Effects of copper, zinc, and manganese source and inclusion during late gestation on beef cow-calf performance, mineral transfer, and metabolism

To determine effects of Cu, Zn, and Mn source and inclusion during late gestation, multiparous beef cows [n = 48; 649 ± 80 kg body weight (BW); 5.3 ± 0.5 body condition score (BCS)] were individually-fed hay and supplement to meet or exceed all nutrient recommendations except Cu, Zn, and Mn. From 91.2 ± 6.2 d pre-calving to 11.0 ± 3.2 d post-calving, cows received: no additional Cu, Zn, or Mn (control, CON), sulfate-based Cu, Zn, and Mn (inorganic, ITM) or metal methionine hydroxy analogue chelates (MMHAC) of Cu, Zn, and Mn at 133% recommendations, or a combination of inorganic and chelated Cu, Zn, and Mn (reduce and replace, RR) to meet 100% of recommendations. Data were analyzed with treatment and breeding group (and calf sex if P < 0.25 for offspring measures) as fixed effects, animal as experimental unit, and sampling time as a repeated effect for serum, plasma, and milk measures over time. Post-calving cow liver Cu was greater (P ≤ 0.07) in MMHAC compared with all other treatments. Calves born to RR had greater (P ≤ 0.05) liver Cu than ITM and CON, and MMHAC had greater (P = 0.06) liver Cu than CON. Liver Mn was less (P ≤ 0.08) for RR calves than all other treatments. Calf plasma Zn was maintained (P ≥ 0.15) from 0 to 48 h of age in ITM and MMHAC but decreased (P ≤ 0.03) in CON and RR. Gestational cow BW, BCS, and metabolites were not affected (P ≥ 0.13) by treatment, but gestational serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were greater (P = 0.01) for CON than MMHAC. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) calf birth size, vigor, placental size and minerals, or transfer of passive immunity. Neonatal calf serum Ca was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MMHAC than all other treatments; other calf serum chemistry and plasma cortisol were not affected (P ≥ 0.12). Pre-suckling colostrum yield, and lactose concentration and content, were greater (P ≤ 0.06) for MMHAC compared with ITM and RR. Colostral triglyceride and protein concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.08) for RR than MMHAC and CON. Cow lactational BW and BCS, milk yield and composition, and pre-weaning calf BW and metabolism were not affected (P ≥ 0.13) by treatment. Lactational serum TBARS were greater (P = 0.04) for RR than CON at day 35 and greater (P ≤ 0.09) for MMHAC at day 60 than all other treatments. Source and inclusion of Cu, Zn, and Mn altered maternal and neonatal calf mineral status, but calf size and vigor at birth, passive transfer, and pre-weaning growth were not affected in this study.

433 Late-Breaking: Immune responsiveness of neonatal beef calves is altered by late gestational Cu, Zn, and Mn supplementation

Multiparous, fall-calving, Sim-Angus cows (n = 48) were individually-fed tall fescue-based hay and supplemented to meet/exceed nutrient recommendations except Cu, Zn, and Mn. From 91.2 ± 6.2 d pre-calving, cows received: no additional Cu, Zn, or Mn (CON); Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates supplying 133% NASEM recommendations (ITM); Cu, Zn, and Mn metal methionine hydroxy analogue chelates (MMHAC, MINTREX®, Novus International) supplying 133% recommendations (CTM); or Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates and MMHAC supplying 100% recommendations (reduce and replace, RR). Calf whole blood was collected at 48 h of age for ex vivo stimulation with toll-like receptor agonists lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN) at low (-L) and high (-H) concentrations for 4 h at 37°C. Expression of inflammation-related mRNA was determined using RT-PCR (reference gene: S9). Data were analyzed with treatment and breeding group as fixed effects. When treatment P &lt; 0.15, LS means were separated. Pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-8 were greater (P ≤ 0.10) in calves born to RR cows than all other treatments when exposed to PGN-L. Expression of IL-1β was greater (P ≤ 0.09) in CTM and CON than ITM when exposed to LPS-L and in RR than ITM when exposed to LTA-L. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in CTM calves was greater (P ≤ 0.09) than ITM and CON when exposed to LTA-L and PGN-H and than all other treatments when exposed to LPS-L. When exposed to PGN-L, iNOS was greater (P ≤ 0.06) in CTM and RR calves than CON. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.22) IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α expression. Data demonstrate that late gestational chelated trace mineral supplementation may alter neonatal calf pro-inflammatory pathways. These changes may increase innate immune response to bacterial pathogens during the challenging neonatal period, potentially increasing survival.

PSIII-29 Effects of late gestational tall fescue forage system on spring-calving beef cow performance, circulating metabolites, and colostrum quality

Multiparous cows [n = 56; 639 ± 73 (SD) kg initial BW; 5.3 ± 0.4 initial BCS; 5.9 ± 3.0 yr of age; February 16, 2016 average calving date] were allocated by BW, BCS, age, and expected calving date to strip-graze endophyte-infected stockpiled tall fescue (STF; n = 4 pastures; 12.5% CP, 59.5% NDF; DM basis) or consume ad libitum endophyte-infected tall fescue hay (n = 4 uncovered drylots; 7.5% CP, 65.3% NDF; DM basis) for the last 75.0 ± 11.9 d of gestation. At 13.5 ± 1.6 d pre-calving, STF cows were moved to drylots and fed tall fescue haylage (12.6% CP, 61.7% NDF; DM basis). Effects of forage system were included in the model with pen as experimental unit. For gestational metabolites, effects of forage system, day, and their interaction were included with day as a repeated measure. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.35) cow BW. Cows fed STF had greater (P ≤ 0.06) BCS than hay-fed cows at d 32 and 62 of study. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) gestational plasma glucose or triglycerides. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were greater (P ≤ 0.005) in hay-fed cows at d 32 and 82 of study and less (P = 0.02) at d 62 of study. After study initiation, serum urea N was greater (P ≤ 0.002) in STF-fed cows than hay-fed cows. At colostrum sampling (6.8 ± 0.9 h postpartum), forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.10) circulating NEFA, glucose, or triglycerides. Cows fed STF had greater (P ≤ 0.002) serum and colostrum urea N than hay-fed cows. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.17) colostrum protein, lactose, triglyceride, or immunoglobulin concentrations. In conclusion, grazing STF improved cow BCS and altered cow metabolic status but did not affect colostrum quality.

298 Effects of parity on late gestational uterine blood flow and hemodynamics in beef cattle

To determine parity effects on late gestational uteroplacental blood flow, uterine artery hemodynamics were measured in 13 primiparous and 11 multiparous (parity 3 and 4) non-lactating, fall-calving crossbred females beginning 109 d prepartum. Females were nutritionally managed as one group to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. Transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography of the both uterine arteries was conducted 3 to 6 times per female across late gestation, ending at approximately 20 d prepartum. Data were analyzed with parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), day prior to calving, and their interaction in the model; day was a repeated effect. Dam BW was greater (P &lt; 0.001) for multiparous than primiparous females, and increased (P = 0.004) as gestation progressed. Calf birth weight was unaffected (P = 0.87) by parity. The parity x day interaction tended to affect (P = 0.06) ipsilateral uterine artery blood flow (L/min), where multiparous cows had a greater increase per day. Total and contralateral uterine artery blood flow were unaffected (P ≥ 0.11) by parity, but increased (P &lt; 0.001) with day of gestation. When expressed relative to dam BW, total and contralateral blood flow were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in primiparous than multiparous females; ipsilateral blood flow was unaffected (P ≥ 0.13) by parity, however. Ipsilateral pulsatility index and both resistance indices were unaffected (P ≥ 0.28) by parity and day, but day tended to affect (P = 0.07) contralateral pulsatility index. Parity did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) cross-sectional area, mean velocity, peak systolic velocity, and end diastolic velocity of either uterine artery, but all increased (P &lt; 0.001) as gestation progressed. Heart rate was greater (P = 0.03) in primiparous than multiparous females. Data suggest that uterine artery blood flow and heart rate may be altered in primiparous females, even when birth weight is unaffected by parity.

70 Effects of copper, zinc, and manganese intake in late gestation on milk, cow plasma, and calf plasma trace mineral concentrations post-calving in beef cattle

Multiparous, fall-calving beef cows [n = 48; 649 ± 80 (SD) kg BW; 5.3 ± 0.5 BCS] were individually-fed tall fescue-based hay (12.2% CP, 61.5% NDF) and supplemented to meet/exceed nutrient recommendations except Cu, Zn, and Mn. From approximately 90 d pre-calving to 11 d post-calving, cows received: no additional Cu, Zn, or Mn (CON); Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates (ITM) or metal methionine hydroxy analogue chelates (CTM, MINTREX®, Novus International) supplying 133% NASEM recommendations; or Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates and chelates supplying 100% recommendations (reduce and replace, RR). Treatment, sampling day, their interaction, and breeding group were fixed effects with cow as the experimental unit. Colostrum and milk Cu and Mn and plasma Mn were generally not detectable. Colostrum Zn was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in CTM and ITM than CON and RR. All treatments had greater (P < 0.001) colostrum Zn than d 35 milk, which was greater (P ≤ 0.03) than d 60. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) cow or calf plasma Cu or Zn post-calving. Calf plasma Zn decreased (P ≤ 0.02) from 0 to 35 d of age. Calf plasma Cu increased (P < 0.01) from 0 to 35 d, then decreased (P = 0.01) from 35 to 60 d. Cow plasma Zn and Cu were greater (P ≤ 0.02) at lactation d 35 and 60 than 1 h post-calving. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships among cow and calf mineral status. There were weak positive correlations (P ≤ 0.06) between calf plasma and milk Zn at d 35 and 60. Cow and calf plasma Zn immediately post-calving had a weak negative correlation (P = 0.04). These results indicate greater Zn concentration in beef cow colostrum than milk, and suggest calf circulating Zn is partially dependent on milk Zn concentration.

PSI-15 Factors affecting circulating metabolites and postnatal growth in spring-born neonatal beef calves

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate relationships of dam parity and calf suckling within 4 h postnatal with neonatal circulating metabolite concentrations, neonatal environment, and postnatal growth. For the experiment, 36 Angus, Hereford, and crossbred dams (age = 4.0 ± 1.74; multiparous (n = 5) and primiparous (n = 31); BCS = 6.5 ± 1.04; average calving date = April 4, 2018) were used. Calves were observed using a digital video recording system for 4 h after birth to determine suckling success [S = suckled (n = 27) or NS = did not suckle (n = 5) ≤ 4 h]. Jugular blood samples were obtained from calves at 24 (24.4 ± 1.73) and 48 to 72 (54.7 ± 9.08) h of age to determine serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total protein (TP). Postnatal growth measures were collected at 50.4 ± 13.6 d and 162 ± 19.7 d of age. Calf BW was greater (P ≤ 0.02) at 50 and 162 d of age and ADG (0 to 162 d) was greater (P = 0.04) for S than NS calves, however birth BW was not different (P = 0.69). Ambient temperature at parturition was colder (P = 0.03) for NS calves than S calves. Serum glucose at 24 and 72 h was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in S calves than NS calves, however NEFA, BUN, and TP were not affected (P ≥ 0.09) by suckling success at either sampling time. Dam parity had no effect (P ≥ 0.12) on calf circulating metabolites at 24 and 72 h postnatal. In conclusion, the success of beef calves to suckle within 4 h of birth is associated with greater circulating glucose, warmer ambient temperature at birth, and greater postnatal BW and ADG.

358 Comparison of analytical methods for determination of nutrient concentration in beef cow colostrum and milk

Our primary objective was to determine the validity of Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) nutrient composition analysis for beef cow colostrum and milk by comparing DHIA with wet chemistry assays for protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). A secondary objective was to analyze the change in milk nutrient composition over time in beef cattle. Colostrum and milk were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, Sim-Angus cows [n = 43; BW: 649 ± 80 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.5; age: 4.3 ± 1.2 yr]. Colostrum was collected from a single rear-quarter pre-suckling, and milk was collected during 4-h milk yields at 35 and 60 d post-calving. Sub-samples were sent for DHIA analysis and frozen for colorimetric assays utilizing commercial kits run on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Analytical methods were compared using a general linear model, and nutrient composition across day was analyzed using a mixed model with day as a repeated effect. When comparing wet chemistry and DHIA colostrum analysis, r2 were 0.142 (P = 0.06), 0.348 (P = 0.002), and 0.0004 (P = 0.91) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Colostrum protein analyses had a negative relationship, whereas lactose was positive. For 35 d milk, r2 were 0.217 (P = 0.002), 0.128 (P = 0.02), and 0.248 (P = 0.001) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Comparing 60 d milk, r2 (P < 0.001) were 0.706, 0.314, and 0.381 for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectfully. All milk relationships were positive. There was an effect of day on nutrient concentrations, where colostrum contained greater (P < 0.001) protein than 35 and 60 d milk, whereas lactose and MUN were greatest (P < 0.001) in 35 d milk, and lowest (P < 0.001) in colostrum. These data indicate that beef cow colostrum and milk require wet chemistry analysis for improved accuracy.

Derivation of the King's College London human embryonic stem cell lines

Since the derivation of the first human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line in 1998, there has been substantial interest in the potential of these cells for regenerative medicine and cell therapy and in the use of hESCs carrying clinically relevant genetic mutations as models for disease research and therapeutic target identification. There is still a need to improve derivation efficiency and further the understanding of the basic biology of these cells and to develop clinical grade culture systems with the aim of producing cell lines suitable for subsequent manipulation for therapy. The derivation of initial hESC lines at King's College London is discussed here, with focus on derivation methodology. Each of the derivations was distinctive. Although the stage and morphology of each blastocyst were generally similar in each attempt, the behaviour of the colonies was unpredictable; colony morphology and development was different with each attempt. Days 5, 6 and 7 blastocysts were used successfully, and the number of days until appearance of stem-like cells varied from 4 to 14 d. Routine characterisation analyses were performed on three lines, all of which displayed appropriate marker expression and survived cryopreservation-thaw cycles. From the lines discussed, four are at various stages of the deposition process with the UKSCB, one is pending submission and two are unsuitable for banking. Continued open and transparent reporting of results and collaborations will maximise the efficiency of derivation and facilitate the development of standardised protocols for the derivation and early culture of hESC lines.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis as a source of human embryonic stem cells for disease research and drug discovery

Embryos surplus to therapeutic requirements following preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be used to derive human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines carrying mutations significant to human disease. These cells provide a powerful in vitro tool for modelling disease progression in a number of cell types as well as having the potential to revolutionise drug discovery. Robust and reproducible directed differentiation protocols are needed to maximise the potential of these cells. In this review, we explore the current use of hESC and induced pluripotent stem cells in disease-specific research and discuss the use of stem cell technology in drug discovery and toxicity testing.

hESCCO: development of good practice models for hES cell derivation

One response of the UK research community to the public sensitivity and logistical complexity of embryo donation to stem cell research has been the formation of a national network of ‘human embryonic stem cell coordinators’ (hESCCO). The aim of hESCCO is to contribute to the formation and implementation of national standards for hES cell derivation and banking, in particular the ethical protocols for patient information and informed consent. The hESCCO project is an innovative practical intervention within the broader attempt to establish greater transparency, consistency, efficiency and standardization of hES derivation in the UK. A major outcome of the hESCCO initiative has been the drafting and implementation of a national consent form. The lessons learned in this context may be relevant to other practitioners and regulators as a model of best practice in hES cell derivation.

International community consensus standard for reporting derivation of human embryonic stem cell lines

The development and implementation of new methods in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is fraught with difficulties, not least of which is the highly variable reporting of the number and quality of embryos used to derive hESC lines. Without a clear minimum information convention among the derivation teams, understanding and comparing derivation methods and their potential impact on the resulting stem cell line will continue to be extremely difficult. In order to address this issue, we consulted international teams regarding the implementation of a minimum information convention for derivation with the aim of universal use, data collection and central analysis, followed by a multi-author publication. The responses demonstrated overwhelming support for such a system; over 90% of the respondents agreed that a universal standard for reporting the derivation of hESC lines was essential as part of the international effort to advance the field efficiently, and over 87% plan to use this standard and share collected data in Spring 2008 for central analysis and public dissemination. A number of future steps are planned in order to ensure that this standard evolves with the field and remains relevant and up-to-date. Our aim is to incorporate these data within existing international initiatives aimed at improving derivation standards. This article is an open-access publication in order to make the convention freely available to the international community and encourage universal participation.

Factors related to the incidence of the malabsorption syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome has been produced in the laboratory with chicks and feed supplied by poultry integrators who had experienced the problem. Feed supplied by one company produced chicks that developed pale shanks and had apparent malabsorption of certain nutrients. One chick source also had a statistically lower pigmentation score than the other.

An intermittent problem with tibial dyschondroplasia

Broilers observed in the summer of 1978 had an excessively high incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia, causing both downgrading and loss of parts from broken legs. No etiological agent was determined. Birds held to 16 weeks of age retained the cartilaginous lesions. Bone ash was not diagnostic. Serology indicated no correlation with infectious bursal disease. No bacteria were isolated. The condition was not observed in the next placement of chicks.