Calf Weight Research Articles

Genetic Analysis of Calf Survivability in Gir Crossbreds

Data of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at Research cum Development Project on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, for a period from 2005 to 2019 was collected to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. The traits studied were cumulative survivability within 0 to 15 days, 0 to 30 days, 0 to 90 days, 0 to 180 days and 0 to 365 days. The least square means of cumulative survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0 to 15, 0 to 30, 0 to 90, 0 to 180 and 0 to 365 days were 83.27±2.16, 75.40±2.57, 62.29±2.99, 53.96±3.16 and 52.16±3.17, respectively. The period of birth had significant (P<0.05) effect on cumulative survivability trait at ages viz., D 0-30, D 0-90, D 0- 180 and D 0-365. Parity of dam and season of birth had non-significant effect on cumulative calf survivability traits. Significant (P<0.05) effect of calves’ sex on survivability traits was recorded at 0- 15, 0-30, 0-90, 0-180 and 0-365 days. Birth weight of calf had significant (P<0.01) effect on cumulative calf survivability at 0-15 and 0-30 days after birth. The paternal half sib method was use to estimate heritability for cumulative survivability traits the values were low in magnitude, ranged from 0.06 to 0.113. The genetic correlation between cumulative survivability traits ranges between 0.38 to 0.95. Survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups in Gir crossbred calves showed non significant effect.

Predicting Body Weight in Pre-Weaned Holstein-Friesian Calves Using Morphometric Measurements.

Regularly weighing calves helps to assess the efficiency of the rearing period and contributes to animal welfare by allowing more precise feeding and medication application in dairy farming, but many farmers do not weigh their calves regularly. Improving the feasibility of this process is, therefore, important. The use of morphometric measurements has been used to estimate the weight of cattle. However, many studies have focused on adult animals or used a wide age range. As calves experience allometric tissue growth, specific models for certain ranges might be more accurate. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a weight estimation model specific for pre-weaned Holstein-Friesian calves using morphometric measurements and to compare the model with another equation previously validated for the same breed with young and adult animals. From four dairy farms, 237 measurements of body weight, heart girth, abdominal girth, hip height, withers height, and body length were taken from Holstein-Friesian male and female calves. Linear and non-linear regression analysis was used to test the relationship between body weight and morphometric measurements, with age, sex, and farm as possible explanatory variables. Selected models were compared with goodness of fit and agreement tests. The final model was able to accurately predict body weight (R2 = 0.96) with a mean difference of -1.4 ± 3.24 kg. Differences in the relationship between body weight and morphometric traits were observed between farms, but not between males and females. The genetics of the animal population at farm level may be responsible for this variability and further studies are needed to understand this variability and improve weight prediction models. The developed model was able to perform better in the agreement tests than the previously validated model for Holstein-Friesian animals, suggesting that different equations should be used depending on the growth phase the animal is in. In addition, a web application has been developed to facilitate the use of the developed model by farmers. This avoids the use of calibrated weight bands, which are usually calibrated for a broader age range or for beef cattle.

Small for Gestational Age Calves: Part I-Concept and Definition, Contributing Prenatal Factors and Neonatal Body Morphometrics in Holstein Friesian Calves.

Low birth weight (BW) calves exhibit higher mortality rates, reduced body weights at parturition, lower first-lactation milk yields, and longer parturition to first insemination intervals. In human medicine, small for gestational age (SGA) births are associated with increased perinatal morbidity and long-term metabolic risks. This study aimed to define SGA in Holstein Friesian (HF) calves, evaluate their body measurements and proportions, and identify its prenatal risk factors. Four linear regression models were built with weight as a function for gestation length for bull and heifer calves born from nulli- or multiparous dams. Calves with a BW below the 10th percentile were classified as SGA. Differences in body measurements were analyzed using ANOVA, and logistic regression models identified prenatal risk factors to be born SGA. Gestation length, calf sex, and dam parity were crucial variables in defining SGA. SGA calves had significantly smaller body measurements (p < 0.001) and larger body proportions (p < 0.001) compared to average and large calves. For nulliparous dams, a higher 2nd trimester temperature-humidity index (p = 0.032) and older age at parturition (>26 months, p = 0.026) significantly increased the birth of SGA calves. For multiparous dams, both low (<5800 kg, p = 0.049) and high (6700-8600 kg, p = 0.027) milk yields during gestation lead to more SGA births, although very high-yielding dams (>8600 kg) did not birth more SGA calves. This study establishes SGA in HF calves, suggests SGA calves are asymmetrical with evidence of "brain sparing", and highlights the impact of prenatal factors on calf size at birth. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of being born SGA on growth, reproductive performance, and productivity.

Perfil metabólico, zootécnico e sanitário de bezerras Girolando concebidas por fertilização in vitro

ABSTRACT: This study determined the zootechnical, metabolic, and health performance of Girolando calves born with high or low birth weight, conceived through in vitro fertilization. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm located in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this, a hundred Girolando calves were divided into two groups: The Control, which consisted of calves that were born weighing ≤ 35 kg; and high birth weight (HBW) calves, which were born weighing &gt; 35 kg. The calves were monitored for zootechnical parameters; epidemiological indices, for diseases such diarrhea and pneumonia; as well as serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglycerides, paraoxonase1, albumin, urea, and globulin. Calves from the HBW group had a higher general mortality rate, but no effects on the zootechnical performance or metabolism were observed. The results obtained allow us to conclude that Girolando calves generated by IVF and heavier at birth have a greater chance to present diseases such as omphalophlebitis, tympany, and bovine parasitic sadness, and have a higher rate of general mortality. Conversely, birth weight of the calves does not influence diarrhea or pneumonia, the zootechnical performance, or the metabolism.

Colostrum Yield and Colostrum Suckled by Neonatal Buffalo Calves

The colostrum production by buffaloes during 12 h after post birth was measured in three intervals within 2 h after birth, 2 to 6 h after birth, and 12 h after birth, by weigh-suckle-weigh method and hand milked colostrum measured in measuring cylinder. Average colostrum suckled by neonatal calf of having average body weight 27.93 kg in first feeding at 2 h, 2nd feeding at 6 h and 3rd feeding at 12 h after birth were 275.63 mL, 413.13 mL and 656.31mL respectively and average total colostrum suckled by neonatal calves at 6 hours after birth calving and total colostrums suckled in 12 h after birth were 688.76 mL and 1345 mL respectively, with a total yield of 4112 mL of colostrum (suckled plus hand milked) equal to 14.72 % of body weight of the calf. It was found that the total colostrums yield at 6 h and 12 h of after birth (including hand milked and colostrums suckled) were 2252.40 mL and 1867.63 mL, respectively. It was recorded that, average colostrums suckled (per cent of body weight of calf) at 2 hours in first feeding, at 6 hours in 2nd feeding and at12 hours in 3rd feeding of after birth were 1.26, 1.47, and 2.46, respectively and average total colostrums suckled (per cent of body weight of calf) at 6 h after birth (including 1st feeding and 2nd feeding) and at 12 h after birth (includes all three feedings up to 12 h after birth) were, 2.34 and 6.68, respectively.

Deciphering the immune responses in late gestation Sahiwal cows under different microclimate and its carryover effect on progenies.

The current investigation aimed to comprehend the inflammatory and related immune responses in intrauterine calves subjected to heat stress (HS) during late gestation. For this purpose, 48 Sahiwal cows in late gestation were chosen and categorized into four equal groups: naturally heat stressed (NHS), cooling-treated (CLT), spring, and winter, and likewise their neonate calves born in summer (IUHS - intrauterine heat stressed and IUCL - intrauterine cooled), spring, and winter seasons. Environmental parameters were recorded, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated daily throughout the study period. The average THI values ranged between 84.18 (summer-NHS), 73.88 (summer-CLT), 78.92 (spring), and 64.91 (winter). NHS and spring groups exhibited thermal stress based on THI (> 76.00). Various treatments significantly (P < 0.01) impacted parameters like rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature (ST) in Sahiwal cows and their calves during the study, except for heart rate (HR). Blood samples collected during different seasons and from cows housed in a climatic chamber were used to extract plasma. Plasma cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were notably higher (P < 0.05) in the NHS compared to the CLT group. Conversely, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the CLT and winter groups. IUHS calves exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower overall mean plasma TAC and IgG levels but higher inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and TBARS. Additionally, significant impacts on body weight were observed for factors such as interval (P < 0.01) and the interaction between treatment and interval (P < 0.05), exhibiting consistently lower body weight in IUHS calves throughout the study period. These findings suggest that late gestation heat stress may lead to physiological alterations in future calves. Strategies aimed at mitigating heat stress during late gestation should be considered not only for the productivity and well-being of the pregnant dam but also for the development and future performance of the calf.

Plant-animal relationship, metabolic and behavioral adaptations, and their association with production levels in primiparous cows in response to changes in herbage allowance in Basaltic native grasslands

Based on a two-level of herbage allowance (OF) with seasonal variations experiment, two experiments were conducted in spring-calving primiparous cows on basalt campos. Experiment 1 (Exp1) assessed high OF (AOF) and low OF (BOF) in cows undergoing temporary weaning and flushing (DTF) at the beginning of the breeding season, while Experiment 2 (Exp2) investigated the interaction between AOF and BOF levels pre and postpartum without DTF. Herbage quantity and height were generally below recommended values and they were higher in AOF during autumn and summer compared to BOF, explained by a lower stocking rate (~30%). In Exp1, AOF increased concentrations of IGF-I and insulin, and BCS in autumn, explained by higher herbage intake. These changes had a positive impact on IGF-I concentrations during winter and after the start of DTF in AOF compared to BOF, attributed to a carryover effect or metabolic memory, explaining the higher probability of ovulation and pregnancy. After DTF, AOF cows exhibited greater behavioral plasticity: a lower proportion of daytime spent grazing and more on rumination and walking, staying closer to their calves compared to BOF. The calves’ weight after 120 days was higher in AOF compared to BOF, associated with increased calves’ herbage intake and cow-calf proximity. In Exp2, BCS levels would have been sufficient to mitigate the negative energy balance in winter, explaining the absence of a prepartum OF effect. Postpartum AOF increased herbage intake compared to BOF and recorded higher concentrations of IGF-I, milk production, calf weight from 90 days, and the proportion of cows that ovulated. The OF affected the nutritional plane at different times between experiments; however, AOF in both experiments increased meat production per cow, biological efficiency and production per area associated with higher herbage intake, and metabolic and behavioral plasticity. The results contribute to the design of more productive, resilient and environmentally friendly systems.

The Effect of Commercial Essential Oil Mixture Applied to Neonatal Simmental Calves on Growth, Development and Health Parameters

In this study, the effectiveness of commercial essential oil mixture application in preventing calf losses due to diarrhea and on the growth, development and health parameters of calves was investigated. For this purpose, 24 newborn Simmental calves were used. Following birth, 20 ml of essential oil mixture was given orally via syringe to the calves in the treatment group after drinking milk in the morning for 5 days. The average birth weight of calves was 39.0 ± 0.72 kg. Birth weight of male and female calves were 42.3 ± 1.01 and 38.6 ± 0.96 kg respectively, the difference between groups were found significant. First month weight was 45.7 ± 1.67, 42.4 ± 1.65 kg in the control and treatment groups, respectively. There was no difference between the control and treatment groups in terms of body measurements taken at birth, but a significant difference was observed in chest circumference in favor of the control group in terms of measurements obtained at the 1st month. There was no difference between the treatment and control groups in terms of hematological parameters detected in the blood taken on the 10th day and in the 1-month period. No differences were observed between groups in terms of immunoglobulin levels (IgM and IgG). There was no effect of the commercial essential oil mixture on the fecal score of the calves included in the trial. It was revealed that the essential oil mixture does not make any difference in the growth, development and health of Simmental calves in a one-month period. In future studies on the subject, it is recommended that higher doses of the essential oil mixture be investigated.

The influence of a phytobiotic with &lt;i&gt;F. ulmaria&lt;/i&gt; extract and lactobacilli on the clinical and physiological status of calves

Purpose of the research: to study the effect of a phytobiotic additive on some clinical and physiological parameters of the body of calves during the dairy period (biochemical and morphological blood parameters, live weight gain and disease resistance). The subject of the study was a phytobiotic with the code name Fitostim, which is based on an extract of meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.) and a lyophilized culture of lactic acid microorganisms. The experiment used Holstein calves, divided into experimental (Fitostim + traditional diet) and control (traditional diet) groups of 12 animals each. Starting from 4 days of age, calves in the experimental group were administered Fitostim daily, individually, orally for 30 days at a dose of 3 grams per head, after dilution in milk. Blood tests for morphological (erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, leukoformula) and biochemical parameters (IgG, total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine) were carried out on the 10th and 30th days of the experiment. By the end of the experiment, in the experimental group of calves, compared with the control, there was an increase in ALT (8.0±0.01 units/l) by 19.4 %, total protein (51.4±0.07 g/l) by 14.7 %, albumin (44.0±0.01 g/l) by 15.4 %, creatinine (41.5±0.001 µmol/l) by 10.9 %, immunoglobulin G (5.9±0.01g /l) by 18 %, leukocytes (7.1±0.02×109/l) by 31 %. The studied morphological blood parameters (leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukoformula) did not go beyond the reference values. Recovery from enteritis in calves in the experimental group occurred earlier by 1.8±0.3 days than in calves in the control group. Safety of calves is 100 %. The average daily increase in body weight in calves in the experimental group was 0.811±0.12 kg, which was 17.1 % higher than the result in the control.

Evaluation of risk factors of omphalitis in newborn beef calves with indoor housing

BackgroundOmphalitis is the third most common cause for diseases and infections in newborn calves. Its risk factors are well described in dairy production, but data in beef production is limited. ObjectiveTo identify and quantify the risk factors of omphalitis in cow-calf operations with seasonal indoor calving period. AnimalsNine hundred sixty-four calves included from 22 cow–calf operations in central France were included. MethodsA prospective cohort study involved data collection during two visits for each calf. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between omphalitis and the variables. ResultsAmong 964 included calves, 311 (32.3%) calves had an omphalitis. Accounting for farms’ random effect, risk factors for omphalitis highlighted by the univariable analysis were: absence of navel disinfection (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, [1.45–3.04]), wetness of bedding calving area (OR = 1.8–2.1, [0.78–2.83]-[0.63–3.57]), cleanliness of calves’ pen (OR =1.6–2.8, [1.22–2.27]-[2.02–3.84]), wetness of calves’ pen bedding (OR = 1.7–3.2, [1.12–2.06]-[3.08–3.84]), calf weight at birth >50 kg (OR = 2.0–5.0, [1.02–2.38]-[1.51–11.1]), umbilical cord length <3 cm (OR = 2.2–2.3, [1.53–3.11]-[1.24–4.38]), and sex (male vs female) (OR = 2.6, [2.08–3.69]). The multivariable analysis, accounting for farms’ random effect, showed that the absence of navel disinfection (OR= 2.2, [1.44–3.09]), wetness of bedding calving area (OR = 1.9–2.4, [0.55–2.83]-[0.59–3.28]), calf weight at birth >50 kg (OR = 1.9–2.6, [1.03–2.56]-[1.43–12.5]) and sex (male vs female) (OR =2.4, [2.09–3.49]) were risk factors for omphalitis. Conclusions and clinical importanceThese observations may help identify animals at early risk (>50 kg, male, short umbilical cord) and pay particular attention to the wetness of bedding and cleanliness of housing. This study highlights the importance of calving-pen bedding, calf characteristics and navel disinfection.

Gross as well as microscopic anatomy and physiological functions of fetal placenta in Jaffrabadi buffaloes

The present study was conducted to know the gross morphology and histo-morphological structure of fetal placenta in Jaffrabadi buffaloes. Parameters like calf weight, placental weight, numbers, and size of cotyledons were observed in Jaffrabadi buffaloes and morphologically, fetal cotyledons were convex and non-pendunculated in Jaffrabadi buffaloes were found. Histological studies of small and large cotyledons showed extensive branching of secondary and tertiary villi that were longer, slender, and well developed in Jaffrabadi buffalo. A less developed basal lamina was seen in small cotyledon whereas developed basal lamina with numerous capillaries and connective tissue were observed in the large cotyledon. The diameter of trophoblast giant cells (TGC) in larger cotyledons were significantly (P&lt;0.05) than the small cotyledons in expelled placenta at full term in Jaffrabadi buffaloes. A distinct distribution of carbohydrate and lipids in cotyledons were observed between large and small cotyledons as evident by acid mucopolysaccharides, neutral polysaccharides, and sudanophilic staining. Specific staining for calcium with Alizarin red stain showed that calcium is not present in a noticeable amount in small and large cotyledons. Isolation and culture of Jaffrabadi placental cells in M-199 medium with antibiotics and 2% FBS results in the efficient production of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. This study has shown that trophoblast cells are the actual sites for steroid hormone production. These cultured placental cells (1x106 cells/ ml) produce Progesterone, Estradiol-17β and Testosterone in the range of 1.72 to 2.12, 16.03 to 19.51 and 0.51 to 0.58 ng/ml, respectively in Jaffrabadi buffalo.

AN AYURVEDIC METHODOLOGY FOR MANAGING DIABETIC DYSLIPIDEMIA - A CASE REPORT

Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated plasma triglyceride levels, decreased HDL cholesterol levels, and an increase in small dense LDL-cholesterol particles. These lipid alterations in diabetes are linked to heightened free fatty acid flux due to insulin resistance. With the availability of various lipid-lowering medications and supplements, patients now have more options to reach target lipid levels. Lipid-lowering therapies in modern medicine, such as statins and fibrates, are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. However, these treatments often necessitate lifelong usage, which can impose significant financial strain, particularly in developing countries like India.In Ayurveda, dyslipidemia is understood as the manifestation of an imbalance in the Medovahasrotas.Dyslipidemia manifests as the consequent output of Medovahasrotodushti. A 31-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain in calf muscles and weight gain. Upon investigation, his total cholesterol level was found to be elevated at 211 mg/dl, and triglycerides were elevated to 683.80 mg/dl. Giloykwath along with arjunkwath, Madhunashinivati extra power, Tablet lipidom, and Tablet Madhugrit were administered for the shaman therapy. Upon completion of the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the patients complaints. Additionally, a significant improvement was noted in the Lipid Profile.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЖИВОЙ МАССЫ МОЛОДНЯКА НА ПОСЛЕДУЮЩУЮ МОЛОЧНУЮ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ПЕРВОТЕЛОК В РАЗНЫХ КЛИМАТИЧЕСКИХ ПОЯСАХ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

The purpose of research is to study the effect of live weight of heifers at the age of 6 months on their subsequent milk production. Objectives: to study the growth rate of heifers with different live weights at 6 months; to assess the level of milk productivity (milk yield, mass fraction of fat and protein, amount of milk fat and protein) in first-calf heifers with different live weights at 6 months. The study included more than 25 thousand first-time Holstein heifers of the same genotypes (lines), bred in four climatic zones co-vering the territory of the Russian Federation. These zones include subtropical, temperate continental, extreme continental and arctic climates. The regions of the Far North with the most severe and cold climate, unsuitable for breeding Holstein dairy cattle, were not taken into account. Data from the Selex information system were used for the analysis. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out on the basis of generally accepted methods of variation statistics (using MS Excel). The reliability of the difference bet¬ween the compared values was determined using the significance criterion according to the Student's table. It was found that the live weight of calves at 6 months has a certain influence on the subsequent milk productivity of first-calf heifers. However, the optimal live weight varies depending on the climatic zone. Thus, in a subtropical climate, the optimal live weight is more than 175 kg; in a temperate continental climate – more than 185; in a sharp continental climate – less than 166; in a harsh arctic climate – over 200 kg. These results make it possible to optimize the breeding process and ensure maximum milk production in different climatic conditions.

Analysis of the influence of the birth period on the body weight of Nelore cattle

This study aimed to present the relationship between the birth period of beef cattle and the weaning weight of Nelore calves. A total of 260,832 Nelore animals from the database of the National Association of Breeders and Researchers (ANCP) were used. Out of this total, 130,001 were males (49.84%) and 130,831 were females (50.16%) of the Nelore breed conceived via artificial insemination. The animals used were born between the years 2014 and 2017 in the Southeast and Midwest regions in different months of birth. The evaluated characteristic was the weaning weight, and the assessment of these weights was defined at 210 days (standard weaning age). It was observed that there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in weaning weight between the years of birth. However, among the birth months, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in weaning weight were observed, with animals born between July and October (dry season) showing higher average weights. Therefore, it was concluded that the month of birth of Nelore calves can influence the weaning weight at 210 days of age, emphasizing that the weaning month is directly related to the weight gain of the animals. Therefore, a well-defined breeding season is necessary to control the ideal months for weaning heavier animals.

The Comparison of growth performances of difficult and normally born calves

In this study, it was aimed at comparing the growth performances of calves born with difficulty and normal calves. The first and most important objective in cattle breeding is to produce a sufficient number of calves within the morphological and physiological limits determined by genetics. In this sense, calf yield varies according to the number of pregnant cows and live-born calves in the herd per unit time. In cattle breeding, especially in dairy cattle breeding, one of the factors that negatively affects calf yield is calving difficulty or difficult calving. Difficult births are generally a cause of significant economic loss for enterprises due to the risks they pose for the health of both cow and calf. In order to compare the growth performances of the calves born with difficulty and normal calves, the birth weight and weaning weight of calves born with difficulty and normal calves were weighed according to whether the births were assisted or not. It was determined that the rate of difficult birth was 14,38% in the enterprise. In the study, it was determined that normal-born calves had an average birth weight of 39.24 kg and Dystocia-born calves had an average birth weight of 39.50 kg. It is understood that the average birth weights of the normal-born calves varied between 21,00 and 54,00 kg, while the average birth weights of the Dystocia-born calves varied between 28,00 and 53,00 kg. In the analysis of variance, the differences between birth types were not found to be statistically significant. When the frequencies of difficult births were evaluated according to the birth weights of the calves, it was understood that difficult births were concentrated between 36 and 45 kg. However, the fact that the calves born between 26 and 35 kg also had Dystocia birth records indicates maternal pelvic bone stenosis.

Effect of season and sex on birth weight and growth performance of Gangatiri calves

Effect of season and sex on birth weight and growth performance of Gangatiri calves

Investigating the regulatory effect of Shen Qi Bu Qi powder on the gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites in calves.

To investigate the effects of Shen Qi Bu Qi Powder (SQBQP) on the average daily gain, blood indexes, gastrointestinal microflora, and serum metabolites of calves. A total of 105 calves were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 35 per group): the control group (C, fed with a basal diet for 21 days) and two treatment groups (SQBQP-L and SQBQP-H, fed with the basal diet supplemented with 15 and 30 g/kg of SQBQP), respectively for 21 days. The active components of SQBQP were identified using LC-MS/MS. Serum digestive enzymes and antioxidant indices were determined by ELISA kits and biochemical kits, respectively. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while flora in rumen fluid and fecal were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Further correlation analysis of gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites of SQBQP-H and C groups were performed with Spearman's correlation. The principal active components of SQBQP mainly includes polysaccharides, flavonoids, and organic acids. Compared to the control group (C), calves in the SQBQP-H (high dose) and SQBQP-L (low dose) groups showed a significant increase in serum amylase (AMS) levels (P<0.001), while lipase content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, the average daily gain, T-AOC, and cellulase content of calves in the SQBQP-H group significantly increased (P<0.05). Proteobacteria and Succinivibrio in the rumen flora of the SQBQP-H group was significantly lower than that of the C group (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria, Deinococcus_Thermus, Cyanobacteria, and Succinivibrio in the SQBQP-H group was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Tenericutes and Oscillibacter was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites, mainly enriched in amino acid biosynthesis, β-alanine metabolism, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolic pathways (P<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that Butyrivibrio in rumen flora and Oscillibacter_valericigenes in intestinal flora were significantly positively correlated with average daily gain, serum biochemical indexes, and differential metabolite (-)-Epigallocatechin (R>0.58, P<0.05). SQBQP can promote calves weight gain and enhance health by modulating gastrointestinal flora and metabolic processes in the body.

Effects of dam milk yield and milk composition on birth weight and growth performance of Anatolian buffalo calves

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the dam’s milk yield and composition on birth weight, 6-month, and 12-month live weight (LW) of Anatolian buffalo calves born in 2017 and 2018 years in Çorum province, Türkiye. Calving age had a significant impact on daily milk yield (DMY) (P=0.031), lactation milk yield (LMY) (P=0.048) and solids-not-fat (SNF) (P=0.034). DMY (P=0.022) and fat content (P=0.005) were affacted by calving season. Suckling period and calf sex had no significant impact (P&gt;0.05) on DMY, LMY, fat content, and solids-not-fat (SNF) (P&gt;0.05). The dam’s calving age had a significant impact on birth weight (P=0.029), except for 6-month and 12-month live weight (LW). Calving season affected 6-month (P=0.002) and 12-month LW (P=0.012) without birth weight. The suckling period and calf sex were not significantly affected on the birth weight, 6-month, and 12-month LWs (P&gt;0.05). The highest 6-month LW (P=0.025) was determined in the calves of high DMY buffaloes (&gt;6.50 kg). The DMY of the dam had no effect on the birth weight and 12-month LWs (P&gt;0.05). The calves of buffaloes with the highest LMY (&gt;1300 kg) were observed the highest birth weight (P=0.040) and 6-month LW (P=0.046). The dam’s fat and SNF content had no effect on the birth weight, 6-month, and 12-month LWs. To conclude; “higher milk yield resulted in higher birth weight” means that better dams give better calves, suggesting that buffalo keepers should feed buffalo cows sufficiently to get heavier calves at least.

Correlation of age with body weight and testicular biometry in developing buffalo males of Murrah breed

The current investigation was conducted on one hundred and eighty Murrah buffalo male calves from the age of one to thirty months, to investigate the correlation of age with body weight and testicular biometry. Six animals were included in each month. The body weight (b. wt) of the male calves was recorded on the weight bridge balance and the circumference of scrotum was measured by inch tape. The testicular dimensions were measured ultasonographically. Mean body weight from one to thirty month ranged between 57.0±1.99 and 433.0±9.81 kg. It increased 12.52 kg per month. The mean testicular circumference at 1, 12, 18 and 30 months was 9.00±00, 20.25±0.64, 21.42±0.64 and 26.67±0.42 cm, respectively. The overall increase in testicular circumference from one to thirty months was 0.59 cm per month. The mean length of right testes at one month was 2.89±0.15 cm and at eighteenth month was 6.87±0.27 cm. It increased in parallel pattern with b.wt and age. The width of right testes ranged between 1.01±0.05 to 4.53±0.211 cm. The length of left testes from one to eighteen month ranged between 2.73±0.19 to 6.49±0.10 cm with an increase of 0.21 cm per month. Similarly, the mean width of left testes ranged between 1.12±0.02 to 4.61±0.17 cm and significantly increased 0.12 cm/month. The data obtained in the current extensive study may serve as reference values for Murrah buffalo bulls.

Türkiye’nin Kuzeydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinde Buzağı Yetiştirme Uygulamaları: Erzurum İli Horasan İlçesi Örneği

The aim of this study was to assess calf rearing methods applied in 500 cattle farms in the Horasan district of Erzurum province. Data used in this study were obtained through face-to-face interviews with cattle breeders. In 69.5% of the enterprises operating within Horasan county, the exact quantity of milk consumed by calves could not be determined due to the fact that they are fed by nursing from their mothers. On the other hand, the proportions of farms feeding calves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 liters of milk per day were determined as 0.4%, 0.6%, 5.7%, 3.6%, 8.9%, and 11.3%, respectively. In 38.4% of cattle enterprises in the county, calves were fed with milk while their mothers were being milked, whereas in 27.6% of cattle farms, calves were weaned at 4 months of age, and in 24.3% at 5 months. Furthermore, it was also observed that the most of breeders (72.7%) considered the birth weight of calves as a criterion to decide on the quantity of milk to be provided to them. On these farms, the methods of feeding colostrum to calves were by sucking their mothers with a percentage of 54.3%, followed by bottle feeding with a percentage of 45.5% and the bucket method with a very low percentage of 0.2%. Furthermore, calves in Horasan County usually begin to be given calf starter feed either at the age of 2 weeks (28.3%) or 3 weeks (28.1%), while dry hay is generally introduced to the most of calves (42.0%) at the age of 2 weeks. In conclusion, some inaccuracies in calf rearing practices were identified in Horasan county of Erzurum province and solutions were proposed to address these problems.