Consecutive changes in serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme 3 activities in Holstein heifers during the first 18 months of life

This study investigated consecutive fluctuations in serum activities of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme 3 (ALP3) in 11 clinically healthy Holstein heifers during the first 18 months of life. ALP3 activities at the first sampling time point after weaning (3 months) were significantly lower than those at multiple time points during the pre-weaning period. Those activities increased from a minimum at 3 months to a peak at 6 months during the post-weaning period. In the anthropometric data, daily body weight and wither height gains appeared to be below the public data at 4 months and 4–5 months, respectively. The data suggested that serum ALP3 activity can be used to monitor skeletal growth of heifers at weaning.     

Amylolytic activity in the digestive tract of lambs during the first months after birth

Alpha-amylase activity in duodenal chymus and glucoamylase activity in homogenate and microvilli membranes of enterocytes from duodenum, jejunum and ileum of lambs at an age of 1, 7 and 23 days was studied. Alpha-amylase activity in duodenal chymus increases proportionally with increasing the age of lambs, at 7 and 23 days of age rising 2 and 3 times respectively compared to one-day age. Glucoamylase activity in homogenate and Microvilli membranes increases even at 7 day-age 3-6 times depending on the part of small intestine, then keeping on the whole the same level.     

Transrectal Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in Simmenthal heifers

Transrectal Doppler sonography was used to evaluate uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in six primiparous Simmental cows. The uterine blood flow was evaluated on the day of parturition (Day 0), once daily from Days 1 to 8 and then every other day until Day 14. Blood flow was quantified by determining the diameter (D), the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the pulsatility index (PI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the uterine arteries ipsilateral and contralateral to the formerly pregnant uterine horn. During the first four days after calving D, TAMV and BFV declined (ipsilateral: TAMV 70%, BFV 87%, contralateral: D 47%, BFV 84%; p < 0.05), while PI increased (ipsilateral 158%, contralateral 100%; p < 0.05) distinctly. Between Days 4 and 14 only the ipsilateral D (12%) and the BFV of both arteries (ipsilateral 5%, contralateral 8%) decreased (p < 0.05). Blood flow variables were very strongly correlated with each other (r > ±0.75, p < 0.05), with negative correlations with PI and positive correlations with all other investigated factors. Overall, this study revealed characteristic changes in uterine perfusion during the first two weeks after parturition in cows that were pronounced during the first four days postpartum.     

Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving,in the umbilical vein at calving,and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses

Dairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late-pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (−1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (−1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.     

Effects of growth and dietary crude protein level until first insemination on milk production during first lactation in Holstein heifers

To decrease the age at first calving in Holsteins, the effects of average daily body weight gain (ADG) and crude protein (CP) level until first insemination on growth performance and milk production were examined. The MM group had a target ADG of 0.75 kg and received a diet with a CP level of 14%. The HM and HH groups had a target ADG of 1 kg; both these groups received a diet with CP levels 14% and 16%, respectively. The ADG in the HM and HH groups was 1.1 kg, whereas in the MM group it was 0.97 kg (P < 0.01). The HM and HH groups showed no differences in withers height at body weight 350 kg. The ages at first calving in MM, HM and HH groups were 23.1, 21.0 and 21.8 months, respectively. The HM and HH groups had lower milk yield at day 305 than the MM group (P < 0.01). These results suggest that growth performance until first insemination should be maintained at an ADG of 0.97 kg or less with a CP level of approximately 14%, to shorten time until first insemination and prevent the decrease of milk yield.     

Prevalence and severity of foot lesions in Danish Holstein heifers through first lactation

Several studies have shown that foot lesions and clinical lameness occur before first calving and develop further during the lactation period. Lameness may cause production losses, but the relationship between foot lesions, particularly in the claw horn, and lameness in heifers is unclear. The objectives of this study were to describe the development of and evaluate the relationship between lameness and foot lesions in Danish Holsteins before and after first calving. In a longitudinal study, 147 heifers were examined for lameness and foot lesions 2–5 times over an 18-month period. Lameness was assessed by means of a visual locomotion score and foot lesion severity was recorded.The prevalence of a locomotion score 3 was 25% before calving, and 90% at approximately 250 days in milk (DIM). Prevalence of moderate to severe sole haemorrhage (SH) was 27% before calving and 56% at 250 DIM, and that of moderate to severe white line lesion (WLL) 44% before calving with a peak of 70% at 200 DIM. There was one case of white line abscess but SH was seen throughout the entire study period. Digital dermatitis (DD) was prevalent prior to first calving (15%) and peaked at 39% at 0–100 DIM. Heel horn erosion (HHE) occurred in almost all cows (93–100%) and was strongly correlated with DD (r = 0.51). The correlation coefficient between SH and WLL was also high (0.42). The relatively high correlations between WLL and both DD and HHE were more surprising (0.38 and 0.35, respectively), those between SH and both DD and HHE were moderate (around 0.18). Interdigital dermatitis was significantly correlated with both HHE and DD, but completely unrelated to SH and WLL.The overall average locomotion score increased by about one-half of a score unit from 1 month prior to calving until 250 DIM, with a large difference between herds, although this was unsurprising as cows may alter their locomotion pattern with management factors (e.g. floor properties). DD and WLL were both associated with a locomotion score 3 but of the cows with severe WLL there was no clear association between a locomotion score 3 and DD. The highest locomotion scores occurred among cows with DD but without WLL.     

Endotoxin induces delayed ovulation following endocrine aberration during the proestrous phase in Holstein heifers

The effect of endotoxin on follicular growth and on secretion of LH, estradiol-17β, progesterone and cortisol during the proestrous phase in cattle was investigated. Holstein heifers were treated with PGF₂ at 11–13 d after ovulation to induce luteolysis. At 42 hr after PGF₂ treatment, heifers were administered either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Escherichia coli, O111:B4, 5 μg/kg, n = 6) or saline (control; n = 6) by i.v. bolus injection. Ovarian structures were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected at various times for hormonal analysis. The duration from PGF₂ treatment to ovulation was significantly longer in the LPS group (8.0 ± 1.3 d) than in the control group (4.2 ± 0.2 d). LPS significantly reduced the pulse frequency of LH for 6 hr after the administration, and increased the mean concentration and pulse amplitude of LH from 3 to 6 hr after the administration. The plasma concentrations of progesterone and cortisol were transiently increased after LPS administration. The plasma concentration of estradiol-17β was significantly decreased at 24 hr after LPS administration compared to that in the controls. Five of six LPS-treated heifers exhibited no preovulatory LH surge until 120 hr after PGF₂ treatment and the remaining heifer exhibited the surge at 108 hr after PGF₂ treatment, while the LH surge was observed at 54–78 hr after PGF₂ treatment in control heifers. These results suggest that endotoxin disrupts progression of the proestrous phase of cattle, interrupting the preovulatory estradiol rise and thus delaying the LH surge and the subsequent ovulation.     

The effect of maternally derived immunoglobulin G on the risk of respiratory disease in heifers during the first 3 months of life

The objectives were to investigate the association between postcolostral serum IgG and the development of calf pneumonia, to elaborate the risk factors for pneumonia, and to compare the risk factors for clinician- and caregiver-diagnosed respiratory disease. In a prospective observational cohort study, 410 heifer calves were clinically examined weekly by a veterinarian during their first 3 months of life. With an initial questionnaire and during these weekly visits, management data were collected. A nested matched case-control design was used to compare risk factors between 105 calves with respiratory disease and their 59 control calves from the same initial population. The IgG levels were determined from blood samples taken within 2 weeks after colostrum intake. The appropriate cutoff point for the postcolostral IgG level to indicate failure of passive antibody transfer when predicting pneumonia appeared to be between 800 and 1300 mg/dl (values < or = the cutoff point indicated failure). Calves with low IgG levels had 2-times higher odds of pneumonia than calves with higher IgG concentrations. Housing mostly in the presence of adult cattle was a risk factor for pneumonia, whereas housing mostly alone in a hutch was protective. Feeding of mastitic colostrum was a risk factor for clinician-diagnosed pneumonia in the analysis of the cohort study but not in the matched case-control design. There was a three-times higher risk of pneumonia if calves were given their dam's colostrum for the first feeding and the dam had clinical mastitis at the time of first milking. Caregiver- and clinician-diagnosed pneumonia had slightly different risk factors which implies that caution should be used when comparing studies based on different definitions of pneumonia. The practical implications of this study are that more attention should be paid to proper housing conditions of the calves in order to reduce incidence of pneumonia.     

Body composition and tissue distribution from birth to 14 months for three biological types of beef heifers

Thirty-four heifers were sampled randomly from each of the Hereford (He), Charolais (Ch) and Simmental (Si) herds at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at 2 d to 14 mo of age to examine body chemical composition and tissue distribution. Six heifers per breed were slaughtered after calorimetry at 2 d, 3 mo, 7 mo, 10 mo and 14 mo of age, and four others at 8 mo, to measure weight of empty body (EBW), water, fat, ash and protein as residual, in four fractions: carcass (CAR), head, hide and shanks (HHS), gastrointestinal tract plus internal fat (GIF) and visceral organs plus blood (VOB). Fasted live weight from birth to 14 mo increased from 39 to 414 kg for Ch, 38 to 385 kg for Si and 33 to 356 kg for He. Corresponding mean composition of EBW increased from 58 to 67% CAR and from 7 to 13% GIF but declined from 26 to 15% HHS and from 9 to 6% VOB. The water content of EBW declined from 73 to 51%, protein from 20 to 18% and ash from 4.3 to 3.5%, whereas fat increased from 3 to 28% and protein content of fat-free OM increased from 22% to 26%. Composition of CAR was similar to EBW but fat content increased more with age in GIF, less in HHS and least in VOB. Distribution of fat-free tissue changed from 58 to 66% in CAR, 26 to 18% in HHS, 7 to 8% in GIF and 9 to 8% in VOB. The EBW of Ch contained more CAR but less HHS than EBW of Si and HE. The EBW of Si and Ch contained more water and protein and less FAT than EBW of HE. The fatter He had proportionately less of their fat-free tissue in CAR (63%) and more in HHS (21%) and GIF (9%) than the Ch (66, 19, and 8%), with Si (64, 20 and 8%) intermediate. These age and breed differences in composition and tissue distribution may explain some of the variation in maintenance requirements.     

Disaccharidase activity in intestine epithelium microvilli membranes of lambs during the first month after birth

Disaccharidase activity was studied in microvilli membranes of enterocytes isolated from duodenum, jejunum and ileum of lambs at an age of 1, 7 and 23 days. A maximum of lactase activity was observed on the 7th day compared to activity on 1st and 23rd day after parturition and a decrease in enzyme activity on the 23rd day compared to activity on the 7th day. Differences, however, were significant only in respect to activity in ileum. A significant increase of maltase activity in ileum and jejunum was established on the 7th and 23rd day compared to activity on the 1st day after parturition. Trehalase activity attained a maximum in all the three intestine divisions, consequently it subsided with no statistically significant differences. Lactase activity in ileum was significantly lower compared to activity in jejunum of lambs at an age of 1 and 23 days. A marked decrease of maltase activity in distal direction was found only on 1 day-old lambs. No significant alterations were observed in trehalase activity along the small intestine of lambs of the three age groups.     

Effects of first breeding age on the production and reproduction of Holstein heifers up to the third lactation

The effects of early initiation of first service for dairy heifers on their fertility and productivity up to the third lactation were examined under constant raising and management conditions. Eight Holstein heifers in their early breeding regimens and eight Holstein heifers in their late breeding regimens were initiated to be bred at 12 and 15 months of age, respectively, and were first calved at 21.5 and 25.1 months of age, respectively, with bodyweights of 563 and 638 kg after calving, respectively. Early first breeding resulted in a lower bodyweight and a lower body condition score, but it did not affect the fertility or milk production during the first lactation of heifers as cows. The calving intervals of cows to the second and third calving were similar in early and late bred heifers. Although the early bred heifers had a significantly lower fat‐corrected milk yield at the second lactation than that of the late bred heifers, early breeding did not impair the productivity indicated by the mean milk yield per day from birth to the end of the third lactation with a shorter production period.     

Artificial insemination of Holstein heifers with sex-sorted semen during the hot season in a subtropical region

Our aim was to investigate insemination techniques in order to improve pregnancy rates of artificial insemination (AI) using sex-sorted semen (sexed AI) in cattle in tropical and subtropical (T/ST) regions. In T/ST regions, the pregnancy rates by sexed AI are reportedly the lowest in the hottest months of the year, with less than 15% in cows and 35–40% in heifers (PMID 24048822). We compared sexed AI by depositing the semen into the uterine body (UB-AI, n = 12) versus the unilateral uterine horn (UUH-AI, n = 14) of pre-ovulation heifers. The ovary and follicle were assessed by rectal ultrasound before AI. After insemination, pregnancy was determined by ultrasound at approximately 40 days and approximately 70 days. In the present study, we demonstrated that high pregnancy rates (>70%) by sexed AI in the hottest season in a subtropical region such as Taiwan can be achieved when heifers with pre-ovulation follicles are used. The overall pregnancy rates were 54% higher in the UUH-AI (71%) group than in the UB-AI (42%) group (P = 0.06), examined on approximately 40 days post-sexed AI. Surprisingly, however, the pregnancy outcome appeared to be higher in the hot season (62%) than in the cool season (46%) although this difference was not statistically significant. Based on the present study, we recommend that cattle breeders perform UUH-AI using sex-sorted semen for heifers with pre-ovulation follicles in order to achieve satisfactory pregnancy outcome in the hot seasons in T/ST regions.     

Effect of feeding regime, growth intensity and age at first insemination on performances and longevity of Holstein heifers born during autumn

An experiment was performed on 113 heifers born during three successive autumns (1987, 1988, and 1989) and aimed to study the effect of rearing strategy on performances and longevity. From 4–12 mo of age, heifers were grazing (G) or fed indoors with two levels of a corn-silage based diet (CS) with a high (CSH) or low (CSL) level concentrate. Age at first calving was 24 months (AFC24), but, because of seasonal calving management, some animals calved at 36 months of age (AFC36). From 4–12 mo of age, average daily weight gain (ADG) of G, CSL and CSH heifers was 874, 736 and 890 g/d, respectively. G and CSH heifers had the same ADG from 4–12 mo of age, whereas G and CSL heifers had the same ADG from 4 mo of age until puberty. Puberty was detected for 106 heifers, occurring at 269 (SD = ± 28) d of age at a weight of 286 (± 36) kg. On average, CSH heifers were 28 d younger at puberty (P < 0.001). In AFC24 heifers, fertility after one insemination was higher for CS heifers than for G heifers (77 and 55%, respectively). When heifers were adults, it corresponded to 77 and 96%, respectively. During their 1st lactation, AFC24 (G and CSL) heifers tended to have a higher milk peak than CSH heifers (27.3, 28.8 and 24.7 kg/d, respectively). On average, each cow completed 2.64 lactations (range = 0–7), but this parameter varied significantly (P < 0.05): 2.81 (G), 2.67 (CSL), 2.30 (CSH). Productive life was 852 d long, with significant differences between groups (945, 890 and 663 d for G, CSL and CSH groups, respectively). Culling rate during the first four lactations was around 38%. A deleterious effect of an excessive growth rate between 120 and 300 d, corresponding to body weight varying between 150 and 260 kg, was noted. In practice, this indicates that growth rates should be controlled before puberty, but a high growth rate is possible between puberty and first insemination without major problems.     

Hematologic values in calves during the first 6 months of life

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in hematologic values are known to occur in many species. Few published studies include repeated measurements of hematologic parameters in calves during the first months of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to monitor hematologic values by sequential measurements from birth to 6 months of age in 15 healthy calves of the Norwegian Red breed, and compare the results to reference intervals for adult, lactating dairy cows. METHODS: Fifteen clinically healthy calves were sampled every week during the first 5 weeks of life and every month thereafter until 6 months of age. Hematologic values were measured using the ADVIA 120 hematology system. Reference intervals were determined for 75 healthy adult cows of the same breed. RESULTS: Compared with adult reference intervals, the MCV was lower and the RBC count was higher in calves throughout the investigation period. Hemoglobin concentration stayed largely within the adult reference interval. Mean MCHC was lower than adult values for 5 weeks, then increased and reached adult values by weeks 10-12. The mean lymphocyte count for calves reached adult reference values at weeks 6-8, and the mean monocyte count increased steadily until weeks 14-16. For most leukocytes, interindividual variation was larger during the first 5-8 weeks of life. The mean platelet count for calves was higher than the adult reference interval until weeks 19-21 of age. CONCLUSIONS: Age-specific reference intervals for calves from birth to 6 month of age are needed for RBC count, MCV, MCHC, red cell distribution width, and platelet and lymphocyte counts.     

Clinico-chemical blood parameters in foals in the first two months of life]

Eighteen healthy foals were studied from birth until 2 months of age. Blood samples were obtained at the following times: presuckle, 30 hours, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks of age. Changes in serum P, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Cl, iron, AP, ASAT, ALAT, GGT, GLDH, CK, lipase, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, protein and fibrinogen and in plasma total solids were examined and the values compared to reference values of adult horses. There were characteristic age related changes in several parameters. Single measurements should be interpreted cautiously to allow for individual variations.     

Effect of concentrate composition and cubicle bedding on the development of hoof haemorrhages in Holstein heifers after calving

Diseases of the hoof horn are the most common cause of lameness in the UK dairy herd, and diet, particularly starch intake, is commonly implicated in their development. This study assessed whether replacing starch carbohydrate with sugar beet pulp, in a diet containing 50 per cent of the dry matter as forage, would significantly reduce the development of hoof horn haemorrhages in dairy heifers after calving. It also investigated the effect of replacing wood shavings as cubicle bedding with chopped straw. The heifers fed the high-fibre diet had a significantly lower yield of milk protein and a significantly higher yield of milk fat than the heifers fed the high-starch diet, indicating that the change of diet had affected rumen fermentation. However, the change had no significant effect on the development of hoof horn haemorrhages. The change of bedding material also had no significant effect on the development of hoof horn haemorrhages.     

Response to environmental temperatures in Brahman calves during the first compared to the second day after birth.

Brahman calves (n = 28) were used to evaluate the effect of environmental temperature during the 1st or 2nd d after birth. Calves were removed from their dams within 30 min of birth (newborn; D0) before suckling or at 20 h of age and fasted for 4 h before treatment (day-old; D1). Calves were placed in either a warm (W; 25 degrees C) or a cold (C; 5 degrees C) environment for 2 h and either maintained in or transferred to, respectively, W for 22 h. Blood samples were collected via jugular catheters at 15-min intervals beginning at initial placement in W or C through 3 h and at 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 h. Rectal temperature (Tr) was recorded with each sample. Following the 60-min and 12-h samples, each calf was administered 1 liter of colostrum from its dam. Serum or plasma was analyzed for glucose, lactate, plasma urea nitrogen, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, insulin, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Rectal temperature of D0C calves was lower (P less than .05) than that of other calves from 75 min through 3 h. Insulin, lactate, T3, and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were not different among all calves. Higher (P less than .01) cortisol and T4 concentrations were observed in D0 than in D1 calves. Cortisol (P less than .008) and nonesterified fatty acid (P less than .05) levels were greater in C than in W calves. All D0 calves had lower (P less than .0001) glucose concentrations than D1 calves until the 12-h feeding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Body composition and fasting heat production from birth to 14 months of age for three biological types of beef heifers.

Thirty heifers were randomly sampled at five ages from each of the Hereford, Charolais, and Simmental herds at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center to estimate association of fasting heat production (FHP) with body composition. Replicated measures of respiratory exchange were obtained for six heifers per breed at ages 2 d, 3 mo, 7 mo, 10 mo, and 14 mo using open-circuit calorimetry. Regression adjustment of FHP/live weight.75 to zero activity (AFHP) reduced the mean by 12% and variance among periods for the same animal by 42%. Daily AFHP (kcal/kg.75) was highest at 2 d (122), lowest at 10 mo (92) (P less than .01), and intermediate (103 to 106) at other ages and averaged 109, 106, and 102 for Charolais, Simmental and Hereford over all ages (P less than .05). Pooled within-age correlations of AFHP were .77 with weight of carcass (CAR) nonfat or water and .75 with live and empty body weight (EBW) but were only .13 with fat weight. Prediction of AFHP within age groups was most accurate from multiple regression on the nonfat weight in visceral organs and blood (VOB), gastrointestinal tract (GIF), head, hide, and shanks (HHS), and CAR fractions (R2 = 61%, error SD = 21.5), from regression on nonfat in CAR alone (60%, 21.6), or from regression on chemical components in each of the four fractions (59%, 22.0), relative to EBW (55%, 22.9) or its four chemical components (58%, 22.3). Partial regressions were largest for water or nonfat (P less than .01) and were negligible for fat. Importance in predicting AFHP was two to eight times greater for nonfat in CAR than in other fractions because CAR was 60 to 65% of EBW. Lean mass is clearly a major predictor of nutrient requirement that is useful to evaluate effects of body composition on the efficiency of beef production.     

Risk factors for anaplasmosis in dairy cows during the peripartum

Anaplasma marginale is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Some studies have suggested that cows during peripartum may present a transient immunosuppression state and development of clinical signs of anaplasmosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between some risk factors and the seroprevalence of A. marginale in dairy cows during peripartum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The risk factors analyzed in association with the prevalence of antibodies against A. marginale in dairy cows were calving season, reproductive experience, breed standard, tick infestations, stocking density, and milk yield. The antibodies against A. marginale were tested in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A primary screening using a 2 × k contingency table of the exposed variables with the outcomes was performed. All variables for which p?<?0.20 were included in a fixed effects log regression. The risk factors investigated to anaplasmosis were calving (OR 2.61, IC 1.08–7.63), breed standard (OR 3.83, IC 0.08–0.28), reproductive experience (OR 33.7, IC 2.14–5.16), milk yield (OR 3.9, IC 2.24–7.03), Rhipicephalus microplus infestations (OR 10.3, IC 0.05–0.17), and stocking density (OR 22.3, IC 0.05–0.17). Low titers of antibodies against A. marginale during peripartum had been characterized as a period previous to development of clinical anaplasmosis. Thus, studies on anaplasmosis should consider each farm as an epidemiological unit, where environmental and immunological factors may influence the endemic status of the pathogen.