Effect of biostimulation on growth rate and reproductive development of Bos indicus dairy heifers

Dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal mixture extracts enhances growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota function in calves

This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal mixture extracts (CHE) on growth performance, Immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota composition in dairy calves. CHE is a compound extracts powder composed of Honeysuckle, Astragalus, Officinal magnolia bark, and Tangerine peel. Forty calves were randomly assigned to four groups: basal diet (CON), basal diet + 0.1% CHE (LCHE), basal diet + 0.2% CHE (MCHE), and basal diet + 0.4% CHE (HCHE). The experiment was conducted for 56 days with daily observations, bi-weekly weighing, blood sampling, and fecal collection toward the end. The addition of the CHE group significantly increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) and decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was higher in HCHE and MCHE groups (p < 0.05). Serum GH and IGF-1 levels increased in MCHE and HCHE groups (p < 0.05). The blood biochemical analysis revealed that the levels of CA and GLU in the MCHE group were higher than those in the CON group, while remaining within the normal physiological range. Both the IgG and IFN-γ levels and the serum antioxidant levels were significantly increased in the CHE supplementation group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in gut microbiota, with increased unclassified Muribaculaceae and UCG-005 species in MCHE and HCHE groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CHE supplementation enhanced digestion, growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiota balance in calves without toxic side effects.Considering both the economic benefits and the effects of the additive, a clinical dosage of 0.2% CHE additive may be recommended.

Effect of Different Protocols of Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination on Mucus, Ovarian Size, and Pregnancy of Mixed-Breed Cows in the Humid Tropics of Peru

The objective of the research was to evaluate three synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Bos indicus with Bos taurus crossbred cows. Forty-five cows of 5 ± 1.6 years were selected. The Jsynch treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α, estradiol cypionate plus eCG was applied, and the FTAI was performed at 48-52 hours after. Conventional treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α plus eCG was injected, and on day 9, estradiol benzoate was administered, and FTAI was performed at 30 hours. The Ovsynch treatment consisted of the application of GnRH, and on day 8, PGF2α was applied, on day 9, GnRH was applied again, and on day 10, FTAI plus GnRH was applied. The diagnosis of pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasound 45 days after the FTAI. The Jsynch (39.1%) and conventional (39.1%) treatment showed higher pregnancy compared to the Ovsynch treatment (21.7%) of pregnancy. The presence of crystalline mucus at the time of the FTAI was significantly associated with pregnancy. The results of this investigation indicate that it is possible to obtain acceptable pregnancy rates with the FTAI in B. indicus with B. taurus crossbred milk-producing cows, and treatments with progesterone-releasing devices plus eCG can improve the reproductive performance of cows.

Biostimulation and pheromones in livestock: A review

This review examines aspects of the phenomenon of biostimulation in swine, goats, sheep, cattle and deer, to improve the collective knowledge and exploitation of its relevant mechanisms and effects in animal production. The long-term goal is to implement biostimulation strategies that benefit livestock reproduction and production while being both cost-effective and socially acceptable.