Calf Weight Research Articles

Effects of prenatal and postnatal melatonin supplementation on overall performance, male reproductive performance, and testicular hemodynamics in beef cattle.

Melatonin has been documented to alleviate compromised pregnancies and enhance livestock performance traits. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of prenatal and postnatal melatonin supplementation on overall calf performance and dam milking traits in relation to calves, molecular factors involved in growth and metabolism of calves, along with testicular physiology and fertility traits in subsequent bulls. At day 190, 220 and 250 of gestation, dams (n = 60) were administered either 2 subdermal ear melatonin implants (preMEL) or no implants (preCON). After parturition, birth weights were recorded and calves were blocked based on prenatal treatment and sex. Calves received either melatonin implants (posMEL) or none (posCON) on day 0, 30, and 60 of age. At day 60 of lactation, a subset of dams (n= 32) were selected based on age, weight and calf sex for milk collection and analysis. At weaning, (day 210 postnatally) calf weight, morphometric data, liver samples, and loin samples were collected. At 12 months of age, bull (n = 30) scrotal circumference, scrotal temperature, and testicular artery measurements were recorded. Milk yield and fat percent from dams tended to decrease in the preMEL group (P < 0.07) compared with preCON group. Prenatal melatonin administration did not affect (P = 0.95) calf birth weight and similarly calf weaning weight was unaffected (P < 0.10) by prenatal or postnatal melatonin supplementation. Blood analysis demonstrated that plasma concentrations of melatonin were not different (P = 0.12) in dams; however, an increase (P < 0.001) in plasma concentrations of melatonin was observed in posMEL versus posCON calves. A tendency (P < 0.10) for decreased MYF5 and MYOD1 expression in loin muscle was observed in the posMEL calves. Prenatal and postnatal melatonin administration did not affect subsequent bull scrotal measurements or testicular hemodynamics (P ≥ 0.14). Administering supplemental melatonin via implants during the prenatal and postnatal phase did not alter performance characteristics in offspring. In this study, dams were implanted in winter months, whereas calves were implanted in the spring months. Seasonal differences involving photoperiod and ambient temperature might have attributed to a lack of differences in melatonin levels during the prenatal phase. In the postnatal period, the level of developmental plasticity appears to be too low for melatonin properties to be effective.

Evaluation of the repeatability of male calves' birth weights in different grades of Jersey x Red Sindhi crosses

To assess the consistency of birth weight among male calves born to half-J x half-RS, quarter-J x ¾ RS, three-eighths Jersey x five-eighths RS, and one-eighth J x seven-eight RS cows. The SHUATS in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India obtained the data from a pedigree cum history sheet. Male calves born to 77 cows during the first (L1), second (L2), and third (L3) lactations, as well as 127 observations of Jersey x Red Sindhi cows of varying quality, were all measured and recorded in kilos. Increased reproducibility across many cross-breed dairy cow performance tiers indicates superiority. This research shows that choosing cows with higher estimations based on the birth weight. of their male calves can increase the output of herds. The mean of birth weight of male calves L1, L2, and L3 were 18.11, 20.15, 22.07 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 20.50, 19.88, 20.77 Kg f ¼ J × ¾ RS crosses, 20.06, 20.88, 22.24 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 19.08, 18.76, 22.83 kg of 1/8 J ×7/8 R.S proportionately. The ranges of birth weight of male calves from the Ist (L1), IInd (L2) and third (L3) lactations were 15.80 - 20.10, 15.80 - 26.6, 19.6 - 25.8 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 15.42 - 24.94, 14.51 - 25.70, 13.6 - 28.12 Kg. of ¼ J × ¾ R.S, 14.96 - 26.40, 16.32 - 24.30, 15.42 - 27.50 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS crosses, 15.87 - 24.23, 12.70 - 24.51, 18.14 - 25.80 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS respectively. The mean of birth weight of male calves was 20.13 kg. of ½ J × ½ RS, 17.68 Kg. of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 21.07 kg. of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 19.92 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS respectively. The highest birth weight of male calves were 25.8 Kg. and the lowest 15.80 Kg of ½ J × ½ R.S, 28.12 kg. highest and lowest 13.60 kg. of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 27.50 kg at highest and lowest 14.96 kg of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 25.8 kg at highest and lowest 12.70 kg. of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS, respectively. The repeatability of birth weight of male calves for 0.60 ± 0.20 of ½ J × ½ RS, 0.46 ± 0.19 of ¼ J × ¾ RS, 0.78 ± 0.15 of 3/8 J × 5/8 RS, 0.57 ± 0.15 of 1/8 J ×7/8 RS. The more repeatability for various grades of crossbred dairy cattle shows better performance.

Gene Expression of Immune, Growth and Lipogenic Markers in Holstein, Simmental and Brown Swiss Calves

The objective of this study was to explore mRNA levels of immune, growth and lipogenic markers in Holstein Fresian, Simmental and Brown Swiss calves. For this purpose, a total of 180 healthy male calves of three cattle breeds (Holstein Friesian, Simmental and Brown Swiss) with 60 animals from each breed were integrated in this study. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein from each individual calf using vacutainer needle into tubes containing disodium EDTA as an anticoagulant for RNA extraction. There was a significant difference between the three breeds in birth weights of calves, weaning weight of calves, body weights at both 4 months of age and body weight at 6 months of age with the Simmental breed showing the highest value for each parameter. The expression pattern of TLR2, TLR4, TLR6 and BDEF5 genes was significantly up-regulated in Brown Swiss calves compared to Holstein Friesian and Simmental (P&lt;0.05) as evidenced by the diminished levels of ΔCT. However, levels of IGF-1, LPL, SCD and ACACA were significantly up-regulated in Simmental compared to Holstein Fresian and Brown Swiss calves as proved by lowered values of ΔCT in Simmental than Holstein Fresian and Brown Swiss. The results herein indicated that gene expression profile of investigated markers could be used as biomarkers for rigorous selection for immune and growth traits in cattle.

Evaluation of prepartum and postpartum stress by measuring hair cortisol concentrations of Holstein dairy cows and their calves and its relationship to calving conditions and health status.

Periparturient stress can have long-term negative effects on both dairy cows and their calves and may contribute to lower productivity. The purpose of this study was to determine how periparturient stress is related to differences in calving difficulty and health status by measuring hair cortisol concentration in periparturient dairy cows and their calves. Calving environment (calving pen, tie stall, and group paddock), calving difficulty, calving progress, health status, and calf weight were recorded, and tail hair from 25 of the cows and their calves was collected at calving and 1 month after calving to measure hair cortisol concentration. There were no significant correlations between hair cortisol concentration and calving environment, calving difficulty, calf weight gain rate. Hair cortisol concentrations at calving were significantly higher in cows with oversized calves or twin births than in cows with normal-sized singleton calves (4.2 ± 2.2 pg/mg vs. 2.1 ± 1.5 pg/mg, P<0.05). Cows with clinical disease within one month of calving had significantly higher levels of hair cortisol one month after calving compared to healthy cows (3.8 ± 1.1 pg/mg vs. 2.3 ± 1.9 pg/mg, P<0.05). Calves with clinical disease within the first month after birth tended to have higher hair cortisol levels at birth than healthy calves (4.7 ± 2.4 pg/mg vs. 3.2 ± 0.9 pg/mg, P<0.1). These results suggest that calving of oversized calves and twin births and suffering clinical diseases can cause more stress for cows during the periparturient period.

Evaluation of passive immunity absorption in Holstein Heifers

Colostrums considered of good and very high quality are considered colostrums with a BRIX of ≥25%, so the first weeks of a neonate's life are considered critical, showing a greater susceptibility to diseases. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the quality of colostrum and the transfer of passive immunity in Holstein heifers. The experiment was carried out on a milk producing property, located in the municipality of Olho D'agua das Flores, Alagoas, from October 2021 to April 2022, where 181 crossbred heifers were used. To measure the quality of the colostrum, an optical Brix refractometer was used, if it showed a quality lower than 25% BRIX, this colostrum was corrected and offered to the calf. The collected blood was stored in a tube without anticoagulant and left to rest until the serum was obtained, later, a drop of this serum was applied to the refractometer prism and, similarly to colostrum, a reading was performed to determine the concentrations of proteins. totals. For Pearson's correlation study, correlation coefficient analysis (r) was performed, assuming intervals of -1 (negative linear association) and 1 (positive linear association). Serum protein showed a negative correlation with the time of colostrum supply after birth (r = -0.16) and positive with calf weight at birth (r = 0.15). The adequate program of colostrum and evaluation of transfer of passive immunity allied to the proper management collaborate for the success in the productive indexes of the properties.

Efficiency of Growth in an Organized Herd of Gir cattle in North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Region of Gujarat

The present study was undertaken to find the efficiency of growth performance in Gir calves born (N=52) and raised at Bull Mother Farm, Kamdhenu University, Amreli. The overall birth weight in Gir calves was 24.66 ± 0.40 kg, male calves being significantly (P, 0.004) heavier (9.88%) at birth than female calves. Irrespective of sex, the Gir calves weighed 66.83 kg at 3 months and 109.25 kg at 6 months of age, whereas yearling body weight was 192.82 kg. At 2 years of age, the Gir heifers attained 263.57 ± 17.29 kg body weight, which was above the optimum/ desired breedable body (240-250 kg). The body weight gains from birth to 3 month and from 3 to 6 month growth phases were almost similar, values being 466.9 ± 12.81 and 468.94 ± 20.15 gm/day, respectively. After attaining 1 year of age, the rate of body weight gain showed a diminishing trend, from 312.37 to 270.61 gm/day, with advancement of age. Relative body weight gain, irrespective of sex, was a maximum of 172.88 ± 6.51 % in the birth to 3 month age group, followed by 63.66 ± 2.66% in the 3 to 6 month age group. The findings indicated that due care of the Gir calves, especially during birth to 3 month age is vital to explore their growth potential, as relative weight gain of calves during this phase is maximum (172.88%) for attaining early breedable body weight and in turn, reducing age at first calving.

Effect of Feeding Coated Sodium Butyrate on Growth Performance and Forage Digestibility in Suckling Buffalo Calves

Feeding trial of 105 days was conducted in neonatal buffalo calves (n=24) to assess the effect of coated sodium butyrate in inducing early rumen development activity and general performance. The included three experimental groups, Control group receiving normal calf starter, Treatment group fed 500 ppm coated sodium butyrate in the calf starter and Treatment fed 1000 ppm coated sodium butyrate in the calf starter. The sex ratio of each treatment group was maintained 50:50. Parameters recorded during the trial include voluntary intake of calf starter and body weight changes and rumen development in terms of forage digestibility was assessed at the end of the trial. Results indicate that addition of 1000 ppm coated sodium butyrate improved palatability of calf starter, weight gain, roughage intake and digestibility. The investigators recommend supplementation of coated sodium butyrate in the calf starter for better growth performance.

Effect of Type of Flooring on Growth Performance of Murrah Buffalo Calves

A total of 18 healthy Murrah buffalo calves of either sex, aged 6-8 months, maintained at Buffalo Research Station (BRS), Venkataramannagudem, were randomly selected and housed in three separate pens for a period of 3 months from August to October, 2022. Calves of first group were reared on concrete flooring (T1), the second group on Rubber mat flooring (T2) and the third group on soil flooring (T3). At the end of the study, the final mean body weights of calves housed on rubber mat flooring in T2 group (164.48 ± 1.41) kgs was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.01) than T3(156.23 ± 1.17) kgs and T1(151.53 ± 1.23) kgs. The overall mean ADG, chest girths, height at withers and tail lengths of the animals differed significantly (P &lt; 0.01) and followed the trend T2 &gt; T3 &gt; T1.

Effect of varying levels of fibre and starch in calf starters containing finely groundmaize grain on the performance of pre-ruminant calves

The nutrient composition and particle size of calf starter play a major role in shaping appropriate rumen development and starter intake and average daily gain in pre-ruminant dairy calves. Hence, a feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of feeding calf starters containing finely ground maize grain with varying levels of fibre and starch on the performance of pre-ruminant dairy calves fed no roughage. Three iso-nitrogenous calf starters containing different levels of finely ground maize grain and soybean hulls (maize:soybean hulls 40:10;30:20; 20:30) were evaluated through a feeding trial using 18Holstein Friesian crossbred female calves (average body weight34.19 ± 0.94 kg). The calves were divided into three groups of 6calves each in a completely randomized design. Milk was offered to calves twice daily from the fourth day of age up to 63 day of age as per the step up/step down milk feeding schedule. In addition, calves in each group were offered respective calf starters individually ad libitum from 3 to 63 day of age. Daily starter intake and fortnightly body weight of calves were recorded during the trial. The calves were monitored for rumination from the third day of age until rumination was noticed. Blood samples were collected from calves on 63day of age for estimation of various biochemical constituents. The level of starch and fibre in calf starters containing finely ground maize grain (57.72% of particles with a size of 1.18 mm above) had no influence on overall calf starter dry matter intake (401.89 to 424.68 g/d), average daily gain(0.660 to 0.700 kg/d), feed conversion efficiency, feed cost/kggain, initiation of rumination and blood biochemical constituentsin pre-ruminant dairy calves. Maximum pre-weaning average daily gain (700 g/d) can be achieved in Holstein Friesian crossbred female calves through feeding milk by step up/step down method and calf starter containing finely ground maize grain and soybeanhulls in the ratio of 20:30 without offering any roughage.

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting calf survivability in Gir crossbreds

Data on survivability traits of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at RCDP on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra was collected for a period of 15 years (2005-2019) to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. Traits studied were survivability at day 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 3-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days. To determine the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits, least squares analysis of variance (Harvey, 1990) was applied, considering the fixed effects like genetic group, season and period of birth, parity of dam and birth weight of calves. The least square means of survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 31-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days were96.17±0.80, 86.17±2.12, 89.23±2.03, 80.39±2.89, 83.41±3.02 and95.61±1.79 per cent, respectively. The significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of period of birth was found on calf survivability trait at different ages viz. days 31-90 and days 181-365. Parity of dam had non-significant effect on calf survivability traits of the Gir crossbred calves. Significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of season of birth on calf survivability was observed only at 0-3 days age survivability trait. Significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of sex of calves on survivability traits was recorded at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30 and 31-90 days. In the present study, birth weight of calf had significant (P&lt;0.01) effect on calf survivability at 0-3 days after birth. The non-significant effect was reported among the survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПО РАЗРАБОТКЕ ОПТИМАЛЬНЫХ ДОЗ И КУРСОВ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ АДИТИВНОЙ ТЕРАПИИ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ ПРИ МИКОПЛАЗМОЗАХ

Tetracycline, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of mycoplasmosis. The effectiveness of therapy is mainly assessed on the basis of changes in the clinical picture and identification of the pathogen by one of the direct methods. Veterinary specialists most often use macrolide preparations in their practical work, since they are the least toxic and can be used in the treatment of young and pregnant animals. A complex preparation Based on this study on the development of optimal doses and courses of additive therapy, complex antibacterial drugs of farm animals with mycoplasmosis. it is an urgent task. The drug "Entrikim" is an antibacterial agent consisting of an optimal ratio of three components: enrofloxacin, an antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone group, tilmicosin phosphate – a macrolide antibiotic and sulfonamide – trimethoprim. 5 and 10% solutions of entericim were used in the experiments, the objects of research were calves of 10-30 days of age, with an average weight of 40 kg, piglets from 2 weeks to 4 months of age with subacute and chronic course of enzootic pneumonia, with an average weight of 14 kg and lambs of a month of age, with an average weight of 14 kg, with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis is mycoplasmosis. The recommended NTD of 5% enteric pigs at a dose of 2.5 cm3 / 1 kg of weight once a day for 3-5 days with mycoplasmosis was not effective (from 16.6 to 33.3%) with course treatment from 7 to 9 days, respectively. A 5% solution of entrikim at a dose of 5.0 cm3 / 1 kg of weight and a 10% solution at a dose of 2.0 cm3 / 1 kg of weight with a 7-day course of use (83.3%) has high therapeutic efficacy. Optimal in terms of therapeutic and economic efficiency for mycoplasmosis of lambs is a dose of 5.0 cm3 / 1 kg of weight with a course of treatment in 7 days. The use of a 10% solution of entrikim when applied to calves is due to their greater weight compared to piglets and lambs. A 10% solution of entrikim at a dose of 2.0 cm3 / 1 kg of calf weight has a high therapeutic efficacy. However, it is not economically feasible to use a dose of 2.0 cm3 / 1 kg of calf weight, since at the same course in 7 days, but at a dose of 1.0 cm3 / 1 kg of weight, the therapeutic effectiveness is the same – 83.3%.

Short communication: Variability of response to feed restriction in lactating Charolais cows

Involuntary temporary feed restriction on commercial cattle is likely to become more frequent with forage shortages in the context of climate change. If general consequences of feed restriction have been the subject of an abundant scientific literature, focus on the inter-individual variability of response is scarce. Here, we explore the response profile in terms of BW, body condition score, milk production, calf weight and cyclicity resumption of 293 lactations from 169 Charolais cows during a winter feed restriction in early lactation and its subsequent recovery at grazing using a principal component analysis followed by a hierarchical clustering on principal component. Results show a very continuous range of response profiles that was divided into three clusters: one with light animals having an intermediate response in terms of milk production and body maintenance, one with animals prioritising body maintenance and cyclicity resumption over milk production and calf weight, and the last one with animals prioritising milk production and calf weight over the rest. Among the animals performing more than one lactation, 57% remain in the same cluster on two successive lactations. This work highlights that an average group response to feed restriction may hide various resilience individual profiles. Further studies are required to determine the existence of a genetic component as well as the consequences of not taking this phenomenon into consideration with the regular use of feed restriction in commercial farms.

Effect of creep feeding with rice bran and temporary weaning on cow-calf performance.

This study was conducted to investigate if calvessupplemented with rice bran in a creep feeding (CF)system associated with temporary weaning (TW) affects the performance of the cow-calf pair grazing natural grasslands during summer. Two experiments were performedusing 275 cow-calf pairs of British breeds and their crosses of different parities (primiparous [n = 188]in Experiment 1 and multiparous [n = 87] in Experiment 2). In both experiments, the factors evaluated were: (1) supplementation of calves with rice bran using CF: yes (+CF) or no (-CF); (2) TW for 14 days using nose plates: yes (+TW) or no (-TW). Four experimental groups were formed in both experiments: -CF - TW, -CF + TW,+CF - TWand +CF + TW. TW decreased the average daily weight gain and live weight of calves independently of the age of their mothers. The use of CF decreased both of these parameters in calves born to primiparous cows, and there was no response in the case of calves born to multiparous cows. A greater proportion of primiparous cows that received +CF conceived in the first 21 days of mating (+CF - TW = 63.5% and +CF + TW = 50%) than the other groups. The final pregnancy rate was similar among groups in both experiments. In conclusion, TW decreased the average daily weight gain and weaning weight of calves. Supplementation of calves born to primiparous cows with rice bran decreased their daily weight gain during the period of TW and their weaning weight, but their dams were conceived earlier.

High energy diet of beef cows during gestation promoted growth performance of calves by improving placental nutrients transport.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dietary energy level during gestation on growth performance and serum parameters in offspring using beef cattle as research objects. Additionally, the gene expressions associated with nutrients transport in the placenta were evaluated. Eighteen Simmental crossbred cows (body weight = 338.44 ± 16.03 kg and 760 ± 6 days of age) were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatment groups: low energy (LE, metabolic energy = 8.76 MJ/kg), medium (ME, 9.47 MJ/kg) and high (HE, 10.18 MJ/kg). The dietary treatments were introduced from day 45 before expected date of parturition. The pre-experiment lasted for 15 days and formal experiment lasted for 30 days. Growth performance data and blood samples of calves were collected at birth and day 30 post-birth. The placental tissue was collected at parturition. The results indicated that the birth weight and average daily gain of calves in HE group were higher (P < 0.05) than those in LE group. After parturition, the serum contents of glucose, total protein, cortisol and leptin in neonatal calves were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with the elevation of dietary energy levels. At 30 days postpartum, the glucose, glutathione peroxidase, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 and leptin concentrations of HE group were significantly increased (P < 0.05) as compared with LE group, while the serum amyloid protein A displayed an opposite trend between two groups. With the increase of dietary energy concentration, placental mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A, glucose transporter 1 and 3 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the amino acid transporter solute carrier family 38 member 1, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2, insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 mRNA expressions of HE group were higher (P < 0.05) than those of LE and ME groups. In conclusion, the improved growth performance of calves from the high energy ration supplemented beef cows may be attributed to the increased placental nutrients transport, which may lead to the increased nutrient supply to the fetus.

The Influence of Altitude of Place on Birth Weight and 3-Month Weight of Bali Cattle on Beef Cattle Breeding Participatory System in Barru Regency

This study aimed to determine the difference in birth weight and 3-month weight of Bali cattle that were reared at different heights. This research was carried out on January 20, 2022, located in Barru Regency. The results showed that Bali cattle at an altitude of &lt;100 masl ( 14.26±0.45a ) differed from birth weight at an altitude of &gt;200 masl (14.00 0.75 b). This indicates that the altitude has a significant effect on cattle birth weight,;the higher the place, the lower the birth weight. The low birth weight of cattle is due to the semi-intensive cattle rearing management ssystem,and the grazing process for cows in lowland areas tends to be better than in highland areas with hilly topography. Based on the body weight of 3 months old Bali cattle from the results of the study the average weight of Bali cattle at an altitude of &lt;100 masl was of 64.86 ± 7.37 kg in average, while at an altitude of 100-200 masl was of 64.06 ± 7.98 kg in average and at an altitude of &gt;200 was of 62.90 ± 7.83 kg in average. This shows that the weight of the cow calf at 3 months’ measurement is not different, and that the place’s altitude has no significant effect on body weight of 3 months old cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating methods had a significant effect on birth weight. The average birth weight of calves from cows using the AI method was 16.48 ± 1.27 kg and in natural mating, the average birth weight was 14.08 ±0.63 kg. The average calf weight with the AI mating method was 70.68 4.11 kg, and the average calf weight with the natural mating method was 57.20 3.77 kg, based on the weight of 3-month-old Bali cattle and the results of research with the AI mating method. This is because the growth rate at 3 months of age is still considered fast growth and the weaning period is still dependent on the parent. The conclusion of this study was that the birth weight and 3-month weight of Bali cattle are influenced by different altitudes. The weight of Bali cattle calves at an altitude of &lt;100 masl was significantly different from an altitude of &gt;200 masl. Birth weight and 3-month weight of cattle with the AI mating method were better than the natural mating method

Effect of Milk Replacer on Growth Performance and Economics of Raising Preweaned HF Crossbred Calves

As compared to whole milk feeding, milk replacer is an excellent cheaper source of nutrition for calves prior to weaning. For this study, 20 newborn HF crossbred calves were divided into two equal groups each of 10 animals and were put under 8 weeks feeding trial. The calves of control group (T1) were fed cow’s whole milk as per owner’s practice in the field, while those of treatment group (T2) were fed whole milk @ 2.5 ltr during 1st week and then milk replacer (Amul brand) was fed @ 50 gm and 150 gm along with 2.0 ltr and 1.0 ltr whole milk during 2nd and 3rd week, respectively, and then only the milk replacer @ 250, 350, 450, 500 and 400 gm was used during 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th week, respectively. Weekly body weight was calculated based on measurements of heart girth and body length using Shaffer’s formula. The average body weight during 1st week of age was statistically similar in both groups. The overall mean values of gain in body weight and daily gain in weight in control and treatment groups were 20.40±0.51 vs. 24.67±0.41 kg, and 364.29±9.04 vs. 440.54±7.32 g (20.09% and 20.92% increase in T2 over T1), respectively. The weekly growth rate and overall daily gain in body weight in calves of T2 group were significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher than in T1 group. There was 21.08 % reduction (p&lt;0.001) in cost of feeding with milk replacer over whole milk (Rs. 3454.5 vs 4377.2) for first 8 weeks of life. In general, the crossbred calves can be raised economically on commercial milk replacer without adverse effect on their health and growth rate.

Effects of mothers of different productivity on the body weight and metabolic profile of daughters

The results of the study conducted at the “Pchany-Denkovych” stud farm of the Stryi district of the Lviv region on heifers of the Simmental breed obtained from cows with different productivity are described. The dynamics of animal growth and the biochemical composition of the blood of heifers obtained from low-productive and high-productive mothers were studied. In the process of studying the dynamics of the live weight of calves from birth to 6 months of age, a tendency to increase the body weight of calves of the first group, obtained from highly productive mothers, at the age of 2, 4, and 6 months, respectively, was established – by 1.2 kg, 5.3 kg and 4.8 kg to the body weight index of heifers obtained from low-yielding cows. Experimental groups of heifers at the age of 6 months corresponded to the live weight of the Simmental breed standard. It was established that the total protein content in the blood serum of heifers obtained from cows with different milk productivity from birth to 6 months of age was within the physiological norm and increased gradually with the advantage of its level in analogs obtained from highly productive cows. Comparing the indicators of total protein in the dynamics from the first to the sixth month, it was found that it increased by 33.9 % in the first group and 25.5 % in the second group, respectively. The level of total cholesterol in the blood serum of experimental heifers during six months increased with age, with a slight advantage of indicators in heifers from the first group, which came from highly productive mothers (Р &gt; 0.05). The increase in total cholesterol from one month to 6 months of age in the first and second groups of heifers was 38.5 % and 20.0 %, respectively. A higher concentration of total lipids was noted in the blood of experimental daughters of highly productive cows. The minimum indicators of the level of total lipids were established in the first month of life of experimental heifers of the first and second groups, respectively – at 2.7 and 2.6 g/l, with the same level (3.5 g/l) in the second month and an increase in indicators in the third-month life (4.5 vs. 4.1 g/l) (Р &gt; 0.05). It was established that the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in all periods of growth of Simmental breed heifers significantly exceeds the activity of alanine aminotransferase. Characteristic features of the dynamics of this indicator are the maximum activity of AST and ALT in the first two months of the animal's life, which then gradually decreases.

Birth traits of Holstein calves compared with Holstein, Jersey, Montbéliarde, Normande, and Viking Red-sired crossbred calves.

Holstein (HO) calves, 3-breed crossbred calves of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and HO (MVH), and 3-breed crossbred calves of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV) were compared for gestation length (GL), calf weight at birth (CW), calving difficulty (CD), and stillbirth (SB) in 2 research herds at the University of Minnesota. Calves were born from January 2009 to December 2019. For the St. Paul and Morris herds, HO calves (n = 1,121) were compared with MVH calves (n = 1,393) from primiparous and multiparous cows. For the single herd analysis at Morris, HO calves (n = 476), MVH calves (n = 922), and NJV calves (n = 405) were compared from primiparous and multiparous cows. Primiparous and multiparous births were analyzed separately because multiparous cows had multiple births, and CD and SB are likely different traits for primiparous and multiparous cows. Statistical analysis of GL, CW, CD, and SB included fixed effects of sex of calf, herd, breed group of calf, and year-season of calving. For the St. Paul and Morris herds, HO calves from primiparous (278 d) and multiparous (279 d) HO cows had shorter GL compared with MVH calves from primiparous (280 d) and multiparous (282 d) crossbred cows. The HO calves (39.4 and 43.2 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows had lower CW compared with MVH calves (40.3 and 44.3 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. Calving difficulty and SB were not different for HO and MVH calves from primiparous and multiparous cows. For the single herd analysis at Morris, HO calves (278 and 279 d, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows had shorter GL compared with MVH calves (281 and 282 d, respectively) and NJV calves (282 and 282 d, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. The CW of HO calves (38.6 and 42.0 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows was lower compared with MVH calves (39.7 and 42.9 kg, respectively), but higher compared with NJV calves (35.1 and 38.0 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. Calving difficulty and SB did not differ for HO, MVH, and NJV calves from primiparous and multiparous cows. The longer GL for crossbred calves and higher CW for MVH calves did not increase CD and SB for primiparous and multiparous cows. Dairy producers may implement 3-breed rotational crossbreeding systems that include the HO, Jersey, Normande, Montbéliarde, and Viking Red breeds, and some breeds may increase GL and CW without an increase in CD and SB.

Effect of Steaming Up on Old Pregnant Parent Weights, Calf Birth Weight and Colostrum Production in PFH Cattle in Sumber Rejeki Group, Princi, Dau, Malang District

The study purpose to determine the relationship between steaming up on body weight of pregnant cow, birth weight of calf and colostrum production. The research was conducted in Sumber Rejeki Group at Princi Village, Dau Sub-District, Malang Regency, East Java. The material used in this research was 30 cows. The research method used in this research was case study. The results showed that steaming up treatment did not give significant effects on body weight of pregnant cow and calf bir but it did give significant effects on colostrum production. The average weight of pregnant cow that treated with steaming up was 483.03±28.43 kg and the average weight that not treated with steaming up was 471.81±29.90 kg. The average calf birth weight that its mother treated with steaming up was 32.25±6.52 kg and the average calf birth weigh that its mother not treated with steaming up was 31.70±4.96 kg. The average of colostrum production from cow that treated with steaming up was 10.91±3.38 litre/cow/day and the average of colostrum production from cow that not treated with steaming up was 7.94±1.79 litre/cow/day. It was concluded that steaming up treatment effects on body weight of pregnant cow and calf birth weight did not differ significantly (p-value&gt;0.05) but it had significant effects on colostrum production (p-value&lt;0.05). It was suggested to have steaming up treatment on pregnant cow 2 until 3 weeks or 15 days before partus in order to achieve optimum production and maximum profit.

3 Impacts of Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation to Beef Heifers During Gestation on Performance Measures of the Neonatal Calf, Trace Mineral Status, and Organ Weights at 30 Hours After Birth

Abstract Objectives were to evaluate the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplement to beef heifers during gestation on calf performance, body measurements, trace mineral status, and organ weights at 30 h after birth. We hypothesized that VTM supplementation during gestation would improve mineral status in the neonatal calf but not impact calf performance parameters and body and organ weights at 30 hours after birth. Fourteen Angus-based heifers [initial body weight (BW)] = 273.7 ± 1.10 kg) were randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 7) or a basal diet plus a VTM supplement (VTM; n = 7; 113 g•heifer-1•d-1, targeting gain of 0.45 kg/day) from 60 d pre-breeding through gestation. Immediately after parturition, blood samples were collected from dams and calves, then calves were separated from their dams. Calves were fed one feeding of colostrum replacer, followed by milk replacer every 12 h, then euthanized at 30 h. Body weight and measurements were recorded, then organs and viscera were removed, weighed, and sampled. Dam serum and neonatal serum, liver, and blood were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Data were analyzed using the GLM Procedure of SAS with individual animal as the experimental unit. Dietary treatments did not impact calf weight (0 h or 30 h), calf body measurements, or body weight of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32). Further, neonatal organ weights were not influenced (P ≥ 0.21) by maternal VTM treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) by VTM treatment; however, concentrations of Cu, Mn, Mo, and Zn in calf muscle, liver, and serum were not impacted (P ≥ 0.07) by VTM treatment. Concentrations of Co in serum of the dam was the only mineral affected by dietary treatments, being greater (P = 0.001) in VTM than CON dams. In the current experiment providing trace mineral supplementation throughout gestation did not impact calf weight or body measurements at birth. However, the implications of altered mineral status of the neonatal calves at birth, and presumably throughout gestation, may have additional postnatal effects that warrant further investigation.