Open Pail Research Articles

Acute hemorrhage and death in calves following chlorophacinone exposure.

Three calves were submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnostic evaluation following an abrupt increase in morbidity and mortality in a calf herd associated with epistaxis and widespread hemorrhage. Each of the submitted calves had moderate-to-severe hemorrhage within various tissues and body cavities, including the thymus, subcutaneous region of the neck, mediastinum, lungs, pericardial sac, heart, spleen, perirenal fat, urinary bladder, and skeletal muscle, including the diaphragm. An anticoagulant rodenticide screen was performed on the livers of each calf. Significant concentrations of chlorophacinone were detected at 4.2, 3.6, and 2.9 ppm in liver. Multiple piles and an open pail of white powdery material were present within the facility in which the calves were housed and were identified as the sources of chlorophacinone. Acute hemorrhage and death occurred in fourteen 1.5-mo-old, crossbred calves following ingestion of the vitamin K antagonist chlorophacinone.

The adoption of good practices of handling improves dairy calves welfare: Case study

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the adoption of a set of good practices of handling on dairy calves welfare. Data were retrieved from the records of a commercial farm, considering three periods: Conventional handling (CH, 12 mo.), transitional period (TP, 4 mo.), and good practices handling (GPH, 12 mo.). During CH calves were kept in individual pens, milk-fed in open pails and subjected to abrupt weaning; while during TP and GPH they were kept in groups, milk-fed in nipple-pails, brushed for 5 min. once a day, and subjected to progressive weaning. TP was assumed as a training period necessary for GPH implementation. The percentages of calves treated with antibiotics and numbers of deaths per month were used as indicators of calves welfare. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to compare the number of deaths per month between CH and the other periods. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of animals treated with antibiotics per month. Results showed that CH had a higher risk of calf's death then TP and GPH, as well as a higher percentage of animals treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, the adoption of good practices of handling improved dairy calves welfare.

Practice and its determinants of universal precaution among nursing staff in a tertiary hospital of Manipur

Background: Health workers are at higher risk of infection with blood-borne viruses including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Successful implementation of universal precaution can effectively control these infections in health-care setting. Objective: To assess the practice of universal precautions among nurses and factors influencing its use in a tertiary-health center of Manipur. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the nursing staffs in a tertiary health-care center of Manipur from October 2011 to September 2013. Respondents were purposively selected, and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as percentage was used to describe the findings. Result: Total respondents were 446 nurses. Response rate was 98%. Only 24% of the nurses always used gloves whenever contact with blood and body fluid was likely. Five in 100 nurses never washed hands after removing gloves. One-third of the nurses never used gown, 22% of the nurses never used mask, 69.3% never used goggles when blood and body fluid splash was likely. Seven in 10 of the respondents always recapped needles immediately after use. Majority of the respondents used sharp and liquid proof container as a method of disposal of sharp materials after removing needle (61.2%). But, three in 100 nurses mixed sharps with general waste, and around 2% of them threw sharps in open pail. Reasons behind not practicing universal precaution were work stress (10.3%), time constraint (28%), lack of supply of personal protective equipment (67%), lack of display of guidelines (2.5%), and emergency situations (4%). Conclusion: Practice of universal precaution was not satisfactory. Training of the health-care workers, proper equipment supply, posters displaying guidelines, and proper hospital policy of patient load management would significantly help both quantitatively and qualitatively for effective implementation of universal precaution in this premier health-care institution of Manipur.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Infection Control Measures among Mizan-Aman General Hospital Workers, South West Ethiopia

Background: Compliance on the part of healthcare workers with standard precautions has been recognized as being an efficient means to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections. Such measures not only protect the patient, but also the HCWs and environment. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection control measures among Mizan-Aman general hospital. Methods: The study was conducted at Mizan-Aman General Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study design was employed. All HCWs (135) were included in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered in to Epidata 3.1 and transported to SPSS version 17 for analysis. Results: Out of 135 respondents, 57(42.2%) of HCWs think that they apply standard precaution always. About two-third (65.6%) of them had ever participated in training program. All of the respondents know that dirty needle and sharp materials could transmit disease causing agents. More than three fourth (76.3%) of health care workers think that they were at risk of acquiring HIV in their work place. Among HCWs 59(43.7%) of them disposed sharp materials in open pails, 91(67.4%) in sharp and liquid proof container without removing syringe. Ninety five (70.4%) HCWs know that gloves and gowns were required for any contact with patients. Among respondent 63(46.8%) of HCWs practice standard blood and body fluid precautions always. One hundred three (76.5%) of HCWs wear gloves last time while they took blood sample. Ninety two (68.7%) of HCWs wash their hands before examining the patients and 84(62.5%) of HCWs recap needle immediately after using them. Conclusion: Majority of health care workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice toward standard precaution were not sufficient, favorable and safe enough to the expected standard. Strengthening and integrating universal precaution with routine services through provision of training and introducing health care workers infection prevention standard of practice, protocol, rules, and regulation are recommended.

Growth performance, health and behavioural characteristics of Brown Swiss calves fed a limited amount of acidified whole milk

The purpose of this study was to compare performances of 27 Brown Swiss calves (13 male, 14 female) fed acidified whole milk (AM) or sweet whole milk (SM) at 8% of birth weight during 35 days. Daily body weight gains of calves that consumed AM were similar to those for calves fed SM. Overall feed efficiency ratio of AM-fed calves was also similar to those of SM-fed calves. Calf faecal consistency score and percent days with scours (P<0.01) of calves that consumed AM were significantly lower than those offered SM. Some of the behavioural traits such as frequency of daily meals of milk and total time spent consuming milk of calves consuming AM were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of calves fed SM. On the other hand, number of days that assistance was needed to drink milk from open pail for AM-fed calves was higher (P<0.01) than that of calves that consumed SM. The results obtained in this study suggested that feeding AM decreased incidence of scours in young Brown Swiss calves without decreasing growth and feed efficiency.

Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations and Health of Dairy Calves in Two Management Systems from Birth to 12 Weeks of Age

Fifteen dairy calves were kept with their dams for 5 d after birth and there-after were fed milk from a nipple pail in individual pens (nursed calves). Another 15 calves were separated from their dams immediately after birth, placed in individual pens, and fed from an open pail (weaned calves). These calves received colostrum for the first three feedings. Serum Ig concentrations and the health of the calves were monitored from birth to 12 wk of age. The serum Ig concentrations developed identically for calves in both groups. A 30-min delay in intake of first colostrum decreased total Ig concentrations in serum by about 2 mg/ml. Occurrence of diarrhea was three times greater for the weaned calves than for the nursed calves. Serum Ig concentrations did not explain the differences in the diarrhea Occurrence between the groups. In conclusion, the newborn calves in both management systems acquired equal passive immunity, although thetime of first colostrum consumption played an important role. Open pail feeding may increase the incidence of prolonged diarrhea compared with that from nipple feeding.

Industry

A screw cap 20 or 25‐litre drum designed by T&D Packaging Division which combines ease or re‐sealing and the advantage of a tight head drum with the practicality of an open pail for the transportation and storage of paints, viscous materials and hazardous substances, was the sole industrial packaging representative within a retail dominated Materials and Containers category at the finals this week at PAKEX of the 1992 Packing Innovator awards, when it was a runner up.

Spray-Dried Fish Solubles or Soy Protein Concentrate in Milk Replacer Formulations

Holstein calves (168) at Cornell University, Kansas State University, and Michigan State University were used to test the partial substitution of spray-dried fish solubles and soy protein concentrate for milk protein in milk replacers. Calves were placed on experiment between 3 and 8 days of age and were fed experimental diets as the only source of nutriets for 6 weeks. Replacers were reconstituted with water to 14% solids and fed at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 12% body weight from 1st to 6th week. Calves were fed twice daily from open pails. Experimental diets consisted of 1) 13% crude protein as milk protein; 2) 19% crude protein as milk protein; 3) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 6% as spray-dried fish solubles; 4) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 6% as soy protein concentrate; 5) 19% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 3% as spray-dried fish solubles, 3% as soy protein concentrate; 6) 23% crude protein as milk protein; 7) 23% crude protein, 13% as milk protein, 10% as spray-dried fish solubles. Diets containing fish solubles or soy protein were supplemented with methionine and lysine.Average daily body weight gains were higher for diets 2 and 6 containing high milk protein, intermediate for 4 containing 6% protein from soy protein concentrate, and lower for the negative control (diet 1) and diets containing spray-dried fish solubles (3, 5, 7). Fecal scores, treatment of sicknesses, and rectal temperatures were higher for diets containing spray-dried fish solubles. On diet 7, mortality rate was 30% compared to a mean of 12% for other diets, indicating that 10% protein from spray-dried fish solubles was excessive.

Increasing Consumption of Dry Feed by Young Calves

In one of two experiments to improve consumption of dry feed by the young calf, calves were fed milk from an open pail twice daily and always had access to calf starter. One-half of the calves were stimulated to consume calf starter by a small amount of calf starter placed in the milk pail as the calves were finishing their milk. The stimulated calves consumed more calf starter, exclusive of that put in the milk pail, and gained weight more rapidly than did the controls, indicating that is an effective way to increase consumption of calf starter. In the second experiment, calves had continuous access to both pelleted calf starter (4.8mm diameter, weight 590 g/liter) and the same mixture extruded (extruded through 6.4mm die, expanded to average 9.6mm diameter, 9.6mm length, weight 295 g/liter). Calves ate more pelleted than extruded feed during the first 3 wk of life; thus, consumption was not increased by extruding the feed.

Method of Feeding Milk and Access to Fiber Source for Young Calves

Forty-five newborn Holstein calves were in an experiment to compare feeding milk by open pail and nipple pail and to study effects of access to low quality hay (to simulate consumption of bedding). All calves were housed in elevated metal stalls in a temperature-controlled building and could consume, ad libitum, a calf starter containing 20% ground alfalfa hay. During the 3-wk period, method of milk feeding or access to hay did not affect grain consumption, weight gains, general appearance, or incidence of diarrhea.

Effects of liquid feeding of concentrate from a pail on growth and on the digestibility of the diet in young calves.

1. Studies were done on the effects of giving calves two types of concentrate diet, both in a liquid form from an open pail or in a dry pelleted form, on the closure of oesophageal groove, body-weight gains and the digestibility of rations. 2. Twenty-four Holstein calves were used in an experiment by dividing into two groups of twelve calves each. The 'dry-fed' group (DFG) was given a pelleted concentrate, F1, from 25 to 42 d of age, and then given another type of pelleted concentrate, F2, from 43 to 87 d of age, and again given F1 from 88 to 112 d of age. The 'liquid-fed' group (LFG) was given from a pail a liquid suspension of the equivalent amount of the same concentrates as those fed to DFG calves, for the same periods. F1 contained skim milk and glucose with lower levels of maize and soya-bean meal than F2 which did not contain skim milk or glucose; F1 and F2 were both supplemented with 10 g methionine/kg and also supplemented with lysine at 5 and 10 g/kg respectively. All calves were allowed free access to roughage, and digestibilities were measured at 12 and 16 weeks of age. 3. Wet weights of reticulo-rumen and abomasal tissues (% whole stomach weight) were respectively 69.8 and 17.6 in DFG, and 59.0 and 26.4 in LFG at 42 d of age; at 87 d of age, the corresponding values were 68.0 and 16.3 in DFG, and 52.8 and 36.6 in LFG, and further, LFG had significantly more developed caecums and large intestines as well as significantly less developed reticulo-rumens and omasums than DFG. 4. Free amino acid patterns in plasma did not vary in DFG, but varied in LFG in response to the change in diet from F1 to F2 and to the difference between diets in lysine supplementation. 5. Feeding F1 in a liquid form and F2 in a dry form significantly improved calf gains. The intake of roughage in DFG exceeded that in LFG especially when F2 was fed. 6. The digestibility of diethyl ether extracts did not vary with feeding procedures, but that of crude protein (nitrogen x 6.25) was significantly higher in DFG independent of the type of diet. Digestibilities of dry matter and N-free extracts were significantly higher in LFG for F1, while higher in DFG for F2. The digestibility of acid-detergent fibre did not differ significantly between groups at 12 weeks of age, but was significantly higher in LFG at 16 weeks of age, suggesting a possible compensatory contribution of the large intestine to the digestion of fibre in LFG. 7. The efficiency of liquid feeding of a concentrate diet to ruminants compared with that of dry feeding is discussed.

Changes in Milk Products Sham Fed to Calves. IV. Suckling from a Nurse Cow versus Consuming from Either a Nipple Feeder or an Open Pail

Lipolysis and associated changes in whole milk sham fed by different systems to two pairs of calves (Guernseys and Holsteins, 2 to 5 mo of age) were compared. Each calf was sham fed milk from the respective halves of the udder of a Holstein cow by: (a) nursing directly from the udder, (b) sucking from a nipple pail, and (c) drinking from an open pail. Increasing rates of consumption by these methods were in the order listed. Exposures during ingestion increased lipolysis and numbers of bacteria. Lipolysis, evidenced by increased soluble volatile fatty acids and decreased concentrations of fat, was accompanied by lowered pH and by accelerated rates of rennet coagulation. Lipolytic changes were accentuated throughout an 8-h incubation at 38C. Magnitudes of lipolysis in milks removed by hand from the respective udder halves and subsequently sham fed by pail systems were related closely to the duration of ingestion. Hence, changes in milk sucked from nipple pails were more marked than in that drunk from open pails. Nursing from the udder was slower than by sucking from a pail, but lipolytic modifications were less, which difference is attributed to the lower fat content of nursed milk.

Responses of Calves to Open-Pail and Nipple-Pail Systems of Milk Feeding

The open-pail and the nipple-feeder systems of feeding milk to calves were compared in two studies. In Trial I, 27 pairs of female calves representing the Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey breeds were used in comparisons starting at four days of age and extending through 175 days. Except for system of milk feeding, all calves were subjected to the same treatments followed in calf husbandry. The amounts of milk fed daily were approximately 7% of body weight initially, increasing to 10% by the age of 14 days and remaining at this rate until 56 days. Thereafter, the level of intake remained constant. The system of milk feeding effected no difference in observed health, physical appearance, and weight gains. In a preliminary study, Trial II, of 28 days, the two systems of consuming milk were compared at increased levels of intake. Seven calves were fed whole milk at restricted rates ranging from 13.7 to 18.5% of body weight and seven received unrestricted amounts in each of two daily feedings. The incidence and the persistence of diarrhea were somewhat greater in calves fed from open pails than in those fed from nipple feeders, but weight gains were similar. These preliminary observations indicate that further study of calves under various conditions of stress is needed to evaluate the two systems of liquid feeding.

A Comparison of Systems of Feeding Milk-Replacement Formulas to Dairy Calves

Summary Twenty-four calves from, four dairy breeds were used in a comparison of milk-replacer feeding systems. Group I received 32.2 lb. whole milk from four to ten days, and 53.2 lb. of milk replacer (dry basis) to 49 days of age. Groups II and III were fed no whole milk after the colostrum-feeding period and an average of 25.6 lb. of milk replacer (dry basis) to 30 days of age. The milk replacer was reconstituted in 100° F. water and fed via open pail. The starter fed to Group III was improved by using a special processed soybean flour-whey soluble product in the place of soybean meal, dried skimmilk, and distillers corn solubles. Average body weight changes were slightly greater for Group I and lowest for Group II. However, differences were not statistically significant. Alfalfa hay (fed from seven to 60 days of age) consumption was similar for all groups. Starter intake was 80.3, 92.2, and 105.0 lb. for Groups I, II, and III, respectively. It was possible to eliminate whole milk after the colostrum-feeding period, to discontinue milk-replacer feeding after 30 days of age, and to use modified starter in order to raise young dairy calves successfully.

Nipple versus Pail Feeding of Milk to Holstein Calves

Summary Forty-eight male Holstein calves were employed in a comparison of methods of feeding milk. Methods studied were: open pail placed on floor, open pail elevated 10 in. off the floor, nipple pail, and nipple bottle. Calves were fed milk to 6 weeks of age. In one of three trials, pail-fed calves exhibited superior growth when compared to nipple-fed calves. This difference was not substantiated in the other two trials. Pail-fed calves consumed their milk more quickly than did those nipple-fed, and there was no difference in incidence of scours between pailand nipple-fed calves.

Changes in Milk Products “Sham Fed” to Calves. I. Effects of Volume of Milk Fed

Summary 1.In a series of trials each of four calves was sham fed from nipple and open pails, respectively, 25 lbs. of whole milk in five successive 5-lb. units. 2.Marked lipolysis, as manifested by increased acidity and concomitant acceleration, of coagulation by rennet, was observed in whole milk that was sham fed to the calves. 3.When the milk was sham fed from a nipple feeder, the alteration of the properties was greatest in the first portions fed and least in the last, but when fed from an open pail, the differences in magnitude of change in successive units were not marked except in rennet coagulability, which was most rapid in the second increment and less in subsequent units. 4.Though the degree of change in the first increments was more marked when consumed by sucking than by drinking, the alterations were similar for both systems of feeding after the third increment. 5.Lipolysis in the successive 5-lb. units closely paralleled the changes in degree of dilution, indicating that lipolytic agents were closely associated with the diluting medium. 6.The rate of intake from the open pail was from four to six times more rapid than from the nipple feeder, but the differences in rates of dilution were less, being approximately the same in the first increment but diverging in subsequent units. 7.The system of feeding and/or the time factor affected the dilution of the milk as the volume of intake increased.

Factors Affecting the Passage of Liquids into the Rumen of the Dairy Calf. II. Elevation of the Head as Milk is Consumed

Summary 1.Anatomical studies suggested that the elevation and the mechanical manipulation of the head and neck of calves, within limits that may be employed in practical feeding, are not primary factors affecting the functioning of the esophageal groove. 2.This suggestion was substantiated from observations of rumen-fistula calves fed milk either through a rubber nipple at different levels, floor and elevated, or from open pails at these levels. 3.Though the elevation of the head and neck was not an important factor affecting the extent of milk passage into the rumenoreticular cavity, the type of feeder, nipple or open, was very significant. 4.Irrespective of feeder level, milk rarely entered the rumen when consumed via nipple but frequently entered when drunk from an open pail. 5.The vagi are paths over which certain stimuli may be transmitted to the esophageal groove, but the transmission and resulting esophageal groove reaction are unaffected by positions of the head and neck.

Changes Observed in Milk “Sham Fed” to Dairy Calves

Summary 1. Pasteurized and superheated whole milks and separated milk were “sham fed” either from open pails or through nipples to fistulated calves. 2. A comparison of the properties of various samples of “sham-fed” milks with properties of their respective controls revealed in the case of pasteurized whole milk increases in rate of rennet coagulation, in tension of the body of the curd, in hydrogen-ion concentration, in lipolytic activity and in cream volume. The corresponding changes in superheated whole milk were in the same direction but of less magnitude. Separated milk manifested a slight increase in the rate of coagulation, an insignificant decrease in curd tension, no pronounced change in hydrogen-ion concentration but a marked increase in lipolytic activity. 3. Further alterations were evident after retention of the samples at 38° C. for two hours. Except for a slight increase in pH there were no marked changes in the control sample of pasteurized whole milk, but in the “sham-fed” samples all initial changes, except for a reduction in curd tension, were further amplified. The trends of all samples of superheated whole milk were in the same direction as in pasteurized whole milk. In the separated milk the only notable change in the control sample was a decrease in curd tension, whereas in the “sham-fed” sample there was a slight increase in rate of coagulation and in curd tension. 4. Several of the pronounced changes in the properties of the whole milk as contrasted to those of the separated milk were attributed in part to lipolysis, a reaction probably resulting from enzymes present in saliva and/or other secretions of the mouth and esophagus. 5. Ingestion of milk through a nipple as compared with consumption from an open pail exaggerated the changes in whole milks but produced little difference, except in increased lipolytic activity, in separated milk. 6. The pre-gastric alterations of milk apparently are of such a nature as to expedite subsequent digestion and assimilation.

Factors Affecting the Passage of Liquids into the Rumen of the Dairy Calf. I. Method of Administering Liquids: Drinking from Open Pail versus Sucking through a Rubber Nipple

Summary 1.The frequency of the passage of milk and water into the ruminal and reticular cavities of calves was studied by administering the liquids from open pails and through valved nipples. Observations were made by slaughtering and by inspection through rumen fistulae. 2.There were marked variations in the responses of the calves. 3.When milk was ingested from an open pail, it frequently entered the rumen in small amounts but rarely in quantities equivalent to the major portions consumed. 4.When milk was sucked through a valved nipple, it rarely entered the rumen cavity and never in significant amounts. 5.Water consumed from an open pail frequently flowed from the cardia into the rumen in amounts almost equal to the quantity consumed. 6.Water sucked through a nipple occasionally spurted into the rumen but in relatively small amounts.