Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Nutrition of calves'

Sixty Holstein calves (30 bulls, 30 heifers) were used to examine the effects of supplemental lactoferrin on feed intake, growth, and health during the preweaning and postweaning periods. One of three levels of lactoferrin was added to whole milk in order to produce three dietary treatments: 1.) 0 g/d, 2.) 0.5 g/d, 3.) 1 g/d. Milk (3.8 L/d) was fed from bottles until weaning at 35 days. From days 36 to 56, lactoferrin supplements were added to water (15-25 mL) and fed from bottles. Lactoferrin supplementation did not have any significant effect on feed intake, body weight, average daily gain, heart girth, body temperature, fecal scores, respiratory scores, or haptoglobin concentrations. Calves were housed in individual pens in either an open-sided barn or hutches. Calves raised in the barn consumed more calf starter and therefore grew better than calves raised in hutches. In this study, lactoferrin supplementation was not beneficial. Further research is needed to fully elucidate lactoferrin?s effects in whole milk as well as its role when fed postweaning.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of added fat in late gestation cow and heifer diets on thermogenic and neonatal metabolic responses. In Experiment 1, the effects of source of fat in late gestation diets on serum glucose and thermogenic response during short-term cold stress were examined in fall-born neonatal beef calves. Pregnant fall-calving heifers (n = 15) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: Control (CON, n=5), Safflower seed (SAF, n=5), or Cottonseed (COT, n=5) supplement. Hay-based isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets met NRC requirements while containing 1.53%, 4.0% and 5.0% fat for CON, SAF and COT diets, respectively. Diets were fed for 47.5 ( 5.4 d before calving. Heifers were weighed weekly and at parturition. At parturition, colostrum samples were taken from the dam, calves weighed, and vigor scores recorded. Calves remained with their dams for 5 h to nurse. At 5.5 h of age, calves were fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter. At 6.5 h of age, calves were placed in a 5(C cold room for 90 min. Shivering scores (1= no shivering, 2 = slight shivering 3 = muscle shivering, 4 = severe muscle shivering), rectal temperatures and blood samples were taken every 15 min. Colostrum samples were analyzed for fat, solids, protein, lactose and IgG concentrations. BW and BCS of heifers at calving, and birth weights and vigor scores of calves were unaffected by diet (P > .5). Mean fat, lactose and IgG concentrations in colostrum were not different (P > .3) among treatments. SAF tended to increase colostral solids (P = .11) and protein (P = .13) compared to COT or CON. During cold stress, calf body temperature increased in a quadratic fashion (P < .03). Mean glucose levels tended (P = .12) to be greater and shivering scores were non-significantly increased in CON compared to SAF or COT calves. Glucose concentrations averaged 74.4, 51.9, and 60.0 ( 7.3 mg/dl, whereas shivering score averaged 2.14, 1.69, and 1.68 ( .24 in CON, SAF and COT calves, respectively. Shivering scores increased in all groups during cold exposure in a linear fashion (P < .001). Vigor scores increased in a linear fashion throughout cold exposure for all groups (P < .04). Cortisol concentrations decreased in a cubic fashion throughout cold exposure for all groups (P < .02). Cortisol concentrations averaged 28.62, 37.7, and 35.65 + 3.58 ng/ml in CON, SAF and COT calves, respectively. We conclude that calves from dams fed high fat diets containing safflower seeds or cottonseed respond similarly to cold stress, but these responses are not necessarily consistent with greater cold resistance. In Experiment two, pregnant spring-calving cows (n = 75) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: Control (CON, n=35) and Cottonseed (COT, n=40). Hay-based isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets met NRC requirements while containing 2.0% and 5.0% fat for CON and COT diets, respectively. Diets were fed for 60 ( 5 d before calving. At parturition, calves were weighed, ambient temperature was recorded and dystocia score was recorded. At 30 min of age, rectal temperature one was recorded and shivering scores (1= no shivering, 2 = slight shivering 3 = muscle shivering, 4 = severe muscle shivering) were recorded. At 180 min postpartum, two blood samples were drawn from each calf to determine blood glucose and cortisol concentrations. At 36 + 4 h postpartum, two blood samples were again drawn from each calf to determine blood glucose and IgG concentrations. Calf birth weight, calf sex, vigor score, shivering score, time to stand, dystocia score, and serum IgG concentrations were unaffected (P > .5) by diet. Shivering score was affected by ambient temperature (P < .003) and time of calving (P < .006). Calf birth weights were unaffected by diet, calf sex, and the diet x calf sex interaction (P > .2). Mean time to nurse was non-significantly longer (101.2 vs 70.1 min), respectively, for COT calves compared to CON calves. At 30 min (P < .05) rectal temperatures were higher in male than female calves from dams on the COT diet (39.3 vs 39.1(C). Whereas rectal temperatures were lower in male calves than female calves from dams on the CON diet (39.1 vs 39.3(C; diet x calf/sex, P < .05). The same relationship among rectal temperatures was observed at 180 min (diet x calf/sex, P < .05). Changes in body temperature between 30 and 180 min were affected by diet (P < .05) as body temperatures for COT calves increased more from 30 min to 180 min than CON calves. Body temperature at 30 min was affected by time of calving (P < .01). Body temperature at 180 min was affected by ambient temperature at calving (P < .03) and there was a tendency for body temperature at 180 min to be affected by time of calving (P < .09). Serum glucose concentrations at time 180 min were unaffected by diet (P > .3). Serum glucose concentrations at time 36 + 4 h tended to be affected by sex (P < .07). With glucose levels higher in females (127 mg/dl) than in males (119 mg/dl). Differences in serum glucose at time 180 min and 36 + 4 h were not affected by diet, sex, or diet x sex interaction (P > .7). Serum glucose at 36 + 4 h was affected by ambient temperature at calving (P < .04). Mean serum cortisol concentrations tended to be higher (47.4 ng/ml vs 36.5 ng/ml) for COT calves compared to CON calves (P < .09). Differences in serum cortisol levels were unaffected by sex or diet x sex interaction (P > .5). When ambient temperature or time of calving were included as covariates, calf weight, calf vigor and serum IgG were unaffected by ambient temperature or time of calving (P > .05).
Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.
"May 2006" The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Es varen realitzar quatre estudis per avaluar l'efecte de donar molta llet a les vedelles lactants durant la fase de lactància, per tal de millorar el creixement de les vedelles de reposició durant aquest període. Els vedells que varen rebre una alimentació mÎs rica en llet durant la lactància van créixer més, però van menjar menys pinso que els vedells que seguien una alimentació convencional. Tot i així, després del deslletament ambdos nivells d'alimentació van presentar el mateix ritme de creixement i consum de pinso. Per altra banda, el fet de criar vedells en grup i amb un nivell elevat de llet durant la lactància, no va estimular el consum de pinso en comparació als vedells criats individualment i alimentats amb un alt nivell de llet. A més a més, els index productius de creixement i l'aparició de problemes de salut van ser similar en vedells criats en grup o individualment. En general, els vedells criats en grups varen augmentar els comportaments orals amb finalitat no nutritiva, i disminuir els comportaments de succions creuades i succions dirigides a la zona pèlvica al llarg de l'estudi. Tant els vedells criats en grups com individualment van presentar un lleuger augment de la conducta de "selfgrooming" al llarg de l'estudi. La concentració plasmàtica d'amino àcids va indicar que cap amino àcid limitava el creixement durant la fase de lactància quan les vedelles es varen criar seguint una alimentació amb un alt nivell de llet. No obstant, en els vedells que es van criar convencionalment, les concentracions plasmàtiques de fenilalanina i triptòfan una hora després de menjar estaven positivament correlacionades amb el guany mig diari, i negativament correlacionades amb la concentració plasmàtica d'urea, suggerint que els creixements dels vedells criats convencionalment podria estar limitat per l'aportació d'aquests dos amino àcids quan s'utilitza una llet maternitzada i un pinso similar al d'aquest estudi. Per altra banda, la menor excreció urinària de derivats púrics observada en vedelles alimentades amb un alt nivell de llet en comparació a les vedelles criades convencionalment, va indicar un menor fluxe microbià a nivell duodenal que podria estar relacionat amb la menor ingestió de pinso en les vedelles alimentades amb un nivell elevat de llet durant el periode de lactància. A més a més, els vedells alimentats amb un nivell alt de llet durant la fase de lactància van tenir una menor digestibilitat aparent dels nutrients del pinso la setmana després del deslletament en comparació als vedells alimentats convencionalment. Les concentracions sèriques de glucosa i insulina varen ser majors en vedells alimentats amb un alt nivell de llet que en vedells alimentats convencionalment. Però, les concentracions sèriques d'urea no varen seguir un mateix patró en els diferents estudis. En dos dels tres estudis, les concentracions sèriques d'urea van ser superiors en vedells criats convencionalment que en aquells alimentats amb un alt nivell de llet, però en l'altre estudi les concentracions sèriques d'urea varen ser similars en ambdos nivells d'alimentació. Finalment, l'avantatge de pes viu aconseguit durant la fase de lactància en vedelles seguint una alimentació amb un alt nivell de llet es manté numèricament superior fins els 385 d d'estudi, però aquest avantatge no redueix l'edat a la primera cubrició, i ni millora la fertilitat a la primera cubrició en vedelles criades amb un alt nivell de llet en comparació amb vedelles criades convencionalment
Four studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding dairy calves on an enhanced-growth feeding program. Enhanced-fed calves showed greater average daily gain, but lower starter dry matter intake than calves fed conventionally during the preweaning period. However, after weaning both feeding programs resulted in similar rates of growth and starter consumption. On the other hand, rearing enhanced-fed calves in groups did not stimulate starter intake. Also, performance was not decreased nor the occurrence of health problems increased when calves were reared in groups. In general, calves raised in groups increased non-nutritive oral behavior, and decreased cross-sucking and inter-sucking behaviors throughout the study, and both individually-and groupedreared calves slightly increased self-grooming behavior throughout the study. Plasma amino acid concentrations indicated that none amino acid was limiting growth during the preweaning period when calves were raised following an enhanced-growth feeding program. Nevertheless, with calves conventionally-fed, plasma phenylalanine and tryptophane concentrations one hour after feeding were positively correlated with average daily gain and negatively correlated with plasma urea concentrations, suggesting that growth of calves following conventional feeding programs could be limited by the supply of these two amino acids when using milk replacers and starters similar to those used in the present study. On the other hand, lower total purine derivatives urine excretions were observed in enhanced-compared with conventionally-fed calves, suggesting a lower microbial duodenal flow that was probably related to the low starter intake during the preweaning period of enhanced-fed calves. Furthermore, apparent nutrient starter digestibility was lower in enhanced-compared with conventionally-fed calves the week after weaning. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations were greater in enhanced-than in conventionally-fed calves, but serum urea concentrations did not follow a common pattern among studies. In two out of the three studies, serum urea concentrations were greater in conventionally-than in enhanced-fed calves, but in the other studies there were no differences between treatments. Body weight advantage obtained with enhancedgrowth feeding program was numerically maintained later in life, but this advantage did neither reduce the age at breeding, and nor improve fertility at first breeding of enhancedfed calves.

This study was to evaluate effects of milk replacer (MR) composition on: mass and composition of mammary parenchyma (PAR) and fat pad (MFP), growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis gene expression, and putative mammary epithelial stem cells. The hypothesis was that diet during the pre-weaning period alters the development, persistence, or activity of populations of putative mammary epithelial stem cells, possibly through involvement of GH/IGF-I axis molecules. Twenty-four newborn heifers were fed one of four MR diets: CON (20% CP, 21% fat MR fed at 441 g DM/d), HPLF (28% CP, 20% fat MR fed at 951 g DM/d), HPHF (27% CP, 28% fat MR fed at 951 g DM/d), and HPHF+ (27% CP, 28% fat MR fed at 1431 g DM/d). Animals were harvested on d 65 of life and mammary tissue was subjected to biochemical, molecular, and histological examination. By design, the effects of diet were evaluated at a common chronological age, but not necessarily at the same physiological age (body weight). Results from heifers reared on CON were compared to the average results from heifers reared on the other 3 diets. The second comparison evaluated the effect of increased fat in MR when protein content and intake were the same. The final comparison evaluated the effect of increased intake of a high-fat, high-protein MR. Neither diet composition nor nutrient intake in pre-weaned heifers affected PAR weight, PAR composition, GH/IGF-I axis gene expression, or putative mammary epithelial stem cell abundance when assessed at a common chronological age. Changes in MFP size and composition were observed, but no diet effect on GH/IGF-I axis gene expression in MFP was observed. This suggests nutrition is not critical for regulating the expression of local GH/IGF-I axis components or stem cell populations in the developing heifer mammary gland.
Ph. D.

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Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação de monensina (MON), probióticos ou óleos essenciais sobre o desempenho e índice de escore fecal (IEF) dos bezerros leiteiros de 6-60 d de idade e seu efeito residual 15 dias após o desmame. Cinqüenta bezerros da raça Holandesa foram alimentados com 5 L de leite cru por dia mais concentrado inicial até o desmame. Os tratamentos foram: Controle (CON), adição de MON (30 mg / kg de concentrado), probiótico E. faecium (PROB, 70 mg / kg de concentrado, CFU / kg 7,0E + 09, Cylactin®), óleos essenciais (OE, 300 mg / kg de concentrado, CRINA® Ruminants), ou adição de PROB + OE (EOPROB). O consumo do alimento e o escore fecal (pontuado de 1 a 4) foram medidos diariamente e os animais foram pesados a cada 15 dias. Foi realizada a extração de DNA das fezes, para identificar por meio da PCR a presença ou ausência de microorganismos (E. coli, Hafnia, Shiguella, Lactobacillus spp, Enterococcus spp e Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415). Dois ensaios de digestibilidade de 72 h foram realizados nos dias 20-28 (período 1) e 50-56 (período 2), por coleta fecal total. O experimento foi definido em blocos inteiramente casualizados com dez repetições por tratamento e data de entrada usada como bloco. A ANOVA foi realizada para testar os efeitos do tratamento em P < 0,10, as medias foram comparadas pelo teste t de Student e os resultados da PCR foram analisados pelo teste de Wald. O consumo de matéria seca (CMS) antes do desmame foi maior (P < 0,05) para OE (903,03 g / d) em comparação com MON (794,34 g / d) e EOPROB (783,12 g / d). Animais OE e MON diminuíram (P < 0,012) o IEF durante o aleitamento. O ganho médio diário (GMD) e a eficiência alimentar (EA) não diferiu (P > 0,10) entre os tratamentos antes do desmame. A altura à cernelha (AC) e altura à garupa (AG) não foi diferente entre os tratamentos (P > 0,10) antes nem depois do desaleitamento. Após o desmame, o CMS e IEF não diferiu entre os tratamentos (P > 0,10). OE apresentou maior GMD (917,50 g / d) (P < 0,05) em comparação com CON (615,80 g / d) e PROB (592,60 g / d). A EA melhorou (P < 0,05) com OE (0,72 g / g) sobre o CON (0,36 g / g), MON (0,49 g / g) e PROB (0,36 g / g). Os resultados de PCR mostraram ausência do E. faecium NCIMB 10415 em animais PROB e COM. Durante os ensaios de digestibilidade, houve maior consumo (P < 0,001) de nutrientes nos dias 50-56 em comparação com os dias 20-28. Animais PROB apresentaram maiores (P < 0,05) consumo de MS (1184,56 g / d), proteína bruta (PC) (254,63 g / d) e fibra detergente neutra (FDN) (320,36 g / d) comparado com EOPROB. A ingestão de carboidratos no fibrosos (CNF) foi maior (P < 0,05) no tratamento OE (384,31 g / d) comparado com CON (323,63 g / d), MON (323,84 g / d) e EOPROB (301,30 g / d). A ingestão de extrato etéreo (EE) e matéria orgânica (MO) não foi afetada (P > 0,10) pelos tratamentos. A digestibilidade da FDN foi maior (P < 0,012) em animais alimentados com MON (924 g / d). Em conclusão, OE pode ser adicionado à ração de bezerros leiteiros para melhorar o escore fecal, aumenta o CMS e melhora a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O IEF no pré-desmame diminuiu com MON e aumentou com PROB
We aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with monensin (MON), probiotics or essential oils on performance and fecal consistency index (FCI) of suckling dairy calves from 6-60 d of age, and its residual effect 15 d after weaning. Fifty Holstein calves were fed 5 L of raw milk per day plus starter concentrate until weaning. The treatments were: Control (CON), adition of MON (30 mg/kg of starter), probiotic E. faecium (PROB, 70 mg/kg of starter, CFU/kg 7,0E+09, Cylactin ® ), essential oils (EO, 300 mg/kg of starter, CRINA ® Ruminants), or addition of PROB +EO (EOPROB). DMI and fecal score (scored from 1 to 4) were daily measured, and animals were weighed every 15 d. DNA extraction from feces was performed, to identifying by PCR the presence or absence of microorganisms ( E. coli, Hafnia, Shiguella, Lactobacillus spp, Enterococcus spp, and Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415) in the feces. Two 72 h digestibility trials were performed at days 20-28 (period 1) and 50-56 (period 2), by total fecal collection. The experiment was designed in completely randomized block with ten replications per treatment, and date of entrance used as block. ANOVA was performed to test treatment effects at P < 0.10, means were compared by Student's t-test, and PCR results were analyzed by Wald test. The dry matter intake (DMI) before weaning was greater (P < 0.05) for EO (903.03 g / d) compared to MON (794.34 g / d) and EOPROB (783.12 g / d). EO and MON decreased (P < 0.012) FCI during pré-weaning. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10) before weaning. The withers height (WH) and croup height (CH) was no different among treatments after or before weaning. After weaning the DMI and FCI did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10). EO had greater (P < 0.05) ADG (917.50 g / d) compared to CON (615.80 g/d) and PROB (592.60 g / d). The FE improved (P < 0.05) with EO (0.72 g / g) over CON (0.36 g / g), MON (0.49 g / g) and PROB (0.36 g / g). The PCR results showed absence of E. faecium NCIMB 10415 in animals fed PROB and CON. During the digestibility trials, greater intakes (P < 0.001) of nutrients were observed at days 50-56 compared to 20-28 days. Animals fed PROB had greater (P < 0.05) intakes of DM (1184.56 g / d), crude protein (CP) (254.63 g /d) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (320.36 g / d) than animals fed EOPROB . Intake of Non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) were greater (P < 0.05) in EO (384.31 g / d) compared to CON (323.63 g / d), MON (323.84 g / d) and EOPROB (301.30 g / d). The ether extract (EE) and organic matter (OM) intake was not affected (P > 0.10) by treatments. NDF digestibility was greater (P < 0.012) in animals fed MON (924 g / d). In conclusion, EO can be added to the dairy calf ration to improve fecal score, increases DMI and improves nutrient digestibility. The pre-weaning FCI decreased with MON and increased with PROB

Dairy calves in the U.K. are currently reared on ‘least cost’ principles, with minimal milk feeding and early weaning to solid foods. This has been described as maintaining the calf in ‘a state of chronic hunger’. As well as repercussions on calf health, growth and welfare, human studies suggest that underfeeding the newborn is a major risk factor for metabolic disease in the adult. The aims of this study were to determine current dairy calf rearing practices across the U.K., to investigate the performance of Holstein heifer calves fed increased milk replacer (MR) compared to restricted volumes, and to determine the impact of this on key performance indicators (KPIs) of these animals as calves and growing heifers. A postal questionnaire was offered to one thousand U.K. dairy farmers to determine current calf rearing practices. The response rate was 72% and revealed that housing and feeding practices were variable between farms. The majority of farmers (93%) fed restricted volumes of milk or milk replacer to their pre-weaned calves. The body weight, withers and loin height, heart and belly girth, crown to rump length, hock-fetlock length and body condition score (BCS) were recorded weekly from birth to 12 weeks and monthly from 12 weeks until conception in two groups of Holstein heifer calves on one commercial dairy farm in the north-west of England, U.K. Calves were assigned to a restricted, Group R (n = 50) or ad libitum, Group A (n = 50) MR feeding strategy from birth until weaning. Growth rates were greater for Group A (0.72kg/day) from birth until 3 weeks than Group R (0.17kg/day). Body condition score increased for Group A during this period (0.1 points) while it decreased for Group R (0.3 points). Thereafter, growth rates were similar between dietary groups although no catch-up growth was observed for Group R animals. Changes in morphometric measures were greater for Group A calves than Group R from birth to 12 weeks. From 12 weeks of age onwards, dietary group differences in morphometric measures disappeared but body weight differences remained until conception. The glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity of a subset of heifer calves (n = 6 Group A, n = 6 Group R) was investigated at 3, 12 and 39 weeks of age and was shown not to be affected by dietary group. The carcass composition of Holstein bull calves assigned to one of the two dietary groups was assessed. Calves were studied at birth (n = 3), 3 weeks, 9 weeks or 12 weeks (n = 3 per dietary group at each age). Carcass composition was assessed using spiral CT technologies. Group A calves had greater internal adipose deposition at all ages but there was no difference in carcass associated adipose tissue. The age at puberty, first service and conception was between 2 and 3 weeks lower for Group A animals than for Group R. Increased MR feeding of Holstein heifers allows for greater growth rates and earlier entry into the milking herd.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Veal production is a specialised form of calf rearing in which calves were traditionally raised on all-liquid diets. The early weaning of calves onto concentrated diets provides an economically viable alternative rearing method with comparable calf performance. The emphasis in meat production has shifted to the production of lean meat, therefore the deposition of protein instead of fat has become a priority. The optimum level of dietary crude protein for growing calves is well established. Very little, however, is known about the influence of protein degradability in the diet of young ruminants. Recommendations by the NRC are derived from data obtained using lactating dairy cows. The aim was to obtain data on which recommendations for the level of degradable protein in starter and finisher diets for calves could be based. Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of different levels of dietary crude protein degradability in starter and finisher calf diets on veal calf performance. In both experiments Holstein bull calves were 3 - 10 days of age at the onset, weaned at 4 weeks of age and slaughtered at 20 weeks of age for veal. In Experiment 1 calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: low (LO), medium (MD) and high (HO) rumen degradable protein. Calves received a starter diet up to 11 weeks of age and finisher diets from week 12 - 20. In Experiment 2 calves received a starter diet either high or low in rumen degradable protein up to 10 weeks of age. In the finishing period (week 11 - 20) both the low and high groups were again divided into a low and high group, resulting effectively in 4 treatments, viz. LL, LH, HL and HH. The diets in both experiments were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric, differing only in rumen undegradable protein content within periods and. respective experiments. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency data for the preweaning, starter, finishing and total experimental period was compared between treatments. There were no significant differences for feed intake, body weight gain or feed efficiency in the starter period of both experiments between treatments. In the finishing period of Experiment 1 the average daily gain for the LO treatment was significantly higher than for the HO treatment, with the MD treatment having an intermediate value. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the LO treatment was also significantly better than for the other two treatments. In Experiment 2 the FCR tended (P = 0.0984) to differ between treatments in the finishing period. Calves from the LL and HL treatments had a more favourable FCR than calves from the LH treatment. The HH treatment had an intermediate FCR. According to these results crude protein degradability appears to have an effect on the FCR in the finishing period. The lack of response to higher levels of undegradable dietary protein in calves younger than 10 weeks may be due to underdeveloped rumen functions and it seems possible for high degradable protein to escape degradation to a higher extent than at a later age. In a third experiment, Holstein bull calves and Holstein cows were used to determine and compare the dry matter and crude protein degradability of the four calf diets used in Experiment 2. Rumen VFA concentrations, pH level and NH3-N concentrations were measured for the cannulated Holstein calves to evaluate the level of rumen metabolic maturity of growing calves. Five Holstein bull calves were ruminally cannulated at 6 weeks of age. Dry matter and crude protein degradability were determined once weekly from week 8 - 20 by means of 24 h in sacco incubations. Three ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used to determine the comparable values for mature ruminants. Dry matter and crude protein degradability differed significantly between the low and high degradable diets for both calves and cows. Dry matter and crude protein degradability in calves increased up to 11 and 12 weeks of age respectively, and then appeared to remain constant to week 20. Dry matter and crude protein degradability values of the starter diets were lower for the calves than for the cows, but values were similar for the finisher diets. Rumen VFA concentrations, pH level and NH3-N concentration showed some fluctuation between weeks, but were similar to literature values for mature animals.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Titel: Die invloed van verskillende vlakke van proteïendegradeerbaarheid in aanvangs- en afrondingsdiëte op kalfprestasie in 'n kalfsvleisproduksiestelsel. Kalfsvleisproduksie is 'n gespesialiseerde grootmaakstelsel wat tradisioneel alleenlik op vloeistofdiëte gebaseer was. 'n Stelsel waar kalwers vroeg gespeen word en 'n volledige aanvangs- en afrondingsrantsoen ontvang, bied 'n alternatiewe metode wat ekonomies lewensvatbaar is en vergelykbare kalfprestasie tot gevolg het. Die klem in vleisproduksie het verskuif na die produksie van maervleis. Die neerlegging van proteïen in plaas van vet het dus 'n prioriteit geword. Die optimale vlak van dieetproteïen vir groeiende kalwers is deeglik nagevors. Baie min is egter bekend oor die invloed van proteïendegradeerbaarheid in die dieet van jong herkouende diere. Aanbevelings deur die NRC is afkomstig van data verkry van studies met melkproduserende koeie. Die doel was om data te bekom waarop aanbevelings vir die vlak van degradeerbare proteïen in aanvangs- en afrondingsdiëte vir kalwers gegrond kan word. Twee eksperimente is uitgevoer om die invloed van verskillende vlakke van proteïendegradeerbaarheid in aanvangs- en afrondingsdiëte op kalfprestasie in 'n kalfsvleisproduksiestelsel te ondersoek. Holstein bulkalwers was 3 - 10 dae oud met die aanvang van beide eksperimente, is gespeen op 4 weke ouderdom en op 20 weke ouderdom vir kalfsvleis geslag. In Eksperiment 1 is kalwers ewekansig aan een van drie behandelings toegewys: lae (LO), medium (MD) en hoë (HO) rumen degradeerbare proteïen. Kalwers het tot op 11 weke ouderdom aanvangsdiëte ontvang, terwyl afrondingsdiëte vanaf 12 - 20 weke ouderdom aangebied is. In Eksperiment 2 het kalwers tot op 10 weke ouderdom "n dieet wat óf hoog óf laag in rumen degradeerbare proteïen was, ontvang. In die afrondingsperiode (week 11 - 20) is die lae en hoë groepe elk vervolgens in "n lae en hoë groep verdeel wat effektief tot 4 behandelings gelei het, nl. LL, LH, HL en HH. Die diëte in albei eksperimente was geformuleer om iso-nitrogenies en iso-kalories te wees. Slegs die rumen degradeerbare proteïeninhoud het tussen die onderskeie diëte binne "n bepaalde periode en eksperiment verskil. Gewigstoename, voerinname en voeromsettingsdoeltreffendheid vir die voorspeense-, aanvangs-, afrondings- en totale eksperimentele periode is tussen behandelings vergelyk. In beide eksperimente is geen betekenisvolle verskille gedurende die aanvangsperiode waargeneem t.o.v. voerinname, massatoename en voeromsettingsdoeltreffendheid (VOD) nie. In die afrondingsperiode van Eksperiment 1 was die gemiddelde daaglikse massatoename van die LO behandeling betekenisvol hoër as dié van die HO behandeling, terwyl die MD behandeling "n intermediêre waarde gehad het. Die VOD vir die LO behandeling was ook betekenisvol beter as vir die ander twee behandelings. Die VOD in die afrondingsperiode van Eksperiment 2 het geneig (P = 0.0984) om te verskil tussen behandelings en kalwers van die LL en HL behandelings het "n meer gunstige VOD as kalwers van die LH behandeling gehad. Die HH behandeling het "n intermediêre VOD gehad. Volgens die resultate van hierdie eksperimente het proteïendegradeerbaarheid in kalfrantsoene waarskynlik "n invloed op VOD in die afrondingsperiode. Die gebrek aan respons as gevolg van hoër insluitingsvlakke van nie-degradeerbare proteïen in die rantsoen by kalwers jonger as 10 weke kan moontlik toegeskryf word aan onderontwikkelde rumenfunksies. Dit blyk moontlik te wees dat die hoë degradeerbare proteïenfraksie by jonger kalwers rumendegradering in "n hoër mate as op "n latere ouderdom vrygespring het. In "n derde eksperiment is Holstein bulkalwers en Holstein koeie gebruik om die droëmateriaal- en proteïendegradeerbaarheid van die vier diëte wat in Eksperiment 2 gebruik is, te bepaal en te vergelyk. Rumen WS-konsentrasies, pH-vlak en NH3-Nkonsentrasies is vir die kalwers gemeet om die vlak van metaboliese rumen volwassenheid van groeiende kalwers te evalueer. Vyf Holstein kalwers is op 6 weke ouderdom ruminaal gekannuleer. Droëmateriaal- en proteïen-degradeerbaarheid is een maal per week vanaf week 8 - 20 deur middel van 24 h in sacco inkubasies bepaal. Drie rumen-gekannuleerde Holstein koeie is gebruik om die vergelykbare waardes van volwasse herkouers te bepaal. Droëmateriaal- en proteïendegradeerbaarheid het betekenisvol tussen die lae en hoë degradeerbare diëte vir beide die kalwers en koeie verskil. Droëmateriaal- en proteïendegradeerbaarheid by die kalwers het tot op 11 en 12 weke ouderdom, onderskeidelik, verhoog en daarna tot week 20 relatief konstant gebly. Die droëmateriaal- en proteïendegradeerbaarheidswaardes van die aanvangsdiëte was laer vir die kalwers as vir die koeie, maar die waardes vir die afrondingsdiëte was eenders. Rumen WS-konsentrasies, pH-vlak en NH3-N-konsentrasies het In mate van fluktuasie tussen weke getoon, maar was soortgelyk aan literatuurwaardes vir volwasse diere.

Probiotics and prebiotics have been used in many areas of animal husbandry for their beneficial effects on health and productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of a yeast probiotic and prebiotic on health, growth performance and fecal microflora of veal calves. Sixty-eight Holstein calves were fed for 8 weeks a control diet or diets in which a probiotic (Levucell SB®; 0.5g/d) or a prebiotic (AgriMOS®, a manno-oligosaccharide; 3g/d) was added to the milk replacer (MR). The only significant effect of the additives on calf performance was on MR intake; calves fed Levucell SB® (SB) consumed more (P<0.05) MR than those fed AgriMOS®. To assess the effect on the gut flora, fecal samples were collected on d0, 7, 13, 28, 41 and 57. On days7 and 28 the fecal population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was greater (P<0.05) with SB than with AgriMOS; however the average effect of the additives on fecal LAB was no different (P>0.05) in comparison with control. Animals fed the additives showed a reduction in E. coli over time, whereas E. coli counts in the control group remained static. Clostridial numbers were also reduced in the SB group. Results of PCR-TTGE on DNA extracted from feces revealed that fecal microbial population associated with SB was significant different from that associated with AgriMOS or control groups. Despite housing, environmental and management conditions which comprised calf health, neither a probiotic nor a prebiotic proved beneficial in veal production.
Les probiotiques et les prébiotiques sont utilisés dans l'élevage d'une variété de cheptels pour leurs effets bénéfiques sur la santé et la productivité des animaux. Le but de cette recherche était d'évaluer l'impact d'une levure probiotique et d'un prébiotique sur le taux de croissance, la santé et la microflore fécale de veaux de boucherie. Soixante-huit veaux Holstein ont été nourris, lors d'une étude menée sur une période de 8 semaines, de succédané de lait (SL) constitué soit d'un régime témoin (ne contenant aucun additif), soit d'un régime contenant le probiotique (Levucell SB®, 0.5g/j) ou d'un régime contenant le prébiotique (AgriMOS, un manno-oligosaccharides 3g/j). Le seul effet significatif des additifs sur la performance des veaux a été retrouvé sur la consommation du SL; les veaux nourris avec le Levucell SB® (SB) ayant consommé plus (p<0.05) de SL que ceux nourris avec AgriMOS®. Pour évaluer les effets des additifs sur la flore intestinale, des échantillons fécaux ont été recueillis aux jours 0, 7, 13, 28, 41 et 57. Aux jours 7 et 28, la population fécale de bactéries lactiques (BL) était supérieure (p<0.05) avec SB qu'avec AgriMOS; cependant l'eff et moyen des additifs sur les BL fécales n'était pas significatif (p>0.05) lorsque comparé avec le groupe témoin. Une réduction de la population de E.coli été notée pour la durée de l'étude chez les animaux nourris des additifs alors que sa population est restée stationnaire dans le groupe témoin. La numération de Clostridium a aussi été retrouvée diminuée dans le groupe nourris avec le SB. Les résultats obtenus à l'aide de la technique PCR-TTGE sur l'ADN extrait d'échantillons fécaux ont montré un effet significatif de l'additif SB sur la flore microbienne lorsque comparé aux groupes témoins et nourris avec AgriMOS (p<0.05). Lorsque de saines pra

Three experiments were carried out to assess the energy and protein requirments of single and twin-bearing beef cows during the last three months of pregnancy and also to observe the effects of pregnancy nutrition on the subsequent lactational performance of cows and calves. A wide range of energy level was applied to single and twin-bearing cows. As assessed from body weight change, calf birthweight, milk yield, calf growth rate and blood parameters, it was found that there was no benefit in giving high levels of dietary energy to cows during pregnancy. It was concluded that feeding 50 and 70 MJ ME/day to single and twin-bearing cows respectively together with a high proportion of UDP may be acceptable levels during the latter part of gestation, provided that the cows are in good body condition at the start of the last trimester of pregnancy and they are given adequate nutrition during early lactation. Another three experiments were conducted with pregnant ewes, wethers, pregnant heifers and steers to measure the digestibility and to determine the metabolisable energy value of two mixed diets which differed in rumen degradability of protein. Such diets were used in experiments with pregnant cows. A comparison was made between the digestive capacity in different species and sex of animals. Digestibility co-efficients of two diets, two sexes and two species did not differ significantly. Therefore, it was concluded that metabolisable energy value determined for mixed diets using sheep can be used for cattle. ME value of mixed diets was less than that calculated in these experiments but the extent of the decrease may be acceptable under farm conditions.

Master of Science
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
K C Olson
Our objective was to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-partum bolus injections of a trace mineral solution on beef cow reproductive performance, body weight (BW) change, and body condition score (BCS) change and on performance of suckling calves. Mature beef cows (n = 460; initial BW = 497 ± 89 kg, initial BCS = 5.4 ± 0.74) were stratified by BCS, parity, and predicted calving date and assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) subcutaneous trace mineral (TM) injection containing 15 mg/mL Cu, 5 mg/mL Se, 10 mg/mL Mn, and 60 mg/mL Zn or 2) subcutaneous injection of physiological saline (SA). Injections were administered to cows (1 mL / 90 kg BW) 105 days before the first projected calving date and again 30 days before fixed-time AI. Calves received the same treatment as their dams and were injected (1 mL / 45 kg BW) at birth and again at 71 ± 21 days of age. Cows grazed native pastures for the duration of the study; trace mineral supplements and white salt were available to all cattle ad libitum before and during the study. Ovulation was synchronized using a 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol and cows were inseminated 60 to 64 hours after CIDR removal. Cows were exposed to fertile bulls for natural-service breeding 10 days after AI for 35 to 50 days. Conception to AI and final pregnancy rate were assessed 36 days after AI with ultrasound and 120 days after AI via rectal palpation. Change in BW and BCS from initiation of the study to calving and from AI to weaning did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) between TM and SA cows. Conversely, TM cows had greater (P = 0.04) BCS increase than SA cows between calving and AI. Calf BW at birth, ADG, and age-adjusted weaning BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Proportion of cows with estrus cycles 17 and 8 days before ovulation synchronization was similar (P ≥ 0.51) between treatments. Conception to AI was greater (P = 0.05) for cows receiving TM (60.2%) than for cows receiving SA (51.2%); however, overall pregnancy did not differ (P = 0.24) between treatments and averaged 92%. Under the conditions of our study, pre- and post-partum TM injections improved conception to fixed-time AI by beef cows.

Com el múscul esquelètic és el compartiment que es desenvolupa més ràpidament abans del deslletament, requereix que la síntesi de proteïnes funcioni de manera activa. Els aminoàcids, en ser la unitat bàsica de les proteïnes, juguen un paper molt important en el creixement dels animals. La suplementació amb aminoàcids en el lactoreemplaçant fa dècades que es du a terme en la producció de vedells, i s'han establert diversos mètodes per avaluar la funcionalitat, resultat i eficiència d'aquesta suplementació. En aquest treball, s'ha fet servir un abordatge "multi-òmic" per tal d'integrar els resultats obtinguts a partir d'anàlisis de metabolòmica i proteòmica (també conegut com "multi-òmica" o "foodòmica") per esbrinar el impacte a nivell molecular de la suplementació del lactoreemplaçant amb diferents aminoàcids per a l'alimentació de vedells. Aquest projecte està dividit en tres estudis: A l'Estudi 1, s'ha utilitzat una aproximació proteòmica i metabolòmica ("multi-òmica"), conjuntament amb paràmetres sèrics de bioquímica clínica, per estudiar els efectes en el múscul esquelètic de la suplementació del lactoreemplaçant amb diverses combinacions d'aminoàcids. Els animals es van dividir en quatre grups: Ctrl, dieta control sense suplementació; GP, control suplementat amb glicina (G) i prolina (P); FY, control suplementat amb fenilalanina (F) i tirosina (I); i MKT, control suplementat amb metionina (M), lisina (K) i treonina (T). La integració dels resultats indica que el grup amb la suplementació de M, K i T ha mostrat una lleu millora del creixement, i un increment dels nivells de creatinina i insulina en sèrum, de la ràtio de Fosfo-S6 / S6 i d'algunes proteïnes relacionades amb la funció muscular, tot i que alguns canvis no són significatius. L'anàlisi metabolòmica del múscul esquelètic ha revelat diverses diferències entre GP - FY i Ctrl - MKT, suggerint una adaptació metabòlica especialment en els grups GP i FY. A l'Estudi 2, s'ha utilitzat el mateix abordatge, incloent tant plasma com biòpsies de múscul esquelètic en l'anàlisi "multi-òmic". Els animals s'han dividit en tres grups: Ctrl, control sense suplementació; LT, control suplementat amb leucina (L) i treonina (T); i Leu, control suplementat amb leucina. En tots dos tractaments de suplementació, els resultats integrats han indicat que la leucina i els seus metabòlits es troben disponibles en l'organisme. En el grup LT comparat amb Ctrl, la integració dels resultats de metabolòmica i proteòmica han mostrat que la degradació d'aminoàcids ramificats (BCAA) i el metabolisme oxidatiu mitocondrial (cicle de l'àcid cítric, cadena respiratòria) són les vies principals activades en el múscul esquelètic. Els substrats del metabolisme energètic poden ser derivats de BCAA, butirat procedent del rumen i / o mobilització de lípids. Els efectes deleteris de l'activació de la fosforilació oxidativa són contrarestats per un augment de proteïnes antioxidants. El increment en la síntesi de proteïnes està indicat per l'augment de la ràtio entre Fosfo-S6 / S6 en el múscul esquelètic. En el grup de Leu, els animals han patit problemes digestius al inici de l'estudi, a més no van ser correctament randomitzats quan es van obtenir les biòpsies. Les anàlisis de bioquímica clínica, proteòmica i metabolòmica de múscul i sang han mostrat un perfil que és compatible amb un procés patològic i mostren el biaix causat per la biòpsia. A l'Estudi 3, s'han calculat els intervals de referència de diversos paràmetres bioquímics per a vedells lactants i per a garrins acabats de deslletar, utilitzant un elevat nombre d'animals de diferents edats, procedents d'assajos duts a terme en diferents estacions. La variable principal ha estat l'edat, mentre que no s'han observat diferències degudes a l'assaig, l'estació o el sexe. Aquesta informació proporciona eines diagnòstiques més adequades a veterinaris i investigadors en ciència animal, i possibilitarà una millor pràctica professional.
Como el músculo esquelético es el compartimento que se desarrolla más rápidamente antes de destete, requiere que la síntesis de proteínas funcione de manera activa. Los aminoácidos, al ser la unidad básica de las proteínas, juegan un papel muy importante en el crecimiento de los animales. La suplementación con aminoácidos en el lactoreemplazante hace décadas que se lleva a cabo en la producción de terneros, y se han establecido diversos métodos para evaluar la funcionalidad, resultado y eficiencia de esta suplementación. En este trabajo, se ha usado un abordaje “multi-ómico” con el fin de integrar los resultados obtenidos a partir de análisis de metabolómica y proteómica (también conocido como “multi-ómica” o “foodómica”) para elucidar el impacto a nivel molecular de la suplementación del lactoreemplazante con diferentes aminoácidos para la alimentación de terneros. Este proyecto está dividido en tres estudios: En el Estudio 1, se ha utilizado una aproximación proteómica y metabolómica (“multi-ómica”), conjuntamente con parámetros séricos de bioquímica clínica para estudiar los efectos en el músculo esquelético de la suplementación del lactoreemplazante con varias combinaciones de aminoácidos. Los animales se dividieron en cuatro grupos: Ctrl, dieta control sin suplementación; GP, control suplementado con glicina (G) y prolina (P); FY, control suplementado con fenilalanina (F) y tirosina (Y); y MKT, control suplementado con metionina (M), lisina (K) y treonina (T). La integración de los resultados indica que el grupo con la suplementación de M, K y T ha mostrado una leve mejora del crecimiento, y un incremento de los niveles de creatinina e insulina en suero, de la ratio de Fosfo-S6 / S6 y de algunas proteínas relacionadas con la función muscular, a pesar de que algunos cambios no son significativos. El análisis metabolómico del músculo esquelético ha revelado varias diferencias entre GP - FY y Ctrl - MKT, sugiriendo una adaptación metabólica especialmente en los grupos GP y FY. En el Estudio 2, se ha utilizado el mismo abordaje, incluyendo tanto plasma como biopsias de músculo esquelético en el análisis “multi-ómico”. Los animales se han dividido en tres grupos: Ctrl, control sin suplementación; LT, control suplementado con leucina (L) y treonina (T); y Leu, control suplementado con leucina. En ambos tratamientos de suplementación, los resultados integrados han indicado que la leucina y sus metabolitos se encuentran disponibles en el organismo. En el grupo LT comparado con Ctrl, la integración de los resultados de metabolómica y proteómica han mostrado que la degradación de aminoácidos ramificados (BCAA) y el metabolismo oxidativo mitocondrial (ciclo del ácido cítrico, cadena respiratoria) son las vías principales activadas en el músculo. Los sustratos del metabolismo energético pueden ser derivados de BCAA, butirato procedente del rumen y/o movilización de lípidos. Los efectos deletéreos de la activación de la fosforilación oxidativa son contrarrestados por un aumento de proteínas antioxidantes. El incremento en la síntesis de proteínas está indicado por el aumento de la ratio entre Fosfo-S6 / S6 en el músculo esquelético. En el grupo de Leu, los animales sufrieron problemas digestivos al inicio del estudio, y además no fueron correctamente randomizados cuando se obtuvieron las biopsias. Los análisis de bioquímica clínica de suero, proteómica y metabolómica de músculo y sangre han mostrado un perfil que es compatible con un proceso patológico y muestran el sesgo causado por la biopsia. En el Estudio 3, se han calculado los intervalos de referencia de varios parámetros bioquímicos para terneros lactantes y para lechones recién destetados, utilizando un elevado número de animales de diferentes edades, procedentes de ensayos llevados a cabo en diferentes estaciones. La variable principal ha sido la edad, mientras que no se han observado diferencias debidas al ensayo, la estación o el sexo. Esta información proporciona herramientas diagnósticas más adecuadas a veterinarios e investigadores en ciencia animal, y posibilitará una mejor práctica profesional.
As the muscle system is one of the most fast-growing compartments in calves before weaning, it requires a large amount of protein deposition. Amino acids, as the basic unit of proteins, play crucial roles in the growth of animals. Supplementation of several amino acids in milk replacers has been used in calf industry for decades and several approaches have been established to assess the functionality, outcome and efficiency of this supplementation. In this work, a “multi-omics” approach has been used, aiming to use large scale of data collected from metabolomic and proteomic analyses (known as “multi-omics” or “foodomics”) to elucidate the impact of several amino acid supplementations in the milk replacer for calves. The work of this project is divided into three studies and “multi-omics” were applied in Study 1 and Study 2: In Study 1, proteomics and metabolomics (“multi-omics”) and serum clinical chemistry were used to study the skeletal muscle of calves under supplementation with several amino acids in milk replacers. Animals were divided into four groups: Ctrl, control diet without supplementation; GP, control supplemented with Glycine (G) and Proline (P); FY, control supplemented with phenylalanine (F) and tyrosine (Y); and MKT, control supplemented with methionine (M), lysine (K) and threonine (T). The integrated results indicated that MKT supplementation yielded a mild improvement of growth, increased serum creatinine and insulin, muscle Phospho-S6 / S6 ratio as well as some proteins related to muscle function, despite some of the elevations are non-significant. The metabolome analysis from skeletal muscle biopsies revealed several differences between the GP - FY groups and the Ctrl - MKT groups, suggesting a metabolic adaptation especially in GP and FY groups. In Study 2, the same approaches to the Study 1 were used, but both plasma and skeletal muscle biopsies were included in the “multi-omics” analysis. Animals were divided into three groups: Ctrl, control diet without supplementation; LT, control supplemented with leucine (L) and threonine (T); and Leu, control supplemented with leucine. In both supplemented treatments, the integrated results indicated that leucine and its metabolites were available in the organism. In the LT group compared to the Ctrl group, integrated metabolomics and proteomics showed that branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) degradation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism (citrate cycle, respiratory chain) were the main activated pathways in muscle. Energy metabolic substrates would be BCAA derivatives, butyrate from ruminal production and/or lipid mobilization. The deleterious effects of activated oxidative phosphorylation were balanced by the upregulation of antioxidant proteins. An increase in protein synthesis was indicated by the increase in Phospho-S6 / S6 ratio in skeletal muscle. In the Leu group, animals suffered digestive problems at the beginning of the study and the experimental design was not correctly randomized when biopsies were obtained. The serum/plasma chemical, proteomic and metabolomic analyses showed a profile compatible with a pathological process and a biopsy-caused bias. In Study 3, reference intervals for several biochemical parameters for unweaned calves and recently weaned piglets at different ages were calculated using large number of animals sampled at different ages from populations under different season trials. The main variable was age whereas no major trial- or sex-biased differences were noticed. This information will help veterinarians and animal science researchers to better practice their professions by providing them with more adequate diagnostic references.

Master of Science
Department of Clinical Sciences
Johann F. Coetzee
Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of xylazine, ketamine, and butorphanol administered IM and sodium salicylate administered PO and to compare their effect on biomarkers of pain and distress following sham (Period 1) and actual (Period 2) castration and dehorning. Animals—40 Holstein bull calves Procedures—Calves weighing 108 to 235 kg received the following treatments prior to sham castration and dehorning (Period 1) and castration and dehorning (Period 2) (n=10 calves/group): (i) 0.9% saline solution IM (PLACEBO) (ii) sodium salicylate (SAL) supplied free-choice in water to provide concentrations from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL beginning 24 hours prior to Period 1 to 48 hours after Period 2; (iii) 0.025 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.05 mg/kg xylazine, 0.1 mg/kg ketamine co-administered IM immediately prior to both periods (XKB); and (iv) a combination of treatments (ii) and (iii) (SAL + XKB). Plasma drug concentrations, average daily gain (ADG), chute exit speed, serum cortisol concentrations and electrodermal activity (EDA) were evaluated. Results—ADG (0-13d) was significantly greater in the SAL and SAL + XKB groups. Calves receiving XKB had significantly slower chute exit speed in both periods. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly increased in all groups during Period 2 compared to Period 1. However, XKB attenuated serum cortisol response for the first hour after castration and dehorning while oral salicylate significantly reduced cortisol from 1-6 hours. XKB administration significantly decreased EDA scores in both periods. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Free-choice sodium salicylate decreases cortisol concentrations and reduced weight loss associated with castration and dehorning in calves.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Six groups each with six Friesian bull calves were used in this investigation and slaughtered at 20 weeks of age. Calves received a low- (LD) or high (HD) degradable protein diet, each with or without rumen inert fat supplementation. Two commercial fat sources were used, Morlae (m) and Golden Flake (gf), included at 2.5% of the diet. A commercial milk replacer (Denkavit) was fed at 4L for 42 days, followed by 2L until weaning at 49 days of age. The starter diets were fed ad lib. from day 14 to 10 weeks of age and finishing diets ad lib. from 11 to 20 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in body mass gain or dry matter intake over the entire 20 week period. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved significantly (P=0.0032) when fat was supplemented to LD, but not to HD diets. The FCR (kg dry matter/ kg gain) ofLD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgfand HDgfdiets were 3.45,3.44,3.07, 3.81, 3.02 and 3.43, respectively. All 36 calves were used in a digestibility trial, using chromium oxide (Cr203) as a marker, during week 18 of the investigation. Digestibility values (%) for the six diets (LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgfand HDgf) were 61.74, 65.91, 75.44, 69.00, 75.54 and 67.15 for dry matter, 61.44, 61.60, 71.33, 68.23, 75.44 and 66.12 for crude protein and 58.56, 66.45, 75.98, 70.92, 78.43 and 70.79 for fat, respectively. The dry matter (P=O.OOOl)and fat (P=O.OOOl) digestibilities were only significantly higher when fat was added to LD diets. The crude protein (CP) digestibilities were significantly higher when fat was added to either the LD (P=0.0001) or the HD (P=0.0488) diets. All the calves were slaughtered at 20 weeks of age and the fatty acid content of the meat (m. longissimus) and subcutaneous fat layer adjacent to the 12th rib as well as the meat colour, was determined. The fatty acid composition of the longissimus muscle was changed by feeding the rumen inert fat sources. The three predominant fatty acids found were palmitic, stearic and oleic acids. The palmitic acid (CI6:0) content of the muscle and diet was 24.44 & 20.47,25.97 & 22.57,31.06 & 33.23, 30.98 & 37.91, 34.94 & 31.77 and 29.71 & 32.88 of the total fat for the LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf and HDgf diets, respectively. The C16:0 content was significantly higher in the muscle of the calves receiving the LD diets supplemented with fat (P=0.0008). There was also a significant interaction between the two fat sources and protein degradability (P=0.0065), but only in the LD diets. The stearic acid (CI8:0) content of the muscle and diet was 14.35 & 5.22, 19.65 & 8.61, 17.29 & 4.68, 22.59 & 5.78, 22.27 & 15.54, and 26.48 & 20.15 of the total fat for the LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgfand HDgfdiets, respectively. The C18:0 content was significantly higher in the muscle of calves receiving the HD (P=O.OOOl)compared to LD diets. The stearic acid content was also significantly higher when fat was added to LD (P=0.0042) or HD (P=0.0073) diets. The oleic acid (CI8:1) content of the muscle and diet was 36.06 & 21.51,39.99 & 21.11,32.21 & 23.67, 29.13 & 24.59, 25.23 & 18.68 and 35.93 & 16.02 of the total fat for the LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf and HDgf diets, respectively. The linolenic acid (CI8:3) content of the muscle was significantly higher (P=0.0038) when fat was added to LD diets compared to no fat supplementation (0.87 vs. 0.15). The CIELAB values indicated that LD diets resulted in more pink meat. Mean values ofL* =-32.61, 34.19; a* = 7.08, 7.91 and b* = 3.18 and 4.07 were observed for the LD and HD diets, respectively. Meat from the LD diets had significantly lower L*-(P=0.0252), a*-(P=0.0283) and b*-(P=0.0109) values compared to meat from the HD diets. It was concluded that there was a positive response in CP digestibility when rumen inert fats were supplemented to LD or HD diets, although a greater response was shown in the LD diets. The FCR, dry matter and fat digestibility were only increased when fat was added to the LD and not to the HD diets. Similarly, the fatty acid contents of the longissimus muscle of veal calves can be manipulated with the supplementation of rumen inert fat sources, but only when combined with a low protein degradable diet. The low degradable protein diets also produce a more attractive meat colour for the potential veal consumer.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ses behandelings, lae- (LD) of hoë (HD) degradeerbare diëte, elk met of sonder rumeninerte vetsupplementering, is geëvalueer met ses kalwers in elke groep. Twee kommersiële vetbronne is gebruik, nl. Morlae (m) en Golden Flake (gf) teen 'n 2.5% insluitingspeil. 'n Kommersiële melksurrogaat (Denkavit) is aangebied teen 4L1dag tot 42 dae ouderdom, gevolg deur 2L/dag tot speenouderdom op 49 dae. Aanvangsdiëte is ad lib. aangebied vanaf 14 dae tot 10 weke ouderdom en die groeidiëte ad lib. vanafweek 11 tot 20. Daar was geen betekenisvolle verskille in die totale massatoename of die droëmateriaalinname nie. Die voeromsettingsverhouding is betekenisvol verbeter (P=0.0032) in die behandelings waarin rumeninerte vette by LD diëte ingesluit is, maar nie by die HD diëte nie. Die voeromsettingsverhouding (kg droëmateriaalinname / kg massatoename) van die LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf en HDgf diëte was 3.45, 3.44, 3.07, 3.81, 3.02 en 3.43, onderskeidelik. Al 36 kalwers is in 'n verteringsproef gebruik gedurende week 18 van die proef. Chroomoksied (Cr203) is as merker gebruik. Verteerbaarheidswaardes vir die ses diëte was 61.74, 65.91, 75.44,69.00,75.54 en 67.15 vir droëmateriaal, 61.44, 61.60, 71.33, 68.23, 75.44 en 66.12 vir ruproteïen en 58.56, 66.45, 75.98, 70.92, 78.43 en 70.79 vir vet, onderskeilik. Die droëmateriaal- (P=O.OOOl) en vetverteerbaarheid (P=O.OOOI) was slegs betekenisvol hoër wanneer vet by LD diëte gevoeg is en nie by HD nie. Die ruproteïen (RP) verteerbaarheid Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za VI was betekenisvol hoër (P=0.0002) by LD en HD (P=0.0488) diëte met vet supplementering, teenoor geen vet insluiting. Die kalwers is op 20 weke ouderdom geslag en die vetsuursamestelling van die vleis (m. longissimus) en die subkutane vetlaag teenaan die 12de rib, asook en die vleiskleur, is bepaal. Die vetsuursamestelling van die longissimus spier is deur die supplementering van rumeninerte vet verander. Die drie primêre vetsure wat in die vleis voorgekom het, was palmitiensuur, steariensuur en oleïensuur. Die palmitensuur (CI6:0) inhoud van die spier en diëte was 24.44 & 20.47, 25.97 & 22.57, 31.06 & 33.23, 30.98 & 37.91, 34.94 & 31.77 en 29.71 & 32.88 van die totale vet van die LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf en HDgf diëte, onderskeilik. Die C16:0 was betekinisvol hoër in die spiere van kalwers wat die LD diëte met vet supplementering (P=0.0008) ontvang het. Die steariensuur (CI8:0) inhoud van die spier en diëte was 14.35 & 5.22, 19.65 & 8.61, 17.29 & 4.68, 22.59 & 5.78, 22.27 & 15.54, en 26.48 & 20.15 van die totale vet vir die LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf en HDgf diëte, onderskeidelik. Die C18:0 inhoud was betekinisvol hoër in die spiere van die kalwers wat die HD (P=O.OOOI),teenoor LD diëte ontvang het. Die steariensuur inhoud was ook betekenisvol hoër wanneer vet by LD (P=0.0042) of HD (P=0.0031) diëte gevoeg word. Die oleïensuur (CI8:1) inhoud van die spier en diëte was 36.06 & 21.51, 39.99 & 21.11, 32.21 & 23.67, 29.13 & 24.59, 25.23 & 18.68 en 35.93 & 16.02 van die totale vet vir die LD, HD, LDm, HDm, LDgf en HDgf diëte, onderskeidelik. Die linoleensuur (CI8:3) inhoud van die spier was betekinisvol hoër (P=0.0038) in die LD diëte met vet teenoor LD met geen vet supplementering (0.87 vs. 0.15). Die CIELAB waardes van die LD diëte dui op 'n pienker vleiskleur. Gemiddelde waardes van L* = 32.61 & 34.19, a* = 7.08 & 7.91 en b* = 3.18 & 4.07 is vir die LD en HD diëte, onderskeidelik, waargeneem. Die vleis van die LD diëte het 'n betekenisvol laer L*-(P=0.0252), a*-(P=0.0283) en b*-(P=0.0109) waarde in vergelyking met die HD diëte getoon. Die resultate dui daarop dat daar 'n positiewe respons in die ruproteïenverteerbaarheid by die supplementering van rumeninerte vette by LD en HD diëte voorkom, maar die response op die LD diëte is groter. Die voeromsettingsverhouding, droëmateriaal- en vetverteerbaarheid is egter net bevoordeel in die LD met vet en nie in die HD diëte nie. Die vetsuursamestelling van die longissimus spier in die kalf kan gemanipuleer word met die supplementering van rumeninerte vetbronne, maar slegs wanneer dit gekombineer word met lae degradeerbare proteïen diëte. Die lae degradeerbare proteïen diëte produseer ook die mees aanloklike vleiskleur vir die potensiële kalfsvleisverbruiker.

O estudo dos teores protéicos oferecidos aos animais possui crucial importância, pois estes exercem influência determinante no desenvolvimento da infecção parasitária. Investigou-se o efeito da utilização de dois diferentes teores protéicos (18,5% e 8,6% de PB na MS) sobre as alterações fisiopatológicas desenvolvidas por bezerros primo infectados com o nematóide intestinal Cooperia punctata. Objetivando determinar se a suplementação possibilitaria aos animais infectados responderem mais prontamente ao desafio parasitário, realizaram-se estudos de composição corporal, retenção de compostos nitrogenados, acompanhamento clínico completo, avaliação de peso e carcaça, avaliação quantitativa e qualitativa da carga parasitária e exames histopatológicos. Os animais que receberam suplementação apresentaram um quadro clínico menos severo, perderam menos peso, tiveram um maior rendimento de carcaça, apresentaram lesões teciduais mais exuberantes, maiores taxas de excreção urinária de nitrogênio, expulsaram os parasitos para porções distais do trato gastrointestinal e demonstraram uma eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio 3,6 vezes maior que os animais mantidos na dieta basal. Demonstrou-se que a suplementação protéica resultou em efeitos positivos para os animais infectados.
The study of protein levels offered to cattle is very important when one aims at nematode control, since they can effectively affect the development of parasitic infection. The effect of two different levels - 18.5% and 8.6% CP on DM basis on the pathophysiology of Cooperia punctata infection on naive calves was examined. Aiming at determine if protein supplementation allow animals to better withstand parasitic challenge, several parameters were evaluated: body composition, nitrogen retention, clinical evolution, weight gain, carcass yeld, quantitative and qualitative assessment of parasitic burden and histopathology. Supplemented animal presented a milder clinical signs, lost less weight, had higher carcass yeld, greater tecidual lesions, higher urinary nitrogen excretion, expelled parasites to distal parts of gastrointestinal tract and showed a 3.6 greater efficiency for nitrogen retention than animal kept on basal diet. It became clear that protein supplementation resulted in benefits to infected animals.

Foram realizados dois estudos para avaliar aditivos alternativos aos antibióticos na produção de bezerros leiteiros em sistema de desaleitamento precoce. No primeiro experimento, foram avaliados os efeitos de mananoligossacarídeos (Bio-Mos®) quanto ao desempenho e parâmetros sanguíneos indicativos de desenvolvimento ruminal, além da via de fornecimento do aditivo. Foram utilizados 24 bezerros da raça Holandês, todos machos inteiros, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: 1) controle; 2) mananoligossacarídeo (4 g/d Bio-Mos®, Alltech Biotech.) fornecido via concentrado inicial; 3) mananoligossacarídeo (4 g/d Bio-Mos®, Alltech Biotech.) fornecido via sucedâneo lácteo. Os animais foram alocados em abrigos individuais, com livre acesso a água, e passaram a receber 4L/d da dieta líquida, dividida em 2 refeições até o desaleitamento na sexta semana, e concentrado incial ad libitum. Diariamente, foi realizada avaliação do escore fecal. Semanalmente, foram realizadas pesagens, medidas de crecimento corporal e colheitas de sangue, para a determinação de glicose, N-uréico e -hidroxibutirato (BHBA) até a oitava semana, quando se encerrou o período experimental. Não foi observada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos ou interação Tratamento x Idade para os parâmetros de consumo, ganho de peso, crescimento corporal e parâmetros sanguíneos. Entretanto, foi observado efeito de Idade para todos os parâmetros avaliados (P<0,0001). O escore fecal também não foi afetado pelos tratamentos, no entanto, os animais recebendo MOS via sucedâneo lácteo apresentaram médias numericamente menores nas duas primeiras semanas de vida, demonstrando menor ocorrência de diarréia. Não foram observados efeitos significativos (P>0,05) de tratamento ou da interação tratamento x Idade nas concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, N-uréico ou BHBA. No entanto, houve efeito de Idade nos parâmetros plasmáticos, sendo observadas concentrações crescentes de N-uréico e BHBA, indicando adequado desenvolvimento ruminal. No segundo experimento, foi avaliada a inclusão de substâncias húmicas no concentrado inicial e seus efeitos no desempenho e desenvolvimento ruminal. Foram utilizados 20 animais, todos machos inteiros, em delineamento experimental blocos completos aleatorizados, distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: 1) controle; 2) substâncias húmicas (SH, NutriHume®), fornecido via concentrado inicial. O manejo nutricional e os parâmetros avaliados foram os mesmos do primeiro experimento. Entretanto, os animais foram desaleitados na oitava semana de idade e foram abatidos para análise do desenvolvimento do trato digestório superior. Não houve efeito significativo (P>0,05) dos tratamentos ou da interação Tratamento x Idade para os parâmetros consumo de concentrado, ganho de peso ou medidas de crescimento corporal, embora tenha ocorrido efeito de Idade (P<0,0001). O escore fecal também não foi afetado pela inclusão de substâncias húmicas (P>0,05), embora os animais tenham apresentado com grande frequência escores que indicam ocorrência de diarréia. Não houve efeito da inclusão de substâncias húmicas (p>0,05) para as medidas morfométricas do trato digestório superior, número, largura ou altura de papilas do epitélio ruminal. Nas condições em que os experimentos foram realizados, os aditivos alternativos não apresentaram efeitos benéficos no desempenho, no desenvolvimento ruminal ou na saúde geral de bezerros leiteiros em aleitamento.
Two studies were conducted to evaluate alternative additives to replace antibiotics on dairy calves production under early-weaning program. On the first trial, the addition of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) in the diet of dairy calves on performance and plasma parameters indicative of rumen development, as well as the route of administration, milk replacer or starter feed, were evaluated. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were utilized in a completely randomized design. Calves were distributed in the following treatments: 1) control; 2) mannanoligosaccharides (4 g / d Bio-Mos®, Alltech Biotech.) via starter feed; 3) mannanoligosaccharides ( 4 g / d Bio-Mos®, Alltech Biotech.) delivered via milk replacer. The animals were housed in individual hutches, with free access to water, and received 4L / d liquid diet, split into 2 meals, until weaning at six weeks, and starter feed ad libitum. Fecal scores were evaluated daily. Weekly calves were weighted and growth measurements and blood samples for glucose, urea-N and -hidroxibutyrate (BHBA) were taken until the eighth week of age, when the experimental period ended. There was no significant (P> 0.05) effect of treatment or treatment x age interaction for intake, weight gain or body growth. However, there was an age significant effect for all evaluated parameters (P <0.0001). The fecal score was not affected by treatments; however, animals fed MOS via milk replacer presented averages numerically smaller in the first two weeks of life, showing a lower incidence of diarrhea. No significant effects (P>0.05) of treatment or the interaction treatment x age were also observed for plasma concentration of glucose, urea-N or BHBA. However a significant age effect was observed for plasma parameters, with increasing concentrations for urea-N and BHBA, suggesting adequate rumen development. On the second trial, the inclusion of humic substances in the starter and its effects on performance and rumen development were evaluated. Twenty Holstein male calves were used in a completely randomized block design and distributed in two treatments according to inclusion of humic substances in the concentrate starter: 1) Control; 2) Humic substances (Nutrihume®). Nutritional management and evaluated parameters were the same as described for the first trial. However, calves were weaned at the eighth week of age and slaughtered for rumen development evaluation. There were significant effect (P>0.05) for treatment or the interaction treatment x age for concentrate intake, weight gain or growth measurements. Fecal scores were also not affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion of humic substances, even though calves presented frequently high fecal scores, indicating high incidence of diarrhea. There were no significant effects (P>0.05) of humic substances inclusion on the rumen morphometrics measures and papillae number, height or width. On the conditions of these studies, the alternative additives presented no beneficial effects on performance, rumen development or general health of milk-fed dairy calves.

CAPES
O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Fazenda Modelo do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná (IAPAR) no município de Ponta Grossa, entre o período de Junho de 2011 a Março de 2012. Com o objetivo de avaliar os sistemas de desmame precoce e da amamentação controlada sobre o desempenho de vacas e bezerros durante o período reprodutivo, foram utilizadas 161 vacas mestiças Purunã e seus respectivos bezerros, distribuídos em três grupos: Desmame precoce (DP), foi realizado através do desmame dos bezerros com média de 75 dias de idade; o grupo Amamentação Controlada (AC), as vacas foram separadas de seus bezerros e colocadas a amamentar apenas uma vez ao dia durante o período da estação de monta; o terceiro grupo era do Desmame convencional (DC), em que as vacas mantiveram seus bezerros em aleitamento durante todo do tempo, sem alguma interferência no manejo durante todo o período de avaliação. As vacas de todos os grupos pariram em condição corporal acima de 3,3 pontos (escala de 1 a 5), não apresentando diferença na taxa de prenhez, sendo 90% para as vacas do DC; 96% para as vacas da AC e 97% para as vacas do DP. Quando em boas condições ao parto a utilização do desmame precoce e da amamentação controlada não trazem benefícios produtivos, podendo o desmame precoce provocar queda na eficiência reprodutiva do plantel de cria devido ao peso do bezerro ser 19,6% menor em relação ao desmame convencional. Os bezerros submetidos ao DP apresentaram menor (P<0,05) ganho de peso diário (0,56 kg) durante o período experimental em relação ao grupo AC e DC (0,95 kg e 0,88 kg, respectivamente) os quais não diferiram entre si (P<0,05). O manejo da amamentação controlada não provoca efeito no desempenho dos bezerros, podendo ser desmamados com peso similar aos bezerros mantidos ao pé da vaca. A categoria das vacas (Jovens, Adultas e Velhas) não apresentou interação com o sistema de desmame. Observou-se que Vacas jovens, são mais leves (P<0,05) ao parto e ao desmame de seus bezerros (383,89 e 399,40 kg, respectivamente) em relação às vacas adultas (444,07 e 451,92 kg) e velhas (452,35 e 470,49 kg). Desta forma as Novilhas acasaladas aos dois anos paridas em boas condições nutricionais apresentam a mesma eficiência reprodutiva que vacas adultas (47,64 e 48,35 kg de bezerro ao desmame/100 kg de vaca, respectivamente), ao passo que vacas velhas apresentam a menor eficiência reprodutiva no plantel de cria (42,99 kg de bezerro/100kg de vaca). O menor peso ao desmame de bezerros filhos de vacas primíparas e velhas é devido ao menor peso desde o nascimento até os 150 dias de idade, não havendo diferença no desempenho a partir deste período.
The study was developed at Fazenda Modelo an Experimental Estation belonged to the Insituto Agronômico do Paraná (IAPAR) in the city of Ponta Grossa, Pr, in the period from June 2011 to March 2012. Aiming to evaluate the systems of early weaning and controlled nursing about the performance of cows and calves during the breeding season, 161 crossbred Purunã cows and their calves were used and the were divided into three groups: Early weaning (DP), which was fulfilled weaning of calves with the average age of 75 days; the group of controlled nursing (AC), the cows were separated from their calves and placed to breastfeed only once a day during the breeding season; and the third group was the conventional weaning (DC), which the cows kept their calves together during the whole time without any interference in the management, with definitive weaning at seven months. Cows from all groups calved in body condition score above 3.7 points (scale from 1 to 5), with no significant difference in the pregnancy rate, 90% for cows in DC, 96% for cows for AC and 97% for cows of early Weaning. When in good condition at calving the use of early weaning or controlled nursing do not bring productive benefitis, early weaning can cause decline in reproductive efficiency of the breeding herd because of the weight of the calf to be 19.6% lower compared to conventional weaning. Calves subjected to the DP showed a lower overage (P <0.05) daily weight gain (0.56 kg) during the experimental period compared to the group at the AC and DC (0.95 kg and 0.88 kg, respectively) which did not differ from each other (P <0.05). The management of controlled nursing causes no effect on the performance of calves, that can be weaned with similar weight to calves maintained together the cow. As the cow category (Young, Adult and Old) showed no interaction with the system weaning, they were discussed independently. It was observed that young cows are lighter (P <0.05) at calving and weaning of their calves (383.89 and 399.40 kg, respectively) compared to mature cows (444.07 and 451.92 kg) and old (452.35 and 470.49 kg). Therefore, the Heifers bred at two years old, that calve in good nutritional conditions have the same reproductive efficiency that adult cows (47.64 and 48.35 kg of weaning calf to 100 kg/cow, respectively), while the old cows show lower reproductive efficiency in a breeding herd (42.99 kg of calf per 100kg/cow). The lower weaning weight of calves born from primiparous and old is because of the lower weight and performance since the birth to 150 days of age, with no difference in performance after this period.

Twenty-four crossbred steer calves (235 + 6 kg initial BW) were weaned, adapted to a growing diet, trained to use Calan feeders and assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement as follows: (1) no transit stress and saline injection, (2) no transit stress and trace mineral and vitamin E (TM/VitE) injections, (3) transit stress and saline injection and (4) transit stress and TM/VitE injection. TM/VitE injections consisted of MultiminTM to provide 0.3, 0.6, 0.15 and 0.6 mg of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn/kg BW, respectively, and Vita ETM to provide 9 IU of VitE/kg BW on d 0 and 21 of the study. On d 24, transit-stressed steers were subjected to a three-d, 2000-km, transportation period. During the 56-d experiment, liver and serum samples were assayed to assess trace mineral status, antibody titers to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) measured to assess humoral immunity and phytohemagglutinin(PHA)- and ovalbumin(OVA)-induced skin swelling and lymphocyte proliferation measured to assess cellular immunity. TM/VitE-injected steers grew slower (P < 0.05) over the first 24 d of the experiment and tended (P = 0.10) to grow slower after transit. TM/VitE injections increased (P < 0.05) liver Cu and Zn concentrations 135 and 21 % by d 30, respectively. TM/VitE-injected steers had increased (P < 0.05) serum Cu on d 24 and 26, but decreased (P < 0.05) serum Zn and whole blood Se compared to saline-injected steers on d 24 and 56. TM/VitE injections increased serum α-tocopherol concentrations. TM/VitE injections did not affect humoral immunity, but decreased (P < 0.05) skin-swelling responses to PHA on d 21, and decreased (P < 0.05) lymphocyte proliferation to OVA and KLH. Transit-stressed steers had higher (P < 0.05) serum Cu on d 26, and higher (P < 0.05) liver Cu concentrations on d 56 than non-transit-stressed steers. Transit stress did not affect serum Zn or whole blood Se concentrations. Injections of TM/VitE increased Cu, Zn and vitamin E, but not Se status. The TM/VitE treatment suppressed growth and cellular immune function suggesting that levels of trace minerals used in this study were too high.

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Para a composição desta tese foram elaborados três artigos científicos baseados em estudos realizados com matrizes da raça Nelore e suas respectivas crias, submetidas a diferentes estratégias de suplementação em diferentes fases de produção. No estudo descrito no primeiro artigo, objetivou- se avaliar a influência da utilização de suplementação múltipla no pré e/ou pós- parto, para matrizes Nelore em boa condição nutricional, sobre o desempenho de suas progênies durante a fase de cria. Oitenta e quatro matrizes pluríparas da raça Nelore (peso corporal de 522 ± 9 kg e escore de condição corporal (ECC) de 5 ± 0.08, numa escala de 1-9) e suas respectivas crias (44 fêmeas e 40 machos) foram utilizadas. Os tratamentos das matrizes foram: 1 kg (matéria natural) de suplemento durante 90 dias pré-parto e 90 dias pós-parto (suplementação o tempo todo), 1 kg de suplemento (matéria natural) durante 90 dias pré-parto e mistura mineral após o parto (suplementação antes do parto), mistura mineral no período pré-parto e 1 kg de suplemento (matéria natural) durante 90 dias pós-parto (suplementação pós-parto) e tratamento controle, recebendo apenas mistura mineral no período avaliado (Controle). As matrizes que foram suplementadas antes do parto, pariram bezerros mais pesados que aquelas que receberam suplemento apenas no período pós-parto. Também não foram identificadas diferenças para peso corporal (PC) dos bezerros no desmame, ECC e produção de leite das matrizes, entre os diferentes tratamentos (P > 0.05). Matrizes do tratamento controle apresentaram menor teor de gordura no leite na primeira coleta, em relação às suplementadas (P < 0.05). Os bezerros (apenas machos) filhos das matrizes do tratamento controle apresentaram maio (P < 0.05) consumo de matéria seca (CMS) que os filhos de matrizes suplementadas. Os tratamentos das matrizes não diferenciaram em relação à concentração de T3, T4, glicose, área de olho de lombo (AOL), espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS), profundidade do Gluteus medius (PGM) e espessura de gordura na P8 (EGP8), nos seus respectivos bezerros. Bezerras, filhas de matrizes do tratamento Controle, apresentaram menor teor de glicose e maior teor de ureia no sangue, quando comparadas aquelas filhas de matrizes suplementadas. O uso de suplementação de matrizes, antes do parto proporciona o nascimento de bezerros mais pesados, e o não uso de suplementação para as matrizes no período pré e /ou pós-parto causa aumento do consumo de matéria seca dos bezerros na fase de cria. No segundo artigo o objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes esquemas de suplementação a pasto, sobre o desempenho e composição de carcaça de bezerros na fase de cria, assim como a influência destes esquemas de suplementação sobre o desempenho destes animais no período de confinamento. 48 bezerros da raça Nelore (147 ± 7 kg e três meses de idade) na fase de cria e suas mães (512 ± 9 kg e seis anos de idade) foram utilizados em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O período de suplementação foi de 142 dias, subdividido em dois períodos (1 e 2) de 71 dias, seguidos de um tempo de 125 dias de confinamento. Os tratamentos dados aos bezerros foram: fornecimento diário de 5 e 10g de matéria seca (MS) de suplemento/kg de PC nos períodos 1 e 2 respectivamente (5S/10S), 10 e 5g de MS de suplemento/kg de PC nos períodos 1 e 2 respectivamente (10S/5S), 7.5g de MS de suplemento/kg de PC em ambos períodos (7.5S) e mistura mineral ad libitum em ambos períodos (MM). Os bezerros suplementados apresentaram maior (P < 0.05) PC ao desmame e GMD durante toda a fase de cria, comparados aos animais do tratamento MM. Bezerros dos tratamentos 5S/10S e 7.5S apresentaram maior (P < 0.05) GMD e PC ao desmame, que bezerros do tratamento 10S/5S. Não foram observadas diferenças no GMD e PC entre os bezerros suplementados, durante o primeiro período. Os bezerros do tratamento MM apresentaram menor (P < 0.05) AOL, EGS, PGM e também menor PC no início do período de confinamento. Bezerros suplementados na fase de cria apresentam melhor desempenho ao desmame e tendem a apresentar maior peso ao final do confinamento. A quantidade de 7.5g de MS de suplemento/kg de PC/dia é recomendado para a otimização do desempenho de bezerros Nelore na fase de cria. No terceiro artigo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos diferentes esquemas de suplementação para bezerros na fase de cria, como descrito no artigo 2, sobre o comportamento dos bezerros lactentes e suas respectivas mães, assim como a influência dos diferentes esquemas de suplementação no desempenho das matrizes lactantes. Não foram identificadas diferenças (P > 0.05) em ECC, PC final e GMD das matrizes durante o período de avaliação. Bezerros do tratamento MM passaram mais tempo (P < 0.05) pastejando do que animais dos tratamentos 5S/10S e 10S/5S, no primeiro período avaliado. O tempo de mamada não diferenciou (P > 0.05) entre os bezerros de diferentes tratamentos, no primeiro período. Bezerros do tratamento 10S/5S passaram mais tempo (P > 0.05) mamando e menos tempo (P > 0.05) consumindo suplemento que os do tratamento 5S/10S, no segundo período. Mães de bezerros do tratamento MM apresentaram maior tempo de ócio e menor tempo de pastejo (P > 0.05), quando comparadas às mães de bezerros dos tratamentos 5S/10S e 10S/5S. Neste estudo foi concluído que diferentes esquemas de suplementação de bezerros a pasto, não afetam o desempenho de suas mães e que a suplementação diminui o tempo de pastejo destes bezerros.
For the thesis composition were prepared three scientific articles based on studies with dams of Nellore breed and their respective calves, submitted to different supplementation schedules in different phases of production. In the first article the objective was to evaluate the effect of Bos indicus dams’ supplementation in the pre and/or post calving period, on the performance of their male and female calves in the suckling phase. Eighty four pluriparous Nellore cows (body weight (BW) of 522 ± 9 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 5 ± 0.08 (1-9 scale)) and their calves (44 females and 40 males) were used. The dams’ treatments were: 1 kg of supplement during 90 days before and 90 days after calving (Supplemented all time), 1 kg of supplement during 90 days before calving and mineral mixture after calving (Supplemented before calving), mineral mixture before calving and 1 kg of supplement during 90 days after calving (Supplemented after calving) and a control treatment, receiving only mineral mixture ad libitum during entire experiment (Control). Cows supplemented before calving, calved heavier calves than supplemented after calving group. No differences were observed in BW at weaning, cows’ BCS and cow’s milk production (P > 0.05). Dams from the Control treatment had smaller milk fat in the first milk collection in the calves’ supplementation period, when contrasted with the supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Male calves of cows from the Control treatment showed higher (P < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) than sons of supplemented cows’ groups (average of DMI was: 5.5 kg and 3.4 kg to male calves of cows from Control treatment and cows which received supplement, respectively). No differences were found among the different dams’ treatments to T3, T4, glucose, rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), Gluteus medius depth (GMD) and P8 thickness fat (P8TF) of male calves. Daughters of cows from the Control treatment showed lower serum glucose, but had greater serum urea compared to daughters of supplemented dams. It was concluded that supplementation of cows before calving improves calves’ birth weight and the non-supplementation in the pre/post calving increase the male calves’ DMI during suckling phase. In the second article was evaluated the effect of different schedules of multiple supplementation on performance and carcass composition during the suckling phase of grazing Nellore male calves, as well as the influence of this supplementation schedule on performance of these animals in the feedlot. Forty-eight Nellore male calves (147 ± 7 kg BW and 3 months of age) in the suckling phase and their dams (512 ± 9 kg BW and 6 years of age), were used in a completely randomised design. The supplementation period was 142 days in duration and consisted of two equal 71 day periods (1 and 2), followed by a 125 days feedlot period. The treatments were: 5 and 10 g supplement dry matter (DM)/kg BW.day offered in period 1 and 2 respectively (5S/10S); 10 and 5 g supplement DM/kg BW.day offered in period 1 and 2 respectively (10S/5S); 7.5 g supplement DM/kg BW.day in both periods 1 and 2 (7.5S) and mineral mix ad libitum in both periods 1 and 2 (MM). Supplemented calves showed greater final BW and ADG (0.900 kg and 0.560 kg, the ADG in the suckling phase of supplemented and unsupplemented calves, respectively; P < 0.05), during the first and second experimental period. Calves from 5S/10S and 7.5S showed higher final BW and total ADG than calves from 10S/5S. No differences in ADG and FBW were observed in the first phase among supplemented calves. Animals from MM presented smaller (P < 0.05) rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and Gluteus medius depth (GMD). In the feedlot period, supplemented animals had greater initial (P < 0.05) BW and tendency (P < 0.10) of greater final BW. It was concluded that male calves supplemented during the suckling phase, show better performance at weaning. The amount of 7.5 g supplement DM/kg BW.day is recommended to improve the performance. In the third article the aim was to evaluate different schedules of supplementation at pasture to calves in a creep feeding system, as described in the second article, on dam’s performance and behaviour of calves and their dams. No differences (P < 0.05) in BCS, final BW and ADG were found on dams’ performance. Calves from MM treatment spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than supplemented calves from 5S/10S and 10S/5S treatments, in the first period. No difference in suckling time was found among the treatments (P > 0.05) in the first evaluated period. Calves from 10S/5S treatment spent more time suckling and less time eating supplements (P < 0.05) than 5S/10S treatment animals, in the second evaluated period. Dams of MM treatment’s calves showed more idle time and lower grazing time when compared with the mothers of calves from 5S/10S and 10S/5S treatments. It was concluded that, different schedules of Nellore calves’ supplementation at pasture, do not affect their mothers’ performance, and supplementation decreases grazing time of calves in the suckling phase.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito do tratamento alcalino da canade- açúcar in natura, variedade IAC 862480, submetida ou não a hidrólise com 0,5% de cal virgem (CaO) ou cal hidratada (Ca(OH)2) durante 12, 36 e 60 horas de armazenamento, sobre a composição bromatológica, pH, temperaturas externa e interna, e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS), fibra em detergente neutro (DIVFDN) e da fibra em detergente ácido (DIVFDA). Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x3, cujos tratamentos foram três tipos de cana = Cana in natura; Cana hidrolisada com 0,5% de cal virgem e Cana hidrolisada com 0,5% de cal hidratada x 3 tempos de armazenamento (12, 36 e 60 horas). Notouse efeito significativo (P<0,01) tanto para os tipos de cana como para os tempos de armazenamento sobre a temperatura externa dos amontoados. Para pH e temperatura interna observou-se interação significativa entre os tipos de cana e tempos de armazenamento (P<0,01). Houve influência dos tipos de cana sobre os teores de matéria orgânica, matéria mineral, carboidratos totais e hemicelulose (P<0,01) e fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais (P<0,05). Os tempos de armazenamento influenciaram os teores de proteína bruta (P<0,01) e matéria orgânica carboidratos totais e hemicelulose (P<0,05). Para o teor de carboidratos não fibrosos, observou-se interação significativa entre os tipos de cana e tempos de armazenamento (P<0,05)...
The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the alkaline treatment of a “in natura” sugarcane variety, IAC 86-2480, submitted or not to hydrolysis with 0,5 % virgin lime (CaO) or hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) during 12, 36 and 60 hours of storage, on the bromatologic composition, pH, external and internal temperatures, and in vitro dry matter ruminal digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD) and acid detergent fiber (IVADFD). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3x3 factorial scheme, with the treatments being composted by the combination of three types of sugarcane (in natura sugarcane; hydrolyzed sugarcane with 0,5 % virgin lime; and hydrolyzed sugarcane with 0,5 % hydrated lime) and three storage timings (12, 36 and 60 hours). A significant (P <0.01) effect of the external temperature was noticed, not only for the types of sugarcane but also for the storage timing. For pH and internal temperature there was a significant interaction between the types of sugarcane and the storage timings (P<0.01). It was noticed an influence of the sugarcane types on the content of organic and mineral matter, total carbohydrates and hemicellulose (P<0.01) and neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05)... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
A reprodução é o principal fator limitante na eficiência da produção de carne, e a baixa taxa de concepção observada no rebanho brasileiro reflete a baixa taxa de fertilidade das vacas e a idade tardia à puberdade das novilhas de substituição. A fim de fornecer mais informações sobre as estratégias nutricionais para o melhor desenvolvimento das novilhas Nelore e melhorar o desempenho das vacas, foram realizados três estudos e os resultados são apresentados em quatro artigos. No primeiro trabalho, foram utilizadas 80 vacas Nelore grávidas (6 meses de gestação) com idade inicial de seis anos e peso inicial médio e escore de condição corporal inicial de 515,5 ± 1,34 kg e 4,68 ± 0,15, respectivamente. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e vinte repetições. As estratégias avaliadas foram suplementação com 1 kg/vaca/dia de suplementação somente no pré-parto, somente no pós-parto, no pré e pós-parto, e somente mistura mineral ad libitum durante o pré e pós-parto. Observou-se o efeito da suplementação sobre o peso corporal (PC) das vacas no parto e sobre o peso dos bezerros ao nascimento (P <0,05). Houve também efeito da suplementação no pré e pós-parto (P <0,05) no PC final, ganho médio diário e escore de condição corporal final dos animais. Houve uma tendência, com a suplementação no pós-parto, de maior produção de leite das vacas (P = 0,065) e, para os seus componentes, houve efeito de suplementação no pós-parto apenas para proteína do leite (PL) (P = 0,003). Houve um efeito da suplementação no pós-parto sobre nitrogênio ureico sérico, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados, β-hidroxibutirato e progesterona (P <0,05). Todos os metabólitos foram influenciados (P <0,05) no dia pós-parto. As vacas suplementadas no pós-parto apresentaram maior taxa de concepção do que a observada em animais não suplementados (P = 0,005). A suplementação com 1 kg/dia de suplementação com 28,6% de PC no pré-parto melhorou algumas das características produtivas, no entanto, a suplementação no pós-parto permite efeitos mais expressivos sobre a eficiência produtiva, metabólica e reprodutiva das vacas. Portanto, a suplementação no pós-parto é recomendada quando os animais têm escore de condição corporal vi (ECC) adequada ao parto. As bezerras das vacas do primeiro experimento foram utilizadas no segundo trabalho para avaliar estratégias de suplementação no sistema creep-feeding. Utilizaram-se quarenta e quatro bezerras Nelore, com idade e peso médio inicial, de quatro meses e 147,6 ± 1,34 kg, respectivamente. Um único suplemento com aproximadamente 20% de proteína foi fornecido em quantidades diferentes dependendo do peso corporal (PC). Os tratamentos consistiram no suprimento de 0,0%, 0,2%, 0,4% ou 0,6% do PC deste suplemento. Observou-se aumento do efeito linear (P <0,05) do peso corporal final e ganho médio diário de novilhas com aumento da suplementação. A suplementação múltipla aumentou o consumo, em kg/dia, de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), matéria seca digerida (MSD) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Não houve efeito da suplementação (P> 0,05) nas concentrações de AGNE. Houve um efeito linear crescente (P <0,05) de suplementação sobre as concentrações de insulina. Conclui-se que a suplementação melhora o desempenho, as características nutricionais e metabólicas dos animais, sendo o suprimento de 0,6% do PC de suplemento com 20% de PB o tratamento mais efetivo. As mesmas novilhas foram utilizadas no terceiro experimento após o desmame para avaliar os efeitos da suplementação estratégica de novilhas Nelore após o desmame à concepção. As estratégias avaliadas foram: BAAL - suplementação com 0,2% de PC/animal/dia de suplementação nos primeiros 90 dias e suplementação com 0,6% de PC/animal/dia nos 90 dias subseqüentes; MEME - suplementação com 0,4% de PC/animal/dia durante 180 dias; ALBA - suplementação com 0,6% de PC/animal/dia de suplementação nos primeiros 90 dias e suplementação com 0,2% de PC/animal/dia nos 90 dias seguintes; e MM - apenas mistura mineral ad libitum durante os 180 dias. Observou-se que a suplementação melhorou o desempenho dos animais durante os primeiros 90 dias de experimento, o que pode ser verificado pelo ganho médio diário (GMD) das fêmeas (P = 0,001). O mesmo fato foi observado na fase de transição seca/água, onde a suplementação melhorou o peso corporal final (PCf) (P = 0,002) e GMD (P = 0,001). Verificou-se também que a suplementação múltipla aumentou o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), matéria seca digestível (MSD) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) durante todo o experimento e fibra em detergente neutro digestível(FDNd) e fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteínas (FDNcp) apenas na transição seca/água. A suplementação aumentou o coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente de MS, MO, PB, vii FDNcp e NDT (P <0,05), ou seja, de todos os parâmetros analisados. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico sérico (NUS), glicose (GLIC), insulina (INS) e progesterona (PROG) foram maiores em novilhas suplementadas do que em novilhas não suplementadas (P < 0,05). Por outro lado, a suplementação reduziu as concentrações de ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE) (P = 0,001). Finalmente, foi obsevado que a taxa de concepção foi maior em novilhas suplementadas (P = 0,002). Concluiu- se que os melhores níveis de NUS, INS, GLIC, AGNE e PROG das novilhas suplementadas associadas ao maior PCf, digestibilidade e consumo dos componentes da dieta proporcionaram melhor desempenho reprodutivo para as novilhas suplementadas, independentemente da suplementação.
Reproduction is the main limiting factor in meat production efficiency and the low offtake rate observed in the Brazilian herd reflects the low fertility rate of cows and the late age at puberty of replacement heifers. In order to provide more information about nutritional strategies to better develop Nellore heifers and to improve dams’ performance, three studies were conducted and the results are here presented in four papers. In the first paper, were used 80 pregnant Nellore cows (6 months gestation) with initial age of six years and mean initial weight and initial body condition score of 515.5 ± 1.34 kg and 4.68 ± 0.15, respectively.The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and twenty repetitions. The strategies evaluated were supplementation with 1 kg/cow/day of supplementation only in the pre-partum, only in the postpartum, in the pre and postpartum, and only ad libitum mineral mixture during the pre and postpartum.The effect of supplementation on the body weight (BW) of cows at calving and calf weight at birth (P <0.05) was observed. There was also effect of pre and postpartum supplementation (P <0.05) on the final BW, mean daily gain and final body condition score of the animals. There was a trend of postpartum supplementation on milk production from the matrices (P = 0.065) and, for its components, there was post-partum supplementation effect only on milk protein (MP) (P = 0.003). There was an effect of postpartum supplementation on serum urea nitrogen, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β- hydroxybutyrate and progesterone (P < 0.05). All metabolites were influenced (P < 0.05) by the postpartum day. Cows supplemented postpartum had a higher conception rate than that observed in non-supplemented animals (P = 0,005). Supplementation with 1 kg/day supplementation with 28.6% of CP in pre-partum improved some of the productive characteristics, however, postpartum supplementation allows more expressive effects on the productive, metabolic and reproductive efficiency of cows. Therefore, postpartum supplementation is recommended when the animals have adequate body condition score (BCS) at calving. The heifer calves of cows used in the first experiment were used in the iii second paper to evaluate supplementary strategies in the creep feeding system. Were used fourty-four Nellore heifer calves, with age and initial mean weight, of four months and 147.6 ± 1.34 kg, respectively.A single supplement with approximately 20% of protein was provided in different amounts depending on body weight (BW). Treatments consisted in the supply of 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4% or 0.6% of BW from this supplement.Increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) of final body weight and average daily gain of heifer calves were observed with increased supplementation. Multiple supplementation increased consumption, in kg/day, of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), digested dry matter (dDM) and total digestible nutrients (TDN).There was no effect of supplementation (P > 0.05) on NEFA concentrations. There was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) of supplementation on insulin concentrations. It is concluded that supplementation improves the performance, nutritional and metabolic characteristics of the animals, being the supply of 0.6% of BW of supplement with 20% of CP the most effective treatment.The same heifers were used in the third experiment after weaning to evaluate the effects of strategic supplementation for Nellore heifers after weaning to conception. The evaluated strategies were: BAAL- supplementation with 0.2% of BW/animal/day of supplement in the first 90 days and supplementation with 0.6% of BW/animal/day in the subsequent 90 days; MEME - supplementation with 0.4% of BW/animal/day for 180 days; ALBA - supplementation with 0.6% of BW/animal/day of supplement in the first 90 days and supplementation with 0.2% of BW/animal/day in the subsequent 90 days; and MM - only mineral mix ad libitum during the 180 days.It was observed that supplementation improved the performance of the animals during the first 90 days of experiment, and this fact can be verified by the heifers' average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.001).The same fact was observed in the dry/water transition phase, where supplementation improved final body weight (fBW) (P = 0.002) and ADG (P = 0.001).It was also verified that multiple supplementation increased dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), digestible dry matter (dDM) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) during the whole experiment, and digested neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (apNDF) only in the dry/water transition.Supplementation increased the total apparent digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, apNDF and TDN (P <0.05), that is, of all analyzed parameters. Serum urea nitrogen (SUN), glucose (GLUC), insulin (INS) and progesterone (PROG) iv levels were higher in supplemented heifers than in non-supplemented heifers (P <0.05). On the other hand, supplementation reduced the concentrations of non- esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P = 0.001). Finally, it was found that the conception rate was higher for supplemented heifers (P = 0.020). It was concluded that the best levels of SUN, INS, GLUC, NEFA and PROG of the supplemented heifers associated to the higher fBW, digestibility and consumption of the diet components provided better reproductive performance independently of the supplementation.

In their first days of life, dairy calves in artificial rearing systems often have difficulty using an artificial teat for feeding. I examined the age at which calves are able to stand up and suckle without lifting assistance, as well as their suckling behavior when presented with a plain dry teat versus a dry teat modified with a presumably attractive odor or taste substance. Single-housed newborn dairy calves (n = 51) were presented for ten consecutive days with a two-minute two-choice test, in which suckling time was recorded for 1) a plain (control) teat vs. a glucose-coated teat (taste test) and 2) a plain teat vs. a teat with a "Freshly Cut Grass" odor (odor test). On average, the calves were able to suckle without lifting assistance from the second or third day of age on. The "Freshly Cut Grass" odor had no significant effect on their suckling behavior. The calves showed a significant preference for suckling the glucose-coated teat and displayed a significantly longer total suckling time in the taste test compared to the odor test. There were no significant differences between sexes regarding suckling preference. The results of the present study show that glucose had a significant effect on the calves' teat preference and significantly increased total suckling time with a dry artificial teat. As such, glucose may increase suckling motivation in non-efficient drinkers or ill calves with low motivation to suckle.

Orientador: Mauro Dal Secco de Oliveira
Banca: Jane Maria Bertocco Ezequiel
Banca: Maria Lúcia Pereira Lima
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito do tratamento alcalino da canade- açúcar in natura, variedade IAC 862480, submetida ou não a hidrólise com 0,5% de cal virgem (CaO) ou cal hidratada (Ca(OH)2) durante 12, 36 e 60 horas de armazenamento, sobre a composição bromatológica, pH, temperaturas externa e interna, e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS), fibra em detergente neutro (DIVFDN) e da fibra em detergente ácido (DIVFDA). Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x3, cujos tratamentos foram três tipos de cana = Cana in natura; Cana hidrolisada com 0,5% de cal virgem e Cana hidrolisada com 0,5% de cal hidratada x 3 tempos de armazenamento (12, 36 e 60 horas). Notouse efeito significativo (P<0,01) tanto para os tipos de cana como para os tempos de armazenamento sobre a temperatura externa dos amontoados. Para pH e temperatura interna observou-se interação significativa entre os tipos de cana e tempos de armazenamento (P<0,01). Houve influência dos tipos de cana sobre os teores de matéria orgânica, matéria mineral, carboidratos totais e hemicelulose (P<0,01) e fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais (P<0,05). Os tempos de armazenamento influenciaram os teores de proteína bruta (P<0,01) e matéria orgânica carboidratos totais e hemicelulose (P<0,05). Para o teor de carboidratos não fibrosos, observou-se interação significativa entre os tipos de cana e tempos de armazenamento (P<0,05)... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the alkaline treatment of a "in natura" sugarcane variety, IAC 86-2480, submitted or not to hydrolysis with 0,5 % virgin lime (CaO) or hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) during 12, 36 and 60 hours of storage, on the bromatologic composition, pH, external and internal temperatures, and in vitro dry matter ruminal digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD) and acid detergent fiber (IVADFD). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3x3 factorial scheme, with the treatments being composted by the combination of three types of sugarcane (in natura sugarcane; hydrolyzed sugarcane with 0,5 % virgin lime; and hydrolyzed sugarcane with 0,5 % hydrated lime) and three storage timings (12, 36 and 60 hours). A significant (P <0.01) effect of the external temperature was noticed, not only for the types of sugarcane but also for the storage timing. For pH and internal temperature there was a significant interaction between the types of sugarcane and the storage timings (P<0.01). It was noticed an influence of the sugarcane types on the content of organic and mineral matter, total carbohydrates and hemicellulose (P<0.01) and neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05)... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

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Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplements feeding on growth of calves grazing a Panicum maximum cv. Momba?a pasture during the dry season. The experimental design was a randomized blocks with three treatments and three replications. The treatments were: mineral salt ad libidum; multiple mixture (MM) fed at 0.2% of live weight (PV); and, concentrate feed (SC) fed at 0.7% of PV. Thirty six weaned calves averaging eight months and 192 kg of initial live weight were utilized. The masses and pasture components, nutritive value and rate of forage growth were evaluated. Animal performance was measured as average daily gain (ADG) and live weight gain (LWG). The supplemental feeding was adjusted after weighing. There was no difference between periods for forage mass and leaf: stem ratio. The highest values for forage green mass, leaf blades mass and stem percentage were observed in the first trial period. The canopy height and the available forage on offer did not differ among treatments. The percentage of dead was higher for the last periods of evaluation. The leaf: stem ratio and the leaf percentage were greater in the second period. There was significant difference (p<0,05) among treatments for the ADG and were 250, 460 and 770 g/day for salt, MM and SC, respectively. The biggest LWG was observed in the treatment SC. contents of PB, DIVMO, NDF and LDA on leaf blades, thatched roofs and dead material dead not differ among treatments. The highest GPV was observed in the SC treatment. The contents of PB, DIVMO, NDF and LDA for leaf blades stem and dead material did not differ among treatments. Independent of the use supplements , it is possible to keep steers gaining weight, during dry season, since the stocking rate is appropriately adjusted
O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de suplementos na recria de bovinos em pastos de Panicum maximum cv. Momba?a na ?poca seca. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com tr?s tratamentos e tr?s repeti??es. Os tratamentos constitu?ram-se de: sal mineral ? vontade; mistura m?ltipla (MM), fornecida a 0,2% do peso vivo (PV); e, suplemento concentrado (SC), fornecido a 0,7% do PV. Foram utilizados 36 bezerros desmamados, com idade m?dia de oito meses e peso m?dio inicial de 192 kg. Mensalmente, os pastos foram amostrados para as estimativas de altura, massa de forragem (MF), massa de forragem verde (MFV), massa de l?mina foliar (MLF), porcentagens de folha (PF), colmo (PC) e morto (PM), rela??o folha:colmo (RFC) e folha:n?o folha, oferta de forragem e taxa de ac?mulo de forragem (TAF), sendo os dados agrupados em quatro per?odos. Os animais foram pesados a cada 28 dias e a produ??o animal foi avaliada quanto ao ganho m?dio di?rio (GMD) e ganho de peso vivo por ?rea (GPV). A quantidade de suplemento foi ajustada a cada pesagem. N?o houve diferen?a entre per?odos para a massa de forragem e rela??o folha:colmo. Os maiores valores para massa de forragem verde, massa de l?mina foliar e porcentagem de colmo foram observados no primeiro per?odo de avalia??o. A altura do dossel e a oferta de forragem n?o diferiram entre os tratamentos. A porcentagem de material morto foi maior nos ?ltimos per?odos de avalia??o. A rela??o folha:n?o folha e a porcentagem de l?mina foliar foram maiores no segundo per?odo. O GMD foi de 250, 460 e 770 g/animal/dia, respectivamente, para sal, MM e SC. O maior GPV foi observado no tratamento SC. Os teores de PB, DIVMO, FDN e LDA nas l?minas foliares, colmo e material morto n?o diferiram entre os tratamentos. Independente do uso de suplementos, ? poss?vel manter o ganho de peso dos animais durante a esta??o seca, desde que a taxa de lota??o seja ajustada de forma adequada

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Body composition and net requirements for energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were estimated by using 20 Holstein calves, non-castrated, with average initial body weight of 37.5 kg. The animals were distributed in randomized blocks, with 16 animals subjected to treatment that consisted of two ages of weaning, with the same consumption of milk (300 liters) and two ages for the supply of hay, using the following treatments: Treatment 1 – weaning at 65 days of age with constant supply of 5 liters of milk from 6 to 65 days, plus hay after 20 days of life, Treatment 2 - weaning at 95 days with supply of 4.5 liters of milk from 6 to 35 days, 3.5 liters of milk from 36 to 65 days and 2.0 liters of milk from 66 to 95 days, plus hay after 20 days of life; Treatment 3 - weaning at 65 days with constant supply of 5 liters of milk from 6 to 65 days, plus hay after 65 days of life, and Treatment 4 - weaning at 95 days with supply of 4.5 liters of milk from 6 to 35 days, 3.5 liters of milk from 36 to 65 days and 2.0 liters of milk from 66 to 95 days, plus hay after 65 days of life. When completing 6 and 100 days of age, references and treatments calves, respectively, were slaughtered and all parts of the body of each calf was weighed, sampled, dried, pre-degreased, and the amount of total nitrogen, ether extract and macrominerals determined. The body energy was determined multiplying the levels of protein and fat to their energy content (5.6405 and 9.3929) and adding them. The body content of protein, fat, energy, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were determined with regression equations of the logarithm of the content of each constituint, as a function of the logarithm of empty body weight (EBW). The derived equations of prediction of the constituents represented the net requirements of protein, energy and macromineral for gain of 1 kg of EBW. Regression equations were adjusted for the logarithm of the content of each constituent in the body, as a function of the logarithm of empty body weight (EBW) of the animals. There were increases in the quantities of fat, protein, energy, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and decreases in the amounts of calcium and sodium, as the body weight of animals increased. The net requirements of protein and energy for gain of 1 kg of EBW for a calf of 100 kg body weight was 165.34 g and 1.76 Mcal, respectively. For macrominerals the requirements were 14.17 g for Ca, 13.55 g for P, 0.34 g for Mg, 1.54 g for Na and 2.10 g for K.
A composição corporal e as exigências líquidas de energia, proteína, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio e potássio foram estimadas, utilizando-se 20 bezerros Holandeses, não-castrados, com peso corporal inicial médio de 37,5 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, sendo 16 animais submetidos aos tratamentos que consistiram de duas idades de desaleitamento, com o mesmo consumo de leite (300 litros) e duas idades de fornecimento de feno, seguindo os tratamentos abaixo: Tratamento 1 – desaleitamento aos 65 dias com fornecimento constante de 5 litros de leite do 6° ao 65° dia, mais feno fornecido a partir dos 20 dias de vida; Tratamento 2 – desaleitamento aos 95 dias com fornecimento de 4,5 litros de leite do 6° ao 35° dia, 3,5 litros de leite do 36° ao 65° dia e 2,0 litros de leite do 66° ao 95° dia, mais feno fornecido a partir dos 20 dias de vida; Tratamento 3 – desaleitamento aos 65 dias com fornecimento constante de 5 litros de leite do 6° ao 65° dia, mais feno fornecido a partir dos 65 dias de vida; e Tratamento 4 – desaleitamento aos 95 dias com fornecimento de 4,5 litros de leite do 6° ao 35° dia, 3,5 litros de leite do 36° ao 65° dia e 2,0 litros de leite do 66° ao 95° dia, mais feno fornecido a partir dos 65 dias de vida. Ao completarem 6 e 100 dias de idade, os bezerros referências e os submetidos aos tratamentos, respectivamente, foram abatidos e todas as partes do corpo de cada bezerro foram pesadas, amostradas, secas, pré-desengorduradas, moídas e os teores de nitrogênio total, extrato etéreo e macrominerais determinados. A energia corporal foi determinada multiplicando-se os teores de proteína e gordura por seus respectivos conteúdos energéticos (5,6405 e 9,3929) e somando-os. Os conteúdos corporais de proteína, gordura, energia, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio e potássio foram determinados com equações de regressão do logaritmo do conteúdo de cada um desses constituintes, em função do logaritmo do peso de corpo vazio (PCVZ). Ao derivar as equações de predição do conteúdo dos constituintes, foram obtidos os requerimentos líquidos de proteína, energia e de cada macromineral para ganho de 1 kg de PCVZ. Foram ajustadas equações de regressão do logaritmo do conteúdo de cada constituinte corporal, em função do logaritmo do peso corporal vazio (PCVZ) dos animais. Houve incrementos das quantidades de gordura, proteína, energia, fósforo, magnésio e potássio e decréscimos das quantidades de cálcio e sódio, à medida que se elevou o peso corporal dos animais. As exigências líquidas de proteína e energia para ganho de 1 kg de PCVZ, para um bezerro de 100 kg de peso corporal, foram de 165,34 g e 1,76 Mcal, respectivamente. Para os macrominerais os requerimentos foram de 14,17 g para Ca; 13,55 g para P; 0,34 g para Mg; 1,54 g para Na; e 2,10 g para K.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil de fermentação anaeróbia de colostro e determinar seu valor nutritivo, assim como avaliar o desempenho de bezerros leiteiros alimentados com silagem de colostro como dieta líquida. No primeiro experimento, colostro bovino de segunda e terceira ordenhas foi fermentado em garrafas plásticas tipo PET que foram cheias e ligeiramente pressionadas antes do seu fechamento, criando assim uma condição anaeróbia. As garrafas foram armazenadas em sala escura à temperatura ambiente e cinco garrafas foram abertas 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 56 dias após, para determinação de pH, acidez titulável, temperatura, ácido lático, nitrogênio total, nitrogênio não-protéico (NNP), caseína, lactose, glicose, gordura e contagem de microorganismos. Os valores de pH, acidez titulável e concentração de ácido lático apresentaram variação durante o armazenamento (P<0,0001). A fração NNP apresentou aumento (P<0,0001), enquanto que os valores de caseína e lactose diminuíram (P<0,0001) e apresentaram baixos valores após 56 dias. O desenvolvimento de bactérias ácido-láticas (BAL) foi intenso durante o processo fermentativo, enquanto que enterobactérias e leveduras apresentaram declínio. No segundo experimento, colostro bovino de segunda e terceira ordenhas foi fermentado da mesma forma que no primeiro experimento, mas em diferentes condições de temperaturas ambientais. As garrafas foram armazenadas em incubadora BOD com temperatura controlada (32,5±1°C ou 22,5±1°C) ou em sala escura à temperatura ambiente, sendo abertas três garrafas após 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias para avaliação dos mesmos parâmetros avaliados no primeiro estudo. A maioria dos parâmetros apresentou comportamento semelhante ao observado no primeiro experimento. O desenvolvimento de BAL foi intenso, principalmente quando o colostro foi armazenado em temperatura mais elevada. A temperatura também afetou os parâmetros nutricionais (P<0,0001) com acréscimos nos valores de NNP e redução da concentração de caseína e lactose. No terceiro experimento, dezoito bezerros Holandês foram alocados em abrigos individuais até a oitava semana de vida, com livre acesso à água e concentrado inicial, e passaram a receber 4L da dieta líquida, sucedâneo lácteo ou colostro fermentado sob condições anaeróbicas (silagem de colostro), diluído na razão de 1:1. Os animais alimentados com silagem de colostro apresentaram menor consumo de concentrado, ganho de peso diário e peso vivo (P<0,07) durante o período experimental, em comparação aos animais consumindo sucedâneo lácteo. As avaliações quanto à altura na cernelha, perímetro torácico e largura da garupa não apresentaram diferenças (P>0,07). Todos os parâmetros sanguíneos avaliados (glicose, N-uréico, ácidos graxos livres e -hidroxibutirato) foram afetados pelos tratamentos (P<0,07), exceto a concentração plasmática de proteínas totais (P>0,07). O escore fecal foi afetado pelos tratamentos durante a segunda semana de vida (P<0,07), com animais alimentados com silagem de colostro apresentando fezes anormais e muito secas. A dinâmica fermentativa observada mostra que o colostro pode ser conservado através de fermentação anaeróbia de forma eficiente. Entretanto, o fornecimento de silagem de 12 colostro como dieta líquida exclusiva durante o período de aleitamento não resulta em desempenho animal adequado, não sendo uma boa alternativa de substituto de leite.
The objective of this study was to characterize the fermentative dynamic of bovine colostrum, under anaerobic condition, and determine the nutritional value, as well as evaluate dairy calves´ performance receiving colostrum silage as liquid diet. In the first experiment, bovine colostrum from second and third milking was fermented at room temperature in PET plastic bottles that were filled and lightly pressed before its closure, thereby creating an anaerobic condition. The bottles were stored in the dark at room temperature and five bottles were opened on days 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 after for determination of pH, titratable acidity, temperature, lactic acid, total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen (NPN), casein, lactose, glucose, fat and counts of microorganisms. The pH, titratable acidity and concentration of lactic acid showed large variation during storage (P<0.0001). The NPN fraction increased (P<0.0001), whereas the values of casein and lactose decreased (P<0.0001) and showed very low values after 56d. The development of lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) was intense during the fermentation process, while enterobacteria and yeasts declined. In the second experiment, bovine colostrum from second and third milking was collected, mixed and stored in PET plastic bottles, in the same manner as it was for the first study. However, the bottles were stored in a dark room with temperature controlled by a BOD incubator (32.5±1°C or 22.5±1°C) or at room temperature. Three bottles were opened after 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days for evaluation of the same parameters done during the first study. Most parameters presented similar patterns as observed in the first trial. The development of LAB was intense, especially when colostrum was stored at higher temperature. Temperature also influenced the results of nutritional parameters (P<0.0001) with increases in NPN values and reduction of casein and lactose concentration. In the third experiment, eighteen Holstein calves were allocated to individual hutches until the eighth week of life, with free access to water and starter feed, and fed 4 liters of liquid diet: milk replacer or colostrum fermented under anaerobic condition (colostrum silage), diluted at a 1:1 ratio. Animals fed colostrum silage had lower intake of starter, average daily gain and body weight (P<0.07) during the experimental period, compared to animals consuming milk replacer. The values of withers height, heart girth and hip width showed no differences (P>0.07). All blood parameters measured (glucose, urea-N, free fatty acids and -hydroxybutyric acid) were affected by treatments (P<0.07), except the total protein plasma concentration (P>0.07). The fecal score was affected by treatments during the second week of life (P<0.07), with animals fed colostrum silage presenting abnormal and very dry feces. The dynamics of fermentation show that colostrum can be efficiently stored under anaerobic conditions. However, feeding colostrum silage as an exclusive liquid diet, during the whole milk-feeding period, results in poor animal performance, being considered as an inadequate alternative as milk replacer.

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Colostrum is considered essential for newborns as a nutritional source and transfer for passive immunity. The production of colostrum above the calf intake capacity enables using the surplus as a milk replacer. One way of using it is through the anaerobic fermentation commonly called as colostrum silage. This food provides adequate weight gain to the animals; however, there is no data concerning the result of anaerobic fermentation on its elements. The aim of this study was to assess the physic-chemical, microbiological and immunological characteristics of the colostrum silage and its usage as nutritional supplement in animal feeding and its usage in the production of food for human usage. The centesimal assessment demonstrated that colostrum has nutrients in bigger amounts than the ones found in milk and that the colostrum silage kept the nutrients found in colostrum in natura, mainly the proteins (14,24%), dry matter (17,54%) and fat (5,55%), with the exception of lactose which, 30 days after fermentation was not detected anymore. It was noticed that the pH values decreased while there was an increase of lactic acid concentrations. Animals fed with colostrum silage had a weight gain at weaning of 0.7 above (p<0.05) the control animals (food with milk) which presented weight gains of 0.6 kg/day. The microbiological assessment showed that 21 days after fermentation the pathogenic bacteriae tested were not detected anymore, while there were still lactic acid bacteriae identified through sequencing the 16S rDNA as Lactobacillus (75%) and Enterococcus (25%). Identified as Lactobacillus (75%) (L. casei, L. brevis, L. rennanqily, L. crustorum) and Enterococcus (25%) (E. durans, E. faecium E. faecalis and E. mundyii). The immunoglobulins assessment in colostrum silage was carried out through the Immuno enzymatic method (ELISA), in which it was proved that after 12 months of storage, the colostrums silage kept feasible immunoglobulins and these were transmitted to newborns in the same proportion as the colostrum in natura. It was possible to elaborate foods such as dairy beverage and butter from the colostrum silage keeping the nutritional characteristics and microbiota containing lactic acid bacteria. The carrying out of sensory analysis reached an acceptance of 85% and purchasing intention from the assessors. Thus, it can be concluded that colostrums silage is a food of high nutritional value, microbiologically innocuous food, with immunological capability, and that it can be used in animal feeding with the need of proper legislation to enable its usability as human food.
O colostro é considerado essencial para bovinos recém-nascidos como fonte nutricional e transferência de imunidade passiva. A produção de colostro acima da capacidade de ingestão da bezerra permite utilizar o excedente como sucedâneo lácteo. Uma das formas de utilização é através da fermentação anaeróbica popularmente chamada de silagem de colostro. Este alimento garante ao animal ganho de peso adequado, entretanto, não existem dados sobre o resultado da fermentação anaeróbica sobre seus constituintes. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar as características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e imunológicas da silagem de colostro e a sua utilização como suplemento nutricional em alimentação animal e o seu uso no desenvolvimento de produtos para consumo humano. A avaliação centesimal demonstrou que o colostro possui nutrientes em quantidades superiores ao leite e que a silagem de colostro manteve os nutrientes presentes no colostro in natura, principalmente proteínas (14,24%), matéria seca (17,54%) e gordura (5,55%), com exceção da lactose que, após 30 dias de fermentação, não foi mais detectada. Observou-se que os valores de pH diminuíram ao mesmo tempo que houve aumento das concentrações de ácido láctico. Animais alimentados com a silagem de colostro obtiveram ganho de peso ao desmame de 0,7Kg/dia, superiores (p<0.05) aos animais controle (alimentados com leite) que apresentaram ganhos de peso de 0,6kg/dia. A avaliação microbiológica demonstrou que após 21 dias de fermentação, as bactérias patogênicas testadas não foram mais detectadas, restando viáveis bactérias ácido lácticas que por sequenciamento da região 16S rDNA foram identificadas como Lactobacillus (75%) (L. casei, L. brevis, L. rennanqily, L. crustorum) e Enterococcus (25%) (E. durans, E. faecium, E. faecalis e E. mundyii). A avaliação das imunoglobulinas na silagem de colostro foi realizada por ELISA, ficando comprovado que após 12 meses de armazenamento a silagem de colostro manteve imunoglobulinas viáveis e estas foram transmitidas aos recém-nascidos na mesma proporção que o colostro in natura. Foi possível elaborar alimentos como, bebida láctea e manteiga, a partir da silagem de colostro, com manutenção das características nutricionais e microbiota constituída de bactérias ácido lácticas. A realização da análise sensorial obteve 85% de aprovação, com intenção de compra pelos avaliadores. Assim, pode-se concluir que a silagem de colostro é um alimento de elevado valor nutricional, microbiologicamente inócuo, com potencial imunológico, e que pode ser utilizado na alimentação animal após 21 dias de fermentação, necessitando adequações à legislação para o seu uso na alimentação humana.

The diploma thesis deals with the nutrition of calves, especially about the importance of the colostrum period, which is important for the development of their immunity and then dairy period until weaning. Furthermore, the thesis deals with diarrheal diseases of calves. Calves were divided into three groups: one control group and two experimental groups. Experimental groups received dietary supplements. The first group received Lactovita and the second group of Homeopathic. The supplements were administered once a day for a second feeding for 28 days. Calves were weighed within two hours of birth and 60 days of weaning. Diarrhea has been reported in calves. The data was recorded in the table and then statistically evaluated. The data showed a moderate improvement in mean weight gain over 60 days for the Lactovita group compared to the control group by 0.24 kg and a decrease in the increase in the Homeopathic Test Group versus the control group by 1.69 kg. Furthermore, the results showed a slight improvement in the incidence of diarrhea in the Lactovita group compared to the control group by 7.68%. However, the results of the observations were not statistically proven. Thus, there is a lack of efficacy of feed additives administered or a low number of experimental animals on the incidence of diarrheal diseases and the weight gains in calves from the colostrum to weaning.

Twenty four Jersey calves were randomly blocked according to sex and birth date, to determine the effects of supplementing Carica papaya seed (Linn) meal (CPSM) on health and growth performance of calves. In the first study, calves were fed CPSM for only 2 days to determine faecal pathogen population. In the second study; calves were randomly assigned at birth to three treatments and fed until weaning at 42 days. Each treatment had six calves. Treatments were; 1) a control group, which did not receive additive; 2) a group that was supplemented 5 g/d of Carica papaya seed meal (CPSM) and 3) the last group that was supplemented 5 g/d of a commercial product containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lact). After receiving milk with colostrum from their dams for 3 consecutive days after birth, calves had commercial starter pellet and fresh water ad lib. Treatments were added to whole milk from day 4 and fed to calves before being allowed to suckle from the dams for 30 min three times a day (08:00; 12:00 and 17:00). Calf starter dry matter intake (DMI) was evaluated daily while body weight (BW) and body structural growth were measured weekly. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum on day 7 and 10, before and after receiving CPSM respectively. The DMI; DMI/BW; BW and BWG of calves did not differ among treatments, and averaged 305.4 g/d; 7.7 g/d per BW; 39.4 kg and 32.1 kg, respectively. The initial BW, 22.2 ± 1.49 kg did not differ among groups, but the weaning BW was higher (p<0.05) for CPSM fed calves compared to control diet fed calves. It did not differ between control and Lact calves. Calves in Lact and CPSM treatments had similar average daily gain (ADG) and heart girth (HG), which were higher (p<0.05) than calves fed the control treatment. Calves fed CPSM had higher (p<0.05) hip width (HW) and shoulder height (SH) than control calves. There were effects of time (p<0.001) for starter DMI/BW, ADG and all structural body parameters, and effects (p<0.05) of interaction between time and treatments for only starter DMI/BW, ADG and HG. The CPSM treatment reduced faecal coliforms and E. coli (p<0.05) by 93.6% and 96.1%, respectively; and tended to reduce Enterobacteriaceae (p=0.056) by 96.4%. The present study revealed that feeding CPSM to calves during the pre-weaning period increased growth performance by improving average daily gain, feed efficiency and enhancing health status due to low faecal pathogen count
Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology
M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Healthy and well fed calves are the main prerequisite for high performances. The aim is to evaluate the concept of nutrition of calves and assess the dynamics of selected haematological and biochemical parameters of blood in the sample of agricultural holdings, depending on the influence of selected dietary supplements. The experiment was conducted in the agricultural cooperative Krásna hora nad Vltavou a.s. on the farm Perovice, where they breed Holstein cattle. There were three groups of calves - one control and two experimental. The test groups received dietary supplements to promote active immunity by the instruction. In the first group Lactovita dietary supplements, the latter group food supplement called Biopolym. The first blood sampling was performed from ages 5 to 7 days and a second collection has been made 3 weeks later. Findings and data analysis were summarized and evaluated. The experiment was conducted from August to November 2013.

Variations in composition and disappearance of nutrients in dairy cattle feeds are dictated by ingredients, methods of processing, storage while milk production levels depend on the animal, environmental factors and largely on pools of available carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the concentrate feeds. There is a wide variety of concentrates for dairy cattle on the formal and informal markets and dairy farmers need to be astute in selecting feeds appropriate for specific production periods and animals to sustain their businesses. Composition of nutrients displayed on concentrate containers is however inadequate for in-depth assessment of products. This study determined nutrient composition, rumen dry matter disappearance and microbial colonization on residual substrate on commercial concentrate feeds and simulated total mixed rations for dairy calves, heifers, lactating and dry cows based on common feeding guidelines. Equivalent feeds for each herd group were obtained from three suppliers in the formal markets in Gauteng province of South Africa, making a total of twelve. An analysis of the data on container labels for the herd groups displayed similar feed values, as also reflected on the recommendation Tables of Act 36: Feeds and Fertilizer bill 1947 of South Africa.
Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology
M.Sc. (Agriculture)

Degradation kinetics of carbohydrate fraction of commercial concentrate feeds for weaned calves, heifers, lactating and dry dairy cattle
Variations in composition and disappearance of nutrients in dairy cattle feeds are dictated by ingredients, methods of processing, storage while milk production levels depend on the animal, environmental factors and largely on pools of available carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the concentrate feeds. There is a wide variety of concentrates for dairy cattle on the formal and informal markets and dairy farmers need to be astute in selecting feeds appropriate for specific production periods and animals to sustain their businesses. Composition of nutrients displayed on concentrate containers is however inadequate for in-depth assessment of products. This study determined nutrient composition, rumen dry matter disappearance and microbial colonization on residual substrate on commercial concentrate feeds and simulated total mixed rations for dairy calves, heifers, lactating and dry cows based on common feeding guidelines. Equivalent feeds for each herd group were obtained from three suppliers in the formal markets in Gauteng province of South Africa, making a total of twelve. An analysis of the data on container labels for the herd groups displayed similar feed values, as also reflected on the recommendation Tables of Act 36: Feeds and Fertilizer bill 1947 of South Africa.
Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology
M.Sc. (Agriculture)

Ensuring proper nutrition to young cattle is essential for its growth and development during rearing and the subsequent performance, including maintenance of the health of animals. Attention is deservedly paid mainly to colostrum nutrition, but also milk nutrition. However there are great reserves due to caregivers work habits and ingrained practices are the highest risk factors that decide the success of rearing. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on the growth intensity of calves during the milk diet. The observation of calves was carried out from May 2013 to February 2014. Total of 60 randomly selected calves - heifers of the Czech Fleckvieh cattle were analysed. Heifers were divided into two groups (2x30): one group was fed 2 times per day and the second group was fed 3 times per day by the same amount of milk.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of M. elsdenii (Me) dosing on dairy heifer performance. A secondary set of data (feed intake, heifers birth weights, age and Weight at insemination, and first lactation milk performance) of heifers (dosed and not dosed with Me) was obtained from the dairy herd of the Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production. Data were arranged in a complete randomised design and analysed as repeated measures. Milk, pre-weaning starter and metabolised energy intake did not differ between the control and the Me groups. Post-weaning starter feed intake was higher (p=0.03) for Me fed heifers than control heifers. The post-weaning metabolisable energy intake was also higher (p=0.03) for heifer fed Me than control heifers. The average daily weight gain of heifers dosed with Me was higher during the pre-weaning period (0.66 kg/day; p=0.04) and after weaning (1.12 kg/day; p=0.03) compared to control (0.60 and 0.65 kg/day, respectively). At 42 and 70 days old, the BW of Me-heifers was greater (75.8 ± 2.6 and 91.2 ± 4.6 kg) than control heifers (61.9 ± 2.6 and 77.2 ± 4.6 kg) (p<0.05). There was no difference (P>0.05) in BW at insemination, number of insemination and milk yield between the two groups of cows (p>0.05). Early feeding of Me to heifers in the present study positively affect heifer growth during and early after milk feeding period, confirming previous report. Animal weight at puberty and the subsequent milk production were not influenced by feeding Me. It is possible that Me did not survive long after weaning to continue to express its influence on animal performance.
Agriculture and  Animal Health
M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Antibiotics are routinely used in modern livestock production systems to treat and prevent disease as well as to enhance livestock production and/or outputs. This widespread use of antibiotics has led to a growing worldwide interest in antibioticfree animal production. The addition of feed supplements such as nucleotides to improve intestinal health as well as the early development of the immune system needs to be investigated as an environmentally-friendly nutritional management activity. In this study four (4) groups of newborn Holstein calves (n=24) were evaluated after being treated as follows: Group 1 (Negative control), Group 2 (Investigational Veterinary Product (IVP) 1 – Oral supplement containing nucleotides, vitamins, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, pre-biotics and trace-minerals), Group 3 (IVP 2 – Oral supplement containing nucleotides only at concentration and dosage equal to IVP1) and Group 4 (IVP 3 - Parenteral glucocorticoids). Results of the study indicated that: Pre-colostral Serum IgG titres – After titration of the serum the anti-BVDV results showed no difference between the study groups. All calves recorded a SP ratio of zero value (0.00 ± 0.2) indicating that they had not been nursed by their mothers prior to the start of the study. This was an entrance requirement for the calves to be enrolled into the study. Apparent Efficiency of Absorption % (AEA%) – Literature shows that an AEA% result of between 20%-30% is good and 35% is excellent. The AEA% recorded for this study fell within this range although there was no statistically significant difference shown between the groups. In spite of a strictly controlled study protocol, 7 of the 24 calves (29%) still suffered from FPT in this study. The result falls within the range of 19% - 37% reported on United States of America (USA) farms by Doepel and Bartier in 2014. Serum cortisol - When compared to the control group, there were no statistical significant difference evident for group 2 and group 3. However, the difference between the Glucocorticoid – Group 4 and the control and other groups was statistically significant (P = 0.0001; table 12) at the various time intervals. It was also evident that the inclusion of parenteral glucocorticoids (group 4) may have assisted in prolonging the natural “gut closure”. Gut closure – a positive 2 point linear regression forecast line indicated an increasing trend in IgG absorption post-24 hours for group number 4 whilst groups 1, 2 and 3 each had a negative 2 point linear regression forecast line (figure 23). Weight / ADG (D42) - Group 2 showed a statistically significant increase in mean D42 weight (P = 0.0042) of 59.167 kg ± 3.545 kg when compared to the other study groups and compared to the control group (P = 0.0227). A comparison of the relative increase in mass of groups indicated that Group 2 efficiently achieved this result with a statistically significant ADG of 0.536 kg (P = 0.014) compared to the other study groups and compared to the control group (P = 0.022). In addition, weight / FCR – FCR was calculated for all groups as follows: G1 – 4.000 kg, G2 - 2.593 kg, G3 – 2.703 kg and G4 - 3.012 kg feed required for the production of 1 kg meat. The results indicated that the group 2 feed input was the most economical followed by groups 3, 4 and control respectively. In conclusion, it is evident that a nutritional supplement containing nucleotides, vitamins, trace- minerals, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids and pre-biotics may contribute significantly to important economic indicators such as weight gain, ADG and FCR on a commercial dairy farm.
Environmental Sciences
Ph. D. (Environmental Science)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009.
Title from title screen (site viewed June 26, 2009). PDF text: vi, 193 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 1 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3350373. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

L’objectif de cette étude a été d’évaluer l’effet du remplacement total ou partiel du maïs d’une ration alimentaire standard (MS) sur les performances de croissance, le pH ruminal et les paramètres biochimiques sanguins chez les veaux de grain de race Holstein. Quatre groupes de 80 veaux ont été répartisen32 parcs (10 veaux/parc) et ont été assignés au hasard à quatre rations alimentaires. Les rations alimentaires ont été: la ration standard qui est constituée de maïs et un supplément protéique à 43,6% de protéine brute (MS);une ration réduite de maïs, avec tourteau de canola et de drèche de distillerie de maïs avec soluble (MCD); une ration réduite de maïs, avec supplément protéique à 43,6% de protéine brute et de drèche de distillerie de maïs avec soluble (MSD); et finalement une ration d’orge roulé, de tourteau de canola et de drèche de distillerie de maïs avec soluble (OCD). Les rations alimentaires ont été formulées selon une phase de démarrage P1 (j0 à j54), une de croissance P2 (j55 à j85) et une de finition P3 (j86 à j96). Un groupe additionnel de 5 veaux contrôle (CT), a reçu une ration alimentaire non acidogène à base de fourrage et de concentré. Notons qu’avant le début des traitements alimentaires au j0, sauf CT, les veaux ont reçu une ration d’adaptation contenant du maïs et de l’orge (50-50) et un supplément protéique pendant 20j. Les gains moyens quotidiens (GMQ) ont été similaires aux périodes P1 (0j-j27, j28-j54) et P2 (j55-j85), mais à la période P3 (j86-j96), le GMQ de la ration OCD a été plus grand que ceux dans les autres rations (p<0.001). Le rendement carcasse des veaux abattus au poids vifs d’environ 267 kg, de la ration OCD a été plus petit que ceux des rations MS et MSD (p<0.002). La matière sèche ingérée (MSI) a diminué pour le groupe MSD au j96, comparée à celles des groupes MS et BCD (p<0.001). Cependant, les rations alimentaires n’ont pas eu d’effet sur le poids vif des veaux. Les durées moyennes en dessous du pH ruminal de 5.6 (DpH5.6 en h.j.-1) du j68 au j85 (P2) ont été similaires pour les groupes CT et OCD (p=0.09) et plus petites (p<0.001) que celles des groupes du MS, MCD et MSD. Pendant la phase P3, les DpH5.6 des groupes de MS, MCD et MSD, ont été similaires (p>0.83), mais plus grandes que celle du groupe de OCD (p<0.0001). Les DpH5.6 n’ont pas eu d’effet sur les GMQ. Aux j68 et j96, les rations alimentaires n’ont pas eu d’effet sur la L-lactate (p > 0.05), le pH sanguin (p > 0.001; non significatif après l’ajustement de Bonferroni :NSAB) et le trou anionique (p > 0.009; NSAB). La PCO2 des animaux du groupe MS a été plus grande que celle du groupe CT (p = 0.0003). Au j68, HCO3 - du groupe CT a été plus grande que celle du groupe MCD (p = 0.0008). Les traitements alimentaires n’ont pas d’effets sur la lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) aux j0 et j68. Au j96, la LBP du groupe CT a été plus petite que celle du groupe MS et MCD (p=0.001). Les diètes n’ont pas d’effets significatifs sur les épithéliums et les lamina propria du rumen (p0>0.37), ainsi que sur les abcès du foie (p=0.80). Le remplacement total du maïs par l’orge roulé, la drêche de distillerie de maïs avec soluble et le tourteau de canola amélioré le GMQ en phase de finition, a amélioré le pH du rumen, le rapprochant du pH ruminal physiologique, n’a pas modifié les paramètres biochimiques sanguins qui ont été mesurés et a diminué le rendement carcasse moyen de 1,1%.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of partial or total replacement of corn in standard diet (MS) on growth performances, ruminal pH, and blood biochemical parameters in grain-fed calves. Four groups of 80 calves housed in 32 pens (10 calves/pen), were randomly assigned to four diets consisting of standard diet with corn and protein supplement (MS); reduced corn, canola meal and dried distiller’s corn grain with soluble diet (MCD); reduced corn, protein supplement and dried distiller’s corn grain with soluble diet (MSD), and rolled barley, canola meal and dried distiller’s corn grain with soluble diet (BCD). All diets were fed for 96 days and formulated according to starting (d0 to d54), growing (d55 to d85) and finishing phases (d86 to d96). Additional group of five calves fed a non-acidogenic control diet (CT) containing 1.4 kg of concentrate and grass hay ad libitum. Dry matter intake (DMI) was depressed in MSD at d96, compared to MS and BCD (p<0.001), however diets had no effects on BW. At d27, d54, and d85 average daily gains (ADGs) were similar, however at d96 they were greater in BCD (p<0.001) than in the other groups. Calves were slaughtered at approximately 267 Kg live weight and carcass yields in BCD were lower than that in MS and MSD (p<0.002). Durations of ruminal pH below 5.6 (DpH5.6) from d68 to d85 (P2) were similar in CT and BCD (p=0.09), and lower (p<0.001) than MS, MCD, and MSD. From d85 to d96 (P3), DpH5.6 in CT was lower (p<0.0001) than BCD. DpH5.6 in MS, MCD, and MSD diets were similar (p>0.83), and greater than that in BCD (p<0.0001). DpH5.6 had no significant effect on ADGs. At d68 and d96, the dietary treatments had no effect on L-lactate (p > 0.05), blood pH (p > 0.001; not significant after Bonferroni adjustement NSBA), and AnGap (p>0.009; NSBA). Dietary treatments had no effects on LBP at d0 and d68. At d96, LBP in CT was smaller than that of MS and MCD (p=0.001). Diets had no significant effects on epithelium and lamina propria (p=0>0.37), and liver abscess (p=0.80). Partial replacement of corn by dried distiller’s corn grain with soluble and/or Canola meal allowed a similar level of growth performances, did not decrease duration of acidic ruminal pH, and did not affect blood biochemical parameters. Total replacement of corn by rolled barley, dried distiller’s corn grain with soluble, and canola meal decreased duration of ruminal pH below 5.6, improved ADG at the finishing phase and did not affect blood biochemical parameters but slightly reduced carcass yield

Mestrado em Engehnaria Zootécnica - Produção animal - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
Nonsaleable milk in dairy farms is potentially an economical and nutritious source of feed for neonatal calves but it can have problems, like bacterial counts (most of them pathogens). In this study, nonsaleable whole milk samples were collected and evaluated for nutrient composition, microbiological composition, somatic cell counts, and pH. Under laboratory conditions three levels of pH (5.5; 5.0 and 4.5) for commercial organic acids (lactic, propionic, formic and a mixture of propionic and formic), four percentage levels of inclusion for hydrogen peroxide at 130V (0.14; 0.28; 0.42 and 0.5%) with catalase were evaluated. The chemical that shows best results with these milks were the propionic acid. Finally propionic acid at 1 % (v/v), with milk with temperatures above the 23 ºC, was included in first trial in feeding programs for crossbreeded dairy calves. In second trial the same number of calves was fed with milk replacer. In the two trials heath problems and mortality were evaluated. The acid treatment was not available at automatic calf feeders, because that reduces the life-time of the equipment (more maintenance) and some calves have rejected totally this milk that increases the labor.-------------------------------------- Os leites não comercializáveis são tomados como uma alternativa para a alimentação dos vitelos, tanto do ponto de vista económico, como nutricional e ambiental. Podem no entanto, apresentar problemas, como por exemplo a presença de microrganismos patogénicos. Neste estudo, amostras de leite não comercializável foram analisadas, relativamente à composição nutricional, à concentração microbiológica, de células somáticas e ao pH. Foram testados três níveis de acidificação destes leites (pH 4,5; 5,0 e 5,5) com ácidos orgânicos comerciais (láctico, propiónico, fórmico, e mistura de propiónico e fórmico). Foram também testadas as adições H2O2 a 130V (0,14; 0,28; 0,42 e 0,5% v/v), seguidas da adição da catalase. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos através da acidificação do leite a pH=5, com ácido propiónico a 1% (v/v). Este foi então utilizado para acidificar o leite não comercializável (T <23ºC) e incluído no programa alimentar dos vitelos. Resultados de caracterização e de alimentação dos vitelos mostram que os leites não comercializáveis constituem uma boa fonte alimentar, contudo apresenta contagens bacterianas muito elevadas. O tratamento por acidificação torna-se inviável em estações de alimentação automática, devido à redução tempo de vida-útil, ocorrendo também rejeição total do leite por parte de alguns vitelos, factores que implicaram aumentos de mão-de-obra.