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Background and Aim: Calves have increased morbidity and mortality rates after dystocia. One cause is pain during birth, which reduces their colostrum intake. The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may break this causality. This study aimed to determine the consequences of a single administration of the NSAID meloxicam to dystocia calves after birth. Materials and Methods: Fifty Holstein–Friesian calves born with dystocia from four dairy cattle farms were included in this study. The animals were randomized into two groups. The animals in Group I (n=25, treatment group) received subcutaneous 0.5 mg meloxicam/kg body weight 2-8 h after birth. The animals in Group II (n=25, control group) received a control substance (Amynin®, bovine infusion solution, Merial) with the same volume. The newborn calves were clinically examined on the 1st and 10th days of life. The information regarding the days in between was gathered by questioning the farmer. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.04) only in calves with thin, mushy fecal consistency on the 10th day in the treatment group compared with the control group. Moreover, meloxicam had no effect on dystocia calves. Conclusion: Since NSAID administration did not produce a significant clinical effect, its necessity is questionable. Further studies should examine how modifying its application time would have an effect. The primary indicators of well-being, such as pain indicators in the blood, were not measured; however, these should be considered in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a newborn calf presenting with extended swelling within its right flank, in addition to its therapeutic planning. Ultrasonograms of the bilateral flanks identified thinning of the external and internal oblique abdominal muscles in whole areas of the abdominal walls. A right lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal muscular structures was diagnosed ultrasonographically. The right flank abdominal hernia was successfully reconstructed through a modified Mayo mattress suture. This allowed the overlapping of the two very thin structures of the abdominal walls, resulting in the creation of a thicker structure of the right lateral abdominal walls. Reconstruction of the abdominal walls using this method could prevent re-protrusion of the viscera during calf growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the immune dynamics in the respiratory mucosa of calves is necessary for a good management of bovine respiratory disease. Immune dynamics in the respiratory mucosa in humans and experimental animals has been assessed by flow cytometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); however, few reports have addressed this subject in calves. The aim of this study was to establish a universal method to analyze bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by flow cytometry and to obtain basic knowledge of bovine respiratory mucosal immune dynamics. We investigated the immune cell populations in BALF and evaluated the surface antigen expression of alveolar macrophages in calves using flow cytometer. To further analyze the surface antigen variation observed in alveolar macrophages in detail, stimulation assays were performed in vitro. BALF cells were separated into three distinct populations based on their light scatter plot, which were considered to be macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In most individuals, most of the BALF immune cells were alveolar macrophages, but an increased proportion of lymphocytes and neutrophils was observed in some individuals. Analysis of each surface antigen expression in alveolar macrophages showed that CD21 and MHC class II expression changed in response to changes in the leukocyte population. Moreover, when alveolar macrophages were stimulated with interferon-γ in vitro, the expression of CD21 was drastically reduced and MHC class II was increased, suggesting that functional changes in alveolar macrophages themselves are involved in the immune dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fetus is primarily protected by the innate immune system, however fetal phagocytic activity does not become completely developed until late in gestation. Due to the lack of transplacental antibody exchange from maternal to fetal circulation in the bovine during gestation, newborn calves are born with very low levels of the immune system's primary antibody, known as agammaglobulinemia. It has been recommended that at least 4 liters of colostrum with an Ig concentration of at least 50 g/L is necessary to ensure effective passive immunological transmission in dairy calves. Bovine colostrum contains a diverse range of critical immunological and nutritional components, including immunoglobulins, which are actively transferred from the maternal serum to the mammary gland. Colostrum contains a high concentration of leukocytes (1-3 million cells/mL), the most abundant type of immune cell. Immunoglobulin transfer from colostrum has long been recognized as essential to the health of a calf. A decrease in preweaning mortality and morbidity, an increase in growth, and an increase in future milk production can all be achieved by increasing IgG uptake. However, there are various factors affecting passive immune transfer; maternal heat stress during late pregnancy has an impact on calf function in the postnatal period. Additionally, late gestation heat stress impairs the cellular immunity of preweaning calves as well. Therefore, to prevent adverse effects on the calf, it is essential to adequately manage the colostrum quality, the quantity of colostrum, and the heat stress experienced by dry cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pastoral areas and semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas of Sichuan, beef cattle breeding mode is mainly dependent on nature to raise livestock. On the one hand, owing to the shortage of forage grass in spring, cows suffer from malnutrition. On the other hand, competition for milk between human and livestock further deepens the malnutrition of newborn calves, and the mortality rate even exceeds 40%, resulting in serious waste of beef cattle source resources. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different cultivation methods (calves with and without dam) and age on calves hindgut microbiome. Sixteen healthy calves (Yak ♂ × Pian cattle ♀, with similar birthday 0 ± 2 d and body weight 13.1 ± 1.13 kg), were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was cultivated with heifers, whereas the treatment group was cultivated without heifers and was fed milk replacer during the whole 95 days formal experimental period. Fecal samples were collected on 35, 65 and 95 days of age for high-throughput sequencing. The a-diversity was different between the two groups on day 35; however, the bacterial species richness and diversity was almost not different on day 95. Principal coordinates analysis revealed significant difference between the two groups on all the three time points, and the timepoints of day 65 and 95 were closer and separated from the timepoints of day 35 in calves with dam, whereas the timepoints of day 35 and 65 were closer and separated from day 95 in calves without dam. As time passed, the abundance of Firmicutes increased, while Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria decreased in calves with dam. But in calves without dam, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria increased on day 65 and then decreased on day 95. In genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides decreased in calf with dam while its abundance increased first and then decreased in calf without dam but both resulted in the range of 3.5~4.5%. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased, whereas Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 increased in both groups as the calf grew up. It was concluded that the richness and evenness of the microbial communities was higher in calves with dam than without dam, and a stable gut microbiome in calve with dam is established earlier than calf without dam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the biomarkers specific to lung endothelial and epithelial damage in the determination of lung injury and its severity in calves with perinatal asphyxia and to evaluate their prognostic importance among survivors and non-survivor calves. Ten healthy calves and 20 calves with perinatal asphyxia were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination and laboratory analysis were performed at admission. Serum concentrations of soluble advanced glycation end-product receptor (sRAGE), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), clara cell secretory protein (CC16), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured to assess lung injury. Venous pH, sO 2 , HCO 3 , and BE of calves with perinatal asphyxia were significantly lower than the healthy calves. sRAGE, sE-selectin, pCO 2 , and lactate were significantly high in calves with asphyxia. ROC analysis showed that sRAGE, sE-selectin, pCO 2 , lactate, and respiratory rate were higher while HCO 3 and BE were lower in the nonsurvivor calves than survivors. In conclusion, serum sRAGE and sE-selectin concentrations highlight the utility of these biomarkers in determining lung injury in calves with asphyxia. Also, pH, pCO 2 , lactate, HCO 3 , BE, and respiratory rate along with serum sRAGE and sE-selectin were useful indicators in the prediction of mortality. • Respiratory distress syndrome in calves with asphyxia is one of the most important causes of mortality. • Venous pH, pCO 2 , sO 2 , lactate, HCO 3 and BE parameters are useful in the evaluation of lung functions in asphyxiated calves. • sRAGE at 2.03 ng/mL and sE-selectin at 2.71 ng/mL cut-off values are beneficial prognostic markers in calves with asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welfare assessment of dairy calves is commonly conducted through the observation of their behavior and the analysis of physiological parameters. Despite the large number of studies on this topic, there is a lack of research on the possible correlation between the physiological parameters and behavior at basal level in dairy calves. For this reason, the present study aimed to investigate the possible correlations between serum cortisol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and locomotor play behavior in 21 Friesian dairy calves within their first month of life. Every week, an arena test after blood collection was performed. A significant positive correlation between serum cortisol levels and N/L (rrm = 0.381; 95% CI = 0.083, 0.617; p = 0.012) and a negative correlation between time spent running and N/L (rrm = −0.351; 95% CI = −0.575, −0.077; p = 0.012) were found. On the contrary, no significant correlation between time spent running and cortisol levels was detected. Cortisol levels and N/L were higher in the newborn and had a constant decrease until reaching a stable value after the 24th day of life. These findings suggest a better predictivity of N/L, compared to serum cortisol, on locomotor play behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed restriction and fasting experienced during commercial production negatively affect unweaned calves' behavior and health status. Transportation and stays at assembly centers are the main factors generating these disorders. For this study, 20 unweaned Angus-Holstein bull calves [44.1 ± 2.04 kg of body weight (BW) and 14.7 ± 0.63 d of age (± standard error)] were used to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and fasting on performance, energy status [serum concentration of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and nonesterified fatty acids], and gastrointestinal permeability [serum concentration of citrulline, chromium (Cr)-EDTA, lactulose, and d -mannitol]. Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments that simulated the feed restrictions of an assembly center situation on one hand, and the fasting hours during transportation on the other. Treatments were as follows. Control (CT): from d −4 to −1, calves were fed 2.5 L of milk replacer (MR) twice daily; concentrate and straw were offered ad libitum. Mild (MD): calves were fed only MR (d −4 to −1) as described for CT, and on d −1 calves were subjected to a 9-h feed withdrawal. Moderate (MO): calves were fed only MR (d −4 to −1) as described for CT and on d −1 subjected to a 19-h feed withdrawal. Severe (SV): calves were fed only 2.5 L of a rehydrating solution twice daily (d −4 to −1) and on d −1 subjected to a 19-h feed withdrawal. From d 0 to d 42 (weaning) all calves were fed the same feeding program (MR, concentrate, and straw ad libitum). Results showed that BW was greater for the CT treatment compared with the others from d 0 to d 7, whereas BW of SV was lesser compared with the others from d −1 to d 7. No differences among treatments were observed at weaning. At d 2 concentrate intakes of MD, MO, and SV were lesser compared with CT. By d 4, concentrate intake of SV was similar to that for CT and greater than MD and MO. Similarly to BW, no differences in concentrate intake among treatments were observed at weaning on d 42 of the study. At d −1 for SV and d 0 in all restricted calves, serum glucose concentration was lesser compared with CT. At d −1 and 0, nonesterified fatty acids and BHB serum concentrations were greater in the SV calves compared with the other treatments. By d 2, serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, BHB, and glucose were restored to CT levels. At d −1 serum citrulline concentration was lesser in SV and greater in MD calves. The CT calves had lower serum concentrations of Cr-EDTA (d −1 and d 0), lactulose (d 0), and d -mannitol (d 0) compared with the other restricted calves. Results showed that degree of dietary restriction, type of liquid diet (MR or rehydrating solution), and fasting hours (9 vs. 19 h) affected calves' BW, concentrate intake, and serum concentration of markers indicative of energy status and gastrointestinal permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental n-3 fatty acids (FA) may support better immune responses than n-6 and n-9 FA in dairy calves. The objective was to evaluate the effect of n-3 FA, supplemented as a fish oil product (FO) in the milk replacer (MR), in comparison to n-6 and n-9 FA, supplemented as canola oil (CO), on body weight (BW), daily gain, and immunological parameters of preweaning Holstein calves. The study was conducted from September to December 2019. Calves were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 15; BW = 36.2 ± 1.5 kg; mean ± SEM) supplemented daily with 30 mL of CO and to an experimental group (n = 15; BW = 36.3 ± 1.5 kg) supplemented with 60 g of a product containing 30 g of FO. Both treatments were added to the MR during the morning feeding. All calves were fed 4 L of MR at 12.5% solids at 0700 and 1600 h for wk 1, 6 L from wk 2 to 7, and 3 L once daily (0700 h) during wk 8 until weaning (56 d). Blood samples were collected at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 d of age for serum haptoglobin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and protectin. Dry matter intake was recorded in all experimental calves daily. Seroneutralization titers to vaccination against viral diseases (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza 3, bovine viral diarrhea, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus) were determined. Mixed models for repeated measures were developed to analyze variables over time. Seroneutralization titers were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The other variables were compared by a generalized linear model. Serum FA profile at 35 d of age showed that FO supported higher concentrations of n-3 FA than CO. Final BW [65.2 vs. 62.0 kg, standard error of the mean (SEM) = 2.1 kg] and average daily gain (0.52 vs. 0.46 kg/d, SEM = 0.1 kg/d) tended to be higher for the FO than the CO group. An interaction of treatment × day for dry matter intake was observed, especially during weaning (2.17 kg vs. 1.94 kg, SEM = 0.158 kg, for FO and CO group, respectively). Blood lactate (mmol/L) was higher in the CO than in the FO group at d 7. Haptoglobin and IL-1β were higher for the CO group on d 14 than the FO group. The TNF- α concentrations for the FO group were reduced over time, whereas the concentrations in the CO group remained constant. Protectin was higher in the FO group on d 14, but was lower on d 28, 35, and 49. Seroneutralization antibody titers postvaccination for the PI 3 virus were higher for the FO than the CO group. In conclusion, calves supplemented with FO had lower concentrations of blood lactate, haptoglobin, IL-1β and TNF-α than calves supplemented with CO during the study period. The FO supplementation had a higher DMI than CO supplementation. Results of this trial should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of a negative control group as well as the lower birth weight and growth rate observed under heat stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased concentration of haptoglobin (Hp) in serum is associated with survival of critically ill humans and horses. High serum activity of liver‐derived enzyme is associated with sepsis in children and foals. Hypothesis/Objectives: Investigate whether admission serum Hp and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) are associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and survival of sick calves. Animals: One hundred two calves. Methods: Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Electronic medical records from all calves <30 days of age admitted to a teaching hospital for 8 years were reviewed. The signalment, clinicopathological findings, the presence of SIRS, final diagnosis, hospitalization time and outcome were recorded. A Cox proportional hazard ratio (HzR) were calculated to assess the association between clinicopathological variables and survival to discharge. Results: Serum Hp concentrations were similar between SIRS (0.29 g/L; range, 0.05‐3.6) and non‐SIRS calves (0.22 g/L; range, 0‐4.2; P =.62). GLDH activity was similar between SIRS (12 U/L; range, 1‐1025) and non‐SIRS calves (9 U/L; range, 2‐137; P =.2). Absent suckle reflex (HzR: 6.44, 95% CI: 1.44‐28.86), heart rate (HR) < 100 beats per minute (bpm; HzR: 12.2; 95% CI: 2.54‐58.62), HR > 140 bpm (HzR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.05‐12.33), neutrophil count <1.7 × 109/L (HzR: 7.36; 95% CI: 2.03‐26.66) and increased gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity (every 50‐unit, HzR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.21) were predictive of nonsurvival. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The use of Hp and GLDH for prediction of survival in sick calves cannot be recommended at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate hematology, some clinical and biochemical parameters, as well as mineral levels in calves with neonatal sepsis caused by diarrhea. In this study, 30 calves that were 0-10 days old, who did not receive any treatment and who met the criteria for diarrhea and sepsis within 24 hours at the latest, constitute the sepsis group, and 20 healthy calves in the same age group constitute the control group. Venous blood samples were taken from calves with sepsis before treatment and once from healthy calves. The mean heart rate per minute and respiratory rate were determined higher in the group with sepsis than in the control group. In addition, neutrophil counts were found to be higher in the sepsis group compared to the control group. Erythrocyte count and mean erythrocyte volume were found to be low. While the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine were statistically significantly higher in the group with sepsis compared to the control group, magnesium concentrations were lower (p<0.05). As a result, it was determined that biochemical parameters increased and mineral levels decreased in relation to liver and kidney dysfunction in neonatal calves with diarrhea-induced sepsis. The reason for these data to appear may be the result of dehydration from diarrhea. For this reason, it is important in the treatment to ensure normal tissue perfusion, especially by adding minerals with low levels and performing appropriate fluid therapy. We think that the chance of survival of calves with sepsis will increase by ensuring tissue perfusion and restoring enzyme levels to normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath (RS) block technique in calves with injections of methylene blue and assess the extent of injectate spread and nerve staining in calf cadavers. Prospective, experimental, blinded cadaveric study. A total of 16 calf cadavers weighing 30.7 ± 7.1 kg. Using an ultrasound-guided, in-plane technique, each cadaver was injected with both a low (LV; 0.25 mL kg–1) and high (HV; 0.5 mL kg–1) volume of methylene blue dye. Volumes were randomly assigned to the left or right hemiabdomen. Ultrasound imaging was scored based on landmarks and needle visualization, and duration to perform injections were assessed. Dissections were performed immediately after injections. Staining of ventral branches of spinal nerves and the extent of dye spread were recorded by an anatomist unaware of treatment allocation. The number of nerves stained in treatments LV and HV were 2.3 ± 1.7 and 4.4 ± 1.3, respectively (p = 0.0001). Branches of thoracic nerves T7–13 and lumbar nerves L1–2 were completely stained 6.3%, 6.3%, 31.3%, 62.5%, 56.3%, 37.5%, 31.3%, 6.3% and 0%, respectively, in treatment LV and 0%, 12.5%, 50%, 93.8%, 100%, 93.8%, 62.5%, 25% and 6.3%, respectively, in treatment HV. Ultrasound imaging was scored excellent in most cadavers and needle visualization deemed excellent in all injections. The mean duration to perform RS injections in both treatments was 2 (range, 1–6) minutes. Nerve staining results from treatment HV suggest that this RS injection technique could be clinically useful in ventral midline surgical procedures, including umbilical procedures, in calves. This study supports future clinical trials in calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study depicts a rare case of a dicephalic conjoined anomaly in a bunaji calf. In this case report, we describe a dicephalic female twin calf from a pregnant bunaji cow (Bos indicus) during the post-mortem examination. Detailed external anatomical characteristics were assessed through a detailed macroscopic examination. The two heads were joined at the level of the ramus of the mandible, extending from the ramus of the mandible to the point of the mandibular condyles. The external features comprised of a single thorax, two heads, with the right head slightly bigger than the left head, four eyes, two ears, four nostrils, two forelimbs and two hindlimbs. There was a duplication of the tongue with a common base. A foramen magnum was present at the cervical region for the passage of the spinal cord. In conclusion, the case report describes a unique case of female dicephalic conjoined twinning congenital abnormally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of early pathogenic Escherichia coli infection on newborn calves' intestinal barrier and immune function. A total of 64 newborn Holstein male calves (40–43 kg) were divided into two groups: normal (NG) and test (TG), each with 32 heads. At the beginning of the experiment, the TG calves were orally administered pathogenic E. coli O1 (2.5 × 1011 CFU/mL, 100 mL) to establish a calf diarrhea model. In contrast, the NG calves were given the same amount of normal saline. During the 30 d trial period, the feeding and management of the two groups remained constant. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantification PCR, and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology were used to detect indicators related to the intestinal barrier and immune function in the calf serum and tissues. Pathogenic E. coli O1 had a significant effect on calf diarrhea in the TG; it increased the bovine diamine oxidase (P < 0.05) and endotoxin levels in the serum and decreased (P < 0.05) the intestinal trefoil factor (P < 0.05), Occludin, Claudin-1 , and Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO-1) levels in the colon tissue, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of Occludin, Claudin-1 ,and ZO-1 in the colon mucosa, leading to increased intestinal permeability and impaired intestinal barrier function. Additionally, pathogenic E. coli had a significant impact on the diversity of colonic microbial flora, increasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level and decreasing the levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroides. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Escherichia and Shigella in the TG increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas that of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus , Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia , and Lactobacillus was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the level of IL-6 in the serum of the TG calves was significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), compared to those in the NG calves. Thus, pathogenic E. coli induced diarrhea early in life disrupts intestinal barrier and impairs immune function in calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of milk allowances equal to 526 g/d as moderate (MOD) versus 790 g/d of milk dry matter as high (HI), and starter diets containing 18% or 23% crude protein (CP), on growth performance, blood metabolites, and purine derivative (PD) excretion in the urine of dairy calves. A total of 52 female Holstein dairy calves (40.8 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to the experimental diets. The treatments were (1) moderate milk and 18% CP starter diet (MOD-18CP); (2) MOD and 23% CP starter diet (MOD-23CP); (3) high milk and 18% CP starter diet (HI-18CP); and (4) HI and 23% CP starter diet (HI-23CP). Calves had free access to a starter feed and water and were weaned on d 53 but remained in the study until d 73. Urine samples were collected during the preweaning period (for 6 consecutive days between d 35 and 40) and postweaning period (for 6 consecutive days between d 65 and 70) to investigate urinary excretion of PD. Starter feed intake, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and blood urea concentrations were reduced; however, average daily gain (ADG) and blood glucose levels increased in calves fed HI before weaning compared with MOD. During the preweaning period, high milk feeding increased total urinary PD excretion but decreased it after weaning. The 23CP diet resulted in higher feed intake and ADG before weaning and higher excretion of allantoin and total excretion of PD compared with the 18CP diet. The HI-23CP treatment resulted in the greatest withers and hip heights at weaning and final measurement, as well as the highest preweaning blood insulin concentrations. In terms of rumen development, MOD-23CP showed the greatest benefits based on starter intake, blood BHB concentration, and urinary excretion of PD. Based on the higher urinary excretion of PD found in HI-fed calves before weaning, it is possible that milk feeding overestimates estimated microbial yield. The results suggest that feeding starters with a higher proportion of CP may help maintain a more balanced ratio of CP to ME during high milk feeding, to avoid protein deficiency due to low starter intake. When calves are fed a high milk allowance, urine excretion of PD may be misinterpreted as a measure of estimated microbial growth and rumen development; this should be considered during calculations of estimated microbial yield in milk-fed calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral electrolyte solutions (OES) are a common, on-farm therapy to reestablish hydration and electrolyte balances in scouring and stressed calves. The objectives were to determine the effects of OES alkalinizing agent and the presence of a milk replacer feeding before OES administration on the abomasal environment in healthy Holstein calves. Abomasum cannulation was performed on 16 Holstein bull calves at 5 d of age. One calf was removed from the study before the calves were randomly assigned to treatments at 9 d of age. Treatments were arranged as a 2-by-2 factorial, with the following factors: oral electrolyte alkalinizing agent [acetate (A) or bicarbonate (B)] and liquid meal type milk replacer (MR) + OES (MR-A, MR-B), or OES only (OES-A, OES-B)]. The OES differed only by alkalinizing agent. On d 9, calves assigned to MR-A (n = 4) or MR-B (n = 4) received their morning MR aliquot 0.5 h before feeding 2 L of OES; the OES-A (n = 3) and OES-B (n = 4) treatment groups were fed 2 L of OES only. Peripheral blood samples and postprandial abomasal fluid samples were collected to assess abomasal pH, abomasal emptying rate (AER), and ex vivo abomasal Escherichia coli growth potential. Postprandial pH was greater in calves fed MR or B-based OES. Abomasal emptying rate was slower in calves receiving MR + OES, regardless of the alkalinizing agent. Ex vivo E. coli colony-forming unit counts were greater in calves fed either MR + OES or bicarbonate-based OES. Supplementing bicarbonate OES in addition to MR alters abomasal dynamics and may promote E. coli growth in postprandial abomasal fluid, partially due to sustained elevations in gastric pH and delayed gastric emptying rates. The OES containing sodium acetate limited ex vivo E. coli growth potential in abomasal fluid, thereby potentially reducing the risk of additional enteric bacterial complications associated with OES therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of milk replacer (MR) feeding rate (FR) and frequency (FF) on glucose metabolism before and after weaning during summer and winter in the subtropical climate of the southeastern United States. Holstein calves (n = 48/season) were enrolled at 8 d of age (DOA) in the summer (June to August, body weight = 40.6 ± 0.7 kg) and winter (November to January, body weight = 41.9 ± 0.8 kg). In each season, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including 2 FR [0.65 (low) or 0.76 kg of solids/d (high) of a 26% CP and 17% fat MR] and 2 FF [2× (0700 and 1600 h) or 3× (0700, 1600, and 2200 h)]. Calves were managed similarly and housed in polyethylene hutches bedded with sand. Milk replacer (12.5%) was fed based on treatments until 42 DOA when FR was reduced by half and offered 1×/d (0700 h) for 7 d. Plasma was collected weekly at 1400 h for analyses of glucose and insulin concentrations in all calves. Pre- and postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations of a subset of calves (n = 10/treatment per season) were measured on 20 DOA. A subset of calves (n = 8/treatment per season) was subjected to an intravenous glucose tolerance test (GTT) on 27 and 57 DOA and insulin challenge on 28 and 58 DOA at 1030 h. Average ambient temperature was 26.1 ± 2.2°C in summer and 12.9 ± 5.4°C in winter. During the preweaning period in both seasons, feeding high increased plasma glucose concentrations compared with low, and increasing FF reduced basal insulin concentrations. Compared with 2×, feeding 3× did not affect postprandial glucose but lowered insulin in the summer, whereas in the winter, increased glucose from 30 to 180 min but lowered insulin from 240 to 420 min after MR feeding. Following GTT before weaning in both seasons, 3× reduced insulin increment and area under the curve compared with 2× without affecting glucose disposal. After weaning, treatment did not affect glucose disposal or insulin responses after GTT during winter, but calves fed 3× had faster glucose disposal and stronger insulin responses than 2× during summer. In both summer and winter, preweaned calves fed 3× had greater decrement and area under the curve of plasma glucose after insulin challenge, suggesting enhanced peripheral tissue insulin response compared with 2×. This effect persisted after weaning only during summer. Increasing FR had no effect on metabolic responses in both seasons. In conclusion, increasing MR FF from 2 to 3 times per day reduced insulin secretion but enhanced insulin response on peripheral tissues of preweaned calves regardless of season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding rate (FR) and frequency (FF) on performance, abomasal emptying, and nutrient digestibility in the southeastern United States, Holstein calves (n = 48/season) were enrolled at 8 d of age (DOA) during summer [June to August, body weight (BW; mean ± SD) = 40.71 ± 4.35 kg] and winter (November to January, BW = 42.03 ± 3.83 kg). Within season, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including 2 FR [0.65 (low) or 0.76 kg of solid per day (high) of a 26% crude protein and 17% fat MR], and 2 FF [2× (0700 and 1600 h) or 3× (0700, 1600, and 2200 h) daily]. Calves were housed in polyethylene hutches and managed similarly throughout the trial. Milk replacer (12.5% solids) was fed to calves based on their respective treatments until 42 DOA, when MR allowance was reduced by 50% and offered once a day (0700 h) for the following 7 d until weaning. Calves remained on trial until 63 DOA. Calf starter and water were offered ad libitum. Ambient temperature and relative humidity inside and outside hutches were measured hourly. Starter and MR intakes were recorded daily. Respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded 3 times a week. Structural growth and BW were measured weekly. Acetaminophen (50 mg/kg of BW) mixed with MR was fed to a subset of calves (0700 h, n = 10/treatment per season) on 20 DOA. Plasma was collected at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, 360, 420, and 480 min after feeding, to analyze acetaminophen. The acetaminophen concentration-time curve was modeled to the first derivative of Siegel's modified power exponential equation, and the time for plasma acetaminophen to reach maximum (Tmax) was calculated to evaluate abomasal emptying rate. During the pre- (14.9–17.9 DOA) and postweaning (51.0–54.0 DOA) periods, a subset (n = 8/treatment per season) of calves was used to determine the apparent digestibility of nutrients, using chromic oxide as the external marker. Feeding 3× reduced preweaning respiration rate during summer and reduced rectal temperature during winter. Increasing FR improved BW gain and structural growth. Feeding more times per day tended to improve growth during winter but not summer. We found no effect of treatment on nutrient digestibility. Increasing FR had no effect on Tmax during winter but tended to delay Tmax of plasma acetaminophen during summer. Regardless of season, increasing FF lowered Tmax of plasma acetaminophen. In conclusion, increasing FF accelerated abomasal emptying and might reduce heat load of preweaning dairy calves but improved growth only during winter. Increased MR allowance improved growth in both seasons but delayed abomasal emptying only under heat stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 7-month-old female Holstein calf presented with bilateral microtia and absent external acoustic meatus. The real-time polymerase chain reaction test was negative for bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine leukemia virus. The calf's dam had a normal reproductive history. Computed tomography confirmed bilateral atresia of external auditory canals, aplasia of tympanic cavities and the ossicular chain, and temporomandibular joint abnormality. Necropsy revealed a severe malformation of the temporal bone. In the tympanic region, the external acoustic pore, tympanic bulla, and muscular process were absent bilaterally. The bilateral inner ear structure was normal. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the present case as congenital malformations of the external and middle ear accompanied by temporal bone anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There is increasing research interest in using short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in animal production. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of sodium butyrate (SB) in liquid feeds (milk, milk replacer, and the mixture of both) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity and immunoglobins in dairy calves before weaning. Forty healthy female Holstein calves (4-day-old, 40 ± 5 kg of body weight) were housed in individual hutches and randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups (n = 10 per group) using the RAND function in Excel. The control group was fed no SB (SB0), while the other three groups were supplemented with 15 (SB15), 30 (SB30), or 45 (SB45) g/d of SB mixed into liquid feeds offered. The calves were initially fed milk only (days 2 to 20), then a mixture of milk and milk replacer (days 21 to 23), and finally milk replacer only (days 24 to 60). Results The SB supplementation enhanced growth and improved feed conversion into body weight gain compared with the SB0 group, and the average daily gain increased quadratically with increasing SB supplementation. No significant effect on rumen pH; concentrations of NH3-N, individual and total VFAs; or acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio was found during the whole experimental period. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity increased linearly with the increased SB supplementation, while the serum concentration of maleic dialdehyde linearly decreased. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, or immunoglobulin M were not affected by the SB supplementation during the whole experimental period. Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, SB supplementation improved growth performance and antioxidant function in pre-weaned dairy calves. We recommended 45 g/d as the optimal level of SB supplementation mixed into liquid feeds (milk or milk replacer) to improve the growth and antioxidant function of dairy calves before weaning.

ABSTRACT: Somatic-cell nuclear transfer is a cloning technique that enables the creation of a viable embryo from a donor adult to produce a genetically identical individual. This technique opens numerous potential possibilities for medicine and animal reproduction. However, several reports have documented cloning-related issues. Embryo and fetal losses remain significantly higher than in other techniques, and there is a high incidence of dystocia and hydrops, which decreases efficiency and increases costs. Animals delivered at term often exhibit a syndrome known as macrosomia and experience difficulties in adapting to life outside the uterus, and death is a common outcome. In the present study, 41 cloned calves that died in the neonatal period were subjected to gross and histopathological examination. Most important gross lesions were found in the liver (enlargement, congestion, yellowish color), kidneys (brownish color at surface and cut, and cysts), lungs (atelectasis, parenchymal consolidation, and secretions in bronchi and bronchioles), and heart (concentric and eccentric hypertrophy, hematic cysts, persistence of ductus arteriosus). Primary microscopic findings were seen in the liver, kidneys, and lungs from neonatal calves. In the liver, 85% of the animals exhibited hepatic degeneration. The presence of a brownish pigment within the cortical tubules of the kidneys was found in approximately 90% of the samples; the presence of this pigment has not been previously reported in cloned calves. In the lungs, a large number of animals exhibiting lesions characteristic of pneumonia (55%). These changes were the pivotal causes of death, mainly due to problems in adapting to life outside the uterus and opportunistic infections in the neonatal period. Further investigation focusing on pathological anatomical changes is necessary to map these abnormalities in cloned animals.

The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between milk feeding quantity (FL) and feeding frequency (FF) on intake, growth performance, rumen development and blood metabolites in dairy calves. A total of 48 Holstein calves (n = 12 calves per treatment: 6 males and 6 females) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, including (1) two low plane of milk feeding (2 meals/d, LPM-2×; 3 meals/d, LPM-3×; total milk intake = 210 L) and two high plane of milk feeding (2 meals/d, HPM-2×; 3 meals/d, HPM-3×; total milk intake = 371 L). Calves fed HPM had higher BW, ADG, blood glucose and triglycerides concentration during the preweaning. Calves fed HPM received more ME, total DMI and ate less starter than LPM calves during preweaning. Regardless of the milk feeding quantity, with increasing FF, starter intake, total DMI and ME were reduced without a negative effect on ADG. Calves fed 3 times/d compared with 2 times/d had a lower final hip width. Calves fed HPM had higher ruminal pH and molar proportion of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio, but less molar proportion of propionate and butyrate and total VFA compared with calves fed LPM on d 35 of the study. Interaction between milk feeding level and feeding frequency was observed for plasma glucose concentration with HPM-3× calves having the greatest value at d 35 of study. In conclusion, at both levels of milk feeding, calves did not benefit from the increased feeding frequency, but calves benefitted from HPM.Highlights Calves did not benefit from increased milk feeding frequency at either low or high plane of milk feeding. The performance of calves on low plane of milk feeding was constrained by the low nutrient intake and not the feeding frequency. Regardless of plane of milk feeding, feeding 3 meals/d reduced total DM and starter intake with no detrimental effects on overall average daily gain.

An experiment was performed to investigate the probiotic effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on yield, antioxidant activity, and expression of interleukin-6 gene in Holstein calves. Sixteen calves were divided into 4 dietary treatments with 4 calves/treatment. Experimental treatment diets include 1) control (without probiotic use), 2) milk soluble probiotics based on S. boulardii (1 g/kg), 3) milk soluble probiotics based on S. cerevisiae (1 g/kg) and 4) A mixture of yeast probiotics S. boulardii and S. cerevisiae as a solution in dairy milk (1 g/kg each). The completely randomized design was used in this experiment. The results showed that feeding S. boulardii and S. cerevisiae did not have a significant effect on performance traits compared with control. There was no significant difference between the different treatments for the number of antioxidant enzymes compared to the controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the treatments used probiotics were higher than the control. The expression of interleukin-6 gene expression was increased significantly (P

This study includes diagnostic efficacy of the antemortem, combined use of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of anterior segment dysgenesis. A 7-day-old male Holstein calf presented with progressive unilateral exophthalmos associated with enlargement of the right eyeball soon after birth. Ultrasonography of the enlarged right eyeball showed (1) a 2-cm-thick echogenic parenchymal lesion filling the anterior region of the right eyeball, (2) excess accumulation of the anechoic vitreous humor, and (3) absence of the lens structure. Antemortem examination using T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI revealed a thickened, hyperintense anterior lesion and absence of the lens structure. These imaging findings were suggestive of anterior segment dysgenesis. Antemortem imaging showed no abnormalities other than the abnormal structure and size of the right eyeball; therefore, enucleation of the right eye was performed, which allowed intact healing without suppuration. Ocular ultrasonography enhanced the diagnostic accuracy due to the characteristic ultrasonographic findings of a thickened anterior lesion and absence of the lens structure in the eyeball, suggestive of anterior segment dysgenesis.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) modulate the fatty acid composition in dairy cow milk, which represents the most important nutrient source of neonatal calves. In turn, dietary fatty acids are known to influence the gut microbiota. The current preliminary study investigated effects of a maternal fatty acid supplementation (MFAS) during transition period with coconut oil (CON, control), CLA (Lutalin®), or CLA + EFA (Lutalin® + essential fatty acids–linseed oil; safflower oil) on physico-chemical characteristics of jejunal content and microbiota of 5-day-old calves. MFAS of CLA + EFA increased α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and n-3 fatty acid proportions in jejunum compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Proportions of n-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased by MFAS of CLA + EFA compared to CON (P < 0.05). Most abundant phyla in the jejunum were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota. CLA + EFA decreased the relative abundance of Diplorickettsiales (Proteobacteria) compared to CON and CLA (P < 0.05). CLA calves showed a lower abundance of Enterobacterales (Proteobacteria) compared to CON calves (P = 0.001). The abundance of Veillonellales-Selenomonadales and RF39 (Firmicutes) decreased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CON calves (P < 0.05). Bacteroidales (Bacteroidota) decreased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CLA calves (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Euryarchaeota decreased and the abundance of Chloroflexi increased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CON and CLA calves (P < 0.05). MFAS alters the fatty acid composition and microbial milieu in the intestinal content of neonatal calves due to their ability to modulate colostral fatty acid composition of dams.

We studied the effect of early pathogenic Escherichia coli infection on newborn calves’ intestinal barrier and immune function. A total of 64 newborn Holstein male calves (40–43 kg) were divided into two groups: normal (NG) and test (TG), each with 32 heads. At the beginning of the experiment, the TG calves were orally administered pathogenic E. coli O1 (2.5 × 1011 CFU/mL, 100 mL) to establish a calf diarrhea model. In contrast, the NG calves were given the same amount of normal saline. During the 30 d trial period, the feeding and management of the two groups remained constant. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantification PCR, and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology were used to detect indicators related to the intestinal barrier and immune function in the calf serum and tissues. Pathogenic E. coli O1 had a significant effect on calf diarrhea in the TG; it increased the bovine diamine oxidase (P < 0.05) and endotoxin levels in the serum and decreased (P < 0.05) the intestinal trefoil factor (P < 0.05), Occludin, Claudin-1, and Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO-1) levels in the colon tissue, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of Occludin, Claudin-1,and ZO-1 in the colon mucosa, leading to increased intestinal permeability and impaired intestinal barrier function. Additionally, pathogenic E. coli had a significant impact on the diversity of colonic microbial flora, increasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level and decreasing the levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroides. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Escherichia and Shigella in the TG increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas that of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia, and Lactobacillus was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the level of IL-6 in the serum of the TG calves was significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), compared to those in the NG calves. Thus, pathogenic E. coli induced diarrhea early in life disrupts intestinal barrier and impairs immune function in calves.

Effects of milk feeding strategy and acidification on calf growth, metabolic traits, oxidative stress, and health were evaluated in the first 78 days of life. Holstein calves (N = 48; 12 calves/treatment) were assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of milk feeding strategy [6 L/d (MOD) or 12 L/d (HIGH) of milk] and acidification [non-acidified milk (NAM) or acidified milk (ACM)] on day 2. Calves were bucket-fed milk as follows: 6 L/d from days 2 to 49 for MOD and 6 L/d from days 2 to 49, 12 L/d from days 7 to 42, and 8 L/d from days 43 to 49 for HIGH calves. All calves were then fed 4 L/d from days 50 to 56. Starter and water were available ad libitum, while hay was fed at 5% of starter from day 64. Calves were weighed, measured, and blood (except days 14, 42 and 56) sampled on days 2, 14, 28, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 78. Data were analyzed using Mixed PROC of SAS with time as repeated measurements. Fecal scores, checked daily, were examined by the logistic regression using a binomial distribution in GLIMMIX procedure. There were no three-way interactions observed for all the parameters. We detected a milk feeding strategy × time interaction for starter intake, body weight, ADG, ADG/ME, FE, structural measurements, and glucose. Although, overall (558.0 vs. 638.6 g/d), HIGH calves tended to consume less starter compared to MOD, significant differences were only observed in week 8. The HIGH calves had greater ADG during days 2–14 (1.12 vs. 0.75 kg/d) and tended to have greater ADG on days 15–28 (0.79 vs. 0.55) and 29–42 (0.86 vs. 0.60) and lower on days 57–63 (0.11 vs. 0.38) compared to MOD calves. The HIGH calves had greater BW from days 28 to 78 compared to MOD, while NAM were bigger compared to ACM calves from days 49 to 78. The HIGH calves had lower overall feed and metabolizable energy efficiencies compared to MOD. Except for BW and heart girth, no milk acidification × time interaction was observed for starter intake, ADG, FE, or ADG/ME. Blood glucose in calves fed NAM-HIGH and ACM-HIGH were greater compared to those fed moderate milk volumes on day 28 only. Albeit, feeding strategy had no effect, calves fed ACM had lower likelihood of experiencing diarrhea (odds ratio = 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.018–1.698) compared to those fed NAM. Overall milk feeding strategy had no effect on growth, while milk acidification reduced growth in calves, despite lowering the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea.

Animals during the period of intensive growth and development need large amounts of nutrients. Young animals, especially newborns, are exceptionally vulnerable to potentially deleterious effects of nutritional deficiencies. Water is the main component of animal rations. Many dairy calves do not have sufficient access to drinking water. All calves, even those consuming large volumes of milk, should have access to drinking water. Milk does not meet their water requirements. Sick calves and calves reared in high ambient temperatures require free access to drinking water at all times. It is reasonable to offer free drinking water immediately after birth. The aim of this paper was to present the aspects connected with drinking water in calf nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAcquired alopecia of the lower legs may occur secondary to friction due to socks, footwear, or both on the lower extremities. There is scant literature that reports on this phenomenon.Methods and MaterialsWe describe 5 patients who presented with alopecia of their lower legs induced by socks, footwear, or both.Methods and Materials: We reviewed PubMed for the following terms: ankle alopecia, friction alopecia, frictional alopecia, lower extremity alopecia, non-scarring leg alopecia, and sock alopecia. We also reviewed papers containing these terms and their references.ResultsAcquired frictional alopecia of the lower extremities is often an asymptomatic condition found incidentally on physical examination. The condition can persist for many years despite removal of the source of friction.ConclusionThe incidence of acquired frictional alopecia of the lower extremities may be greater than reflected in previously published reports. It is a non-scarring subtype of alopecia that was noted as an incidental finding during the patient’s dermatology appointment.

This study aimed to expand on previous efforts to evaluate the ontogeny of echolocation in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Data consisted of echolocation recordings and concurrent behavioral observations taken from one calf in 2000 and from five additional dolphin calves and their mothers in 2002 housed at the U.S. Naval facility in San Diego, CA. A total of 361 echolocation click train samples from calves were recorded weekly over the first 6 months of the calves’ lives. The earliest calf echolocation train was recorded at 22 days postpartum and the number of echolocation attempts from calves increased steadily with age. Calf echolocation trains increased in duration and the number of clicks per train with age while train density (clicks/sec) and interclick interval values remained more consistent. Calves swimming independent of their mothers produced more click trains, especially when multiple calves were present in the social grouping. When considering these results in the context of possible maturation of a calf’s melon physiology, it seems very likely that the first two months of life are critical for the development of echolocation and related behaviors. While the first click train recorded in this sample was approximately 3 weeks of age by two different calves, it is possible that dolphin calves may innately produce functional sonar clicks immediately after birth, which were not captured in the current study.  Future research will need to investigate this possibility using more controlled conditions and a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the sonar system of neonates as well as the possible role of the mother in echolocation development.

Background: Despite calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) being problematic in many sports, there is a dearth of research to guide clinicians dealing with these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practices and perspectives of a select group of international experts regarding the assessment, management and prevention of CMSI using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Twenty expert clinicians working in elite sport and/or clinician-researchers specialising in the field completed interviews. A number of key points emerged from the interviews. Characteristics of CMSI were considered unique compared to other muscle strains. Rigor in the clinical approach clarifies the diagnosis, whereas ongoing monitoring of calf capacity and responses to loading exposure provides the most accurate estimate of prognosis. Athlete intrinsic characteristics, injury factors and sport demands shaped rehabilitation across six management phases, which were guided by key principles to optimise performance at return to play (RTP) while avoiding subsequent injury or recurrence. To prevent CMSI, periodic monitoring is common, but practices vary and data are collected to inform load-management and exercise selection rather than predict future CMSI. A universal injury prevention program for CMSI may not exist. Instead, individualised strategies should reflect athlete intrinsic characteristics and sport demands. Conclusions: Information provided by experts enabled a recommended approach to clinically evaluate CMSI to be outlined, highlighting the injury characteristics considered most important for diagnosis and prognosis. Principles for optimal management after CMSI were also identified, which involved a systematic approach to rehabilitation and the RTP decision. Although CMSI were reportedly difficult to prevent, on- and off-field strategies were implemented by experts to mitigate risk, particularly in susceptible athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the livestock activity there are setbacks or accidents that cause injuries to the animals. The clips placement to identify the calves requires the application of product that accelerates healing and prevents opportunistic infection (cutaneous myiasis, among others). The lack of veterinary products for this purpose, makes it necessary to search for new alternatives. This work describes the evolution of a clinical calf case from the "Niña Bonita" Livestock Genetic Company, Rearing Unit 907, with an ear wound due to placement identification clip, which was inflamed, with necrotic tissue, abundant infection, excruciating pain and a hole through the auricular labellum. The treatment applied so far was Ivomec®, to eliminating the cutaneous myiasis larvae. The OleoVET was applied inmidiatly, after carrying out a deep mechanical cleaning with HPI product and enough quantity was applied to cover the entire lesion and avoid flies. The cures were carried out every 24 h for five days. The evolution photos of the perforating wound were recorded in which a reduction of the typical infectious secretion is observed, together with the vascular regeneration, in addition to the growth of new bright red blood vessels and the progressive closure of the wound. The germicidal action of OleoVET, its stimulating action on wound healing and its usefulness in Veterinary Medicine were confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal calves are highly susceptible to infectious disorders including diarrhea. Therefore, epithelial innate immunity, including antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs), is important during the early stage of their lives. Chemerin, a multifunctional protein that was originally identified as a chemokine, possesses a potent antimicrobial activity. The present study investigated the expression levels of chemerin in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of growing calves. Chemerin and its coding gene, retinoic acid receptor responder protein 2 (RARRES2), were highly expressed in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with other parts of the GI tract. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that chemerin-producing cells were localized in the crypt of the intestinal mucosa. Finally, the expression level of RARRES2 was higher compared with those of other major AMPs in duodenum, although it was lower compared with that of enteric β-defensin but mostly higher than those of other AMPs in jejunum and ileum at various ages in calves. The expression levels of RARRES2 were not influenced by the age of calves in duodenum and jejunum, whereas a higher expression level of RARRES2 in ileum was observed in younger calves. This study revealed that chemerin is produced in the small intestine of calves and has the potential to contribute to the gut epithelial barrier system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trial was conducted with 414 newborn calves randomly divided by riskblocks of developing omphalitis or omphalophlebitis: low; medium, and high. The treatments were applied by stump-dipping daily for three days, with either iodine-polyvinylpyrrolidone (I-PVP) (n = 205), or with an alginate gel containing 0.5 % enrofloxacin hydrochloride dehydrate (enro-C) (n = 209). Results showed that only one death occurred in the enro-C group, which was attributable to internal hemorrhage not linked with the treatment. After four days, we recorded six other cases as stump fibrosis, but these were inconsequential. In the I-PVP group, 44 calves developed cord infection and were considered treatment failures (13 high-risk; 11 medium-risk, and 20 low-risk) (P < 0.0435 in the three risk grades). The umbilical stump involution was evident in the enro-C-treated animals on day one as most stumps were noticeably dried. Stump detachment occurred within an average of nearly 30 days, and the umbilical scars did not present infection in any case. Conversely, in the remaining calves of the I-PVP group, stump drying was observable after 72 h, and it detached within an average of 32 days (P < 0.05). In stumps treated with enro-C, dirt stuck less, and the gel formed an apparently protecting layer around the umbilical scar when stump was either absent or too short. These results show that enro-C is a successful preventive treatment that allows rapid umbilical stump involution in newborn calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holstein-Friesian breed is the best known and most representative breed that produces large quantities of the best quality milk. A healthy Holstein calf weighs 40 kg at birth. Holstein bulls can weigh up to 1180 kg. The growth and development of calves are influenced by environmental conditions, but also by feed. For this study, the calf breeding group from the 0-3 months category was used. Calves were tested from a nutritional point of view, both in terms of the lactating diet and the concentrate mixture at different protein levels. The consumption of the mixture of concentrates per animal was measured, following the development of calves in this category and metabolic problems. The rations were differentiated by protein level. It was found that there are statistically significant differences in feed consumption due to the different ratios applied and the type of milk administered according to the feeding schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 179-day-old calf, which was weak and stunted, showed neurological signs and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed extensive and severe cloudy area in the meninges, and pleural pneumonia. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from systemic organs. Biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses identified the isolate as Streptococcus gallolyticus, and its subspecies was suggested to be gallolyticus (SGG). The isolate was classified as a novel sequence type (ST115) by the multilocus sequence typing scheme for SGG and showed susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, florfenicol, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and chloramphenicol. Histopathologically, suppurative meningoencephalitis and perineuritis were detected. As SGG has been isolated solely from a cow with mastitis in Japan, this is the first SGG infection in a calf with suppurative meningoencephalitis and perineuritis in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether Fe, Cu, Zn, Se and Co levels changed in calves naturally infected with coccidiosis. The study was conducted on a total of 30 calves, 20 with coccidiosis and 10 healthy (control) calves of different races, sexes, and ages ranging from 26 to 78 days, with complaints of bloody diarrhea, weight loss and tenesmus. Serum Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Co concentrations of calves with coccidiosis were determined to be significantly lower than in the control group and this decrease was statistically significant (P<0.001). As for correlations between parameters of calves with coccidiosis and healthy ones determined as Pearson correlations for both groups, positive correlations were detected at the levels of 0.941, 0.951, 0.947 and 0.969 between Fe, Cu, Zn, Se and Co, respectively. Since significant decreases were detected in the serum Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Co concentrations of calves with coccidiosis, it is concluded that use of preparations containing trace elements may be beneficial in addition to the routine treatments in cases of coccidiosis or other diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐term response of humpback whales to boat approach and remote biopsy sampling was investigated in a breeding ground according to age‐class, sex, female reproductive status, social context, sampling system, habitat, and repeated sampling with more than 20 years of data. In a total of 2,248 observed behavioral responses to biopsy sampling, 58.7% showed no response, 40.7% were considered to be weak or moderate responses, and only 0.5% were considered to be strong. No significant difference was found between the response of calves (young‐of‐the‐year) and that of adults, whereas juveniles responded significantly more strenuously. The response of adult whales was influenced by sex, female reproductive status, and social context. Mothers showed the most frequent response to the boat approach, but the weakest response to the biopsy sampling itself, whereas nonlactating females had the strongest response to biopsy sampling. Males responded less when sampled within a competitive group. Repeated sampling of individual adults resulted in decreasing intensity of responses across years. This comprehensive assessment has implications for management authorities, notably in approving research permits for sampling different age classes on breeding grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental error of the first pair of pharyngeal arch processes would result in a group of malformations related to the oral cavity. These malformations can be listed as agnathia, micrognathia, brachygnathia, syngnathia, cleft palate, campylognathia, parrot beak, and strophocephalia. Campylognathia is an anomaly in which the lower or upper jaw deviated from the midline. Clinical examination of a newborn female Holstein Friesian calf showed mandibular deviation, inferior and superior cheek teeth deformation, and some other facial malformations. No similar case was detected in the history of the herd. Precise consideration of malformed animals and the extent of involvement of different structures indicates the pattern of malformation, the time of teratogenic effect, and the motive embryonic structures. In the present case, the involvement of derivatives of both maxillary and mandibular processes shows the responsibility of the first pharyngeal arch for mentioned abnormalities. In humans, different types of abnormal development of the first pharyngeal arch have been reported and so, have been classified under the “first visceral arch syndrome”. But according to the infrequency of reports, this classification has not been done in domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experiment was to investigate effect of providing forage to calves at early age with straw bedding on growth performance, rumen performance and ruminating duration of calves. 30 newborn Holstein female calves with similar birth weight of (36.7±1.8) kg were randomly divided into two groups, with 15 replicates in each group. The experiment lasted for 82 d. Calves in concentrate group were provided with free access to pellet starter, calves in forage group were provided with free access to pellet starter and oat hay separately. The results showed that there was no significant difference between groups in terms of height of calves, TDMI, ADG, FE, total production of VFA in rumen, the proportion of each VFA, ammonia-N and ruminating duration during pre-weaning period, post-weaning period and whole trail ( P >0.05). Chest circumference of calves in concentrate group was significantly higher than that in forage group ( P <0.05). The CDMI of calves in forage group was extremely lower than that in concentrate group ( P <0.01). The experiment indicates that providing forage to calves at early age has no influence on growth performance, rumen fermentation and ruminating duration, but increase chest circumference of calves significantly and decrease the CDMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research on factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves is predominantly based on indoor, year-round calving systems. Calf rearing in these systems differs from that in more seasonal, pasture-based dairy production, meaning that risks to the welfare of dairy calves may not always be comparable between the two systems. The aim of this review was to consolidate the scientific literature relating to calf welfare in pasture-based dairy systems from birth until weaning, allowing for (1) the identification of current and emerging risks to calf welfare and (2) the formation of recommendations to mitigate these risks. Many of the risks to calf welfare discussed in this review are not exclusive to pasture-based dairies. This includes a global trend for increasing perinatal mortalities, a significant number of calves failing to achieve effective passive transfer of immunity, the low uptake of best practice pain relief when calves are disbudded, and the feeding of restricted milk volumes. In addition to these persisting welfare risks, two factors discussed in this review pose an immediate threat to the social license of dairy farming; the separation of cow and calf soon after birth and the management of surplus calves (i.e. calves not needed by the dairy industry). Several recommendations are made to improve the uptake of best-practice calf rearing and progress the development of alternative pasture-based rearing systems that accommodate changing community expectations. These include communication strategies that strengthen farmer beliefs regarding the welfare and productivity benefits achieved by best practice calf rearing and challenge beliefs regarding the associated costs. Farmers should also be encouraged to benchmark their rearing practices through improved record keeping of key rearing inputs and outcomes. Biological research is needed to advise the development of new calf rearing recommendations and the evolution of existing recommendations. Research priorities identified by this review include the effects of dystocia on the neonate and strategies to mitigate these effects, relationships between features of pen design and calf health and welfare, feasibility of dam rearing in large pasture-based dairy systems, and strategies that increase the value of the surplus calf. Current research on factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves is predominantly based on indoor, year-round calving systems that differ from the more seasonal, pasture-based dairy production found in Australia and New Zealand. This review has consolidated the scientific literature relating to calf welfare in pasture-based dairy systems from birth until weaning. Current and emerging risks to calf welfare are identified and recommendations to mitigate these risks made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of incremental tributyrin supplementation in pasteurized waste milk on growth performance, health, and blood metabolism of dairy calves before and after weaning. Forty-eight newborn female Holstein dairy calves (39.6 ± 2.75 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were blocked by age and randomly assigned to 3 treatments: pasteurized waste milk (1) without supplementation, (2) with 1 g/L of tributyrin products (unprotected solid powder; containing 35% tributyrin), or (3) with 2 g/L of tributyrin products. The calves were weaned on d 56 and were raised until d 77. Data were analyzed for the preweaning, postweaning, and overall periods. The results showed that starter intake and hay intake were not different among treatments in any period of the trial, but the crude protein intake tended to increase linearly with tributyrin supplementation during the overall period. Although tributyrin supplementation had no effects on body weight during preweaning and overall periods, body weight increased linearly with tributyrin supplementation postweaning. The average daily gain tended to increase linearly during postweaning and overall periods. No effects were observed on feed efficiency in any period. A positive linear relationship between body length and tributyrin supplementation was observed during the postweaning period, but no differences were found for the other body structural measurements in any period. The results of diarrhea showed that tributyrin concentration had a negative linear relationship with diarrhea frequency during preweaning and overall periods. The rectal temperature did not differ among treatments in any period, but a treatment × week effect for rectal body temperature was observed. For blood metabolism, tributyrin supplementation had no effects on insulin, growth hormone, total protein, albumin, or globulin. No differences were found in serum amyloid A concentration in any of the periods, yet haptoglobin concentration decreased linearly with increasing tributyrin concentration during postweaning and overall periods. Endothelin concentration showed a tendency to decrease linearly during preweaning and postweaning periods and decreased linearly with tributyrin supplementation during the overall period. An increasing tributyrin concentration was associated with a negative linear relationship with IL-1β concentration during the preweaning period, and no differences were found in the other periods. The concentration of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were not different among treatments in any of the periods. These data suggest that increasing the concentration of tributyrin in pasteurized waste milk could increase growth performance and health of dairy calves, and incremental tributyrin supplementation could linearly reduce haptoglobin, endothelin, and IL-1β concentrations, indicating a positive effect of tributyrin on alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory status of dairy calves. Calves fed pasteurized waste milk supplemented with tributyrin products (containing 35% tributyrin) at 2 g/L compared with 1 g/L of milk had more improved growth and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of fiber from the first week of life on the growth and hindgut environment of preweaning calves. Twenty newborn female Holstein calves were divided into 2 groups as control and treatment. Calves in both groups were reared under the same feeding program except for oral fiber administration. Timothy hay and psyllium were mixed at a 50-to-6 ratio as a treatment diet for oral fiber administration. Calves in the treatment group were orally administered 50 g of fiber daily from 3 to 7 d of age and 100 g of fiber from 8 d of age until weaning. Feed intake and occurrence of diarrhea were recorded daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded weekly for the individual calf. Fresh feces were collected from calves at 7, 21, 35, 49, and 56 d of age to analyze fermentation parameters and microbiota to characterize the hindgut environment. Higher fiber intake in the treatment group due to oral administration of timothy and psyllium did not affect the starter intake and achieved higher BW at 21 d of age. The fecal pH, total volatile fatty acid, lactate, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were not affected by oral fiber administration; meanwhile, the molar proportion of propionate was higher in the treatment group at 7 d of age. The difference in fecal microbiota in the calves subjected to the oral administration of fiber was observed within 21 d of life; Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. showed higher abundance, whereas that of Clostridium perfringens was decreased. These higher abundances of beneficial bacteria and lower abundance of pathogenic bacteria during early life may partly explain the higher BW of calves in the treatment group at 21 d of age. Furthermore, no adverse effect was observed for the BW and health status in the treatment group throughout the preweaning period. Therefore, early fiber feeding via oral administration potentially contributes to improving the hindgut environment in newborn calves, which leads to better growth of calves during the early stage of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]