The management of calves on an early-weaning system: the relationship of voluntary water intake to dry feed intake and live-weight gain to 5 weeks

1981 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. S. Thickett ◽  
N. H. Cuthbert ◽  
T. D. A. Brigstocke ◽  
M. A. Lindeman ◽  
P. N. Wilson

ABSTRACTA trial compared the voluntary water intake of 72 purchased British Friesian bull calves fed at different nutrient intake levels by varying the type and strength of the milk replacer given to 5 weeks of age. There was no control group without water on offer. Water was offered from the 1st day the animals entered the unit. All calves received 4 1/day of either cows' milk (12 calves), milk replacer with 100 g fat per kg (24 calves), milk replacer with 170 g fat per kg (24 calves) or milk replacer with 200 g fat per kg (12 calves). Standard early-weaning pellets containing 190 g crude protein per kg and hay ad libitum were on offer from the 2nd day on the unit. Results indicated that voluntary intakes of water were highest with calves fed on cows' milk and lowest on the milk replacer with 100 g fat per kg given at the lowest mixing strength, although differences were only significant in week 5 (P ≤ 0·05). By covariance analysis, the effects of water intakes on live-weight gain and on pellet intake were examined. The regression coefficient of live-weight gain (weeks 0 to 5) (kg) on water intake (weeks 1 to 5) (1) was b= 0·056 (s.e. 0·021, P ≤ 0·01). The regression coefficient of pellet intake (weeks 0 to 5) (kg) on water consumption was: b= 0·082 (s.e. 0·031, P ≤ 0·01). There was thus a significant correlation of both live-weight gain and pellet intake with water intake. For each extra litre of water consumed per day, there was an extra pellet intake of 0·082 kg and an increase in live-weight gain of 0·056 kg. There was a significant difference in total water intake according to the initial live weight of the calf.

1984 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-308
Author(s):  
Mikko Tuori

In a feeding trial with 18 calves, three carbohydrate additions were compared in a liquid milk replacer diet: glucose, xylitol and polyol molasses (PM). The average consumption of substrates was 41, 42 and 48 g dry matter of glucose, xylitol or polyol molasses per day. After one week of colostrum and whole milk feeding, liquid milk replacer was given 12 % of live weight. The trial lasted to the age of 5 weeks. Daily live weight gain was 452, 479 and 425 g in the glucose, xylitol and PM groups(n.s.), respectively. Intake of concentrates was greater in female than male calves (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the feed conversion rate between the groups: 1.83, 1.88 and 1.98 kg dry matter/kg live weight gain in the glucose, xylitol and PM groups, respectively. Venous blood samples were taken before the first feeding after birth, then 1, 2, and 4 days, and 1, 3 and 5 weeks after birth. Haemoglobin and haematocrit were higher in the glucose than in the xylitol and PM groups, and higher in female than male calves (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups in plasma glucose, calcium or magnesium contents. Plasma urea-N was lower in the xylitol than in the glucose group (P < 0.05). Plasma inorganic phosphorus was higher in the xylitol than in the glucose group on week one and three after birth, the difference being significant at 3 weeks of age (P < 0.05).


Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Freret ◽  
B Grimard ◽  
A A Ponter ◽  
C Joly ◽  
C Ponsart ◽  
...  

The aim of our study was to test whether a reduction in dietary intake could improve in vitro embryo production in superovulated overfed dairy heifers. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of 16 Prim’ Holstein heifers (14 ± 1 months old) were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU), every 2 weeks following superovulation treatment with 250 μg FSH, before being matured and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium for 7 days. Heifers were fed with hay, soybean meal, barley, minerals and vitamins. From OPU 1 to 4 (period 1), all heifers received individually for 8 weeks a diet formulated for a 1000 g/day live-weight gain. From OPU 5 to 8 (period 2), the heifers were allocated to one of two diets (1000 or 600 g/day) for 8 weeks. Heifers’ growth rates were monitored and plasma concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured each week. Mean live-weight gain observed during period 1 was 950 ± 80 g/day (n = 16). In period 2 it was 730 ± 70 (n = 8) and 1300 ± 70 g/day (n = 8) for restricted and overfed groups respectively. When comparing period 1 and period 2 within groups, significant differences were found. In the restricted group, a higher blastocyst rate, greater proportions of grade 1–3 and grade 1 embryos, associated with higher estradiol at OPU and lower glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were observed in period 2 compared with period 1. Moreover, after 6 weeks of dietary restriction (OPU 7), numbers of day 7 total embryos, blastocysts and grade 1–3 embryos had significantly increased. On the contrary, in the overfed group, we observed more <8 mm follicles 2 days before superovulation treatment, higher insulin and IGF-I and lower nonesterified fatty acids in period 2 compared with period 1 (no significant difference between periods for embryo production). After 6 weeks of 1300 g/day live-weight gain (OPU 7), embryo production began to decrease. Whatever the group, oocyte collection did not differ between period 1 and 2. These data suggest that following a period of overfeeding, a short-term dietary intake restriction (6 weeks in our study) may improve blastocyst production and embryo quality when they are low. However, nutritional recommendations aiming to optimize both follicular growth and embryonic development may be different.


1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Cook ◽  
Jennifer M. Newton

ABSTRACTThe trial compared 50 purebred Canadian Holstein and 46 British Friesian steers. The cattle were reared on a grass/cereal system designed to achieve an overall target live-weight gain of 0·82 kg per day from weaning to slaughter at 18 months of age. The cattle, born i n September 1973, grazed during the summer of 1974 and were slaughtered out of yards from January to July 1975. Equal numbers of each breed were allocated at random to three slaughter weights (477, 500 and 523 kg live weight). The Meat and Livestock Commission measured and classified all carcasses. In addition, a sample was cut according to commercial specifications. There were no significant differences in slaughter age or live-weight gain between the breeds. A significant difference (P < 0·05) in killing-out percentage was found in favour of the British Friesian as was a small (4%) but highly significant difference (P < 0·001) in carcass gain.The Canadian Holstein carcasses were considerably longer (P < 0·001) with less eye-muscle area (P < 0·001). The British Friesian carcasses contained 0·7% more saleable meat (P < 0·001) and 1% less bone (P < 0·01). There were no significant differences in fat trim. There were large differences in live appearance and carcass classifications, the British Friesians being of superior beef conformation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
Masum Billah ◽  
Md Humayun Kabir ◽  
Md Hafizur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdul Hamid

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of concentrate on growth performances of both male and female lamb. For this purpose twenty four (12 male and 12 female) lamb aged about 5-6 months were selected and divided into three groups (Treatment group T1, T2 and control group T0). In each group having 4 males and 4 females lamb, all lambs were supplied green roughages ad-libitum, control group T0 was allowed no concentrate and treatment group T1 & T2 were supplied 100 gm & 200 gm concentrate mixture respectively for 90 days experimental period. Animals were weighed at 15 days interval. Significant differences of live weight gain among these three groups were found. Allowing 100 gm (T1) concentrate mixture along with green grass improved growth rate in both male and female lamb. Increasing of concentrate supplementation improved live weight gain (found in T2 group). Total live weight gain (kg) and average daily live weight gain (g/d) were 4.25±0.52 kg and 47.20±5.75 g, 5.38±0.83 kg and 59.73+9.17 g and 7.00±0.54 kg and 77.78±6.00 g in male lambs and 2.25±0.21 kg and 25.00±2.34 g, 3.18±0.32 kg and 35.39±3.63 g and 3.81±0.24 kg and 42.33±2.77 g in female lambs for the To, T1 and T2 groups respectively. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female lambs. The results showed that 100 g concentrate supplementation with green roughages improved growth rate in lambs (male and female) under stall feeding condition. Increase of supplementation might improve nutrients supply to promote higher live weight gain.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 274-278


10.12737/7744 ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 124-127
Author(s):  
Самоделкин ◽  
Aleksandr Samodelkin ◽  
Еремин ◽  
Sergey Eremin

There was studied the distribution of postpartum pathology of cows and disease of calves in early postnatal period in conditions of Nizhny Novgorod region. It was established, that the new tissue drug &#34;bio-tec&#34; has positive influence on reproductive function, safety and live weight gain of calves. The postpartum pathology of cows gained wide spread among nizhnynovgorod farms up to 80%, e.g. Endometritis and subinvolution of uterus 37,4 and 23,9 respectively. By clinical examination of newborn calves it was established, that in the first month of life 50,3% fall ill with gastrointestinal diseases of various etiologies. The die-off of calves reached 29%. Using &#34;bio-tec&#34; drug to dry cows decreased the percentage of postpartum pathology by 35% and reduced the time of involution of uterus for 11,2 days; the service period reduced by 21,2 days and the diseases of newborn calves was twice less, that increased the energy of growth and in 16 month age heifers went over animals of the control group by 10%, that allowed their earlier use for reproduction. So, the results of conducted research showed, that twice a day injection of tissue drug &#34;bio-tec&#34; to dry cows in 10ml dose 60-55 and 40-35 days to calving contributes reducing of obstetric pathology. Subsequent use to calves in 4ml dose in 5-8 days age increases the safety of calves and positively influences the live weight gain, that in fact gives abilities of more effective cattle breeding.


1978 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Cuthbert ◽  
W. S. Thickett ◽  
P. N. Wilson ◽  
T. Brigstocke

ABSTRACTSixty-four British Friesian castrated male cattle (steers) with an average starting weight of 292 kg and an average slaughter weight of 460 kg were used to compare compound diets containing 0, 10, 20 or 30% NaOH-treated straw. A basic diet of 1·8 kg hay, 1·8 kg barley straw and sugar beet pulp, on a scale rising from 1·4 to 2·8 kg according to live weight, was given throughout the trial. Compound diets were individually offered on a scale starting at 3·8 kg rising to 5·8 kg with an average intake of 4·9 kg/day. Treatments did not differ significantly in respect of live-weight gain, which ranged from 0·94 kg/day with the control to 0·97 kg/day with the 30% NaOH-treated straw compound. The grading of the animals, based on the Meat and Livestock Classification scheme, also showed no significant difference.A second trial with a further 64 British Friesian steers tested inclusion levels of 0, 30,45 and 60% treated straw in a compound diet. At the start of the trial, the cattle averaged 328 kg live weight and were slaughtered from 450 kg live weight. Animals were yarded in store condition and were given a combination of grass silage and compound diets according to a scale, based on live weight and a predicted performance of 1 kg live-weight gain per day. There were no significant differences between treatments in live-weight gain, which ranged from 0·97 kg on the control to 1·02 kg/day on the 45% NaOH-treated straw diet. There was some refusal on the 60% NaOH-treated straw diet in respect of twice daily allocations, with a few cattle on occasions not being able to consume the allowance in the 30 min provided. However, each feed allocation was always consumed before the next meal. There were no significant differences between treatments in respect of fat class, but cattle on the 45% treated-straw diet had statistically superior conformation compared with the control.


1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Hanlon ◽  
S. M. Rhind ◽  
H. W. Reid ◽  
C. Burrells ◽  
A. B. Lawrence

AbstractAt weaning at 3 months of age (week 1), 30 red deer hind calves were housed in six groups of five animals at a stocking density of 1·5 m2 per head and maintained in these groups for 4 weeks. At the start of week 5, all calves were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA). Fifteen calves, from three groups, selected at random, were transferred to individual pens which restricted visual and tactile contact with others (ISO) while the remaining animals were kept in their groups (GP). The behaviour, food intake, live-weight gain, antibody and lymphocyte responses in vitro to OVA and lymphocyte responses in vitro to the non-specific mitogen, concanavalin A (ConA), of all calves were assessed in each of weeks 5 to 9. Isolated calves had a lower mean live-weight gain than GP calves (P < 0·001), although there were no differences in food intake. Significantly more time was spent lying (P < 0·001) but less time feeding (P < 0·05) and self-grooming (P < 0·001) by ISO than by GP calves. There was no significant difference between ISO and GP calves in the cortisol response to an ACTH challenge test (10 i.u.) at week 11. Lymphocyte responses and antibody titres to OVA were lower in GP than in ISO calves at weeks 7 (P < 0·05) and 8 (P < 0·05), respectively. In contrast, GP calves had greater lymphocyte responses to the non-specific mitogen, ConA, in weeks 7 (P < 0·05) and 10 (P < 0·001) but not in week 9 compared with ISO calves. Differences in lymphocyte stimulation were attributed to the non-specific mitogenic nature of ConA. Factors such as agonistic interactions evident in group housing may have compromised the antibody and lymphocyte responses to OVA by GP calves but conversely the lack of social contact may have also suppressed behavioural activity in ISO calves.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
H Khatun ◽  
MN Islam ◽  
AA Bhuyan ◽  
MN Hasan ◽  
MS Islam

A total of 198 straight run day old ducklings of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) developed native duck (named as Rupali and Nageswary) and local native duck genotypes were distributed among nine farmers of low laying areas of Kalihati Upazilla of Tangail district. Rupali and Nageswary ducklings were obtained from existing stock of BLRI and local native ducklings were collected from local farmers of the study area. After 12 weeks of age each farmers retained 10 female and 2 male ducks and sold away remaining ducklings. Farmers’ were instructed to supply 50g of balanced feed to their ducks in the morning and evening. Ducks were allowed to scavenge in the beel throughout the day. Data on: growth, feed intake, age at onset of lay, egg production rate, egg weight, mortality rate were recorded and cost-benefit was calculated. There found no significant difference on growth parameters, live weight gain, age at first laying or age at peak egg production among the duck genotypes. In the study highest live weight gain was found in Nageswary (1090 g) followed by Rupali (1058 g) and local native (912 g) duck at 8 weeks of age. Egg production rate of local native ducks (37.21%) was found significantly lower (P<0.001) compared to Rupali (50.67 %) and Nageswary (55.40 %). The mortality rate in local duck was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to Rupali and Nageswary ducks. Rupali ducks produced heavier eggs (66.86g) followed by local native (62.20g) and Nageswary (57.22g) which differed significantly (P<0.05). Rupali ducks laid eggs of thicker shell (0.61mm) compared to other duck genotypes under study which was also varied statistically (P<0.05). Cost benefit analysis shows that earning both from Nageswary and Rupali was much higher than local native ducks. Higher egg production rate of Nageswary and Rupali duck has contributed for higher return. It is concluded that rearing Rupali or Nageswary ducks in the low laying rural areas with scavenging and supplementary feeding facility is more profitable than rearing local native ducks.Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 18-23, Jan-Dec 2012


Author(s):  
A.F. Khabirov ◽  
◽  

The reaction of the organism of broiler ducklings to the introduction of the probiotic additive "Lactobifadol" into the organism when reared up to 7 weeks of age was investigated. A positive effect was achieved to increase the live weight of the experimental poultry by 5.0 % (p <0.5), the average feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain in the group of broiler ducklings fed with Lactobifadol feed was 4.7 % less when compared to intact poultry. The dynamics of feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain in the first three weeks of rearing was descending, and from 4 weeks of age until the end of rearing, fodder consumption increased significantly. For 6 weeks of growing, the average consumption of compound feed per head per day in the control group of broiler ducklings was 157.5 g, in the experimental group – 158.5 g per 1 bird/day. The inclusion of "Lactobifadol" in the diet to a certain extent stimulates the processes of erythrocytopoiesis, providing, within the physiological norm, an increase in the level of hemoglobin and the number of leukocytes.


Author(s):  
S. Alexandrova ◽  
A. Bakharev ◽  
O. Simonov ◽  
E. Renev ◽  
S. Shabaldin ◽  
...  

Under the environments of the Tyumen region a scientific and research work has been carried out, including an assessment of the influence of antimicrobial substances: colloidal silver, antibiotics and organic acids on the body of broiler chickens. The purpose of the work was to evaluate the influence of antimicrobial substances on the productivity of broiler chickens. The research and laboratory experiment has been carried out in the laboratory of the Northern Trans-Ural Scientific and Research Institute of the Tyumen Scientific Center of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences on chickens of the cross ArborAykrs+. Chickens at the daily age have been distributed according to the principle of balanced groups-analogues. The period of chicken rearing was 35 days, during the same period the analysis of the studied antimicrobial substances has been performed. The composition of the test substances was included colloidal silver 10 μg/l, antibiotics (Pulsoceril, Enronite) and the mixture of organic acids (Agrofeed) at the dose of 0,4 ml/l. The results have shown that chickens that have been watered colloidal silver had the gain of live weight for the period of rearing 1850,94 g or lower than chickens in the control group. At the same time, broiler chickens with watering of antibiotics and organic acids exceeded the control group’s analogues. For example chickens of the 1st experimental group where colloidal silver has been watered at the dose of 10 mcg/l every day had the live weight gain during the rearing period lower by 15,56 g and the average daily live weight gain of 0,45 g than chickens of the control group. At the same time broilers of the 2nd experimental group (with antibiotics) and the 3rd experimental group (with organic acids) had the higher gain of live weight during the rearing period by 56,61 and 95,23 g, respectively, compared to the control group. The average daily gain diff erences were 1,62 and 2,72 g. Indicators of morphological and biochemical composition of blood of experimental groups of broiler chickens indicated that they were within the limits of the corresponding physiological norms. At the same time, there were some changes on the part of both red and white blood, which seems to be related not only to the body’s response to feeding, but also to the biochemical processes within the body.


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