Efficacy of parenteral antibiotics for disease prophylaxis in feedlot calves

Trimethoprim-sulfadoxine (TMPSDX) and two formulations of oxytetracycline (OTC) were examined for their prophylactic efficacy in feedlot calves when given by intramuscular injection on arrival at a large commercial feedlot. The study included 2,112 high-risk feeder calves that developed disease early in the feeding period. Both formulations of OTC reduced bovine respiratory disease morbidity during the first two weeks on feed and for the entire feeding period by 15-19% (p<0.05), and they also reduced all fatal fibrinous pneumonia by 67% and 84% (p<0.05). All three drugs significantly reduced all fatal disease in animals first treated during the second week on feed, but not for the overall feeding period. Oxytetracycline with 2-pyrrolidone reduced the incidence of all fatal disease by 44% (p<0.05) during the entire feeding period. The case fatality risk for calves first treated during the second week on feed was lower (p<0.05) in the TMPSDX group and in the OTC with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone group.     

"Benchmark" - a large observational study of Ontario beef breeding herds: Study design and collection of data

The methods used in a large field study which investigated the health and productivity of Ontario beef breeding herds are described. Beginning in the calving season of 1986, 180 breeding herds on 170 randomly sampled farms were followed for a two year period, using producer records and annual farm visits.

The response (cooperation) rate among the eligible producers initially contacted was 70%. Approximately two-thirds of producers maintained individual animal records, primarily calving season records. Approximately 40% recorded disease occurrences.

The advantages, disadvantages, and interpretation of “on-farm” observational studies are discussed.

     

Relationship between equivalent salt solution series of different soils

Equivalent salt solution series have been previously defined as solutions with combinations of sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and electrolyte concentration (E_c) producing the same extent of clay swelling in a given soil. The present study shows that there is a high (r²>0.96) positive correlation between log E_c and log SAR of equivalent salt solutions series, in the equation: where a₁ and b₁ are constants for each equivalent salt solution series for a given soil. Log a₁ could also be represented as a linear function of b₁ resulting in the equation: where a₂ and b₂ are constants for a given soil. Solving this equation using any given value of b₁ yields the combinations of SAR and E_c which make up each equivalent salt solution series for a given soil. The relationship between log a₁ and b₂ for three soils from western United States, namely Waukena, Pachappa and Grangeville, was similar, with their combined data having a r² value of 0.96. This indicated that a single set of equivalent salt solution series values could be used for these three soils which have different clay contents and clay mineralogy. Prediction of hydraulic conductivity decreases with E_c reduction at given values of SAR in red-brown and alluvial soils from southern Tasmania, using the equivalent salt solution series values for Waukena soil, showed similar patterns to measured values and also to those predicted using the equivalent salt solution values applicable to the respective Tasmanian soils. Thus, available data indicate that the same set of equivalent salt series could be applied to the five soils studied. If further testing shows that a single set of equivalent salt solutions values could be applied to all or large groups of soils, this would facilitate the application of the equivalent salt solution concept to predict salt solution flow in the field.     

Divergent selection for postweaning feed conversion in Angus beef cattle: II. Genetic and phenotypic correlations and realized heritability estimate.

A single generation divergent selection study, replicated four times (1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986), was conducted to assess genetic differences between progeny of high and low feed conversion sires in Angus beef cattle and to determine correlated response for weight gain (ADG140), feed intake (AVFD140), and BW (OFFTSTWT) in a time- (140-d) and fat-constant (8.9 mm) period. Realized heritability estimates for unadjusted (feed/gain; FEFF140; .26) and adjusted feed conversion (adjusted as recommended by the BIF, 1986; ADJFDEFF; .46) were obtained. The difference in heritability estimates reflects variation accounted for by adjustment for BW differences, and thus maintenance requirements, of individual progeny. Phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations of FEFF140 with ADG140, AVFD 140, and OFFTSTWT were -.33 and -.66, .49 and -.26, and .15 and -.41, respectively. Phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations of ADJFDEFF with ADG140, AVFD140, OFFTSTWT, and FEFF140 were -.54 and -.59, .30 and -.23, .27 and -.36, and .97 and .49, respectively. Subcutaneous fat (as estimated by ultrasonic measurement; BF140) had phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations with FEFF140 of -.33 and .66, respectively, and with ADJFDEFF of -.44 and -.58, respectively.     

Allo-implant reconstruction of a femoral fracture following osteomyelitis

A complicated, segmented fracture of the femoral diaphysis in a dog is presented. Complications arose from multiple surgeries and subsequent osteomyelitis. Repair was staged by firstly removing all implants, secondly treating the osteomyelitis with appropriate antibiotics while spanning the cortical-deficient fracture site with a Kirschner external fixator, and finally rigid fixation of the fracture with incorporation of an ethylene oxide-sterilised intercalary cortical allo-implant. Principles of bone grafting are reviewed.     

Three cases of disputed paternity in dogs resolved by the use of DNA fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting with the probes 33.15 and alpha-globin 3'HVR has been used to resolve three cases of disputed paternity in dogs. For each pedigree it was necessary to establish which bands in the DNA fingerprints of the offspring were of paternal origin, and then establish which putative sire carried all these bands. In the first case, a litter of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, twelve DNA bands were informative in establishing paternity. In the second case, a litter of Afghan hounds, five DNA bands established paternity, Lastly, in a litter of Border collies, five DNA bands established paternity. In each case a single dog only sired the entire litter.     

The relative economics of feeding open, aborted, pregnant feedlot heifers

A 90-day finishing trial involving 144 feedlot heifers was conducted to compare the performance parameters and carcass characteristics of open heifers, therapeutically aborted heifers, and pregnant heifers. In the first 28 days of the trial, the aborted heifers had reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE) compared to pregnant and open heifers. Over the entire trial, on a live weight basis, the aborted group had reduced (p < 0.05) final weight, ADG, and FE compared to pregnant and open heifers. However, when the data were adjusted for total uterine weight, the aborted and open heifers had improved (p < 0.05) final weight, ADG, and FE compared to pregnant heifers. The aborted and open group had a higher (p < 0.05) carcass weight, rib eye area, dressing percentage, and cutability estimate compared to the pregnant heifers. The aborted group had lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight than the open heifers. Over the entire 90-day feeding period, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups with respect to feed intake (FI), average fat, grade fat, and carcass grades. Also, there were no significant health problems or mortality in any of the groups.

In the economic analysis, aborted heifers returned $26.41 per head more than pregnant heifers. Open heifers returned $39.94 per head more than aborted heifers, and $66.35 more than pregnant heifers. Thus, aborting feedlot heifers during the second trimester was determined to be a safe and cost effective management decision.