Liveweight Loss Research Articles

Protected fats in feeding of highly productive cows

Highly productive animals experience energy deficiency at the beginning of lactation up to 30 % of their energy needs, since cows spend more energy on milk production than they intake with feed. Therefore, to maintain a high level of productivity and minimize live weight loss of cows, it is necessary to increase the energy supply of rations. For these purposes, along with the use of high-quality feed and a decrease in the proportion of starchy grain concentrates in the ration structure, various types of fats are used in feeding of cows, since their energy value is more than 2 times higher than proteins and carbohydrates. The purpose of the research was to study the eff ectiveness of using protected vegetable fats in feeding of highly productive lactating cows. Comprehensive studies were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of using new protected vegetable fats: hydrogenated (Ultra Feed F) and fractionated (Extra Feed F) in feeding of highly productive lactating cows and an assessment of the effectiveness of their use was given. It was recommended as a result of the research that in order to ensure milk productivity of cows at a level of more than 7000 kg of milk (7000–9000 kg), livestock farms should ensure the concentration of metabolic energy in the dry matter of the ration of at least 10.7 MJ/kg, with possible compensation for the deficit in the level of metabolic energy up to 11.0 MJ/kg with protected vegetable fats of domestic production (fractionated Extra Feed F and hydrogenated Ultra Feed F) in the amount of 300 g/head/day during the period of 21–120 days of lactation.

Effect of stress mitigation measures on the aggressive behaviour and body weight loss of Large White Yorkshire crossbred pigs during transportation

This study examined the impact of stress mitigation measures on the live body weight loss and skin lesion scores of Large White Yorkshire pigs after a 200 km transportation by road. Twenty-four LWY pigs were randomly allotted into four groups of six each: control group (T1 ), pigs injected with vitamin E and selenium (T2 ), pigs administered hydrogen rich water (T3 ), and pigs exposed to monochromatic blue light (T4 ). Hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in the highest live body weight loss, while exposure to monochromatic blue light (T4 ) induced the lowest. Shrinkage during transport mirrored the live body weight loss trend. Significant differences emerged in skin lesion scores, notably in the hindquarter and tail regions. Monochromatic blue light exposure (T4 ) correlated with reduced aggressive behaviour, evidenced by lower hindquarter skin lesion scores. Conversely, hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in higher tail region skin lesion scores. The findings suggest that exposure to monochromatic blue light may have a calming effect during transport and can be recommended as a stress mitigation strategy to enhance overall animal welfare during transportation Keywords: Transportation stress, body weight loss, shrinkage, aggressive behaviour

Effectiveness of complex use of non-traditional additives in feeding of horses

The purpose of the research was to investigate the efficiency of the complex use of non-traditional feed additives in the rations of horses during the winter period of housing. Scientific and industrial testing was carried out on horses of Yakut breed under the conditions of the peasant farm Rumyantsev S. I. in the Ust-Aldansky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The scientifi c and industrial experiment was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines (VASKhNIL, 1984). It was found as a result of research that the loss of live weight in animals in the control group on average amounted to 26.4 kg, while in the experimental group this indicator was slightly better and equaled 21.3 kg. The fi nal diff erence between the groups at the end of the experiment was 94 kg in favor of the horses of the experimental group; ultimately this affected the coverage of additional costs and an increase in the economic efficiency of feeding. The estimated cost of the economic effect taking into account the difference in additional costs in the experimental group amounted to 20.68 thousand rubles. As a result, the profitability level in the control group was 45.5 %, and in the experimental group this figure increased to 45.8 %. We note that the data of the production testing confirm the previously obtained data of scientific and economic experiment and supplement the economic efficiency of horses feeding in the winter period of housing with new information. It was established as a result of research that the use of non-traditional feed additives from natural raw materials in the complex in feeding of horses in the winter period contributes to a comparatively better preservation of live weight, as well as an increase in the efficiency of feeding. Thus, the use of local non-traditional feed additives in the complex in feeding of horses of Yakut breed showed economic efficiency under the conditions of Yakutia.

Effects of selling through an auction market on physiological variables in beef calves

In Chile, selling cattle through auction markets is common, and involves various stressful events. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of selling weaned beef calves through an auction market on indicators of physiological stress. Considering that transportation is invariably linked to any commercialization procedure, we compared the effects of exposing calves to transport and sale through an auction market versus transporting them directly between farms. Twenty calves of 175 (+/-37.5) kg live weight were transported from their origin farm to an auction market (2.5 h journey), where 10 calves were unloaded and exposed to regular handling within the market (unloading, sorting, regrouping, penning, sale yard showing) and thereafter loaded and transported back to the farm (TM). The remaining 10 calves were not unloaded at the market and were immediately transported back to the farm, simulating a direct sale (TD). Data collection (blood samples, body temperature, and live weight) was performed at the farm in both groups before loading (initial, 0 h), at the end of the process, after unloading TM calves back on the farm (after unloading, 12 h), and during recovery at 24, 48, and 72 h after the initial sampling. We used mixed-effects models to compare treatments and samplings. No differences were found between treatments in terms of live weight loss, maximum eye temperature, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate, and serum cortisol concentrations. The rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.05) in TM after treatment and remained higher (p > 0.05) in the samples than in TD. Calves that passed through the market showed higher (p < 0.05) plasma CK activity after unloading (12 h) than did those that did not. The mean glucose concentration increased (p < 0.05) at 12h and remained higher than the initial value (0 h) in both the calf groups. This was a preliminary study, and according to the results, experiments should be repeated to test more animals under different situations and premises.

Оценка биологического действия комбинированного облучения овец для определения «безопасных» уровней радиационного воздействия

After a ground-based nuclear explosion, a large amount of fused melted radioactive particles (MRP) is formed. Entering the body of pasture animals with food, they accumulate in the proventriculus and abomasum, irradiating them against the background of total radiation exposure in sublethal doses. Research on combined irradiation of sheep (MRP+1.6 Gy) was carried out under the guidance of Professor B.N. Annenkov in 1978 on 48 sheep irradiated at a dose of 1.6 Gy in combination with feeding sheep with ORF activity from 9.99 to 51.80 MBq/kg of live weight. One group of animals served as non-irradiated controls. In addition, the work used experimental data obtained on 10 sheep irradiated at a dose of 2 Gy. Experimental data were analyzed using mathematical statistics methods. Combined irradiation is accompanied by moderate leukopenia, increased blood viscosity and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by atony of the proventriculus, pain in the area of the xiphoid cartilage (mesh) and abomasum, hemorrhages and ulcers on the mucous membranes, as well as a decrease in the consumption of feed and water, which led to loss of live weight and death of animals. A study of the dynamics of death of irradiated sheep (probit analysis) showed that the minimum values of death (1 and 5%) can be caused by the consumption of MRP + 1.6 Gy with activity from 4.07 to 6.57 MBq/kg of live weight. Similar data were obtained when analyzing the values of ruminal motility (rumination) in irradiated sheep (3.6 and 5.4 MBq/kg live weight). Therefore, the “safe” level of ORS activity can reach 6.6 MBq/kg live weight of sheep +1.6 Gy of total irradiation.

The effect of tissue mobilization and stage of lactation on energy partitioning in lactating sows: an analysis of commercial data

AbstractThe objective of this paper was to investigate how the predicted level of body energy mobilized and the stage of lactation affects performance and energy partitioning in lactating sows kept under commercial conditions. Seventy-seven lactating sows from three consecutive batches were weaned at 28 d and all measures were taken over the first 20 d. Total feed consumption was measured and sows’ live weight was registered when entering the lactation facilities and at 21 d of lactation. Blood samples were collected at farrowing and once a week thereafter. Net energy (NE) mobilization or loss was calculated by difference using the general NRC equation for ME partitioning. Compared to low mobilizers (low NE loss values), high mobilizing sows had lower feed intake and higher loss of live weight, body fat and body protein. High mobilizers also weaned more piglets and had heavier litters than low mobilizers. Energy mobilization (NE loss) was higher from day 1 to 10 of lactation compared to day 11 to 20, and the difference in mobilized energy between high and low mobilizing sows was also higher in the first than in the second half of lactation. Body weight and back fat thickness losses were significantly correlated with NE loss. A more accurate prediction of the changes in live weight or back fat thickness over lactation should help better predict total amount of energy mobilized, and more research is needed to assess the relative contribution of lean and fat to mobilized tissue.

Determination of the feed additive “Activo” effect on the productivity of lactating sows and young piglets under paratypic factors

The research was carried out at the pig farm of LLC Barkom, village Dublyany of Sambirsky district, Lviv region, and PE “Chernyuk” from Hrushvytsia Persha, Rivne district, Rivne region. According to the principle of analogs, two groups of farrowing sows of the PIC genetic company of the large white breed (2–3 farrowing) of 5 animals each were formed – control and trial. The animals were kept in the same house under the same conditions. The trial group received a standard diet similar to the control group, but the feed additive “Activo” was added to the diet in 0.1 kg/t of finished feed. From the fifth day after birth until weaning, newborn piglets of the trial group were fed pre-starter feed, to which 0.2 kg of the feed additive “Active” was added. The environmental parameters in the houses where the animals were kept differed according to the following leading indicators: the air temperature (°C) in the box with manual control of the supply-exhaust ventilation system in 5-, 14-, and 28-day-old piglets were, respectively, by 3; 2 and 4 °C higher compared to the temperature regime provided by the Big Duchman microclimate system; air movement speed (m/s) lower by 21.4; 33.3 and 8.3 %, respectively; carbon dioxide concentration (ppm) higher in 1.9; 1.8 and 2.1 times, respectively; ammonia concentration (mg/m3) higher in 4.5; 6.1 and 6.1 times, respectively; hydrogen sulfide concentration (mg/m3) higher in 1.8; 4 and 5.4 times, respectively. During the trial period, a probable tendency to decrease feed consumption by sows of the control group by 3.4 % (Р < 0.01) was noted at LLC “Barkom”, and at PE “Chernyuk”, it amounted to 6.22 % (Р < 0.001). At the same time, the loss of live weight in sows of the control group amounted to 10 % at the end of the period at LLC Barcom in the control group; namely, the sows of the group (K) lost an average of 23 kg during the trial period. The sows of the group (E) lost 17 kg. At the PE “Chernyuk” pig farm, the loss of live weight in sows at the end of the period in the control group was 25.8 kg, and in the trial group 19.4 kg, (Р < 0.001), that is 24.8% less compared to the control group. At the pig complex of LLC "Barkom," when applying the feed additive “Activo” to lactating sows, an increase in the live weight of piglets in the trial group from birth to the fifth day after birth was noted by 18.3 %, compared to the control group. A significant increase in the live weight of piglets in the trial group was 17.16 % on the 14th day and 13.76 % (Р < 0.001) on the 28th day of life, respectively. When calculating the average daily growth from birth to weaning (28 days of piglets' life), the difference was 18.54 % (Р < 0.001). Piglets born from sows of the control group at the PE “Chernyuk” pig complex that did not consume the trial feed additive had a slightly lower live weight at birth by 9.4 % compared to the trial group. On the fifth day of life, the live weight of the piglets in the trial group was significantly greater than 30.2 % (Р < 0.001). The tendency to increase the piglet's live weight on the 14th and 28th day of life was observed in the trial group by 20.1 % (Р < 0.01) and 14.1 % (Р < 0.001), respectively, in the control group. When calculating the average daily weight gain from birth to weaning (28 days of piglets' life), the difference was 15.15 % (Р < 0.001).

Effects of Road Transportation on Some Physiological Stress Measures in Anpera and Boerka Goats

Transporting livestock is a common practice in agriculture, but it can be a stressful situation for the animals. This stress can lead to physiological responses like live weight loss, changes in blood cortisol levels, and immune suppression. Goats are particularly sensitive to transportation stress and stress-induced diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of road transport on the physiological condition of 33 goats (13 Anpera goats and 20 Boerka goats) transported for 72 hours over approximately ±2.000 km. Live weight loss was determined by comparing the body weights of the goats before and after transportation. We measured psychological responses (heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature), blood parameters (Blood urea nitrogen/BUN, creatinine, glucose), cortisol, and hematological parameters. The results showed that transportation caused an average weight loss of 4.05 kg/head (14.22%). Heart rate decreased by 14.71 x/minute after transport, while respiratory rate and rectal temperature increased by 8.44 x/minute and 0.41 units, respectively. BUN levels increased by approximately 10.92 mg/dL (35%) and glucose levels increased by approximately 30.07 mg/dL (48%). Hematological parameters also showed significant changes, with transportation causing alterations in WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and MCH levels. The study also showed an interaction between the sex and breed of goats on BUN, glucose, MCV, MCH. The comparison between Anpera goats and Boerka showed that transportation had significant influence on heart rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, RBC, haemoglobin, RDW. In conclusion, transportation for 72 hours caused stress on goats, leading to weight loss, changes in psychological behavior, and blood parameters, and the breed and sex of the goats played a crucial role in the observed changes.

The problem associated with tuberculosis in cattle and how this is being addressed

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis that primarily infects cattle but has a wide range of hosts. It represents a global health problem affecting the livestock industry tremendously, with economic losses of about 3 billion annually. Dairy cattle produce a decline of 10% in terms of liters of milk produced and 5% in the meat industry because of live weight loss and seized carcasses in abattoirs. The core of the current control measures implemented in most countries against bTB is based on the diagnosis with tuberculin skin test (TST) and culling of infected animals. Unfortunately, control programs have failed to eradicate the disease since no vaccine protects cattle from infection. Moreover, the strain of M. bovis Bacillus Calmette Guerin, BCG used as a vaccine for human tuberculosis, interferes with surveillance tools. Nowadays, most researchers have been working on improving the efficacy of BCG through a prime-boost strategy that involves a first immunization with BCG and a booster with different types of vaccines. A less explored approach by experts has been the development of a new vaccine that only includes some protective antigens of M. bovis that should be absent ot in low representation in TST. On the other hand, because TST precludes implementation of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine–based control programs, several investigations have been carried out to replace the TST with a DIVA test that allows to differentiation infected from vaccinated animals. In this review, most of the studies cited agree that without an effective vaccine and a compatible diagnosis, no program for eradication would be successful against tuberculosis in cattle. Keywords: bovine tuberculosis; bTB; Mycobacterium bovis; diagnosis; tuberculin skin test, TST, bPPD; vaccines, DIVA.

Associative invasions of rabbits in farms of the Poltava region

Rabbit breeding is a very productive branch of animal husbandry that produces meat, hides, and down. Rabbit meat is a very valuable dietary product that is quickly absorbed by the human body and contains iron, many B vitamins, magnesium salts, phosphorus and other minerals, and is also rich in essential amino acids. One of the factors that leads to a decrease in the profitability of the rabbit breeding industry is parasitic diseases. Economic losses from infestations consist of loss of live weight and reduced fatness of rabbit carcasses, as well as deterioration of skin quality. The aim of the work was to investigate the distribution of associative infestations in rabbits in the Poltava region. The conducted research revealed the simplest organisms (Eimeria spp.), cestodes (Cysticercus pisiformis), nematodes (Passalurus ambiguus, Trichostrongylus sp.) and acariformes (Psoroptes cuniculi). The indicators of the extensivity of invasions in rabbits were for eimeriosis – 40.0 %, passalurosis – 29.64 %, cysticercosis pisiformis – 16.43 %, psoroptosis – 13.93 % and trichostrongylosis – 2.86 %. Parasitoses in rabbits was more often in the form of mixinvasions, where the rate of infestation reached 41.07 %. A total of 7 types of mixinvasions were registered, of which 5 are two-component associations of parasites, and 3 are three-component associations of parasites. Two-component mixinvasions were represented by the association of eimeries and passalurises (extensivity of invasion – 17.14 %), eimeries and cysticerces (7.86 %), eimeries and psoropteses (3.57 %), passalurises and cysticerces (6.07 %), passalurises and psoropteses (2.86 %). Three-component mixinvasions were characterized by the associative course of eimeries, passalurises and cysticerces (2.50 %) and eimeries, passalurises and psoropteses (1.07 %). The results of research on the associative course of parasitosis in rabbits indicate the need to use a complex of treatment and prevention measures in rabbit farms, taking into account the composition of parasites and their biological features.

ABOUT NON-TRADITIONAL FEED ADDITIVES INFLUENCE ON SAFETY OF THE YAKUT BREED HORSES LIVE WEIGHT

Horse breeding is one of the rapidly developing branches of animal husbandry in Yakutia. Horses of the Yakut breed are only type of farm animals that are kept year-round in harsh conditions of the sharply continental climate of Yakutia. In winter, animals experience a significant lack of nutrients and minerals. This is due to fact that basic diet consists of natural feed winter pasture and hay. Therefore, the goal was to study the effect of complex feed additives from local natural raw materials on the change in live weight and biochemical composition of the blood of animals. This study used standard animal research methods. The use of non-traditional feed additives in feeding of horses contributed to an increase in the supply of nutrients and minerals to the rations. Improving feeding conditions affected the live weight of horses (live weight loss was 5.75 % и 5.45 %). The change caused by inclusion of non-traditional feed additives in the diets of horses had a positive effect on the morphological and biochemical composition of the blood animals. In horses from the experimental groups, an increase was found in the blood in total protein by 0.50 % and 0.30 %, albumin by 0.36 and 0.20 %, globulin by 0.13 and 0.10 %, hemoglobin by 2.91 and 1.33 %, calcium by 3.56 and 1.29%, phosphorus by 5.71 and 1.90 %. Thus, use of experimental non-traditional feed additives in feeding horses in winter contributes to the best preservation of live weight. This is due to the improvement of mineral and vitamin nutrition in a difficult period of deficiency of macro- and microelements, vitamins in the diets of horses. This improves metabolism, which is reflected in the morphological and biochemical composition of blood of horses.

Impact of parity on carcase and metabolic markers associated with oxidative stress during uterine involution in periparturient goat

This study aimed to verify the impact of parity on tissue mobilisation, metabolic response, oxidative stress and reproductive tract traits during the peripartum period. Nineteen goats with singleton pregnancies were grouped into nine nulliparous (NU) and 10 multiparous (MU). The animals were followed from the fifth week before delivery to the fourth week after delivery. Does, kids and milk production were weighed; the loin muscle depth area, subcutaneous loin, kidney fat thicknesses, size of the uterus and haemodynamics of the uterine artery were measured by ultrasound. Placenta was weighed and the cotyledons were counted and measured. Plasma was assayed for total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamic-oxaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT), glutathione peroxidase and β-hydroxybutyrate. MU showed a greater live weight loss (+8%) and longer period of body mass loss (+12 days). Milk production was higher in MU and their kids were heavier at birth with greater weight gain. No differences in the effect of parity were found for uterine diameter and placental weight, while the NU goats had a larger cotyledonary surface. Additionally, MU goats had higher levels of glucose, GPT, GGT, cholesterol, total protein and glutathione peroxidase. In MU females, there was a greater muscle mass mobilisation throughout the peripartum period and a superior replacement of adipose tissue after delivery (+1.3 mm). Therefore, MU females appear to have better tissue mobilisation and productive performance dynamics, although parity does not affect uterine involution in goats.

Avances recientes en el estudio de factores de estrés prefaenado sobre la calidad de la carne bovina, aviar y porcina

Stress in the pre-slaughter stage is a critical period in the production chain because it causes losses in animal live weight, affects carcass yield and quality, and leads to a loss of animal welfare due to an alteration in the homeostasis of the organism as a result of exposure to stressful situations. This review identifies and describes the stressors that have been reported in the last 5 years as the main causes of meat quality deterioration, including animal handling activities by farm or plant personnel (transport, loading and unloading, in the slaughter plant), environmental conditions (temperature, vibrations), waiting time prior to slaughter and mixing of lots, water and food fasting period, and fatigue states, as well as the biomarkers routinely used for the study of conditions associated with stress. Although research on the subject is abundant, the biochemical mechanisms involved in obtaining certain organoleptic characteristics of meat with respect to stress levels and the individual variations observable in different groups of animals are still not completely clear, and more research is needed on stress biomarkers that allow a more specific, effective and non-invasive identification and measurement.

Dynamics of productivity and indicators of functional homeostasis of lactating cows when supplements based on natural zeolites enriched with a biocomplex of free L-amino acids are introduced into the diet

Purpose: to study the effect of feeding lactating cows with a feed additive enriched with a biocomplex of free L-amino acids of plant origin on the indicators of functional homeostasis, productivity and quality characteristics of milk.Materials and methods. Research and production tests were carried out on the basis of the OS "Streletskaya" branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center of Legumes and Groats". To conduct scientific and production tests, 2 groups of cows of 3-4 lactation were formed, 70 heads each. The groups were formed on the principle of analogous pairs.The cows of the experimental group, starting from the second day after calving, in the morning, once a day, received a granulated feed additive "ZEO-AMINO" (Russia) fraction 0.2-0.7 mm at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the ration daily for the first 100 days lactation. Experimental animals were monitored daily. Clinical examination of animals was carried out with obligatory control of the general condition, thermometry, counting of respiratory movements and rumen contractions, assessment of the udder condition. The productivity of cows was determined according to the results of control milking. Morphological and biochemical blood tests were performed.Results. It was revealed that the daily use of a granular feed additive of fraction 0.2-0.7 mm, starting from the second day after calving, once a day at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the diet during the first 100 days of lactation, contributes to an increase in the average daily milk yield of cows on average by 15.9%; by 7 months lactation, an increase in the average daily milk yield was established by an average of 18.3%. It was found that feeding the supplement to cows after calving due to better absorption of nitrogen in the diet and accumulation of proteins in the animal's body allows partially neutralizing the negative consequences of negative energy balance after calving, and contributes to a more intensive recovery of live weight loss, which is reliably confirmed by indicators of animal productivity. The results of a biochemical blood test suggest that the use of a feed supplement in obtaining milk has a positive effect on the assimilation of the diet, metabolism and assimilation processes in the body, activates a number of vital functions during the normal course of physiological processes and ensuring functional homeostasis, which ultimately determines increasing the milk production of animals. Analysis of the quality indicators of milk allows us to conclude that the mass fraction of fat when feeding the additive increased by an average of 0.12 abs. %; the mass fraction of protein increased by an average of 0.22 abs.%.Conclusion. To increase milk productivity, reduce the negative effects of negative energy balance after calving, and more intensively restore body weight loss, as well as increase the efficiency of using feed proteins and normalize metabolic processes, it is recommended that daily use of the feed granulated dietary supplement "ZEO-AMINO" fraction in the diets of dairy cows 0.2-0.7 mm at the rate of 2% of the dry matter of the diet, starting from the second day after calving, once a day during the first 100 days of lactation.

Experimental determination of comparative sensitivity of eimeria to chemotherapeutic preparations and phytobiotics

The sensitivity of the organism of broiler chickens artificially infested with a mixture of three types of eimeria to anti-eimeria drugs used in the Belgorod region was determined. For the experiment, synthetic coccidiostatics (decoquinate, maduramycin, nicarbazine, robenidin), ionophore antibiotics (lasalocid, monensin, narazine) and a complex phytobiotic “AdiCox AR” were taken. The smallest loss of live body weight of chickens was observed when feeding them in the diet of lasalocid, then decoquinate. Feeding the specialized feed additive “AdiCox AR” ensured the preservation of gains in live weight of chickens by 19.0% less than the most effective ionophore antibiotic lasalocid in our experiments. Then, in descending order, followed: narazine 10%, monensin 20%, nicarbazine 25%, maduramycin 1%, robenidin 6.6%. In connection with the obtained results, we consider it expedient to use lasalocid 15% at a dose of 500 g / t feed, decoquinate 6% at a dose of 500 g / t feed and AdiCox AR at a dose of 300 g / tons of feed. The use of narazine 10%, monensin 20%, nicarbazine 25%, maduramycin 1% should be carried out under constant monitoring of the sensitivity of the pathogen to the listed drugs. We consider the use of robinidin 6.6% inappropriate.

Immediate prepartum supplementation accelerates progesterone decline, boosting passive immunity transfer in tropically adapted beef cattle

Context Poor nutrition of late-pregnant cows is highly prevalent in the dry tropics and associated with high levels of calf mortality. Aims It was hypothesised that supplementation with protein to prepartum cows would restore the normal decline in progesterone prepartum and increase the transfer of passive immunity to calves, with this being further enhanced by inclusion of yeast fermentation products. Methods In total, 84 heifers and 45 cows were selected for a completely randomised block design, with the following three dietary treatments: unsupplemented, receiving ad libitum low-protein hay only; hay supplemented with 1 kg/day of protein; and supplementation with both protein and 14 g/day of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product. Supplementation occurred for an average of 14 days before calving. Cow plasma samples in the week before parturition, and the first plasma sample after parturition, were analysed for progesterone and metabolites. Newborn calves were weighed and blood-sampled three times per week during the first 2 weeks after birth. The first two calf plasma samples were analysed for total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations. Data were analysed using a mixed-effects model and the decline of progesterone concentration over time was modelled using a non-linear segmented model. Key results Prepartum supplementation reduced cow liveweight loss, increased glucose, reduced fat mobilisation metabolites and tended to increase average daily weight gain of calves. Including yeast fermentation products in the supplement tended to increase the transfer of passive immunity to calves. Supplementation decreased plasma progesterone before parturition and including yeast fermentation products further advanced the initiation of progesterone decline. Conclusion Protein supplementation of protein-deficient beef cows during late pregnancy helps restore the normal decrease in progesterone before parturition. Implications This study identified a plausible hormonal mechanism explaining how poor nutrition around birth can increase calf loss, opening new possibilities for short-term diet management strategies to reduce calf mortality and improve calf health.

Diet quality, liveweight change and responses to N supplements by cattle grazing

Experiments during 4 years examined the diets selected, growth, and responses to N supplements by Bos indicus-cross steers grazing summer-rainfall semi-arid C4 Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) rangelands at a site in north-western Queensland, Australia. Paddock groups of steers were not supplemented (T-NIL), or were fed a non-protein N (T-NPN) or a cottonseed meal (T-CSM) supplement. In Experiment 1, young and older steers were measured during the late dry season (LDS) and the rainy season (RS), while steers in Experiments 2–4 were measured through the annual cycle. Because of severe drought the measurements during Experiment 3 annual cycle were limited to T-NIL steers. Pasture availability and species composition were measured twice annually. Diet was measured at 1–2 week intervals using near infrared spectroscopy of faeces (F.NIRS). Annual rainfalls (1 July–30 June) were 42–68% of the long-term average (471 mm), and the seasonal break ranged from 17 December to 3 March. There was wide variation in pasture, diet (crude protein (CP), DM digestibility (DMD), the CP to metabolisable energy (CP/ME) ratio) and steer liveweight change (LWC) within and between annual cycles. High diet quality and steer liveweight (LW) gain during the RS declined progressively through the transition season (TS) and early dry season (EDS), and often the first part of the LDS. Steers commenced losing LW as the LDS progressed. In Experiments 1 and 2 where forbs comprised ≤15 g/kg of the pasture sward, steers selected strongly for forbs so that they comprised 117–236 g/kg of the diet. However, in Experiments 3 and 4 where forbs comprised substantial proportions of the pasture (173–397 g/kg), there were comparable proportions in the diet (300–396 g/kg). With appropriate stocking rates the annual steer LW gains were acceptable (121–220 kg) despite the low rainfall. The N supplements had no effect on steer LW during the TS and the EDS, but usually reduced steer LW loss by 20–30 kg during the LDS. Thus during low rainfall years in Mitchell grass pastures there were substantial LW responses by steers to N supplements towards the end of the dry season when the diet contained c. <58 g CP/kg or c. <7.0 g CP/MJ ME.

Lessons Learned in the Delivery of Live Remote Group Weight Loss and Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults

Social connection lies at the root of lasting health behavior change, and as such most effective interventions are built around social tools. Group leaders and peers provide education, and act as models of successful change and collaborators in addressing common barriers to behavioral adoption and maintenance. Unfortunately, many older adults do not have access to high quality group programs due to factors such as limited transport options, lack of local availability, or worries over personal safety. Importantly, developing effective, synchronous remote group programming is not as simple as delivering an in-person session via teleconference software. Instead, careful consideration must be paid to technology selection, fostering effective group communication, and developing confidence for use of remote intervention tools. This symposium provides key lessons learned from three group-based activity and weight loss interventions for older adults that focused on live, remote interaction. Jason Fanning will share lessons from the MORPH study, which paired remote group-mediated behavioral counseling with dietary weight loss and the accumulation of aerobic activity across the day. Christina Hugenschmidt will share her experiences adapting a group program involving improvisational dance or social gaming for remote delivery. Kushang Patel will present results from a mixed-methods study on the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely-delivered exercise program for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Finally, Barbara Nicklas will place these experiences in the context of the development of exercise interventions for older adults over time, and highlighting vital next steps for ensuring more older adults have access to this important behavioral medicine.

Effect of Transport Crate Position on Welfare of Laying Hens and Oxidative stress

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of crating position of laying hens during transport on live weight loss, mortality rate, plasma biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters under commercial transport conditions in Afyonkarahisar. A commercial multi-decked and fixed-crate-type poultry transport trailer was used for bird transportation. The hens were transported in 9 selected loading positions on the trailer's front, center, rear sections, and top, middle, and bottom rows. Both pre-transport and post-transport hens were weighed individually, and blood samples were taken. Live weight loss, mortality rate, glucose, MDA, AOA, and cortisol concentrations increased, triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations decreased in the hens transported between farm and slaughterhouse. The hens loaded in the bottom row and rear section were most adversely affected by transportation and, the welfare loss of these hens was dramatic. It has been observed that the microclimate conditions of the transport crates in the bottom row are more unfavorable than those in the other positions. The results showed that transport crates positioned in the bottom row and rear section of the trailer were more stressful for laying hens. In conclusion, the potential stress profile of the position of the animal crates during transport can contribute to the strategic solutions to be developed to reduce the welfare losses of laying hens.

Study of the influence of organomineral supplement feeds on the natural resource indicators of the live weight of horses in the Far North of Yakutia

The paper considers with the possibility of applying organic mineral supplement feeds from local natural raw materials in feeding Yang-type horses during the period of maximum loss of live weight in winter. In accordance with the research effort, horses from the control group that were feeding without supplement feeds, and animals from the experimental groups that were feeding organic mineral supplement feeds. During experiments, the live weight was evaluated. The biochemical structure of the blood of the experimental horses was studied. The study of the food ration of horses showed that they have a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins. Therefore, the application of organic mineral supplement feeds from local natural raw materials is justified from a practical point of view. Feeding animals from the experimental groups with supplement feeds made it possible to preserve their live weight in comparison to the control group by 0.81% and 0.5%. The improvement in horse feeding was accompanied by the normalization of the biochemical structure of blood. Thus, horses from experimental groups II and III had higher indicators of total protein by 0.43% and 0.13%, albumin by 0.17% and 0.1%, globulin by 0.26% and 0.03%, hemoglobin by 4.51% and 1.75%, as well as mineral composition (calcium was higher by 6.85% and 2.74%, phosphorus was higher by 7.62% and 2.86%). Thus, the efficiency of feeding horses with organic mineral supplement feeds in winter has been experimentally proved, which ensures maximum preservation of live weight in the Far North of Yakutia.