Calves In Control Group Research Articles

311 Effect of feeding butyric acid on growth performance and metabolic indicators of dairy calves before weaning: A meta-analysis

Abstract This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding butyric acid (BA) on growth performance and metabolic indicators in dairy calves. A literature search was conducted to identify in vivo research studies carried out on BA supplementation in dairy calves. Inclusion criteria were in vivo studies, dairy calves, weaning, BA, and inclusion doses of BA. Twenty-three papers with 80 data and 1,132 calves were selected. Data extracted included the number of calves in control and treatment groups and measures of variance of responses (standard error or standard deviation). The response variables were production performance including body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) feed efficiency (FE), and metabolic indicators including blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations. A random effect of model was used to examine the raw mean difference and standardized mean difference between BA supplementation and the control group. The analysis was conducted using the metafor package of Rstudio. Butyric acid moderately improved the growth performance and metabolic indicators responses of calves with substantial heterogeneity (59 < I2 < 73%, P < 0.01). Final BW and ADG were increased by 2.7 kg and 48.1 g/day, or > 0.6 and > 0.4 standard deviation units (P < 0.05), respectively. However, FE was increased by BA supplementation but not significantly different. For metabolic indicators, glucose concentration was greater with BA supplementation with > 0.4 standard deviation unit, (P < 0.05). However, BA supplementation did not affect the blood concentration of BHB (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the meta-analysis results demonstrated that BA constitutes an important energy source for dairy calves. Butyric acid is effective in promoting growth performance and intestinal health and, yet, increasing production profits.

Impact of Parenteral Maternal Supplementation with Trace Minerals and Vitamins on Neonatal Calf Antioxidant System and Growth in a Dairy Herd.

Oxidative stress may affect new born calves due to high stress suffered around birth. We hypothesized that maternal supplementation with micronutrients and vitamins in late gestation enhance the neonatal calf's antioxidant system, decreasing the occurrence and duration of diarrhea, and improving growth from birth through weaning. To test this hypothesis, 80 multiparous cows were cluster-assigned to treatment groups. Treated group (TG) cows received mineral and vitamin supplementation while control group (CG) cows received saline solution. Feed intake and fecal score were measured daily until the ninth week. Weight and body measurements were registered weekly, and blood samples were collected from postpartum cows and calves after birth and at 7, 14, and 63 days of life. Although CG calves had greater fecal scores (p = 0.01), diarrhea characteristics did not differ. Calves in the TG showed greater starter intake (p = 0.04). Feed efficiency showed a trend with treatment-age interaction (p = 0.06). Calves in the CG had wider hips in the first week (p = 0.03), but not by the ninth week. Total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and haptoglobin did not differ between treatment groups. Serum metabolites showed no differences. Supplementation did not impact calf antioxidant system or growth in the first two months.

An adjuvant formulation containing Toll-like Receptor 7 agonist stimulates protection against morbidity and mortality due to Anaplasma marginale in a highly endemic region of west Africa.

Efficient cattle production and provision of animal-sourced foods in much of Africa is constrained by vector-borne bacterial and protozoal diseases. Effective vaccines are not currently available for most of these infections resulting in a continuous disease burden that limits genetic improvement. We tested whether stimulation of innate immunity using the Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 7 agonist imiquimod, formulated with saponin and water-in-oil emulsion, would protect against morbidity and mortality due to Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne pathogen of cattle highly endemic in west Africa. In Trial 1, haplotype matched Friesian x Sanga (F1) A. marginale negative calves were allocated to either the experimental group (n = 10) and injected with the synthetic TLR 7 agonist/saponin formulation or to an untreated control group (n = 10). TLR7 agonist/saponin injected calves responded with significantly elevated rectal temperature, enlarged regional lymph nodes, and elevated levels of IL-6 post-injection as compared to control group calves. All calves were then allowed to graze in pasture for natural exposure to tick transmission. All calves in both groups acquired A. marginale, consistent with the high transmission rate in the endemic region. The need for antibiotic treatment, using pre-existing criteria, was significantly lower in the experimental group (odds ratio for not requiring treatment was 9.3, p = 0.03) as compared to the control group. Despite treatment, 6/10 calves in the control group died, reflecting treatment failures that are typical of anaplasmosis in the acute phase, while mortality in the experimental group was 1/10 (odds ratio for survival was 13.5, p = 0.03). The trial was then repeated using 45 Friesian x Sanga calves per group. In Trial 2, the odds ratios for preventing the need for treatment and for mortality in the TLR7 agonist/saponin experimental group versus the control group were 5.6 (p = 0.0002) and 7.0 (p = 0.004), respectively, reproducing the findings of the initial trial. Together these findings demonstrate that innate immune stimulation using a TLR7 agonist formulated with saponin and water-in-oil emulsion provides significant protection against disease caused by tick borne A. marginale in highly susceptible cross-bred cattle, critically important for their potential to increase productivity for smallholder farmers in Africa.

Effect of treated waste water intake on physiological, growth and hematological parameters in Karan-Fries, Tharparkar and Murrah female calves

The present study was conducted to study the effect of treated effluent waste water over fresh water supply served for drinking purpose to calves on dry matter intake, water intake, growth, physiological and hematological parameters. For the study, 6-8 months old female calves (Karan-Fries (n=12), Tharparkar (n=12) and Murrah (n=12)) were selected from Livestock Research Center of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. These experimental calves of each breed were distributed equally into two groups. The control group was offered fresh water and treatment group was offered effluent treated waste water for drinking purpose. The results of present study revealed that physio-chemical and microbial properties of water that were in accordance with the different drinkingwater standards such as Dairy NRC (2001), APHA EPA (2002) and BIS (1991). Karan-Fries, Tharparkar and Murrah experimental calves showed no significant difference in the water and dry matter intake when compared between treatment and control group calves. Non-significant differences were observed between control and treated groups of calves of all the three breeds with respect to physiological parameters (rectal temperature, respiration rate and heart rate) and hematological parameters (TEC, TLC, DLC, Hb and PCV). The observations of this study revealed that treated waste water did not show any deleterious effect on the physiological and health status of the calves. Therefore, treated effluent water can be recommended as drinking water to the animals in the water scarce areas.

Effects of dietary supplementation of selenium and moringa oleifera leaves on growth performance of pre-pubertal Kundhi buffalo bull calves

The Kundhi buffalo, a unique and robust breed of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), is native to the Sindh province in Pakistan. This breed is well-adapted to the local environment and known for its excellent milk production, meat quality, and draught power. There is a growing need to develop strategies that focus on the sustainable conservation and genetic improvement of this breed to preserve its valuable traits for future generations. Twelve young bull calves belonging to elite Kundhi buffaloes (observed phenotypically) were obtained from progressive farmers based on their parent's performance records. The bull calves, aged approximately 10-15 months, were initially weighed (rages from 150 to 200 kg) and randomly divided into three groups, namely C, S, and M, each group were comprising 04 animals. Group C was designated as the control group and fed basal diet only, while calves belonging to Group S were given a dietary supplement of Selenium Yeast Sel-Plex®, with a dosage of 0.3mg/kg dry matter and Group M was treated with Moringa olifera leaves (dried) at the rate of 100g/ animal. This experiment was conducted for 12 weeks. The results of present study indicated that significantly (P<0.05) higher monthly body weight gains (14.05 kg/month) were recorded in Kundhi buffalo bull calves of S followed by the M (11.67 kg/month) in comparison to the C group (9.75kg/month) of the animals. The positive coefficient of correlation was seen between age and body weight in all tested subjects. In terms of the body conformation; the monthly developmental gains of the heart girth, body length, and height were observed significantly (P< 0.05) higher (11.2, 8.89 and 8.94 cm) in S, followed by M (8.23, 4.89 and 6.39 cm) in comparison to the control bull calves (4.74, 3.58 and 3.27 cm), respectively. High levels of the testosterone (0.481 ng/ml) were determined in the bull calves of S, followed by M (0.33 ng/ml) in comparison to C (0.208 ng/ml) group. The monthly gains of the scrotal circumference were recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher (1.65 cm) in the S, than to M (1.21 cm) and that of control (0.40 cm) group calves

Effect of Milk Replacer on Growth Performance and Economics of Raising Preweaned HF Crossbred Calves

As compared to whole milk feeding, milk replacer is an excellent cheaper source of nutrition for calves prior to weaning. For this study, 20 newborn HF crossbred calves were divided into two equal groups each of 10 animals and were put under 8 weeks feeding trial. The calves of control group (T1) were fed cow’s whole milk as per owner’s practice in the field, while those of treatment group (T2) were fed whole milk @ 2.5 ltr during 1st week and then milk replacer (Amul brand) was fed @ 50 gm and 150 gm along with 2.0 ltr and 1.0 ltr whole milk during 2nd and 3rd week, respectively, and then only the milk replacer @ 250, 350, 450, 500 and 400 gm was used during 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th week, respectively. Weekly body weight was calculated based on measurements of heart girth and body length using Shaffer’s formula. The average body weight during 1st week of age was statistically similar in both groups. The overall mean values of gain in body weight and daily gain in weight in control and treatment groups were 20.40±0.51 vs. 24.67±0.41 kg, and 364.29±9.04 vs. 440.54±7.32 g (20.09% and 20.92% increase in T2 over T1), respectively. The weekly growth rate and overall daily gain in body weight in calves of T2 group were significantly (p<0.001) higher than in T1 group. There was 21.08 % reduction (p<0.001) in cost of feeding with milk replacer over whole milk (Rs. 3454.5 vs 4377.2) for first 8 weeks of life. In general, the crossbred calves can be raised economically on commercial milk replacer without adverse effect on their health and growth rate.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Seaweed Formulations on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidant Activity and Immunity in Crossbred Calves

Background: Seaweeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and low molecular weight nitrogenous compounds, lipids, organic minerals, vitamins and pigments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of seaweed formulations on nutrient utilization, growth performance, serum antioxidant activity and cell mediated immune response of crossbred calves. Methods: Eighteen male crossbred calves (130±7.56 kg body weight) were divided into 3 groups of 6 each based on complete randomized design. Concentrate mixture was formulated with crushed maize, de-oiled soybean meal, wheat bran, mineral mixture and common salt for feeding of calves in control (T0) group, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing mineral mixture and common salt offered in T0. Experiment was conducted for a period of 240 days. Blood was collected from each calve at 0, 100 and 200 days of experiment. At the end of the experimental feeding a metabolism trial was conducted and cell mediated immune response was asassed. Result: There was no significant difference between groups regarding nutrient utilization, total dry matter intake, gain in body weight and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P less than 0.001) differences were observed in serum antioxidants status. Moreover, the mean values for skin thickness differed significantly (P less than 0.001) among different groups and values were 14.03, 15.54 and 16.62 in T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively. Hence seaweed formulations might improve antioxidant status and cell mediated immune response without affecting the nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves.

THE NEW TREATMENT REGIMEN OF CALVES’ DIARRHEA CAUSED BY MIXED INVASION OF EIMERIA AND GIARDIA

The article described a farm experiment provided in July-August of 2019 on 32 diarrheal calves of two and three-month-old, spontaneously infected with Eimeria and Giardia. The animals were selected by coproscopic methods and divided into four groups with eight individuals in each. The first control group calves were untreated. The second group animals treated orally by Metronidazole-25% (100 mg/kg), the third group – by probiotic Vetom-1 (50 mg/kg) for seven days. The fourth group calves were fed by a new treatment regimen with Metronidazole-25% at the first three days, and additionally with Vetom-1 at the next four days in above dosage. The efficacy determined at the 10th day after treatment according to shedding cysts’ level and weight gain per day. Diarrhea symptoms assessed on a 4-score scale before and after the treatment. As a result, during the experiment the control animals’ parasite shedding level and diarrhea signs did not changed; the weight gain was minimal compared to other groups (0.66±0.26 kg). In the second group intensity efficiency (IE) against Eimeria was 90.9±9.3% and extensive efficiency (EE) – 75%, while against Giardia – 91.3±4.8% and 37.5%, respectively. The weight gain during the experiment was approximately same with the control group, and diarrhea remained at 2-3 scores. In the third group the infection intensity remained at the same level, body weight was higher (0.78±0.29) compared with two previous groups, and diarrhea decreased to 1-2 scores. In the fourth group, IE against Eimeria and Giardia was 99.9±0.2% and 98.9±1.5%, respectively, and EE against both parasites was 87.5%; weight gain was higher than in other groups and reached 0.89±0.06 kg, and there were no diarrhea signs. Thus, the new treatment regimen, including the combined use of Metronidazole and Vetom-1, showed high efficiency against calves’ diarrhea caused by mixed invasion of Eimeria and Giardia.

The influence of vitamin‐mineral supplementation with prolonged action on cows and on the protein metabolism in calves

It is well established that one of the pathology‘ reason in calves is the disturbances of prenatal development as a result of vitamin and mineral abstinence. The aim of the study was to research the influence of vitamin‐mineral bolus’ supplementation with prolong action to the ration of cows on the calves’ protein metabolism. The studies were carried out in one of the breeding farms of the Leningrad region. Holstein cows were used aged from 3 to 5 years and their calves. 5 groups were formed (n=5 by each). The cows of the 1st experimental group have received two boluses All – mineral plus (the compound: Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Se, I, Vitamin A, D3, E, Holland Animal Care, Holland), 2d experimental – two boluses Uno Biotin (the compound: Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Se, I, Vitamin A, D3, E, Holland Animal Care, Holland), 3d experimental group ‐ one Cattle bolus with Iodine (the compound: Cu, Co, Se, I, Telsol Limited, United Kingdom), 4th experimental group – one Cattle Bullet (the compound: Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Se, I, Vitamin A, D3, E, Holland Animal Care, Holland). The 5th group was control with ordinary ration vitamin‐mineral diet. All cows of experimental groups have got boluses one time which was 60 days before calving. The prolongation of all boluses was 120 days after receiving except bolus All‐mineral plus. The prolongation of their was 180 days. The compound of these boluses includes manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, cobalt, iodine, Vitamin A, D3, E, H. We used the clinical examination of calves and biochemical analysis of calves blood samples on the 3d‐5th days after calving. Serum was analyzed for total protein, albumins and globulins. We were used Student's t‐tests to study differences between groups. Thus, the clinically health animals were nineteen calves of experimental groups and second calves if control group. The body mass of newborn calves was 35‐40 kg. The calves were stood up during first two hours after calving and had a healthy sucking reflex. The temperature of their was fluctuated within 38.5‐39.30°С. The results of biochemical analysis showed that the level of total protein was within the physiological norm in the bloods’samples of 1st, 3d, 4th and 5 th calves groups. The level of total protein was statistically increased in the calves of 1st group in 1.4 times (р<0,05) compared with data of calves in the control group. The value of albumins of calves was decreased in 1.07 times (р<0,05) in 2d group and in 1.4 times in control group (18,19±3,37g/l). We were observed the insignificant increasing trend of albumins’level in calves of 1st,2d,3d and 4th groups compared with data of control group. The difference of globulins’level between calves of 1st, 4th experimental and control group was 1.3 times (р<0,05). The value of globulin in the calves of 2d group was 35,64±5,93 g/l and 3d group ‐ 34,45±7,93 g/l. So, we can assume that the vitamin‐mineral supplementation of cow‐mothers during dry time has a positive influence on the synthesis of the total protein and its fraction ratio.

Dietary vitamin C in pre-parturient dairy cows and their calves: blood metabolites, copper, zinc, iron, and vitamin C concentrations, and calves growth performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C supplementation on blood parameters of pre-parturient (PP) dairy cows and growth performance and immune system of their newborn calves. Forty PP cows (at approximately 21days before calving and an average weight 791 ± 50kg) were allocated into two experimental treatments: (1) basal diet without vitamin C supplementation (CO) and (2) basal diet with 20g of vitamin C supplementation from 21days before calving to parturition (VC). After parturition, the experiment continued by grouping the calves into four dietary treatments with 8 calves in each treatment. The experimental treatments were (1) control calves with no vitamin C supplementation and from cows that received no vitamin C supplement (CON), (2) calves supplemented with 600mg of vitamin C per day and from cows that received no vitamin C supplement (CVC), (3) calves supplemented with no vitamin C and from cows that received 20g of vitamin C per day (MVC), and (4) calves supplemented with 600mg of vitamin C per day and from cows that received 20g of vitamin C per day (CMVC). Serum concentrations of glucose, HDL and LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin of cows were not affected by vitamin C supplementation during pre-parturient period. However, cows that received VC diet had lower (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations, higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and vitamin C concentration in their blood compared to CO cows. Vitamin C supplementation had no effect on plasma iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of PP cows. Similarly, vitamin C supplementation had no effect on total feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of suckling calves. However, calves in the CMVC group had higher (P < 0.05) overall daily weight gain compared to the other groups. Calves in the CVC and CMVC groups had lower (P < 0.05) blood MDA concentration on days 7 and 21. The highest (P < 0.05) blood TAC level was recorded in CMVC calves. Control group calves had lower (P < 0.05) blood superoxide dismutase activity compared to the other calves. Blood levels of alanine aminotransferase on days 7 and 21 and aspartate aminotransferase on day 7 were higher (P < 0.05) for calves in the CON and MVC groups. Based on the results, vitamin C supplementation had positive health effects on the oxidative parameters of PP dairy cows and also improved the performance and health status of the calves.

Effect of Supplemental Chromium, Vitamin E and Selenium on Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Holstein Friesian Calves under Heat Stress

Background: Heat stress has been a major concern in tropical, sub-tropical and arid areas affecting the performance of farm animals. Along with vitamin E and Selenium, chromium is gaining importance in combating heat stress. Methods: Twenty-four calves of 7- 8 months old with an average body weight of 172.79±4.39 kg were distributed randomly into four dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3). The calves of control group (T0) were fed on basal diet i.e. total mixed ration (TMR). The basal diet of T1, T2 and T3 on per kg DM basis were supplemented vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), chromium propionate (0.5 mg) and chromium propionate (0.5 mg) + vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), respectively. Ambient air temperature and humidity were measured for calculation of THI. Blood samples were collected fortnightly and the rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) of all the experimental animals were recorded twice daily to study the biochemical and physiological parameters. Result: Supplementation of chromium along with vitamin E and selenium decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) the cortisol levels and increased the albumin concentration. Chromium supplemented groups (T2 and T3) showed greater (P less than 0.05) increase in mean total protein concentration. A significant reduction in RT was observed in all the supplemented groups compared to control. Whereas, the PR and RR differed significantly in T3 group compared to control.

Effect of Different Levels of Direct-fed Microbials Plus Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes Additives on the Growth Traits of Dairy Calves

The study was carried out to investigate to determine effects of the different levels of the direct-fed microbials (DFM) plus exogenous feed enzymes (EFE) on the body weights, weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, some behavioral traits as well as fecal consistency index of male Brown Swiss calves. For this purpose, 18 male Brown Swiss calves were allocated to three groups (control, 10 g and 20 g head/day of DFM plus EFE). Weights obtained at weaning time and 6 months of age of the calves in 10 g head/day of DFM plus EFE group were respectively 7.3% and 7.1% heavier than these of animals in control group. The calves in 10 g head/day of DFM plus EFE group in pre-weaning and between birth and 6 months of age periods also had respectively 16.0% and 7.3% higher total weight gains than calves in the control group. Feed efficiency ratio of the calves fed diets with 10 g DFM plus EFE had 64.2% better than that of calves in control group. Average fecal consistency score of the calves fed a diet supplemented with 10 g head/day of DFM plus EFE had the lowest score (P<0.05) (i.e., less scouring) compared to other treatment groups in pre-weaning period as well as between birth and 6 months of age. Furthermore, behavioral activities of the calves were not significantly influenced by DFM plus EFE additives except for the percentage of time spent for lying. The study revealed that the feeding of DFM plus EFE to male Brown Swiss calves until 6 months of age had positive but not statistically significant improvement on the growth traits and feed efficiency ratio. On the other hand, it was concluded that the level of 10 g head/day of the DFM plus EFE additives could be beneficial for reducing incidence of diarrhea in the dairy calves.

Dynamics of cortisol in calves against the background of the use of polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate as an anti-stress drug

Our core interest is the dynamics of cortisol in the period of delivery of calves when an environmentally safe drug polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate is being used. Experimental groups of calves received suspension of the drug at a dose of 0.1 g / kg, 0.3 and 0.5 g / kg of body weight. The cortisol level in the newborn calves was 7.12±0.06 mcg/DL, providing sufficient enzymatic activity. In calves of 5-day-old age, by the end of the colostrum period, the cortisol level significantly decreased, in the control group by 5.84 times, reaching 1.22±0.26 mcg/DL; in experimental groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively, by 6.3; 9.13 and 8.68 times (p≤0.05). When the calves reached the age of 15 days, the cortisol content in the calves in the control group was 0.10 mcg/DL; in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively, it was 0.11; 0.12; and 0.14 mcg/DL. In comparison with the control group calves, the calves of experimental groups on the first 5 days of life, the drug at a dose of 0.1 g/kg of body weight contributed to a decrease in cortisol by 7.4%, at a dose of 0.3 g/kg-by 36.1%, at a dose of 0.5 g/kg-by 32.8%. While the drug was being used for 15 days, in groups 2, 3, and 4, the cortisol content was higher relatively to group 1 by 0.01 mcg/DL, 0.02 mcg/DL, and 0.04 mcg/DL, respectively. Therefore, for calves of 5-day-old age, the optimal cortisol concentration is 0.78-1.22 mcg/DL, for 15-day-old calves, respectively, 0.11-0.14 mcg / DL. We recommend that calves use a suspension of polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate at a dose of 0.3-0.5 g/kg of body weight on the first five days of life, followed by a dose of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg.

Differential Transcription of Selected Cytokine and Neuroactive Ligand-receptor Genes in Peripheral Leukocytes from Calves in Response to Cautery Disbudding.

Simple SummaryCalf disbudding is a painful husbandry practice on dairy and beef cattle farms. Continuing efforts to enhance the accuracy of pain assessment can aid in the application of effective anti-nociceptive (analgesic) agents in non-verbal animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the expression of genes involved in inflammation and pain sensitisation in response to removal of horn buds in calves, using hot-iron cauterization. The efficacy of an analgesic, meloxicam, was also tested in attenuating the changes in expression of the studied genes post-disbudding. It was revealed that cautery disbudding induces significant changes in the expression of genes involved in inflammation. Meloxicam was able to blunt the increased expression of some of the genes at 4 h and 24 h after disbudding, while it could not attenuate the increased expression of a few other genes associated with inflammation.Calf disbudding is a painful husbandry practice on dairy and beef cattle farms. An objective measurement of pain is useful to reliably evaluate the pain intensity and anti-nociceptive (analgesic) efficacy of therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in peripheral leucocyte inflammatory cytokine gene expression in calves after disbudding, and to assess whether the changes in cytokine gene expression could be an indicator of the efficacy of analgesic drugs. In a randomised controlled study, 16 calves (aged 31 to 41 days and weighing 58 to 73 kg), undergoing routine disbudding, were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 8 in each group). Calves in the control group received no analgesic, while those in the treatment group received 0.5 mg kg−1 meloxicam subcutaneously prior to disbudding. Disbudding was performed using an electric debudder. Blood (10 mL) was sampled from the jugular vein just before and 4 and 24 h post-disbudding, RNA was extracted from leukocytes, and the transcription of 12 genes of interest was assessed using nCounter gene expression assay. The results showed significantly higher transcription (compared to baseline values) of the studied genes (except CRH, IFNγ, and IL10) in the control group calves at either 4 or 24 h post-disbudding. The administration of meloxicam one hour before disbudding significantly attenuated the upregulation of IL6, PGHS2, TAC1, NOS1, and CRH gene transcription post-disbudding, while it did not suppress the elevated transcription of acute and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, IFNγ, IL8, and TNFα genes. In conclusion, nCounter gene expression assay seems to be a promising tool to study the expression of cytokine genes and thus could be used for the pre-clinical evaluation of novel analgesics.

Use of metamizole as an additional analgesic during umbilical surgery in calves

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of metamizole on physiologic variables in calves undergoing surgical extirpation of the navel during anaesthesia using xylazine, ketamine and isoflurane. Study designDouble-blind, randomized trial. AnimalsA total of 26 calves. MethodsCalves with uncomplicated umbilical hernias and otherwise clinically healthy were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the control group (CG) and metamizole group (MG). All calves were administered meloxicam (0.5 mg kg–1) intravenously (IV) 150 minutes before skin incision (SI). Animals were premedicated with xylazine (0.2 mg kg–1) intramuscularly 50 minutes before SI. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2 mg kg–1) IV 30 minutes before SI and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. MG calves were given metamizole (40 mg kg–1) IV 60 minutes before SI. CG calves were administered an equivalent volume of saline. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded from 5 minutes before SI until the end of anaesthesia (60 minutes after SI). Blood samples for determination of the plasma cortisol concentration (PCC) were drawn 60 minutes before SI and at 5, 30, 60, 150, and 510 minutes after SI. ResultsIn both groups, PCC increased during surgery and decreased after surgery. PCC was consistently lower in MG than in CG and was significantly (p = 0.0026) lower at 150 minutes after SI in the MG. Overall, the mean PCC in MG was 10.9 nmol L–1 lower than that in CG (p = 0.01). In both groups, HR decreased during anaesthesia, whereas MAP increased, albeit with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between groups. Conclusions and clinical relevanceOur study results suggest that a single preoperative dose of metamizole may have a positive impact on intra- and immediate postoperative analgesia by reducing PCC when used as an indicator of nociception.

Impact of inulin and yeast containing synbiotic on calves' productivity and greenhouse gas production.

Aim:The research aimed to determine the impact of synbiotic: 6 g of prebiotic inulin and 5 g of probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 1026 on calves’ productivity and greenhouse gas (GHG) production.Materials and Methods:The research was conducted with 10 Holstein Friesian and Red Holstein (Bos taurus L.) crossbreed calves of mean age 33±6 days and initial body weight 73.4±12.75 kg. We added the synbiotic into the diet of five dairy crossbreed calves (SynG) and five calves in control group (CoG) received non-supplemented diet. The duration of the experiment was 56 days. The weight of calves and amount of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the rumen were determined on day 1, 28, and 56. On day 56, three calves from each group were slaughtered. Meat samples were assessed for some indicators of meat quality. The main methanogens were detected in the rumen fluid and feces.Results:The weight gain during the whole experiment period of 56 days was higher in the SynG (62.6±13.75 kg) compared to CoG (36.8±7.98 kg) calves (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in the levels of protein (%), fat (unsaturated and saturated – %), and cholesterol (mg/100 g) in meat samples from both groups. At the end of the experiment, the amount of CH4 in calves’ rumen in CoG was higher (Me=792.06 mg/m3, interquartile range [IQR] 755.06-873.59) compared to SynG (Me=675.41 mg/m3, IQR 653.46-700.50) group (p<0.01). The values for CO2 were also increased in CoG (Me=4251.28 mg/m3, IQR 4045.58-4426.25) compared to SynG (Me=3266.06 mg/m3, IQR 1358.98-4584.91) group (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in the calves’ weight and certain methanogen species in rumen liquid and feces on the 56th day of the experiment. Significantly higher results in the parameter total prokaryotes (V3) (bacteria+archaea) in rumen fluid were in SynG, whereas significantly higher results in the parameter total methanogens Met630/803 in rumen fluid were in CoG, p<0.05.Conclusion:The main results showed that the synbiotic can increase the daily weight gain in calves and decrease the amount of GHG in rumen but does not impact different methanogen species in rumen liquid and feces and meat protein, fat, and cholesterol levels.

Economic efficiency of Sinoestrol-2% used for down-calving cows to stimulate non-specific resistance in newborn calves

This article assesses the economic efficiency of using Synoestrol-2% to down-calving cows for stimulate colostral immunity and non-specific resistance in newborn calves. Use of the drug positively affected the health of calves. At the same time, the immuno-biochemical and morphological composition of the blood in newborn calves improved to the first day after born: increased the level of total protein for 9.75% (p<0.05) compared to the control group of calves, albumins – 13.7% (p<0.05), alpha-globulins – 31% (p<0.05), gamma globulins – 21.8% (p<0.05), number of leukocyte increased for 17.2% (p<0.05). Ten days after birth, the content of alpha- and gamma- globulin decreased in the calves of the control and experimental groups, but it was significantly higher in the calves of the experimental group. The number of leukocytes was higher in the calves of the experimental group, mainly due to neutrophils. The first day after birth bactericidal activity of the blood serum, lysozyme activity of the blood serum, neutrophil phagocytic rate was higher compared with similar indicators calves of control group. The incidence of dyspepsia of calves of the experimental group decreased by 1.3 times, the duration of the disease was shorter by 1.7 days compared to calves of the control group. The economic efficiency of the use of the drug Sinoestrol-2% to cows was 3.12 rubles per 1 ruble of expenses.

Effect of challenge feeding on body condition scores and calf birth weight of Sahiwal cattle

The present research was carried out with the objectives of investigating the effect of challenge feeding on body condition scores and calf birth weight of Sahiwal cattle. The present study was conducted on eighteen healthy, advance pregnant Sahiwal cattle from 60 days prepartum to 120 days postpartum. The animals were divided into two groups i.e. control and treatment on the basis of milk yield, parity and body weight. The animals in control group were given standard ration while in challenge fed (treatment) group, the animals were given additional amount of concentrate mixture. The mean body condition score of control and treatment group during prepartum period was 3.49 ±0.03 and 3.54 ±0.03, respectively with a non-significant difference. During post-partum period also there was no significant effect of challenge feeding on BCS of animals of the treatment group. The mean BCS of control and treatment group during postpartum period was 3.43 ±0.03 and 3.52 ±0.03, respectively. The mean birth weights of calves in control and experimental group were 21.67 ±1.56 and 25.78 ±1.56 kg, respectively. The calves born to cows of challenge fed group were about 4.11kg heavier than calves born to cows of control group but statistically the difference was not significant.

Comparison of parasite load and average daily weight gain in suckling beef calves treated with macrocyclic lactones in either an extended-release injectable or a pouron formulation

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of macrocyclic lactones anthelmintic in either an extended-release injectable (ERI) or a pour-on (PO) formulation on parasite load and average daily weight gain in suckling beef calves. Spring born Angus cross beef calves (n=1228) grazing on 17 pastures from 4 cow-calf operations in Washington State during 2017 were included. Calves in each pasture were randomly assigned to ERI (n=611; Long Range®, 50 mg of eprinomectin/ml, Merial Inc., Duluth, GA, USA; @ 50 mg or 1ml/50 kg BW) or PO (n=671; Ivomec®, 5 mg ivermectin/ml; Merial Inc., Duluth, GA; @ 500 mcg or 1 ml/10 kg BW) treatment 105 days prior to weaning (approximately at 8 months of age) at the time of pasture turn-out in mid-May. Calves were weighed initially, at mid-trail (approximately 55 days after start) and at weaning. Faecal samples were taken from a subset of calves (n=30/pasture; 15 in each treatment group, a total of 510 calves) for faecal egg counts (FEC) at the start of the study and again at 15, 30, 60 and 90 d later. The data were analyzed using a mixed model. The FEC did not vary between calves in treatment and control groups on day 0 (P>0.1). However, accounting for temperament by treatment interaction, ERI treated calves had lower FEC compared with PO treated calves on day 90 (P<0.01). Accounting for gender (P<0.05), temperament (P<0.05) and treatment by age (P<0.01), ERI treated calves gained more weight compared with PO treated calves (P<0.01). In conclusion, treatment of nursing calves at late-spring with ERI experienced a reduction in GI (gastrointestinal) parasite load and a measurable but modest increase in weight gain compared with calves treated with PO.

Hemocytopoiesis and microelements metabolism’s indices in calves under the infl uence of national vitamin-amino-acid complex

In Ukrainian veterinary medicine the study of the eff ectiveness of new complex drugs remains relevant. The eff ect of the vitamin-mineral complex "Alphabet for Animals" on the state of hemocytopoiesis and the microelements metabolism in calves of 1.5‒2.5 months of age were studied. The composition of this drug includes the biologically active substances: vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, B12, K3 and essential amino-acids: DL-methionine, L-lysine and arginine. It is used in farm animals and poultry for the normalization of hemocytopoiesis, the prevention and treatment of vitamins and trace elements metabolism’s disorders. In the fi rst week of drug administration, the number of erythrocytes in the experimental animals group has increased signifi cantly (p&lt;0.05) and after its second feeding, the positive eff ect on erythrocytopoiesis in calves has became even greater (p&lt;0.001), compared to the calves in control group. The level of hemoglobin in calves of experimental group also increased signifi cantly from the beginning of the drug to the end of the experiment, whereas in calves of the control group there was a tendency to decrease its level throughout the all experiment. The color index and erythrocyte saturation by hemoglobin (MCH) at the fi rst and second blood samples were signifi cantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) in control calves group, whereas in animals of experimental group there was no signifi cant diff erence between these parameters (p&lt;0.1). The average volume of red blood cells did not diff er between control and test calves during the experiment (p&lt;0.1). Under the drugs infl uence the Ferum blood content in calves of experimental group increased by 24.2 %. In the control calves group, this tendency was not so noticeable (the increase of Ferum serum level at the end of experiment was only +7.8 % (p&lt;0.1), compared to the initial indices). The Zinc metabolism, on the contrary, has not undergone signifi cant changes. The Cuprum serum level in experimental calves group remained always signifi cantly higher than in control animals group. “Alphabet for Animals” has a positive eff ect on hemocytopoiesis in calves due to its complex composition (fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, aminoacids) and improves the metabolism of microelements, including Ferum and Cuprum. The infl uence on these processes the vitamins of B group, which are a part of this drug, we consider especially valuable in the conditions of the unformed rumen digestion in young cattle. Key words: vitamin-amino acid complex, erythrocytopoiesis, hypochromia, microcytosis, hemoglobin, color index, hematocrit.