Calcium homeostasis, acid–base balance, and health status in periparturient Holstein cows fed diets with low cation–anion difference

Forty multiparous Holstein dry cows on d 21 prepartum were randomly allocated to four blocks of 10 cows to examine the effects of reducing the dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) on calcium homeostasis, acid–base balance, health status, and subsequent lactation performance. The reduced DCADs (Na + K − Cl − S, mEq/kg DM) of + 150,+ 50, − 50, and − 150 were obtained by addition of anionic salts. Reducing DCAD resulted in mild metabolic acidosis as indicated by the sharp decline in urinary pH, and minor reductions in blood pH and HCO₃⁻ concentration. Greater plasma calcium concentration was observed in cows fed diets of − 50 and − 150 DCAD (P < 0.05) than those on + 50 and + 150 DCAD diets. The nadir of plasma calcium level on the day of calving was lower (P < 0.05) than the highest level on d 14 prepartum (8.33 vs. 9.30 mg/dL). Composite colostrum calcium concentration was decreased (P < 0.05) with time on d 1 relative to d 2 postpartum (0.212 vs. 0.174%), and feeding of diet − 150 DCAD induced higher (P < 0.05) composite colostrum calcium content than other three DCAD diets. No case of milk fever occurred for any diets, but feeding the two negative DCAD diets reduced (P < 0.05) retained placenta incidence compared with diet of + 150 DCAD. Dry matter intake, milk yield and compositions of fat, protein, and lactose were non-significantly affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, urinary pH is an effective indicator of extracellular fluid acid–base balance, and feeding negative DCAD in late gestation period is beneficial for dairy cows in blood calcium homeostasis and improvement of health status.     

Duration of the effects of anionic salts on the acid–base status in cows fed different anionic salts only once daily

Seeing the fact that farm managers in Germany feed anionic salts to transition cows once daily, this study set out to evaluate whether the effects on the acid–base status (ABS) and calcium excretion in urine would persist throughout the entire day beyond this feeding practice. Eleven non-lactating, non-pregnant, Holstein–Friesian-cows with a rumen fistula were administered 2Eq of calcium chloride (CaCl₂/five cows) or calcium sulfate (CaSO₄/six cows) once daily for a period of 1 week. At day 7, blood and urine samples were taken every 4 h starting at 06:00 a.m. before feeding the anionic salts, and then ending at the same time the next day. Feeding anionic salts to the cows induced metabolic acidosis in both of the groups. The changes tended to be greater in CaCl₂-cows. After 12 h, the acidosis lessened and the initial values were reached after 24 h. The CaCl₂-cows, however, still showed signs of compensated metabolic acidosis. The results of the present study showed that feeding anionic salts once daily confined the risk of an interrupted effect of the anionic salts on the acid–base status as well as calcium metabolism after 12 h.     

Effect of cation–anion balance in feed on urine pH in rabbits in comparison with other species

In the present investigation, the impact of diet composition on urine pH in rabbits was compared with previous studies on rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs and horses. A total of 13 dwarf rabbits were fed six different diets with a cation–anion balance (CAB) between ?39 and +320 mmol/kg dry matter (DM) using ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) as an acidifier. CAB was calculated as follows: CAB (mmol/kg DM) = 49.9*Ca + 82.3*Mg +43.5*Na + 25.6*K ? 59*P ? 62.4*S ? 28.2*Cl; minerals in g/kg DM. Urine, faeces and blood were collected. Urine pH ranged from 5.26 ± 0.22 at a CAB of ?39 mmol/kg DM to 8.56 ± 0.24 at a CAB of +320 mmol/kg DM. A low CAB in the feed reduced blood pH and blood base excess significantly. Renal excretion of Ca, P, Na and Mg and water was significantly higher in rabbits eating acidifying diets. In comparison with other species, rabbits reacted to acidifying diets in a similar way as cats, dogs and pigs. Rabbits on a mildly alkalizing diet, however, had a trend to higher urine pH than other monogastric species on such diets (cats, dogs, pigs, horses).     

Relationship between parity and mineral status in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Data from 65 cows were collected to clarify the relationship between parity and mineral status in Holstein cows during the periparturient period. Milk fever occurred in a second‐ and a fourth‐lactation cow at parturition. Bodyweight of cows decreased immediately after parturition, and the decreased weights of cows from 1 to 6 days after parturition ranged from 11 to 27 kg. Milk yield of multiparous cows was higher than that of primiparous cows, but Ca and P concentrations in colostrum were not affected by the parity. Plasma glucose of primiparous cows was higher than that of multiparous cows, and plasma nonesterified fatty acids of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest. Plasma Ca concentration of cows at parturition decreased with advancing parity, and plasma inorganic P concentration of third‐and‐more‐lactation cows was lowest at parturition. Plasma parathyroid hormone of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest, but plasma hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase was lowest. These results suggest that the large transfer of Ca and P to colostrum is a factor in the development of milk fever in third‐and‐more‐lactation cows.     

八珍汤对乳牛产后免疫状态的影响

为了探索提高乳牛产后期免疫状态的新方法，对试验乳牛分4组（产前第30d至产前第1d灌喂组、产前第15d至产后第15d灌喂组、产后第1d至第30d灌喂组、不灌喂中药对照组）灌喂中药八珍汤，检测产后期淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能。结果发现，产前组CD3细胞数量在产后第1d升高；产前产后组CD3、CD4和CD8细胞数量在产后第1d和第15d升高；产后组CD3细胞数量在产后第15d和第30d升高，CD4细胞数量也在产后第30d升高。淋巴细胞对ConA的反应能力，产前产后组在产后第1～30d明显提高，产后组在产后第15d和第30d明显提高。各组乳牛产后期CD21细胞数量的变化相近。结果表明，从产前第15d开始到产后第15d每日喂八珍汤，能明显提高乳牛产后期T细胞及其亚群数量和增加淋巴细胞增殖活化功能，而对B细胞数量增加的作用不明显。     

Influence of different calcium contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism in periparturient dairy cows

At the initiation of lactation, Ca homeostatic mechanisms have to react to a tremendous increase in demand for Ca. Mobilization of Ca from bone and increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are required to re-establish homeostasis. It has been shown that dietary anions play an important role in the prevention of milk fever by mobilizing Ca from bone and by increasing Ca absorption in the GI tract. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different Ca contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy cows. Twenty-four holstein cows (housed inside, second to fourth lactation) without a milk fever history were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Each group was fed a different diet which was given from day 263 of gestation till the day of parturition. Group A and B received a low calcium diet (4 g/kg DM) whereas group C and D received a high Ca diet (8 g/kg DM). In addition group B and D received anionic salts. The DCAD was calculated with the formula: DCAD (mEq/kg DM)=(0.2 Ca2++0.16 Mg2++Na++K+)-(Cl-+0.6 S2-+0.65 P3-). Blood and urine samples were collected on days 256, 270 and 277 of gestation, on the day of parturition as well as the following 5 days and on days 9, 14 and 19 after parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, ICTP, OC, VITD, PTH and urinary pH were analysed. The bone resorption marker ICTP showed a significant increase after parturition in all the groups. On the contrary, the bone formation marker OC decreased after parturition in all the groups. The VITD concentrations in group D and the urinary pH in group B were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The Ca concentrations tended to be higher in group B around parturition than in all the other groups. No significant influence of the four different diets on all the other parameters could be shown. In conclusion, this data showed that the addition of anions and the different Ca contents had no significant influence on bone resorption and bone formation markers. This may be because of the fact that the dietary cation-anion balance was not low enough (DCAD-group A: 181 mEq/kg DM, group B: -48 mEq/kg DM, group C: 210 mEq/kg DM and group D: 28 mEq/kg DM) to induce a metabolic acidosis with all its positive effects on calcium metabolism.     

阴离子盐对奶牛围产期血浆离子平衡的影响

采用20头荷斯坦经产奶牛按配对试验设计,研究在干奶后期(产前约3周)添加阴离子盐添加剂对奶牛产前1周、2周和产后1周、2周及分娩当日血浆离子浓度、胎衣不下发病率以及产乳热发病情况的影响。结果表明,饲喂阴离子盐日粮4d后可使尿液pH值显著降低(P<0.05),试验组与对照组比较产前一周和产后一周血浆钙离子浓度有上升的趋势,分别为(7.98vs7.26)和(7.81vs7.19),距分娩1周血浆镁离子浓度有降低趋势(1.96vs2.16),在分娩当日试验组血浆镁离了浓度低于对照组(1.90vs2.01),产前1周和分娩当日血浆钠离子浓度低于对照组,分别为(123.90vs126.43,P<0.05)和(124.28vs125.93,P<0.05)。在本试验条件下添加阴离子盐对血浆其他离子浓度没有显著影响(P>0.05),通过对胎衣不下发生情况的统计表明,饲喂阴离子盐能够减少胎衣不下的发生。     

Effect of a commercial anionic dietary supplement on urinary pH and concentrations of electrolytes and pH in blood of horses

ABSTRACT

Aims: To compare urine urinary pH, blood pH and concentration of electrolytes in blood of healthy horses fed an anionic salt supplement to achieve diets with a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of ?40 or 0?mEq/kg DM, with horses a fed a diet with a DCAD of 85?mEq/kg DM.

Methods: Eight healthy horses received each of three diets in a randomised crossover design. Diets consisted of grass hay and concentrate feed, with a varying amount of an anionic supplement to achieve a DCAD of 85 (control), 0 or ?40?mEq/kg DM. They were fed for 14 days each with a washout period of 7 days between. Urine pH was measured daily and blood samples were collected on Days 0, 7 and 14 of each study period for the measurement of pH and concentration of electrolytes.

Results: Four horses voluntarily consumed the anionic supplement with their feed, but four horses required oral supplement administration via dose syringe. During the study period mean urine pH was lower in horses fed diets with a DCAD of 0 (6.91; SD 0.04) and ?40 (6.83; SD 0.04) mEq/kg DM compared to the control diet (7.30; SD 0.04). Compared with horses fed the control diet, mean urine pH was lower in horses fed the 0 and ?40?mEq/kg DM diets on Days 1–12 and 14 (p?<?0.05) of the study period. On Day 13 it was only lower in horses fed the ?40?mEq/kg DM diet (p?<?0.01). Urine pH was similar for horses fed the 0 and ?40?mEq/kg DM diets (p?=?0.151). The DCAD of the diet had no effect on blood pH, ionised Ca or anion gap. Mean concentrations of bicarbonate in blood were affected by diet (p?=?0.049); they were lower when horses were fed the 0?mEq/kg diet relative to the control diet on Day 14.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The anionic supplement reduced urine pH in horses fed diets with a DCAD of 0 or ?40?mEq/kg DM compared with 85?mEq/kg DM. However as urinary pH did not fall below pH 6.5, the pH below which calcium carbonate uroliths do not form, this reduction in urine pH is unlikely to be clinically significant. The supplement was variably palatable and showed minimal promise as an effective urinary acidifier at the doses administered in this study.     

Metabolic parameters and their relationship to energy balance in multiparous Simmental,Brown Swiss and Holstein cows in the periparturient period as influenced by energy supply pre‐ and post‐calving

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three energy supply (E) levels [low (L), medium (M), high (H)], both pre‐partum (PRE) and post‐partum (POST), and their interactions on metabolic parameters and energy balance (EB) in dairy cows of three breeds. In both phases, E levels applied to a total of 81 multiparous cows of breeds Simmental (SI), Brown Swiss (BS) and Holstein–Friesian (HF; n = 27 for each breed) were 75%, 100% and 125% of recommendations of the German Society of Nutrition Physiology, using a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. During the pre‐calving period, serum concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were higher for L_PRE cows, and glucose concentrations were elevated for H_PRE cows. During the lactation period, NEFA concentrations were greatest for treatment L_POST. Mean concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were highest for cows of the L_POST treatment, intermediate for M_POST and lowest for H_POST. Glucose concentrations were lower for L_POST cows. SI cows had lower BHB concentrations both pre‐ and post‐calving and higher glucose concentrations during early lactation than the other breeds. BHB concentration POST was highest for BS cows. Restricted feeding PRE resulted in a better energy status of cows fed above energy requirements POST (E_PRE × E_POST interaction). HF cows had a higher EB pre‐calving, whereas SI cows had a less negative EB during early lactation, compared with the other breeds respectively. Correlations of serum NEFA, BHB and glucose concentrations with EB were strongest during the transition period. Results suggest that controlling energy intake during the dry period might be advantageous for the energy status of dairy cows after calving, whereas energy restriction in early lactation leads to metabolic stress. Evidence is provided of a clear relationship between EB and the blood metabolites NEFA and BHB, especially in the transition period.     

Effects of anionic salts supplementation on blood pH and mineral status, energy metabolism, reproduction and production in transition dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a pre-partum diet with lower than recommended (DCAD = −82 mEq/kg of dietary DM) amounts of anionic salts on metabolism, health, reproductive performance and milk production in dairy cows. Sixty Holstein multiparous cows were enrolled 21 days prior to expected calving date. The animals were randomly assigned to receive one of two rations: 30 cows received anionic ration [−82 mEq (NA + K − Cl − S)/kg of DM] for 21 d to parturition and the other group (n = 30) were fed a usual dry period ration (+192 mEq/kg of DM). Serum samples obtained at days −21, +3 and +21 relative to calving were analyzed for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Urine pH declined from 8.4 at 21 d before calving (pre-treatment) to 6.2 at day 7 pre-partum in the treatment group. Repeated-measure mixed model analysis indicated that the concentrations of Ca were significantly increased and creatinine, and AST were significantly decreased by lowering DCAD. The concentrations of BHBA, NEFA and glucose were not affected by treatment. The incidence of milk fever and culling were 5 and 11 times higher in the control group in comparison with the treatment group, respectively. The intervals from calving to first breeding and to pregnancy were not influenced by treatment. There was no group effect on average daily milk yield or fat percentage.     

Effects of increasing days of exposure to prepartum transition diets on reproduction and health in dairy cows

Objective To evaluate the effect of the number of days exposure to a prepartum transition diet on reproduction and health in dairy cows. Design A prospective cohort study. Procedures We enrolled 1008 dairy cows from three herds to examine the effects on reproduction and health of increased days exposure to prepartum transition diets that included ryegrass pasture, ryegrass silage, cereal hay, grain, by-products, oilseed meals, BioChlor®, rumen modifiers, minerals and vitamins. Diets provided 9.9 MJ metabolisable energy per kg dry matter (DM), a metabolisable protein balance of 286 g/day and a dietary cation anion difference of −150 meq/kg DM. Statistical models controlled for herd, calving day, age and gestation period. Results In two of the three herds increased days exposure to prepartum transition diets increased the hazards of submission for breeding, conception and clinical mastitis, and decreased the hazard of cow removal. The odds of pregnancy by 6 and 21 weeks after the mating start date tended to increase with increasing days of exposure to prepartum transition diets. Conclusions Increasing exposure to a prepartum transition diet improved the calving to conception interval, tended to improve the odds of pregnancy and reduced the risk of culling of cattle, but increased the hazard of clinical mastitis.     

Influence of a marine algae supplementation on the oxidative status of plasma in dairy cows during the periparturient period

This study was part of a larger study that addressed the effects of marine algae (ALG) supplementation in the ration of high yielding periparturient dairy cows. The objectives were to induce milk fat depression (MFD) in early lactation by feeding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from ALG and to determine the effects on milk production, milk components and metabolic status early post partum. This study focuses on the oxidative status in the plasma during the ALG supplementation. Plasma samples were collected from 16 Holstein Friesian cows at the day of parturition and at −1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks relative to calving with half of the cows receiving the ALG supplement (44 g DHA/d) from 3 weeks pre partum on. The following parameters were measured in plasma: ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), α-tocopherol level, glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration. There was a significant effect of time for FRAP and α-tocopherol indicating changes in the plasma oxidative status around parturition. The ALG supplementation was successful in creating a milk fat depression (MFD) but could not improve the energy balance. Feeding of ALG significantly increased lipid peroxidation as measured by TBARS, probably through their high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Effect of dietary net energy concentration on dry matter intake and energy partition in cows in mid‐lactation under heat stress

This study aimed to determine the net energy requirement of Holstein cows in mid‐lactation under heat stress. Twenty‐five multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated to five groups corresponding to five isonitrogenous total mixed rations, with net energy for lactation (NE_L) content of 6.15 (NE‐6.15), 6.36 (NE‐6.36), 6.64 (NE‐6.64), 6.95 (NE‐6.95), 7.36 (NE‐7.36) MJ/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Throughout the experimental period the average temperature humidity index at 07.00, 14.00 and 22.00 hours was 72.1, 88.7, and 77.6, respectively. DM intake decreased significantly with the elevated dietary NE_L concentration. Fat corrected milk increased quadratically, and milk fat content and milk energy (MJ/kg) reached the greatest in the NE‐6.95 group with increasing dietary NE_L content. Strong correlations were found between dietary NE_L content and: (i) DM intake; (ii) NE_L intake; (iii) milk energy (E_l); (iv) E_l/metabolizable energy intake (MEI); (v) E_l/NE_L intake, as well as between NE_L intake and fat corrected milk yield (FCM). The suitable net energy required for dairy cows producing 1 kg FCM ranged from 5.01 to 5.03 MJ, was concluded from the above‐stated regressions. Correlation between heat production (HP) and MEI could be expressed as: Log (HP) = ?0.4304 + 0.2963*MEI (n = 15, R² = 0.99, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.18). Fasting HP was 0.3712 MJ/kg^0.75 when extrapolating MEI to zero.     

石河子垦区奶牛临床型乳房炎的发病规律及治疗现状

为了统计和研究石河子垦区大中型奶牛场临床型乳房炎的发病规律及治疗情况,选择石河子垦区6个大中型奶牛场2 600头奶牛作为调查对象,通过对临床型乳房炎进行鉴定及不同治疗方法进行比较。结果表明2 600头奶牛在4—9月份临床型乳房炎发病270头,发病率10.38%;10—3月份发病163头,发病率6.99%。目前在石河子垦区大中型牛场一般常见的治疗药物主要有左旋咪唑拌料、青霉素钾或先锋Ⅴ等＋糖皮质激素、中草药组方和青霉素钾或先锋Ⅴ等＋中草药组方等。结果,经过预防和治疗后,在4—9月份奶牛临床型乳房炎发病率降至4.92%;10—3月份奶牛临床型乳房炎发病率降至3.00%。调查结果表明：中西医结合用药对临床型乳房炎起到了积极的治疗作用。     

Kisspeptin in the early post–partum of the dairy cow

Recently, a new molecule, kisspeptin (Kp), and in particular Kisspeptin 10 (Kp10), was implicated in stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating Kp10 levels in the early post–partum period of the dairy cow. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows, at 10 (T10), 12 (T12), 14 (T14) and 16 (T16) days after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated using ELISA, and levels of oestrogens (E2) and Kp were evaluated using a radio‐immunologic method. After an initial plateau, Kp10 significantly increased at T14 and decreased at T16. The P4 and E2 mean serum values remained in the physiological range. It is likely that Kp10 enhanced hypothalamic GnRH release as well as pituitary gonadotropin secretion, thus promoting follicular growth and the increase in E2 levels, which might have further enhanced Kp10 release through a positive feedback loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the range of Kp10 blood concentration during the early post–partum period in the dairy cow. The results of our study will increase our current understanding of the complex neuro‐endocrine crosstalk underlying the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the dairy cow.     

Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio in prepartum diet on the dry matter intake and milk yield of periparturient cows during hot weather

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of prepartum diets on dry matter intake (DMI) around parturition and on milk production in early lactation during a hot summer. Nine cows due to calve in July or August were assigned to two groups and fed either control (group C; four cows) or high‐concentrate (group H; five cows) diets to meet 110% of their energy requirements from 18 days before the expected calving date to parturition. The proportion of concentrate in the control diet was 35%, and that in the high‐concentrate diet was 45%. For 21 days after parturition, all cows were fed the same diets for lactation ad libitum. The DMI of cows in group H almost met their energy requirements. In group C, the DMI was decreased relative to group H and the concentration of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids was significantly higher (P < 0.05) before parturition. Therefore, the cows in group C were thought to be energy deficient before parturition. After parturition, there were no significant differences in DMI between the two groups. The milk yield of cows in group H tended to be higher than that of cows in group C at 21 days after parturition. Milk protein yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group H 21 days after parturition relative to group C. There were no significant differences in milk composition between the two groups.