1
|
Toledo AF, Dantas JG, Barboza RDF, Tomaluski CR, Oliveira ICR, Carvalho NI, Marino ED, Polizel DM, Miller-Cushon EK, Bittar CMM. Forage sources in total mixed rations early in life influence performance, metabolites, and behavior of dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3601-3613. [PMID: 38216044 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of forage inclusion and sources on performance, metabolism, and feeding behavior of dairy calves. Forty-eight Holstein calves were blocked and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments according to sex and BW at 28 d of life to determine the effects of feeding forage sources (ensiled and dry), with different quality on performance, metabolites, and behavior. Treatments consisted of a no-forage coarsely ground starter (CON); or total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.5% on a dry matter (DM) basis of Tifton hay of either medium quality (MH) or low quality (LH); or 10% on a DM basis of corn silage (CS). During the first 28 d of life, all calves received 3 L of whole milk twice daily, a commercial pelleted starter and no forage, and water ad libitum. After that, the solid diet was changed to the respective dietary treatments. Calves were gradually weaned from 52 to 56 d of age, and followed for 14 d postweaning. Individual solid feed and milk intakes were recorded daily, and BW and metabolic indicators of intermediate metabolism were recorded weekly. Behavior was recorded, and the analysis was conducted on wk 7 (preweaning) and 10 (postweaning). Solid feed intake increased at wk 7 and 8 when MH, LH, and CS were included in TMR; the same results were observed postweaning. The diets did not affect the average daily gain and BW, but the feed efficiency increased with the CON diet. The β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was greater in calves receiving TMR-containing forage than CON diet. Furthermore, calves supplemented with forage had a greater rumination time. In conclusion, all forage sources included in the TMR showed feed intake and behavior benefits, reinforcing the need for fiber from forage in pre- and postweaning diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A F Toledo
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - J G Dantas
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - R D F Barboza
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - C R Tomaluski
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - I C R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - N I Carvalho
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - E D Marino
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil
| | - D M Polizel
- Department of Animal Production, College of Technology and Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15358-900, Brazil
| | - E K Miller-Cushon
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - C M M Bittar
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-260, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang J, Zhang C, Yang X, Li L, Cao Y, Zhang X, Zhou S, Ma J, Li M, Hou X, Zhang Z, Yao J. Short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on performance and milk production into first lactation. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00779-3. [PMID: 38754819 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on growth performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, bacterial community, and milk production during first lactation. Sixty healthy 1-mo-old female Holstein calves were blocked by birth date and body weight and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (n = 20): normal milk and pelleted starter feeding (CON), supplemented with chopped oat hay [75.0 g/d/calf (dry matter (DM) basis); OAH], or alfalfa hay [75.0 g/d/calf (DM basis); ALF]. The forage supplementation started when calves were 30 d old (D1 of the experimental period) and ended when they were 73 d old (D44 of the experimental period when calves were weaned. Milk and feed intakes and fecal consistency scores were recorded daily. Growth performance, rumen fluid, and blood samples were collected bi-weekly. After weaning, all the calves were integrated with the same barn and diets. After calving, the milk production was recorded daily. During the experimental period, the OAH group had greater solid feed and total DM intakes and greater rumen pH than the CON group (P ≤ 0.04), but had lower forage intake and crude protein digestibility than the ALF group (P ≤ 0.04). The ALF group had higher rumen pH and blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentration (P ≤ 0.04), lower fecal score (P = 0.02), and greater ether extract digestibility (P = 0.02) than the CON group. The ALF and OAH groups had lower concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.01). Still, the ALF group had a greater proportion of acetate and a relative abundance of cellulose degradation-related bacteria (Lachnoclostridium_1 and Oribacterium) and a lower relative abundance of inflammation-related bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-009) in the rumen compared with CON. Interestingly, the average milk production from 6 to 200 d in milk (DIM) was greater in the ALF group (P < 0.01) even though no significant effects were found on the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites at 200 DIM. Generally, alfalfa hay supplementation in preweaning dairy calves had positive effects in the short- and long-term in terms of rumen development, health status, and future milk production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chenguang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuexin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Lei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yangchun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Modern Farming (Group) Co., Ltd., Maanshan 243121, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Ningxia Xingyuanda Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Lingwu 750406, China
| | - Jiajun Ma
- Ningxia Xingyuanda Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Lingwu 750406, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinfeng Hou
- Hebei Leyuan Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- Hebei Leyuan Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Junhu Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li K, Du H, Guo W, Na M, Na R. Alfalfa supplementation timing changes the rumen archaeal and fungal community composition and colonization in pre-weaning lambs. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1380322. [PMID: 38784814 PMCID: PMC11112515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1380322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of the rumen microbiota plays an important role in the rumen development. However, little is known about the effects of alfalfa supplementation time on rumen microbiota establishment. Here, a total of 42 Hu lambs, seven-day-old, were chosen for the study. After a week of adjustment, six lambs were sacrificed to establish a baseline. The remaining 36 lambs were randomly split into two groups: one receiving alfalfa hay at 14 days (EAF), the other at 42 days (LAF), both groups received milk replacer and starter pellets. Introducing alfalfa at 14 days of age significantly improved total dry matter intake between 28 and 42 days (p = 0.04) and average daily gain from both 14 to 28 days (p = 0.04) and 28 to 42 days (p < 0.01), but this effect disappears from 56 to 70 days (p > 0.05). At 42 days, the abundances of Naganishia, Ascochyta, and Neosetophoma in the EAF group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the LAF group (17.8% vs. 3.97, 10.89% vs. 1.77, and 1.27% vs. 0.09%, respectively). At 56 days, the abundances of Ascochyta, Wallemia, and Aspergillus in the EAF group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (3.53% vs. 16.40, 8.78% vs. 18.89, and 2.14% vs. 4.69%). At 70 days, Aspergillus abundance in the EAF group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (2.69% vs. 0.85%). The LEfSe analysis showed that Methanobrevibacter_smithii was the archaeal biomarker at 14 days in both groups. Methanobrevibacter_sp_AbM4 was enriched at 56 days in the LAF group. Compared to the LAF group, the specific fungal biomarkers in the EAF group included Sporobolomyces and Bullera at 14 days, Naganishia, Didymella, Cleistothelebolus, and Alloleptosphaeria at 42 days, Ascochyta, Neoascochyta, and Alfaria at 70 days. Correlation analysis results showed strong patterns of association both within and between archaea and fungi, which were influenced by alfalfa supplementation time. In summary, alfalfa supplementation at 14 days of age promotes the growth performance of lambs before weaning, and alfalfa supplementation timing significantly affects rumen archaeal and fungal communities and dynamical changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Renhua Na
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vogt A, Barth K, Waiblinger S, König von Borstel U. Can a gradual weaning and separation process reduce weaning distress in dam-reared dairy calves? A comparison with the two-step method. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00542-3. [PMID: 38490545 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-23809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The weaning and separation phase remains one of the biggest challenges for cow-calf-contact systems, but a gradual process that better mimics the naturally occurring reduction in milk intake has not yet been scientifically investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare behavioral and physiological indicators of distress in 3 mo-old dam-reared dairy calves (with previous full-time cow-calf contact) weaned and separated either via gradual reduction of contact time with the dam (GR, 1 week half day contact, 1 week morning contact, 1 week fence-line contact before complete separation, n = 18) or via 2-step weaning using a nose flap (NF, 2 weeks access to dam with a nose flap, 1 week fence-line contact before complete separation, n = 18). Behavior was recorded 1 week before (or for lying 3 weeks before) weaning start and during the 3 week weaning and separation period with direct observations on 4 d per week or via accelerometers (locomotor play, lying behavior). Blood and fecal samples were taken twice per week from weaning start until 3 weeks after weaning start. Calves were weighed weekly. Statistical analysis was conducted using (generalized) linear mixed models. Over the whole weaning and separation phase, NF calves showed a stronger decrease in the number of lying bouts, amount of locomotor play and average daily weight gains, as well as a higher increase in total mixed ration feeding time compared with GR calves, whereas GR calves vocalized more often and showed more searching behavior than NF calves. Also, the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio of NF calves was elevated on d 3 after insertion of the nose flaps compared with baseline, but showed no change for GR calves on any sampling day. Overall, results point toward a favorable effect of a gradual weaning strategy on reduction of weaning and separation distress in dam-reared dairy calves, but the method requires further improvement from the protocol used in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anina Vogt
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Barth
- Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, 23847 Westerau, Germany
| | - Susanne Waiblinger
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Uta König von Borstel
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jalayerinejad R, Kazemi-Bonchenari M, Mirzaei M, HosseinYazdi M. Effects of low-quality forage and starter protein content in starter diet of young calves on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and urinary purine derivatives. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:99. [PMID: 38467996 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Feeding low-quality forage (LQF) has been evaluated in mature ruminants and results show that it has been improved nitrogen utilization efficiency. The present study evaluated the interaction effect of feeding wheat straw as LQF (0 and 7.5%, DM basis) and starter protein level (20 vs. 24%, DM basis) on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis in Holstein dairy calves raised under moderate heat stress condition. Forty-eight 3-day old dairy calves (averaging 40.6 kg) were assigned in four experimental treatments as follow; 1) no LQF with 20% CP (NLQF-20CP), 2) no LQF with 24% CP (NLQF-24CP), 3) 7.5% LQF with 20% CP (LQF-20CP) and 4) 7.5% LQF and 24% CP (LQF-24CP). The calves were weaned on d 53 of age but the experiment extended until d 73 of age. Feeding LQF increased starter intake, average daily gain (tendency), ruminal acetate concentration, and improved fecal score of calves. The average daily gains before and after weaning were positively influenced with greater starter protein content. Hence, weaning and final BWs were improved when calves received greater CP content. In addition, greater starter CP content increased total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration. With respect to the interaction effect between LQF feeding and starter protein content, the lower nitrogen excretion through urine was obtained for LQF-20CP diet among experimental treatments. The results of the current study showed that feeding LQF improved ruminal fermentation pattern and improved growth performance through increased starter intake. In addition, greater starter protein content is advisable during pre-weaning period for calves raised under mild heat stress condition. In conclusion, based on the results found in the current study, it can be suggested that feeding LQF for calves under heat stress condition can improve nitrogen utilization when dietary protein content is low. This can be opportunity to formulate starter diets with greater nitrogen utilization efficiency which is critical for accelerated growth programs at early stages of growth for young calves while calves raised under hot season condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Jalayerinejad
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran
| | - Mehdi Kazemi-Bonchenari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran
| | - Mehdi HosseinYazdi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li L, Qu J, Zhu H, Liu Y, Wu J, Shao G, Guan X, Qu Y. Effects of feeding different levels of dietary corn silage on growth performance, rumen fermentation and bacterial community of post-weaning dairy calves. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:261-273. [PMID: 37905324 PMCID: PMC10766488 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial community of post-weaning dairy calves in response to five diets varying in corn silage (CS) inclusion. METHODS A total of forty Holstein weaned bull calves (80±3 days of age;128.2±5.03 kg at study initiation) were randomized into five groups (8 calves/group) with each receiving one of five dietary treatments offered as total mixed ration in a 123-d feeding study. Dietary treatments were control diet (CON; 0% CS dry matter [DM]); Treatment 1 (T1; 27.2% CS DM); Treatment 2 (T2; 46.5% CS DM); Treatment 3 (T3; 54.8% CS DM); and Treatment 4 (T4; 67.2% CS DM) with all diets balanced for similar protein and energy concentration. RESULTS Results showed that calves offered CS had greater average daily gain, body length and chest depth growth, meanwhile altered rumen fermentation indicated by decreased rumen acetate concentrations. Principal coordinate analysis showed the rumen bacterial community structure was affected by varying CS inclusion diets. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant bacterial phyla in the calf rumens across all treatments. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacteroidales_RF16_group was increased, whereas Unclassified_ Lachnospiraceae was decreased for calves fed CS. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation test between the rumen bacteria and rumen fermentation parameters indicated that Bacteroidales_RF16_group and Unclassified Lachnospiraceae were positively correlated with propionate and acetate, respectively. CONCLUSION The results of the current study suggested that diet CS inclusion was beneficial for post-weaning dairy calf growth, with 27.2% to 46.5% CS of diet DM recommended to achieve improved growth performance. Bacteroidales_RF16_group and Unclassified Lachnospiraceae play an important role in the rumen fermentation pattern for post-weaning calves fed CS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| | - Jiachen Qu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| | - Huan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| | - Yuqin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| | - Jianhao Wu
- Bright Farming Co., Ltd, Shanghai 201103,
China
| | - Guang Shao
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihaer 161006,
China
| | - Xianchao Guan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| | - Yongli Qu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319,
China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Izadbakhsh MH, Hashemzadeh F, Alikhani M, Ghorbani GR, Khorvash M, Heidari M, Ghaffari MH, Ahmadi F. Effects of Dietary Fiber Level and Forage Particle Size on Growth, Nutrient Digestion, Ruminal Fermentation, and Behavior of Weaned Holstein Calves under Heat Stress. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:275. [PMID: 38254444 PMCID: PMC10812499 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of feeding diets with different fiber content and forage particle size on the performance, health, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and behavioral and sorting activity of Holstein dairy calves kept under elevated environmental temperature. Sixty weaned Holstein female calves (age = 96.7 ± 7.62 days old; body weight = 82.4 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments arranged in a 2-by-2 factorial design in a 70-day experiment. Dietary forage content (moderate, 22.5%; or high, 40.0% on DM basis) and alfalfa hay particle size (short, 4.39 mm; or long, 7.22 mm as geometric mean) were the experimental factors, resulting in the following combinations: (1) high-fiber (HF) diets with forage-to-concentrate ratio of 40:60 and long particle-sized alfalfa hay (LPS; HF-LPS); (2) HF diets with short particle-sized alfalfa hay (SPS; HF-SPS); (3) moderate-fiber (MF) diets with forage-to-concentrate ratio of 22.5:77.5 with LPS (MF-LPS); and (4) MF diets with SPS (MF-SPS). The temperature-humidity index averaged 73.0 ± 1.86, indicating that weaned calves experienced a moderate extent of heat stress. Fiber level and AH particle size interacted and affected dry matter intake, with the greatest intake (4.83 kg/d) observed in MF-SPS-fed calves. Final body weight was greater in calves receiving MF vs. HF diets (164 vs. 152 kg; p < 0.01). Respiration rate decreased when SPS vs. LPS AH was included in HF but not MF diet. Lower rectal temperature was recorded in calves fed MF vs. HF diet. Digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was greater in calves fed MF than HF diets, resulting in lower ruminal pH (6.12 vs. 6.30; p = 0.03). Fiber digestibility was greater in calves fed SPS compared with those fed LPS alfalfa hay. Feeding HF compared with MF diet increased acetate but lowered propionate molar proportions. The inclusion of SPS vs. LPS alfalfa hay decreased lying time in HF diet (920 vs. 861 min; p < 0.01). Calves fed MF vs. HF diets spent less time eating but more time lying, which is likely indicative of better animal comfort. Dietary fiber level and forage particle size interacted and affected sorting against 19 mm particles, the extent of which was greater in HF-SPS diet. Overall, dietary fiber level had a stronger effect than forage particle size on the performance of weaned calves exposed to a moderate degree of heat stress as feeding MF vs. HF diet resulted in greater feed intake, final body weight, structural growth measures, nutrient digestion, as well as longer lying behavior. The inclusion of SPS alfalfa hay in MF diets increased feed consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Hossein Izadbakhsh
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | - Farzad Hashemzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | - Masoud Alikhani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | - Gholam-Reza Ghorbani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | - Mohammad Khorvash
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | - Mostafa Heidari
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran (F.H.)
| | | | - Farhad Ahmadi
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Eco-Friendly Livestock Science, Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Spina AA, Lopreiato V, Britti D, Minuti A, Trevisi E, Tilocca B, Perri A, Morittu VM. The Effect of Feeding a Total Mixed Ration with an ad libitum or Restricted Pelleted Starter on Growth Performance, Rumination Behavior, Blood Metabolites, and Rumen Fermentation in Weaning Holstein Dairy Calves. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:81. [PMID: 38200812 PMCID: PMC10778400 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of the starter restriction and of the ad libitum TMR (total mixed ration) inclusion on intake, growth performance, rumination time (RT), and health condition of Holstein dairy calves during weaning. We randomly assigned thirty female Holstein calves (with an average weight of 38.5 ± 1.96 kg at birth) to one of three treatments. From 21 days of age, the calves were fed one of three treatments as follows: a control diet (CTR) with an ad libitum calf starter but without TMR; Treatment 1 diet (TRT1) with both an ad libitum calf starter and ad libitum TMR; Treatment 2 diet (TRT2) with ad libitum TMR and a restricted amount of a calf starter (50% of the intake recorder in the control group day by day). Calves in the TRT2 group, between 56 and 63 days of age, had a lower body weight (80.1; 79.5; 75.6 kg for the CTR, TRT1, and TRT2 groups, respectively) compared with CTR and TRT1 calves. This outcome is ascribed to the average daily gain (0.759; 0.913; 0.508 kg/day for the CTR, TRT1, and TRT2 groups, respectively), resulting also in TRT2 being lower than CTR or TRT1 calves. The inclusion of ad libitum TMR increased the rumination time, especially after weaning (15.28 min/h, 18.38 min/h, and 18.95 min/h for the CTR, TRT1, and TRT2 groups, respectively). Concerning the rumen metabolism and inflammometabolic response, overall, no differences were observed between the three dietary treatments. In conclusion, the results indicated that a TMR could partially replace a calf starter in weaning dairy calves, since neither growth performance nor health status were impaired. In addition, providing TMR (with or without concentrate restriction) led to a better rumen development and likely a better rumen fermentation efficiency in post-weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Antonella Spina
- Interdepartmental Services Centre of Veterinary for Human and Animal Health (CISVetSUA), University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (B.T.); (V.M.M.)
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Lopreiato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Domenico Britti
- Interdepartmental Services Centre of Veterinary for Human and Animal Health (CISVetSUA), University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (B.T.); (V.M.M.)
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Andrea Minuti
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Erminio Trevisi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Bruno Tilocca
- Interdepartmental Services Centre of Veterinary for Human and Animal Health (CISVetSUA), University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (B.T.); (V.M.M.)
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessia Perri
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Valeria Maria Morittu
- Interdepartmental Services Centre of Veterinary for Human and Animal Health (CISVetSUA), University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (B.T.); (V.M.M.)
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu T, Li F, Xu J, La Y, Zhou J, Zheng C, Weng X. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that non-forage or forage fiber source promotes rumen development through different metabolic processes in lambs. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:1058-1071. [PMID: 34890306 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.2011738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dietary fiber supplementation can stimulate rumen development in lambs during the pre-weaning period. However, it is unclear whether different sources of fiber have varying effects on rumen development. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of rumen morphological and functional development based on non-forage or forage as a starter dietary fiber source. Twenty-four male Hu lambs with similar body weights (BW, 3.67 ± 0.08 kg) were selected and divided into two groups that received diets supplemented with either alfalfa hay (AH) or soybean hull (SH). At the age of 70 days, six lambs were slaughtered from each treatment group for rumen fermentation and morphological analyses. Three samples of the rumen tissue from the ventral sac were collected for transcriptomic analysis. The results identified 633 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 210 were upregulated and 423 were downregulated in the SH group compared with those in the AH group. The upregulated DEGs were most enriched in the immune function and proteolysis pathways, whereas the downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation pathways. These findings indicated that non-forage as a starter dietary fiber source improved immune function and enhanced nitrogen utilization, whereas forage facilitated rumen morphological development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juwang Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Antúnez-Tort G, Bach A, Cajarville C, Vidal M, Fàbregas F, Ahangarani MA, Terré M. Benefits of barley straw as a forage for dairy calves before and after weaning. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7578-7590. [PMID: 37558048 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the potential consequences on calf intake, performance, behavior, ruminal microbiome, and ruminal epithelium development of combining the inclusion of chopped barley straw and alfalfa hay during the pre- and postweaning periods keeping concentrate to forage ratio constant among dietary treatments. Forty-five Holstein calves (44 ± 5.7 kg of body weight [BW] and 3 ± 1.5 d of age) individually penned were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to a common pellet concentrate fed ad libitum along with one of following forage feeding strategies: barley straw before and after weaning (S-S), barley straw before and alfalfa hay after weaning (S-A), or alfalfa hay before and after weaning (A-A). All calves received the same milk replacer regimen. Forage was supplied in a separated bucket at the rate of 7.5% (preweaning) and 15% (postweaning) of total solid feed intake of the previous day. Feed intake and BW were recorded daily and weekly, respectively. Rumen samples were obtained via a stomach tube at 53, 66, and 87 d and were composite in 3 samples of 5 animals each for subsequent rumen microbiome analysis. A rumen epithelium sample was taken by endoscopy at 90 d to assess gene expression of OCLN, CLDN4, SLC9A1, SLC9A3, SLC16A1, SLC16A4, IL6, and TGFB1. Data were analyzed with a mixed-effects model accounting for the fixed effects of block, forage, week of study, and their interaction, and calf as a random effect. The type of forage fed did not affect concentrate feed, forage, or total DM intake before weaning. However, S-A and A-A calves consumed less concentrate feed and S-A calves grew at a lower rate after weaning than S-S calves. Expression of the gene coding for SLC16A1 in the rumen epithelium was greatest in S-S among treatments. Rumen microbiome did not differ among treatments, while the relative abundance of Acidaminococcus and Selenomas genera increased, while Alloprevotella, Bifidobaterium, Olsenella, and Succiclasticum genera decreased with age. In conclusion, feeding barley straw before and after weaning was more effective than feeding alfalfa hay in promoting concentrate feed intake after weaning and fostering an increase in the expression of SLC16A1 in the rumen epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Antúnez-Tort
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Salud de Sistemas Productivos (IPAV), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Ruta 1 km 42.5, 80100 San José, Uruguay
| | - A Bach
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Cajarville
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Salud de Sistemas Productivos (IPAV), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Ruta 1 km 42.5, 80100 San José, Uruguay
| | - M Vidal
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - F Fàbregas
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - M A Ahangarani
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Zabol University, 98619_155999, Zabol, Irán
| | - M Terré
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guo YQ, Hu YR, Liu SR, Wang M, Xian ZY, Liu DW, Sun BL, Li YK, Liu GB, Deng M, Hu WF, Liu QS. Effects of the Oat Hay Feeding Method and Compound Probiotic Supplementation on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Rumen Bacteria Community of Dairy Calves. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1851. [PMID: 37891930 PMCID: PMC10604343 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of the oat hay feeding method and compound probiotics (CMP) on the growth, health, serum antioxidant and immune indicators, rumen fermentation, and bacteria community of dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age. Forty-eight female Holstein calves (80 ± 7 days of age, 93.71 ± 5.33 kg BW) were selected and randomly divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted for the experiment, with the factors of the oat hay feeding method (fed as free-choice or 16.7% in the diet) and compound probiotics (CMP) inclusion (0.15% or 0%) in the pelleted starter. The results showed that, compared with giving oat hay as free-choice, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake at 1-84 d (p < 0.05), with an average daily gain (ADG) at 61-84 d (p = 0.02); adding CMP to the pelleted starter did not significantly affect body weight, and reduced the fecal index (p < 0.05). Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the concentration of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.01), while adding CMP increased the catalase (p < 0.01) and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in serum. Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (p < 0.05) and isobutyric acid (p = 0.08), and decreased the ruminal pH (p = 0.08), the concentration of acetic acid (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.01). Feeding 16.7% oat hay reduced the relative abundance of ruminal Firmicutes, Unidentified-Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, NK4A214-group, Olsenella, and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05); adding CMP increased the relative abundance of ruminal Prevotella, Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group, Ruminococcus, NK4A214-group, and Ruminococcus (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterora, Prevotella-7, and Erysipelotricaceae-UCG-002 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake and average daily gain, while slightly reducing the ruminal pH values; adding CMP to the pelleted starter resulted in reduced diarrhea incidence, increased serum antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as ruminal richness and diversity of microorganisms in dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qing Guo
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Ya-Ru Hu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Su-Ran Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Zhen-Yu Xian
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - De-Wu Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Bao-Li Sun
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Yao-Kun Li
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Guang-Bin Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Ming Deng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Wen-Feng Hu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Qing-Shen Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.-Q.G.); (Y.-R.H.); (S.-R.L.); (M.W.); (Z.-Y.X.); (D.-W.L.); (B.-L.S.); (Y.-K.L.); (G.-B.L.); (M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Toledo AF, Dondé SC, Silva AP, Cezar AM, Coelho MG, Tomaluski CR, Virgínio GF, Costa JHC, Bittar CMM. Whole-plant flint corn silage inclusion in total mixed rations for pre- and postweaning dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6185-6197. [PMID: 37500427 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Assuming that acetic acid plays a minor role in the development of ruminal epithelium of preweaning dairy calves, the fiber supply for growing calves has been neglected. More research has been done on including starch and nonfibrous carbohydrates in solid feed for preweaning calves. Accordingly, the fiber requirement of these calves is not well known, as diet recommendations vary greatly. Hence, elucidating the effects of including fiber from long particle sizes in the diet may be essential for helping calves overcome the transition challenge during weaning. Forty-five Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design, considering sex, birth date, and weight at 28 d of age, when the supply of the total mixed ration (TMR) with the inclusion of corn silage started. Three TMR with increasing whole-plant flint corn silage content (0, 10, or 20% on a dry matter basis) were compared: 0CS, 10CS, or 20CS, respectively. During the first 28 d of life, the calves were managed homogeneously and were fed 6 L/d of whole milk, a commercial calf starter pelleted, and water ad libitum. Next, the solid diet was changed to the respective solid feed treatment. Calves were gradually weaned from 52 to 56 d of age but were evaluated for an additional 14 d postweaning. Feed intake was measured daily, while body weight and metabolic indicators of intermediate metabolism were evaluated weekly. Ruminal fluid was collected at 6, 8, and 10 wk of age. Behavioral analysis was conducted on wk 7 (preweaning) and 10 (postweaning). There was a quadratic effect for dry matter intake from wk 7 to 10, with higher intake for the 10CS diet than the 0CS and 20CS diets. Consequently, the 10CS diet also promoted greater average daily gain at wk 8 and 9 compared with the 0CS and 20CS diets. However, the final body weight was not affected by the different solid diets. Silage inclusion in calves' diet positively affected time spent ruminating and chewing pre- and postweaning. Including 10% of whole-plant flint corn silage in the diets of young dairy calves is a strategy to increase total solid intake and decrease acidosis risk by increasing pH and ruminating activity around weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A F Toledo
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - S C Dondé
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - A P Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - A M Cezar
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - M G Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - C R Tomaluski
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - G F Virgínio
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900
| | - J H C Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - C M M Bittar
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil 13418-900.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abdelsattar MM, Zhao W, Saleem AM, Kholif AE, Vargas-Bello-Pérez E, Zhang N. Physical, Metabolic, and Microbial Rumen Development in Goat Kids: A Review on the Challenges and Strategies of Early Weaning. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2420. [PMID: 37570229 PMCID: PMC10417166 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The digestive system of newborn ruminant functions is similar to monogastric animals, and therefore milk flows into the abomasum instead of rumen for digestion. The rumen undergoes tremendous changes over time in terms of structure, function, and microbiome. These changes contribute to the smooth transition from the dependence on liquid diets to solid diets. Goat kids are usually separated at early ages from their dams in commercial intensive systems. The separation from dams minimizes the transfer of microbiota from dams to newborns. In this review, understanding how weaning times and methodologies could affect the normal development and growth of newborn goats may facilitate the development of new feeding strategies to control stress in further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M. Abdelsattar
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (M.M.A.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (M.M.A.); (W.Z.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Atef M. Saleem
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed E. Kholif
- Department of Dairy Science, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, P.O. Box 237, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6EU, UK;
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico R. Aldama Km 1, Chihuahua 31031, Mexico
| | - Naifeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (M.M.A.); (W.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xiao J, Chen T, Peng R, Alugongo GM, Yang H, Khan MZ, Liu S, Ma Y, Wang J, Wang W, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. The age at first consumption of forage in calves and its effect on growth and rumination in the short- and long-term. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:107. [PMID: 37482622 PMCID: PMC10364370 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent, and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves. Eighty-four female Holstein calves (41.5 ± 4.2 kg) were enrolled at birth, a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only (CON, n = 21) while the rest (n = 63) were classified into three treatment groups: the early (EHAY, n = 26, 5.1 ± 0.8 d), the middle (MHAY, n = 21, 7.9 ± 0.8 d) and the late (LHAY, n = 16, 12.1 ± 1.4 d) hay consumers. The short-term effect of the age at first forage consumption (AFF) on calves' feed intake was monitored until d 84. In addition, the long-term effects of AFF on body weight, structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196. Rumen samples were collected on d 1, 7, 35, 84 and 196 to analyze the rumen fermentation, while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters. RESULTS Treatment had no effect on feed intake. While, the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves. Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves. Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier, while CON calves were the latest (12.3 vs. 15.5 days of age). A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12, the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards, no long-lasting significant differences in the rumination and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life (in the first week, around 5 days of life) could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term. Compared to consuming hay from the second week (around 12 days of life) or feeding concentrate only without hay, starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Gibson Maswayi Alugongo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li K, Shi B, Na R. The Colonization of Rumen Microbiota and Intervention in Pre-Weaned Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13060994. [PMID: 36978535 PMCID: PMC10044309 DOI: 10.3390/ani13060994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In pre-weaned ruminants, the microbiota colonizes rapidly in the rumen after birth and constantly interacts with the host to sustain health and metabolism. The developing microbial community is more malleable, so its manipulation may improve ruminant health and productivity as well as may have long-term effects on ruminants. Hence, understanding the process of rumen microbiota establishment is helpful for nutritional interventions of rumen microbiota in pre-weaned ruminants. This paper reviews the latest advances in the colonization of rumen microbiota while providing insights into the most suitable time for manipulating rumen microbial colonization in early life. In addition, different factors that affect rumen microbiota establishment during the pre-weaned ruminants are discussed in the current manuscript. The purpose of this review is to aid in the development of guidelines for manipulating rumen microbiota to improve animal productivity and health.
Collapse
|
16
|
Downey BC, Tucker CB. Providing long hay in a novel pipe feeder or a bucket reduces abnormal oral behaviors in milk-fed dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1968-1985. [PMID: 36653289 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Many milk-fed dairy calves are not provided forage. In these settings, calves often perform abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs), including tongue rolling and nonnutritive oral manipulation (NNOM), which, based on their form, seem similar to movements used when processing feed. Feeding hay, typically presented as a short chop (≤5 cm) in a bucket, reduces ARBs. Our objective was to evaluate whether altering the presentation method of long hay (∼19 cm), by providing it in a bucket or a novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe feeder, could reduce ARBs. Holstein heifer calves were housed individually on sand and fed ad libitum starter grain and limited milk replacer (5.7-8.4 L/d step-up) via a bottle (Control, n = 9) or given access to mountaingrass hay in a bucket (Bucket, n = 9) or in a PVC pipe feeder (Pipe, n = 9). The 56 × 10.2 cm (length × diameter) PVC pipe feeder had 4 openings that were 6.35 cm wide, which required the calf to insert her tongue into the pipe and curl her tongue to extract hay. Treatments were applied from birth through 50 d of age, when step-down weaning began and TMR was provided to all calves. Calves were fully weaned at d 60. At wk 4 and 6, oral behaviors (eating, ruminating, drinking water, sucking milk, self-grooming, NNOM, tongue rolling, tongue flicking, and panting) were recorded by direct observation for 24 h using 1-0 sampling during 5-s intervals. Feeding long hay, regardless of presentation method, increased overall DMI, grain intake, and ADG compared with Control calves. Hay provision also increased rumination (25 vs. 15% of 24-h observations in Control) and eating time (5.5 vs. 2% in Control). Abnormal behaviors were seen in all calves. Hay provision reduced some of these, including NNOM (5 vs. 9% in Control). There was no difference in NNOM between calves fed hay in a pipe or bucket, even though Bucket calves consumed more hay (178 vs. 129 g/d in wk 6) and tended to spend more observations eating hay than Pipe calves (4.5 vs. 3%). Hay provision did not affect other behaviors: drinking water (0.5%), grooming (3%), or tongue flicking (3%). We also found evidence of other abnormal oral behaviors that have received less attention. Calves showed signs of polydipsia, and displayed excessive grooming, the latter indicated by overall duration, number of bouts per day, and duration of individual bouts (up to 25 min). Tongue rolling was expressed at low levels (up to 0.4% of intervals) but by 85% of calves. Feeding hay, both in a bucket and using novel methods, was not enough to counteract the welfare challenges associated with individual housing and limited ability to suck milk (<1% of time). Provision of long hay, regardless of presentation method, promotes rumination, improves performance (higher grain intake and ADG) and reduces at least some, but not all, of the considerable abnormal oral behaviors these calves performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blair C Downey
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis 95616
| | - Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Milk Plane of Nutrition and Alfalfa Hay Provision in Neonatal Holstein Calves: Growth Performance, Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics, and Blood Biochemical Attributes. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2023.115636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
|
18
|
Early Supplementation with Starter Can Improve Production Performance of Lambs but this Growth Advantage Disappears after 154 Days of Age. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030372. [PMID: 36766262 PMCID: PMC9913551 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to study the sustained effects of early supplementation with a starter on the performance of lambs during the pre-weaning, post-weaning, and fattening periods. Sixty male Hu lambs (3.59 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly assigned to two (30 lambs per group) treatments. The lambs were fed milk replacer from three days of age. The early supplementation (ES) group was supplemented with a starter ration at seven days of age, the control (CON) group was supplemented at 21 days of age, and lambs in both groups were weaned from milk replacer at 28 days of age. Eight lambs from each group were randomly slaughtered at 98 days of age, and the remaining lambs were fed the same nutrient level of a fattening ration until slaughter at 200 days of age. The results showed that early supplementation with starter significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADG) in the pre-weaning period (7-28 days of age), and ADFI and slaughter performance (live weight before slaughter, carcass weight and dressing percentage) in the post-weaning period (29-98 days of age, p < 0.05). In addition, early supplementation with the starter had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on ADFI, ADG, and slaughter performance, but significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) of lambs during the fattening period (99-200 days of age). In addition, early supplementation with starter increased the ratio of rumen and reticulum weight to total stomach weight in lambs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, early supplementation with starter can reduce feed costs and improve the performance of lambs, while the growth advantage produced by early supplementation had initially disappeared by 154 days of age.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sun Y, Hou T, Yu Q, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Xu L. Mixed oats and alfalfa improved the antioxidant activity of mutton and the performance of goats by affecting intestinal microbiota. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1056315. [PMID: 36699611 PMCID: PMC9869024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1056315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oat hay and alfalfa hay are important roughage resources in livestock production. However, the effect of the mixture of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the meat quality of Albas goats is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the growth performance and meat quality of Albas goats. Therefore, 32 goats were fed for 70 days and randomly divided into four treatment groups on the principle of similar weight: whole oat group (OAT), oat alfalfa ratio 3:7 group (OA73), oat alfalfa ratio 7:3 group (OA37) and whole alfalfa group (Alfalfa), with eight goats in each group. Daily feed intake records, feces, feed samples, and rumen fluid collection were made throughout the trial. The goats were weighed on the last day of the trial, and four goats per group were randomly selected for slaughter. Cecum contents, meat samples, and hot carcass weight were collected, and data were recorded. Furthermore, the relationship between the rumen and cecal microbes on performance and meat quality was clarified by analyzing the rumen and hindgut microbiomes. The results showed that feeding alfalfa could significantly reduce the daily weight gain of fattening goats. Compared with the highest group (OA37), the daily weight gain decreased by 19.21%. Although there was no significant change in feed intake in the four treatments, the feed conversion rate of the alfalfa group significantly decreased by 30.24-36.47% compared to the other groups. However, with the increased alfalfa content, MDA decreased significantly, T-AOC was up-regulated, and the antioxidant activity of the fattened goat meat fed with the high alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the low alfalfa group. Notably, the abundance of Bacteroidales_unclassified and Clostridium were strongly correlated with T-AOC and MDA. Therefore, increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the diet can affect the antioxidant activity of goat meat by improving the gut microbiota, while an oat-hay mixture can improve the growth performance of livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Tingyi Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingyuan Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengrui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yonggen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lijun Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Keshavarz V, Dehghan-Banadaky M, Ganjkhanloo M, Kazemi-Bonchenari M. Effects of feeding wheat straw or beet pulp in starters supplemented with either soybean oil or palm fatty acids on growth performance and urinary purine derivatives in dairy calves. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2023.115569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
21
|
Sadrarhami I, Alikhani M, Ghasemi E, Mahdavi AH, Soltanizadeh N, Font-i-Furnols M, Hosseini Ghaffari M. Effects of nomadic grazing system and indoor concentrate feeding systems on performance, behavior, blood parameters, and meat quality of finishing lambs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278669. [PMID: 36477489 PMCID: PMC9728920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of three production systems on growth performance, behavior, blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A total of 30 lambs (n = 10 lambs/treatment) were randomly assigned to three production systems that included rotational grazing (NG) and two different levels of concentrate (CON), one with medium (roughage/concentrate ratio 50:50% based on DM, MC) and one with high concentrate (roughage/concentrate ratio 30:70% based on DM, HC) during the 90-day fattening period. At the start of the experiment, all lambs averaged 90 ± 4 days of age (mean ± SD) and were slaughtered at an average of 180 ± 3 days (mean ± SD). CON-fed lambs had higher average daily gain and loin thickness than NG-fed lambs. The NG lambs spent more time eating, drinking, and standing, but less time resting and rumination than the CON-fed lambs. In addition, plasma lipid, β-hydroxybutyrate, and urea levels were higher, while phosphorus levels were lower in NG-fed lambs than in CON-fed lambs. CON-fed lambs had better carcass yield, but gastrointestinal tract and rumen weights were lower than NG lambs. CON-fed lambs had higher pH values 0 h post mortem than the NG lambs; however, there was no effect of treatment on pH 24 h post mortem. The post-mortem color of the LD muscle of NG lambs had a higher lightness and yellowness index and a lower redness index than that of the LD muscle of CON-fed lambs. The results of this study showed that lambs fed CON had better carcass yield than lambs fed NG, although feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of lambs fed MC and HC were similar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imaneh Sadrarhami
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- * E-mail: (MHG); (IS)
| | - Masoud Alikhani
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Ghasemi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mahdavi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Soltanizadeh
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Panahiha P, Mirzaei-Alamouti H, Kazemi-Bonchenari M, Aschenbach JR. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation of dairy calves fed starter diets with alfalfa hay versus corn silage as forage and soybean oil versus palm fatty acids as fat source. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9597-9609. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
23
|
Welk A, Neave HW, Spitzer HB, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Effects of intake-based weaning and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves fed by automated feeders. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9119-9136. [PMID: 36114058 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of intake-based weaning methods and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves. Holstein dairy calves (n = 108), housed in 12 groups of 9, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 weaning treatments: milk reduction based on age (wean-by-age), individual dry matter intake (DMI; wean-by-intake), or a combination of individual DMI and age (wean-by-combination). Groups of calves were alternately assigned to 1 of 2 forage treatments: grass hay or a silage-based total mix ration (TMR; n = 6 groups per treatment). Until 30 d of age, all calves were offered 12 L/d of whole milk. Starting on d 31, milk was gradually reduced by 25% of the individual's average milk intake. For wean-by-age calves (n = 31), the milk allowance remained stable until d 62 when milk was again reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. For wean-by-intake calves (n = 35), milk allowance was reduced by a further 25% once calves consumed on average 200, 600, and (finally) 1,150 g of dry matter (DM) per day of calf starter and forage. For wean-by-combination calves (n = 35), milk intake remained stable until calves consumed on average 200 g of DM/d, at which point milk was reduced linearly until weaning at d 70. If calves failed to reach DMI targets by d 62 (n = 10), milk was then reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. Of the 35 wean-by-intake calves, 27 met all 3 DMI targets (successful-intake), and 33 of the 35 calves in the wean-by-combination treatment met the 200 g of DM/d target (successful-combination). Successful-intake and successful-combination calves had greater final body weight (BW) at 12 wk of age than wean-by-age calves (123.7 vs. 122.3 vs. 117.7 ± 3.1 kg, respectively). During weaning, successful-intake calves ate more starter and consumed less milk than successful-combination and wean-by-age calves (starter: 1.19 vs. 0.89 vs. 0.49 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively; milk: 2.7 vs. 4.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.17 L/d, respectively). After weaning, successful-combination and successful-intake calves consumed similar amounts of starter; however, wean-by-age calves continued to consume less starter (2.85 vs. 2.78 vs. 2.44 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively). During weaning, hay and TMR calves ate similar amounts of forage, but hay calves consumed more starter (0.96 vs. 0.75 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively). After weaning, hay calves continued to consume more starter (2.88 vs. 2.50 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively), whereas TMR calves consumed more forage (0.33 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 kg of DM/d, respectively). Hay calves had greater final BW at 84 d compared with TMR calves (124.0 vs. 119.0 ± 1.6 kg, respectively). These results show that the inclusion of a DMI target can improve starter intake and BW for calves that successfully wean, and that forage type can influence the transition onto solid feed. We also found that approximately 10% of calves failed to consume even 200 g of DM/d by 9 wk of age; more research is needed to better understand why some calves struggle to transition onto solid feed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Welk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - H W Neave
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - H B Spitzer
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - D M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Świerk S, Hasior K, Garus-Piętak A, Przybyło M, Głuch M, Waliczek A, Różański Ł, Kański J, Górka P. Effect of amount of high-fibre pellet in the diet and bedding type on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, eating behaviour and rumination in bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus). J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2022; 106:1162-1173. [PMID: 35758339 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Two studies were conducted to determine the impact of the amount of high-fibre pellet (HFP) in the diet and bedding material on feed intake, eating behaviour, rumination, activity and resting behaviour, and also nutrient digestibility in bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus). In Study 1, bongo were fed meadow hay (ad libitum), lucerne hay (0.5 kg/day), browse (0.7 kg/day) and a 'basal diet' containing 0.75 kg/day (low; LP), 1.50 kg/day (medium; MP) or 2.25 kg/day (high; HP) of HFP consisting mostly of insoluble fibre sources (dehydrated grass, dehydrated lucerne, wheat bran). In Study 2, experimental diets resembled those used in Study 1 with the main difference being that bongo were fed 1 or 2 kg of HFP/day and pens were bedded with straw (SB) or wood shavings (WB) (2 × 2 factorial design). In Study 1, dry matter (DM) intake of meadow hay decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with an increasing amount of HFP in the diet but total DM intake increased (p < 0.01). Eating time of basal diet (min/day) increased linearly (p = 0.01), whereas eating time of meadow hay tended to (p = 0.06) decrease linearly with an increasing amount of HFP in the diet. In Study 2, total DM intake was greater for HP treatments compared to LP treatments (p < 0.01) but meadow hay DM intake did not differ between treatments. Straw was consumed by animals and its usage as a bedding material increased meadow hay DM intake and browse DM intake (p ≤ 0.02), and consequently total DM intake (p = 0.03), compared with wood shavings bedding. Feeding more HFP to bongo tended to (p = 0.07) decrease rumination time per day and increased rumination rate (g DM/min). In conclusion, an increased amount of HFP (>1.5-2 kg/day/animal) rich in insoluble fibre in the diet consisting mostly of meadow hay may decrease the intake of roughages by bongo and reduce rumination time. On the other hand, the usage of straw (instead of wood shavings) as bedding unexpectedly increased the intake of roughages by bongo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Świerk
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hasior
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Garus-Piętak
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Przybyło
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Milena Głuch
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Waliczek
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Różański
- Animal Nutrition Department, Municipal Zoological Garden in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kański
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Górka
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alterations in rumen microbiota via oral fiber administration during early life in dairy cows. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10798. [PMID: 35750897 PMCID: PMC9232566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial colonization in the rumen of pre-weaned ruminants is important for their growth and post-weaning productivity. This study evaluated the effects of oral fiber administration during the pre-weaning period on the development of rumen microbiota from pre-weaning to the first lactation period. Twenty female calves were assigned to control and treatment groups (n = 10 each). Animals in both groups were reared using a standard feeding program throughout the experiment, except for oral fiber administration (50–100 g/day/animal) from 3 days of age until weaning for the treatment group. Rumen content was collected during the pre-weaning period, growing period, and after parturition. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that oral fiber administration facilitated the early establishment of mature rumen microbiota, including a relatively higher abundance of Prevotella, Shuttleworthia, Mitsuokella, and Selenomonas. The difference in the rumen microbial composition between the dietary groups was observed even 21 days after parturition, with a significantly higher average milk yield in the first 30 days of lactation. Therefore, oral fiber administration to calves during the pre-weaning period altered rumen microbiota, and its effect might be long-lasting until the first parturition.
Collapse
|
26
|
Effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation from flax oil on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and immune response in Holstein dairy calves fed either coarsely ground or steam-flaked corn grain. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
27
|
Downey BC, Jensen MB, Tucker CB. Hay provision affects 24-h performance of normal and abnormal oral behaviors in individually housed dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:4434-4448. [PMID: 35181131 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dairy calves often perform abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs) including tongue rolling and nonnutritive oral manipulation (NNOM) when opportunities to perform feeding behaviors are restricted. Many US dairy farms limit access to milk, a well-studied risk factor for ARBs. However, farms also commonly do not feed forage to young calves, and the motor patterns of oral ARBs resemble those necessary for acquiring and chewing solid feed. Our objective was to assess how access to hay from birth influenced time engaged in normal and abnormal oral behaviors across 24 h. Holstein heifer calves were housed individually on sand bedding and fed ad libitum water and grain (control, n = 11) or given additional access to hay (hay, n = 11) from birth. Calves were fed 5.7 to 8.4 L/d (step-up) of milk replacer via a teat. At the start of step-down weaning (50 ± 1 d), all calves were given access to a total mixed ration. Feed and water intake were measured daily. Oral behaviors (eating, ruminating, sucking milk, drinking water, panting, grooming, tongue flicking, tongue rolling, and NNOM) were recorded by direct observation at wk 2, 4, 6, and 8 using 1-0 sampling at 1-min intervals for 24 h. Grain, hay, and water intake increased over time in the preweaning period. One polydipsic calf regularly consumed >10 L of water/d. During weaning, hay calves tended to consume increasingly more total mixed ration, significantly more water, and less grain than control calves. Access to hay led to more observations spent eating solid feed (7% vs. 5%, mean percentage of intervals) and ruminating (24% vs. 16%) during the preweaning period compared with calves fed only grain, though control calves appeared to ruminate in absence of forage to re-chew. Rumination occurred, to a large extent, overnight. Hay calves also spent less time self-grooming (12% vs. 14%), tongue flicking (14% vs. 18%), and performing NNOM (17% vs. 21%) than control calves. Although NNOM peaked around milk feedings, all 3 behaviors were performed throughout the day. Tongue rolling was rare across treatments, as was panting, which occurred most frequently around 1400 h. There were no behavioral differences during weaning (wk 8). Overall, we found that hay provision affected most oral behaviors that calves perform; it promoted natural feeding behaviors and reduced abnormal ones, suggesting hay should be provided. We also found that calves performed other behaviors, including polydipsia, repetitive grooming, and apparent sham rumination, that may suggest a degree of abnormality in these behaviors that has not been previously identified. These results highlight the importance of considering all oral behaviors to better understand calf welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blair C Downey
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis 95616
| | - Margit B Jensen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark, 8830
| | - Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jin Y, Asad M, Zhang X, Zhang J, Shi R. Shorter Grazing Time and Supplementation Are Beneficial for Gastrointestinal Tract Development and Carcass Traits of Growing Lambs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070878. [PMID: 35405867 PMCID: PMC8996875 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of restricted grazing durations on the gastrointestinal development and carcass quality of growing lambs are poorly understood. In this study, 32 lambs were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8, body weight = 21.86 kg) corresponding to 2, 4, 8 and 12 h of grazing per day. When off-pasture, all lambs were housed and fed concentrate and hay. When the grazing time decreased from 12 h to 2 h, the abomasum weight and large intestine length decreased (p = 0.019; p = 0.069). Compared to lambs grazed for 12 h, animals grazed for 2−4 h had a greater villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum segments (p < 0.05); the 2 h lambs had superior carcass quality and a smaller diameter and area of the gluteus medium muscle fibers (p < 0.05), with no significant change after 4 h of grazing. The results indicated that shorter grazing times and supplementation were beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract development and carcass quality of growing lambs. Therefore, a better grazing management approach in Inner Mongolia could be to restrict the grazing of lambs to 4 h per day instead of grazing for more extended periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Jin
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China;
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Agrobiology and Plant Stress Physiology Lab., Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
- Institute of Practaculture Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850000, China;
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-471-496-7572 (X.Z. & J.Z.)
| | - Jize Zhang
- Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-471-496-7572 (X.Z. & J.Z.)
| | - Ruizhi Shi
- Institute of Practaculture Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850000, China;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Alugongo GM, Xiao J, Azarfar A, Liu S, Yousif MH, Ma Y, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. Effects of Milk Feeding Strategy and Acidification on Growth Performance, Metabolic Traits, Oxidative Stress, and Health of Holstein Calves. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.822707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of milk feeding strategy and acidification on calf growth, metabolic traits, oxidative stress, and health were evaluated in the first 78 days of life. Holstein calves (N = 48; 12 calves/treatment) were assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of milk feeding strategy [6 L/d (MOD) or 12 L/d (HIGH) of milk] and acidification [non-acidified milk (NAM) or acidified milk (ACM)] on day 2. Calves were bucket-fed milk as follows: 6 L/d from days 2 to 49 for MOD and 6 L/d from days 2 to 49, 12 L/d from days 7 to 42, and 8 L/d from days 43 to 49 for HIGH calves. All calves were then fed 4 L/d from days 50 to 56. Starter and water were available ad libitum, while hay was fed at 5% of starter from day 64. Calves were weighed, measured, and blood (except days 14, 42 and 56) sampled on days 2, 14, 28, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 78. Data were analyzed using Mixed PROC of SAS with time as repeated measurements. Fecal scores, checked daily, were examined by the logistic regression using a binomial distribution in GLIMMIX procedure. There were no three-way interactions observed for all the parameters. We detected a milk feeding strategy × time interaction for starter intake, body weight, ADG, ADG/ME, FE, structural measurements, and glucose. Although, overall (558.0 vs. 638.6 g/d), HIGH calves tended to consume less starter compared to MOD, significant differences were only observed in week 8. The HIGH calves had greater ADG during days 2–14 (1.12 vs. 0.75 kg/d) and tended to have greater ADG on days 15–28 (0.79 vs. 0.55) and 29–42 (0.86 vs. 0.60) and lower on days 57–63 (0.11 vs. 0.38) compared to MOD calves. The HIGH calves had greater BW from days 28 to 78 compared to MOD, while NAM were bigger compared to ACM calves from days 49 to 78. The HIGH calves had lower overall feed and metabolizable energy efficiencies compared to MOD. Except for BW and heart girth, no milk acidification × time interaction was observed for starter intake, ADG, FE, or ADG/ME. Blood glucose in calves fed NAM-HIGH and ACM-HIGH were greater compared to those fed moderate milk volumes on day 28 only. Albeit, feeding strategy had no effect, calves fed ACM had lower likelihood of experiencing diarrhea (odds ratio = 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.018–1.698) compared to those fed NAM. Overall milk feeding strategy had no effect on growth, while milk acidification reduced growth in calves, despite lowering the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea.
Collapse
|
30
|
Effects of group housing and incremental hay supplementation in calf starters at different ages on growth performance, behavior, and health. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3190. [PMID: 35210533 PMCID: PMC8873488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of age at group housing and age at incremental hay supplementation in calf starters from 7.5 to 15% (dry matter, DM) and their interaction on growth performance, behavior, health of dairy calves, and development of heifers through first breeding. A total of 64 calves (n = 16 calves/treatment, 8 male and 8 female) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with age at group housing (early = d 28 ± 2, EG vs. late = d 70 ± 2, LG; 4 calves per group) and age at incremental hay supplementation of calf starters from 7.5 to 15% of DM (early = d 42 ± 2 d, EH vs. late = d 77 ± 2, LH) as the main factors. All calves (female and male) were weaned at 63 days of age and observed until 90 days of age. Heifer calves were managed uniformly from 90 days of age until first calving to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment. No interactions were observed between age at group housing and age at incremental hay to calves on starter feed intake, performance, calf health and behavior, and heifer development through first breeding, which was contrary to our hypothesis. The age at which incremental hay supplementation was administered had no effect on starter feed intake, growth performance, or heifer development until first calving. When EG calves were compared with LG calves, nutrient intake (starter, total dry matter, metabolizable energy, neutral detergent fiber, starch, and crude protein), average daily gain, and final body weight increased. In addition, frequency of standing decreased and time and frequency of eating increased in EG calves compared to LG calves. Overall, early group housing leads to improved growth performance in dairy calves with no negative effects on calf health compared to late group housing.
Collapse
|
31
|
Terler G, Poier G, Klevenhusen F, Zebeli Q. Replacing concentrates with a high-quality hay in the starter feed in dairy calves: I. Effects on nutrient intake, growth performance, and blood metabolic profile. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:2326-2342. [PMID: 35086709 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Concentrate-rich starter feeds are commonly fed to dairy calves to stimulate early solid feed intake and growth performance; yet, starter feeds lacking in forage fiber may jeopardize gut development. This research primarily aimed to test a complete or partial replacement of concentrates with hay of different qualities in the starter feed on nutrient intake, growth performance, apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and blood metabolites in dairy calves. Immediately after birth, 40 Holstein Friesian calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 starter diets, which differed in hay quality and concentrate inclusion [MQH = 100% medium-quality hay, 9.4 MJ of metabolizable energy (ME), 149 g of crude protein (CP), 522 g of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)/kg of dry matter (DM); HQH = 100% high-quality hay, 11.2 MJ of ME, 210 g of CP, 455 g of NDF/kg of DM; MQH+C = 30% medium-quality hay + 70% starter concentrate; HQH+C = 30% high-quality hay + 70% starter concentrate]. The concentrate consisted mainly of grains, oilseeds, and mineral supplements (13.5 MJ of ME, 193 g of CP, 204 g of NDF/kg of DM). Calves were used in the experiment from d 1 to 99 of life. During the first 4 wk, all calves were fed acidified whole milk ad libitum, and afterward they were gradually weaned from wk 5 to 12. Calves had ad libitum access to their starter diets and water throughout the experiment. Milk, water, and solid feed intake was recorded daily, live weight was measured once a week, and blood samples were collected on d 1, 3, 7, 21, 49, 77, and 91 and analyzed for selected metabolites. The ATTD was measured in wk 14 of life. Total DM intake and daily weight gain of calves were not affected by the starter feed during the first 8 wk of life. However, from wk 9 to 14, calves fed the MQH diet had lower DM, ME, and CP intake and gained less weight than calves from the other experimental groups. Feeding the HQH diet resulted in similar CP and ME intake and growth performance compared with calves receiving diets containing concentrates. Furthermore, feeding the HQH diet improved the ATTD of NDF, resulting in similar ATTD of organic matter with the HQH+C and MQH+C groups. Interestingly, calves fed the HQH+C diet showed less sorting for concentrate, compared with the MQH+C group. Concentration of blood metabolites, including glucose, lactate, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and total protein, did not differ after the first week of life. However, serum β-hydroxybutyrate was higher in calves fed the HQH diet starting from wk 11. Both groups fed the hay-only diets maintained higher cholesterol levels after weaning compared with the groups fed hay-concentrate mixtures. In conclusion, feeding high-quality hay can fully replace starter concentrates in the feeding of dairy calves without adverse effects on performance during the rearing period, while increasing forage fiber intake and utilization, which enhanced ruminal ketogenesis and cholesterogenesis around weaning. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects of feeding high-quality hay on health and development of dairy calves, especially in terms of the observed improvements in ruminal ketogenesis and cholesterogenesis around weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Terler
- Institute for Livestock Research, Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, 8952 Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria.
| | - G Poier
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - F Klevenhusen
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Safety in the Food Chain, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Q Zebeli
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Xiao J, Chen T, Alugongo GM, Khan MZ, Li T, Ma J, Liu S, Wang W, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. Effect of the Length of Oat Hay on Growth Performance, Health Status, Behavior Parameters and Rumen Fermentation of Holstein Female Calves. Metabolites 2021; 11:890. [PMID: 34940648 PMCID: PMC8703666 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the length of oat hay on the performance, health, behavior, and rumen fermentation of dairy calves. For this purpose, two hundred and ten healthy two-day-old Holstein dairy calves were randomly allocated into three groups: basic diet (calf starter) without hay (CON), or a basic diet with oat hay at either long (OL: 10-12 cm) or short (OS: 3-5 cm) length cut. The basic diet was fed from day 4, while the hay was offered from day 14. All calves were weaned at day 56 and remained in their individual hutches till the end of the trial (day 70). Calf starter intake and fecal scores were recorded daily. Bodyweight, body size, and rumen fluid samples were collected biweekly before weaning and weekly after weaning. Overall, providing oat hay (OS and OL) in the diet increased the body weight, starter intake, and average daily gain compared to the CON group. Similarly, feeding oat hay improved rumen fermentation. More specifically, hay enhanced the rumen pH and changed the rumen fermentation type. Hay fed calves spent more time on rumination but less time performing abnormal behaviors compared to control. As it can be concluded, feeding oat hay to calves enhances the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and normal calf behaviors, implying improved animal welfare irrespective of the hay length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhijun Cao
- Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.X.); (T.C.); (G.M.A.); (M.Z.K.); (T.L.); (J.M.); (S.L.); (W.W.); (Y.W.); (S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Growth and Body Composition of Artificially-Reared Lambs Exposed to Three Different Rearing Regimens. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123370. [PMID: 34944147 PMCID: PMC8697929 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Optimum lamb growth and cost-effective artificial lamb rearing are important to maximise farm profit. In addition to milk feeding, supplementation of a solid feed with balanced nutrients and an adequate level of fibre will aid rumen development, allowing for a smooth transition from a liquid to a solely solid diet. This study aimed to determine the effect of pellet fibre level, milk replacer composition and early milk weaning at 42 days of age, on the growth and body composition of lambs reared artificially to 57 days of age. Results demonstrate that lamb growth rate to 57 days of age was not affected by early weaning or pellet fibre level. Early milk weaning increased pellet intake and empty rumen weight. Early weaning resulted in leaner carcasses due to reduced fat deposition and lower total feed costs compared to lambs offered milk to 57 days of age. Overall, feeding lambs either low or high fibre pellets and weaning early (42 days of age) was shown to be beneficial, as growth was similar to unweaned lambs, but leaner carcasses and reduced feed costs were observed. Abstract This study was designed to investigate the influence of pellet fibre level, milk replacer composition and age at weaning on growth and body composition of lambs reared artificially. Romney ram lambs were randomly allocated to one of three rearing treatments; HFP57: commercial milk replacer to 57 days of age, and high fibre concentrate pellets; HFP42: commercial milk replacer with early weaning at 42 days of age, and high fibre concentrate pellets; LFP42: high protein milk replacer from 2–16 days of age followed by commercial milk replacer with early weaning at 42 days of age, and low fibre concentrate pellets. Lambs were slaughtered at 57 days of age. Overall average daily liveweight gain of lambs did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. Dressing out percentage, carcass weight, empty small intestine and omental fat were higher (p < 0.05) in HFP57 than in both HFP42 and LFP42 lambs. HFP42 and LFP42 lambs had heavier (p < 0.05) empty rumen weights. Whole body protein content was higher (p < 0.05) in HFP42 lambs compared to both HFP57 and LFP42 lambs. Fat content and daily fat deposition were greater (p < 0.05) in HFP57 lambs than HFP42 and LFP42 lambs. Weaning lambs at 42 days of age with provision of either low or high fibre concentrate pellets, resulted in similar growth rates, reduced whole body fat deposition and was a more cost-effective rearing regimen.
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang S, Diao QY, Hu FM, Bi YL, Piao MY, Jiang LS, Sun F, Li H, Tu Y. Development of ruminating behavior in Holstein calves between birth and 30 days of age. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:572-584. [PMID: 34656354 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ruminating behavior accompanies the development of the rumen and the intake of solid feed in calves. However, few studies have reported on the emergence and development of rumination. In this study, we observed ruminating behavior changes of 56 Holstein calves (body weight at birth = 40.1 ± 3.96 kg; mean ± standard deviation) from birth to 30 d of age under the feeding management of suckling calves that were only fed pelleted concentrate feed and milk. All calves were housed in individual pens equipped with infrared cameras. We explored feed intake within 30 d of age, body weight on 61 d of age, and other apparent indicators, including the age of first eating the bedding, duration of non-nutritive oral behavior at 25 and 30 d of age, total starter feed intake within 30 d of age, average daily starter feed intake within 30 d of age, and duration of ruminating behavior at 25 and 30 d of age for all calves, to further explore the effects of the age of first ruminating behavior (AFR). The AFR fitted the normal distribution and ranged from 15 to 20 d of age for 50% of the experimental population. The AFR was positively correlated with the age of first eating the bedding and duration of non-nutritive oral behavior at 30 d of age. Total starter feed intake within 30 d of age, average daily starter feed intake within 30 d of age, duration of ruminating behavior at 25 and 30 d of age, and duration of eating the bedding at 25 and 30 d of age were negatively correlated with AFR. Overall, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has analyzed the correlation between AFR and other indicators. We found that earlier AFR was associated with shorter duration of non-nutritive oral behavior, longer durations of rumination and eating the bedding, and higher feed intake by 30 d of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Q Y Diao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - F M Hu
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Y L Bi
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - M Y Piao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - L S Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - F Sun
- Institution of Animal Husbandry Research, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - H Li
- JiuXing Dairy Farm, Beijing 101500, China
| | - Y Tu
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kodithuwakku KAHT, Owada H, Miura H, Maruyama D, Hirano K, Suzuki Y, Kobayashi Y, Koike S. Effects of oral administration of timothy hay and psyllium on the growth performance and fecal microbiota of preweaning calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12472-12485. [PMID: 34538491 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of fiber from the first week of life on the growth and hindgut environment of preweaning calves. Twenty newborn female Holstein calves were divided into 2 groups as control and treatment. Calves in both groups were reared under the same feeding program except for oral fiber administration. Timothy hay and psyllium were mixed at a 50-to-6 ratio as a treatment diet for oral fiber administration. Calves in the treatment group were orally administered 50 g of fiber daily from 3 to 7 d of age and 100 g of fiber from 8 d of age until weaning. Feed intake and occurrence of diarrhea were recorded daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded weekly for the individual calf. Fresh feces were collected from calves at 7, 21, 35, 49, and 56 d of age to analyze fermentation parameters and microbiota to characterize the hindgut environment. Higher fiber intake in the treatment group due to oral administration of timothy and psyllium did not affect the starter intake and achieved higher BW at 21 d of age. The fecal pH, total volatile fatty acid, lactate, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were not affected by oral fiber administration; meanwhile, the molar proportion of propionate was higher in the treatment group at 7 d of age. The difference in fecal microbiota in the calves subjected to the oral administration of fiber was observed within 21 d of life; Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. showed higher abundance, whereas that of Clostridium perfringens was decreased. These higher abundances of beneficial bacteria and lower abundance of pathogenic bacteria during early life may partly explain the higher BW of calves in the treatment group at 21 d of age. Furthermore, no adverse effect was observed for the BW and health status in the treatment group throughout the preweaning period. Therefore, early fiber feeding via oral administration potentially contributes to improving the hindgut environment in newborn calves, which leads to better growth of calves during the early stage of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - H Owada
- Central Research Institute for Feed and Livestock, ZEN-NOH, Kasama 319-0205, Japan
| | - H Miura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - D Maruyama
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - K Hirano
- Central Research Institute for Feed and Livestock, ZEN-NOH, Kasama 319-0205, Japan
| | - Y Suzuki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Y Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - S Koike
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Molaei M, Kazemi-Bonchenari M, Mirzaei M, Esmaeili HR. The physical form of starter (finely ground versus pelleted) and alfalfa hay (chopped versus pelleted) in Holstein dairy calves: Effects on growth performance, feeding behaviour, ruminal fermentation, and urinary purine derivatives. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.115031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
37
|
Arshad MA, Hassan FU, Rehman MS, Huws SA, Cheng Y, Din AU. Gut microbiome colonization and development in neonatal ruminants: Strategies, prospects, and opportunities. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2021; 7:883-895. [PMID: 34632119 PMCID: PMC8484983 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Colonization and development of the gut microbiome is a crucial consideration for optimizing the health and performance of livestock animals. This is mainly attributed to the fact that dietary and management practices greatly influence the gut microbiota, subsequently leading to changes in nutrient utilization and immune response. A favorable microbiome can be implanted through dietary or management interventions of livestock animals, especially during early life. In this review, we explore all the possible factors (for example gestation, colostrum, and milk feeding, drinking water, starter feed, inoculation from healthy animals, prebiotics/probiotics, weaning time, essential oil and transgenesis), which can influence rumen microbiome colonization and development. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of potential strategies used to manipulate gut development and microbial colonization to improve the production and health of newborn calves at an early age when they are most susceptible to enteric disease. Moreover, we provide insights into possible interventions and their potential effects on rumen development and microbiota establishment. Prospects of latest techniques like transgenesis and host genetics have also been discussed regarding their potential role in modulation of rumen microbiome and subsequent effects on gut development and performance in neonatal ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A Arshad
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Faiz-Ul Hassan
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Muhammad S Rehman
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Sharon A Huws
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, GB-NIR, UK
| | - Yanfen Cheng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ahmad U Din
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xiao J, Khan MZ, Alugongo GM, Liu S, Ma Y, Wang J, Chen T, Wang W, Wang Y, Cao Z, Li S. Short- and long-term effects of early life exposure to concentrate or hay on feed sorting and rumen fermentation. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.115010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
39
|
Microbial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of dairy calves - a review of its importance and relationship to health and performance. Anim Health Res Rev 2021; 22:97-108. [PMID: 34132191 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252321000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to explain how microbial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in young dairy calves is related to health and, consequently, to the performance of these animals. The review addresses everything from the fundamental aspects of microbial colonization to the current understanding about the microbiota manipulation to improve performance in adult animals. The ruminal microbiota is the most studied, mainly due to the high interest in the fermentative aspects, the production of short-chain fatty acids, and microbial proteins, and its effects on animal production. However, in recent years, the intestinal microbiota has gained space between studies, mainly due to the relationship to the host health and how it affects performance. Understanding how the GIT's microbiota looks like and how it is colonized may allow future studies to predict the best timing for dietary interventions as a way to manipulate it and, consequently, improve the health and performance of young ruminants.
Collapse
|
40
|
Dorri T, Kazemi-Bonchenari M, HosseinYazdi M, Mirzaei M. Effects of inclusion different level of low-quality forage and ruminal undegradable protein to degradable protein ratio in starter diet on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and urinary purine derivatives in young lambs. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
41
|
Gąsiorek M, Stefańska B, Pruszyńska-Oszmałek E, Komisarek J, Nowak W. Effects of the straw inclusion in the diet of dairy calves on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites during pre- and post-weaning periods. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 106:33-44. [PMID: 34060144 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion of chopped straw into a diet with pelleted starter feed on starter intake, growth performance, fermentation and blood metabolites of dairy calves during the pre- and post-weaning periods. Forty-four Holstein-Friesian female dairy calves were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (CON, starter without straw; n = 11), low straw (LS, starter feed containing 10% dry matter basis straw; n = 11), medium straw (MS, starter feed containing 15% dry matter basis straw; n = 11) and high straw (HS, starter feed containing 20% dry matter basis straw; n = 11). Starter intake and total dry matter intake were recorded daily, and bodyweight weekly until 84 days of age. The highest starter intake and total dry matter intake were noted in the LS and MS treatments during the post-weaning, and overall experiment periods. Also, the average daily gain was greater during the pre-weaning period for LS and MS than HS. Increasing chopped straw content in the starter feeds from 0% to 15% increased ruminal pH, especially at day 28, and molar concentration of acetate, and decreased concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate throughout the trial. Concentrations of butyrate in the rumen were lower at day 28, and higher at day 56 and 84 in straw-supplemented calves compared to the CON treatment. Increasing chopped straw content in the starters feeds from 0% to 15% increased the total counts of bacteria and protozoa, but then this counts decreased with the content of 20% chopped straw. In conclusion, the inclusion of chopped triticale straw from 10% to 15% in the diet with pelleted starter feed can improve performance, and rumen fermentation in calves; however, increasing the dietary inclusion of straw to 20% can negatively affect growth performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Gąsiorek
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Stefańska
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Science, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jolanta Komisarek
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Suchy Las, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Nowak
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
van Niekerk JK, Fischer-Tlustos AJ, Wilms JN, Hare KS, Welboren AC, Lopez AJ, Yohe TT, Cangiano LR, Leal LN, Steele MA. ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: New frontiers in calf and heifer nutrition-From conception to puberty. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8341-8362. [PMID: 34053756 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dairy calf nutrition is traditionally one of the most overlooked aspects of dairy management, despite its large effect on the efficiency and profitability of dairy operations. Unfortunately, among all animals on the dairy farm, calves suffer from the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. These challenges have catalyzed calf nutrition research over the past decade to mitigate high incidences of disease and death, and improve animal health, growth, welfare, and industry sustainability. However, major knowledge gaps remain in several crucial stages of development. The purpose of this review is to summarize the key concepts of nutritional physiology and programming from conception to puberty and their subsequent effects on development of the calf, and ultimately, future performance. During fetal development, developmental plasticity is highest. At this time, maternal energy and protein consumption can influence fetal development, likely playing a critical role in calf and heifer development and, importantly, future production. After birth, the calf's first meal of colostrum is crucial for the transfer of immunoglobulin to support calf health and survival. However, colostrum also contains numerous bioactive proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that may play key roles in calf growth and health. Extending the delivery of these bioactive compounds to the calf through a gradual transition from colostrum to milk (i.e., extended colostrum or transition milk feeding) may confer benefits in the first days and weeks of life to prepare the calf for the preweaning period. Similarly, optimal nutrition during the preweaning period is vital. Preweaning calves are highly susceptible to health challenges, and improved calf growth and health can positively influence future milk production. Throughout the world, the majority of dairy calves rely on milk replacer to supply adequate nutrition. Recent research has started to re-evaluate traditional formulations of milk replacers, which can differ significantly in composition compared with whole milk. Transitioning from a milk-based diet to solid feed is critical in the development of mature ruminants. Delaying weaning age and providing long and gradual step-down protocols have become common to avoid production and health challenges. Yet, determining how to appropriately balance the amount of energy and protein supplied in both liquid and solid feeds based on preweaning milk allowances, and further acknowledging their interactions, shows great promise in improving growth and health during weaning. After weaning and during the onset of puberty, heifers are traditionally offered high-forage diets. However, recent work suggests that an early switch to a high-forage diet will depress intake and development during the time when solid feed efficiency is greatest. It has become increasingly clear that there are great opportunities to advance our knowledge of calf nutrition; yet, a more concentrated and rigorous approach to research that encompasses the long-term consequences of nutritional regimens at each stage of life is required to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the global dairy industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J K van Niekerk
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A J Fischer-Tlustos
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - J N Wilms
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2; Trouw Nutrition Research and Development, PO Box 299, 3800 AG, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - K S Hare
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A C Welboren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A J Lopez
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - T T Yohe
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - L R Cangiano
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - L N Leal
- Trouw Nutrition Research and Development, PO Box 299, 3800 AG, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sun D, Yin Y, Guo C, Liu L, Mao S, Zhu W, Liu J. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of rumen wall morphological and functional development induced by different solid diet introduction in a lamb model. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:33. [PMID: 33750470 PMCID: PMC7944623 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of solid diet introduction initiating the cellular growth and maturation of rumen tissues and characterize the shared and unique biological processes upon different solid diet regimes. Methods Twenty-four Hu lambs were randomly allocated to three groups fed following diets: goat milk powder only (M, n = 8), goat milk powder + alfalfa hay (MH, n = 8), and goat milk powder + concentrate starter (MC, n = 8). At 42 days of age, the lambs were slaughtered. Ruminal fluid sample was collected for analysis of concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) and microbial crude protein (MCP). The sample of the rumen wall from the ventral sac was collected for analysis of rumen papilla morphology and transcriptomics. Results Compared with the M group, MH and MC group had a higher concentration of VFA, MCP, rumen weight, and rumen papilla area. The transcriptomic results of rumen wall showed that there were 312 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between in “MH vs. M” and “MC vs. M”, and 232 or 796 unique DEGs observed in “MH vs. M” or “MC vs. M”, respectively. The shared DEGs were most enriched in VFA absorption and metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, butanoate metabolism, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Additionally, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified M16 (2,052 genes) and M18 (579 genes) modules were positively correlated with VFA and rumen wall morphology. The M16 module was mainly related to metabolism pathway, while the M18 module was mainly associated with signaling transport. Moreover, hay specifically depressed expression of genes involved in cytokine production, immune response, and immunocyte activation, and concentrate starter mainly altered nutrient transport and metabolism, especially ion transport, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism. Conclusions The energy production during VFA metabolism may drive the rumen wall development directly. The hay introduction facilitated establishment of immune function, while the concentrate starter enhanced nutrient transport and metabolism, which are important biological processes required for rumen development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00556-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daming Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuyang Yin
- Huzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Huzhou, 313000, China
| | - Changzheng Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lixiang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shengyong Mao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Junhua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China. .,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. .,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Xiao J, Alugongo GM, Khan MZ, Liu S, Ma Y, Wang J, Chen T, Wang W, Wang Y, Cao Z, Li S. Different feed presentations affect subsequent feed sorting and rumen pH for a short period in weaned calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4146-4156. [PMID: 33589266 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term effects of different feed presentations on feed sorting and rumen pH in weaned calves. Thirty-six weaned female calves at the age of 12 wk (78 d) were raised in pairs (18 pens; n = 6/treatment) and randomly exposed to 1 of 3 feed presentation treatments: (1) concentrate ration (CON, only exposed to concentrate); (2) separate ration (CH, exposed to concentrate and hay as separate components); and (3) mixed ration (Mix, exposed to a mixed diet containing 75% concentrate and 25% hay). After 4 wk (from d 78 to 105) on different feed presentations, all weaned calves were introduced to a novel total mixed ration (TMR) for another 12 wk (from d 106 to 189). Fresh feed and orts were sampled daily before (wk 12 to 15) and after (wk 16, 17, and 28) transitioning to a TMR diet for analysis of feed sorting. Rumen fluid was sampled in wk 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 28 to determine rumen pH. The performance of weaned calves was affected by the different feed presentations during the pre-changing period, such that calves fed CON had a lower dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain than calves fed CH and Mix diets. When calves were introduced to the Mix diet, they immediately developed a higher degree of sorting behavior against the long particle fractions. Upon transition to TMR, we did not observe any differences in the performance of calves. However, the sorting behavior established in Mix calves persisted and was similar to calves previously fed the CON diet, whereas the extent of feed sorting in calves initially fed CH was less compared with that in the other 2 treatments in wk 16 and 17. Before changing the diet was transitioned to a TMR, calves fed CON had a lower rumen pH than calves fed CH and Mix. Although rumen pH in all treatments increased to the same level after the diet changed, we observed a tendency toward lower rumen pH in calves fed Mix compared with calves fed CH at wk 17, which might have resulted from the higher degree of feed sorting in these calves. However, by the end of the experiment (wk 28), feed sorting and rumen pH were similar across all treatments. These results indicated a short-term effect of previous feed presentations on subsequent feed sorting and rumen pH, but in the long term disappeared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China; College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Gibson Maswayi Alugongo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jingjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yajing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China.
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Amin N, Seifert J. Dynamic progression of the calf's microbiome and its influence on host health. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:989-1001. [PMID: 33613865 PMCID: PMC7868804 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first year of a calf's life is a critical phase as its digestive system and immunity are underdeveloped. A high level of stress caused by separation from mothers, transportation, antibiotic treatments, dietary shifts, and weaning can have long-lasting health effects, which can reduce future production parameters, such as milk yield and reproduction, or even increase the mortality of calves. The early succession of microbes throughout the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal calves follows a sequential pattern of colonisation and is greatly influenced by their physiological state, age, diet, and environmental factors; this leads to the establishment of region- and site-specific microbial communities. This review summarises the current information on the various potential factors that may affect the early life microbial colonisation pattern in the gastrointestinal tract of calves. The possible role of host-microbe interactions in the development and maturation of host gut, immune system, and health are described. Additionally, the possibility of improving the health of calves through gut microbiome modulation and using antimicrobial alternatives is discussed. Finally, the trends, challenges, and limitations of the current research are summarised and prospective directions for future studies are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nida Amin
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bagheri N, Alamouti AA, Norouzian MA, Mirzaei M, Ghaffari MH. Effects of wheat straw particle size as a free-choice provision on growth performance and feeding behaviors of dairy calves. Animal 2020; 15:100128. [PMID: 33451959 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the dairy calf feeding, supplementation of forage to the starter feed is commonly practiced. However, data are insufficient about how changes in particle size (PS) of forage affect calf performance and behavior in a free-choice forage provision system. This study aimed to assess the effects of supplementing wheat straw varying in PS on performance, skeletal growth characteristics, ruminal pH, nutritional behaviors, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Forty-eight Holstein calves (43.8 ± 3.2 kg of BW) from d 15 of age were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments (n = 12/treatment; six males and six females): (1) starter without wheat straw supplementation (CON), (2) CON supplemented with wheat straw chopped at 1 mm geometrical mean particle length (GMPL) (fine PS), (3) CON supplemented with wheat straw at 4 mm GMPL (medium PS), and (4) CON supplemented with wheat straw at 7 mm GMPL (long PS). The calves were given ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study. All calves were weaned on d 56 of age and continued the experiment until d 90. The starter, wheat straw, and total solid feed intakes were not affected by GMPL of wheat straw; however, CON calves had a lower solid feed-, total DM- and NDF-intake than calves offered wheat straw. Further, ADG, weaning, and final BWs as well as feed efficiency were similar between treatments. No difference was observed in growth rate of hip height, hip width, body barrel, wither height, and heart girth among treatments, however, wheat straw supplemented calves tended to have greater body length at weaning. Blood concentration of serum β-hydroxy butyrate was greater in wheat straw supplemented calves compared with CON calves on d 56 and 90. Calves supplemented with wheat straw spent more time eating starter and forage, lying and ruminating and less time for standing and non-nutritional behaviors compared with the CON calves on d 49 and 63 of the study. Moreover, calves offered wheat straw had greater ruminal pH than CON calves at 4 and 8 h after offering starter feed on d 35. In conclusion, supplementing wheat straw as a free-choice increased solid feed intake, rumen pH, and calves' welfare, however, PS of wheat straw had no effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Bagheri
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, 3391653755 Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - A A Alamouti
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, 3391653755 Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran.
| | - M A Norouzian
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, 3391653755 Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Mirzaei
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, 38156-88349, Iran
| | - M H Ghaffari
- Institute of Animal Science, Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Aragona KM, Dennis TS, Suarez-Mena FX, Quigley JD, Hu W, Hill TM, Schlotterbeck RL. Effect of increasing the amount of hay fed on Holstein calf performance and digestibility from 2 to 4 months of age. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1620-1629. [PMID: 33358159 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A good transition from a mainly liquid diet to a solid diet of concentrates and forages is important considering the small size and development of the calf's rumen. However, the optimal amount of hay or other high-fiber ingredients in the diet of recently weaned calves is not well defined. The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of feeding 0, 5, or 10% chopped grass hay (6.5% crude protein, 64.6% neutral detergent fiber) with a textured, high-starch starter (20.5% crude protein, 38.4% starch, 14.1% neutral detergent fiber; protein pellet, whole corn, and oats) on performance and digestion in Holstein steer calves between 2 and 4 mo of age. Forty-eight calves (initial body weight = 90.7 ± 2.15 kg) were housed in group pens (4 per pen) and fed diets and water for ad libitum intake. Feed offered and refused was measured daily. Calf body weight, hip width, and body condition score (1-5 scale) were measured initially and at 28 and 56 d. Fecal samples were collected from the pen floor with care not to sample bedding material and composited by pen during d 5-9, 26-30, and 47-51 to estimate apparent total-tract digestibility using acid-insoluble ash. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures and pen as the experimental unit. As grass hay increased, dry matter intake (kg/d) decreased linearly but tended to change quadratically. Dry matter intake as a % of body weight changed quadratically with increasing hay, increasing from 0 to 5%, and decreasing from 5 to 10% hay. Average daily gain (1.15, 1.12, and 0.95 kg/d), feed efficiency (0.336, 0.319, and 0.309 kg of average daily gain/kg of dry matter intake), and hip width change (4.6, 4.7, and 4.1) decreased linearly with 0, 5, and 10% hay, respectively. Overall estimates of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein digestibility changed quadratically with hay, increasing from 0 to 5%, and decreasing from 5 to 10% hay, whereas digestibility of starch, sugar, and fat decreased linearly with increasing hay. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber increased from 2 to 3 mo of age, and decreased from 3 to 4 mo of age. Digestibility of starch decreased linearly and digestibility of fat and crude protein increased linearly with age. Digestive capacity did not appear mature by 4 mo of age. Feeding 5% chopped hay supported optimal digestion and growth in calves 2 to 4 mo of age, which agrees with previously published research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Aragona
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309.
| | - T S Dennis
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - F X Suarez-Mena
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - J D Quigley
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - W Hu
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - T M Hill
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - R L Schlotterbeck
- Nurture Research Center, Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rastgoo M, Kazemi-Bonchenari M, HosseinYazdi M, Mirzaei M. Effects of corn grain processing method (ground versus steam-flaked) with rumen undegradable to degradable protein ratio on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and microbial protein yield in Holstein dairy calves. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
49
|
Effects of grazing and confinement on the morphology and microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of Small-tailed Han sheep. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
50
|
Takemura K, Shingu H, Ikuta K, Sato S, Kushibiki S. Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on growth performance, plasma metabolites and hormones, and rumen fermentation in Holstein calves during pre- and post-weaning periods. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13402. [PMID: 32512645 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during the pre- and post-weaning periods on growth, metabolic and hormonal responses, and rumen fermentation in calves. Three-week-old Holstein calves were assigned to either control (n = 12) or SC group (n = 12), the latter of which received 2 × 109 cfu/day of SC. The experiment was conducted over a period of 7 weeks around weaning. Daily gain (DG) in the SC group was higher (p < .05) than that in the control group. In the SC group, plasma glucose, insulin, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were higher (p < .05) and concentrations of glucagon and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) tended to be higher (p < .1) than in the control group. Proportion of rumen propionate and concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen at 10 weeks of age were greater (p < .05) in the SC group than that in the control group. Supplementation of SC around weaning may improve dietary nutrient and energy availability and increase plasma GH and IGF-1 concentrations. These changes observed in SC-supplemented calves could be closely related to the improvement of DG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takemura
- Yamagata Prefectural Syonai Livestock Hygiene Division, Yamagata, Mikawa, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shingu
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ikuta
- Awaji Agricultural Technology Center, Minamiawaji, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Shiro Kushibiki
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|