Addition of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows improves colostrum quality and immune responses of their calves.

This study evaluated of the effects of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows on colostrum quality, as well as on the immune and antioxidant responses of their calves. Sixteen multiparous cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) CONTROL (n = 8) - 4.48% of soybean oil/concentrate; 2) AÇAI (n =8) - 4.48% of açai oil/concentrate. Cows fed with açai oil had greater (P≤0.04) colostrum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) G (1st and 2nd milking), IgG heavy chains, IgA (only at 1st milking), alpha-lactalbumin (1st milking), total protein, and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (only at 1st milking). Cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of globulin (only on the day of calving) and total protein (only on the day of calving) (P = 0.03). Calves born of cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of total protein (only 24 and 48 h after calving) and serum concentration of IgG heavy chain (only 24 h after calving) and globulin (only 24 and 48 h after calving) (P = 0.01). These data suggest that the addition of açai oil in the cow feed during the close-up dry period boosted immunity in their calves by altering the composition of colostrum.

Composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum.

The first secretion, 24-h post parturition of the mammary glands of sows, known as colostrum, is high in protein and low in lactose and fat. As a consequence of an insufficient ingestion of colostrum, more than 50% of piglets fail to reach weaning and die. The composition and some functions of colostrum have been previously reported. For example, colostrum carbohydrates consist of mainly lactose. Lipids in the colostrum are mostly triacylglycerols, but <1% is fatty acids, which may act as homeostasis regulators. Similarly, proteins are found mostly as casein and whey, the latter being ≥80% immunoglobulins. Colostrum-derived immunoglobulins and bioactive proteins such as azurocidin help the immune system of the piglet fend off infections. In addition, leukocytes and exosomes are other minor but nonetheless equally crucial bioactive components in the porcine colostrum. Modern pig farming has achieved increases in pig productivity and litter size, but this has been accomplished in detriment of the health and the survival rate of piglets. Therefore, porcine colostrum is now even more important in pig farming. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on the composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum and briefly propose future research directions.

Oxidative stress in cows according to calving season: passive calf immunity and its relationship with colostrum quality.

This study details the relationship between maternal plasma oxidant-antioxidant enzymes with colostrum quality, serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM concentrations of calves in the different calving seasons. Holstein breed cows between two and eight lactations and their calves were enrolled in the study. Holstein cows calving in winter (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the winter group, while cows calving in summer (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the summer group. Samples for malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were collected on day -21±3 before expected calving and also on calving day (Day 0). IgG and the specific gravity of the colostrum were determined after calving. Serum GGT and IgG and IgM were measured before the feeding, with colostrum, of calves (0 hours) and also in the 24th hour following the feeding of colostrum. Plasma MDA levels at -21±3 and 0 days in the summer cows were determined to be higher. GSH-Px activity was higher in the winter cows. IgG levels and the specific gravity of the colos- trum were also higher in the winter cows. Calf IgG levels at the 24th hour of life were higher in the winter cows. In the winter group, IgM levels at 0 and 24 hours were also higher. While MDA was negatively correlated with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum, GSH-Px activity had a positive correlation with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum. The observed differences in plasma MDA, GSH-Px, calf serum IgG and IgM levels, and colostrum quality between both groups suggest a possible seasonal effect. The relationship between maternal oxidant-antioxidant enzymes, colostrum quality, and passive calf immunity revealed that these enzymes could be used as indicators in the evaluation of calf health and colos- trum quality.

Bovine Colostrum: Its Constituents and Uses.

Colostrum is the milk produced during the first few days after birth and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors. Colostrum is important for supporting the growth, development, and immunologic defence of neonates. Colostrum is naturally packaged in a combination that helps prevent its destruction and maintain bioactivity until it reaches more distal gut regions and enables synergistic responses between protective and reparative agents present within it. Bovine colostrum been used for hundreds of years as a traditional or complementary therapy for a wide variety of ailments and in veterinary practice. Partly due to concerns about the side effects of standard Western medicines, there is interest in the use of natural-based products of which colostrum is a prime example. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated therapeutic benefits of bovine colostrum for a wide range of indications, including maintenance of wellbeing, treatment of medical conditions and for animal husbandry. Articles within this Special Issue of Nutrients cover the effects and use bovine colostrum and in this introductory article, we describe the main constituents, quality control and an overview of the use of bovine colostrum in health and disease.

Effects of late-gestation heat stress independent of reduced feed intake on colostrum, metabolism at calving, and milk yield in early lactation of dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to differentiate the effects of acute heat stress (HS) from those of decreased dry matter intake (DMI) during the prepartum period on metabolism, colostrum, and subsequent production of dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows (n = 30) with similar parity and body weight were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments on 45 d before calving: (1) cooled (CL, n = 10) conditions with ad libitum feed intake, (2) HS conditions with ad libitum feed intake (n = 10), and (3) pair-fed cooled (CLPF, n = 10) with reduced DMI similar to the HS group while housed under cooled conditions. The reduction in the amount of feed offered to the CLPF cows was calculated daily as the percentage decrease from the average DMI of HS cows relative to the CL cows. For CLPF and CL cows, barns provided shade, sprinklers, and fans, whereas the HS cows were provided only with shade. Cows in all groups received individually the same total mixed ration. Cows were dried off 60 d before the expected calving. Cows in the HS group and, by design, the CLPF cows had reduced DMI (~20%) during the experiment. Heat stress decreased gestation length, first colostrum yield, and calf birth weight compared with CL and CLPF cows. Milk yield decreased 21% (5 kg) in the HS and 8% (2 kg) in CLPF cows, indicating that reduced feed intake during late gestation accounted for 60% of the total reduced milk yield. The CLPF cows exhibited an elevated NEFA concentration compared with the CL and HS cows. The HS cows had a greater mRNA abundance of HSP70 in the peripheral blood leukocytes at 21 d prepartum compared with the other groups. At calving, the mRNA abundance of HSP70 was greater in HS cows, followed by CLPF, compared with the CL cows. In conclusion, HS during the late gestation period caused metabolism and production differences, which were only partially attributed to reduced feed intake in dairy cows.

Pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia, 2018/19.

BACKGROUND: Pre-lacteal feeding is one of the major harmful practices being faced while feeding the newborns. Although it affects child health, little is known about the extent of the problem and its contributing factors in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to figure the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka Town. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinka Town from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 430 mothers, having children less than 12 months of age, were selected by systematic sampling technique. The data were collected by using pretested and interviewer- administered structured questionnaires. The data were entered using epidata 4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values were reported. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 12.6% [95% CI (9.5-15.7)]. Having no maternal education [AOR = 4.82(95%CI 1.60-14.24)], colostrum avoidance [AOR = 4.09(95% CI 1.62-7.67)], lack of breast feeding counseling [AOR: = 2.51(95% CI 1.20-5.25)], home delivery [AOR = 3.34 (95% CI 1.52-7.33)], lack of knowledge about risks of pre-lacteal feeding [AOR = 2.86 (95% CI 1.30-6.29] and poor knowledge on breast feeding practices [AOR = 3.63(95% CI 1.62-8.11)] were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices. CONCLUSION: Pre-lacteal feeding practice among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town was found to be higher than the national prevalence. Illiterate, colostrum avoidance, lack of breastfeeding counseling, home delivery, lack of knowledge on the risk of pre-lacteal feeding, and poor knowledge on breastfeeding practice were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices.

Lactobacilli Supplemented with Larch Arabinogalactan and Colostrum Stimulates an Immune Response towards Peripheral NK Activation and Gut Tolerance.

Probiotics possibly affect local and systemic immune reactions and maintain the intestinal immune homeostasis in healthy individuals and patients with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this single-center, blinded trial, we enrolled 40 individuals (20 patients with IBS and 20 healthy individuals) whose blood and fecal samples were collected before and after a 21-day administration of a product comprising Lactobacillus spp., larch arabinogalactan, and colostrum. The percentage of HLA-DR+ natural killer (NK) cells was higher in healthy individuals (p = 0.03) than in patients with IBS after product supplementation. In the fecal samples of patients with IBS, we observed a decline in IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and secretory IgA levels and, simultaneously, an increase in IL-10 and IL-17A levels after supplementation, although non-significant, whereas, in healthy individuals, we observed a significant decline in IL-6 and IFN-γ levels after supplementation (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, we observed a clinical improvement of symptoms in 65-75% of patients with IBS and the complete resolution of the initial symptoms in five of the 20 patients. We also observed a possible prophylactic effect by the inducing system antiviral impact accompanied by a trend for local immune tolerance in the gut in healthy individuals, where it is the desirable state.

Evidence-Based Updates on the First Week of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Infants ≥35 Weeks.

The nutritional and immunologic properties of human milk, along with clear evidence of dose-dependent optimal health outcomes for both mothers and infants, provide a compelling rationale to support exclusive breastfeeding. US women increasingly intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Because establishing lactation can be challenging, exclusivity is often compromised in hopes of preventing feeding-related neonatal complications, potentially affecting the continuation and duration of breastfeeding. Risk factors for impaired lactogenesis are identifiable and common. Clinicians must be able to recognize normative patterns of exclusive breastfeeding in the first week while proactively identifying potential challenges. In this review, we provide new evidence from the past 10 years on the following topics relevant to exclusive breastfeeding: milk production and transfer, neonatal weight and output assessment, management of glucose and bilirubin, immune development and the microbiome, supplementation, and health system factors. We focus on the early days of exclusive breastfeeding in healthy newborns ≥35 weeks' gestation managed in the routine postpartum unit. With this evidence-based clinical review, we provide detailed guidance in identifying medical indications for early supplementation and can inform best practices for both birthing facilities and providers.

Pattern of milk yield and immunoglobulin concentration and factors associated with colostrum quality at the quarter level in dairy cows after parturition.

First colostrum yield and constituents as well as milk yield during established lactation vary considerably among mammary quarters in dairy cows. However, data on the development of milk yield, IgG concentration, and their distribution per quarter within cows during the first milkings after calving are scarce. We analyzed milk production and IgG concentration at the individual quarter level in 29 multiparous Holstein cows during the first 5 milkings after calving. Cow- and calf-related factors (time interval between calving and first milking, parity number, previous lactation yield, gestation length, dry period length, sex, and birth weight of the calf) potentially affecting first colostrum quality and quantity were assessed. Milking of first colostrum was carried out between 30 and 180 min after parturition. Further milkings were performed twice daily. Quarter milk yield varied between 0.1 and 5.5 kg at the first milking and between 1.4 and 5.1 kg at the fifth milking relative to parturition. Quarter IgG concentration ranged between 18.8 and 106.0 mg/mL at the first milking and between 0.8 and 46.1 mg/mL at the fifth milking. Distribution of milk yield and IgG concentration among quarters was not entirely repeatable during the first 5 successive milkings after parturition; that is, the ranking of quarters changed (intraclass correlation coefficients for quarter milk yield and IgG concentration: 0.64 and 0.79, respectively). The average hourly milk production increased in all quarters, ranging from 0.02 to 0.26 kg/h between the first 2 milkings up to 0.11 to 0.45 kg/h between the fourth and fifth milkings. First colostrum yield was not affected by any of the evaluated cow- and calf-related factors. Quarter colostrum IgG concentration was higher in cows with a higher previous lactation yield, whereas a lower colostrum IgG content was observed in cows with a longer gestation period and consequently heavier calves. In conclusion, milk yield and IgG concentration of individual quarters varied considerably, and their distribution among quarters within cows was moderately repeatable in consecutive milkings and changed partially over time. The decline of IgG concentration was independent of the concomitant increase in milk secretion, with changes occurring at different rates in individual quarters. Our results confirm the independence of the single mammary quarters at the onset of lactation despite an identical exposure to endocrine stimuli.

Maternal perinatal transfer of vitamins and trace elements to piglets.

Nursing piglets are entirely dependent, for their micronutrient provisions, upon in utero, colostrum and milk transfers from the dam. An adequate maternal transfer of micronutrients is all the more important during these periods which, in fact, lasts for approximately half the life cycle (conception to slaughter) of modern pigs. The present study aimed to set up a simple approach to assess the maternal perinatal transfer of vitamins and trace elements in sows. Prenatal transfer (R-u) was estimated as limited, passive or active using the ratio between pre-colostral serum concentrations of a given micronutrient in newborn piglets and corresponding pre-farrowing values in sows. Efficiency of the postnatal transfer (R-c) was estimated from the ratio between serum concentrations of post- and pre-colostral micronutrients in piglets. Data from literature (12 studies) were used for vitamins A, D, E, C, folic acid and B12, whereas vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B8 as well as Zn, Fe, Cu and Se were generated from a trial where blood sera from 20 sows, and their litter were collected during the perinatal period. In sow trial, statistical t tests were used to determine if ratios differed from 1. Prenatal transfer was active and in favour of piglets (R-u > 1, P < 0.03) for Zn and vitamins B6 and B8 (sow trial) as well as for vitamins C and B12 (literature data). This transfer was limited (R-u < 1, P < 0.01) for vitamin B2, Fe, Cu and Se (sow trial) and for vitamins A, E, D and folic acid (literature data) whereas it was passive for vitamin B3 (R-u = 1, P > 0.37). After birth, the early postnatal transfer through colostrum was active towards piglets for most micronutrients but vitamins B6 and B8 (R-c < 1, P < 0.01). Globally, the perinatal transfer (combination of R-u and R-c) was favourable to the neonatal piglets for most micronutrients except for vitamins A and D as well as Fe, Cu and Se whereas there is apparently a barrier for prenatal transfer which is not compensated by the colostrum provision to neonatal piglets. Then, post-colostral concentrations of these micronutrients in piglets remain below prenatal levels of their dam. Neonatal strategies of micronutrient provision are known for Fe (intramuscular injection) and Se (sow milk enrichment). Further studies are needed to assess the importance of the unfavourable perinatal transfer for Cu and vitamins A and D for piglet robustness later in life.

Comparative analysis of whey proteins in donkey colostrum and mature milk using quantitative proteomics.

Donkey milk is attracting increasing attention as a nutritional milk source similar to human milk. In this study, we carried out qualitative and quantitative analysis of the donkey whey proteome using a label-free proteomic approach, combined with parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) as a validation method. A total of 300 whey proteins were identified in donkey colostrum (DC) and donkey mature (DM) milk, of which 18 were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) between the two types of milk. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that differentially and uniquely expressed proteins were mainly involved in cellular processes, response to stimulus, metabolic processes, and biological regulation. Their molecular functions included binding, catalytic activity, and molecular functional regulation, and their main annotated areas of origin were the cell, cell-part, and the extracellular region. Most differentially and uniquely expressed proteins were linked with malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus, or antigen processing and presentation. Our results provide insight into the complexity of the donkey whey proteome and molecular evidence for nutritional differences between different lactation stages.

Indirect quantification of IgG using a digital refractometer, and factors associated with colostrum quality in Norwegian Red Cattle.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased interest in using digital refractometers to indirectly assess colostrum quality of dairy cattle, but knowledge on diagnostic accuracy for Norwegian Red dairy cows is lacking. Recent research has indicated a profound variability in the colostrum quality among dairy cows and herds in Norway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity of a digital refractometer (Brix refractometer) at different cut-offs in Brix% for detection of colostrum of high quality (> 50 g/L) defined by the gold standard single radial immunodiffusion (IgG g/L). Furthermore, we aimed to identify possible associations between selected herd and cow-level management factors and colostrum IgG-levels in Norwegian Red dairy cows. RESULTS: Median colostrum IgG level across 167 cows from 19 herds was 35.0 g/L, ranging from 5 to 129 g/L. Mean Brix% (± SD) was 19.7 ± 4.12%, ranging from 10.1 to 30.5. Most samples (72.5%) had inferior quality as compared to the international standard of 50 g/L. Brix% and IgG in colostrum were strongly correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). A Brix cut-off of 22%, which is currently recommended, yielded a sensitivity of (95% CI) 69.4% (54.6-81.7) and a specificity of 83.1% (75.0-89.3) for identifying colostrum with high quality (> 50 g/L). The only factor found to be associated with low colostrum quality was parity. Specifically, cows in the second parity were found to produce colostrum with low quality compared to cows in parities four and later. CONCLUSIONS: The agreement between colostrum IgG and Brix% is good. However, the diagnostic test evaluation indicates suboptimal performance in identifying high vs. low colostrum quality in this population, possibly related to a high proportion of the samples with < 50 g/L IgG. The only factor found to be associated with low colostrum quality was parity. Specifically, cows in the second parity were found to produce colostrum with lower quality. Future research should investigate colostrum and serum IgG levels which best prevent calf illness under Norwegian conditions.

Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis induces hypercoagulability in preterm pigs.

Gram positive bacteria are a cause of sepsis in human preterm infants, and associates with high mortality and hemostatic dysfunction. It is unknown whether bovine colostrum may protect against sepsis and prevent hemostatic dysfunction. The current study was part of an overall sepsis study investigating Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) induced sepsis in premature pigs including investigation of the effect of feeding bovine colostrum. The specific hypothesis of this study was that the hemostatic response would be hypercoagulable in septic pigs compared to non-infected controls, and that feeding bovine colostrum would increase the hypercoagulant response. Thromboelastography, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and fibrinogen concentration were characterized in SE infected pigs, SE infected pigs fed bovine colostrum, and uninfected controls. All pigs were followed for 24 h. In addition, the same parameters were evaluated in a group of premature pigs and a group of full born pigs all followed for 11 days. SE septic premature pigs were characterized by increased clot strength and decreased fibrinolysis, significantly low platelet count and high fibrinogen concentration. Feeding bovine colostrum did not affect the hemostatic response. Compared to full born pigs, preterm newborn pigs demonstrated reduced clot strength, prolonged prothrombin time and low fibrinogen concentration. In all pigs, the fibrinogen concentration increased 11 days post-partum. To conclude, SE induced sepsis in premature pigs resulted in hypercoagulability. Bovine colostrum did not mitigate the hemostatic response. A hypocoagulable hemostatic response was present in healthy preterm pigs compared to full born pigs, similar to previous reports in infants.

Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves.

Colostrum management is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and survival. Additional benefits of good colostrum management include improved rate of gain and future productivity. Successful colostrum management requires producers to provide calves with a sufficient volume of clean, high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of life. This article reviews the process of colostrogenesis and colostrum composition, and discusses key components in developing a successful colostrum management program. In addition, the article discusses approaches for monitoring and proposes new goals for passive immunity in dairy herds.

Associations between body condition score at parturition and microRNA profile in colostrum of dairy cows as evaluated by paired mapping programs.

MicroRNA (miRNA) are abundant in milk, and likely have regulatory activity involving lactation and immunity. The objective of this study was to determine the miRNA profile in colostrum of overconditioned cows compared with cows of more moderate body condition score (BCS) at calving. Multiparous cows with either high (≥4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5; n = 7) or moderate BCS (2.75 to 3.50; n = 9) in the week before parturition were selected from a commercial dairy herd. Blood and colostrum were sampled within 24 h after calving. Blood serum was analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA) concentration. MicroRNA was isolated from colostrum samples after removing milk fat and cells. MicroRNA were sequenced, and reads were mapped to the bovine genome and to the existing database of miRNA at miRBase.org. Two programs, Oasis 2.0 and miRDeep2, were employed in parallel for read alignment, and analysis of miRNA count data was performed using DESeq2. Identification of differentially expressed miRNA from DESeq2 was not affected by the differences in miRNA detected by the 2 mapping programs. Most abundant miRNA included miR-30a, miR-148a, miR-181a, let-7f, miR-26a, miR-21, miR-22, and miR-92a. Large-scale shifts in miRNA profile were not observed; however, colostrum of cows with high BCS contained less miR-486, which has been linked with altered glucose metabolism. Colostrum from cows with elevated serum FFA contained less miR-885, which may be connected to hepatic function during the transition period. Potential functions of abundant miRNA suggest involvement in development and maintenance of cellular function in the mammary gland, with the additional possibility of influencing neonatal tissue and immune system development.

Effect of Mare Colostrum in Extenders for Freezing Stallion Semen.

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of mare colostrum in stallion freezing extenders to improve sperm quality. First, colostrum samples were collected from four mares after the foal's birth and their composition was determined. Ejaculates were collected from nine fertile stallions. Sperm samples were pooled, diluted, and cryopreserved into three experimental extender groups: Lactose-based extender supplemented with mare colostrum (20%), lactose-based extender supplemented with egg yolk (20%), and BotuCrio. The quality of the post-thaw semen samples were evaluated assessing sperm motility by means of computer-assisted analysis, viability by SYBR-14 and propidium iodine (PI) stain, acrosome integrity by fluorescein isothiocyanate and peanut agglutinine (FITC-PNA) and PI stain, plasma membrane functionality by hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, and DNA denaturation by acridine orange (AO) test. There were no significant differences in the percentages of total motility, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation among the extenders after thawing. Kinematics parameters showed significantly higher values in BotuCrio than in lactose extenders (P < .05). BotuCrio and lactose colostrum extender yielded significantly better rates for HOS-test, linearity, straightness, and wobble than egg-yolk extender (P < .05). However, in relation to sperm viability, lactose egg yolk extender showed significantly better results in comparison to the others seminal experimental media (P < .05). In conclusion, the incorporation of mare colostrum into cryopreservation media protected the sperm against cold-shock; therefore, it may be a good cryoprotectant agent alternative in extenders for freezing stallion semen.

Effect of extended colostrum feeding on plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 concentration in newborn calves.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis via the stimulation of insulin secretion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of extended colostrum feeding on plasma concentration of GLP-1. Holstein bull calves (n = 27) were fed pooled colostrum at 7.5% of birth body weight at 2 h after birth and then fed mature milk (M), a 50:50 mixture of pooled colostrum and milk (CM), or pooled colostrum (C; n = 9 for each treatment) at 5% of birth body weight at 12 h after birth and every 12 h thereafter until 72 h after birth. Blood samples were obtained before (1 and 2 h after birth) and after (until 72 h after birth; 42 time points) the first colostrum feeding, and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 were measured. Data were analyzed by ANOVA of JMP 13 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction as fixed effects. Treatment × time interaction was observed for plasma insulin and glucose concentrations, which were mainly the result of lower concentrations from 1 to 2 d after birth for C compared with M. Conversely, on d 3 after birth, the difference between treatments was not observed for insulin and glucose. For the entire experimental period, plasma GLP-1 concentration was higher for C (2.25 ng/mL) compared with M (1.41 ng/mL) and tended to be higher compared with CM (1.58 ng/mL). A treatment × time interaction was observed for GLP-1, but unlike glucose and insulin, this was mainly the result of higher concentrations from 54 to 72 h after birth (on d 3 after birth) for C compared with M or CM. Postprandial plasma concentration of glucose was not correlated with that of GLP-1 but was positively correlated with that of insulin for the 4-h period after feeding on d 1 (r = 0.30) and d 3 after birth (r = 0.33). Postprandial plasma concentration of GLP-1 was positively correlated with that of insulin for the 4-h period after feeding on d 3 after birth (r = 0.20). These results indicate that extended colostrum feeding may increase plasma GLP-1 concentrations, especially 3 d after birth, but further study is necessary to determine the effect on plasma insulin and glucose concentrations.

Management of preweaned bull calves on dairy operations in the United States.

Many calves born on dairy farms are male, but little research to date has focused on the management of these calves. The objective of this study was to survey management practices of preweaned dairy bull calves and compare these practices with those used for heifer calves on the same operations. This study was conducted as part of the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System Dairy 2014 study and included a sample of 42 operations from 10 states. On average, 2.4% of bull calves died before leaving the operation, with most operations selling bull calves before weaning (97.6%). Bull calves left the operation at an average age of 7.6 d (median = 4 d). Producers reported that 96.3% of bull calves received colostrum. Of bulls that were fed colostrum, the vast majority (95.4%) were hand-fed; the remaining calves received colostrum via a combination of hand-feeding and suckling (3.1%) or by suckling only (1.5%). In contrast, all heifer calves on those operations were only hand-fed colostrum. On average, bull calves received 3.1 L of colostrum at their first feeding at 4.3 h after birth compared with 2.9 L at 2.9 h after birth for heifer calves. In the first 24 h, bull and heifer calves received 4.8 and 5.5 L of colostrum, respectively. Only 21.4% of operations dehorned bull calves; in comparison, heifer calves were dehorned on 90.5% of operations. Few operations used analgesics or anesthetics when dehorning bull calves, whereas 28.9% of operations used anesthetics or analgesics when dehorning heifer calves. Overall, 27.8% of operations castrated bull calves. Of the operations that did castrate bulls, 70.0% used a band at an average age of 6.3 wk; the remaining 30% of operations used a knife at 14.7 wk of age on average. Few operations used analgesics or anesthetics when castrating. These results illustrate differences in the care of bull and heifer calves and suggest the need to improve education regarding recommended colostrum feeding and pain management practices in all calves regardless of sex.

Interrogation of Milk-Driven Changes to the Proteome of Intestinal Epithelial Cells by Integrated Proteomics and Glycomics.

Bovine colostrum is a rich source of bioactive components which are important in the development of the intestine, in stimulating gut structure and function and in preparing the gut surface for subsequent colonization of microbes. What is not clear, however, is how colostrum may affect the repertoire of receptors and membrane proteins of the intestinal surface and the post-translational modifications associated with them. In the present work, we aimed to characterize the surface receptor and glycan profile of human HT-29 intestinal cells after exposure to a bovine colostrum fraction (BCF) by means of proteomic and glycomic analyses. Integration of label-free quantitative proteomic analysis and lectin array profiles confirmed that BCF exposure results in changes in the levels of glycoproteins present at the cell surface and also changes to their glycosylation pattern. This study contributes to our understanding of how milk components may regulate intestinal cells and prime them for bacterial interaction.