The Effect of Melatonin Supplementation on Dam Milking Traits and Calf Performance in Beef Cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 17-18
Author(s):  
Dana S Reid ◽  
Thomas W Geary ◽  
Abigail L Zezeski ◽  
M Susan Reil ◽  
Richard C Waterman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Melatonin Administration ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Geographical Locations ◽  
Embryo Grade ◽  
Endogenous Melatonin

Abstract Melatonin has been documented to alleviate compromised pregnancies and enhance livestock performance traits. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of melatonin supplementation on milking traits in beef cattle dams and subsequent influence on calf performance. Cows (n = 60) were blocked based on embryo transfer donor and sire, potential calf breed and embryo grade. At d190, 220 and 250 of gestation, dams were administered either 2 subdermal ear melatonin implants (preMEL) or no implants (preCON). After parturition, birth weights were recorded and calves randomly received either melatonin implants (posMEL) or none (posCON) on approximately d 0, 30, and 60. At approximately d 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, calf weight and morphometric data were collected and adjusted according to weaning age. Prenatal melatonin administration did not change calf birth weight (P = 0.956). Milk yield tended to decrease in the preMEL group (P = 0.054) at 2.368 kg ± 0.11 compared to preCON at 2.054 kg ± 0.11. Milk fat percent tended to decrease (P = 0.07) in preMEL at 3.25 ± 0.19 versus preCON at 3.92 ± 0.19. There were no differences in prenatal treatment in respect to milk protein, lactose, solid non-fats, somatic cell count, and urea nitrogen (P > 0.16). At weaning, calf head circumference decreased (P < 0.031) in the preMEL group at 77.92cm ± 0.42 versus preCON at 79.31cm ± 0.45. Otherwise, there were no prenatal or postnatal treatment differences in respect to weaning weight, crown-rump length, hip height and head length (P > 0.12). Previous studies show crown-to-rump length and ponderal index differences. Our lack of differences might be attributed to geographical locations that impact day length or endogenous melatonin status.

scholarly journals Associations between maternal milk protein genotypes with preweaning calf growth traits in beef cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa G Hohmann ◽  
Christina Weimann ◽  
Carsten Scheper ◽  
Georg Erhardt ◽  
Sven König
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Paternal Effects ◽  
Maternal Milk ◽  
Calf Growth ◽  
Breed Group ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Milk Casein

Abstract The objectives of this study were to investigate milk casein polymorphisms in dams and to determine the impacts of maternal casein genotypes on growth traits of their sucking calves. Milk samples from 433 dams of the breeds German Angus (GA) and German Simmental (GS) were typed at the milk protein loci α s1-casein (αs1-CN), β-casein (β-CN), α s2-casein (αs2-CN), and κ-casein (κ-CN) via isoelectric focusing. Associations between casein genotypes in maternal milk with growth traits of their 1,872 calves were analyzed until the age of weaning using linear mixed models, considering either genotypes of individual casein loci (model 1) or composite α s1-β-α s2-κ-CN genotypes within the casein cluster (model 2). Besides environmental effects such as sex, age of the dam, and calving year-season, genetic effects (breed group and maternal and paternal effects) were considered in statistical models. The composite casein genotype BBǀA2A2ǀAAǀAB (order of genes on bovine chromosome 6: α s1-ǀβ-ǀα s2-ǀκ-CN) was associated with greater average daily weight gains (ADG) and heavier age-adjusted weaning weights (WW) of calves (P < 0.05). The effects of composite genotypes on birth weight of calves were similar (P > 0.05; model 2). With regard to individual casein loci, greater ADG and WW were observed for calves from dams with the genotypes κ-CN BB and α s1-CN BB, respectively (P < 0.05; model 1). Age-adjusted WW was largest for calves from dams carrying the κ-CN genotype BB (215 kg) compared with calves representing the maternal AB and AA genotypes (both 204 kg). Results from the present study suggested selectable casein genotypes due to their nutritional value of milk (value in terms of offspring performances), offering new perspectives for breeding strategies in beef cattle to improve preweaning calf performance.

Effects of daytime melatonin infusion in young adults

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (1) ◽  
pp. E19-E26
Author(s):  
Cameron J. Van Den Heuvel ◽  
David J. Kennaway ◽  
Drew Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Physiological Response ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Bed Rest ◽  
Hand Temperature ◽  
Melatonin Administration ◽  
Significant Attenuation ◽  
Steady State Levels ◽  
Melatonin Production ◽  
Endogenous Melatonin

Daytime oral melatonin typically exerts soporific and thermoregulatory effects; however, it is not clear whether these effects reflect the normal physiological response to endogenous nocturnal melatonin production. We infused melatonin at doses that produced physiological and supraphysiological steady-state levels in 24 young adults during two daytime bed rest protocols. From 1000 to 1630, subjects were infused intravenously with saline or melatonin in counterbalanced order. Each group of eight subjects received melatonin (and saline) infusions at one dose rate: 0.04 μg ⋅ h−1 ⋅ kg body wt−1 (low), 0.08 μg ⋅ h−1 ⋅ kg−1(medium), or 8.0 μg ⋅ h−1 ⋅ kg−1(high). Low and medium melatonin infusions produced plasma and saliva levels within the normal nocturnal range observed in young adults. These levels were not associated with any changes in rectal, hand, forehead, or tympanic temperatures or with subjective sleepiness. High melatonin produced supraphysiological plasma and saliva levels and was associated with a significant attenuation in the daytime increase in rectal temperature, significantly increased hand temperature, and greater sleepiness. It is not yet clear whether the thermoregulatory and soporific effects of daytime supraphysiological melatonin administration are equivalent to the physiological responses to endogenous melatonin.

scholarly journals 119 Foot scoring effects on cow and calf performance at breeding and weaning

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Clayton L McGuire ◽  
Jeremy G Powell ◽  
Reagan Cauble ◽  
Bryan Kutz ◽  
Karen Anschutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Cow Performance

Abstract Foot soundness is essential for optimum performance in beef cattle. When evaluating foot soundness, emphasis is placed on foot angle (FA) and claw set (CS). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foot angle and claw set scores on cowherd performance. Data were collected on 491 crossbred Angus-based cows over a three-year period. At weaning, FA and CS were evaluated according to American Angus Association guidelines. Scores are based on a nine-point scale, where a score of one indicates straight pasterns and short, divergent toes, and nine indicates weak, sunken pasterns and long, curled toes. Cows that exhibited scores ranging from four to six were considered acceptable. If either score fell outside this range, the cow was considered undesirable. Acceptable and undesirable cows were evaluated for performance traits including pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pre-breeding body condition score (PBCS), cow body weight at weaning (CWW), cow body condition score at weaning (WBCS), pregnancy rate, 205 d adjusted weaning weight (AWW), and weaning performance (WP). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) for WP, PBW, PBCS, CWW, or pregnancy rate. Cows with acceptable foot scores had a WBCS 5.49% greater (P < 0.001) than undesirable cows. Acceptable cows possessed an average WBCS of 4.9 compared to 4.6 in undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves 3.39% heavier (P = 0.024) compared to undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves with a mean AWW of 216.67 kg compared to undesirable cows with a mean of 209.56 kg. The results from this study suggest that cows with acceptable foot scores may maintain more desirable BCS and wean heavier calves. These results could be used to help predict cow performance based on FA and CS.

scholarly journals Long-Term Effects of Maternal Subnutrition in Early Pregnancy on Cow-Calf Performance, Immunological and Physiological Profiles during the Next Lactation

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustí Noya ◽  
Isabel Casasús ◽  
Javier Ferrer ◽  
Albina Sanz
Keyword(s):  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Postnatal Growth ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Physiological Profiles ◽  
Cow Calf

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of undernutrition during the first third of gestation on cow-calf performance, immunological and physiological profiles during the next lactation in two cattle breeds. Fifty-three Parda de Montaña (PA) and 32 Pirenaica (PI) cows were inseminated, assigned to one of two diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements) until day 82 of gestation, and fed 100% of the requirements during gestation and next lactation. Cow and calf performance were assessed during lactation. Colostrum and cow-calf plasma samples were analyzed to assess the passive transfer of immunoglobulins and to characterize energy metabolism. At calving, SUBNUT cows had a lower body condition score, which impaired most of the cow-calf parameters. All cows had considerable weight losses during lactation except for SUBNUT-PI cows. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was lower in SUBNUT-PI cows, and milk fat content was higher in SUBNUT cows. SUBNUT calves had lower values of body measurements at weaning, and calves born from SUBNUT-PI dams had lower milk intake and the lowest average daily gain (ADG), which was reflected in their lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. In conclusion, undernutrition in early gestation in suckler cows had long-term effects on offspring postnatal growth, this physiological evidence being more severe in Pirenaica cow-calf pairs.

Evaluation of ketogenic vs. glucogenic substrates as energy sources in starter diets for Holstein dairy calves

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Beiranvand ◽  
M. Khorvash ◽  
G. R. Ghorbani ◽  
A. Homayouni ◽  
L. Bachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Sodium Propionate ◽  
Waste Milk ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Holstein Calves

Beiranvand, H., Khorvash, M., Ghorbani, G. R., Homayouni, A., Bachmann, L. and Kargar, S. 2014. Evaluation of ketogenic vs. glucogenic substrates as energy sources in starter diets for Holstein dairy calves. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 717–723. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the inclusion of granular sugar and sodium propionate as ketogenic and glucogenic substrates, respectively, in calf starter diets on the performance, weaning age, rumen fermentation characteristics and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA). Twenty-one newborn male Holstein calves were housed in individual pens until 10 wk of age, receiving starter ad libitum, fresh water free choice, and fed four liters of pasteurized waste milk daily until weaning. Calves were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: (1) no supplemental additive (Control); (2) granular sugar (5% of dietary DM; Sugar); and (3) sodium propionate (5% of dietary DM; Propionate). Overall, no differences were observed among treatments for starter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, day of weaning, body weight at weaning and at the end of the study. Body measurements including body length, hip height, hip width, and heart girth were remained unchanged among treatments. Ruminal fluid pH (5.36 to 5.58) and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (93.1 to 101.6 mM), acetate (43.6 to 53.1 mM), propionate (30.5 to 35.1 mM), and ratio of acetate to propionate (1.42 to 1.89) were not affected by treatments over the experimental period. However, the concentration of butyrate was greater at 35 and 70 d of age in calves receiving Sugar compared with calves receiving Propionate, but not compared with the Control. Greater blood βHBA at 45, 60 and 70 d of age was noticed in calves fed Sugar compared with those fed Control and Propionate. In conclusion, according to the concentrations of supplemental ketogenic and glucogenic substrates used in the current experiment, sugar and sodium propionate in starter diets did not improve calf performance.

EFFECTS OF SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E, AND COPPER ADMINISTRATIONS ON WEIGHT GAINS OF BEEF CATTLE RAISED IN A SELENIUM-DEFICIENT AREA

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. HIDIROGLOU ◽  
K. J. JENKINS
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Intramuscular Injection ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Barley Silage ◽  
Deficient Area

Five experiments, involving 131 Shorthorn cows with their calves and 100 Shorthorn yearling steers, were conducted to determine the effects of selenium (Se) + vitamin E, and copper (Cu) administrations on the average daily gains (ADG) of cattle raised on feeds naturally deficient in Se. Se + vitamin E administered by either intramuscular injection to the cows during late pregnancy or orally to the calves at birth had no significant (P < 0.05) effect on ADG of the calves up to weaning age, although both treatments prevented deaths from muscular dystrophy (NMD). Similarly, neither implantation of Se under the skin of cows at mid-pregnancy nor inclusion of vitamin E or Se + vitamin E in the maternal mineral mix influenced weight gains of their calves. Yearling steers fed during the winter with either low-Se hay, or low-Se/low-Cu barley silage, and subsequently grazed on low-Se pasture during the summer showed no liveweight gain response to Se and vitamin E in mineral mix or to Se and/or Cu injected subcutaneously.

Heterosis from Crosses among British Breeds of Beef Cattle: Fertility and Calf Performance to Weaning

1966 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Gaines ◽  
W. H. McClure ◽  
D. W. Vogt ◽  
R. C. Carter ◽  
C. M. Kincaid
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Calf Performance

scholarly journals Morpho-functional state of rats pineal gland and suprachismatic nucleus of hypothalamus after different regimes of exogenous melatonin administration

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
O. Kalmukova ◽  
M. Dzerzhynsky
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exogenous Melatonin ◽  
Melatonin Administration ◽  
Central Elements ◽  
Endogenous Melatonin

In modern society increase of digitalization associated with grown exceed level of light at night – a new type of pollution. Presence of light at night inhibited endogenous melatonin synthesis by pineal gland, that influence on circadian system work cycles, so organism oftenbroken regime of wake/sleep, meals, physical activity. Also, a lack of melatonin in some certain time of dayand low melatonin concentration both, were shown take some intervention in diseases development through incorrect regulation of clock-depended genes expression. In connect with this, some latest clinical protocol in therapy or clinical trials of many different pathologies (for example, insomnia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous and immune system trouble, cancer, viral infection, etc.) include exogenous melatonin usage. As melatonin perform his function via endocrine and paracrine ways in variety types of cell, his application take place in wide range of doses and in different time of day (chronotherapeutic approach). Therefore, important to control state of circadian system central elements – pineal gland (main producer of endogenous melatonin) and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of hypothalamus (central pacemaker of circadian rhythm) in conditionsof exogenous melatonin treatment. Thus, the main goal of our research were analysis of rats pineal gland and hypothalamic SCN morpho-functional state after different time (morning, evening and continuously with drinking water) melatonin daily administration. Melatonin was administered by gavage for 7 weeks in dose 30 mg/kg 1 h before lights-off (M ZT11, evening), or 1 h after lights-on (M ZT01, morning), or continuously with drinking water during day-night period (MW). After melatonin use only in MW group pineal gland demonstrates changes in morphology (pinealocytes nucleus had mild basophilic color) and morphometric (increased cross-sectional area of the pinealocytes nucleus in compare with control group) analysis data. Besides, some similar changes were observed in SCN: the cross-sectional area of the SCN neurons nucleus grown in case of usage each of regime melatonin administration, while morphology characteristic remains without any alteration. In general, it suggesting about having by melatonin non-inhibiting features in context of circadian system feedback loop and supposing wide potential for melatonin use with absent huge side effect on central elements of above mentioned system.

scholarly journals Mammary gland involution and endocrine status in sows: Effects of weaning age and lactation heat stress

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Farmer ◽  
C. Knight ◽  
D. Flint
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Tight Junctions ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Mammary Involution ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Endocrine Status ◽  
Weaning Age

The effects of lactation length and/or heat stress on endocrine status of sows and indicators of mammary involution at weaning were studied. Twenty-eight first parity Yorkshire × Landrace sows were housed at 21 (CTL) or 29°C (HS) throughout lactation. Within each temperature group, half the sows were randomly assigned to a weaning age of 22 (W22: CTL, n = 7; HS, n = 8) or 44 d (W44: CTL, n = 6; HS, n = 7). Litter size was standardized to 10 or 11 on day 2 and to 9 on day 23 of lactation. Blood and milk samples were collected on days -1, 1, 2 and 3 relative to weaning (day 0). Concentrations of prolactin, IGF-I and lactose were measured in both fluids and concentrations of Na, K and IGFBP-5 were measured in milk. Standard milk composition was also determined. Lactose was lower (P < 0.001) and protein greater (P < 0.05) in all milk samples from W44 compared with W22 sows. Percentages of milk fat and dry matter were lower (P < 0.05) in W44 than in W22 on days 2 and 3 post-weaning. Milk lactose was reduced (P < 0.05) with heat stress on days 2 and 3. The day before weaning, concentrations of prolactin in blood (P < 0.001) and lactoserum (P < 0.01) were lower and those of IGF-I in lactoserum were greater (P = 0.01) in W44 than in W22. Values of IGFBP-5 in milk were drastically lower (P < 0.001, more than a fourfold difference), those of Na greater (P < 0.001) and those of K unchanged (P > 0.1) for W44 compared with W22. Post-weaning, evidence of leaky tight junctions (increased milk Na, decreased K) was evident a day earlier (2 vs. 3) in W44 compared with W22 and was most marked in HS. In support, plasma lactose concentrations increased transiently on the same day in HS W44. The greater Na/K ratio in W44 compared with W22 taken together with increased plasma lactose particularly in HS shows that mammary epithelial cell tight junctions become leaky as lactation advances. Weaning age therefore has an impact on milk variables which are indicative of the status of mammary involution in sows and some of these effects are exacerbated by heat stress. Key words: Heat stress, lactation length, mammary involution, sows, weaning

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