Calf Birth Weight Research Articles

Fetal metacarpal/metatarsal bone thickness as possible predictor of dystocia in Holstein cows

Dystocia and perinatal calf mortality cause significant economic losses in the dairy cattle industry. Despite advanced ultrasound examination procedures, there is no reliable method to estimate the birth weight of calves in order to predict, prepartum, the risk of dystocia. The aim of this study was to predict calf birth weight and dystocia based on transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) examinations in late-term Holstein heifers and cows. Therefore, TRUS examination was performed on 128 animals that were between 265 and 282 d of gestation to measure the bone thickness of the fetal metacarpus (MC) or metatarsus (MT). Fetal TRUS measurements were successful in 104 cases. Excluding twin deliveries, 97 fetal MC/MT bone thicknesses were measured and the mean (±SD) MC/MT thickness was 2.54 ± 0.37 cm. A novel index, the metacarpal/metatarsal index [MCTI = maternal body weight (kg)/fetal MC or MT thickness (cm)], was also calculated to study its association with calving ease. The average MCTI was 257.3 kg/cm in the studied population. A lower MCTI was associated with the risk of dystocia with an odds ratio of 2.074 that was not significantly different from 1 (95% confidence interval: 0.002-11.104). Fetal presentation, fetal age, fetal sex, body condition score of the dam, age of dam, and intercoxal and interischiadic distances were not related to dystocia. A fair phenotypic correlation (0.226) was found between MC/MT thickness and calf birth weight. The genetic correlation between MC/MT thickness and calf birth weight was 0.235. Our results indicate that late-term measurement of the fetal MC/MT bone thickness by means of TRUS examination augmented with the MCTI may have clinical significance in the prediction of dystocia in Holstein cattle. Because the odds ratio for dystocia based on MCTI determination was not significant, the applied technique should be improved based on further studies on prepartum TRUS examinations combined with dam pelvic measurements.

Effects of feeding stockpiled tall fescue versus summer-baled tall fescue-based hay to late gestation beef cows: I. Cow performance, maternal metabolic status, and fetal growth.

We hypothesized that cows grazing stockpiled tall fescue (STF) during late gestation would have increased nutrient intake, resulting in improved metabolic status and fetal growth compared with cows consuming summer-baled tall fescue hay. Multiparous, spring-calving, crossbred beef cows (year 1: n = 48, year 2: n = 56) were allocated by body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), age, service sire, and expected calving date to 1 of 2 forage systems (4 rep/system) in mid-November on day 188 of gestation: strip-graze endophyte-infected STF in 4.05 ha pastures or consume ad libitum endophyte-infected summer-baled tall fescue-based hay in uncovered dry lots. Treatments were terminated 1 wk postpartum, and cow-calf pairs were managed together until weaning. Data were analyzed with forage system, year, and their interaction as fixed effects. Sampling day was a repeated effect for cow metabolites and hormones. Calf date of birth was in the model when P < 0.25; pasture or pen was the experimental unit. Cow prepartum BW was not affected (P ≥ 0.424) by forage system, but cows grazing STF tended (P = 0.09) to have greater BCS at day 35 and had greater (P = 0.03) final precalving BCS than hay-fed cows. Additionally, final precalving 12th rib fat thickness tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for STF than hay-fed cows. Calves born to cows fed hay only weighed 10.2% less (P = 0.03) at birth than calves born to cows consuming STF, indicating reduced fetal growth. Postpartum cow BW, BCS, first service conception rate, and overall pregnancy rate were not affected (P ≥ 0.15) by late gestational forage system. After day 0, serum urea N was greater (P < 0.001) in cows consuming STF on all days measured. Cows grazing STF also tended (P = 0.08) to have greater plasma glucose than cows consuming hay. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were greater (P < 0.001) in cows grazing STF on day 56 in year 1 and on day 77 and 99 in year 2. Serum triiodothyronine was less (P = 0.03) on day 0, but greater (P = 0.004) on day 99, in cows grazing STF. Cows grazing STF tended (P = 0.06) to have greater thyroxine on day 77 in year 1. Serum cortisol was greater (P = 0.003) on day 35 and tended (P = 0.10) to be greater on day 99 in cows grazing STF. Calf birth weight was positively correlated with prepartum maternal serum urea N (r = 0.31, P = 0.002) and NEFA (r = 0.12, P = 0.005). In this study, cows grazing STF had increased nutrient intake during late gestation, resulting in greater fetal growth.

The effects of protein supplementation of fall calving beef cows on pre- and postpartum plasma insulin, glucose and IGF-I, and postnatal growth and plasma insulin and IGF-I of calves.

Fall calving (September to October) cows (n = 189 calvings in 5 replications; body weight [BW] = 626 ± 6 kg, body condition score [BCS] = 4.76 ± 0.06) grazing native dormant range were used to determine the effects of protein supplementation on performance and endocrine function of cows and calves. Cows were individually fed either a control (CON; 1.82 kg/d of 38% crude protein [CP]) or restricted (RES; 0.2 kg/d of 8% CP) protein supplement from mid-November to mid-March for 6 consecutive years. During each year, cows were reassigned dietary treatments according to calving date and BCS, and half of the CON and half of the RES cows remained on the same diets as the previous year and the other halves were assigned to the other diet. Statistical analyses were performed with the general linear model procedure utilizing a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and a complete randomized design. Cows on CON diets lost less BW from November to January compared with RES cows (-25.9 ± 2.6 and -45.0 ± 2.6 kg, respectively; P < 0.001). Protein supplementation increased plasma concentrations of insulin of CON compared with RES cows during treatment (P < 0.05). Calf birth weight did not differ between prenatal supplemention of CON and RES (P = 0.87). A prenatal × postnatal effect was detected for BW of calves; prenatal RES and postnatal CON calves (RES-CON; 189.4 ± 4.2, P = 0.05) had greater 205-d adjusted weaning weights compared with prenatal RES and postnatal RES (RES-RES) and prenatal CON and postnatal RES (CON-RES) calves (163.0 ± 4.2 and 177.8 ± 4.2 kg, respectively). There was a prenatal × postnatal effect on gain of calves from January to weaning (P = 0.05); RES-CON gained more than RES-RES and CON-RES calves. Adjusted yearling 365-d BW was least (P = 0.02) for RES-RES calves. Prenatal protein supplementation of cows decreased (P = 0.03) final BW of calves at harvest (23 mo). Prenatal and postnatal supplementation of cows did not influence carcass characteristics of calves (P > 0.10). In conclusion, increasing protein supplementation of fall calving beef cows from November to March, during breeding and early pregnancy, reduced BW loss of cows, decreased the interval from calving to pregnancy, increased plasma concentrations of insulin in December, January, and March, and increased plasma insulin-like growth factor-I in December without alteration in pregnancy rate. Reduced protein supplementation prenatally increased BW of calves at harvest.

Impact of milk feeding frequency on performance, health and behaviour of crossbred cattle calves

The present study was undertaken to study the impact of milk feeding frequency on performance, health and behaviour of crossbred cattle calves. A total of 12 crossbred (Vrindavani) calves were allocated equally in to two groups viz. control (G-I) and experimental group (G-II). During the experimental period (from16th to 70th day of birth), the calves in Gr-II and G-I group were fed milk once and twice daily, respectively without any change in total offered milk quantity. The mean birth weight (kg) of calves in control and experimental group were 21.01±0.88 and 21.25±0.88 kg, respectively. The total body weight gain of calves in control and experimental group were 21.06±0.39 and 21.08±0.39 kg, respectively. The average weekly body weights, gains and body measurements in general were non-significantly different in control and G-II group from 1st to 10th week of age. However, the body length was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in G-II from third week to end of experiment. As a whole, 16.67% calves in G-I and 33.34% calves in G-II suffered from calf scour. The change in feeding schedule had no significant effect on immune status and behavioral activities of calves. Once daily feeding saved 29.41% (36 man minutes) labour than twice daily feeding schedule. It was concluded that reduction in milk feeding frequency to calves did not affect growth, feed intake, health, behaviour and overall performance, hence one time milk feeding to calves may be adopted at organized herds, where weaning is being practiced, in view of saving labor cost.

Effects of Some Environmental Factors on Birth Weight of Anatolian Buffalo Calves

This study was conducted to determine the effects of some environmental factors on birth weight (BW) in Anatolian Buffalo calves born in the scope of the project of improvement of Anatolian Buffalo in public hand supported by General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies reared in Amasya province of Turkey. A total of 228 heads calves born between 2014 and 2015 were constituted the study material. Sex of calf, maternal age, birth season and location were assessed as affecting factors on BW. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package program. Average BW was determined as 29.3 ± 0.43 kg. The effects of calf sex, maternal age and birth season on BW were detected to be statistically significant. The average BW of the male calves (32.2 ± 0.57 kg) was found to be higher than those of the female calves (26.0 ± 0.50 kg). BW of calves born in autumn had the lowest value. In addition, BW was tented to increase with advanced maternal age.

Effects of three methods of oral selenium-enriched yeast supplementation on blood components and growth in Holstein dairy calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of three methods of oral selenium-enriched yeast (Se-yeast) supplementation on the blood characteristics and growth of Holstein dairy calves. The three methods were: (1) maternal (dams supplemented with 0.3 mg Se per kg of dietary DM during 3 weeks pre-calving), (2) post-calving (calf starter enriched with 0.3 mg Se per kg of DM), and (3) maternal and post-calving Se-yeast supplementation. These three methods were compared with a control group (no supplementation). Maternal supplementation with Se-yeast successfully increased Se concentration in the colostrum and the serum of calves 24 h after calving (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At day 56, the Se concentration in the blood of calves supplemented with Se-yeast pre- (maternal) or post-calving (via starter) was greater than the control group (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but maternal plus post-calving supplementation was not more effective than either maternal or post-calving supplementation. Globulin and total protein concentration in the blood of calves at day 0 increased and albumins:globulins decreased with maternal supplementation (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but these variables were similar for all treatments at day 56. Immunoglobulins in the blood of calves and colostrum were not affected by maternal Se-yeast supplementation. Maternal supplementation increased the concentration of urea in the blood of calves at 0 days (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but not at 56 days. Calf birthweight was increased with maternal supplementation of Se-yeast (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but growth to day 56 was not affected by the methods of Se supplementation. Maternal supplementation with Se-yeast may improve growth and health characteristics of calves at calving time.

Production and profitability of a beef herd on transitional Cymbopogon-Themeda veld receiving three levels of lick supplementation

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of three levels of lick supplementation on the production and reproduction of cows grazing transitional Cymbopogon-Themeda veld. The study was conducted over three years (2011–2014). A total of 150 Drakensberger cows were randomly allocated to three supplementary treatment groups. These supplementation formulations are available commercially and are typical of levels used under farming conditions. In summer Treatment 1 (T1) consisted of a supplement containing 50 g phosphate (P)/kg and 150 g crude protein (CP)/kg. T2 and T3 both consisted of supplements containing 60 g P/kg and 0 g CP/kg. In winter, T1 consisted of a supplement containing 367 g CP/kg, 77.5% non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of 5.25 MJ/kg. T2 had 466 g CP/kg, 88.7% NPN and a ME content of 4.4 MJ/kg. T3 had 475 g CP/kg, 95.9% NPN and an ME content of 2.4 MJ/kg. Traits were calf birth weight, 100-day and weaning weights of calves, cow weight at weaning, inter-calving period (ICP), conception rate and body condition score (BCS) of cows. Calf birth weight was affected by supplementation treatment only in year 3 and 100-day weight in year 2. However, weaning weight and reproductive performance were not influenced by treatment. It was concluded that the level of supplementation of each treatment group enabled the cows to operate within their target weight range; however, it was more profitable to use the T3 supplementation option. Keywords: Cymbopogon-Themeda veld, cows, performance

Effects of biotin and nicotinamide supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism and milk production of transition dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing biotin (BIO), nicotinamide (NAM) and their interaction on feed intake, milk production, and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows. Forty multiparous Holsteins were assigned randomly within block to 1 of the following 4 treatments: control (no supplementation), 30 mg/d BIO, 45 g/d NAM (ruminally unprotected), and 30 mg/d BIO + 45 g/d NAM. Cows were fed the same basal diet and received the supplements in drenches daily from about d −14 to 35 relative to parturition. Feed intake, energy balance and calf birth weight were not affected by BIO supplementation whereas NAM supplementation tended to increase prepartum dry matter intake and decrease body weight loss. Tendencies of BIO × NAM × week interaction were observed on energy balance during prepartum and entire period. The interaction of BIO × NAM was found on milk lactose percentage and fat yield. Supplementation of BIO resulted in increased concentration of BIO in plasma and decreased triglyceride concentration. The BIO × week interaction effects were detected for triglyceride, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Supplementation of NAM increased plasma NAM and glucose while decreased nonesterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations. The BIO × NAM × week interaction effect was observed on nonesterified fatty acid concentration during entire period. Blood insulin and total cholesterol concentrations were not affected. Supplementing BIO and NAM in a combination did not show additional benefits above those observed for BIO or NAM supplementation alone for most of the variables. In conclusion, drenching ruminally unprotected NAM at a high dose (45 g/d) is effective to provide utilizable NAM and elicit beneficial effects on the energy metabolism of transition dairy cows.

Vaginal temperature measurement by a wireless sensor for predicting the onset of calving in Japanese Black cows

We evaluated the utility of the continuous measurement of vaginal temperature by a wireless sensor and wireless connection for predicting the onset of calving and for clarifying the relationships among dystocia, calf conditions, and temperature changes at a commercial beef cattle farm in Japan. A total of 625 effective delivery data was collected. The temperature sensor inserted to the vagina on 7 days before the expected due date and collected the vaginal temperature every 5 min. The sensor detected two alerts according to the temperature change, one was the vaginal temperature of 4 h moving average compared to the same time temperature of last two days decreased more than 0.4 °C (Alert 1) and the other was the rupture of the allantoic sac and the dropped sensor temperature reached to the ambient temperature (Alert 2). The detection rates of Alert 1 and Alert 2 were 88.3% and 99.4%, respectively. The average time between Alert 1 and Alert 2 (Time 1) was 22 h, and that between Alert 2 and delivery (Time 2) was 2 h. These results indicated that the continuous measurement of vaginal temperature is effective for predicting the calving time. The necessity of assistance was correlated with dystocia, calf birth weight (BW), sex, and gestation periods. Interestingly, the durations of Times 1 and 2 were also associated with dystocia. The calf BW, sex, and gestation periods affected the length of Time 2. Our findings indicate that the BW of the calf is the most important factor for dystocia risk, and that the continuous measurement of vaginal temperature could become a good indicator for predicting not only the onset of calving, but also the necessity of assistance.

Kinerja Reproduksi Induk Sapi Sebelum dan Sesudah Pendampingan pada Kelompok Tani Lembu Agung, Distrik Kurik, Kabupaten Merauke

Extensive land and diversity of local feed sources allows Papua to have great potential in the development of beef cattle. However, with the traditional livestock breeding system, where livestock is only released and feed still depends on the availability of nature it will certainly affect the productivity of livestock. In addition, farmers have not mastered the feed technology appropriately so that the source of feed has not been utilized optimally to support the growth of livestock. The long dry season in Merauke Regency has an impact on the limited of forage feed in terms of quality and quantity that directly affect the productivity of livestock. On the other hand, the extent of rice cultivation area in Merauke Regency by itself is enough rice cultivation available potentially as beef cattle feed, but the potential has not been optimally utilized. Strategic measures need to be taken such as improving maintenance systems through technological assistance at the farm level. This study aims to present data and information on the reproductive performance of beef cattle before and after assistance in the farming of beef cattle in the Lembu Agung Farmer Group, Kurik District, Merauke Regency. The results of technological assistance at the farm level through improved feeding on parent beef cattle can improve the performance of the parent rerpoduksi that can improve the cows body condition score (BCS) from the range 2 - 2,5 to 3 - 3,5; fix the service per conception (S/C) value to   &lt; 2; shortening the calving interval from 18 - 24 months to 13 - 15 months; increase the calf's birth weight to 25 - 28 kg and improve changes in body weight. Keywords : Reproductive, Performance, Cow.

Management strategies to improve reproductive performance of Brahman cross cattle (Bos indicus) in East Java, Indonesia

&lt;p class="abstrak2"&gt;The demand for meat in Indonesia cannot be supplied by domestic cattle production, and so breeder cattle stock are imported from abroad overseas to increase domestic production. A commonly imported breed is Brahman cross bred (Bx). Smallholder farmers have reported a wide range of problems associated with Bx cow reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the reproductive performance of Bx cows by providing advice to farmers on improved management strategies, such as: maintaining body condition score (BCS) of cow&amp;gt; 3, appropriate estrous detection and weaning at 5- 6 months. This study was conducted from October 2011 – December 2013 by using 189 Bx cows and 151 farmers. The research was conducted in two sub districts of Lamongan district (East Java), Modo and Sambeng. Cattle were fed diets based on crop residues and were supplemented with green feeds, by-products (rice bran) and concentrate during the last 2 months of pregnancy and early lactation. The reproductive performance of cows improved during the study, there were a shorter lactation length/early weaning (reduced from 188 days to 153 days) and improved BCS (from 3.0 to 3.3). The length of postpartum anestrous interval (PPAI) decreased from 198 days to 98 days. Cycling to conception decreased from 75 days to 64 days and days open decreased from 217 days to 118 days over the length of the study. This was associated with improvement in BCS of cows at calving (from 3.0 to 3.3) and a shorter lactation length (reduced from 188 days to 153 days). There was no change in the average birth weight of calves (31.8 kg). There was no change in average weaning weight of calves over the year and average daily gain of calves while suckling 0.7 kg/day. The pre weaning calf mortality rate was decreased during this study (from 13% to 6%). This project demonstrated that Brahman cross cows can successfully be kept by smallholder farmers in Indonesia if appropiate management is used. It can be concluded that improving management, such as maintaining body condition score of cow &amp;gt;3, estrous detection, appropiate mating and weaning at 5-6 months can improve reproduction performance of Brahman cross.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Words&lt;/strong&gt;: Reproduction, Cattle, Brahman Cross&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of pre-partum and post-partum concentrate supplementation on milk yield and quality, calf birth weight and post-partum heat period of Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows

Twelve Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were selected for an on-farm study in a completely randomized design to exemplify the effects of pre- and post-partum concentrate supplementation on calf birth weight, milk production and composition; and post-partum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Along with green grass (35.0 kg/cow/day) and daily farm allowance of concentrate mixture (2.0 kg/cow/day; regarded as control group – 6 cows), extra amount (500 g) of concentrate supplementation was done in supplemented group (6 cows) using wheat bran (44%), mustard oil cake (44%), common salt (4%) and di-calcium phosphate (8%). Results revealed that calf birth weight was 11% higher (p=0.26) in supplemented group compared to the control group. Milk yield was recorded 49% higher (p=0.001) in supplemented cows than that of the control cows. Among the milk constituents, only milk protein was found significantly (p=0.0001) higher in cows received concentrate supplementation than that of the cows without concentrate supplementation. Moreover, the post-partum heat period was found significantly (p=0.014) lower in supplemented group than that of the control group and 83.33% cow in this group returned to heat within 60 days post-partum which was nil in the control group. In conclusion, offering concentrates during pre- and post-partum had positive impact on milk yield, milk protein and post-partum heat period.

Phenotypic and Genetic Parameters Estimation For Birth Weight in Zebu and Crossbred Calves Born Under Organized Farm Conditions in India

Abstract Data on birth weight of Zebu (Sahiwal and Tharparkar) and Crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) cattle spread over 16 years were utilized to assess the influence of genetic and environmental factors on calf birth weight, and to estimate variance components and genetic parameters. Non genetic factors taken into consideration were season of birth, period of birth, sex of the calf, damÂ’s parity and gestation period. Least squares means for birth weights of Sahiwal (S), Tharparkar (TP) and crossbred (CB) cattle was 19.92 ± 0.18, 20.91 ± 0.25 and 28.29 ± 0.29 kg respectively. All the non genetic factors, except period of birth (Sahiwal) and gestation period (Tharparkar), included in the study had a significant effect on birth weight of calves in all the three breeds. Heritability estimate for birth weight by paternal half-sib method on 1520 progeny from 48 sires was 0.149 ± 0.055 in Sahiwal, whereas on 2360 progeny from 101 sires was 0.323 ± 0.063 in crossbred. Variance components and genetic parameters due to direct additive genetic and maternal additive genetic effects were estimated by using two univariate animal models (Model 1 and 2) using AIREML algorithm of WOMBAT software. Model 1 produced highest estimate of additive genetic variance (3.65 Kg2, 3.90 Kg2 and 15.38 Kg2 for Sahiwal, Tharparkar and crossbred respectively) and direct heritability (0.57, 0.60 and 0.67 for Sahiwal, Tharparkar and crossbred respectively) in all the three breeds. When maternal influence was included in the Model 2, the direct heritability (h2d) estimate were 0.14, 0.55 and 0.34 and the maternal heritability (h2m) estimate for birth weight were 0.19, 0.16 and 0.13 in Sahiwal, Tharparkar and crossbred respectively. Model 2 was better in estimation of variance components of birth weight for all three breeds because of significant improvement in likelihood value.

Genetic parameters for body weight from birth to calving and associations between weights with test-day, health, and female fertility traits

A data set including 57,868 records for calf birth weight (CABW) and 9,462 records for weight at first insemination (IBW) were used for the estimation of direct and maternal genetic effects in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle. Furthermore, CABW and IBW were correlated with test-day production records and health traits in first-lactation cows, and with nonreturn rates in heifers. Health traits considered overall disease categories from the International Committee for Animal Recording diagnosis key, including the general disease status, diarrhea, respiratory diseases, mastitis, claw disorders, female fertility disorders, and metabolic disorders. For single-trait measurements of CABW and IBW, animal models with maternal genetic effects were applied. The direct heritability was 0.47 for CABW and 0.20 for IBW, and the direct genetic correlation between CABW and IBW was 0.31. A moderate maternal heritability (0.19) was identified for CABW, but the maternal genetic effect was close to zero for IBW. The correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects was antagonistic for CABW (-0.39) and for IBW (-0.24). In bivariate animal models, only weak genetic and phenotypic correlations were identified between CABW and IBW with either test-day production or health traits in early lactation. Apart from metabolic disorders, there was a general tendency for increasing disease susceptibilities with increasing CABW. The genetic correlation between IBW and nonreturn rates in heifers after 56 d and after 90 d was slightly positive (0.18), but close to zero when correlating nonreturn rates with CABW. For the longitudinal BW structure from birth to the age of 24 mo, random regression models with the time-dependent covariate "age in months" were applied. Evaluation criteria (Bayesian information criterion and residual variances) suggested Legendre polynomials of order 3 to modeling the longitudinal body weight (BW) structure. Direct heritabilities around birth and insemination dates were slightly larger than estimates for CABW and IBW from the single-trait models, but maternal heritabilities were exactly the same from both models. Genetic correlations between BW were close to 1 for neighboring age classes, but decreased with increasing time spans. The genetic correlation between BW at d 0 (birth date) and at 24 mo was even negative (-0.20). Random regression model estimates confirmed the antagonistic relationship between direct and maternal genetic effects, especially during calfhood. This study based on a large data set in dairy cattle confirmed genetic parameters and (co)variance components for BW as identified in beef cattle populations. However, BW records from an early stage of life were inappropriate early predictors for dairy cow health and productivity.

Impact of Using Yeast as Feed Additive on Production Performance and Immune Responses of She-Camels and Their Newborn Calves during Peri-Parturation Period

She-camels face down-regulation of immune responses during pregnancy that may lead to viral and bacterial infections so increases the dangers affecting their newborn calves. This study aimed to improve the body weight and immune responses of she-camels and their newborn calves. A total of 10 dams were divided into two equal groups; G1 (fed the basal diet only) and G2 (fed the basal diet & Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC); 0.5 g/head/day). Dams' and calves' plasma, milk samples were collected. Quantitative analysis of IgG, IgA & IFN-γ levels in samples was done by ELISA and Body weights were recorded monthly. Results revealed significant increases (P<0.05) in body weight, body weight gain of dams and calves' birth weight in G2 compared to G1. IgG2 levels dams were higher than IgG1 at all durations, IgA levels didn't show any significant change in groups while IFN-γ showed an increased level in G2 more than G1 from the time of calving to one month post calving. IgG, IgA & IFN-γ levels in milk didn't show significant differences between the experimental groups. Calves' IgG in G2 showed higher significant levels compared to G1 from birth to one month after birth, IgA & IFN-γ levels in G2 showed significant increase at one month after birth. Conclusion: SC is a good feed additive for she-camels during peri-partum. It improved total body weight, body weight gain and birth weight of calves. Immune responses of dams and calves were enhanced that may help in facing the stressful pregnancy event.

IMPACT OF USING YEAST AS FEED ADDITIVE ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSES OF SHE-CAMELS AND THEIR NEWBORN CALVES DURING PERI-PARTURATION PERIOD

She-camels face down-regulation of immune responses during pregnancy that may lead to viral and bacterial infections so increases the dangers affecting their newborn calves. This study aimed to improve the body weight and immune responses of she-camels and their newborn calves. A total of 10 dams were divided into two equal groups; G1 (fed the basal diet only) and G2 (fed the basal diet & Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC); 0.5 g/head/day). Dams' and calves' plasma, milk samples were collected. Quantitative analysis of IgG, IgA & IFN-γ levels in samples was done by ELISA and Body weights were recorded monthly. Results revealed significant increases (P<0.05) in body weight, body weight gain of dams and calves' birth weight in G2 compared to G1. IgG2 levels dams were higher than IgG1 at all durations, IgA levels didn't show any significant change in groups while IFN-γ showed an increased level in G2 more than G1 from the time of calving to one month post calving. IgG, IgA & IFN-γ levels in milk didn't show significant differences between the experimental groups. Calves' IgG in G2 showed higher significant levels compared to G1 from birth to one month after birth, IgA & IFN-γ levels in G2 showed significant increase at one month after birth. Conclusion: SC is a good feed additive for she-camels during peri-partum. It improved total body weight, body weight gain and birth weight of calves. Immune responses of dams and calves were enhanced that may help in facing the stressful pregnancy event.

The Effect of Different Seasons and Land Types Towards The Performance of Bali Cattle Production in Southeast Sulawesi

The Bali Cattle in Southeast Sulawesi its productivity is influenced by the seasonal environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to analyze the performance production of cows Bali Cattle and its calves that were born on different season (rainy season and dry season) as well as on different types of land. The research methods applied were survey and observation method. The variables being observed follows: body weight (BWT), daily body weight gain (PBBH), body condition score (BCS) and birth weight (BW). Data were analyzed by using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of nested design. The result of the research indicated that the average of body weight, daily body weight gain, BCS and birth weight was higher during the rainy season compared to the dry season. The average of body weight, daily body weight gain, and BCS was higher on paddy field. On the contrary, the birth weight on dry area was higher than it was on wetlands. The average of male cattle birth weight was higher than the average of female cattle. It could be concluded that the cow’s working performance production was affected by the feed consumption and environments (season and the type of land). On the other hand, calf birth weight was affected by sexes, in addition it was also related to cow’s feed intake on late pregnancy phase.

Short Communication: Birth weight of a Holstein calf based on forefoot circumference

Salman LB, Djaja W, Anang A, Indrijani H, Partasasmita R. 2017. Birth weight of a Holstein calf based on forefoot circumference. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 367-370. Record of birth weight of Holstein calf can be used as consideration for selection. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of birth weight based on regular measuring tape compared to Calf scale BW Tape. The records of calf’s birth weight were collected from 1370 female calf birth records from PT Taurus Dairy Farm, Sukabumi. Birth weight measurements were performed by (i) measuring birth weight using Calf scale BW Tape (Nasco, Fort Atkinson, WI); (ii) predicting birth weight with regression based on the circumference of the right front toenails using regular measuring tape a day after the calf was born; (iii) weighing the calf with the scales. The results showed that the predicted birth weight of dairy cow’s calves can be done by regular measuring tape with a polynomial regression equation, Y=(-6288,6)+(1378.8X)-(113.0X2)+(4.1X3)-(0.056X4), which has a deviation 0.5%, and 7.4% using Calfscale BW Tape. Conclusion of this research is that predicting birth weight of dairy cow’s calves using regular measuring tape is more accurate than using Calfscale BW Tape

Stress-related hormonal alterations, growth and pelleted starter intake in pre-weaning Holstein calves in response to thermal stress.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat stress and month of birth on growth performance, pelleted starter intake, and stress-related hormones in Holstein calves. Birth weight and growth records, representing 4735 Holstein calves from a large commercial dairy herd in northern Mexico (25° N; 22.3°C mean annual temperature) from 2013 to 2015, were analyzed. Temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving, season of birth, and month of birth were the independent variables, whereas growth traits were the dependent variables. Increased THI at birth from <65 to >85units was associated with a decrease in birth weight from 39.3 to 38.7kg. Calves subjected to high THI (>75units) at calving showed lesser (P<0.01) pre-weaning gains (405±97g/calf/day), whereas those calves born with THI<70units presented the highest gains (466±112g/calf/day). Birth during the fall months reduced (P<0.01) weaning weight by about 5kg compared with winter months. Also, the pre-weaning average daily gain for calves born in the fall was about 70g less (P<0.01) than calves delivered in winter months. Plasma triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine levels were lower (1.02±0.21 and 48±7.9ng/mL, respectively; P<0.01) in summer and highest in winter (1.64±0.48 and 66±11ng/mL, respectively). Mean plasma cortisol concentration was higher in heat-stressed calves born in summer (59±40ng/mL) than calves born in winter (20±28ng/mL). Pelleted starter intake 1week before weaning was lowest (P<0.01) in the fall (0.82±0.26kg/calf/day; mean±SD) and highest in spring (1.26±0.43kg/calf/day). It was concluded that in this particular environment, heat stress affects birth weight and growth rate of Holstein calves. Thus, environmental management of the newborn calf during hot spring and summer months is warranted to optimize pelleted starter intake and calf growth rates.

Replacement rate and its components in Sahiwal females from birth to age at first calving

The present study was conducted on 1,885 calving in 416 Sahiwal cows over a period of 20 years from 1994 to 2013 maintained at Livestock Research Centre, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. The 20 years data were classified into 4 periods i.e. P1, P2, P3 and P4, each comprising of 5 years. The year of birth/calving was divided into 4 seasons, according to climatic condition of the farm as Winter, Summer, Rainy and Autumn. The parities were classified into 6 groups (first to fifth and sixth and above) and birth weight of calves was divided into 4 groups (&lt;18, 19 to 21, 22 to 24 and &gt;25 kg). The percentage of animals disposed off due to mortality and culling was calculated as proportion by descriptive statistics and influence of various non-genetic factors by Chi-square method using SPSS software. The overall incidence of abnormal birth in Sahiwal was 6.21% and season of birth showed significant effect on abnormal birth which was higher in autumn season (12.37%) and lower in summer season (4.28%). The overall incidence of disposal, mortality and culling was 27.35, 23.63 and 3.72% respectively, while replacement rate on female calves and total calves basis were 72.64 and 37.55% respectively. There was significant effect of period of birth and birth weight of calf on the disposal, mortality and replacement rate. The maximum mortality was observed mainly due to pneumonia and enteritis, while poor growth and debility were the principal cause of culling. It is concluded that there was significant effect of period of birth and birth weight of calves on mortality, disposal and replacement rate. Disposal rate was higher in calves born with lower birth weight; therefore, intensive feeding and healthcare management for calves born with lower birth weight will be important to minimize involuntary disposal and facilitate more number of females calves to reach to milch herd.