Our objective was to determine effects of feeding calves pelleted starters with microbially enhanced (fungi-treated) soy protein (MSP) in replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different milk replacers (MR). Thirty-six Holstein calves (2 d old; 24 females, 12 males) in individual hutches were used in a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. Treatments were (1) MSP pellets with MR formulated for accelerated growth (28% crude protein, 18% fat; MSPA), (2) SBM pellets with MR formulated for accelerated growth (SBMA), and (3) MSP pellets with conventional MR (20% crude protein, 20% fat; MSPC). Pellets were similar except for 23% MSP or 23% SBM (dry matter basis). Pellets and water were fed ad libitum throughout the study. Feeding rates of MR on a dry matter basis were 0.37kg twice daily during wk 1, 0.45kg twice daily during wk 2 to 5, and 0.45kg once daily during wk 6. Intakes were recorded daily. Body weights, frame size measurements, and jugular blood samples were collected 2 d every 2 wk at 3 h after the morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected 5 times per d for 3 d during wk 12 and then composited by calf for analysis of apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Total and starter pellet dry matter intake were greatest for calves fed SBMA and least for MSPC. Calves had similar average daily gain among treatments, but there was a treatment by week interaction and during the last few weeks of the study calves on MSPC had less body weight compared with MSPA or SBMA. Gain-to-feed ratio was similar among treatments; however, there was a treatment by week interaction. Serum glucose was similar among treatments. Plasma urea nitrogen was greatest for calves fed MSPA and least for MSPC. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 were greatest for calves fed SBMA. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides were greatest for calves fed MSPC. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate had a treatment by time interaction. Treatments had similar total-tract dry matter digestibility, but calves fed MSPC had greater crude protein digestibility than SBMA, with MSPA similar to both. Results demonstrated calves fed pelleted starters with MSP had maintained growth performance with less starter intake compared with SBM.

Our objective was to evaluate growth performance, nutrient utilization, and health of calves supplemented with condensed whey solubles (CWS). Twenty-four Holstein calves (2 d old) in hutches were used in a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. Calves were blocked by birth date and sex. Treatments were (1) control (CON) with no supplement and (2) 50 g/d of CWS. Preweaning CWS was fed with milk and postweaning CWS was top-dressed on starter pellets. Calves were fed 2.83 L of pasteurized milk 2×/d during wk 1 to 5, 1×/d in wk 6, and weaned at d 42. Calves had ad libitum access to starter pellets and water. Individual intakes of milk and starter pellets were measured daily. Fecal scores (0 = firm, 3 = watery) and respiratory scores (healthy ≤3, sick ≥5), calculated from the sum of scores for rectal temperature, cough, ocular, and nasal discharge, were recorded daily. Body weights (BW), frame growth, and jugular blood samples were taken once every week at 3 h after the morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected in wk 12 for analysis of apparent total-tract digestibility. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with repeated measures. Total dry matter intake was greater in calves fed CWS compared with CON. Calves fed CWS tended to have greater BW during the postweaning period. Gain: feed, average daily gains, withers heights, and concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen were not different. Concentrations of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate were greater in calves fed CWS compared with CON. Serum glucose concentrations were greater in calves fed CON during the preweaning stage, but similar concentrations were found between treatments during the postweaning stage. Rumen pH, ammonia-N, and total volatile fatty acids were similar between treatments. The acetate: propionate ratio was greater in calves fed CWS. The apparent total-tract digestion of nutrients was similar; however, CON tended to have greater digestion of neutral detergent fiber. Fecal scores were not different, but a treatment by week interaction was observed. Supplementing CWS improved starter intake, postweaning BW, β-hydroxybutyrate, fecal scores, and maintained frame growth.

No abstract

Abstract-The aim of this study was to increase the nutritive value of coffee, green and oolong tea residues and assess if the fermented residues have the potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions. A mixed microbial culture (20 g/kg) was added to each residue and the mixture incubated for 3 d at 35°C (anaerobically) and 2 weeks at 30°C (aerobically). Unfermented and fermented beverage residues were assayed for their saccharide and ethanol content. Four separate total mixed rations (TMR) were prepared using the three fermented beverage residues and hay (control). The fermented residues (2 g dry matter (DM)) were individually mixed with hay (3 g DM) and concentrate (5 g DM) and the in vitro rumen methane output was quantified during the 24 h incubation period using the continuous gas quantification system. The fermented residues of coffee, oolong tea and green tea had higher concentrations of cellotriose, cellobiose and xylobiose than the corresponding unfermented residues. Ethanol concentration was higher in the fermented coffee and green tea residues than in their respective unfermented residues. The methane output (L CH4/24 h) from the TMR containing fermented residues of coffee (0.118 L), oolong tea (0.127 L) and hay (control; 0.123 L) did not differ, but the methane output was lower for all compared to the TMR containing fermented green tea residue (0.141 L). The results suggest that fermented coffee, oolong tea and green tea residues are a potentially good source of protein and energy, and fermented residues of coffee caused a numerical decrease methane output.Index Terms-Beverage residues, in vitro, methane, mixed microbial culture.

The objective of this presentation is to discuss and review research on lipid and fatty acid metabolism in growing calves and heifers. The majority of research related to fat metabolism in dairy cattle has been conducted with lactating or transition cows evaluating the effects of diet on milk fat synthesis, energy status, and reproduction. Despite the biological activities of lipids beyond serving as an energy source and their importance in maintaining normal biological function, there is limited understanding of how they are utilized by developing dairy calves and heifers. Additionally, there is limited understanding on the potential impacts of changes in blood concentrations on development and performance of the growing replacements. In recent research studies we have observed that concentrations of circulating lipid metabolites and plasma fatty acids change as calves and heifers develop and mature. Some of these changes are related to the dietary transitions that occur during the first year of life as a calf moves from milk to a concentrate-based diet, followed by a more forage-based diet at several months of age. Additionally, there are major shifts in lipid metabolism as a calf transitions through key developmental changes such as from a pre-ruminant to ruminant and through the critical reproductive stage around the onset of puberty. A better understanding of lipid metabolism and the impacts of supplementation of dietary fats or manipulations of energy sources may offer new ways to enhance development and improve performance of growing replacement heifers through nutritional strategies.