Energy requirements of young female cattle. 6. Energy requirements

Results taken from 6 experiments with young female cattle comprising 477 metabolism periods served the derivation of the animals energy requirement in the development range greater than 125 kg live weight according to the factorial method. The energy requirement per kg LW0.75 and day, calculated from metabolism data, was independent of the stage of development and the intensity of feeding. It averaged 455 +/- 66 kJ metabolizable energy/kg LW0.75.d and 250 +/- 37 kJ NEFcattle/kg LW0.75.d respectively. The partial energy requirement for live weight gain, expressed in net energy fat, was equivalent to the energy content of the live weight gain. Energy retention and thus energy requirement per kg live weight gain increased with the live weight and reached a maximum of 26 MJ. Energy retention per kg live weight gain largely depended on the intensity of feeding and the stage of gravidity. Restrictive energy supply and progressing gravidity decreased energy content in the weight gain. The influences mentioned were taken into consideration on the derivation of the partial requirement for live weight gain. Equations were developed for the estimation of the energy requirement of young female cattle, which can be applied to both gravid and non-gravid cattle.     

Energy balance and body condition influence luteal function in Holstein heifers

A factorial experiment was conducted to determine influence of energy balance (EB) and body condition (BC) on luteal function in heifers. Heifers with moderate (MBC) or fat (FBC) BC were fed individually to sustain positive EB (PEB) or to cause negative EB (NEB). Intake of feed was measured daily and body weight weekly. Progesterone was quantified daily in serum for 3.5 estrous cycles. On days 9, 10, or 11 after fourth estrus, blood was sampled every 15 min for 12 hr to quantify luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH), insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). The next day, luteal cells were incubated and proportions of small to large cells were determined. After fourth estrus, area of progesterone profiles in serum for 10 days postestrus was reduced in all heifers relative to MBC-PEB heifers. But, luteal weight from FBC-PEB and MBC-NEB heifers was less than MBC-PEB heifers and FBC-NEB heifers were intermediate. Secretion of progesterone in vitro was increased by LH for PEB but not NEB heifers. MBC-NEB heifers had increased ratios of small to large luteal cells. Independent of BC, NEB decreased concentrations of insulin and increased GH and NEFA. Secretion of progesterone was not associated with LH, GH or insulin, but was correlated negatively with NEFA. We conclude that reduced concentrations of progesterone in serum of FBC-PEB and MBC-NEB heifers is due to impaired luteal development. But, reduced concentrations of progesterone in serum of NEB heifers is due also to reduced basal (MBC) and LH-induced (MBC and FBC) secretion of progesterone by luteal cells. Body condition at onset of NEB may determine when effects of NEB on progesterone are detected.     

Familial chondrodysplasia in Holstein calves.

After the release of a report from France on the occurrence of malformed calves genetically related to a Holstein sire, a study was performed to characterize the defect. Danish breeders were encouraged to submit defective progeny of the sire for laboratory examination. Four cases were submitted, whereas a fifth case was only reported. Lesions in affected calves were analogous, with disproportionate growth retardation characterized by fascial dysplasia and shortening of the vertebral column and the abaxial skeleton. Endochondral osteogenesis was disturbed with disorganization of epiphyseal plate chondrocytes, a lesion consistent with generalized chondrodysplasia. Based on morphology, the defect was grouped as a "Dexter bulldog type". A genetic etiology was suspected as cases occurred in a familial pattern. Genealogical evaluation revealed several common ancestors belonging to widely used breeding lines of US Holstein, but because of the extensive use of these sires, their presence in the pedigrees of affected calves might be accidental. Further studies are needed to determine the mode of inheritance.     

Brachyspina syndrome in two Holstein calves

Brachyspina syndrome, a rare lethal skeletal malformation, is described in two Italian Holstein calves. Both calves were stillborn and had shortened trunks with long legs. Radiography demonstrated several abnormalities of the cervical and thoracolumbar vertebral column. Visceral malformations involving the heart, kidney, genital tract and gastrointestinal system were also found. Both calves were traced back to the same sire and an inherited basis was strongly suspected.     

Maternal body condition during late-pregnancy is associated with in utero development and neonatal growth of Holstein calves

Background: Nutritional management in the dry period can alter body condition score(BCS) in dairy cows, a subjective measure of body fat. As such, differences in BCS during late-pregnancy not only mirror nutrient utilization by fat depots, but also can play important roles on the metabolic and hormonal environment. We investigated the association between cow BCS during late-pregnancy on developmental parameters and blood variables of neonatal calves. Forty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by prepartal BCS into normal BCS ≤3.25(NormBCS; 3.02 ± 0.17, n = 30) or high BCS ≥3.75(HighBCS; 3.83 ± 0.15, n = 19) groups.Plasma samples were collected from cows at-10 d relative to parturition. Body weight, hip and wither height, hip width and body length were measured at birth and weekly through weaning(42 d of age) and until 9 weeks of age. Calf blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at birth(before receiving colostrum, 0 d), 24 h after first colostrum and at 7, 21, 42 and 50 d of age. The data were subjected to ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS. The statistical model included day, BCS, and their interactions.Results: Dry matter intake(kg/d or % of body weight) during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was lower(P ≤ 0.06) in HighBCS cows. Plasma concentrations of fatty acids, ceruloplasmin, and nitric oxide were greater overall(P 0.05) at d-10 prior to calving in HighBCS cows, and they tended(P = 0.08) to have greater concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites. Birth body weight was lower(P = 0.03) in calves born to dams with HighBCS. In addition,plasma concentrations of fatty acids, albumin and urea(P 0.05) were greater in those calves. Although calves born to cows with HighBCS maintained a lower postnatal body weight(P = 0.04), hip and wither height, hip width, and body length, there was no difference(P 0.05) in daily starter intake and average daily gain due to maternal BCS.Conclusions: Overall, results highlight an association between BCS during late-gestation on in utero calf development and postnatal growth. A high maternal BCS during late-gestation was associated with lower calf body weights, which could be due to lower maternal intakes and a state of inflammation and metabolic stress.     

Cardiac isoenzymes in healthy Holstein calves and calves with experimentally induced endotoxemia

This paper describes a controlled study designed to establish normal values for cardiac troponins I and T (cTnI and cTnT) and CK-MB mass in healthy newborn Holstein calves, and to compare values for cTnI, cTnT, CK-MB and total creatine kinase (CK) with age-matched calves experiencing experimentally induced endotoxemia. Nineteen healthy Holstein bull calves, 48 to 72 h of age were used. Baseline cTnI, cTnT, CK-MB and total CK measurements were obtained from control (n = 9) and experimental (n = 10) calves. Controls then received physiological saline and experimental calves received endotoxin (O55:B5 Escherichia coli LPS) intravenously after which cardiac biomarkers and total CK were measured at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-initiation of infusion. Measured values were analyzed and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by repeated measure design, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The cardiac biomarker cTnT was not detected in any calf at any time point, and CK-MB was only detected in 5 of 95 samples. The cTnI was significantly increased compared to baseline and controls, 3 h post lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion. Total CK was significantly increased in LPS administered calves at 18 and 24 h post infusion. The mean, standard deviation, and range for cTnI in healthy controls were 0.023 ng/mL (s = 0.01), and 0.01 to 0.05 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, LPS administration was associated with rapid and significant increases in cTnI but CK-MB and cTnT were not detected in the plasma of healthy calves. Total CK values increased significantly following LPS administration. Biochemical evidence of myocardial injury occurs within 3 h following LPS administration to neonatal Holstein calves.     

哺乳犊牛的消化特点与蛋白质需要

本文从犊牛的消化生理特点出发,综述了犊牛出生后的生理特征及蛋白质、必需氨基酸的需要量,并对代乳品中蛋白质原料进行了论述。     

Experimental Babesia bovis infection in Holstein calves

One intact and two splenectomized Holstein calves were infected intravenously with a Mexican strain of Babesia bovis and killed following the onset of severe clinical disease. A light and electron microscopic study was conducted on selected tissues to examine the relationship between parasitized erythrocytes and microvascular endothelial cells. The pattern and degree of specific organ sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes was assessed and correlated to lesions. Red blood cells infected with Babesia bovis exhibited stellate membrane protrusions. This morphological change appeared to mediate erythrocyte sequestration in the microvascular and capillary beds of the brain, kidney, and adrenal gland by an as yet unknown mechanism(s).     

Bovine neonatal pancytopenia in German Holstein calves

Profiles of blood cell counts were evaluated for 15 calves from three different farms. These calves showed petechia in the mucous membranes and in the skin and prolonged secondary bleeding after puncture. The clinical course of the disease could be observed in eleven calves. With exception of one case, the blood cell counts indicated a severe anaemia, leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Out of these 15 calves, six calves survived and the other nine calves died or had to be euthanized due to the severity of the disease. Necropsy of these nine calves revealed petechia in the skin, subcutis, muscles, in inner organs and all serous membranes. Pathohistological examination showed a depletion of the bone marrow and lymphatic tissue in eight calves. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) for eight of these nine calves. Bluetongue virus serotype 8 was tested negatively using PCR. Bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was negatively tested using immunofluorescence and cell culture and salmonella species were negatively tested in seven dissected calves. A cluster of toxins was negatively tested in one of the dissected calves. All 15 calves had high antibody titres for BVDV. The BVDV-antibody titres from twelve dams with affected calves were positive in six cases and not detectable in the other six cases. In three of the six dams with not detectable BVDV-antibody titres, calves were fed with colostrum of a further dam with high BVDV-antibody titres. In the further three dams without detectable BVDV-antibody titres, we could not ascertain which colostrum has been fed to the calves. BVDV-specific antigen could not be detected in any of the samples from the calves and dams tested. Using the activity of the gamma-glutamyl-transferase, we assumed a sufficient supply with colostrum for the examined calves.The cause for the occurrence of these BNP cases was due to bone marrow depletion.The reason for the bone marrow depletion remained unclear. However, it was obvious that the BNP described here is highly likely caused by colostrum from cows with positive BVDV-antibody titres.     

Energy requirements of young female cattle. 5. Energy intake and energy expenditure

From 6 experiments dealing with the development of young female cattle, partly from calf to calving, 660 metabolism periods were evaluated as to energy intake, live weight gain (LWG) and energy expenditure. Growth intensity was deliberately regulated through energy intake. In the experiment with the highest growth rate the average LWG was greater than 850 g/animal and day and in the experiment with the lowest growth rate at about 550 g/animal and day. Energy expenditure increased from 15 MJ net energy fatcattle/kg LWG at a live weight of 50 kg to 50-80 MJ NEFcattle/kg LWG in clear dependence on growth intensity. Comparative examinations of energy intake and energy requirement, estimated with equations forming the basis of recommendations for the energy supply of young female cattle in the framework of the GDR system of feed evaluation, lead to the conclusion that a new concept of identifying the energy requirement of young female cattle has to be developed.     

Familial occurrence of diprosopus in German Holstein calves

Diprosopus was diagnosed in six German Holstein calves born on different dairy farms. The degree of facial duplication varied from a partial doubling of the nostrils and upper jaw to complete duplication of the face with formation of two mouths, four eyes and four ears. Further calves descending from the same parents or dams and calves from the same farms were not affected. A joint pedigree was ascertained for the calves with diprosopus. Furthermore, a previously reported case of diprosopus could be traced back to the same ancestors of this pedigree. Consequently, we detected the first time a familial accumulation of diprosopus. Since the ancestors showed no signs of diprosopus and the frequency of diprosopus in German Holsteins is presumably low, an oligogenic inheritance is likely. Recessive genes or a combination of recessive and dominant genes may cause this anomaly.     

Salmonellosis in young calves

The isolation of three strains of porcine parvovirus from aborted foetal piglets is recorded and the role of this virus as a cause of reproductive failure in pigs is discussed.     

开食料中粗蛋白质水平对荷斯坦犊牛养分消化率和氮代谢的影响

为研究开食料中粗蛋白质水平对断奶犊牛营养物质消化率及氮平衡的影响,本试验选取15头荷斯坦公犊牛分别饲喂粗蛋白质水平为16.22%(低蛋白质组)、20.21%(中蛋白质组)和24.30%(高蛋白质组)的开食料。开食料采用限饲,试验在犊牛的8～16周龄进行,在10周龄和13周龄时,每组分别选取3头牛进行代谢试验。试验期为7d,采取全收粪法。结果表明,10周龄时,除粗蛋白质外,低蛋白质组的其他营养物质消化率均高于另外两组。13周龄时,除干物质外,其他营养物质的消化率均随日粮粗蛋白质水平升高而升高。犊牛的粪氮、尿氮、吸收氮、沉积氮和氮的总利用率随开食料中粗蛋白质水平的升高而升高。由此可得,日龄对犊牛营养物质的消化率存在影响,犊牛的吸收氮和沉积氮随开食料中粗蛋白质水平的升高而升高,但氮的排放也会随之升高。     

Factors influencing growth of Canadian Holstein calves in Ghana

Factors thought to influence monthly body weight and average daily gain of 122 first and second generation Canadian Holstein calves aged six to 24 months were studied. All factors (generation, sex, parity, season, age and year) studied accounted for 55.9 to 71.2% and 35.6 to 69.1% of the variation in body weight and average daily gain respectively. Parity, year and generation were the most important factors influencing all traits and accounted for 34.4 to 64.3% and 22.9 to 66.8% of the variation in body weight and average daily gain. Least squares means were, for body weight 144.2, 222.6, 330.5 and 377.9 kg at six, 12, 18 and 24 months and for average daily gain 0.42, 0.37, 0.50 and 0.39 kg at six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18 and 18 to 24 month intervals. It was concluded that offspring of Canadian Holsteins in this environment under adequate management and nutrition will be of adequate size for heifers to calve under 30 months of age and steers to reach 400 kg slaughter weight in 24 months.     

Crude protein and amino acid requirements of growing-finishing Holstein steers gaining 1.43 kilograms per day

Holstein steers (164 kg) were used in a 70-d growing-finishing trial. Treatments were 1) basal diet (85% concentrate); 2) basal diet plus 1.5% blood meal (BM); 3) basal diet plus 3.0% BM and 4) basal diet plus 4.5% BM. Dietary crude protein levels were 12.5, 13.7, 14.8 and 15.9% for Treatments 1 through 4, respectively. Energy intake was restricted to allow for a daily weight gain of 1.43 kg. There were no treatment effects on animal performance. The influence of protein supplementation on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion was evaluated in a crossover design experiment involving six ruminally and intestinally cannulated steers (191 kg). Treatments consisted of Diets 1 and 4 of the feeding trial, with chromic oxide added as a digesta marker. There were no treatment effects on ruminal or total tract digestion of organic matter. Blood meal supplementation increased (P less than .01) non-NH3-N passage to the small intestine by 27.3% and N disappearance posterior to the abomasum by 32.5%. Ruminal escape of BM was 83.2%. Extrapolating to the level of intakes achieved in the performance trial, intestinal supplies of non-NH3-N, arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine for steers consuming Treatment 1 were 119.5, 42.6, 14.7, 28.5, 49.8, 38.7, 14.1, 27.0, 28.5 and 39.0 g/d, respectively. A dietary crude protein intake of 695 g/d was adequate to meet the amino acid requirements of Holstein calves within the weight range of 163 to 267 kg and gaining 1.48 kg/d.     

Arthrogryposis associated with facial scoliosis and torticollis in German Holstein calves

In 13 German Holstein calves from two different dairy farms arthrogryposis of the front legs, facial scoliosis and torticollis were observed. Obvious environmental reasons could not be found. Chromosomal anomalies in two affected calves were not detectable. A striking feature was the high frequency of affected calves among the offspring of one natural service sire. A plausible explanation of the congenital anomalies observed is a dominantly inherited mutation restricted to germ cells.     

Pedigree analysis of Czech Holstein calves with schistosoma reflexum

Background

Schistosoma reflexum (SR) is congenital syndrome briefly characterized by visceral eventration, severe dorsoflexion and ankylosis of the spine and arthrogryposis. A genetic etiology has been proposed, but conclusive evidence has not yet been provided.

Methods

Pedigree analysis was carried out in 29 cases of SR in Czech Holsteins and Holstein crosses. Genetic relationship was evaluated and inbreeding coefficients calculated. Pedigrees of 15 Czech Holsteins fathering non-SR affected calves were used for comparison.

Results

Twenty-one cases occurred in one pedigree founded by three sires while three SR calves occurred in another pedigree with a common grandfather. The sex ratio between affected males and females was 11:6. Affected calves shared common ancestors different from those shared by the unaffected calves. The inbreeding coefficient in the SR affected calves was not increased compared to unaffected calves.

Conclusions

The findings are consistent with SR being inherited autosomal recessively. Further studies are however needed to confirm this and therefore a breeding trial is recommended where a suspected heterozygous sire is mated to closely related females.