Diet Of Calves Research Articles

Effect of molasses based multi-nutrient herbal supplements on hematobiochemicals, serum lipid, antioxidants and hormonal profile in buffalo calves

Effect of molasses based multinutrients herbal supplements (MMS) containing ground fenugreek seed and deoiled mahua seed cake at two different ratios (1:1; MMS-I or 1:3; MMS-II) on hematobiochemicals, serum lipid, antioxidants and hormonal profile in male buffalo calves was assessed for 9 months. Fifteen male Murrah buffalo calves (10 to 15 months of age and mean body wt. 234–236 kg) were randomly distributed into 3 groups (5 each) according to Randomized Block Design (RBD). All animals were fed individually with conventional concentrate mixture, available green fodder (3–4 kg DM/d) and wheat straw ad lib. to meet out nutrients requirement. While animals in control group (C) were fed no supplement but animal’s diet in group T1 and T2 supplemented with MMS-I and MMS-II, respectively at 44 g/100 kg body weight or 200 g /100 kg metabolic body weight (kgW0.75). The values of Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC, platelets count, serum total protein, uric acid, creatinine, urea level, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and T3 hormone level were comparable among 3 groups. Serum glucose, globulin, antioxidants and testosterone levels were significantly increased but serum albumin, A/G ratio, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and cortisol levels were significantly decreased among supplemented groups as compared to control group and hormone T4 was significantly higher in T1 group. The results showed that supplementation of MMS-I and MMS- II in the diet of buffalo calves improved serum glucose, globulin, antioxidants, T4 and testosterone levels but lower albumin, A/G ratio, LDL and cortisol.

Використання замінників цільного молока в корекції процесів рубцевого травлення у телят

The formation of cicatricial processes in calves is an important component of the process of growing viable animals, which we studied under the conditions of introduction into the diet of three groups of calves whole milk substitutes for three months. Correction of cicatricial digestion of calves of the early neonatal period significantly increases its parameters and affects the metabolism in animals. It was found that at the end of the equalization period the content of amylolytic, proteolytic, cellulosolytic microorganisms and their specific activity in the contents of the scar of animals of the experimental groups fluctuated slightly. The quantitative composition of rumen microorganisms determined the content of the total mass of rumen microorganisms and the total concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, which ranged from 9.13±0.12 to 9.45±0.24 mmol/100 ml. The content of total, residual and protein nitrogen in the scar content of calves of all groups was almost the same at the end of the equalization period. The introduction into the diet of calves of the neonatal period of feed mixtures Lactophyte-T and Lactophyte-TP increased the activity of the main groups of microorganisms of the rumen and, most importantly – cellulosolytic microorganisms. In calves of the experimental groups, the content of volatile fatty acids and protein nitrogen in the contents of the scar increased. Volatile fatty acids in the blood of calves of the experimental groups were found in 1.08–1.28 times more than in calves of the control group (p<0.01). The content of ketone bodies in the blood of calves of the third group was significantly lower by 1.14 times, urea was lower by 1.12 times (p<0.05). The increase in the activity of scar fermentation processes contributed to the fact that the increase in body weight in calves of the experimental groups was during the experimental period in 1.36–1.57 and 1.42–1.57 times (p<0.01), more than in the control animals. In the future, research on the formation and correction of scar digestion will provide the body of animals with full metabolic metabolites, microbial protein and volatile fatty acids and promote the growth and development of animals.

Animal performance, and enteric methane, manure methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Murrah buffalo calves fed diets with different forage-to-concentrate ratios

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary forage:concentrate ratios on growth performance and enteric and faecal greenhouse-gas emissions from growing buffalo calves. Fifteen Murrah male calves (bodyweight = 233.35 ± 30.92 kg; 8–12 months age) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups that were fed a mixture of berseem fodder, wheat straw and concentrate at the ratios of 20:60:20 (C20), 20:40:40 (C40) and 20:20:60 (C60) respectively, for 120 days. Enteric methane (CH4) production was estimated by the sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique. Faeces were stored for 12 weeks and CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from stored faeces were estimated every 14 days. Dry-matter intake, feed conversion efficiency and nitrogen retention were not affected (P > 0.05) but average daily gain and urinary nitrogen loss (g/day) were higher for C60 than the C20 diet (P < 0.05). Daily enteric CH4 emission (g/day) was not affected but CH4 yield (g/kg dry-matter intake) and energy loss through CH4 as a proportion of energy intake were lower for C60 than the C20 diet (P < 0.05). Faeces composition was not affected, and large variations of greenhouse-gas emissions were observed for first 10 days of storage. Methane emissions from stored faces were 1.28 ± 0.40, 1.94 ± 0.34 and 3.90 ± 0.27 mg/kg faeces per day for C20, C40 and C60 diets respectively, being higher for C60 than the C40 and C20 diets (P < 0.05). Methane-flux rate from faeces was greater for C60 than the C20 and C40 diets (0.75 vs 0.26 and 0.37 g/animal respectively; P < 0.05). Diet C60 increased N2O fluxes from stored faeces by 63% and 58% respectively, expressed in mg/kg faeces per day and mg/animal per day, compared with C20 diet (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary concentrate proportion of up to 60% in growing buffalo calf diets improved growth performance without increasing enteric CH4 emission, but CH4 and N2O production from faeces were increased. This work has provided information for gas emissions factors from open storage of faeces. More detailed studies on gaseous emissions from open lots on farms are required.

Influence of medication “Membranostabil” on expression of immunoreceptor proteins in small intestine of ruminants during the period of formation of colostral immunity

The influence of medication “Membranostabil” on the indexes of content of proteins with MM of 33, 40, and 47 kDa in the plasmolemma of enterocytes of jejunum of new-born calves during the period from birth till the age of 24-hours was investigated. The research was conducted on calves (males) of Ukrainian black-and-white breed during the spring. Throughout the trial period, the calves of the control and experimental groups were kept on a standard diet for newborn calves, colostrum. In addition, calves of the experimental group got the medication “Membranostabil” based on the soybean lecithin. Proteins of plasmolemma of enterocytes of the jejunum of calves were isolated from the membrane fraction of lysates and examined by electrophoresis. Electrophoretic separation of proteins of plasmolemma of the jejunum enterocytes of newborn calves revealed proteins with MM of 37, 40 and 43 kDa on electrophoregram. The data of expression of immunoreceptor proteins with MM of 37, 40, 43 kDa and the dynamics of their changes depending on the time after birth in calves of the control and experimental groups were analyzed. The decrease in the total content of expression of proteins with MM of 37, 40, and 43 kDa in the membrane fraction of lysates of enterocytes of the jejunum of calves at the age of 6 hours compared to the newborn ones was demonstrated. The levels of expression of each immunoreceptor protein are considered with their comparative analysis between the individual fractions in the cytolemma of the enterocytes of the jejunum of newborn calves, which according to their molecular weights correspond to MM isoforms of FcγRIII/CD32. The data obtained showed a significantly higher expression of level of proteins with molecular mass of 37 kDa on the apical membrane of enterocytes, compared with proteins with MM of 40 and 43 kDa, both at birth of calves and at the age of 6 and 24 hours. Based on the data obtained, proteins with MM of 37, 40, and 43 kDa of plasmolemma of the jejunum enterocytes undergo significant changes in the process of postnatal ontogeny in cattle. These changes indicate the synthesis of these proteins in the enterocytes themselves in the process of formation of colostral immunity in newborn calves under the influence of the medication “Membranostabil” used by this research group, compared with calves of the control group. It is shown that the application of medication “Membranostabil” for the new-born calves activates the transport of immunoglobulins of colostrum in the intestine of these animals, assists the increasing of level of colostral immunity, and prevents the occurrence of digestive disorders. Findings of this research correlate with the results of clinical observation in newborn calves.

Impact of different chromium sources on physiological responses, blood biochemicals and endocrine status of heat stress in dairy calves

ABSTRACT Present experiment was conducted to examine whether the supplementation of different organic sources of Cr (Chromium) would improve the performance of heat-stressed calves. Twenty-four female Hariana calves were divided into four treatments (six calves per treatment): (1) calves fed on basal diet (0 mg Cr/kg DM); (2) calves fed on basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM as Cr-picolinate (Cr-Pic); (3) calves fed on basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM as Cr-polynicotinate (Cr-Polynic); and (4) calves fed on basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM as Cr-yeast (Cr-Yeast). Supplementation of different sources of organic Cr did not alter the physiological response of heat-stressed calves during 120 days of feeding experiment. Different Cr sources did not have any effect on liver function test, protein turn over, plasma cholesterol, glucose, total immunoglobulin (Ig) and cortisol levels. Cr shows beneficial effects on cholesterol metabolism, antioxidant activity and plasma concentration of Zn and Cr. Adding Cr-Polynic in the diet of heat-stressed calves significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plasma insulin concentration. This study suggests that the supplementation of different sources of Cr at 1.0 mg/kg DM (Dry Matter), improves antioxidant status and potency of insulin action in heat-stressed dairy calves.

Different milk replacers alter growth performance and rumen bacterial diversity of dairy bull calves

The diets of calves predominantly comprise milk and the start of solid feed intake triggers a critical process in terms of the activity of the rumen microbiota and ruminal fermentation. However, little is known about alterations of the rumen bacterial diversity in dairy bull calves induced by milk replacers and other starters, such as solid pellets or hay. Thus, we analyzed the effects of partially replacing milk with pellets and Chinese wildrye in the diet on the growth performance and rumen bacterial composition in dairy bull calves. Thirty-two newborn Holstein bull calves were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: group MFC was fed milk replacer, pellet diet, and Chinese wildrye; group MFR was fed milk replacer and Chinese wildrye; group MCO was fed milk replacer and pellet diet; and group MIL was fed milk replacer only. The diets were provided for 1 week before the trial and for 7 weeks in the experiment. At the end of the experiment, three calves from each treatment were slaughtered to determine the growth performance and slaughter traits, and the rumen bacteria composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were higher (P < 0.05) in the MCO and MFC groups compared with the MIL and MFR group. In addition, the fresh weights of the liver, spleen, lung, kidney, rumen, reticulum, and abomasum were higher (P < 0.05) in the MCO and MFC groups. The sequencing results showed that at both the phylum and genus levels, the MIL and MFR groups clustered together, whereas the MCO and MFC groups clustered together. Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were more abundant in the MIL and MFR groups, whereas Firmicutes were more abundant in the MFC and MCO groups. The abundances of genera such as Dialister, Megasphaera, Acidaminococcus, and Mitsuokella were higher (P < 0.05) in the MCO and MFC groups. Our results showed that the growth performance of calves could be increased by feeding milk replacer with pellet diet, which may have been associated with changes in the diversity or abundances of rumen bacteria, especially bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes.

Partial corn replacement by soybean hull, or hay supplementation: Effects of increased NDF in diet on performance, metabolism and behavior of pre-weaned calves

The solid diet is a determining factor for ruminal development in calves. However, it is still unclear what is the optimal content and the best way to include fiber in the diet of pre-weaned calves. Thirty-five Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design, considering the sex, weight and birth date of the calves as blocking factor. Animals were housed in individual suspended cages without bedding and assigned to one of three treatments: (1) 22NDF: conventional ground starter concentrate with 220 g neutral detergent fiber (NDF)/kg dry matter (DM); (2) 31NDF: ground starter with 310 g NDF/kg DM, with partial replacement of corn by soybean hull; and (3) 22NDFhay: conventional starter with 220 g NDF/kg DM plus coast-cross hay fed separately ad libitum. The calves received 4 L of milk replacer with 12.5% solids, divided into two meals daily. Feed intake was measured daily. Weight gain and metabolic indicators of intermediate metabolism were evaluated weekly. Ruminal fluid was collected on week 4, 6 and 8 of age. The experiment lasted for 56 days. The increase of the NDF content in the concentrate starter up to 310 g/kg DM with replacement of corn by soybean hull or hay supplementation did not change the starter intake and performance of calves at weaning. The 31NDF diet resulted in higher concentration of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) at week 4, but 22NDF diet increased total SCFA concentration at week 8. Hay supplementation increased rumination time, and decreased non-nutritive oral behaviors during last week preweaning. Dietary NDF levels used in the ground starter concentrate may be higher than current recommendations without reducing intake and performance, as long as the NDF source has low ADF and lignin.

Effect of various fats on digestibility of nutrients in diet of calves

Article presents results of study on effect of various vegetable fats on digestibility of the main nutrients in young cattle. We obtained new data on effects of fats on absorption of amino acids, analyzed blood of experimental animals, depending on source of lipids. We found that use of native form of fat contributes to less intensive digestion of raw fat, in contrast to prepared. In this case, fatty acid composition plays significant role. Transformation of amino acids showed slight difference between the samples. As result of our research, thanks to unique surgical operation on transplantation of the pancreatic duct into isolated segment of intestine, new knowledge was obtained about exocrine function of pancreas, absorption of nutrients, and biochemical parameters of blood in cattle when exposed to fats in animals. Thus, obtained the data reflect body’s response to various types of fats, administered in doses that can be digested by body, without disrupting metabolism of other substances.

Effects of Calliandra and Sesbania supplementation on weight gain in dairy calves on smallholder farms in Kenya

The growth rate of female calves on dairy farms is one of the crucial factors which influence age at first calving, affecting lifetime lactation productivity of a dairy cow. Diets with adequate crude protein are necessary to support calf growth. The study objective was to determine the effects of nutritional advice and diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban on average daily weight gain in dairy calves on semi-commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. This trial involved 155 calves from 73 smallholder dairy farms, in Kenya, randomly selected and allocated to either intervention or control groups. The intervention group received nutritional advice and seedlings of Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban, while the control group did not receive these interventions. Every 1–2 months for 16 months, data on farm nutritional practices and management were collected in a questionnaire, and physical examinations were done to monitor weight and health status. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed linear regression models were used for identification of factors associated (P < 0.05) with the natural log transformation of weight gain of calves on a given farm, controlling for clustering of visits within calves. Feeding at least 0.2 kg/day (wet weight) of Calliandra or Sesbania to calves <6 months old resulted in 33.2% increase in daily weight gain, while controlling for confounding by breed and sex of the calf. For calves ≥6 months, there was a significant interaction between amount of hay fed and if calves were also fed on Calliandra or Sesbania. When no Calliandra or Sesbania supplementation was provided, the mean weight gain was low and relatively constant even with increasing amounts of hay. When Calliandra or Sesbania supplement was added to the diet, the mean weight gain increased from 0.17 kg to 0.48 kg when hay was fed at 1 and 5 kg, respectively, while controlling for confounding by amount of maize silage fed and the prevailing season. In conclusion, supplementation of calf diets with at least 0.2 kg/calf/day of Calliandra or Sesbania is beneficial for faster weight gains.

Form of calf diet and the rumen. II: Impact on volatile fatty acid absorption

Diet is known to affect rumen growth and development. Calves fed an all-liquid diet have smaller and less developed rumens and a decreased ability to absorb volatile fatty acids (VFA) compared to calves fed both liquid and dry feed. However, it is unknown how rumens respond when challenged with a defined concentration of VFA. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of 2 different feeding programs on VFA absorption in preweaned calves. Neonatal Holstein bull calves were individually housed and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 diets. The diets were milk replacer only (MRO; n = 5) or milk replacer with starter (MRS; n = 6). Diets were isoenergetic (3.87 ± 0.06 Mcal of metabolizable energy per day) and isonitrogenous (0.17 ± 0.003 kg/d of apparent digestible protein). Milk replacer was 22% crude protein, 21.5% fat (dry matter basis). The textured calf starter was 21.5% crude protein (dry matter basis). Feed and ad libitum water intakes were recorded daily. Calves were exposed to a defined concentration of VFA buffer (acetate 143 mM, propionate 100 mM, butyrate 40.5 mM) 6 h before euthanasia on d 43 ± 1. Rumen fluid samples were obtained every 15 to 30 min for 6 h to measure the rate of VFA absorption. Rumen tissues were obtained from the ventral sac region and processed for morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of the VFA transporters monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and 4 (MCT4). Body growth did not differ between diets, but empty reticulorumens were heavier in MRS than MRO calves (0.67 vs. 0.39 ± 0.04 kg) and MRS calves had larger papillae areas (0.76 vs. 15 ± 0.08 mm2). We observed no differences between diets in terms of the abundance of MCT1 and MCT4 per unit area. These results indicate that the extrapolated increase in total abundance of MCT1 or MCT4 in MRS calves was not due to increased transporter density per unit area. Modeled VFA absorption metrics (flux, mmol/h, or 6 h absorbed VFA in mmol) were not different across diets. These results demonstrate that the form of calfhood diet, whether solely MR or MR and starter, does not alter VFA absorption capacity when the rumen is exposed to a defined concentration of VFA at 6 wk of age.

Form of calf diet and the rumen. I: Impact on growth and development

Preweaning diet is known to affect rumen tissue appearance at the gross level. The objectives of this experiment were to investigate effects of different preweaning diets on the growth and development of the rumen epithelium and on putative rumen epithelial stem and progenitor cell measurements at the gene and cell levels. Neonatal Holstein bull calves (n = 11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 diets. The diets were milk replacer only (MRO; n = 5) or milk replacer with starter (MRS; n = 6). Diets were isoenergetic (3.87 ± 0.06 Mcal of metabolizable energy per day) and isonitrogenous (0.17 ± 0.003 kg/d of apparent digestible protein). Milk replacer was 22% crude protein, 21.5% fat (dry matter basis). The textured calf starter was 21.5% crude protein (dry matter basis). Water was available ad libitum and feed and water intake were recorded daily. Putative stem and progenitor cells were labeled by administering a thymidine analog (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, BrdU; 5 mg/kg of body weight in sterile saline) for 5 consecutive days and allowed a 25-d washout period. Calves were killed at 43 ± 1 d after a 6 h exposure to a defined concentration of volatile fatty acids. We obtained rumen tissue from the ventral sac and used it for immunohistochemical analyses of BrdU (putative stem and progenitor cells) and Ki67 (cell proliferation), gene expression analysis, and morphological measurements via hematoxylin and eosin staining. Epithelial stem and progenitor cell gene markers of interest, analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, were β1-integrin, keratin-14, notch-1, tumor protein p63, and leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5. Body growth did not differ by diet, but empty reticulorumens were heavier in MRS calves (MRS: 0.67 ± 0.04 kg; MRO: 0.39 ± 0.04 kg). The percentage of label-retaining BrdU basale cells was higher in MRO calves than in MRS calves (2.0 ± 0.3% vs. 0.3 ± 0.2%, respectively). We observed a higher percentage of basale cells undergoing proliferation in MRS calves than in MRO calves (18.4 ± 2.6% vs. 10.8 ± 2.8%, respectively). Rumen epithelial gene expression was not affected by diet, but the submucosa was thicker in MRO calves and the epithelium and corneum/keratin layers were thicker in MRS calves. Presumptive stem and progenitor cells in the rumen epithelium were identifiable by their ability to retain labeled DNA in the long term, changed proliferative status in response to diet, and likely contributed to observed treatment differences in rumen tissue thickness.

The effect of vinasse on the growth performance and feed digestibility of Holstein male calves

Industrial effluents of alcohol production are problematic for the environment. One of the proposed solutions to the reduction of harmful effects of the wastewater is to convert it into vinasse. The purpose of the present study is to investigate effects of rations with different levels of vinasse as a source of protein in the diet of 28 male Holstein calves, previously health checked, with an average initial weight of 300 ± 22.56 kg and the maximum similarity of weight and age. The calves were divided randomly into four treatments varied in vinasse (substituted for cottonseed meal): 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 % with seven replications and each group was given its own specific diet for 110 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and feed intake were examined. Final body weight, average daily weight gain and dry matter intake were significantly higher in calves fed diet with 10% vinasse compared to other treatments (p 0.05), but treatments with 10 and 15% vinasse significantly increased organic matter andcrude protein digestibility compared with control (p < 0.05). Totally substituting cottonseed meal with 10% vainasse in calves diet improved body weight gain and organic matter digestibility without any significant effects on rumen pH.

Reciprocal combinations of alfalfa hay and corn silage in the starter diets of Holstein dairy calves: Effects on feed sorting, meal pattern, and ingestive behavior

We investigated the effects of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with corn silage (CS) in the starter diet on feed intake, feeding and chewing behavior, and sorting activity using 30 newborn male Holstein calves which were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing chopped AH [100.00 g/kg on dry matter (DM) basis; AH), CS (100.00 g/kg; CS), or their equal combination (AHCS). The starter diets had the same nutrient composition but differed in DM content (P = 0.001) and thereby, particle size distribution. Feeding AHCS or CS tended to increase day time meal duration (pre-weaning; P = 0.09) and meal frequency (post-weaning; P = 0.08) and tended (P = 0.08) to decrease inter-meal interval (post-weaning), and thereby, tended to increase (P = 0.09) and increased (P = 0.04) day time eating time during the pre- and post-weaning periods, respectively, without affecting nutrient intake or body weight. Calves fed AHCS or CS had lower eating rate during the pre-weaning period (P = 0.03). Concurrent increase in day time rumination frequency (P = 0.04) and duration (P = 0.04) together with a decrease in rumination bout interval (P = 0.03) in calves fed AHCS or CS increased ruminating time (P = 0.001) during the post-weaning period. Time devoted to standing and lying decreased (P = 0.002) and tended (P = 0.06) to decrease, respectively, as the amount of CS increased in the starter diets during the post-weaning period. Calves fed AH or AHCS sorted for the particles retained on second (P = 0.001) and third (P = 0.001) sieves of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) and against the feed materials retained on the bottom pan (P = 0.001); however, calves fed CS sorted against the particles retained on second sieve of the PSPS and for the particles retained on third sieve of the PSPS and feed materials retained on the bottom pan. Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intakes of particles retained on the both 8.00- and 1.18-mm sieves increased and tended to increase, respectively, in calves fed AHCS or CS compared with calves fed AH. Blood concentration of albumin was higher in calves fed AHCS compared with calves fed AH or CS during the pre-weaning period (P = 0.001). Overall, replacing AH with CS increased day time eating time by increasing meal frequency and duration or decreasing inter-meal interval but did not influence feed intake due to lower eating rate. Finally, calves exhibited feed sorting at the extent to which they balanced intake of nutrients and met their nutritional needs.

Substituting corn silage with reconstituted forage or nonforage fiber sources in the starter feed diets of Holstein calves: Effects on intake, meal pattern, sorting, and health

We examined the effect of replacing corn silage (CS) with reconstituted alfalfa hay (RAH) or reconstituted beet pulp (RBP) in the starter diets on feeding behavior, sorting, and health criteria using 54 neonatal female Holstein calves that were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing CS (10% on a dry matter basis), RAH, or RBP. The starter diets had the same nutrient composition and moisture level but differed in particle size distribution. Calves fed CS tended to have a lower intermeal interval compared with calves fed RAH before weaning; however, meal frequency and duration, eating rate, and meal size were not affected by treatment before and after weaning, which resulted in no changes in feed intake and time spent eating. Rumination frequency was higher for calves fed CS than for calves fed RAH or RBP after weaning. Feeding RBP decreased rumination duration compared with CS and RAH after weaning; however, calves fed RBP had a higher rumination bout interval compared with calves fed CS. Calves fed CS spent more time ruminating compared with calves fed RAH or RBP after weaning. Feeding CS tended to decrease and decreased time devoted to standing and lying, respectively, compared with calves fed RBP; however, calves fed RBP tended to spend more time on nonnutritive oral behaviors compared with calves fed RAH. Calves fed CS sorted against particles retained on the 8-mm sieve of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) and for particles retained on the 1.18-mm sieve of the PSPS. Feeding RAH increased sorting for particles retained on the 8- and 1.18-mm sieves of the PSPS. Calves fed RBP sorted only for particles retained on the 1.18-mm sieve of the PSPS. Calves fed RBP tended to be more susceptible to developing pneumonia compared with calves fed CS or RAH; however, frequency and duration of diarrhea and pneumonia or number of days needed to medicate the diseases were unchanged across treatment groups. Initial (d 3) blood total protein concentration was similar (6.51 g/dL) across treatment groups. Overall, replacing CS with RAH or RBP did not affect time devoted to eating and feed intake due to no significant changes in meal size or intermeal interval before and after weaning. Calves showed feed sorting at the extent to which they balanced intake of nutrients and met their nutritional needs. Calves in general were healthy; therefore, CS, RAH, or RBP can be used interchangeably based on availability and competitive feed price.

Substituting corn silage with reconstituted forage or nonforage fiber sources in the starter diets of Holstein calves: effects on performance, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites.

We examined the effects of replacing corn silage (CS) with reconstituted alfalfa hay (AH) or beet pulp (BP) in the starter diet on the nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, selected blood metabolites, and health status in Holstein dairy calves. Newborn female calves (n = 54; 3 d of age; 39.8 ± 1.36 kg BW) were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing CS [10% dry matter (DM) basis; CS diet) and reconstituted AH (10% DM, RAH diet) or BP (10% DM; RBP diet). The starter diets had the same nutrient composition and DM content. The calves were weaned on day 50 and the study continued until day 70. Nutrient intake, body weight (at weaning and at the end of the study), daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and body measurements (including heart girth, withers height, body length, body barrel, hip height, and hip width) were not affected by the diet (P > 0.05). Health-related variables including rectal temperature, fecal score, and general appearance score were not influenced by the diets (P > 0.05). During the postweaning period, apparent total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and crude protein were higher for RBP (P = 0.001); however, digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in RAH compared with CS or RBP (P = 0.001). Daily amount of nutrient digestibility did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Rumen fluid pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration and profile were not different across the diets after weaning (P > 0.05). Calves fed RAH or RBP had higher blood concentration of β-hydroxy butyric acid compared with CS only before weaning (P = 0.03). Blood albumin concentration was higher for RBP compared with CS or RAH during the preweaning (P = 0.006) and overall (P = 0.005) periods; however, it was lower for CS compared with RBP after weaning (P = 0.03). Concentration of other blood variables including glucose, blood urea N, total protein, and globulin did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Calves, in general, were healthy, and replacing CS with RAH or RBP in the starter diet had no beneficial effect on their feed intake or growth performance indicating that CS and reconstituted AH or BP can be used interchangeably in dairy calf starter diets until 70 d of age, allowing dairy producers more choices in selecting the feed ingredients.

Application of probiotic “stimix zoostim” in calves management

Introduction to the diets of calves of the dairy period of probiotic “Stimix Zoostim” based on the microorganisms Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, Azotobakter vinelandii, Azotobakter chroococcum in a dose of 10 ml per head per day from 10 to 20 days; at a dose of 15 ml - at the age of 21 to 90 days contributed to an increase in the average daily gain of 8.9%, a decrease in the cost of feed by 8.1% compared with the first control group, with absolute preservation of calves. The protein digestibility coefficient was 84.9% (P˂0.05), which was higher by 3.8 absolute percent.Within the physiological norm, such indicators as erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and γ-globulins have improved. These changes in the blood composition indicate a higher level of natural resistance and are characteristic of intensively growing calves. The results of the production audit showed that the economic effect per 1 head was 149.23 rubles.

Reconstituted versus dry alfalfa hay in starter feed diets of Holstein dairy calves: Effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and metabolic indications of rumen development

We investigated the effect of reconstitution of alfalfa hay on starter feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation, selected blood metabolites, and health criteria of dairy calves during the pre- and postweaning periods. A total of 20 newborn male Holstein calves (3 d of age; 40.3 ± 1.30 kg of body weight; ±SE) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments, a starter feed containing either 10% dry (AH) or reconstituted alfalfa hay (RAH), each consisting of 10 calves. Alfalfa hay was reconstituted with water 24 h before feeding to achieve a theoretical dry matter content of 20%. Both starter feeds had the same ingredients and nutrient compositions but differed in their dry matter content (91.2 and 83.8% dry matter for AH and RAH, respectively). Calves were weaned on d 50 and remained on the study until d 70. All calves had free access to fresh and clean drinking water and the starter feed at all times. During the study period, the average maximum temperature-humidity index was 73.8 units, indicating no degree of environmental heat load for dairy calves. Starter feed dry matter intake, total dry matter intake, and body weight (at weaning and at the end of the trial) were unaffected by treatment. Nutrient intake (except for total ether extract intake) increased during the postweaning period compared with the preweaning period. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were unchanged between treatments. Calves had higher average daily gain and skeletal growth during the postweaning period; however, feed efficiency was lower during the post- versus preweaning period. Calves fed RAH gained more hip width and body barrel compared with calves fed AH during the preweaning and all studied periods, respectively. Rectal temperature was similar between treatments, but feeding RAH decreased fecal score and general appearance score during the preweaning period. Apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility was not affected by reconstitution of alfalfa hay; however, reconstitution increased total-tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber during the postweaning period. Ruminal fluid pH, and concentrations and profile of total volatile fatty acids were unchanged between treatments. Molar concentration of propionate and acetate to propionate ratio increased and decreased, respectively, during the postweaning period. Reconstitution of alfalfa hay did not affect concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, blood urea N, and albumin, and albumin to globulin ratio during the studied periods; however, reconstitution increased concentration of blood total protein during the overall period. Calves had higher concentrations of blood glucose and globulin during the preweaning and β-hydroxybutyrate during the postweaning period. Overall, reconstitution of alfalfa hay did not interact with calf phase (pre- vs. postweaning) to affect dry matter intake, growth performance, and metabolic indications of rumen development (measured as ruminal volatile fatty acids and selected blood metabolites), but improved health-related variables (fecal score and general appearance score) during the preweaning period.

Reconstituted versus dry alfalfa hay in starter feed diets of Holstein dairy calves: Effects on feed intake, feeding and chewing behavior, feed preference, and health criteria

We investigated the effect of reconstitution of alfalfa hay on feeding and chewing behavior, sorting activity, and health status using 20 neonate Holstein male calves (3 d of age; 40.3 ± 1.30 kg of body weight) that were assigned randomly to 2 treatments, a starter feed containing either 10% dry (AH) or reconstituted alfalfa hay (RAH), each consisting of 10 calves. Alfalfa hay was reconstituted with water 24 h before feeding to achieve a theoretical dry mater (DM) content of 20%. Both starter diets had the same ingredients and nutrient compositions but differed in their DM content (90.9 vs. 66.6% DM for AH vs. RAH, respectively). Calves were weaned on d 50 and remained in the study until d 70. Reconstitution of alfalfa hay increased the percentage of particles retained on 8- and 1.18-mm sieves, but reduced feed materials retained on the bottom pan. Feeding RAH tended to increase meal frequency (preweaning) and increased meal duration (pre- and postweaning), and thereby increased time devoted to eating without affecting nutrient intake. Calves fed RAH tended to have lower eating rate during the pre- and postweaning periods. Tendencies to concurrent increase in rumination frequency and rumination duration in calves fed RAH increased time devoted to ruminating during the preweaning period; however, a tendency to longer rumination duration did not affect ruminating time during the postweaning period. Calves fed RAH spent less time resting and standing and more time drinking during the postweaning period. Non-nutritive oral behaviors were not affected by treatment during the pre- and postweaning period. Feeding RAH decreased sorting of particles retained on 8-mm sieve compared with AH; however, calves in both treatment groups sorted for particles retained on 8- and 1.18-mm sieves and against the feed materials retained on the bottom pan. Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intakes of particles retained on the both 8- and 1.18-mm sieves increased in calves fed RAH versus AH, with no changes in intake of nutrients retained on the bottom pan. Calves fed AH were more susceptible to develop diarrhea (odds ratio = 2.02) and pneumonia (odds ratio = 4.74) and thereby had lower chances of being treated. We found no difference between treatment groups for frequency and medication days of diarrhea; however, calves fed RAH experienced fewer days with diarrhea. Furthermore, frequency and number of days with pneumonia and administration of medication were greater for calves fed AH compared with calves fed RAH. Blood concentrations of total protein and globulin tended to be higher in calves fed RAH compared with calves fed AH. Overall, feeding RAH increased time devoted to eating by increasing meal frequency and meal duration but did not affect feed intake due to lower eating rate. Calves in both treatment groups exhibited feed sorting at the extent to which they balanced intake of nutrients and met their nutritional needs. Calves, in general, were healthy, but it seems that feeding a diet containing reconstituted alfalfa hay has a potential health-promoting effect, possibly through reducing diet dustiness and improving immune status.

Effects of corn silage inclusion in preweaning calf diets

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of corn silage inclusion in starter feed provided to calves after birth through weaning at 7 wk of age. Thirty-six heifer calves and 9 bull calves were individually housed in hutches. Calves in treatment groups received pasteurized milk with all calf starter, 25% calf starter and 75% corn silage, or all corn silage. Values were recorded daily for feed intake and health, which included fecal, respiratory, and attitude scores; and at wk 2, 4, and 8 for concentrations of serum protein, hematocrit, and serum β-hydroxybutyrate. Body weight, withers height, and hip height were measured at wk 2, 4, 8, and 52. Nine bull calves (3/treatment) were killed at 8 wk of age for assessment of rumen and intestinal tissue morphology. Feed intake and average daily gain were not different among treatments. Least squares means of rumen papillae lengths were significantly different and decreased as corn silage inclusion increased. Crypt depths and total thickness of epithelium were reduced for the corn silage group. Least squares means of body weight, heart girth, hip height, withers height, serum protein, hematocrit, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations did not differ among treatments. These data indicated that the mixture of corn silage and starter did not affect growth, feed intake, or intestinal morphology but did affect rumen wall morphology. Feeding solely corn silage as starter feed stunted the growth of rumen papillae and tended to impair intestinal morphology, indicating that only calf starter or a mixture of calf starter and corn silage is more appropriate.

Digestive stimulants for calves

The results of research and production experience on calves of younger age group are presented. According to the complex of indicators studied in the experiment (feed costs, digestibility of nutrients, growth and development, biochemical status of blood, elements of behavior, microbial landscape, morbidity, morphological and histological parameters, economic efficiency of cultivation), the inclusion in the diet of dairy calves of an antibacterial stimulant of productivity (Bio-Mos) and a complex anti-stress drug (Acid-pack 4-way) had a positive impact. For all of the above indicators, the highest effect was obtained when administered to dairy feed Bio-Mos daily at a dose of 4 g/head during the entire period of cultivation.