Lysine deficiency in postweaned calves fed corn and corn gluten meal diets

Holstein bull calves (n = 36) weaned at 6 wk of age were used in six trials to examine the response of N balance to postruminal administration of lysine with or without methionine in postweaned calves receiving diets based on corn and corn gluten meal. Calves were younger than 3 mo of age in Trials 1 and 2 but older than 3 mo in Trials 4 to 6. L-Lysine monohydrochloride was supplemented with or without DL-methionine twice daily through the reticular groove, except in Trial 4, in which N supplements were infused through duodenal cannulas. L-Glutamine was used as a nonspecific N source in every trial, and casein was a positive control in Trials 4 and 5. When daily CP intake from the diet was 3.9 g/kg BW, lysine was limiting for calves less than 11 wk of age (Trials 1 and 2) but not limiting for calves greater than 12 wk of age (Trial 3). No amino acid seemed to be limiting for calves greater than 20 wk of age (Trial 4) when daily CP intake was 4.1 g/kg BW, but lysine was limiting when CP intake was restricted to 3.0 g/kg BW when calves were more than 17 wk of age (Trial 5). However, lysine was not limiting above 18 wk of age (Trial 6) when CP intake was increased to 3.8 g/kg BW by adding urea to the diet. Results suggest that lysine may be limiting for corn and corn gluten meal diets only when ruminal microbial protein synthesis is restricted.

Suspected nutritional deficiency causing anaemia in llamas (Lama glama)

A case of poor condition and recumbency in a 14-month-old female llama and a case of poor condition and ataxia in a 23-month-old male llama are described. Both animals were anaemic and had low plasma copper levels. An increased intake of feed with a higher copper level and treatment with copper injections and an oral mineral solution resulted in a successful recovery. Two other young llamas also had low plasma copper levels. The problem was probably due to a nutritional, particularly copper, deficiency and the animals recovered as their copper levels increased.

[Current views on the importance of iodine for animals]

The study summarizes current experience on the cause and impacts of iodine deficiency, compares the measures to ensure iodine needs and shows the consequences in human population and farm animal. The hazard of iodine deficiency is increasing at present due to underevaluation of mineral nutrition importance, restrictive measures in feeding techniques, further due to stronger effect of natural and anthropogenic goitrogens from feedstuffs and drinking water, higher iodine consumption due to higher performance and load caused by large-scale technologies. These facts have impact on health state of cattle which is confirmed by increased occurrence of functional disorders of the thyroid gland in young farm animals, and consequently affect iodine deficiency in human population as the major source of iodine in child s food is milk and milk products.

Blood selenium concentrations in cows and heifers on 253 cow-calf operations in 18 states

This study was conducted to determine the geographic distribution of selenium deficiency among beef cows and heifers in selected states. Whole blood selenium concentrations were determined for cows and heifers on 253 cow-calf operations in 18 states. Overall, 7.8% of the samples were severely deficient, and another 10.4% of the samples were considered marginally deficient for selenium. Blood selenium concentrations varied by geographic region. Cattle from the southeastern states were more commonly considered severely or marginally deficient (18.6% and 23.8%, respectively) than cattle from other regions. Herds from the southeastern states were also more commonly considered severely or marginally deficient (14.9% and 20.9%, respectively) than herds from other regions. Blood selenium concentration also varied by whether selenium had been supplemented to the herd. We conclude that blood selenium levels for cattle vary by geographic region and selenium supplementation of the herd.

Bovine hereditary zinc deficiency: lethal trait A 46

Bovine hereditary zinc deficiency, also referred to as Adema disease, is an autosomal recessive disorder which results in inadequate amounts of zinc being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and leads to a number of clinical abnormalities. Using semen from a homozygous affected bull and obligate heterozygote cows in embryo transfer studies, 7 offspring were obtained. These included 5 affected calves and 1 heterozygous carrier; the seventh calf died within 48 hours of birth undiagnosed. One unaffected, unrelated bull calf was raised as a control. All the calves were raised and maintained under similar management conditions designed to minimize secondary complications that would obscure the clinical and biochemical observations of a zinc deficient state. The first clinical manifestation of zinc deficiency was diarrhea, followed by skin lesions, poliosis, and a decreased ability to sustain a suckle reflex. Trace mineral analysis of plasma blood samples revealed that plasma zinc concentrations of all the calves were normal at birth; however, they gradually declined in affected calves over the course of 3-8 weeks postpartum to below 0.5 ppm. Biochemical analysis of serum samples showed alkaline phosphatase activity consistently paralleled changes in the plasma zinc concentrations. The oral administration of zinc acetate caused a reversal of all clinical, biochemical, and histologic abnormalities in affected calves. The study of these affected calves allows further insight into the biological role of zinc as well as provides an animal model for the continued investigation of the human homologue acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Lipid nutritional pathology in farmed fish

The paper summarizes the major morphological signs of nutritional lipid pathologies which have been reported in farmed fish, including nutritional pathologies arising from dietary essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies, nutritional pathologies resulting from dietary fatty acid toxicities and imbalances, and nutritional pathologies resulting from the dietary intake of oxidized lipids.

[Tongue play and manganese deficiency in dairy cattle]

The present paper discusses "tongue rolling" observed in dairy cattle farms of a region in northern Greece associated with manganese deficiency. In these animals total body manganese status was evaluated by determining hair, as well as feed manganese content. Cows exhibiting tongue rolling had significantly lower hair manganese content, compared to non-tongue rolling control animals from other farms; in addition, feedstuff analysis demonstrated that manganese and inorganic phosphorus intake of affected cows was also significantly lower.

Aortic rupture in ostrich associated with copper deficiency

Four cases of aortic rupture in ostrich associated with deficient levels of copper in the liver are presented. The aortic lesions are consistent with vascular lesions described in turkeys and chickens with copper deficiency.

[Perinatal mortality and the birth of weak calves]

In this review article the problem of perinatal mortality and the birth of weak calves is discussed. Two main causes can be distinguished: hypoxia and infections. It is emphasized that for a correct diagnosis a combination of a comprehensive anamnesis, a thorough examination of the calf and a laboratory investigation is necessary. Treatment of weak calves is in many cases disappointing. Preventive measures as an excellent management of periparturient cows are important.

Intramuscular selenium administration in selenium-deficient cattle

Nine recently weaned Hereford heifers were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 3) or a treatment group (n = 6). The animals were selenium (Se) deficient (mean +/- SD blood Se concentration = 0.024 +/- 0.012 microgram/mL). They were maintained on a selenium-deficient diet, and on day 0 of the study the treatment group was given 0.05 mg Se/kg body weight intramuscularly, while the control group received a placebo. The Se concentration of blood, serum, and urine as well as the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of blood and serum was measured over an 84-day period. Peak blood Se and serum Se concentrations (mean +/- SD) in the treatment group occurred at 5 hours postinjection and were 0.131 +/- 0.028 microgram/mL and 0.154 +/- 0.027 microgram/mL, respectively. The mean blood Se concentration of the treatment group was greater (P < .05) than that of the control group for the first 28 days after injection. The mean serum Se concentration of the treatment group was greater (P < .05) than that of the control group for all times after injection, except for day 56. The mean (+/- SD) blood GSH-Px activity of the treatment group (12.0 +/- 2.3 mU/min/mg hemoglobin) was increased (P < .05) over the control group (2.0 +/- 1.4 mU/min/mg hemoglobin) by day 28 and continued to be greater (P < .05) throughout the 84 day postinjection period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Survey of state veterinarians and state veterinary diagnostic laboratories for selenium deficiency and toxicosis in animals

Surveys were performed in which the state veterinarian and the major state veterinary diagnostic laboratories in every state were asked about selenium (Se) deficiency and toxicosis in livestock and wildlife in their state. Selenium-deficiency diseases were diagnosed in 46 states and were reported to be an important livestock problem in regions of 37 states; deficiencies were diagnosed in wildlife in 10 states. Natural Se toxicosis was a rare problem, with only 7 states reporting naturally developing Se toxicosis. Oversupplementation with Se was reported as a cause of toxicosis in 15 states. Toxicoses in aquatic environments were reported from 4 states; in all cases, high-Se content in the water had resulted from agricultural irrigation or natural rainfall causing leaching of Se from high-Se soils. Current amounts of supplemental Se that can be fed to our major food-producing animals are being reviewed by the FDA because of speculation of potential environmental problems caused by Se supplementation in animals. Amounts of supplemental Se allowed in the western United States (states west of and including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas) are proposed by the FDA to have more potential for environmental Se enrichment and toxicosis. This premise was not supported by our data. Selenium supplementation in domestic livestock was not involved in wildlife toxicosis found by these surveys.

Randomized field trial to determine the effects of oral selenium supplementation on milk production and reproductive performance of Holstein heifers

A field trial was conducted to measure differences in performance between selenium-supplemented and nonsupplemented heifers on a 1,200-cow California dairy. One hundred seventeen 19- to 27-month-old Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 59) and control (n = 58) groups. A federally approved, commercially available, sustained-release intraruminal selenium bolus was administered to each heifer in the treatment group. Blood samples were taken from treated and control animals to assess selenium values before and after bolus administration and again after introduction to the milking ration. Production data were obtained from an on-farm computerized record system for each heifer during her first lactation. Mean blood selenium concentrations in treated heifers were higher than those in control heifers from posttreatment day 30 until after calving. Data analyzed in midlactation and late lactation indicated no significant differences between treated and control groups in somatic cell count, days not pregnant, total milk produced, or times bred.

Treatment of mineral disorders in cattle

It is difficult to identify mineral deficiencies and even harder to predict their occurrence. The best indicators of a particular disorder are the characteristic clinical signs. In their absence, biochemical tests or well-designed and properly conducted dose-response field trials are the only sure ways of defining deficient states and assessing their functional and economic significance. This article identifies treatments of the main mineral disorders in cattle and preventive strategies to minimize their occurrence. Dietary manipulations or oral treatments are indicated for chronic primary deficiencies in which there is insufficient mineral in the diet to meet cattle requirements. In severe and acute deficiency, parenteral treatment restores normal concentrations rapidly to a functional level in the animal's tissues. Advocate parenteral treatments if alimentary absorption is impaired or at times of increased mineral demand, such as late pregnancy, but be wary of toxicity. Many innovative products and delivery systems are now available for relatively cheap, effective, long-term mineral supplementation with minimal handling of cattle.

[Cobalt deficiency and photosensitivity in a flock of Texel lambs]

In a flock of thirty lambs ten animals showed symptoms of photosensitisation within a short period of time. Soon after treatment with vitamin B12 the symptoms disappeared. Clinical examination, differential diagnosis, treatment and course of the disease are discussed. It is assumed that the lambs suffered from 'white liver disease'.

[A comparison of parrot food commercially available in The Netherlands]

The composition of a number of parrot foods commercially available in the Netherlands was put to the test for the (partly hypothetical) needs of the larger psittacine birds such as African Grey parrots, Amazon parrots, macaws and cockatoos. These studies showed that the majority of the foods is multideficient. When the deficient foods are supplied to parrots without any additions, this will give rise to the appearance of disease. However, some of the products recently put on the market (Bogena and Kasper Fauna Food) comply better with the requirements of a 'complete parrot food'. As regards public enlightenment, food producers, petshops, consumer organisations and veterinarians are obviously responsible.

Copper oxide needles for cattle: a comparison with parenteral treatment

Two trials of oral copper oxide needles for cattle are described. In one, a dose of 13.0 g copper oxide/100 kg liveweight in yearling bullocks was compared with parenteral copper at a total dose rate of 400 mg copper. In the second, three oral dose rates (3.5, 7.0 and 10.5 g copper oxide/100 kg liveweight) in calves were compared over two years with a total dose of 500 mg parenteral copper. In both trials liver copper values reached a peak at about six weeks after oral dosing and in the second trial the peak was dose related. Thereafter liver levels declined in all the oral treatment groups; normal levels of more than 30 mg/kg liver dry matter were maintained for 30 weeks in the first trial and for 40 to 47 weeks, depending on dose rate, in the second. In both trials repeated parenteral treatments were required to maintain liver levels within the normal range. The results support earlier findings that an adequate dose of copper oxide needles can maintain the copper status of cattle for periods of at least six months.

Increased osteoarthritis in moose from Isle Royale

Over the past 30 yr, moose (Alces alces) in Isle Royale National Park (Michigan, USA) exhibited a several-fold increase in the prevalence of osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Available evidence points to an environmental explanation for this change. Greater physical activity among afflicted moose is not a likely contributing factor, nor is genetic change in the population. The possible introduction of an unspecified disease agent cannot be dismissed at this time. Moose exhibiting the highest prevalence of DJD were those born during a period of severe undernutrition, and it is hypothesized that nutritional stress early in life was responsible for increased joint disease during senescence. Such an etiology for osteoarthritis has not been suggested previously for any species.

Effects of maternal undernutrition during early pregnancy on growth, muscle cellularity, fiber type and carcass composition in lambs

Seventy-two Rambouillet ewes were fed one of two different levels of energy and protein during gestation to determine the effects of maternal undernutrition on growth and development in their offspring. Levels of energy and protein for the two groups of ewes were: 70% of National Research Council (NRC) requirements 30 d prior to breeding and the first 100 d of gestation and then alfalfa hay fed at 70% of the average consumed by group 2, and 100% of NRC requirements 30 d prior to breeding and throughout gestation. Dissection data from the leg and muscle characteristics were recorded for each lamb. Neither dissected muscle and fat percentages nor proximate analyses of dissected muscles was influenced by ewe undernutrition during early pregnancy. However, the reduced conception rate, increased embryonic/fetal mortality, decreased birth weights and increased lamb mortality resulted in a severe reduction in kilograms of lamb per ewe bred. Feeding ewes 70% of NRC requirements during gestation resulted in lambs with heavier semitendinosus muscle weights, larger muscle fiber diameters and shorter sarcomere lengths than in lambs from adequately fed ewes. No influence of ewe diet, birth type or sex was observed for proportions of muscle fiber type (beta R, alpha R or alpha W). Therefore, low level feeding of ewes during early gestation had no detrimental effects on the carcass or muscle fiber characteristics of their lambs at slaughter.