Cross-bred Calves Research Articles

Comparative assessment of growth performance of indigenous and cross-bred calves subjected to combined stressors (heat and nutritional).

This study evaluated the impact of combined stressors (heat and nutritional stresses) on the growth and adaptive capability of Sahiwal (SW) and Karan Fries (KF) calves during the summer season. Calves in each breed were randomly divided into four groups. In SW breed the groupings were as follows: SWC (n = 4; Sahiwal Control); SWHS (n = 4; Sahiwal Heat Stress); SWNS (n = 4; Sahiwal Nutritional Stress) and SWCS (n = 4; Sahiwal Combined Stresses). Likewise, in the KF breed, KFC (n = 4; Karan Fries Control); KFHS (n = 4; Karan Fries Heat Stress); KFNS (n = 4; Karan Fries Nutritional Stress), and KFCS (n = 4; Karan Fries Combined Stresses). Control (C) and HeatStress (HS) calves were fed ad libitum while NutritionalStress (NS) and CombinedStresses (CS) calves were fed restricted feed (50% of C calves of respective breed) to induce nutritional stress in both the breeds. SWHS, SWCS, KFHS, and KFCS were exposed to summer heat stress from 1000 to 1600h. All growth and adaptation variables were recorded at fortnightly intervals. Respiration rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature during the afternoon were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the CS group in both breeds. Further, CS had significantly (P < 0.05) higher plasma growth hormone and cortisol levels. Insulin-like growth factor-1, Triiodothyronine, and Thyroxine levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the CS group in both breeds. Interestingly, heat stress didn't affect SWHS and KFHS bodyweight, however, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in body weight of SWCS and KFCS was observed when compared with C. Hepatic mRNA expression of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and growth hormone receptor significantly (P < 0.05) varied when compared between C and CS groups in both the breeds.The overall magnitude of stress was more pronounced in KF compared to the SW breed. This study concludes that when two stressors occur concurrently, they may have a greater influence on the adaptive capability of calves. Further, SW had better tolerance levels than KF, confirming the indigenous breed's superiority over cross-bred.

Dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaves as herbal feed additive affects nutrient utilization and growth performances in growing crossbred calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Da qing shu (Ficus hookeri) leaf meal as herbal feed additive on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Ten Jersey male cross-bred calves (~ 4 months of age) were divided equally into two groups (G1 and G2) and were fed ad lib. under stall feeding on a paddy straw based mixed ration consisting of 50% paddy straw and 50% concentrate mixture for a duration of 140 days. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Four per cent (w/w) wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was replaced by sun dried ground Ficus hookeri leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) were fed Ficus hookeri leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. Daily dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the calves of two experimental groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and cellulose improved in the Ficus hookeri leaf meal fed calves (G2). DCP value of the ration was similar while, TDN value of the ration was higher in the calves of Ficus hookeri leaf meal supplemented group (G2). However, plane of nutrition among the calves of both experimental groups was similar. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in Ficus hookeri leaf fed calves (G2). Therefore, it may be concluded from the results of the study that dietary supplementation of Da qing shu (Ficus hookeri) leaf meal as herbal feed additive @ 2% of total mixed diet significantly improved the fibre digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency in growing Jersey male crossbred calves.

Multizentrisches B-Zell-Lymphom bei einem 8 Wochen alten Kalb

The presented report describes a case of sporadic bovine leukosis and its disease progression in an 8-week old, male cross-breed calf (Red Holstein Fleckvieh). The calf was initially presented due to suspect pulmonary infection. However, generalized enlargement of the subcutaneous lymph nodes was noticed, which is untypical for this disease. Based on the hematologic findings of highly increased numbers of lymphoblasts in peripheral blood as well as the sonographic examination of the lymph nodes, sporadic bovine leukosis was suspected. The calf died suddenly, three weeks after initial presentation. Pathohistological examination revealed a high-degree enlargement of all lymph nodes as well as an infiltration of nearly all organs and tissues with a monomorphic round cell population. These cells were also detected in bone marrow cytology. Immunhistochemical examination was performed and the cells reacted positive for the B-cell markers Pax 5 and CD20. Virologic examination for enzootic bovine leukosis was negative. In conjunction with the diagnosis of multicentric B-cell lymphoma, the test results indicated a juvenile form of sporadic bovine lymphoma.

Surgical Correction of Recto-Umbilicus Fistula by Diverting the Rectum to the Lower Right Abdominal Wall in a Cross-Breed Calf

The congenital disability, atresia ani or atresia ani et recti or recto-vaginal fistula, is one of the most common types of congenital malformation disability. A 45-day-old male cross-breed calf was admitted to Patuakhali Science and Technology University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital with complaints of leaking feces through the umbilicus and was clinically confirmed as a recto-umbilicus fistula. This congenital condition was corrected successfully by making an artificial opening in the lower right abdominal wall. Corrective surgery was the only successful technique for repairing the recto-umbilicus fistula. The prognosis for surgical correction of the recto-umbilicus fistula in a cross-breed calf was indicated to be good.

Evaluation of thermo-adaptability between Tharparkar (Bos indicus) and crossbred (Bos indicus X Bos taurus) calves in a controlled environment

The global warming driven climate change has increased the susceptibility of livestock around the globe to heat stress (HS), which reduces animal productivity and threatens the sustainability of marginal farmers. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate thermo-adaptability between Tharparkar calves (TC), an indigenous milch breed of India and crossbred calves (CC) during induced heat stress in controlled environment. For this purpose, 12 apparently healthy male calves (six in each group) aged 5–6 months, were selected. The experiment was conducted at physiologically comfortable temperature (25 °C), moderate HS (31 °C) and severe HS (37 °C) for 21 days each in a psychrometric chamber. In each experimental day, the calves were exposed to 6 h of heat. There were 7 days of acclimatization period before experiment and 10 days of recovery period at ambient temperature between each 21 day exposure period. During experimental period, the blood was collected at 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st day and among ten-day recovery period the blood was collected at 5th day. Physiological responses, serum electrolytes, metabolic enzymes profiles, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress status and general endocrine milieu were studied. Relative mRNA expression study of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 70, HSP90, induced Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) were carried out by qPCR. There was significant (p < 0.05) change in the displacement in rectal temperature, respiration rate, serum alanine aminotransferase level between two breeds at moderate and severe HS. Similar change was observed in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and endocrinological parameters. The comparatively lower mRNA expression of HSP70 and higher expression of HSP90 in TC than CC point the better thermo-adaptability of the same. The results of the experiment indicated that TC are more thermo-adaptable than CC at different modality of stress in controlled temperature conditions.

Propagation of Babesia bigemina in Rabbit Model and Evaluation of Its Attenuation in Cross-Bred Calves.

Simple SummaryVector-borne diseases (VBDs) cause heavy economic losses in the livestock sector. Among these VBDs, babesiosis is the second most common disease, causing high morbidity, mortality, and reproductive and productive losses in cattle. The causative agents of this disease are globally distributed across tropical and subtropical countries. In the current study, B. bigemina was propagated in vivo in rabbit for attenuation and evaluated for its virulence periodically. This attenuated B. bigemina was then inoculated to naive calves for the evaluation of clinical parameters. Increased parasitaemia and temperature were observed in rabbits following the inoculation of B. bigemina-infected red blood cells. The naive calves did not show symptoms of parasitaemia or temperature elevation when inoculated with rabbit-propagated B. bigemina-infected RBCs. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated that infected cattle periodically had a decreased PCV profile, along with increased temperature and parasitaemia. Moreover, this study also revealed correlations between the temperature, parasitaemia, and packed cell volume of inoculated, infected, and control group calves.Bovine babesiosis (BB) is a vector-borne disease (VBD) that affects cattle in tropical and subtropical areas, caused by the haemoprotozoa Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. It is transmitted by tick bites belonging to the genus Rhipicephalus and is clinically characterized by high fever, depression, anorexia, decreased milk and meat production, haemoglobinemia, haemoglobinuria, jaundice, and pregnancy loss. In this study, the propagation of B. bigemina was evaluated by intraperitoneally inoculating 3 × 106 red blood cells infected with B. bigemina into rabbits. The study showed that variations in rabbit body temperatures are related to induced bovine babesiosis. A significant increase in temperature (39.20 ± 0.23 °C) was observed from day 4 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.80 ± 1.01 °C) on day 9 post-inoculation. This study included susceptible cross-bred calves for in vivo attenuation, and they were compared with an infected group. The calves in the infected group showed a significant increase in temperature (38.79 ± 0.03 °C) from day 3 onwards and a maximum temperature (41.3 ± 0.17 °C) on day 11. Inoculated calves showed a gradual rise in temperature post-inoculation, but the difference was not significant. Inoculated calves did not show parasitaemia, whereas 32% of infected calves displayed parasitaemia. As compared to inoculated calves post-inoculation, packed cell volume (PCV) decreased (16.36 ± 1.30) for infected calves. However, there were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in temperatures, parasitaemia, and PCV in both inoculated and infected calves. The current study aimed to attenuate B. bigemina in rabbit models and evaluate the pathogenic potential of this organism in naive calves. In conclusion, B. bigemina proliferation was attenuated in rabbits. The rabbit model can be used to study B. bigemina in vivo in order to reduce its pathogenicity.

Surgical affections of new born calves in selected upazilas of Bagerhat district, Bangladesh

The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of surgical affections and their associated risk factors in new born calves from the Mollahat, Fakhirhat, and Bagerhat Sadar upazilas of Bagerhat district. From 2015 to 2019, 5238 retrospective data were collected in all three upazilas. The surgical affections were categorized on the basis of sex and breed. The highest number of surgical affections found in all three upazila was navel ill with myiasis (60.44% in Mollahat upazila, 71.43% in Fakhirhat upazila and 60.11% in Bagerhat Sadar upazila). Surgical affections in calves vary in frequency according to the animal's sex and breed. Among the affections, navel ill with myiasis was higher (66.67% and 71.43%) in male than female calves (33.33% and 28.57%) in Mollahat and Fakhirhat upazila, respectively. However, in Bagerhat Sadar upazila congenital cataract was higher (71.43%) in male calves compared to female (28.57%). According to the breed, navel ill with myiasis were higher (64.85%) followed by umbilical hernia (18.74%) in cross breed calves. While navel ill with myiasis were higher (56.01%) followed by abscess (15.93%) in indigenous breed calves. According to the study, environmental conditions or management techniques can trigger surgical affections. It will be feasible to identify the prevalence of various surgical illnesses in this sector based on sex and breed based on the outcomes of this study in order to combat these diseases.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.9(1): 43-48, April 2022

Theileria annulata: Its Propagation in Rabbits for the Attenuation of Piroplasms in Cross-Bred Calves.

Simple SummaryTicks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are major hindrances for the growth and development of the livestock industry. Among TTBDs, theileriosis has the most important disease-causing high morbidity, mortality, and productive and reproductive losses in cattle. These parasites are mainly present in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, where they primarily infect ruminants. The current study was primarily aimed to attenuate the T. annulata in rabbits and to check its severity in susceptible cross-bred calves. Moreover, a comparison between experimentally infected and tested calves was also conducted. The significant rise in temperature and the percentage of infected cells were observed in the rabbits’ post-inoculation. All the infected calves showed a significant rise in temperature, piroplasm parasitemia %age, and lymph node enlargement, while the inoculated calves showed a slight rise in temperature, no piroplasm, and no enlargement of lymph nodes during the whole trial.Tropical theileriosis caused by the protozoan; Theileria annulata is a tick-borne disease (TBD) transmitted by ticks of genus Hyalomma; is clinically characterized by fever, anemia, and lymphadenopathy; and is responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high morbidity and mortality rates with reduced production. Infected red blood cells of T. annulata were inoculated into rabbits intraperitoneally, and propagation of T. annulata has been investigated. The current study has shown an association between induced tropical theileriosis and variation of body temperature in rabbits. A significant rise in temperature (39.92 ± 0.33 °C) was seen on day 8 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.27 ± 0.44 °C) on day 14 post-inoculation. In the current study, in vivo trials in susceptible cross-bred calves to investigate the attenuation and comparison with the infected group were also conducted. All the infected calves (n = 5) showed a significant rise in temperature (40.26 ± 0.05 °C) on day 10 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.88 ± 0.05 °C) on day 16. The temperature of inoculated calves increased gradually post-inoculation, but the difference was not significant. A maximum parasitemia of 20% was observed in infected calves, but no piroplasm parasitemia was observed in inoculated calves. The prescapular lymph nodes of infected calves were enlarged, while the lymph nodes of inoculated calves remained normal throughout the trial. Analysis of clinical and parasitological responses of infected and inoculated calves showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in terms of temperature, parasitemia, and lymph node scoring between two groups. The current study was primarily aimed to attenuate T. annulata in rabbit and to check its virulence in susceptible calves. It is concluded that propagation of Theileria annulata in rabbits made it attenuated. Rabbit can be used as an in vivo model to weaken the virulence of T. annulata.

The Exophthalmos of Eyes as An Unusual and Unregistered Sign of Mycoplasma wenyonii Infection in Newborn Calves in Basrah, Iraq

Exophthalmos with bulging and edema of both eyes was detected as an unusual and unregistered sign of Mycoplasma wenyonii infection in cross-bred newborn calves in Basrah, Iraq. Three male cross-bred calves 4- 10 days old, show different clinical signs, A blood sample of 2.5 mL was drawn from the jugular vein of each newborn calf in. The blood was mixed with EDTA to obtain the total erythrocyte count, level of Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count using automatic fully digital cell counter. The stained blood smears were used for detection of the microorganism, Moreover, the microorganism was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction technique . Exophthalmos in diseased newborn calves can affect both eyes (bilateral) or only one eye (unilateral). Furthermore, calves also showed increased abdominal respiration with panting, recumbency, inability to stand, pale mucus membranes, small hemorrhagic patches on the skin, and enlargement of superficial lymph nodes. Vital signs were also increased (body temperature, respiratory and heart rates). It has been concluded that the exophalmous of eyes in infected animals with Mycoplasma wenyonii should be added as a new clinical sign through which the disease can be suspected and inferred.

Cellular and Cytokine Responses in Lymph Node Granulomas of Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG)-Vaccinated and Non-vaccinated Cross-Breed Calves Naturally Infected With Mycobacterium bovis.

Local immunological responses at the site of infections, such as at the lymph nodes and lungs, do play a role in containing infection caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). This bovine tuberculosis (bTB) study was conducted to evaluate cellular and cytokine responses in the lymph nodes and lungs of BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves that were naturally infected with M. bovis. Immunohistochemical assays were used for examination of the responses of macrophages, T cells, cytokines and chemical mediators of 40 (22 vaccinated and 18 non-vaccinated) Holstein-Friesian-zebu crossbred calves that were naturally exposed for 1 year to a known bTB positive cattle herd. The incidence rates of bTB visible lesion were 68.2% (15/22) and 89% (16/18) in vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves, respectively. The local responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and those of IFN-γ and TNF-α within the lesions, were stronger (P < 0.05) in BCG-vaccinated calves than in non-vaccinated calves. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in the response of CD68+ cells. Thus, the findings of this study indicated stronger responses of a set of immunological cells and markers at the local granulomas of BCG-vaccinated calves than in non-vaccinated calves. Furthermore, BCG vaccination may also play a role in reducing the severity of the gross pathology at the primary site of infection.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of BCG in Protecting Against Contact Challenge With Bovine Tuberculosis in Holstein-Friesian and Zebu Crossbred Calves in Ethiopia.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is prevalent in intensive dairy farms in Ethiopia. Vaccination could be an alternative control approach given the socio-economic challenges of a test-and-slaughter control strategy. The efficacy of the BCG was evaluated on 40 Holstein-Friesian (HF) and zebu crossbred calves recruited from single intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin (SICCT) test negative herds and randomly allocated into two groups. Twenty-two calves were vaccinated within 2 weeks of age, and 18 were kept as a control. Six weeks post-vaccination, the two groups were exposed and kept mixed with known SICCT test positive cows for 1 year. Immune responses were monitored by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA), SICCT test, and antibody assay. Vaccinated calves developed strong responses to the SICCT test at the sixth week post-vaccination, but did not respond to ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptide antigen-based IGRA. During the exposure, IFN-γ response to the specific peptide cocktail [F(2.44, 92.67) = 26.96; p < 0.001] and skin reaction to the specific proteins cocktail [F(1.7, 64.3); p < 0.001] increased progressively in both groups while their antibody responses were low. The prevalence of bTB was 88.9% (95% CI: 65.3–98.6) and 63.6% (95% CI: 40.7–83.8) in the control and vaccinated calves, respectively, based on Mycobacterium bovis isolation, giving a direct protective efficacy estimate of 28.4% (95% CI: −2.7 to 50.1). The proportion of vaccinated calves with lesion was 7.0% (34/484) against 11.4% (45/396) in control calves, representing a 38% (95% CI: 5.8–59.4) reduction of lesion prevalence. Besides, the severity of pathology was significantly lower (Mann–Whitney U-test, p < 0.05) in vaccinated (median score = 2.0, IQR = 0–4.75) than in control (median score = 5, IQR = 3.0–6.25) calves. Moreover, survival from M. bovis infection in vaccinated calves was significantly (log-rank test: χ2 = 6.749, p < 0.01) higher than that of the control calves. In conclusion, the efficacy of BCG was low, but the reduced frequency and severity of lesion in vaccinated calves could suggest its potential role in containing onward transmission.

Influence of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaves as herbal feed additive on nutrient utilization and performances in growing crossbred calves

This work was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Ten numbers of growing Jersey male cross-bred calves were divided in to two groups (G1 and G2) and were fed individually under stall feeding on a paddy straw based mixed ration (50% paddy straw and 50% concentrate mixture) for 140 days. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with sun dried ground Mallotus philippensis leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) fed Mallotus philippensis leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. Daily dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the calves of two experimental groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and cellulose were higher in the Mallotus philippensis leaf meal fed calves (G2). DCP value of the ration was similar while, TDN value of the ration was higher in the calves of Mallotus philippensis leaf meal supplemented group (G2). However, plane of nutrition among the calves of both experimental groups was similar. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in Mallotus philippensis leaf fed calves (G2). The results of the study indicated that dietary supplementation Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive @ 2% of total diet significantly improved the performance in growing male crossbred calves.

Morphological and Volumetric Characteristics of Holstein-Gir Crossbred Calves’ Stomachs Fed Diets Comprising Cheese Whey and Milk Powder

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of powdered cheese whey and milk powder as a substitute for whole milk on rumen development in calves up to 60 days of age. Twenty-one-week-old Holstein-Gir crossbred calves were randomized across four treatments and six replicates: LI: whole milk (Control); LP: milk powder; LPS1: 80% milk powder + 20% cheese whey powder; LPS2: 60% Milk Powder + 40% Cheese Whey Powder. The animals were slaughtered at 60 days of age. The consumption, weight of stomach and its compartments, ruminal papilla height, and rumen proliferative activity were measured. Dry matter intake, absolute and relative weights of the gastric compartments were similar. Significant differences were found in the development of rumen papillae and the mean height of the ventral sac was higher in the animals that received whole milk. There were no significant differences for cell proliferation rate in rumen papillae. It is suggested that feeding calves whey with powdered milk may be a viable alternative to the use of whole milk without harming dairy calves.

Effects of pre-transport diet, transport duration and transport condition on immune cell subsets, haptoglobin, cortisol and bilirubin in young veal calves.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of pre-transport diets, transport durations and transport conditions on immune cell subsets, haptoglobin, cortisol and bilirubin of young calves upon arrival at the veal farm. An experiment was conducted with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors: 1) provision of rearing milk or electrolytes at the collection center (CC); 2) transport duration (6 or 18 hours) and 3) transport condition (open truck or conditioned truck). Holstein-Friesian and cross-bred calves were used (N = 368; 18 ± 4 days; 45.3 ± 3.3 kg). Blood samples were collected from calves (N = 128) at the collection center, immediately post-transport (T0) and 4, 24, 48 hours, week 1, 3 and 5 post-transport. Blood was analyzed for cortisol, bilirubin, haptoglobin, IgG and IgM. Moreover, cell counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils were measured in blood samples taken at the collection center and T0. In these same blood samples, different lymphocyte populations were characterized by flow cytometry, including CD14+ cells, NK cells, δγ+ T cells, CD8+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD21+ cells. Calves transported in the conditioned truck had higher amounts of white blood cell count (WBC) (Δ = 1.39 × 109/l; P = 0.01), monocytes (Δ = 0.21 × 109/l; P = 0.04), neutrophils (Δ = 0.93 × 109/l; P = 0.003), than calves transported in the open truck regardless, of pre-transport diet or transport duration. The study showed that transport condition and duration influenced parts of the innate immune system of young veal calves. Cortisol, bilirubin and WBC seemed to be connected by similar underlying mechanisms in relation to transport conditions. However, it is unclear which specific pathways in the immune system of young calves are affected by different transport conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, draught).

Transport of Young Veal Calves: Effects of Pre-transport Diet, Transport Duration and Type of Vehicle on Health, Behavior, Use of Medicines, and Slaughter Characteristics

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of different early life transport-related factors on health, behavior, use of medicines and slaughter characteristics of veal calves. An experiment was conducted with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors: (1) provision of rearing milk or electrolytes before transport, (2) transport duration (6 or 18 h), and (3) type of vehicle (open truck or conditioned truck). The study included male Holstein-Friesian and cross-bred calves (N = 368; 18 ± 4 days; 45.3 ± 3.3 kg). Data on health status of calves were collected at the collection center and at the veal farm until week 27 post-transport. Behavior of calves was recorded during transport and at the veal farm until week 13 post-transport. Use of herd and individual medical treatments was recorded at the veal farm. The prevalence of loose or liquid manure at the veal farm from day 1 until week 3 post-transport was lower in electrolyte-fed calves transported in the conditioned truck compared to electrolytes-fed calves transported in the open truck or milk-fed calves transported in both the conditioned and open truck (Δ = 11% on average; P = 0.02). In comparison with the open truck, calves transported in the conditioned truck had lower prevalence of navel inflammation in the first 3 weeks post-transport (Δ = 3 %; P = 0.05). More milk-fed calves received individual antibiotic treatments compared to electrolyte-fed calves at the veal farm (P = 0.05). In conclusion, the transport-related factors examined in the present study affected health and behavior of calves in the short-term, but there was no evidence for long-term effects. It remains unknown why no long-term effects were found in this study. Perhaps this absence of transport-related effects was due to multiple use of medical treatments in the first weeks at the veal farm. Alternatively, it might be that the collective effects of the transition from the dairy farm to the veal farm, and of the husbandry conditions during the subsequent rearing period, on the adaptive capacity of calves were so large that effects of individual transport-related factors were overruled.

Exploring bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with the occurrence of navel ill in calves

The study mentioned here was designed to investigate both bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with the occurrence of naval ill in calves. A total of 350 calves diagnosed to have navel ill formed the population in our study. Incidence density reports representing the period between 2009 and 2018 were obtained from Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Bangladesh Agricultural University where information about age, sex, breed, seasonal effect was also included. Umbilical swab from each individual suffering from confirmed navel ill was collected for microbiological study. The occurrence of navel ill in the age of &amp;lt;30 days (n = 244, 69.71%) was noted higher compared to the age of ≥30 days (n = 106, 30.29%). Male calves were highly susceptible (n = 192, 54.86%) compared to females (n=158, 45.14%). In cross breed individuals, the occurrence was higher (n = 330, 94.29%) in regard of indigenous calves (n=20, 5.71%). The occurrence of the illness in summer (March-June) was more common (n = 159, 45.43%) in comparison to both rainy (n = 111, 31.71%) and winter (n = 80, 22.86%) seasons. In term of microbiological study, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Proteus spp. were identified and isolated from the infected areas of the calves with the disease. In conclusion, navel ill occurred more commonly in male calves with the age of less than one month. The appearance of navel ill was noted to be more frequently in summer season (March-June) in cross breed calves. The results also demonstrated that the condition is mediated by mixed bacterial infection formed by gram-positive and gram-negative agents which induce the initial inflammation .

Jeopardy of Lyssavirus infection in relation to hemato-biochemical parameters and diagnostic markers of cerebrospinal fluid in rabid calves

Rabies is caused by a single-stranded virus with ribonucleic acid belonging to the genus Lyssavirus in the Rhabdoviridae family. This disease causes 100% fatality of exposed non-vaccinated humans and animals. Many aspects of rabies still ambiguous; therefore, the hemato-biochemical effects of Lyssavirus infection and the potential diagnostic markers of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rabid calves were investigated. Six female Frisian cross-bred calves (6–7 months of age) were accidentally exposed to bites from stray dogs. Twenty days later, the calves showed anorexia, severe ptyalism, erected ears, fatigue, cough, and neurological signs including continuous mooing for the majority of the day and sometimes rubbing their heads against hard objects. The rabid calves died within 4–6 days after the appearance of these aforementioned signs. The cerebellum showed lymphocytic leptomeningitis with or without hemorrhage, along with characteristic Negri bodies; in the respiratory system, pronounced suppurative bronchopneumonia occurred. There were mild vicissitudes in the erythrogram without significant vicissitudes in the blood indices. The leucogram showed significant leucopenia, lymphopenia, and monocytopenia with marked granulocytosis. Blood gas analysis publicized mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis. Laboratory findings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed pleocytosis, lymphocytosis, and significant increases in glucose, cholesterol, S–100B, total proteins, globulins, IgA, haptoglobin, TNF-α, and IL-1 levels. We concluded that presence of lymphocytic pleocytosis along with the elevation of glucose, cholesterol, S–100B, and pro-inflammatory cytokines could be used as a potential markers for rabies in bovines. Also, presence of pneumonia with mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis in raid claves could be complications for Lyssavirus infection.

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.

Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in a Cross-Breed Calf

Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in a Cross-Breed Calf

Effect of Multivitamin and Amino Acid Supplementation on Average Daily Gain and Health Status in Cross-Bred Holstein Calves with Poor Growth Rates

Effect of Multivitamin and Amino Acid Supplementation on Average Daily Gain and Health Status in Cross-Bred Holstein Calves with Poor Growth Rates