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Twenty Holstein calves were used to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation in the whole milk on growth performance, faecal score, faecal pH, selected faecal bacterial populations and health during the preweaning period. Healthy calves selected by clinical examination were allocated to one of the two groups (control [CG] and experimental [EG]) at 5 days old. Each group consisted of 5 male and 5 female calves. Each calf in EG was supplemented with 7 g/d of a MOS product (Celmanax) from 5 days to 56 days of age. MOS supplement was mixed with the whole milk once in the morning and administered to the calves in EG via nipple bottle, whereas the calves in CG were fed the whole milk without MOS. Calves were weaned at 56 days of age. The final body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were statistically similar (p>0.05) but were higher by 3.70%, 6.66%, and 10.97%, respectively, in MOS than in control calves. Feed efficiency (ADG/ADFI) was also similar in two calves group. While faecal scores did not differ on day 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 49, and 56 between groups, EG had a higher faecal score (p = 0.05) than CG on day 35. Faecal concentration of Lactobacillus was lower (p<0.05) in EG compared with CG. No differences (p>0.05) in faecal concentrations of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli were found between groups. Although there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the incidence of diarrhoea, treatment days for diarrhoea and the costs associated with diarrhoea treatments between groups, collectively, the observed reductions in treatment days and the cost of diarrhoea treatments accompanying increases in final body weight, ADG and ADFI for EG may indicate potential benefit of MOS in treatment of diarrhoea.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows. Material and Methods: Thirty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected from each cow seven days before the expected calving date, on the calving day, and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and TNF-α levels were measured. Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (rQUICKI) was calculated using data on NEFA, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Results: When compared to prepartum levels, serum concentration of adiponectin significantly increased on day 21 postpartum. The rQUICKI increased and NEFA levels decreased on day 7 after parturition. Insulin and glucose levels decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum when compared with prepartum levels. BHBA levels decreased on day 21 and TNF-α concentration also decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Adiponectin levels positively correlated with NEFA during the preparturient period. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin and rQUICKI on calving day and on 14 th day after parturition. TNF-α concentration positively correlated with glucose levels on day 7 prepartum and on 21 st day postpartum and with rQUICKI on 21 st day postpartum. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin level and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adiponectin could possibly increase insulin sensitivity when blood NEFA concentrations are elevated.

Winter dysentery (WD) is a very contagious disease of cattle characterized by profuse diarrhea. The precise etiology of disease is still not fully elucidated. Aim of the presented study was investigation of the causative agents of disease in a herd affected by WD and to evaluate routine haematological and biochemical parameters of cows with WD. This study was carried out on blood and fecal samples collected from 12 cows showing typical signs of disease during an outbreak of WD in Bursa, Turkey. Samples were analysed for the presence of bovine coronavirus (BCoV), Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), Eimeria oocysts and Campylobacter spp. using ELISA, RT-PCR, flotation technique and culture. Faecal samples were inoculated in HRT cell cultures for virus isolation. Isolated viruses were identified as coronaviruses from 25% of the samples by ELISA, PCR and serum neutralisation tests. Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 33.3% cows with dysentery. BVD and Eimeria oocysts were not detected in any of the samples. Results of the presented study indicates that BcoV along with Compylobacter spp. may be the primary agent of WD in cows. However negative results for BCoV and Campylobacter spp of 58 % of feacal samples indicates that etiology of the disease is still not fully elucidated and pathogens other than BCoV and Campylobacter could also be involved in pathogenesis of the disease

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