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J K Drackley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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inclusion of psyllium in Milk Replacer for neonatal calves 2 effects on volatile fatty acid concentrations microbial populations and gastrointestinal tract size
Journal of Dairy Science, 2010Co-Authors: S J Cannon, G C Fahey, L L Pope, L L Bauer, R L Wallace, B L Miller, J K DrackleyAbstract:Abstract Fermentable fibers such as psyllium increase volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the lower digestive tract and increase the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mass of many mammals. We reasoned that psyllium inclusion in Milk Replacer might produce similar effects in neonatal dairy calves, which could lead to improved growth and health. Male Holstein calves were fed a Milk Replacer (22% crude protein, 20% fat) either without or with psyllium (1.1% of dry matter, DM) from 2 d through 28 d of age. Milk Replacer was reconstituted to 12.5% DM and fed at 12% of calf body weight, adjusted weekly. Water was offered ad libitum but no starter was fed. Three calves per treatment were harvested weekly to sample digesta from the reticulo-rumen, abomasum, jejunum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and to determine length and mass of GIT components. Psyllium in Milk Replacer increased the proportion of butyrate in reticulo-rumen contents from 2.4 to 3.2% of total but did not affect total VFA concentrations. Total VFA concentrations were very low in the jejunum but psyllium tended to increase total VFA, acetate, and valerate concentrations; valerate accounted for 15.9 and 16.7% of total VFA (molar basis) for control and psyllium calves, respectively. Psyllium increased total VFA concentrations in the proximal and distal colon by 104.4 and 45.6%, respectively, but had little effect on the profile of VFA. Psyllium in Milk Replacer increased populations of bifidobacteria (from 9.7 to 10.3 log 10 cfu/g of DM) and lactobacilli (from 8.2 to 9.4 log 10 cfu/g of DM) in the reticulo-rumen, but did not affect populations in jejunum or colon. Calves fed psyllium had 12.0% greater total GIT mass and 9.4% greater GIT as a percentage of body weight. Psyllium tended to increase mass of the reticulo-rumen and significantly increased mass of duodenum (34.2%), jejunum (14.5%), and colon (14.6%). Density of intestinal tissues from calves fed psyllium-supplemented Milk Replacer was 25.9% greater in the jejunum and 25.3% greater in the ileum, and tended to be greater in duodenum and colon than tissue from control calves. Supplementation of psyllium to Milk Replacer increased fermentation in the colon, mass of the total GIT, and populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the reticulo-rumen.
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inclusion of psyllium in Milk Replacer for neonatal calves 1 effects on growth digesta viscosity rate of passage nutrient digestibilities and metabolites in blood
Journal of Dairy Science, 2010Co-Authors: S J Cannon, G C Fahey, B L Miller, M R Murphy, Cheryl L Dikeman, J K DrackleyAbstract:Based on research in other species, inclusion of psyllium in Milk Replacer might improve nutrient utilization and gastrointestinal function in neonatal calves. Male Holstein calves were fed a Milk Replacer (22% crude protein, 20% fat) either without or with psyllium (1.1% of dry matter) from 2 d through 28 d of age. Milk Replacer was reconstituted to 12.5% dry matter (DM) and fed at 12% of calf body weight (BW), adjusted weekly. Water was offered ad libitum but no starter was fed. Three calves per treatment were harvested weekly to sample digesta from the rumen, abomasum, jejunum, proximal colon, and distal colon. Mean daily intakes of water, DM, crude protein, and metabolizable energy did not differ between treatments. Average daily gain of BW did not differ between treatments. Digesta from the abomasum and colon of calves fed psyllium was more viscous than digesta from control calves. Mean retention time of digesta in the total digestive tract tended to be greater for calves supplemented with psyllium (9.7 vs. 8.4 h). Feces and digesta from the proximal and distal colon of calves fed psyllium had lower DM content than feces and digesta from control calves. Total-tract apparent digestibility of DM (92.8 vs. 94.1%) was lower for psyllium-fed calves, likely as an effect of the addition of the more poorly digestible psyllium; digestibilities of energy and ash also tended to be lower. The prefeeding plasma glucose concentration (10 h after previous feeding) tended to be greater for psyllium-fed calves but concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, urea N, and total protein did not differ between treatments. Blood components did not differ between treatments at 2 h postfeeding. Inclusion of psyllium in the Milk Replacer of neonatal calves increased digesta viscosity and slowed passage of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract.
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supplementation of 1 l glutamine to Milk Replacer does not overcome the growth depression in calves caused by soy protein concentrate
Journal of Dairy Science, 2006Co-Authors: J K Drackley, R M Blome, K S Bartlett, K L BaileyAbstract:Abstract Glutamine, an important fuel and biosynthetic precursor in intestinal epithelial cells, helps maintain intestinal integrity and function when supplemented to the diet of many species. The hypothesis tested here was that glutamine supplementation would overcome the decreased average daily gain (ADG) and altered intestinal morphology caused by Milk Replacer containing soy protein concentrate (SPC). Holstein calves (9 male and 1 freemartin female per treatment) were assigned to diets of 1) all-Milk-protein (from whey proteins) Milk Replacer, 2) Milk Replacer with 60% Milk protein replacement from SPC, and 3) SPC Milk Replacer as in diet 2 plus 1% (dry basis) l-glutamine. Milk Replacers were reconstituted to 12.5% solids and were fed at 10% of body weight from d 3 to 10 of age, and at 12% of body weight (adjusted weekly) from d 10 through 4wk of age. No dry feed (starter) was fed, but water was freely available. Glutamine was added at each feeding to reconstituted Milk Replacer. Five calves from each treatment were slaughtered at the end of wk 4 for measurements of intestinal morphology. The ADG was greater for calves fed the all-Milk control than for those fed SPC; glutamine did not improve ADG (0.344, 0.281, and 0.282kg/d for diets 1 to 3, respectively). Intake of protein was adequate for all groups and did not explain the lower growth for calves fed SPC. Villus height and crypt depth did not differ among treatments in the duodenum. In the jejunum, villus height (713, 506, and 464μm, for diets 1 to 3, respectively) and crypt depth (300, 209, and 229μm, respectively) were greater for calves fed all Milk protein than for either SPC group. In the ileum, villus height was greater for calves fed all Milk than for either soy group (532, 458, and 456μm), whereas crypt depth tended to be greater (352, 301, and 383μm for diets 1 to 3, respectively), and the villus to crypt ratio was lower for calves supplemented with glutamine than for those fed SPC alone. Urea N concentration in plasma was greater for calves supplemented with glutamine than for those fed SPC alone, indicating that glutamine was at least partially catabolized. Supplemental l-glutamine did not improve growth or intestinal morphology of calves fed Milk Replacer containing SPC.
J.d. Quigley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Effects of Spray-Dried Whole Egg and Biotin in Calf Milk Replacer
Journal of Dairy Science, 2010Co-Authors: J.d. QuigleyAbstract:Holstein bull calves (n = 120) were fed Milk Replacers containing 0, 10, or 20% of the formulation (0, 22, or 44% of crude protein) as spray-dried whole egg powder in a 56-d feeding trial. Milk Replacer was medicated with oxytetracycline and neomycin and was fed from d 1 to 42 of the study in a phase-fed program. All experimental Milk Replacers were supplemented with B vitamins, except biotin. One half of all calves were supplemented with 1 mg/kg of supplemental biotin to determine whether avidin in the egg protein product inhibited growth. Increasing spray-dried whole egg caused a linear reduction in body weight, body weight gain at 28 and 56 d of the study, calf starter intake, and feed efficiency. Calves fed Milk Replacers containing 0, 10, and 20% spray-dried whole egg gained an average of 486, 369, and 302 g/d, respectively, during the 56-d trial. Efficiency of feed utilization was 446, 318, and 231 g of body weight gain per kilogram of dry matter intake. Improvement in body weight and feed efficiency occurred when calves began consuming calf starter on d 29. Digestibility of protein or fat from egg may have been reduced during the trial; however, the addition of biotin to the Milk Replacer did not influence animal performance, suggesting that avidin in spray-dried whole egg was not responsible for impaired performance. The spray-dried whole egg product used in this study did not provide nutrients to support adequate growth of Milk-fed calves.
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effects of additional Milk Replacer feeding on calf health growth and selected blood metabolites in calves
Journal of Dairy Science, 2006Co-Authors: J.d. Quigley, T A Wolfe, T H ElsasserAbstract:Abstract The objective of the experiment was to evaluate effects of increased Milk Replacer feeding on growth, intake, feed efficiency, and health parameters in stressed calves. Holstein bull calves (n = 120; approximately 3 to 8 d of age) were purchased from sale barns and dairy farms and housed in fiberglass hutches. In addition, wood shavings contaminated with coronavirus were mixed with clean shavings and added to each hutch before the start of the experiment. Calves were fed either a fixed amount (454 g/d) of a 20% crude protein (CP), 20% fat Milk Replacer to weaning at 28 d or a variable amount (454, 681, 908, and 454 g/d on d 0 to 7, 8 to 14, 15 to 31, and 32 to 41, respectively) of a Milk Replacer containing 28% CP and 17% fat without or with added dietary supplement containing bovine serum. Calves were also fed commercial calf starter and water ad libitum. Plasma IgG concentration in most calves on arrival at the facility was α was highest in calves with the highest plasma IgG concentrations on the day of arrival and might be related to the calf's ability to identify pathogens in the environment. Under conditions of this study, calves fed variable amount of Milk Replacer and exposed to immunological challenge before weaning had greater BW gain, but also increased incidence of diarrhea that required added veterinary treatments.
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Evaluation of a Colostrum Supplement, With or Without Trypsin Inhibitor, and an Egg Protein Milk Replacer for Dairy Calves*,†
Journal of Dairy Science, 2004Co-Authors: H. M. Santoro, N L Whitehouse, Peter S Erickson, A.m. Mclaughlin, C.g. Schwab, J.d. QuigleyAbstract:Abstract Forty-eight Holstein bull calves were assigned to a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design. Main effects were colostrum versus a serum-derived colostrum supplement, 0 versus 1g of trypsin inhibitor added at the initial 2 feedings, and Milk Replacer containing 0 or 50% CP from whole egg. Calves were bled at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24h after birth for determination of serum immunoglobulin (Ig). G. Serum IgG concentrations were lower in calves consuming the colostrum supplement compared with calves consuming colostrum. Apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG was similar. Trypsin inhibitor did not affect IgG concentrations or absorption of IgG. Calves were fed either Milk Replacer for 28 to 35 d (preweaning phase) and weaned when they consumed 0.7kg of starter grain for 2 consecutive days. The postweaning phase was from weaning to d 56. Feeding colostrum supplement resulted in higher fecal scores postweaning (1.90 vs. 1.58) and overall (1.85 vs. 1.65) and fewer days medicated preweaning (5.1 vs. 2.2 d) and postweaning (3.9 vs. 1.9 d) and overall (9.0 vs. 4.2 d). Calves were treated for upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. Dry matter intake and weaning age were not affected by treatment. Postweaning (1.69 vs. 1.2kg) and overall (1.22 vs. 1.0kg), calves that received colostrum and egg Milk Replacer consumed more dry matter and starter. Postweaning, calves fed colostrum and egg Milk Replacer had similar or greater body weight and gains compared with calves fed colostrum and Milk protein Milk Replacer. Preweaning, feed efficiency was greater for calves fed colostrum (0.44 vs. 0.34), trypsin inhibitor (0.42 vs. 0.36), and Milk protein Milk Replacer (0.48 vs. 0.30) compared with calves fed colostrum supplement, no trypsin inhibitor, and egg Milk Replacer, respectively. Trypsin inhibitor increased feed efficiency postweaning. Calves fed trypsin inhibitor and Milk protein Milk Replacer were more efficient preweaning and overall than calves fed trypsin inhibitor and egg Milk Replacer. Results indicate that the blood derived colostrum supplement did not provide as much IgG as colostrum (4.55g/L vs. 14.6g/L, respectively), that feeding 1.0g of trypsin inhibitor did not enhance serum IgG concentrations, and that the egg Milk Replacer-fed calves fed colostrum performed nearly as well as calves fed colostrum and the Milk protein Milk Replacer.
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influence of pooled colostrum or colostrum replacement on igg and evaluation of animal plasma in Milk Replacer
Journal of Dairy Science, 2004Co-Authors: C M Jones, J.d. Quigley, R E James, M L McgilliardAbstract:Abstract Newborn Holstein (n=48) and Jersey (n=30) calves were studied to compare absorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from maternal colostrum (n=39) or colostrum replacement containing an Ig concentrate derived from bovine serum (n=39). Calves were also fed Milk Replacer with (n=38) or without (n=40) animal plasma (20% of crude protein) to 29 d of age to determine effect of plasma protein on IgG status, health, and growth. Calves were fed maternal colostrum or colostrum replacement at 1.5 and 13.5h of age and provided a total of 250 or 249 and 180 or 186g of IgG for Holsteins and Jerseys fed maternal colostrum or colostrum replacement, respectively. Milk Replacer (12.5% DM) was fed at 31% of metabolic birth weight (2 feedings/d). Plasma was sampled at 0h, 24h, and weekly to determine IgG by turbidimetric immunoassay. At blood collection, calves were weighed and measured to determine growth. Health scores, fecal scores, and grain intake were measured daily. Plasma IgG at 24h did not differ between calves fed maternal colostrum (13.78±0.39g/L) and colostrum replacement (13.96±0.38g/L). Average daily gain, withers height, hip height, body length, heart girth, health, and incidence of diarrhea were not different between treatment groups. Calves fed maternal colostrum used feed more efficiently than calves fed colostrum replacement. Plasma IgG and performance were not affected by the addition of animal plasma to Milk Replacer. The colostrum replacement used in this study provided adequate IgG for newborn calves. Animal plasma was an acceptable source of protein but did not enhance growth or immunity under the conditions of this study.
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effects of spray dried animal plasma in calf Milk Replacer on health and growth of dairy calves
Journal of Dairy Science, 2003Co-Authors: J.d. Quigley, T M WolfeAbstract:Male Holstein calves (n = 120) purchased from local dairy farms were fed one of three calf Milk Replacers for 42 d. Experimental Milk Replacers were formulated to contain whey protein concentrate (WPC) as the primary protein source or WPC plus 5% spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) or spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP). The SDPP was heated to remove heat-insoluble materials and provide products with similar IgG content. Calves were also fed commercial calf starter and water for ad libitum consumption. Intake, change in body weight (BW), feed efficiency, morbidity and mortality were determined. Mortality was 10, 3, and 2 in calves fed WPC, SDBP, and SDPP treatments, respectively. Morbidity, measured as the number of days that calves had diarrhea was reduced by 30% when SDBP or SDPP were fed. Calves had diarrhea for 6.9, 3.9, and 4.7 d during the 42-d study when fed commercial calf Milk Replacer containing WPC, SDBP, and SDPP, respectively. Fecal scores tended to be reduced and feed efficiency tended to be improved when SDBP or SDPP were fed. Mean intakes of total dry matter during the 42-d study were greater when calves were fed SDBP or SDPP and were 661, 710, and 684 g/d for calves fed WPC, SDBP, and SDPP, respectively. Mean BW gains from d 0 to 42 were 231, 261, and 218 g/d, respectively. Calves fed SDPP tended to have lower BW gain during the first 28 d of the study. However, difference in daily BW gain from d 1 to 28 was only 39 g/d. Inclusion of SDBP or SDPP in Milk Replacer reduced morbidity and mortality of Milk-fed dairy calves.
Jack Odle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effect of feeding a Milk Replacer to early weaned pigs on growth body composition and small intestinal morphology compared with suckled littermates
Journal of Animal Science, 1996Co-Authors: Ruurd T Zijlstra, Kwang Youn Whang, R A Easter, Jack OdleAbstract:Feeding of Milk Replacer to early-weaned pigs was evaluated in two experiments. In Exp. 1, 18 litters of pigs were either weaned conventionally (d 21), split-weaned and fed Milk Replacer plus starter diet (d 14 and 21), or weaned and fed Milk Replacer plus starter diet (d 21). Split weaning combined with feeding a Milk Replacer increased ADG 22% from d 14 and d 28 compared to conventional weaning (P <.05). Feeding a Milk Replacer plus starter diet after weaning increased ADG 30% between d 21 and 28 compared to conventional weaning ( P <.01). In Experiment 2, four litters of 12 pigs each were divided at d 18 into six heavy and six light pigs and randomized across sow-suckled, Milk Replacer, or starter diet groups. After 1 wk, pigs fed Milk Replacer weighed 20% more (P <.001), contained 10% more protein ( P <.01) and 17% more fat ( P <.05), and had 74% longer villi in the proximal small intestine (P < .001) than suckled pigs. In contrast, pigs fed starter diet weighed 19% less ( P <.001), contained 20% less protein and fat (P <.001), and had 28% shorter villi in the proximal small intestine ( P <.05) than suckled pigs. Therefore, Milk Replacer feeding the 1st wk after weaning stimulates pig development, both locally in the small intestine and on a whole-body basis, most likely by an increased energy and nutrient intake. Suckling beyond 18 d postnatally inhibits pigs to reach maximal potential weight gain. In conclusion, Milk Replacer feeding might be beneficial to reach maximal pig weight gain at weaning.
M R Rosmini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lactic acid bacteria to improve growth performance in young calves fed Milk Replacer and spray dried whey powder
Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2010Co-Authors: L S Frizzo, L P Soto, M V Zbrun, E Bertozzi, G J Sequeira, Rodriguez R Armesto, M R RosminiAbstract:Abstract Healthy calves have a balanced intestinal microbiota that allows them to grow adequately. Use of microorganisms with probiotic capacity is an alternative method for treatment and prevention of some bovine diseases. Incorporation of probiotics in young calf diets prevents the occurrence of possible imbalances in the normal microbiota in the intestinal tract and contributes to improved growth of young calves housed under stressful conditions by preventing diarrhea. In this study, effects of a lactic acid bacterial inoculum of bovine origin composed of Lactobacillus casei DSPV 318T, Lactobacillus salivarius DSPV 315T and Pediococcus acidilactici DSPV 006T was evaluated by measuring growth performance and health state of young calves fed Milk Replacer and spray-dried whey powder. The inoculum with three microorganisms suspended in 0.15 M NaCl was orally administered to an experimental group of calves, on a 10 9 CFU/kg live weight daily dose for 35 days. The control group was administered only an NaCl solution as placebo. The diet consisted of 4 l/d Milk Replacer (110 g dry matter/l), supplemented with 200 g spray-dried whey powder. The microbial inoculum was examined in an experimental model with young calves fed Milk Replacer and a large quantity of spray-dried whey powder to generate an intestinal imbalance. Under these conditions, the inoculum promoted earlier consumption of starter and, indirectly, may have stimulated earlier development of the rumen, omasum and reticulum, thus favoring early weaning. Inoculated calves had better growth performance, which could be related to a better digestion of lactose and spray-dried whey proteins, which justifies use of the inoculum with the spray-dried whey powder during calf rearing since it will reduce production costs and favor system sustainability.
M E Van Amburgh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lactation biology symposium the effect of nutrient intake from Milk or Milk Replacer of preweaned dairy calves on lactation Milk yield as adults a meta analysis of current data
Journal of Animal Science, 2013Co-Authors: F Soberon, M E Van AmburghAbstract:: Data from calf studies conducted over the past 20 yr has shown that preweaning nutrient intake, from Milk or Milk Replacer, can have profound effects on development of the calf that enhance first lactation and lifetime productivity. Many of the studies show positive but not significant effects of preweaning nutrition on long-term productivity, primarily due to a lack of power, usually due to inadequate animal numbers per treatment. Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software (version 2.2.064; Biostat, Englewood, NJ; Borenstein et al., 2005) to evaluate the effects of preweaning nutrient intake and preweaning ADG on first lactation Milk production from studies where Milk yield and preweaning treatment data were adequately described. Currently, 12 studies have been reported, describing Milk yield of calves that had been fed various levels of preweaning nutrients, from both Milk and Milk Replacer, and 11 evaluated the effect of preweaning ADG on long-term productivity. The estimated effect size for treatment (level of Milk or Milk Replacer intake) and ADG were calculated. Using a random effects model, the overall Milk yield response based on treatment was 435 ± 117 kg/lactation (P < 0.001), demonstrating that among the data sets Milk yield in the first lactation was increased by increasing nutrient intake from Milk or Milk Replacer in preweaned calves. Meta-regression of the effect of ADG resulted in the following equation: Milk yield = -106 kg + 1,551.4 kg × ADG (kg/d; P = 0.01) indicating that for every kilogram of preweaning ADG, first lactation Milk yield increased by 1,550 kg. Furthermore, the meta-analysis yielded an odds ratio of 2.09 (P = 0.001) indicating that calves fed for greater preweaning ADG were 2 times more likely to have greater Milk yield in the first lactation. Finally, the 2001 Dairy NRC calf model was used to estimate the difference, within study, of intake over maintenance from Milk Replacer, using either the actual data or the published ADG; the difference in intake over maintenance was used as a predictor in a meta-regression and resulted in the following equation: Milk yield = -60 kg + 1,100 kg × estimated difference in intake over maintenance (P = 0.02). The data demonstrate that nutrient intake from Milk or Milk Replacer during the preweaning period positively impacted long-term productivity of dairy calves and provides new management opportunities to improve Milk yield of dairy cattle. These data appear to indicate that there are significant developmental functions being programmed in the neonatal calf that require further investigation.
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composition and functional capacity of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from neonatal calves on standard and intensified Milk Replacer diets
Journal of Dairy Science, 2003Co-Authors: B J Nonnecke, M R Foote, J M Smith, B A Pesch, M E Van AmburghAbstract:Abstract Effects of increased dietary energy and protein on the composition and functional capacities of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from Milk Replacer-fed calves were investigated. Holstein bull calves (average age: 4.2 d; n=19) were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups. Treatment 1 calves (n=9) were fed a 20% crude protein, 20% fat Milk Replacer at a rate of 1.4% body weight of dry matter/d for 8 wk, whereas treatment 2 calves (n=10) were fed a 30% crude protein, 20% fat Milk Replacer at a rate of 2.5% body weight of dry matter per day. Composition and functional capacities of mononuclear leukocyte populations from blood samples collected at 4, 18, 32, 46, and 60 d of age were characterized by flow cytometry and ex vivo cell function assays. From 11 to 60 d of age, the mean daily weight gain of treatment 2 calves (1.20kg/d) was greater than daily weight gain of treatment 1 calves (0.55kg/d). At 60 d of age, the mean body weight of treatment two calves was 53% (39kg) greater than the mean body weight of treatment 1 calves. Total numbers of blood leukocytes and the composition of the mononuclear leukocyte population were unaffected by the plane of nutrition. Mitogen-induced DNA-synthesis and immunoglobulin M secretion also were unaffected by dietary treatment. Blood mononuclear leukocytes from calves on intensified diets, however, produced less interferon- γ and more inducible nitric oxide, suggesting that increased dietary energy and protein affects specific aspects of leukocyte function associated with cell-mediated immunity. The impact of altered interferon- γ and NO production on the calf's susceptibility to infectious disease are not known. Mononuclear leukocyte populations from all calves also demonstrated age-related changes in composition and functional capacity, likely reflecting natural exposure to infectious agents and maturation of the calf's immune system.
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composition of growth of holstein calves fed Milk Replacer from birth to 105 kilogram body weight
Journal of Dairy Science, 2001Co-Authors: M C Diaz, J M Smith, M E Van Amburgh, J M Kelsey, E L HuttenAbstract:Abstract Sixty calves were assigned to a comparative slaughter study to determine the changes in composition of Milk Replacer-fed Holstein bull calves from birth to 105-kg body weight (BW). Six calves were slaughtered on day of birth and served as a baseline for comparison of compositional changes. Fifty-four calves were assigned to one of three treatments (18 calves per treatment). Calves were fed Milk Replacer containing 30% crude protein (CP) and 20% fat. Target growth rates for treatments 1, 2, and 3 were 500, 950, and 1400 g/d, respectively. Six calves from each treatment were slaughtered and analyzed for energy, nitrogen, ether extract, and ash when they reached 65, 85 and 105kg of BW. Actual daily gains from birth to slaughter were 560, 973, and 1100g, and net deposition of CP and fat were 140 and 44, 204 and 154, and 247 and 161 g/d for treatments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Results were used to develop equations to predict retained energy [retained energy=(empty BW 0.223 ) × (empty BW gain 1.32 )], and retained protein, [retained protein=(184 × empty BW gain (kilograms/d)) + (17.2 × (retained energy)/empty BW gain] where retained energy is in Mcal/d, retained protein is in g/d, and empty BW and gain are in kilograms. The composition of gain observed was compared to predictions from the 1989 Dairy NRC and 1996 Beef NRC equations and demonstrated the equations do not represent the composition of gain in calves of this weight.