Calf Weight Research Articles

Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage and intermittent pneumatic compression in lymphedema maintenance therapy.

Background: To compare the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and/or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) associated to compression stockings in the maintenance treatment of lymphedema. Patients and methods: Patients in the maintenance phase of lymphedema therapy with MLD and compression since more than a year with stable values for weight and circumferences of ankle and calf were asked to participate in a study: Compression had to be worn daily, (1) 4 weeks IPC+MLD, (2) 4 weeks MLD alone, (3) 4 Weeks IPC alone (Order 1 and 3 was randomized). At the beginning and after each 4 weeks, circumference measurements (by hand and by machine: BT600®, Bauerfeind) were documented, pain and discomfort were assessed, and quality-of-life questionnaires were completed. Results: Of 20 participants, 18 (14 female, 4 male), mean age 59.6 years (48-89) could be evaluated. 11 subjects had bilateral, 7 unilateral, 5 primary, 13 secondary lymphedema since 2-20 years (mean 7.7), the subjects had received MLD and compression for 2-14 years (mean 6.4), 1-3 times per week (mean 1.5). The BMI ranged between 21 and 47 (mean 33.7). No differences between any phases were found for: Calf and thigh volume, circumference of calf. Only the ankle circumference was significant less (-0.22cm) when using "both" (IPC+MLD). Compared to before the study, quality of life was better in all three phases, but with a significantly higher improvement in the phases with IPC than in the phases without. Conclusions: There were no differences in objective measurement between MLD alone, IPC alone or both, excepting the minimal significant difference in ankle circumference after IPC+MLD. QOL favored IPC application. Considering the economic consequences of these results, a change of maintenance therapy with MLD weekly over years in favor of permanent care with IPC and few appointments of MLD per year should be considered and further investigated.

Studi Karakteristik Bobot Lahir Hasil Persilangan Belgian Blue dan Peranakan Ongole di Provinsi Jawa Barat

Research on birth weight characteristics of crosses of Belgian Blue and Ongole Crossbreeds in West Java was carried out in April – Mei 2022 located in West Java. The purpose of the study was to determine the location of the distribution of Belgian Blue and birth weight characteristics of crosses of Belgian Blue and Ongole Crossbreeds in West Java. The sample used was 17 calves. The method in the research used is exploratory descriptive analysis. The average birth weight of crosses of Belgian Blue and Ongole Crossbreeds is 31,47 ± 6,11 kilograms, with average birth weight of male calves is 30,94 ± 7,88 kilograms and average birth weight of female calves is 31,71 ± 5,56 kilograms. The results of analysis show that the average birth weight of crosses of Belgian Blue and Ongole Crossbreed is higher than the average birth weight of Ongole Crossbreed and lower than the average birth weight of Belgian Blue.

Shaeffer’s formula as an estimator of body weight in slick and wild type-haired Puerto Rican Holstein calves and heifers

Recording body weight (BW) regularly is a useful tool for cattle management. However, weighing scales (WS) are not always available on farms, hence the need for BW estimating formulas, which are frequently breed- and/or age-specific. Thus, the current study evaluated the reliability of Shaeffer’s formula (SF), BW=[body length x (thoracic perimeter)2]/300), in nine slick (SLICK) and nine wild type-haired (WT) Holstein calves/heifers. The SF results were compared with those obtained using a WS by the REG and GLIMMIX Procedures (SAS). During weeks 1 to 8, there was a strong association between both weighing methods used on SLICK (R2=0.88; P<0.0001) and WT (R2=0.85; P<0.0001) calves. On average, during this period the SF overestimated BW by 6.39 kg, when compared with the WS (P<0.0001). From 3 to 33 months of age, a strong association was also observed between both weighing methods in the SLICK (R2=0.97; P<0.0001) and WT (R2=0.97; P<0.0001) heifers. Sampling and weighing method interacted (P<0.0001) due to the divergence of the SF and WS curves between 8 and 33 months of age, ranging from 23.20 (P=0.0435) to 80.41 kg (P<0.0001) greater BW by the SF. Shaeffer’s formula turned out to be a feasible and reliable method for BW estimation in the SLICK and WT calves/heifers evaluated in this study, that can be further improved by subtracting the average of overestimated values.

A Preliminary Study of the Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Individual Growth and Rumen Development in Calves with Different Feeding Patterns.

At present, it is common to feed calves with "Concentrate", "Concentrate + hay" and TMR "Total Mixed Rations" feeding patterns in China, which achieved well feeding efficiency, but the three feeding patterns molecular regulation mechanism in actual production is still unclear. The study aimed to explore the most suitable feeding pattern for Chinese Holstein calves to improve the rumen fermentation function and growth performance of calves. In this regard, the interactions between rumen microorganisms and host metabolism were investigated. The rumen volume and weight of calves in the GF group were significantly higher than those in the GFF and TMR groups (p < 0.05), and the rumen pH of calves in the GF group was 6.47~6.79. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the rumen microbiome of GF and GFF calves had higher relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter, Methanosphaera, and Methanolacinia (p < 0.05). Prevotella multisaccharivorax was significantly more abundant in the rumen of GF calves (p < 0.05), indicating that GF group calves had a stronger ability to ferment sugars. Notably, in the pyruvate metabolic pathway, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase was significantly up-regulated in GF calves compared with the TMR group, and pyruvate-phosphate dikinase was significantly down-regulated. Metabolomic results showed that Ursodeoxycholic acid was significantly up-regulated in GF calves, and most of the differential metabolites were enriched in Bile secretion pathways. The association analysis study found that the microorganisms of Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae might cooperate with the host, which was helpful for the digestion and absorption of lipids and made the calves have better growth. The three feeding modes had similar effects, but the 'GF' feeding pattern was more beneficial to the individual growth and ruminal development regarding ruminal morphology, contents physiology and microorganisms. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of rumen microorganisms and the host could more effectively hydrolyze lipid substances and promote the absorption of lipids, which was of great significance to the growth of calves.

Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharide regulates fecal microbiota and colonic transcriptome in calves

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera polysaccharide on growth performance indicators, serum biochemical indicators, immune organ indicators, colonic morphology, colonic microbiomics and colonic transcriptomics in newborn calves. 21 newborn calves were randomly divided into three groups of 7 calves per treatment group: control group (no Moringa oleifera polysaccharide addition); low-dose group (Moringa oleifera polysaccharide 0.5 g/kg); and high-dose group (Moringa oleifera polysaccharide 1 g/kg). This trial used gavage to feed MOP to calves. The test lasted 8 weeks. Calves were humanely electroshocked on the last day of the trial and slaughtered afterwards. Thymus, spleen, blood and colonic contents were collected for further testing. The results of this trial showed that MOP significantly increased the body weight of newborn calves and reduced the rate of calf diarrhea, thus promoting calf growth. Fecal scores showed a linear decrease with the addition of MOP. In terms of serum biochemistry, feeding MOP significantly increased serum ALB levels in a linear fashion. In terms of serum antioxidants, feeding MOP linearly increased CAT and T-AOC levels and decreased MDA concentrations, and in terms of serum immunity, feeding MOP linearly increased IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. At the same time, MOP regulated the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the intestinal tract of calves, which reduced the occurrence of diarrhea. In addition, moringa polysaccharide could regulate genes related to inflammatory signaling pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway in calves' intestine to reduce the occurrence of intestinal inflammation. In conclusion, MOP can be used as a novel ruminant additive for the prevention of enteritis in calves.

Viability and adaptability of mestizo female cattle from artificial insemination compared with local

The objective of this study was to determine after 48 months of age, the growth and viability of crossbreds resulting from Artificial Insemination (AI). The methodology used was the follow-up of 39 crossbreds from IA with 40 local sisters whose births coincided. The data collected concerned the weight of calves, mortalities and their causes. The adaptation of mestizos in the environment was evaluated. The results showed that the weights of Mestizos calves from birth 20.65 ± 6.54 kg (Local x MO) and 23.30 ± 5.34 kg (Local x HO) to three months of age 55.12 ± 4 .95 kg (Local x MO) and 56.65 ± 5.08 kg (Local x HO) was higher (p ≤ 0.05) than those of their local counterparts (17.32 ± 3.74 kg and 42. 05±11.89kg). The pre-weaning mortality rate (18.19%) was higher (p ≤ 0.05) than that obtained in the post-weaning period (11.48%) and is mainly due to calf diarrhea (37 ,30%). The Local x MO crossbreds seem better adapted than those resulting from the Locales x HO in the climatic conditions of Togo in terms of consumption skills and sensitivity to heat. In conclusion, the survival of crossbreeds requires permanent health monitoring and good farm management.

The Association between Charolais Cows' Age at First Calving, Parity, Breeding Seasonality, and Calf Growing Performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cows' calving ages and newborn calf body weight on the pre-weaning growth rates of calves under the farming conditions of a northeastern European country. The females were purebred Charolais cows that calved between 2019 and 2022. A total of 130 calves (bulls = 76; heifers = 54) were observed during the evaluation. The investigation showed that, based on gender, bulls had a 4.28% higher birth weight than heifers (p < 0.05). The gender of the calves affected their weight, indicating that newborns bulls were significantly heavier. Calf gender affected calf growing performance. Male calves' weight gain was higher than that of females in the time before weaning (210 days). The highest gain of bulls was observed from 211 days to 365 days after birth. The average daily weight of male calves during this period was 6.16% (p < 0.001) higher compared to the period up to 210 days after birth. Heifers had a higher daily weight in the period up to 210 days after birth, and the daily weight gain was 12.9% (p < 0.001) higher in this period compared to the period from 211 to 365 days after birth. We observed a higher weight gain in calves from mothers with a higher number of calvings. Being born from cows with four or more calvings had a significant effect on the weight gain of calves in the period up to 210 days (p < 0.05). In the period up to 210 days, the weight gain of calves born from cows with two calvings was the lowest and was 9.79% lower compared to calves born from cows with four and more calvings (p < 0.05). The best weights were obtained from calves born in the spring and autumn seasons. Calves born in spring, summer, and autumn differed in weight by 0.37 kg. The calves of cows that were inseminated in the autumn season had the highest gain in the period up to 210 days and also from 210 to 365 days (p < 0.05). In our study, significantly higher average birth weight of calves was detected in autumn compared to summer and winter (p < 0.05). Also, the highest gain was found from 211 to 365 days after birth in the summer season, but the difference was only 1.47% (p < 0.05).

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation to improve voluntary intake, availability of nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) on voluntary feed intake, availability of different nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves. Fifteen weaned healthy female Jersey crossbred calves (weight 79.73±3.46 kg; age 234.5±11.33 days) were divided equally into three groups viz., Control (T0), Treatment-1 (T1) and Treatment-2 (T2). Growth trial was conducted on these calves for 90 days. Animals in each treatment group were fed ad lib. total mixed ration (TMR) (CP 12%, TDN 65%) individually for 90 days. Calves under control (T0) group were fed ad lib. TMR (without EFE). Calves under T1 and T2 were fed ad lib. TMR supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg DM of TMR and with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 12000 and 24000 IU/kg DM of TMR, respectively. Significantly greater DMI per unit body weight (kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was recorded in enzyme supplemented groups compared to control group; however, difference between T1 and T2 was non-significant. Addition of EFE in the TMR diet of calves increased TDN and DCP intake (g/kg W0.75) in T1 and T2 than T0 . Supplementation of EFE also enhanced TDN (%), DCP (%), DNDF (%), DE (Mcal/kg of feed) and ME (Mcal/kg of feed) value of the diets under T1 and T2 than T0. Average daily weight gain (g/d/calf) was estimated greater in T1 and T2 than T0. The feed conversion efficiency was similar among three treatments. Whereas, plasma total protein and albumin concentration increased significantly due to supplementation of EFE in the diet of calves. Therefore, it may be concluded that supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM) may boost growth potential of finisher Jersey crossbred calves with enhanced intake of nutrients.

Growth Performance and Feed Intake Assessment of Italian Holstein Calves Fed a Hay-Based Total Mixed Ration: Preliminary Steps towards a Prediction Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complete hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) for calves, focusing on their feed intake, animal growth performance, and fecal output, and to develop a preliminary estimation equation for solid feed intake and body weight in Holstein heifer calves. Twenty female Italian Holstein calves (37.14 ± 2.72 kg) born between February and July were studied from the day of birth until 77 days of age. From the fourth day of life, they were fed 3 L/day of pasteurized milk twice daily and supplemented with the same hay-based TMR. The data on feed intake, fecal characteristics, and growth performances were collected and showed that these calves had adequate parameters. Moreover, the data collected was used to create equations to predict body weight and solid feed intake using a mixed model. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by coefficients of determinations (R2). The equation obtained shows high R2 (0.98 for solid feed intake and 0.99 for calf weight), indicating the satisfactory precision and accuracy needed to predict female calves' body weight and solid feed intake.

Comparison of deworming strategies for pre-weaned beef calves

While anthelmintic treatment in young calves at first vaccination has not proven repeatedly effective in improving weight gain, there is evidence that treatment 90 day prior to weaning can enhance weight gain. This is difficult in most California cow/calf operations as after initial vaccination, calves are not again handled until preconditioning just prior to weaning. In an attempt to increase weight gain without the need for anthelmintic retreatment prior to preconditioning, 130 cow/calf pairs were stratified and assigned to three treatments of eprinomectin extended release injection (150 d efficacy), doramectin conventional injection, and an untreated control. Dams and calves received the same treatment. All treatments were commingled on irrigated pasture in Northern California. Sampling included weight (d 0, 75, and 145), fecal parasite (d 0, 14, 75, and 145), cow body condition score (d 0, 75, and 145), and cow pregnancy detection (days bred). Calf weight gain was not impacted by anthelmintic treatment (P = 0.44). However, cow weight gain was impacted by treatment (P < 0.01), with eprinomectin extended release showing higher weight gain than both doramectin conventional and the control (ADG kg 0.29, 0.23, 0.22, respectively). Cow weight gain differences were expressed greater toward the end of the trial than early on. Fecal egg count sampling failed to explain the difference in cow weight gain. Cow body condition score (P = 0.15) and days bred (P = 0.50) were not significantly affected by treatment. Although cow weight gain increased with an extended release anthelmintic treatment, this effect did not seem to be evident in suckling calves on high quality irrigated pastures in Northern California when compared to a conventional injectable and control treatments. Neither anthelmintic treatment appeared beneficial over a control when administered to suckling calves during initial vaccination at approximately 90 days of age.

Review on performance responses of dairy cattle against thermal stress

This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the performance responses of dairy cattle against thermal stress resulting from climate change. Climate change is the major factor that largely affects the dairy industry. Thermal stress (TS) is the perceived discomfort and physiological strains associated with exposure to excessive ambient temperature. Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) have been adopted to describe thermal conditions that drive thermal stress in dairy cattle. The effects of TS are devastating in the dairy industry if not managed well. The thermo-neutral zone for dairy cattle and calves in the tropics is THI &lt;72. Milk yield reductions of up to 50% have been reported for Holstein cows due to thermal stress under summer climate conditions. Moreover, thermal stress is associated with alterations in milk composition. TS reduces the length and intensity of estrus manifestation. Moreover, 80% of estrus may be unnoticeable during the summer season in temperate regions, which further reduces fertility. Conception rates of dairy cows may drop up to 20–27% in the summer season. Climate-induced thermal stress resulted in a decrease of 3.5 kg and 25 kg in the birth weight and weaning weight of Fogera calves, respectively. Dry matter feed intake was reduced by 9.6%. Commonly used thermal stress reduction strategies included modification of the physical environment, breeding for heat-tolerant dairy cattle, and nutritional management. The productive and reproductive traits are susceptible to the negative impacts of thermal stress with an increase in THI above 68.0 for Holstein Frisian cattle and their crosses and 72 for tropical cattle under an open shed system. Mitigations of thermal stress by breeding heat-tolerant animals, using a loose house system, and season-based feeding should be considered an integral component of the dairy cattle management system.

Retained placenta in dairy cows living in an all-day cowshed rearing system

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors that influence the incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows reared under an all-day cowshed housing system at KUD Tani Wilis, Sendang District, Tulungagung. This study used 216 dairy cows, that had already calved, that had been identified to have medical and reproductive records for data exploration. Data collected included the sex and weight of calf, single or twin calves, age of the dam, cowshed structure (floor, puddles on the floor, gutter, distance of cowshed to waste disposal, type of floor and roof, and sunlight exposure), feed of the dam (forage, concentrate, mineral supplements), frequency of retained placenta cases on calving intervals and days open of the dams. The prevalence of retained placenta was presented descriptively. Factors related to the retained placenta and its effect on calving interval and days open were analyzed by Chi-square test using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) software version 20 for Windows. The result showed that the prevalence rate of retained placenta was 19.91% of all dairy cow populations in the district. Furthermore, the sex of the calf, age of the dam, sunlight exposure, and the quantity of feed (forage and concentrate) were related to the retained placenta (p &lt;0.05). In addition, retained placenta increased along with extending of days open and calving interval. It could be concluded that the factors that influenced the prevalence of retained placenta were the sex of the calf, the age of the cow, the feed and concentrate, and the cowshed that is not facing the sun.

Retained placenta in dairy cows living in an all-day cowshed rearing system

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors that influence the incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows reared under an all-day cowshed housing system at KUD Tani Wilis, Sendang District, Tulungagung. This study used 216 dairy cows, that had already calved, that had been identified to have medical and reproductive records for data exploration. Data collected included the sex and weight of calf, single or twin calves, age of the dam, cowshed structure (floor, puddles on the floor, gutter, distance of cowshed to waste disposal, type of floor and roof, and sunlight exposure), feed of the dam (forage, concentrate, mineral supplements), frequency of retained placenta cases on calving intervals and days open of the dams. The prevalence of retained placenta was presented descriptively. Factors related to the retained placenta and its effect on calving interval and days open were analyzed by Chi-square test using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) software version 20 for Windows. The result showed that the prevalence rate of retained placenta was 19.91% of all dairy cow populations in the district. Furthermore, the sex of the calf, age of the dam, sunlight exposure, and the quantity of feed (forage and concentrate) were related to the retained placenta (p &lt;0.05). In addition, retained placenta increased along with extending of days open and calving interval. It could be concluded that the factors that influenced the prevalence of retained placenta were the sex of the calf, the age of the cow, the feed and concentrate, and the cowshed that is not facing the sun.

Effect of Dam Body Conformations on Birth Traits of Calves in Chinese Holsteins.

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of dam body conformations on birth traits including stillbirth, dystocia, gestation length and birth weight of Chinese Holstein calves and to provide a reference for improving cow reproductive performance. We collected phenotype data on 20 conformation traits of Chinese Holstein cows and analyzed the impact of dam conformation trait linear scores on stillbirth, dystocia, gestation length and calf birth weight. The feet angle, set of rear legs, fore udder attachment and rear attachment height traits of the dairy cows significantly affected the risk of stillbirth. The risk of dystocia decreases with the increase in stature and pin width. The bone quality of dairy cows had a significant positive correlation with gestation length. There was a significant positive correlation between fore udder attachment and calf weight at birth. The birth weight of calves from cows with high body conformation traits was significantly higher than that of calves with a low composite score. These results suggest that improving the body conformation traits, especially the selection of mammary system and body shape total score, will be beneficial in improving the reproductive performance of dairy cows.

PECULIARITIES OF THE BEHAVIOR OF BULLS-CALFS OF UKRAINIAN GRAY BREED AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIVE WEIGHT GAINS

PECULIARITIES OF THE BEHAVIOR OF BULLS-CALFS OF UKRAINIAN GRAY BREED AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIVE WEIGHT GAINS

Experimental phytobiotic Phytostimplus and its application to calves

The purpose of the research is to study the composition of biologically active compounds of the experimental biological supplement Fitostimplus and its influence on the biochemical parameters of the blood of calves of the milk growing period, body weight gain, safety. In the experiment Holstein calves starting from the age of 3 days were used during 2 months. The results of studies of the phytobiotic for the presence of biologically active substances showed that it contained 13 different flavonoids and their glycosides, 7 ecdysteroids. As the main flavonoids there were identified luteolin, quercetin, quercetin-3-methyl ether, apigenin, kaempferol, and as ecdysteroids - ecdysten, inocosterone and augasterone C. The total concentration of the studied extractives (flavonoids, ecdysteroids) in terms of dry product corresponded to 3.594 mg/g. The concentration of lactic acid microorganisms in Phytostimplus was 4×106 CFU/g. In the experiment on calves (n = 5 per group) it was found that after daily oral administration for 60 days Phytostimplus in doses of 1.0; 2.0; 3.0 grams per head, the average daily gain in live weight in the experimental groups exceeded that in the control by 6.3-27.7 %. The best indicator of the average daily gain in live weight of calves was noted with the introduction of 2.0 and 3.0 grams (27.7 and 18.2 % higher than in the control, respectively), safety in all groups was 100 %. A month after the start of the experiment, the phosphorus index in the blood of calves in all experimental (from 3.1±0.07 to 3.4±0.02 mmol/l) and control (3.1±0.01 mmol/l) groups exceeded reference values by 6.9-17.2 %. At the end of the experiment, the phosphorus index in the experimental (from 2.7±0.22 to 2.8±0.07 mmol/l) and control (2.6±0.01 mmol/l) groups returned to normal. Glucose in the experimental and control groups (from 5.3±0.2 to 5.9±0.1 mmol/l) was 15-28.2 % higher than the reference values. Other studied biochemical parameters in the experimental groups: ALT (from 13.4±1.6 to 19.9±2.2 units/l), AST (from 56.3±3.2 to 63.3±4.8 units/l), total protein (from 62.0±0.1 to 65.0±0.1 g/l), albumins (from 39.3±1.4 to 41.5±2.4 g/l), creatinine (from 64.8±3.5 to 72.8±6.6 µmol/l), urea (from 2.7±0.16 to 3.6±0.3 mmol/l)– did not go beyond the physiological norm. Thus, by the end of the experiment, Phytostimulus contributed to an increase in the average daily gain of calves in comparison with the control. The effective doses of Phytostimplus for calves of the milk growing period were established, which, in terms of the main substance, corresponded to 2-3 g/head per day.

Classification of Daily Body Weight Gains in Beef Calves Using Decision Trees, Artificial Neural Networks, and Logistic Regression.

The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive performance of decision trees, artificial neural networks, and logistic regression used for the classification of daily body weight gains in beef calves. A total of 680 pure-breed Simmental and 373 Limousin cows from the largest farm in the West Pomeranian Province, whose calves were fattened between 2014 and 2016, were included in the study. Pre-weaning daily body weight gains were divided into two categories: A-equal to or lower than the weighted mean for each breed and sex and B-higher than the mean. Models were developed separately for each breed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve on a test set for the best model (random forest) were 0.83, 0.67, 0.76, and 0.82 and 0.68, 0.86, 0.78, and 0.81 for the Limousin and Simmental breeds, respectively. The most important predictors were daily weight gains of the dam when she was a calf, daily weight gains of the first calf, sex of the third calf, milk yield at first lactation, birth weight of the third calf, dam birth weight, dam hip height, and second calving season. The selected machine learning models can be used quite effectively for the classification of calves based on their daily weight gains.

BIO5: Durability of HeartMate 3 Apical Cuff to Left Ventricle Anastomosis Using an Automated Rapid Anastomotic Device in a Chronic Bovine Model

Background: We developed an automated rapid anastomotic device for HeartMate 3 (HM3) standard apical cuff to Left Ventricle (AC-LV) anastomosis. Tissue anchors and compression plates axially compress the apical cuff sewing skirt to the myocardium. A low-profile delivery tool with integrated targeting system deploys all tissue anchors synchronously. The fixation mechanism minimizes myocardial impact because it confines tissue engagement to the area under the apical cuff sewing skirt. In acute bovine experiments (n=5), HM3 AC-LV anastomoses took less than 1 minute and had excellent hemostasis that was maintained at inotrope-induced supraphysiologic stresses (LV pressures 210-247 mmHg). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate HM3 AC-LV anastomotic durability in chronic bovine implants. Methods: Three calves (weight range 105-123 Kg) underwent HM3 AC-LV anastomosis on the beating heart by lower partial sternotomy with our anastomotic device. Thereafter, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was initiated (ACT >400 seconds), 2 cm. diameter full-thickness LV cores were removed using an Abbott coring tool, and a custom-made sintered titanium plug was inserted to occlude the apical cuff. CPB was weaned, and AC-LV anastomotic hemostasis was assessed qualitatively by Likert Scale (1=unacceptable, 2 = poor, 3 = average, 4 = good, 5 = excellent). Pericardial and bilateral pleural chest tubes (CT) were placed. Serial hematocrit (HCT) and CT outputs were recorded. Anticoagulation was IV heparin at 12 hours, then warfarin through necropsy. Necropsies (gross and microscopic) were done at 56, 57, and 62 days by an experienced independent pathologist. Tissue anchor and compression plate position stability were assessed by acute vs. chronic photograph comparisons. Results: Implants times were 17, 20, and 17 sec. CPB time range was 6-9 min. Acute hemostasis was Likert Scale 5 (excellent) in all cases. At 24 hours, HCT exceeded intra-operative baseline in all animals (range: +2% - +3%) and remained stable. Forty-eight-hour CT output range was 514-760ml. There were no transfusions. In all cases necropsy demonstrated minimal pericardial/pleural adhesions; dense fibrous implant incorporation; stable tissue anchor/compression plate positions; no pseudoaneurysms; concentric smooth fibrous scar at the core site epicardial surface to AC junction (see figure); and implant site histology comparable to manual anastomosis. Conclusion: Rapid automated HM3 AC – LV anastomosis was hemostatic and durable. Additional advantages are greatly reduced operative time; uniform implant technique; precise apical cuff implant site targeting; guaranteed clearance for HM3 pump coupling; facilitates minimal access implant; and minimized myocardial impact (facilitates implant in smaller hearts/ potential to improve recovery). With modifications other LVADs Apical Cuffs can be accommodated, and derivative access ports can facilitate intracardiac device delivery.Figure 1. Concentric smooth fibrous scar at core site epicardial-apical cuff junction

IMPACT OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION AND FEEDING MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH OF SAHIWAL FEMALE CALVES

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of protein supplementation and feeding management on the growth performance of Sahiwal female calves.A total of 45 Sahiwal female calves were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (control), Group B (protein supplementation), and Group C (ad libitum green fodder + protein supplementation). The study spanned a period of 90 days, during which the calves' feed intake, weight gain, and body measurements were assessed.The results indicated that protein supplementation had a significant impact on various aspects of calf development. Calves in Group B and Group C showed improved feed intake compared to the control group. Furthermore, the weight gain of calves in the supplemented groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. The body measurements, including height at withers, body length, heart girth, and hip width, also varied among the different treatment groups, with the control group generally exhibiting smaller measurements.These findings suggest that protein supplementation positively influenced the growth performance of Sahiwal female calves. The study highlights the importance of considering protein supplementation as a part of feeding management strategies for optimizing the growth of calves.

Differential average daily gain of pregnant Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers causes placental adaptations to support fetal growth and development

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of differential average daily gain targets of dairy heifers throughout gestation on placental hemodynamics, uterine involution, colostrum production of the heifers, and effects on newborn calf weight and immunity transfer. Fourteen Holstein × Gyr heifers with an average body weight of 446 ± 46.7 kg and age of 25 ± 3.9 mo were randomly assigned to the following treatments: moderate body weight gain (MOD, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.50 kg/d; and high body weight gain (HIG, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.75 kg/d. Target average daily gains were established based on common tropical dairy production systems. The heifers received a total mixed ration feed twice daily starting at 70 d of gestation. Placentome vascularization was assessed using a color Doppler ultrasound at 180, 210, and 240 d of gestation. After calving, cotyledons were counted and sampled to analyze the mRNA expression of placental angiogenesis markers. After birth, calves were weighed and fed colostrum, and transfer of passive immunity efficiency was assessed. A significant increase in cotyledons was detected for MOD placenta soon after expulsion (81.5 ± 12.91 vs. 63.6 ± 10.52). Placentome vascularization at the final third of gestation increased for MOD heifers compared with HIG. Greater mRNA expression after membrane expulsion of VEGFB and IGFR1 in cotyledons and a greater estradiol concentration in circulation 1 d before calving was found for MOD heifers compared with HIG heifers; however, uterine involution postpartum was not different between treatment groups. Greater colostrum production was observed in HIG heifers (3.9 ± 1.05 vs. 2.2 ± 1.57 L) but with lower quality (25.2 ± 0.51 vs. 29.5 ± 0.65 Brix). No differences were observed in birth weight or transfer of passive immunity efficiency between treatments; however, HIG calves had significantly greater vitality scores than MOD calves. The results of this study indicate that a moderate feeding regimen enhances placental blood flow by increasing angiogenesis, which suggests improved nutrient transfer to the fetus without major effects on its development during the neonatal stage, colostrum production, or uterine involution in the heifers.