The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting passive transfer in heifer calves born within 1 yr and how passive transfer influences rearing to the period of first insemination under commercial dairy farm conditions. Calves were divided into 4 groups based on serum immunoglobulin concentrations at 30 to 60 h of life (<5, 5-10, 10-15, and >15 g/L, respectively in groups 1 to 4). Calving ease, dam parity, calf body weight at birth, calf vitality, quality of colostrum, time and volume of first colostrum fed, morbidity rate and intensity of illness, growth rate, and age and efficiency of first insemination service were recorded. Plasma fibrinogen, and serum γ-globulin, IgG(1), IgG(2), IgM, and haptoglobin were estimated at 30 to 60 h and again at 21 to 28 d of life. Additionally, the immunoglobulin index (I(Ig3-4)) was calculated. The main cause of FPT and PFPT in the calves was poor vitality associated with dystocia and low volume of ingested colostrum. The calves born to primiparous cows were more endangered than those born to multiparous cows. The morbidity and intensity of disease course were lowest in heifer calves with serum Ig concentration exceeding 10 g/L at 30 to 60 h of life; these calves did not become ill before d 14 of life. Calves with >15 g/L γ-globulin in serum avoided respiratory tract infections. The immunoglobulin index was lowest (0.61) in calves from group 4 and highest in calves from groups 1 and 2 (1.44 and 0.88, respectively). The suitability of this index as well as haptoglobin determination was confirmed in prediction of morbidity risk and disease intensity in growing heifer calves. Heifers with serum γ-globulin levels >10 g/L at 30 to 60 h of life showed better health status and reached body weights allowing first insemination sooner.
ABSTRACT:The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A determination in the monitoring of the treatment of limb diseases in dairy cows. Fourteen lame cows were examined, while 10 clinically healthy cows constituted the control group. Blood samples from the ill animals were collected on three occasions: (1) upon arrival at the clinic, (2) between the third and sixth day after arriving, and (3) upon return to the owner. Blood samples from the control cows were collected once. Plasma levels of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and total serum protein and its fractions (albumin, α-, β-, γ-globulins) were measured. Significantly higher fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A levels were observed in the affected cows upon arrival at the clinic than in the control cows. Based on the changes in fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A concentrations, the cows were divided into those with a systematic decrease in acute-phase protein levels during treatment (Group I, n = 6) and those which showed an increase in one or more acute-phase proteins despite treatment (Group II, n = 8). A stepwise decrease in the examined acute-phase proteins was observed in the first group and indicated an uncomplicated course of treatment; however, treatment of the second group did not appear to be wholly successful. A majority of the cows under treatment (n = 13) exhibited abnormal levels of the examined acute-phase proteins upon return to the owner. This indicates that these patients did not recover completely. The monitoring of plasma acute-phase protein concentrations can be a valuable complement to the clinical assessment of the treatment course and in the early detection of disease complications.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation in different commercial forms on the growth performance, health status, and Zn balance of weaners in field conditions. The animals were fed pre-starter (from the 28th to 47th day of life) and starter (from the 48th to 74th day of life) mixtures differing in Zn form and concentration. Group I was given ZnSO4 at 150 mg kg−1; Group II received pre-starter zinc oxide (ZnO) at 3000 mg kg−1 and starter at 150 mg kg−1; and Group III was given 150 mg kg−1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO). We found that the average daily gain in Group I was significantly lower, compared to Groups II and III. A commonly accepted level of Zn (150 mg kg−1) as nZnO can be recommended, instead of therapeutic doses of Zn preparations with the same efficiency. Moreover, a lower level of Zn in the diet can prevent the excessive accumulation of this element in waste and, thus, reduce environmental damage.
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