Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Research on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance. RESULTS: Seven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5-10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5-10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

A demographic and performance assessment of horses used in draw-based Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association competitions.

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions evaluate riders on equitation and skills when riding randomly drawn horses. This study considered demographic and competition-related variables of horses involved in IHSA competitions, and their correlation to performance through points accumulated. Demographics were recorded for fifty-nine horses in two-day Hunter Seat and Western IHSA shows along with use of artificial riding aids, day of competition, number of rides, and points, to evaluate performance. Data were analyzed using a mixed effect model and correlation coefficients with significance set at P < 0.05 (SAS 9.4). Hunter Seat horses averaged more rides per day than Western (P < 0.0001), but points per ride were not different between disciplines (P = 0.57) or days of shows (P = 0.47). Use of artificial aids did not impact points per ride a horse accumulated (P = 0.63 Hunter Seat, P = 0.41 Western). Age, (r = -0.10, P = 0.60; r = 0.02, P = 0.90), BCS (r = 0.15, P = 0.42; r = 0.17, P = 0.34), height (r = 0.20, P = 0.28; r = 0.15, P = 0.39), and weight (r = 0.23, P = 0.23; r = 0.20, P = 0.25) were weakly correlated with points earned for Hunter Seat and Western horses, respectively. Random draw in IHSA is suggested to be effective for equitation competitions, allowing a fair opportunity for riders, regardless of the horse-related factors evaluated in this study.

Derivation of the maintenance energy requirements in Jersey cows differing in body condition score.

Research in a variety of species including cattle has suggested energy required for maintenance may be affected by body condition. The objective of this study was to use indirect calorimetry and total fecal and urine collections to estimate maintenance energy and fasting heat production (FHP) of cows differing in body condition score (BCS). Twelve multiparous nonpregnant and nonlactating Jersey cows were randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment groups. To construct these groups, cows were fed 2 different TMRs in a preexperimental period for 84 d resulting in a BCS of >5 (HiBCS) and a BCS <3 (LoBCS), and no difference was observed (P > 0.49) in initial body weight (BW) or BCS between treatments, averaging 509 ± 26.0 kg and 4.1 ± 0.23. To begin the experiment all animals were fed at maintenance (NELmaint, (Mcal/d) = 0.10 × BW0.75) for 24 d followed by 4 d of data collection for energy balance, cows were then fasted of 96 h with data collection for energy balance once again taken over the final 24 h. While during the maintenance collection period, differences in BW and BCS existed (439 and 566 ± 19.0 kg BW, and 3.0 and 5.0 ± 0.13 BCS) for LoBCS and HiBCS, respectively. Heat production increased with increasing BCS (13.1 to 16.2 ± 0.55 Mcal/d), but when expressed per unit of BW0.75 no difference was observed (0.14 ± 0.002 Mcal/d/ BW0.75). When fasted, body weight loss did not differ averaging 28.9 ± 0.181 kg. The FHP did not differ (P = 0.40) averaging 0.10 ± 0.004 Mcal/d/ BW0.75 and resulted in the following representation of maintenance; NELmaint, (Mcal/d = 0.10 ± 0.004 × BW0.75). During fasting the nitrogen free respiratory quotient tended to differ (0.69 and 0.73 ± 0.014) and O2 consumption and CO2 production for protein oxidation differed for LoBCS and HiBCS (5.44 and 2.35 ± 0.988 O2 and 4.52 and 1.95 ± 0.821 CO2 L/ BW0.75). Overall, FHP increased with increasing BCS, but FHP per unit of BW0.75 did not differ. Although BW change was similar during fasting, differences O2 consumption and CO2 production per unit of BW0.75 used for protein oxidation may indicate differences in the nature of body tissue utilization in cows differing in BCS.

Increased insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations in a population of non-diabetic cats with overweight/obesity.

Feline hypersomatotropism (HST) is typically associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), whereas HST without concurrent DM has only been reported in a few cases. Weight gain may be observed in cats with HST. The aims of this study were to evaluate circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in non-diabetic cats with overweight/obesity, to screen this population for the presence of HST, and to assess whether there is a correlation between body weight/body condition score (BCS) and serum IGF-1 concentration in overweight/obese cats. In this prospective study, 80 overweight/obese cats from referral centers in Buenos Aires (Argentina) were evaluated. Serum IGF-1 was measured as part of the routine tests for overweight/obesity. Non-diabetic cats were included in the study if they had a BCS>6/9. Twenty-nine cats were classified as overweight (BCS 7/9), whereas 51 were classified as obese (BCS 8-9/9). Median serum IGF-1 concentrations of cats with BCS 7/9, 8/9, and 9/9 were 570 ng/ml (range 123-1456 ng/ml), 634 ng/ml (range 151-1500 ng/ml), and 598 ng/ml (range 284-2450 ng/ml), respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between serum IGF-1 concentrations and body weight (r= 0.24, 95% CI 0.01-0.44 P=0.03), and between IGF-1 and BCS (r= 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.44 P=0.004). In total, 8.75% (95% confidence interval 3.6-17.2%) of the cats with overweight/obesity had IGF-1 concentrations >1000 ng/ml. Pituitary enlargement was detected on computed tomography in 4/7 cases. These seven cats showed varying degrees of phenotypic changes consistent with acromegaly. A proportion of 8.75 % of overweight/obese non-diabetic cats from referral centers in Buenos Aires had serum IGF-1 concentration in a range consistent with HST in diabetic cats. Likewise, 5% of overweight/obese cats were likely to be diagnosed with HST, supported by evidence of pituitary enlargement. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were positively correlated with body weight and BCS in this population of cats. This study highlights the relevance of screening different populations of non-diabetic cats to increase the detection of HST/acromegaly.

Association between body condition profiles, milk production and reproduction performance in Holstein and Normande cows.

Body-condition dynamics are known to affect the different steps of reproduction in cattle (cyclicity, estrus expression, fertilization, embryo development). This has led to a widespread idea that there is an ideal-target optimal body condition, but no clear profile has yet been identified. Here we investigated the relationships between body condition score (BCS) profiles and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Data were from Holstein or Normande herds in 6 French experimental farms. In the Holstein breed, we discriminated 4 BCS profiles based on combining BCS at calving (Low: around 2.6 points, or High: around 3.3 points) with BCS loss after calving (Moderate (M): ≤ 1.0 points, or Severe (S): > 1.0 points). The Low-M profile mostly included multiparous cows with higher milk yield and lower reproductive performance than cows in the 3 other profiles. Low-M cows that experienced abnormal ovarian activity had lower reproductive performance than their profile-mates. Moreover, 67% of Low-M cows kept the same profile at the following lactation. The High-S profile mostly included primiparous cows with lower milk yield and higher reproductive performance than cows in other profiles. In High-S cows, higher milk yields correlated to higher risk of failure to calf on first insemination. Moreover, 38% of High-S cows kept the same profile at the following lactation, and none changed to Low-M. The other 2 BCS profiles (Low-S and High-M) were intermediate in terms of milk yield and reproductive performance. In Normande, we discriminated 3 BCS profiles based on combining BCS at calving (Low: around 2.6 points, or High: around 3.5 points) with BCS loss after calving (Flat (F): flat with no loss, Moderate (M): around 0.5 points, or Severe (S): around 1.0 point). The Low-M and High-S profiles included cows with similar performance, even though High-S-profile cows showed better but not significantly different milk yield and reproduction performance. The High-F profile included cows that were more likely to experience abnormal ovarian activity and fail at first insemination than cows in other profiles. More than 50% of Normande cows with 2 successive lactations kept in the same BCS profile at the next lactation. Even though a low BCS at calving combined with severe BCS loss (more than 1 point) after calving was found to increase reproductive failure, there was no evidence of an optimal BCS profile for reproduction in dairy cows, and reproductive success or failure is multifactorial.

Analysis of differences in the rumen microbiome and metabolic function in prepartum dairy cows with different body condition scores.

BACKGROUND: The rumen is a crucial digestive organ for dairy cows. The rumen microbiota assists in the digestion of plant feed through microbe-mediated fermentation, during which the plant feed is transformed into nutrients for the cow's use. Variations in the composition and function of the rumen microbiome affect the energy utilization efficiency of dairy cows, which is one of the reasons for the varying body condition scores (BCSs). This study focused on prepartum Holstein dairy cows to analyze differences in rumen microbiota and metabolites among cows with different BCSs. Twelve prepartum dairy cows were divided into two groups, low BCS (LBCS, BCS = 2.75, n = 6) and high BCS (HBCS, BCS = 3.5, n = 6), to explore differences in microbial composition and metabolites. RESULTS: In the HBCS group, the genera within the phylum Firmicutes exhibited stronger correlations and greater abundances. Phyla such as Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, Euryarchaeota, and Desulfobacterota, in addition to most of their constituent microbial groups, were significantly more abundant in the HBCS group than in the LBCS group. At the genus level, the abundances of Anaerovibrio, Veillonellaceae_UCG_001, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Blautia, Eubacterium, Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group, Schwartzia, and Halomonas significantly increased in the HBCS group. The citrate cycle, involved in carbohydrate metabolism, exhibited a significant enrichment trend, with a notable increase in the abundance of its key substrate, citrate, in the HBCS group. This increase was significantly positively correlated with the differential bacterial genera. CONCLUSION: In this study, prepartum dairy cows with higher BCS exhibited greater abundance of Firmicutes. This study provides theoretical support for microbiological research on dairy cows with different BCSs and suggests that regulating the rumen microbiome could help maintain prepartum dairy cows within an optimal BCS range.

Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to generate the first life tables for the UK companion cat population overall as well as broken down by sex and breed status, and to quantify associations between mortality and traits such as sex, neuter status, breed status and body weight in relation to mortality. METHODS: Life table construction and modelling included data on 7936 confirmed deaths in cats under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme in 2019. The life tables were built for cats overall, female and male cats, and crossbred and purebred cats. Multivariable generalised linear regression models were generated to explore the risk factors for a shortened lifespan. RESULTS: Life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion cats overall was 11.74 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.61-11.87). The probability of death at each year interval increased with age from year interval 3-4, with the probability value not exceeding 0.05 before year 9. Female cats (12.51 years; 95% CI 12.32-12.69) had a 1.33-year longer life expectancy than male cats (11.18 years; 95% CI 11.01-11.38) at age 0. Among the 12 breeds (including crossbred) analysed, Burmese and Birman had the longest life expectancy at year 0, showing 14.42 years (95% CI 12.91-15.93) and 14.39 years (95% CI 12.87-15.91), respectively. Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy at year 0 among the analysed breeds at 6.68 years (95% CI 4.53-8.83). Being entire, purebred and with a non-ideal body weight were significantly linked to a decreased lifespan. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The life tables presented here for companion cats in the UK overall, by sex, and by crossbred and purebred cats can contribute to a better understanding of the life trajectory of cats, helping with evidence-based decision-making for cat owners and the veterinary profession. We have also provided an updated life expectancy at age 0 for various cat breeds for 2019 and showed evidence of the association between non-ideal weight and a decreased lifespan.

Association Between Household Location (Urban versus Rural) and Fundamental Care Provided to Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris) in Northern Ireland.

This study aimed to generate information regarding living conditions (e.g. indoors and outdoors, living space available), fundamental care (e.g. feeding and exercise) and owners' perceptions of dog's preferences (e.g. living conditions) in the urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland via a cross-sectional survey questionnaire. The responses were collected from May to August 2022, at 24 locations across Northern Ireland, including 15 agricultural shows and livestock markets and nine large supermarkets (single supermarket chain) located in an area of the show or market grounds. In all, 548 questionnaires were collected and after exclusion of questionnaires with missing or incomprehensible responses, 507 questionnaires were included in the final database. Out of 507 questionnaires, 264 respondents resided in a city while 243 respondents resided on farms. The majority of respondents from the city locations perceived their dogs as pets, while those living on farms regarded their dogs as working animals. The populations of dogs in the city locations and on the farms in this study were similar regarding the age range and numbers of the animals, but more female dogs were spayed in the city locations than on the farms. Most respondents in this study, regardless of their household location, declared that they did not monitor their animal's body weight or body condition. When feeding their dogs, the respondents from the city locations were predominantly following veterinary advice or instructions on food labels. On the other hand, the respondents from farm locations mostly reported that they fed their dogs based on 'a visual inspection of dog condition'; this type of feeding was associated with a certain type of household occupancy (more frequent in single and adults only households) and respondents' employment status (more frequent by retired and those managing the home). The living conditions of dogs in city and farm locations in this study were different, namely dogs in the city were kept predominantly indoors with access to outdoors while dogs from farm locations were kept predominantly outdoors. The dogs were reported to be walked daily for a shorter time (up to 1 h/day) in the city locations and longer on the farm locations (1-2 h/day). Regardless of household location (city versus farm) respondents believed that exercise needs depend on animal age, body condition and medical condition, that dogs need to be kept active by owners to keep them fit, that dogs cannot self-regulate the amount of food they eat daily, and finally that walking with a dog a few times a day is difficult due to other commitments. On the other hand, the respondents from farm locations more often believe that dogs can get all the exercise they need by themselves if kept outdoors and they are happier with living outdoors, while the respondents from city locations believed that dogs are happier with living indoors. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown a number of differences in basic care and perception of dogs kept in city locations and on farm locations. Further studies are required to understand the provision of health care and fulfilments of all welfare needs of the dogs kept on farms.

Genetic investigations on backfat thickness and body condition score in German Holstein cattle.

Up to now, little has been known about backfat thickness (BFT) in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the lactation curve and genetic parameters for BFT as well as its relationship with body condition score (BCS) and milk yield (MKG). For this purpose, a dataset was analysed including phenotypic observations of 1929 German Holstein cows for BFT, BCS and MKG recorded on a single research dairy farm between September 2005 and December 2022. Additionally, pedigree and genomic information was available. Lactation curves were predicted and genetic parameters were estimated for all traits in first to third lactation using univariate random regression models. For BCS, lactation curves had nadirs at 94 DIM, 101 DIM and 107 DIM in first, second and third lactation. By contrast, trajectories of BFT showed lowest values later in lactation at 129 DIM, 117 DIM and 120 DIM in lactation numbers 1 to 3, respectively. Although lactation curves of BCS and BFT had similar shapes, the traits showed distinct sequence of curves for lactation number 2 and 3. Cows in third lactation had highest BCS, whereas highest BFT values were found for second parity animals. Average heritabilities were 0.315 ± 0.052, 0.297 ± 0.048 and 0.332 ± 0.061 for BCS in lactation number 1 to 3, respectively. Compared to that, BFT had considerably higher heritability in all lactation numbers with estimates ranging between 0.357 ± 0.028 and 0.424 ± 0.034. Pearson correlation coefficients between estimated breeding values for the 3 traits were negative between MKG with both BCS (r = -0.245 to -0.322) and BFT (r = -0.163 to -0.301). Correlation between traits BCS and BFT was positive and consistently high (r = 0.719 to 0.738). Overall, the results of this study suggest that BFT and BCS show genetic differences in dairy cattle, which might be due to differences in depletion and accumulation of body reserves measured by BFT and BCS. Therefore, routine recording of BFT on practical dairy farms could provide valuable information beyond BCS measurements and might be useful, for example, to better assess the nutritional status of cows.

Relationship among thermal environment, stage of lactation, body characteristics, yield and milk constituents of dairy Gyr cows managed on pasture.

Our aims were to evaluate changes in body characteristics, milk yield and milk constituents as well as to determine the relationship between the thermal environment and production characteristics during the first lactation of dairy Gyr cows managed on pasture. Between 2013 and 2015, forty-five primiparous dairy Gyr cows were evaluated from prepartum to 10 months of lactation in Southeast of Brazil. Body weight, body condition score (BCS), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), milk yield (305 d), and milk constituents were collected monthly and progesterone was collected weekly. Additionally, we determined the temperature humidity index (THI) based on microclimate data. Overall, the cows lost body weight until six months of lactation and there was a progressive decrease in BCS, SFT, milk yield and milk lactose as the months in lactation progressed. In contrast, there was an increase in milk fat, milk protein and milk solids. The thermal environment did not pose a consistent heat challenge, nevertheless, we found a positive correlation between the average THI two days before milk collection with milk yield, fat and lactose contents, but in contrast a negative correlation was found with total solids and protein. In conclusion, the THI and months of lactation affected the yield and constituents of milk. However, more studies are necessary to understand the impacts of body characteristics and thermal environment on yield and milk constituents throughout the productive life of Gyr dairy cows.

The effects of genotype-by-environment interactions on body condition score across three winter supplemental feed environments in a composite beef cattle breed in Montana.

Cattle operations in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States face extreme cold weather conditions and require nutritional supplementation over the winter season in order for animals to maintain body condition. In cow-calf operations, body condition scores (BCS) measured at calving and breeding have been shown to be associated with several economically important health and fertility traits, so maintenance of BCS is both an animal welfare and economic concern. A low-to-medium heritability has been found for BCS when measured across various production stages, indicating a large environmental influence but sufficient genetic basis for selection. The present study evaluated BCS measured prior to calving (late winter) and breeding (early summer) under three winter supplementation environments in a multitrait linear mixed model. Traits were discretized by winter supplementation and genetic correlations between environments were considered a reflection of evidence for genotype-by-environment interactions between BCS and diet. Winter supplementation treatments were fed October through April and varied by range access and protein content: 1) feedlot environment with approximately 15% crude protein (CP) corn/silage diet, 2) native rangeland access with 1.8 kg of an 18% CP pellet supplement, and 3) native rangeland access with a self-fed 50% CP and mineral supplement. A total of 2,988 and 2,353 records were collected across multiple parities on 1,010 and 800 individuals for prebreeding and precalving BCS, respectively. Heifers and cows came from a composite beef cattle breed developed and maintained by the USDA Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory near Miles City, Montana. Genetic correlations between treatments 1 and 2, 1 and 3, and 2 and 3 were 0.98, 0.78, and 0.65 and 1.00, 0.98, and 0.99 for precalving and prebreeding BCS, respectively. This provides moderate evidence of genotype-by-environment interactions for precalving BCS under treatment 3 relative to treatments 1 and 2, but no evidence for genotype-by-environment interactions for prebreeding BCS. Treatment 3 differed substantially in CP content relative to treatments 1 and 2, indicating that some animals differ in their ability to maintain BCS up to spring calving across a protein gradient. These results indicate the potential for selection of animals with increased resilience under cold weather conditions and high protein, restricted energy diets to maintain BCS.

Additive Impacts of Liveweight and Body Condition Score at Breeding on the Reproductive Performance of Merino and Non-Merino Ewe Lambs.

Ewe lambs that are heavier due to improved nutrition pre- and post-weaning achieve puberty at a younger age, are more fertile, and have a higher reproductive rate. Fatness is intimately linked to reproduction, and we hypothesised that higher body condition scores at breeding would have positive effects on the reproductive rate of ewe lambs over and above liveweight. We also expected that if only a proportion of ewe lambs were presented for breeding, then it would be more effective to select them based on both liveweight and body condition score. To test these hypotheses, we analysed data from over 17,000 records from Merino and non-Merino ewe lambs from 22 different flocks across Australia. Non-Merino ewe lambs were more fertile (69.4% vs. 48.7%) and achieved a higher reproductive rate than Merino ewe lambs (96.9% vs. 60.7%). There were significant curvilinear relationships between liveweight (p < 0.001) or body condition score (p < 0.001) prior to breeding and reproductive rate for both Merino and non-Merino ewe lambs. For both breeds, there was a significant (p < 0.001) quadratic effect of body condition score prior to breeding on reproductive rate, independent of the correlated changes in liveweight, and at the same liveweight, an extra 0.5 of a body condition score up to 3.3 improved reproductive rate by about 20%. Nevertheless, the results indicated that if only a proportion of ewe lambs were selected for breeding, then selection based on both liveweight and body condition scores may only improve the overall reproductive rate by 1 to 2% compared to selection based on liveweight alone. We conclude that liveweight is a more effective method than body condition score for selecting ewe lambs for breeding.

Impact of Body Reserves Dynamic on Productivity and Reproductive Performance in Fat-Tail and Thin-Tail Sheep Breeds over Contrasting Production Cycles.

Under climate change, animal breeding faces severe nutritional challenges, exhibiting their resilience and efficiency to survive and produce. The animals' robustness can be evaluated through the use and reconstitution of body reserves (BR). This study investigated the dynamics of ewes' BR, measured through body weight (BW) and the body condition score (BCS), and their effect on production performances of 480 ewes belonging to fat-tailed Barbarine (BB) and thin-tailed Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) ewes over two consecutive years. The BW and BCS were recorded across physiological stages. Reproductive parameters and lambs' growth were calculated. For both years and breeds, the decrease in the BCS between mating and lambing showed BR mobilization to balance nutritional restrictions, which continues until suckling; after weaning, a BR accretion was noted. The lambs' birth weight was similar regardless of the dams' BCS at lambing, though it was lower in the second year (3.5 vs. 4 kg). Lambs' growth parameters depended on ewes' BCS at lambing and weaning. Fertility rates changed with BCS changes and the higher values (80%) were recorded for ewes with BCSs between 2 and 2.5. However, prolificacy was similar for both breeds and years (p > 0.05). In conclusion, ewes have developed adaptative capacities through BR mobilization to cope with environmental challenges and successfully rear their offspring. To maintain a high offspring growth rate, it is recommended to plan correct flock nutrition during suckling.

Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin dosage and its splitting in different days on reproductive performance of Nellore cows synchronized for timed-artificial insemination.

This study evaluated the effects of dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and its splitting in different days of the synchronization protocol on reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous Nellore cows. In the present study, 2,536 Nellore cows (1,634 primiparous and 902 multiparous) were assigned to receive in a 2 × 2 factorial design 1) an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on day -11, 12.5 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine (PGF), 300 IU (i.m.) of eCG, 0.6 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate (ECP), and P4 device withdrawal on day -2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 632 cows, being 409 primiparous and 223 multiparous; 300-2), 2) 300 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (150 IU of eCG/day; n = 637 cows, being 412 primiparous and 225 multiparous; 300-4-2), 3) 400 IU (i.m.) of eCG administered on day -2 (n = 633 cows, being 406 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-2), and 4) 400 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (200 IU of eCG/day; n = 634 cows, being 407 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-4-2). Individual cow BCS was assessed on days -11, 0 (timed-AI), and 31 of the study. Body condition score of the animals was classified into LOW or HIGH using the threshold of 2.75 (≤2.75 = LOW; >2.75 = HIGH). For primiparous cows, an eCG splitting effect was observed on follicle size, as cows receiving eCG on days -4 and -2 of the synchronization protocol had a larger follicle than cows administered eCG only on day -2. For day 31 P/AI, primiparous cows receiving 400-4-2, regardless of BCS, had a greater P/AI than cows from other treatments. Administering 400-4-2 to LOW BCS cows also resulted in greater P/AI than all other treatments assigned to LOW BCS cows. For multiparous cows, no treatment effect was observed for follicle size, estrus expression, and day 31 P/AI (P ≥ 0.21). In summary, increasing the dose and splitting the dose of eCG positively impacted the pregnancy rates of primiparous cows under a BCS ≤2.75, but no effects were detected on multiparous cows.

Maternal prepartum supplementation of protein and energy and body condition score modulated the performance of Bos indicus-influenced cow-calf pairs.

Retrospective analyses were performed on a dataset of 1188 fall-calving, Brangus cow-calf pairs. Analyses 1 sorted cows according to their initial body condition score (BCS < 5 vs. ≥ 5) and whether they received (SUP) or not (NOSUP) prepartum supplementation of protein and energy. Analyses 2 sorted cows according to their calving BCS (BCS < 5 or ≥ 5) and BCS change from calving until the start of the breeding season (lost, maintained, or gained). Cows were not estrus synchronized and were assigned to natural breeding for 90 days. Prepartum supplementation increased (P = 0.04) pregnancy percentage in cows with initial BCS < 5 but not (P = 0.20) with initial BCS ≥ 5. Calf weaning weight was greatest (P ≤ 0.04) for calves born from SUP cows with an initial BCS ≥ 5 and did not differ (P ≥ 0.56) among all remaining groups. Among cows with calving BCS < 5, pregnancy percentage were less (P = 0.05) for cows that lost vs. maintained/gained BCS. Postpartum BCS change did not (P ≥ 0.16) impact pregnancy percentage of cows calving at BCS ≥ 5. Calf weaning weight increased (P < 0.01) for cows calving with BCS ≥ 5 vs. < 5 and was not impacted (P = 0.47) by postpartum BCS change. Therefore, precalving supplementation improved reproduction of cows with BCS below optimal and weaning weight of calves born from cows with BCS above optimal, whereas calving BCS was the major factor affecting postpartum BCS change and cow reproductive performance.

Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics supplemented in feeds for sows and growing pigs for its impact on growth performance of offspring and growing pigs in commercial farm environments.

OBJECTIVE: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3). METHODS: Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0 to 7, d 8 to 21, and d 22 to 42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43 to 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0 to 42 and d 43 to 119, respectively) with 8 pens/ treatment (3 pigs/pen). RESULTS: In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p<0.05, quadratic) the sow body score (maximum at 0.30% SYP), reduced (p<0.05, quadratic) the days-wean-to-estrus (minimum at 0.27% SYP), and increased (p<0.05) offspring BW at weaning and their average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) at d 126. In Exp. 2, ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F of YPC were the greatest (p<0.05). The ADG and ADFI of YPD were greater (p<0.05) than CON. Fecal score of YPC and YPD was smaller (p<0.05) than CON. In Exp. 3, YPA had the greatest (p<0.05) ADG and YPN and YPF had greater (p<0.05) ADG than CON. CONCLUSION: SYP enhanced sow performance, offspring growth, growth of nursery and growing pigs with the greater efficacy at 0.27 to 0.32 g/kg feed.

Association between prepartum body condition score and prepartum and postpartum dry matter intake and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows.

The objectives of this retrospective observational study were to investigate the association between BCS at 21 d before calving with prepartum and postpartum DMI, energy balance (EB), and milk yield. Data from 427 multigravid cows from 11 different experiments conducted at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) were used. Cows were classified according to their BCS at 21 d before calving as fat (BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), moderate (BCS = 3.25-3.75; n = 287), and thin (BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57). Daily DMI from -21 to -1 and from +1 to +28 DIM was individually recorded. Energy balance was calculated as the difference between net energy for lactation consumed and required. Dry matter intake in fat cows was lower than that in moderate and thin cows both prepartum (fat = 9.97 ± 0.21, moderate = 11.15 ± 0.14, and thin = 11.92 ± 0.22 kg/d) and postpartum (fat = 14.35 ± 0.49, moderate = 15.47 ± 0.38, and thin = 16.09 ± 0.47 kg/d). Dry matter intake was also lower for moderate cows compared with thin cows prepartum, but not postpartum. Energy balance in fat cows was lower than in moderate and thin cows both prepartum (fat = -4.16 ± 0.61, moderate = -1.20 ± 0.56, and thin = 0.88 ± 0.62 Mcal/d) and postpartum (fat = -12.77 ± 0.50, moderate = -10.13 ± 0.29, and thin = -6.14 ± 0.51 Mcal/d). Energy balance was also lower for moderate cows compared with thin cows both prepartum and postpartum. There was a quadratic association between BCS at 21 d before calving and milk yield. Increasing BCS from 2.5 to 3.5 was associated with an increase in daily milk yield of 6.0 kg and 28 d cumulative milk of 147 kg. Increasing BCS from 3.5 to 4.5 was associated with a decrease in daily milk yield of 4.4 kg and 28 d cumulative milk of 116 kg. In summary, a moderate BCS at 21 d before calving was associated with intermediate DMI and EB pre- and postpartum but greater milk yield compared with thinner and fatter cows. Our findings indicate that a moderate BCS is ideal for ensuring a successful lactation.

Effect of postpartum body condition score change on the pregnancy outcomes of lactating Jersey cows inseminated at first service with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen after a synchronized estrus versus a synchronized ovulation.

Our objective was to compare insemination rate and pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) of lactating Jersey cows inseminated at first service with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen after submission to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) versus a protocol to synchronize estrus at similar days in milk (DIM). Secondary objectives were to determine the effect of protocol synchrony and postpartum body condition score (BCS) change on P/AI. Lactating Jersey cows (n = 1,272) were allocated by odd versus even ear tag number, which was randomly allocated within the herd, within parity and semen type for submission to a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO; n = 707) or a protocol to synchronize estrus (ED; n = 565). All ED cows detected in estrus were inseminated (EDAI; n = 424), with undetected cows receiving TAI after an Ovsynch protocol (EDTAI; n = 141). There was a treatment by parity interaction on insemination rate with 100% of DO cows receiving TAI, but a tendency for fewer primiparous ED cows to be detected in estrus and AI than multiparous cows (69.5% ± 0.04% vs. 77.1% ± 0.02%, respectively). For cows inseminated with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen, DO cows tended to have and had more P/AI than EDAI cows (sexed, 49.2% ± 0.03% vs. 43.6% ± 0.03%; beef, 64.2% ± 0.04% vs. 56.3% ± 0.05%, respectively) and had more P/AI than EDAI+EDTAI cows (sexed, 49.1% ± 0.03% vs. 40.6% ± 0.03%; beef, 65.5% ± 0.04% vs. 56.2% ± 0.04%, respectively). Overall, 29.1% of DO cows expressed estrus with 5.0% and 24.2% of cows detected in estrus ≥24 h before and at TAI, respectively, and there was no difference in P/AI 61 ± 4 d after AI based on expression of estrus at TAI. The synchronization rate was greater for DO than EDAI cows (92.1% ± 0.01% vs. 79.2% ± 0.02%, respectively); however, synchronized DO cows had more P/AI than synchronized EDAI cows (55.0% ± 0.02% vs. 49.2% ± 0.03%, respectively). There was an interaction between BCS change from 7 to 39 ± 2 DIM and treatment on P/AI 61 ± 4 d after AI with no difference between DO and EDAI cows that lost = 0.25 (49.8% ± 0.04% vs. 51.0% ± 0.05%, respectively) or maintained or gained (55.6% ± 0.04% vs. 50.8% ± 0.05%, respectively) BCS, but within cows that lost ≥0.5 BCS, DO cows had more P/AI than EDAI cows (54.1% ± 0.04% vs. 36.1% ± 0.04%, respectively). In conclusion, submission of lactating Jersey cows to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for first insemination increased insemination rate and fertility to first insemination compared with AI after a detected estrus regardless of semen type and expression of estrus, particularly for cows with excessive postpartum BCS loss.

Relationships between total adiponectin concentrations and obesity in native-breed ponies in England.

BACKGROUND: Equine metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors associated with an increased risk of endocrinopathic laminitis. All affected animals display insulin dysregulation and some may show adiponectin dysregulation and/or excessive adiposity. However, the relationship between obesity and hypoadiponectinaemia in equids remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between obesity and circulating plasma total adiponectin (TA) concentrations in native-breed ponies in England. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary data analysis. METHODS: Data collected for three previous studies were retrospectively analysed and cohorts were pooled where possible (maximum sample size: n = 734 ponies). Correlations between [TA], age, and morphometric measures were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. [TA] was compared between animals of different body condition score (BCS) classification (ideal-weight, overweight, and obese), breed, and body shape using Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests, and sex using Mann-Whitney U test. The proportions of obese and ideal-weight ponies with basal hyperinsulinaemia and/or hypoadiponectinaemia were compared using a Chi-square test of homogeneity and post hoc z-test. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that may discriminate ponies with hypoadiponectinaemia. RESULTS: [TA] was weakly positively correlated with BCS, height, weight, and weight:height ratio (Spearman's ρ = 0.14-0.29, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in [TA] in ponies with different BCS group classification, body shape, and breed. A greater percentage of obese (54.6%) than ideal-weight ponies (33.1%, p < 0.001) had both normal [TA] and [basal insulin], and a greater percentage of ideal-weight (38.6%) than obese ponies (16.5%, p < 0.001) showed hypoadiponectinaemia. Weight:height and BCS group were significant variables in a logistic regression of hypoadiponectinaemia but model fit and predictive accuracy were poor. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design, only native-breed ponies included. CONCLUSIONS: Morphometric measures such as BCS do not closely reflect [TA]. Circulating [TA] and [basal insulin] should be determined in all animals with predisposing factors, regardless of obesity status.

Anaemia in South American camelids - an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics.

South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.