Immune and metabolic responses of beef heifers supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to a combined viral-bacterial respiratory disease challenge

Abstract Two treatments were evaluated in heifers to determine the effects of a yeast supplement on immune and metabolic responses to a combined (tandem viral-bacterial) respiratory disease challenge. Thirty-two beef heifers (325 ± 20.1 kg BW) were selected from a larger population previously assigned to one of two treatments: Control (CON), receiving no yeast supplement in the diet, or yeast (YST), CON diet plus a combination live yeast (2.5 g·heifer−1·d−1) and yeast cell wall (2.5 g·heifer−1·d−1) supplement (Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care, Milwaukee, WI). Heifers were maintained on treatments for 31 d prior to the challenge. On day −3 all heifers were fitted with an indwelling vaginal temperature recording device, received an intranasal challenge with 2 × 108 plaque-forming units of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), and placed in outdoor pens. On day 0, all heifers were fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter, challenged intratracheally with an average dose of 3.0 × 107 colony-forming units (cfu) of Mannheimia haemolytica in 100 mL media, and were transferred into individual stanchions in an enclosed, environmentally controlled barn. Whole blood samples were collected at −72 h and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h (hematology) and at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h (serum isolation) relative to M. haemolytica challenge (0 h). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with fixed effects of treatment, time, and the treatment × time interaction. Vaginal temperature and cortisol concentrations were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.39). Although total leukocyte count following BHV-1 challenge was similar between treatments (P = 0.21), there was a tendency (P = 0.07) for CON heifers to have greater neutrophil counts than YST heifers. Serum haptoglobin concentration was similar between treatments (P = 0.13). Heifers in the YST treatment had similar serum glucose concentrations (P = 0.25) and decreased serum concentrations of urea nitrogen compared to CON (P = 0.03). Dietary treatment did not affect serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations (P = 0.37). Nasal lesion score severity (0–4) tended (P = 0.07) to be decreased in YST compared to CON (2.5 vs. 3.19 ± 0.26), while water intake tended to be increased in YST (P = 0.06). Feeding a yeast supplement had little effect on the acute-phase response but improved metabolic outcomes in heifers during a respiratory disease challenge.

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Zinc Source and Concentration Altered Physiological Responses of Beef Heifers during a Combined Viral-Bacterial Respiratory Challenge

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11030646 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 646

Author(s):

Paul Rand Broadway ◽

Jeffery Carroll ◽

Nicole Burdick Sanchez ◽

Alyssa Word ◽

Shelby Roberts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Effect ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Physiological Responses ◽

Serum Cortisol ◽

Average Dose ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Zinc Source ◽

Respiratory Challenge

To determine the effects of zinc supplementation on the immune response to a combined viral-bacterial respiratory disease challenge, thirty-two beef heifers (255 ± 15 kg) were subjected to a 30-d period of Zn depletion, then randomly assigned to one of three treatment diets fed for 30 d before the challenge: (1) supplementation with 100 mg of Zn from Zn sulfate/kg of DM (Zn100), (2) supplementation with 200 mg of Zn from Zn sulfate/kg of DM (Zn200), and (3) supplementation with 80 mg of Zn/kg of DM from zinc methionine and 20 mg of Zn from Zn sulfate/kg of DM (ZinMet). After the 30-d supplementation period, all heifers were fitted with indwelling vaginal temperature (VT) devices and intra-nasally challenged with 1 × 108 PFU bovine herpesvirus-1 on d -3, and then allowed to rest in outdoor pens for 3 d. On d 0, each heifer was challenged intra-tracheally with an average dose of 2.38 × 107 CFU Mannheimia haemolytica (MH), fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter, and then moved into individual stalls in an environmentally-controlled enclosed barn. Whole blood samples were collected at 1-h (serum) and 2-h (complete blood counts) intervals from 0 to 8 h, and at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 168, and 360 h relative to MH challenge. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction. There was a treatment effect (p < 0.01) for VT such that Zn200 heifers had greater VT than Zn100 and ZinMet heifers. There was a trend (p = 0.10) for a serum cortisol treatment effect with Zn100 heifers having greater cortisol than ZinMet heifers. Total leukocytes and lymphocytes were greater (p ≤ 0.01) in Zn100 heifers than Zn200 and ZinMet heifers, whereas monocytes were less (p = 0.05) in ZinMet heifers than Zn100 and Zn200 heifers. Concentrations of IL-6 were greater (p = 0.02) in ZinMet heifers than Zn100 and Zn200 heifers. Concentrations of IFN-γ were greater in Zn200 heifers than ZinMet heifers at 0 h, and Zn100 heifers from 0 to 12 h post-MH challenge (treatment x time p = 0.02). Serum haptoglobin was not affected by treatment or treatment x time (p ≥ 0.36) but increased over time (p < 0.01) in all groups. There was a trend (p = 0.11) for ZinMet heifers to have less severe nasal lesion scores than Zn100 heifers. The observed differential physiological responses in this study indicate that zinc source and concentration may alter the response to a bovine respiratory challenge in heifers.

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PSV-18 The role of leptin in feed efficiency and behavior attributes of commercial beef heifers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa054.286 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 162-162

Author(s):

Nayan Bhowmik ◽

Kris A Ringwall ◽

Carl R Dahlen ◽

Kendall C Swanson ◽

Jeffrey A Clapper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feeding Behavior ◽

Breeding Season ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Frame Size ◽

And Behavior ◽

Plasma Leptin

Abstract Leptin is a 16-kDa-peptide hormone product of the leptin gene (LEP) that is predominantly synthesized by adipose tissues and has known involvement in regulation of feed intake, energy expenditure, reproduction, and immune functions. The objective was to determine the association of leptin genotype (LEP c.73C >T), leptin diplotype (LEPD) and plasma leptin hormone (LEPH) concentration with growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, and behavior characteristics in developing beef heifers. A total of 336 commercial beef heifers were genotyped for the LEP c.73C >T marker. Four single nucleotide polymorphism markers including LEP c.73C >T, ARS-BFGL-NGS-59298 (intron 1), BovineHD0400026029 (upstream) and BovineHD0400026063 (downstream) of LEP were considered for haplotype analysis. Eleven LEPD were identified for this study using parsimony-based analyses. Circulating levels of LEPH were measured on 333 heifers prior to their first breeding season and used to assign low or high concentration group based on population median. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS for repeated measures, fixed effects of ancestral breed group (n = 4), dam age category (n = 4), frame size group (n = 4), project cycle nested within birth year (n = 6), week of feed trial × year, LEP (n = 3) or LEPD (n = 11) or LEPH (n = 2), as well as week × LEPH (only for LEPH). There were no significant differences between LEP genotypes (P ≥ 0.11) or LEPD (P ≥ 0.33) for any of the studied traits. Heifers with low LEPH ate fewer meals per day (P = 0.02) and had more DMI per meal (P = 0.04) compared to those with high plasma leptin. Further research is needed to better understand plasma LEPH concentration and its role in feeding behavior attributes. However, circulatory LEPH before the breeding season may serve as a predictor for feeding behavior.

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Effect of bupivacaine liposome suspension administered as a local anesthetic block on indicators of pain and distress during and after surgical castration in dairy calves

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab378 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miriam S Martin ◽

Michael D Kleinhenz ◽

Abbie V Viscardi ◽

Andrew K Curtis ◽

Blaine T Johnson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gait Analysis ◽

Local Anesthetic ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Random Effect ◽

Serum Cortisol ◽

Nerve Blocks ◽

Liposome Suspension ◽

Long Acting

Abstract Castration is a routine procedure performed on beef and dairy operations in the U.S. All methods of castration cause behavioral, physiologic, and neuroendocrine changes associated with pain. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners recommend that anesthesia and analgesia be administered at castration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bupivacaine liposome suspension a novel, long-acting, local anesthetic administered as a nerve block at castration. The authors chose to investigate this novel formulation as an alternative to current industry standards using lidocaine nerve blocks alone, or in combination with meloxicam. Thirty male Holstein calves, 16-20 weeks of age, were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups prior to surgical castration: 1) bupivacaine liposome suspension block + oral placebo (BUP); 2) lidocaine block + oral placebo (LID); 3) lidocaine block + oral meloxicam (1 mg/kg) (LID + MEL); and 4) saline block + oral placebo (CON). Biomarkers were collected at -24 h and from 0 to 120 hours post-castration and included infrared thermography, pressure mat gait analysis, chute defense and behavior scoring (pain and activity), and blood sampling for serum cortisol and prostaglandin E2 metabolites (PGEM). Responses were analyzed using repeated measures, with calf nested in treatment as a random effect, and treatment, time, and their interaction designated as fixed effects. Results from pressure mat gait analysis show the CON had a shorter front limb stance time from baseline (-8.73%; 95% CI: -24.84 to 7.37%) compared to BUP and LID + MEL (> 5.70%; 95% CI: -22.91 to 23.79%) (P < 0.03). The CON tended to have an increase in front limb force from baseline (6.31%; 95% CI: -1.79 to 14.41%) compared to BUP, LID, and LID + MEL (< -5.06%; 95% CI: -14.22 to 0.95%) (P < 0.04). The CON displayed higher counts of hunched standing (2.00; 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.32) compared to LID + MEL (1.43; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72) (P = 0.05). The CON had higher cortisol concentrations at 24 h (7.70 ng/mL; 95% CI: 1.52 to 13.87 ng/mL) relative to BUP (3.11 ng/mL; 95% CI: -2.56 to 8.79 ng/mL) (P = 0.002). At 4 and 24 h, LID + MEL had lower PGEM concentrations from baseline (-32.42% and -47.84%; 95% CI: -78.45 to -1.80%) compared with CON (27.86% and 47.63%; 95% CI: 7.49 to 82.98%) (P < 0.02). Administration of bupivacaine liposome suspension as a local anesthetic block at the time of castration was as effective at controlling pain as a multi-modal approach of lidocaine and meloxicam.

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Evaluation of Brassica carinata meal as a protein supplement for growing beef heifers1,2

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz280 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (10) ◽

pp. 4334-4340

Author(s):

Tessa M Schulmeister ◽

Martin Ruiz-Moreno ◽

Gleise M Silva ◽

M Garcia-Ascolani ◽

Francine M Ciriaco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Day Treatment ◽

Block Design ◽

Random Effect ◽

Brassica Carinata ◽

Protein Supplement ◽

Oilseed Crop ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Effect Of Treatment

Abstract Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop in Florida with the potential of producing high-quality jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% crude protein; CP) is obtained as a byproduct of oil extraction; however, limited research is available on the utilization of this meal as a protein supplement for beef cattle. A generalized randomized block design was used to evaluate the effects of supplementation with B. carinata meal pellets on performance and attainment of puberty in growing beef heifers consuming bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) ad libitum. Sixty-four Angus crossbred heifers (240 ± 39 kg initial body weight; BW) were stratified and blocked (2 blocks: light and heavy) by initial BW and randomly allocated into 18 pens over 2 consecutive years (10 in year 1 and 8 in year 2). Within block, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 0 (CTL) or 0.3% of BW/d (as fed) of B. carinata meal pellets (BCM). Blood samples and BW were collected weekly for 70 d, before daily supplementation. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Model included the fixed effects of treatment, day, treatment × day interactions, block, and block × treatment interactions, with the random effect of year. Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and haptoglobin (Hp). An effect of treatment was observed (P ˂ 0.01) for ADG between CTL (0.14 kg) and BCM (0.42 kg). There was no treatment or block (P > 0.05) effect for concentrations of T3, T4, or Hp; however, there was an effect of day (P < 0.01) for T3, T4, and Cp. An effect of treatment (P ˂ 0.01) was observed for Cp, with CTL having greater concentrations compared with BCM. Time to attainment of puberty did not differ (P = 0.93) between treatments. Feeding B. carinata meal as a protein supplement at 0.3% of BW/d is a viable option for increasing ADG of growing beef heifers, without affecting attainment of puberty, thyroid hormone status, or eliciting an acute phase response.

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107 Influence of chronic melatonin supplementation on bovine testis physiology

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz397.096 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 42-42

Author(s):

Brittni P Littlejohn ◽

Kayla B Mercer ◽

Karrigan J Bowers ◽

Riley D Messman ◽

Zully Contreras-Correa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Body Weight ◽

Ambient Temperature ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Random Effect ◽

Age Groups ◽

Total Blood ◽

Left And Right

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of melatonin supplementation on bovine testis biometrics, thermoregulation, and blood flow in two age groups. Mature and peri-pubertal bulls received four subdermal 24 mg melatonin implants (MEL; n = 5 and n = 6, respectively) or no implants (CON; n = 5 and n = 6, respectively) every 30 ± 4 d for 120 ± 5 d. Body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), testes temperature (average temperature of left and right testes as quantified with thermal imaging), and total testicular artery blood flow (TBF; total blood flow to left and right testes as measured with Doppler ultrasonography) were evaluated on d 60, 90, and 120 ± 4. On d 120, peri-pubertal bulls were castrated and total testes weight (TTW) determined. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, time, and the interaction as fixed effects and sire (peri-pubertal only) as a random effect. On d 120, peri-pubertal bull data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect and sire as a random effect, and relationships of TBF, SC, TTW, testes temperature, and ambient temperature assessed using CORR procedures of SAS. Body weight, testes temperature, TBF, and TBF as a proportion of SC changed over time in peri-pubertal (P < 0.05) but not mature (P > 0.05) bulls. On d 120, TBF was increased (P = 0.05) and TBF as a proportion of TTW tended (P = 0.10) to be increased in MEL (95.48 ± 14.63 mL/min and 0.29 ± 0.03 mL/min*g, respectively) compared to CON (65.06 ± 15.10 mL/min and 0.21 ± 0.03 mL/min*g, respectively) peri-pubertal bulls. TBF was positively correlated with SC (r = 0.59; P = 0.04) and TTW (r = 0.66; P = 0.02). Ambient temperature was positively correlated with testes temperature (r = 0.78; P < 0.01). No other differences were identified (P > 0.05). Limited alterations in testis physiology were observed in melatonin-supplemented bulls.

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PSIV-10 Effects of stair-step vs. constant supplementation amount on growth, reproduction, and intravaginal temperature in Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.519 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 288-288

Author(s):

Elizabeth A Palmer ◽

Rhaiza A Oliveira ◽

Mario Binelli ◽

Thiago Martins ◽

João Vendramini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breeding Season ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Estrous Synchronization

Abstract This study investigated growth and reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers provided a concentrate supplement at either a constant or stair-step supplementation. Sixty-four Brangus heifers were stratified by initial BW and age (255 ± 20 kg; 270 ± 22 d) and assigned to 1 of 16 bahiagrass pastures (4 heifers/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (8 pastures/treatment) and consisted of concentrate DM supplementation at: (1) 1.50% of BW from d 0 to 100 (CON) and (2) 1.05% of BW from d 0 to 49 and 1.95% of BW from d 50 to 100 (STP). Supplementation started on d 0 and continued until start of estrous synchronization on d 100. Intravaginal temperatures (16 heifers/treatment) were collected every 30 minutes from d 25 to 31 (September) and d 85 to 91 (November). All heifers were provided supplement at 1.50% of BW from d 101 to 211. Heifers were bred by AI from d 113 to 115 and Brangus bulls were placed with heifers from d 121 to 211. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, time, and interaction as fixed effects. From d 0 to 49, ADG did not differ (P = 0.87); however, STP heifers had greater (P = 0.01; 0.73 vs. 0.56 kg/d) ADG from d 50 to 100 compared to CON heifers. Percentage of pubertal heifers, percentage of heifers in estrus, or reproductive tract scores did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.40). Intravaginal temperatures were greater (P < 0.0001) for CON vs. STP heifers from d 25 to 31 but did not differ (P = 0.74) from d 85 to 91. Using a stair-step vs. constant supplementation amount (1.05 to 1.95% vs. 1.50% of BW) before the breeding season reduced intravaginal temperatures and increased overall ADG in Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers.

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Effect of pre-shipment preconditioning and injectable antioxidant trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and vitamins (A, E) on plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations and growth in weaned beef cattle

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txaa233 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Esteban M Galarza ◽

Raul M Lizzarraga ◽

Guillermo A Mattioli ◽

Anthony J Parker ◽

Alejandro E Relling

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

High Stress ◽

Nefa Concentration ◽

Plasma Nefa ◽

Plasma Nefa Concentration

Abstract Weaning and transport represent a high stress time for calves. Preconditioning (PC) by weaning before the transport separate these stressors. The stressors generate oxidative stress, which can be reduced by mineral and vitamin supplementation (MVS) with an antioxidant capacity. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of PC and MVS on performance of steers. The experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement design, considering a 26-d PC treatment from weaning to transport to the feedlot (d 0); and injectable MVS on d -45, -26, and 0. The MVS consisted of Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, vitamin E (0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively), and vitamin A (1190 IU/kg). Sixty Angus-crossbred steers (186.4 ± 27.6 kg) were randomly assigned to the four treatments (MVS+PC; N+PC; MVS+N; N+N; n = 15/treatment). Body weight (BW) was recorded on d -45, -26, 0, 8, 15, and 29. On d 0, an additional BW was taken 30 minutes after the 5-hour transportation (d 0.5). Between d 0 to 29, dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) to DMI ratio (G:F) were measured. Between d -26 to 29 plasma concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids (NEFA), cortisol, insulin, total antioxidant status (TAS), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures, using treatment, time, and treatment × time as fixed effects, and steer as a random effect. Between d -26 to 0, there was an interaction of MVS × PC (P ˂ 0.01) for ADG. From d -26 to 0, N+N and N+PC had the greatest and lesser ADG, respectively. On d 0.5, no-PC steers tended to lose BW while the PC steers tended to gain BW (P = 0.09). In the period d 0 to 8, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.27) in DMI, but the PC steers had greater G:F and ADG (P < 0.01) compared with no-PC steers. Plasma NEFA concentration on d 0 was affected by MVS×PC (P < 0.01), because MVS decreased plasma NEFA concentration in no-PC steers, but it increased in the PC steers. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and cortisol did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.23). There was a MVS×PC interaction (P = 0.09) for TAS on d 0; N+N had the greatest and MVS+N had the lowest TAS concentrations. In conclusion, a 26-d PC decreased steers BW compared with no-PC steers. The BW loss during preconditioning was not recovered 29-d after feedlot entry. Despite this BW loss, MVS treatment decreased BW loss in the steers allocated to PC treatment on the day of transport.

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Response to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Differs Between Chronic and Episodic Migraine

Neurology Clinical Practice ◽

10.1212/cpj.0000000000000984 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000984

Author(s):

Elizabeth K. Seng ◽

Alexandra B. Conway ◽

Amy S. Grinberg ◽

Zarine S. Patel ◽

Maya Marzouk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Migraine ◽

Cognitive Therapy ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Assessment Scale ◽

Disability Assessment ◽

Headache Disability ◽

Headache Disability Inventory ◽

Severe Migraine

AbstractObjective:Evaluate whether the benefits of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Migraine (MBCT-M) on headache disability differs among people with episodic and chronic migraine.Methods:This is a planned secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. After a 30-day baseline, participants were stratified by episodic (6-14 days/month) and chronic migraine (15-30 days/month) and randomized to 8 weekly individual sessions of MBCT-M or wait list/treatment as usual (WL/TAU). Primary outcomes [Headache Disability Inventory; Severe Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (scores ≥ 21)] were assessed at Months 0, 1, 2, and 4. Mixed models for repeated measures tested moderation with fixed effects of treatment, time, chronic migraine and all interactions. Planned subgroup analyses evaluated treatment*time in episodic and chronic migraine.Results:Of 60 participants (MBCT-M N = 31, WL/TAU N = 29), 52% had CM. CM moderated the effect of MBCT-M on Severe Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, F(3, 205) = 3.68, p = .013; MBCT-M vs. WL/TAU reduced the proportion of people reporting severe disability to a greater extent among people with EM (-40.0% vs. -14.3%) than CM (-16.4% vs. +8.7%). Subgroup analysis revealed MBCT-M (vs WL/TAU) significantly reduced Headache Disability Inventory for episodic (p = .011) but not chronic migraine (p = .268).Conclusions:MBCT-M is a promising treatment for reducing headache-related disability, with greater benefits in episodic than chronic migraine.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that MBCT-M reduces headache disability to a greater extent in people with episodic than chronic migraine. NCT02443519.

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Daily vaginal temperature in Girolando cows from three different genetic composition under natural heat stress

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txab138 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Luciano de Rezende Carvalheira ◽

Raphael Rocha Wenceslau ◽

Lilian dos Santos Ribeiro ◽

Bruno Campos de Carvalho ◽

Álan Maia Borges ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Least Square ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Genetic Composition ◽

Tropical Condition ◽

Pregnancy Status ◽

Vaginal Temperature

Abstract The present trial evaluated the effect of crossbred composition and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) on vaginal temperature (VT) of Girolando dairy cows maintained under tropical pasture during warm seasons. The VT was monitored along 41 to 96 h in 615 Girolando cows with different Holstein (H) × Gir genetic composition (1/2 H = 284, 3/4 H = 248, and 7/8 H = 83) from six Brazilian farms in the summer of 2016 and 2017. VT of each cow at each hour of the day and the respective THI were averaged per hour across all monitoring days to generate an averaged value for VT and THI during 24 h. A linear mixed model with repeated measures using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method for (co)variance components estimation procedure was employed. The final model adjusted the VT for the effects of cow, time, THI, farm, year, pregnancy status, body condition score (BCS), milk yield, genetic composition, and genetic composition*time interaction. Fixed effects were evaluated by ANOVA and tested with Tukey test in R software version 3.6.1 (R Core Team, 2019). Overall mean of VT, air temperature (AT), and THI were 39.06 ± 0.52 °C, 25.63 ± 0.40 °C, and 75.06 ± 3.96, respectively. VT had moderate positive correlation with THI (r² = 0.45, P < 0.001) and AT (r² = 0.46, P < 0.001). The VT had estimated linear increase of 0.05 °C for each THI unit increase (P < 0.001). Least square mean of VT varied among the farms (P < 0.001), pregnancy status (P < 0.001), and BCS (P < 0.05) but not for Milk yield (P > 0.05). The daily average VT was affected by genetic composition (P < 0.001) with highest temperature for 3/4 H (39.08 ± 0.06 °C a) and 7/8 H (39.09 ± 0.06 °C a) and lowest temperature for 1/2 H (38.95 ± 0.06 °C b). The difference of VT among the three crossbred groups varied in function of the time of the day, from 12:00 to 20:00 h (P < 0.001), with 3/4 Holstein and 7/8 Holstein cows reaching similar VT, above to the upper limit 39.1 °C and higher than 1/2 Holstein cows during all this period. In conclusion, Girolando cows are sensitive to heat stress in tropical condition during warm seasons. Moreover, Girolando cows with genetic composition higher than 3/4 Holstein display reduced thermoregulatory efficiency. Therefore, Girolando cows in tropical dairy farms require strategies to mitigate heat stress according to their genetic composition.

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92 Maternal Nutrient Restriction of Primiparous Beef Heifers During Late Gestation Decreases Colostrum Yield and Reduces Calf Vigor

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.080 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 45-46

Author(s):

Lindsey G Wichman ◽

Colby A Redifer ◽

Shelby L Davies ◽

Allison M Meyer

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Single Point ◽

Late Gestation ◽

Nutrient Restriction ◽

Postnatal Life ◽

Net Energy ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Protein Requirements ◽

Calf Survival

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction (NR) would reduce colostrum yield and impair offspring transition to postnatal life. Primiparous, fall-calving crossbred beef heifers (BW: 451 ± 28 [SD] kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7) were individually-fed either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (n = 13) of NASEM net energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to parturition. Delivery duration was determined as minutes from first fetal feet expulsion to birth. Calves were reared naturally by their dams and monitored for times from birth to first sternal recumbency, attempt to stand, and stand; vigor scores (1 = very weak, 5 = extremely vigorous) were assigned at 2, 5, 10, and 20 min of age. Total colostrum from one rear quarter was collected pre-suckling. Calf rectal temperatures were recorded at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postnatally. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of treatment (single point) or treatment, hour, and their interaction (over time, using repeated measures). Date of calving was a fixed effect; calf sex was included when P < 0.25. Heifers fed CON had greater (P = 0.04) colostrum weight and volume than NR. Although gestational nutrition did not affect (P = 0.72) calf birth weight, calves born to CON heifers had faster (P = 0.02) times to stand and tended to have faster (P = 0.09) times to attempt to stand. Calves from CON heifers had greater (P = 0.05) 20 min vigor scores. Rectal temperatures at 0 h were greater (P = 0.02) in CON calves, but at 24 h were greater (P = 0.04) in NR calves. These data indicate that heifers nutrient restricted during late gestation have reduced colostrum yield and less vigorous calves, which may influence postnatal calf survival.

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