Milk Replacer Diet Research Articles

Effect of supplemental milk replacer and liquid starter diet for 4 and 11 days postweaning on intestinal parameters of weaned piglets and growth to slaughter

Reduced piglet feed intake immediately postweaning (pw) leads to disruption of small intestine structure and function and reduced growth. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of providing supplemental milk or liquid starter diet for either 4 or 11 days pw, on intestinal parameters of newly weaned piglets and growth to slaughter. At weaning (28 ± 0.6 days old), five hundred and eighty−seven piglets ((Large White × Landrace) × Duroc) were divided into 59 pen groups, each containing 9–10 same sex (entire male or female) piglets. The pen groups were blocked by sex and weaning weight and provided with ad-libitum access to one of five dietary treatments: (1) Dry pelleted starter diet (control; CON); (2) CON+liquid milk replacer for 4 days pw (M4); (3) CON+liquid milk replacer for 11 days pw (M11); (4) CON+liquid starter diet for 4 days pw (S4) and (5) CON+liquid starter diet for 11 days pw (S11). Pen groups were weighed at weaning, days 11, 20, 28, and 47 pw and at target sale weight. Feed disappearance (on a DM basis) was recorded on each weighing day. On day 7 pw, 10 piglets per treatment were euthanised to collect small intestine tissue samples for determination of villus height (VH), crypt depth and brush-border membrane enzyme activity. Data were analysed using SAS-version 9.4. Between days 0 and 11 pw, M11 increased average daily feed intake by 48% and average daily gain (ADG) by 57% compared to CON (P < 0.05), and increased ADG by 54% (P < 0.05) compared to S4. Piglets on M11 also had improved feed conversion efficiency compared with CON piglets between days 0 and 11 pw. Treatment did not affect growth performance after day 28 pw, or carcass parameters at slaughter. At day 7 pw, M11 piglets had 37% higher jejunal VH than CON piglets (P < 0.05) and S11 piglets had 28% higher ileal VH than S4 piglets (P < 0.05). M11 piglets had up to 150% higher ileal sucrase activity than M4, S4 and S11 piglets (P < 0.05) and 180% higher ileal maltase activity than S4 piglets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, M11 reduced the immediate negative effects of weaning, as it was associated with increased feed intake, growth, brush-border membrane enzyme activity and improved intestinal structure early pw. However, there were no carryover effects of any of the liquid supplements on growth or feed efficiency or carcass weight at slaughter.

Relative merits of offering a milk replacer, glucose-electrolyte or whey-based diet on the blood composition and health of unweaned calves after transport

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the relative merits of offering unweaned calves 3 different types of diets to meet energy and water deficits that can occur during journeys. Six young unweaned male Holstein calves were randomly selected from within 2 body weight ranges (median 48 and 42 kg) from each of 29 loads (total n = 174 calves) transported from an auction market or a collection center to a calf sorting center before transport to a veal unit. The calves were then randomly allocated to one of 3 dietary treatments (n = 58 calves/dietary treatment). They were offered either a milk replacer diet (M), a glucose-electrolyte diet (G) or a whey-based diet with added electrolytes (W). The ability of these diets to provide sufficient nutrient energy to restore vigor, avoid hypoglycaemia and clinical signs of dehydration without increasing the risk of diarrhea was assessed. A clinical assessment of dehydration, health and vigor was made, and the calves were blood sampled before feeding, then 2 h and 4 h after feeding. The plasma glucose concentration was increased 2 h and 4 h after feeding the M and W diets. The increases in plasma glucose concentration were greater 2 and 4 h after (a) feeding the M than after the W diet and (b) feeding the M and W diets than after the G diet. Back-transformed means and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for the ratio of the plasma glucose concentration at 4 h compared with 0 h for the milk replacer, glucose-electrolytes and whey-based diets were 1.2 mM CI 1.21, 1.35; 0.95 mM CI 0.92, 0.97; and 1.09 mM CI 1.06, 1.14, respectively. There was no effect of diet on the change in serum total protein concentration between before feeding and 2 and 4 h after feeding. The serum osmolality was lower 2 h after feeding the G diet. The fall in serum osmolality was greater 2 h after feeding the G diet than after feeding the M and W diets. The changes in the serum osmolality between before feeding and 2 h after feeding for the milk replacer, glucose-electrolytes and whey-based diets were -0.68 mosmol CI -3.27, 1.91; -5.23 mosmol CI -7.82, and -2.64; -0.13 mosmol CI -2.77, 2.51, respectively. The diet offered at the sorting center had no effect on subsequent growth on the veal rearing farm between arrival and slaughter (milk replacer 1.22 kg/d, CI 1.17, 1.28; glucose-electrolyte diet 1.23 kg/d. CI 1.18, 1.28; whey-based diet 1.28 kg/d CI 1.23, 1.33). The M diet provided the calves with nutrients and water to replace energy and water deficits that had accumulated before arrival at the sorting center, and these dietary benefits were still apparent 4 h after feeding. The benefits of the W diet were similar to those of the M diet, but the M diet was better able to assist the calves in maintaining their plasma glucose concentration 4 h after feeding than the W diet. The G diet had some short-term benefits in providing energy and assistance to the calves to recover from dehydration, as indicated by a decrease in serum osmolality. However, the G diet was clearly inferior to the M and W diets in providing sufficient energy to assist the calves in recovering from the effects of transport and fasting. During the 4-h after feeding, no adverse effects of offering the calves the M or W diets were observed. The benefits of the W diet in replacing energy and water deficits were similar to those of the M diet, but the M diet was better able to assist the calves in maintaining their blood glucose concentration 4 h after feeding than the W diet.

Growth and body composition of dairy calves fed only milk replacer at 3 intakes

Determination of energy requirements for growth depends on measuring the composition of body weight (BW) gain. Previous studies have shown that the composition of gain can be altered in young dairy calves by composition of the milk replacer diet. Here, our objective was to determine body composition and the composition of empty body gain in young calves fed increasing amounts of a milk replacer containing adequate CP. Male Holstein calves underwent an adjustment period of 14 d after birth in which they were fed whole waste milk at 10% of BW. Calves were then stratified by BW and randomly assigned to either an initial harvest group (n = 11) or to groups fed 1 of 3 milk replacer amounts and harvested after 35 d of growth. All treatments consumed the same milk replacer containing 24.8% CP (dry matter [DM] basis; from all milk proteins) and 18.9% fat, reconstituted to 12.5% solids. Treatments were milk replacer fed at 1.25% of BW (DM basis; n = 6), 1.75% of BW (n = 6), or 2.25% of BW (n = 8), adjusted weekly as calves grew. Calves fed at 1.25% or 1.75% of BW were fed twice daily and those fed 2.25% of BW were fed 3 times daily. No starter was offered. Post harvest, the bodies of calves were separated into 4 fractions: carcass; total viscera minus digesta; head, hide, feet, and tail; and blood. The sum of those 4 fractions was empty BW, which increased linearly as amount of milk replacer increased. Final heart girth and body length, but not withers height, increased linearly as intake increased. Gain:feed increased linearly with increasing milk replacer. Feeding more milk replacer increased the amounts of lean tissue and fat in the body. The percentages of water and protein in the final body decreased linearly, whereas fat percentage and energy content increased linearly as intake increased. As gain increased, the percentage of protein in gain decreased and the percentage of fat increased, resulting in an increase of energy content of EBW gain. Efficiency of energy use (retained energy:gross energy intake) increased linearly but retained energy:metabolizable energy available for growth was not different among treatments. Efficiency of protein use increased quadratically as feeding rate increased; there was no further increase at 2.25% of BW. Plasma insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin, and glucose increased linearly, whereas urea-N decreased linearly, as milk replacer intake increased. Our data document changes in body composition that affect estimates of retained energy in the bodies of calves harvested at a common age. These data are important for calculations of energy requirements for young calves.

Effect of creep feeding pelleted starter diet, liquid milk replacer and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of creep-feeding solid starter diet, liquid milk replacer, and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage up to target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). Ninety-one sows and their litters were randomly assigned to one of four post-farrowing treatments at day 107 of gestation; (1) no creep feed provided to weaning at day 28 of age (CONTROL; n = 20), (2) dry pelleted starter diet provided as creep feed from day 10 of age to weaning (DPS; n = 25), (3) liquid milk replacer provided as creep feed from day 3 of age to weaning (LMR; n = 23), and (4) liquid milk replacer provided from days 3 to 6 of age followed by a mixture of liquid milk replacer with an increasing proportion of liquid starter diet to weaning provided as creep feed (LMR + S; n = 23). Pig weight and dry matter disappearance (DMd) were recorded during lactation and postweaning until pigs reached target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). At target slaughter weight, carcass weight and quality were recorded. Medication (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory) usage per pig on a litter basis, and number of injections and clinical cases of disease per litter were recorded from birth to slaughter. At day 5 postweaning, a subset of pigs (n = 40) were sacrificed and intestinal samples were collected for histological analysis. Piglets supplemented with DPS had higher DMd of creep feed than those supplemented with LMR or LMR + S (P < 0.001). Providing LMR + S to suckling piglets reduced the coefficient of variation (CV) for within-litter piglet weaning weight (P < 0.01) compared to DPS and LMR, buttheCV of LMR + S was similar to that of CONTROL. Providing DPS or LMR to suckling piglets increased piglet weaning weight compared to CONTROL (P < 0.001) but pig weight was not significantly different from CONTROL at time points thereafter. Gain to feed ratio from weaning to day 6 postweaning was less for LMR pigs compared to all other treatments (P < 0.001). Providing DPS or LMR + S to suckling piglets tended to increase postweaning ileal villus height (P = 0.07). Diarrhea incidence, as well as the number of clinical cases of disease and injections per litter and volume of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory administered per pig pre- and postweaning, were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing suckling pigs with liquid milk replacer or dry pelleted starter diet improved growth at weaning, but the benefit did not persist to slaughter.

Subcutaneous lysophosphatidylcholine administration promotes a febrile and immune response in Holstein heifer calves

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is immunomodulatory in nonruminants; however, the actions of LPC on immunity in cattle are undefined. Our objective was to study the effects of LPC administration on measures of immunity, liver health, and growth in calves. Healthy Holstein heifer calves (n = 46; age 7 ± 3 d) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (n = 10 to 11 calves/treatment): a milk replacer diet unsupplemented with lecithin in the absence (CON) or presence of subcutaneously (s.c.) administered mixed (mLPC; 69% LPC-16:0, 25% LPC-18:0, 6% other) or pure LPC (pLPC; 99% LPC-18:0), or a milk replacer diet supplemented with 3% lecithin enriched in lysophospholipids containing LPC in the absence of s.c.-administered LPC (LYSO) for 5 wk. Calves received 5 s.c. injections of vehicle (10 mL of phosphate-buffered saline containing 20 mg of bovine serum albumin/mL; CON and LYSO) or vehicle containing mLPC or pLPC to provide 10 mg of total LPC per kilogram of BW per injection every 12 h during wk 2 of life. Calves were fed a milk replacer containing 27% crude protein and 24% fat at 1.75% of BW per day (dry matter basis) until wk 6 of life (start of weaning). Starter grain and water were provided ad libitum. Body measurements were recorded weekly, and clinical observations were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected weekly before morning feeding and at 0, 5, and 10 h, relative to the final s.c. injection of vehicle or LPC. Data were analyzed using a mixed model, with repeated measures including fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction. Dunnett's test was used to compare treatments to CON. Peak rectal temperatures were higher in mLPC or pLPC, relative to CON. Plasma LPC concentrations were greater in mLPC and LYSO calves 5 h and 10 h after the final injection, relative to CON. Calves receiving mLPC and pLPC also had higher circulating serum amyloid A concentrations, relative to CON. Calves receiving mLPC had greater serum aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase concentrations, relative to CON. Calves provided mLPC experienced lower average daily gain (ADG) after weaning, relative to CON. The LYSO treatment did not modify rectal temperatures, ADG, or measures of liver health, relative to CON. We conclude that LPC administered as s.c. injections induced an acute febrile response, modified measures of liver and immune function, and impaired growth in calves.

238 Leucine Supplementation Enhances Protein Synthesis in Lean Tissue Through a Sestrin2-GATOR2 and Raga-mTORC1 Signaling Pathway in a Preterm Piglet Model

Abstract Extrauterine growth restriction is common in preterm infants and is associated with reduced lean growth and long-term morbidities. We previously showed that leucine (Leu) acts as a nutrient signal to stimulate protein synthesis, and that in neonatal pigs born at term intermittent parenteral Leu pulses during continuous feeding increases skeletal muscle mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of the hypothesis that leu pulsing during continuous feeding enhances mTORC1 signaling via a Sestrin-mediated pathway to increase protein synthesis in lean tissue in the preterm piglet. Pigs delivered by cesarean section at 105 d gestation were continuously fed a protein and energy balanced milk-replacer diet [195 kcal ME and 13.5 g protein (kg body weight; BW)-1·d-1)]. Pigs (n = 11-12) were randomly assigned to Leu (LEU) or Alanine (ALA, isonitrogenous control) groups and treatments were administered as a pulse (1.6 mmol·kg BW-1·h-1) for 1 h every 4 h for 21 d. Indices of amino acid signaling and mTORC1 activation were determined postprandially, 60 min after initiation of the last pulse on day 24. Final body weight was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and longissimus muscle weight was heavier in LEU than ALA pigs (P = 0.01). Upstream of mTORC1 activation, the abundance of the Sestrin2-GATOR2 complex was less and the RagA-mTORC1 complex was greater in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared with ALA pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Downstream of mTORC1, the phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4EBP1 and abundance of the eIF4E-eIF4G complex were greater in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared with ALA pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Fractional rates of protein synthesis in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle were greater in LEU compared with ALA pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). These results show that leucine supplementation enhances mTORC1-activated translation initiation in skeletal muscle of the preterm piglet via a Leu-sensing pathway mediated bySestrin2 and the Rag proteins. This leucine-mediated cascade promotes skeletal muscle and body weight gain by increasing muscle protein synthesis.

Fatty Acid Profiles and Nutritional Indices/Ratios of Colostrum and Transient Milk from Landrace, Large White, and Landrace × Large White Crossbred Sows

Fatty acid (FA) profiles are needed to assess the nutritional quality of sow colostrum and transient milk that may be used in developing milk replacer diets for piglets and their possible use as a functional food or nutraceutical. This study analyzed the FA profiles and compared the FA-based nutritional indices/ratios of colostrum and transient milk from Landrace, Large White, and Landrace × Large White crossbred sows in a swine nucleus breeding farm in the Philippines. Colostrum and transient milk samples were collected by hand within 24 h after parturition and 36–72 h after farrowing, respectively; immediately frozen at –20 °C until analyzed for FA composition by gas chromatography. Among the major FAs with the highest proportions, palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid LA (C18:2 n-6) were higher in colostrum (20.7% and 25.0%, respectively) than in transient milk (18.7% and 18.8%, respectively). Oleic acid (C18:1 n9c) was higher in transient milk (34.9%) than in colostrum (32.2%). The polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) to saturated FA (SFA) ratio was higher in sow colostrum (0.81:1) than transient milk (0.65:1). However, transient milk had better linoleic acid to α-linolenic acid C18:3 n-3 (LA/ALA) ratio, more balanced omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6/n-3) ratio, slightly lower atherogenicity index (IA= 0.43 vs 0.46) and thrombogenicity index (IT= 0.81 vs 0.85), higher health-promoting index (HPI= 2.33 vs 2.16), and higher hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H= 2.66:1 vs 2.55:1) than colostrum. Both colostrum and transient milk from Large White sows had lower IA and IT values and higher PUFA/SFA ratio, HPI, and h/H ratio compared to Landrace sows. Crossbred sows had colostrum and transient milk with lower average IT than purebred sows. The PUFA/SFA ratio, HPI, and h/H ratio in colostrum were also higher for crossbred sows than for purebred sows. In conclusion, colostrum from crossbred sows may be used in the preparation of milk replacer formulations for piglets, while transient milk, especially from Large White sows, may be considered in the development of sow milk - based supplements in the human diet.

Effect of baicalin supplementation on the growth, health, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, and immune function of preweaned calves

Baicalin is a bioactive flavonoid compound derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of baicalin supplementation on growth, health, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in preweaned calves. Forty-five bull calves were randomly assigned to 3 treatments of milk replacer diet supplemented with baicalin at 0 (CON), 10 (B10), and 20 mg/kg (B20) of body weight (BW) per day, respectively. The calves remained in the trial from 7 to 56 d of age. The baicalin supplementation trended to quadratically increase the average daily gain, with the greatest values in B10 group, and trended to linearly decreased the feed-to-gain ratio. The calves in the CON group had a greater chance of diarrhea and medication for diarrhea than the calves in baicalin supplementation groups. The baicalin supplementation quadratically increased concentrations of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, interleukin-10, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and immunoglobulin G in the serum, and quadratically decreased concentrations of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8, with the greater values fed 10 mg/kg of baicalin for calves. The results of this study indicated that baicalin supplementation improved the growth performance and health for preweaned calves. The baicalin supplementation at 10 mg/kg BW per day improved the blood antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune functions, while reduced severity and occurrence of diarrhea in preweaning period of calves.

255 Leucine Supplementation During Continuous Feeding Enhances Lean Growth in a Preterm Piglet Model

Abstract Extrauterine growth restriction is a common complication of preterm birth and is associated with reduced lean growth and long-term morbidities. We previously showed that intermittent pulses of leucine during continuous orogastric feeding increases mTORC1 signaling to protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs born at term. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which leucine pulses during continuous feeding would promote lean growth by enhancing mTORC1 signaling in a preterm piglet model. Pigs delivered by cesarean section at 105 d gestation were continuously fed a protein and energy balanced milk-replacer diet [195 kcal ME and 13.5 g protein (kg body weight; BW)-1·d-1)]. Pigs (n=11-12) were randomly assigned to Leucine (LEU) or Alanine (ALA, isonitrogenous control) groups and treatments were administered as a pulse (1.6 mmol·kg BW-1·h-1) for 1 h every 4 h for 21 d. Body composition was determined by DXA and indices of amino acid signaling and mTORC1 activation were determined postprandially, 60 min after initiation of the last pulse. LEU pigs had a 10% greater average daily gain (ADG) (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than ALA pigs. Total lean mass tended to be greater (+13%; P &amp;lt; 0.06) in LEU compared with ALA, and longissimus dorsi muscle weight was 17% heavier in LEU than ALA pigs (P=0.01). Indices of mTORC1 activation, i.e., phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4EBP1 and abundance of the eIF4E-eIF4G complex, were increased in longissimus dorsi and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared with ALA pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). These results show that leucine supplementation during continuous feeding enhances mTORC1-activated translation initiation in skeletal muscle leading to an increase in muscle mass and lean growth in a preterm piglet model. Research was supported by NIH and USDA.

Disease surveillance in England and Wales, June 2022.

Disease surveillance in England and Wales, June 2022.

Leucine Administration in Conjunction With Continuous Feeding Improves Lean Growth in a Preterm Piglet Model

ObjectivesPrevious work in our lab showed that continuous feeding blunts muscle protein synthesis compared to intermittent bolus feeding in neonatal pigs born at term (a highly translatable model for the human neonate). However, continuous feeding is still indicated in some infants due to feeding intolerance. Our lab has demonstrated that leucine acts as a nutrient signal to stimulate protein synthesis and that intermittent parenteral leucine (Leu) pulses during continuous orogastric feeding increases skeletal muscle mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis in neonatal pigs born at term. We hypothesized that leucine pulsing during continuous feeding enhances mTORC1 signaling to protein synthesis and lean growth in a preterm piglet model.MethodsPigs delivered by cesarean section at 105 d gestation were gradually transitioned over 7 d from parenteral to enteral feeding, via an orogastric tube, and continuously fed a protein and energy balanced milk-replacer diet (ME = 195 kcal/kg/d; Protein = 13.5 g/kg/d) for the remainder of the study (17 d). Pigs were randomly assigned to either: 1) Leu (LEU; 1.6 mmol/kg bodyweight/4 h; n = 4) or Alanine (ALA; 1.6 mmol Ala/kg bodyweight/4 h; isonitrogenous control; n = 4) groups. The assigned amino acid solution was administered i.v.as a “pulse” for 1 h, every 4 h from day 3 to day 24 of study. Body composition was determined via dual x-ray absorptiometry on day 22 and indices of amino acid signaling and mTORC1 activation were determined postprandially, 60 min after initiation of the last pulse on day 24.ResultsLEU pigs had a higher average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and 13% higher final body weight than ALA pigs (P < 0.05). Total lean mass tended to be higher (+13%; P < 0.06) in LEU compared to ALA, while body fat percentage remained statistically unchanged. Longissimus dorsi muscle weight was 17% heavier in LEU than ALA pigs (P = 0.01). Indices of mTORC1 activation, i.e., phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4EBP1 and abundance of the eIF4E-eIF4G complex, were increased in longissimus dorsi and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared to ALA pigs.ConclusionsThese results show that leucine supplementation during continuous feeding enhances mTORC1-activated translation initiation in skeletal muscle and was associated with an increase in lean growth and weight gain in a preterm piglet model.Funding SourcesUSDA NIH.

Comparison of Growth Performance, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Liver Transcriptome of Calves between Whole Milk and Plant Protein-Based Milk Replacer under the Same Energy and Protein Levels.

High-cost milk proteins necessitate cheaper, effective milk replacer alternatives, such as plant proteins. To examine plant protein-based milk replacer’s impact on growth performance, serum immune and antioxidant indicators, and liver transcriptome profiles in suckling calves. We assigned 28 newborn Holstein calves (41.60 ± 3.67 kg of body weight at birth) to milk (M) or milk replacer (MR) and starter diets pre-weaning (0–70 d of age) but with the same starter diet post-weaning (71–98 d of age). During the pre-weaning period, compared with the M group, MR group had significantly lower body weight, withers height, heart girth, average daily gain, feed efficiency, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) M concentration, superoxide dismutase concentration, and total antioxidant capacity; whereas they had significantly higher serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration. During the post-weaning period, MR group presented significantly higher average daily gain, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malonaldehyde concentrations; whereas they had significantly lower serum IgA and IgM concentrations than the M group. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1, 120 and 293 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; MR vs. M group) in the calves from pre- and post-weaning periods, respectively. The DEGs related to xenobiotic and lipid metabolism and those related to energy metabolism, immune function, and mineral metabolism were up- and downregulated, respectively, during the pre-weaning period; during the post-weaning period, the DEGs related to osteoclast differentiation and metabolic pathways showed difference. In this study, compared with M group, MR group had the same growth performance during the overall experimental period; however, MR affected the hepatic metabolism, immune, and antioxidant function of calves. These observations can facilitate future studies on milk replacers.

Supplement Based on Fermented Milk Permeate for Feeding Newborn Calves: Influence on Blood, Growth Performance, and Faecal Parameters, including Microbiota, Volatile Compounds, and Fatty and Organic Acid Profiles.

Simple SummaryGastrointestinal infections and diarrhoea are the main health issues in young calves. The application of microbial products containing probiotics and prebiotics may lead to better management of the gut microbiome and improved calf health. After fermentation with selected lactic acid bacterial strains, milk permeate (a dairy industry by-product) contains lactic acid bacteria and prebiotics, both of which possess viable antimicrobial properties. We hypothesised that fermented milk permeate could be a prospective feed supplement for newborn calves. A 14-day experiment was conducted in which a group of newborn calves were given a supplement of milk permeate fermented with Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245. A significantly higher count of lactic acid bacteria, a lower total count of enterobacteria, a higher species variety, and greater concentrations of both propionic acid and dry matter were found in the faeces of the calves fed with fermented milk permeate compared with a control group. Most of the fatty acids and volatile compounds in the faeces differed significantly between the two groups. The results suggest that supplementing the calves’ feed with fermented milk permeate has a positive effect on certain health parameters but no influence on blood parameters and growth performance.The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a feed supplement, namely milk permeate (MP) fermented with Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245, on the newborn calves’ growth performance and blood and faecal parameters, including microbiota and volatile compound and fatty acid profiles. Ten female Holstein calves in the control group (CON group) were fed with a standard milk replacer diet and colostrum only, from day 2 to 14 of life, while 10 calves of the treated group (MP group) were fed with the same diet supplemented with 50 mL of the fermented MP. After 14 days, there were no significant differences between the groups in blood parameters, growth performance, or faecal pH. There was a significantly higher percentage of live lactic acid bacteria (by 17.02%), a lower percentage of enterobacteria (by 10.38%), a higher overall number of probiotic bacteria, a 1.7-fold higher species variety, and a higher content of dry matter in the faeces of the MP group (p < 0.05). The fatty acid and volatile compound profiles differed significantly between the groups. The results suggest that supplementing calves’ feed with fermented milk permeate has a positive effect on certain health parameters but not on blood parameters or growth performance.

Effects of lipid and starch supplementation as water intake mitigation techniques on performance and efficiency of nursing Holstein calves.

Exploring alternative supplementation sources capable of maximizing feed and water efficiency in nursing Holstein calves is often ignored. The goals herein involve investigating the effects of two isoenergetic supplements on a nonmedicated milk replacer diet on total water intake, milk water intake, fresh water intake, feed intake parameters, and performance of Holstein nursing bull calves. Twenty-three animals (body weight [BW] = 94.67 ± 12.07 kg, age = 67 days old) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments for 68 days: control (CON; ad libitum milk replacer, n = 7), carbohydrate supplement (CHO; corn starch on top of ad libitum milk replacer-based diet, n = 8), or lipid supplement (FAT; menhaden fish oil on top of ad libitum milk replacer-based diet, n = 8). The isoenergetic supplementation consisted of 3% menhaden fish oil addition on DM basis for FAT. This was matched energetically with corn starch for the CHO group resulting in a 7% composition in DM basis. All animals were provided free access to mineral mix and 120 g daily dried microbrewer’s spent grains (BG). Data were analyzed with the GLMMIX procedure of SAS in a completely randomized design with the diets as a fixed effect. Dry matter intake (DMI) adjusted by average daily gain (ADG; DMI/ADG) resulted in significantly lower values for supplemented groups with CON = 2.48, CHO = 2.38, and FAT = 2.27 kg/kg (ADG) (P = 0.033). Energy intake values were lower for CON when analyzing metabolizable energy intake (P < 0.0001), net energy intake for maintenance (P < 0.0001), and net energy intake for gain (P < 0.0001), followed by CHO, and then FAT. Total water intake (P < 0.0001), milk water intake (P < 0.0001), and fresh water intake (P < 0.0001) all resulted in CHO consuming 0.5 L or less water than the other two treatments. Energy requirements as digestible energy (P < 0.0001), metabolizable energy (P < 0.0001), net energy for maintenance (P < 0.0001), and net energy for gain (P < 0.0001) were lower for CHO, followed by CON, and then FAT having the highest requirements. Similar results were observed for residual feed (RFI; P = 0.006) and residual water intakes (RTWI; P = 0.902). Ultimately, no performance differences were detected with regards to BW (CON = 146.71, CHO = 146.25, and FAT = 150.48 kg; P > 0.1). These results indicate that lipid-based and starch-based supplementation can potentially increase feed efficiency and decrease voluntary water intake without adversely affecting performance.

Measurement of transfer of colostral passive immunity in dairy calves

Measurement of transfer of colostral passive immunity in dairy calves

PSVI-10 Effects of lipid and starch supplementation on total water intake of Holstein bull-calves

Abstract Water intake of dairy calves is often overlooked by most nutrition models which can be associated with the misconception that dairy calves meet their water requirements with milk or milk replacer (MR) alone. The goals herein were to investigate the effect of two isoenergetic supplements fed in a MR diet on total water intake (TWI) and fresh water intake (FWI). Twenty-three Holstein bull-calves (94.67 ± 12.07 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and received one of three supplements for 68 days: control (CON; n = 7), carbohydrates (CHO; n = 8), and lipid (FAT; n = 8); on top of a MR-based diet. The CON was composed of ad libitum MR alone. The FAT was composed of a supplementation of menhaden fish oil on CON (3%); and CHO was composed of corn starch supplementation on CON. All animals were provided free access to mineral mix, 200 g daily dried brewer’s spent grains, and clean water. Data were analyzed with orthogonal contrasts for pre-specified treatment comparisons using R statistical software [R Core Team (2019)]. No significant differences were observed for MR intake, 3.13, 3.05, and 3.14 kg, final bodyweight, 208.75, 200.94, 202.64 kg, and average daily gain, 1.74, 1.60, 1.64 kg, for FAT, CHO, and CON, respectively. TWI in a metabolic bodyweight (MBW) basis was different (P &amp;lt; 0.05) amongst treatments; lower TWI intake was seen for FAT than CHO than CON (0.363 and 0.388 vs 0.423 L/kg0.75, respectively). TWI without MBW resulted in similar results (P &amp;lt; .05) with average TWI of 15.69, 16.08, and 18.00 L; FWI differences (P &amp;lt; .05) were seen alone 1.51, 2.59, and 3.77 L, as well as in MBW basis 0.033, 0.060, and 0.088 L/kg.75 for FAT, CHO, and CON. These data could potentially show that metabolic water production in early ruminant animals can significantly decrease water intake.

Pre-weaning adaptation responses in piglets fed milk replacer with gradually increasing amounts of wheat.

Hyperprolific sows rear more piglets than they have teats, and to accommodate this, milk replacers are often offered as a supplement. Milk replacers are based on bovine milk, yet components of vegetable origin are often added. This may reduce growth, but could also accelerate maturational changes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of feeding piglets a milk replacer with gradually increasing levels of wheat flour on growth, gut enzyme activity and immune function compared with a diet based entirely on bovine milk. The hypothesis tested was that adding a starch component (wheat flour) induces maturation of the mucosa as measured by higher digestive activity and improved integrity and immunity of the small intestines (SI). To test this hypothesis, piglets were removed from the sow at day 3 and fed either a pure milk replacer diet (MILK) or from day 11 a milk replacer diet with increasing levels of wheat (WHEAT). The WHEAT piglets had an increased enzyme activity of maltase and sucrase in the proximal part of the SI compared with the MILK group. There were no differences in gut morphology, histopathology and gene expression between the groups. In conclusion, the pigs given a milk replacer with added wheat displayed immunological and gut mucosal enzyme maturational changes, indicatory of adaptation towards a vegetable-based diet. This was not associated with any clinical complications, and future studies are needed to show whether this could improve responses in the subsequent weaning process.

Separate and Synergic Effects of Lactobacillus uvarum LUHSS245 and Arabinogalactan on the In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties as Well as on the Fecal and Metabolic Profile of Newborn Calves.

Simple SummaryDiarrhea is common problem for young calves. It causes economic losses to cattle producers because for a newborn calf, diarrhea can be fatal. For this reason, calf diarrhea is an expensive disorder, often requiring prolonged medical treatment. Furthermore, treatment often requires use of drugs and antibiotics, increasing public concerns of excessive usage of drugs in dairy farming, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, prevention remains the best option, and the preventative strategies against newborn diarrhea aim to increase the immunity and the gut health status early after birth. One common prophylactic strategy against diarrhea is the use health-enhancing supplements in the feed. Our hypothesis is that a combination of different origins and mechanisms of action (lactic acid bacteria as an antimicrobial agent and arabibogalactan as a prebiotic for good microbiota stabilization), can lead to improvement in newborn calves’ health parameters. In this study, the lactic acid bacteria strain, LUHS245, effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria, as well being non-resistant to all the tested antibiotics. LUHS245, arabinogalactan, and its combination used for newborn calf feeding showed a desirable positive effect on newborn calf health parameters and it can be recommended in dairy farms for diarrhea prophylaxis.In this study, arabinogalactan (ARB) and Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245 antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17-331, Acinetobacter baumanni 17-380, Proteus mirabilis, MRSA M87fox, Enterococcus faecalis 86, Enterococcus faecium 103, Bacillus cereus 18 01, and Streptococcus mutans) and resistance to antibiotics were evaluated and the role of their supplementation on the main metabolic and fecal variables of newborn calves was established. The animal trial involved 48 Holstein female calves randomly allocated in four homogeneous groups of 12 animals each, on the basis of body weight in the second day of life. Calves were fed with a standard milk replacer diet from the second day of life until 14th day, either unsupplemented or supplemented with 50 mL of LUHS245 (≥7.5 log10 CFU mL−1), 30 g of ARB, or with both (50 mL of LUHS245 and 30 g ARB). In vitro data showed that the LUHS245 inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica and Bacillus cereus (inhibition zones 13.0 and 21.3 mm, respectively). Supplementation of LUHS245 and ARB either alone or together, lowered total bacterial count in the feces and reduced lactate and serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations in blood. This study showed that LUHS245 supplementation alone or together with ARB seemed to have some positive influence on certain health parameters in newborn calves. Further research with larger cohorts of animals is warranted to validate the beneficial effects of the tested supplements.

Effects of Dietary Anaplerotic and Ketogenic Energy Sources on Renal Fatty Acid Oxidation Induced by Clofibrate in Suckling Neonatal Pigs.

Maintaining an active fatty acid metabolism is important for renal growth, development, and health. We evaluated the effects of anaplerotic and ketogenic energy sources on fatty acid oxidation during stimulation with clofibrate, a pharmacologic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist. Suckling newborn pigs (n = 72) were assigned into 8 dietary treatments following a 2 × 4 factorial design: ± clofibrate (0.35%) and diets containing 5% of either (1) glycerol-succinate (GlySuc), (2) tri-valerate (TriC5), (3) tri-hexanoate (TriC6), or (4) tri-2-methylpentanoate (Tri2MPA). Pigs were housed individually and fed the iso-caloric milk replacer diets for 5 d. Renal fatty acid oxidation was measured in vitro in fresh tissue homogenates using [1-14C]-labeled palmitic acid. The oxidation was 30% greater in pig received clofibrate and 25% greater (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the TriC6 diet compared to those fed diets with GlySuc, TriC5, and Tri2MPA. Addition of carnitine also stimulated the oxidation by twofold (p < 0.05). The effects of TriC6 and carnitine on palmitic acid oxidation were not altered by clofibrate stimulation. However, renal fatty acid composition was altered by clofibrate and Tri2MPA. In conclusion, modification of anaplerosis or ketogenesis via dietary substrates had no influence on in vitro renal palmitic acid oxidation induced by PPARα activation.

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

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