Plasma cortisol in the horse, diurnal rhythm and effects of exogenous ACTH.

Peripheral blood plasma Cortisol concentration and its diurnal variation was measured in 4 horses. Mean concentration of Cortisol during 24 hrs. was 42 ng/ml (s ± 20 ng/ml). Peak values occurred at 6 a.m. and the lowest values were observed at about 6 p.m. (mean 65 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml, respectively).Long-acting ACTH at a dose of 150 i.u. was given by intramuscular injection to the 4 horses. Peak Cortisol concentrations markedly exceeding the prestimulation level were obtained between 2 and 4 hrs. after injection. During the immediate 24 hrs. after these peaks, the mean Cortisol level was markedly lower and the cyclic variation out of phase with the basal diurnal pattern. After a gradual adjustment during the second postinjection day, no differences could be seen between the 2 patterns on day 3 after injection.     

复合酸度调控剂对犊牛生长性能、血气指标的影响

探讨代乳粉中添加复合酸度调控剂对0～3月龄犊牛生长性能、血气指标的影响。试验分为对照组和试验组,分别饲喂乳液pH值为6.2和5.0的代乳粉。每个处理6头犊牛,分别在试验开始后的0、14、28、42、56d测定每头犊牛的体重、体尺,每日记录每头犊牛代乳粉和开食料供料量和剩料量,观察每头犊牛的粪便形态和评分,并分别在0、14、42d采血测定血气指标。试验数据显示:与对照组相比,试验组犊牛各阶段的平均日增重有所提高,其中0～14、14～28、28～42、42～56d分别提高了5.6%、45.9%(P<0.05)、11.9%、5.8%;试验全期两组间平均日采食量、饲料转化率差异皆不显著(P>0.05);全期腹泻率试验组比对照组降低了13.9%,但差异不显著(P>0.05);28d体长指数试验组低于对照组(P<0.05)。试验开始(0d)和饲喂42d时各组间犊牛血气指标皆无差异(P>0.05);饲喂14d时试验组血液的pH值(P<0.05)、氧饱和度(P<0.05)、氧气分压、实际剩余碱储、标准碳酸氢盐浓度皆高于对照组,而二氧化碳分压显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,在代乳粉中添加复合酸度调控剂后28d前对犊牛产生了一定作用,可提高14～28d阶段犊牛日增重,降低28d体长指数,并有降低腹泻率的趋势;犊牛血液的pH值、SO2升高而PCO2降低。     

Effect of quality of colostrum on health,growth and immunoglobulin G concentration in Holstein calves in a hot environment

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ingestion of pasteurized and subsequently frozen–thawed pooled colostrum (≥50 mg Ig/mL) with different bacterial counts and immunoglobulin concentration (IgC) on the occurrence of diarrhea and pneumonia in 306 neonatal Holstein calves in a hot environment. Calves were assigned to be fed colostrum with total bacterial counts (TBC) lower or greater than 100 000 colony‐forming units (cfu)/mL, total coliform counts (TCC) greater or lower than 10 000 cfu/mL, and IgC lower or higher than 85 mg Ig/mL. Calves fed colostrum with TBC ≥100 000 cfu/mL were more likely (risk ratio 1.34, confidence interval 1.05–1.71; P < 0.05) to present pneumonia than calves receiving colostrum with lower TBC (incidence 53.2 vs. 39.8%). Calves fed colostrum with high TCC had increased chances of suffering pneumonia (51.4 vs. 42.1%; P < 0.05) than calves fed colostrum with lower TCC. Calves fed colostrum with ≥85 mg Ig/mL tended to present higher daily weight gain (505 ± 113 vs. 484 ± 126 g; P = 0.09). TBC and TCC in colostrum did not influence the incidence rate of diarrhea. It was concluded that under the conditions of the present study, heavy contamination of on‐farm pasteurized frozen–thawed colostrum is seemingly unavoidable and this contamination poses a threat for pneumonia, but not for diarrhea.     

Effects of cortisol secreted via a 12-h infusion of adrenocorticotropic hormone on mineral homeostasis and bone metabolism in ovariectomized cows

To evaluate the effects of endogenously secreted cortisol on mineral homeostasis and bone metabolism in cows, 4 ovariectomized Holstein cows were infused for 12 h with either an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) solution (0.5 mg/2 L isotonic NaCl solution per cow) or isotonic NaCl solution in a 2 × 2 crossover design. ACTH infusion stimulated cortisol secretion and increased plasma cortisol concentrations for 18 h (P < 0.001), leading to an elevated plasma glucose concentration until 36 h (P < 0.001). Plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations in ACTH-infused cows fluctuated within normal ranges, whereas hypophosphatemia was observed unequivocally. The biochemical bone resorption markers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b and hydroxyproline decreased following ACTH infusion (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Similarly, the bone formation marker, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, decreased continuously until 72 h after the ACTH infusion (P < 0.001). These results demonstrate that increased secretion of cortisol via a 12-h ACTH infusion disrupted homeostasis of inorganic phosphate and suppressed bone metabolism in ovariectomized cows without involving gonadal steroid hormones.     

Effects of ACTH injections during estrus on concentrations and patterns of progesterone, estradiol, LH, and inhibin alpha and time of ovulation in the sow

This study investigated whether injections of ACTH for 48 h, from the onset of the second standing estrus after weaning, had any impact on time of ovulation and patterns of progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and inhibin alpha. The studied sows (n=15) were fitted with jugular vein catheters and randomly divided into a control (C group) and an ACTH group. From the onset of standing estrus, the sows were injected (NaCl or synthetic ACTH, 5 microg/kg) every 4h; blood samples were collected immediately before and 45 min after each injection. Ovulation was monitored using ultrasonography. The ACTH-group sows stopped displaying signs of standing estrus sooner after ovulation in their second estrus, but no impact was found on time of ovulation. There were no significant differences in the intervals between LH peak, estradiol peak, and the onset of standing estrus between the C and ACTH groups. The cortisol and progesterone concentrations were significantly elevated (p<0.001) in samples taken 45 min after ACTH injection. There were minor differences in estradiol and LH concentrations between the groups. Overall inhibin alpha concentrations were significantly higher during the treatment period in the ACTH than in the C group, but there were no significant differences between samples taken either 45 min or 4h after injection. In conclusion, injections of synthetic ACTH during estrus in the sow apparently disturb the duration of signs of standing estrus and the hormonal pattern of progesterone, and possibly of inhibin alpha, estradiol and LH.     

Effect of method and time of first colostrum feeding on serum immunoglobulin concentration, health status and body weight gain in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves

The effect of method and time of first colostrum feeding on the concentration of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) was evaluated in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves. The hypotheses were that the variable method and time of first colostrum feeding might affect the level of serum Ig and in turn the growth performance and health status of the claves during the early age. The newborn calves were randomly allotted to one of the four experimental groups - G-1: allowed to suckle the dam at own choice, G-2: separated immediately after birth and allowed to suckle the dam first at 6 h and then at own choice, G-3: bottle fed ad libitum colostrum of its own dam first at 6 h and then at 6-h intervals until 24 h, G-4: bottle fed ad libitum colostrum of its own dam within 1 h, at 6 h and then at 6-h intervals until 24 h. The concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were lowest (p < 0.01) at birth and increased following colostrum feeding irrespective of the experimental group. Highest concentrations of all the Ig classes were observed at 12-24 h after birth. The concentrations then transiently decreased from day 7 to 14, and then steadily increased after day 28. The concentrations of IgG (p < 0.01) and IgA (p < 0.05) were higher in G-1 in relation to the other groups during the first week after birth. Similarly, higher concentration of IgA (p < 0.05) was found in G-1 in relation to the other groups during the rest of the experimental period. The apparent absorption efficiency of colostral IgG was higher (p < 0.05) in G-4 in relation to G-3. Growth rate and health status were not influenced by the method and time of first colostrum feeding. In conclusion, a 6-h delay in the first colostrum feeding reduced the level of serum Ig noticeably.     

Effects of supplemental protein sources during the grazing period on performance, ruminal characteristics and blood constituents in early weaned growing Wagyu steer calves

We investigated the effects of grazing and supplemental protein sources during the grazing period on growth performance, ruminal characteristics and blood constituents in 15 growing Wagyu steer calves weaned at 3 months of age. Each animal was allotted one of three treatments: (1) GSBM, soybean meal (SBM) supplemented as a protein source during a grazing period; (2) GCGM, corn gluten meal (CGM) supplemented as a protein source during a grazing period; or (3) NG, no grazing, in which steers were fed hay and GSBM concentrate only. The estimated rumen undegradable protein (RUP) concentration of CGM was higher than that of SBM. High RUP supplementation during the grazing period did not influence feed intake or growth performance. Compared with the NG treatment, the average daily gain in GSBM and GCGM calves was significantly depressed (P < 0.05). Bodyweight/withers height ratio in the NG calves tended to be greater than in the GSBM and GCGM calves. Final paunch girth/heart girth ratio in the GSBM and GCGM calves was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than in the NG calves. Supplementation with CGM did not influence ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood constituents. These results indicate that CGM supplementation during the grazing period did not enhance the growth of Wagyu calves because the CGM diet probably did not elevate the metabolizable protein supply to the grazing calves above that of the SBM diet in our conditions.     

代乳品中不同赖氨酸、蛋氨酸和苏氨酸水平对犊牛生长性能和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究代乳品中添加不同含量的赖氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸对犊牛生长性能和血清生化指标的影响。选取18头新生荷斯坦犊牛进行8周饲养试验,按照体重和出生时间相近原则分为3组,分别饲喂低、中、高3种不同赖、蛋、苏氨酸水平的代乳品(A、B、C组)。结果表明:(1)代乳品中高赖、蛋、苏含量可以显著降低犊牛饲料转化率(P<0.05),但对全期代乳粉、开食料、羊草的总采食量以及体重和体尺指标均无显著差异(P>0.05)。(2)不同处理组犊牛的血清白蛋白含量为C组最高,A组最低(P<0.05),且白蛋白含量随着日粮中赖氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸含量的增加呈现显著上升(P=0.0747)。(3)除白蛋白外,本试验中其他各项血清代谢指标均不受日粮赖氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸含量的影响(P>0.05),但受周龄的影响显著。结果提示:高氨基酸含量组更有利于犊牛的生长发育。     

Interday variation and effect of transportation on indirect blood pressure measurements,plasma endothelin-1 and serum cortisol in Standardbred and Icelandic horses

Background

Systemic hypertension is a prominent feature in humans with metabolic syndrome (MS) and this is partly caused by an enhanced endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated vasoconstriction. There are indications that systemic hypertension might be a feature in equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) but if ET-1 is involved in the development of hypertension in horses is not known. Increased levels of cortisol have also been found in humans with MS but there are no reports of this in horses. Before blood pressure, plasma ET-1 and serum cortisol can be evaluated in horses with EMS, it is necessary to investigate the interday variation of these parameters on clinically healthy horses. The aims of the present study were therefore to evaluate the interday variation and influence of transportation on systemic blood pressure, plasma ET-1 and serum cortisol in healthy Standardbred and Icelandic horses, and to detect potential breed differences.

Methods

Nine horses of each breed were included in the study. Blood pressure was measured and blood samples were collected between 6 and 9 am on two separate days. Eight of the horses (four of each breed) were transported to a new stable were they stayed overnight. The next morning, the sampling procedure was repeated.

Results

The interday variation was higher for plasma ET-1 (37%) than for indirect pressure measurements (8-21%) and serum cortisol (18%). There were no differences in systemic blood pressure between the two breeds. The Icelandic horses had significantly lower serum cortisol and significantly higher plasma ET-1 concentrations compared to the Standardbred horses. Plasma ET-1 was significantly elevated after transportation, but systemic blood pressure and serum cortisol did not differ from the values obtained in the home environment.

Conclusions

Indirect blood pressure, plasma ET-1 and serum cortisol are of interest as markers for cardiovascular dysfunction in horses with EMS. The elevated plasma ET-1 concentrations recorded after transportation was likely caused by a stress response. This needs to be considered when evaluating plasma ET-1 in horses after transportation. The differences detected in plasma ET-1 and serum cortisol between the two breeds might be related to differences in genetic setup, training status as well as management conditions.     

Effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide injection on white blood cell counts, hematological variables, and serum glucose, insulin, and cortisol concentrations in ewes fed low- or high-protein diets

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxins (LPS) elicit inflammatory responses reflective of acute bacterial infection. We determined if feeding ewes high-CP (15.5%) or low-CP (8.5%) diets for 10 d altered inflammatory responses to an intravenous bolus of 0 (control), 0.75 (L75), or 1.50 (L150) μg of LPS/kg of BW in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 5/treatment). Rectal temperatures, heart and respiratory rates, blood leukocyte concentrations, and serum cortisol, insulin, and glucose concentrations were measured for 24 h after an LPS bolus (bolus = 0 h). In general, rectal temperatures were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in control ewes fed high CP, but LPS increased (P ≤ 0.05) rectal temperatures in a dose-dependent manner at most times between 2 and 24 h after the bolus. Peak rectal temperatures in L75 and L150 occurred 4 h after the bolus. A monophasic, dose-independent increase (P ≤ 0.023) in serum cortisol occurred from 0.5 to 24 h after the bolus, with peak cortisol at 4 h. Serum insulin was increased (P ≤ 0.016) by LPS in a dose-dependent manner from 4 to 24 h after the bolus. Insulin did not differ between control ewes fed high- and low-CP diets but was greater (P < 0.001) in L75 ewes fed low CP compared with high CP and in L150 ewes fed high CP compared with low CP. Increased insulin was not preceded by increased serum glucose. Total white blood cell concentrations were not affected (P ≥ 0.135) by LPS, but the neutrophil and monocyte fractions of white blood cells were increased (P ≤ 0.047) by LPS at 12 and 24 h and at 24 h after the bolus, respectively, and the lymphocyte fraction was increased (P = 0.037) at 2 h and decreased (P ≤ 0.006) at 12 and 24 h after the bolus. Red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit (%) were increased (P ≤ 0.022) by LPS at 2 and 4 h after the bolus. Rectal temperatures and serum glucose were greater (P ≤ 0.033) in ewes fed a high-CP diet before LPS injection, but these effects were lost at and within 2.5 h of the bolus, respectively. Feeding high-CP diets for 10 d did not reduce inflammation in ewes during the first 24 h after LPS exposure but may benefit livestock by preventing acute insulin resistance when endotoxin exposure is mild.     

Effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth and blood and serum variables, and on nutrient digestibility and gene expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in dairy calves

This study elucidated the effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood profile and gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of dairy calves. The study utilized 36 German Holstein dairy calves (5-7 days of age) divided into two groups of 18 calves each for 150 days. Control group calves received 2 kg/(calf × day) of concentrate, whereas calves in the restricted group received only 1 kg/(calf × day). Good quality forage (mixture of maize and grass silages) was available for ad libitum consumption to both groups. The intake of milk replacer before weaning, and of concentrate were recorded daily per calf; however, the consumption of forages was quantified as daily average of the group. Body weights (BW) were recorded at start and on days 35, 70, 112 and 150. Blood and serum samples and spot urinary and faecal samples were also collected at similar time points. On days 70 and 150, liver biopsies were collected from seven animals in each group. The BW was not different between the groups at all times. Total BW gain in the control group was 124 kg as opposed to 111 kg in restricted group that led to average BW gain of 827 g/day and 739 g/day in respective groups, and the differences were significant (p = 0.018). As planned, the control group had higher concentrate and lower forage intake than the restricted group. The blood haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum variables (glucose, total protein, albumin and urea) were within the normal range in both groups, but serum glucose was higher (p < 0.05) in control than in restricted group at 70 days. There was no difference between groups in organic matter (OM) digestibility which declined (p < 0.001) with increasing age in both groups. Microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis estimated from urinary allantoin excretion increased (p < 0.001) in both groups with increasing age but was not different between groups. The mRNA expressions for the gluconeogenic enzymes, cytosolic and mitochondrial phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.32) and pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) measured by quantitative real-time PCR in liver biopsies showed no differences between groups. Overall, restricting concentrate moderately reduced the growth intensity without affecting the normal serum and blood indices, and MCP synthesis and OM digestibility showed no differences between groups, indicating that both concentrate feeding schemes can be successfully applied.     

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology,serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high‐cholesterol diet

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH + SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high‐cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p ≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root‐treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6‐week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH‐Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH + SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH + SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH + SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high‐cholesterol diet.     

Effects of a topically applied anaesthetic on the behaviour,pain sensitivity and weight gain of dairy calves following thermocautery disbudding with a local anaesthetic

ABSTRACT

Aims: To compare the effect of a topically applied anaesthetic to no pain relief or meloxicam on the behavioural responses, pain sensitivity and weight gain of calves following disbudding with or without sedation.

Methods: A total of 364, 2–6 week-old calves from three commercial farms were systematically allocated to one of six treatment groups. All calves received a cornual nerve block prior to disbudding, with half restrained in a crate and half sedated with xylazine. Within these groups one third received no further treatment (control), one third were treated with meloxicam >10?minutes prior to disbudding and one third received a topical anaesthetic applied to the horn bud wounds following disbudding. The frequency of ear flicks, head shakes, head scratches and pain sensitivity of the wound were recorded on up to eight occasions over 24 hours after disbudding. Calves were weighed before, and 7 and 28 days after, disbudding to determine average daily weight gain (ADG).

Results: Compared to calves in the crate-control group, all other groups had reduced ear flicks at all times following disbudding (p?<?0.01). Treatment with meloxicam and topical anaesthesia in addition to sedation reduced head scratches compared to calves in the crate-control group (p?≤?0.013). At 22 hours after disbudding head shakes were reduced in sedated calves treated with topical anaesthetic compared to calves in the crate-control group (p?<?0.001). Pain sensitivity was lower in all sedated calves than unsedated calves (p?<?0.001). The ADG between Days 0–7 was 0.14 (95% CI?=?0.015–0.274) kg/day greater in sedated calves treated with meloxicam than calves in the crate-control group (p?=?0.03), and the ADG between Days 0–28 tended to be 0.06 (95% CI=?0.01–0.13) kg/day greater in sedated calves treated with topical anaesthetic than calves in the crate-control group (p?=?0.09).

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Sedation of calves for disbudding reduced the pain experienced in the following 24 hours. There was a benefit to providing calves with topical anaesthetic following disbudding on behavioural responses and pain sensitivity, which was similar to that of treating calves with meloxicam.     

Effects of a lactoperoxidase system and lactoferrin,added to a milk replacer diet,on severity of diarrhoea,intestinal morphology and microbiology of digesta and faeces in young calves

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of the combination of a lactoperoxidase system (LP‐s) and lactoferrin (LF) added to a milk replacer diet on severity of diarrhoea, the morphology of the small intestinal mucosa, and the microbiology of digesta and faeces in young calves, in comparison with a control diet. The experiment was conducted with 30 young calves, 15 per treatment, during the period of 7–21 days of age. During this period, calves are sensitive to gastrointestinal disturbances that can cause diarrhoea. The results showed a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced severity of diarrhoea in the LP‐s/LF group compared to the control group as assessed by faecal consistency scores. Numbers of CFU (colony forming units) of Escherichia coli in jejunal and colonic digesta and in faeces were lower in the LP‐s/LF group compared with the control group. The differences were significant in both colonic digesta (p < 0.1) and in faeces (p < 0.05). Examination of the small intestinal mucosa, using a dissecting microscope, indicated more finger shaped villi in the distal jejunum of LP‐s/LF‐treated calves compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Histometrical measurements showed that these villi were significantly (p < 0.05) longer.     

Effects of two different rearing protocols for Holstein bull calves in the first 3 weeks of life on health status,metabolism and subsequent performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of weight gain of calves within the first 3 weeks of life on health status and subsequent performance. Holstein bull calves were reared either intensively (IR; individual hutches and ad libitum milk feeding for the first 3 weeks of life; n = 24), or according to the established protocol [ER; 4 l milk/day in hutches during week 1 and 720 g/day milk replacer (MR) from day 8 to 21 in a group pen; n = 24]. Water, hay and concentrates were freely available to all calves. From week 4, calves of both groups were housed together in a group pen and fed 720 g MR/day; step‐down weaning was performed between week 5 and 10. Key metabolic blood parameters were analysed on day 2, 12, 21 and 70 of life. After weaning, all animals were fed concentrates and corn silage until slaughter at an age of 8 months. Within the first 3 weeks, average daily weight gain was threefold higher in IR calves in relation to ER calves (1.28 vs. 0.38 kg/day, p < 0.001). Neither incidence nor duration of scouring differed significantly between groups. Starter intake (week 4–10) was higher in IR calves in relation to ER calves (49.7 vs. 38.0 kg/calf, p = 0.006). Serum glucose, urea, albumin and insulin were higher at an age of 21 days in IR calves in relation to ER calves; no differences were obvious at an age of 70 days. Plasma GH and IGF‐I concentrations revealed an uncoupling of the somatotropic axis in ER calves within the first 3 weeks of life. At slaughter, body weight of IR calves tended to be higher than that of the ER calves (320 vs. 309 kg, p = 0.07). In conclusion, intensive feeding and individual housing during the first 3 weeks of life had positive long‐term effects on subsequent performance.     

Effects of feeding condensed barley distillers soluble on growth rate,ruminal fermentation,plasma metabolites,and myofiber properties of the longissimus thoracis muscle in Japanese Black calves

This study evaluated the effects of condensed barley distillers soluble (CBDS) on growth rate, rumen fermentation, plasma metabolite, and myofiber properties, and gene expression related to metabolism in the skeletal muscles of Japanese Black calves, compared with soybean meal and corn. Twenty‐four calves were divided into four groups: fed 5% CBDS based on the hay dry matter weight (low CBDS) and fed soybean meal and corn at the same nutrition level (control); and fed 15% CBDS based on the hay dry matter weight (high CBDS) and fed soybean meal and corn at the same nutrition level (high soy). The daily gain was larger in the low (p = 0.08) and high (p < 0.05) CBDS groups compared with the control group. In the CBDS‐fed groups, plasma β‐hydroxybutyric acid concentrations were significantly higher at 6 months of age (p < 0.05), the percentage of type I myofibers was significantly lower and their diameters were significantly larger at 9 months of age (p < 0.05), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b mRNA expression was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and citrate synthase mRNA expression tended to be lower (low; p = 0.06, high; p = 0.05) compared with control group. Thus, feeding CBDS promotes growth and leads to animals with more glycolytic and less oxidative muscle metabolism.     

The effect of a pain medication in bloodless castration of male calves on the concentrated feed intake,weight gain and serum cortisol level

Since September 2001, castration of male calves in Switzerland is not allowed without anesthesia. The use of rubber rings for this purpose is forbidden. It was the goal of this study to describe the effect of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, administered additionally to sedation and local anesthesia, in clamp-castrated (Burdizzo) calves of 110 to 160 kg of body weight. Plasma fibrinogen concentration, white blood cell count, serum cortisol concentration, scrotal swelling, concentrate intake and weight gain were evaluated. A positive effect after administration of a NSAID was obvious for the serum cortisol concentration, the concentrate intake within the first 3 days after castration and scrotal swelling.