DG throughout the experiment was high in the order of H, L‐H and L, showing 0.72, 0.57 and 0.45 kg, respectively (P < 0.01). The digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber and N retention were higher in H than in L (P < 0.05). The findings of this study thus revealed the greater DG has an advantage of shortening the growing period around 3 months, and consequently increasing benefit in fattening of buffalo calves in Nepal.     

Performance of crossbred calves with dietary supplementation of garlic extract

Twelve crossbred calves (Holstein cross) in their pre-ruminant stage were used to study the effect of garlic extract feeding on their performance and they were randomly allotted into treatment and control groups in equal number. Performance was evaluated by measuring average body weight (BW) gain, feed intake [dry matter (DM); total digestible nutrient (TDN) and crude protein (CP)], feed conversion efficiency (DM, TDN and CP), fecal score and fecal coliform count. Diets were same for both groups. In addition, treatment group received garlic extract supplementation at 250 mg/kg BW/day/calf. BW measured weekly, feed intake measured twice daily, proximate analysis of feeds and fodders analysed weekly, fecal scores monitored daily and fecal coliform count done weekly. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in mean BW gain and feed intake and a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in severity of scours as measured by fecal score in the treatment group compared to the control group. The results suggest that garlic extract can be supplemented to the calves for better performance.     

Growth, weaning performance and blood indicators of humoral immunity in Holstein calves fed supplemental flavonoids

The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that flavonoids mediate immune response and affect calf performance. Twenty Holstein calves [7 ± 2 days age; 41.4 ± 0.7 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to four treatments of (i) no; (ii) low (7.3 × 10⁻⁵ g/kg BW); (iii) medium (7.3 × 10⁻⁴ g/kg BW); and (iv) high (3.6 × 10⁻³ g/kg BW) doses of flavonoids intake in a completely randomized design. Calves received the treatments as a tablet until weaning or a daily intake of 680 g starter. After weaning, calves received no supplemental flavonoids and monitored until 120 days of age. The flavonoids were extracted from propolis. Treatments did not affect body length, wither height and the severity of scours. At week 5 of age, BW was higher when calves fed the high compared to the low dose of flavonoids. At week 6, calves fed the high dose of flavonoids had higher BW than those fed no or low doses of flavonoids. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations remained lower at the first 3 weeks of the experiment when calves received the low but not the high doses of flavonoids. At week 4, both medium and low doses of flavonoids moderated serum IgG. At week 8, the medium and high but not the low doses of flavonoids lowered serum IgG. At week 6, calves fed high and medium flavonoids doses had lower blood immunoglobulin M (IgM) than control calves. Results suggest that flavonoids affect the humoral immune response and can improve growth in young calves. This response depended on calf age. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the premise that dietary forages or the main source of flavonoids are helpful for a less stressful weaning in the modern calf raising.     

The Nutritive Value,Intake, Digestibility and Nitrogen Balance of Farm-grown and Prepared Sunflower-based Dairy Calf Meals

The dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility and nitrogen balance of three sunflower-based farm-grown calf meals with different roughage sources (maize stover, MSM; groundnut tops, GTM; and veld hay, VHM) and a commercial calf starter meal (control; CSM) were studied for 47 days (26 days pre- and 21 days post-weaning) in calves. The DMI was lower (but p>0.05) with CSM (0.369 kg/day) than with the farm-grown meals (mean 0.559 kg/day), and the daily weight gain (kg/day) did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between CSM (0.107), GTM (0.053), MSM (0.157) and VHM (0.217). Dry matter, organic matter and protein digestibility were higher (p<0.07) on the CSM than on the GTM treatment. Nitrogen retention was least (p<0.05) in calves fed GTM (3.0 g N/day) compared to those fed MSM (10.4), VHM (5.0) or CSM (3.9). These results indicate that farm-grown and prepared sunflower-based meals are suitable for feeding young calves.     

不同全株玉米青贮饲喂量对妊娠期母牛体况、血液指标及后代犊牛的影响

试验旨在研究全株玉米青贮饲喂量及精粗饲料配比对妊娠期母牛体况、血液指标及后代犊牛的影响。选用40头体重相近、2岁、1胎的妊娠期7个月左右的西门塔尔母牛,随机分为4组,每组10头,试验期3个月。Ⅰ组每头每天饲喂全株玉米青贮14 kg、燕麦秸1 kg、精料补充料3 kg,Ⅱ组每头每天饲喂全株玉米青贮19 kg、燕麦秸1 kg、精料补充料1 kg,Ⅲ组每头每天饲喂全株玉米青贮19 kg、燕麦秸2 kg,Ⅳ组每头每天饲喂全株玉米青贮22 kg、燕麦秸1 kg。产犊后各组母牛统一更换为泌乳料,母牛带犊哺乳,6月龄断奶。结果表明:Ⅳ组的干物质摄入量低于Ⅰ组(P<0.05);Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组的氮摄入量低于其他组(P<0.01),Ⅰ组最高(P<0.01);Ⅲ组的纤维摄入量高于其他组(P<0.01);各组体况评分无差异;妊娠期7月末,Ⅳ组血液锰含量低于其他组(P<0.05);妊娠期9月末,Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组的血清尿素氮含量低于其他组(P<0.01);Ⅳ组母牛所产犊牛的胸围低于Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组(P<0.05),且有3头因生长缺陷被淘汰;6月龄时,各组犊牛体况指标无差异。综上,推荐肉牛能繁母牛妊娠后期每日提供全株玉米青贮19 kg、燕麦秸1~2 kg、精料补充料0~1 kg。     

Comparative therapeutic effect of toltrazuril, sulphadimidine and amprolium on Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii given at different times following infection in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

We compared the therapeutic effect of three anticoccidial drugs (toltrazuril, sulphadimidine and amprolium) in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves experimentally infected with Eimeria bovis (E. bovis) and E. zuernii oocysts (3 x 104oocyst/calf). Buffalo calves (1.5-4 month old, 70-kg body weight) were randomly allocated into 3 groups (9 calves each). Group T was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with toltrazuril (20 mg/kg BW twice orally at a 1-week interval). Group S was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with sulphadimidine (125 mg/kg injected IM followed by half dose for 4 successive days). Group A was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with amprolium (50 mg/kg orally for 7 successive days). Each group had three subgroups (three calves/subgroup) to represent timing of the drug administration: 1st day of coccidia infection (FD), onset of clinical signs of coccidiosis (CC), and onset of oocyst shedding into the faeces (OS). Clinical signs, body-weight gain (BWG) and number of oocysts per gram feces (OPG) were monitored daily for 35 days post-infection (DPI). The OPG were reduced (but the BWG was not different) in the T calves compared to S and A calves. Within the same group, treatment from the 1st day of infection reduced the OPG and increased the BWG compared to the later treatment timings.     

不同锰元素含量日粮对犊牛生长性能和粪尿排泄指标的影响研究

日粮1%预混料减少120mg/kg锰元素时,30天犊牛累积生长显著高于对照组（P < 0.05）,说明锰元素与犊牛的生长性能确有明显影响;但是日粮中不同的锰元素对于犊牛体尺指标均没有显著影响（P > 0.05）,说明微量元素锰对于犊牛体尺性能影响不大。而且,研究发现日粮1%预混料减少60mg/kg、120mg/kg和240mg/kg锰元素均可以适当提高犊牛粪便氮磷的表观消化率,降低犊牛多种元素的排放,其中日粮1%预混料减少240mg/kg锰元素时的氮磷消化率最高,而且可以有效降低犊牛粪氮、粪铜和粪锌的排放量、30天的尿氮排放量,效果最好。     

Effects of mannan‐oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance,nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves

A study of 120 days was undertaken to ascertain the effect of mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves of 5–7 days old and 31 ± 2.0 kg of body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control (CON) in which only basal diet (concentrate mixture and green fodder) was provided, without any supplementation. Mannan‐oligosaccharides at 4 g/calf/day were supplemented as prebiotic to Group II (PRE), whereas Group III (PRO) received Lactobacillus acidophilus in the form of fermented milk as probiotic at 200 ml/calf/day having 10⁸ CFU/ml and Group IV (SYN) was supplemented with both MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus as synbiotic at similar dose. Final BW (kg), dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and structural growth measurements were improved (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to control. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was higher (p < .05) in SYN followed by PRE and PRO than control. The faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacterium population was higher (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform count as compared to control. Faecal ammonia, lactate and pH were also altered favourably (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups as compared to CON. The faecal volatile fatty acids were higher (p < .05) in PRE, PRO and SYN group than CON. The incorporation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus in diet either individually or in combination as synbiotic has the potential to improve the performance and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves; however, the observed responses among the treatment groups were more evident in the synbiotic fed group compared to individual supplementation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus.     

Ostertagia ostertagi infection in the calf: effects of a trickle challenge on appetite, digestibility, rate of passage of digesta and liveweight gain

The effects of a trickle challenge with the equivalent of 10,000 infective Ostertagia ostertagi larvae per day on appetite, digestibility, rate of passage of digesta and liveweight gain were investigated in 12 calves assigned to infected, pair-fed control and ad libitum-fed control groups. Digestibility of cellulose, nitrogen, organic matter and dry matter was determined using insoluble acid detergent fibre as a marker on two occasions during the study: (i) Between days 31 and 38, when abomasal dysfunction was greatest; and (ii) between days 52 and 58, beginning approximately one week after anthelmintic treatment (day 46). Rate of passage of digesta was measured using chromium mordanted hay, fed to each calf after each digestibility study period. Voluntary feed intake of the infected group was significantly reduced from day 37 with the greatest depression (77 per cent) occurring just before anthelmintic treatment. The drop in appetite was responsible for nearly 73 per cent of the difference in liveweight gain between the infected and ad libitum fed control groups. The apparent digestibility coefficient of nitrogen was significantly depressed (22 per cent) in the infected group though was restored to control levels by anthelmintic treatment. The rate of passage of digesta was significantly reduced in both pair-fed control (50 per cent) and infected (74 per cent) groups. Anthelmintic treatment increased the latter though only to pair-fed control group levels. It is suggested that the marked hypergastrinaemia seen in the infected calves may have been in part responsible for the decreased rate of passage of digesta and in turn for the drop in appetite.     

Ostertagia ostertagi infection in the calf: effects of a trickle challenge on appetite, digestibility, rate of passage of digesta and liveweight gain

The effects of a trickle challenge with the equivalent of 10,000 infective Ostertagia ostertagi larvae per day on appetite, digestibility, rate of passage of digesta and liveweight gain were investigated in 12 calves assigned to infected, pair-fed control and ad libitum-fed control groups. Digestibility of cellulose, nitrogen, organic matter and dry matter was determined using insoluble acid detergent fibre as a marker on two occasions during the study: (i) Between days 31 and 38, when abomasal dysfunction was greatest; and (ii) between days 52 and 58, beginning approximately one week after anthelmintic treatment (day 46). Rate of passage of digesta was measured using chromium mordanted hay, fed to each calf after each digestibility study period. Voluntary feed intake of the infected group was significantly reduced from day 37 with the greatest depression (77 per cent) occurring just before anthelmintic treatment. The drop in appetite was responsible for nearly 73 per cent of the difference in liveweight gain between the infected and ad libitum fed control groups. The apparent digestibility coefficient of nitrogen was significantly depressed (22 per cent) in the infected group though was restored to control levels by anthelmintic treatment. The rate of passage of digesta was significantly reduced in both pair-fed control (50 per cent) and infected (74 per cent) groups. Anthelmintic treatment increased the latter though only to pair-fed control group levels. It is suggested that the marked hypergastrinaemia seen in the infected calves may have been in part responsible for the decreased rate of passage of digesta and in turn for the drop in appetite.     

Strategies of supplementation of female suckling calves and nutrition parameters of beef cows on tropical pasture

The performance of female calves in creep feeding under different strategies of supplementation and milk production, intake, and digestibility of grazing Nellore and crossbred cows (Nellore?×?Holstein) during the dry-rainy transition season were assessed. Forty-four female beef suckling calves, with initial age between 90 and 150?days and average initial body weight of 117.7?±?4.3?kg, and their respective dams (24 Nellore and 20 crossbred) with average initial body weight of 417.5?±?8.3?kg, were used. The experimental treatments consisted of: control group-mineral mixture only; strategy 1-supplementation from 112?days prior to weaning (0.375?kg/animal/day); strategy 2-supplementation from 112?days prior to weaning, in increasing amounts of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60?kg/animal/day through the four experimental periods, respectively; and strategy 3-supplementation from 56?days prior to weaning (0.750?kg/animal/day). Calves from strategy 1 had greater (P??0.05) for nutrient digestibility among genetic types. It can be concluded that strategies of supplementation that present an equitable distribution of supplement provides greater weight gain in suckling female beef calves. Crossbred cows produce more milk and present greater DMI than Nellore cows. There are no differences in the nutrient digestibility between Nellore and Nellore × Holstein crossbred cows.     

Effects of Allium mongolicum Regel supplementation on the digestibility,methane production,and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves in northwest China

This study evaluated the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel (AM) supplementation on nitrogen (N) balance, ruminal fermentation, and antioxidant properties. Sixteen male calves were assigned randomly to four groups, and the four were added with 0 (CON), 200 mg/kg (body weight; BW) (Low AM; LA), 400 mg/kg (BW) (Middle AM; MA), or 800 mg/kg (BW) (High AM; HA) per day for each individual. AM was added on dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 58 days. Supplementation of AM could significantly increase average daily gain, DM digestibility, acid detergent fiber digestibility, and retained N/Intake N. N digestibility and molar proportion of propionate in the MA and HA treatments were higher than that in the CON treatment (p < .05), respectively. AM supplementation significantly increased the molar concentration of total volatile fatty acid in the rumen fluid (p < .05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the MA and HA groups was lower than that in the CON treatment (p < .05). Furthermore, AM supplementation significantly reduced methane (CH₄) (p < .05) emissions. AM supplementation significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase. The MA group could significantly increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Our results indicated that AM supplementation could affect the nutrient digestibility, CH₄ emission, and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves.     

Effect of ad lib and restricted milk feeding on the course of illness and body weight in young calves with diarrhea

Two different feeding regimens for calves (age up to 21 days) suffering from acute diarrhea were evaluated with respect to course of illness and change in body weight. The patients of the experimental group were given whole milk ad libitum three times a day. The patients of the control group were offered whole milk at a rate of 13% their body mass per day divided into three meals. In addition, both groups were offered an oral rehydration solution at a rate 9.5% of body mass per day, also divided into three portions. Data from 60 calves (30 in both groups) were available for statistical analysis. The duration of illness in the experimental group was 10.9 +/- 6.0 days vs. 10.0 +/- 5.2 days in the control group. The daily increase of body mass in the experimental group averaged 0.607 +/- 0.452 kg, the one in the control group 0.230 +/- 0.231 kg (p = 0.0002). The calves of the experimental group required 13.16 +/- 11.18 I milk per kg weight gain, the calves of the control group 21.39 +/- 12.80 I. Six calves of the experimental group and two calves of the control group subsequently had a relapse. On the basis of the results obtained, a feeding regimen for calves suffering from acute diarrhea is suggested.     

Productivity of Crossbred Dairy Cows Suckling their Calves for 12 or 24 Weeks Post Calving

An experiment on restricted suckling of crossbred dairy cows was conducted at the Livestock Research Centre, Tanga in northeast Tanzania. Thirty-six Bos taurus (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) x Bos indicus (East African Zebu) cows were allocated alternately as they calved to suckling their calves for either 12 or 24 weeks after calving. Cows grazed improved pastures and were offered 4 kg concentrate daily. Milking occurred twice daily by hand; calves were allowed to suck residual milk for 30 min following each milking. Calves were also allowed access to grazing and were offered a maximum of 1 kg concentrate daily to 24 weeks of age. Weaning age had no significant effect on lactation milk yield for human consumption, the mean (SE) yield being 1806 (102.0) L and 1705 (129.1) L for 12- and 24-week weaning, respectively. Cows from the two treatments suffered similar losses of live weight and body condition score during lactation and neither group had returned to the original body condition score 40 weeks following calving. Post-partum anoestrous intervals were prolonged. Although not significant, cows suckling calves to 24 weeks had a mean interval to first oestrus extended by 38 days compared with cows suckling calves to 12 weeks. The mean (SE) daily live weight gains of the calves to 52 weeks were 263 (14.1) g/day and 230 (18.1) g/day for calves weaned at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively, such that 12-month weights were 119 (5.6) kg and 110 (7.3) kg, respectively. Twelve-week-weaned calves consumed more concentrate (p<0.05) from 13 to 24 weeks than did 24-week weaned calves. Calculation of residual milk consumption removed by calves from birth to 12 weeks indicated that it accounted for 28%) of total yield. No benefits in cow and calf performance and welfare were found to justify prolonging the suckling period to 24 weeks.     

犊牛代乳粉对早期断奶犊牛生长发育的影响

选用出生后吃完初乳的荷斯坦母犊24头分为试验组和对照组,对照组饲喂鲜牛奶6kg/d/头,试验组饲喂代乳粉800g/d/头。结果表明:经过60d的饲喂试验,试验组比对照组多增重5.31kg(P<0.01),试验组犊牛日增重比对照组提高了88.5g(P<0.01),试验组犊牛的体高和胸围的增长速度均高于对照组。从经济效益来看,进食代乳粉组犊牛比对照组节省成本263.42元/头(鲜奶价格按2元/kg计算)。