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Highlights • The interaction between corn processing and dietary protein level on milk production and composition, rumen and plasma metabolites in lactating dairy cows was studied. • Cows fed high protein had greater milk production and lower milk fat percentage than those for cows fed low protein diets. • Blood glucose and cholesterol were greater for cows fed steam flake than cows fed finely ground corn. • Results indicate that cows fed low protein diets or steam flaked corn had greater nitrogen efficiency. Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the interactive effects of corn processing and dietary protein level on milk production and composition, as well as rumen and plasma metabolites in lactation dairy cows. Eight multiparous mid lactating Holstein cows, averaging 105 ± 9 d in milk and producing 47.2 ± 3 kg milk/d were randomly assigned in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental diets contained either finely ground corn (FGC) or steam flaked corn (SFC) each with either low protein (LP, 14.8%) or high protein (HP, 16.2%) content. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Cows fed HP diets had greater milk production and lower milk fat percentage than those for cows fed LP diets. Cows on LP diets however had greater medium-chain fatty acid (FA) and saturated FA but lower monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA and unsaturated FA compared with cows on HP diets. Reduction of milk fat for cows on HP was associated with lower amount of short and medium chain FA and higher unsaturated FA content in milk fat. Blood glucose (74.7 vs 69.3 mg/dL) and cholesterol (275.2 vs 262.9 mg/dL) were greater for cows fed SFC than cows fed FGC. Corn processing had no detectable effect on milk production; however, cows on FGC had greater milk fat percentage and production and lower milk: feed ratio than cows fed SFC. Cows fed SFC had greater amount of short chain FA and polyunsaturated FA and lower C16:0 (30.5 vs 29.3) and C18:0 (9.1 vs 8.2) in milk fat than cows fed FGC. Treatments had no effect on ruminal VFA concentration and pH. Milk and blood urea, and rumen nitrogen (N) were lower for cows when fed SFC or LP diets. Cows fed SFC or LP had greater N efficiency than cows fed FGC or HP diets. These findings showed that cows supplemented with SFC or fed LP diets had a more efficient use of dietary N. Results indicate that employing a 14.8% CP diet is insufficient for maximum milk production even with corn flaking. Cows fed LP diets had similar milk: feed ratio and greater N efficiency. Compared with FGC diets, SFC diets improved feed and N efficiency while reducing N loss and increasing the glucose concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale magnetic alloy wires are being actively investigated, providing fundamental insights into tuning properties in magnetic data storage and processing technologies. However, previous studies give trivial information about the crossover angle of magnetization reversal process in alloy nanowires (NWs). Here, magnetic alloy NW arrays with different compositions, composed of Fe, Co and Ni have been electrochemically deposited into hard-anodic aluminum oxide templates with a pore diameter of approximately 150 nm. Under optimized conditions of alumina barrier layer and deposition bath concentrations, the resulting alloy NWs with aspect ratio and saturation magnetization ( M s ) up to 550 and 1900 emu cm −3 , respectively, are systematically investigated in terms of composition, crystalline structure and magnetic properties. Using angular dependence of coercivity extracted from hysteresis loops, the reversal processes are evaluated, indicating non-monotonic behavior. The crossover angle ( θ c ) is found to depend on NW length and M s . At a constant M s , increasing NW length decreases θ c , thereby decreasing the involvement of vortex mode during the magnetization reversal process. On the other hand, decreasing M s decreases θ c in large aspect ratio (>300) alloy NWs. Phenomenologically, it is newly found that increasing Ni content in the composition decreases θ c . The angular first-order reversal curve (AFORC) measurements including the irreversibility of magnetization are also investigated to gain a more detailed insight into θ c . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of different inclusion rates of dietary triticale replacing corn grain in starter rations of dairy calves on feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, skeletal growth, fecal score, and selected blood and ruminal parameters. In all, 30 4-day-old Holstein calves (15 female and 15 male) were blocked by gender and birth weight, and then randomly allotted to three treatment groups (n=10 calves/treatment) and received either a corn-based diet without triticale (T0), or a diet containing 16% (T16) or 32% (T32) triticale (25% and 50% corn replaced by triticale, respectively) for 10 weeks. Calves were weaned on day 43 of study and remained on the study until day 70. During post-weaning period, calves fed T32 had the lowest starter intake (1.78 kg/day; P=0.02). In contrast, ADG was not affected in pre-weaning and overall periods, but calves fed T32 had a lower ADG (P=0.04) as compared with calves fed T0 in post-weaning period. No dietary effect was detected for feed efficiency. Dietary treatment did not affect heart girth and body length; however, height at wither and hip at weaning increased in calves fed triticale compared with T0. No detectable effects were observed in serum glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. No difference was detected in blood urea nitrogen on day 35 either but on day 50 and day 70 the greatest concentration was recorded for calves fed T16. Compared with the control, ruminal ammonia concentration was increased for calves fed T32 (4.34 v. 7.50 mmol/l) and T16 (4.01 v. 8.12 mmol/l) on day 35 and day 50. No difference was detected in ruminal pH on day 35 or day 50; however, calves fed T32 had the lowest pH (6.11) at 70 days. No significant effect was detected in days scoured, respiratory score and general appearance. Under our experimental conditions, it appears that triticale at 16% dry matter (i.e. replacing corn grain up to 25%) in the starter diet does not have adverse effects on the performance and intake of calves. Therefore, substituting corn partially with triticale in calf starter diets may prove beneficial in places where corn is less abundant or its price is prohibitive. The low number of calves per treatment however may have limited the statistical power to detect significant differences among treatments, possibly affecting the results, which should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The irreversible evolution of magnetic coercivity in arrays of 75 nm diameter Fe 80 Ni 20 nanowires (NWs) has been explored by means of first-order reversal curve (FORC) analysis as a function of the angle between the magnetic field and the NW axis (0°≤ θ ≤90°). The Fe 80 Ni 20 NWs with lengths up to 60 μm were fabricated using a pulsed electrodeposition method into hard-anodic aluminum oxide templates with an interpore distance of 275 nm. Investigating the interwire and intrawire magnetostatic interactions, the angular FORC (AFORC) diagrams indicated enhanced intrawire interactions with increasing length and θ (<90°), induced by a magnetization reversal through vortex domain wall (VDW) propagation. Intriguingly, in addition to the VDW mode, a single vortex state with broad irreversible switching of nucleation and annihilation fields was detected at θ =83° for 60 μm long NWs. At θ =90°, the NWs reversed magnetization through transverse domain wall, involving a reversible component by a fraction of 95%. Furthermore, the transition angle between the reversal modes was found to decrease with increasing aspect ratio from 200 to 800. The irreversible angular-dependent coercivity ( H c Irrev ( θ )) of Fe 80 Ni 20 NWs was extracted from the AFORC measurements and compared with the major angular dependence of coercivity ( H c Major ( θ )) obtained from the conventional hysteresis loop measurements. While H c Major ( θ ) showed a non-monotonic behavior, H c Irrev ( θ ) constantly increased with increasing θ (<90°). On the other hand, using analytical models, a 93% agreement was obtained between the theoretical angular-dependent nucleation field and experimental H c Irrev ( θ ) for irreversible switching of VDW when 0°≤ θ ≤86°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Corn germ instead of corn grain might increase efficiency of dairy food production. • We determined the effects of substituting corn germ for corn grain for dairy cows. • Intakes, milk production and milk composition were not altered. • Efficiency of human-edible feed conversion efficiency was improved. • Using available corn germ instead of corn grain can improve food efficiency. Using corn germ (CG) instead of corn grain could maintain dairy cow performance and might increase the efficiency of human food production. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with CG on the performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility of dairy cows. It also aimed to investigate the effect of CG on the efficiency of human food production in high-producing Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows with 65.6 ± 8.5 DIM, milk yield of 55.6 ± 4.5 kg/d, and body weight of 611.3 ± 43.3 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control treatment (CT , diet contains corn grain), (2) alternative treatment (AT , diet where corn grain was replaced with CG), and (3) balanced treatment (BT , diet where corn grain was replaced with CG but with the same energy content as CT). Control and balanced diets were isoenergetic (6.61 MJ/kg of DM); however, AT had higher energy (6.77 MJ/kg of DM). Treatments had no effect on dry and organic matter intake. NDF intake, however, was higher in CG diets compared with CT (P = 0.0001). Total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), and OM digestibility was reduced (P = 0.05) by the inclusion of CG in diets. Whole and energy-corrected milk production were greater in AT compared with CT and BT (P < 0.05). Milk yield was similar in cows fed CT and BT. Treatments had no effect on milk composition or feed efficiency. Diet CT, when compared with CG diets, had lower efficiency in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (P < 0.05). Diet BT had greater HeFCE and net production of human-edible CP than AT (P < 0.05). Plasma BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids, and glucose concentrations were not affected by treatments, but plasma cholesterol was higher in cows that consumed CG diets (P = 0.04). The results indicate that, in high-producing early lactation dairy cows fed high concentrate diets, net food protein production can be substantially improved without lowering milk production through the reduction of dietary starch from 30.2 to 24.8% by replacing corn grain with CG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pistachio by-product silage (PBPS) as a partial replacement for corn silage (CS) on chewing activity, nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation parameters in Holstein male calves over a 6-month assay. For this purpose, 24 Holstein male calves (4 to 5 months of age and 155.6±13.5 kg BW) were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n=6). In these treatments, CS was substituted with different levels of PBPS (0%, 6%, 12% and 18% of dry matter (DM)). Nutrient digestibility was measured at the end of the experimental period (days 168 to 170). Ruminal fermentation parameters were determined on days 90 and 180 and chewing activity was determined on days 15 of the 3rd and 6th month of the experiment. Results showed that calves fed rations containing 6% PBPS spent more time ruminating (P<0.05) than the control group on the 3rd and 6th months. Feeding PBPS was found to have no effects on DM, organic matter (OM), ether extract or ash digestibility, but apparent digestibility of CP, NDFom and ADFom linearly decreased (P<0.01) with increasing substitutions. On days 90 and 180, ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3–N linearly decreased (P<0.01) with increasing levels of PBPS in the diets; however, ruminal pH and molar proportions of acetate, propionate and butyrate were similar across the treatments. It was concluded that partial substitution of CS with PBPS (6% or 12%) would have no adverse effects on nutrient digestibility, total chewing activity and ruminal fermentation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Twenty lactating Naeini coarse wool ewes (45±3.2kg BW, approximately 35 months of age), were studied in a completely randomized design during a three-month experimental period in order to investigate the effect of betaine and sulfate supplementation on milk and wool characteristics. Treatments included, betaine supplementation, sulfate supplementation and betaine plus sulfate supplementation, along with control group. Ewes were randomly distributed in individual pens with five replications for each treatment. Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were twice offered to the ewes on a daily basis according to the NRC recommendation. The level of betaine used on the TMR was 5gkg−1 betaine, and basal diet contained 0.17% DM organic sulfur. Dry matter intake (DMI) was altered by betaine and sulfate supplementation (P <0.05). No significant effect of betaine and sulfate supplement was detected on body weight (P >0.05). Milk yield and milk fat percentage were increased by betaine and sulfate supplementation (P <0.05), whereas percentages of milk protein, lactose, ash and SNF were not significant by supplements (P >0.05). Betaine and sulfate supplementation significantly increased the daily growth rate of the wool, and the wool yield was compared with that of the control group (P <0.01). Mean fiber diameter was not affected by betaine and sulfate supplementation (P >0.05). Staple length was affected by the type of supplements (P <0.001). For the staple strength, a higher value was observed in the betaine plus sulfate treatment (P <0.05). Betaine plus sulfate supplementation significantly increased the concentration of wool sulfur (P <0.01). In contrast, wool wax and wool yellowness significantly decreased by the betaine and sulfate supplementation (P <0.05). Although there was an increase in the plasma cysteine concentration, it was not a significant one (P >0.05). In addition, no effects of betaine and sulfate supplementation were observed on plasma copper concentration. In conclusion, these data indicated that betaine plus sulfate supplementation had positive effects on milk and wool production of Naeini ewes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of partial replacement of neutral detergent soluble fibre (NDSF) for starch in diets varying in particle size (PS) of alfalfa hay on chewing activities, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility and performance in mid-lactation dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (146±6.0d in milk; 36.7±2.57kg milk/d) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with four 21d periods with the last 7d for data collection. The experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of NDSF (low=85g/kg or high=130g/kg diet dry matter) each combined with 2 PS (short=20mm or long=40mm) of alfalfa hay. Results show that forage PS alone, or in combination with NDSF inclusion, had no effect on dry matter (DM) intake. Although total chewing, eating and ruminating times were not affected by treatments, eating time per kg of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ingested was higher in long versus short alfalfa hay-based diets (P<0.05). Feeding long forage PS increased sorting of the diet against particles >19mm, and in favor of those <8mm (P<0.05). Feeding diets high in NDSF lowered DM intake (P<0.05), but increased apparent digestibility of all nutrients including NDF (P<0.05) independent of forage PS. Ruminal pH and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids were unaffected by dietary treatments, however the proportion of butyrate was higher in ruminal fluid of cows fed high NDSF diets (P<0.05). Changes in milk composition included lower milk crude protein content in high NDSF diets and higher lactose content for short hay-based diets (P<0.05). That milk yield and milk energy output were similar in low versus high NDSF diets suggests that high NDSF-fed cows had higher energy efficiency due to lower DM intake. Results suggest that, independent of forage PS, NDSF sources can be successfully included to partly replace starchy grains in diets exceeding minimum fibre recommendations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ten Holstein cows in midlactation were used in a 5 x 5 replicated Latin square design with 21-d periods to determine the effects of feeding ground or steam-flaked broom sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and ground barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on lactation performance and nutrient digestibility. Diets were fed as total mixed ration and consisted of 46% forage and 54% concentrate (DM basis). Treatment diets included ground barley, ground barley plus ground broom sorghum, ground broom sorghum, ground barley plus steam-flaked broom sorghum, and steam-flaked broom sorghum. Yield of fat-corrected milk was 2.3 kg greater for cows fed diets containing steam-flaked broom sorghum than for cows fed its ground form (24.4 vs 22.1 kg) and was 2.8 kg greater for cows fed diets containing a blend of steam-flaked broom sorghum plus ground barley than for cows fed ground sorghum (24.9 vs 22.1 kg). Yields and percentages of milk fat, protein, SNF, total solids, and apparent digestibility of crude protein were greater for cows fed steam-flaked broom sorghum and ground barley vs. ground broom sorghum. Including steam-flaked rather than ground broom sorghum in diets significantly increased fecal pH (7.10 vs 6.87) and improved efficiency of feed conversion (1.26 vs 1.15). Feeding steam-flaked broom sorghum alone or with ground barley compared with ground sorghum or the blend of ground barley and ground broom sorghum decreased plasma urea nitrogen increased glucose in plasma. Results of this study showed that feeding steam-flaked broom sorghum compared with ground broom sorghum could supply a more efficient source of energy for lactating cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with significant economic and major public health problem. Failure of response and relapse of brucellosis have reported with current therapeutic regimens. Considering the high prevalence of brucellosis and recurrence rate of this disease in Iran, widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics could redound antibiotic resistance among Brucella isolates in the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Brucella isolates by E-test method in Hamadan, west of Iran. Methods & Materials: In this study, patients with clinical diagnosis of brucellosis who referred to Infectious Diseases Ward, Sina hospital in Hamadan were studied between April 2013 and July 2014. Blood Specimens were collected for diagnosis of brucellosis by BACTEC blood culture system. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates to gentamicin, streptomycin, rifampin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole were performed by the E-test method. Then the CLSI zone size and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration interpretive criteria were examined. Results: One hundred forty-nine patients with brucellosis were enrolled in this study. Culture of clinical samples were positive in 38.3%, of which, 91.2% were associated with positive serological test. No significant associations were found between serological tests and culture method. All clinical isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, but intermediate sensitivity to rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were found in 35.08% and 3.5% of isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Because of the high frequency of intermediate sensitivity to rifampin among brucella isolates, this drug should be prescribed with caution. We recommend restricting the use of rifampin for treatment of brucellosis except as an alternative drug for special situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an enzymatically hydrolyzed cottonseed protein (HCSP) as a peptide source on performance, blood metabolites, gastrointestinal development, and intestinal microbes. Forty-eight newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments including 0, 2, 4, and 6% of HCSP (dry matter basis). All calves received the same amount of pasteurized whole milk, weaned on d 56 of the experiment, and the study was concluded on d 70. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) as a randomized complete block design with linear and quadratic contrasts. Results showed that increased amount of HCSP linearly decreased the starter intake during the postweaning (d 57 to 70) and overall period (d 1 to 70). In addition, when dietary HCSP increased during the overall period, average daily gain tended to linearly decrease. All skeletal growth variables also linearly decreased as dietary HCSP increased at the end of the study, except for body length, which did not differ among the treatments. Serum cortisol concentration was higher in calves supplemented with 6% of HCSP at weaning and at the end of the study. This indicates that these calves may have experienced a stressful condition compared with calves in other treatments. Total antioxidant capacity was quadratically affected by HCSP supplementation; calves fed 2 and 4% of HCSP diets had the highest total antioxidant capacity, whereas calves fed 0 and 6% HCSP diets had lower total antioxidant capacity at weaning and at end of the study. Calves supplemented with 6% HCSP had lower empty reticulo-rumen and omasum weights and rumen wall thickness compared with calves in other treatments at the end of the study. In conclusion, supplementation of HCSP at the rate of 2% of starter diet enhanced antioxidant status without any detrimental effects on the performance and metabolic status of calves, whereas greater inclusion rates impaired starter intake and growth of calves, and exposed them to a stressful status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of feeding diets that were formulated to contain similar proportions of undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) from forage, with wheat straw (WS) substituted for corn silage (CS), alfalfa hay (AH), or both. The diets were fed to lactating dairy cows and intake, digestibility, blood metabolites, and milk production were examined. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows (body weight = 642 ± 50 kg; days in milk = 78 ± 11 d; milk production = 56 ± 6 kg/d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a randomized block design with 6-wk periods after a 10-d covariate period. Each period consisted of 14 d of adaptation followed by 28 d of data collection. The control diet contained CS and AH as forage sources (CSAH) with 17% of dietary dry matter as uNDF after 30 h of incubation (uNDF 30). Wheat straw was substituted for AH (WSCS), CS (WSAH), or both (WSCSAH) on an uNDF 30 basis, and beet pulp was used to obtain similar concentrations of NDF digestibility after 30 h of incubation (NDFD 30 = 44.5% of NDF) across all diets. The 4 diets also contained similar concentrations of net energy for lactation and metabolizable protein. Dry matter intake was greatest for WSCS (27.8 kg/d), followed by CSAH (25.7 kg/d), WSCSAH (25.2 kg/d), and WSAH (24.2 kg/d). However, yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk did not differ, resulting in higher FCM efficiency (kg of FCM yield/kg of dry matter intake) for WSAH (1.83) and WSCSAH (1.79), followed by CSAH (1.69) and WSCS (1.64). Milk protein percentage was greater for CSAH (2.84%) and WSCS (2.83%) than for WSAH (2.78%), and WSCSAH (2.81%) was intermediate. The opposite trend was observed for milk urea nitrogen, which was lower for CSAH (15.8 mg/dL), WSCS (15.8 mg/dL), and WSCSAH (17.0 mg/dL) than for WSAH (20 mg/dL). Total-tract NDF digestibility and ruminal pH were greater for diets containing WS than the diet without WS (CSAH), but digestibility of other nutrients was not affected by dietary treatments. Cows fed WSAH had less body reserves (body weight change = −13.5 kg/period) than the cows fed the other diets, whereas energy balance was greatest for those fed WSCS. The results showed that feeding high-producing dairy cows diets containing different forage sources but formulated to supply similar concentrations of uNDF 30 while maintaining NDFD 30, net energy for lactation, and metabolizable protein constant did not influence milk production. However, a combination of WS and CS (WSCS diet) compared with a diet with CS and AH improved feed intake, ruminal pH, total-tract NDF digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the feeding effects of wheat straw (WS) and beet pulp (BP) substituted for corn silage (CS) and alfalfa hay (AH) based on forage 30-h undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF 30) on lactation performance in high-producing dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (body weight = 611 ± 31 kg, days in milk = 97 ± 13; 51 ± 3 kg/d of milk; mean ± standard error) Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Three treatments were established by substituting WS for CS and AH such that the concentration of forage uNDF 30 in all diets was the same. The treatments were (1) 0% forage uNDF 30 from WS (WS0; control), (2) 50% forage uNDF 30 from WS (WS50), and (3) 100% forage uNDF 30 from WS (WS100). Beet pulp was added in the straw diets to achieve similar dietary neutral detergent fiber digestibility after 30-h incubation (NDFD 30). The 3 diets were similar in forage uNDF 30 (14% of dry matter), total uNDF 30 (∼18.5% of dry matter), and NDFD 30 (approximately 42% of neutral detergent fiber). The substitution of WS and BP for AH and CS decreased the proportion of forage (40, 31, and 22.3% of dry matter) and forage neutral detergent fiber (21.2, 19.7, and 18.3% of dry matter) for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively, in the diet. However, the substitution linearly increased mean rumen pH (5.90, 6.09, and 6.28 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), digestibility of nutrients, and selection for long particles of diets without affecting dry matter intake. The substitution also linearly increased cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen concentration in the blood. Milk fat percentage, fat production, fat:protein ratio, and milk urea nitrogen increased linearly when treatments changed from WS0 to WS100, whereas the production of energy-corrected milk (ECM) was not affected by the treatments. Milk yield and milk protein yield were affected in a curvilinear manner and were lower in WS100 than other treatments. The efficiency of ECM production linearly increased in the diet with higher inclusion of WS and BP substitution in the diet (1.66, 1.70, and 1.72 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), but body weight, body weight change, and backfat thickness of cows were not different among treatments. In conclusion, the substitution of WS and BP for CS and AH with fixed uNDF 30 improved feed efficiency and rumen pH, decreased milk and protein yield, and did not affect ECM yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies demonstrated a high antioxidant capacity for pomegranate components due to their rich bioactive compounds, such as conjugated fatty acids and phenolics. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to assess whether pomegranate seed or pomegranate seed pulp (peel + seed) supplementation could be effective to improve antioxidant status, and hence metabolic profile and performance in periparturient dairy cows. After a 1-wk pretreatment period, Holstein cows (primiparous n = 12, multiparous n = 18) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments from 25 d before expected calving through 25 d postcalving. The dietary treatments included (1) control (CON); (2) diet supplemented with pomegranate seeds (PS; 400 g/cow per day); and (3) diet supplemented with pomegranate seed pulp (PSP; 400 g of seeds/cow per day + 1200 g of peels/cow per day). Compared with CON, supplementation with either PS or PSP had no effects on dry matter intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma concentrations of cholesterol, total protein, globulin, and aspartate amino transferase, but enhanced plasma total antioxidant activity, and lowered triacylglycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate at both pre- and postpartum periods. Plasma concentration of glucose, albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were not affected by dietary treatments at prepartum, whereas SOD activity increased and glucose, albumin, MDA, and FFA-to-albumin ratio decreased by feeding both by-products at postpartum period. In contrast to PS, supplementing PSP resulted in a greater decrease in plasma glucose and triacylglycerol concentration and higher increase in SOD activity. Energy- and fat-corrected milk yields were higher in cows fed PSP diet compared with those fed CON or PS diets, but content of milk fat, protein, and lactose were similar across the dietary treatments. These findings indicated that dietary pomegranate by-products supplementation, in particular PSP, could improve antioxidant status, which was associated with a decline in lipid oxidation (FFA and β-hydroxybutyrate) and peroxidation (MDA) and an enhancement in glucose utilization as well as fat-corrected milk yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It seems that polymorphism in the regulatory areas of cytokine genes affect the cytokine production capacity and may play a role in the development of infectious diseases. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are cytokines of Th2 causes the macrophage become inactive and patient conditions get worse. Methods & Materials: In this case-control study, 60 patients with brucellosis and 60 healthy participants were recruited. IL-10 genotyping at positions -1082 (G/A), -819 (C/T) and -592 (C/A) and IL-6 genotyping at position -174 (G/C) were analysed by amplification refractory mutation system- polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism- polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) methods. The levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera of study population. Results: The AA and CC genotypes of the IL-10 gene at positions -1082 G/A and -819 C/T were significantly more frequent in patients in comparison to controls, respectively. The AG genotype of the IL- 10 gene at positions -1082 G/A was significantly more frequent in controls groups than the patients. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly more frequent in the patients than in the control groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that the AA and CC genotypes at positions -1082 and -819 are very important, respectively. These results suggest that IL-10 (-1082 G/A) GG genotype may be considered as a risk factor for brucellosis, while the AG genotype might be a protective factor against the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quinolone groups are an important class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants have emerged as a significant concern in recent years. This study reports on screening of resistant-isolates to fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents for PMQR determinants and detection of qnr and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes. Methods & Materials: A total of 100 fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 3 hospitals in Hamadan, west provinces of Iran, from October 2012 to June 2013. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents including levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was determined by disk diffusion methods and ciprofloxacin MIC was obtained by broth microdilution method as Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The isolates were screened for the presence of qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes using PCR assays. Results: Among the screened isolates, 64 strains (64%) of Escherichia coli, 23 strains (23%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 13 strains (13%) of Proteus mirabilis were collected as quinolone-resistant isolates. Out of 100 isolates, two (2%) were positive for qnrS, seventeen (17%) isolates were positive for qnrB and we did not find qnrA gene in any of the isolates. There were also 32 positive isolates for aac(6')- Ib-cr determinant. Conclusion: We described the prevalence of qnr and aac(6')- Ib-cr genes in fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Hamadan city. The carriage rate of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in healthy people in Hamadan City is extremely high. Moreover, genes encoding transferable quinolone resistance, in particular aac(6')-Ib-cr, are highly prevalent in these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly porous styrene/2-ethylhexylacrylate/divinylbenzene polymerized high internal phase emulsion (ST/2EHA/DVB polyHIPE) solid foams reinforced using various amounts of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared via emulsion templating. The neat and reinforced solid foams were successfully functionalized using sulfuric acid (98%) to introduce the sulfonic groups in the resultant ion-exchange polyHIPE membranes. The effect of SNPs level on the morphology and mechanical properties of the neat and reinforced foams was investigated. The ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of the resulting membranes was measured by titration procedure. The results showed that increasing SNPs level up to 3 wt% enhanced IEC from 3.6 to 3.9 meq g −1 and improved the water uptake (WU) due to increasing SO 3 H groups inside the polyHIPE type membranes. The efficiency of 3 wt% SNPs reinforced membrane for adsorption of nickel ions was evaluated. The effect of crucial parameters, such as initial nickel concentration, pH of the solution, and membrane contact time, on the removal efficiency was investigated using surface response methodology (SRM) experiment design. Additionally, the adsorption behavior of the membrane was evaluated using different kinetic and isotherm models. The results showed that the adsorption kinetic behavior was in a good agreement with the pseudo-first-order and Elovich model in the low and high nickel concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, the adsorption of nickel ions was fit well on Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The reusability of the reinforced polyHIPE membrane was evaluated for five sorption-desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of soybeans roasted at different temperatures on milk yield and milk fatty acid composition, 8 (4 multiparous and 4 primiparous) mid-lactation Holstein cows (42.9 ± 3 kg/d of milk) were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The control diet (CON) contained lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (as a source of rumen-undegradable protein) and calcium salts of fatty acids (Ca-FA, as a source of energy). Diets 2, 3, and 4 contained ground soybeans roasted at 115, 130, or 145°C, respectively (as the source of protein and energy). Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be greater for CON compared with the roasted soybean diets (24.6 vs. 23.3 kg/d). Apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein were not different among the treatments. Actual and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Milk fat was higher for soybeans roasted at 130°C than for those roasted at either 115 or 145°C. No differences were observed between the CON and the roasted soybean diets, or among roasting temperatures, on feed efficiency and nitrogen concentrations in rumen, milk, and plasma. Milk from cows fed roasted soybeans had more long-chain fatty acids and fewer medium-chain fatty acids than milk from cows fed Ca-FA. Compared with milk from cows fed the CON diet, total milk fat contents of conjugated linoleic acid, cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, cis- C18:2, cis-C18:3, and C22:0 were higher for cows fed the roasted soybean diets. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids were greater in milk from cows fed roasted soybean diets than in milk from cows fed CON. Concentrations of C16:0 and saturated fatty acids in milk fat were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Cows fed roasted soybean diets had lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices than cows fed CON. Milk fatty acid composition did not differ among different roasting temperatures. In summary, results showed that cows fed CON had higher DMI and milk yield than cows fed roasted soybean diets. Among different roasting temperatures (115, 130, and 145°C), soybeans roasted at 115°C led to higher milk production and lower DMI. Cows fed roasted soybeans, regardless of the roasting temperature, had more unsaturated fatty acids in milk. Using roasted soybeans in dairy cow rations could, therefore, improve the health indices of milk for human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primiparous cows are more susceptible to oxidative stress than multiparous cows because of their lower total antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fatty acid (FA) source with and without pomegranate peel (PP) as an antioxidant-rich source in the diet on oxidative stress, blood metabolites, lactation performance, and nutrient digestibility in primiparous lactating cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows in early lactation were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 28 days with 21 days for feed adjustment and 7 days for data and sample collection. The diets were supplemented with 15 g/kg DM of palmitic acid-enriched fat (enriched in saturated FA) or fish oil (enriched in unsaturated FA) contained 0 or 87 g/kg DM of PP. Pomegranate peels increased total dietary antioxidant concentrations and fish oil reduced the ratio of n-6 to n-3 in the experimental diets. Significant interactions were observed for plasma non-esterified FA and malondialdehyde concentrations, milk fat yield, and apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Plasma non-esterified FA concentrations decreased in cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat when PP was included in the diet. Diets with PP resulted in increased plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde in cows fed fish oil but not in those fed the palmitic acid-enriched fat. In addition, total plasma antioxidant capacity increased in cows fed PP containing diets, whereas blood inflammatory markers were not affected by the by inclusion of PP. Supplementing palmitic acid-enriched fat increased milk fat yield by 10% compared with fish oil, whereas a trend toward a decrease in this variable was observed when fish oil was fed without PP. Also, feed intake increased and milk protein concentration decreased in cows consuming diets containing PP, while milk yield was greater for cows fed fish oil. Cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat had lower DM and NDF digestibility than in those fed fish oil. The molar fraction of propionate in the rumen decreased and the ratio of acetate to propionate increased in cows fed PP containing diets. Cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat had a greater molar fraction of propionate but a lower ratio of acetate to propionate than cows fed fish oil. Overall, inclusion of PP in diets containing fish oil or palmitic acid-enriched fat contributed to improved feed intake and antioxidant capacity, while we observed no interaction on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in dairy cows. • Using pomegranate peel improved oxidative capacity on both saturated and unsaturated fat in dairy cows. • Feed intake increased by the inclusion of pomegranate peel while milk yield increased by supplementing fish oil. • Pomegranate peel and palmitic acid-enriched fat fed together reduced total-tract nutrient digestion. • Ruminal proportions of branched-chain fatty acids and propionate decreased in cows fed pomegranate peel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective was to determine pre- and postweaning calf physiological responses to increased Cr supply under high ambient temperatures. In a randomized complete block design, 24 neonate Holstein calves (BW = 41.5 ± 1.9 kg) were grouped based on sex and randomly assigned to 3 treatments within each group. Treatments included either no supplemental Cr (control), 0.02 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75, or 0.04 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75. The average temperature-humidity index was 77 during the study. Chromium was provided as a commercial product in whole milk for preweaning calves and in a starter concentrate for postweaning calves. Calves were weaned at 1 kg of daily calf starter intake lasting for 6 consecutive days. A glucose tolerance test was conducted on d 25 postweaning. Treatments had no effects on preweaning dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and weaning age. Chromium decreased dry matter intake in postweaning calves; however, it did not affect growth and feed conversion ratio. Chromium lowered respiration rate at wk 5 without affecting fecal score and rectal temperature. Preweaning serum cortisol concentrations were altered by a 3-way interaction of Cr dose with calf sex and age. Preweaning serum glucose showed week-dependent increases by Cr. Serum insulin, urea, albumin, total protein, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin concentrations through weaning were not affected. The increasing Cr doses caused quadratic declines in serum thyroxin on d 21 postweaning, whereas blood triiodothyronine declined only with the higher Cr dose. Serum NEFA remained unchanged, but BHBA decreased by Cr in male calves on d 21 postweaning. The glucose tolerance test revealed linear reductions in area under insulin curve between 0 to 90 and 0 to 120 min after glucose infusion, suggesting improvements in peripheral insulin efficiency. Sex-dependent responses to Cr were observed for serum total protein and albumin concentrations at 21 d postweaning. Overall, results indicate that in summer, increased dietary Cr supply can benefit postweaning insulin metabolism, alter preweaning blood cortisol and glucose levels, and reduce respiration rate and may have only minor effects on calf growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Safflower seed (SS), Carthamus tinctorius L., has the highest concentration of linoleic acid among 80 oilseeds. It was hypothesized that an Iranian variety of SS can be effectively fed with cottonseeds (CS) to maintain feed intake, energy metabolism and productivity of early lactation cows under negative energy balance. Our objective was to determine effects of feeding diets containing 100g whole CS with (1) no SS (SS0), (2) 75g CS+25g SS (SS25), or (3) 50g CS+50g SS (SS50), per kg of dietary DM, on feed intake, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and milk production of early lactation cows fed diets based on a uniform mixtures of alfalfa hay and corn silage. Nine multiparous early lactation Holstein cows (46±7 d in milk) were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design study with three 21-d periods. Each period had 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of data collection. Dietary inclusion of SS did not affect (P>0.10) DM intake, rumen pH and concentrations of ammonia and VFA, blood concentrations of insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, urea and triglycerides, and milk production. Adding SS linearly reduced blood glucose (P=0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (P<0.05), and increased blood total cholesterol (P<0.01) and low-density lipoproteins (P<0.05) concentrations. Results demonstrated that SS as an economical and rich source of essential fatty acids can be included up to 50g/kg of dietary DM alongside CS for early lactation cows without affecting feed intake while maintaining rumen fermentation, peripheral energy supply and milk production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our objective was to compare the effects of grinding versus steam-rolling of barley grain at 30 or 35% of diet dry matter on feed intake, chewing behavior, rumen fermentation, and milk production in high-producing lactating cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (85 ± 9 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with four 21-d periods. Each period included 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling. Treatments included grinding (GB) or steam-rolling (SB) of barley grains at either 35 or 30% of dietary dry matter. Diets were prepared as a total mixed ration and delivered twice daily at 0730 and 1600 h. Neither processing method nor dietary barley grain inclusion rate affected dry matter intake, daily eating, ruminating and chewing times, rumen pH and major volatile fatty acid molar percentages, or milk percentages and yields of fat and protein. Energy-corrected milk yield increased for SB compared with GB at 35% but not at 30% barley grain. Feed efficiency was increased by SB, but was unaffected by dietary barley grain level. Results suggest that at 30% dietary barley grain, GB resulted in similar lactation performance as SB and that SB did not affect productivity when dietary barley grain increased from 30 to 35%. Regardless of barley grain level, grinding effectively maintained dry matter intake and rumen pH at 4 h postfeeding, whereas steam-rolling increased feed efficiency. Increasing barley grain from 30 to 35% of diet dry matter did not improve feed intake and milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theorized that adding corn silage to a total mixed ration with alfalfa hay as the sole dietary forage would improve nutrient intake and chewing activity and thereby improve rumen fermentation and milk production. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of partial replacement of short alfalfa [physically effective (pc) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) >1.18 mm (peNDF>>1.18) = 33.2%] with corn silage (CS, peNDF>>1.18 = 51.9%) in yellow grease-supplemented total mixed rations on feed intake, chewing behavior, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance by dairy cows. Four multiparous (138 ± 3 d in milk) and 4 primiparous (115 ± 10 d in milk) Holstein cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment with four 21-d periods. Each period had 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling, and parity was the square. Treatments were diets [dry matter (DM) basis] with 1) 40% alfalfa hay (ALF), 2) 24% alfalfa hay + 16% CS (CS40), 3) 20% alfalfa hay + 20% CS (CS50), and 4) 16% alfalfa hay + 24% CS (CS60). \ Diets had a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 40:60 on a DM basis. Cows had greater intake of DM and thus greater intakes of net energy for lactation, NDF, and peNDF when CS partially replaced alfalfa hay. Replacing alfalfa hay with CS increased daily eating and chewing times in all cows, and increased rumen pH at 4 h postfeeding in multiparous cows. Apparent total-tract digestibility coefficients for crude protein (CP) and NDF were not different among cows fed ALF, CS40, and CS50, but were lower for CS60 than for ALF. Energy-corrected milk yield was greater for CS40 and CS60 than for ALF. Milk protein yield was increased when CS replaced 40, 50, and 6070 of alfalfa hay. Milk lactose was greater only for CS60, but milk lactose yield was greater for CS50 and CS60 than for ALF. Milk percentage and yield of fat did not differ among treatments. Therefore, CS partially replacing short alfalfa hay increased DM intake, consequently increased net energy for lactation and physically effective fiber intakes, and thus, improved milk and milk protein and lactose yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective was to determine the effects of partial replacement of whole milk with soymilk on preweaning calf performance and weaning costs. Following 3 d of colostrum and transition milk feeding, 18 male and 9 female neonatal Holstein calves (41.6 ± 1.6 kg of body weight; mean ± SE) were assigned in a completely randomized design to 3 treatments offered at 10% of body weight (wet basis) including 1) whole milk (control), 2) 75% whole milk + 25% soymilk (S25), or 3) 50% whole milk + 50% soymilk (S50). The weaning criterion was defined as the calf age at a daily intake of ≥900 g of starter concentrate. During the first 2 wk of the experiment, treatments did not differ in starter intake and fecal score. Calves fed S25 gained similar amount of body weight as calves fed whole milk diet. By 49 d of age, also, calves on S25 gained similar body weight as did calves on whole milk diet. Calves on S25 and S50 achieved the weaning criterion, respectively, about 10 and 12 d earlier than did peers on whole milk. The soymilk-fed calves consumed less milk than control calves to meet the weaning criterion owing to promoted starter intake. Feed-related weaning costs dropped by about 35% when soymilk was fed because whole milk was about 50% more expensive than both soymilk and starter concentrate. Feeding soymilk at up to 50% of the milk diet maintained health during the first 2 to 4 wk of age when the neonate calf is highly sensitive to nonmilk proteins and plant antinutrients. Results introduce soymilk as an economic partial substitute for whole milk in calf-raising facilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fine grinding of barley grain has traditionally been considered to be a potential risk to rumen function, feed intake and milk yield. These concerns are thought to be reduced by steam-rolling or coarse dry rolling. We hypothesized that finely ground barley grain is as effective in stimulating feed intake and milk production as are dry- and steam-rolled barley grain, and so the objective was to determine effects of feeding either (1) finely ground, (2) steam-rolled, (3) finely dry-rolled, or (4) coarsely dry-rolled barley grain on rumen fermentation, digestibility and milk yield and composition. Eight multiparous midlactation Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design experiment with four periods of 21d. Diets contained 256g barley grain/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis. Processing method did not affect milk yield and composition, DM intake, rumen pH and volatile fatty acids, fecal and urine pH, and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. Results suggest that finely ground barley grain is no different than dry-rolled and steam-rolled barley grains in stimulating feed intake and productivity of midlactation cows, when 256g of dietary DM/kg is barley grain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this investigation in vitro and in vivo trials were performed to determine the efficacy of a cottonseed to limit protozoal population and fermentation parameters. The composition of diets given to the different treatments were as follow: (1) control (without whole cottonseed), 16% crude protein (CP), 3.2% ether extract (E.E.); (2) 20% whole cottonseed, 16% CP, 6.5% E.E.; (3) 20% whole cottonseed, 13% CP, 6.4% E.E. and (4) 20% crushed whole cottonseed, 13% CP, 6.4% E.E. DM disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics of the treatments were determined by in vitro incubation studies. In the in vivo trial, ruminal fluid was taken by rumenocentesis (3h after feeding) on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 21 and 28 from four sheep fed about treatment diets. The pH and protozoal counts were determined in each sample, while ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were determined in samples taken on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The in vitro DMD after 24h incubation decreased (p <0.01) with the addition of cottonseed in diets 3 and 4 and DMD after 72h incubation was highest (p <0.01) for the control diet. The fractional rate of gas production (c) for the control and diet 2 was higher (p <0.05) than for the diets 3 and 4. Feeding crushed whole cottonseed decreased molar proportion of propionate (p <0.05) and increased molar proportion of butyrate (p <0.01). Low crude protein level increased the molar proportion of propionate (p <0.05) and decreased molar proportion of butyrate (p <0.05) and cellolytic protozoa population (p <0.05). Feeding cottonseed decreased (p <0.05) the total protozoa population from approximately 500,000 to 250,000ml−1 and Holotrich and cellulolytic protozoa disappeared from the rumen of sheep and only Entodinium sp., remained. This was associated with lower concentration of ammonia nitrogen in rumen fluid of sheep fed diets 4 (p <0.05) and 2 (p <0.01). It was concluded that cottonseed reduced rumen fauna and ammonia nitrogen, but had no effect on ruminal VFA while the crushed whole cottonseed decreased molar proportion of isovalerate only. In vivo molar proportion of propionate and butyrate and valerate were increase and decrease, respectively, by decreasing CP percentage in treatment diets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The growing demand by humans for monounsaturated vegetable oils has provided canola meal (CM) for use in dairy diets because it possesses an excellent nitrogen profile for rumen microbes. Six midlactation cows were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with 3 periods of 20 d each. Treatments included diets with 1) CM, 2) 50% CM + 50% cottonseed meal (CSM), and 3) CSM. Total crude protein (CP), nonprotein nitrogen, and rapidly degradable true protein (% of CP) were greater in CM than in CSM. The neutral and acid detergent fibers, slowly degradable true protein, and unavailable CP were lower in CM than in CSM. Daily feeding of 3.4 kg of CM instead of 5.6 kg of CSM enhanced milk percentage of protein and SNF, and improved total tract digestibility of dry matter and CP. Therefore, CM offers an economical substitute for CSM in midlactation diets when commercial access, cost, and quality of CSM are variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries including Iran. Conventional methods for diagnosis of brucellosis include serologic tests and blood culture and for rapid detection of Brucella, PCR is available. The aim of this study was to compare serologic test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and BACTEC blood culture methods for detection of Brucella species in clinical specimens. Methods & Materials: In a 15 months period, Between 2013 to 2014, 149 patients with clinical suspected brucellosis were enrolled in this comparative-descriptive study. Clinical specimens were obtained for culture and serologic tests including wright, coombs' wright and 2-Mercaptoethanol (2ME). Then Brucella DNA was extracted from blood specimens and PCR was performed using specific primers set. A questionnaire including demographic, clinical and paraclinical characteristics was completed for each subject. Results: The most common symptoms were fever, malaise, myalgia and sweating. Osteoarticular complications were observed in 106 (71.1%) patients, of which, the most common type was sacroiliitis in 67 patients (45%). Serologic tests including wright, coombs' wright, and 2ME were positive in 88.6%, 87.5% and 88.5%, respectively. Clinical specimen cultures were positive in 38.3%(n=57), that in 91.2% was positive, too. PCR were positive in 83 of 132 patients that 50 of these cases had positive culture that 100% of Brucella isolates were B.melitensis. There are significant correlation between PCR and culture. The sensitivity of PCR method was 96%, with specificity of 77%; the positive and negative serology predictive values were 100% and 78%, respectively. Conclusion: Serologic tests are useful for the diagnosis of brucellosis in most cases. In patients with low titers of antibodies, blood and other clinical specimens' culture are helpful for definitive diagnosis. Those with negative culture and serology can be confirmed by PCR method. The PCR method is a valuable test for rapid diagnosis of brucellosis in clinical specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 levels of dietary fat (low and high) offered during the prepartal and postpartal periods on dry matter intake (DMI), plasma concentration of metabolites, and milk yield and composition. Twenty-four Holstein dry cows were assigned on d 21 relative to expected parturition date to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of 2 levels of fat fed during the prepartal period and 2 levels of fat fed during the postpartal period: prepartal low fat and postpartal low fat (LF-LF), prepartal low fat and postpartal high fat (LF-HF), prepartal high fat and postpartal low fat (HF-LF), or prepartal high fat and postpartal high fat (HF-HF). Prepartal and postpartal LF diets contained no fat supplement. Prepartal HF diets contained 1.60% calcium salts of soybean oil. The proportion of calcium salts of soybean oil was increased to 1.70% of DM for the first 21 d of lactation and to 2.27% of DM from d 21 to 56 of lactation in the HF diet. Diets were fed for ad libitum intake from d 21 before calving until d 56 of gestation. Prepartal DMI was lower for cows fed the HF diet compared with those fed the LF diet (12.6 vs. 16.2 kg/d). Postpartum, cows fed the HF-HF and HF-LF diets had, respectively, the lowest and highest DMI, although no significant differences existed between HF-LF and LF-LF. Net energy intake was higher for cows fed the postpartal HF diets compared with those fed the LF diets. Prepartal fat level had no effect on net energy intake. Cows offered the prepartal HF diet had higher milk yield when offered the postpartal LF diet compared with those offered the postpartal HF diet and no effect of the postpartal fat level was detected when cows were fed the prepartal LF diet. Milk composition was similar among treatments. Plasma cholesterol concentration postpartum was higher for cows fed the prepartal LF diet than for those fed the prepartal HF diet (5.16 vs. 3.74 mmol/L) and postpartal fat level had no effect. Prepartal diet had no significant effect on postpartal plasma triglyceride concentration but the postpartal HF diet increased triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein concentrations compared with the postpartal LF diet. In conclusion, switching from a high to a low fat proportion in the postpartal diet may alleviate the negative effects of a high proportion of fat in the prepartal diet as shown by increased feed intake and milk production during the first 56 d of lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of decreasing dietary protein and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) on production performance, nitrogen retention, and nutrient digestibility in high-producing Holstein cows in early lactation. Twelve multiparous Holstein lactating cows (2 lactations; 50 ± 7 d in milk; 47 kg/d of milk production) were used in a Latin square design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates (cows). Treatments 1 to 4 consisted of diets containing 18, 17.2, 16.4, and 15.6% crude protein (CP), respectively, with the 18% CP diet considered the control group. Rumen-degradable protein levels were constant across the treatments (approximately 10.9% on a dry matter basis), whereas RUP was gradually decreased. All diets were calculated to supply a postruminal Lys:Met ratio of about 3:1. Dietary CP had no significant effects on milk production or milk composition. In fact, 16.4% dietary CP compared with 18% dietary CP led to higher milk production; however, this effect was not significant. Feed intake was higher for 16.4% CP than for 18% CP (25.7 vs. 24.3 kg/d). Control cows had greater CP and RUP intakes, which resulted in higher concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen; cows receiving 16.4 and 15.6% CP, respectively, exhibited lower concentrations of milk urea nitrogen (15.2 and 15.1 vs. 17.3 mg/dL). The control diet had a significant effect on predicted urinary N. Higher CP digestibility was recorded for 18% CP compared with the other diets. Decreasing CP and RUP to 15.6 and 4.6% of dietary dry matter, respectively, had no negative effects on milk production or composition when the amounts of Lys and Met and the Lys:Met ratio were balanced. Furthermore, decreasing CP and RUP to 16.4 and 5.4%, respectively, increased dry matter intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed intake and feeding behavior of dairy cows fed diets that varied in fat supplementation and forage:concentrate (F:C) ratio were investigated. Eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 21-d periods. Treatments were 1) no supplemental fat and 34:66 F:C ratio; 2) 2% hydrogenated palm oil and 34:66 F:C ratio; 3) 2% yellow grease and 34:66 F:C ratio; and 4) 2% yellow grease and 45:55 F:C ratio. Cows were fed ad libitum twice daily as total mixed ration with free access to water. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by fat supplementation regardless of fat source, whereas increased F:C ratio (from 34:66 to 45:55) lowered DMI by 7.5%. Meal interval, eating rate, and meal size were lower for cows fed yellow grease, and eating rate was less for cows fed the 45:55 F:C ratio diet. Chewing activity was not affected by fat supplementation, but was greater for cows fed the 45:55 F:C ratio diet. Results suggest that supplementation of 2% hydrogenated palm oil or 2% yellow grease had little effect on DMI and chewing behavior of Holstein dairy cows fed a 34:66 F:C ratio diet. The 2 fat sources can replace each other, depending on the availability or cost. Results also showed that DMI and chewing activity can be effectively manipulated by changing the F:C ratio of diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]