• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.295-298
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• 1996

An experiment was planned to investigate the effect of early weaned calves on their growth performance. Twelve newly born Sahiwal male calves were employed for this study. These calves were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D); three animals in each group. Calves weaned at 13 weeks (A), a traditional method of calf rearing in Pakistan, received whole milk throughout the experimental period of 90 days while calves weaned at 8 (B), 6 (C) and 4 (D) weeks received the starter ration to compensate the reduced milk allowance. Weight gain of calves of all groups remained unaffected statistically. However, the average daily body weight gains of calves weaned at 6 (300 grams) and 8 (377 grams) weeks of age were similar to those weaned at 13 (368 grams) weeks of age. The results of this study suggest that calf weaning could successfully be obtained at 6 weeks of age with the abundant provision of palatable and nutritious starter ration.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.619-623
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• 2018

Bovine coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases affecting calf productivity. Here, we investigated the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in pre-weaned native Korean calves and determined the correlation between diarrhea and Eimeria spp. Fecal samples were collected from individual calves (288 normal and 191 diarrheic) in 6 different farms. Of the 479 samples, Eimeria oocysts were detected in 124 calves (25.9%). Five Eimeria spp. were identified; E. zuernii (18.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by E. auburnensis (12.5%), E. bovis (7.5%), E. subspherica (5.8%), and E. bukidnonensis (1.0%). A significant correlation was observed between diarrhea and mixed infection with more than 2 Eimeria spp. (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-4.49; P=0.03) compared to single infection (OR=1.29; 95% CI: 0.77-2.15; P=0.33). Of the 5 Eimeria spp. identified, E. subspherica (95% CI: 1.24-5.61; P=0.01) and E. bukidnonensis (95% CI: 825.08-1,134.25; P=0.00) strongly increased the risk of diarrhea by 2.64-fold and 967.39-fold, respectively, compared to other species. Moreover, mixed infection with E. auburnensis and E. bukidnonensis was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR=2,388.48; 95% CI: 1,009.71-5,650.00; P<0.00) in pre-weaned native Korean calves. This is the first report to demonstrate the importance of E. bukidnonensis associated with diarrhea in pre-weaned native Korean calves. Further epidemiological studies should investigate the prevalence of E. bukidnonensis and the association between E. bukidnonensis and diarrhea.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.125-136
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• 2021

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with severe diarrhea, dehydration, and depression, which result in significant economic damages in the dairy and beef cattle industries worldwide. However, differences in the gut microbiota structure and their correlations with differing physiological parameters between BCoV-infected calves with diarrhea and recovered calves are not well understood. In this study, fecal specimens were collected from 10 post-weaned calves, before and after 2 months of fluid therapy, and the samples were used for microbiota analysis. Following recovery, the alpha-diversity profiles (observed operational taxonomic units [OTUs], and Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices) changed significantly when compared with those of calves with diarrhea. Beta-diversity analysis exhibited significant differences in gut microbiota compositions between calves with diarrhea and those in the recovered state. The abundances of eight phyla and thirteen genera in feces changed markedly after restoration of BCoV diarrhea. In addition, our correlation study clearly revealed that increased abundances of the genera Caproiciproducens, Pseudoflavonifractor, and Oscillibacter negatively correlated with serum glucose, and phosphorus levels, but positively correlated with serum chloride in calves with diarrhea, whereas increased abundances of the genera Peptostreptococcaceae;Clostridium (Clostridium cluster XI), Intestinibacter, Cellulosilyticum, Ruminococcus, Romboutsia, Paeniclostridium, Clostridiaceae;Clostridium and Turicibacter in recovered calves showed the opposite pattern. These results suggest that structural changes of the gut microbiota after recovery from BCoV infection correlate with changes in physiological parameters. In conclusion, our data provide evidence of gut microbiota-composition changes and their correlations with the physical profiles of post-weaned calves, before and after fluid therapy for BCoV-related diarrhea.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.957-964
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• 2011

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the level of cortisol hormone and immune-related serum proteins in weaned calves after experimentally induced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Holstein neonatal calves (n = 21; 8 males and 13 females, BW = $42.2{\pm}6.15$ kg) were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments: SBM (control calf starter having soybean meal (SBM) as a main protein source) and FSBM (substitute SBM in control diet with FSBM) groups. All calves were fed milk replacer using an automatic milk-feeder according to step-down milking method and weaned at 7 weeks old. Experimental diets were given to calves ad libitum throughout the experimental period. For LPS challenge, all calves except negative control animals given phosphate buffered saline (PBS), were injected subcutaneously with Salmonella typhimurium LPS on day 7 (D7) after weaning (D0). No significant difference in growth performance and milk intake was observed between SBM and FSBM calves. Feeding FSBM diet resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher LPS-specific IgG at D12 and D19 and LPS-specific IgA at D19 in peripheral blood. Calves fed with FSBM diet also had significantly (p<0.05) higher concentration of serum haptoglobin (Hp) at D8. Overall concentration of cortisol in FSBM group was considerably lower than that of SBM group. Results from current study indicate that FSBM may provide beneficial effects in alleviating weaning stress and enhance immune status of weaned calves.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.218-224
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• 2018

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of different levels of protein concentrate supplementation on the growth performance of yak calves, and correlated the growth rate to changes occurring in the plasma- amino acids, -insulin profile, and signaling activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade to characterize the mechanism through which the protein synthesis can be improved in early weaned yaks. Methods: For this study, 48 early (3 months old) weaned yak calves were selected, and assigned into four dietary treatments according to randomized complete block design. The four blocks were balanced for body weight and sex. The yaks were either grazed on natural pasture (control diet) in a single herd or the grazing yaks was supplemented with one of the three protein rich supplements containing low (17%; LP), medium (19%; MP), or high (21%; HP) levels of crude proteins for a period of 30 days. Results: Results showed that the average daily gain of calves increased (0.14 vs 0.23-0.26 kg; p<0.05) with protein concentrates supplementation. The concentration of plasma methionine increased (p<0.05; 8.6 vs $10.1-12.4{\mu}mol/L$), while those of serine and tyrosine did not change (p>0.05) when the grazing calves were supplemented with protein concentrates. Compared to control diet, the insulin level of calves increased (p<0.05; 1.86 vs $2.16-2.54{\mu}IU/mL$) with supplementation of protein concentrates. Addition of protein concentrates up-regulated (p<0.05) expression of mTOR-raptor, mammalian vacuolar protein sorting 34 homolog, the translational regulators eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, and S6 kinase 1 genes in both Longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus. In contrast, the expression of sequestosome 1 was down-regulated in the concentrate supplemented calves. Conclusion: Our results show that protein supplementation improves the growth performance of early weaned yak calves, and that plasma methionine and insulin concentrations were the key mediator for gene expression and protein deposition in the muscles.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.1557-1562
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• 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of weaning times on the growth performance, rumen fermentation and microbial communities of yellow cattle calves. Methods: Eighteen calves were assigned to a conventional management group that was normally weaned (NW, n = 3) or to early weaned (EW) group where calves were weaned when the feed intake of solid feed (starter) reached 500 g ($EW_{500}$, n = 5), 750 g ($EW_{750}$, n = 5), or 1,000 g ($EW_{1,000}$, n = 5). Results: Compared with NW, the EW treatments increased average daily gain (p<0.05). The calves in $EW_{750}$ had a higher (p<0.05) starter intake than those in $EW_{1,000}$ from wk 9 to the end of the trial. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids in $EW_{750}$ were greater than in NW and $EW_{1,000}$ (p<0.05). The EW treatments decreased the percentage of acetate (p<0.05). The endogenous enzyme activities of the rumen were increased by EW (p<0.05). EW had no effect on the number of total bacteria (p>0.05), but changes in bacterial composition were found. Conclusion: From the present study, it is inferred that EW is beneficial for rumen fermentation, and weaning when the feed intake of the starter reached 750 g showed much better results.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.184-187
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• 2002

This study was designed to examine the response of feeding early weaning diets without and with amino acids supplemented cottonseed meal on growth performance and digestibility of early weaned cow calves. Fifteen 14-21 days old cross bred cow calves were randomly allotted to three experimental diets. Diet A comprised of milk replacer and concentrate feed whereas two isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous early weaning diets viz., B and C were prepared without and with lysine and methionine supplemented cottonseed meal, respectively. These early weaning diets were used as substitute of milk replacer for calves. Calves were placed in individual cages and fed twice daily for a period of 60 days. Daily feed intake, feed refused and weekly weight gain was recorded. Two digestibility trials I and II were performed at 5th and 9th week of the experiment, respectively. During the digestibility trial I, calves were fed on ad libitum basis whereas in trial II, calves were fed at 90% of their voluntary DMI. Feed, orts and feces samples were collected, weighed daily, composited, subsampled and analysed for DM and CP. Results indicated that weight gain of calves was (p<0.05) higher on diets A (0.63 kg/d/calf) and C (0.64 kg/d/calf) compared to calves on diet B (0.57 kg/d/calf). Significantly (p<0.05) less daily DMI was observed on diet A (1.48 kg) compared to early weaning diets B (1.70 kg) and C (1.72 kg). The feed efficiency was (p<0.05) better on diet A (2.33) compared to diets B (2.95) and C (2.65). The economic efficiency was noticed to be better on diets B and C compared to diet A. In trial I, digestibility of DM and CP of diet A was (p<0.05) higher than diets B and C. Whereas in trial II, digestibility of DM and CP of diet A was (p<0.05) less than diets B and C. It was concluded that early weaning diet based on lysine and methionine supplemented cottonseed meal produced better weight gain and feed efficiency compared to non-supplemented cottonseed meal based diet.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.60 no.12
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• pp.29.1-29.11
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• 2018

Background: Respiratory troubles have economic impacts in countries where livestock industry is an important segment of the agricultural sector, as well as these problems may cause significant economic losses for bovine producers. Various practical methods are used to assess diseases that affect the bovine respiratory system. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive tool that has been used frequently in diagnosis of various animal diseases. The present study was designed to establish whether thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for detection of respiratory troubles in weaned buffalo and cattle calves, as well as to assess its prognostic value in comparison with clinical respiratory scores. Thirty five (15 buffalo and 20 cattle) calves were included. Twelve (6 buffalo and 6 cattle) clinically healthy calves were enrolled as controls. Results: Based on physical examinations, clinical respiratory scores (CRS), ultrasound lung scores (ULS) and postmortem findings, animals were classified into 4 groups as pulmonary emphysema (n = 8), interstitial pulmonary syndrome (n = 7), bronchopneumonia (n = 12), and pleurisy (n = 8). The mean values of CRS and ULS were significantly higher in diseased calves (P < 0.01). In calves with pulmonary emphysema and interstitial syndrome, thoracic ultrasonography revealed numerous comet-tail artifacts, which varied in numbers and imaging features. Furthermore, variable degrees of pulmonary consolidation with alveolograms and bronchograms were noticed in bronchopneumonic calves. In addition, thick irregular or fragmented pleura with pleural effusions and fibrin shreds were imaged in calves with pleurisy. A weak correlation was calculated between CRS and ULS (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). Hematologically, the counts of white blood cells, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and partial tensions of carbon dioxide were significantly increased in all diseased groups. Serum concentrations of total globulins were higher in claves with bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). The partial tension of oxygen was decreased in all diseased calves (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for various lung troubles and assessment the grade and severity of pulmonary diseases, as well as it can be used as a follow-up tool for evaluating the prognosis of respiratory troubles and monitoring the efficacy of therapies.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.343-346
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• 2012

This study was investigated the effects of feeding the combination with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis on the diarrhea incidence and fecal microflora of weaned calves. A total of 12 newly weaned calves were allocated to two dietary treatments in a randomized design based on body weight. The dietary treatments included a commercial basal diet supplemented with: 1) no microbial inoculants (Control); 2) a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis (LB). Calves were fed diets for a 4-week period. At the end of the experiment, the counts of fecal lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae in LB were significantly improved compared to control (P<0.05). Over the 4-week period, fecal scores and duration of diarrhea in LB were significantly decreased compared with those in control (P<0.05). The present results suggest that LB is a potential feed additive which could be used for the balance of intestinal microflora and the prevention of diarrhea in Korean native calves.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.337-341
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• 1990

An investigation was conducted to determine whether the rumen modifiers lasalocid and avoparcin, when included in molasses/urea based supplements, enhanced liveweight performance, in early weaned calves. As part of the study the broad-spectrum parasiticle Avermectin B1 was given to the calves to assess any undesirable side effects on animals of less than four months of age. There were no significant (p>0.05) liveweight responses to supplementation when the rumen modifiers lasalocid and avoparcin were included in supplement rations. Lasalocid reduced supplement intake, however, it had no adverse effect on liveweight gain. Avoparcin substantially improved growth when cottonseed meal was included in the ration. Weaners treated with Avermectin B1 tended to show a greater liveweight gain than untreated weaners during the experiment (p<0.10) and no adverse side effects were noted.