Opinions of key stakeholders regarding the inpatient Individual Care Plan

OBJECTIVES

In Ireland, regularly reviewed Individual Care Plans (ICPs) for inpatients at all acute psychiatric inpatient units are a requirement of the Mental Health Act . In this study, we comprehensively evaluated and compared opinions of key stakeholders in relation to the ICP as a care delivery tool.

METHODS

We employed a descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were distributed to 123 stakeholders (patients and mental health professionals (MHPs)) to evaluate and compare opinions regarding the impact of the ICP in relation to healthcare delivery and health outcomes, and regarding the structure and frequency of use of the ICP.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight stakeholders (80%) completed study questionnaires. Stakeholders (patients (58%) and MHPs (85%)) reported that the ICP assisted in healthcare delivery. However, different attitudes between groups were noted in relation to whether the ICP contributed towards healthcare outcomes, with 64% of patients, but only 41% of MHPs reporting that the ICP positively contributed to mental healthcare outcomes. Some free-text comments described patient dissatisfaction with the role of the ICP for healthcare delivery, and MHP dissatisfaction that the ICP was time-consuming and did not significantly enhance standard patient care.

CONCLUSION

Whilst the implementation of the ICP is generally viewed positively by both patients and MHPs, considerable dissatisfaction by MHPs was also noted with certain aspects of how the ICP was delivered in practice. Practical adjustments to the implementation of ICP in order to build more positive stakeholder experiences appear warranted and worthy of further research.

DNA Damage Responses, the Trump Card of Stem Cells in the Survival Game

Stem cells, as a group of undifferentiated cells, are enriched with self-renewal and high proliferative capacity, which have attracted the attention of many researchers as a promising approach in the treatment of many diseases over the past years. However, from the cellular and molecular point of view, the DNA repair system is one of the biggest challenges in achieving therapeutic goals through stem cell technology. DNA repair mechanisms are an advantage for stem cells that are constantly multiplying to deal with various types of DNA damage. However, this mechanism can be considered a trump card in the game of cell survival and treatment resistance in cancer stem cells, which can hinder the curability of various types of cancer. Therefore, getting a deep insight into the DNA repair system can bring researchers one step closer to achieving major therapeutic goals. The remarkable thing about the DNA repair system is that this system is not only under the control of genetic factors, but also under the control of epigenetic factors. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the role of the DNA repair system in maintaining the survival of cancer stem cells from both aspects.

The critical role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in skeletal muscle wasting: a systematic review

AIMS

Skeletal muscle wasting is affected by the gut microbiota dysbiosis through multiple pathways, including inflammatory process, defected immune system, and anabolic resistance. We aimed to systematically review the studies investigating the gut microbiota composition in sarcopenic and cachexic humans and animals.

METHODS

We carried out a comprehensively systematic search using relevant keywords on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases until July 2021. Original human observational research and animal studies related to our research topics published in English were selected.

RESULTS

Seven human studies and five animal studies were included. Three human studies were case-control, whereas the other four were cross-sectional studies that investigated three different conditions, including age-related sarcopenia, as well as liver cirrhosis and cancer cachexia. The principal alteration in age-related sarcopenia and liver cirrhosis-induced sarcopenia was a reduction in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) -producing bacteria. Lachnospiraceae family, consisting of Lachnospira, Fusicatenibacter, Roseburia, and Lachnoclostridium, significantly decreased in age-related sarcopenia, while in liver cirrhosis-induced sarcopenia, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota decreased compared with the control group. Moreover, Enterobacteriaceae, which has a pro-inflammatory effect increased in muscle-wasted animals.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review presents associations between the gut microbiota alterations and skeletal muscle wasting as a consequence of various pathologies, including aging sarcopenia, renal failure, and cancer cachexia in both human and animal studies.

Application of Biocompatible Scaffolds in Stem-Cell-Based Dental Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering as an important field in regenerative medicine is a promising therapeutic approach to replace or regenerate injured tissues. It consists of three vital steps including the selection of suitable cells, formation of 3d scaffolds, and adding growth factors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are mentioned as two main sources for this approach that have been used for the treatment of various types of disorders. However, the main focus of literature in the field of dental tissue engineering is on utilizing MSCs. On the other hand, biocompatible scaffolds play a notable role in this regenerative process which is mentioned to be harmless with acceptable osteoinductivity. Their ability in inhibiting inflammatory responses also makes them powerful tools. Indeed, stem cell functions should be supported by biomaterials acting as scaffolds incorporated with biological signals. Naturally derived polymeric scaffolds and synthetically engineered polymeric/ceramic scaffolds are two main types of scaffolds regarding their materials that are defined further in this review. Various strategies of tissue bioengineering can affect the regeneration of dentin-pulp complex, periodontium regeneration, and whole teeth bioengineering. In this regard, in vivo/ex vivo experimental models have been developed recently in order to perform preclinical studies of dental tissue engineering which make it more transferable to be used for clinic uses. This review summarizes dental tissue engineering through its different components. Also, strategies of tissue bioengineering and experimental models are introduced in order to provide a perspective of the potential roles of dental tissue engineering to be used for clinical aims.

Brown adipose tissue and alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of senile dementia, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive dysfunction and behavioral disability. The two histopathological hallmarks in this disease are the extraneuronal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and the intraneuronal deposition of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Despite this, central and peripheral metabolic dysfunction, such as abnormal brain signaling, insulin resistance, inflammation, and impaired glucose utilization, have been indicated to be correlated with AD. There is solid evidence that the age-associated thermoregulatory deficit induces diverse metabolic changes associated with AD development. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been known as a thermoregulatory organ particularly vital during infancy. However, in recent years, BAT has been accepted as an endocrine organ, being involved in various functions that prevent AD, such as regulating energy metabolism, secreting hormones, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing glucose utilization in adult humans. This review focuses on the mechanisms of BAT activation and the effect of aging on BAT production and signaling. Specifically, the evidence demonstrating the effect of BAT on pathological mechanisms influencing the development of AD, including insulin pathway, thermoregulation, and other hormonal pathways, are reviewed in this article.

Effects of inclusion of graded amounts of soya bean hulls on feed intake, chewing activity and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows

Twelve multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square changeover design to evaluate the effects of graded inclusion of soya bean hulls (SHs) in replacement of diet forages at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM) basis on peNDF > 8 and peNDF > 1.18 contents of diets and their resulting effects on chewing activity, nutrient digestibility and milk production of dairy cattle. The control diet contained 50% forage, 50% concentrate and no SH. In the other three diets, SH was substituted for alfalfa hay, corn silage and wheat bran to supply 10%, 20% and 30% of the dietary DM. Increasing SH concentration in the diets resulted in decreasing concentrations of forage neutral detergent fibre (NDF), physically effective NDF (peNDF) and mean particle size (p < 0.01). Chewing activity per kilogram of daily dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the different diets tested. However, chewing activity significantly decreased for kilogram intake of NDF, but increased for peNDF > 1.18 when SH was included in the diets (p < 0.01). Total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients significantly increased for DM, organic matter (p < 0.05) and NDF (p < 0.01) but decreased for crude protein (p < 0.05) as the proportion of SH was increased in the diets. Rumen pH value of cattle was not influenced by the diets. Including medium and high amounts of SH in the diets decreased DMI of the animals (p < 0.05) without any significant effect on their daily milk or 4% fat-corrected milk production. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the NDF from a non-forage fibre source like SH had a lower potential for stimulating chewing activity than did forage NDF. Despite this, the small size of dietary particles increased not only the chewing activity per kilogram of peNDF intake but also saliva secretion as well as the potential for rumen to neutralize acids. The findings of this study demonstrate the greater differences in peNDF > 8 among the diets and that these differences are better reflected in terms of DMI, chewing activity and nutrient digestibility, but not in rumen pH.

Protected methionine prolonged provision improves summer production and reproduction of lactating dairy cows

The objective was to establish prolonged effects of a rumen-protected Met (RPM) product (SmartamineM) on milk production and reproduction of high-producing early-lactation cows under extended very high ambient temperatures. Twenty four fresh Holstein cows (27 +/- 9 days in milk, 617 kg b.wt., 2.8 body condition score) including 12 second lactation and 12 higher lactation cows were randomly assigned to either control or RPM-supplemented total mixed rations (TMR, 520:480 g kg(-1) forage:concentrate), and were fed continuously for 5 months. Cows were offered TMR 3 times daily post-milking plus a top-dress alfalfa hay. The study was conducted from May through November of 2009 in central Iranian province of Isfahan. The RPM group had consistently greater 5-month-long average DM intake (21.9 vs. 19.1 kg day(-1)), milk yield (42.4 vs. 37.4 kg day(-1)), milk fat content (33 vs. 27.5 g kg(-1)), fat yield (1.40 vs. 1.04 kg day(-1)), milk protein content (29.6 vs. 27.5 g kg(-1)) and protein yield (1.25 vs. 1.02 kg day(-1)). Mature cows tended to produce more milk (42.2 vs. 37.6 kg day(-1)) and milk fat (1.30 vs. 1.13 kg day(-1)) than second lactation cows. The RPM significantly improved ovary function, estrus expression visibility and body condition score (3 vs. 2.6), while shortening days open (106 vs. 143) and calving interval (387 vs. 421 d). Findings provide compelling evidence for beneficial effects of prolonged RPM provision on feed intake, milk production, and reproduction of Holstein cows under concurrent metabolic pressures of early lactation and stressful high ambient temperatures.

Ground wheat grain for midlactation cows: challenging a common wisdom

The objective was to determine the effects of ground wheat grain (GW) inclusion rate, grinding extent (GE), and their interaction on lactating cow performance. Eight midlactation cows in 3 × 4 m individual boxes were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design study with 4 21 d periods. GW was fed at either 10% or 20% of diet dry matter (DM), as either finer or coarser particles. DM intake increased and net energy for lactation (NE(L)) intake tended to increase when GW was fed at 10% instead of 20% of diet DM. Milk energy yield, milk solids content and yield, and urine pH were unaffected. Fecal pH tended to increase at 20% versus 10% GW. Total tract apparent NDF, but not DM, digestibility tended to be greater for coarsely than finely GW and tended to be greater at 10% versus 20% GW. GW at 10% versus 20% of diet DM decreased blood BHBA and increased blood concentrations of total proteins and albumin. Data provide novel evidence that both finely and coarsely ground WG can be safely fed up to 20% midlactation cows. Commercial accessibility and cost will determine feeding preference of wheat grain to dairy cows.

Chromium improves production and alters metabolism of early lactation cows in summer

Metabolic demands of early lactation introduce enormous challenges to dairy cows when coincided with environmental stresses. The objective of this study was to determine effects of a chromium (Cr) supplement on feed intake and blood indicators of nutrient metabolism in early lactation cows in summer. Fifteen Holstein cows at 38±6 days in milk were grouped based on parity and randomly assigned to three supplemental doses of 0, 0.05 and 0.10 mg Cr/kg of BW(0.75) . Cows received a basal mixed ration with a forage to concentrate ratio of 57.7:42.3, twice daily at 09:00 and 16:00 h for 9 weeks. The first 2 weeks were for adaptation, and the following 7 weeks were for weekly sampling and data collection. The Cr supplement (a Cr-methionine product with 10% Cr and 90% Met from a compound containing one atom of Cr and three molecules of Met) was mixed with 100 g of ground corn and top dressed with the morning feed. The average ambient temperature-humidity index was 77.7 units during the study. Dry matter intake increased from 21.8 to 24.2 and 23.7 kg/day when 0.05 and 0.10 mg Cr/kg BW(0.75) was provided respectively. Milk output of energy, fat, protein and total solids increased by providing Cr at 0.05 mg but not 0.10 mg/kg BW(0.75) . Both doses of Cr increased milk protein content, but the higher Cr dose reduced feed efficiency compared with control. While rectal temperature and body condition score were unaffected, cows receiving 0.05 mg and not 0.10 mg Cr/kg BW(0.75) tended to have greater respiration rate than control cows. Blood insulin and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations and the insulin to glucagon ratio decreased, and serum albumin increased when cows received 0.05 mg of Cr/kg BW(0.75) . Blood glucose, glucagon, insulin-like growth factor-1, total protein, globulins, urea, BHBA, triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol, progesterone, and high- and very low-density lipoproteins were not affected. Therefore, supplemental Cr supply at 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg BW(0.75) improved feed intake, only at 0.05 mg/kg BW(0.75) increased milk secretion, and mainly at 0.05 mg/kg BW(0.75) altered peripheral nutrient metabolism in early lactation Holstein cows under high ambient temperatures.

Increased colostral somatic cell counts reduce pre-weaning calf immunity, health and growth

Our objective was to study the relationships between colostral somatic cell counts (SCC, a criterion for mastitis severity at parturition) and early calf growth, blood indicators of immunity, and pre-weaning faecal and health states. Sixty-nine Holstein cows were assigned to three groups of greater (n = 21, 5051 × 10(3)), medium (n = 38, 2138 × 10(3)) and lower (n = 10, 960 × 10(3)) colostral SCC (per ml) in a completely randomized design. Calves received 2 l of colostrum on day 1, and jugular blood was sampled at birth, at 3 h after the first colostrum feeding and at 42 days of age for immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurements. Calves were fed transition milk from their dams until 3 days of age and whole milk from 4 to 60 days of age twice daily at 10% of body weight. Health status and faecal physical scores were recorded daily for 42 days. Increased colostral SCC was associated with increased serum IgG at parturition. Colostral pH increased and fat percentage decreased linearly with the rising SCC. Feeding colostrum with greater SCC was associated with reduced serum IgG concentrations at 3 h after first colostrum feeding, greater incidences of diarrhoea and compromised health status during the first 42 days of age, and reduced weaning weight gain, but had no effects on calf body length and withers height. Colostral volume and percentages of protein, lactose, solids-non-fat, total solids and IgG were comparable among groups. Results suggest a role for SCC, as an indicator of mastitis and colostral health quality, in affecting calf health. As a result of the novelty of calf health dependence on colostral SCC found, future studies to further characterize such relationships and to uncover or rule out possible mediators are required before colostral SCC could be recommended for routine on-farm use in managing dry cow and calf production.

Morning vs. evening feed delivery for lactating dairy cows

Nikkhah, A., Furedi, C. J., Kennedy, A. D., Scott, S. L., Wittenberg, K. M. Crow, G. H. and Plaizier, J. C. 2011. Morning vs. evening feed delivery for lactating dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 113–122. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of changing feed delivery time from morning (0900) to evening (2100) on feed intake, diurnal feed intake patterns, digestion, rumen fermentation, milk production and composition, as well as on several blood metabolites. Eight (four ruminally cannulated) lactating Holstein cows, consisting of four primiparous and four multiparous cows, were used in the study. The change in the time of feed delivery increased the proportion of feed consumed within 3 h of feed delivery in all cows (54.7 vs. 46.3±4.1%, means±SE, P=0.05), but increased daily dry matter intake only in primiparous cows (18.5 vs. 20.4±0.7 kg d−1, P=0.05). Average daily concentrations of blood glucose, lactate, urea and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) as well as rumen pH and concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were not affected by feed delivery time. However, rumen pH was lower (P<0.05), at 5 and 6 h after feed delivery, while total rumen VFA and acetate were higher (P<0.05) only at 6 h after feed delivery in cows fed in the evening. Also, compared with feed delivery at 0900, feeding cows at 2100 resulted in lower (P<0.05) blood glucose and urea at 2 h after feed delivery, and increased BHBA (P<0.05) at 4 and 6 h after feed delivery. Cows fed at 2100 tended to produce more milk fat than those fed at 0900 (1.11 vs. 0.97±0.07 kg d−1, P=0.08). Milk yield and milk protein were not affected by the time of feed delivery. Changing the feed delivery time from morning to evening increased apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and neutral detergent fibre. The results of this study suggest that changing time of feed delivery from 0900 to 2100 increases feed consumption within 3 h after this delivery and rumen fermentation within 6 h after this delivery, changes diurnal patterns of glucose, urea and BHBA in peripheral blood, tends to increase milk fat, and increases nutrient digestibilities.

Physiological calf responses to increased chromium supply in summer

The primary objective was to determine pre- and postweaning calf physiological responses to increased Cr supply under high ambient temperatures. In a randomized complete block design, 24 neonate Holstein calves (BW=41.5+/-1.9 kg) were grouped based on sex and randomly assigned to 3 treatments within each group. Treatments included either no supplemental Cr (control), 0.02 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75, or 0.04 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75. The average temperature-humidity index was 77 during the study. Chromium was provided as a commercial product in whole milk for preweaning calves and in a starter concentrate for postweaning calves. Calves were weaned at 1 kg of daily calf starter intake lasting for 6 consecutive days. A glucose tolerance test was conducted on d 25 postweaning. Treatments had no effects on preweaning dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and weaning age. Chromium decreased dry matter intake in postweaning calves; however, it did not affect growth and feed conversion ratio. Chromium lowered respiration rate at wk 5 without affecting fecal score and rectal temperature. Preweaning serum cortisol concentrations were altered by a 3-way interaction of Cr dose with calf sex and age. Preweaning serum glucose showed week-dependent increases by Cr. Serum insulin, urea, albumin, total protein, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin concentrations through weaning were not affected. The increasing Cr doses caused quadratic declines in serum thyroxin on d 21 postweaning, whereas blood triiodothyronine declined only with the higher Cr dose. Serum NEFA remained unchanged, but BHBA decreased by Cr in male calves on d 21 postweaning. The glucose tolerance test revealed linear reductions in area under insulin curve between 0 to 90 and 0 to 120 min after glucose infusion, suggesting improvements in peripheral insulin efficiency. Sex-dependent responses to Cr were observed for serum total protein and albumin concentrations at 21 d postweaning. Overall, results indicate that in summer, increased dietary Cr supply can benefit postweaning insulin metabolism, alter preweaning blood cortisol and glucose levels, and reduce respiration rate and may have only minor effects on calf growth.

Metabolic and productive response to ruminal protein degradability in early lactation cows fed untreated or xylose-treated soybean meal-based diets

Effects of different dietary rumen undegradable (RUP) to degradable (RDP) protein ratios on ruminal nutrient degradation, feed intake, blood metabolites and milk production were determined in early lactation cows. Four multiparous (43 ± 5 days in milk) and four primiparous (40 ± 6 days in milk) tie-stall-housed Holstein cows were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 21-day periods. Each period had 14-day of adaptation and 7-day of sampling. Diets contained on a dry matter (DM) basis, 23.3% alfalfa hay, 20% corn silage and 56.7% concentrate. Cows were first offered alfalfa hay at 7:00, 15:00 and 23:00 hours, and 30 min after each alfalfa hay delivery were offered a mixture of corn silage and concentrate. Treatments were diets with RUP:RDP ratios of (i) 5.2:11.6 (control), (ii) 6.1:10.6, (iii) 7.1:9.5 and (iv) 8.1:8.5, on a dietary DM% basis. Different RUP:RDP ratios were obtained by partial and total replacement of untreated soybean meal (SBM) with xylose-treated SBM (XSBM). In situ study using three rumen-cannulated non-lactating cows showed that DM and crude protein (CP) of SBM had greater rapidly degradable fractions. The potentially degradable fractions were degraded more slowly in XSBM. Treatment cows produced greater milk, protein, lactose, solids-non-fat and total solids than control cows. Increasing RUP:RDP reduced blood urea linearly. Feed costs dropped at RUP:RDP ratios of 6.1:10.6 and 7.1:9.5, but not at 8.1:8.5, compared with the 5.2:11.6 ratio. Intake of DM and CP, rumen pH, blood glucose, albumin and total protein, faecal and urine pH, changes in body weight and body condition score, and milk lactose and solids-non-fat percentages did not differ among treatments. Results provide evidence that increasing dietary RUP:RDP ratio from 5.2:11.6 to 7.1:9.5 optimizes nitrogen metabolism and milk production and reduces feed costs in early lactation cows. Reduced blood urea suggests reprodutive benefits.

Ground versus steam-rolled barley grain for lactating cows: a clarification into conventional beliefs

Our objective was to compare the effects of grinding versus steam-rolling of barley grain at 30 or 35% of diet dry matter on feed intake, chewing behavior, rumen fermentation, and milk production in high-producing lactating cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (85 +/- 9 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment with four 21-d periods. Each period included 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling. Treatments included grinding (GB) or steam-rolling (SB) of barley grains at either 35 or 30% of dietary dry matter. Diets were prepared as a total mixed ration and delivered twice daily at 0730 and 1600 h. Neither processing method nor dietary barley grain inclusion rate affected dry matter intake, daily eating, ruminating and chewing times, rumen pH and major volatile fatty acid molar percentages, or milk percentages and yields of fat and protein. Energy-corrected milk yield increased for SB compared with GB at 35% but not at 30% barley grain. Feed efficiency was increased by SB, but was unaffected by dietary barley grain level. Results suggest that at 30% dietary barley grain, GB resulted in similar lactation performance as SB and that SB did not affect productivity when dietary barley grain increased from 30 to 35%. Regardless of barley grain level, grinding effectively maintained dry matter intake and rumen pH at 4 h postfeeding, whereas steam-rolling increased feed efficiency. Increasing barley grain from 30 to 35% of diet dry matter did not improve feed intake and milk production.

Wheat grain as a prepartal cereal choice to ease metabolic transition from gestation into lactation in Holstein cows

Wheat grain (WG) is a unique cereal rich in easily fermentable starch and low in cation-anion difference (e.g. 5.3 mEq/100 g). The controlled prepartal dietary inclusion of WG, thus, has the potential to ease adapting the rumen microbes and papillae to the high-starch lactation diets, stimulate feed intake, reduce hypocalcaemia by reducing extracellular alkalinity and a moderate induction of bone resorption, and improve milk yield in periparturient cows. The primary objective was to determine the effects of prepartal feeding of WG compared to barley grain plus wheat bran on metabolic and productive criteria in periparturient Holstein cows. Twenty-four dry cows and 16 pregnant heifers were blocked based on parity and projected calving date and fed a prepartal diet containing either (i) ground WG (18% on a dry matter basis) or (ii) a conventional diet with ground barley grain and wheat bran or control diet, from 28-day prepartum until parturition. All cows were fed the control diet during 21-day postpartum. Prepartal dietary inclusion of WG increased prepartum feed intake, elevated blood glucose and attenuated hypocalcaemia at 7-day prepartum and 1-day postpartum, reduced urine pH, and increased milk fat percent and yield. Blood proteins at 7-day prepartum were higher and placenta tended to be expelled sooner in WG-fed cows than in other cows. Treatments did not affect milk protein, changes in body condition score; total time spent eating, ruminating and chewing; blood levels of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and phosphorous, fecal pH, and calving difficulty. Therefore, the prepartal dietary use of WG proved effective in the simultaneous improvement of calcium and energy states, and thereby, in easing the metabolic transition from gestation into lactation in Holstein cows.

Growth, weaning performance and blood indicators of humoral immunity in Holstein calves fed supplemental flavonoids

The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that flavonoids mediate immune response and affect calf performance. Twenty Holstein calves [7 +/- 2 days age; 41.4 +/- 0.7 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to four treatments of (i) no; (ii) low (7.3 x 10(-5) g/kg BW); (iii) medium (7.3 x 10(-4) g/kg BW); and (iv) high (3.6 x 10(-3) g/kg BW) doses of flavonoids intake in a completely randomized design. Calves received the treatments as a tablet until weaning or a daily intake of 680 g starter. After weaning, calves received no supplemental flavonoids and monitored until 120 days of age. The flavonoids were extracted from propolis. Treatments did not affect body length, wither height and the severity of scours. At week 5 of age, BW was higher when calves fed the high compared to the low dose of flavonoids. At week 6, calves fed the high dose of flavonoids had higher BW than those fed no or low doses of flavonoids. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations remained lower at the first 3 weeks of the experiment when calves received the low but not the high doses of flavonoids. At week 4, both medium and low doses of flavonoids moderated serum IgG. At week 8, the medium and high but not the low doses of flavonoids lowered serum IgG. At week 6, calves fed high and medium flavonoids doses had lower blood immunoglobulin M (IgM) than control calves. Results suggest that flavonoids affect the humoral immune response and can improve growth in young calves. This response depended on calf age. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the premise that dietary forages or the main source of flavonoids are helpful for a less stressful weaning in the modern calf raising.

Effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of biotin on productive performance of Holstein dairy cow. In this experiment a change-over design with twelve multiparous cows, three rations and three periods was employed. Ingredients of the basal diet were alfalfa hay (24%) corn silage (16%) and concentrate (60%) on dry matter basis. The experimental diets 1 to 3 contained 0, 10 and 20 mg of biotin per day, respectively. The rations were fed to cows as Total Mixed Rations (TMR), but biotin was top-dressed on the a.m. allotment of ration. The cows were individually ad libitum and milked three times per day. Daily milk yielded was recorded and samples of the milk were taken once per week for determination of milk composition. Blood were taken in end of each period. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) and milk yield of cows were not affected by biotin. Also milk compositions were not affected by biotin. The average of Fat Corrected Milk (FCM) yield for 4% fat for rations contain 0, 10 and 20 mg day(-1) biotin, respectively 25.45, 26.2 and 25.9 kg day(-1) were calculated. Blood concentration of were unaffected by different levels of biotin. The differences between averages of the milk cows were not significant.

The effect of Pleurotus spp. fungi on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of rice straw

This study was carried out to test the potentially of using rice straw substrate for the cultivation of four Pleurotus species including Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus ostreatus and the effect of these species on the chemical composition, cell wall degradation and digestibility of rice straw. Rice straw soaked in water for 24 h and then it was pasteurized at 100 degrees C for 6 h. Rice straw was inoculated with spawns of four Pleurotus fungi (Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus ostreatus) and packed in the plastic bags and incubated in a fermentation chamber at 23-27 degrees C and 75-85% relative humidity. After 60th day, rice straw samples from all groups were taken and analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro digestibility. The data obtained were analyzed according to the complete randomized design model consisting of four treatments plus one control and four replicates. The results of this study showed that fungal treatment increased (p<0.05) the Crude Protein (CP), silica, Ca and P contents of the rice straw but the hemicellulose, Organic Matter (OM), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) contents decreased. However, the ability of the fungi to degrade these components varied among the species. The ability of Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus ostreatus were higher than the other species in decreasing the hemicellulose, NDF, ADF and ADL contents. The highest Biological Efficiency (BE) was produced by sajor-caju species with 56.02 and the lowest was belong to Pleurotus djamor species with an average 51.17%. All species of fungi incubated on rice straw showed increased (p<0.05) the in vitro dry mater and organic matter digestibility. Rice straw treated with sajor-caju fungus had the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) with 80.10 and 82.18%, respectively. In general this experiment cleared that treatment with sajor-caju can improve the quality of rice straw to be useful feed for ruminant nutrition.

Rumen and post abomasal disappearance of amino acids and some nutrients of barley grain treated with sodium hydroxide, formaldehyde or urea in lactating cows

Four rumen and duodenum cannulated, Holstein lactating cows were used in a change-over design to determine the effects of NaOH, Formaldehyde or Urea treated barley on disappearance of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Amino Acids (AA), NDF, ADF, hemicelluloses and starch in rumen, Post Abomasal Tract (PAT) and total tract by mobile nylon bag technique. Experimental treatments were coarse milled barley, barley treated with 3.5% NaOH, barley treated with 0.4% formaldehyde and barley treated with 3.5% urea that all chemical treated barley milled coarse before feeding. NaOH Treatment reduced concentrations of Lysine and Cystine in the barley grain. All chemical treatments decreased rumen disappearances of barley CP but only NaOH and Formaldehyde treatments also decrease total AA and some of the AA disappearances in the rumen. All chemical treatments increased DM, OM, CP, starch, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose disappearance of barley in the PAT. But only NaOH and Formaldehyde treatments increased total AA and most of AA disappearances in the PAT. Effect of chemical treatments on increase of disappearance of starch, Met and Gly in the total tract was significant (p < 0.05). Rumen disappearance of TAA was lower than CP but PAT disappearance of TAA was more than CP and finally total tract disappearance of TAA was more than CP. Individual AA in barley disappeared at different rates in the rumen and PAT. Consequently, the proportion of digesta CP and AA entering the intestine must be considered.

Effects of microwave irradiation on ruminal degradation and in vitro digestibility of soya-bean meal

This study was carried out to determine ruminal dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation characteristics of untreated, 2-, 4- and 6-min microwave-treated soya-bean meal (SBM) by using nylon bags and sodium dodecyl sulphatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) techniques. Nylon bags of untreated or treated SBM were suspended into the rumen of three Holstein steers from 0 to 48 h, and data were fitted to non-linear degradation characteristics to calculate effective rumen degradation (ERD). There were significant differences (P < 0·05) for DM and CP degradation parameters between untreated and microwave-treated SBM. Microwave treatments decreased the water-soluble fraction and increased the potentially degradable fraction of CP. The degradation rate of the latter fraction decreased with these treatments. As a consequence, microwave treatments decreased (P < 0·05) ERD of CP. From densitometric scanning, SBM proteins were seen to be composed of two major components; β-conglycinin and glycinin, accounting for proportionately 0·30 and 0·40 of buffer-soluble SBM proteins, respectively. Electrophoretic analysis of untreated, 2-, 4- and 6-min microwave-treated SBM protein residues revealed that two of the subunits of β-conglycinin (α -and α) were degraded completely after 2, 4, 24 and 48 h, respectively, whereas the α subunit of this protein was more resistant to degradation. In untreated SBM, the two subunits of glycinin (acidic and basic polypeptides) were degraded in the middle of the incubation period, but in microwave-treated SBM were not degraded until 48 h of incubation. In vitro digestibility of ruminally undegraded CP of untreated and treated SBM increased (P < 0·05) with increases in rumen incubation time from 8 to 24 h. In conclusion, SBM proteins appeared to be effectively protected from ruminal degradation by a 4-min microwave treatment. SDS-PAGE results indicated that ruminally undegraded protein from untreated SBM was mainly composed of the basic subunit of glycinin, whereas that from microwave-treated SBM was composed of β-conglycinin and both basic and acidic subunits of glycinin.

Effect of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids sources on milk production and composition of Holstein cows in early lactation

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of feeding fish oil, soybean oil, or their combination on milk fatty acid profiles, especially omega-3, omega-6 and omega-3/omega-6 ratio. Milk was collected from 20 primiparous Holstein cows that were distributed into four groups and arranged in a completely randomized design with 35 days period to determine the effect of feeding fish oil, soybean oil, or their combination on milk production and composition. Experimental diets consisted of: 1) control diet; 2) a diet with 3% (DM basis) added fat from menhaden fish oil; 3) a diet with 3% added fat from soybean oil and 4) a diet with 1.5% added fat from fish oil and 1.5% fat from soybean oil. Dry matter intake (18.47, 18.87, 18.33 and 18.63 kg day(-1), for control, fish oil, soybean oil and combination diets, respectively) and milk production (30.31, 32.15, 31.19 and 31.59 kg day(-1)) were higher for cows that consumed 3% fish oil containing diet. Milk from cows fed control, fish oil, soybean oil and fish oil with soybean oil diets contained 3.45, 2.72, 2.96 and 2.87% fat, respectively. Concentration of total omega-3 fatty acids (0.87, 1.28, 0.96 and 1.18 g/100 g of fatty acids) in milk fat were higher for cows that consumed either fish oil-containing diet, especially the 3% fish oil diet. The n-6:n-3 ratio (4.57, 2.62, 6.17 and 4.08) in milk fat was lower for fish oil diet. These results showed that fish oil modifies fatty acids profile of milk fat and increased the proportion of beneficial fatty acids for human health.

Short Communication: Canola Meal as a Substitute for Cottonseed Meal in Diet of Midlactation Holsteins

The growing demand by humans for monounsaturated vegetable oils has provided canola meal (CM) for use in dairy diets because it possesses an excellent nitrogen profile for rumen microbes. Six midlactation cows were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with 3 periods of 20 d each. Treatments included diets with 1) CM, 2) 50% CM + 50% cottonseed meal (CSM), and 3) CSM. Total crude protein (CP), nonprotein nitrogen, and rapidly degradable true protein (% of CP) were greater in CM than in CSM. The neutral and acid detergent fibers, slowly degradable true protein, and unavailable CP were lower in CM than in CSM. Daily feeding of 3.4 kg of CM instead of 5.6 kg of CSM enhanced milk percentage of protein and SNF, and improved total tract digestibility of dry matter and CP. Therefore, CM offers an economical substitute for CSM in midlactation diets when commercial access, cost, and quality of CSM are variable.

Effects of Monensin and Stage of Lactation on Variation of Blood Metabolites Within Twenty-Four Hours in Dairy Cows

Effects of prepartum administration of a monensin controlled release capsule (CRC) and stage of lactation on variation of blood metabolites within 24 h were determined in 16 dairy cows. Cows were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum twice daily at 0700 and 1300 h. At calving, cows were switched from a close-up dry cow diet to a lactating cow diet. Cows were blood sampled every 3 h for 24 h at 3 stages of lactation, including 1 wk before calving (wk -1), 1 wk after calving (wk 1), and 6 wk after calving (wk 6). Serum concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea exhibited significant variation within 24 h. Glucose and NEFA were, respectively, 0.09 and 0.08 mM lower between 1030 and 2230 h than between 2230 and 1030 h. beta-Hydroxybutyrate and urea were, respectively, 95.1 and 0.49 mM higher between 1030 and 2230 h than between 2230 and 1030 h. Monensin did not significantly affect glucose, NEFA, and urea in this study. Monensin reduced BHBA at wk 1, but not at wk -1 or wk 6. Glucose was lower and BHBA and NEFA were higher at wk 1 compared with wk -1 and wk 6. Urea was higher at wk 6 compared with wk -1. The variation within 24 h of glucose, BHBA, and NEFA were not affected by monensin and stage of lactation. Diurnal variation of urea was affected by stage of lactation, but not by monensin.

Short Communication: Infrared Thermography and Visual Examination of Hooves of Dairy Cows in Two Stages of Lactation

Hooves of 16 lactating Holstein cows were examined twice for sole hemorrhages and underrun heels. Images of hooves were taken using infrared thermography to determine the temperatures of the coronary band and that of a control area above the coronary band. To adjust for skin (control) temperature, the difference (DeltaT) between the coronary band and the control area was calculated. Effects of stage of lactation, that is, <or=200 d in milk (DIM) vs. >200 DIM, on temperature of the coronary band, DeltaT, and visual abnormalities were determined. Temperatures of the coronary bands of cows were greater for cows <or=200 DIM (n = 17) than for cows (n = 15) in late lactation (25.5 +/- 1.3 vs. 21.0 degrees C). The DeltaT was also greater for cows <or=200 DIM compared with those >200 DIM (6.1 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.9 degrees C). The DeltaT was greater for lateral claws than for medial claws (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.2 +/- 0.6 degrees C). Chi-square analysis revealed that the frequency of sole hemorrhages in hind lateral claws was significantly higher for cows <or=200 DIM compared with those in late lactation. In contrast, underrun heel was more frequently observed among cows >200 DIM. Increased temperatures of the coronary band and DeltaT in early/midlactation coincided with increased incidence of sole hemorrhages, but not to incidences of underrun heels. Because higher hoof temperatures occurred in cows <or=200 DIM compared with cows later in lactation, measurement of hoof temperatures among cows in early lactation may be useful in monitoring hoof health.