Performance and nitrogen metabolism of calves fed conventionally or following an enhanced-growth feeding program during the preweaning period

Thirty-seven Holstein and seven crossbred female calves (16.1 ± 4.60 days, and an initial BW of 36.5 ± 3.19) were used to study the effects of conventional (CF) vs enhanced-growth feeding programs (EF) on performance, plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations, and rumen microbial development. After 1 week of adaptation to milk replacer (MR), the CF calves received 4 l/day of MR at 12.5% DM throughout the preweaning period, and the EF calves were offered MR at 18% DM: 6 l/day from 1 to 6 days, 8 l/day from 7 to 26 days, and 4 l/day from 27 days to weaning day (38 days). Calf starter and water were offered ad libitum throughout the study (87 days). Calves fed EF were heavier (P < 0.05) than CF calves at the end of the study (111.7 vs 102.6 ± 1.72 kg, respectively). Until the 27 days, average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P < 0.001) for EF than for CF calves (1.00 vs 0.49 ± 0.061 kg/day, respectively), but it was lower (P < 0.001) from days 27 to 45 of the study (0.32 vs 0.71 ± 0.061 kg/day, respectively), coinciding with the days around weaning. Starter intake was greater (P < 0.001) for CF than for EF calves during the first 45 days of the study (0.60 vs 0.27 ± 0.061 kg/day, respectively) but similar afterwards. As a consequence, EF treatment may have delayed rumen function as suggested by total daily purine derivatives urinary excretion (49.52 vs 33.27 ± 3.095 mmol/day, in CF and EF calves, respectively). Linear regression analyses showed a positive relationship between plasma Trp and Phe concentrations and ADG, and a negative relationship between these two AA and plasma urea concentrations, suggesting that Trp and Phe could be limiting growth in calves fed conventional feeding programs.     

Weaning weight and post-weaning gain genetic parameters and genetic trends in a Blanco Orejinegro–Romosinuano–Angus–Zebu multibreed cattle population in Colombia

Genetic parameters and genetic trends for weaning weight adjusted to 240 d of age (WW240), and weight gain from weaning to 24 mo of age (GW730) were estimated in a Colombian beef cattle population composed of Blanco Orejinegro, Romosinuano, Angus, and Zebu straightbred and crossbred animals. Calves were born and weaned in a single farm, and moved to 14 farms postweaning. Data were analyzed using a multiple trait mixed model procedures. Estimates of variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by Restricted Maximum Likelihood. The 2-trait model included the fixed effects of contemporary group (herd–year–season–sex), age of dam (WW240 only), breed direct genetic effects (as a function of breed fractions of calves), breed maternal genetic effects (as a function of breed fractions of dams; WW240 only), individual heterosis (as a function of calf heterozygosity), and maternal heterosis (as a function of dam heterozygosity; WW240 only). Random effects for WW240 were calf direct genetic, dam maternal genetic, permanent environmental maternal, and residual. Random effects for GW730 were calf direct genetic and residual. All relationships among animals were accounted for. Program AIREML was used to perform computations. Estimates of heritabilities for additive direct genetic effects were 0.20 ± 0.003 for WW240, and 0.32 ± 0.004 for GW730. Maternal heritability was 0.14 ± 0.002 for WW240. Estimates of heritability suggest that selection for preweaning and postweaning growth in this population is feasible. Low direct and maternal preweaning heritabilities suggest that nutrition and management should be improved to allow fuller expressions of calf direct growth and cow maternal ability. The genetic correlation between direct additive and maternal additive effects for WW240 was − 0.42 ± 0.009, indicating an antagonistic relationship between these effects. The correlation between additive direct genetic effects for WW240 and GW730 was almost zero (− 0.04 ± 0.009), suggesting that genes affecting growth preweaning may differ from those influencing growth postweaning. Trends were negative for direct WW240 and GW730 weighted yearly means of calves, sires, and dams from 1995 to 2006. Maternal WW240 showed near zero trends during these years. Trends for calf direct WW240 and GW730 followed sire trends closely, suggesting that more emphasis was placed on choosing sires than on dam replacements.     

Effects of intermittent suckling on the performance and digestive efficiency of Iberian piglets weaned at 35 days of age

During two consecutive replicates Iberian sows (n = 20) were subjected either to a conventional lactation (C) or intermittent suckling (IS). Piglets in the C treatment had free access to the dam. Piglets on IS treatment were separated from the sow during 6 h on days 29 and 30, 8 h on days 31 and 32, and 10 h on days 33 and 34. Litters on both treatments were weaned at 35 days of age and offered a starter diet until day 60 of age. The apparent digestibility (ApD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE) of the post-weaning diet was measured using Cr₂O₃ as external indigestible marker. Litters on IS tended to increase solid feed intake during the milk restriction (125 ± 12 vs. 70 ± 19 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P = 0.08). Feed intake was improved by IS during the second week post-weaning (676 ± 17 vs. 497 ± 12 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1, P < 0.01), but differences were totally offset after the 7th week of age. Differences in average growth rate of litters on C and IS treatments did not attain statistical significance during the period of restriction and in the first week post-weaning. Litters on IS showed increased growth rate during the second week post-weaning (422 ± 31 vs. 289 ± 33 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P = 0.01), but slower daily gains from the 3rd week post-weaning to 60 day of age than litters on C treatment (371 ± 14 vs. 432 ± 15 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P < 0.05). Nevertheless, neither at weaning nor at 60 days of age average body weight of piglets differed between treatments (7.71 ± 0.31 vs. 7.94 ± 0.30 kg for C and IS, at 35 days of age, 15.62 ± 0.65 vs. 16.20 ± 0.62 kg, at day 60). The apparent digestibility of nutrients of the starter diet offered after weaning remained unaffected by the treatment, except for a trend for higher ApD of GE for the piglets on IS treatment (P = 0.08). ApD for CP and GE was 78.1 ± 0.6 and 78.8 ± 0.3%, respectively. No significant differences in the proportions of total viscera and gastrointestinal tract to empty body weight (EBW) were observed between C and IS piglets at weaning and 60 d of age. In conclusion, the increase in feed intake observed prior and early after weaning as a consequence of intermittent suckling during the last week of 35 d lactation had no effect on nutrient digestibility measured at two weeks after weaning and failed on improving Iberian piglet performance.     

Effects of different forage sources as a free‐choice provision on the performance,nutrient digestibility,selected blood metabolites and structural growth of Holstein dairy calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different forage sources on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Individually housed calves (n = 40; body weight = 41.2 ± 3.5 kg) were randomly allocated (n = 10 calves per treatment: five males and five females) to one of the following four treatments: (i) starter without forage provision (CON), (ii) starter plus chopped alfalfa hay (AH), (iii) starter plus chopped wheat straw (WS) and 4) starter plus dried sugar beet pulp (BP) flakes. Calves fed AH diets had lowest (p < 0.05) starter intake than those fed other diets, and WS promoted a significant increase (p < 0.01) in starter intake during 43–80 days. Forage intake was greatest (p < 0.01) for calves fed AH than those fed WS and BP. Calves in the AH treatment consumed less (p < 0.01) total dry matter intake than those offered other forage treatments. Final body weight was greatest (p < 0.05), and age of weaning was lowest for calves fed BP than other treatments. Calves in the BP treatment had greater (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than CON and WS treatments, but similar to AH calves. Digestibility of NDF and ADF was greater (p < 0.05) in BP treatment than other treatments. Calves fed BP had greater (p < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM than those fed CON diets and similar to those fed AH and WS diets. Calves in the AH treatment had greater (p < 0.05) CP digestibility than CON, but similar to WS and BP calves. Blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower in forage‐offered calves than CON one. Body measurements (with the exception of body barrel) did not differ across treatments. It was concluded that BP improves final body weight, ADG and nutrient digestibility of calves than starter without forage provision during weaning transition.     

Responses to condensed tannins of flowering sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) grazed by dairy sheep: Part 1: Effects on feeding behaviour, intake, diet digestibility and performance

The concentration of condensed tannins (CT) in sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) is moderate and overall regarded as beneficial. However, the intake of this forage can reduce diet digestibility, particularly during flowering phase. An experiment was run to assess the effect of CT on feeding behaviour, intake, diet digestibility and performance of dairy sheep rotationally grazing sulla at flowering phase. Twenty-four late-lactating sheep were blocked in two homogeneous groups and submitted to the following treatments: i) twice daily drenching with 200 g/day of a 50% w/v water solution of an anti-tannic substance, polyethylene glycol, group PEG; ii) twice daily drenching with 200 g/day of water, group CON (Control group). All the sheep rotationally grazed as a flock two sulla plots from April to June (8 weeks in total). Sward height, herbage mass, botanical and chemical composition of the herbage were measured at the beginning and the end of each grazing period. The feeding behaviour (3 sheep per group) was continuously monitored for 24 h in 6 weeks using the IGER behaviour recorders. Herbage DM intake (DMI), dietary DM digestibility (DMD) and apparent CP digestibility (CPD) were estimated on 8 sheep per group by the n-alkane method. On average, PEG group had longer total grazing (503 ± 12 vs 460 ± 12 min, P < 0.05) and eating time (425 ± 13 vs 391 ± 13 min, P < 0.07) than CON group. Moreover PEG group showed shorter inter-meal intervals (41 ± 3 vs 52 ± 3, min, P < 0.05) and higher number of daily meals than CT-exposed group (24 ± 1 vs 19 ± 1 min, P < 0.01). The herbage DMI was not affected by the treatment whereas DMD (74.60 ± 3.48 vs 58.30 ± 3.01%), and CPD (60.14 ± 4.83 vs 38.21 ± 4.83%) were both increased by PEG administration (P < 0.05) confirming the negative effect of sulla CT on these variables. Milk yield tended to be higher in PEG than CON (1331 ± 45 vs 1205 ± 59 ml, P < 0.11). Milk protein content was similar between groups while milk fat content was higher in CON than PEG ewes (6.61 ± 0.15 vs 6.11 ± 0.15%, P < 0.05), being the reverse true for milk urea (46.04 ± 1.27 vs 53.04 ± 0.76%, P < 0.001). To conclude, this experiment shows that when sulla is grazed at flowering as monoculture, dietary CT can exert negative effects on DM and CP apparent digestibility, in this study partially counterbalanced by a better metabolic utilisation of the nutrients up-taken.     

Effects of forage offering method on performance,rumen fermentation,nutrient digestibility and nutritional behaviour in Holstein dairy calves

The potential effect of dietary forage supplementation on the performance and rumen development in dairy calves is well established. However, limited research has been directed to the comparative effects of forage offering methods on calf performance. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of forage provision methods (total mixed ration or free choice) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and nutritional behaviour in newborn calves. Forty‐five Holstein dairy calves (3 days of age and 41 ± 2 kg of body weight) were assigned to the following three groups (n = 15): (i) starter without forage provision (CON), (ii) starter supplemented with 10% alfalfa hay (AH) as a total mixed ration (AH‐TMR) and (iii) starter and AH as a free‐choice provision (AH‐FC) for a period of 70 days. All the calves were offered 5 l of milk/day from day 3 to 50, and 2.5 l/day from day 50 until weaning on day 56. Dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (p < 0.01) in the AH‐TMR and AH‐FC treatments than in the CON during the pre‐ and post‐weaning periods. Calves fed the AH‐FC diet showed the highest post‐weaning DMI among the treatments. The calves receiving ad libitum forage tended (p = 0.08) to increase crude protein digestibility and overall volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations in the rumen. No differences were observed among the treatments at the time spent on standing, lying, eating and performing non‐nutritive oral behaviours. Compared to CON calves, animals in the AH‐TMR treatment spent more time (p < 0.05) ruminating. In conclusion, our data suggest that forage supplementation in both forage offering methods increased total DMI, ruminal pH and ruminating time in dairy calves. Hence, there is no benefit in the free‐choice provision of AH in dairy calves.     

The effect of dietary protein content on calcium and phosphorus retention in the growing Iberian pig

The effects of dietary protein content (DPC) from excessive (192 g/kg DM) to marginally deficient (101 g/kg DM) upon whole-body retention of Ca and P was studied in 25 purebred Iberian pigs growing from 15 to 50 kg BW by means of a comparative slaughter experiment which included a digestibility trial. Ca and P retention related to intake remained unaffected at 0.228 ± 0.0072 and 0.184 ± 0.0052, reaching 3.64 ± 0.119 and 2.00 ± 0.057 g Ca and P per day respectively. Pigs fed on diets containing protein levels in excess of requirements had significantly higher concentrations of Ca and P (P < 0.05) in their bodies (14.41–14.99 and 7.88–8.08 g Ca and P/kg fat-free empty-body gain respectively) than those given adequate or marginally deficient amounts of dietary protein (11.80–12.72 and 6.61–7.01 g Ca and P/kg fat-free empty-body gain respectively). In a second experiment, made with 25 Iberian pigs of 21 kg initial weight, daily intakes of Ca and P to maintain zero retention were determined using five experimental diets in which the concentrations of Ca and P were varied by the addition of graded levels of Ca carbonate and inorganic phosphate to a basal diet balanced in protein-to-energy ratio (131 g CP; 13.8–14.4 MJ ME/kg DM). Growth rate and protein deposition were unaffected by the level of Ca and P in the diet and reached average values of 485 ± 15.4 and 103 ± 1.2 g/d. Increasing the dietary Ca and P levels increased the absolute amounts of Ca and P retained daily from 0.69 to 5.77 and 1.12 to 3.70 g respectively (P < 0.001). Highly significant (P < 0.001) curvilinear regressions were obtained when relating Ca and P absorption or retention (g/d) with Ca and P intake (g/d). From these equations, daily maintenance requirements of 105 and 72 mg/kg BW for Ca and P respectively were obtained. Average total net requirements of Ca and P for the Iberian pig at this stage of growth were estimated to be 5.25 and 3.10 g/d respectively, considerably lower than those reported for conventional and high-performance pig genotypes.     

Protein digestibility of porcine colostrum by neonatal pigs

Colostrum plays an important role in neonatal growth and development. However, little is known about the digestion of macronutrients in colostrum of any species. This study was conducted with the neonatal piglet model to determine the digestibility of proteins in porcine colostrum. Twelve, 1-d-old, male piglets were selected from 3 litters (4 pigs/litter) and housed individually in metabolism crates with heating lamps to maintain a temperature of 35 °C. Colostrum (13 L) was collected from 400 sows (30 to 40 mL/sow) within 12 h postpartum after injection of oxytocin. All piglets were fed colostrum containing 0.25% (DM basis) chromium oxide as an external marker based on the following feeding program: 6 meals/d for an entire 3-d period; with 40 mL/meal for d 1 (240 mL/d), 55 mL/meal for d 2 (330 mL/d), and 70 mL/meal for d 3 (420 mL/d). Colostrum was hand-fed using baby milk bottles. Entire fecal samples with the chromium green color were collected each day after colostrum feeding. Fecal collection was terminated before the fading of the green color. Fecal samples were weighed (10.3 ± 1.0 g/pig), stored in − 20 °C, freeze-dried, and thoroughly ground for chemical analysis. Blood samples were collected at 0900 h of d 3 to obtain plasma samples for amino acid and immunoglobulin (Ig) G analysis. Digestibilities of crude protein and DM in colostrum, defined as the percentage of ingested colostral crude proteins and DM that disappeared in the gut, averaged 96.9 ± 0.4% and 98.3 ± 0.2%, respectively. Digestibility of total amino acids (protein-bound plus free amino acids) in the colostrum was 98.3 ± 0.1%, with the values being 98.5 ± 0.3, 98.2 ± 0.4, and 98.3 ± 0.3%, respectively, for Lys, Thr, and Arg. Plasma and colostral IgG content were 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 0.7 g/L, respectively. In conclusion, protein-bound and free amino acids in porcine colostrum were highly digestible and available to neonatal pigs.     

Influence of equalizing the gross composition of milk replacer to that of whole milk on the performance of Holstein calves

This study compared the performance of female Holstein calves fed either whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR) having similar gross composition to WM. Calves (n = 20) were separated from their mothers within 2 h of birth, weighed, moved into individual pens, and fed colostrum (10% of their BW over 2 feedings daily) for the first 3 d. Calves were alternately assigned to either WM (n = 10) or MR (n = 10) and were fed using mobile plastic bottles. At each feeding, diluted MR was prepared in buckets by mixing 0.143 kg of MR powder (as-is basis) in 1 L of lukewarm water. Calves on both treatments were fed (1.8 L/feeding) for 4 times daily for the first 25 d of age. Feeding frequency was reduced to 3 times daily for next 5 d, then to 2 times daily for next 14 d, and then to once daily during the last 5 d of the preweaning period. Feed intake, growth, and health variables were monitored until calves were 70 d of age. Mean daily consumption of WM and MR was similar in both treatment groups (P = 0.74). Initial BW of calves fed either WM or MR was similar (42.1 +/- 3.3 vs. 41.9 +/- 2.9 kg, respectively; P = 0.83). Calves fed WM or MR daily consumed similar amounts of calf starter (1,019 vs. 1,056 g, respectively; P = 0.32), hay (121.5 vs. 126.3 g, respectively; P = 0.30), and water (5.2 vs. 5.0 kg, respectively; P = 0.54). At weaning (d 49) and postweaning (d 70), BW was greater (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively) in calves fed WM than in those fed MR. Mean DMI from both solid and liquid feeds was not affected by the treatments during the preweaning (P = 0.21) and postweaning (P = 0.16) periods. Body weight gain efficiency during preweaning and overall was improved (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) in calves fed WM than in those fed MR. Health (days scoured, rectal temperature, respiratory score, and general appearance score) and serum chemistry variables (glucose, total protein, urea N, nonesterified fatty acids, and creatinine) in calves were not affected (P >or= 0.12 and P >or= 0.12, respectively) by the treatments. Even though gross composition of the MR and WM was similar, growth was greater in calves fed WM. Calves fed WM consumed similar amounts of DM and were heavier than those fed MR, probably because of better bioavailability (digestion and assimilation) of nutrients and availability of some unknown growth factors from WM.     

Effects of non-genetic and crossbreeding factors on daily milk yield of Ayrshire × (Sahiwal × Ankole) cows in Mahwa station (Burundi)

The study was carried out at the Mahwa station located in Bututsi natural region in South of Burundi at 1850 m of altitude. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of days in milk, cow's calving age, type of crossbreeding, year and month of lactation, parity on daily milk yield of crossbreds Ayrshire (AY) × Sahiwal (S) × Ankole (A) cows. Milk yields were obtained from 9 cows (S) that have been both milked and suckled during the entire lactation, on 8 cows (M) only milked during the entire lactation and on 150 cows (SM) suckled before and milked after weaning. Data were analyzed using the procedure GLM in SAS for S,M, and SM cows separately. All factors affected significantly daily milk yields (P < 0.001). Least-squares means (LSM) for daily milk yields were highest at the 8th (7.16 ± 0.07 l), 8th (7.63 ± 0.35 l), and 7th (7.34 ± 0.39 l) day in milk for SM, S and M lactations, respectively. The Wood model was able to detect 2 main groups of curve shape: standard for SM and S cows and atypical decreasing for M cows. An important decrease in milk production was observed around the 120th day in SM cows corresponding to the weaning period. Crossbreeding improved milk production and highest yields were observed with 50% to 75% of Ayrshire inheritance (LSM = 5 ± 0.05 to 5.51 ± 0.02 l/day). A significant increase was observed from 1977 to 1992 due to the improvement of genetic and management techniques. During this period, LSM raised from 1.26 ± 0.11 l to 4.74 ± 0.03 l per day for SM cows. Unfortunately, the 1993 civilian war destabilized the managerial techniques and consequently, the milk production decreased in Mahwa station. In all cows, milk production was significantly higher from December to May (LSM = 3.96 ± 0.03 l/day) during the rainy season than in September (LSM = 3.12 ± 0.03 l/day) at the end of the dry season.     

How milk-fed dairy calves perform in stable versus dynamic groups

The objective of the present field trial was to compare calf performance among pre-weaned calves in two different group housing systems, stable groups (“all in–all out”) and dynamic groups (continuous introduction). Performance data was collected from 484 calves randomly assigned to the two systems at six large (230–450 cows) commercial Danish dairy herds. All six farms had both systems simultaneously in the same stall, and under identical management and feeding regimes.Calves in stable groups had significantly higher daily live weight gain than calves in dynamic groups (870 vs. 810 g/days). The prevalence of both diarrhoea and respiratory disease were more than twice as high among calves in dynamic groups compared to calves in stable groups.     

Rumen degradation characteristics of sweet potato foliage and performance by local and crossbred calves fed milk and foliage from three cultivars

The study investigated rumen dry matter (DM) degradability characteristics in a completely randomized design and the effects of milk, sweet potato foliage (SPF) from three cultivars (A = TIS-87/0087; B = TIS-8164; C = TIS-2532.OP.1.13), dried brewers' grains (DBG) and cottonseed meal (CSM) as supplements to Panicum maximum (Panicum) for pre-weaned calves in randomized complete block designs. Diet 1 = milk + SPF-A foliage + Panicum, Diet 2 = milk + SPF-B foliage + Panicum, Diet 3 = milk + SPF-C foliage + Panicum, and Diet 4 = milk + DBG & CSM + Panicum (as control). Dry matter (130 ± 0.4 to 864 ± 3.9 g kg^− 1), ash (54 ± 4.2 to 173 ± 2.8 g kg^− 1 DM), OM (827 ± 4.2 to 946 ± 5.7 g kg^− 1 DM), N (7.4 ± 0.6 to 38.6 ± 1.4 g kg^− 1 DM), and NDF (439 ± 1.4 to 774 ± 8.5 g kg^− 1 DM) contents were highly significant (P < 0.01). In Trial I, 16 pre-weaned calves were used over 70 d with milk intake (34.8 ± 4.4 ml kg W^− 0.75 d^− 1), Panicum DMI (22.3 ± 2.77 g kg W^− 0.75 d^− 1), total DMI (35.7 ± 2.83 g kg W^− 0.75 d^− 1), and LWG (198 ± 44.6 g d^− 1) not significantly different (P > 0.05). Supplement DMI varied (P < 0.05) from 11.6 g kg W^− 0.75 d^− 1 in Diet 3 to 16.6 g kg W^− 0.75 d^− 1 in Diet 4. In Trial II, 16 pre-weaned local and crossbred calves were involved over 77 d with initial age of calves, Panicum intake, metabolic DMI, and LWG similar (P > 0.05) among crosses. Birthweight varied (P < 0.05) from 17.3 kg for N'Dama × Jersey crosses to 21.2 kg for White Fulani × Brown Swiss crosses. Supplement and total DMI ranged (P < 0.05) from 172 to 483 g d^− 1 for N'Dama × Jersey crosses to 233 and 674 g d^− 1 for non-inseminate or purebred calves, respectively. The LWG in the White Fulani × Brown Swiss and the N'Dama × Jersey calves were respectively 30% and 24% better, though not significantly, than purebred calves. In Trial III, rumen DM degradability characteristics of feeds in three N'Dama steers showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in slowly degradable fraction (b) and rate of degradation of b (c). Soluble fraction (a), 48-h degradation, potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were lowest in Panicum, but similar for foliage among the three sweet potato cultivars. Panicum fodder showed improvements in degradation characteristics with supplementation.     

不同饲喂模式对断奶前犊牛消化代谢及生长性能的影响

本试验旨在研究不同饲喂方式对断奶前犊牛生长性能的影响。试验选择46头体重和出生日期相近的犊牛,随机分成两组,每组23头。其中,Ⅰ组采用传统饲喂模式(粉状开食料+干草+牛奶),从4日龄开始补充粉状开食料,10日龄开始补充苜蓿干草和精饲料,干草自由采食;Ⅱ组采用现代饲喂模式(颗粒型开食料+牛奶),从4日龄开始补充颗料型开食料。两组均60日龄断奶。结果表明,Ⅰ组犊牛日均干物质采食量显著高于Ⅱ组(P<0.05),但两组的平均日增重、体高、体斜长、胸围、前管围均无显著差异(P>0.05);血清中葡萄糖(GLU)、甘油三酯(TG)水平组间无差异(P>0.05),45d、60dⅡ组总蛋白(TP)浓度显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05),45dⅠ组尿素氮(BUN)显著高于Ⅱ组(P<0.05);Ⅱ组CP、EE和P的表观消化率显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05);Ⅱ组犊牛腹泻率(2.39%)低于Ⅰ组(3.12%)。试验表明,断奶前饲喂颗粒开食料有利于降低犊牛腹泻的发生率,提高犊牛对固体饲料的适应性。     

Effect of diet on preweaning performance of Sahiwal calves

The objective was to study the growth potential of Sahiwal calves given milk or milk replacer with or without concentrates. For this purpose, forty-eight Sahiwal calves were divided into four groups of 12 animals each with equal sex ratio. In each group, the calves were offered either milk or a milk replacer (MR) at a rate of 10% of their body weight adjusted weekly. In addition to this, calves were fed either a starter ration plus Egyptian clover hay (SR + H) or hay only (H) until the end of trial. The milk or MR was withdrawn gradually from day 56 until animals were weaned completely by day 84. Calves offered milk grew faster than those offered MR (357 ± 9 vs. 162 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (51.6 ± 0.8 vs. 35.2 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05). The calves offered SR + H grew faster (311 ± 9 vs. 208 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (48.7 ± 0.8 vs. 38.1 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05) than those fed H alone. Calves offered milk plus SR + H showed the highest growth rate and weaning weights (401 ± 13 g/day and 56.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). The lowest growth rate and weaning weights were observed in calves offered MR and H only (115 ± 13 g/day and 30.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). Calves offered the MR had higher number of scour days than those offered milk (13.5 vs. 3.3). The feeding of whole milk in combination with the starter ration and hay resulted in superior growth rates, higher weaning weights, and healthier calves than the other feeding regimens.     

Effects of high environmental temperatures on physiological and nutritional status of prepubertal Holstein heifers

A series of studies were carried out to determine the effects of increasing environmental temperature (20 to 28 to 33 °C) at a constant (60%) relative humidity on the physiological responses, energy and nitrogen balance of prepubertal Holstein heifers (n = 4, initial body weight = 198 ± 3 kg). The relatively high environmental temperatures of 28 and 33 °C increased rectal temperature by 0.2 and 1.2 °C and increased respiration by 23 and 58 breaths per min, respectively. At 28 °C, dry matter intake was similar to that at 20 °C, whereas at 33 °C dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.10) by about 9%. However, the dry matter digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) at 33 °C than at 20 °C, hence the thermal treatments did not affect daily weight gain. At 33 °C blood urea nitrogen increased whereas hematocrit and plasma glucose concentrations decreased. At 33 °C energy and nitrogen intake were lower (P < 0.10), while energy and nitrogen digestibility were higher at 33 °C than at 20 °C. Urinary nitrogen was elevated at 33 °C resulting in lower nitrogen retention. Although, energy retention as fat did not differ (P > 0.10) among the treatments, energy retention as protein was lower (P < 0.05) at 33 °C than at 20 °C or 28 °C. These results confirmed that the effects of environmental temperature on prepubertal heifers were severe above 28 °C.     

Comparison between linseed expeller and canola expeller on concentrate intake,and circulating inflammatory mediators in Holstein calves

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of linseed and canola expeller on average daily weight gain (ADG), concentrate intakes, incidence of diarrhea, serum haptoglobin, interleukin (IL)-1, and resolvin-E1 in female Holstein calves from birth to weaning. A sample size of 20 calves per group was calculated and were randomly allocated at the time of birth. Linseed group (LIN) was fed a starter with linseed expeller, while canola group (CAN) received a similar concentrate, but with canola expeller. Both expellers were included at a rate of 25% dry matter (DM) basis of the starter. Pasteurized waste milk was fed twice a day until weaning. Calves were weighed at birth, 30, and 60 d of age. Starter intake was evaluated daily from 5 to 60 d. A blood sample was obtained at birth, 14, 28, 35, and 49 d of age, and bovine serum resolvin-E1, haptoglobin, and IL-1 were assayed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Incidence of diarrhea and the duration of the events were also recorded. The effect of the interaction group by time on body weight (BW) and starter intake was not significant (P > 0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) from 0 to 60 d for CAN and LIN groups were 0.680 and 0.675 kg/d (P > 0.05), respectively. Incidences of diarrhea were 25% and 45% for CAN and LIN groups, respectively (P = 0.18). LIN group had greater concentrations of IL-1 at d 21, haptoglobin at d 7, and resolving-E1 at d 14 and 49 than CAN group, respectively. It is concluded that BW at weaning, ADG, and concentrate intakes were not different between groups fed starters containing linseed or canola expeller (25% inclusion). The concentrations of cytokines and haptoglobin were the greatest in LIN group.     

Can outdoor rearing and increased weaning age compensate for the removal of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters and zinc oxide?

This experiment determined whether delayed weaning and outdoor rearing could compensate for the removal of antimicrobials from piglet diets. One hundred and sixty litters of Large White (75%) × Landrace (25%) pigs on the same unit were reared either indoors (In) or outdoors (Out) and weaned at either 4 or 6 weeks of age into flat deck accommodation onto diets supplemented with either no antibiotic growth promoters and no zinc oxide (Un) or 40 mg avilamycin and 3.1 g zinc oxide/kg diet (S). Piglet performance was monitored to 8 weeks of age. A proportion of litters (25%) were sampled to investigate the effect of the different treatments on gut development. Mortality was higher in the first 24 h of life for Out piglets which subsequently grew faster to weaning. This was not simply due to smaller litter size as total litter gain was higher in outdoor litters. All piglets responded positively to antimicrobial supplementation post weaning regardless of rearing environment and weaning age and this was the biggest influence on post weaning performance. Outdoor piglets grew faster than indoor piglets post weaning (295 versus 242 ± 8.6 g/pig/day for the first 2 weeks post weaning, P < 0.001) and over the same period 6 week weaned piglets grew faster than 4 week weaned (324 versus 213 ± 8.6 g/pig/day, P < 0.001), however, when compared at similar age, 6 week weaning was detrimental to piglet growth with average daily gain (adg) from 4 to 8 weeks of age 310 g/pig/day versus 329 for 4 week weaned piglets (P = 0.001). At 8 weeks of age the outdoor 6 week weaned unsupplemented piglets had similar average weight to the indoor 4 week weaned supplemented piglets indicating the potential of this combination to counteract the need for antimicrobials, however the benefit was due to enhanced weaning weight not to improved post weaning performance.     

Effects of single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and carcass traits in growing–finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs with an average initial BW of 47.50 ± 1.25 kg were used in this 8-week growth trial. Pigs were randomly allocated to 1 of the 4 treatments according to its BW and sex (4 pigs/pen, 6 replicate pens/treatment). The diets included: 1) control (CON) corn–soybean meal diet (DE, 3400 kcal/kg; CP, 17%), 2) low-nutrient-density (LC) diet with 6% DDGS and 5% tapioca (DE, 3280 kcal/kg; CP, 15%), 3) LC + 0.05% β-mannanase (LCS), and 4) LC + 0.05% enzyme mixture (LCM). The LC treatment had a lower ADG, and G/F compared to the other treatments in 0–4 weeks and the overall period of the feeding trial (P < 0.05). The ADFI were decreased in LC, LCS, and LCM groups related to CON (P < 0.05). The LCS treatment had higher DM digestibility than pigs in both the LC and LCM groups (P < 0.05) on 4 weeks while LCM improved N and energy digestibility compared to LC treatment. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values were not affected by the experimental treatments. After the feeding period, pigs (2 per pen) which reached marketing BW were collected meat samples from slaughter house. Backfat thickness was decreased in LC, LCS and LCM groups (P < 0.05). No numerical differences were observed in meat color, pH value and water holding capacity among four treatments. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-density diets can partially improve ADG, G/F, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in finishing pigs, which can counteract the negative effects caused by the decreased nutrient concentration.     

Developmental changes in clearance of intravenous doses of glucose, acetate and β-hydroxybutyrate from plasma of calves

To characterize the effects of diet and age on the post-absorptive use of fermentation end-products, calves were subjected before and after weaning to plasma glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetate clearance tests. Twenty-four one-week old male Holstein calves were assigned to one of four starter feeds, in a complete random design: (1) control; (2) 10% alfalfa; (3) 20% alfalfa; and (4) cracked corn. Starters were fed ad libitum. Starter intake, carcass-adjusted body weight gain and post-weaning rumen pH were higher in calves consuming alfalfa. Final bodyweights of calves fed alfalfa were 9.5 kg higher than calves given the other diets. With 20% alfalfa, papillae in the caudal ventral blind sac of the rumen were taller than with cracked corn and narrower than on the control. Rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids were not affected by diet but the acetate:butyrate ratio and pH were higher on d 54 with 20% alfalfa compared to the control. Glucose clearance and flux rates increased significantly from d 11 to 39 but were unaffected to d 53. Increases in plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and acetate concentrations with age were accompanied by corresponding increases in BHB and acetate fluxes, respectively, but no change in the clearance rate constants. There was little effect of diet on clearance of the plasma metabolites. By 8 weeks of age, glucose was cleared from plasma at 2%/min, β-hydroxybutyrate at 16%/min, and acetate at 24%/min. Because of relatively low plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetate due to incomplete rumen development, glucose remained the predominant energy source for all calves at 8 weeks.     

Utilization of nutrients as influenced by different restriction levels of feed intake under sub-tropical conditions in crossbred calves

Twenty growing crossbred calves (mean body wt. 159.7 ± 3.94 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups 5 in each following randomized block design. To assess the voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) during preliminary feeding period, all the animals were fed concentrate mixture and wheat straw ad libitum. The lowest DMI amongst all animals fed ad libitum was defined as ‘VDMI’. The animals were fed at four fixed levels. The highest level of DMI was 95% of VDMI (group 1) as determined in preliminary period of feeding the other 3 levels were 80% (group 2), 60% (group 3) and 40% (group 4) of the VDMI. The experimental feeding was continued for a month followed by a metabolism trial. The dry matter intake through concentrate (crushed maize 33, deoiled-soya meal 32, wheat bran 32, mineral mixture 2 and common salt 1 part) and roughage (wheat straw) was 40:60. The DMI (kg/d) and percent of body weight ranged from 1.62 (group 4) to 4.06 (group 1) and 1.20 to 2.58, respectively. The CP intake (g/d) varied from 177 to 442 among 4 groups. The intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and hemi-cellulose (g/d or g/kg w^0.75) was also significantly (P < 0.05) different among 4 groups. The digestibility of DM in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 59.9, 61.7, 64.6 and 30.4%, respectively and was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group 4 as compared to the remaining 3 groups. The digestibility of other all nutrients viz. OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and HC was comparable among groups 1, 2 and 3. However, the digestibility of these nutrients was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group 4 (40% intake) as compared to the other 3 groups. Intake and balance of N was significantly (P < 0.01) different among 4 groups, being the lowest in group 4. Animals of groups 1, 2 and 3 were in positive nitrogen balance, however, animals of group 4 were in negative N balance. The results revealed that nutrient utilization was unaffected up to 60% level but it was drastically reduced at 40% level of feed intake. It was also observed that calves maintained on 80 and 60% of feed intake lost body weight (250–300 g/d).