Effect of melatonin injected into the third ventricle on growth hormone secretion in Holstein steers

The effects of melatonin (MEL) injection into the third ventricle (3V) on growth hormone (GH) secretion were investigated in conscious Holstein steers. A stainless steel cannula was stereotaxically implanted in the 3V based on the ventriculogram. In Exp. 1, three doses of MEL (100, 300 or 600 microg) were injected into the 3V through the cannula and the GH concentration after the injection was determined. In Exp. 2, intracerebroventricular (icv) and intravenous (iv) injections of MEL (100 microg) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH; 0.25 microg/kg body weight), respectively, were performed simultaneously to examine the effect of MEL on GHRH-induced GH release. The icv injection of MEL significantly stimulated GH release at 100 microg. The increase in GH concentrations by 100 microg of MEL was persistent. Intravenous injection of GHRH dramatically increased GH release. The injection of MEL did not alter GHRH-induced GH release. These results suggest that MEL stimulates GH secretion possibly through the hypothalamus in cattle.     

Circulating ghrelin concentrations fluctuate relative to nutritional status and influence feeding behavior in cattle

The objective of these experiments was to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with feed intake and hormones indicative of nutritional state of cattle. In Exp.1, 4 steers (BW 450 +/- 14.3 kg) were used in a crossover design to compare plasma ghrelin concentrations of feed-deprived steers with those of steers allowed to consume feed and to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with those of GH, insulin (INS), glucose (GLU), and NEFA. After adaptation to a once-daily feed offering (0800), 2 steers continued the once-daily feeding schedule (FED), whereas feed was withheld from the other 2 steers (FAST). Serial blood samples were collected via indwelling jugular catheter from times equivalent to 22 h through 48 h of feed deprivation. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in FAST compared with FED (690 and 123 +/- 6.5 pg/mL) steers. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations for FED steers prefeeding were elevated (P < 0.001) when compared with those postfeeding (174 and 102 +/- 4.2 pg/mL, respectively). Average plasma GH concentration was elevated (P < 0.05) for FAST steers compared with FED steers. Plasma GLU concentrations were not different; however, for FAST steers, NEFA concentrations were elevated (P < 0.001) and INS concentrations were decreased (P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, 4 steers (BW 416 +/- 17.2 kg) were used in a crossover design to determine the effects of i.v. injection of bovine ghrelin (bGR) on plasma GH, INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations; length of time spent eating; and DMI. Steers were offered feed once daily (0800). Serial blood samples were collected from steers via indwelling jugular catheter. Saline or bGR was injected via jugular catheter at 1200 and 1400. A dosage of 0.08 microg/kg of BW bGR was used to achieve a plasma ghrelin concentration similar to the physiological concentration measured in a FAST steer in Exp. 1 (1,000 pg/mL). Injection of bGR resulted in elevated (P < 0.005) plasma GH concentrations after the 1200 but not the 1400 injection. Plasma INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations were not affected by bGR injection. For the combined 1-h periods postinjection, length of time spent eating was greater (P = 0.02) and DMI tended to be increased (P = 0.06) for bGR steers. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ghrelin serves as a metabolic signal for feed intake or energy balance in ruminants.     

Changes in plasma ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in mature Holstein cows and three-month-old calves

We measured changes in plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations in mature Holstein cows and 3-mo-old female Holstein calves fed at scheduled times. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of ghrelin secretion in dairy cattle and its influence on GH. Animals were fed at 0800 and 1600 for 2 wk before and during experiments. Plasma was sampled for 24 h at 2-h intervals in Exp. 1. In mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.01) just after 0800 but not at the 1600 feeding. Ghrelin concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in calves than in mature cows and they did not decrease after feeding in calves. The temporal relationship between ghrelin and GH remained unclear. In Exp. 2, plasma was sampled 2 h before and after both morning and evening feedings at 20-min intervals. Plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) 40 min after 0800 feeding and 60 min after 1600 feeding in mature cows. These results indicate that in mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentration decreased after feeding, but this decrease was not evident in 3-mo-old calves. Further studies are required to define the relationship between plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations.     

Thyrotropin releasing hormone interactions with growth hormone secretion in horses

Light horse mares, stallions, and geldings were used to 1) extend our observations on the thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) inhibition of GH secretion in response to physiologic stimuli and 2) test the hypothesis that stimulation of endogenous TRH would decrease the normal rate of GH secretion. In Exp. 1 and 2, pretreatment of mares with TRH (10 microg/kg BW) decreased (P < 0.001) the GH response to exercise and aspartate infusion. Time analysis in Exp. 3 indicated that the TRH inhibition lasted at least 60 min but was absent by 120 min. Administration of a single injection of TRH to stallions in Exp. 4 increased (P < 0.001) prolactin concentrations as expected but had no effect (P > 0.10) on GH concentrations. Similarly, 11 hourly injections of TRH administered to geldings in Exp. 5 did not alter (P > 0.10) GH concentrations either during the injections or for the next 14 h. In Exp. 5, it was noted that the prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone responses to TRH were great (P < 0.001) for the first injection, but subsequent injections had little to no stimulatory effect. Thus, Exp. 6 was designed to determine whether the inhibitory effect of TRH also waned after multiple injections. Geldings pretreated with five hourly injections of TRH had an exercise-induced GH response identical to that of control geldings, indicating that the inhibitory effect was absent after five TRH injections. Retrospective analysis of pooled, selected data from Exp. 4, 5, and 6 indicated that endogenous GH concentrations were in fact lower (P < 0.01) from 45 to 75 min after TRH injection but not thereafter. In Exp. 7, 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil was fed to stallions to reduce thyroid activity and hence thyroid hormone feedback, potentially increasing endogenous TRH secretion. Treated stallions had decreased (P < 0.01) concentrations of thyroxine and elevated (P < 0.01) concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone by d 52 of feeding, but plasma concentrations of GH and prolactin were unaffected (P > 0.10). In contrast, the GH response to aspartate and the prolactin response to sulpiride were greater (P < 0.05) in treated stallions than in controls. In summary, TRH inhibited exercise- and aspartate-induced GH secretion. The duration of the inhibition was at least 1 h but less than 2 h, and it waned with multiple injections. There is likely a TRH inhibition of endogenous GH episodes as well. Reduced thyroid feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis did not alter basal GH and prolactin secretion.     

The effect of lighting conditions on the rhythmicity of growth hormone secretion in Holstein steers

Growth hormone (GH) secretion regularity and the effects of lighting condition and GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) on GH release were determined in steers. First, steers were kept under 12:12 L : D conditions (light: 06.00–18.00 hours). The animals were then subjected to a 1‐h advancement in lighting on/off conditions (05.00 and 17.00 hours, respectively). Blood was sampled for 24 h at 1‐h interval on the seventh day of each condition. Second, GHRH was injected intravenously (IV) at 12.00 and 00.00 hours under 12:12 L : D and blood was sampled at 15‐min interval for 4‐h (1 h before and 3 h after the injection). Plasma GH concentrations were measured by a radioimmunoassay. Periodicity of GH secretory profile was calculated by power spectrum analysis using the maximum entropy method. Plasma GH concentrations showed a characteristic pattern consisting of four distinct peaks. Mean periodicity of GH secretory profile was 5.7 h, and it was not altered by any change in lighting conditions. IV injection of GHRH increased GH secretion during the day and night. The increase in GH secretory volume after GHRH injection during the night was equal to that during the day. The present results suggest that GH secreted from the anterior pituitary have regularity in steers.     

Growth hormone in mares and stallions: pulsatile secretion, response to growth hormone-releasing hormone, and effects of exercise, sexual stimulation, and pharmacological agents.

Short-term patterns of growth hormone (GH) secretion and factors affecting it were studied in mares and stallions. In Exp. 1, hourly blood samples were collected from three mares and three stallions in summer and winter. Although GH concentrations varied in a pulsatile manner in all horses, there was no effect of sex or season (P greater than .1) on plasma GH concentrations and no indication of a diurnal pattern of GH secretion. In Exp. 2, 10-min blood samples were drawn for 8 h from 12 mares; after 6 h, porcine GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) was administered i.v. at 0, 45, 90, or 180 micrograms/mare (three mares per dose). Pulsatile secretion of GH occurred in all mares and averaged 2.4 +/- .3 peaks/6 h; amplitudes were variable and ranged from 2.6 to 74.4 ng/mL. Eight of nine mares responded within 20 min to GHRH injection, but there was no difference (P greater than .1) among the three doses tested. In Exp. 3, plasma GH concentrations in stallions increased (P less than .05) 8- to 10-fold after 5 min of acute physical exercise or exposure to an estrual mare. Restraint via a twitch (5 min) and epinephrine administration (3 mg i.v.) also increased (P less than .05) plasma GH concentrations by approximately fourfold. In Exp. 4 and 5, administration of either .4, 2, or 10 mg of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or 100 or 500 mg of sulpiride (a dopamine receptor antagonist) increased (P less than .01) plasma prolactin concentrations but had no effect (P greater than .1) on GH concentrations during the same period of time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Twenty-four-hour growth hormone profiles in Angus steers

A study was conducted in February 1984 to characterize plasma growth hormone (GH) patterns in steers. Eight Angus steers averaging 285 d of age and 276 kg were housed in a sheltered pen and group-fed once daily. Animals gained at a mean rate of .78 kg/d, with individuals ranging from .34 to 1.02 kg/d. A jugular vein cannula was inserted the day before blood sampling, which commenced at 0600 h and continued at 15-min intervals for 24 h. Growth hormone patterns consisted of frequent GH surges of varying amplitude. Growth hormone surges occurred at an average frequency of .7/h. This rate did not differ markedly among steers nor hour of day. The magnitude of GH secretory surges varied significantly among steers and during the 24-h period. Growth hormone peaks averaged 47.0 and 27.2 ng/ml in steers having the highest and lowest GH surges, respectively. During the 24-h period there were two to four 2- to 3-h periods in which GH surges were reduced in amplitude. These trough periods occurred at approximately 6-h intervals in two steers, imparting rhythmicity to GH profiles of these animals. Periods of reduced surge amplitudes and intervening secretory episodes were less periodic in the other steers. Steers were fed at 1400 h and in all steers GH levels fell from 1400 to 1600 h, and then rebounded with two to four high amplitude surges. Peak and mean GH levels were associated positively (r = .93, P less than .01) and both were associated negatively with rates of gain (r = -.82 and -.74, respectively; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Strategies to reduce feedlot cattle heat stress: effects on tympanic temperature

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different management strategies on body temperature of feedlot steers finished in the summer months. In Exp. 1, 24 crossbred steers were chosen to assess the effect of altered feed intake and feeding time on tympanic temperature (TT) response. Managed feeding (MF) treatments were applied for 22 d only and provided 1) ad libitum access to feed at 0800 (ADLIB), 2) feed at 1600 with amount adjusted so that no feed was available at 0800 (BKMGT), 3) feed at 1600 at 85% of predicted ad libitum levels (LIMFD). During heat stress conditions on d 20 to 22 of MF, LIMFD and BKMGT had lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB from 2100 through 2400. A carryover effect of limit-feeding was evident during a severe heat episode (d 36 to 38) with LIMFD steers having lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB. In Exp. 2, TT were obtained from 24 crossbred steers assigned to three treatments, consisting of no water application (CON), water applied to feedlot mound surfaces from 1000 to 1200 (AM) or 1400 to 1600 (PM). From 2200 to 0900 and 1200 to 1400, steers assigned to morning sprinkling treatment had lower (P < 0.05) TT than steers assigned to afternoon sprinkling treatment. In Exp. 3, 24 steers were utilized in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with factors of feeding time [0800 (AMF) and 1400 (PMF)] and sprinkling (WET and DRY). Tympanic temperatures were monitored under hot environmental conditions on d 30 to 32 and 61 to 62. A feeding time x sprinkling interaction (P < 0.001) was evident on d 30 to 32, although AMF/DRY steers had the highest (P < 0.05) TT. On d 61 to 62, TT of PMF steers was higher (P < 0.05) than AMF between 1500 to 1800. Use of sprinklers can effectively reduce TT of feedlot cattle, whereas shifting to an afternoon vs morning feeding time was most beneficial when bunks were empty several hours prior to feeding.     

Feeding-induced increases in insulin do not suppress secretion of growth hormone

Secretion of growth hormone (GH) is reduced for several hours after feeding when access to feed is restricted to a 2-hr period each day. We hypothesized that increased secretion of insulin after feeding inhibits release of GH from the anterior pituitary gland. Our objectives were to determine whether: 1) alloxan prevents concentrations of insulin from increasing after feeding steers; 2) concentrations of GH remain high after feeding alloxan-treated steers; and 3) GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates greater release of GH in alloxan-treated, than in control, steers after feeding. Steers were injected iv with either saline (control) or with alloxan (110 mg/kg) (n = 4 per group). Concentrations of insulin were not different (P = 0.61) between control and alloxan-treated steers before feeding (87.5 +/- 33.6 pmol/l). However, alloxan prevented insulin from increasing (P < 0.001) after feeding (131.8 pmol/1) compared with control steers (442.0 pmol/l) (pooled SEM = 47.5). Overall, GH was higher (P < 0.05) in alloxan-treated (6.4 ng/ml) than in control steers (3.7 ng/ml) (pooled SEM = 0.7), but GH decreased (P < 0.001) after feeding in both groups. Iv injection of GHRH stimulated release of GH 1 hr before, but not when injected 1 hr after feeding (P < 0.001). In addition, net areas under the GH curve were not significantly different between control and alloxan-treated groups. We conclude that increased concentrations of insulin after feeding do not mediate feeding-induced suppression of GH secretion in steers.     

Feeding-induced increases in insulin do not suppress secretion of growth hormone

Secretion of growth hormone (GH) is reduced for several hours after feeding when access to feed is restricted to a 2-hr period each day. We hypothesized that increased secretion of insulin after feeding inhibits release of GH from the anterior pituitary gland. Our objectives were to determine whether: 1) alloxan prevents concentrations of insulin from increasing after feeding steers; 2) concentrations of GH remain high after feeding alloxan-treated steers; and 3) GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates greater release of GH in alloxan-treated, than in control, steers after feeding. Steers were injected iv with either saline (control) or with alloxan (110 mg/kg) (n = 4 per group). Concentrations of insulin were not different (P = 0.61) between control and alloxan-treated steers before feeding (87.5 +/- 33.6 pmol/l). However, alloxan prevented insulin from increasing (P < 0.001) after feeding (131.8 pmol/1) compared with control steers (442.0 pmol/l) (pooled SEM = 47.5). Overall, GH was higher (P < 0.05) in alloxan-treated (6.4 ng/ml) than in control steers (3.7 ng/ml) (pooled SEM = 0.7), but GH decreased (P < 0.001) after feeding in both groups. Iv injection of GHRH stimulated release of GH 1 hr before, but not when injected 1 hr after feeding (P < 0.001). In addition, net areas under the GH curve were not significantly different between control and alloxan-treated groups. We conclude that increased concentrations of insulin after feeding do not mediate feeding-induced suppression of GH secretion in steers.     

Effect of live weight gain of steers during winter grazing: III. Blood metabolites and hormones during feedlot finishing

Two experiments were conducted using 48 Angus x Angus-Hereford steers in each experiment to determine the effect of previous winter grazing BW gain on jugular concentrations of metabolites and hormones during feedlot finishing. In each experiment, steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) high rate of BW gain grazing winter wheat (HGW), 2) low rate of BW gain grazing winter wheat (LGW), or 3) grazing dormant tallgrass native range (NR) with 0.91 kg/d of a 41% CP (DM basis) supplement. Steers grazed for 120 or 144 d in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Plasma and serum were collected from all steers before placement into a feedlot, and six or seven times during finishing in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. In Exp. 1, before steers entered the feedlot, concentrations of insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were greater (P < 0.05) in HGW than in LGW or NR steers, and concentrations of IGF-I and plasma urea-N were greater (P < 0.05) in steers that grazed wheat pasture than in NR steers. In Exp. 2, concentrations of glucose, T3, T4, and IGF-I were greater (P < 0.05) in steers that grazed wheat pasture than NR steers. In Exp. 1 (P < 0.19) and 2 (P < 0.86), glucose concentration did not differ among treatments during finishing. In Exp. 1, insulin concentration across days on feed was greater for HGW than LGW steers, which were greater than for NR steers (treatment x day interaction, P < 0.03). In Exp. 2, insulin concentration increased (P < 0.001) as days on feed increased. Concentrations of IGF-I were greater in steers that had grazed wheat pasture, whereas the increase in IGF-I with increasing days on feed was greater for NR steers (treatment x day interaction, P < 0.003). Concentrations of T3 and T4 during finishing were greater (P < 0.001) in HGW and LGW than in NR steers in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, T4 concentration also differed (P < 0.009) among treatments (HGW > LGW > NR). In Exp. 2, final concentration of glucose was greater (P < 0.01) in NR than in HGW and LGW steers, and serum insulin concentration was greater (P < 0.04) in NR than LGW steers. Final concentrations of T3 (P < 0.01) and T4 (P < 0.004) were greater in NR than in HGW steers. Our data show that previous BW gain can affect blood metabolites and hormones in steers entering the feedlot. However, lower concentrations of T3, T4, and IGF-I in steers when they entered the feedlot did not inhibit the growth response of previously restricted steers.     

Effects of human pancreatic and rat hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing factors on growth hormone secretion in steers

Potencies of human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor [hpGRF(1–40)-OH] and of a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal 29 residues of rat hypothalamic GRF, [rGRF(1–29)-NH₂] were compared in two experiments. Eight Angus steers averaging 297 days of age and 290 kg in February 1984 were used in Exp. 1. Five months later six of the steers, weighing 391 kg, were used in Exp. 2.In Exp. 1, hpGRF(1–40)-OH and rGRF(1–29)-NH₂ were infused for 5 min at rates of 0, 1.3, 2.6, 5.2, 7.8 and 13.3 pmol/min/kg. Two steers were infused simultaneously, one received hpGRF(1–40)-OH and the other the equivalent dose of rGRF(1–29)-NH₂. Four pairs of steers received each dose. Both peptides elicited rapid GH release. Plasma GH concentrations peaked 15 to 20 min following onset of GRF administration, and returned to baseline levels 60 to 90 min later. Minimum effective doses, the lowest dose tested that resulted in a statistically significant GH reponse, were 5.2 pmol/min/kg hpGRF(1–40)-OH and 13.3 pmol/min/kg rGRF(1–29)-NH₂. Magnitudes of GH responses to 5.2, 7.8 and 13.3 pmol/min/kg hpGRF(1–40)-OH and 13.3 pmol/min/kg rGRF(1–29)-NH₂ were similar; corresponding to respective peak concentrations of 79, 66, 57 and 56 ng/ml. Growth hormone levels before GRF administration averaged 16 ng/ml.Experiment two was designed like the first except steers were infused for 6 hr with hpGRF(1–40)-OH and rGRF(1–29)-NH₂ at rates of 0, .5 and 1 pmol/min/kg. Both peptides at both rates raised (P<.05) GH concentrations during the 6 hr infusion period. Mean GH levels were 7 ng/ml during saline infusion, 30 and 23 ng/ml during infusion of .5 pmol/min/kg hpGRF(1–40)-OH and rGRF(1–29)-NH₂, and 41 and 27 ng/ml during infusion of 1 pmol/min/kg of the respective peptides. The initial GH response was biphasic, after which GH levels decreased temporarily and then one or two more GH surges occurred during the latter portion of the infusion period. Results demonstrate that hpGRF(1–40)-OH and rGRF(1–29)-NH₂ are potent GH secretagogues in steers. Potency of rGRF(1–29)-NH₂ is about 40% of hpGRF(1–40)-OH. Intrinsic activities, their ability to stimulate maximum GH secretion, appear to be similar. Both peptides are effective in raising GH levels over a 6 hr constant infusion period.     

Administration of recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor-alpha affects intermediary metabolism and insulin and growth hormone secretion in dairy heifers

Four experiments were conducted to clarify the effect of intravenous (i.v.) administration of recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor alpha (rbTNF) on selected metabolites and on hormone secretion in Holstein heifers (n = 6; 347.0 kg average BW). In Exp. 1, rbTNF was injected at three dosage levels in a Latin square; 0 (CONT), 2.5 (TNF2.5), or 5.0 (TNF5) microg/kg BW. Plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations were at first elevated (P < .05) by rbTNF treatment and then were decreased (P < .05) by TNF2.5 and TNF5. Plasma NEFA concentrations were increased (P < .05) in rbTNF-treated groups. The injection of rbTNF resulted in an increase in plasma insulin levels (P < .05 with TNF5) during the period between 2 and 24 h, except for the period between 6 and 8 h, after the treatment. In Exp. 2, 3, and 4, each heifer received i.v. injections of glucose (.625 mM/kg BW) + rbTNF (5 microg/kg) or glucose + saline (10 mL) (Exp. 2), insulin (0.2 U/kg) + rbTNF or insulin + saline (Exp. 3), and GHRH (0.25 microg/kg) + rbTNF or GHRH + saline (Exp. 4) at 1-wk intervals. In Exp. 2, rbTNF inhibited (P < .05) glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during the initial phase. Thereafter, plasma insulin was higher (P < .01) with the glucose + rbTNF treatment than with the glucose + saline treatment. Treatment with rbTNF inhibited the insulin-stimulated glucose utilization (Exp. 3) and GHRH-stimulated GH secretion (Exp. 4) during the initial phase. These results suggest that rbTNF directly and(or) indirectly affects the intermediary metabolism and hormone secretion in Holstein heifers.     

Effects of an Estradiol Implant on Locoweed Consumption,Toxicity, and Recovery in Growing Beef Steers

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of an estradiol implant (Compudose®) on locoweed consumption and toxicity in growing steers. In Exp. 1, 16 crossbred steers (185.3 ± 6.1 kg) were randomly assigned to two replicated treatments and received either an estradiol implant or no implant. Steers were assigned to one of four pastures and were rotated through all pastures, which differed in locoweed distribution, to allow equal access. Bite counts were recorded twice daily at 0600 and 1700 h during a period when steers were likely to consume locoweed. For bite counts, steers were observed for 5 min each, starting at 0600 and at 1700 h, and the number of bites taken of cool- and warm-season grasses, forbs, and locoweed were recorded. Blood was collected on d 0, 7, 28, 35, 63, and 119, and individual BW was recorded on d 0, 35, 63, and 119. Proportion of bites of locoweed consumed by implanted vs nonimplanted steers did not differ (P>0.10). Likewise, ADG, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and thyroxine concentrations did not differ (P>0.10) between implanted and nonimplanted steers. In Exp. 2, 20 crossbred steers (212.3 ± 6.1 kg) were divided into four groups and individually fed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments included: 1) estradiol implant + locoweed, 2) implant, no locoweed, 3) no implant + locoweed, and 4) no implant, no locoweed. Steers were implanted at d 0 and fed either a ground forage diet containing 80% sudangrass hay and 20% locoweed, or a diet of 100% sudangrass hay. Implanted steers had improved ADG vs nonimplanted steers (P<0.10) through 63 d on trial, but no differences were observed in steers fed locoweed vs sudangrass hay diets (P>0.90; locoweed x implant, P>0.10). Alkaline phosphatase activity was greater (P<0.05) for steers fed locoweed vs those not receiving locoweed on d 7, 14, and 21, whereas, thyroxine concentration was lower (P<0.06) in steers fed locoweed than those not fed locoweed on d 14 and 21. Estradiol concentrations were greater in implanted steers vs those not implanted (P<0.05). These results suggest no effect of an estrogen implant on locoweed consumption or on severity of locoweed toxicity by beef steers.     

Effects of cottonseed meal supplementation time on ruminal fermentation and forage intake by Holstein steers fed fescue hay.

Four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (average BW 303 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design digestion trial to study the influence of daily cottonseed meal (CSM; 1.6 g of CP/kg of BW) supplementation time on forage intake and ruminal fluid kinetics and fermentation. Steers were housed individually in tie stalls and were fed chopped fescue hay on an ad libitum basis at 0600 and 1400. Treatments were 1) control, grass hay only (CON) and grass hay and CSM fed once daily at 2) 0600 (EAM) 3) 1000 (MAM), or 4) 1400 (PM). Ruminal NH3 N concentrations reflected a time of supplementation x sampling time interaction (P less than .05); CON steers had the lowest (P less than .05) ruminal NH3 N concentrations at all times other than at 0600, 1000, 1200, and 2400, when they did not differ (P greater than .05) from at least one of the supplemented groups. Forage intake, ratio of bacterial purine:N, rate of DM and NDF disappearance, and ruminal fluid kinetics were not influenced (P greater than .05) by supplementation time. Total ruminal VFA differed (P less than .05) between CON and supplemented steers, as well as among supplemented steers (linear and quadratic effects P less than .05). Acetate, propionate, and valerate proportions were influenced (P less than .05) by a sampling time X supplementation time interaction. Under the conditions of this study, greater peak ammonia concentrations with morning supplementation than with afternoon supplementation did not stimulate ruminal fermentation or rate of NDF disappearance.     

Evidence for endogenous opioid modulation of serum luteinizing hormone and prolactin in the steer

Opioid modulation of LH and prolactin (PRL) concentrations in Angus steers was investigated. In Exp. 1, morphine sulfate (M) was administered at either 1, 2 or 3 mg/kg BW (n = 4) as an i.v. injection. Blood samples were obtained at 15-min intervals for 4 h pre- and post-treatment for serum hormone analyses. Mean serum LH concentration and number of LH secretory pulses decreased (P less than .1) for 2 h after M (4.1 to nadir of 2.4 ng/ml, and .33 vs. .21 pulses/h; pre- vs post-treatment). Luteinizing hormone pulse amplitude decreased (P less than .01; 7.3 vs 2.6 ng/ml; pre- vs post-treatment) during the 2 h following M. Prolactin concentrations increased 126.6%, 170.6% and 187.6% following 1, 2 and 3 mg M/kg BW, respectively (P less than .05, 1 vs 2; P less than .01, 1 vs 3). In Exp. 2, either saline solution (S, n = 6) or M (.31 mg/kg BW, i.v. injection followed by .15 mg/(kg.h) infusion; n = 6) was given for 7 h. Concentration of LH was unaffected. Response of LH to naloxone was determined in Exp. 3. Blood samples were obtained for 2 h pre- and post-administration of either naloxone (1 mg/kg BW, i.v. injection; n = 5) or S (n = 5). Response of LH at 15, 30 and 45 min posttreatment was greater (P less than .05) in naloxone- compared with S-treated steers. In summary, M had no significant effect on serum LH concentration or LH pulse frequency, but it decreased pulse amplitude and increased serum PRL concentrations. In contrast, naloxone increased LH secretion. These observations taken together indicate a physiological role for opioid modulation of LH and PRL secretion in the steer.     

Use of osmotic pumps for subcutaneous infusion of growth hormone-releasing factors in steers and wethers

Osmotic pumps were evaluated for 7-d delivery of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF). In Exp. 1, 12 steers weighing 253 kg received hGRF(1-29)NH2 in H2O at rates of 0, 3, 30 and 300 pmol.h-1.kg-1. Pumps were implanted s.c. on d 0 and removed at 1200 on d 7. Blood samples were drawn at 20-min intervals from 0800 to 1200 on d -1, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Growth hormone levels were not altered by GRF treatment (P greater than .05). Solubility and volume limitations render hGRF(1-29)NH2 delivery via osmotic pumps problematical. Flow rate and duration of release of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO):H2) (1:1) from osmotic pumps incubated in vivo and in vitro were found to be consistent with manufacturer's specifications. Two hGRF(1-29) analogues, Ro23-7863 and 4SG-29, were dissolved in DMSO:H2O. In Exp. 2, six 222-kg steers had pumps implanted and blood samples were taken as in Exp. 1. Three steers received each analogue at a rate of 300 pmol.h-1.kg-1. Analogues had similar GH-releasing ability and GH levels differed (P less than 0.001) among days, being approximately fourfold higher on d 3, 5 and 7 than on d -1, 1 and 9. Residual analogue solutions retained full bioactivity after 7-d implantation, and in vitro biopotencies of Ro23-7863 and 4SG-29 were similar (Exp. 3). In Exp. 4, 15 wethers (means = 31.3 kg) received osmotic pumps delivering 0, 3, 15, 75 and 300 pmol.h-1.kg-1 Ro23-7863 in DMSO:H2O for 7 d. Lambs were bled at 0800 and 1400 from d -1 to 8. The latter two doses increased (P less than .01) mean GH levels 2.7- and 4.3-fold over those in control animals during the treatment period. Results demonstrate that increased GH secretion can be elicited in steers and wethers for 1 wk by continuous s.c. infusion of GRF analogues utilizing osmotic pumps.     

Effects of melatonin and progesterone administered to ewes in spring and summer

Melatonin (MEL) was evaluated for effects on LH, prolactin (PRL) and fertility in spring (Exp. 1, 2) and summer (Exp. 3 to 5). In Exp. 1, 17 ovariectomized ewes bearing estradiol implants were fed 3 mg MEL or vehicle for 44 d beginning May 1. Melatonin decreased (P less than .001) PRL levels but had no effect on LH secretion and response to GnRH. In Exp. 2, 12 ewes each received a 40-d MEL ear implant or a sham implant on March 31. Progesterone-releasing pessaries (CIDR) were applied for 12 d and were withdrawn concomitant with ram joining on May 7. Neither treatment stimulated follicular development or induced estrus or ovulation. Exp. 3 and 4 were contemporary 2 x 2 factorial trials with 24 ewes at each of two locations. Melatonin implants were administered on June 29 and CIDR on July 22. The CIDR were removed and rams (Exp. 3, vasectomized; Exp. 4, fertile) were joined on August 3. Days from introduction of rams to estrus were reduced (P less than .05) by CIDR but not by MEL. All ewes lambed in Exp. 4, and days to estrus and conception were reduced (P less than .001) by CIDR but not by MEL. Exp. 5 was designed like Exp. 4 except that MEL implants were inserted June 20 and rams were joined August 8. Intervals from introduction of rams to estrus were reduced (P less than .01) by both MEL and CIDR treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces secretion of growth hormone in cattle.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates release of growth hormone (GH) from cultured bovine anterior pituitary gland cells, but the role of PACAP on the regulation of in vivo secretion of GH in cattle is not known. To test the hypothesis that PACAP induces secretion of GH in cattle, meal-fed Holstein steers were injected with incremental doses of PACAP (0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 microg/kg BW) before feeding and concentrations of GH in serum were quantified. Compared with saline, injection of 3 and 10 microg PACAP/kg BW increased peak concentrations of GH in serum from 11.2 ng/ml to 23.7 and 21.8 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.01). Peak concentrations of GH in serum were similar in steers injected with 3 or 10 microg PACAP/kg BW. Meal-fed Holstein steers were then injected with 3 microg/PACAP/kg BW either 1 hr before feeding or 1 hr after feeding to determine if PACAP-induced secretion of GH was suppressed after feeding. Feeding suppressed basal concentrations of GH in serum. Injection of PACAP before feeding induced greater peak concentrations of GH in serum (19.2 +/- 2.6 vs. 11.7 +/- 2.6 ng/ml) and area under the response curve (391 +/- 47 vs. 255 +/- 52 ng. ml(-1) min) than injection of PACAP after feeding, suggesting somatotropes become refractory to PACAP after feeding similar to that observed by us and others with growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). We concluded that PACAP induces secretion of GH and could play a role in regulating endogenous secretion of GH in cattle, perhaps in concert with GHRH.     

The effect of fasting, transit plus fasting, and administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone on the source and amount of weight lost by feeder steers of different ages.

Two trials (winter and summer) were conducted to determine effects of fasting and transportation and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration on the amount and source of weight lost by feeder steers. Sixteen steers, in each of two experiments, were adapted to metabolism stalls for 10 d, were fed medium-quality hay at 2.1% of BW for 3 d, and then were subjected to either fasting alone or fasting plus transit for 48 h. In Exp. 1 steers were randomly assigned to treatments. In Exp. 2 steers were blocked by age (OLD or YOUNG) and assigned to treatments. Fecal and urinary excretions accounted for 65 and 38% of the total weight lost in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Fasting plus transit did not consistently increase the amount of weight lost compared with fasting alone but increased (P less than .01) plasma glucose concentrations. Injection of ACTH before either fasting alone or fasting plus transit increased (P less than .05) the amount of weight lost as feces. Steers in the OLD group lost more weight during transit and fasting but regained the lost weight faster (P less than .01) during the recovery period than did steers in the YOUNG group. Injecting YOUNG steers with ACTH before fasting alone or fasting plus transit increased plasma fibrinogen (P less than .10) and serum glucose (P less than .05) concentrations more than ACTH injections in OLD steers. Although fasting and transit elicit mobilization of body nutrients and resulted in a loss of BW, these effects were quickly reversed during the poststress period.