Effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on passive immunity and diarrhea in newborn Holstein calves

In the present study, the effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum and incidence of enteric diseases were evaluated. In a completely randomised design, thirty Holstein calves were fed pooled colostrum and then milk containing zero (control), 0.5 (T1), 1.0 (T2), 1.5 (T3) and 2.0 (T4) g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day through day 45. Blood was collected after birth and at 24 h of age and plasma IgG and IgM concentrations were determined. Fecal consistency score and severity of diarrhea were recorded for each calf twice daily. Calves receiving T3 and T4 had lower (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than control and other treatments. Calves on T2 had higher (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than T3 and T4, but not T1 and control. Inclusion of clinoptilolite to colostrum did not affect (P > 0.05) IgM absorption from the intestine of newborn calves. Fecal consistency scores were lower (P < 0.05) for calves on T1 and T2 and higher for calves on T3 and T4 than calves on control. Percent calf days with diarrhea followed the same trend. In overall, seven calves died, those being one each on control and T1, two on T3 and three on T4. Based upon these results, addition of 1.0 g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day to colostrum and milk could reduce diarrhea, but its effect on passive immunity was negligible. Over 1.0 g/kg body weight per day, clinoptilolite had adverse effect on passive immunity and diarrhea.     

Seasonal variation in passive transfer of immunoglobulin G1 to newborn calves

Forty-eight-hour serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) were determined for 123 female calves born on 1 farm during a 12-month period and fed 2.8 L of colostrum by esophageal feeder within 2 hours of birth. Mean monthly serum IgG1 concentrations were lowest in the winter, and increased during the spring and early summer to reach their peak in September, after which they decreased. Eight of 64 calves (12.5%) born from June through October had failure of passive transer of IgG1 (serum IgG1 less than 8 mg/ml), whereas 27 of 58 (46.5%) born from November through May had failure of passive transfer.     

Insulin-like growth factor-I, passive immunity transfer, and stereological characteristics of small intestine of newborn calves

This study evaluated the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I present in the mammary secretions, its relation with changes in serum IGF‐I and immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and intestinal mucosa alterations of 42 calves during the first week of life. Cows were randomly assigned to two groups, treated and control, with 21 animals in each. The treated group was injected with 500 mg recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at day ?35 relative to predicted calving date. Newborn calves were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial scheme: dams group and slaughter date (at birth, 2 and 7 days of life). IGF‐I concentration was higher in the colostrum of treated cows (P < 0.05), but did not differ in the subsequent mammary secretions. Immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum and subsequent mammary secretions did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). No differences were found in calf serum IGF‐I levels from birth to the seventh day or serum immunoglobulin G concentration after 24 h of life (P > 0.05). IGF‐I colostrum levels observed in this study did not affect the small intestine morphometry. The segment from the middle jejunum showed higher mucosa partial volume (Vv) at birth and 7 days old compared to other segments, and at just 2 days of age this segment reduced its Vv, not differing from other segments of the same date.     

Transfer of immunoglobulins and survival of newborn calves

The survival of 405 newborn calves in a large Central Florida dairy was monitored for a period of 20 weeks. Post-colostral serum samples were obtained from 234 newborn calves 2 to 7 days postpartum and assayed for total serum protein concentration using a refractometer. In the dams, the concentration of colostral immunoglobulins (Ig) at the first postpartum milking was determined by a colostrometer. Season of calving, sex, and breed of the newborn calves were recorded. The likelihood a calf would have satisfactory serum protein (greater than or equal to 5.5 g/dl) given its breed, season of calving, dam's colostral Ig, and dam's calving body condition score were determined using logistic regression analysis. Factors affecting the survival of these calves, up to 20 weeks of age, were studied using the Cox's proportional hazard model. Newborn calves' serum proteins ranged from 3.0 to 8.3 g/dl with a mean of 5.1 g/dl. Calves born to dams with satisfactory colostral Ig (greater than or equal to 50 mg/ml) were unlikely to have satisfactory serum proteins (odds ratio = 0.4) after adjustment for season of calving, parity, breed and dam's body condition score. Calves born from October to January were 3 times more likely to have satisfactory serum proteins compared to calves born during the period of February to July. However, there was no difference in serum proteins between calves born in August and September compared to the ones born in February to July. The survival rate of calves born to dams with satisfactory levels of colostral Ig was poor compared to ones born to dams with low colostral Ig.     

Evaluation of a lateral-flow immunoassay for use in monitoring passive transfer of immunoglobulins in calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive ability of a commercially available lateral-flow immunoassay used for determining passive transfer of immunoglobulins in calves. ANIMALS: 204 male Holstein calves ranging from 4 to 8 days old. PROCEDURE: Serum samples were obtained from each calf. Results of refractometry, zinc sulfate turbidity technique, and the lateral-flow immunoassay were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive ability were calculated on the basis of IgG concentrations determined by turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA). RESULTS: Mean IgG concentration in the study was 10.9 mg/ml as determined by TIA. Rate of failure of passive transfer in this study population was 56%. Associations between the values for the refractometry and zinc sulfate turbidity techniques were established by regression analysis. Accuracy for the lateral-flow immunoassay, refractometry, and zinc sulfate turbidity methods was 95, 80, and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The lateral-flow immunoassay was better at determining the status of passive transfer of immunoglobulins, compared with the refractometry or zinc sulfate turbidity methods. The ability of the lateral-flow immunoassay to provide accurate results should enable clinicians to make immediate management or intervention decisions.     

Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves

Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins has long been accepted as imperative to optimal calf health. Many factors, including timing of colostrum ingestion, the method and volume of colostrum administration, the immunoglobulin concentration of the colostrum ingested, and the age of the dam have been implicated in affecting the optimization of absorption. The practice of colostrum pooling, the breed and presence of the dam, and the presence of respiratory acidosis in the calf also may affect passive transfer. Various tests have been reported to accurately measure passive transfer status in neonatal calves. The radial immunodiffusion and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are the only tests that directly measure serum IgG concentration. All other available tests including serum total solids by refractometry, sodium sulfite turbidity test, zinc sulfate turbidity test, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, and whole blood glutaraldehyde gelation estimate serum IgG concentration based on concentration of total globulins or other proteins whose passive transfer is statistically associated with that of IgG. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature of passive transfer in calves including factors that affect passive transfer status, testing modalities, effects of failure of passive transfer on baseline mortality, consequences of failure of passive transfer, and some treatment options. Many previously accepted truisms regarding passive transfer in calves should be rejected based on the results of recent research.     

Effects of feed deprivation on behavioral reactivity and physiological status in Holstein cattle

The present study evaluated whether feed deprivation can increase reactivity to stressful events, such as those that can occur at slaughter. Therefore, effects of 30 h of feed deprivation on behavior, including reactions to psychological stressors, and physiological status in cattle were determined. Sixteen Holstein cows (Exp. 1) and 32 Holstein heifers (Exp. 2) were either fed (FE) or 30-h feed deprived (FD). Throughout the first day of feed deprivation and during evening feed distribution to control animals, FD heifers and cows were more active than controls (P < 0.05). In Exp. 1, during a feeding test, in response to a sudden air blast arising from the bucket from which the cow was feeding, FD cows showed a longer latency to return to feed (P = 0.0002), spent less time in the bucket air blast zone (P = 0.008) and less time motionless (P = 0.03), and tended to withdraw over a longer distance (P = 0.07) than FE cows. In Exp. 2, during a reactivity test, FD heifers spent more (P = 0.0001) time motionless in response to social isolation than FE heifers. In Exp. 2, one-half of the FE and FD heifers were subjected to an additional physical and psychological stressor just before the reactivity test by driving them for 5 min through a labyrinth. Within heifers subjected to the additional stressor, FD heifers were less accepting of being detained (P = 0.05) and stroked (P = 0.003) by a familiar stockperson in a corner of the test arena. Compared with FE animals, FD heifers and FD cows had greater plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). Feed-deprived cows also had reduced β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (P = 0.02) compared with FE cows. Thus, in cattle, FD influenced some of the classical indicators of energy metabolism and exacerbated reactivity to sudden events. In addition, when additional stressors were applied, FD cattle were more reluctant to accept handling. Results indicate that a multifactorial origin of stressors during the slaughter period may synergistically increase psychological stress of cattle.     

Further studies on passive immunization of newborn calves against rotaviral infection

An inactivated rotavirus vaccine was prepared with an adjuvant which gives a water-in-oil emulsion. The vaccine when injected into cows in their last month of pregnancy, proved to be as effective as the traditional vaccine, prepared with the Freud's incomplete adjuvant, in enhancing the lactogenic immunity. Thus, feeding experimentally infected calves with colostrum and first milk from vaccinated cows prevented diarrhea and reduced significantly rotavirus shedding. Because of its low grade viscosity the water-in-oil emulsifier facilitates inoculation of the vaccine and is therefore recommended as an adjuvant in the preparation of inactivated rotavirus vaccine.     

Factors that influence passive transfer of immunoglobulins in foals.

Effects of farm management, breed, mare age, gestation duration, and climatologic factors on colostral specific gravity, colostral IgG concentration, and foal serum IgG concentration were evaluated. Climatologic variables measured were daily maximal, minimal, and mean air temperature, precipitation, average relative humidity, and total solar radiation. Presuckle, postpartum colostrum samples were collected from 140 Standardbred, 94 Thoroughbred, and 59 Arabian mares from January through June during 1985 and 1986. Thoroughbred (farm A, n = 61; farm B, n = 33) and Arabian (farm C, n = 45; farm D, n = 14) mares were located in Ocala, Fla; Standardbred mares (farm E) were in Montgomery, NY. Mares from farms A, B, D, and E foaled in box stalls, and mares from farm C foaled in sand paddocks. Mares with premature lactation greater than 12 hours were not included in the study. Foals were clinically normal at birth and suckled colostrum without assistance within 2 hours of parturition. Specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples was measured by use of an equine colostrometer. Blood samples were collected 18 hours after parturition from 253 of the 293 foals (n = 45, 25, 32, 13, 138 on farms A through E, respectively) to determine serum concentration of IgG. The IgG concentrations in colostrum and serum were measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Data were analyzed by multiple regression or chi 2 analysis. The most important determinants of foal serum IgG concentration were the IgG content and specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples (P less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of frequent milk feeding on abomasal curd formation of Holstein calves

In order to understand the effects of the automatic milk replacer feeding system on calf health, we examined the effect of frequent milk feeding on curd formation in the abomasum using ultrasonographic imaging. Eight male Holstein calves were divided into a milk-replacer group and a fresh milk group. Calves were fed twice a day to 12 days after birth (Period A). From 13 days, calves were fed six times a day (Period B). The abomasal fluid was taken by paracentesis. In both periods A and B, the fresh milk group formed bigger curds faster than the milk replacer group. The curd score of the milk replacer group in period B at 2 h was significant lower than those of both groups in period A. The pH in the abomasum was lower in period B than in period A. We could not identify the location of the abomasum in the milk replacer group during period B at almost time points. Our experiment suggests the possibility that frequent feeding of milk replacer causes incomplete hydrolysis of κ-casein as well as curd formation, thus reducing the digestibility compared to the feeding of the milk replacer twice per day or frequent feeding of fresh milk.     

新生犊牛的生理特点及饲养管理措施

新生犊牛由于组织器官发育不完善,胃肠消化功能弱,体温调节能力差,抵抗力免疫力低下,代谢旺盛生长发育快等生理特点,若管理不善,极易造成犊牛免疫力低,死亡率高等不良后果,因此科学化、精细化的饲养管理非常重要。本文通过对新生犊牛生理特点的分析,介绍了新生犊牛饲养管理关键技术,为培育健康状况良好,有生长潜力的牛群提供借鉴。     

Metabolic profile of newborn calves and levels of immunoglobulins in the first days of life

After examination of the clinical state of 128 new-born calves, blood was collected from their vena jugularis for the determination of blood actual pH value, concentration of lactic acid, pCO2, base excess, buffer base and standard acid bicarbonate. The course and difficulty of parturition exerted a significant influence on the vitality of the calves and on the studied parameters of acid-base state. In the normally born calves, compared with those after dystocia, the following values were obtained: pH 7.20 +/- 0.03 : 7.11 +/- 0.07, pCO2 = 8.4 +/- 0.9 : 10.0 +/- 1.1 kPa, base excess -2.30 +/- 2.10 : 5.80 +/- 4.60 mmol/l, buffer base 43.0 +/- 2.4 : 39.5 +/- 6.5 mmol/l, standard acid bicarbonate 22.3 +/- 1.8 : 19.6 +/- 4.1 mmol/l and lactic acid concentration 5.6 +/- 2.0 : 10.7 +/- 5.1 mmol/l. The differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) and statistically highly significant (P less than 0.01). The continual study of the blood actual pH value and lactic acid concentration in the calves in the first 24 hours of life showed that with the same trend of changes in calves after dystocia the initial values were less favourable and that their normalization lasted longer. Attention is drawn to the importance of dystocia for the rise of respiratory metabolic acidosis and its effect on the vitality of newborn calves, and/or on their survival. The discussion deals with the importance of immunoglobulin levels in calves in the first days after birth for their further development. The determination of antibody content in colostral serum from the first milking in 33 and 29 cows on two farms showed great drawbacks in quality. A satisfactory level of IgG was found only in 36.36% and 58.62% of the cows, and a satisfactory level of IgM only in 12.12% and 24.13% of the studied cows. The determination of immunoglobulin content in their calves two to three days from birth (33 + 33 animals) showed normoglobulinemia only in 24.24% and 15.15% of cases. In 33 and 29 cows on two farms the colostrum serum from the first milking had an average content of immunoglobulins of class G amounting to 27.99 +/- 20.25 mg/ml and 36.95 +/- 21.62 mg/ml, and class M amounting to 3.64 +/- 1.25 and 2.04 +/- 1.42 mg/ml. Three days from birth, their calves had an IgG content of 4.25 +/- 2.57 mg/ml and 3.99 +/- 1.86 mg/ml and an IgM content of 0.30 +/- 0.20 and 6.38 +/- 0.25 mg/ml.     

Septicemic colibacillosis and failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin in calves

Septicemic colibacillosis is a highly fatal disease that occurs in calves less than 2 weeks of age. The disease occurs when a calf that fails to absorb protective levels of immunoglobulin from colostrum is exposed to an invasive serotype of E. coli. Management to ensure good passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin will prevent this disease and reduce calf mortality caused by other infectious diseases as well.     

The effect of immunization against somatostatin on growth and concentration of somatotropin in plasma of Holstein calves

Holstein calves were used to investigate the effects of immunization procedures against somatostatin (SRIF) on growth and concentrations of somatotropin in plasma. In Trial 1, eight heifers 37 weeks of age were inoculated with cyclic-SRIF conjugated to human alpha-globulin. Final body weight, average daily gain, and measurements of body size were not significantly different between control and SRIF-immunized calves. Apparent total tract nutrient digestibilities and efficiency of feed utilization also were not significantly different between treatments. Plasma concentrations of somatotropin were increased and plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen were decreased in calves immunized against SRIF compared to controls, but these mean differences were not significant. In Trial 2, eleven bull calves seven weeks of age were inoculated with cyclic-SRIF conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Calves immunized against SRIF had larger average daily gains (P less than .06) than did control calves. Body size, efficiency of feed utilization, and concentrations of somatotropin in plasma were not significantly different for SRIF immunized calves and control calves. Urea nitrogen in plasma was lower (P less than .04) for calves immunized against somatostatin than for control calves. Data indicate that Holstein calves can produce auto-antibodies against SRIF; however, additional research will be required before such immunization techniques can be effectively used to improve weight gains in cattle.     

The transfer of serum IgG1 antibody into the gastrointestinal tract in newborn calves

Transfer of functional blood IgG1 to the gastrointestinal tract was measured in neonatal calves. Radiolabelled immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) anti-DNP antibody was administered to 2 day old calves by intravenous injection. The serum clearance rate was measured and was compared to the rate of protein-bound 125I excretion in the feces over a 10 day period to determine the importance of transfer to the gastrointestinal tract as a mechanism of serum IgG1 clearance. The amount of protein-bound and DNP-binding 125I present in the gastrointestinal tract of 10 day old calves at necropsy was also measured. Fecal excretion of protein-bound 125I accounted for 32% of the serum 125I-IgG1 clearance. Protein-bound 125I was present in the gastrointestinal tract at necropsy in amounts estimated to account for 68% of the total 125I-IgG1 clearance, and retained 65% of the DNP-binding ability of the original antibody. The discrepancy between the fecal excretion (32% of total IgG1 clearance) and the GI clearance estimated from protein-bound 125I in the gut (68% of total IgG1 clearance) is explained in part by IgG1 proteolysis occurring after transfer to the gastrointestinal tract but before fecal excretion. These results indicate that transfer to the calf gastrointestinal tract accounts for most IgG1 clearance in young calves, and that the intestinal antibody retains antigen binding function and may contribute to intestinal immunity.