Differences In Body Condition Score Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Gram Straw-based Complete Feed Pellets on the Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Rumen Fermentation of Goats

Background: Using crop residues in goat rations is essential to prevent the shortage of fodder for goats in rural areas. To overcome the problems of low acceptability, digestibility, low nutrient contents of crop residues, preparation of crop residue based complete feed pellets is the best way. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of feeding gram straw-based complete feed pellets on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of goats. Methods: The goats in groups I and II were fed ad lib supernapier hay + 300 gm concentrate daily and ad libitum gram straw-based complete feed pellets with roughage to concentrate ratio of 70:30, respectively. The growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation study, along with an estimation of hematological and blood biochemical parameters, were carried out in this experiment. Result: Significantly better growth performance, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and low cost of production was found in goats of group II (fed gram straw-based complete feed pellets) with the non-significant difference in body condition score, rumen motility and hematological parameters in goats of group II than group I. The blood glucose values found significantly more in group II as compared to group I. Feeding gram straw-based complete feed pellets improved performance, nutrient utilization and proved to be economical.

Welfare assessment of horses and mules used in recreational and muleteer work in the Colombian coffee region.

The welfare of working equids in developing countries is sometimes threatened due to the limited resources and/or knowledge of their owners. The objective of this study is to evaluate the welfare of creole horses and mules using a validated protocol that assesses animal-based indicators. A total of 160 horses and 40 mules from three municipalities in the Colombian coffee-growing region were evaluated by means of direct observation of health and behavioral parameters. A descriptive analysis of the variables expressed in proportions was performed. Interactions between the different measurements were examined using the Chi-squared test. Spearman correlations were used to relate the measurements. Horses and mules demonstrated friendly behavior in front of the evaluators (78.13 and 61.54%, respectively); apathetic or severely depressed behavior was low (10.7 and 17.5%, P > 0.05). Significant differences in body condition score (BCS) were observed between mules and horses (P < 0.05); eighty percent of the mules and 54.4% of the horses exhibited a healthy body condition score (3 or more on a scale of 1 to 5). Less than 15% of the animals had eye problems, limb deformities, and gait abnormalities. Injuries to the head, withers, spine, ribs/flank, hindquarters, and hind legs were observed in a frequency between 12.5 and 30.43% of the animals, with a higher frequency in horses (P < 0.05). Weak correlations (R2 coefficient < 0.5), although statistically significant, were observed between low body conditions and the presence of skin and deeper tissue lesions, systemic health abnormalities, and limb problems (P < 0.05). The results indicate that owners care for their animals. However, the presence of skin and deep tissue lesions, especially in horses, suggests that they are subjected to high workloads. Therefore, it is essential to train owners in aspects related to the importance of providing their equids with adequate rest periods to recover from work and develop actions to strengthen human-equine interaction.

Associations of Automatically Recorded Body Condition Scores with Measures of Production, Health, and Reproduction

In the present study, we hypothesize that an automated body condition scoring system could be an indicator of health and pregnancy success in cows. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the relationship of the automated registered body condition score (BCS) with pregnancy and inline biomarkers such as milk beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), milk lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), milk progesterone (mP4), and milk yield (MY) in dairy cows. Indicators from Herd NavigatorTM were grouped into classes based on their arithmetic means. Values were divided into various classes: MY: ≤31 kg/day (first class—67.3% of cows) and &gt;31 kg/day (second class—32.7%); BHB in milk: ≤0.06 mmol/L (first class—80.7% of cows) and &gt;0.06 mmol/L (second class—16.9%); milk LDH activity: ≤27 µmol/min (first class—69.5% of cows) and &gt;27 µmol/min (second class—30.5%); milk progesterone value: ≤15.5 ng/mL (first class—28.8% of cows) and &gt;15.5 ng/mL (second class—71.2%); and BCS: 2.5–3.0 (first class—21.4% of cows), &gt;3.0–3.5 (second class—50.8%), and &gt;3.5–4.0 (third class—27.8%). According to parity, the cows were divided into two groups: 1 lactation (first group—38.9%) and ≥2 lactations (second group—61.1%). Based on our investigated parameters, BCS is associated with pregnancy success because the BCS (+0.29 score) and mP4 (10.93 ng/mL) of the pregnant cows were higher compared to the group of non-pregnant cows. The MY (−5.26 kg, p &lt; 0.001) and LDH (3.45 µmol/min) values were lower compared to those in the group of non-pregnant cows (p &lt; 0.01). Statistically significant associations of BCS and mP4 with the number of inseminations were detected. The number of inseminations among cows with the highest BCS of &gt;3.5–4.0 was 42.41% higher than that among cows with the lowest BCS of 2.5–3.0 (p &lt; 0.001). BCS can also be a health indicator. We found that the LDH content was greatest among cows with the highest BCS of &gt;3.5–4.0; this value was 6.48% higher than that in cows with a BCS of &gt;3.0–3.5 (p &lt; 0.01). The highest MY was detected in cows with the lowest BCS of 2.5–3.0, which was 29.55% higher than that in cows with the highest BCS of &gt;3.5–4.0 (p &lt; 0.001). BCS was the highest in the group of cows with mastitis (4.96% higher compared to the group of healthy cows), while the highest statistically significant mean differences in body condition score (9.04%) were estimated between the mastitis and metritis groups of cows (p &lt; 0.001).

A Comparison Between Working and Nonworking Donkeys Welfare Issues in Nyala City, South Darfur, Sudan

In impoverished nations, donkeys help people make a living. The welfare of donkeys in Sudan is neglected compared with developed countries. However, there is no information available about donkey welfare in Nyala. This study aimed to assess the welfare of donkeys in Nyala. Donkeys were divided into two groups (n = 50), working and nonworking. The donkeys' physical, emotional, and clinical parameters and an owner's interview were assessed. There were significant differences in body condition scores: 37% and 47% of working and nonworking donkeys, respectively, had ideal body condition scores, while 13% of working donkeys were emaciated. Of the working and nonworking 33% and 19% had hoof problems, respectively. Fifteen percent of working donkeys had ocular discharge, and 25% had wounds. In working donkeys, 7% and 5% depressive and aggressive behavioral responses, respectively, were observed. Furthermore, there were significant differences in tools used for hitting donkeys, with 33% and 17% of owners using a stick and whip, respectively, for hitting working donkeys. Eighty-two percent of owners feed their donkeys one to three times daily (50% working and 32% nonworking donkeys), and free access feeding was only observed in 18% of nonworking donkeys. There were no significant differences (P > .06) in emotional parameters. We conclude that working donkeys suffer from multiple welfare problems more than nonworking donkeys in Nyala. More awareness, veterinary services, and research are needed to improve donkey care in Nyala.

​Analysis of Uterine and Systemic Parameters in Fertile and Barren Mares

Background: Breeding success in mares is dependent on both local and systemic factors. Uterine conditions such as endometritis have a negative impact on fertility. Similarly, poor body scores and systemic inflammatory conditions are associated with reduced pregnancy rates. This study aimed to investigate differences in uterine and systemic status between fertile and barren mares. Methods: Uterine ultrasonographic findings, endometrial cytology, body condition score, rectal temperature and complete blood count were evaluated in sexually mature fertile (n=15) and barren (n=15) thoroughbred mares. Differences in the mean values of various parameters between the two groups were evaluated for statistical significance through independent t-tests using commercial statistical software. Result: Compared to fertile mares, barren mares had a significantly higher number of neutrophils and a significantly higher neutrophils: epithelial cell ratio as per endometrial cytology. The ultrasonography revealed presence of uterine fluid in 12 out of the 15 barren mares. Uterine fluid was not observed in any of the fertile mares. No differences in body condition score, rectal temperature and complete blood count were observed between the two groups. These results suggest that infertility in mares results predominantly from alterations in the uterine health.

Residual feed intake in peripartal dairy cows is associated with differences in milk fat yield, ruminal bacteria, biopolymer hydrolyzing enzymes, and circulating biomarkers of immunometabolism

Residual feed intake (RFI) measures feed efficiency independent of milk production level, and is typically calculated using data past peak lactation. In the current study, we retrospectively classified multiparous Holstein cows (n = 320) from 5 of our published studies into most feed-efficient (M-eff) or least feed-efficient (L-eff) groups using performance data collected during the peripartal period. Objectives were to assess differences in profiles of plasma biomarkers of immunometabolism, relative abundance of key ruminal bacteria, and activities of digestive enzymes in ruminal digesta between M-eff and L-eff cows. Individual data from cows with ad libitum access to a total mixed ration from d -28 to d +28 relative to calving were used. A linear regression model including dry matter intake (DMI), energy-corrected milk (ECM), changes in body weight (BW), and metabolic BW was used to classify cows based on RFI divergence into L-eff (n = 158) and M-eff (n = 162). Plasma collected from the coccygeal vessel at various times around parturition (L-eff = 60 cows; M-eff = 47 cows) was used for analyses of 30 biomarkers of immunometabolism. Ruminal digesta collected via esophageal tube (L-eff = 19 cows; M-eff = 29 cows) was used for DNA extraction and assessment of relative abundance (%) of 17 major bacteria using real-time PCR, as well as activity of cellulase, amylase, xylanase, and protease. The UNIVARIATE procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.) was used for analyses of RFI coefficients. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used for repeated measures analysis of performance, milk yield and composition, plasma immunometabolic biomarkers, ruminal bacteria, and enzyme activities. The M-eff cows consumed less DMI during the peripartal period compared with L-eff cows. In the larger cohort of cows, despite greater overall BW for M-eff cows especially in the prepartum (788 vs. 764 kg), no difference in body condition score was detected due to RFI or the interaction of RFI × time. Milk fat content (4.14 vs. 3.75 ± 0.06%) and milk fat yield (1.75 vs. 1.62 ± 0.04 kg) were greater in M-eff cows. Although cumulative ECM yield did not differ due to RFI (1,138 vs. 1,091 ± 21 kg), an RFI × time interaction due to greater ECM yield was found in M-eff cows. Among plasma biomarkers studied, concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, bilirubin, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and reactive oxygen metabolites were overall greater, and glucose, paraoxonase, and IL-6 were lower in M-eff compared with L-eff cows. Among bacteria studied, abundance of Ruminobacter amylophilus and Prevotella ruminicola were more than 2-fold greater in M-eff cows. Despite lower ruminal activity of amylase in M-eff cows in the prepartum, regardless of RFI, we observed a marked linear increase after calving in amylase, cellulase, and xylanase activities. Protease activity did not differ due to RFI, time, or RFI × time. Despite greater concentrations of biomarkers reflective of negative energy balance and inflammation, higher feed efficiency measured as RFI in peripartal dairy cows might be associated with shifts in ruminal bacteria and amylase enzyme activity. Further studies could help address such factors, including the roles of the liver and the mammary gland.

Differential hepatic mitochondrial function and gluconeogenic gene expression in 2 Holstein strains in a pasture-based system

The objective of this study was to assess hepatic ATP synthesis in Holstein cows of North American and New Zealand origins and the gluconeogenic pathway, one of the pathways with the highest ATP demands in the ruminant liver. Autumn-calving Holstein cows of New Zealand and North American origins were managed in a pasture-based system with supplementation of concentrate that represented approximately 33% of the predicted dry matter intake during 2017, 2018, and 2019, and hepatic biopsies were taken during mid-lactation at 174 ± 23 days in milk. Cows of both strains produced similar levels of solids-corrected milk, and no differences in body condition score were found. Plasma glucose concentrations were higher for cows of New Zealand versus North American origin. Hepatic mitochondrial function evaluated measuring oxygen consumption rates showed that mitochondrial parameters related to ATP synthesis and maximum respiratory rate were increased for cows of New Zealand compared with North American origin. However, hepatic gene expression of pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase was increased in North American compared with New Zealand cows. These results altogether suggest an increased activity of the tricarboxylic cycle in New Zealand cows, leading to increased ATP synthesis, whereas North American cows pull tricarboxylic cycle intermediates toward gluconeogenesis. The fact that this occurs during mid-lactation could account for the increased persistency of North American cows, especially in a pasture-based system. In addition, we observed an augmented mitochondrial density in New Zealand cows, which could be related to feed efficiency mechanisms. In sum, our results contribute to the elucidation of hepatic molecular mechanisms in dairy cows in production systems with higher inclusion of pastures.

Low Birthweight Beef Bulls Compared with Jersey Bulls Do Not Impact First Lactation and Rebreeding of First-Calving Dairy Heifers—A Case Study in New Zealand

Dairy heifers in New Zealand are typically naturally mated by Jersey bulls to produce low-value non-replacement offspring sold for slaughter a few days after birth. Producing a beef-sired calf from a dairy heifer will increase the value of these calves for beef production but may compromise the subsequent career of the animals, in terms of milk production, rebreeding success, health, or survival of the heifer. This study aimed to determine the impact of low birthweight Angus and Hereford bulls versus breed-average Jersey bulls on the reproduction and production traits of first-calving dairy heifers. The experiment included 304 heifer-calf pairs over 2 years. Calves sired by Angus and Hereford bulls were 3.5–4.4 kg and 3.7–6.8 kg heavier than Jersey-sired calves and had a 4.2% and 9.3% incidence of assistance at birth for normally presented calves over the 2 years, respectively. No normally presented Jersey-sired calves were assisted. There was no difference in body condition score, pre-calving live weight, milk production, pregnancy rate, inter-calving interval, re-calving day, and 21-day re-calving rate of heifers mated to the different breeds of bulls. The results indicate that the Angus and Hereford bulls with low birthweight and high direct calving ease estimated breeding values (EBV) can be used to produce calves of greater value than Jersey-sired calves without impacting dairy heifer production. However, a small increase in assistance at calving could be expected.

Assessing body condition scores assigned to images of dogs by veterinary nurses working in urban, rural and suburban settings in New Zealand

Background: Canine obesity is a growing problem, both in New Zealand and overseas. Veterinary nurses play a vital role as part of the veterinary healthcare team in ensuring clients are provided with timely, accurate, and consistent advice, and this includes advice relating to a pet's nutritional status and body condition. Aim: To investigate if there were any differences in body condition scores assigned to images of canines by veterinary nurses working in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Methods: Veterinary nurses (restricted to those with a minimum of 2 years formal training) in New Zealand were recruited online and asked to complete a short, online survey providing a body condition score for 10 dogs of varying morphology, via a photograph. Results: There were 77 useable responses and results showed no significant difference to the score assigned by veterinary nurses in different geographical settings. Conclusion: These results provide assurances to the consistency of body condition score being assigned by veterinary nurses in New Zealand, showing that geographical setting is not a confounding factor in a veterinary nurse's interpretation of body condition. While this result is optimistic, further research is needed to determine if this consistency is present across other members of the healthcare team.

Brazilian owners perception of the body condition score of dogs and cats

BackgroundThe knowledge of how owners view the body condition of their animals is an important factor for the success of the prevention/treatment of obesity and the engagement/adherence to nutritional interventions, which are fundamental to improve the animal prognosis. For this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the owners regarding the body condition score of their animals, compare the perception between cat vs. dog owners, and owners from the countryside vs. metropolitan region of São Paulo State in Brazil.Results601 dogs and 110 cats were included in this study. There was no significant difference in body condition score assigned by owners by species. Owners of dogs and cats classified by the veterinarian as ideal, overweight, and obese who disagree with body condition score assigned by veterinarian mainly underestimate the body condition score of their animals, while lean dogs’ owners overestimate it. Countryside dog owners had a higher rate of disagreement with the veterinarian and more often underestimate the body condition score than owners from the metropolitan region. The owners of lean cats have the same judgments with veterinarians.ConclusionsOwners of dogs and cats have difficulty assessing the body condition score, especially owners from countryside.

Effects of 2 colostrum and subsequent milk replacer feeding intensities on methane production, rumen development, and performance in young calves

A growing need exists for the development of practical feeding strategies to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions from cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of milk replacer feeding intensity (MFI) in calves on CH4 emission, rumen development, and performance. Twenty-eight female newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 2 feeding groups, offered daily either 10% of the body weight (BW) in colostrum and subsequently 10% of the BW in milk replacer (MR; 10%-MR), or 12% of the BW in colostrum followed by 20% of the BW in MR (20%-MR). In wk 3, half of each feeding group was equipped with a permanent rumen cannula. Both groups were weaned at the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter (mixture of pelleted grains) were offered from d 1 until wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was offered from wk 11 onward. Feed intake was measured daily and BW, anatomical measures, and rumen size weekly. Methane production and gastrointestinal passage rate were measured pre-weaning in wk 6 and 9 and post-weaning in wk 14 and 22, with additional estimation of organic matter digestibility. Rumen fluid, collected in wk 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 18, and 22, was analyzed for volatile fatty acid concentrations. Although the experimental period ended in wk 23, rumen volume of 17 calves was determined after slaughter in wk 34. Data was analyzed using ANOVA for the effects of feeding group, cannulation, and time, if applicable. Dry matter intake (DMI) of solid feed (SF) in 20%-MR animals was lower pre-weaning in wk 6 to 10 but mostly higher post-weaning. From wk 6 onward, anatomical measures and BW were greater in 20%-MR animals, and only the differences in body condition score gradually ceased post-weaning. Following the amount of SF intake, 10%-MR calves emitted more CH4 pre-weaning in wk 9, whereas post-weaning the 20%-MR group tended to have higher levels. Methane emission intensity (CH4/BW) was lower pre-weaning in 20%-MR animals but was comparable to the 10%-MR group post-weaning. Methane yield (CH4/DMI of SF) and estimated post-weaning organic matter digestibility were not affected by MFI. Rumen size normalized to heart girth was greater in 10%-MR calves from wk 5 to 10, but differences did not persist thereafter. In wk 34, rumen volume was higher in 20%-MR calves, but normalization to BW revealed no difference between feeding groups. In conclusion, high MFI reduces CH4 emission from calves pre-weaning, although this effect ceases post-weaning.

Branched-chain amino acids: Abundance of their transporters and metabolizing enzymes in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver of dairy cows at high or normal body condition

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are major components of milk protein and important precursors for nonessential AA. Thus, the BCAA transport and break-down play a key role in the metabolic adaptation to the high nutrient demands in lactation. However, in monogastrics, increased BCAA levels have been linked with obesity and certain metabolic disorders such as impaired insulin sensitivity. Our objective was to study the effect of over-conditioning at calving on plasma BCAA levels as well as the tissue abundance of the most relevant BCAA transporters and degrading enzymes in dairy cows during late pregnancy and early lactation. Thirty-eight Holstein cows were allocated 15 wk antepartum to either a normal- (NBCS) or over-conditioned (HBCS) group, receiving 6.8 or 7.2 MJ of NEL/kg of DM, respectively, during late lactation to reach the targeted differences in body condition score (BCS) and back fat thickness (BFT; NBCS: BCS <3.5, BFT <1.2 cm; HBCS: BCS >3.75, BFT >1.4 cm) until dry-off. During the dry period and next lactation, cows were fed the same diets, whereby differences in BCS and BFT were maintained: prepartum means were 3.16 ± 0.06 and 1.03 ± 0.07 cm (NBCS) vs. 3.77 ± 0.08 and 1.89 ± 0.11 cm (HBCS), postpartum means were 2.89 ± 0.06 and 0.81 ± 0.05 cm (NBCS) vs. 3.30 ± 0.06 and 1.38 ± 0.08 cm (HBCS). Blood and biopsies from liver, semitendinosus muscle, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) were sampled at d 49 antepartum, 3, 21, and 84 postpartum. Free BCAA were analyzed and the mRNA abundance of solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5), SLC7A5, and SLC38A2 as well as branched-chain aminotransferase 2 (BCAT2), branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase E1α (BCKDHA), and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase E1β (BCKDHB) as well as the protein abundance of BCKDHA were assessed. Concentrations of all BCAA changed with time, most markedly in HBCS cows, with a nadir around calving. Apart from Ile, neither individual nor total BCAA differed between groups. The HBCS group had greater BCKDHA mRNA as well as higher prepartum BCKDHA protein abundance in scAT than NBCS cows, pointing to a greater oxidative capacity for the irreversible degradation of BCAA transamination products in scAT of over-conditioned cows. Prepartum hepatic BCKDHA protein abundance was lower in HBCS than in NBCS cows. In both groups, SLC1A5, SLC7A5, and BCAT2 mRNA were most abundant in scAT, whereas SLC38A2 was higher in scAT and muscle compared with liver, and BCKDHA and BCKDHB mRNA were greatest in liver and muscle, respectively. Our results indicate that scAT may be a major site of BCAA uptake and initial catabolism, with the former, however, being independent of BCS and time relative to calving in dairy cows.

Evaluation of the racial difference in body condition score and parameters of lipid metabolism in Purebred Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses trained for racing

This study investigated the existence of difference of fat deposition and lipid metabolism in horses with different races and skills that were used for the same kind of sport. 20 Purebred Arabian and 20 Thoroughbred horses trained for flat race were evaluated. The analyses performed were body condition score, weight and blood collected for determination of triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Ultrasonography of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer was performed on the Longissimus dorsi muscle between the 17th and 18th rib, the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer on the Gluteus medius muscle using the acetabulum as reference, and the cross section of the same muscle. Race-trained Arabian horses showed greater fat layer deposition in the Gluteus medius and Longissimus dorsei musclesthan Thoroughbred horses. These facts indicate that there is a metabolic difference, besides the phenotype, between the races. They also indicate the need to study specific physical conditioning programs for each kind of race.

Correlation of synovial fluid leptin with body habitus in the healthy and osteoarthritic canine knee

Purpose: Naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency and progressive osteoarthritis (OA) are common in the canine population and can serve to provide useful information to understand both canine and human knee joint disease. Leptin, an adipocytokine, has been shown to be proportional to adipose mass. In humans, leptin has been associated with radiographic progression of knee OA, markers of cartilage damage, and pain in osteoarthritic knees. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum and synovial fluid (SF) leptin and body condition score and body fat percentage in dogs. The secondary goal was to characterize the relationship between SF leptin and markers of inflammation, such as IL-1β Methods: Forty-eight client-owned dogs, 19 healthy controls and 29 with secondary OA, were enrolled. Any dog with evidence of systemic disease, based on physical exam and routine hematology was excluded from the study. Informed owner consent was obtained and all procedures were approved by the Clinical Research Committee. Sample Collection - Dogs in the control group were sedated and a single femorotibial joint was randomly selected for arthrocentesis. Synovial fluid was collected using aseptic technique. For dogs in the OA group, SF was obtained intra-operatively from the affected limb prior to arthrotomy for correction of CrCL insufficiency. Blood was collected via standard jugular venipuncture. Morphometric Measures - Body condition score, BCS, was determined on a standard 9-point scalea by 3 individual observers, who were unaware of the other raters’ score. Dogs were then divided into to 2 groups, optimal weight (BCS 4-5) and overweight (BCS >5). Additionally trunk and limb measurements were obtained to calculate body fat percentage, as previously reported1. Osteoarthritis Severity Scoring- In the OA group, radiographs were scored for severity of OA by a radiologist utilizing a previously described scoring system2. Owners were required to fill out a clinical metrology questionnaire (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, LOAD). Sample Analysis - Canine specific leptinb and IL-1βc ELISAs were used to measure SF and serum leptin and IL-1β. Data Analysis - Student t-tests were used to test for differences in SF leptin means due to CrCL status, presence of SF or serum IL-1β, and the potential confounder non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use. Linear regressions were used to test for association of synovial leptin with BCS, body fat percent, serum leptin concentration, LOAD, and radiographic score. Multiple linear regression was also used to adjust the linear model for the association of synovial leptin and OA status for BCS. Results: SF leptin was significantly lower than serum leptin (p<0.01) and there was a 5.8ng/mL change in SF leptin for every 10ng/ml increase in serum leptin. Overweight dogs had significantly higher concentration of SF leptin than those that were optimal body weight (p<0.01). SF leptin concentration was associated with both BCS and body fat % (p<0.01). For every 1unit increase in BCS there was a 1.7ng/mL increase in SF leptin and for every 10% increase in body fat, there was a 2.7ng/mL increase in SF leptin. Synovial fluid leptin was significantly higher in dogs with OA by a mean amount of 2.8 (95% CI 0.6-5.1) but this difference decreased and became no longer significant when adjusted for differences in body condition score between OA groups (p=0.25). There was a weak association between SF leptin and LOAD; for every 1ng/mL increase in leptin a 10unit increase in LOAD was observed (R2=0.100; p=0.03). There was no significant association between SF leptin and radiographic score (p=0.24), SF IL-1β (p=0.64) or NSAID use (p=0.55). Conclusions: This is the first study to document the presence of leptin in canine SF. As expected, SF leptin was positively correlated with serum leptin and measures of body habitus. However, SF leptin levels in dogs with CrCL insufficiency were not significantly different from control dogs. Still, there was weak positive association between SF leptin and LOAD, in dogs with OA. As all these dogs had CrCL insufficiency at the time of data collection, the pain and dysfunction from joint instability may have masked small changes due to chronic OA and contributed to the weak nature of this link. The results of this study did not correlate leptin levels with severity of OA, or local concentrations of IL-1β. In the canine model of OA, obesity related OA severity may be related to other adipokines or may purely be biomechanical in nature. Further studies are needed in both people and dogs to determine the role of leptin in OA.

Comparison of performance and metabolism from late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows with elevated v. normal body condition at dry-off

Excessive mobilization of body reserves during the transition from pregnancy to lactation imposes a risk for metabolic diseases on dairy cows. We aimed to establish an experimental model for high v. normal mobilization and herein characterized performance, metabolic and endocrine changes from 7 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to 12 weeks postpartum (p.p.). Fifteen weeks a.p., 38 pregnant multiparous Holstein cows were allocated to two groups that were fed differently to reach either high or normal body condition scores (HBCS: 7.2 NEL MJ/kg dry matter (DM); NBCS: 6.8 NEL MJ/kg DM) at dry-off. Allocation was also based on differences in body condition score (BCS) in the previous and the ongoing lactation that was further promoted by feeding to reach the targeted BCS and back fat thickness (BFT) at dry-off (HBCS: >3.75 and >1.4 cm; NBCS: <3.5 and <1.2 cm). Thereafter, both groups were fed identical diets. Blood samples were drawn weekly from 7 weeks a.p. to 12 weeks p.p. to assess the serum concentrations of metabolites and hormones. The HBCS cows had greater BCS, BFT and BW than the NBCS cows throughout the study and lost more than twice as much BFT during the first 7 weeks p.p. compared with NCBS. Milk yield and composition were not different between groups, except that lactose concentrations were greater in NBSC than in HBCS. Feed intake was also greater in NBCS, and NBCS also reached a positive energy balance earlier than HBCS. The greater reduction in body mass in HBCS was accompanied by greater concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate in serum after calving than in NBCS, indicating increased lipomobilization and ketogenesis. The mean concentrations of insulin across all time-points were greater in HBCS than in NBCS. In both groups, insulin and IGF-1 concentrations were lower p.p than in a.p. Greater free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations and a lower free 3-3′-5-triiodothyronine (fT3)/fT4 ratio were observed in HBCS than in NBCS a.p., whereas p.p. fT3/fT4 ratio followed a reverse pattern. The variables indicative for oxidative status had characteristic time courses; group differences were limited to greater plasma ferric reducing ability values in NBSC. The results demonstrate that the combination of pre-selection according to BCS and differential feeding before dry-off to promote the difference was successful in obtaining cows that differ in the intensity of mobilizing body reserves. The HBCS cows were metabolically challenged due to intense mobilization of body fat, associated with reduced early lactation dry matter intake and compromised antioxidative capacity.

Mean difference in live-weight per incremental difference in body condition score estimated in multiple sheep breeds and crossbreds

Body condition score (BCS) is a subjective assessment of the proportion of body fat an animal possesses and is independent of frame size. There is a growing awareness of the importance of mature animal live-weight given its contribution to the overall costs of production of a sector. Because of the known relationship between BCS and live-weight, strategies to reduce live-weight could contribute to the favouring of animals with lesser body condition. The objective of the present study was to estimate the average difference in live-weight per incremental change in BCS, measured subjectively on a scale of 1 to 5. The data used consisted of 19 033 BCS and live-weight observations recorded on the same day from 7556 ewes on commercial and research flocks; the breeds represented included purebred Belclare (540 ewes), Charollais (1484 ewes), Suffolk (885 ewes), Texel (1695 ewes), Vendeen (140 ewes), as well as, crossbreds (2812 ewes). All associations were quantified using linear mixed models with the dependent variable of live-weight; ewe parity was included as a random effect. The independent variables were BCS, breed (n=6), stage of the inter-lambing interval (n=6; pregnancy, lambing, pre-weaning, at weaning, post-weaning and mating) and parity (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5+). In addition, two-way interactions were used to investigate whether the association between BCS and live-weight differed by parity, a period of the inter-lambing interval or breed. The association between BCS and live-weight differed by parity, by a period of the inter-lambing interval and by breed. Across all data, a one-unit difference in BCS was associated with 4.82 (SE=0.08) kg live-weight, but this differed by parity from 4.23 kg in parity 1 ewes to 5.82 kg in parity 5+ ewes. The correlation between BCS and live-weight across all data was 0.48 (0.47 when adjusted for nuisance factors in the statistical model), but this varied from 0.48 to 0.53 by parity, from 0.36 to 0.63 by stage of the inter-lambing interval and from 0.41 to 0.62 by breed. Results demonstrate that consideration should be taken of differences in BCS when comparing ewes on live-weight as differences in BCS contribute quite substantially to differences in live-weight; moreover, adjustments for differences in BCS should consider the population stratum, especially breed.

Economic characteristics and produced milk quality in Holstein lactating cows in organic and conventional systems

In the past decade, a global demand for products from organic agriculture has increased rapidly. Milk quality is of major interest for all parties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare cow performance and product quality in conventional and organic system. Holstein dairy cows (16) were allotted to one of 3 diet groups, including a conventional diet (CON), an organic system with moderate forage (OMF) and an organic system with high forage (OHF). Multiparous cows (3rd and 4th parity) were randomly assigned to the treatments. Range forages were used as part of diets, and cows were offered concentrate and silage two times a day. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were measured across 200 d. Furthermore, somatic cell count, feed cost and feed efficiency were determined at 20-day intervals. MY was different for cows that treated the OHF (22.5 kg/d), OMF (24.9 kg/d), and CON (28.9 kg/d) systems, respectively. Body weights were not affected by treatments; however, differences in body condition scores were observed. Although energy corrected milk and milk urea nitrogen were higher in cows fed CON system; milk fat, phytanic acid, hippuric acid and profit to cost ratio were higher in cows fed organic systems. Additionally, lower feed efficiency, feed cost and blood urea nitrogen were observed in cows fed organic diets.

The effects of environmental enrichment devices on feather picking in commercially housed Pekin ducks

Like other poultry species, Pekin ducks occasionally show an auto-mutilation behavior referred to as feather picking. Self-picking can lead to further pecking by conspecifics and ultimately to reduced feather quality and poor overall health of the bird. Although the reasons underlying feather picking are not clear, it appears to occur when the ducks are transitioning between downy feathers and adult plumage, between 17 and 22 d of age. We hypothesized that giving Pekin ducks a substitute outlet for this behavior in the form of environmental enrichment devices (EED) would decrease feather picking and improve feather quality and duck health and welfare. The EED were plastic Wiffle-style balls, each threaded with 4 zip-ties. In the first experiment, we set out to determine that placement of EED would not induce fear or harmful behaviors. Five barns were each divided into 2 pens, holding an average combined total of approximately 4,500 ducks with one pen per barn used as control. Upon placement of the EED in one pen per barn, both pens were videotaped for a total of 2 h per day. The physical characteristics of 100 ducks per pen were scored at age 7, 21, 28, and 35. Results showed a decrease (P = 0.034) in both self-picking and conspecific-pecking in pens with EED compared with pens without EED. Although no differences in body condition scores were observed at 7 d of age, by d 21 ducks with EED showed better (P = 0.021) feather quality and cleanliness scores compared with ducks without EED. In a second experiment, we set out to determine if ducks had a color preference for blue/green, red, or white EED. Again, ducks with EED showed reduced (P = 0.038) feather picking compared with ducks without EED. Ducks interacted considerably more (P = 0.00089) frequently with blue/green EED then either red or white EED. These results suggest that providing environmental enrichment may minimize feather picking and improve feather quality and duck welfare.

Influence of melatonin receptor 1A gene polymorphisms on seasonal reproduction in Sarda ewes with different body condition scores and ages

In several species, circadian changes in melatonin concentrations play a key role in the photoperiodic control of seasonality. In sheep, two silent mutations in the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A) at positions 606 and 612 of the exon II are associated with seasonal reproduction. However, in some sheep breeds, no relationships have been found between MTNR1A polymorphisms and reproductive seasonality. This lack of relationship could be due to effects of breed, body condition, age, and/or environmental conditions. Thus, the present study was conducted with the Sarda sheep breed with the aim of documenting the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive resumption and to evaluate whether such this effect was modified by differences in body condition score (BCS) and age. Six hundred three- to six-year-old multiparous ewes with BCSs between 2.5 and 3.5 were selected. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR to amplify the ovine exon II of the MTNR1A gene. The amplicons were subjected to digestion with the restriction enzymes RsaI and MnlI to detect the T606C and A612G polymorphisms, respectively. Ewes carrying the G/G, G/A, C/C, and C/T genotypes exhibited higher fertility rates (P<0.05) and fewer numbers of days between the introduction of rams and parturition (P<0.05) than did the A/A and T/T genotypes. The data revealed that the MTNR1A gene polymorphisms influenced spring reproductive resumption in the Sarda sheep breed. Moreover, the data also indicated that, over the limited ranges evaluated in this study, BCS and age had no significant influence on reproductive activity.

Changes in body condition of high-yielding dairy cows

Objective of the research was to investigate the level, structure and variability of realized differences between average values of body condition scores in high-yielding cows during most critical phases of production cycle. Realized differences were used as criterion for assessment of changes occuring in the cows? energy status through the level of increase or decrease of body condition. Realized average values of body condition scores, for individual and all body regions, within all studied phases of production cycle, deviated statistically very significantly (p?0,01) from target values. Differences between average values of body condition scores according to phases of production cycle, for individual and all body regions, were statistically very significant (p?0,01). Optimum body condition in dry period was realized by 48,76% cows, at calving 53,61%, in the lactation peak 24,41% and in mid lactation 21,12%. Average value of body condition scores at calving was higher by 0,18 (-0,01 to 0,72) units compared to beginning of dry period, whereas at the lactation peak it was by -1,26 (-2,75 to - 0,41) units lower compared to calving, and in mid lactation compared to lactation peak it was higher by 0,18 (-0,94 to 0,85) units. Within the distribution of achieved differences in body condition scores in the time from the beginning of dry period to calving in 346 cows or 96,11% of total number of animals (n=360) increase of body condition score was realized ranging from ? 0,25 units. Distribution of differences in body condition scores between calving and lactation peak showed that 243 cows or 71,48% of total 340 cows realized loss of body condition score of &gt;1,00 units. Within distribution of differences in body condition scores between the lactation peak and mid lactation, 261 cows or 81,06% of total number of scored animals (n=322) increased the body condition score in value of ? 0,25 units. Study showed that, except in the dry period, changes of the body condition during other phases of production cycle weren?t within the limits of optimum values. Realized results clearly showed the possibility of incidence of various production disorders, health issues and reproduction problems. Consequences are reflected also on longevity, life production and genetic progress. Realzied differences in average values of body condition scoreswere important basis for anticipation of potential problems. In that regard, there are significant reserves in improvement of efficiency of management of body energy reserves in high yielding cows.