Holstein Heifer Calves Research Articles

338 Awardee Talk: Superior feed efficiency and maternal supply of methionine are associated with unique gut microbiome in beef and dairy cattle

Abstract Residual feed intake (RFI) describes an animal’s feed efficiency independent of the level of growth and production performance. The RFI is a commonly-used measure of feed efficiency in beef cattle. The first experiment determined differences in major ruminal bacteria and ruminal epithelium gene and protein expression between the most-efficient (M-eff) and the least-efficient (L-eff) finishing beef cattle. Results indicated that superior feed efficiency is associated with differences in bacterial species, transcriptional adaptations, and protein turnover in ruminal epithelium that might enhance energy transport and utilization. For example, M-eff group had enriched cellulose-degrading and volatile fatty acids (VFA) producing bacteria. Furthermore, M-eff cattle upregulated genes related to VFA absorption and ketogenesis in ruminal epithelium, underscoring greater energy production in M-eff cattle. Also, M-eff group had greater protein synthesis coupled with lower protein degradation in ruminal epithelium that allow efficient harvest of nutrients from less feed digested. These changes in the rumen might have helped M-eff cattle maintain similar level of growth performance while consuming less dry matter (DMI). Studies in non-ruminants have underscored a central role for maternal nutrition on offspring hindgut microbiome development. Whether this phenomenon exists in cattle is largely unknown. The objective of the second experiment was to evaluate the impact of maternal methionine supply during late-pregnancy in dairy cows on hindgut microbiome and metabolome in neonatal calves. To achieve this, Holstein heifer calves born to cows receiving either a control (CON) diet or CON plus rumen-protected methionine (MET) during the last 28 d of pregnancy were used. Hindgut microbiome was evaluated with 16s rRNA gene sequencing, whereas hindgut metabolites were measured using an untargeted LC-MS approach. Hindgut microbiome and metabolome profiles in MET heifers indicated greater capacity for the production of endogenous antibiotics and enhanced hindgut functionality and health. Those alterations could limit pathogen colonization in the hindgut while providing essential nutrients to neonatal calves at the same level of DMI. Together, such responses contribute to the ability of MET heifers to achieve better nutrient utilization to support greater growth rates during the preweaning period. These studies highlight that gut microbiome contributes, at least in part, to better feed efficiency and fetal programming in beef and dairy cattle.

Effect of different pain management protocols on the health status of German Holstein heifer calves undergoing hot iron disbudding

Hot iron disbudding of calves is a stressful and painful procedure. Previous parts of an ongoing comprehensive study on disbudding in dairy calves dealt with various types of pain management and the direct effects of the procedure on physiological, biochemical and behavioral processes. The goal of this study part was to investigate the effects of the disbudding procedure per se, pain management and the age of the calf at the time of disbudding on the health status of the calf. A total of 337 German Holstein heifer calves were used for this prospective, randomized and triple-blinded study. The calves were disbudded at 4-10 days or at 15-28 days of age. Each calf was randomly assigned to one of 9 treatment groups, which differed with respect to pain management (sedation, local anesthesia, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, placebo). All but the sham-disbudded calves underwent hot iron disbudding and all calves were monitored clinically before and until 4 weeks after the procedure. The findings were analyzed using valuation scores and a threshold model of the SAS software. Disbudding exhibited adverse effects on respiratory health. Calves undergoing sham disbudding experienced the lowest incidence of respiratory disease and calves that did not receive any anesthesia or pain medication displayed the highest frequency. All treatments showed mitigating effects on the incidence of respiratory tract diseases, however the effects varied with the type of pain management. Fever was less common in calves that were disbudded early in life than calves that underwent disbudding at an older age. Disbudding of young calves poses a risk to respiratory health. If breeding of polled offspring is not possible or when farming of horned cattle is not feasible, the risk of respiratory disease induced by disbudding can be minimized by adequate pain management. Disbudding of very young calves is feasible and recommended. The present study underlines the importance of optimal pain management during disbudding of dairy calves.

Disbudding affects use of a shelter provided to group-housed dairy calves

Disbudding in dairy calves is well established as a painful procedure with broad effects on behavior. The hypothesis of this experiment was that group-housed calves subjected to hot-iron disbudding would exhibit social withdrawal, based on use of a shelter providing physical and visual seclusion from the rest of the pen. We examined effects of hot-iron disbudding on use of this shelter, including individual and shared use, and resting behavior within the shelter. Holstein heifer and bull calves (n = 24) were housed in group pens (4 calves/pen; 3.7 × 8.0 m). Each pen contained a 3-sided open-top shelter (1.2 m square, and 1.2 m high) with an additional half-enclosed wall to allow entry, built out of corrugated plastic. Calves were randomly assigned within pen to be disbudded (n = 12; 10 bulls and 2 heifers; 36.2 ± 3.9 d of age) or receive sham handling only (n = 12; 9 bulls and 3 heifers; 36.3 ± 4.2 d of age). Disbudded calves received a local cornual nerve block and a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication before the procedure. Behavior was recorded continuously from video for 3 consecutive days, beginning immediately following the disbudding procedure or handling. Shelter use was highly variable between calves (ranging from 10.8 min/d to 20.7 h/d), but calves showed individual consistency in their use of the shelter over time. Disbudded calves spent more time in the shelter (4.6 vs. 1.6 h/d; disbudded vs. sham). Social use of the shelter as a percentage of shelter use was not affected by disbudding, but disbudded calves spent more time in the shelter together (31 vs. 9% of shelter use; disbudded vs. sham). Disbudded calves entered the shelter more frequently when it was unoccupied (8.1 vs. 5.5 entries; disbudded vs. sham) and similarly left it more frequently when it was occupied. Disbudded calves used the shelter more during daylight hours (0700 to 2000 h; 8.9 vs. 4.1 min/h) on each day, including d 0 when pain mitigation was effective, whereas use did not differ during the night. Disbudded calves spent approximately 40 min less time lying/d and spent a greater percentage of their lying time inside the shelter. These results suggest that disbudded calves make greater use of environmental features that offer seclusion, with use of the shelter possibly reflecting an increased preference for social withdrawal or for some other aspect of this area of visual and physical separation. Further, these results suggest that disbudding even with recommended pain mitigation affects behavior for at least several days.

Effects of access to hay on cognition of pre-weaned dairy calves and behavior upon social grouping after weaning

Individually housed dairy calves typically have restrictive environments which could lead to detrimental effects on cognition. We hypothesized that providing calves with hay prior to weaning, in addition to a standard starter diet and milk, would improve cognitive ability and influence adaptation to a novel environment and social group after weaning. Individually-housed Holstein heifer calves were assigned at birth to receive pelleted starter only (n = 8), or hay in addition to starter (n = 9), in addition to milk (8 L/d) fed via teat in 2 daily meals. During week 5 of life, initial and reversal learning ability were assessed in a discrimination task conducted in a T-maze. Calves were tested over 5 d and received 5 sessions/d or until the learning criterion (moving directly to correct side in 3 consecutive sessions) was reached for both stages. Behavior was recorded from video during the test, including time to complete the test, movement inside maze, licking/sniffing, and frequency of kicking. Calves provided hay required fewer sessions to pass the initial learning stage compared to calves provided starter only (3.6 vs. 12.1; SE = 2.1). During the initial learning stage, calves provided hay were also faster to find the reward, and kicked and moved between sections of the maze less frequently. Of the calves that continued onto reversal learning (n = 6 calves provided starter only; n = 9 calves provided hay), sessions required to meet the learning criterion was similar between treatments and behavior within the maze did not differ. After weaning, calves were introduced into a social group on pasture, and their behavior was recorded for an 11 h observation period beginning at time of introduction. Duration of time spent in different areas of the pasture, feeding time, and latency to begin feeding after introduction did not differ between treatments. However, calves provided hay tended to have less frequent visits to the feeding area. Activity was similar on the day of introduction and across the first 5 d after entry into the pasture. These results suggest that providing hay during the milk-feeding stage improved initial learning, but we did not find an effect on reversal learning or on ability to adapt to a novel group after weaning.

Effects of hay provision and presentation on cognitive development in dairy calves.

In the dairy industry, feeding management has considerable influence on calf behavioral development, yet there is limited understanding of how aspects of diet or accommodating more varied feeding behavior may affect cognitive development in young calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of provision and presentation of hay on the cognitive ability of pre-weaned dairy calves. Individually-housed Holstein heifer calves were assigned at birth to 1 of 3 treatments: pelleted starter only (n = 10), hay (chopped to 5 cm) and starter provided in separate buckets (n = 12), or hay and starter offered as a mixture (n = 11). During week 5 of age, calves were tested daily in a learning task consisting of a T-maze with a milk reward (0.2 L milk) placed in one arm. Calves were subjected to an initial learning and reversal learning stage, where the reward location was changed to the opposite arm of the maze. Calves received 5 sessions/d until they met learning criterion (moving directly to correct side in 3 consecutive sessions) for initial and reversal learning. Dietary treatment did not affect pass rate or the number of sessions required to pass the initial learning stage. During the reversal learning stage, calves provided only starter had a lower pass rate (0.038, during first 8 testing session) early during testing than calves provided hay separately (0.20; P = 0.020) and tended to have a lower pass rate than calves provided hay as a mixture (0.14; P = 0.057). Calves provided only starter also tended to require more sessions to meet the learning criterion (15.8) than both calves provided hay separately (10.8; P = 0.089) and as a mixture (11.8; P = 0.10). Calves provided hay also kicked less and spent more time sniffing or licking the testing area. The results of this experiment indicate that provision of hay may affect behavioral flexibility in dairy calves.

Heat treatment of bovine colostrum: II. Effects on calf serum immunoglobulin, insulin, and IGF-I concentrations, and the serum proteome

In-depth analysis of colostrum components has identified hundreds of proteins, but data are sparse regarding their systemic uptake in the newborn calf. Moreover, heat treatment may influence these colostral components and their absorption. Our objectives were to describe the serum proteome of newborn calves before and after colostrum feeding and the possible effects of colostral heat treatment. Newborn Holstein heifer calves (n = 22) were randomized within pair and fed heat-treated (n = 11; 60°C, 60 min) or raw (n = 11) colostrum at 8.5% of birth body weight by esophageal feeder within 1 h of birth. After the single colostrum feeding, calves were not fed until after the 8-h time point, when milk was offered free-choice. Blood samples were taken immediately before feeding (0 h), as well as 4, 8, and 24 h after feeding. Whole blood packed cell volume (%), serum Brix percentage, and plasma glucose concentrations were determined for all time points. Plasma insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay for selected time points. Serum IgA and IgG were measured by radial immunodiffusion at 24 h. The serum proteome was analyzed using nano-scale reverse-phase chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS) in 0- and 8-h samples. For proteomics analysis, ratios of results for 8-h to 0-h samples were analyzed with false discovery rate adjustment. For all other outcomes, repeated-measures ANOVA was performed with the fixed effects of group, time, and their interaction, and random effect of pair. Serum Brix percentage and glucose concentrations increased over time and were independent of colostrum treatment. Serum IgG and IgA concentrations at 24 h did not differ between groups. Nano LC-MS/MS identified a total of 663 unique proteins in serum, of which 261 increased in abundance, whereas 67 decreased in abundance after feeding in both groups. Among serum proteins that increased in abundance and that were previously identified in colostrum, many belonged to those involved in immune response, coagulation, the classical complement pathway, or the antimicrobial peptide class of cathelicidins. Serum proteins that decreased in abundance and that were identified in colostrum belonged to the alternative complement pathway and the membrane attack complex. Thirty-eight proteins differed in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum compared with those fed raw colostrum. Decreased abundances in calves fed heat-treated colostrum included several enzymes involved in glycolysis or glycogenolysis, whereas the incretin gastric inhibitory polypeptide and serum insulin were increased in this group. Our findings point to important innate immune defense pathways associated with colostrum ingestion in newborn calves. Furthermore, calves fed heat-treated colostrum showed differences in serum proteins and enzymes associated with carbohydrate metabolism.

Physiological responses of Holstein calves to hot weather conditions.

The objectives of the study described were to (1) compare environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) with the THI measured within two different calf housing systems and (2) determine how THI affects Holstein heifer calf body temperatures, serum cortisol concentrations, and serum thyroxine concentrations. At 24 to 48h of age, calves were assigned to one of two individual housing treatments: (1) stalls in a three-sided barn (n = 8) or 2) hutches placed outside (n = 8). Calves were observed until 42days of age during the summer months. Ambient temperature and relative humidity within housing systems were recorded hourly. Calf body temperatures were measured hourly using devices attached to the underside of each calf's tail. Blood samples were collected at 7, 21, and 42days of age via jugular venipuncture. Blood serum was analyzed for cortisol and thyroxine concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Overall average THI was higher in hutches than in stalls (P < 0.0001). Calves housed in hutches had higher body temperatures (39 ± 0.18°C vs 38 ± 0.15°C, P = 0.005). No differences occurred in serum cortisol concentrations (P = 0.89) but at 21days of age, calves housed in hutches had higher serum thyroxine concentrations (16.55 ± 0.51μg/dl vs 13.91 ± 0.54μg/dl, P = 0.0006) than calves housed in stalls. Although both housing systems in this study were located on the same dairy, calves housed in hutches were exposed to higher THI values, had higher body temperatures, and at 21days of age had higher serum thyroxine concentrations than calves housed in stalls inside a three-sided barn.

Effects of feeding a moderate- or high-energy close-up diet to cows on response of newborn calves to milk replacer feeding and intravenous injection of glucagon-like peptide 1

In this study, we investigated the effects of feeding a moderate- or high-energy close-up diet to close-up cows on response of newborn calves to intravenously (i.v.) injected glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Newborn Holstein heifer calves (n = 37) from cows fed with a moderate-energy [M, 1.54 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM) NEl; 14% starch; n = 17] or high-energy (H, 1.63 Mcal/kg of DM NEl; 26% starch; n = 20) diet in the last 28 d prepartum were assigned to one of two treatment groups, which were i.v. injected with saline (MC and HC, n = 9 and 10, respectively) or GLP-1 solution at 1.0 μg/kg BW (MG and HG, n = 8 and 10, respectively) immediately after milk replacer (MR; 26% CP, 16% fat) feeding. Blood samples were obtained through a jugular vein catheter at −10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and 120 min relative to MR feeding at 2, 10, and 20 d after birth, and plasma glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 concentrations were measured. Plasma GLP-1 concentration tended to increase starting from 30 min after MR feeding in the MC relative to the HC group at 10 (0.77 ng/mL vs 0.69 ng/mL for MC and HC, respectively; P = 0.10) and 20 d after birth (0.47 ng/mL vs 0.35 ng/mL for MC and HC, respectively; P = 0.07). Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations after MR feeding did not differ between MC and HC groups at 2 and 20 d after birth but were higher (P < 0.05) in MC (158 mg/dL and 3.64 ng/mL for glucose and insulin, respectively) than in HC (143 mg/dL and 2.46 ng/mL for glucose and insulin, respectively) calves at 10 d after birth. The elevation in plasma glucose concentration after MR feeding was suppressed by direct glucose-lowering action of i.v. injected GLP-1 at 2, 10, and 20 d after birth in M and H calves; this direct glucose-lowering action by GLP-1 was greater (P < 0.05) for H than for M calves at 20 d after birth. These results indicate that feeding a high-energy close-up diet to cows affects glucose status in their female offspring via suppression of postprandial plasma concentrations of GLP-1 and insulin as well as the alteration in the glucose-lowering action of GLP-1 after feeding depending on the day after birth.

Randomized control trial assessing the efficacy of pain control strategies for caustic paste disbudding in dairy calves younger than 9 days of age

Disbudding is a common procedure practiced in the dairy industry and is known to cause pain when performed without pain control. Dairy producers who disbud calves with caustic paste are less likely to provide pain control than those using cautery. Little research has been conducted on pain control for caustic paste disbudding and no studies have specifically examined calves under 9 d of age. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug analgesia on indicators of pain and inflammation in dairy calves disbudded using caustic paste. One hundred forty Holstein heifer calves 1 to 9 d of age were enrolled in 28 blocks and randomly allocated to 1 of 5 treatments: sham control (SH); positive control (POS); lidocaine cornual nerve block (LC); meloxicam (MEL); and lidocaine cornual nerve block plus meloxicam (LCM). We measured outcomes including serum cortisol and haptoglobin, pressure sensitivity, and lying behavior. Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression models with treatment as a fixed effect, baseline values as a covariate, and trial block as a random effect. Compared with the POS group, the LCM group had reduced serum cortisol at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min post-disbudding; cortisol values were not different between LC, LCM, and SH calves at these time points. At 60, 90, 120, and 180 min post-disbudding, LCM calves had reduced cortisol compared with LC calves, whereas, values did not differ between LCM and SH calves at these time points. At 3 to 4 d post-disbudding, the LCM group tended to have reduced haptoglobin, but no differences were found between groups at 180 min and 7 d post-disbudding. At 60, 90, and 120 min post-disbudding, LC and LCM treated calves had decreased pressure sensitivity compared with other groups. No differences were seen in pressure sensitivity between groups at 180 min, 3 to 4 or 7 d post-disbudding. No differences in lying behavior were found between treatment groups on any of the 7 d following disbudding. These findings demonstrate that the combination of a local anesthetic with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is beneficial for reducing indicators of pain and inflammation in young calves disbudded with caustic paste.

Dairy calf growth performance when fed a modified accelerated milk replacer program

ABSTRACT Objective Our previous studies demonstrated that a modified accelerated milk replacer (MR) having a 24:20 CP:fat concentration fed at higher feeding rates (FR) resulted in improved growth performance and G:F, but the result was not linear. The objective of the current study was to evaluate preweaning (d 1 to 42) and postweaning (d 43 to 56) calf performance when a modified accelerated MR was fed at greater FR compared with a MR having similar or greater CP and lower fat concentrations. Materials and Methods A total of 126 (2 to 5 d old) Holstein heifer calves (40.1 ± 0.76 kg) were blocked by birthdate and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments. Treatments of MR fed at 14.7% solids were (1) control (C−): all milk 24:20 MR fed at 0.26 kg at 2×/d from d 1 to 35; (2) C+: C− MR fed at 0.32 kg 2×/d from d 1 to 35; (3) LF: CP and low fat (24:16) MR fed at 0.32 kg 2×/d from d 1 to 35; (4) LF+: LF MR fed at 0.32 kg 2×/d from d 1 to 7 and at 0.39 kg from d 8 to 35; and (5) HP+: high CP:LF MR (26:16) using the same FR as LF+. All MR were fed 1×/d from d 36 to weaning at d 42 with water and 18% CP texturized calf starter offered free choice at all times. Results and Discussion Calves fed C+ had greater (P Implications and Applications This study demonstrates that feeding a modified accelerated MR (24:20) at a moderate FR improves ADG and frame measurements for calves fed MR having similar or different CP and fat concentrations. The development of a modified accelerated feeding program optimized the protein-to-energy ratio for producing a dairy heifer with a frame that is taller and wider, without having a postweaning BW gain slump.

Growth performance of newborn dairy calves fed a milk replacer containing 24% crude protein and 20% fat fed at different feeding rates

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to evaluate the preweaning (d 1 to 42) and postweaning (d 43 to 56) performance and health of calves fed a 24% CP:20% fat milk replacer (MR) at different feeding rates based on our previous work that calves fed greater feeding rates of MR demonstrated improved growth. Materials and Methods A total of 108 (2- to 5-d-old) Holstein heifer calves (40 ± 0.69 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The same all-milk-protein MR was fed at 14.7% solids, with treatments of (1) control (MR57): MR fed at 0.57 kg daily from d 1 to 35; (2) MR71: MR fed at 0.71 kg daily from d 1 to 35; (3) MR85: MR fed at 0.68 kg daily from d 1 to 7 and at 0.85 kg daily from d 8 to 35; and (4) MR99: MR fed at 0.68 kg daily from d 1 to 7 and at 0.99 kg daily from d 8 to 35. All treatments were fed MR one time per day from d 36 to weaning, after d 42 with water, and an 18% CP texturized calf starter offered free choice. Results and Discussion Preweaning and overall ADG (0.78, 0.82, 0.83, and 0.85 kg/d for MR57, MR71, MR85, and MR99, respectively) were greater (P 0.10) and intermediate. Overall d 1 to 56 calf starter intakes were greater (P 0.10). Preweaning G:F was lowest for calves fed MR57, whereas d 1 to 56 G:F (0.49, 0.52, 0.52, and 0.54 kg/kg of DM) was greater (P Implications and Applications This study demonstrated that higher feeding rate of a 24:20 MR resulted in increased ADG and feed conversion (G:F).

Thermographic monitoring of skin surface temperature associated with hot-iron disbudding in calves

The goal of this study was to determine the skin surface temperatures of the head using thermography in 28 German Holstein heifer calves at the time of hot iron disbudding. Calves were divided into group 1 (hot-iron disbudding, n=14) and 2 (sham disbudding, n=14). Thermographic measurements were made at eight locations of the head (area surrounding both horn buds, both horn buds, muzzle, mucous membranes of the muzzle, both eyes) at nine time points (-60 min (basal value), time of disbudding, 5, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240 and 480 min after disbudding) using a high-end thermographic camera (ThermoPro TP8, Firma DIAS Infrared GmbH). The rectal temperature was measured 60 min before and 5, 240 and 480 min after disbudding. The statistical software SAS version 9.4 was used for analysis. Skin surface temperatures and rectal temperature correlated at several locations (rp≥0.45; p≤0.05). The maximum temperature (approx. 67 ºC) was measured at the horn buds immediately after the hot-iron procedure. By five and 30 min after hot-iron disbudding, the temperature of the horn buds had decreased by up to 50%, whereas the temperatures at the other locations had increased significantly (p.

Effect of extrusion of soybean meal on feed spectroscopic molecular structures and on performance, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility of Holstein dairy calves.

ObjectivePerformance and physiological responses of dairy calves may change by using extruded soybean meal (ESBM) instead of common soybean meal (SBM) in starter feed. The aims of the current study were i) to determine the effect of extrusion processing of SBM on protein electrophoretic size, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) structures and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) protein sub-fractions and ii) to determine the effect of substitution of SBM with ESBM in starter feed of Holstein heifer calves during pre and post-weaning on performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites.MethodsThe SBM was substituted with ESBM at the level of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (dry matter [DM] basis). Fifty heifer calves (initial body weight 40.3±0.63 kg) were used for the study. After birth, animals were fed colostrum for 3 days and then they were fed whole milk until weaning. Animals had free access to starter feed and water during the study.ResultsExtrusion of SBM decreased electrophoretic protein size and increased rapidly degradable true protein fraction, changed FTIR protein and amide II region. With increasing level of ESBM in the diet, starter intake increased quadratically during the pre-weaning period (p<0.05) and body weight, DM intake and average daily gain increased linearly during the post-weaning and the whole study period (p<0.05). Tbe DM and crude protein digestibilities at week 14 and blood glucose and beta hydroxybutyric acid increased linearly in calves as the level of ESBM increased in the diet (p<0.05).ConclusionDairy calves performance and physiological responses were sensitive to SBM protein characteristics including electrophoretic size, FTIR structures and CNCPS protein fractions.

Effects of feeding hay and calf starter as a mixture or as separate components to Holstein calves on intake, growth, and blood metabolite and hormone concentrations

This study investigated how providing hay mixed with calf starter to dairy calves affected their solid feed intake, feed sorting, growth, and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations. Forty Holstein heifer calves were fed a texturized calf starter (23.4% crude protein, 32.3% starch on a dry matter basis) and chopped Klein grass hay as separate components (CONT) or the same starter and hay mixed at a 90:10 ratio on an as-fed basis (MIX) ad libitum from the date transported to the research farm (4-7 d of life) to 90 d of life. Calves were provided milk replacer (28% crude protein, 15% fat) at up to 557 g/d before the study, 737 g/d from d 14 to 20, 1,105 g/d from d 21 to 41, 737 g/d from d 42 to 48, and 557 g/d from d 49 to 55 on a dry matter basis. calves were fully weaned on d 56. Feed sorting for the MIX calves was evaluated using the Penn State Particle Separator; the sorting index was calculated as the actual intake as a percentage of predicted intake, with values >100% indicating sorting for and values <100% indicating sorting against. Treatment did not affect solid feed intake, growth performance, or plasma metabolite or hormone concentration during the preweaning or weaning periods. However, calves in the MIX treatment had less neutral detergent fiber intake as a percentage of solid feed intake than CONT calves in the preweaning (23.3 vs. 37.0%) and weaning (23.5 vs. 25.8%) periods, although MIX calves sorted (107.2%) for long particles, which were primarily hay, during weaning. During the postweaning period, MIX calves had greater neutral detergent fiber intake as a percentage of solid feed intake compared with CONT calves (23.4 vs. 22.7%), although they sorted against long particles (84.4%), and decreased solid feed dry matter intake compared with CONT calves (3,292 vs. 3,536 g/d) and average daily gain (1.20 vs. 1.31 kg/d). Weaned calves in the MIX treatment also had lower plasma concentration of glucagon-like peptide 2 compared with CONT (0.46 vs. 0.77 ng/mg) but had higher plasma concentrations of ghrelin (0.05 vs. 0.03 ng/mg). These results suggest that feeding a mixture of texturized calf starter and chopped hay at the 90:10 ratio to postweaned calves may decrease solid feed intake and growth.

Growth performance of newborn dairy calves fed a milk replacer with 2 protein concentrations at 2 feeding rates

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to evaluate the growth performance by calves fed a conventional milk replacer (MR) or modified accelerated MR (24% CP) to prevent the slump in postweaning calf starter intake and feed efficiency. Materials and Methods A total of 104 (1 to 5 d old) Holstein heifer calves (39.3 ± 0.66 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 MR treatments to evaluate preweaning (1 to 42 d) and postweaning (43 to 56 d) performance in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of CP concentrations [20% CP or 24% CP high protein (HP) with feeding rates (FR) of 0.57 or 0.68 kg/d]. Treatments were MR fed at 15% solids (as fed): (1) control (CP1): a 20% CP:20% fat MR fed at 0.284 kg 2×/d for 35 d; (2) CP2: the 20:20 MR fed at 0.34 kg 2×/d for 35 d; (3) HP1: a 24:20 MR fed at CP1 rate; and (4) HP2: the 24:20 MR fed at CP2 rate. Results and Discussion No interactions of CP by FR were detected for growth parameters. During 1 to 14 d, calves fed higher MR FR (CP2 and HP2) had greater (P 0.10). Intakes of calf starter from 1 to 56 d were similar (P > 0.10) for calves fed MR with different CP concentrations (0.77 and 0.78 kg/d), whereas calf starter intake (0.81 and 0.74 kg/d) was reduced (P 0.01) for calves fed different CP concentrations (0.54 and 0.55 kg/kg) but were improved when fed higher MR FR (0.53 and 0.56 kg/kg). However, a trend (P Implications and Applications Feeding calves a conventional MR (20%CP:20% fat) at different FR with different CP concentrations resulted in similar performance. Feeding a higher CP MR (24% CP:20% fat) at higher FR did not affect preweaning gain of dairy calves.

Residual feed intake divergence during the preweaning period is associated with unique hindgut microbiome and metabolome profiles in neonatal Holstein heifer calves

BackgroundRecent studies underscored that divergence in residual feed intake (RFI) in mature beef and dairy cattle is associated with changes in ruminal microbiome and metabolome profiles which may contribute, at least in part, to better feed efficiency. Because the rumen in neonatal calves during the preweaning period is underdeveloped until close to weaning, they rely on hindgut microbial fermentation to breakdown undigested diet components. This leads to production of key metabolites such as volatile fatty acids (VFA), amino acids, and vitamins that could potentially be absorbed in the hind-gut and help drive growth and development. Whether RFI divergence in neonatal calves is associated with changes in hindgut microbial communities and metabolites is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine differences in hindgut microbiome and metabolome in neonatal Holstein heifer calves retrospectively-grouped based on feed efficiency as most-efficient (M-eff) or least-efficient (L-eff) calves using RFI divergence during the preweaning period.MethodsTwenty-six Holstein heifer calves received 3.8 L of first-milking colostrum from their respective dams within 6 h after birth. Calves were housed in individual outdoor hutches bedded with straw, fed twice daily with a milk replacer, and had ad libitum access to a starter grain mix from birth to weaning at 42 d of age. Calves were classified into M-eff [n = 13; RFI coefficient = − 5.72 ± 0.94 kg DMI (milk replacer + starter grain)/d] and L-eff [n = 13; RFI coefficient = 5.61 ± 0.94 kg DMI (milk replacer + starter grain)/d] based on a linear regression model including the combined starter grain mix and milk replacer DMI, average daily gain (ADG), and metabolic body weight (MBW). A deep sterile rectal swab exposed only to the rectum was collected immediately at birth before colostrum feeding (i.e., d 0), and fecal samples at d 14, 28, and 42 (prior to weaning) for microbiome and untargeted metabolome analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS. Microbiome data were analyzed with the QIIME 2 platform and metabolome data with the MetaboAnalyst 4.0 pipeline.ResultsNo differences (P > 0.05) in body measurements including body weight (BW), body length (BL), hip height (HH), hip width (HW), and wither height (WH) were detected between M-eff and L-eff calves at birth and during preweaning. Although milk replacer intake did not differ between groups, compared with L-eff, M-eff heifers had lower starter intake (P < 0.01) between d 18 to 42 of age, whereas no differences (P > 0.05) for ADG, cumulative BWG, or body measurements were observed between RFI groups during the preweaning period. Microbiome and metabolome profiles through the first 42 d of age indicated greater hindgut capacity for the production of energy-generating substrates (butyrate and propionate) and essential nutrients (vitamins and amino acids) in heifers with greater estimated feed efficiency.ConclusionDespite consuming approximately 54.6% less solid feed (cumulative intake, 10.90 vs. 19.98 ± 1.66 kg) from birth to weaning, the microbiome-metabolome changes in the hindgut of most-efficient heifers might have helped them maintain the same level of growth as the least-efficient heifers.

Identification of long non-coding RNAs in the early growth stage of Holstein mammary gland

In Holsteins, emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are actively involved in the regulation of mammary gland development. However, the lncRNA expression pattern in the early growth stage of Holstein mammary gland remains little known. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed 11 mammary gland tissue RNA-Seq datasets derived from Holstein heifer calves (ca. 8 weeks old) retrieved from the Sequence Read Archive database. We identified a total of 588 lncRNAs in the intergenic region. By comparing the sequences with NONCODEv5 database, 241 novel lncRNAs were detected in the mammary gland. Prediction of cis-regulated target gene revealed that 364 out of 588 lncRNAs potentially targeted 417 protein-coding genes. Furthermore, Gene Ontology enrichment determined that potential target genes were mainly involved in the terms associated with energy metabolism and cell differentiation, such as cellular respiration, respiratory electron transport chain, electron transport chain, and regulation of cell differentiation, which were closely related to mammary gland development. This study provides potential candidate lncRNAs in regulating mammary gland development in the early growth stage of Holsteins, as well as a better general understanding of Holstein mammary gland development.

Effect of supplemental dietary Zinc and its time of inclusion on pre-weaning phase of Holstein heifer calves: Growth performance and health status

It has been suggested that Zn can improve growth and health status when it supplemented during pre-weaning; however, the optimal time of supplementation has not well elucidated in rearing Holstein calves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate an organic source of Zn on the growth performance and health status of Holstein calves. Three treatments of 24 calves each were fed whole milk supplemented with no Zn (CON), ~100 mg/d of organic Zn from d 3 to 80 (Zn3), or ~100 mg/d of organic Zn from d 50 to 80 (Zn50). The source of Zn was Zn-glycine. Although total dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by treatments during the first month of life, Zn supplement led to greater DMI during the second month (P < 0.02) and throughout the study compared to CON group; since Zn50 calves showed greater DMI from day 51 to day 80 of trial, the overall DMI was greatest for Zn50, followed by Zn3 and CON. From d 30 to weaning, Zn3 calves had greater (P = 0.04) average daily gain (ADG) than CON and Zn50, and tended (P = 0.06) to had a greater overall ADG. There were no effects of treatments on gain efficiency. Final wither height was greater in Zn3 compared to compared to others. Although overall β‑hydroxy butyric acid and alkaline phosphatase did not change among treatments, circulating Zn and glucose were significantly increased by Zn supplementation from d 3 (Zn3). The days with loose fecal scores were greatly decreased in Zn3 calves compared to others throughout the study. In general, the results showed that under the conditions of the current experiment, supplementing with organic Zn tended to have beneficial effects on DMI, ADG during the preweaning period but not the postweaning period; the current results also indicated preweaning fecal score was significantly improved when the calves were fed Zn from d 3.

Efficacy of oral meloxicam as primary pain mitigation following caustic paste disbudding of three day old Holstein calves1.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative administration of oral meloxicam prior to and following the application of caustic paste to disbud neonatal dairy calves. Sixty-one 3-4-d-old Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of 15-16 calves. The treatment groups were: 1) M1, caustic paste disbudding and oral meloxicam (45 mg) with a placebo 24 h later; 2) M2, treatment M1 followed by a second 45-mg dose of meloxicam 24 h later instead of placebo; 3) CONTROL, treatment M1 with placebo in place of meloxicam; and 4) SHAM, sham disbudding with placebo in place of meloxicam. Infrared thermography was used to quantify eye and horn bud temperatures. Pressure algometry was used to measure Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) surrounding the horn bud. Average daily gain and body weight (BW) were obtained by weighing each animal throughout the study and calculating the changes over time. Plasma was collected and analyzed for cortisol and substance P concentrations. Substance P and cortisol decreased in all animals over time, regardless of treatment. Mean plasma substance P concentration across all time points was greater (P < 0.05) in the SHAM group than M1 or M2 but not different (P > 0.05) than the CONTROL group. The MNT and ocular temperatures decreased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). Mean BW increased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). A significant interaction (P < 0.05) between treatment and sampling time was observed at 12 h following treatment application for both mean horn bud temperature and the ratio between horn bud and ocular temperature. Overall, the results of this study suggest that meloxicam administration at a dose of 45 mg per animal may have limited influence as the primary modulator of pain and inflammatory response in calves that have been disbudded with caustic paste at 3 d of age.

Thermographic examination of head surface temperatures of calves under field conditions

Thermographic examination of 157 German Holstein heifer calves was performed to investigate the feasibility of this technique for on-farm recording of surface temperature of the head and to examine potential factors that affect the recordings. Baseline values were obtained from six defined locations on the head including both eyes, both horn buds, the muzzle and the mucous membrane of the muzzle using a high-end thermographic camera (ThermoPro TP8, Firma DIAS Infrared GmbH). Evaluation of the influence of various factors on thermographic measurements showed that ambient temperature had the largest effect on surface temperature of the head (regression coefficient, 0.10 to 0.32, p≤0.01) whereas humidity had no effect (in t-test p≥0.33 over all locations). There was a no correlation between rectal temperature and surface temperature (rp≤0.05). The surface temperature decreased with increasing age of the calves (regression coefficient, - 0.42 to - 0.14, p≤0.01). The agreement between double readings made shortly after one another was excellent at all locations (r≥0.95). The emission of infrared energy varied among different locations; the most infrared energy was emitted by the eyes and the least by the muzzle. Paired locations (eyes and horn buds) had symmetric emission patterns of infrared energy. Measuring the surface temperature of the head of calves in their normal barn environment using a standardised protocol was feasible and thus could potentially be used for monitoring calves under field conditions.