Status of Trace Minerals And Colostral Immunoglobulin’s In Periparturient Goats And Its Significance On Morbidity And Mortality of Goat Kids In Semi-Arid Zone of Northern Plains of India

The present study was designed to evaluate the variations of trace minerals status in blood at different stages of periparturient periods and colostrum and milk, colostrum immunoglobulin’s and morbidity and mortality were also evaluated in various recognized breeds of goats maintained at organized farms of CIRG in comparison to the non-descript goats maintained at farmers field flock. The results reveal that blood, colostrum and milk levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) were found to be significantly lower at different stages of periparturient period in the Non-descript breed of goats of maintained at farmers field flock. The colostrum immunoglobulin’s (IgG, IgM and IgA) were also found to be lowest in the non-descript breed of goats than recognized breeds of goats. The morbidity and mortality were found to be highest in goat kids born of non-descript breed of goats during pre weaning period in comparison to the recognized breeds. It can be concluded that the lower level of trace minerals during periparturient period in non-descript goats of farmers field flocks might results in lower level of colostral immunoglobulin’s hence poor transfer of passive immunity in goat kids. Therefore, high morbidity and mortality of goat kids during pre weaning period than recognized breed of goats of the organized farms.

Changes in Acute-Phase Proteins in Plasma during the Periparturient Period of Dairy Goats

The present study was conducted regarding four acute-phase proteins (APPs) including C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (HP) in dairy goats during the periparturient period. The aim of this study was to detect the changes in APPs in plasma during the periparturient period of healthy dairy goats. Guanzhong dairy goats with no other symptoms (n = 15) were selected on the basis of their blood calcium (Ca) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration. The plasma was collected once a week for ±3 weeks delivery. The concentrations of the four APPs mentioned above were determined using goat-specific ELISA kits. The results showed the CRP level in plasma decreased from 3 weeks to 1 week antepartum and increased later until 1 week postpartum and then decreased to a similar level with antepartum between 1 and 3 weeks postpartum. The content of CP showed a decline in 3 weeks before parturition and an upward trend between 1 week antepartum and 3 weeks postpartum. The SAA concentration decreased from 3 weeks antepartum to 2 weeks postpartum and rebounded later. The level of HP decreased during 3 weeks before parturition and increased until 1 week postpartum, then reached a stable value. Clear variation range and rules of APPs contribute to perinatal health monitoring of dairy goats.

Infrared Thermography Evaluation of Feet Temperature and Its Association with Claw Lengths and Anisodactylia in Purebred Sows of Three Greek Herds

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of lower feet temperature with claw lengths measurements in purebred sows. In total 22, 19 and 45 multiparous sows in three herds A, B and C of PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS genetic lines respectively participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.5, 2.3 and 3.0 for sows from herds A, B and C respectively. Measurements were made during the periparturient period. Infrared temperature distribution was measured in carpus/tarsus, upper-lower metacarpi/metatarsi and phalanges (IRT1, IRT2, IRT3 and IRT4 respectively). In addition, dorsal, diagonal, heel–sole and dew claw lengths of medial and lateral claw were measured and the difference in dorsal claw length between medial and lateral claw (anisodactylia) was calculated in all four feet. Differences between herds regarding IRT and claw length measurements were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with herds as a fixed factor. Correlations between IRT and claw length measurements in each foot including data from all herds were evaluated using the Pearson’s correlation test. Maximum IRT1 to 4 in almost all rear feet, differed significantly between herds, being lower in sows of herd C than A and B (p < 0.05). Claw lengths of all feet were lower in herd C than those of A and B (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia, differed significantly only in rear feet between herds been higher in herd A than C and B (p < 0.05). In all sows, claw lengths and rear feet anisodactylia were positively correlated with maximum IRT1 to IRT4 (p < 0.05). According to the results, IRT temperature distribution of lower feet of purebred sows of different genetic lines were positive correlated with claw lengths measurements and anisodactylia. Collectively, measuring IRT temperature of lower feet of sows with mobile IRT device could be used as an additional tool towards monitoring feet and claw health.

Age-Related Changes in Acute Phase Reaction, Cortisol, and Haematological Parameters in Ewes in the Periparturient Period

A well-functioning immune system is the basis for protection against infectious and metabolic diseases, and a smooth return to homeostasis. The periparturient period is considered critical because major changes in the endocrine, behavioural, digestive, and immune systems dysregulate immune function, leading to immunosuppression. With age, the immune system could become dysregulated. The purpose of the present investigation was to compare changes in plasma concentrations of acute phase proteins, cortisol, and haematological parameters in the peripheral blood of two age-related groups of healthy ewes to get a better understanding of changes around lambing. Two groups of ewes were enrolled in the study: 3-year-old (young; n = 9) and 7-year-old ewes (old; n = 9). All females were synchronised and inseminated. In blood plasma, serum amyloid A (SAA) and cortisol concentrations were measured using ELISA tests, a spectrophotometric method to determine haptoglobin (Hp), and a thrombin clottable estimation to determine the fibrinogen (Fb) concentration. The blood parameters were examined using an automated haematological analyser. In clinically healthy ewes, no significant effect of age was observed in SAA, Hp, Fb and cortisol concentration in most of analysed terms. SAA, Hp, Fb, and cortisol fluctuations typical for the periparturient period were observed. There were no age-associated differences in red or white blood cell parameters.

Maternal Supply of Ruminally-Protected Lysine and Methionine During Close-Up Period Enhances Immunity and Growth Rate of Neonatal Calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplying ruminally-protected lysine (RPL), methionine (RPM), or the two in combination (RPML) to transition dairy cows on the immunity and performance of their offspring. Eighty heifer calves (n = 20 calves per group) were assigned to four treatments based on their dam diet; basal diet (CON), a basal diet with lysine [RPL, 0.33% of dry matter (DM)], a basal diet with methionine (RPM, 0.16% DM), or with the combination (RPML). Calves were fed colostrum from their dams within 2 h of birth. Calves were then fed milk only (d 2–22), a combination of milk and milk replacer (d 23–25), and milk replacer (d 25–60). Starter feed was fed to the calves twice daily after liquid feeding. Calves blood samples were collected after calving on 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 5 and 7 d after birth. Data were analyzed by SAS software v9.4. Providing ruminally-protected amino acids (RPAA) to transition cows improved colostrum quality compared to the CON (Brix; P &lt; 0.01). Serum total protein concentrations were higher in calves from supplemented cows than in calves from unsupplemented cows (P &lt; 0.01). Calves born to dams in the RPM, RPL, and RPML groups had higher plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 7 d after birth than those born to dams in the CON group (P &lt; 0.05). The percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer was increased with RPM and RPL or the two in combination (P &lt; 0.01). However, there was no difference in the percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer between the RPM and RPL groups (P = 0.21). Calves from cows that receive supplemental RPAA have a greater average daily gain (ADG) than those born to cows in the CON group (P &lt; 0.01). These results indicate that maternal supplementation with RPM or RPL or the two in combination during the periparturient period could be an alternative strategy to improve the performance of calves, especially in accelerated growth programs in calves.

PSIV-11 Effects of feeding a 50% cranberry vine pellet on milk components during lactation in sheep

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding cranberry vine (CV) on milk components during early lactation as part of a larger study on the antiparasitic efficacy of CV supplementation on ewes during the periparturient period. Ewes were fed a 50% CV pellet (CVP; n = 12) or a control pellet (CON; n = 13) beginning at 102±1 d of pregnancy until d 65±1 postpartum. The CV pellet fed was formulated to be equivalent in digestible dry matter to the control pellet. BW was determined weekly during the study and milk samples were collected weekly during lactation. Data were analyzed in SAS with repeated measures. Ewe BW were similar at the start of study (180.36lbs ± 4.70lbs; P = 0.43) however by wk 8 postpartum CVP ewes weighed less than CON ewes (CON: 212.31lbs±7.86lbs; CVP: 185.58lbs±8.00lbs; P = 0.04). There was a treatment*wk effect observed for milk fat, protein and MUN (P ≤ 0.05). Ewes fed CVP exhibited reduced milk fat at wks 2 (CON: 6.75%±0.63%; CVP: 6.06%±0.58%; P = 0.03) and 5 (CON: 6.66%±0.37%; CVP: 5.54%±0.26%; P = 0.05), milk protein was reduced in CVP ewes at wk 2 (CON: 4.92%±0.12%; CVP: 4.72%±0.19%; P = 0.05) and MUN was greater at weeks 4 (CON: 22.89±0.7mg/dL; CVP: 27.93±0.85mg/dL; P = 0.01) and 8 (CON: 24.80±0.51mg/dL; CVP: 26.64±0.86mg/dL; P &lt; 0.01) in CVP ewes. Somatic cell analysis is pending. In conclusion, CVP supplementation during lactation affects milk composition in sheep. Studies are underway to determine the effect of CV supplementation on additional metabolic parameters in pregnant and lactating ewes.

Use of paracetamol in sows around farrowing: effect on health and condition of the sow, piglet mortality, piglet weight and piglet weight gain

Background Pain and fever in the periparturient period can lead to prolonged farrowing and can slow down the recovery of the sow, which will have an effect on the vitality and survival of the piglets. This study investigated the use of orally administered Paracetamol (Pracetam- CEVA) in sows in the periparturient period. Results Mortality did not differ in piglets during the first week, or during total lactation (P > 0.10). No difference was found in weight or weight gain of the piglets during lactation. The coefficient of variation of piglet weight was smaller in the Paracetamol (Pm) group at day 7, day 14 and at weaning, but not at birth. So, the variation within litters was smaller in the Pm- treated sows, in comparison with the Control (C) litters. No difference in mean IgG concentration was found between treatments, but the coefficient of variation was too high (> 40) in 50% of the C litters and not in Pm litters. The Pm- treated sows lost less backfat than the C- sows. No effect was found on the body temperature of the sows, but fever was rare in both groups. Conclusion Paracetamol results in less variation of body weight of piglets during lactation, seems to have a potential effect on the distribution of IgG within litters and has a positive effect on backfat loss. The effects of Paracetamol might be even more pronounced in farms with high piglet mortality (this farm only 8%) or with a high incidence of agalactia, fever after farrowing or piglet diarrhoea, which was not the case in this farm. Paracetamol is a promising product for increasing the welfare in lactating sows and optimising production in the farrowing stable.

Oxidative status in dairy goats: periparturient variation and changes in subclinical hyperketonemia and hypocalcemia

Background A better comprehension of the redox status during the periparturient period may facilitate the development of management and nutritional solutions to prevent subclinical hyperketonemia (SCHK) and subclinical hypocalcemia (SCHC) in dairy goats. We aimed to evaluate the variation in the redox status of dairy goats with SCHK and SCHC during their periparturient periods. Guanzhong dairy goats (n = 30) were assigned to SCHK (n = 10), SCHC (n = 10), and healthy (HEAL, n = 10) groups based on their blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and calcium (Ca) concentrations. Blood were withdrawn from goats every week from 3 weeks before the expected parturition date to 3 weeks post-kidding. On the same day, the body condition scores (BCS) were evaluated, and the milk yield was recorded for each goat. The metabolic profile parameters and the indicators of oxidative status were determined by using the standard biochemical techniques. Results In comparison with the HEAL goats, SCHK and SCHC goats presented with a more dramatic decline of BCS post-kidding and a significant decrease in the milk yield at 2- and 3-weeks postpartum, ignoring the obvious increase at 1-week postpartum. The levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) peaked at parturition, exhibiting significantly higher levels from 1-week prepartum to the parturition day in the SCHK and SCHC groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was increased in the SCHK goats from 1-week antepartum until 3-weeks postpartum, with its concentration being significantly higher in the SCHC goats at parturition. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration was significantly lower in the SCHK and SCHC goats from 2-weeks antepartum to 1-week post-kidding. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level were decreased at 1-week antepartum in the SCHK and SCHC goats, respectively. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level was increased in the SCHK and SCHC goats during the early lactation period. Conclusions The SCHK and SCHC goats exerted more efforts to maintain their redox homeostasis and to ensure the production performance than the HEAL goats during their periparturient period, probably owing to more intense fat mobilization and lipid peroxidation in the former.