Serum mineral concentrations in relation to estrus and conception in beef heifers and cows fed conserved forage

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Small ◽  
E. Charmley ◽  
A. V. Rodd ◽  
A. H. Fredeen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Service Conception ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Mineral Concentrations ◽  
Body Condition Scores

A study was undertaken to examine serum mineral concentrations in relation to estrus and first service conception (FSC) in beef cattle fed conserved forage. Blood samples were taken from yearling nulliparous heifers, and suckled 2-yr-old primiparous heifers and multiparous cows at first service which occurred within 12 h of observed standing heat and 21 d after. Serum was analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) concentrations by ICAP. Heifers were fed in four groups based on parity and given 3.0 and 2.5 kg hd d–1 of a grain supplement, respectively, plus free-choice grass hay (1.71% K; 0.20% P; 8% protein; 41% ADF). Cows were individually fed ad libitum (21 g kg–1 body weight) grass-legume silage (2.82% K; 0.35% P; 14% protein, 34% ADF). Heifers and cows gained body weight over the breeding season and at turnout had body condition scores of 5 to 6 for heifers and 6 to 7 for cows. Rates of FSC were 53% (10/19), 48% (10/21) and 64% (18/28) for nulli-, primi- and multiparous groups, respectively. Serum Ca, Na, S, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn did not differ (P > 0.05) between FSC groups, but Na and Cu were higher (P < 0.05) at estrus than at day 21, especially in nulliparous heifers. Concentrations of serum Mg were low (<0.74 mmol L–1) and K high (>4.5 mmol L–1) in heifers and cows but in nulliparous heifers only, serum Mg and K were lowest (P < 0.05) at estrus for those that conceived. Serum B concentrations were generally higher (P < 0.05) in animals that conceived especially on day 21 when B concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) than at estrus. Serum P concentrations were high (>3.5 mmol L–1), but highest in animals that conceived especially on day 21. It is concluded that P and B may be dietary factors limiting first service conception in beef cows fed conserved forage. Key words: Beef cattle, estrus, conception, minerals, boron, phosphorus

Serum mineral concentrations in relation to parturition in beef heifers and cows fed conserved forage

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Small
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Calving Ease ◽  
Serum Zn ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Mineral Concentrations ◽  
The Relationship

A study was undertaken to examine the relationship between serum mineral concentrations and calving ease in beef cattle fed conserved forage. Jugular blood samples were taken from multiparous cows (n = 6) and 2-yr-old primparous heifers (n = 9) that calved without assistance and 2-yr-old primparous heifers that required assistance with calving (n = 6) on days −7, 0 and +7 after parturition. Sera were analyzed for Ca, P, Mg, K, S, Na, Cu, Zn and B by ICAP and for progesterone by RIA. From 2 mo before and throughout the calving season cattle were given ad libitum round bale grass-legume silage (2.89% K; 3.4% P; 13% CP, 40% ADF; 38% DM). Heifers were also given 0.5 kg hd−1 d−1 of a grain supplement beginning 3 wk before calving. At calving, cows and heifers were in moderate body condition (5.26 ± 0.14 BCS) and heifers had reached 85% of mature body weight (475 ± 26 kg). Serum progesterone concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) at −7 d and dropped below 1 ng mL−1 at parturition and +7 d. Concentrations of serum Mg, S and K were highest (P < 0.05) whilst concentrations of P, B and Cu were lowest (P < 0.05) at parturition. However, serum Mg and S also differed (P < 0.05) among calving groups because concentrations were lowest for heifers with assisted calvings and, serum K concentrations were influenced (P < 0.05) by interaction between calving group and time because K concentrations increased at parturition only in cows and heifers with unassisted calvings. Serum Zn, Ca, and Na were not (P < 0.05) influenced by calving group or time. It is concluded that Mg, S, K, P, B and Cu metabolism are involved in the physiology of parturition and Mg, S and K metabolism may be particularly important for calving ease in primparous beef heifers fed conserved forage. Key words: Parturition, minerals, beef cattle, potassium, boron, magnesium

Response of beef heifers and non-suckling beef cows to different oestrous synchronization protocols

2002 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Cavestany ◽  
N. Negrin ◽  
R. Negrin ◽  
J. F. Groth
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Gnrh Analogue ◽  
Beef Heifers

AbstractThe objective was to evaluate different oestrous synchronization schemes in beef cattle under range conditions. In experiment 1, 202 heifers averaging 26 months of age were assigned randomly to three treatments: (a) GnRH-PG. (no. = 44) day 0 (D0): injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D0 to D25 oestrous detection (OD) and artificial insemination (AI); (b) OD-PG. (no. = 45) D0 to D4; OD + AI; D5: injection of PGF2α; D5 to D25 OD + AI; and (c)Ovsynch. (no. = 113) D0: injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D9: injection of GnRH and 16 h later AI at fixed time. In experiment 2, 318 non-suckling cows were assigned randomly to three treatments: (a) GnRH-PG. (no. = 106) D0: injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D0 to D25 OD + AI; (b) GnRH-MAP-PG. (no. = 106) D0: injection of a GnRH analogue and insertion of an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 250 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate; D7: injection of PGF2α and sponge withdrawal; D0 to D25 OD + AI; (c) controls. (no. = 106) OD and AI. The experimental period lasted 25 days and, with exception of the Ovsynch treatment, oestrous detection was carried out twice a day (a.m./p.m.) and inseminations performed 12 h later. The pregnancy rates assessed by ultrasonography 30 days after AI were: experiment 1: (a) 30·0%; (b) 28·6% and (c) 62·3% (P < 0·05); experiment 2: (a) 60·2%; (b) 57·8% and (c) 45·5% (P < 0·05). It is concluded that in heifers and non-suckling cows, oestrous synchronization treatments result in higher pregnancy rates. In non-suckling cows, the addition of a progestagen did not improve the response.

VOLUNTARY ROUGHAGE INTAKE BY NONPREGNANT AND PREGNANT OR LACTATING BEEF COWS

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. JORDAN ◽  
E. E. LISTER ◽  
J. M. WAUTHY ◽  
J. E. COMEAU
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Full Energy ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Ad Libitum

Pregnant and nonpregnant Shorthorns were group-fed either hay or grass silage ad libitum from December until midsummer in 2 successive yr. Stage of gestation at the start of feeding each year averaged 120 days. In the 1st yr the cows were housed and in the 2nd they were confined to outside paved lots. Until the start of calving, the pregnant groups tended to consume less than their nonpregnant counterparts. During the 2 wk before the start of calving this difference in intake between pregnant and nonpregnant cows increased up to 12%. However, it was only for the silage-fed, pregnant cows wintered outside that intake was clearly insufficient for maintenance up to 48 h postcalving. Depsite a rapid increase in postcalving intake, all lactating groups lost weight. Results indicated that pregnancy in beef cattle may reduce intake below that expected from nonpregnant animals and may result in insufficient forage consumption for maintenance. During early lactation, beef cows were unable to consume enough stored forage to meet their full energy requirements.

11 EFFECTS OF CIDR-BASED PRESYNCHRONIZATION AND eCG ON FERTILITY FOR A GnRH-BASED TIMED-AI PROTOCOL IN BEEF CATTLE

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Colazo ◽  
J. Small ◽  
J. Kastelic ◽  
H. Davis ◽  
D. Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Factorial Design ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Treatment Control ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Exogenous Progesterone ◽  
To Receive

The objectives were to determine the effects of presynchronization and eCG on fertility for a GnRH-based timed-AI (TAI) protocol in beef cattle. Previously autoclaved once-used CIDR inserts (Colazo et al. 2004 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 81, 25-34) were used for experimental purposes so that all cattle had equivalent exogenous progesterone after Day 7 in Experiment 1, and to induce GnRH-responsive follicles in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, 12-15 month old beef heifers (n = 447) were used (three locations, A, B, and C). On Day 0, half received a new CIDR insert (Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and 500 �g of cloprostenol i.m. (PGF: Estrumate; Schering-Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada). On Day 7, the remainder received an autoclaved once-used CIDR and all received 100 �g of GnRH i.m. (Cystorelin; Merial Canada, Inc., Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). On Day 14, CIDR inserts were removed, PGF was given to all heifers, and heifers were given either 300 IU eCG i.m. (Pregnacol; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) or no treatment (2 � 2 factorial design). On Day 16 (54-56 h after CIDR removal and PGF administration), heifers were given 100 �g of GnRH i.m., concurrent with TAI. Transrectal ultrasonography was done on Day 0 to assess ovarian structures, and on approximately Day 50 (range, 44-69) to confirm pregnancy. Overall, 72.7% of heifers were puberal on Day 0 (150/150, 5/37, and 170/260 for locations A, B, and C, respectively; P < 0.001). Pregnancy rate was affected (P < 0.001) by location (27.3, 62.2, and 51.1% for the three locations, respectively) but was not affected (P = 0.3) by puberal status at locations B and C. Pregnancy rate was not affected (P = 0.5) by presynchronization, but tended (P = 0.1) to be reduced by eCG treatment (40.4 vs. 47.7%, respectively). In Experiment 2, lactating crossbred beef cows (n = 411), 2-12 years of age were randomly allocated to receive either a previously used, autoclaved CIDR for 7 days and 25 mg of dinoprost i.m. (PGF: Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health) or no treatment (control; Day 0). At CIDR removal (Day 7), all cows received 100 �g of GnRH. On Day 14, all cows received PGF and were allocated to receive either 400 IU of eCG i.m. or no treatment (2 � 2 factorial design). On Day 16 (54-56 h after PGF), cows were given 100 �g of GnRH concurrent with TAI. Transrectal ultrasonographic examinations were done on approximately 65 cows in each group on Days 0, 7, and 14 to assess ovarian structures and on all cows on Day 42 to confirm pregnancy. Overall, 88.8% of cows had a corpus luteum (CL) on Day 0. Presynchronization increased both the proportion of cows that ovulated to GnRH treatment on Day 7 (76.7 vs. 55.0%; P < 0.001) and pregnancy rate (58.2 vs. 45.4%; P = 0.03) for cows that had received a CIDR vs. control cows. However, eCG treatment did not affect pregnancy rate (P = 0.3) in either group. In summary, presynchronization with a used CIDR and PGF prior to a Cosynch protocol increased ovulation rate to the first GnRH treatment and pregnancy rate in cows but not in heifers. In a GnRH-based TAI protocol, treatment with eCG had no significant effect on fertility in cows, but tended to decrease fertility in heifers.

THE EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF BEEF HEIFERS OF AVOPARCIN IN A FREE-CHOICE MINERAL MIXTURE

1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. VEIRA ◽  
M. IVAN ◽  
G. BUTLER ◽  
J. PROULX
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Apparent Effect ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Mineral Mixture ◽  
Ad Libitum

Twenty crossbred beef heifers (7–9 mo) were fed grass silage ad libitum for 90 days, with a free-choice mineral mixture containing avoparcin (8 g/kg) while 20 other heifers were fed similarly but without avoparcin. Heifers offered the supplement gained 27% faster (P < 0.01) than controls, with no apparent effect on silage intake. Key words: Avoparcin, administration, cattle, growth

scholarly journals Form of Supplemental Selenium in Vitamin-Mineral Premixes Differentially Affects Early Luteal and Gestational Concentrations of Progesterone, and Postpartum Concentrations of Prolactin in Beef Cows

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 967
Author(s):  
Sarah Carr ◽  
Yang Jia ◽  
Benjamin Crites ◽  
Charles Hamilton ◽  
Walter Burris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Initial Report ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
Southeast Us ◽  
Circulating Levels ◽  
Inorganic And Organic

Soils with marginal to deficient levels of selenium (Se) are widespread in the northwest, northeast, and southeast US. Supplementation to the diet of forage-grazing beef cattle with a vitamin-mineral mix containing additional Se is recommended in these geographic regions. We have reported that the form of supplemental Se provided to Angus-cross beef cows can affect circulating levels of progesterone (P4) on day 6 of the estrous cycle, a time when increased P4 is known to promote fertility. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm and expand upon our initial report that the form of Se provided to cows affects early luteal-phase concentrations of systemic P4, (2) determine the effects of the form of Se on concentrations of P4 during gestation, and (3) determine the effects of the form of Se on concentrations of prolactin (PRL) during lactation. Throughout this study, Angus-cross beef cows had ad libitum access to a vitamin-mineral mix containing 35 ppm of Se in either an inorganic form (ISe) or a 1:1 mix of inorganic and organic forms (MIX). We observed a MIX-induced increase (p = 0.006) in systemic concentrations of P4 on day 7 but not on days 4 or 10 of the estrous cycle, consistent with our earlier report. We observed a MIX-induced increase (p = 0.02) in the systemic concentration of P4 at months 1, 3, 5, and 7 of gestation, and a MIX-induced decrease (p < 0.05) in systemic concentrations of PRL at months 5 and 6 of lactation. In summary, the form of Se provided to cows can be manipulated to affect the early luteal phase and gestational concentrations of P4, and postpartum concentrations of PRL.

Does breed affect nursing and reproductive behaviour in beef cattle?

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Álvarez-Rodríguez ◽  
J. Palacio ◽  
I. Casasús ◽  
A. Sanz
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Similar Amount ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

This experiment was designed to assess the role of genetic differences in nursing behaviour and the resumption of post-partum ovarian cyclicity of beef cows with different types of calf management. Twenty-four multiparous winter-calving cows, 12 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 12 Pirenaica (PI), were randomly assigned to once-daily restricted nursing during 30 min (RESTR) or ad libitum nursing (ADLIB). Cow-calf behaviour was recorded at weeks 3, 8 and 13 of lactation. Results were compared within suckling system. Twice-weekly blood samples were drawn throughout lactation to analyse progesterone as an indicator of ovulation. Within each type of calf management, both breeds nursed their calves for a similar amount of time (23.0 and 57.2 min in PA vs. 25.9 and 59.0 min in PI, when nursing once daily or ad libitum, respectively; P > 0.10). Furthermore, ovarian cyclicity was initiated at a similar time after calving between breeds (70 vs. 73 d in PA and PI, respectively), although it was shorter in RESTR than in ADLIB (54 vs. 89 d; P < 0.001). Key words: Beef cattle, calf management, restricted nursing, post-partum anoestrus

scholarly journals Effects of low-moisture, sugarcane molasses-based block supplementation on growth, physiological parameters, and liver trace mineral status of growing beef heifers fed low-quality, warm-season forage

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 523-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipe Moriel ◽  
Luís F A Artioli ◽  
Matheus B Piccolo ◽  
Miguel Miranda ◽  
Juliana Ranches ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Protein Supplement ◽  
Sugarcane Molasses ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Trace Mineral ◽  
Mineral Status ◽  
Meal Protein

Abstract The objectives of the study were to evaluate the growth, physiological parameters, and liver trace mineral status of beef heifers provided low-quality warm-season forage and different forms (meal vs. block) of trace mineral-fortified supplementation. One hundred yearling Nellore heifers were blocked by initial body weight (BW) (184 ± 2.5 kg) and randomly assigned into 1 of 20 drylot pens (5 heifers/pen). Treatments were randomly assigned to pens (5 pens/treatment) and consisted of heifers receiving: 1) a loose meal trace mineral supplement (TM; De Heus Animal Nutrition Industry); 2) free choice access to a low-moisture, cooked sugarcane molasses-based protein block (LMB); 3) isocaloric and isonitrogenous, loose meal protein supplement pair-fed to LMB supplement dry matter (DM) intake (PSPF); and (4) loose meal protein supplement offered at 0.2% of BW (PS). Supplements were formulated to achieve same daily intake of supplemental trace mineral among treatments. Hence, TM supplement was offered at 66.6% of the supplement DMI of LMB heifers. Heifers were offered free choice access to water and ground brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha) hay from day 0 to 45. Overall average daily gain from day 0 to 45 was the least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.05) and did not differ among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers (P ≥ 0.60). Daily hay DMI did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.63). Total intake of DM and TDN were least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.03) and did not differ (P ≥ 0.66) among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers. Total supplemental intake of crude protein (CP) and rumen degradable protein (RDP) and total intake of CP and RDP (supplement + hay) were least for TM and greatest for PS heifers (P ≤ 0.05), and intermediate for LMB and PSPF heifers (P ≥ 0.70). Effects of treatment × day and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.61) for plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Effects of treatment were detected for plasma concentrations of PUN (P = 0.005) and tended to be detected for plasma concentrations of glucose (P = 0.08), which were least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.03) and did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers. Trace mineral intake and liver concentrations of all trace minerals did not differ (P ≥ 0.13) among treatments. Hence, the use of LMB supplementation resulted in positive effects on growth without impacting trace mineral status compared to a loose meal trace mineral salt, and similar growth performance and trace mineral status compared to a conventional protein supplementation offered at 0.2% of body weight.

PSII-13 Impact of maternal phosphorus intake on colostrum quality, calf growth, and calf immunoglobulin concentrations in primiparous beef cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 321-322
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Lafferty ◽  
Beth B Kegley ◽  
Jana Reynolds ◽  
Ben P Shoulders ◽  
Jeremy G Powell
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Phosphorus Intake

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of maternal phosphorus intake on growth and health of their calves. Treatments were 1) a free-choice mineral containing no supplemental P or 2) a free-choice mineral with 4% supplement phosphorus. Primiparous crossbred Angus beef cows (n = 36) were stratified by body weight and pregnancy status (bred by artificial insemination or natural service) then assigned to pasture groups (4 groups, 2/treatment, 9 heifers/group). These bred heifers had been receiving these same dietary treatments from 30 days after weaning until confirmation of pregnancy. Eighteen bred heifers from each treatment were selected randomly to continue into this experiment. At calving, colostrum and blood samples were collected from a subset of 12 heifers/treatment (6/group) and evaluated. Body weights and calf viability scores were obtained for all cattle. Data were analyzed using the MIXED (for continuous data) and GLIMMIX (for scoring data) procedures of SAS using group as the experimental unit. Cows grazed mixed grass pastures; monthly forage samples ranged from 0.28 to 0.36% P. There were no differences (P &gt; 0.10) for cow body weight during gestation, calf birth weight, calf viability scores at birth, or calf weight at an average age of 21 days. There were also no differences (P &gt; 0.10) in colostrum components (fat, protein, lactose, and IgG), or in the serum IgG or plasma mineral concentrations for both cows and calves 48 hours after parturition. All calves were sampled at approximately 21 days of age and there were no treatment differences (P &gt; 0.10) in serum IgG concentrations. There were no benefits to supplementing gestating heifers with phosphorus when they grazed pasture with a history of fertilization with livestock manure.

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