scholarly journals Long-Term Effects of Maternal Subnutrition in Early Pregnancy on Cow-Calf Performance, Immunological and Physiological Profiles during the Next Lactation

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustí Noya ◽  
Isabel Casasús ◽  
Javier Ferrer ◽  
Albina Sanz

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of undernutrition during the first third of gestation on cow-calf performance, immunological and physiological profiles during the next lactation in two cattle breeds. Fifty-three Parda de Montaña (PA) and 32 Pirenaica (PI) cows were inseminated, assigned to one of two diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements) until day 82 of gestation, and fed 100% of the requirements during gestation and next lactation. Cow and calf performance were assessed during lactation. Colostrum and cow-calf plasma samples were analyzed to assess the passive transfer of immunoglobulins and to characterize energy metabolism. At calving, SUBNUT cows had a lower body condition score, which impaired most of the cow-calf parameters. All cows had considerable weight losses during lactation except for SUBNUT-PI cows. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was lower in SUBNUT-PI cows, and milk fat content was higher in SUBNUT cows. SUBNUT calves had lower values of body measurements at weaning, and calves born from SUBNUT-PI dams had lower milk intake and the lowest average daily gain (ADG), which was reflected in their lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. In conclusion, undernutrition in early gestation in suckler cows had long-term effects on offspring postnatal growth, this physiological evidence being more severe in Pirenaica cow-calf pairs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 129-130
Author(s):  
Gleise Medeiros da Silva ◽  
Tessa M Schulmeister ◽  
Federico Podversich ◽  
Federico Tarnonsky ◽  
Maria E Zamora ◽  
...  

Abstract A completely randomized design study with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluated the impact of artificial shade (SHADE or NO SHADE) and breed (ANGUS vs. BRANGUS) on performance of cows, nursing calves, and subsequent offspring. Twenty-four Angus and 24 Brangus black-hided pregnant cows (579 ± 8 kg BW; 6.5 yr; approximately 85 d of gestation) and their nursing calves were randomly allocated to 12 ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass pastures (Paspalum notatum Flüggé; 1.3 ha; n = 4 pairs/pasture), with or without access to artificial shade (NO SHADE BRANGUS [NSB], NO SHADE ANGUS [NSA], SHADE BRANGUS [SB], and SHADE ANGUS [SA]) for 56 d during summer. Body condition score (BCS) of cows and BW of pairs were obtained on d -1, 0, 55, and 56 (weaning weight). Following weaning, calves were randomly allocated to 4 pens (n = 12/pen) equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks for 14 d to measure feed intake (DMI) and efficiency (G:F). A shade × breed interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and BCS of cows, with SB being greatest (P ≤ 0.05). Pre-weaning calf ADG tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for SHADE vs. NO SHADE. Weaning weight and BW 14-d post-weaning were lesser for NSB vs. NSA, SA, and SB, whereas no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F were observed (P > 0.11). Gestation length was greater for SHADE vs. NO SHADE cows (292 vs. 274; P = 0.02), but calf birth weight was not different. Providing artificial shade to pregnant-lactating beef cows positively impacted the growth of Brangus but not Angus cows. However, weaning BW of calves from Angus cows regardless of shade access did not differ from that of Brangus calves with shade. Further research should investigate the potential long-term effects of shade on the subsequent offspring.


2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. E. Odongo ◽  
D. McKnight ◽  
A. KoekKoek ◽  
J. W. Fisher ◽  
P. Sharpe ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of feeding a diet with no mineral phosphorus (P) supplementation on performance and P excretion in high-yielding dairy cows. In exp. 1, 24 primiparous (PP) and 40 multiparous (MP) Holstein cows were allocated to one of two treatments at calving: (1) regular corn silage and alfalfa haylage based milking cow total mixed ration (TMR; 0.42% P diet) or (2) milking cow total mixed ration (TMR) without supplemental mineral P (0.35% P diet) in a completely randomized design. The trial lasted until after two lactations were completed or the cow was culled. In exp. 2, eight MP Holstein cows (108 ± 8.0 d in milk) were used to determine P digestibility and retention in a completely randomized block design. In exp. 1, the 0.35% P diet cows had lower body weight, body condition score and milk urea nitrogen and higher faecal P than the 0.42% P cows. The dry matter intake (DMI) of PP cows on the 0.35% P diet was lower than that of PP cows on the 0.42% P diet. There was no difference in the DMI of MP cows. The P intake of 0.35% P diet PP cows was 30% lower than that of 0.42% P diet PP cows. The P intake of 0.35% P diet MP cows was 20% lower than that of 0.42% P diet MP. The digestibility coefficient of P for the 0.35% P diet was higher than that for the 0.42% P diet. These results suggest that the forages used in the present study contained adequate amounts of P to sustain milk production in high-yielding MP cows. However, for PP cows some mineral P supplementation is recommended especially during early lactation. Key words: Phosphorus, environmental pollution, intensive dairy operations


Author(s):  
Megan E Myerscough ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Keifer H Sexton ◽  
Lucas S Hofer ◽  
Keela M Trennepohl ◽  
...  

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in drylots (DL) or pasture (PAST) on cow performance and reproduction as well as calf performance and behavior through feedlot receiving. Simmental × Angus (2 yr; 108/yr; 81 ± 15.3 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and calf sex and allotted to 6 groups/yr. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: DL or PAST. Cows in DL were limit-fed at maintenance and calves had ad libitum access to the cow diet in an adjacent pen. Pairs on PAST were rotationally grazed and calves received creep ad libitum three weeks prior to weaning. On d 110 calves were fence-line weaned and behavior was observed on d 111 and 112. On d 116 calves were transported 272 kilometers to a feedlot for a 42-d receiving period. Behavior was evaluated again on d 117 and 118. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS except reproductive data which was analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure. Cows on DL had greater (P ≤ 0.01) BW and BCS at weaning. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.42) detected in reproductive data. Cows on DL had greater (P = 0.02) milk production. Calves on DL had greater BW (P ≤ 0.01) on d 55 and at weaning and greater preweaning average daily gain (ADG). There were treatment × time effects (P = 0.01) for lying and eating on d 111 and 112. More DL calves were eating in the morning and lying in the evening. More (P < 0.01) PAST calves were walking on d 111. Pasture calves vocalized more (P ≤ 0.01) on d 112. On d 117, more (P ≤ 0.05) pasture calves were lying and eating, and DL vocalized more. On d 118, treatment × time and treatment effects were detected (P ≤ 0.02) for lying and walking. More PAST calves were lying and more DL calves were walking. Drylot calves had greater (P ≤ 0.02) BW at the beginning and end of the receiving phase. Pasture calves had greater (P < 0.01) ADG and tended (P = 0.10) to have greater gain efficiency during feedlot receiving phase. In conclusion, housing cow-calf pairs in drylots improved BW, BCS, and milk production of cows but did not affect reproductive performance. Drylot calves had increased BW and ADG during the preweaning phase. Calf behavior at weaning and receiving was influenced by preweaning housing. Pasture calves had improved receiving phase ADG and feed efficiency but were still lighter than drylot calves after 42 d receiving phase.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L Ziegler ◽  
Jacki A Musgrave ◽  
Tanya L Meyer ◽  
Rick N Funston ◽  
Elliott J Dennis ◽  
...  

Abstract Optimizing beef production system efficiency requires an understanding of genetic potential suitable for a given production environment. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective analysis was to determine the influence of cow body weight (BW) adjusted to a common body condition score (BCS) of 5 at weaning-influenced cow-calf performance and postweaning steer and heifer progeny performance. Data were collected at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE, on crossbred, mature cows (n = 1,607) from 2005 to 2017. Cow BCS at calving, prebreeding, and weaning were positively associated (P < 0.01) with greater cow BW. Increasing cow BW was positively associated (P < 0.01) with the percentage of cows that conceived during a 45-d breeding season. For every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW, calf BW increased (P < 0.01) at birth by 2.70 kg and adjusted 205-d weaning BW by 14.76 kg. Calf preweaning average daily gain (ADG) increased (P < 0.01) 0.06 kg/d for every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW. Heifer progeny BW increased (P < 0.01) postweaning with every additional 100-kg increase in dam BW. Dam BW did not influence (P ≥ 0.11) heifer puberty status prior to breeding, overall pregnancy rates, or the percentage of heifers calving in the first 21 d of the calving season. Steer initial feedlot BW increased by 7.20 kg, reimplant BW increased by 10.47 kg, and final BW increased by 10.29 kg (P ≤ 0.01) for every additional 100-kg increase in dam BW. However, steer feedlot ADG was not influenced (P > 0.67) by dam BW. Hot carcass weights of steers were increased (P = 0.01) by 6.48 kg with every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW. In a hypothetical model using the regression coefficients from this study, regardless of pricing method, cow-calf producers maximize the highest amount of profit by selecting smaller cows. Overall, larger-sized cows within this herd and production system of the current study had increased reproductive performance and offspring BW; however, total production output and economic returns would be potentially greater when utilizing smaller-sized cows.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Ashley E Cooney ◽  
Wesley P Chapple ◽  
William T Meteer ◽  
Daniel W Shike

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in dry lots (DL) or pasture (PAST) on calf performance and behavior through the receiving phase. Simmental × Angus (n = 108; 87 ± 11.5 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, BW, BCS, and calf sex and allotted to six groups. Cows were limit-fed a ration consisting of corn silage, dried distillers grain, corn stalks, dry rolled corn (DRC), and soybean hulls to meet protein and energy requirements. Calves had ad libitum access to same diet in an adjacent pen. Calves on PAST were rotationally grazed with free-choice mineral. After weaning (177 ± 11.5 d of age) all calves were fed a diet consisting of corn silage, wet distiller grains, DRC, and grass hay during the receiving phase (42 d). At the age 87, 142, 177, 198, and 219 ± 11.5 d, BW was measured. Hair coat score (HCS) and dirt score (DS) were measured on d 0 and d 90. Calf behavior was observed after feedlot arrival. Average daily gain, DMI and feed efficiency were also analyzed. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Dry-lot calves had greater (P < 0.01) BW and ADG prior to weaning. Calves from PAST had lower (P < 0.01) DS and greater (P < 0.01) HCS at weaning. Upon feedlot arrival, more (P < 0.01) DL calves were walking and had increased (P < 0.01) vocalizations. Calves from PAST had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, DMI as a percent of BW, and gain:feed than DL calves during the receiving phase. Calves raised in a dry lot had greater BW and ADG prior to weaning, but PAST calves had fewer behavioral signs of stress and greater growth performance in feedlot.


2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (S1) ◽  
pp. 128-132
Author(s):  
Ute Knierim ◽  
Dagmar Wicklow ◽  
Silvia Ivemeyer ◽  
Detlev Möller

AbstractInterest in dairy calf rearing systems with cow-calf contact during the milk feeding period is increasing among farmers, advisors and researchers, but socio-economic consequences have only scarcely been investigated yet. In this research reflection we develop a suggestion for a socio-economic methodical framework that is suitable for the wide variation of cow calf rearing systems, farm, market and societal conditions. Based on a literature based, system-theoretical structuring of involved elements, and on full cost accounting in an exemplary case study concerning two model farms, we itemize monetary factors, and additionally important non-monetary factors, that should be included in a socio-economic evaluation. This process also revealed further research needs. We propose as a next research step to gather a greater number of real farm data including different rearing systems and to perform individual full cost accountings, in order to identify input and output patterns on this basis. This might not only help to provide a robust basis for economic decision making, but also help to fill research gaps concerning long-term effects of calf rearing with cow contact. In addition, ways should be explored on how to take non-monetary effects into account.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 67-68
Author(s):  
Grace C Ott ◽  
Sharon R Freeman ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Carrie L Pickworth

Abstract Weaning is known to be the most stressful time in a beef calf’s post-natal life. Weaning stress may have long-term impacts on cattle performance. This study was conducted to determine differences in calf stress under three weaning strategies. Two hundred twenty-nine Angus or Angus-Simmental cross pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three weaning treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (Abrupt, n = 77), fenceline contact for 7 d prior to removal of the calf on d 7 (Fence, n = 79), and abrupt removal of the calf on d 84 (Late, n = 73). Behavioral observations were conducted pre- and post-weaning, and total activity was measured prior to and after weaning using accelerometers placed on collars on five calves per treatment. Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate calf performance post-weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 0.10) by timing or strategy of weaning. Total activity was greater (P < 0.05) in Abrupt than Fence on d 1 and d 2 post-wean (Abrupt 26772 and 22346 and Fence 22235 and 16691 relative activity units/hour, respectively). Calf activity was elevated (P < 0.05) on day of weaning until d 2 post-wean then returned to pre-wean level by d 3 for all treatments. Short-term differences in calf performance warrant further exploration of the possible long-term effects on heifer development and steer feedlot performance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 12-13
Author(s):  
Grace C Ott ◽  
Sharon R Freeman ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Carrie L Pickworth

Abstract Weaning is known to be the most stressful time in a beef calf’s post-natal life. Weaning stress may have long-term impacts on cattle performance. This study was conducted to determine differences in calf stress under three weaning strategies. Two hundred twenty-nine Angus or Angus-Simmental cross pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three weaning treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (Abrupt, n = 77), fenceline contact for 7 d prior to removal of the calf on d 7 (Fence, n = 79), and abrupt removal of the calf on d 84 (Late, n = 73). Behavioral observations were conducted pre- and post-weaning and total activity was measured prior to and after weaning using accelerometers placed on collars on five calves per treatment. Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate calf performance post-weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05<p<0.10. Skeletal growth via hip height was not affected by weaning treatment. During the first 28 d after initial weaning, the Abrupt calves lost while the Late weaned calves gained weight (-0.09 and 0.49 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05). Fence were intermediate weight and tended to be different from both treatments (0.02 kg/d; P = 0.09). Overall ADG was not affected (P > 0.10) by timing or strategy of weaning. Total activity was greater (P < 0.05) in Abrupt than Fence on d 1 and d 2 post-wean (Abrupt 26772 and 22346 and Fence 22235 and 16691 relative activity units/hour, respectively). Calf activity was elevated (P < 0.05) on day of weaning until d 2 post-wean then returned to pre-wean level by d 3 for all treatments. Short-term differences in calf performance warrant further exploration of the possible long-term effects on heifer development and steer feedlot performance.


1988 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
LD Sandles ◽  
YX Sun ◽  
AGC D'Cruz ◽  
GH McDowell ◽  
JM Gooden

Responses to daily injections of bovine growth hormone (GH, 0�15 mg kg- 1 liveweight), beginning on day 10 of lactation, were measured in lactating ewes. Milk yields of GH-treated ewes increased soon after commencement of injections and continued to increase for some 25 days before reaching plateau levels. By comparison, yields of ewes injected with excipient (controls) decreased over the experiment. There was a tendency for contents of milk fat to be higher and milk protein to be lower for GH-treated than for control ewes during the first 15-20 days after injections were started.


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