Effects of local anesthetic and a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug on pain responses of dairy calves to hot-iron dehorning.

This study examined the effects of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (NSAID) on physiological responses of calves immediately after hot-iron dehorning (DH) and during the time that local anesthetic (LA) wears off (2 to 3 h) after this procedure. Forty-six calves (33 +/- 0.3 d of age) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments: hot-iron DH versus sham DH with either no pain mitigation, LA alone, or LA with NSAID (i.v. Meloxicam). Eye temperature (measured using infrared thermography) was recorded every 5 min for 3 h after treatments. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded continuously; for analysis of HRV, short segments of 512 interbeat intervals were examined. After DH without LA or NSAID, HR increased by 35 +/- 3.0 beats/min in the first 5 min and remained elevated above baseline for 3 h. The HRV around the time of DH did not differ between treatments; however, the root mean square of successive differences decreased from 68 to 41 +/- 12.6 ms immediately following DH without pain relief, suggesting a decrease in vagal tone at this time. Between 2 and 3 h following DH with LA, there was a decrease in eye temperature (-0.6 +/- 0.1 degrees C), an increase in HR (8 +/- 3.0 beats per min) and changes in HRV. Changes in HRV at this time included a decreased high-frequency power and an increase in the low-frequency power and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio, indicating a change in sympatho-vagal balance. The changes in eye temperature, HR, and HRV between 2 and 3 h following DH with LA indicated the onset of pain coinciding with the time that the LA effects wear off. In addition, this study demonstrated that the combination of LA and NSAID mitigated the onset of pain responses when the LA wanes.

The altered fluid distribution in obesity may reflect plasma hypertonicity.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether the increased extracellular relative to intracellular fluid (ECF/ICF) ratio in obesity might reflect osmotic effects of elevated plasma solute concentrations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, epidemiological survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The present analysis used nationally representative data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on community-dwelling adults (aged 40-59 years) in the US without evidence of glucose dysregulation or chronic disease (n=1285). INTERVENTION: Body mass index (BMI) was estimated from measured height and weight. Total body reactance, an index of body fluid distribution, was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Plasma tonicity (the cumulative index of osmotically effective plasma solute) was estimated from plasma glucose, sodium and potassium. Sex-specific relative odds of lower reactance (or=295 mmol/l) associated with overweight (25or=30) were estimated using logistic regression models that controlled for sociodemographic variables, smoking, leisure-time physical activity, total energy intake, serum creatinine, plasma insulin and glucose. Multinomial logistic regression models tested for associations between weight status and specific serum solute. RESULTS: Independent of covariates, in men and women, overweight and obesity were associated with increased odds of lower reactance and hypertonicity. Overweight and obese individuals with lower reactance had significantly higher serum sodium than normal weight individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma solute concentrations are associated with obesity in free-living adults. Physicians and researchers should be alert to a possible link between hypertonicity and obesity. SPONSORSHIP: Grants from the NIH, Nestle Waters.

A proposed method for assessing plasma hypertonicity in vivo.

Indices of plasma hypertonicity, elevated plasma concentrations of solutes that draw fluid out of cells by osmosis, are needed to pursue hypertonicity as a possible risk factor for obesity and chronic disease. This paper proposes a new index that may be more sensitive to mild hypertonicity in vivo at a point in time than traditional measures. The index compares mean corpuscular volume (MCV) estimates from diluted (in solution by automated cell counter) and nondiluted blood (calculated from manual hematocrit, MCV=Hct/RBC*10(6)). A larger Auto vs Manual MCV (>2 fl) in vitro indicates hypertonicity in vivo if the cell counter diluent is isotonic with the threshold for plasma vasopressin (PVP) release and PVP is detectable in plasma (>0.5 pg/ml). To evaluate this principle of concept, hypertonicity was induced by 24-h fluid restriction after a 20 ml/kg water load in four healthy men (20-46 years). Unlike serum and urine indices, the MCV difference-&-PVP index detected hypertonicity in all participants.

Investigation of the physiological, behavioral, and biochemical responses of cattle to restraint stress.

Stresses imposed on livestock have significant impact on their health and productivity as well as public perceptions of animal welfare. Understanding stress responses in livestock may help refine management procedures and facilitate selection of stress-tolerant animals. In this study, behavioral (chute entry order, chute behavior, and exit velocity), physiological (serum cortisol), and biochemical (kinome) responses were evaluated in cattle ( = 20) subjected to three 5-min restraint periods with weekly intervals. Correlations among stress responses were assessed across all animals as well as for subgroups ( = 4) representing animals consistently displaying a high and low extreme of serum cortisol responses. Across all animals, entry order ( = 0.006) and exit velocity ( = 0.023) were positively correlated with serum cortisol; however, these correlations were not consistently reproducible for the high and low serum cortisol responders. Kinome profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed distinct signaling events between the high and low cortisol responders. In particular, kinome profiling revealed significant differences in carbohydrate metabolism and apoptosis that were independently validated. Furthermore, changes in serum glucose levels provided a reliable, inexpensive indicator of serum cortisol levels and often had greater predictive value than cortisol for stress-related behavioral responses. Serum cortisol levels displayed a pattern consistent with sensitization, whereas no habituation or sensitization was observed for serum glucose levels or behavioral responses. Collectively, this investigation provides insight into correlations among physiological, behavioral, and biochemical responses of cattle subjected to a brief restraint that may provide biomarkers for selection of stress-tolerant animals.

Do protein and energy intakes explain long-term changes in body composition?

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that profiles of protein and energy intake can determine short-term (< 1 y) change in both lean and fat compartments,the role of diet in longer-term, age-related changes in body composition remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This paper tests for long-term counterparts to the well-established short-term relationships between protein and energy intake and changes in body composition. DESIGN: Using longitudinal data on 608 healthy, non-obese Chinese (50-69 y)from the 1993 and 1997 China Health and Nutrition Surveys, sex-specific regression models were created to determine if 3-day mean protein (%of energy) and energy (kJ) intakes at baseline predicted change in mid arm muscle area (MAMA) and waist circumference (WC). RESULTS: Although sex-specific U-shaped associations were observed,higher energy intakes were associated with greater gain in WC and less loss of MAMA, and higher protein intakes with less loss of MAMA than lower intakes for both sexes, adjusting for baseline age, height, weight, MAMA, WC, smoking status, activity level, income and urban residence. For males, energy intake be low 95%of the Chinese RDA was associated with significantly smaller gains in WC and greater loss of MAMA than energy intake between 95-125% RDA. For both sexes, protein intake be low 10.4% of energy was associated with significantly greater loss of MAMA than intake between 10.4-12.1% of energy. For females, energy intake above 125% RDA was associated with significantly greater gains in body fat than intake between 95-125% RDA. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that diet may play an important role in age-related change in body composition.

Pathology of Bolivian Hemorrhagic fever in the African green monkey.

Gross and microscopic pathological findings are presented for an African green monkey model of fatal Bolivian hemorrhagic fever. Six animals were inoculated with 1,000 plaque-forming units of Machupo virus, the etiological agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever. Five of the monkeys died within 13 days with signs of fever, anorexia, shock, and hemorrhage. The sixth monkey survived until the 24th day and died with signs of central nervous system disease. Gross lesions in the five monkeys that die in the acute stage included hepatic necrosis, necrotic enteritis, bronchopneumonia, and hemorrhages in the subcutis, lungs, intestine, liver, and lymph nodes. Microscopically, necrosis was consistently seen in liver, intestine, skin, oral cavity, and adrenal cortex. Acute thrombosis was observed in four monkeys, in blood vessels of the intestine, lung and choroid of the brain. Gram-negative bacteria were seen in many tissues, suggesting terminal bacteremia. The sixth monkey was emaciated and had bronchopneumonia, but did not have the necrotic hepatic and enteric lesions observed in the other five monkeys. The significant microscopic lesions in this monkey included encephalomyelitis, ganglionitis, and bronchopneumonia.

Energy density, energy intake and weight status in a large free-living sample of Chinese adults: exploring the underlying roles of fat, protein, carbohydrate, fiber and water intakes.

OBJECTIVE: This paper uses observational data to explore what dietary constituents might be responsible for associations between energy density, energy intake and weight status among free-living individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data on 5783 Chinese adults (aged 20-59 y) from the 1991 China Health and Nutrition Surveys were used to test for associations between energy density, energy intake and weight status, controlling for age, sex, height, activity level, smoking status, urban residence and income. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to identify nutrient intake correlates of energy density. Replacing energy density with its nutrient correlates (3 day mean estimates of fat, protein, fiber and water intakes) in the models predicting energy intake and overweight status, the independent effects of specific nutrients were investigated. RESULTS: Energy density was positively and significantly associated with energy intake and overweight status. Energy density was significantly correlated with every nutrient examined, although the correlations were weak for most variables except water intake. Only water intake behaved consistently across analyses. It was negatively correlated with energy density, negatively, significantly and independently associated with energy intake as well as overweight status. Despite positive associations with energy intake, fat and protein intake were not significant predictors of overweight status. Fiber intake was strongly and positively associated with overweight status. CONCLUSIONS: Of the nutrients examined, only water intake appeared to explain the effects of energy density on energy intake and overweight status.

Measuring diet quality in china: the INFH-UNC-CH diet quality index.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the development and efficacy of a diet quality index (DQI) for China. DESIGN: The Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents motivated the selection of 10 DQI components. These components were weighted and assigned cut-offs and point schemes based on the Chinese Food Guide Pagoda, Chinese and/or international dietary reference values. The efficacy of resulting DQI scores was assessed relative to a priori expectations. SUBJECTS: The Chinese DQI was evaluated using cross-sectional 3 day diet record and anthropometric data on 7450 adults from the 1991 China Health and Nutrition Survey. METHODS: For each individual, a DQI total score was calculated as the sum of components, and DQI pattern scores calculated to reflect the underlying composition of diet quality problems. The DQI scores were compared with component scores, food and nutrient intake, weight status and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: The total DQI score simultaneously represented all component aspects of diet quality as well as micronutrients not explicitly built into the index. The total DQI score was significantly correlated with food and nutrient intakes, BMI, urban residence and income. The DQI pattern scores correlated with DQI components and weight status as expected. CONCLUSIONS: The China DQI captures variation along several components of diet quality, appears sensitive to under- and overnutrition, as well as sociodemographic variables. The China DQI may prove useful for monitoring the nutrition transition and epidemiologic trends in China. SPONSORSHIP: National Institutes of Health (HD 38700 and R01-HD30880) and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine.

Another look at: fuel + O2 --> CO2 + H2O. Developing a water-oriented perspective.

Water plays many vital roles which must be maintained despite constant threat of water stress from the environment. Mechanisms to maintain these roles over the long-term involve intermediates of many metabolic pathways, such as glycerol, sucrose, free amino acids and their derivatives. In addition to viewing metabolic products as intermediates along energy-related pathways, nutrition researchers and epidemiologists should consider them as determinants of intracellular fluid maintenance. Satiety processes, oxidative-fuel selection, hormonal control, and intracellular-signaling processes can all be interpreted in terms of water-oriented metabolism. Water intake and hydration status can vary considerably, and may be inadequate for a sizeable proportion of Western adults. Due to the metabolic adaptations required to compensate for perpetually inadequate water, chronic sub-optimal water intakes may be highly relevant to chronic disease etiology. Preliminary evidence links water-oriented metabolism to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer. Development of a water-oriented perspective may reveal an important new area of research in human nutrition and epidemiology.

Anatrichosoma cynamolgi (Nematoda: Trichinellida) in rhesus monkeys, Macaca mulatta.

Young adult rhesus monkeys were examined for Anatrichosoma spp. by means of nasal swab, by histological study, and by gross examination with the aid of a dissecting microscope. Of 394 monkeys examined by nasal swab, 25 (6.3%) were found to be positive. Of 166 monkeys that died while in the colony, 23 (13.9%) were found to be infected when examined by histological study. Of 18 unfixed samples of external nasal vestibule, five (27.2%) were found to be infected when they were examined grossly with the aid of a dissecting microscope. Inflammatory response to the nematodes was limited. The nematodes were compared to type specimens of Anatrichosoma from monkeys, and were identified as A. cynamolgi Smith and Chitwood 1954. A. rhina and A. nacepobi are considered to be synonyms of A. cynamolgi.

A disease of freshwater fishes caused by Tetrahymena corlissi Thompson, 1955, and a key for identification of holotrich ciliates of freshwater fishes.

Tetrahymena corlissi, a free-living protozoan, apparently caused the death of large number of guppies (Poecilia reticulatus) and occasionally other fishes, in aquaria and hatcheries at several locations. Apparently the disease occurs when the fish and protozoan populations are both at a high level of density. The signs include white spots and epidermal damage. Histologically, T. corlissi could be seen in skin, muscle, and viscera; in some there was marked inflammation, in others there was little tissue reaction. A key is presented for the identification of invasive fish ciliates: Chilodonella, Hemiophrys, Ichthyophthirius, Ophryoglena, and Tetrahymena.

Use of lambing cubicles and the behavior of ewes at parturition.

Three trials were conducted involving 393 ewes to determine the feasibility of using cubicles to provide isolation for parturient ewes in lambing pens. The cubicles consisted of an enclosure with 1 m high walls and a small (.6 m wide) opening to allow ewes free access. In trial 1, 42% of the parturitions occurred in the cubicles, which occupied only 19% of the pen area. No preference was noted for large (1.8 x 1.8 m) vs small (1.8 x 1.2 m) cubicles. Use of the cubicles increased from 4% of the time 24 h before parturition to 25% of the time during the 6 h immediately preceding parturition. In trial 2, ewes did not show a preference for open vs covered walls on cubicles or for open vs covered cubicle ceilings. Cubicles were again used to a greater (P less than .01) extent than would be predicted by their relative area (26% use, 18% area). In the final trial, mature ewes used cubicles to a greater (P less than .10) extent than did yearlings (55 vs 38%, respectively). Cubicles and areas of the pen farthest from the working area of the herdsman were most frequently (P less than .001) used during parturition. Cubicles appeared to be effective in preventing separation of newborn lambs from their dam and in reducing interference by other ewes.

The effects of regrouping on behavioral and production parameters in finishing swine.

Three trials involving 396 pigs were conducted to determine the effects of regrouping finishing swine (83.8 +/- .69 kg) on weight gain and behavior during the subsequent 2-wk period. The methodology between Trials 1, 2, and 3 differed primarily in the total number of pigs tested (72, 144, and 180, respectively) and the number of pigs per pen (3, 3 or 5, and 5, respectively). In all trials, like-sexed pigs were moved into a new pen location and allotted to one of three treatments: 1) a group of familiar pen mates (Control), 2) a group composed of unfamiliar pigs (Mixed), and 3) pigs mixed with strangers for 24 h and then reunited with original pen mates for the duration of the trial (Mixed 24 h). In the pooled analysis, control pigs gained faster (P < .01) than Mixed pigs (.87 and .77 kg/d, respectively) over the 2-wk period. Mixed 24-h pigs were intermediate in gain (.80 kg/d), indicating that the most severe aggression normally observed during the first 24 h accounts for only a portion of the setback. Apparently the negative social stress associated with being in the presence of unfamiliar pigs persisted beyond the first 24 h and was sufficient to limit weight gain over the 2-wk period. Time spent fighting was reduced from 1.72 min/h during a 6-h period on d 1 to .39 min/h during a 3-h period by d 2 in the Mixed group. Fighting was still observed in the Mixed pens 8 d after regrouping (.23 min/h), indicative of ongoing social conflicts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Factors affecting productivity of Rambouillet ewes mated to ram lambs.

Objectives of this study were to estimate the magnitude of the effects of various factors associated with ewes and their ram lamb mates on fertility, prolificacy, lamb survival, lamb weaning weight and ewe productivity and to estimate the heritability and repeatability of each trait. Records from 731 ewe-years, 75 ram lamb sires and 616 lambs born from the University of Illinois Rambouillet flock were used. Ewes mated to single-born ram lambs had higher fertility rates (P less than .01), gave birth to lambs with higher survival rates (P less than .01), weaned lighter (P less than .05) individual lambs but weaned more weight of lamb per ewe exposed (P less than .01) than ewes mated to multiple-born ram lambs. Ram lamb breeding weight, ram lamb scrotal circumference, ewe breeding weight and ewe age had relatively large and positive effects on the composite trait of weight of lamb weaned per ewe exposed and significant effects on a number of the component traits. Heritability and repeatability estimates were, respectively, as follows: fertility, 3%, 3%; prolificacy, 34%, 19%; lamb survival, 15%, 8%; lamb weaning weight, 7%, 36%; and ewe productivity, 27%, 10%.

Effects of double decking and space allowance on the performance and behavior of feeder lambs.

A 2 X 2 factorial experiment was conducted using growing lambs to compare single-level vs double-decked pens and high (.32 m2/lamb) vs low (.48 m2/lamb) densities. Three replicates of each treatment combination were involved using 30 lambs/pen. In the double-decked pens, an upper deck located over the rear section of the lower level provided one-third of the total floor area. Feed and water were provided on the lower level only and lambs could move freely between levels by means of a slatted ramp. All floors were of expanded metal. Use of the various areas of the pens was determined during a 24-h observation and by a videotape recording of the double-decked pens during the daylight hours. Fleece contamination was determined by visual observation and standard wool testing procedures. Gain was determined over the 8-wk period of each replicate. The high density treatment resulted in 1.5 kg/lamb (10%) less gain (P less than .01) and, in the case of double-decked pens, different patterns of space utilization compared with the low density treatment. Lambs in the low density pens were able to move more successfully from resting areas to the feeding area in the afternoon (P less than .01). The double-decked system did not significantly affect weight gain, but resulted in dirtier fleeces (P less than .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Behavior of cattle during hot-iron and freeze branding and the effects on subsequent handling ease.

Three hundred feedlot steers (320 +/- 2 kg) were assigned to freeze brand, hot-iron brand, and sham branding treatments according to a randomized branding arrangement. Behaviors believed to be indicative of pain (i.e., tail-flicking, kicking, falling, and vocalizing) were recorded during branding. Escape behavior, measured as the amount and duration of force exerted on the headgate and squeeze chute by the animals during treatment, was obtained using load cells and strain gauges. Subsequent handling ease following branding was tested every 2nd d for 10 d by recording the time and effort required to move animals into the chute. Hot-iron-branded steers had greater tail-flick, kick, fall and vocalization frequencies than freeze-branded or sham-branded animals (P < .005). However, freeze-branded animals differed from shams only in regard to tail-flick frequencies (P < .005). The average and maximum exertion forces and the duration of force were greater in hot-iron-than in freeze- and sham-branded steers (P < .001); freeze branded steers had greater values than shams (P < .001). No treatment differences in handling ease were observed. However, all steers required more handling effort for up to 6 d, indicating that handling, per se, was aversive. Results indicate that hot-iron-branded steers experienced more discomfort at the time of branding than freeze-branded and sham steers, and freeze-branded steers experienced more discomfort than shams.

Genetic analyses of scrotal circumference size and growth in Rambouillet lambs.

The objectives of this study were to identify nongenetic factors influencing scrotal circumference size and growth and to estimate heritabilities of scrotal circumference size at different ages and scrotal circumference growth between ages. Data on scrotal circumference, live weight, and age were recorded over 6 yr (1982 to 1987) on 541 spring-born Rambouillet ram lambs (109 sires, 307 dams) at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. Scrotal circumference and live weight were predicted at four ages (90, 120, 150, and 180 d) for each lamb. The two models used to evaluate factors affecting scrotal circumference size at fixed ages were the same except for the addition of live weight and live weight squared to one of the models. Likewise, the two models used for scrotal circumference growth between ages were the same except for the addition of live weight change and live weight change squared to one of the models. Year and type of birth were significant sources of variation for both traits under both models. Regression coefficients for live weight and live weight squared on scrotal circumference size and for live weight change and live weight change squared on scrotal circumference growth and for day of birth within year for both traits were generally different from zero (P less than .05). Heritability estimates for scrotal circumference size at fixed ages ranged from .19 to .41. Adjustments for live weight led to an average 41.5% increase in heritability estimates. For scrotal circumference growth, heritabilities ranged from .17 to .60 and adjustments for live weight change resulted in an average 13% decrease in estimates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Screening of depigmenting compounds for the development of an alternate method of branding beef cattle.

The impetus to find alternative methods to stressful routine management procedures has increased in recent years in the hope of improving animal welfare. The potential of using depigmenting compounds to create a permanent visible mark was evaluated in two beef heifers. Eight compounds (hydroquinone [H], 4-ethoxyphenol [4-EP], 4-methylcatechol [4-MC], 4-tert-butylcatechol [4-t-BC], 4-methoxyphenol [4-MP], monobenzone [M], hydroquinone bis (2-hydroxyethyl) ether (HHEE), and catechol [C]) were injected intradermally at concentrations of 10 and 20%. These compounds were screened in four different carriers (ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liposome cream) to test their effectiveness in producing depigmented hair. Transdermal patches containing 5, 7, and 10% liposome preparations of 4-MC and 4-MP produced depigmentation, but this depigmentation was not as visible as when the same preparations were injected. Histological examination of biopsies and observations of the injected sites were compared to sites that were only injected with the carrier solution. Compounds H, 4-EP, 4-MC, 4-t-BC, 4-MP, and M produced visible depigmentation lasting up to 3 mo. The duration of the effect seemed dependent on the hair cycle length and stage of cycle at time of application. None of the depigmenting compounds tested produced a permanent depigmenting effect.

Comparison of image analysis, exertion force, and behavior measurements for use in the assessment of beef cattle responses to hot-iron and freeze branding.

Thirty-three steers (328 +/- 2 kg) from a total of 300 animals were randomly selected for a comparison of techniques designed to quantify the behavioral response to painful procedures. The steers were randomly assigned to freeze-branding, (F), hot-iron branding (H), and sham branding (S) treatments. The responses of all steers were videotaped to quantify the amount and intensity of head movements during branding. In addition, the force that steers exerted on the headgate and squeeze chute during branding was recorded using strain gauges and load cells. Behaviors believed to be indicative of pain (tail-flicking, kicking, falling, and vocalizing) were also recorded during branding. These techniques were compared for their effectiveness in measuring behavioral responses of steers during branding. Hot-iron-branded steers had greater maximum and average head movement distances and velocities than F or S steers (P < .05), and F steers only had greater maximum values than S animals (P < .05). The maximum exertion forces obtained from headgate load cells were also greater in H than in F or S steers (P < .05); however, no differences were observed between H and F treatments for squeeze load cell or headgate strain gauge data. Hot-iron-branded steers had the greatest incidence of tail-flicks, kicks, falls in the chute, and vocalizations, and S steers had the least. Results indicate that H steers experienced more discomfort at the time of branding than F and S steers, whereas F steers experienced more discomfort than shams. Image analysis was a superior technique for detecting treatment differences compared with exertion force measurements and frequency counts of tail-flicks, kicks, falls, and vocalization during branding.

Effect of a trainer cow on health, behavior, and performance of newly weaned beef calves.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the presence of a trainer cow on behavior, performance, health, and feeding patterns of newly weaned beef calves. In Exp. 1,252 weaned calves (270+/-18 kg) were allocated to 22 pens (11 to 15 calves per pen). A trainer cow was randomly assigned to each of 11 pens. Calves were weighed prior to feeding on d 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Rectal temperatures were taken on each of these days (except d 28) and blood samples were collected on d 0, 3, and 7 and subsequently analyzed for serum haptoglobin and leukotoxin antibody titers. Instantaneous scan observations of calf behavior were made at 10-min intervals between 0730 and 1730 on d 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. A similar protocol was used in Exp. 2, in which 297 calves (258+/-17 kg) were allocated to 24 pens. Blood analyses included haptoglobin, white blood cell counts (WBC), and neutrophil:lymphocyte (NL) ratios. In Exp. 3, the above protocol was followed and patterns of feed bunk attendance of individual calves were also monitored using radio frequency identification by passive transponder ear tags. Trainer cows did not influence (P > .10) calf rectal temperatures, requirements for antibiotic therapy, WBC, NL ratios, or leukotoxin antibody titers. Pooled across treatments, NL ratios were lower (P < .01) on d 0 (.31) than on d 3 (.36) or d 7 (.39). Although differences in weight gain were detected in some periods within the three experiments, there were no differences (P > .10) overall (d 0 to 28). Trainer cows did not affect (P > .05) frequency or duration of bunk visits by the calves. Averaged across treatments, frequency and duration of bunk visits increased (P < .001) from 9.6 visits/d and 56.7 min/d between d 0 and 3 to 12.3 visits/d and 108.9 min/d between d 15 and 21. The number of calves observed eating during scan sampling observations also increased from 16.4% on d 1 to 25% on d 4 (P < .10) and 29% on d 5 and 6 (P < .05). More (P < .05) calves were observed lying on d 1 (41.7%) and d 2 (45.3%) than on d 4 (37.5%), d 5 (34.8%), or d 6 (36.2%). With a trainer cow present, fewer (36.7% vs 41.5%; P < .001) calves were observed lying and more (11.7% vs 10.2%; P = .08) were observed walking than when no cow was present. Trainer cows did not improve calf health, time spent at the feed bunk, or performance of newly weaned calves.