Tail Switch Research Articles

Effect of repeated HPA axis stimulation on hair cortisol concentration, growth, and behavior in preweaned dairy cattle.

The study objective was to investigate the effect of repeated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stimulation using synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) intramuscular injections on hair cortisol concentration, growth, and behavior in preweaned dairy calves. Twenty-seven Holstein calves were assigned to nine triads (based on sex and birth order) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control (CON; 2mL saline weekly); 2) moderate (MOD; alternating Cosyntropin [2 mcg/kg body weight (BW)] and saline weekly); or 3) frequent (FREQ; Cosyntropin [2 mcg/kg BW] weekly). Calves received their first injection on study day 0 (7 ± 1 d of age). Hair was collected from the tail switch between days -5 and -3 (baseline), 21, and 49 and analyzed for cortisol concentration. To verify the endogenous cortisol release by Cosyntropin during the treatment period, saliva was collected on days 0, 14, 28, and 42 before injection and every 15min for 2h after injection for analysis of salivary cortisol concentration. Calves were fitted with accelerometers to continuously monitor lying time, number of lying bouts, and lying bout duration throughout the study. Growth measures (BW, hip height, hip width) were recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (SAS, Version 9.4), and models included the fixed effects of treatment, time (min or study day), and interaction between treatment and time. Temperature humidity index was included as a continuous covariate in all models. We observed a treatment × min interaction (P < 0.0001), whereby salivary cortisol concentration was lower in CON calves compared to MOD and FREQ calves 15 to 120min postinjection. While hair cortisol concentration was not influenced by treatment, concentration decreased from day 21 (1.28 ± 0.03ng/mL) to 49 (0.93 ± 0.03ng/mL). Average BW was similar across treatments (CON [59.4 ± 1.09 kg], MOD [58.6 ± 0.98 kg], and FREQ [57.6 ± 0.96 kg]; P = 0.50). There was no evidence to suggest a difference in average daily lying time (CON [18.5 ± 0.23h/d], MOD [18.6 ± 0.23h/d], and FREQ [18.5 ± 0.23h/d]; P = 0.99). These results suggest that repeated HPA axis stimulation through Cosyntropin administration increased salivary cortisol concentration, but did not influence hair cortisol concentration, growth, or behavior in preweaned dairy calves.

Effects of amoderate exercise regimen on development and puberty attainment of beef heifers reared in drylots at a high stocking density.

This experiment evaluated growth, physiological responses, and puberty attainment in beef heifers reared in drylots with a high stocking density, and provided or not with a moderate exercise regimen. A total of 180 heifers (75% Angus × 25% Brahman) were used in this experiment replicated over 2 yr. Each year, 90 heifers were ranked by age (264 ± 1 d) and body weight (BW on day -3; 200 ± 2kg) on day 0, and assigned to a) one of six drylot pens (10 × 14 m pens; 10 heifers per pen) with a stocking density of 14 m2/heifer (DENS), or b) one of three pastures (2-ha pastures; 10 heifers per pasture) with a stocking density of 2,000 m2/heifer (CON). Beginning on day 15, three DENS pens were given access to an exercise area (DENS-EX) 3 times/wk (1h). Negligible forage was available for CON, whereas heifers from all treatments received the same limit-fed diet (~13kg/heifer daily). Shrunk BW was recorded after 16h of feed and water withdrawal on days -3 and 225 to calculate BW gain. Temperament was evaluated on days 0, 128, and 224. Heifers were fitted with a pedometer behind their shoulder on day 0 to record physical activity. Pedometer results and blood samples were collected weekly for progesterone analysis. Hair samples from the tail switch were collected every 28 d. Data were analyzed with pen or pasture as an experimental unit, via ANOVA using the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Heifers from CON had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS and DENS-EX (23,973, 6,706, and 12,354 steps/wk, respectively; SEM = 1,247), and DENS-EX heifers had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS. No treatment effects (P ≥ 0.91) were detected for heifer BW gain (~0.820kg/d). Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS and DENS-EX compared with CON beginning on day 56. Exit velocity and temperament score were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON on day 224. Puberty attainment was delayed (treatment × day; P < 0.01) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON. A greater (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of CON were pubertal by day 105 compared with DENS and DENS-EX (30.0%, 11.6%, and 15.0%, respectively; SEM = 6.5), while a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of CON and DENS-EX were pubertal by day 154 compared to DENS (61.7%, 66.7%, and 43.3%, respectively; SEM = 6.5). Rearing replacement heifers in drylots with high stocking density has detrimental effects on their puberty attainment, and the moderate exercise regimen partially alleviated this negative outcome.

Estimating the heritability of nitrogen and carbon isotopes in the tail hair of beef cattle

BackgroundThe natural abundance of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotopes in animal tissues are used to estimate an animal’s efficiency in nitrogen utilization, and their feed conversion efficiency, especially in tropical grazing systems with prolonged protein restriction. It is postulated that selection for improving these two characteristics (δ15N and δ13C) would assist the optimisation of the adaptation in ever-changing environments, particularly in response to climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of δ15N and δ13C in the tail hair of tropically adapted beef cattle to validate their inclusion in genetic breeding programs.MethodsIn total, 492 steers from two breeds, Brahman (n = 268) and Droughtmaster (n = 224) were used in this study. These steers were managed in two mixed breed contemporary groups across two years (year of weaning): steers weaned in 2019 (n = 250) and 2020 (n = 242). Samples of tail switch hair representing hair segments grown during the dry season were collected and analysed for δ15N and δ13C with isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Heritability and variance components were estimated in a univariate multibreed (and single breed) animal model in WOMBAT and ASReml using three generations of full pedigree.ResultsThe estimated heritability of both traits was significantly different from 0, i.e. 0.43 ± 0.14 and 0.41 ± 0.15 for δ15N and δ13C, respectively. These traits had favourable moderate to high genetic and phenotypic correlations (− 0.78 ± 0.16 and − 0.40 ± 0.04, respectively). The study also provides informative single-breed results in spite of the limited sample size, with estimated heritability values of 0.37 ± 0.19 and 0.19 ± 0.17 for δ15N and δ13C in Brahman, and 0.36 ± 0.21 and 0.46 ± 0.22 for δ15N and δ13C in Droughtmaster, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of this study show, for the first time, that the natural abundances of both nitrogen and carbon isotopes in the tail hair in cattle may be moderately heritable. With further research and validation, tail hair isotopes can become a practical tool for the large-scale selection of more efficient cattle.

Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rate and expected milk production on the resumption of estrus behavior in Holstein cattle

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate estrous expression at the first estrus occurring between 7 to 30 d in milk (DIM), as detected by an automated activity monitor (AAM), and its association with genomic daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) and genomic expected milk production (GEM) in lactating dairy cows. A total of 4,119 lactations from 2,602 Holstein cows were included. Cows were enrolled as first lactation (n = 1,168), second lactation (n = 1,525) and third and greater lactation (n = 1,426). Hair samples were collected from the tail switch, and cows were genotyped using an SNP platform (Clarifide, Zoetis, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Postpartum cows were examined daily by the farm personnel from calving until 10 DIM. Calving was classified as assisted (forced calf extraction) and unassisted (normal calving). Retained fetal membranes (RFM), hyperketonemia (KET), and left displaced abomasum (LDA) were also recorded. Mean GDPR (± SD) was -0.29 ± 1.4, and the intensity and duration of the first estrus event was 15.9 ± 13.1 x-factor (intensity unit measurement) and 11.1 ± 3.8 h, respectively. Cows that had greater GDPR had greater intensity and longer duration of estrus at the alert, independent of parity. Overall resumption of estrous expression, between 7 to 30 DIM, was 41.2% (1,695/4,119), where 58.8% (2,424/4,119) did not have an estrus event, 31.0% (1,274/4,119) of cows had one event of estrus, and 10.2% (421/4,119) of cows had 2 or more events of estrus early postpartum. Mean DIM (± SD) at first estrus event, detected by the AAM, was 19.4 ± 4.4 d. Days in milk at first event for cows with one event was 20.7 ± 1.6 d and 15.9 ± 3.1 d for cows with 2 or more events of estrus. First lactation cows were more likely to have an estrus event early postpartum when compared with second and third and greater lactation cows (45.2 ± 1.4% [530/1168] vs. 41.6 ± 1.3% [636/1525] vs. 37.2 ± 1.3% [529/1426], respectively). There was an interaction of parity and GDPR on the proportion of cows demonstrating an early postpartum estrus. There was no difference in the proportion of cows with an early postpartum estrus between those with assisted or unassisted calving, RFM, or LDA. However, cows that had KET were less likely to have an alert early postpartum when compared with cows that did not have KET. Mean genomic expected milk production (± SD) was 256.8 ± 600.1 kg. There was no interaction between GEM and parity on estrous expression (i.e., intensity and duration). There was no interaction between GEM and GDPR on the proportion of estrus early postpartum.

134 Estimating the Heritability of Nitrogen and Carbon Isotopes in the Tail Hair of Beef Cattle

Abstract The natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in animal tissues is related to the ability of cattle to lose less nitrogen in the urine and has been used to estimate nitrogen use efficiency and feed efficiency. Carbon isotope enrichment (δ13C) has also been used to estimate feed conversion ratio and grazing behavior in beef cattle. There are significant variations between the individual beef cattle in the same environment for δ15N and δ13C of the tail hair. Thus, the objective was to determine the heritability of δ15N and δ13C in the tail hair of tropically adapted beef cattle to further validate their use in genetic breeding programs. A total of 497 Bos indicus steers (269 Brahman and 228 Droughtmaster) were used, and the steers had reliable pedigree information for three generations as they were part of the beef cattle genetic evaluation system in Australia. Two single, mixed breed, contemporary groups of steers are used including the steers weaned in 2019 (n = 254) and steers weaned in 2020 (n = 243). Samples of tail switch hair representing hair segments growing during the dry season were collected and analyzed for δ15N and δ13C. Fixed effects fitted in the linear regression model were age, breed, year (as contemporary groups), and average daily gain during the different seasons. The heritabilities of δ15N and δ13C in the tail hair were estimated at 0.43 ± 0.14, and 0.41 ± 0.15, respectively, which indicates both are moderately heritable traits. The genetic correlation between δ15N and δ13C was negative at -0.78 ± 0.16, and the phenotypic one was -0.40 ± 0.04. The negative correlation can be explained by the contrasting isotope fractionation in the urine of cattle, as urine has less δ15N and more δ13C than the diet. The findings of this study have shown for the first time that both δ15N and δ13C in the tail hair of cattle are heritable traits. These results support the feasibility of utilizing tail hair isotopes as a promising approach for identifying cattle with greater nitrogen use efficiency, which is a key trait in low-protein diets. Moreover, genetic selection for nitrogen-efficient cattle can reduce the environmental impact of beef production.

Morphological characterization of Sussex cattle at Huntersvlei farm, Free State Province, South Africa.

Sussex cattle breed is characterized by their distinctive solid red coat colour and white tail switch. Sussex cattle are known for being easy to handle and manage, making them an ideal choice for cattle farmers. The phenotypic characterization of this cattle breed in South Africa is unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the morphological structure, phenotypic and body indices traits of Sussex cattle in South Africa at Huntersvlei farm, Frere State province of South Africa. One hundred and one weaners (n = 101) between 6 and 8 months old (female = 57 and male = 44) and fifty yearlings between 12 and 15 months old (female = 15 and male = 35) were used in this study. Body weight at weaning, yearling and linear body measurements such as head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), sternum height (SH), withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), body length (BL), rump length (RL), and rump width (RW) were measured. Moreover, the animals were assessed for coat colour and horn presence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to describe the Sussex cattle breed. The results indicated that male Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for the BW and morphometric traits. The results further showed that Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) increase for the BW and morphometric traits as age advances in all sexes. Interaction effect of sex and age showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect with BW and measured morphometric traits, while moderately significant (p < 0.05) with EW. Male Sussex cattle showed highly significant (p < 0.01) higher mean numeric values for the body index (BI), length index (LI) and compact index (CI) indices. While female Sussex animals showed highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for area index (AI) and proportionality (PR). Body weight showed a positive highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation with the measured morphometric traits except for the moderate significant (p < 0.05) correlation with EL. Coat colour traits ranged from 15 (9.93%), 103 (68.21%) to 33 (21.85%) for light, moderate and dark colours, respectively. While horn presence traits ranged from 48 (31.79%), 42 (27.81%) to 61 (40.40%) for polled, scur and horned respectively. The PCA results extracted only two components in both sexes of the animals. The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular markers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to guide the overall breed characterization, conservation and development of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.

Physical characteristics, management, and performance of newly recognized ‘Kathani cattle’ of Maharashtra state

Kathani cattle is not a registered cattle breed, consequently, these animals are categorized as non-descript animals in the Livestock Census of the Government of India. The population is about 10.51 lakh. Data of 9474 animals spread over 118 villages distributed in 13 tehsils of 3 districts (Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Gondia) from the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra was collected under the survey, evaluation, and characterization network project of NBAGR, Karnal, during November 2017 to March 2020 and analyzed to document the physical characteristics, management, and performance of a new cattle breed available/found in Maharashtra state. Qualitative body part characters indicated that almost all animals had black coloured muzzle, eyelid, eyeball, hooves, tail switch. Biometry recorded included eight different body measurements in different age and sex groups. When compared with Gaolao, Kosali, Motu, and Ongole breeds of cattle from adjoining breeding tracts, molecular as well as phenotypic differentiation indicated separate genetic identities of the Kathani cattle. Nearly 96% Kathani cattle owners were found to provide housing to their animals and about 87% of respondents provided shelter during the night only while 7.4% provided both during day and night. Respondents (74.70%) cultivated fodder for their animals and general fodder in the area was leftover (after crop harvest) of paddy locally called Tanis, and soybeans, mung, wheat, cowpea, chickpea, pigeon pea, black gram locally called Kutar. The feed and fodder laboratory analysis revealed that Kathani animals were reared on very low nutritive value content like Tanis and different types of Kutars. Natural service was the preferred breeding method adopted by 94.8% and 5.2% of owners bred their animals through artificial insemination with the semen of exotic breed bulls. Kathani cattle keepers (61.9%) in the survey area experienced incidence of some of the contagious diseases and 72.55% of cattle holders vaccinatad their animals against these contagious diseases. The average age at first ejaculate for Kathani cattle males was 35.84±0.31 months, age at first calving was 54.86±0.05 months, calving interval was 486.85±0.51 days, daily milk yield was 0.55±0.01 litres, lactation length was 237.76±1.82 days and dry period noticed was 245.75±2.28 days. The study results will flag the way for the registration of the population as a new cattle breed and for the formulation of a breeding program for further improvement of this lesser-known cattle population.

Effects of temperament on reproductive performance of Bos taurus heifers enrolled in the 7-day CO-Synch + controlled internal drug release protocol.

Cattle temperament significantly impacts production traits such as reproduction. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of temperament on pregnancy rates to fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) in Bos taurus beef heifers. A total of 297 Angus influenced heifers from 3 different locations were evaluated for temperament based on chute score and exit velocity on the first day of the estrus synchronization protocol (d-9) and classified by temperament type based on temperament score (calm ≤ 3 < excitable). Pregnancy status was determined by transrectal ultrasonography approximately 40 d after TAI. Hair from the tail switch was collected at d-9 and at d0 (TAI) for cumulative cortisol evaluation. A subset of 43 heifers from location 3 had blood samples collected at all handling events and evaluated for cortisol concentrations. Overall, 71% of heifers were classified as calm whereas 29% as excitable. Pregnancy rates to TAI were reduced (P = 0.042) in excitable heifers compared to calm heifers (36% vs. 55%, respectively). Mean concentration of cortisol in the hair was reduced over time (P < 0.001) from d-9 (3.5 ± 0.3 pg/mg) to d0 (1.74 ± 0.3 pg/mg) in all heifers, regardless of temperament. In addition, excitable heifers had increased circulating concentrations of cortisol when compared to calm heifers in all handling events (P = 0.015). More interestingly, despite of temperament, concentrations of circulating cortisol were reduced as the protocol events progressed, with greater cortisol concentrations on d-9, intermediate on d-3, and lesser on d0 (P = 0.031). Therefore, the present study demonstrates that heifer temperament has negative effects in pregnancy rates to TAI programs. However, according to blood cortisol concentrations, no chronic stress response was detected due to cattle handling for the TAI protocol. In fact, blood cortisol concentration was reduced between the initiation and completion of the protocol, indicating that heifers were acclimated to handing. These results support the adoption of acclimation protocols and proper cattle handling as a strategy to increase fertility of heifers that are exposed to TAI.

Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rates and reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cattle

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the relationship between genomic daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) with reproduction parameters such as pregnancy at first artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy per AI, and pregnancy losses (PL). A total of 12,949 events from 3,499 Holstein cows were included. Cows were enrolled as nulliparous (n = 1,220), primiparous (n = 1,314), or multiparous (n = 965). Cows were bred either after a timed AI protocol, timed embryo transfer (ET), or spontaneous estrus. Most lactating cows were bred following a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone, and most nulliparous were artificially inseminated following estrus detection. Hair samples were collected from the tail switch and cows were genotyped using a SNP platform (Clarifide, Zoetis). Cows that were bred by timed AI were evaluated for estrous behavior using tail chalk. Tail chalk was applied on the head of the tail 2 d before timed AI and the chalk was evaluated at AI (no estrus: 100% of chalk remaining or ≥50% of chalk remaining; Estrus: <50% of chalk remaining). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at d 32 and 60 after AI using ultrasonography, and the presence of a heartbeat was considered a positive diagnosis. Pregnancy loss was defined as a pregnant cow on d 32 that was nonpregnant on d 60. As GDPR increased, the odds of pregnancy at first AI increased [odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.20-1.35], the odds of pregnancy per AI increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.25-1.36), and the odds of PL decreased (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.60-0.72). Most cows that were bred on the day of the timed AI demonstrated estrus (n = 6,075; 92.9%). The odds of demonstrating estrus on the day of timed AI increased as GDPR increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.48). There was no interaction between GDPR and parity or breeding management for pregnancy at first AI, pregnancy per AI, and PL. In conclusion, the odds of pregnancy at first AI and pregnancy per AI increased as GDPR increased. Moreover, the odds of PL increased as GDPR decreased. Greater GDPR was also associated with greater occurrence of estrus on the day of timed AI. These results suggest that selecting for higher GDPR could result in better reproductive performance, but this would need to be assessed with additional research.

Identification and morphological characterization of buffaloes in Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh

The present study was planned to characterize the morphological features of local buffalo populations found in the Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh as per the guideline of ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal. The study revealed that the buffalo population was generally distributed in Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni and adjoining parts of the districts. The study revealed that the size of buffalo in Mahakaushal region was medium to large with compact body and had a black, light brown or grey body coat and skin colour. The most common colour of muzzle was black, light black eyelids and hooves, light grey horns and light black tail-switch. There were few buffaloes which had white marking on forehead and tail switch. This study was the first attempt to examine the buffalo population in this region. The present study reveals that the studied buffalo population can be registered as a breed.

First study on phenotypic and morphological characteristics of Malaysian Kedah-Kelantan cattle (Bos indicus) and method of estimating their body weight.

Background and Aim:Indigenous Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cattle are well adapted with distinguished reproductive capabilities; they account for more than 70% of the domestic beef production in Malaysia. The published literature on the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of KK cattle are sparse and require further improvement. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of Malaysian KK cattle and method of estimating live body weight (BW).Materials and Methods:Morphometric and phenotypic measurements were taken from 184 KK cattle (102 males and 82 females) sourced from three regions. Each animal’s color pattern was recorded for their coat, muzzle, face, eyelashes, horns, tail switch, hoof, and legs through visual observation. Length measurements were taken of the body, face, ear, horn, tail, and rump. Several morphological features such as length, width, and girth were measured using a measuring tape, while wither height and hip height were assessed with a measuring scale.Results:Brown is the predominant coat color in KK cattle (>82%). The overall means of head length, face width (FW), ear length, horn length, wither height, heart girth (HG), body length (BL), and rump length were 42.5±4.5, 17.3±2.9, 19.8±3.1, 9.9±4.4, 104.3±7.1, 127.4±13.2, 98.3±12.3, and 32.4±4.1 cm, respectively. Different morphometric parameters of length, width, and circumference were significantly ( p<0.01) larger in males than females, except for tail length and TG. Correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis clearly revealed that BL is the best parameter for estimating live BW in KK cattle.Conclusion:Phenotypic and morphometric measurements in this study showed that Malaysian KK cattle generally possess a brown coat pattern with smaller body size, while BL revealed to be the best parameter to predict BW. The data generated from this study would be useful as baseline data for the identification and selection of KK cattle based on their phenotypical- and morphological-features for further improvement of this breed.

Metal transfer and related human health risk assessment through milk from cattle grazing at an industrial discharge area

ABSTRACT The water bodies within industrial areas are often used for the disposal of effluents leading to metal contamination in water, soil, and vegetation. However, the impact of metal enrichment in the food grown in these areas has not been much explored. The present study investigates the food chain contamination of eight metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in the milk from the cattle grazing on a shallow lake bed within the industrial town of Ranipet, India, and associated health risk from the consumption by adults and children. It also considers the possible sources of metals into the cattle from water, forage, and soil. The total number of cattle grazing in the study area was identified, along with their average daily intakes. The total milk yield from these cattle and the milk consumption rates were identified from surveys conducted among cattle owners and milk buyers. The primary sources of all the metals, except Al are forage; whereas for Al, it is the soil. The projected milk consumption pattern indicates that 531 children and 1279 adults drinking contaminated milk are at considerable risk. The hazard indices ranged from 0.86 to 2.74 for children, and 0.35 to 1.13 for adults. The Cancer Risk values for Cd and Cr were above 10−4 for adults and children, signify serious health risk. The analyses of tail switch hair samples indicated that cattle are also environmentally exposed to metals indicating their subclinical effect. Hence, the study substantiates that soil can be a potential source of metals in the food chain, and apprises stringent quality control and monitoring food chain contamination from milk in industrial belts.

Strategic administration of an appeasing substance to improve performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle.

This study was designed to evaluate the timing of administration of the bovine appeasing substance (BAS) on performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle. Nellore bulls (n = 100) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 341 ± 18.5 kg) and assigned to receive BAS (n = 50) or placebo (CON; n = 50) on day -2 of the experiment. Treatments (5 mL) were applied topically to the nuchal skin area of each bull. Bulls were loaded into commercial livestock trailers immediately after treatment administration, transported for 880 km, and unloaded on day -1 at a commercial feedyard. On day 0, bulls within each treatment were again assigned to receive, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, BAS or CON as described previously (25 bulls/treatment combination). Upon treatment administration on day 0, bulls were housed in 12 feedlot pens (3 pens/treatment) for a 108-d feeding period, which was divided into an adaptation (days 0-19), growing (days 20-60), and finishing (days 61-108) phases. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily from days 0 to 108, whereas blood samples and hair from the tail switch were collected on days -2, 0, 19, 60, and 108. Administration of BAS prior to loading (day -2) improved ADG, FE, and DMI during adaptation and across the 108-d feeding period (P ≤ 0.08), resulting in greater (P = 0.03) hot carcass weight and dressing percentage upon slaughter on day 109. A treatment × day interaction was detected for serum glucose concentrations (P = 0.05), which was greater (P = 0.03) on day 60 of the feeding period in bulls receiving CON prior to loading. Administration of BAS at feedlot entry (day 0) improved DMI, ADG, and FE during adaptation (P ≤ 0.05), but it did not impact (P ≥ 0.18) performance and carcass traits during the 108-d feeding period. Bulls administered BAS prior to loading and at feedlot entry had less (P ≤ 0.05) mean serum cortisol concentrations across the 108-d feeding period (loading × feedlot entry interaction; P = 0.10) and greater (P ≤ 0.05) serum insulin concentration on day 60 (loading × feedlot entry × day interaction; P = 0.05). In summary, BAS administration prior to loading increased the overall feedlot performance of Nellore bulls. These outcomes were noted in bulls that received or not a second BAS administration at feedlot entry, suggesting that the benefits of BAS are exploited when this substance is administered before transport to the feedlot.

5 Effects of Virtual Fencing on Cortisol Concentrations and Behavior of Beef Cattle

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual fencing on stress in beef cattle. In both experiments, cattle were contained by either physical, 2-strand electric fencing or by use of a proprietary, GPS-based virtual fencing collar, with no physical interior fencing. In both studies, hair from the tail switch was collected at the end of the experiment, and analyzed for cortisol concentration to measure the accumulated stress experienced by the cattle. Additionally, a subset of cattle were fitted with pedometers to measure behavior responses. In the initial pilot experiment, 55 heifers were grazed for 28 d in either 1 physically-fenced pasture or 1 virtually-fenced pasture. In the second experiment, 59 mature cows and heifers were grazed for 56 d in 1 of 2 physically-fenced or 1 of 2 virtually-fenced pastures (4 pastures total). In the second experiment, blood samples were also collected and NEFA and lactate were quantified in plasma. Only descriptive statistics were summarized for the pilot experiment, which indicated that hair cortisol concentrations were within published ranges for both fence types (0.39 ± 0.32 and 0.37 ± 0.15 pg/mg for physically- or virtually-fenced animals, respectively), and step count and motion index appeared elevated in the first few days of adaptation to virtual fence. The second experiment was analyzed with analysis of variance as a completely random design with pasture as the experimental unit. No effect of fence type was found for behavior (number of steps, standing time, lying bouts, or motion index; P &amp;gt; 0.16). Further, no difference was observed in cortisol, lactate nor NEFA (P &amp;gt; 0.14) concentrations due to fence type. None of this data suggests that virtual fencing is different from physical fencing in the effects on cattle stress and behavior, indicating further research and development of virtual fencing technology are warranted.

Multimodular Optimization of Chemically Regulated T Cell Switches Demonstrates Flexible and Interchangeable Nature of Immune Cell Signaling Domains.

Immune cell-based therapies can induce potent antitumor effects but are also often associated with severe toxicities. We previously developed a PD-1-based small molecule-regulated reversible T cell activation switch to control the activity of cellular immunotherapy products. This chemically regulated and SH2-delivered-inhibitory tail (CRASH-IT) switch relies on the noncovalent interaction of switch SH2 domains with phosphorylated ITAM motifs in either chimeric antigen receptors or T cell receptors. After this interaction, the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif/switch motif (ITIM/ITSM) containing PD-1 domain present in the CRASH-IT switch induces robust inhibition of T cell signaling, and CRASH-IT-mediated suppression of T cell activity can be reversed by small molecule-induced switch proteolysis. With the aim to develop improved second-generation switch systems, we here analyze the possibility space of both the immune cell receptor docking and inhibitory signaling domains that allow control over T cell activity. Importantly, these analyses demonstrate that the inhibitory domains that most potently suppress antigen receptor signaling in primary human T cells are not derived from inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1 and BTLA, that are endogenously expressed in T cells, but include ITIM/ITSM containing inhibitory domains derived from receptors present in myeloid cells. In addition, we demonstrate that physical proximity of the inhibitory domain to the antigen receptor is crucial to efficiently suppress T cell activation, as only switch designs that employ SH2 domains directly interacting with ITAM motifs in antigen receptors efficiently and reversibly inhibit T cell functionality. These data demonstrate the flexible and interchangeable nature of immune cell signaling domains, and inform the design of a synthetic proximity-based switch system with a superior dynamic range.

Phenotypic characterization of Dagri cattle of Gujarat

A hill cattle population locally known as Dagri reared by tribals from eastern border districts of Gujarat adjoiningto Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, mainly Dahod and Chhotaudepur and to some extent Panchmahal, Mahisagarand Narmada was investigated for its phenotypic characterization. A total of 606 animals were examined for bodymeasurements. Body weight of the newborn calf (4) and preweaning weight (24) were recorded by actualmeasurement on the weighing scale while, the body weight of animals above 1-year (606) was derived from bodymeasurements using standard formula. Body measurements in males, females and heifers were taken on 606 animals. Milk composition was studied in milk samples from 50 cows. Draughtability was also studied on 11 pairs ofbullocks. Dagri animals possessed predominantly white coat colour (males 95.45%; females 86.89%). Muzzle colour was mainly black (males 95.45%; females 91.59%). Eyelids were mainly black (males 100%; females 98.22%). Horn and tail switch were mainly black while hoof colour was mainly pale black. Horns were curved and oriented upward-outward. Forehead was straight. Ears were small oriented horizontally. Dagri cattle had small hump, dewlap and naval flap. The udder was bowl shaped, small sized with round tipped cylindrical teats and with no prominent milk vein. The means (cm) for chest girth, body length, height at withers and hip height were 134.40±4.03, 115.46±3.37, 106.66±2.11 and 109.13±1.84, respectively, in adult males and 128.93±0.35, 110.82±0.34, 102.46±0.28 and 104.99±0.26, respectively, in adult females. The means (cm) for face length, tail length, horn length, horn circumference, hump height, navel length, dewlap length, forehead width, ear length and ear width were 35.86±1.00, 67.33±1.37, 21.64±2.65, 18.00±0.85, 10.00±0.66, 05.87±0.54, 78.40±2.57, 15.66±0.54, 21.06±0.78 and 10.00±0.32 respectively in adult males and 35.95±0.10, 66.91±0.25, 19.26±0.29, 12.91±0.10, 06.98±0.06, 01.40±0.06, 72.86±0.35, 13.12±0.05, 19.23±0.11, 10.50±0.06 cm, respectively, in adult females. The mean body weight (kg) at different age groups, viz. birth weight, pre-weaning weight, body weight at 12 months, body weight at 24 months and adult weight were 16.75±0.25, 27.12±2.02, 60.02±19.85, 108.08±13.72, 223.85±14.70, respectively, in males and 13.0±1.0, 27.1±3.01, 66.5±7.16, 116.7±8.67, 169.63±1.21, respectively, in females. Reproduction traits, viz. age at first oestrus, age at first mating, age at first calving were 32 to 42, 42 to 48 and 48 to 60 months, respectively, in females. Production traits, viz. daily milk yield, lactation length and lactation milk yield were 1.75 kg, 120–240 days and 75–600 kg, respectively. These data were derived from farmers’ personal interview at their doorstep. Milk fat and SNF percentage were 4.08% and 9.18%. This lesser known population of hilly cattle was not recognized and registered as distinct breed before this investigation. This study played a major role in recognition and registration of this population. As a result of these efforts it is now recognized and registered as new cattle breed with accession no. INDIA_CATTLE_0400_DAGRI_03046.

CRASH-IT Switch Enables Reversible and Dose-Dependent Control of TCR and CAR T-cell Function.

Adoptive transfer of genetically modified or donor-derived T cells can efficiently eradicate human tumors but is also frequently associated with major toxicity. There are several switches that can be used to kill the infused cell pool in the case of major toxicity, but the irreversible nature of these suicide switches means that the therapeutic effect is lost when they are used. To address this issue, we engineered a small-molecule responsive genetic safety switch that in the absence of drug robustly blocked cytotoxicity and cytokine expression of primary human T cells. Upon administration of drug, T-cell functions were restored in a reversible and titratable manner. We showed that this T-cell switch was universal, as it could be combined with endogenous or transduced T-cell receptors (TCR), as well as chimeric antigen receptors. The modular nature of the Chemically Regulated - SH2-delivered Inhibitory Tail (CRASH-IT) switch concept, in which inhibitory domains are brought to activating immune receptors in a controlled manner, makes it a versatile platform to regulate the activity of cell products that signal through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing receptors.

Study on Phenotypic and Morphometric Characteristics of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes Calves at Livestock Research and Development Station, Paharpur Dera Ismail Khan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kpk) Pakistan

A study was conducted at Livestock Research and Development Station, Paharpur Dera Ismail Khan khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Pakistan to document the phenotypic and Morphometric characteristic of Niliravi Buffalo Calves. Total 25 Niliravi buffalo calves were studied. Phenotypic characteristic were recorded visually. Majority (95.1%) of Nili ravi buffalo calves have black coat color with white forehead, muzzle, tail switch and lower part of the legs. Calves with black forehead and black lower parts of the legs have also been reported. Physical characteristic (color of coat, muzzle, face, eyelash, hooves and tail switch) were recorded visually. Morphometric measurements (heart girth, body length, height at withers, ear length, forehead length neck length and tail length) were recorded by using measuring tape. Mean heart girth, body length and height at withers were recorded as 38 ± 1.70 inches 28 ± 4.78 inches and 34 ± 1.26 inches, respectively. Average birth and weaning weight was recorded 33 ± 1.22 and 65.0 ± 5.00 kg, respectively. Average daily growth rate up to weaning of Niliravi buffalo calves was recorded 0.35 kg. Nilli-Ravi buffalo is an indigenous breed of Pakistan and is ranked as an important dairy breed of buffalo.

266 Administering an appeasing substance to beef calves at weaning to optimize welfare and productivity

Abstract This experiment evaluated the impacts of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) administration on performance, behavioral, and physiological responses of beef calves upon weaning. Eighty Angus-influenced calves (40 heifers, 40 steers) were weaned at 233 ± 2 d of age (d 0), ranked by age and body weight (BW), and assigned to receive BAS (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil; n = 40) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 40). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal. Within treatment, calves were allocated to 1 of 8 drylot pens (4 pens/treatment) and received a free-choice total mixed ration (TMR) from d 0 to 42, intake of which was assessed daily. On d 0, calves were fitted with a pedometer behind their right shoulder, and pedometer results were recorded weekly during the experiment (d 0 to 42) concurrently with full BW collection and temperament evaluation. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42, and hair samples were collected from the tail switch on d 0, 14, 28, and 42. Average daily gain from d 0 to 42 did not differ between treatments (P = 0.52), but was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves from d 0 to 28. Intake of TMR was greater during the first week for BAS vs. CON calves (P = 0.05), and similar (P ≥ 0.44) from wk 2 to 6 (treatment × week; P = 0.08). Exit velocity was greater (P = 0.03) for CON vs. BAS calves on d 14 and tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for CON vs. BAS calves on d 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.04). Physical activity was greater for CON vs. BAS calves on d 1 (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but greater (P = 0.01) in BAS vs. CON on d 2 (treatment × day; P = 0.01). Mean plasma concentrations of haptoglobin were greater (P = 0.03) in CON vs. BAS calves during the experiment. Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.0 5) in CON vs. BAS calves on d 14 (treatment × day interaction; P = 0.03). Results from this experiment indicate BAS calves habituated to their environment more rapidly through increased physical activity, which facilitated a lessened stress response associated with weaning, and accelerated adaptation to a novel environment. This was manifested through improved TMR intake and BW gain during the initial period of the experiment. Collectively, results suggest use of BAS as a strategy to improve calf welfare and productivity upon weaning.

THE STATE OF BROWN CARPATHIAN AND BROWN CAUCASIAN CATTLE BREEDS ON FAO PROJECT TCP/RER/3604 “CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE BREEDS IN EASTERN EUROPE”

During 2018–2019 Ukraine took part in the project of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) «Conservation and development of double-purpose cattle breeds in Eastern Europe» (TCP/RER/3604). The project covered Brown Carpathian and Brown Caucasian breeds of Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine. On the results of the project, experts from the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, international experts prepared reports on gender, social and economic characteristics of the studied regions, genomic analysis of samples and provided recommendations for breeding in the regions with the breeds. It was considered expedient to present these results to the general scientific community.&#x0D; At each country FAO have chosen service-provider (organization), which should make survey on productive environment of targeted breed (in Ukraine – Brown Carpathian), conclude the general state of the breed, visit at least 100 farms where Caucasian/Carpathian Brown cattle breed was kept, collect information from 300 cows and 20 bulls, and genetic samples from at least 100 cows and 20 bulls kept for breeding. Service-provider in Ukraine was M.V.Zubets Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, NAAS.&#x0D; Scientists of M.V.Zubets Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and other sub-contracting organizations during February-June, 2019 investigated 265 heads of cattle in 31 villages 5 districts of the Transcarpathian region, phenotypically classified as Brown Carpathian breed, including 6 breeding bulls of mating age (1.5–2 years). Each animal was photographed, linearly descriptive features of the exterior were evaluated, the necessary body measurements were taken with the help of appropriate tools, live weight and constitutional features were determined, and samples were taken for genetic testing.&#x0D; A total of 554 hair samples were taken from the project (123 – from Armenia, 141 – from Georgia and 290 – from Ukraine).&#x0D; The basis for classifying the animals as Brown Carpathian was phenotypic examination and strict compliance with the main characteristics of the breed: uniform grey or brown colour with different shades of it, general conformation typical for the breed, lighter belt along the back, black muzzle with lighter hair around it, black hooves and horn tips, lighter "glasses" around the eyes, thick light hair inside outer ears.&#x0D; To form the genetic passport of the population, hair was selected from the tail switch of selected animals using equipment provided by FAO, sent to the laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria. In the laboratory in the district of Siebersdorf, DNA was isolated from the obtained samples, the genetic diversity of populations, the degree of inbreeding and their effective number, kinship between populations were assessed and the genetic structure and level of influence of other breeds were analysed.&#x0D; DNA was extracted from each hair follicle using a MasterPure kit (Biozym, Illumina, USA) according to the protocol of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). The isolated DNA was subjected to a two-step quality control procedure before preparation for wide-genome typing. DNA samples were measured using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer to obtain a concentration with a ratio of 260/280 and 260/230. According to the results obtained using a spectrophotometer, DNA samples were diluted to measure high-quality double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by PicoGreen Assay. The final working DNA was prepared based on PicoGreen measurements and stored at – 20°C for further processing.&#x0D; Sample genotyping was performed using a third-generation 384-cell matrix to assess Bovine individuals on the Affymetrix-Axiom platform (Axiom Bovine Genotyping v3 array). Within the project, 48 individuals of Austrian Simmental and 18 – Ayrshire breeds were also genotyped for comparison. The matrix included 64.000 SNPs, providing a high probability of covering genomic variations of the Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds.&#x0D; Intra-breed genetic diversity was assessed using PLINK v1.09 to calculate actual heterozygosity (H0) and inbreeding coefficient (FIS).&#x0D; Analysis of genetic parameters of population diversity evidenced a rather low inbreeding rate of Brown Carpathian breed and a fairly high effective population size compared to European breeds, which can indicate a very limited practice of artificial insemination and lack of selection among bulls.&#x0D; Analysis of genetic differentiation and relationship between populations, principal components analysis and determination of admixtures of other breeds proved the uniqueness of the Brown Carpathian breed from a genetic point of view.&#x0D; Based on the conducted genomic analysis of populations, consultations with project participants, reports of service providers of each country, an international consultant on animal genetic resources, chairman of the ICAR working group on functional traits, formed a breeding program for the studied populations. The breeding program included proposals for further selection work, calculation of basic selection-genetic parameters, selection effect, number of bulls and heifers for selection nucleus, number of doses to maintain genetic diversity of the population, cost of population restoration, breeding work of breeding centre and work plan by years to implement a breeding program.&#x0D; Gender analysis of service providers' reports showed some gender differentiation in livestock care, processing and everyday life of owners of Brown Carpathian cattle.