Calf Liver Research Articles

Quinolizidine alkaloids and phomopsin A in animal feed containing lupins: co-occurrence and carry-over into veal products

Lupins are used in animal feed because of their excellent nutritional composition. Australian and European Lupinus angustifolius seeds are incorporated in compound feed of calves for veal production in Belgium. To investigate the co-occurrence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) and phomopsin A (PHO A) in lupin seeds and lupin-containing feed, and the potential transfer to animal-derived foods, representative samples were obtained from various actors in the chain. A UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated for the simultaneous quantification of seven QAs and PHO A in relevant matrices. Results indicate highly consistent total QA (TQA) levels in Australian lupins (173 ± 24 mg/kg) (n = 25), while European samples showed a high variability (1442 ± 1497 mg/kg) (n = 15). PHO A was detected in 7 of 40 samples. Lupin-containing feed had a mean TQA content of 42 ± 28 mg/kg (n = 20). An in vivo feeding trial demonstrated the transfer of QAs to muscle and liver of calves that were fed the lupin-containing feed. Highest concentrations were found for lupanine in liver tissue samples (67 ± 46 µg/kg). PHO A concentrations were below the LOD in all feed and tissue samples. These results indicate that animal-derived foods (veal meat/liver) are a potential route for QAs to enter the food chain.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Newborn Hanwoo Calves: Effects of Maternal Overnutrition during Mid- to Late Pregnancy on Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Liver.

This study investigated the transcriptomic responses of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and liver in newborn Hanwoo calves subjected to maternal overnutrition during mid- to late gestation. Eight Hanwoo cows were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. The treatment group received a diet of 4.5 kg of concentrate and 6.5 kg of rice straw daily, resulting in intake levels of 8.42 kg DMI, 5.69 kg TDN, and 0.93 kg CP-higher than the control group (6.07 kg DMI, 4.07 kg TDN, and 0.65 kg CP), with respective NEm values of 9.56 Mcal and 6.68 Mcal. Following birth, newly born calves were euthanized humanely as per ethical guidelines, and SAT and liver samples from newborn calves were collected for RNA extraction and analysis. RNA sequencing identified 192 genes that were differentially expressed in the SAT (17 downregulated and 175 upregulated); notably, HSPA6 emerged as the most significantly upregulated gene in the SAT and as the singular upregulated gene in the liver (adj-p value < 0.05). Additionally, differential gene expression analysis highlighted extensive changes across genes associated with adipogenesis, fibrogenesis, and stress response. The functional enrichment pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) unraveled the intricate networks and biological processes impacted by overnutrition, including extracellular matrix organization, cell surface receptor signaling, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These findings underscore maternal overnutrition's substantial influence on developmental pathways, suggesting profound cellular modifications with potential lasting effects on health and productivity. Despite the robust insights that are provided, the study's limitations (sample size) underscore the necessity for further research.

Changes in Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios and Mercury Concentrations in Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) during and after Lactation

The changes in the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), oxygen (δ18O), and mercury (Hg) concentrations in muscle and liver tissues during and after lactation were studied in killer whales stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, in the northern area of Japan (n = 16). Calf muscles displayed δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks and a δ18O-depleted peak during lactation. The δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks appear to reflect the extensive nursing of 13C- and 15N-enriched milk and the onset of weaning, whereas the δ18O-depleted peak may be attributable to the extensive nursing of 18O-depleted milk and the onset of weaning. The δ13C and δ15N values tended to gradually increase after the weaning, whereas the δ18O values tended to decrease. The δ13C and δ15N levels in calves were similar between liver and muscle samples, whereas those in mature animals were higher in liver than in muscle samples. The isotopic turnover rates of C and N may be similar between the liver and muscle tissues in calves, which are rapidly growing animals. The Hg concentrations in muscle tissues were slightly higher in small calves than in large calves, probably due to the Hg transfer across placenta. The Hg concentrations in liver and muscle samples increased with increasing body length, and those in two liver samples from mature animals exceeded the high-risk threshold for marine mammal health effects (82 μg/wet g).

Morphological changes in the liver of bulls after the use of adaptogens

The paper presents the results of a study of the influence of adaptogens of plant and animal nature on the productive qualities of Kazakh white-headed bulls and morphological changes in their liver. 40 6-month-old beef bulls were selected for the study, which were divided into 4 groups: I (control) group of bulls consumed only the basic diet, II — adaptogen leucea safflower, III — drone homogenate, IV — pantocrine at the rate of 0.01 ml per 1 kg of animal body weight. At 18 months, a control slaughter of 3 animals from each group was carried out. During the experiment, it was found that the mass of the paired carcass in the bulls of the experimental groups increased by 11.1–21.7 kg (4.25–8.31%, р ≤ 0.05), the slaughter weight by 11.7–23.0 kg (4.24–8.34%, р ≤ 0.05–0.01), the slaughter yield by 0.9–1.9%. The analysis of the morphological composition of the carcass indicates an increase in the specific weight of its edible part of the carcass: by weight of muscle tissue by 4.0–7.7 kg (4.66–8.97%, р ≤ 0.05–0.01), fat — by 0.7–1.4 kg (4.67–9.33%, р ≤ 0.05). There is a high degree of maturity and high nutritional value of the meat of bulls of the experimental groups. Histological studies of the liver of bull calves indicate that when using tincture from drones, the liver structure corresponds to the norm, while in the control group animals some signs of dystrophic changes without pronounced infiltrations and signs of stagnation were found.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on morphometric measurements of the neonatal calf, vitamin and trace mineral status, blood metabolite and endocrine profiles, and calf organ characteristics at 30h after birth.

To examine the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on mineral status and hormone/endocrine profiles in the dam and calf, and morphometric characteristics and organ mass of the calf at 30h after birth, Angus-based heifers (n = 72, 14 to 15mo of age, initial body weight [BW] = 380.4 ± 50.56kg) were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with female-sexed semen. Heifers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 36) or a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36) via an individual feeding system beginning at breeding, with both diets targeting BW gains of 0.45kg heifer-1·d-1. Heifers not pregnant after the first AI (CON, n = 19; VTM, n = 18) were rebred via AI 60d after treatment initiation, and heifers gestating female fetuses (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) received treatments throughout gestation and were experimental units for this study. Calves were separated from their dams and fed colostrum replacer within 2h of birth and euthanized 30h after the first feeding. Calf morphometrics were recorded, and tissues were weighed and sampled. Serum from the dam at calving and serum, liver, and muscle from the calf at 30h were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Serum from the dam and calf were analyzed for concentrations of leptin, vitamins A, D, and E, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1. All response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Calf body morphometrics and BW of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32), calf organ weights (P ≥ 0.21), and calf ovarian follicle counts (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by maternal treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) in VTM. Serum concentrations of Co and vitamin A in the dam were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in supplemented compared with nonsupplemented dams, and serum concentrations of vitamin D were greater (P ≤ 0.0003) in supplemented dams and calves compared with the nonsupplemented cohort. Maternal supplementation supported vitamin and mineral status in the neonate, yet had no discernable impact on BW, organ mass, or circulating hormones/metabolites in the calf. Evaluating offspring at later postnatal time points is warranted to determine if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation affects performance, health, metabolism, and efficiency of energy utilization in key metabolic tissues in the calf.

Supplementing vitamins and minerals to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on mineral status in the dam and offspring, and growth and physiological responses of female offspring from birth to puberty.

We evaluated the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to nulliparous beef heifers throughout gestation on the mineral status of the dam, calf, placenta, and colostrum; offspring growth performance; and physiological responses of offspring raised as replacement heifers. Angus-based heifers (n = 31, initial body weight [BW] = 412.5 ± 53.68kg) were adapted to an individual feeding system for 14 d, estrus synchronized and bred with female-sexed semen. Heifers were ranked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 14) or the basal diet plus 113g heifer-1 d-1 of the vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 17). Targeted BW gains for both treatments was 0.45kg heifer-1 d-1. Liver biopsies were obtained from dams at breeding, days 84 and 180 of gestation. At calving, liver biopsies were taken from dams and calves; colostrum, placenta, and blood samples were collected; and calf body measurements were recorded. After calving, all cow-calf pairs received a common diet through weaning, and F1 heifer calves were managed similarly after weaning. Offspring growth performance, feeding behavior, blood metabolites, and hormones were evaluated from birth through 15 mo of age. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with repeated measures where appropriate. Hepatic concentrations of Se decreased in VTM dams (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving, while concentrations of Cu decreased in VTM and CON (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving. Calf liver concentrations of Se, Cu, Zn, and Co at birth were greater for VTM than CON (P ≤ 0.05), but calf birth BW and body measurements were not different (P = 0.45). Placental Se, colostrum quantity, total Se, Cu, Zn, and Mn in colostrum were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in VTM dams than CON. Finally, offspring from VTM dams were heavier than CON (P < 0.0001) from weaning through 15 mo of age. These results were coupled with greater (P ≤ 0.04) blood glucose at birth, decreased (P ≤ 0.05) blood urea nitrogen at pasture turn out and weaning, and altered feeding behaviors in VTM offspring compared with CON. Maternal gestational vitamin and mineral supplementation enhanced mineral status in dams and F1 progeny, augmented postnatal offspring growth and blood metabolites. Consequently, in utero vitamin and mineral supplementation may exert programming outcomes on the performance and productivity of females raised as herd replacements and should be considered when developing diets for gestating cows and heifers.

Aksaray İli Buzağı İshallerinde Escherichia coli ve Escherichia coli Bakterisinin Son Üç Aylık Antibiyogram Sonuçları

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, motile, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Pathogenic E. coli are divided into two groups: extraintestinal and intestinal. Intestinal Escherichia coli pathotypes: enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Vero- or Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (VTEC or STEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC). Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli: These can be listed as septicemic pathogenic E. coli, uropathogenic E. coli, avian pathogenic E. coli, breast pathogenic E. coli and those that cause uterine infections, endometrial pathogenic E. coli. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in calves and is a bacterial disease that colonizes the small intestine, produces enterotoxin, and occurs among calves during the neonatal period. The aim of this study is to determine the E.coli isolates that cause neonatal calf diarrhea in the Aksaray region between January, February and March 2021. To be used in the study, internal organ samples (liver, heart, lung and mesenteric lymph node) of neonatal calves that died due to diarrhea were taken from 20 different cattle farms in the Aksaray region. One calf that died in each farm was included in the sampling, and a total of 20 calves were sampled. E.coli was isolated in 12 (60%) of the internal organ samples covering these three months. According to the antibiogram results of the samples, 50% of the isolates were converted to Amoxicillin and Erythromycin, 33.3% to Tetracycline, 58.3% to Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 66.6% to Streptomycin, 75% to Flofenicol, Gentamicin and Enrofloxacin, % 83.3 of them were found to be sensitive to Cefloxacin and Cefloxacinium.

66 Whole-Body Biogeography of the Bacterial Microbiota in Newborn Calves and Response of These Communities to Prenatal Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Abstract During gestation, alterations in maternal nutrition during fetal development may alter growth trajectory and metabolic function in the developing fetus. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that the fetal microbiome also influences developmental outcomes. Research in this area is limited, and gastrointestinal microbiota has been the primary focus in cattle. Our objective was to assess the whole-body biogeography of the newborn calf microbiota and the response of these microbial communities and the calf immune system to prenatal vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplementation. Samples were collected from the hoof, liver, lung, nasal cavity, eye, rumen (tissue and fluid), and vagina of female beef calves that were born from dams that received either prenatal VTM or no VTM (Control; n = 7/group) throughout gestation. Calves were separated from their dams immediately after birth and fed colostrum replacement until euthanasia at 30 h post-initial colostrum feeding. The microbiota from swab and tissue samples were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V4) and qPCR. Serum samples were processed for multiplex quantification of 15 cytokines and chemokines. Sequencing revealed the presence of a relatively diverse and complex microbiota in each of the 7 anatomical locations. The community structure of the hoof, liver, ocular, and vaginal microbiota were significantly different from the ruminal microbiota (0.64 ≥ R2 ≥ 0.12, P ≤ 0.003). The respiratory (nasal and lung) had similar community structures to that of ocular, vaginal, and ruminal fluid microbiota (P &amp;gt; 0.11). The ocular, hoof, and vagina had the greatest microbial richness (observed ASVs; P &amp;lt; 0.05) but similar diversity (Shannon; P &amp;gt; 0.05) compared with other samples. The liver and ruminal fluid had the least microbially rich communities, the latter also being the least diverse (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla across all sample types, but their abundance varied by location. The ruminal fluid and hoof had the greatest bacterial concentration, while the liver, lung and ruminal tissue had reduced bacterial abundance as estimated by qPCR. An influence of VTM supplementation on microbial community structure was only detected in the ruminal fluid microbiota (P &amp;lt; 0.01). While prenatal VTM supplementation did not affect the nasal, lung, liver, and hoof microbiota, differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were detected in microbial richness (vagina), diversity (ruminal tissue and fluid, ocular), composition at the phylum level (ruminal tissue, ocular, and vagina), and total bacterial abundance (ocular and vagina). Among the 15 cytokines evaluated, the concentration of IP-10 was increased (P = 0.02) while IL-4 and IL-17A were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05)

53 Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation During Gestation on Vitamin A Status of Beef Cows and Their Calves Managed in the Drylot

Abstract Cows fed diets consisting primarily of stored forages and concentrates may be at risk for vitamin A deficiency because these feedstuffs are low in β-carotene. Furthermore, dietary vitamin A concentrations of the cow during late gestation will affect vitamin A concentrations in colostrum, which calves rely on at birth to supply vitamin A. The objective of this study was to evaluate how level of vitamin A supplementation from mid-gestation to early lactation affected cow and subsequently, liver retinol concentrations of their calf. Multiparous beef cows (n = 54) were stratified by body condition score and previous source and assigned to pen (n = 9); 3 pens were assigned to each of the following treatments: current NASEM recommendation (31,000 IU/d; 1X), 3 times (93,000 IU/d; 3X), or 5 times (155,000 IU/d; 5X) the current NASEM recommendation for supplemental vitamin A. Cows were limit-fed a diet consisting of wheat straw, corn silage, and wet distillers grains. Liver biopsies were collected on cows 3 weeks before treatment initiation, d 40 and d 81 of supplementation, and both cows and calves were sampled 32 days post-calving (165 ± 22 d SD of supplementation). No differences (P=0.86) in initial cow liver retinol (mean 186 µg/g DM) were observed between treatments. A significant treatment × day interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was observed for cow liver retinol. On d 40, cows in 1X had liver retinol concentrations (178 µg/g DM) that were not different (P = 0.12) from 3X (213 µg/g DM) but less (P = 0.02) than 5X (241 µg/g DM), while 3X and 5X did not differ (P = 0.21). Liver retinol on d 81 was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in 1X (189 µg/g DM) compared with 3X (334 µg/g DM) and 5X (412 µg/g DM), which did not differ (P = 0.20). For cow liver retinol post-calving, 1X (187 µg/g DM) was less (P&amp;lt; 0.05) than 3X and 5X, and 3X (454 µg/g DM) was less (P&amp;lt; 0.05) than 5X (674 µg/g DM). Liver retinol concentrations of 1X cows remained below adequate reference ranges (300–700 µg/g of DM) throughout the study, whereas 3X and 5X were increased into the adequate range by d 81. Calf liver retinol concentration also differed among treatments (P = 0.01), as calves of cows in 1X had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) liver concentrations than 3X and 5X calves which did not differ (P=0.12). Liver retinol concentrations considered adequate for calves at 32 days of age (100–350 µg/g of DM) were not observed in 1X calves (51 µg/g DM) but were observed in calves from 3X and 5X cows (119 and 165 µg/g DM, respectively). Supplementing cows with 93,000 IU/d of vitamin A for 165 days brought liver retinol concentrations of cows and their calves up within adequate reference ranges.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Dublin and Thermotolerant Campylobacter in Liver from Veal Calves in Québec, Canada.

Salmonella Dublin and Campylobacter spp. are two foodborne pathogens of importance. A small number of studies reported that consumption of veal liver was associated with an increased risk of human illness from these two pathogens. To better characterize the risk of exposure from liver, a cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of white veal calf liver contamination with these two pathogens and to characterize the antimicrobial non-susceptibility patterns of isolates. Veal liver samples were collected at two slaughterhouses in Quebec, Canada, in 2016 and 2017. Samples were submitted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening followed by culture of Salmonella and thermotolerant Campylobacter. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution. Salmonella Dublin was the only serotype cultured from 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-7.9) of 560 liver samples. Among them and for technical reasons, 498 were tested by PCR for Campylobacter. The prevalence of PCR-positive livers was estimated to be 65.8% (95% CI: 58.7-72.9) for Campylobacter jejuni and 7.0% (95% CI: 3.9-10.1%) for Campylobacter coli. Fourteen Salmonella Dublin isolates were submitted for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing; all were non-susceptible to at least eight antimicrobials from six different classes. Most (81.4%) of the 188 C. jejuni isolates submitted for AMR testing were non-susceptible to tetracycline, and 23.0% of isolates were non-susceptible to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Of the seven C. coli isolates, four were multidrug resistant. This study highlights the importance of veal liver as a potential source of exposure to multidrug-resistant Salmonella Dublin and thermotolerant Campylobacter spp.

Development of polymer films and biological matrices standards for selenium, mercury and endogenous elements quantitative LA-ICP MS imaging in entire rainbow trout fry

The quantitative imaging of trace elements in biological samples can bring information on their assimilation pathways and help understanding their toxicity or essentiality. This study presents the development of two quantitative LA-ICP MS methodologies and their comparison for Se, Hg, Cu, Zn and Mo imaging in rainbow trout. The first method is based on spiked polymer films (dextran) allowing internal standardization with Ge and Te. The second method relies on the matrix-matched standards (MMS) methodology, with homogenized and spiked trout muscle and calf liver. For Se, Cu, Zn and Mo, linear regressions with correlation coefficient above 0.994 were obtained by LA-ICP MS analysis for both methods. For Hg, only MMS calibration provided linear regression as polymer films exhibited Hg unstable signals during LA-ICP MS analysis. Element concentrations spiked in muscle and liver MMS were also confirmed by ICP MS and used to validate the polymer films method as values obtained for Se, Hg, Mo and Cu were in good agreement. While LODs of polymer film method were in the range of 0.06–0.6 µg.g−1 for Cu, Se, Mo, and 5 µg.g−1 for Zn, values were higher for MMS method (from 0.06 (Mo) to 2.2 (Cu) µg.g−1, and 30 of µg.g−1 for Zn). Particular attention has been paid to sample embedding and water was found to minimize internal standard response bias. Both methods were then applied to the quantitative mapping of these five elements in rainbow trout fry supplemented or not with organic forms of Se and Hg through parental and direct feeding. Calibrations were analysed before and after sample imaging evidencing a lower bias between the two quantifications with polymer films calibration than with MMS calibration. For the first time, elements concentrations were determined at 60 × 60 µm spatial resolution in specific tissues or organs of entire fry. Depending on the element, polymer films quantification was in agreement with trout muscle (Cu, Se) or with calf liver MMS quantification (Zn).

Whole-body microbiota of newborn calves and their response to prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Early life microbial colonization and factors affecting colonization patterns are gaining interest due to recent developments suggesting that early life microbiome may play a role in Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. In cattle, limited information exists on the early microbial colonization of anatomical sites involved in bovine health beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we investigated 1) the initial microbial colonization of seven different anatomical locations in newborn calves and 2) whether these early life microbial communities and 3) serum cytokine profiles are influenced by prenatal vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplementation. Samples were collected from the hoof, liver, lung, nasal cavity, eye, rumen (tissue and fluid), and vagina of beef calves that were born from dams that either received or did not receive VTM supplementation throughout gestation (n = 7/group). Calves were separated from dams immediately after birth and fed commercial colostrum and milk replacer until euthanasia at 30 h post-initial colostrum feeding. The microbiota of all samples was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR. Calf serum was subjected to multiplex quantification of 15 bovine cytokines and chemokines. Our results indicated that the hoof, eye, liver, lung, nasal cavity, and vagina of newborn calves were colonized by site-specific microbiota, whose community structure differed from the ruminal-associated communities (0.64 ≥ R2 ≥ 0.12, p ≤ 0.003). The ruminal fluid microbial community was the only one that differed by treatment (p < 0.01). However, differences (p < 0.05) by treatment were detected in microbial richness (vagina); diversity (ruminal tissue, fluid, and eye); composition at the phylum and genus level (ruminal tissue, fluid, and vagina); and in total bacterial abundance (eye and vagina). From serum cytokines evaluated, concentration of chemokine IP-10 was greater (p = 0.02) in VTM calves compared to control calves. Overall, our results suggest that upon birth, the whole-body of newborn calves are colonized by relatively rich, diverse, and site-specific bacterial communities. Noticeable differences were observed in ruminal, vaginal, and ocular microbiota of newborn calves in response to prenatal VTM supplementation. These findings can derive future hypotheses regarding the initial microbial colonization of different body sites, and on maternal micronutrient consumption as a factor that may influence early life microbial colonization.

DNA Methylation of Genes Participating in Hepatic Metabolisms and Function in Fetal Calf Liver Is Altered by Maternal Undernutrition during Gestation.

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of maternal undernutrition (MUN) on epigenetic modification of hepatic genes in Japanese Black fetal calves during gestation. Using a previously established experimental design feeding the dams with 60% (LN) or 120% (HN) of their global nutritional requirements during the 8.5-month gestational period, DNA methylation in the fetal liver was analyzed with reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). The promoters and gene bodies in the LN fetuses were hypomethylated compared to HN fetuses. Pathway analysis showed that the genes with DMR in the exon/intron in the LN group were associated with pathways involved in Cushing syndrome, gastric acid secretion, and aldosterone synthesis and secretion. Promoter hypomethylation in the LN group was frequently observed in genes participating in various signaling pathways (thyroid hormone, Ras/Rap1, PIK3-Akt, cAMP), fatty acid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism. The promoter hypomethylated genes ALPL and GNAS were upregulated in the LN group, whereas the promoter hypermethylated genes GRB10 and POR were downregulated. The intron/exon hypomethylated genes IGF2, IGF2R, ACAD8, TAT, RARB, PINK1, and SOAT2 were downregulated, whereas the hypermethylated genes IGF2BP2, NOS3, and NR2F1 were upregulated. Collectively, MUN alters the promoter and gene body methylation of genes associated with hepatic metabolisms (energy, cholesterol, mitochondria) and function, suggesting an impact of altered gene methylation on the dysregulation of gene expression in the fetal liver.

Effects of Coconut Oil and Palm Oil on Growth, Rumen Microbiota, and Fatty Acid Profile of Suckling Calves.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of coconut oil and palm oil in milk replacer (MR) on the growth performance, blood lipids, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota, and fatty acid profile of hepatic and muscle of suckling calves. Thirty-six Holstein male calves were randomly assigned to three treatments. Three milk replacers containing different fat sources were as follows: control group (CON, milk fat), coconut oil group (CCO, coconut oil powder as fat), and palm oil group (PLO, palm oil powder as fat). Calves were weighed and blood sampled at 14, 28, 42, and 56 days old, respectively, and the feed intake and fecal score were recorded daily. Fat sources in milk replacers had no effects on body weight, ADG, DMI, fecal score, or days of abnormal fecal in suckling calves among the three groups, while the PLO group tended to decrease starter intake compared with the other groups. Serum concentrations of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C in the CCO group increased compared with those of the CON group. Palm oil also decreased the serum GLU concentration of calves but had no effects on serum lipids compared with milk fat. Coconut oil or palm oil had no effects on rumen fermentation, rumen chyme enzyme activity, rumen bacterial community richness and diversity, and dominant phyla and genera when compared with milk fat. However, compared with the CON group, the CCO group increased the proportion of MCFAs and n-6 PUFAs, and decreased the proportion of UFAs and MUFAs in liver tissue, while the PLO group increased the proportion of PUFAs and decreased the proportion of n-3 PUFAs in liver tissue. In addition, compared with the CON group, the CCO group increased the proportion of MCFAs, and decreased the proportion of UFAs and n-3 PUFAs in longissimus dorsi, while the PLO group increased the proportion of PUFAs and decreased the proportion of n-3 PUFAs in longissimus dorsi. In conclusion, compared with milk fat, coconut oil or palm oil in MR had no effects on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microflora but significantly increased serum lipids concentration and changed some proportions of MCFAs and PUFAs in liver and longissimus dorsi in suckling calves. These results indicate that coconut oil or palm oil as the sole fat source for MRs has no adverse effect on calf rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota but has a detrimental effect on n-3 PUFAs deposition in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle.

Treatment of Ready-To-Eat Cooked Meat Products with Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Inactivate Listeria and Escherichia coli.

Ready-to-eat meat products have been identified as a potential vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes. Postprocessing contamination (i.e., handling during portioning and packaging) can occur, and subsequent cold storage together with a demand for products with long shelf life can create a hazardous scenario. Good hygienic practice is augmented by intervention measures in controlling post-processing contamination. Among these interventions, the application of 'cold atmospheric plasma' (CAP) has gained interest. The reactive plasma species exert some antibacterial effect, but can also alter the food matrix. We studied the effect of CAP generated from air in a surface barrier discharge system (power densities 0.48 and 0.67 W/cm2) with an electrode-sample distance of 15 mm on sliced, cured, cooked ham and sausage (two brands each), veal pie, and calf liver pâté. Colour of samples was tested immediately before and after CAP exposure. CAP exposure for 5 min effectuated only minor colour changes (ΔE max. 2.7), due to a decrease in redness (a*), and in some cases, an increase in b*. A second set of samples was contaminated with Listeria (L.) monocytogenes, L. innocua and E. coli and then exposed to CAP for 5 min. In cooked cured meats, CAP was more effective in inactivating E. coli (1 to 3 log cycles) than Listeria (from 0.2 to max. 1.5 log cycles). In (non-cured) veal pie and calf liver pâté that had been stored 24 h after CAP exposure, numbers of E. coli were not significantly reduced. Levels of Listeria were significantly reduced in veal pie that had been stored for 24 h (at a level of ca. 0.5 log cycles), but not in calf liver pâté. Antibacterial activity differed between but also within sample types, which requires further studies.

Effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to cow-calf pairs grazing native range.

Our objectives were to evaluate the impacts of providing vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplements to cow-calf pairs during the summer grazing period on cow and calf performance and liver concentrations of minerals. During a two-year period, 727 crossbred cows and their calves (initial cow BW = 601.7 ± 48.1 kg; calf BW = 87.8 ± 5.0 kg; n = 381 in year 1, n = 346 in year 2) from the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center (Streeter, N.D.) were blocked by parity (young [parity 1 to 3], and old [parity 4+]) and randomly assigned to pastures at the beginning of the grazing season (16 in year 1 and 14 in year 2). Pastures were assigned to receive a free-choice VTM supplement (SUPP) or no VTM supplement (CON) from pasture turnout to pasture removal (158 and 156 days in year 1 and 2, respectively). Consecutive day weights were taken from cows and calves at pasture turnout and removal and liver biopsies were collected from a subset of cows at both timepoints and from calves at weaning. Cows were bred via AI 37 to 41 d after pasture turnout and by natural service cleanup bulls for a 70 to 80 d breeding season. Calving and weaning data were collected from the calf conceived and gestated during treatments. Data were analyzed for the effect of VTM treatment (SUPP vs. CON), block of parity, and their interaction using the GLM procedure of SAS with pasture as the experimental unit. Year was considered a random effect in the final analysis. Cow pregnancy success was evaluated using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS with model terms of VTM treatment, parity, and their interaction with year as a random effect. In year 2, cows in differing days postpartum (DPP) groups at pasture turnout (66.1, 48.8, and 34.5 ± 1.04 DPP for EARLY, MID, and LATE groups, respectively) were selected for liver biopsies with cow as the experimental unit. Cow and calf BW and BW change were not impacted (P ≥ 0.20) by VTM access. Pregnancy rate to AI, overall pregnancy rate, gestating calf birth BW and calving distribution were not affected (P ≥ 0.11) by treatment. Liver concentrations of Se, Cu, and Co were greater (P ≤ 0.002) at pasture removal and weaning for cows and suckling calves that had access to VTM. Cows considered EARLY calving had greater (P = 0.05) concentrations of liver Se compared with LATE calving cows. Although VTM supplementation enhanced concentrations of key minerals in the liver of cow-calf pairs, reproductive and growth performance was not affected.

Nutritional chondrodysplasia in cattle in Brazil.

In this work, we investigated cases of birth of calves with congenital defects in a farm in Southern Brazil. Only calves born from heifers were affected, and the disease occurred in both crossbred and purebred calves. Three necropsies were performed, tissues were collected for histopathology, and samples of liver of calves, blood serum, and food provided for cows and heifers were collected to quantify the levels of the minerals: manganese, copper, and zinc. The calves were born weak, with disproportionate dwarfism, limb deformities, and enlarged joints. Heads were shortened and domed. Long bones had a shortened diaphysis and a normal-sized epiphysis, when compared to the control. In one of the cases, there were white-yellowish lines on the metaphyseal surface of the epiphyseal plate. Histopathology of growth plates revealed premature closure, disarrangement of chondrocyte columns, and collapse of primary spongiosa. These findings supported a diagnosis of chondrodysplasia. Liver manganese levels were under the reference values in the three calves. Food analysis revealed insufficient levels of manganese in the diet of heifers, especially in sorghum silage, which was provided as the main source of food for the category in some periods. Approximately 6months after the diet was changed, the problem ceased and only normal calves continued to be born. Our findings allowed to conclude the diagnosis of chondrodysplasia of nutritional origin and reinforce the thesis that manganese is the mineral deficient in these cases.

3 Impacts of Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation to Beef Heifers During Gestation on Performance Measures of the Neonatal Calf, Trace Mineral Status, and Organ Weights at 30 Hours After Birth

Abstract Objectives were to evaluate the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplement to beef heifers during gestation on calf performance, body measurements, trace mineral status, and organ weights at 30 h after birth. We hypothesized that VTM supplementation during gestation would improve mineral status in the neonatal calf but not impact calf performance parameters and body and organ weights at 30 hours after birth. Fourteen Angus-based heifers [initial body weight (BW)] = 273.7 ± 1.10 kg) were randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 7) or a basal diet plus a VTM supplement (VTM; n = 7; 113 g•heifer-1•d-1, targeting gain of 0.45 kg/day) from 60 d pre-breeding through gestation. Immediately after parturition, blood samples were collected from dams and calves, then calves were separated from their dams. Calves were fed one feeding of colostrum replacer, followed by milk replacer every 12 h, then euthanized at 30 h. Body weight and measurements were recorded, then organs and viscera were removed, weighed, and sampled. Dam serum and neonatal serum, liver, and blood were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Data were analyzed using the GLM Procedure of SAS with individual animal as the experimental unit. Dietary treatments did not impact calf weight (0 h or 30 h), calf body measurements, or body weight of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32). Further, neonatal organ weights were not influenced (P ≥ 0.21) by maternal VTM treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) by VTM treatment; however, concentrations of Cu, Mn, Mo, and Zn in calf muscle, liver, and serum were not impacted (P ≥ 0.07) by VTM treatment. Concentrations of Co in serum of the dam was the only mineral affected by dietary treatments, being greater (P = 0.001) in VTM than CON dams. In the current experiment providing trace mineral supplementation throughout gestation did not impact calf weight or body measurements at birth. However, the implications of altered mineral status of the neonatal calves at birth, and presumably throughout gestation, may have additional postnatal effects that warrant further investigation.

11 Evaluating Relationships Between Plasma and Liver Retinol Concentrations in the Beef Cow and Calf

Abstract In the young calf, vitamin A is particularly important for immune system maturation, and calves rely on colostrum at birth to supply vitamin A. Cow vitamin A status may influence colostral vitamin A concentrations, which can impact vitamin A status of their calves. Very little is understood about this relationship between beef cow and calf vitamin A status. Furthermore, limited data is available on how plasma and liver retinol concentrations in cattle are related to one another. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between liver and plasma retinol concentrations in the cow, calf, and within cow-calf pairs. Multiparous MARC II beef cows (n = 120; 6.4 ± 1.2 SD years of age; 592 ± 58 SD kg BW) in mid-gestation were provided supplemental vitamin A as retinyl acetate in a supplemental pellet at a rate of 21,125 ± 8,560 SD IU/d (current NASEM recommendation = 33,000 IU/d). Cows were individually fed using Calan gates a diet consisting of alfalfa hay, corn silage, and supplemental pellet for 144 d (111 d pre-calving and 32 d post-calving). Basal diet vitamin A concentration was 490 IU/kg of DM. Mean initial liver concentration of cows was 830 µg retinol/g of DM. To assess vitamin A status, liver biopsies and plasma samples were collected on cows and calves at the end of the supplemental period when calves averaged 32 ± 7 days of age (DOA). Pearson correlations were used to test for linear relationships between cow liver and plasma retinol concentrations, calf liver and plasma retinol concentrations, and liver and plasma retinol concentrations between the cow and her calf. No linear relationship (P = 0.10; r=0.16) was observed between liver and plasma retinol in cows. In the present study, mean cow liver retinol concentration (482 ± 182 SD µg/g of DM) fell within the current adequacy reference range of 300–700 µg/g of DM. Cow plasma retinol (272 ± 40 SD ng/mL) was slightly below the reference range of 300–800 ng/mL. A positive correlation (P &amp;lt; 0.01; r=0.37) was detected between calf liver (51 ± 27 SD µg/g of DM) and plasma (190 ± 47 ng/mL) retinol concentrations. Both were below what would be considered adequate (100–350 µg/g of DM in liver; 225–325 ng/mL in plasma) for calves at 32 DOA. There was a positive correlation (P &amp;lt; 0.01; r=0.31) between cow and calf liver retinol, suggesting that as cow retinol liver concentrations increased, calf liver retinol concentrations increased. It appears that despite cows having adequate liver retinol concentrations when 21,125 IU vitamin A/d was fed, it did not result in calf liver retinol stores that would be considered adequate given current reference ranges. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

298 Late Gestational Nutrient Restriction of Primiparous Beef Heifers Decreases Neonatal Calf Body Weight and Organ Mass

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction (NR) would decrease organ mass in neonatal calves. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers (BW: 466 ± 30 [SD] kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.5) bred to a single sire were individually fed 100% (control; n = 10) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Diets were based on chopped sorghum sudan hay and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Calves were removed immediately post-calving and fed colostrum and milk replacer relative to BW until euthanasia (48.7 ± 0.4 h of age) for organ mass determination. Nutritional plane was a fixed effect, and maternal sire, calf sex (when P &amp;lt; 0.25), and date of study initiation were covariates. Post-calving, NR dams were 62 kg BW and 2.1 BCS less (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than controls. Calf BW, liver, large intestine, omental/mesenteric fat, kidney, and heart weights were less (P ≤ 0.05) and carcass, rumen/reticulum/omasum, stomach complex, and total gastrointestinal tract weights tended to be less (P ≤ 0.09) in offspring from NR dams. Maternal nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) weights of the small intestine, pancreas, abomasum, spleen, perirenal fat, adrenals, lungs, femur, and brain. Expressed per BW, lung weight was greater (P = 0.05), and brain and femur weight tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.10) in calves from NR dams, but other organ masses were unaffected (P ≥ 0.15). Expressed relative to brain weight, liver and large intestine weights were less (P ≤ 0.04) and carcass, total gastrointestinal tract, omental/mesenteric fat, and kidney weights tended to be less (P ≤ 0.08) in NR. In summary, late gestational NR decreased some organ masses in neonatal calves while sparing other tissues via asymmetric growth.