Abstract
One hundred and eight Holstein calves (225 ± 1.1 kg and 187 ± 5.2 d) were used to evaluate the physiological and performance recovery after 14 h transportation or feed restriction. Calves were distributed into 6 pens (2 pens/treatment) according to control (CTR, n = 36) calves with ad libitum access to concentrate, straw and water; restricted (RES, n = 36) calves with concentrate restriction but with access to water and straw for 14 h; and transported (TRA, n = 36) calves that were loaded into a trailer and transported without feed or water for 14 h. On days 0, 7, 21, and 35 BW was recorded. Concentrate intake were recorded daily. Blood samples for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and serum amyloid-A (SAA) were collected at -24, -14, 0 h, and 6, 24, and 168 h post-treatment. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. At 24 h, RES and TRA had greater (P < 0.05) concentrate intake compared with CTR. However, from d 7 to 35 after treatments, only TRA had similar concentrate intake than CTR, while RES had lesser (P < 0.05) concentrate intake than CTR and TRA. RES at 6 h had greater (P < 0.05) NEFA concentrations than TRA, and NEFA concentrations were still higher for the RES and TRA groups than those for the CTR after 24 h. After 24 h concentrations of serum BHBA for TRA and RES were significantly greater (P < 0.05) when compared with those for the CTR. Serum concentration of SAA for TRA and RES was greater (P < 0.05) than CTR until 168 h. Results showed similar effects of 14 h of feed restriction and transportation of calves on serum anorexia and inflammation parameters; however, feed intake was recovered after d 35 in transported calves but not in feed restricted calves without transportation.
1 Physiological and performance recovery after fourteen hours of feed restriction or transportation in Holstein bulls fed high concentrate diets