Plasma Ceruloplasmin Concentrations Research Articles

Residual feed intake is related to metabolic and inflammatory response during the preweaning period in Italian Simmental calves

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is defined as the difference between measured and predicted intake. Understanding its biological regulators could benefit farm profit margins. The most-efficient animals (M-Eff) have observed intake smaller than predicted resulting in negative RFI, whereas the least-efficient (L-Eff) animals have positive RFI. Hence, this observational study aimed at retrospectively comparing the blood immunometabolic profile in calves with divergent RFI during the preweaning period. Twenty-two Italian Simmental calves were monitored from birth through 60 d of age. Calves received 3 L of colostrum from their respective dams. From 2 to 53 d of age, calves were fed a milk replacer twice daily, whereas from 54 to 60 d (i.e., weaning) calves were stepped down to only one meal in the morning. Calves had ad libitum access to concentrate and intakes were recorded daily. The measurement of BW and blood samples were performed at 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 45, 54, and 60 d of age. Calves were ranked and categorized as M-Eff or L-Eff according to the median RFI value. Median RFI was -0.06 and 0.04 kg of DMI/d for M-Eff and L-Eff, respectively. No evidence for group differences was noted for colostrum and plasma IgG concentrations. Although growth rate was not different, as expected, (0.67 kg/d [95% CI = 0.57-0.76] for both L-Eff and M-Eff) throughout the entire preweaning period (0-60 d), starter intake was greater in L-Eff compared with M-Eff calves (+36%). Overall, M-Eff calves had a greater gain-to-feed ratio compared with L-Eff calves (+16%). Plasma ceruloplasmin, myeloperoxidase, and reactive oxygen metabolites concentrations were greater in L-Eff compared with M-Eff calves. Compared with L-Eff, M-Eff calves had an overall greater plasma concentration of globulin, and γ-glutamyl transferase (indicating a better colostrum uptake) and Zn at 1 d. Retinol and urea were overall greater in L-Eff. The improved efficiency in nutrient utilization observed in M-Eff was paired with a lower grade of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. L-Eff may have had greater energy expenditure to support the activation of the immune system.

The effect of dietary rumen-protected trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid or a milk fat-depressing diet on energy metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress of dairy cows in early lactation

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of milk fat depression induced by supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; trans-10,cis-12 and cis-9,trans-11 CLA) or feeding a higher starch and oil-containing diet (HSO) on metabolic changes in dairy cows after calving. The main hypothesis was that the 2 strategies to decrease milk fat yield could have different effects on performance, energy balance (EB), and inflammatory status in early lactation. Thirty-three Nordic Red dairy cows were used in a randomized block design from 1 to 112 d of lactation and fed one of the following treatments: control (CON), CLA-supplemented diet, or HSO diet. Dry matter intake and milk yield were measured daily whereas milk composition was measured weekly throughout the experiment. Nutrient digestibility, EB, and plasma hormones and metabolites were measured at 3, 7, 11, and 15 wk of lactation in respiration chambers. The HSO diet led to lower intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy compared with CON and CLA diets. The CLA diet and especially the HSO diet resulted in lower energy-corrected milk yield during the first 7 wk of lactation than those fed CON. The EB was numerically higher for HSO and CLA diets compared with CON at wk 3 and 7. Plasma glucose concentration was higher by the CLA diet at wk 3 and by the HSO diet from wk 3 to 15 compared with CON. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids were higher at wk 3 in the CON group (indicating more lipid mobilization) but decreased thereafter to similar levels with the other groups. The HSO-fed cows had higher plasma ceruloplasmin, paraoxonase, and total bilirubin concentrations in the entire experiment and showed the highest levels of reactive oxygen metabolites. These results suggest an increased inflammatory and oxidative stress state in the HSO cows and probably different regulation of the innate immune system. This study provides evidence that milk fat depression induced by feeding HSO (as well as CLA) decreased milk fat secretion and improved EB compared with CON in early lactation. The increase in plasma glucose and paraoxonase levels with the HSO diet may imply a better ability of the liver to cope with the metabolic demand after parturition. However, the negative effect of HSO on feed intake, and the indication of increased inflammatory and oxidative stress warrant further studies before the HSO feeding strategy could be supported as an alternative to improve EB in early lactation.

Comparison of injectable trace minerals vs. adjuvant on measures of innate and humoral immune responses of beef heifers

• Injectable trace minerals (ITM), adjuvant (ADJ) and saline did not impact calf growth • Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin were greatest for ADJ but similar between SAL and ITM • ITM enhanced calf antibody titers but not to the extent as ADJ injection Previous studies reported heightened innate and humoral immune responses among cattle administered injectable trace minerals (ITM) concurrent to immunogen challenge, thus suggesting a potential adjuvant-like activity of ITM. To pursue this concept further, a two-year study was conducted at the Mountain Research Station (North Carolina State University, Waynesville) to evaluate immunological responses of Angus heifers (n = 22, 235 ± 18 kg of BW and 225 ± 4 d of age in yr 1; n = 36, 237 ± 6 kg of BW and 247 ± 5 d of age in yr 2). On d 0 (30 days after weaning), heifers were administered two 5-mL i.m. injections of porcine red blood cells (PRBC; Lampire Biological Laboratories, Pipersville, PA) solution (25% PRBC and 75% sterile PBS; Amresco, Solon, OH), concurrent to either a single 2.5-mL s.c. injection of sterile saline (SAL; 0.9% NaCl), a squalene-based oil-in-water adjuvant (ADJ; AddaVax; InvivoGen, Inc. San Diego, CA) that specifically induces a humoral immune response, or injectable trace minerals (ITM; MultiMin 90; MultiMin USA, Inc. Fort Collins, CO; 60, 10, 15 and 5 mg/mL of Zn, Mn, Cu and Se). During the 28-d study, heifers were offered tall fescue hay ( Lolium arundinacea ) and concentrate at 1.2 and 1.0% of BW (DM basis), respectively, blended with 114 g daily of a complete mineral mix. Shrunk BW was recorded on d 0 and 28 following 12 h of feed and water withdrawal. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 2, 7, 15, and 21 for determination of antibody titers against PRBC and plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Liver biopsy samples were collected 1 mo prior to weaning and on d 15 after weaning for determination of trace mineral status. No differences were detected ( P ≥ 0.13) for BW change, ADG, G:F, or DMI. Liver Se concentrations on d 15 were greater ( P ≤ 0.01) for heifers receiving ITM compared to SAL and ADJ treatments. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations on d 2 were greatest for ADJ ( P < 0.0001) and did not differ between SAL and ITM heifers ( P ≥ 0.46). Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations on d 2 were greatest for ADJ ( P ≤ 0.04) and did not differ between SAL and ITM heifers ( P = 0.39). On d 7, plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin did not differ ( P = 0.37) between ADJ and ITM, were less for SAL vs. ADJ ( P = 0.005), and tended to differ ( P = 0.064) between ITM and SAL heifers. Serum PRBC titers were greatest for ADJ ( P ≤ 0.03) vs. SAL on d 7, 15, and 21 and ITM on d 7 ( P < 0.001). Serum PRBC titers did not differ between SAL and ITM on d 7 and 15 ( P ≥ 0.23), but were greater in ITM vs. SAL on d 21 ( P = 0.03). In summary, ITM prolonged the antibody titers against PRBC on d 21 compared to saline injection in mineral-adequate beef calves, but not as quickly or to the extent of ADJ injection.

Effect of anti-inflammatory compounds or antibiotic administration on receiving performance and physiological responses of transported heifers.

The objectives of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of products with anti-inflammatory properties (yeast product [YEA; 20 g/heifer daily] or astragalus polysaccharide [APS; 20 g/heifer daily]) or an antibiotic (TUL, tulathromycin; 0.025 mL/kg body weight [BW]) on receiving performance and stress responses of transported heifers. Angus heifers (n = 80) were ranked by BW (315 ± 6 kg) and assigned to one of four treatments (five pens per treatment, four heifers per pen) 7 d before shipping 1,400 km (day -7): 1) fed a basal diet of ad libitum hay and concentrate supplement (CON) from day -7 to day 29; 2) YEA in supplemental concentrate from day -7 to day 7 (YEA); 3) APS in supplemental concentrate from day -7 to day 7 (APS); 4) administration of TUL at loading for shipping (day 0; TUL). Upon arrival at the receiving facility (day 1), heifers within each treatment were ranked by BW and assigned to 20 feedlot pens in the same manner as pre-transport. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded from day 1 to day 28. Full BW was recorded on days -7, -1, 0, 1, 28, and 29. Blood samples were collected on days -7, -1, 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28. Over the receiving period, average daily gain (ADG) and gain: feed did not differ (P ≥ 0.19) for YEA, APS, and TUL, which were greater (P ≤ 0.01) than CON. Average daily gain was also lower (P < 0.01) for CON vs. YEA, APS, and TUL from day -7 to day 28. During the first week of receiving, hay, concentrate, and total DMI were lower (P < 0.01) in CON than the YEA, APS, and TUL, but did not differ (P ≥ 0.13) among these three groups. Hay and total DMI were still lower (P < 0.01) in CON vs. TUL in the second week. Total DMI was greater (P = 0.01) for TUL vs. YEA, and greater (P < 0.01) for YEA vs. CON. Serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CON and TUL vs. YEA and APS on day 1. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for YEA and CON vs. APS and TUL on day 1. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were lower (P ≤ 0.05) for APS vs. CON, YEA, and TUL on days 1 and 4. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CON vs. YEA, APS, and TUL on days 1 and 4, greater (P ≤ 0.05) for YEA, APS vs. TUL on day 1, and greater (P = 0.03) for YEA vs. TUL on day 4. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CON vs. YEA, APS and TUL vs. APS on days 1, 4, and 7. In conclusion, YEA, APS, and TUL modulated the physiological stress responses and alleviated the performance losses caused by long-distance transportation.

Increasing the metabolizable protein supply enhanced growth performance and led to variable results on innate and humoral immune response of preconditioning beef steers.

We evaluated the effects of MP supply on growth performance before and after preconditioning and measurements of innate and humoral immune response of beef steers following vaccination. Angus steers ( = 36; BW = 231 ± 21 kg; age = 184 ± 18 d) were weaned on d -6, stratified by BW and age on d 0, and randomly assigned to 1 of 18 drylot pens (2 steers/pen). Treatments were assigned to pens (6 pens/treatment) and consisted of corn silage-based diets formulated to provide 85%, 100%, or 115% of the daily MP requirements of a beef steer gaining 1.1 kg/d from d 0 to 42. Steers were vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine viral diarrhea (BVDV) types 1 and 2 viruses, and clostridium on d 14 and 28. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 14, 15, 17, 21, 28, 29, 30, 35, and 42. Body weight did not differ ( ≥ 0.17) among treatments from d 0 to 28. On d 42, 115% MP steers were heaviest, 100% MP steers were intermediate, and 85% MP steers were lightest ( = 0.05; 297, 290, and 278 ± 7 kg, respectively). Overall, ADG and G:F did not differ ( ≥ 0.13) between 100% and 115% MP steers and were least ( < 0.01) for 85% MP steers (1.2, 1.4, and 0.8 ± 0.07 kg/d and 0.23, 0.24, and 0.19 ± 0.008, respectively). Plasma haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations did not differ among treatments ( ≥ 0.46), whereas plasma ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations were greatest ( ≤ 0.04) for 85% MP steers, intermediate for 100% MP steers, and least for 115% MP steers on d 30, 35, and 42. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater ( ≤ 0.03) for 85% vs. 100% and 115% MP steers on d 14 and 28. Liver mRNA expression of Cp and Hp and muscle mRNA expression of m-calpain, mammalian target of rapamycin, and ubiquitin did not differ among treatments ( ≥ 0.17). Serum neutralization titers to BVDV-1b titers were greater ( ≤ 0.02) for 115% vs. 85% and 100% MP steers on d 42 (5.8, 3.0, and 3.7 ± 0.60 log, respectively), whereas mean serum leukotoxin titers were greater for 85% vs. 100% and 115% MP steers (3.1, 2.4, and 2.5 ± 0.21 log, respectively). Preconditioning MP supply did not affect ( ≥ 0.26) ubsequent finishing growth performance and carcass characteristics. Thus, increasing MP supply from 85% to 115% of daily requirement of preconditioning beef steers had variable results on innate and humoral immune response and enhanced growth performance during a 42-d preconditioning period without affecting carcass characteristics at slaughter.

Relationship of blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin, copper, iron and cadmium concentrations with sperm quality in Merino rams

The aim of the current study was to investigate the concentrations of ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma obtained from Merino rams. In addition, their relationship with sperm parameters, fertility rate and litter size were also studied. Blood and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in October from 19 Merino rams, aged between 18 and 24 months. Ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium in blood serum and seminal plasma were determined. Sperm parameters including volume, mass motility, motility, concentration, Hos-test, viability, abnormal sperm and acrosome abnormality in semen, fertility rate and litter size were also evaluated. Highly positive correlation was found between blood ceruloplasmin and blood copper concentrations (r=0.812, p<0.001), whereas negative correlation were determined between these parameters in seminal plasma (r=−0.195, p<0.05). Seminal plasma copper concentration was positively correlated with seminal plasma cadmium (r=0.206, p<0.05) and seminal plasma iron (r=0,305, p<0.01) concentrations. Negative correlation was determined between blood ceruloplasmin level and acrosomal defect (r=−0.443, p<0.05). Seminal plasma ceruloplasmin level was positively correlated with volume (r=0.255, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with abnormal sperm (r=−0.186, p=0.058) and acrosome abnormality (r=−0.213, p<0.05). Seminal plasma iron concentration was positively correlated with other abnormality (r=0.257, p<0.01). Seminal plasma cadmium concentration was positively correlated with sperm abnormality (r=0.207, p=0.052) and other abnormality (r=0.262, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with fertility rate (r=−0.449, p=0.054). Blood cadmium concentration was negatively correlated with litter size (r=−0.579, p<0.01). In conclusion, blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin may be suggested to have positive influence regardless of copper with its antioxidant property whereas iron and cadmium have negative influence on sperm parameters and fertility in Merino rams.

Effects of meloxicam administration on physiological and performance responses of transported feeder cattle.

This experiment evaluated the effects of meloxicam administration on physiological and performance responses of transported cattle during feedlot receiving. Eighty-four Angus × Hereford steers were ranked by BW on d -10 and assigned to 21 dry lot pens. From d -10 to 0, pens were fed alfalfa-grass hay ad libitum and 2.4 kg/steer daily (DM basis) of a corn-based concentrate. On d 0, pens were randomly assigned to 1) transport for 1,440 km in a livestock trailer and oral administration of meloxicam (1 mg/kg of BW) at loading (d 0), unloading (d 1), and daily from d 2 to 7 of feedlot receiving (MEL; n = 7); 2) the same transportation and treatment schedule of MEL but oral administration of lactose monohydrate (1 mg/kg of BW) instead of meloxicam (TRANS; n = 7); or 3) no transport and oral administration of lactose monohydrate (1 mg/kg of BW) concurrently with treatment administration to MEL and TRANS (CON; n = 7). Upon arrival (d 1), MEL and TRANS steers returned to their pens for a 21-d feedlot receiving with the same diet offered from d -10 to 0. Treatments were administered to steers via oral drench on d 0 and 1 or mixed daily with the concentrate from d 2 to 7. Full BW was recorded before (d -2, -1, and 0) treatment application and at the end of experiment (d 20, 21, and 22) for ADG calculation. Daily DMI was recorded from d 1 to 21. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21. During the initial 7 d of feedlot receiving, hay and total DMI were reduced (P ≤ 0.03) in TRANS vs. CON and MEL and similar between CON and MEL (P ≥ 0.26), whereas concentrate DMI did not differ (P = 0.16) among treatments. Mean ADG was reduced (P ≤ 0.03) in TRANS vs. MEL and CON but similar (P = 0.82) between MEL and CON. Moreover, TRANS had reduced G:F vs. CON (P = 0.01) and MEL (P = 0.05), whereas G:F was similar (P = 0.39) between CON and MEL. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) for TRANS and MEL vs. CON on d 1. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.03) for TRANS vs. CON and MEL on d 5 and greater (P ≤ 0.03) for CON vs. TRANS on d 10. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for TRANS vs. CON on d 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, greater (P ≤ 0.03) for TRANS vs. MEL on d 5 and 7, and also greater (P = 0.05) for MEL vs. CON on d 3. In conclusion, meloxicam administration to feeder steers modulated the haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin responses and prevented the performance losses caused by long-distance transportation.

Ceruloplasmin and atrial fibrillation: evidence of causality from a population‐based Mendelian randomization study

Inflammatory diseases and inflammatory markers secreted by the liver, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin, have been associated with incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Genetic studies have not supported a causal relationship between CRP and AF, but the relationship between ceruloplasmin and AF has not been studied. The purpose of this Mendelian randomization study was to explore whether genetic polymorphisms in the gene encoding ceruloplasmin are associated with elevated ceruloplasmin levels, and whether such genetic polymorphisms are also associated with the incidence of AF. Genetic polymorphisms in the ceruloplasmin gene (CP) were genotyped in a population-based cohort study of men from southern Sweden (Malmö Preventive Project; n = 3900). Genetic polymorphisms associated with plasma ceruloplasmin concentration were also investigated for association with incident AF (n = 520) during a mean follow-up of 29 years in the same cohort. Findings were replicated in an independent case-control sample (The Malmö AF cohort; n = 2247 cases, 2208 controls). A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs11708215, minor allele frequency 0.12) located in the CP gene promoter was strongly associated with increased levels of plasma ceruloplasmin (P = 9 × 10(-10) ) and with AF in both the discovery cohort [hazard ratio 1.24 per risk allele, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.44, P = 0.006] and the replication cohort (odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.26, P = 0.02). Our findings indicate a causal role of ceruloplasmin in AF pathophysiology and suggest that ceruloplasmin might be a mediator in a specific inflammatory pathway that causally links inflammatory diseases and incidence of AF.

Metabolizable protein supply modulated the acute-phase response following vaccination of beef steers

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of MP supply, through RUP supplementation, on the acute-phase response of beef steers following vaccination. On d 0, Brangus-crossbred steers (n = 24; 173 ± 31 kg; 175 ± 16 d of age) were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 isocaloric diets formulated to provide 85, 100, and 115% of the daily MP requirements of a beef steer gaining 0.66 kg of BW daily. Diets were limit-fed at 1.8% of BW (DM basis) and individually provided to steers once daily (0800 h) from d 0 to 29. Steers were weighed on d 0 and 29, following a 12-h period of feed and water withdrawal. On d 7, steers were vaccinated against Mannheimia haemolytica (OneShot, Pfizer), and blood samples were collected on d 0, 7, 8, 10, 14, 21, and 30. Plasma metabolites were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Final BW and ADG were similar (P ≥ 0.50) among treatments (mean = 184 ± 9 kg and 0.5 ± 0.08 kg/d, respectively). Effects of time were detected (P < 0.01) for plasma concentrations of all acute-phase proteins, which peaked between d 7 to 14, returning to baseline concentrations by d 29. Treatment effects were not detected (P ≥ 0.19) for plasma concentrations of acid-soluble protein, albumin, fibrinogen, IGF-1 and serum amyloid-A. Plasma concentrations of total protein (TP) and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) increased (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing supply of MP (87.1, 89.6, and 90.1 ± 1.09 mg TP/mL and 6.1, 8.3, and 10.3 ± 0.41 mg PUN/dL for 85, 100, and 115% MP steers, respectively). From d 10 to 29, steers provided 115% MP had less (P < 0.001) plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin than steers fed 85 and 100% MP, which had similar plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations. On d 14, plasma concentrations of haptoglobin were greatest (P ≤ 0.06) for steers fed 115% MP, intermediate for 100% MP, and least for 85% MP (0.98, 0.71 and 0.44 ± 0.099 mg/mL, respectively). On d 10, plasma concentrations of creatinine were greater (P = 0.01) for steers fed 115 vs. 85% MP, and intermediate for steers fed 100% MP (1.63, 1.28, and 1.50 ± 0.099 mg/dL, respectively). Thus, steers provided increasing metabolizable protein had greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, creatinine, total protein and PUN following vaccination against M. haemolytica.

Effects of flunixin meglumine administration on physiological and performance responses of transported feeder cattle1

The objective was to evaluate the effects of flunixin meglumine administration on physiological and performance responses of transported cattle during feedlot receiving. Forty-five Angus × Hereford steers were ranked by BW on d 0 and assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) transport for 1,280 km in a commercial livestock trailer and administration of flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg BW; intravenous) at loading (d 0) and unloading (d 1; FM), 2) transport for 1,280 km in a commercial livestock trailer and administration of 0.9% saline (0.022 mL/kg BW; intravenous) at loading (d 0) and unloading (d 1; TRANS), or 3) no transport and administration of 0.9% saline (0.022 mL/kg BW; intravenous) concurrently with loading (d 0) and unloading (d 1) of FM and TRANS cohorts (CON). Upon arrival and processing for treatment administration on d 1, steers within each treatment were ranked by BW and assigned to 15 feedlot pens (5 pens/treatment, 3 steers/pen). Full BW was recorded before (d -1 and 0) treatment application and at the end of experiment (d 28 and 29) for ADG calculation. Total DMI was evaluated daily from d 1 to 28. Blood samples were collected on d 0 (before treatment administration), 1 (after unloading but before treatment administration), 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Body weight shrink from d 0 to 1 was less (P<0.01) in CON vs. FM and TRANS but similar (P=0.94) between TRANS and FM. Mean ADG was greater (P≤0.04) in CON vs. FM and TRANS but similar (P=0.69) between TRANS and FM. No treatment effects were detected on DMI, but CON had greater G:F vs. TRANS (P=0.08) and FM (P=0.02), whereas G:F was similar (P=0.68) between TRANS and FM. Mean plasma cortisol concentrations tended (P≤0.09) to be greater in TRANS vs. FM and CON but was similar (P=0.87) between CON and FM. Plasma NEFA concentrations were greater (P≤0.02) for TRANS and FM vs. CON on d 1 and greater (P≤0.04) for FM vs. TRANS and CON on d 4. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were greater (P≤0.03) for TRANS vs. CON on d 1, 4, and 7, greater (P≤0.05) for TRANS vs. FM on d 4 and 7, and greater (P≤0.04) for FM vs. CON on d 1 and 4. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P<0.01) for TRANS vs. CON and FM on d 1 and 4 and greater (P≤0.05) for FM vs. CON on d 1 and 4. In conclusion, flunixin meglumine reduced the cortisol and acute-phase protein responses elicited by road transport but did not improve receiving performance of feeder cattle.

Rest stops during road transport: Impacts on performance and acute-phase protein responses of feeder cattle1

Angus×Hereford steers (n = 42) and heifers (n = 21) were ranked by gender and BW on d 0 of the experiment and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) no transport and full access to feed and water (CON); 2) continuous road transport for 1,290 km (TRANS), or 3) road transport for 1,290 km, with rest stops every 430 km (STOP; total of 2 rest stops). Treatments were applied from d 0 to 1 of the experiment. Cattle from TRANS and STOP treatments were transported in separate commercial livestock trailers, within a single 2.1×7.2 m compartment, but through the exact same route. During each rest stop, STOP cattle were unloaded and offered mixed alfalfa-grass hay and water for ad libitum consumption for 2 h. Upon arrival of STOP and TRANS on d 1, cattle were ranked by sex and BW within each treatment and assigned to 21 feedlot pens (7 pens/treatment; 2 steers and 1 heifer/pen). Full BW was recorded before (d -1 and 0) treatment application and at the end of experiment (d 28 and 29). Total DMI was evaluated daily from d 1 to 28. Blood samples were collected on d 0 (before loading of TRANS and STOP cattle), 1 (immediately after unloading of TRANS and STOP cattle), 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Body weight shrink from d 0 to d 1 was reduced (P<0.01) in CON compared to TRANS and STOP, and reduced in STOP compared to TRANS. Mean ADG was greater (P<0.05) in CON compared to TRANS and STOP, but similar (P=0.68) between TRANS and STOP. No treatment effects were detected (P≥0.18) on hay, concentrate, and total DMI. Mean G:F was greater (P=0.05) in CON compared to STOP, tended to be greater (P=0.08) in CON compared to TRANS, and similar (P=0.85) between TRANS and STOP. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P≤0.04) in TRANS compared to CON and STOP on d 1, and greater (P=0.04) in TRANS compared to CON on d 4. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater (P<0.01) in TRANS compared to CON and STOP on d 1, and greater (P≤0.05) in TRANS compared to CON on d 4 and 7. Mean plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were similar (P=0.19) among treatments. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P≤0.04) in TRANS compared to CON and STOP on d 1, and in STOP compared to CON on d 1. In conclusion, inclusion of rest stops during a 1,290-km transport prevented the increase in circulating cortisol and alleviated the NEFA and haptoglobin response elicited by transport, but did not improve feedlot receiving performance of transported cattle.

Effects of vaccination on the acute-phase protein response and measures of performance in growing beef calves1

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of vaccination on the acute-phase protein (APP) reaction (Exp. 1 and 2) and measures of performance (Exp. 2) in growing beef calves. In Exp. 1, the APP reaction was assessed in newly weaned steers administered 1 of 3 treatments (n = 8 steers/treatment), consisting of 1) Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine (One Shot; Pfizer Inc., New York, NY), 2) Clostridium vaccine (UltraBac 7; Pfizer, Inc.), or 3) saline-injected control. Blood samples for the evaluation of APP concentrations were collected on d 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 and steer BW measured on d 0 and 21 relative to treatment administration. Plasma concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) increased (P < 0.05) in vaccinated but not control calves and reached a peak on d 3 and 5 for steers receiving Mannheimia haemolytica and Clostridium vaccine, respectively. Plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and fibrinogen (Fb) increased (P < 0.05) in all calves after treatment administration and Fb concentrations were greatest (P < 0.01) in calves receiving Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine on d 3 and 5 compared with the other treatments. There were no treatment effects (P = 0.44) on 21-d steer ADG (0.43 kg/d; SEM = 0.082). In Exp. 2, 23 heifers were randomly assigned to 2 treatments: 1) vaccinated (Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine (One Shot; n = 12) and 2) saline control (n = 11). After vaccination, blood samples were collected for determination of APP concentrations on d 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15. During this period, individual heifer DMI was measured using an automated feed intake measuring system (Model 4000E; GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, Alberta, Canada). Initial and final shrunk BW did not differ (P > 0.36) among treatments. On d 1, plasma Cp concentrations increased (P < 0.01) sharply in vaccinated heifers but not control heifers and were greater (P < 0.05) in vaccinated vs. control heifers on d 3, 6, 9, and 12 relative to injection. Daily DMI did not differ (P = 0.66) among treatments (average = 9.1 kg/d; SEM = 0.34); however, ADG and G:F were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for control vs. vaccinated heifers (1.14 vs. 0.87 kg/d and 0.13 and 0.10 kg, respectively; SEM = 0.064 and 0.011). These data indicate that within a 2 wk period after vaccination, beef calves experience an acute-phase protein response, which may result in reduced ADG and feed efficiency.

Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Cymerys M, Cofta S, Wysocka E, et al. Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Central European Journal of Immunology. 2013;38(4):511-517. doi:10.5114/ceji.2013.38249. APA Cymerys, M., Cofta, S., Wysocka, E., Nowicki, M., Suliburska, J., & Bryl, W. et al. (2013). Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Central European Journal of Immunology, 38(4), 511-517. https://doi.org/10.5114/ceji.2013.38249 Chicago Cymerys, Maciej, Szczepan Cofta, Ewa Beata Wysocka, Marcin Nowicki, Joanna Suliburska, Wiesław Bryl, and Lech Torliński. 2013. "Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients". Central European Journal of Immunology 38 (4): 511-517. doi:10.5114/ceji.2013.38249. Harvard Cymerys, M., Cofta, S., Wysocka, E., Nowicki, M., Suliburska, J., Bryl, W., and Torliński, L. (2013). Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Central European Journal of Immunology, 38(4), pp.511-517. https://doi.org/10.5114/ceji.2013.38249 MLA Cymerys, Maciej et al. "Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients." Central European Journal of Immunology, vol. 38, no. 4, 2013, pp. 511-517. doi:10.5114/ceji.2013.38249. Vancouver Cymerys M, Cofta S, Wysocka E, Nowicki M, Suliburska J, Bryl W et al. Oxidase activity of plasma ceruloplasmin in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Central European Journal of Immunology. 2013;38(4):511-517. doi:10.5114/ceji.2013.38249.

Effects of molasses-based creep-feeding supplementation on growth performance of pre- and post-weaned beef calves

Two 2-year experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of molasses-based creep-feeding supplements fortified with DL-methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA; Exp 1), or different supplemental nitrogen sources (Exp. 2), on growth performance of pre- and post-weaned beef calves. In both experiments, cows and calves were stratified by calving date and randomly assigned to pastures (n=8 and 12 pastures for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures. In Exp. 1, treatments consisted of no creep-feeding supplementation (NoCreep), creep-feeding supplementation of sugarcane molasses plus 4% of a 50:50 urea+hot water blend (as-fed; Mol+U) or Mol+U plus 0.22% of MHA (as-fed; Mol+MHA). In Exp. 2, treatments consisted of NoCreep, creep-feeding supplementation of sugarcane molasses added with 4% of 50:50 urea+hot water blend (50:50, as-fed; Mol+U) or 20% cottonseed meal (as-fed; Mol+CSM). Calves were supplemented in cow exclusion areas for 122, 117, 104 and 102 days prior to weaning in years 1 and 2 of Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. In year 2 (Exp. 2), 18 heifers (2 heifers/pen; 3 pens/treatment) were randomly selected for a 17-day post-weaning evaluation and were provided free-choice access to a grain-based concentrate. In Exp. 1, Mol+U calves had similar (P=1.00) voluntary creep-feed supplement intake in year 1, but greater (P<0.01) voluntary creep-feed supplement intake in year 2, compared with Mol+MHA calves. In Exp. 2, voluntary creep-feed supplement intake was not affected (P=0.39) by treatment. In Exp. 1, but not in Exp. 2, creep-feeding supplementation increased (P≤0.01) calf BW at weaning and pre-weaning ADG compared with NoCreep calves. Calves supplemented with MHA had lesser (P=0.03) pre-weaning ADG than Mol+U calves. In Exp. 2, nitrogen source added to creep-feed supplement did not affect (P=0.15) calf pre-weaning ADG. Additionally, pre-weaning creep-feeding supplementation of heifers did not affect (P≥0.25) post-weaning growth performance or plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and fibrinogen during the receiving period. At weaning, heifers fed Mol+U had greater (P=0.03) plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin (Cp) than Mol+CSM heifers (23.8 versus 18.7±1.62mg/dL, respectively), with NoCreep heifers being intermediate. On day 9, relative to weaning, Mol+U heifers had greater (P=0.03) plasma Cp concentrations than NoCreep heifers (31.6 versus 26.6±1.62mg/dL, respectively), with Mol+CSM heifers being intermediate. In conclusion, molasses-based creep-feed supplements increased pre-weaning growth performance of calves in Exp. 1, but not in Exp. 2, and did not affect post-weaning growth performance of heifers.

화분(Trichosanthes Kirilowii ext.)추출물이 LPS를 처리한 육계 병아리의 염증반응에 미치는 영향

Effect of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract on the inflammatory responsse was investigated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated broiler chickens. Plasma ceruloplasmin and α-acidic protein concentrations of all the experiment groups were increased at 3, 9 and 24h after LPS treatment. Plasma ceruloplasmin and α-acidic protein concentrations of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract groups were lower than those of control group. Plasma nitrogen oxide concentration of all the experiment groups was rapidly increased at 3h after LPS treatment. However, plasma nitrogen oxide concentration was decreased at 3 and 9h after LPS treatment with increasing amount of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract added. Liver IL-2 mRNA concentration of all the experiment groups was rapidly increased at 2h after LPS treatment, and then gradually decreased to the level similar to that before LPS treatment at 9h after LPS treatment. Liver IL-2 mRNA concentration of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract groups were lower than that of control group. Spleen IL-2 mRNA concentration was the highest at 4h after LPS treatment in all the experiment groups. Spleen IL-2 mRNA concentration of 0.2 and 0.3% Trichosanthes kirilowii extract groups were higher than that of 0.1% Trichosanthes kirilowii extract group and control group at 3 and 4h after LPS treatment. Liver and spleen IFN-γ mRNA concentrations were increased at 2 and 3h after LPS treatment, decreased at 4h after LPS treatment, and then reached to the level similar to that before LPS treatment at 9h after LPS treatment. Liver and spleen IFN-γ mRNA concentrations of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract group were lower than those of control group at 2h and 3h after LPS treatment. Liver and spleen iNOS mRNA concentrations were the highest at 3h after LPS treatment, and then decreased to the level similar to that before LPS treatment at 9h after LPS treatment. Liver and spleen iNOS mRNA concentrations of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract groups were lower than those of control group at 2, 3 and 4h after LPS treatment.

Effects of twenty-four hour transport or twenty-four hour feed and water deprivation on physiologic and performance responses of feeder cattle1

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 24-h road transport or 24-h feed and water deprivation on acute-phase and performance responses of feeder cattle. Angus × Hereford steers (n = 30) and heifers (n = 15) were ranked by gender and BW (217 ± 3 kg initial BW; 185 ± 2 d initial age) and randomly assigned to 15 pens on d -12 of the experiment (3 animals/pen; 2 steers and 1 heifer). Cattle were fed alfalfa-grass hay ad libitum and 2.3 kg/animal daily (DM basis) of a corn-based concentrate throughout the experiment (d -12 to 28). On d 0, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) transport for 24 h in a livestock trailer for 1,200 km (TRANS), 2) no transport but feed and water deprivation for 24 h (REST), or 3) no transport and full access to feed and water (CON). Treatments were concurrently applied from d 0 to d 1. Total DMI was evaluated daily from d -12 to d 28. Full BW was recorded before treatment application (d -1 and 0) and at the end of experiment (d 28 and 29). Blood samples were collected on d 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Mean ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in CON vs. TRANS and REST cattle but similar (P = 0.46) between TRANS and REST cattle (1.27, 0.91, and 0.97 kg/d, respectively; SEM = 0.05). No treatment effects were detected for DMI (P ≥ 0.25), but CON had greater G:F vs. TRANS (P < 0.01) and REST cattle (P = 0.08) whereas G:F was similar (P = 0.21) between TRANS and REST cattle. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in REST vs. CON and TRANS cattle on d 1, 7, 14, and 28 and also greater (P = 0.02) in TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in REST and TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1 and greater (P < 0.01) in REST vs. TRANS cattle on d 1. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were greater (P = 0.04) in TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1, greater (P = 0.05) in REST vs. CON on d 4, and greater (P ≤ 0.05) in REST vs. TRANS and CON on d 14. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in TRANS vs. CON and REST cattle on d 1 and greater (P ≤ 0.05) for REST vs. TRANS and CON cattle on d 7. In conclusion, 24-h transport and 24-h nutrient deprivation elicited acute-phase protein reactions and similarly reduced feedlot receiving performance of feeder cattle. These results suggest that feed and water deprivation are major contributors to the acute-phase response and reduced feedlot receiving performance detected in feeder cattle transported for long distances.

Effect of average daily gain on body size, metabolism, and milk production of Italian Holstein heifers raised on two different planes of nutrition and calving at two different ages

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of two average daily gains between 5 and 15mo of age on body measurements, fat deposition, metabolic profile, interaction with age at first calving, and milk production in first lactation. A total of 141 Italian Friesian heifers, in two experimental herds, were allotted to 2 feeding regimens formulated for a moderate (M, 0.7kg/d) or an accelerated (H, 0.9kg/d) average daily gain diet from 5 to 15mo of age. Half of the heifers on M were programmed to be bred at 15mo (ME), and half at 18mo (ML) of age; heifers on H were programmed to be bred at 15mo of age (HE). Every 28d, body weight, withers height, hip height, body length, heart girth, and body condition score were recorded. Also each week in one herd from −14 to 70d post-calving, the body condition score was evaluated. In one herd, metabolic profile was assessed at 9 and 15mo of age. Growth curve parameters were estimated for the body measurements for each heifer. Metabolic profiles from both ages (9 and 15mo) were processed by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). For the first lactation, milk production and composition were recorded. The M heifers grew slower (0.73 vs. 0.81 kg/d) than H heifers, and this difference was reflected also in a faster heart girth gain in H than M heifers (0.184 vs. 0.169 cm/d). The body condition score of heifers fed on H diet increased faster than that of heifers fed on M diet by 9mo of age. At this age, plasma concentration of urea, Ca, Na, albumin, and γ-glutamyl transferase activity were greater in H than in M heifers. At 15mo of age, plasma concentration of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase activity were lower in H than M heifers. At 9mo, plasma urea concentration was correlated with hip height and heart girth curve parameters. At 15mo, plasma glucose concentration was correlated with body weight curve parameters. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentration was correlated with hip height curve parameters at both ages, and with body weight curve parameters at 15mo. The results from the PCA have shown that the first principal component was correlated with the parameters of the growth functions for body weight, hip height, and heart girth. Experimental diet and age at first calving per se did not affect milk production in first lactation, but the peak of milk production of HE heifers occurred 15d earlier than that of ML heifers.

Stay-green ranking and maturity of corn hybrids: 2. Effects on the performance of lactating dairy cows

To address producer concerns that feeding high stay-green (SG) corn hybrids is associated with decreased performance and health problems in dairy cows, this study examined how the performance of cows was affected by feeding hybrids with contrasting SG rankings and maturities. Two near-isogenic corn hybrids with high (HSG; Croplan Genetics 691, Croplan Genetics, St. Paul, MN) and low (LSG; Croplan Genetics 737) SG rankings were grown on separate halves of a 10-ha field, harvested at 27% (maturity 1) or 35% (maturity 2) dry matter (DM) and ensiled in bag silos for 84 and 77d, respectively. A further treatment involved addition of water (15L/t) to the HSG maturity 1 hybrid during packing to compound the potential negative effects of excess water in the HSG hybrid. Each of the resulting silages was included in a total mixed ration consisting of 35, 55, and 10% (DM basis) of corn silage, concentrate, and alfalfa hay, respectively. In experiment 1, the total mixed ration was fed for ad libitum consumption twice daily to 30 Holstein cows (92±18d in milk). This experiment had a completely randomized design and consisted of two 28-d periods, each with 14d for adaptation and 14d for sample collection. In experiment 2, the ruminal fermentation of the diets was measured using 5 ruminally cannulated cows on the last day of three 15-d periods. Ruminal contraction rate (2.28±0.14 contractions/min), milk yield (36.7±1.3kg/d), yield of milk protein (1.1±0.03kg/d), and concentration of milk protein (2.9±0.03%) were not affected by treatment. Feeding diets containing HSG instead of LSG reduced intake of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber, digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, and concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and milk fat when the hybrids were harvested at 27% DM but not 35% DM. Across maturity stages, feeding diets containing HSG instead of LSG decreased DM and CP digestibility, increased rectal temperature and plasma ceruloplasmin concentration, and increased the efficiency of milk production. Except for increasing yeast and mold counts, adding water to the HSG hybrid harvested at 27% DM did not have adverse effects but was associated with greater starch intake, CP digestibility, and ruminal total VFA concentration, and decreased acetate to propionate ratio in dairy cows.

Dietary Supplementation with Modified Arabinoxylan Rice Bran (MGN-3) Modulates Inflammatory Responses in Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with modified arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3) on the immune system and inflammatory response in broiler chickens. The levels of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA in the spleen of chickens increased with the supplementation of MGN-3 at 100 ppm in diet, while those expression levels in the foregut did not change. Mitogen-induced proliferation of splenic mononuclear cells (MNC) and blood MNC phagocytosis in chickens fed MGN-3-supplemented diets were significantly greater than in chickens fed a basal diet (control). These results provide the first evidence that the use of dietary MGN-3 supplementation induces the T-cell immune system in chickens. Two hours after Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune stimulation, the levels of mRNA encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-2, IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A), in the spleen of chickens fed a MGN-3-supplemented diet were significantly lower than those in chickens exposed to other treatments. The levels of toll-like receptor -4 and -7 mRNAs in the foregut of chickens fed MGN-3 supplemented diets were lower than those in control chickens at 2h after injection of LPS. The plasma ceruloplasmin concentration in chickens fed a MGN-3-supplemented diet was significantly lower than in controls at 24h after injection of LPS. These results show that MGN-3 might be useful as an immunomodulator to stimulate T-cells in growing broiler chickens, thereby protecting chickens from disease, particularly colibacillosos, without reducing growth performance.

Effect of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma on lipopolysaccharide-induced early inflammatory responses in male broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) fed a corn-enriched diet

Effect of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin (Ax) from Phaffia rhodozyma on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses was investigated in male broiler chickens fed a corn-based diet. Birds (1 week of age) were fed a corn-enriched diet containing either 0 or 100 ppm Ax for 2 weeks and were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg body weight). Inflammatory responses were evaluated by determining changes in expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) in cytokines and mediators related to inflammatory responses (interleukin (IL)-1 beta and -6, inducible nitrite synthase (iNOS), interferon (IFN)- γ and cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 in the liver and spleen after 2 h of LPS injection and plasma ceruloplasmin concentration as an acute phase protein. Birds fed Ax showed significantly higher iNOS mRNA expression in the liver and spleen compared to that of control birds. Ax-fed birds also showed greater increase in mRNA expression in the liver of IL-1, IL-6 and IFN-γ compared to that of control birds. The enhancing effect of Ax was further progressed when LPS was injected. No difference was found in plasma ceruloplasmin concentration between the Ax-fed group and control group. The results suggest that feeding supplementation of Ax (100 ppm) to a corn-enriched diet possibly does not have anti-inflammatory effect in male broiler chickens.