The effect of supplementary selenium source on apparent and true absorption, retention, performance, and selenium status in lactating Holstein cows.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral for dairy cattle and can be provided in the diet in various forms that may differ in bioavailability. The objective of this study was to determine how source of Se affects animal performance, Se status, retention, and apparent and true absorption. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 24; 597 ± 49 kg of BW) were blocked by DIM (161 ± 18) and randomly assigned to receive 0.3 mg Se/kg of DM (100% of National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine requirements) of either organic Se (ORG; selenized yeast) or inorganic Se (INO; sodium selenite). The Se premix was top dressed on a common TMR fed daily and mixed into the top 15 cm directly before feeding. Following an 11-wk adaptation period, cows received simultaneous infusions of an intraruminal isotope dose of 77Se in the same chemical form as the premix, and an intravenous dose of 82Se in an inorganic form. Infusions were followed by a 4-d period of blood and rumen fluid sampling, and total collection of feces, urine, and milk. Daily DMI (23 ± 0.6 kg), milk yield (35 ± 1.2 kg), and serum Se (0.11 ± 0.003 µg/g) were not different between treatments during the adaptation period, but milk Se concentrations were greater for ORG compared with INO. Serum 77Se maximum concentration and area under the curve (AUC) were not different between treatments for 72 h following infusion, but rumen fluid 77Se AUC was higher for ORG than INO. Apparent absorption (64% ± 1.4%), and retention (44% ± 1.5%) of the 77Se dose did not differ between treatments. True absorption was calculated using 82Se enrichment in serum and feces and was determined to be 69% ± 1.3% and did not differ between treatments. Fecal excretion of the 77Se dose was not different between treatments (36% ± 1.4%), but ORG had lower urinary excretion and higher milk excretion compared with INO. These results indicate that organic Se resulted in greater Se concentration of milk and lower urinary Se excretion into the environment, but absorption, Se status, and performance of the cow were not affected by Se source at this supplementation level.

Neutrophil function and antibody production during the transition period: Effect of form of supplementary trace minerals and associations with postpartum clinical disease and blood metabolites.

Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of the form of supplementary trace minerals-inorganic salts (STM: Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn sulfates and Na selenite) or organic (OTM: Co, Cu, Mn, Zn proteinates, and selenized yeast)-fed at 100% of recommended levels in both pre- and postpartum diets on in vitro phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and in vivo IgG responses to an ovalbumin challenge during the transition period. In addition, we investigated the associations of these immunological responses with incidence of postpartum clinical diseases and the dynamic changes of metabolic markers during the transition period. Pregnant heifers and cows (n = 273) were enrolled at 45 ± 3 d before expected calving, blocked by parity and body condition score, and allocated randomly to STM or OTM supplementation. Cows in both treatments were fed the same diet, except for the form of supplementary trace minerals. Automatic feeding gates were used to assign treatments to individual cows. Blood was collected on d -7 ± 3 and 7 ± 3 relative to calving in a subgroup of cows (n = 131 and 133, respectively) to measure phagocytic activity of neutrophils in vitro using flow cytometry. Subcutaneous immunization with 0.5 mg of chicken egg ovalbumin was performed in a subgroup of cows (n = 181) on d -45, -21, and 3 relative to calving. Concentration of anti-ovalbumin IgG in serum was measured by ELISA on d -45, -21, 3, 7, and 21. Trace mineral concentrations in blood were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on d -45, -21, -7, 0, 7, and 21 relative to calving. Selected metabolites were measured on d -21, -10, -3, 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 relative to calving. Treatment did not affect the percentage of neutrophils performing phagocytosis on d -7 or 7 but the median fluorescence intensity of phagocytosis on d 7 was greater for OTM than STM. We found no differences between treatments in the level of anti-ovalbumin IgG in serum on any of the sampling days. Changes in neutrophil function from prepartum to postpartum were associated with incidence of postpartum clinical disease, postpartum feed intake and milk production, concentrations of Ca, K, Se, Mn, Co, and total protein in serum. Immunoglobulin G responses to ovalbumin injections were not associated with incidence of postpartum clinical disease but were associated with body weight, feed intake, energy balance, and concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin, Na, P, and Cu in serum. In conclusion, replacement of STM by OTM improved one measure of phagocytic capacity of neutrophils in vitro, which was also greater in cows that did not develop postpartum clinical disease. The associations of innate and acquired immune responses with feed intake, energy balance, and circulating concentrations of key macro and micronutrients reinforce the importance of nutritional management for the health of dairy cows during the transition period.

Effects of replacing inorganic salts of trace minerals with organic trace minerals in pre- and postpartum diets on feeding behavior, rumen fermentation, and performance of dairy cows.

Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of complete replacement of supplementary inorganic salts of trace minerals (STM) by organic trace minerals (OTM) in both pre- and postpartum diets on feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, rumination activity, energy metabolism, and lactation performance in dairy cows. Pregnant cows and heifers (n = 273) were blocked by parity and body condition score and randomly assigned to either STM or OTM diets at 45 ± 3 d before their expected calving date. Both groups received the same diet, except for the source of trace minerals (TM). The STM group was supplemented with Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn sulfates and Na selenite, whereas the OTM group was supplemented with Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn proteinates and selenized yeast. Treatments continued until 156 days in milk and pre- and postpartum diets were formulated to meet 100% of recommended levels of each TM in both treatments, taking into consideration both basal and supplemental levels. Automatic feed bins were used to assign treatments to individual cows and to measure feed intake and feeding behavior. Rumination activity was monitored by sensors attached to a collar from wk -3 to 3 relative to calving. Blood metabolites were evaluated on d -21, -10, -3, 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 23, and 65 relative to calving. Ruminal fluid samples were collected using an ororuminal sampling device on d -21, 23, and 65 relative to calving, for measurement of ruminal pH and concentration of volatile fatty acids. Cows were milked twice a day and milk components were measured monthly. Cows supplemented with OTM tended to have longer daily feeding time (188 vs. 197 min/d), and greater dry matter intake (DMI; 12.9 vs. 13.3 kg), and had a more positive energy balance (3.6 vs. 4.2 Mcal/d) and shorter rumination time per kg of dry matter (DM; 40.1 vs. 37.5 min/kg of DM) than cows supplemented with STM during the prepartum period. In the postpartum period, OTM increased DMI in multiparous cows (24.1 vs. 24.7 kg/d) but not in primiparous cows (19.1 vs. 18.7 kg/d). The difference in DMI of multiparous cows was more evident in the first 5 wk of lactation, when it averaged 1 kg/d. Milk yield was not affected by treatment in multiparous cows (44.1 vs. 44.2 kg/d); however, primiparous cows supplemented with OTM had lesser yields than primiparous cows supplemented with STM (31.9 vs. 29.8 kg/d). Cows supplemented with OTM had a greater percentage of protein in milk (3.11 vs. 3.17%), reduced concentration of nonesterified fatty acids in serum (0.45 vs. 0.40 mmol/L), and rumination activity (30.1 vs. 27.8 min/kg of DM) than cows supplemented with STM. At the end of the transition period, cows supplemented with OTM had reduced molar proportion of acetate, reduced pH, and tended to have a greater concentration of total volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid. In conclusion, complete replacement of STM by OTM caused modest changes in rumen fermentation, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and performance of dairy cows, improving postpartum DMI in multiparous cows and reducing circulating levels of nonesterified fatty acids. The pre-absorptive effects of TM source and the parity specific responses on performance warrant further research.

Use of a direct-fed microbial product as a supplement during the transition period in dairy cattle.

Two studies were conducted. The objective of the first study was to assess the effects of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) product on dry matter intake, milk yield, milk components, disease incidence, and blood metabolites in dairy cattle. The objective of the second study was to assess the effects of DFM on apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility (ATTD). One hundred twenty primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows housed in a tiestall facility at the University of Guelph were used in study 1, and a subset (21) of the same cows participated in study 2. Cows were blocked by anticipated calving date (6 blocks) and then randomly assigned within parity to receive either a DFM supplement (Chr. Hansen Ltd., Milwaukee, WI) or placebo (control). The DFM supplement provided cows with 5.0 × 10(9) cfu/d of 3 strains of Enterococcus faecium and 2.0 × 10(9) cfu/d of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The DFM supplement was mixed with 0.5 kg of ground dry corn and top-dressed during the morning feeding. The placebo supplement contained the corn only. Individual feed intakes and milk yields were recorded daily. The experiment commenced 3 wk before calving and ended 10 wk postcalving. Milk samples for component analysis were collected on 3 d per week and pooled by week. Body weights and body condition scores were assessed 1 d before enrollment in the study (wk -3), postcalving (wk 1), and at the end of wk 3, 6, and 9. Blood samples were collected before calving (wk -3) and the end of wk 1 and 3. Study 1 showed that treatment had no effect on average dry matter intake or milk yield (kg/d) over the duration of the experiment. The changes in body weights and body condition scores and net energy balance over the duration of the experiment did not differ due to treatment. Treatment had no effect on plasma concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, glucose, or haptoglobin. Study 2 investigated the effects of DFM on ATTD of starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) using insoluble NDF and lignin as internal markers. Study 2 used 21 cows (block 6) from the cows that participated in study 1 while the cows were between 60 and 70 d in milk. Cows receiving DFM had lower fecal starch content (0.88 ± 0.10 vs. 1.39 ± 0.25) and greater ATTD for starch (98.76% ± 0.28 vs. 97.87% ± 0.24) compared with those receiving placebo, and the AATD of NDF did not differ. Additionally, we detected no difference between internal markers for the measurement of ATTD. In conclusion, we were unable to detect a change in overall dry matter intake, milk yield, or milk and blood parameters with DFM supplementation. However, our results demonstrated that DFM can have a positive effect on total-tract starch digestibility. More studies are needed to investigate the effects of DFM and their modes of action under multiple management conditions.

Maternal supplementation with fishmeal protects against late gestation endotoxin-induced fetal programming of the ovine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Adverse uterine environments caused by maternal stress (such as bacterial endotoxin) can alter programming of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) rendering offspring susceptible to various adulthood diseases. Thus, protection against this type of stress may be critical for ensuring offspring health. The present study was designed to determine if maternal supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) during pregnancy helps to protect against stress-induced fetal programming. Briefly, 53 ewes were fed a diet supplemented with fishmeal (FM) or soybean meal (SM) from day 100 of gestation (gd100) through lactation. On gd135, half the ewes from each dietary group were challenged with either 1.2 µg/kg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin, or saline as the control. The offspring's cortisol response to weaning stress was assessed 50 days postpartum by measuring serum cortisol concentrations 0, 6 and 24 h post weaning. Twenty-four hours post-weaning, lambs were subjected to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge (0.5 µg/kg) and serum cortisol concentrations were measured 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h post injection. At 5.5 months of age, offspring were also challenged with 400 ng/kg of LPS, and serum cortisol concentrations were measured 0, 2, 4 and 6 h post challenge. Interestingly, female offspring born to FM+LPS mothers had a greater cortisol response to weaning and endotoxin challenge compared with the other treatments, while female offspring born to SM+LPS mothers had a faster cortisol response to the ACTH stressor. Additionally, males born to FM+LPS mothers had a greater cortisol response to the ACTH challenge than the other treatments. Overall, FM supplementation during gestation combined with LPS challenge alters HPAA responsiveness of the offspring into adulthood.

Effects of dietary fish meal and soybean meal on the ovine innate and acquired immune response during pregnancy and lactation.

In recent years, livestock producers have been supplementing animal diets with fish meal (FM) to produce value-added products for health conscious consumers. As components of FM have unique neuroendocrine-immunomodulatory properties, we hypothesize that livestock producers may be influencing the overall health of their animals by supplementing diets with FM. In this study, 40 pregnant ewes were supplemented with rumen protected (RP) soybean meal (SBM: control diet) or RP FM, commencing gestation day 100 (gd100), in order to evaluate the impact of FM supplementation on the innate and acquired immune response and neuroendocrine response of sheep during pregnancy and lactation. On gd135, half the ewes from each diet (n = 10 FM, n = 10 SBM) were challenged iv with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate a systemic bacterial infection and the febrile, respiratory and neuroendocrine responses were monitored over time; the other half (n = 10 FM, n = 10 SBM) of the ewes received a saline injection as control. On lactation day 20 (ld20), all ewes (n = 20 FM, n = 20 SBM) were sensitized with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and the serum haptoglobin (Hp) response was measured over time. The cutaneous hypersensitivity response (CHR) to HEWL challenge was measured on ld30 (n = 20 FM, n = 20 SBM), and blood samples were collected over time to measure the primary and secondary immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to HEWL. There was an attenuated trend in the LPS-induced febrile response by the FM treatment when compared with the SBM treatment (P = 0.06), as was also true for the respiratory response (P = 0.07), but significant differences in neuroendocrine function (serum cortisol and plasma ACTH) were not observed between treatments. Basal Hp levels were significantly lower in the FM supplemented ewes when compared with the SBM supplemented ewes (P < 0.01), and the Hp response to HEWL sensitization differed significantly over time between treatments (P < 0.01). The CHR to HEWL was also significantly attenuated in the FM treatment compared with the SBM (P < 0.01); however, treatment differences in the primary and secondary IgG responses to HEWL were not observed. These results indicate that FM supplementation differentially affects the innate and acquired immune responses in pregnant and lactating sheep compared with a typical SBM diet of commercial flocks. The long-term implications of this immunomodulation warrant further investigation.

Effect of the provision of a low-nutritive feedstuff on the behavior of dairy heifers limit fed a high-concentrate ration.

The objective of this study was to examine the behavioral and growth responses of dairy heifers when a low-nutritive feedstuff was provided with (either within or alongside) a limit-fed ration. Twenty-four Holstein dairy heifers (187 ± 11.3 d of age, 231.1 ± 12.0kg), divided in groups of 4, were exposed to each of 3 treatments in a replicated Latin square design with 28-d periods. The treatment rations were (1) total mixed ration (TMR) in a limited amount (TMR-L), (2) TMR in a limited amount with straw (1.8 kg of DM/d per heifer) offered as a choice (TMR-SC), and (3) TMR in a limited amount with straw (1.8 kg of DM/d per heifer) mixed in (TMR-SM). The TMR was fed, once daily, at a restricted level (2.02% of body weight) and contained (on a DM basis) 19.0% alfalfa/grass haylage, 21% corn silage, 45% high moisture corn, and 15% protein supplement. Feeding behavior and unrewarded time at the feed bunk were recorded for the last 14 d of each period. Standing time was recorded for the last 7 d of each period. Rumination behavior was recorded twice weekly (during the fifth hour after feed delivery) in the last 14 d of each period. Body weight was recorded weekly and group DMI was recorded daily. Dry matter intake was lowest for the TMR treatment compared with the treatments with straw (5.7 vs. 7.3 kg/d). Heifer average daily gain tended to be lower on the TMR-SM treatment compared with the TMR-L and TMR-SC treatments (0.78 vs. 0.94 kg/d). Feed efficiency (DMI/ADG) was improved on the TMR-L (6.3) compared with TMR-SC (7.8) and TMR-SM (9.9) treatments. Daily feeding time differed between the TMR-L (76.1 min/d), TMR-SC (206.9 min/d), and TMR-SM (279.2 min/d) treatments. Unrewarded feeding time at the feed bunk differed between the TMR-L (38 min/d) compared with the TMR-SC (10.9 min/d) and TMR-SM (1.7 min/d) treatments. Inactive standing time differed among treatments, with TMR-L being the highest compared with TMR-SC and TMR-SM (556.4 vs. 409.9 vs. 340.1 min/d). There tended to be fewer heifers ruminating on the TMR-L compared with TMR-SM (14.0 vs. 21.9%). The results suggest that provision of straw as a choice alongside a limit-fed ration will allow heifer growth rates to be met, as well as provide a suitable foraging source that heifers can use to satisfy their natural feeding behavior patterns.

Feed delivery method affects the learning of feeding and competitive behavior in dairy heifers.

The objective of this study was to determine how different feeding methods may affect the learning of feeding, sorting, and competitive behavior of growing dairy heifers. We hypothesized that heifers previously fed a total mixed ration (TMR) would distribute their feeding time more evenly throughout the day, sort the new ration less, compete less for feed, maintain a more solid fecal consistency, and continue to grow rapidly compared with heifers previously fed a top-dressed ration (TDR). Thirty-two Holstein heifers (237.2+/-21.9 d of age) were divided into 8 groups of 4 and exposed to 1 of 2 treatments for 13 wk: 1) TMR or 2) TDR, with each containing 65% grass/alfalfa haylage and 35% textured concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Following this feeding period, all heifers were switched to an unfamiliar TMR containing 56.1% grass/alfalfa haylage, 21.0% corn silage, 21.0% high-moisture corn, and 1.9% mineral supplement (DM basis) for 7 wk. Group DM intakes were recorded daily throughout the experiment. Feeding behavior, recorded using time-lapse video, and sorting behavior were measured for 7 d during wk 1, 4, and 7 after the dietary change. Feeding competition was measured on d 2, 4, and 6 of each recording week. Sorting activity was determined through particle size analysis of the fresh feed and orts. The particle size separator separated feed into 4 fractions (long, medium, short, and fine). Sorting of each fraction was calculated as actual intake expressed as a percentage of predicted intake. Animals were scored for fecal consistency twice weekly, using a scale from 1 (liquid) to 4 (solid). Heifers were weighed every 2 wk. Neither DM intake (9.0 kg/d) nor average daily gain (1.2 kg/d) differed between treatments. Sorting also did not differ between treatments. Heifers tended to spend more time feeding if they had previously been fed a TDR (198.8 vs. 186.8 min/d). As they had done before the dietary change, heifers previously fed the TDR spent more time at the bunk in the 2h following feed delivery (40.6 vs. 25.9 min/d). Heifers previously fed the TDR were displaced from the feed bunk more frequently than heifers previously fed the TMR (23.0 vs. 13.1 times/d), particularly during the 2-h period following feed delivery. Fecal scores were lower (more fluid in consistency) for heifers originally fed the TDR (3.2 vs. 3.7). The continued difference in feed bunk competition suggests that heifers previously fed the TDR had learned these patterns in the past, retaining them even when switched to an unfamiliar ration. Furthermore, lower fecal scores for heifers previously fed the TDR suggest altered rumen fermentation, possibly because of altered diurnal consumption patterns. These results show that feeding a TMR to replacement dairy heifers from a young age promotes a more even diurnal feeding pattern, minimizes feed bunk competition, and promotes a more solid fecal consistency.

Fatty acid profile of colostrum and milk of ewes supplemented with fish meal and the subsequent plasma fatty acid status of their lambs.

The objectives of the current study were to 1) determine whether a fish-meal-supplemented diet fed to ewes during late gestation and early lactation would increase the proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in colostrum and milk and 2) examine the subsequent effect on the plasma fatty acid profile of nursing lambs. Eight gestating ewes (Rideau-Arcott; 97 +/- 5 kg of initial BW; 100 d of gestation) were used in a completely randomized design. Ewes were individually housed and fed a control diet (supplemented with soybean meal) or a fish-meal-supplemented diet for 6 wk before lambing and throughout 7 wk of lactation. Colostrum at d 0 and milk samples at d 36 and 49 of lactation were collected. Blood samples were collected from lambs throughout the preweaning period (at 0, 36, and 49 d of age). Fatty acids of the samples were analyzed by GLC. The ewes fed the fish-meal-supplemented diet had greater (P C18, 0.70 vs. 0.38), in colostrum and milk compared with the ewes fed the control diet. However, these fatty acids, excluding total n-3-PUFA, did not change over time, nor was there an interaction between diet and time. The percentage of total SFA was increased (P = 0.012) linearly over time without having any diet effect. The ratio of n-6-PUFA to n-3-PUFA in colostrum and milk from the control group was greater (P = 0.003) than that of the fish-meal-supplemented group. This ratio was decreased over time (P = 0.001). At birth (d 0), lambs born to the fish-meal-supplemented ewes had greater (P = 0.001) plasma concentrations (g/100 g of total fatty acids) of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and total very long chain n-3-PUFA than the lambs born to the control ewes. The concentrations of these fatty acids were further increased over time (P = 0.001) for the lambs nursing ewes fed the fish-meal-supplemented diet. The present findings suggest that the concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid in ewe colostrum and milk can be enhanced through diet supplementation with fish meal. The docosahexaenoic acid status of their suckling lambs can also be further enhanced, and this may contribute to improve neural tissue development and overall performance of suckling lambs.

Metabolic acidosis in sheep alters expression of renal and skeletal muscle amino acid enzymes and transporters.

To determine the effect of metabolic acidosis on expression of L-Gln, L-Glu, and L-Asp metabolizing enzymes and transporters, the relative content of mRNA, protein, or mRNA and protein, of 6 enzymes and 5 transporters was determined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblot analyses in homogenates of kidney, skeletal muscle, and liver of growing lambs fed a common diet supplemented with canola meal (control; n = 5) or HCl-treated canola meal (acidosis; n = 5). Acidotic sheep had a 790% greater (P = 0.050) expression of renal Na(+)-coupled neutral AA transporter 3 mRNA and a decreased expression of renal glutamine synthetase mRNA (47% reduction, P = 0.037) and protein (57% reduction, P = 0.015) than control sheep. No change in renal cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (protein and mRNA), glutaminase (mRNA), or L-Glu dehydrogenase (protein) was found. In skeletal muscle, acidotic sheep had 101% more (P = 0.026) aspartate transaminase protein than did control sheep, whereas no change in the content of 3 Na(+)-coupled neutral AA transporters (mRNA) or 2 high-affinity L-Glu transporter proteins was found. In liver, no change in the content of any assessed enzyme or transporter was found. Collectively, these findings suggest that tissue-level responses of sheep to metabolic acidosis are different than for nonruminants. More specifically, these results indicate the potential capacity for metabolism of L-Asp and L-Glu by skeletal muscle, and L-Gln absorption by kidneys, but no change in hepatic expression of L-Gln metabolism, elaborates previous metabolic studies by revealing molecular-level responses to metabolic acidosis in sheep. The reader is cautioned that the metabolic acidosis model employed in this study differs from the increased plasma lactate-induced metabolic acidosis commonly observed in ruminants fed a highly fermentable grain diet.

Influence of glutamine infusion on ubiquitin, caspase-3, cathepsins L and B, and m-calpain expression in sheep with nutritionally induced metabolic acidosis.

Provision of AA has shown success in attenuating proteolytic activity in monogastrics suffering from metabolic acidosis. However, it is unknown whether AA supplementation can provide any beneficial effects to ruminants with nutritionally induced metabolic acidosis. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of glutamine infusion on various protein degradation components across several tissues in sheep with induced metabolic acidosis. Sheep were assigned to a randomized complete block design with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 6 sheep/treatment) consisting of a control or acidosis diet, and receiving a saline or L-glutamine infusion. Sheep were fed diets for 10 d and slaughtered on d 11. Liver, kidney, and muscle samples were collected at slaughter and examined for relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of ubiquitin, C8, E2, cathepsin L, cathepsin B, caspase-3, and m-calpain, as well as protein expression of ubiquitin. Relative mRNA expression of C8 (P = 0.02), E2 (P = 0.06), and ubiquitin (P = 0.07) was less in kidney in acidotic vs. control sheep. Additionally, mRNA expression of m-calpain in kidney was greater (P = 0.01) as a result of glutamine infusion. There were no significant alterations (P > 0.10) in mRNA of any component as a result of acidosis in the liver or muscle. This study demonstrates the inability of metabolic acidosis to increase expression of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway in skeletal muscle; however, downregulation of renal mRNA expression of these components is apparent during the induction of metabolic acidosis.

The effect of dietary fiber level on milk fat concentration and fatty acid profile of cows fed diets containing low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary fiber level on milk fat concentration, yield, and fatty acid (FA) profile of cows fed diets low in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Six rumen-fistulated Holstein dairy cows (639 +/- 51 kg of body weight) were used in the study. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, a high fiber (HF; % of dry matter, 40% corn silage, 27% alfalfa silage, 7% alfalfa hay, 18% protein supplement, 4% ground corn, and 4% wheat bran) or a low fiber (LF; % of dry matter, 31% corn silage, 20% alfalfa silage, 5% alfalfa hay, 15% protein supplement, 19% ground wheat, and 10% ground barley) total mixed ration. The diets contained similar levels of PUFA. The experiment was conducted over a period of 4 wk. Ruminal pH was continuously recorded and milk samples were collected 3 times a week. Milk yield and dry matter intake were recorded daily. The rumen fluid in cows receiving the LF diet was below pH 5.6 for a longer duration than in cows receiving the HF diet (357 vs. 103 min/d). Neither diet nor diet by week interaction had an effect on milk yield (kg/d), milk fat concentration and yield, or milk protein concentration and yield. During wk 4, milk fat concentration and milk fat yield were high and not different between treatments (4.30% and 1.36 kg/d for the HF treatment and 4.31% and 1.33 kg/d for the LF treatment, respectively). Cows receiving the LF diet had greater milk concentrations (g/100 g of FA) of 7:0; 9:0; 10:0; 11:0; 12:0; 12:1; 13:0; 15:0; linoleic acid; FA

Effects of supplementing glycerol and soybean oil in drinking water on feed and water intake, energy balance, and production performance of periparturient dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing glycerol and soybean oil in drinking water on feed and water intake, calculated energy balance, and production performance of periparturient dairy cows. Ninety multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) no nutrients supplemented in the drinking water (control); 2) 20 g/L of glycerin supplemented in the drinking water (glycerol); and 3) 10 g/L of soybean oil supplemented in the drinking water (SBO). The trial lasted from 7 d prepartum to 7 d postpartum. Cows were offered a close-up and milking cow TMR for ad libitum intake, pre- and postpartum, respectively. The dry matter intake of cows supplemented with glycerol and SBO was lower than for the control cows throughout the experimental period but not different from each other. Water intake for the control cows was greater than the average for the glycerol and SBO cows prepartum, and greater than for SBO cows but similar to that of glycerol cows postpartum. Glycerol cows consumed more water than SBO cows. There were no differences in energy intake and energy balance of the cows pre- and postpartum. Serum triacylglycerol concentration for glycerol cows was lower than for the control and SBO cows prepartum and was lower than for the SBO cows postpartum. There were no differences in the serum nonesterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations throughout the experiment. There were no differences in the serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations at parturition, but serum BHBA concentration of the glycerol cows was greater than for control and SBO cows during the prepartum period. However, during the postpartum period, serum BHBA concentrations of the control cows were greater than for glycerol and SBO cows. There were no differences in calf birth weights or milk yield and composition. Although the glucogenic property of glycerol supplemented in the drinking water at 20 g/L may not have been sufficient to elicit a milk yield response, it did reduce the concentration of BHBA postpartum.

Effects of nutritionally induced metabolic acidosis with or without glutamine infusion on acid-base balance, plasma amino acids, and plasma nonesterified fatty acids in sheep.

This study characterized the effects of nutritionally induced metabolic acidosis with or without Gln infusion on acid-base balance, plasma AA, and plasma NEFA in sheep. In a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, 24 fully fleeced sheep (Rideau-Arcott, 63.6 +/- 5.9 kg of BW) were fed a control supplement (CS; 300 g/d of canola meal) or an acidosis supplement (AS; 300 g/d of NutriChlor; HCl-treated canola meal), offered twice daily at 0700 and 1100 h. Sheep were infused at 1400 h daily with 0.3 g of L-glutamine per kg of BW or saline via jugular vein catheters for 7 d. The sheep were individually housed and limit-fed a basal diet of dehydrated alfalfa pellets (1.75 kg/d; 90% DM, 22% CP, and 1.2 Mcal of NE(g)/kg on a DM basis) offered twice daily at 1000 and 1300 h. Blood and urine was sampled daily between 1100 and 1130 h, and blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit, plasma pH, gases, strong ions, AA, and NEFA, whereas urine was analyzed for pH. The AS reduced (P < 0.01) DMI, urine and plasma pH, blood urea, partial pressure of CO(2), strong ion difference, and plasma HCO(3)(-), and increased (P < 0.01) plasma K(+), Ca(2+), and Cl(-). The AS with saline infusion increased (P

Plasma amino acid profile and expression of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway in lambs with induced metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis is a condition often induced by ruminal acidosis. Identification of the specific proteolytic pathways affected by metabolic acidosis and characterization of AA concentration changes induced by metabolic acidosis in ruminants has yet to be confirmed. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nutritionally induced metabolic acidosis on lamb plasma AA and tissue variables, including mRNA and protein expression of components of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway. Lambs (n = 10) were divided evenly into treatment groups receiving alfalfa pellets supplemented with 1) a control canola meal supplement, or 2) HCl-treated canola meal supplement for a 10-d treatment period. On d 11, lambs were slaughtered and liver, muscle, and kidney samples were collected to determine mRNA expression of components of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway and ubiquitin protein expression. Plasma concentrations of serine (P = 0.06), glycine (P = 0.002), and glutamine (P = 0.04) were greater in acidotic lambs compared with control animals, indicating that protein catabolism may be occurring. However, no alteration (P > 0.1) in messenger RNA expression of the proteasome subunit C8, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2, or ubiquitin or in ubiquitin protein expression were observed. These results suggest that ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is not the primary pathway of protein degradation in lambs afflicted with metabolic acidosis.

Effects of monensin and dietary soybean oil on milk fat percentage and milk fatty acid profile in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of monensin (MN) and dietary soybean oil (SBO) on milk fat percentage and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. The study was conducted as a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 3 factorial treatment arrangement using 72 lactating multiparous Holstein dairy cows (138 +/- 24 d in milk). Treatments were [dry matter (DM) basis] as follows: 1) control total mixed ration (TMR, no MN) with no supplemental SBO; 2) MN-treated TMR (22 g of MN/kg of DM) with no supplemental SBO; 3) control TMR including 1.7% SBO; 4) MN-treated TMR including 1.7% SBO; 5) control TMR including 3.4% SBO; and 6) MN-treated TMR including 3.4% SBO. The TMR (% of DM; corn silage, 31.6%; haylage, 21.2%; hay, 4.2%; high-moisture corn, 18.8%; soy hulls, 3.3%; and protein supplement, 20.9%) was offered ad libitum. The experiment consisted of a 2-wk baseline, a 3-wk adaptation, and a 2-wk collection period. Monensin, SBO, and their interaction linearly reduced milk fat percentage. Cows receiving SBO with no added MN (treatments 3 and 5) had 4.5 and 14.2% decreases in milk fat percentage, respectively. Cows receiving SBO with added MN (treatments 4 and 6) had 16.5 and 35.1% decreases in milk fat percentage, respectively. However, the interaction effect of MN and SBO on fat yield was not significant. Monensin reduced milk fat yield by 6.6%. Soybean oil linearly reduced milk fat yield and protein percentage and linearly increased milk yield and milk protein yield. Monensin and SBO reduced 4% fat-corrected milk and had no effect on DM intake. Monensin interacted with SBO to linearly increase milk fat concentration (g/100 g of FA) of total trans-18:1 in milk fat including trans-6 to 8, trans-9, trans-10, trans-11, trans-12 18:1 and the concentration of total conjugated linoleic acid isomers including cis-9, trans-11 18:2; trans-9, cis-11 18:2; and trans-10, cis-12 18:2. Also, the interaction increased milk concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Monensin and SBO linearly reduced, with no significant interaction, milk concentration (g/100 g of FA) of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (

Supplemental algal meal alters the ruminal trans-18:1 fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid composition in cattle.

The effects of dietary algal supplementation, a source of docosahexaenoic acid, on the fatty acid profile of rumen lipids in cattle were evaluated, with special emphasis on CLA and trans fatty acids produced by rumen microbes. A diet based on corn silage was fed with supplements containing the following: 1) no algal meal and fed at 2.1 kg of DM/d (control), 2) algal meal and fed at 1.1 kg of DM/d (low algal meal), 3) algal meal and fed at 2.1 kg of DM/d (medium algal meal), and 4) algal meal and fed at 4.2 kg of DM/d (high algal meal). A modified lipid extraction procedure was developed to analyze the lipid changes in rumen fluid. The percentage of stearic acid (18:0) in rumen fluid was decreased by algal meal supplementation (P < 0.001) compared with control and was linearly dependent on the level of algal meal supplementation (P = 0.005). Total trans-18:1 in rumen fluid of cattle fed the control diet was 19% of total fatty acids. Addition of algal meal increased (P < 0.001) total trans-18:1 up to 43%, mostly due to 18:1 trans-10 that increased (P = 0.002) to 29.5% of total rumen fatty acids. This increase in 18:1 trans-10 seems to suggest a change in the rumen microbial population. Vaccenic acid (18:1 trans-11) increased quadratically (P = 0.005) with increasing level of algal meal supplementation in the diets. The total CLA content was low in the control (<0.9%) and increased with dietary algal meal addition, although not significantly; the greatest level was 1.5% with the medium algal meal diet. The increase of rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11 CLA) was quadratic (P = 0.05) with algal meal supplementation, whereas trans-10, cis-12 CLA increased linearly with increased level of algal meal from 0.08 to 0.13% (P = 0.03). The ratio of trans-11 (cis-9, trans-11 CLA + 18:1 trans-11) to trans-10 (trans-10, cis-12 CLA + 18:1 trans-10) decreased from 2.45 to 0.77, 0.87, and 0.21 for the control, low algal meal, medium algal meal, and high algal meal diets, respectively. The content of docosahexaenoic acid in rumen fluid increased (P = 0.002) from 0.3 to 1.4% of total fatty acids with increasing level of algal meal supplementation in the diets. Our results suggest that algal meal inhibits the reduction of trans-18:1 to 18:0, giving rise to the high trans-18:1 content. In conclusion, algal meal could be used to increase the concentration in rumen contents of trans-18:1 isomers that serve as precursors for CLA biosynthesis in the tissues of ruminants.

Effects of supplementing fish oil in the drinking water of dairy cows on production performance and milk fatty acid composition.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing fish oil (FO) in the drinking water of dairy cows on production performance and milk fatty acid composition. Sixteen multiparous Holstein dairy cows (741 +/- 84 kg of BW; 60 +/- 2.3 d in milk, mean +/- SD) housed in a tie-stall facility were used in the study. The study was conducted as a completely randomized design with repeated measurements. The cows were blocked by days in milk and allocated to 1 of 2 treatments: 10 g of menhaden FO/kg of DM top-dressed on the total mixed ration (FOT), and 2 g of menhaden FO/L delivered in the drinking water (FOW). The trial lasted for 5 wk: a 1-wk pretreatment adjustment period and 4 wk of treatment. The animals were fed and milked twice daily (feeding at 0830 and 1300; milking at 0500 and 1500) and had unlimited access to water. Dry matter intake (21.3 kg/d for FOT vs. 22.7 +/- 0.74 kg/d for FOW), milk yield (38.2 kg/d for FOT vs. 39.5 +/- 1.9 kg/d for FOW), and water intake (101 L/d for FOT vs. 107 +/- 4.4 L/d for FOW) were not affected by treatment. The mode of delivery of FO had no effect on milk fat percentage, but milk fat percentage declined linearly with time. The fatty acid contents of 7:0; 8:0; 9:0; 10:0; 12:0 in the milk of FOT cows were lower than for FOW cows, whereas 18:1 trans-12; 18:1 trans-13 and 14; 18:1 trans-16; and trans-9, trans-11 plus trans-10, trans-12 CLA were greater for FOT than for FOW. The contents of 24:1 in the milk of FOW cows were 48% greater than for FOT cows, although the concentrations were low in both groups. There was a tendency for the contents of 14:0 and 22:5n-6 to be greater in FOW cows than FOT cows and for the contents of iso-18:0 to be lower for FOW cows than for FOT cows. Although it appears that the amount of FO added in the study did not bypass the rumen as hypothesized, these results suggest that drinking water can be an alternative for supplementing FO to dairy cows without decreasing feed or water intake relative to cows fed FO in the diet.

Effects of photoperiod and glucose-supplemented drinking water on the performance of dairy calves.

Long-day photoperiods (LDPP) have been shown to increase milk production in lactating dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental light and glucose-supplemented drinking water on starter dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, serum and rumen metabolites, and growth performance of calves from birth to 8 wk of age. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The calves were assigned at birth to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) 10 h of light, 14 h of dark (short-day photoperiods; SDPP), ad libitum intake of water, and no glucose supplementation; 2) 10 h of light, 14 h of dark, and ad libitum intake of water supplemented with 50 g of glucose/L; 3) 18 h of light, 6 h of dark (LDPP), and ad libitum intake of water, and no glucose supplementation; and 4) 18 h of light, 6 h of dark, and ad libitum intake of water supplemented with 50 g of glucose/L. Fluorescent lights were used to provide lighting at an intensity of approximately 600 lx at the eye level of calves. The calves were bucket-fed 2 L of whole milk offered twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h and had a free access to a textured calf starter. The calves on LDPP were heavier at d 56 than SDPP calves regardless of level of glucose supplementation. The average daily gain of the calves on LDPP from d 29 to 42 and from d 43 to 56 was greater than for SDPP calves regardless of the level of glucose supplementation. The greater average daily gain of LDPP calves from d 29 to 56 coincided with the greater calf starter DMI of these calves. Body widths through hooks were highly (r = 0.72) correlated with body weights, which in turn were related to calf starter DMI. Calves on LDPP had greater ruminal osmolarity and greater concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids than SDPP calves regardless of the level of glucose supplementation. Calves on LDPP had lower Ca:P ratio than the SDPP calves regardless of level of glucose supplementation. The concentrations of serum glucose and sodium for the glucose-supplemented calves were greater than for nonsupplemented calves regardless of lighting regimen. These results suggest that LDPP encouraged greater consumption of calf starter, which stimulated faster rumen development in the LDPP calves as evidenced by greater volatile fatty acid concentrations.

Effects of dietary strong acid anion challenge on regulation of acid-base balance in sheep.

The acid-base status of the extracellular fluid is directly affected by the concentrations of strong basic cations and strong acid anions that are absorbed into the bloodstream from the diet. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a model for dietary acid challenge in sheep by decreasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) using NutriChlor (HCl-treated canola meal), an anionic feed supplement. Ten fully fleeced sheep (Rideau-Arcott, 54.3 +/- 6.7 kg of BW) were fed either a control supplement [200 g/d of canola meal, DCAD = 184 mEq/kg of DM, calculated as (Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + S2-)] or an anionic supplement (AS; 200 g/d of NutriChlor, DCAD = -206 mEq/kg of DM) offered twice daily at 0700 and 1100 in a randomized complete block design. The sheep were individually housed and limit-fed a basal diet of dehydrated alfalfa pellets (22% CP and 1.2 Mcal of NE(g)/kg, DM basis) at 1.1 kg of DM/d offered twice daily at 1000 and 1300. Two days before the beginning of the experiment, the sheep were fitted with vinyl catheters (0.86-mm i.d., 1.32-mm o.d.) in the left jugular vein to facilitate blood sampling. Blood and urine samples were obtained daily from 1100 to 1130 on d 1 through 9 and at 0700, 1000, 1300, 1600, and 1900 on d 10. Blood was analyzed for hematocrit, plasma pH, gases, strong ions, and total protein. Urine samples were analyzed for pH. The AS induced a nonrespiratory acid-base disturbance associated with lower (P < 0.05) plasma pH (7.47 vs. 7.39), lower (P < 0.05) urine pH (8.13 vs. 6.09), and lower (P < 0.05) strong ion difference (42.5 vs. 39.5). The AS reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma glucose, base excess, and bicarbonate and increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of K+ and Cl-. Lowering DCAD increased (P < 0.05) Ca2+ concentrations in plasma by 13%. In conclusion, this dietary model successfully induced a significant acid-base disturbance in sheep. Although the acidifying effects of negative DCAD in the diet may have short-term prophylactic effects of elevating the concentration of Ca2+ in plasma, negative DCAD may have detrimental effects on acid-base balance.