Quality of development and adaptation reactions of dairy calves at specific age periods in early life. Effect of rearing variations on proteins and minerals and on metabolic variables of blood

Calves from the dairy herd of the institute reared in groups with changing (Gw, N 16, m 9, w 7) and constant composition (Gk, N 16, m 9, w 7) since the first day of life and single box reared calves (E, N 11, m 7, w 4) were tested at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of age. Venous blood samples were analysed for total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea, glucose, Ca, Mg, P and iron. At 15 days between group differences of mean values existed for total protein, albumin, blood urea, creatinine and at 30 days for rectal temperature, albumin, blood urea, Ca, P and Fe, at 60 days for blood urea, glucose, Ca, Mg, P and at 90 days for total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose, Mg and P. Interactions between group and gender could not be demonstrated. Significant changes of variables with age were most frequent in calves of group Gk, and more frequent with creatinine, blood urea, Fe and glucose. Creatinine concentration diminished permanently with age of the animals, that one of total protein and albumin increased moderately. Blood urea was higher at 90 days, and serum iron at 60 and 90 days than before. Blood glucose concentration at 90 days was lower in calves of group Gw and Gk comparing group E. Significant group differences appeared at 15 days (total protein, albumin, blood urea, creatinine) and remained till 60 days (blood urea) and 90 days (total protein, albumin) or became stronger at 90 days (creatinine). Total protein, albumin and blood urea were higher in group E than in group Gk and Gw calves. Group Gw calves had smallest glucose concentrations at 60 and 90 days. Significant between groups differences for Ca, Mg, P existed for all sampling points, those for serum iron at 30 days only. Greater Ca and Mg values were found in group Gk and group E calves, greater P concentrations up to 60 days of age in group E calves. P concentrations changed differently in group Gk and group Gw calves with age. Creatinine showed moderately high between sampling point correlations. Changes of variables in calves between age points in relation to the starting situation at 15 days of age showed significant correlations in many cases meaning that there were directed individual and time specific adaptation processes.     

Udder oedema associated with adrenocortical insufficiency in a herd of Holstein/Friesian cows

The possible involvement of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis with severe pre- and post partum udder oedema was studied in a herd of 60 Holstein/Friesian cows. The prevalence of udder oedema in this herd was about 75 per cent. The animals were fed a diet containing high levels of potassium (average daily potassium intake 410 g per cow). The concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride and total protein in the plasma of the cows were within their normal ranges. In one animal a very low plasma cortisol concentration (2.30 ng/ml) was accompanied by normal plasma glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The adrenal responsiveness of two heifers with severe udder oedema was impaired one month after parturition in comparison with 11 normal animals (increases from 3.27 to 38.8 and 23.2 to 37.8 ng cortisol/ml compared with 8.02 +/- 1.19 to 146 +/- 16.7 ng cortisol/ml but returned to normal spontaneously after 175 days. One cow was diagnosed as having primary adrenocortical insufficiency.     

Changes in the blood biochemical and haematological profile of neonatal calves with age

Fourteen calves were used to investigate the changes from birth to 83 days of age in the concentrations of serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, beta-hydroxybutyrate, plasma cortisol, serum creatine kinase, creatinine, iron, plasma fibrinogen, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, plasma glucose, haptoglobin, serum non-esterified fatty acids, total protein, transferrin, triglycerides, urea and gamma globulin; the haematological variables measured were: basophils, eosinophils, haematocrit, haemoglobin, lymphocytes, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, monocytes, band neutrophils, neutrophils, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. The changes are presented as a series of graphs and the values are discussed in relation to the published reference ranges for adult cattle. Two populations of calves were identified which gave rise to a bimodal distribution for some of the variables. Differences in haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts were apparent at birth, with raised values for these measurements being associated with an increased white blood cell and neutrophil count between three and 27 days of age.     

Genetically conditioned variability of metabolic profile parameters in dairy cows]

Individual heritability and differences in the concentration of the chemical components of the blood were studied in the dairy cows of the Slovak Spotted breed. The experiment was performed with 166 cows. The set comprised six groups of half-sisters from three stocks. The differences among the cows were statistically significant (alpha = 0.01) in the majority of the parameters studied: haematocrit, haemoglobin, pH, PO2, oxygen saturation of the blood; plasma potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, total protein, urea, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, and esterified fatty acids. The coefficients of repeatibility for the mentioned parameters ranged from 0.19 to 0.75. The heritability coefficients were calculated for the parameters in which the inter-group differences were significant: total protein (0.62), magnesium (0.57), potassium (0.51), urea (0.49), glucose (0.45), phosphorus (0.43), calcium (0.39), haematocrit (0.37), haemoglobin (0.35), pO2 (0.29). The results suggest that some of the parameters under study are under certain genetic control.     

Use of every ten-day criteria for metabolic profile test after calving and dry off in dairy herds

The traditional metabolic profile test cannot be applied to peripartum dairy cows, because these cows are in a state of physiological abnormality making it difficult to interpret their blood components. This study aimed at establishing and evaluating the practicability of interpreting a metabolic profile test every 10 days (Ten-day criteria) during the dry and lactation periods in herds with high and no incidence of peripartum diseases. Data from 29,043 cows in 1,130 commercial dairy herds were used to establish standard values every 10 days, mean +/- 1.0 standard deviation for the metabolic profile test. The practicability of these criteria was evaluated in herds with peripartum diseases. In the ten-day criteria, the body condition score, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, total cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and aspartate aminotransferase, fluctuated during the dry and early lactation periods and there were very big changes in packed cell volume, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol and magnesium just after calving. The ten-day criteria were able to detect overconditioned cows, low levels of albumin, total cholesterol and magnesium, and high nonesterified fatty acids in herds with a high incidence of peripartum diseases. In conclusion, the ten-day criteria can be successfully applied to peripartum cows, and is recommended because it is able to detect metabolic abnormalities not only in the herd, but also in individual cows.     

Facteurs influençant le profil métanologie des vaches laitières

Forty Holstein dairy cows were used to determine the effects of forage feeding system, season and stage of lactation on some blood parameters. Blood urea nitrogen was higher for cows consuming higher levels of crude protein and particularly for the ones on pasture. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume values were correlated with the level of crude protein intake and stage of lactation. Lower values of these parameters were observed with lower crude protein intake and in early lactation. Serum levels of albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium and potassium were not affected either by forage system, season or stage of lactation. Serum magnesium level was lower for forage system containing corn silage. Blood glucose was lower for cows in early lactation but was not affected by feeding systems during winter. Cows on pasture had higher blood glucose levels. Lower total protein concentration in blood was observed between 90 and 180 days of lactation as a result of lower gammaglobulins. Blood parameters are good indicators of nitrogen and energy nutritional status of dairy cows. However, blood mineral concentrations are not related to the level of mineral intake of animals.     

The blood composition of different breeds of bulls undergoing beef performance tests

Blood samples taken on three occasions from each of 66 bulls undergoing beef performance tests were analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin, serum albumin, urea nitrogen, total protein, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe and total iron binding capacity. The bulls were individually fed and situated at two centres, one accommodating Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds and the other, Hereford. Significant differences between the Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds were observed in concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen, total iron binding capacity (P less than 0.001), Ca (P less than 0.01), Na and Cu (P less than 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the growth rates of individual bulls and their blood composition.     

Effect of cow-specific factors and feeding frequency of concentrate on diurnal variations of blood metabolites in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of feeding frequency and cow-specific factors on diurnal variations of blood metabolites concentrations. ANIMALS: 40 dairy cows from 2 herds. PROCEDURE: Each herd was fed concentrate at a specific feeding frequency (automatic vs twice daily). Blood samples were collected 4 times daily. Plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were analyzed, and concentrations of urea, cholesterol, and total protein (TP) were determined in serum samples. A multivariate repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test the effect of time, feeding frequency, production group, parity, days after parturition, and daily milk yield on diurnal variations of metabolites. RESULTS: Concentrations of glucose, BHBA, and urea remained relatively constant in the herd that was fed by use of automatic distribution of concentrate; however, significant diurnal patterns were detected in the herd fed only twice daily. Only slight differences in glucose and urea concentrations were detected between high- and low-producing cows, but concentration of BHBA was significantly influenced by number of days in lactation. In contrast, diurnal variations in NEFA and cholesterol concentrations were similar between the 2 herds but differed with regard to production group. Concentrations of TP did not have relevant diurnal patterns and did not differ between production groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diurnal variations and feeding frequency affect glucose, BHBA, and urea concentrations in cows. In contrast, concentrations of NEFA, cholesterol, and TP appear to be less sensitive to time of sample collection. Feeding frequency, composition of feed, or both, have a major impact on blood metabolites concentrations.     

Variation in selected blood plasma constituents during the post-partum and breeding periods in dairy cows

Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, albumin, beta hydroxybutyrate, glucose and urea were measured in 12 plasma samples collected over 9 weeks from mid-August from each of 40 cows in four seasonal herds which calved from mid-July. These herds comprised Jersey or Holstein-Friesian animals, with each breed grazed at two stocking rates. Daily dry matter intakes (kg dry matter/cow/day), which were estimated from pasture assessments before and after grazing, ranged from 4% (low stocked Jersey herd) to 38% (high stocked Friesian herd) below recommended intakes for each breed of cow in peak lactation. Stocking rate was associated with a 4% reduction in liveweight for cows in the high stocked herds and a 20% reduction in daily milk production (as a proportion of the low stocked herds' liveweight and milk production). Eight cows produced at least one blood sample with a beta hydroxybutyrate concentration of more than 1.0 mmol/l. There were 42% of samples with glucose concentrations greater than 4.1 mmol/l. These two concentrations were the maximum values classified as normal for these two metabolites by the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. No concentrations of the other metabolites were outside their respective normal ranges. Breed, age and individual animals usually had greater effects on the average metabolite concentrations than did stocking rate. The greatest effect was associated with sample day, especially for insulin-like growth factor-I and urea. A significant breed x stocking rate x sample day interaction in urea concentrations indicated that changes in the feeding value of the grazed pastures available to each herd were sufficient to produce separate fluctuating patterns in the daily average concentrations. These results showed that frequent sampling on a herd basis would be necessary to identify the significance of factors which may be contributing to sample day variation in the concentration of metabolites in the plasma of pasture-fed cows.     

A genetic analysis of the concentrations of blood metabolites and their relationships with age and liveweight gain in young British Friesian bulls

Blood samples were taken from 428 young British Friesian bulls, the sons of 72 sires, between 3 and 15 months of age. The concentrations of blood glucose and haemoglobin and serum cholesterol, urea, albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, Na, K and Cu were measured and correlated with age and growth rate.Most of the constituents showed highly significant but small changes in concentration with age. The largest changes occurred in the concentrations of urea, albumin and haemoglobin which increased as bulls reached maturity. The concentrations of urea, albumin and globulin were also lower and concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, Ca and K higher than usually occur in older cattle.Highest estimates of heritability, based on the mean of 3 samples, were for K and globulin (> 0.6) and for haemoglobin, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, Cu and glucose (0.4–0.6). Phenotypic correlations between 0.2 and 0.4 occurred with growth rate for albumin and glucose between 24 and 35 weeks and with body weight for albumin between 27 and 50 weeks of age; however, the phenotypic correlations with average growth rate up to 53 weeks were only 0.15 and 0.07 for albumin and glucose, respectively. Genetic correlations with growth rate were also determined, but standard errors were large.     

Effects of poly I:C in porcine iron deficient neutropenia

Withholding iron dextran treatment normally given to pigs at 1-3 days of age to prevent anemia resulted also in neutropenia. Polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) at 0.5 mg/kg IV at 25 days of age resulted in induction of putative interferon 2 to 24 hours later, with significantly (P less than 0.05) lower concentrations in iron-deficient (Fe-) female pigs than in iron-supplemented (Fe+) female pigs. Poly I:C caused several transient toxic manifestations, including elevations in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, potassium (K), total bilirubin and phosphorus (P), marked leukopenia (both neutropenia and lymphopenia), and declines in serum albumin, calcium, cholesterol, glucose and globulin. Certain blood chemistries before poly I:C were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) different: albumin, globulin, cholesterol and K were higher in females than in males; albumin, globulin, glucose, P and K were higher in Fe- than in Fe+ pigs; and total carbon dioxide was higher in Fe+ than in Fe- pigs.     

Intestinal macromolecular transmission in underprivileged and unaffected newborn pigs: implication for survival of underprivileged pigs.

Passive immunisation of the newborn pig depends upon intestinal macromolecular transmission to the blood, which ceases within 18 to 36 hours after birth in fed pigs. Macromolecular transmission in newborn, unsuckled pigs was tested by gavage feeding bovine serum albumin and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextran (molecular weight 70 kDa) together with sow colostrum. Serum levels measured four hours after feeding showed that underweight pigs under 1.0 kg, both apparently normal and weak, had a greater capacity for transmission than did apparently normal pigs over 1.0 kg (unaffected). Weak pigs 1.0 kg, or more, had a transmission equivalent to that of unaffected pigs, indicating that they may be otherwise normal animals affected by birth. Splayleg pigs and their clinically unaffected littermates also showed a greater capacity for transmission than unaffected pigs; splayleg apparently involves the entire litter, although the expression of the syndrome varies. The capacity for transmission in the unaffected pig increased with litter size and decreased with an increase in weight and age after birth. In addition, it was shown that transmission was greater in pigs with higher glucose, insulin and alpha-fetoprotein concentrations and lower haemoglobin, cortisol and alpha 2-macroglobulin f concentrations at birth. It was concluded that immature pigs have a greater capacity for intestinal macromolecular transmission at birth than unaffected pigs over 1.0 kg. Since the capacity for macromolecular transmission decreases with age, the probability of their survival depends very much on the husbandry practices in the herd.     

Variation in selected blood plasma constituents during the post-partum and breeding periods in dairy cows

Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, albumin, beta hydroxybutyrate, glucose and urea were measured in 12 plasma samples collected over 9 weeks from mid-August from each of 40 cows in four seasonal herds which calved from mid-July. These herds comprised Jersey or Holstein-Friesian animals, with each breed grazed at two stocking rates. Daily dry matter intakes (kg dry matter/cow/day), which were estimated from pasture assessments before and after grazing, ranged from 4% (low stocked Jersey herd) to 38% (high stocked Friesian herd) below recommended intakes for each breed of cow in peak lactatipn. Stocking rate was associated with a 4% reduction in liveweight for cows in the high stocked herds and a 20% reduction in daily milk production (as a proportion of the low stocked herds' liveweight and milk production).

Eight cows produced at least one blood sample with a beta hydroxybutyrate concentration of more than 1.0 mmol/l. There were 42% of samples with glucose concentrations greater than 4.1 mmol/l. These two concentrations were the maximum values classified as normal for these two metabolites by the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. No concentrations of the other metabolites were outside their respective normal ranges. Breed, age and individual animals usually had greater effects on the average metabolite concentrations than did stocking rate.

The greatest effect was associated with sample day, especially for insulin-like growth factor-I and urea. A significant breed x stocking rate x sample day interaction in urea concentrations indicated that changes in the feeding value of the grazed pastures available to each herd were sufficient to produce separate fluctuating patterns in the daily average concentrations.

These results showed that frequent sampling on a herd basis would be necessary to identify the significance of factors which may be contributing to sample day variation in the concentration of metabolites in the plasma of pasture-fed cows.     

The influence of dietary protein upon blood composition in dairy cows.

Diets of different protein content were fed to dairy cows in two experiments of seven months and 12 months duration. Significant differences in the mean concentrations of serum urea, albumin and copper and of blood haemoglobin and packed cell volume were observed between cows receiving the various diets. The greatest differences occurred when cows were in mid-lactation. It was concluded that concentrations of urea in the serum of the cows were reflecting dietary protein intake and that concentrations of albumin, haemoglobin and PCV during lactation were affected by long-term protein status. The possible significance of the results is discussed in relation to previous reports indicating interrelationships between protein and copper metabolism, and in relation to the recommended protein content of diets for cows.     

Fly ash, basic slag and Glenbrook slag toxicity in cattle

In case studies of two herds of dairy cattle, a herd of 270 Friesian cows and heifers and a herd of 256 Jersey cows and heifers experienced high death rates and a protracted course of illness when fly ash was broadcast as a fertiliser over the farms at a rate of about 1 tonne per hectare. The onset of weakness, lassitude and diarrhoea in the cattle first appeared within 4-5 days and both fertility and milk fat production fell off dramatically. In the following 7 months, 51 animals died in the Friesian herd and a similar death rate and performance losses occurred in the Jersey herd. Emaciation and hepatic fibrosis were consistently reported from autopsies. Heavy metal poisoning was eliminated from the possible diagnosis. The slags and fly ash used as fertiliser had several features in common. They contained 29-40% calcium as calcium oxide, 15-35 grams of iron per kg, they were all extremely alkaline and concentrations of lead and arsenic were low. The effect of adding fly ash to rumen contents in vitro was to raise the pH to greater than 7.2, at which point fermentation was markedly-reduced.     

Attempts at Preventing Further Spread of Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) Infection in 5 Danish Dairy Herds in which BVDV had been Isolated

In 5 herds in which bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) had been isolated, all animals were bled for virological and serological examination. After the herd blood test, follow up blood tests were made on calves born up to 6 months later in 1 herd, 9 months later in 1 herd and up to 12 months later in 3 herds. Persistently infected animals (PI animals) were removed and after a time period a small herd sample of 10 animals that were born after removal of the PI animals were examined for BVDV antibodies.At the herd blood test a total of 21 PI animals were detected. During the follow up period another 25 PI animals were born.Among animals in the small herd samples collected after removal of the PI animals, antibody positive animals were found in the 2 herds with the shortest follow up period. In the 3 herds with a 1 year follow up period there were no antibody carriers in the herd sample.It seems possible to prevent further spread of infection with BVDV if all animals in the herds as well as animals born during the following year are examined and PI animals removed.     

Blood chemistry values for shovelnose and lake sturgeon

Blood chemistry panels are commonly used for assessing the general health of vertebrate animals. Here, we present novel blood chemistry data for two North American sturgeon species, shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus and lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. Measurements were done using a portable chemistry analyzer (VetScan Analyzer; Abaxis). Among the plasma values measured (mean ± SD for shovelnose and lake sturgeon, respectively) were total proteins (3.7 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0.4 g/dL), albumin (2.0 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL), globulin (1.7 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.3 g/dL), glucose (107 ± 46 and 62 ± 9.7 mg/dL), sodium (Na(+); 132 ± 3.6 and 150 ± 14 mEq/L), potassium (K(+); 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.8 ± 1.7 mEq/L), phosphorus (10.4 ± 1.9 and 11.6 ± 3.6 mg/dL), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 676 ± 433 and 634 ± 234 IU/L). Higher values for total proteins, albumin, glucose, and Na(+) in shovelnose sturgeon than in lake sturgeon probably are the result of handling stress. In addition, the plasma of male shovelnose sturgeon had higher concentrations of AST, glucose, and globulin than did that of females, whereas the plasma of females had higher concentrations of albumin and K(+) than that of males. This study is the first to report blood chemistry data for shovelnose sturgeon. Robust blood chemistry databases can be used by aquaculturists and fish managers for monitoring sturgeon health.     

Plasma concentration of ionized calcium in healthy iguanas

OBJECTIVE: To measure plasma concentration of ionized calcium in healthy green iguanas. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 9 juvenile and 21 (10 male, 11 female) adult iguanas. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were obtained from each iguana, and plasma calcium, glucose, phosphorus, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, potassium, and ionized calcium concentrations, aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, and pH were measured. Heparinized blood was used for measurement of ionized calcium concentration and blood pH. A CBC was also performed to assess the health of the iguanas. RESULTS: Significant differences were not detected among the 3 groups (juveniles, males, and females) with regard to ionized calcium concentration. Mean ionized calcium concentration measured in blood was 1.47 +/- 0.105 mmol/L. Significant differences were detected between juveniles and adults for values of phosphorus, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, and AST activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ionized calcium concentration provides a clinical measurement of the physiologically active calcium in circulation. Evaluation of physiologically active calcium in animals with suspected calcium imbalance that have total plasma calcium concentrations within reference range or in gravid animals with considerably increased total plasma calcium concentrations is vital for determining a therapeutic plan. Accurate evaluation of calcium status will provide assistance in the diagnosis of renal disease and seizures and allow for better evaluation of the health status of gravid female iguanas.     

Bovine virus diarrhoea virus: detection of Danish dairy herds with persistently infected animals by means of a screening test of ten young stock

In each of 42 Danish dairy herds, ten young stock aged 8–18 months were tested for antibodies against bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV). At the same time a bulk milk sample from each herd was examined for antibodies against BVDV.

The herds could be divided into two distinct groups: (1) Group A (24 herds) had three or less antibody carriers among the ten young stock sampled from each herd and were considered ‘slightly infected’; (2) Group B (18 herds) had eight or more antibody carriers in the ‘spot’ sample and were therefore considered ‘heavily infected’. Persistently infected animals were not found in two Group A herds studied by a subsequent total herd blood test but were detected in five Group B herds in which all animals in the herds were subsequently tested.

Bulk milk titers were generally higher in Group B than in Group A herds. However, there was considerable variation, and in most cases it was not possible to distinguish the two herd categories from one another by means of bulk milk titers.     

Bovine Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Herds in Iran

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as elevated concentrations of ketone bodies in the absence of clinical signs of ketosis. It is an important metabolic disease in dairy cattle during early lactation and is associated with losses in milk production and several other periparturient diseases. Limited information is available regarding the prevalence of SCK in dairy herds in Iran. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the incidence of SCK in the dairy herds in Kerman province of Iran using serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, and (ii) to investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of BHB and glucose of cows with SCK. In the present study, 90 multiparous Holstein cows (4-6 years old) from 11 commercial dairy herds were evaluated 3-4 weeks after calving. The distribution of blood BHB concentrations seemed to suggest a cut-off point of 1200 micromol/L between cows with and without SCK. At this cut-off point, 14.4% of tested cows (13/90) were classified as subclinically ketotic, with the prevalence rate within herd ranging from 10% to 20%. Cows with SCK were detected in all the investigated dairies except one. Blood glucose concentrations in cows with SCK were significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) than in cows without SCK, and serum BHB and glucose concentration were inversely correlated (r = -0.43, p < or = 0.05). The results suggest that, using a cut-off of 1200 micromol/L, BHB concentrations can be used during early lactation for diagnosis and to make management decisions for prevention and treatment.