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The effects of garlic oil (GO) on serum fatty acids, lipid profiles and energy-related blood metabolites in feed-restricted fat-tailed ewes were investigated. For this purpose, twenty-eight dry, non-pregnant Makuei ewes (about three years of age; 45.00 ± 2.20 kg of body weight) were assigned randomly to four experimental groups including group 1 receiving basal diet as total mixed ration (TMR) without GO supplementation (control group), group 2 receiving 100% basal diet supplemented with GO (10.00 mg kg-1 BW), group 3 receiving 70.00% basal diet without GO supplementation and group 4 receiving 70.00% basal diet supplemented with GO (10.00 mg kg-1 BW). The main experimental period started eight weeks after performing adaptation and dietary allocations. Feed restriction reduced serum glucose levels along with higher serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids, triacylglycerols, β-hydroxybutyrate, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and very low-density of lipoprotein. Following feed restriction, the serum palmitic and oleic acids concentrations were increased. Garlic oil supplementation had a desirable effect on feed-restricted animals through lowering serum BHB and palmitic and oleic acids concentration and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the serum. These findings demonstrated that GO had the potential to reduce body-fat mobilization, thereby lowering the risk factors for disorders associated with negative energy balance in underfed ewes in the periparturient period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplement on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and reproductive parameters in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) supplementing 110 g per day of fat (control), 2) supplementing 120 g per day of rumen-protected CLA. The diets were formulated to be nutritionally isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The experimental period started 21 days pre-calving and continued until 60 days in milk (DIM). Treatments had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). The CLA treatment increased milk yield (3.04 kg per day and milk lactose concentration, but decreased milk fat concentration and, short and medium chain fatty acids concentrations. No treatment differences were observed in milk protein concentration, milk energy output and net energy balance. Serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), estradiol and progesterone were higher in CLA treated cows when compared to cows fed on the control diet. Serum beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration was reduced in cows fed on the CLA treatment. Days to first insemination and days open were not different between the two treatment groups. Cows fed on the CLA supplement had increased conception rate from the first service. The results indicated that cows fed on diets supplemented with CLA produced milk with decreased milk fat concentration whereas some related cow blood serum metabolic parameters associated with reproductive response were increased and resulted in an increased conception rate from the first service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The intensive dairy production demand high food offers to fill the nutritional requirements of the lactation, these cannot be provided to the peripartum cow, by the depression of the consumption and metabolic and endocrine changes occurring during of the transition period. The lower consumption of dry matter and the energy demands for high milk production, take the animal to the Negative Energy Balance (NEBAL), which must be overcome quickly to ensure a better reproductive rate and a higher milk production. Objective. To explore different nutritional options during the transition period, in order to reduce negative energy balance. Materials and methods. 28 cows were used, in a semiintensive dairy cows system, located in the tropics. Four treatments were used: TT1, control group; TT2, high energy density; TT3, non-protein nitrogen encapsulated, and TT4, monensin sodium. We analyzed hormones and metabolites related to energy, protein and minerals. By ultrasonography, it was determined the follicular dynamics and the presence of corpus luteum; likewise, we evaluated the reproductive indicators values and milk production. The sampling period up to 105 days postpartum allowed for the analysis of the first phase of lactation and covers the period in which it is expected that the dairy cow is in gestation. Results. Some variations were observed in the periods corresponding to the transition period for the main indicators of energy metabolism. Ovarian reactivation showed that it was not rapid, however, there was an effect on open days and reproductive efficiency. Conclusion. The concentrations of hormones and metabolites analyzed did not show significant variations. The effect of at least one treatment against the control was evident; likewise, there were variations in some analyzed periods. Reproductive behavior was poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the present study, an liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) metabolomics approach was performed to investigate potential biomarkers of milk production in high- and low-milk-yield dairy cows and to establish correlations among rumen fluid metabolites. Methods: Sixteen lactating dairy cows with similar parity and days in milk were divided into high-yield (HY) and low-yield (LY) groups based on milk yield. On day 21, rumen fluid metabolites were quantified applying LC/MS. Results: The principal component analysis and orthogonal correction partial least squares discriminant analysis showed significantly separated clusters of the ruminal metabolite profiles of HY and LY groups. Compared with HY group, a total of 24 ruminal metabolites were significantly greater in LY group, such as 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives (L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-tyrosine, etc.), diazines (uracil, thymine, cytosine), and palmitic acid, while the concentrations of 30 metabolites were dramatically decreased in LY group compared to HY group, included gentisic acid, caprylic acid, and myristic acid. The metabolite enrichment analysis indicated that protein digestion and absorption, ABC transporters and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were significantly different between the two groups. Correlation analysis between the ruminal microbiome and metabolites revealed that certain typical metabolites were exceedingly associated with definite ruminal bacteria; Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Synergistetes phyla were highly correlated with most metabolites. Conclusion: These findings revealed that the ruminal metabolite profiles were significantly different between HY and LY groups, and these results may provide novel insights to evaluate biomarkers for a better feed digestion and may reveal the potential mechanism underlying the difference in milk yield in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat products are highly vulnerable to numerous foodborne pathogens such as S. aureus, which make these products as plausible vehicle to disseminate these bacteria, so this study was carried out to detect the level of contamination of cattle meat as a measurement for the exposure of consumers to MRSA in one of the most common food chains in Wasit markets. The study was performed in the technical institute of Suwaira at Wasit province in Iraq, during the period from March to June 2018. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were isolated from imported and locally slaughtered cattle meat. A total of 35(46.7%) out of 75 of imported and locally slaughtered cattle meat gave positive results for S. aureus with prevalence of (25.7%) for MRSA in S. aureus. Results of susceptibility test revealed high prevalence of resistance in MRSA isolates to four or more antimicrobial agents with which eight antibiotic resistance profiles (ARPs) were presented by these isolates. Our study has shown that Imported and locally slaughtered beef in several markets in the province of Wasit has been highly tainted by S. aureus throughout the period of the study and when take into consideration that the existence of multiple drug-resistant S. aureus in retail meat may constitute a serious danger for the health of the consumers, consequently these outcomes are very vital from the public health viewpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketosis causes serious economic losses for the modern dairy industry because it is a highly prevalent metabolic disease among cows in high-producing herds during the transition period. Due to some striking similarities between diabetes in humans and ketosis in dairy cows, there is potential for the use of methylglyoxal (MGO)—commonly used in human diabetics—as a biomarker in dairy cattle. However, currently no data are available about the presence of MGO in the serum of dairy cattle or about the characteristics of its production or its potential contribution in the pathogenesis of ketosis. To determine the potential origin and pathway of formation of MGO, cows in different metabolic conditions [i.e., non-subclinically ketotic dairy cows in early lactation (n = 7), subclinically ketotic dairy cows in early lactation (n = 8), overconditioned dry cows (BCS >4.25, n = 6), and nonlactating heifers (n = 6)] were selected. Serum MGO concentrations were determined and correlated with indicators of the glucose and lipid metabolism and with haptoglobin (Hp) as an inflammatory marker. The serum MGO concentrations in subclinically ketotic cows (712.60 ± 278.77 nmol/L) were significantly greater than in nonlactating heifers (113.35 ± 38.90 nmol/L), overconditioned dry cows (259.71 ± 117.97 nmol/L), and non-subclinically ketotic cows (347.83 ± 63.56 nmol/L). In serum of lactating cows, concentrations of glucose and fructosamine were lower than in heifers and were negatively correlated with MGO concentrations. Even so, concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory markers such as dihydroxyacetone phosphate, nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, and Hp were remarkably higher in subclinically ketotic cows compared with nonlactating heifers; these metabolites were also positively correlated with MGO. In human diabetics elevated MGO concentrations are stated to originate from both hyperglycemia and the enhanced lipid metabolism, whereas higher MGO concentrations in subclinically ketotic cows were not associated with hyperglycemia. Therefore, our data suggest MGO in dairy cows to be a metabolite produced from the metabolization of acetone within the lipid metabolization pathway and from the metabolization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Furthermore, the highly positive correlation between MGO and Hp suggests that this reactive compound might be involved in the proinflammatory state of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows. However, more research is needed to determine the potential use of MGO as a biomarker for metabolic failure in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine ammonium chloride tolerance of lactating dairy cows, by examining effects of negative dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) induced by ruminal ammonium chloride infusion on performance, serum and urine minerals, serum metabolites and enzymes of lactating dairy cows. Methods: Four primiparous lactating Chinese Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas were infused with increasing amounts (0, 150, 300, or 450 g/d) of ammonium chloride in a crossover design. The DCAD of the base diet was 279 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) using the DCAD formula (Na + K − Cl − S)/kg of DM. Ammonium chloride infusion added the equivalent of 0, 128, 330, and 536 mEq/kg DM of Cl in treatments. According to the different dry matter intakes (DMI), the resulting actual DCAD of the four treatments was 279, 151, -51, and -257 mEq/kg DM, respectively. Results: DMI decreased linearly as DCAD decreased. Yields of milk, 4% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, milk fat, and milk protein decreased linearly as DCAD decreased. Concentrations of milk protein and milk urea nitrogen increased linearly with decreasing DCAD. Concentration of Cl- in serum increased linearly and concentration of PO43- in serum increased quadratically as DCAD decreased. Urine pH decreased linearly and calculated urine volume increased linearly with decreasing DCAD. Linear increases in daily urinary excretion of Cl−, Ca2+, PO43−, urea N, and ammonium were observed as DCAD decreased. Activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase in serum and urea N concentration in serum increased linearly as DCAD decreased. Conclusion: In conclusion, negative DCAD induced by ruminal ammonium chloride infusion resulted in a metabolic acidosis, had a negative influence on performance, and increased serum enzymes indicating potential liver and kidney damage in lactating dairy cows. Daily ammonium chloride intake by lactating dairy cows should not exceed 300 g, and 150 g/d per cow may be better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: To determine the effects of oral Ca bolus administration in the early postpartum period of cows on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance. METHODS: Multiparous Holstein dry cows (n=66) with a mean parity of 3.1 (SD 0.35) were fed a diet with a positive dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) prior to calving. They were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control; n=33) or two oral Ca boluses (n=33, 45 g of Ca per bolus); one was administered immediately after calving (Day 0) and the second 24 hours (±30 minutes) later. Blood samples were collected at calving, and on Days 2 and 7 to determine concentrations in serum of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition was determined weekly from calving until 28 day postpartum. Health and outcomes were determined during the first 30 days postpartum and reproductive outcomes to 180 days postpartum. RESULTS: Mean milk yields and composition over the first month of lactation were similar between cows in the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Mean concentrations of Ca in serum were not different between treatment groups on Day 0, but were higher on Day 2 for cows that received oral Ca boluses (1.77 (SE 0.07)) compared with Control cows (1.54 (SE 0.08)) (p=0.04). Concentrations in serum of P, Mg, glucose, NEFA and ΒHBA did not differ between treatment groups on any day of measurement. Fewer cows that received oral Ca were diagnosed with hypocalcaemia (total concentrations of Ca in serum <1.5 mmol/L) by Day 2 (2/33; 6%) compared with Control cows (12/33; 36%) (p=0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of other health outcomes between treatment groups. The proportion of cows conceiving to first insemination was greater in cows that received an oral Ca bolus (19/29; 65%) than Control cows (12/29; 41%) (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oral Ca bolus administration increased concentrations of Ca in serum on Day 2 postpartum, and increased first service conception rates, in cows fed a diet with a positive DCAD prior to calving compared to cows that received no oral Ca bolus supplementation. Because of the small number of cows used in this study, further studies in large-scale dairy farms should be carried out to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine if supplementation of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) altered select organ weights, histology, and cardiac anatomical features at harvest and 2) to determine if administration of a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (VP) challenge following 20 d of ZH supplementation altered the blood chemistry profile in cattle. Crossbred heifers (n = 20; 556 ± 7 kg BW) were randomized into 2 treatment groups: 1) control (CON), without ZH, and 2) zilpaterol (ZIL; ZH at 8.33 mg/kg [DM basis] for 20 d). On d 20 of supplementation, heifers were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters. On d 24, starting at 0800 h and continuing until 1600 h, blood samples were collected at 60-min intervals. At 1000 h, heifers received an i.v. bolus of CRH (0.3 μg/kg BW) and VP (1.0 μg/kg BW) to activate the stress axis. Serum was separated and stored at -80°C until analyzed for a large-animal chemistry panel. Following the CRH/VP challenge, heifers were harvested on d 25, 26, and 27 (5, 6, and 7 d after ZH supplementation); BW, HCW, select organ weights, and histology were measured, and a total heart necropsy was performed. A treatment effect (P ≤ 0.02) was observed for Ca, K, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Zilpaterol-fed heifers had decreased (P ≤ 0.02) concentrations of Ca and K and increased concentrations (P < 0.01) of creatinine (P = 0.02) during the CRH/VP challenge when compared to control heifers. Control heifers had greater (P ≤ 0.05) alkaline phosphatase and sorbitol dehydrogenase concentrations when compared with ZIL heifers. A treatment × time interaction (P = 0.02) was observed for P; concentrations were similar between treatments from -2 to 6 h postchallenge, and 7 h postchallenge CON heifers had decreased P. Liver (P = 0.06) and kidney (P = 0.08) weights as a percentage of BW tended (P ≤ 0.08) to be reduced in ZIL heifers. Gross liver weights tended (P = 0.08) to be lower in ZIL heifers. Other organ (heart, lung, adrenals) to BW ratios remained similar (P ≥ 0.41). These data suggest that there are some variations observed between treatments in terms of response to ZH supplementation and the CRH/VP challenge; however, in the environmental conditions of this study, limited variation in blood metabolic responses and organ weights suggests that the supplementation of ZH did not detrimentally alter the physiology of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of stockpiled forage type and protein supplementation on VFA production, serum metabolites, and BW in yearling beef heifers. Over 2 yr, spring-born, Angus crossbred yearling beef heifers (n = 42; 305 ± 2.9 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 forage pasture types: 1) endophyteinfected tall fescue [TF; Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort], 2) a big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) combination (BI), or 3) switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.). Each pasture was then randomly assigned to receive either 1 of 2 isonitrogenous CP treatments: 1) 0.68 kg·heifer-1·d-1 of dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS; 28% CP and 88% TDN) or 2) 0.22 kg·heifer-1·d-1 of blood meal and fish meal (BF; 72.5% CP and 69.5% TDN), resulting in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were initiated in January and terminated in April in both years of the study. Body weights and blood samples were collected approximately every 28 d from initiation of grazing until the end of the trial. Heifer BW change from January to February and overall BW change were greater (P < 0.01) for TF heifers. However, BW change from March to April was not different (P = 0.84) among forage types. Supplement type did not influence (P ≥ 0.13) BW or BW change from January to February and from January to April; however, heifers fed DDGS had greater (P = 0.03) BW gain from March to April. Heifer BW change from February to March exhibited (P < 0.05) a forage type × supplement interaction, with BF-fed heifers gaining more BW on BI pastures than DDGSfed heifers. Serum glucose concentrations, ruminal acetate, and the acetate:propionate ratio were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for SG heifers. However, circulating serum NEFA and urea N (SUN) concentrations were not different (P ≥ 0.85) among forage types. Serum glucose and NEFA concentrations were not influenced (P ≥ 0.61) by supplement type. Circulating SUN concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in BF-supplemented heifers. Ruminal acetate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) and butyrate concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) for BF-supplemented heifers. The acetate:propionate ratio was not influenced (P = 0.15) by supplement type. These results suggest that a compensatory gain period prior to breeding would be needed for these native warm-season species to be a viable opportunity for growing and developing replacement heifers in the southeastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synovex® ONE is an extended-release implant containing the active ingredients estradiol benzoate and trenbolone acetate for use in beef steers and heifers. Trenbolone acetate is rapidly hydrolyzed in cattle to form 17β-trenbolone and its isomer, 17α-trenbolone, which are further transformed to a secondary metabolite, trendione. As part of the environmental assessment for the use of Synovex ONE, data were generated to characterize the fate of 17α-trenbolone, which is the principal metabolite found in cattle excreta, in the environment. A study was conducted to determine the degradation and transformation of [14C]-17α-trenbolone in 2 representative water-sediment systems under aerobic conditions. The same transformation products, 17β-trenbolone and trendione, were formed, principally in the sediment phase, in both systems. From the production of these transformation products, the 50% disappearance time (DT50) values of 17β-trenbolone and trendione were determined, along with the DT50 values of the parent compound and the total drug (17α-trenbolone + 17β-trenbolone + trendione). The DT50 values for the total system (aqueous and sediment phase) and for the total residues (17α-trenbolone + 17β-trenbolone + trendione) in the 2 systems were 34.7 d and 53.3 d, respectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:630-635. © 2016 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and shade were evaluated on blood metabolites in finishing beef steers (n = 480). Cattle were fed 0 or 8.33 mg/kg of diet DM ZH for 21 d with a 3- or 4-d withdrawal before harvest and were housed in open or shaded pens. Blood samples were collected the day before ZH was fed and on the day the cattle were shipped to the commercial abattoir. Lactate concentration was not different between cattle fed ZH in open or shaded pens (P = 0.12). Nonetheless, a tendency for a diet ? time interaction was detected for lactate concentration (P = 0.09), in which it was greater in cattle fed the control diet in open pens before being fed ZH. Cortisol concentration was less before and after ZH was fed (P = 0.01). Glucose was greater for cattle fed the control diet than cattle fed ZH for 21 d (P = 0.03). Cattle fed in open vs. shaded pens did not differ in glucose concentration (P = 0.12), whereas glucose concentrations were greater before ZH was fed than after (P = 0.02). In contrast, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration was not different in response to diet (P = 0.24), housing type (P = 0.65), or before vs. after being fed ZH (P = 0.60). Lactate concentrations were not different across diet or shade treatments before ZH was fed, whereas after ZH, lactate concentrations were greater in control cattle than cattle fed ZH. Additionally, cortisol was less after feeding ZH. Glucose was greater before than after feeding ZH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 40 dairy cows in early lactation (60 to 90 days) of four different breeds were selected, comprising 10 animals each from Holstein Friesian (HF), Jersey (J), Achai (ACH) and F1 (HF x Sahiwal). All cows were multiparous with body weight 250-400 kg and milk production ranged from 3 to 12 kg/day. Blood samples were collected from each animal at fortnight intervals for 90 days. In the present study, 65 % of cows reestablished estrus while 35 % cows remained anestrous, 80 % of Holsteins showed estrus followed by 70 % of Jersey and F1 cows while in Achai breed showed only 40 % and 60 % cows remained anestrous. Blood glucose and daily milk yield significantly affected post partum estrus (P<0.01) while serum total protein and triglycerides concentration in blood did not affect post partum estrus. The serum glucose level was lower (39.93 ± 3.14 mg/dl) two months before and showed an increasing trend (49.63 ± 2.47 mg/dl) towards commencement of estrus as well as during estrus (48.20 ± 2.42 mg/dl) and then a declining trend was observed. Mean concentration of serum glucose was significantly higher in Jersey (52.50 ± 2.09 mg/dl) followed by F1 (39.68 ± 1.45 mg/dl), HF (38.85 ± 1.77 mg/dl) and Achai (33.30 ± 2.17 mg/dl) respectively. Breed type significantly affected blood glucose (P < 0.05) in jersey cows whereas both blood glucose and triglycerides were significantly affected (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) in F1 cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of sodium borate (Na2B4O7-5H2O) addition to dairy cow rations starting from prepartum period on serum Cortisol, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglyceride (TG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Clinically healthy eighty pregnant cows were randomly divided into two groups. Sodium borate (30 g/day) was added to the rations of the borax group (n=40) until day 21 postpartum. Blood samples were taken from all cows (n=40) on days 21,14 and 7 before parturition, at parturition and on days 7,14 and 21 after parturition. Serum Cortisol levels in the borax group were lower (P<0.05) than those in the control group, there was a decrease (P<0.05) in serum BHB, NEFA and TG levels before, at parturition and after parturition, serum BUN concentrations increased (P<0.05) in prepartum and postpartum samples in the borax group, except for prepartum days 21 and 14, AST concentrations were higher (P>0.05), on all other sampling days, and ALT levels were not affected (P>0.05). It was concluded that adding sodium borate to rations especially in the transition period in highly productive dairy breeds might be an alternative to protect against negative energy imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pistachio skins (PiS) as a replacement of wheat bran on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield, milk composition and blood metabolites of dairy Saanen goats. Eight multiparous lactating Saanen goats (55 ± 7.2 days post-partum, 45 ± 2 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments arranged in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were 1) 0 g/kg PiS and 210 g/kg wheat bran in the TMR (0PiS), 2) 70 g/kg PiS and 140 g/kg wheat bran in the TMR (7PiS), 3) 140 g/kg PiS and 70 g/kg wheat bran in the TMR (14PiS) and 4) 210 g/kg PiS and 0 g/kg wheat bran in the TMR (21PiS). The trial consisted of four 21-day periods, each composed of 14 days adaptation and 7 days data collection. Dry matter intake (p < 0.05) and crude protein digestibility (p < 0.01) increased linearly with increasing PiS proportions in the diet. Increasing the proportion of PiS in the diet caused a quadratic increase in apparent digestibility of dry matter (p < 0.05), and tended (p = 0.05) to increase quadratically organic matter, and ether extract digestibility. Replacing wheat bran with PiS in the diet had no effects on milk yield, whereas milk fat concentration increased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing inclusion of PiS in the diet. As the dietary proportion of PiS increased, ruminal pH tended (p = 0.07) to increase linearly, whereas ammonia-N concentration declined in the rumen. Plasma concentrations of glucose and BUN remained unaffected, whereas triglycerides (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01) concentrations increased linearly with increasing inclusion of PiS in the diet. It was concluded that PiS based on local ingredients can successfully replace wheat bran in diets of dairy goats without detrimental effects on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-two Holstein steers (573 ± 9.92 kg BW) were used to determine if oral administration of crystalline menthol would induce changes in endogenous secretions of IGF-1 and circulating concentrations of glucose, lactate, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). Steers were blocked by BW and assigned within block to treatment. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.003, 0.03, or 0.3% crystalline menthol (DM basis) added to the diet. Animals were housed in individual, partially covered pens equipped with feed bunks and automatic water fountains. On d 1 of the experiment, blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after feeding. Treatment administration commenced on d 2, and blood samples were again drawn at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after feeding. This bloodsampling schedule was repeated on d 9, 16, 23, and 30. Plasma was analyzed for PUN, glucose, and lactate concentrations. Serum was used to analyze IGF-1 concentration. Body weights were measured on d 1, 9, 16, 23, and 30. To accompany the live animal phase, in vitro fermentations were performed using ruminal fluid cultures. Measurements included VFA concentrations and fermentative gas production for cultures containing crystalline menthol at 0, 0.003, 0.03, or 0.3% of substrate DM. Addition of menthol to the diet of steers resulted in a treatment day interaction (P < 0.01) for concentrations of IGF-1, PUN, and plasma glucose. Cattle fed 0 and 0.003% menthol had greater serum IGF- 1 concentrations on d 2 compared with steers fed 0.03% menthol. Steers fed 0% menthol had greater serum IGF-1 concentrations on d 9 compared with steers fed 0.03 and 0.3% menthol, whereas no differences were observed on d 23 or 30. Plasma glucose was similar among treatments until d 23, when steers supplemented with 0.03% menthol had lower glucose concentrations. Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were not different among treatments; however, PUN concentrations varied by day. A linear response was detected for BW (P = 0.03), with steers consuming 0% menthol having the greatest BW and steers that consumed 0.3% menthol having the lightest BW until d 30. A menthol day interaction was observed for daily feed deliveries (P < 0.01): cattle fed 0.3% menthol consumed less feed from d 5 through 12. Furthermore, in vitro gas production and VFA concentrations were unaffected by addition of menthol (P > 0.21). In conclusion, menthol supplementation minimally affected blood parameters associated with growth or ruminal fermentative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the reproductive medicine has started to develop precipitously. Nevertheless, 60 to 80 millions of couples worldwide suffer from infertility. The etiology and pathogenesis of many diseases leading to infertility is still causing a lot of debates and needs to be researched further. In 25% of the cases, the cause of infertility may not be identified that forces couples to seek help in auxiliary reproductive technologies. However, even in this case the probability of a positive result makes up no more than 40%. In recent years, scientists' attention became increasingly driven to the so-called omics-disciplines, including metabolomics. Many researchers believe that metabolomics is that science which will give a possibility to improve the quality of diagnosis, will lead to a deeper understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases that lead to infertility and will improve the quality of the assessment of oocytes and embryos in IVF cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The non-conventional karanja cake is rich in protein (around 30% CP) and can be used in livestock feed as a protein source instead of conventional protein supplement cake like soybean meal (SBM), groundnut cake, etc. The present study was carried out to research the effect of partially substituted soybean meal with detoxified karanja cake (dKC) on performance of ram lambs. Twenty-four ram lambs were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 6) and fed different levels (%) of detoxified karanja cake (0% replacement, control; 25% replacement, dKC-25; 50% replacement, dKC-50 and 75% replacement, dKC-75) in concentrate mixtures for 140 days. dKC was incorporated in the concentrate mixtures at the expense of soybean meal, maize grain and wheat bran at 9, 18 and 29% in dKC-25, dKC-50 and dKC-75, respectively on fresh basis. As the level of karanja in the diet increased, DMI was found to be decreasing significantly. Similar to these effects, N-retention was reduced leading to significant reduction of body weight in high karanja cake replaced groups. Similar trend was observed in OM, CP, and ADF digestilities and reason attributed to increased dietary level of karanja cake. However, detrimental effects were not observed on the levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, serum urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicating residual ANF present in dKC did not exert any adverse effects. The effects on hot carcass weight, weights of liver and testes are following a decreasing trend while that weight of kidney is increasing with level of karanja in the diet. Our findings highlights that the detoxified karanja cake can be added as replacement of soybean meal (SBM) at low levels. However, higher levels of replacement (above 9 per cent of concentrate mixture) warrant caution due to its adverse effect on studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers and also elucidate the hematological and biochemical picture of cross bred cow with foot and mouth disease From the study it was observed that among the oxidative strees biomarkers, superoxidase dismutase, glucose-6- phosphatase, ascorbic acid and uric acid showed a significant (P< 0.05) decrease in th FMD affected animals. Among the hematological and biochemical parameters, the RBC count, serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, urea, BUN, and calcium showed a highly significant (P< 0.01) decrease in the FMD affected animals in comparison to the healthy animals but indirect serum bilirubin and AST activity increased significantly (P< 0.05) in the FMD affected animals. These results demonstrate that the cows with FMD were under oxidative stress and there was a significant change in some of the blood metabolites. Thus, during FMD the antioxidant vitamins (eg Vit A, Vit C, Vit E) would be beneficial for the antioxidant defense system of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin gene has its role in appetite, metabolism, growth and milk production in cattle. PCR-RFLP method was carried out to detect the polymorphism in leptin gene among Frieswal, Ongole and Sahiwal cattle. Frieswal population under study revealed that 11%, 51% and 38% are TT, CT, and CC respectively genotypes with respect to exon 2. But the same population had 22% TT, 51% CT and 27% CC genotype for first SNP in exon 3; 4% TT, 38% C Tand 58% CC genotype for second SNP in exon 3. Ongole population revealed only CT genotype with respect to exon 2, but it showed TT genotype for first SNP and CC genotype for second SNP in exon3. Sahiwal population had 4% TT, 88% CT and 8% CC genotype (exon 2), respectively. Whereas the same population revealed 4% TT, 55% CT and 41% CC genotype for first SNP in exon 3 and 4% CT and 96% CC genotype for second SNP in exon 3. Sahiwal population had no TT genotype for second SNP in exon 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG), plasma glucose, plasma cholesterol, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations with the morphological quality of oocytes obtained from 20 Carora breed lactating cows at days 20 and 35 postpartum in a commercial farm. Oocytes were obtained through the technique of transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. Change in body condition score (0.35 vs. 0.44, P = 0.02) and mean plasma cholesterol (3.59 vs. 4.35 mmol/L, P = 0.01) significantly differed between the 2 periods, whereas mean TAG tended to be higher at day 35 after calving (2.29 vs. 2.54%, fresh basis, P = 0.06) and indicated moderately fatty liver. At day 35 postpartum, both plasma cholesterol and TAG tended to have a positive correlation with oocyte quality (%), at r = 0.44 (P = 0.08) and 0.40 (P = 0.05), respectively, but no associations between glucose or PUN and oocyte recovery traits were found at any time. The percentage of oocytes with high quality was found higher (86.7 vs. 52%, P = 0.04) in those cows with more than 4 oocytes recovered. In conclusion, there was a positive relationship among hepatic TAG, plasma cholesterol, and quality of oocytes in Carora breed lactating cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have documented the occurrence and fate of trenbolone acetate (TBA) metabolites in soil and water. However, considerable uncertainty still exists with respect to TBA risk in agro-ecosystems because limited data are available to quantify excretion, transformation, and leaching processes. To address these uncertainties, we used experimental mesocosms and a mass balance approach to estimate the TBA metabolite leaching potential from manure excreted by implanted (40 mg TBA, 8 mg 17β-estradiol) beef catde. Manure sample analysis indicates that over 113 days, a maximum of 9-3% (3,200 μg/animal unit [AU]) of the implant dose was excreted as 17α-trenbolone (17a-TBOH), and <1% was excreted as 17α-trenbolone (65 μg/ AU) or trendione (3 μg/AU). While most (>97%) of the total excreted mass of 17α-TBOH transforms to uncharacterized products, 0.3-0.6% (100-220 μg/ AU) of the implant dose accumulates on land surfaces and is available for subsequent transport. During rainfall or irrigation events, a maximum of 0.005-0.06% (1.6-22 μg/AU 17α-TBOH) or 0.005-0.012% (1.8-4 /μg/AU 17α-TBOH) of the dose leached into runoff, respectively. Leaching potentials peak at 5-30 days postimplantation, suggesting that targeted riming of implantation and irrigation could minimize steroid leaching during rainfall and irrigation events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the variation of nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites and oxidative stress parameters triggered by induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA); and 2) evaluate the ability of pelleted beet pulp (BP) as a replacement for ground corn to alleviate SARA. Eight Holstein-Friesian cows were fed four diets during four successive 17-day periods: 1) total mixed ration (TMR) containing 0% finely ground wheat (FGW) (W0); 2) TMR containing 10% FGW (W10); 3) TMR containing 20% FGW (W20); and 4) TMR containing 10% BP as a replacement for 10% ground corn (BP10). The SARA induction protocol reduced the mean ruminal pH from 6.37 to 5.94, and the minimum ruminal pH decreased from 5.99 to 5.41 from baseline to challenge period. Mean ruminal pH increased from 5.94 to 6.05, and minimum daily ruminal pH increased from 5.41 to 5.63, when BP was substituted for corn. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the dietary treatments, except that the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) was reduced in cows fed the W20 diet compared with cows fed the W0 and W10 diets, and cows fed the BP10 diet had higher NDF and ADF digestibility than the cows fed the W20 diet. Cows fed the W20 diet had a lower plasma concentration of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol, triglyceride, and total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and a higher plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, malonaldehyde (MDA), super oxygen dehydrogenises (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) than cows fed the W0 diet. Substitution of BP for corn increased concentrations of plasma BHBA and TAC, but decreased concentrations of plasma MDA. Our results indicate that reduction of fibre digestion; the concomitant increase of plasma glucose and insulin; the decrease of plasma BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and triglyceride; and changes of plasma oxidative stress parameters are highly related to SARA induced by W20 diets. These variables may be alternative candidates for SARA diagnosis. We also suggest that the substitution of BP for corn could reduce the risk of SARA, increase fibre digestion, and improve the antioxidant status in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported that neonatal calf metabolic status is impacted by calf age and gestational nutrition. Our current objective was to determine the effect of dam parity on neonatal calf nutrient supply, assessed through circulating metabolites. Neonatal calf blood samples were collected from multiparous (n = 15; parity = 4.2 ± 0.7; prepartum BW = 661 ± 17 kg; BCS = 5.3 ± 0.5; gestation length = 274.8 ± 0.6 d; 9 bull and 6 heifer calves) and primiparous (n = 13; BW = 560 ± 19 kg; BCS = 5.1 ± 0.2; gestation length = 276.6 ± 0.7; 8 bull and 5 heifer calves) dams. Pregnant dams were managed similarly in late gestation, then moved to dry lots (d 266 of gestation) and fed ad libitum tall fescue hay (6.7% CP and 63.9% NDF, DM basis) and 1.0 kg DM/d DDGS. Calf jugular blood samples were obtained at 0 (pre-suckling but after standing), 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h postnatally for blood chemistry analysis. Data were analyzed using a mixed model containing effects of parity, sampling hour, and their interaction, and hour was a repeated effect. Parity did not affect (P = 0.33) calf birth weight. A parity x sampling hour interaction (P ≤ 0.02) was detected for serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, albumin, total protein, and globulin. Calves from primiparous dams had greater (P = 0.03) glucose at 0 h, but calves from multiparous dams had greater (P ≤ 0.04) glucose at 6, 12, 24, and 72 h. Serum BUN tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in calves from primiparous dams at 12 h, but was greater (P = 0.03) in calves from multiparous dams at 72 h. Creatinine tended to be greater (P = 0.06) at 0 h and was greater (P ≤ 0.005) at 12 and 24 h in calves from primiparous dams. Calves from primiparous dams had greater (P ≤ 0.03) albumin at 6 and 12 h. Total protein was greater (P ≤ 0.04) in calves from multiparous dams at 0, 6, and 12 h and tended to be greater (P = 0.07) at 72 h. Globulin was greater (P ≤ 0.003) in calves from multiparous dams at 0, 6, and 12 h and tended to be greater (P = 0.06) at 48 and 72 h. Results indicate parity impacts metabolic status of calves, but likely in a time-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]