Beta-hydroxybutyric Acid Levels Research Articles

Concentration of kisspeptin, testosterone and cortisol in the blood of cows during the transit period with energy metabolism disorders

In the clinically healthy cows of the Holstein breed (n = 20), a hormonal background was studied during theperiod of deepness and after the edema. For this purpose, the concentration of kisspeptin, testosterone and cortisol was determined in serum cows in the blood cows. The animals conducted regular observation with the conduct of clinical and obstetric and gynecological studies. Depending on the concentration of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyric acid on the 5th day after calving, the cows were divided into two groups. The first group included 15 heads with a glucose concentration greater than 3 mmol/l and a beta-hydroxybutyric acid level below 1 mmol/l. In the second group, 5 heads had violations in energy exchange (glucose levels less than 3 mmol/l, beta-hydroxybutyric acid above 1 mmol/l). On the 15th day after the hotel, normalization of energy homeostasis was recorded. The concentration of kisspeptin in the preventive period in both groups decreased to the hotel. At the same time, the concentration of kisspeptin in the blood of animals in the group with energy exchange disorders was 2.4–3 times higher on the 9th, 7th and 5th days before calving (p < 0.01–0.05) compared with the first group. In production experience, the concentration of all three hormones after the hotel decreased with significant intergroup differences. The level of kisspeptin was reliably higher in the preventive period in the experimental group and on the 5th day after the hotel (p < 0.05). The cortisole level was held at a high level of up to 7 days after the hotel (p < 0.05). The concentration of testosterone in the blood throughout the transit period was reliably high in the animals of the experimental group.

Some biochemical parameters and acute phase proteins in goats with pregnancy toxemia

The present study investigated the levels of acetylcholinesterase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), paraoxonase (PON1), haptoglobin (HPT), serum amyloid A (SAA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose, total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride in Saanen goats with pregnancy toxemia. The animal material included Saanen goats aged 2-5 years. The study was conducted on a total of 20 Saanen goats: 10 pregnant and 10 healthy animals. After clinical examination, 10 goats with BHBA levels of more than 1.5 mmol/L of blood were included in the pregnancy toxemia group, and 10 healthy goats with BHBA levels of less than 1 mmol/L were included in the control group. There were no significant differences between the total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the two groups. It was determined that, while the glucose level was low in the goats with pregnancy toxemia, BHBA, NEFA, acetylcholinesterase, tumor necrosis factor-α, paraoxonase, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin levels were higher than they were in the healthy goats. In conclusion, it appears that ACHE, TNFa, PON, SAA, and HPT may be useful as additional indicators in the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia and in the development of methods for its prevention.

To study the anabolic aspects of lactation in cows in connection with the intensity of ketogenesis in the new body period

The article discusses the results of a study of the milk productivity of cows in connection with the content of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in the blood during the new calving period. The studies were carried out on highly productive full-aged cows of the second and third lactation. The animals were divided into three groups according to the content of beta-hydroxybutyrate - up to 1.0 mmol/l; from 1.0 to 2.0 mmol/l and over 2.0 mmol/l. It has been established that an increase in the content of ketones in the blood is associated with hypoglycemia. Cows with increased levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid at the beginning of lactation showed higher daily milk yields over a five-month period of observation. In the fourth and fifth months of lactation, the milk yield of these cows was higher than in groups 1 and 2 by 14.6-15.8% and 18.5-20.1%, respectively. In addition, the total yield of fat in this group is greater than in the first and second - by 12.8% and 10.7%, protein - by 9.7% and 11.2%, and lactose - by 8.5% and 13.5%, respectively. A calculation indicator was proposed - the lactation anabolism index, which is calculated using daily milk yield, mass fraction of milk protein and urea concentration. An increase in this index indicates the activation of anabolic reactions, a decrease indicates a surge in catabolic processes. An increase in the lactation anabolism index was found in cows of the third group at 4-5 months of lactation with a significant increase of 44.8-45.8% in comparison with groups 1 and 2. A high metabolic potential for further productive lactation was established in cows that had increased concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in the new calving period.

Study of the activity of lipolysis and gluconeognesis in new-child cows with subclinical and clinical ketosis

The article discusses the results of a study of markers of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis in new-calf cows against the background of subclinical and clinical ketosis. The indicator of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in blood serum was chosen as a marker for the formation of groups based on the presence of ketosis and its form. Cows with an indicator of up to 1.0 mmol/l were considered healthy, the presence of subclinical ketosis was determined at a level of beta-hydroxybutyrate from 1.1 to 1.5 mmol/l, clinical ketosis - over 1.6 mmol/l. Cows were bled 3-7 days after calving and a study was made of the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid, glucose, fructosamine, non-esterified fatty acids, cortisol and ALT activity. The results of the study revealed a significant increase in the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids in cows with moderate ketonemia by 46.9%, and in cows with a pronounced increase in the content of beta-hydrosibutyrate in the blood - by 79.8%. When considering the concentration of glucose in cows with different levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood, there is a slight increase in the indicator by 14.5% (P> 0.05) in cows with subclinical ketosis, but in animals with severe ketonemia, a significant decrease in glucose by 38.3 %. Cows in subclinical and clinical ketosis had significantly higher levels of cortisol (1.9 and 2.4 times, respectively) than cows with low blood levels of betahydroxybutyric acid. At the same time, cows with clinical ketosis showed a significant increase in the concentration of fructosamine by 22.3%. Subclinical ketosis, manifested by a moderate increase in the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in the blood (1.1 - 1.5 mmol / l), causes adaptive reactions in the body aimed at maintaining glucose homeostasis and extracting lipids from the depot that compensate for a temporary energy deficit. Clinical ketosis is accompanied by dissociation of the regulatory mechanisms of anabolic and catabolic processes in the body of a freshly calved cow.

Metabolic and immune status of pre-weaning crossbred calves reared on different dietary regimes in Kerala

Seventy two new born crossbred calves were selected and grouped in three dietary treatments-C, T1 and T2. Calves in the group T1 were fed ad libitum milk twice daily for one hour along with calf starter and green fodder. The T2 group were fed on the dietary protocol as T1 but was fed calf starter supplemented with essential oils. The dietary treatment of control group (C) was as per the Package of Practices Recommendations, KVASU. Blood samples were collected from the calves at the time of birth, second day and monthly intervals for up to three months for biochemical analysis. The plasma glucose concentrations of calves in dietary treatments C, T1 and T2 after one month were 5.69±0.166, 6.26±0.174 and 6.15±0.166 mM respectively. The glucose levels of calves in dietary treatments of C, T1 and T2 at three months were 4.22±0.062, 4.50±0.061 and 4.33±0.063, respectively and differed significantly (p<0.01) between C and T1. The serum concentration of Betahydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) for dietary treatments C, T1 and T2 increased with age and reached 0.418±0.025, 0.403±0.026 and 0.410±0.025 mM respectively and did not differ significantly between treatments. Significantly higher (P<0.05) serum cholesterol concentration of 2.82±0.090 and 2.86 ± 0.086 mM were recorded in calves in T1 and T2, respectively. Serum concentration of triglycerides, total protein and albumin were similar in all treatment groups. Lower BUN values of 8.96±0.64 and 8.89±0.64 mM were seen in T1 and T2, respectively while C group had serum BUN concentration of 10.33±0.63 mM. Increased levels of serum BHBA indicated rumen development where there is a shift in the precursor of energy from glucose to volatile fatty acids. Ad libitum colostrum feeding resulted in significantly higher (P<0.001) level of IgG from the second day improving the immune status of new-born calves.

Variations of some adipokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and energy characteristics during the transition period in dairy cows.

Limited information exists about the relationship of adipose tissue with inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism during the transition period in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to assess the changes and relation of some adipokines, cytokines, oxidative biomarkers, and serum biochemical parameters related to energy balance (EB) in cows during the transition period. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows were selected based on estimated parturition date, and blood samples were collected from jugular vein on one-week prepartum and one and three weeks postpartum and used to measure the parameters. The serum levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase, and total antioxidant capacity increased significantly, and glucose, urea, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased significantly after parturition. The serum values of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, and cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were not changed significantly during the experiment. The results of the Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between BHB with glucose, albumin, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and a positive correlation with TG and malondialdehyde. Also, there was a significant direct correlation between insulin and leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL-6 and TNF-α in the whole experiment period. These emphasize the difficulty of dairy cows to manage the energy requirements during the transition period. It can be stated that adipokines and cytokines may have an essential role in the metabolic status in this period, and control of their production and, or secretion could be helpful in EB during the transition period.

Role of blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid estimation as a diagnostic marker of feline hepatic lipidosis

Feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL), characterised by an accumulation of triglycerides in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, is a common and potentially fatal liver disorder in cats. Hepatic lipidosis in cats can develop due to any condition that will impair nutrient uptake and is often presented with non-specific clinical signs. The present study describes the diagnosis of FHL based on clinicobiochemical, ultrasonographic, and cytological changes and evaluates the diagnostic utility of blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA) estimation in FHL. Anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and jaundice were the common clinical findings in cats with hepatic lipidosis. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglycerides, glucose, and total bilirubin. Ultrasonography revealed an enlarged hyperechoic liver. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the liver revealed mild to severe vacuolation in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels were found higher in cats with hepatic lipidosis than in healthy cats and cats with other hepatic disorders. Therefore, βHBA estimation, being a quick and non-invasive method, could be considered as a diagnostic marker in the early diagnosis of FHL.

486: CHOLERA IN THE TIME OF COVID

Introduction: Cholera is endemic to 50 countries with most US cases acquired during international travel. However, several cases have occurred from the ingestion of local oysters, crabs, and shrimp with resident Vibrio cholerae strains on the Gulf Coast. Description: A 52-year-old man with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and well controlled HIV presented with hypovolemic shock. He reported 4 days of non-bloody diarrhea, poor oral intake, and oliguria. Before symptom onset, he ate crabs and tasted the water they were boiled in. He was prescribed azithromycin outpatient which mildly improved his diarrhea but presented to the hospital due to dizziness. He was initially hypotensive but this improved with 2 liters of normal saline without needing vasopressors. He had a blood glucose of 417 mg/dL, sodium bicarbonate of 13 mmol/L, anion gap of 29, creatinine of 10.5 mg/dL, calcium 8.3 mg/dL and corrected sodium of 124 mmol/L. Lactate and beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels were normal. Prior to admission, he took his insulin despite little oral intake. Given his glucose level and anion gap acidosis, he was placed on an insulin drip for concern of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Stool PCR was positive for Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella enterica. Blood cultures were also positive for S. enterica. He received doxycycline for cholera and 14 days of ciprofloxacin for salmonella bacteremia. During his hospitalization, he got 14 liters of fluids with resolution of electrolyte abnormalities by discharge. Discussion: In this patient, the anion gap acidosis was concerning for DKA but normal ketones made this diagnosis less likely. Cholera infection leads to “rice water” stool outputs up to 200cc/kg/hour in the first 2 days then ending after 4-6 days with profound electrolyte abnormalities. Due to rapid volume loss, patients present in hypovolemic shock with hyponatremia, hypocalcemia and hypoglycemia. Anion gap metabolic acidosis occurs due to acute tubular necrosis as in this patient. Stool culture is the gold standard for diagnosis. Treatment with doxycycline, ciprofloxacin or azithromycin decreases the duration of illness and reduces stool volume by 50%. Despite its rarity in the US, cholera should be considered and promptly treated in patients presenting with copious diarrhea, hypovolemia, and renal failure.

358 The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients

358 The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients

The effect of blood BHBA level on fertility in sheep

The aim of this study was the effect of pre-synchronization blood BHBA level on pregnancy rates of sheep in the non-breeding season. For this purpose, 100 Merino/Merino crossbred ewe, aged 2-4 years, who have given one birth before, were used in the study. For synchronization purposes, progesterone containing sponges 60 mg Medroxyprogesteron acetate (MPA) analogue, were administered intravaginally for 14 days. BHBA (betahydroxybutyric acid) measurement was made by drawing blood in each animal on the day of administration. 500-700 IU PMSG was injected at the time of sponge withdrawal. Oestrus was observed 24 hours after sponge withdrawal with the help of teaser ram. Animals which was in estrus were hand mated. Pregnancy status was recorded with the help of ultrasound using the transrectal probe in the interval 35-45 days after mating. All of the synchronized animals were determined to be in estrus and their mating were performed. As a result of the pregnancy examination, 57 (57%) of the animals became pregnant and 43 (43%) did not become pregnant. Blood BHBA values were measured in the range of 0.12 mmol/L -0.66 mmol/L (n:100) in present study and the average of BHBA as 0.35±0.083 mmol/L was determined. While blood BHBA level of pregnant animals was found as 0.29±0.005 mmol/L, blood BHBA level of non-pregnant sheep was found to be 0.41±0.073 mmol/L, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). In addition, it was determined that there was a strong negative correlation between blood BHBA level and pregnancy rates in sheep (r = −0.719, p<0.001). As a result, it was concluded that there was no study in the literature about the relationship between the fertility parameters of sheep and the blood BHBA level in the mentioned period, and it was concluded that the presented study made a significant contribution to the literature. It has been concluded that a higher fertility success can be achieved from animals with low BHBA levels, that fertility rates can be increased by regulating the energy balance of animals with high BHBA levels, and that the study can be a criterion to be considered in achieving the target of 3 lambing in 2 years in terms of herd management in sheep breeding.

Metabolic evaluation on Sakiz ewes with still and live births without etiological diagnosis

In this study, it was aimed to compare the differences in the metabolic status of grazing ewes with live and stillbirth lambs for which no etiological infectious agent could be isolated. Group 1 (live and stillbirth lambs) and group 2 (live lambs) consisted of 20 multiparous Sakiz ewes. Blood samples were collected two times on the parturition day and the day fifteenth after parturition. In the first sampling time, triglyceride levels of group 2 were determined significantly (p<0.001) higher than group 1. In the second sampling time, levels of magnesium (p<0.05), total protein (P<0.01), cholesterol (p<0.01), and triglyceride (p<0.05) levels were found significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. However, significant decreases were observed in both calcium and triglyceride levels in group 2 between the two sampling times. The beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) (p<0.05) levels were found significantly higher in the second sampling time than in the first sampling time only in group 1. Unlike the BHBA levels, a significant decrease was determined in both cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (p<0.05) in group 1 as the lactation progressed. Finally, we concluded that the metabolic status of group 2 is better than group 1, and it is important to the evaluation and follow-up of the metabolism in ewes with stillbirth without any etiological diagnose that couldn’t be determined.

Immunometabolic response in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period.

Background and Aim:The transition period is extremely critical for pregnant producing animals. However, there is very limited research on the metabolic and immunological changes in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the immunometabolic changes occurring during the transition period in Egyptian water buffalo cows.Materials and Methods:A total of 50 multiparous pregnant Egyptian water buffalo cows were subjected to weekly blood sampling 3 weeks before calving and 3 weeks after calving and on the day of parturition to determine the complete blood count, including red blood cell count, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume (PCV). Some selected serum biochemical and immunological parameters were analyzed, including serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, Haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin β1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. All data were statistically analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics software.Results:The neutrophil count showed a statistically significant increase at 2 weeks preparturition. There was also a significant increase in PCV, TLC, neutrophil count, and IL-6 and TNF-a level at the time of parturition and even at 2 weeks post parturition, except PCV that returned to normal levels in the 1st week post parturition. BHBA and BUN levels were increased significantly in the 2nd and 3rd weeks postcalving. Serum creatinine and VLDL levels were decreased significantly at the time of parturition, and VLDL levels showed a significant decrease even till the 3rd week postcalving, whereas creatinine levels gradually returned to the pre-calving levels in the 3rd week postcalving. Other parameters showed no significant changes.Conclusion:The most important immunometabolic changes occur in the first 2 weeks post parturition in Egyptian water buffalo cows, which exhibit a potent, remarkable physiological adaptation achieved by their functional liver, which can help the animal overcome the stressful conditions during the transition period.

Altered cytokine levels in cerebrospinal fluid following ketogenic diet of children with refractory epilepsy

Ketogenic diet is an effective treatment which has the potential to achieve a significant seizure reduction in drug-resistant epilepsy. The mechanism behind this effect is unclear, but one hypothesis is that the mechanism is anti-inflammatory.In this prospective study on pediatric patients we compared levels of cytokines and chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid before and after three months on treatment to evaluate a possible anti-inflammatory effect.We analyzed 34 cytokines and chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric patients (n = 21) with refractory epilepsy by a multiplex assay. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid was measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Seizure frequency in relation to diet treatment was assessed.For 9 different cytokines (CCL 7, CCL 21, CCL 22, CCL 25, CCL 27, IL-2, IL-10, CX3CL1 and MIF), a significant decrease ranging from 7 to 27% was seen after three months as compared to levels before the diet. In contrast, no cytokine displayed a significant increase during diet. A seizure reduction ≥ 50 % was seen in 15/21 patients (71 %) but no significant differences in cytokine decreases were found between responders and non-responders during treatment. A non-significant trend towards higher initial pre-treatment levels of cytokines was seen in responders, which were reduced following treatment. The levels of betahydroxybutyric acid were not related to seizure response.We conclude that while it is not possible to state a primary anti-inflammatory effect by dietary treatment from these data, an unequivocal immunological effect is seen and may be a part of the mechanism of ketogenic dietary treatment.

On field diagnostic and prognostic indicators of pregnancy toxaemia in goats

Periparturient mortality in goats have a great economic impact on the livelihood of marginal farmer. Pregnancy toxaemia in small ruminants occur as a result of negative energy balance consequent to enhanced requirement for glucose by the developing foetuses in the last trimester (last 6 to 4 weeks) of gestation. Among the does treated for various medical conditions at Veterinary University Peripheral Hospital, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai – 51 during the period October 2016 – September 2018, 72 does in their last six weeks of gestation carrying twins / triplets and presented with the history of off feed were subjected to determination of blood beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) level by means of a portable blood ketone and glucose monitoring system and qualitative urinalysis using urine dip stick. Does with beta hydroxybutyric acid level > 0.8 mmol/L and < 1.6 mmol/L were classified as sub clinical pregnancy toxaemic group (n = 12) and beta hydroxybutyric acid level > 1.6 mmol/L were classified as clinical pregnancy toxaemic group (n = 12). The control animals were selected from adult Tellicherry does in the age group of 2 to 4 years maintained at Livestock Farm Complex (LFC), Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai – 600 051. The pregnancy toxaemic does were resorted to treatment with intravenous glucose therapy (5 per cent Dextrose), parenteral therapy of Vitamin B1, B6 & B12 and oral administration of glycerine @ 25 ml twice daily. All the twelve does of sub clinical pregnancy toxaemic group recovered completely with a cure rate of 100 per cent while in the clinical pregnancy toxaemic group the cure rate was only 33 per cent. On field reliable diagnostic indicators of pregnancy toxaemia include blood β-hyroxybutyric acid concentration (≥ 0.8 mmol/L) and presence of ketone body, glucose and protein in urine while hypergly­caemia in advanced pregnancy toxaemic does indicate foetal death.

Determination of natural antibodies, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acid levels in the serum of peripartum Tuj and Hemşin sheep.

Background and Aim:Many metabolic and immunological changes occur during the transition period. Innate immunity plays an important role against to infections and natural antibodies (NAb) are important in immunity. This study aims to determine a connection between serum NAb titers, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the peripartum period.Materials and Methods:Serum NAb, BHBA, and NEFA levels were determined from the blood samples collected from Tuj and Hemşin sheep on days 30 and 15 before birth, on the day of birth (day 0), and on days 15 and 30 after birth.Results:NAb titers were found to be higher in Tuj than in Hemşin sheep (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in serum BHBA concentrations of both breeds on all sampling days (p>0.05). The serum NEFA level was lower in Tuj sheep in the last 15 days of pregnancy compared to Hemşin sheep (p<0.05), while no difference was found in samples collected at the other time points.Conclusion:This study indicated that serum NAb titers significantly changed in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the transition period. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased during the last stages of pregnancy and decreased after birth. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the immunological status could vary by the breed of sheep or various factors that affect the sheep’s metabolic state.

Effect of adding humate to the ration of dairy cows on yield performance

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different levels of humate addition to colostrum quality, milk composition, somatic cell count, some blood metabolites and reproductive performance in the period from prepartum 40th to postpartum 60th day. In this study, dairy cows from prepartum 40th to postpartum 60th day were given humate additive which was according to dosed on dry matter consumption basis from (75 g, 150 g). In the study, 26 Swiss Brown cows in the same care and feeding conditions were used in the second lactation. The feeds were weighed to determine the dry matter intake of the individual cows daily. Blood was collected from the vena jugularis at 40, 30, 20 and 10 days before the estimated date of birth, at calving (day 0) and on days 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 after birth. Colostrum and milk samples were taken in the study. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the use of humate additives has no effect on body condition score, body weight, in milk non-fat milk solid, density, protein, lactose, freezing point, somatic cell count, in blood triglicerides, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen. It was found that with the addition of humate additive to the feed, colostrum specific gravity increased, prepartum and postpartum dry matter intake increased, milk yield and the fat percentage increased, serum non-esterified fatty acid and blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels decreased, and postpartum serum calcium level increased. It was concluded that 75 g of humate, which is determined based on dry matter consumption, can be added to the rations of the dairy cows at this dose and has positive effects on colostrum quality, milk yield, milk fat ratio, and negative energy balance.

Intravenous Administration of Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin Combination to Late-Pregnant Dairy Cows Reduces Their Insulin Resistance After Calving.

Dairy cows suffer insulin resistance following parturition and lactogenesis. Several researchers attempted to reduce insulin resistance via dietary and parenteral supplementations of different substances to promote metabolic performance of dairy cows. Due to mechanisms of actions of butaphosphan in combination with cyanocobalamin, we hypothesized that this compound may reduce insulin resistance of dairy cows following parturition; hence, the effects of the intravenous administration of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to prepartum dairy cows on their insulin resistance after calving were evaluated. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows were enrolled 3 weeks prior to parturition and divided into four equal groups, including control (Ctrl) and butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (B+C) 1, 2, and 3. Ctrl cows received 15 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution and B+C 1, 2, and 3 groups intravenously received 2, 4, and 6 mL/100 kg BW of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin combination over three periods of 3 consecutive days, including 21-19, 12-10, and 3-1 days before calving, respectively. Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed weekly 1, 2, and 3 weeks after parturition to evaluate the insulin resistance phenomenon. Circulating levels of glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were assessed 1, 2, and 3 weeks after calving. Ctrl cows were the most insulin-resistant group, and B+C1 group was the most insulin-sensitive, followed by B+C2 and B+C3 groups. The NEFA and BHBA levels in the B+C3 group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. In conclusion, intravenous administration of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to the late-pregnant dairy cows may reduce their insulin resistance after calving.

Effects of Macleaya cordata extract supplementation in milk on growth performance, some biochemical parameters and a number of selected bacterial groups of the recto-anal microbiota of calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of milk Macleaya cordata extract supplementation on the weight gain, feed intake, serum total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, IgG, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG), beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and total aerobic, lactobacillus and coliform bacterial counts of recto-anal swabs in Simmental calves. The feeding study was carried out using 20 (n = 10) 4-day-old Simmental calves (average birth weight 45.55 ± 1.53 kg) from December 2017 to May, 2018. The experimental treatments comprised milk without any additive (control) and milk with 1 g M. cordata extract added per head per day. The calves were fed with only colostrum until 4 days of age and then with 5 liters per day of whole milk until the end of 65 days. At the end of the study, a significant difference in body weights and feed efficiency between the groups was not observed. During the 4th-6th weeks of the trial, M. cordata extract supplementation in milk decreased the feed intake of the calves. The serum TP, albumin, IgG, BHBA, TG, BUN, ALP and ALT levels were also found to be not statistically different between the treatment groups. At the end of the experiment the serum albumin and BHBA levels were increased, whereas the BUN levels were decreased. There was a significant effect of the group × sex interaction on the serum AST levels. The total aerobic, total coliforms, and lactobacillus bacterial counts of the recto-anal swabs were not different between the experimental groups. In conclusion, the present data demonstrated that supplementation of pre-weaning calves’ milk with M. cordata at 1 g per day did not improve growth performance but changed their metabolic status.

Glucose related endocrine and metabolic responses following bolus intravenous hypertonic dextrose administration in Iranian fat-tailed ewes at different pre and post parturition periods

Providing glucose as primary metabolic fuel for maintenance, foetal growth and milk production may be considered necessary for protection against negative energy balance and metabolic disorders. Five adult Ghezel ewes were selected 4 weeks before their parturition and followed at 2 weeks before, 2 and 4 weeks and 2, 3 and 4 months after parturition. Dextrose 50% was administered at 500 mg/kg, 10 mL/kg/hour, and blood samples were collected from all ewes prior to and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after 50% dextrose infusion. Serum levels of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids, cholesterol, triglyceride, high, low and very low density lipoproteins, insulin, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, prolactin, cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 were evaluated. Glucose and insulin were increased significantly and immediately following intravenous dextrose administration at all studied periods. The levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly decreased following dextrose infusion at all periods. Triiodothyronine was decreased in pregnant ewes and increased in non-pregnant, lactating ones. The significant increasing cortisol patterns were detected at 2 and 4 weeks before and 2 and 4 weeks after parturition following dextrose administrations. The decreasing patterns of insulin like growth factor-1 were seen in all studied periods. Prolactin was significantly increased following dextrose administration at 4 and 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after parturition. Bolus intravenous hypertonic dextrose administration could induce the obvious endocrine and metabolic responses in Ghezel ewes via providing a source of energy and the glucose is an important direct controller of metabolic interactions in Ghezel ewes.

Effects of short-term fasting on ruminal pH and volatile fatty acids in cattle fed high-roughage versus high-concentrate diets.

We evaluated whether the dietary roughage-to-concentrate ratio affects ruminal pH and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in response to a one-time morning fast. Four healthy rumen-cannulated Holstein steers 4–5 months old were used. Cattle were subjected to 2 weeks of adaptation (high-roughage or high-concentrate diet), and morning feed restriction was performed on the day after the adaptation period ended (Day 0). Thereafter, each diet was reintroduced on the evening of Day 0. Our results showed that the 1-hr mean ruminal pH from 0800 to 1900 on Day 0 was higher, and that from 1700 to 1900 on Day 1 was lower (P<0.05) than pH on 1 day before fasting (Day −1) in cattle fed both diets. On Day 0, total VFA levels decreased after morning fasting and were lower (P<0.05) than those on Day −1 irrespective of evening refeeding. Furthermore, blood non-esterified fatty acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels on Day 0 increased and decreased, respectively, compared to Day −1 in cattle fed both diets. These results indicate that even a one-time feed restriction can disrupt ruminal fermentation, and the changes can persist to the next day after fasting.