Effect of fatty acids added to the milk replacer on white scour and excretion of fatty acids in Holstein calves

In order to examine the relationship between white scour and fatty acids, we added fatty acids to the milk replacer. Twenty healthy Holstein calves were divided into 4 groups, five calves per group; a control group with no fortified fatty acid, and 3 groups fed either with oleic, stearic, or palmitic acid, respectively. The calves were fed milk replacer (5% of the calf's body weight) twice a day but the fatty acids (2 wt % of milk replacer) were added only once. The fecal and blood samples were obtained at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after feeding of the acids. All five calves in the palmitic acid group, and 3 out of 5 calves each in the stealic and the oleic acid groups had whitish feces after feeding fatty acid. The stearic acid group had a significantly elevated stearic acid concentration in the feces during 24–36 h compared to the pre-feeding level. The fecal concentration of palmitic acid increased significantly at 24–36 h in the palmitic acid group. We concluded that the long-chain saturated fatty acids are one of the causes of white scour in calves.     

Effect of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 supplementation in milk replacer on growth and rumen microbiota in preweaned calves

We aimed to assess the effect of feeding Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on the growth and rumen microbiota in the preweaned calves. Twelve newborn Japanese Black calves were randomly allocated to either the control (n = 6) or the treatment (n = 6) groups in the present study. Calves in the treatment group were offered B. subtilis C-3102 supplemented milk replacer throughout the preweaning period. Rumen fermentation during the first 21 days of life seemed to be slightly suppressed by feeding B. subtilis C-3102. This fermentation shift was probably attributed to the lower abundance of the core members of rumen microbiota until 21 days of age in the calves fed B. subtilis C-3102. However, feeding B. subtilis C-3102 did not influence the abundance of the core members of rumen microbiota at 90 days of age. Distribution of Sharpea spp. and Megasphaera spp., which potentially contribute to low methane production and are regarded as beneficial rumen bacteria, was higher in the rumen of calves fed B. subtilis C-3102 at 90 days of age. These results suggest that B. subtilis C-3102 supplementation in milk replacer could potentially contribute to the improvement of feed efficiency after weaning via the establishment of beneficial rumen bacteria.     

Effect of cellooligosaccharide or synbiotic feeding on growth performance,fecal condition and hormone concentrations in Holstein calves

We investigated the effect of cellooligosaccharide (CE) or a combination of dextran and Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei strain JCM1134^T (synbiotic; SB) feeding on growth performance, fecal condition and hormone concentrations in Holstein calves. Fifty‐two female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: CE feeding group (n = 16), SB feeding group (n = 18), and control group (n = 18). Body weight at 90 days of age, as well as daily body weight gain (DG) and feed efficiency after weaning to 90 days of age were greater (P < 0.05) in the CE feeding group than in the control group. The total fecal score tended to be lower (P < 0.1) in the SB feeding group than in the control group. Plasma insulin concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in the CE feeding group than in the control group at 90 days of age. Our results indicate that CE feeding improved DG and feed efficiency in calves. On the other hand, there was less effect on growth performance and fecal Escherichia coli counts in calves fed SB.     

液态饲料饲喂量对0～2月龄犊牛生长性能的影响

本试验旨在研究液态饲料的饲喂量对犊牛生长性能及健康情况的影响。选取24头新生荷斯坦犊牛,随机分为3个处理,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1头牛,分别按照体重的9.5%、11.0%、12.5%饲喂代乳品乳液。试验全期为8周。测定犊牛的体尺、体重、采食量和记录粪便评分。结果显示:3组犊牛的采食量差异显著(P<0.05)。在日增重上,9.5%组的犊牛比11.0%组和12.5%组的犊牛低(P>0.05),且在3~4周龄时,表现出显著性差异(P<0.05)。在饲料转化率上,3组犊牛在0~6周龄内均不断改善,其中3~4周龄时11.0%组优于9.5%组和12.5%组(P<0.05)。3组犊牛的粪便指数均较低,但在添加开食料和羊草时,有所波动。在单笼饲养条件下,液态饲料中干物质占12.5%时,按犊牛体重的11.0%饲喂液态饲料可获得最佳生长性能。     

Effects of feeding level of milk replacer on body growth,plasma metabolite and insulin concentrations,and visceral organ growth of suckling calves

The objective was to evaluate effects of feeding level of milk replacer on body growth, plasma metabolite and insulin concentrations, and allometric growth of visceral organs in suckling calves. Holstein bull calves (n = 8; 3–4 days of age) were fed either a low amount (average 0.63 kgDM/day, LM) or high amount (average 1.15 kgDM/day, HM) of high protein milk replacer until they were slaughtered at 6 weeks of age. Body weight (BW) at 4, 5, and 6 weeks of age, feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency were higher in the HM than LM calves. The HM group had higher plasma glucose at 3 and 4 weeks of age and insulin levels after the age of 4 weeks compared with LM calves whereas no effect was detected on plasma nonesterified fatty acid or urea nitrogen concentrations. The HM calves had greater empty body weight (EBW), viscera‐free BW and most of the organs dissected than LM calves. Relative weights (% of EBW) of liver, spleen, kidneys, and internal fat were higher, whereas head and large intestine was lower in HM than LM calves. The results suggest that increased milk feeding levels would accelerate the growth of the body and specific organs.     

Administering an appeasing substance to beef calves at weaning to optimize productive and health responses during a 42-d preconditioning program

This experiment evaluated the impacts of administering a bovine appeasing substance (BAS) to beef calves at weaning on their performance, physiological responses, and behavior during a 42-d preconditioning program. Eighty calves (40 heifers and 40 steers; 90% British × 10% Nellore) were weaned at 233 ± 2 d of age (day 0); ranked by sex, weaning age, and body weight (BW); and assigned to receive BAS (IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 40) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 40). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal following dam separation. Within treatment, calves were allocated to one of eight drylot pens (four pens per treatment; pen being the experimental unit) and received a free-choice total mixed ration (TMR) from day 0 to 42, intake of which was assessed daily. Live behavior observations were conducted on days 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32. Temperament was assessed and blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on days −21, 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42. Hair samples were collected from the tail switch on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. Calves were vaccinated against bovine respiratory disease viruses on days −21 and 0. Average daily gain from day 0 to 42 did not differ between treatments (P = 0.57) but was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves from day 0 to 28. Intake of TMR was greater (P = 0.05) during the first week for BAS vs. CON calves (treatment × week; P = 0.08). The mean proportion of calves feeding simultaneously and performance of social and play behaviors were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for BAS vs. CON calves. Escape attempts were greater (P < 0.01) for BAS vs. CON calves on day 1 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Exit velocity was greater (P = 0.04) for CON vs. BAS calves on day 14 and tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CON vs. BAS calves on day 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Mean plasma concentrations of haptoglobin were greater (P = 0.02) in CON vs. BAS calves. Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) in CON vs. BAS calves on day 14 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Mean serum concentrations of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus were greater (P = 0.02) in BAS vs. CON calves. Collectively, BAS administration to beef calves at weaning alleviated stress-induced physiological reactions, improved temperament evaluated via chute exit velocity, enhanced humoral immunity acquired from vaccination, and appeared to have accelerated adaptation to novel management scheme and environment.     

Effects of butyrate supplementation in antibiotic‐free milk replacer and starter on growth performance in suckling calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate butyrate supplementation of antibiotic‐free milk replacer and starter on growth performance in male Holstein calves. Twenty‐nine calves were divided into two groups. Group C (n = 13) was fed antibiotic‐free milk replacer without supplementation, and Group B (n = 16) was fed antibiotic‐free milk replacer supplemented with butyrate (1.6 % DM of Gustor BP70^®). Starter in Group B contained 0.3 % DM of Gustor BP70^®. The intake of milk replacer was lower in group B than in C (p = 0.07 for the treatment x week interaction). Body weight (BW) and heart girth (HG) in group B was higher than in C during the experimental period (p = 0.07 and 0.01 for the treatment × week interaction, respectively). The duration of the weaning period in group B was shorter than in group C (p = 0.02). β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) was higher in group B than in C (p = 0.04). Insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) concentrations tended to be higher in group B than in C (p = 0.07 for treatment × week interaction). Our results show that butyrate supplementation in antibiotic‐free milk replacer and starter exerted positive effects on growth performance in suckling calves.     

Effects of a high milk intake during the pre‐weaning period on nutrient metabolism and growth rate in Japanese Black cattle

This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding an increased volume of high‐fat milk during the early post‐natal life on metabolite concentrations in the blood, the expression of key genes regulating intermediary metabolism in the skeletal muscles, and the rate of growth of Japanese Black cattle. All calves were fed a high‐fat milk replacer (crude protein, 26%; crude fat, 25.5%; total dissolved nitrogen, 116%). Control calves (n = 4) were nursed with 500 g milk replacer until 3 months of age, whereas calves in the experimental group (n = 4) were nursed with 1800 g milk replacer until 3 months, and then the volume was gradually reduced until 5 months. Body weight was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at 7 months. Plasma glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the experimental group. Expression of glucose‐transporter‐4 messenger RNA (mRNA) was lower, whereas that of glucose transporter 1, cluster of differentiation 36, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1b mRNA was significantly higher in the Longissimus thoracis of the experimental group. Nutritional status during early post‐natal life appears to strongly influence the growth rate and glucose and lipid metabolism in Japanese Black cattle.     

Influence of feeding thermally peroxidized lipids on growth performance, lipid digestibility,and oxidative status in nursery pigs

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate oil source and peroxidation status (experiment 1) or peroxidized soybean oil (SO; experiments 2 and 3) on growth performance, oxidative stress, and digestibility of dietary ether extract (EE). In experiment 1, palm oil (PO), poultry fat (PF), canola oil (CO), and SO were evaluated, while in experiments 2 and 3, only SO was evaluated. Lipids were either an unheated control (CNT) or thermally processed at 90 °C for 72 hr, being added at 10%, 7.5%, or 3% of the diet in experiments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In experiment 1, 288 pigs (body weight, BW, 6.1 kg) were fed 1 of 8 factorially arranged treatments with the first factor being lipid source (PO, PF, CO, and SO) and the second factor being peroxidation status (CNT or peroxidized). In experiment 2, 216 pigs (BW 5.8 kg) were fed 1 of 6 treatments consisting of 100%, 90%, 80%, 60%, 20%, and 0% CNT SO blended with 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 80%, and 100% peroxidized SO, respectively. In experiment 3, 72 pigs (BW 5.8 kg) were fed either CNT or peroxidized SO. Pigs were fed 21 d with feces collected on day 12 or 14 and pigs bled on day 12 blood collection. In experiment 1, an interaction between oil source and peroxidation status was observed for averaged daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.10) which was due to no impact of feeding pigs peroxidized PO, PF, or SO on ADG or ADFI compared with feeding pigs CNT PO, PF, or SO, respectively; while pigs fed peroxidized CO resulted in reduced ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed CNT CO. There was no interaction between oil source and peroxidation status, and no lipid source effect on gain to feed ratio (GF; P ≥ 0.84), but pigs fed the peroxidized lipids had a lower GF compared with pigs fed the CNT lipids (P = 0.09). In experiment 2, feeding pigs diets containing increasing levels of peroxidized SO resulted in reduced ADG (quadratic, P = 0.03), ADFI (linear, P = 0.01), and GF (quadratic, P = 0.01). In experiment 3, feeding peroxidized SO at 3% of the diet reduced ADG (P = 0.11) and ADFI (P = 0.13), with no observed change in GF (P = 0.62). Differences in plasma protein carbonyls, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin E due to feeding peroxidized lipids were inconsistent across the 3 experiments. Digestibility of dietary EE was reduced in pigs fed peroxidized PO or SO (P = 0.01, experiment 1) and peroxidized SO in experiments 2 and 3 (P ≤ 0.02). In conclusion, the peroxidation status of dietary lipids consistently affects growth performance and EE digestibility but has a variable effect on measures of oxidative stress.     

Milk feeding and utilization of nutrients in clinically healthy calves and in calves with diarrhea

Digestibility of nutrients was determined in healthy calves and in those with diarrhoea at the age of two and three weeks. The total collection of feces and indigestible marker methods (with Cr2O3) were used. High equality of results and statistically non-significant differences between the method of a total collection of feces and indigestible marker one in the suckling calves (Tab. II) confirm the suitability of using these two methods to determine digestibility. Based on the composition and commercially recommended feeding guide of milk replacer, it is clear that it has lower digestible energy, Zn and Fe intake. Slightly higher digestible crude protein and Mg intake, optimum Ca and P intake, all these values were calculated for 1 kg of live weight (Tab. I). Nutrient contents is responsible for nutrient ratio which is unbalanced and for low contents of digestible energy (76.5 KJ per g of digestible crude protein) instead of recommended values of 100-110 KJ per of digestible crude protein in milk replacer in suckling calves. In six clinically healthy calves fed with milk replacer Laktavit twice a day, an apparent digestibility of organic matter was found to be 95.7 +/- 1.8%, crude protein 93.5 +/- 1.8%, fat 94.5 +/- 1.4%, carbohydrates 97.2 +/- 1.5%, Ca absorption was 86.5 +/- 2.8%, P 95.3 +/- 2.9%. There was a depressed absorption for Mg 43.4 +/- 6.8%, Fe 24.2 +/- 4.3% and Zn 36.8 +/- 3.5% (Tab. III).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co,Cu, Mn,and Zn to beef cows during gestation: postweaning responses of offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle

One hundred and ninety nonlactating, pregnant beef cows (¾ Bos taurus and ¼ Bos indicus; 138 multiparous and 52 primiparous) were assigned to this experiment at 117 ± 2.2 d of gestation (day 0). Cows were ranked by parity, pregnancy type (artificial insemination = 102, natural service = 88), body weight (BW) and body condition score, and assigned to receive a supplement containing: (1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 95) or (2) an organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Availa4; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; n = 95). The INR and AAC provided the same daily amount of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn, based on 7 g of the AAC source. From day 0 to calving, cows were maintained in a single pasture and segregated 3 times weekly into 1 of 24 individual feeding pens to receive treatments. Calves were weaned on day 367 (200 ± 2 d of age), managed as a single group for a 45-d preconditioning period (days 367 to 412), and transferred to a single oat (Avena sativa L.) pasture on day 412. Heifer calves were moved to an adjacent oat pasture on day 437, where they remained until day 620. Heifer puberty status was verified weekly (days 437 to 619) based on plasma progesterone concentrations. Steer calves were shipped to a commercial feedlot on day 493, where they were managed as a single group until slaughter (day 724). Plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P = 0.05) in AAC calves at weaning but tended to be less (P = 0.10) on day 370 compared with INR calves. Mean plasma haptoglobin concentration was greater (P = 0.03) in INR vs. AAC calves during preconditioning, and no treatment effects were noted (P = 0.76) for preconditioning average daily gain (ADG). Puberty attainment was hastened in AAC heifers during the experiment (treatment × day; P < 0.01), despite similar (P = 0.39) ADG between treatments from days 412 to 620. Expression of myogenin mRNA in the longissimus muscle was greater (P = 0.05) in INR vs. AAC heifers on day 584. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.24) for steer ADG from day 412 until slaughter, nor for carcass quality traits. Hepatic mRNA expression of metallothionein 1A was greater (P = 0.02) in INR vs. AAC steers on day 586. In summary, supplementing Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn as organic complexed instead of sulfate sources to beef cows during the last 5 mo of gestation did not improve performance and physiological responses of the steer progeny until slaughter, but hastened puberty attainment in the female progeny reared as replacement heifers.     

Technical note: using an automated head chamber system to administer an external marker to estimate fecal output by grazing beef cattle

The objective of this experiment was to determine if titanium dioxide (TiO₂) dosed through an automated head chamber system (GreenFeed; C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) is an acceptable method to measure fecal output. The GreenFeed used on this experiment had a 2-hopper bait dispensing system, where hopper 1 contained alfalfa pellets marked with 1% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and hopper 2 contained unmarked alfalfa pellets. Eleven heifers (BW = 394 ± 18.7 kg) grazing a common pasture were stratified by BW and then randomized to either 1) dosed with TiO₂-marked pellets by hand feeding (HFD; n = 6) or 2) dosed with TiO₂-marked pellets by the GreenFeed (GFFD; n = 5) for 19 d. During the morning (0800), all heifers were offered a pelleted, high-CP supplement at 0.25% of BW in individual feeding stanchions. The HFD heifers also received 32 g of TiO₂-marked pellets at morning feeding, whereas the GFFD heifers received 32 g of unmarked pellets. The GFFD heifers received a single aliquot (32 ± 1.6 g; mean ± SD) of marked pellets at their first visit to the GreenFeed each day with all subsequent 32-g aliquots providing unmarked pellets; HFD heifers received only unmarked pellets. Starting on d 15, fecal samples were collected via rectal grab at feeding and every 12 h for 5 d. A two-one sided t-test method was used to determine agreement and it was determined that the fecal output estimates by HFD and GFFD methods were similar (P = 0.04). There was a difference (P < 0.01; Bartlett’s test for homogenous variances) in variability between the dosing methods for HFD and GFFD (SD = 0.1 and 0.7, respectively). This difference in fecal output variability may have been due to variability of dosing times-of-day for the GFFD heifers (0615 ± 6.2 h) relative to the constant dosing time-of-day for HFD and constant 0800 and 2000 sampling times-of-day for all animals. This research has highlighted the potential for dosing cattle with an external marker through a GreenFeed configured with two (or more) feed hoppers because estimated fecal output means were similar; however, consideration of the increased variability of the fecal output estimates is needed for future experimental designs.     

Effects of early high nutrition related to metabolic imprinting events on growth,carcass characteristics,and meat quality of grass-fed Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle)

The study was conducted to clarify how early high plane of nutrition related to metabolic imprinting affected growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of grass-fed Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle). Wagyu steers were allocated randomly into 2 dietary groups: (1) steers fed milk replacer (crude protein 26.0%, crude fat 25.5%; maximum intake 0.6 kg/d) until 3 mo of age and then fed roughage (orchard grass hay) ad libitum from 4 to 10 mo of age (roughage group, RG; n = 11); (2) steers fed milk replacer (maximum intake of 1.8 kg/d) until 3 mo of age and then fed a high-concentrate diet from 4 to 10 mo of age (early high nutrition, EHN; n = 12). After 11 mo of age, all steers were fed roughage ad libitum until 31 mo of age and then slaughtered. Growth performance, carcass traits, longissimus muscle (LM) meat quality and intramuscular fat (IMF) content, plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentration, and bone mineral density were measured. Body weight was greater in EHN steers (571 kg) than RG steers (520 kg; P < 0.01). Plasma IGF-I levels were higher in EHN steers than in RG steers at 3, 10, and 14 mo of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively); however, plasma IGF-I levels were lower in EHN steers compared with RG steers at 30 mo of age (P < 0.01). The total weight of the muscles and bones of the left half of the carcass was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.065). Five of the 19 muscles investigated (semimembranosus, P = 0.036; infraspinatus, P = 0.024; supraspinatus, P = 0.0019; serratus ventralis cervicis, P = 0.032; serratus ventralis thoracis, P = 0.027) were heavier in EHN steers. Total fat weight in the left half of the carcass was 30% greater (P = 0.025) in HNE carcasses. Subcutaneous and perirenal fat weights were 53% and 84% greater (P = 0.008, P = 0.002, respectively) in EHN carcasses. The LM IMF content was greater in EHN loins (13.2%) compared with RG loins (9.4%) at 31 mo of age (P = 0.038); however, no differences were found for shear force, tenderness, and cook loss. These results suggested early high-nutrition affected the growth and meat quality of livestock.     

Changes in serum protein electrophoresis profiles and acute phase proteins in calves with diarrhea

Calf diarrhea leads to substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide due to medical treatment costs, retarded growth performance, and even death. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in serum protein profiles and acute phase proteins in calves with diarrhea and identify the association between these changes and diarrhea. A total of 185 Korean beef calves were used and divided into 3 groups by age: 1 to 10 days (n = 46), 11 to 20 days (n = 65), and 21 to 30 days (n = 74). Blood and fecal samples were collected from each calf. Serum concentrations of total protein, protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin), haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) were analyzed. Compared to calves without diarrhea, calves with diarrhea had significantly lower albumin concentrations at 11 to 20 days and 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.017 and P = 0.000, respectively) and significantly higher α1-globulin fractions at 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.01). Interestingly, α2-globulin fractions were significantly higher in diarrheic calves in all age groups, whereas γ-globulin fractions were significantly lower in calves with diarrhea aged 1 to 10 days, compared with normal animals. In calves with diarrhea, the concentration of Hp was significantly higher, whereas SAA levels were not different between normal and diarrheic calves. In addition, a positive correlation was found between α2-globulin and Hp (P = 0.0004). Taken together, these results provide useful information about the use of serum protein profiles and Hp as prognostic and diagnostic markers for animal health status.     

Effect of a novel animal milk oligosaccharide biosimilar on macronutrient digestibility and gastrointestinal tolerance,fecal metabolites,and fecal microbiota of healthy adult cats

GNU100 is a novel animal milk oligosaccharide (AMO) biosimilar. In a recent in vitro fermentation study, GNU100 was shown to be fermentable by feline gastrointestinal microbiota and lead to increased short-chain fatty acid production. Our objectives herein were to evaluate the palatability, safety, and gastrointestinal tolerance of GNU100 in healthy adult cats. Exploratory end-points were measured to assess utility. In study 1, 20 adult cats were used to test the palatability of diets containing 0% or 1% GNU100. In study 2, 32 (mean age = 1.9 yr; mean body weight = 4.6 kg) male (n = 12) and female (n = 20) adult cats were used in a completely randomized design. After a 2-wk baseline, cats were assigned to one of the following treatment groups and fed for 26 wk: control (CT, no GNU100), low dose (LD, 0.5% GNU100), medium dose (MD, 1.0% GNU100), and high dose (HD, 1.5% GNU100). On weeks 2, 4, and 26, fresh fecal samples were collected for the measurement of stool quality and immune and inflammatory markers and on weeks 2 and 4 for microbiota and metabolites. On week 4, total feces were collected to measure apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility. On weeks 2, 4, and 26, blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and inflammatory marker measurement. The palatability test showed that 1% GNU100 was strongly preferred (P < 0.05), with GNU100 having a 17.6:1 consumption ratio compared with control. In the long-term study, all cats remained healthy, without any signs of gastrointestinal intolerance or illness. All diets were well accepted, resulting in similar (P > 0.05) food intake, fecal characteristics, immunoglobulin A, and calprotectin, and dry matter, organic matter, fat, and crude protein digestibilities. Fecal butyrate was greater (P = 0.02) in cats fed HD than cats fed LD or MD. Fecal indole was lower (P = 0.02) in cats fed HD than cats fed LD. Cats fed CT had a higher (P = 0.003) relative abundance of Actinobacteria than cats fed LD. The relative abundance of Peptococcus was impacted by diet and time. At 4 wk, Campylobacter was lower in fecal samples of cats fed HD. Overall, the data suggest that dietary GNU100 supplementation was highly palatable, well tolerated, did not cause detrimental effects on fecal quality or nutrient digestibility, increased fecal butyrate concentrations, and reduced fecal indole concentrations, supporting the safety of GNU100 for inclusion in feline diets and suggesting potential benefits on gastrointestinal health of cats.     

代乳粉在犊牛早期断奶技术中应用的试验研究

22头体重相近的荷斯坦犊牛随机分为2组,试验组饲喂代乳料,对照组饲喂新鲜牛奶。经60d的饲喂试验发现,试验组增重比对照组多5.3kg/头,且差异极显著(P<0.01),日增重比对照组提高了88.3g/d,差异极显著(P<0.01)。     

Indigestion in Young Calves. V. The Influence of Grass Silage and Fine Hay

In an experiment with 24 young calves, lasting 45 days, all were fed a high lactose milk replacer causing some diarrhoea. Eight calves received grass silage and 8 fine hay in addition, while 8 received no solid supplement to the milk replacer (NS). Somewhat more (P < 0.05) dry matter was ingested from silage than hay. Weight gain was similar on the 2 supplements and much greater (P < 0.001) than on NS. Both silage and fine hay reduced (P < 0.01) the frequency of diarrhoea, approximately to the same extent. Further, silage or hay gave higher pH (P = 6.0.01 and 0.02, respectively) and less gram positive cocci and rods in the rumen fluid, better developed ruminai papillae and heavier (P < 0.01) empty reticulo-rumens than NS. Some calves fed silage had ulcers in the rumen, the same having occurred on fine hay in earlier experiments, but not in the present one. Althogether, the 2 roughages gave very similar results.     

不同代乳品及饲喂方式对荷斯坦奶公犊生产犊牛白肉影响的研究

为研究代乳粉(主要含乳类制品)液态饲喂和代乳料(主要含植物类饲料等)干喂对荷斯坦奶公犊生产犊牛白肉的影响,试验选用20头健康无病、体重和出生日期相近的荷斯坦奶公犊,随机分为2组,每组10头,进行了120 d的生长育肥试验。Ⅰ组饲喂市售的代乳粉(粗蛋白质22%,粗脂肪16%);Ⅱ组饲喂配制的代乳料(粗蛋白质22%,消化能16 MJ/kg)。结果表明:①Ⅱ组犊牛0~90 d平均日增重高于Ⅰ组犊牛,91~120 d平均日增重显著低于Ⅰ组犊牛(P< 0.05),但两组犊牛0~120 d平均日增重和试验末重均无显著差异(P> 0.05)。②不同代乳品及饲喂方式对奶公犊营养物质表观消化率均无显著影响(P> 0.05)。③Ⅰ组犊牛的胴体重、屠宰率和眼肌面积均显著高于Ⅱ组犊牛(P< 0.05),分别比Ⅱ组高11.88%、11.04%和8.12%,但两组间的胴体产肉率无显著差异(P> 0.05);两组犊牛背最长肌的pH、剪切力、蒸煮损失和肉色均无显著差异(P> 0.05),但Ⅰ组犊牛的失水率比Ⅱ组犊牛高20.83%(P< 0.01);Ⅰ组犊牛背最长肌中粗脂肪含量极显著高于Ⅱ组犊牛(P< 0.01),但两组犊牛背最长肌中水分、粗蛋白质、粗灰分、钙、磷和铁的含量均无显著差异(P> 0.05)。④Ⅱ组犊牛的饲养成本比Ⅰ组降低45.38%。综上所述,饲喂代乳料的犊牛可获得与饲喂代乳粉犊牛相似的生长性能和肉品质,显著降低饲养成本。     

Effects of the provision of large amounts of solid feeds to veal calves on growth and slaughter performance and intravitam and postmortem welfare indicators

Polish Friesian male calves (n = 78) were used to investigate the effects of innovative feeding plans based on the provision of large amounts of solid feeds on growth performance, welfare, and carcass characteristics of veal calves. Groups of calves (initial BW 71.5 ± 3.7 kg) were fed 1 of 3 treatments (26 calves/treatment): 1) milk replacer plus corn grain (CG), 2) milk replacer plus an 80:20 mixture (as-fed basis) of corn grain and wheat straw (CGS), or 3) milk replacer plus a 72:20:8 mixture (as-fed basis) of corn grain, wheat straw, and extruded soybean, respectively (CGSES). All the treatments provided at least 170 kg DM/calf from solid feed throughout the 206 d of fattening. Type and concentration of milk replacer were the same for all calves throughout fattening. Calves fed CGSES received 96% of the daily amount of milk replacer delivered to CG and CGS to balance the dietary CP content. No differences (P ≥ 0.063) among treatments were observed for growth performance and DMI. Health status of CG calves was less than CGSES calves, as indicated by the greatest (P < 0.001) proportion of milk replacer refusal events and the greatest (P < 0.001) incidence of treatments for respiratory disorders. Inclusion of straw and soybean in the solid feeds increased (P < 0.001) the daily intake of iron in CGS and CGSES as compared with CG; however, blood hemoglobin concentrations measured at d 5 and 31 were greater (P < 0.05) than when measured on d 80, 122, and 206 of fattening. Feeding treatment did not (P ≥ 0.107) affect HCW, dressing percentage, or carcass color. Calves fed CG had heavier (P < 0.001) reticulorumens and more (P < 0.001) developed rumens than CGS and CGSES calves, but 84% and 68% of CG rumens (P < 0.001) showed overt signs of hyperkeratinization and plaques, respectively. These alterations of rumen mucosa were not detected in CGSES calves, and only 8% of CGS calves had rumen plaques. Regardless of feeding treatment, postmortem inspection recorded a prevalence of more than 84% abomasal lesions. When feeding veal calves with large amounts of solids, it is advisable to avoid the provision of corn grain alone and replace part of the cereal with a roughage source to improve calf health and prevent rumen mucosa alterations.