Breed-Related Differential microRNA Expression and Analysis of Colostrum and Mature Milk Exosomes in Bamei and Landrace Pigs

Breast milk, an indispensable source of immunological and nutrient components, is essential for the growth and development of newborn mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are present in various tissues and body fluids and are selectively packaged inside exosomes, a type of membrane vesicle. Milk exosomes have potential regulatory effects on the growth, development, and immunity of newborn piglets. To explore the differences in milk exosomes related to the breed and milk type, we isolated exosomes from colostrum and mature milk from domestic Bamei pigs and foreign Landrace pigs by using density gradient centrifugation and then characterized them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Furthermore, the profiles and functions of miRNAs in the two types of pig milk exosomes were investigated using miRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. We identified a total of 1081 known and 2311 novel miRNAs in pig milk exosomes from Bamei and Landrace pigs. These differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) are closely associated with processes such as cell signaling, cell physiology, and immune system development. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in endocytosis, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. The exosomal miRNAs in both the colostrum and mature milk of the two pig species showed significant differences. Based on related signaling pathways, we found that the colostrum of local pig breeds contained more immune-system-development-related miRNAs. This study provides new insights into the possible function of milk exosomal miRNAs in the development of the piglet immune system.

Impacts of preweaning colostrum feeding practices and health measures on dairy cow production, while accounting for genetic potential

Calf management and health are essential for setting up the foundation of a productive cow. The objectives of this study were to estimate the impact of preweaning practices on milk production parameters while accounting for an animal's genetic potential in New Brunswick, Canada. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 220 heifer calves from eight herds born in 2014-2015. Preweaning practices and health data were recorded by producers and reviewed by the herd veterinarian for each calf. The herd veterinarian also visited the farms to collect serum samples from calves and frozen colostrum samples. The production outcomes assessed were milk, protein and fat yields, standardized to 305 d for the first lactation (L1) and a combined group of lactations two and three (L2 + 3). The genomic potential was determined as genomic parent averages (GPA) for the associated production parameters. Analysis was performed with multivariable linear (L1) and linear mixed (L2 + 3) regression models. In L1, for every 1.0 kg increase in weaning weight, milk, protein, and fat yield increased by 25.5, 0.82, and 1.01 kg, respectively (P < 0.006). Colostrum feeding time (CFT) positively impacted L1 milk and protein production, with feeding between 1-2 h of life producing the greatest estimates of 626 kg of milk and 18.2 kg of protein yield (P < 0.007), compared to earlier or later CFT. Fat yield production was decreased by 80.5 kg (P < 0.006) in L1 when evaluating animals that developed a preweaning disease and were not treated with antibiotics compared to healthy untreated animals. Impacts on L2 + 3 were similar across all production outcomes, with a positive interaction effect of CFT and weaning weight. Compared to CFT < 1 h, the later CFT groups of 1-2 h and > 2 h produced greater yield outcomes of 68.2 to 72.6 kg for milk (P < 0.006), 2.06 to 2.15 kg for protein (P < 0.005), and 1.8 to 1.9 kg for fat (P < 0.045) for every 1 kg increase of weaning weight, respectively. The fit of all models was significantly improved with the inclusion of GPA. These results indicate that colostrum management and preweaning health measures impacted production parameters as adults. The inclusion of GPA significantly improved the accuracy of the models, indicating that this can be an important parameter to include in future studies.

Factors affecting birth weight and stillbirth in sows housed in a tropical environment

This study analysed data from a commercial swine herd in Thailand equipped with a free-farrowing housing system, comprising 17,196 piglets from 1318 litters, to explore the impact of sow and litter characteristics on the piglet birth weight and the incidence of stillbirth. The piglets were classified into four groups based on the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): ≤9 (n = 1434), 10-12 (n = 3232), 13-15 (n = 6537) and ≥16 (n = 5993). Sows were classified into four groups based on parity number: 1, 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8. The piglets were categorized into quartiles based on their birth order ranking: Q1 (n = 4786), Q2 (n = 4143), Q3 (n = 3808) and Q4 (n = 4456). Piglet birth weight was individually measured before colostrum ingestion. On average, TB, the number of live-born piglets and the incidence of stillbirth were 13.1 ± 3.7, 11.5 ± 3.8 and 6.3%, respectively. Among these litters, 26.6% had TB numbers ≥16. The average piglet birth weight was 1.37 ± 0.36 kg, with 18.3% of piglets weighing ≤1.0 kg at birth. Piglet birth weight was influenced by birth order ranking, as Q4 piglets were found to be heavier than piglets born in Q1-Q3 (p < .001). Moreover, the percentage of piglets with a birth weight of ≤1.0 kg increased from 5.9% in litters with TB of ≤9-25.3% in litters with TB of ≥16 (p < .001). Additionally, primiparous sows had lower piglet birth weights compared to sows with parity numbers 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8 (p < .001). Piglets born in the fourth quartile (Q4) had a higher risk of stillbirth compared to those born in the first (Q1), second (Q2) and third (Q3) quartiles (12.5% vs. 2.2%, 4.1% and 6.6%, respectively, p < .001). The incidence of stillbirth in litters with TB ≥16 was also higher than that in litters with TB ≤9 and 10-12 (p < .05). Furthermore, sows with parity numbers ≥8 had a higher incidence of stillbirth (9.7%) compared to primiparous sows (4.0%, p < .001), sows with 2-4 parity (5.2%, p < .001) and sows with 5-7 parity (7.6%, p = .003). In summary, a high incidence of stillbirth was found in piglets born in the last quartile of litters, in litters with >16 piglets and for sows with parity numbers ≥8. Piglets born in the last quartile of litters were heavier than those born in the first to third quartiles.

Pinecone oil supplemented to multiparous sows from 107 days prenatal to 21 days postpartum improves reproductive performance and milk composition and affects serum parameters

Pinecone oil (PO) of Pinus koraiensis mainly contains α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene that may ameliorate animal well-being and growth performance. This study evaluated its effects on feed intake, milk composition and yield, serum parameters, and litter growth of sows. Twenty-seven pregnant sows (parity 2-4) were distributed to three dietary treatments. The trial started on Day 107 of gestation and ended on Day 21 of lactation. Sows were given either a basal diet or the basal diet + 200 or 400 mg/kg PO. Each treatment contained nine sows and each sow was considered an experimental unit. Results showed that the average daily gain and weaned body weight of piglets from the sows fed 400 mg/kg PO supplements were higher (p < 0.05) than the piglets from the control sows. Lactose content in colostrum samples and fat content in milk samples were higher (p < 0.05) in 400 mg/kg PO-treated sows, respectively, than those from the sows fed basal diet. Additionally, cortisol concentration and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in sow serum was lowered (p < 0.05) by 400 mg/kg PO on Day 21 of lactation. In conclusion, supplementation of 400 mg/kg PO during late gestation and lactation contributed to greater offspring growth performance, possibly by enhanced milk quality and alleviated maternal stress.

Fitting mathematical functions to extended lactation curves and forecasting late-lactation milk yields of dairy cows

A 305-d lactation followed by a 60-d dry period has traditionally been considered economically optimal, yet dairy cows in modern intensive dairy systems are frequently dried off while still producing significant quantities of milk. Managing cows for an extended lactation has reported production, welfare, and economic benefits, but not all cows are suitable for an extended lactation. Implementation of an extended lactation strategy on-farm could benefit from use of a decision support system, based on a mathematical lactation model, that can identify suitable cows during early lactation that have a high likelihood of producing above a target milk yield (MY) at 305 d in milk (DIM). Therefore, our objectives were (1) to compare the suitability of 3 commonly used lactation models for modeling extended lactations (Dijkstra, Wood, and Wilmink) in primiparous and multiparous cows under a variety of lactation lengths, and (2) to determine the amount of early-lactation daily MY data needed to accurately forecast MY at d 305 by using the most suitable model and determine whether this is sufficient for identifying cows suitable for an extended lactation before the end of a typical voluntary waiting period (50-90 d). Daily MY data from 467 individual Holstein-Friesian lactations (DIM >305 d; 379 ± 65-d lactation length [mean ± SD]) were fitted by the 3 lactation models using a nonlinear regression procedure. The parameter estimates of these models, lactation characteristics (peak yield, time to peak yield, and persistency), and goodness-of-fit were compared between parity and different lactation lengths. The models had similar performance, and differences between parity groups were consistent with previous literature. Then, data from only the first i DIM for each individual lactation, where i was incremented by 30 d from 30 to 150 DIM and by 50 d from 150 to 300 DIM, were fitted by each model to forecast MY at d 305. The Dijkstra model was selected for further analysis, as it had superior goodness-of-fit statistics for i= 30 and 60. The data set was fit twice by the Dijkstra model, with parameter bounds either unconstrained or constrained. The quality of predictions of MY at d 305 improved with increasing data availability for both models and assisting the model fitting procedure with more biologically relevant constraints on parameters improved the predictions, but neither was reliable enough for practical use on-farm due to the high uncertainty of forecasted predictions. Using 90 d of data, the constrained model correctly classified 66% of lactations as being above or below a target MY at d 305 of 25 kg/d, with a probability threshold of 0.95. The proportion of correct classifications became smaller at lower targets of MY at d 305 and became greater when using more lactation days. Overall, further work is required to develop a model that can forecast late-lactation MY with sufficient accuracy for practical use. We envisage that a hybridized machine learning and mechanistic model that incorporates additional historical and genetic information with early-lactation MY could produce meaningful lactation curve forecasts.

Oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy and risk reduction of mortality in very low birth weight premature newborns: a clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy (OCI) on the mortality of preterm newborns (PTNB) with very low birth weight (VLBW).

METHOD

Non-randomized clinical trial, carried out with 138 mother-child pairs attended at a public maternity hospital. The treatment group used raw colostrum, dripping 4 drops (0.2 ml) into the oropharyngeal mucosa, totaling 8 administrations in 24 h, up to the 7th complete day of life (OCI). The control group was composed of newborns admitted to the same maternity hospital before the implementation of the OCI. Analyzes were performed: descriptive, bivariate, multiple logistic regression, and survival analysis, with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI.

RESULTS

The treatment group had an RR of death of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.07-0.67; p = 0.00), adjusted for maternal age, marital status, gestational hypertension, type of delivery, number of prenatal visits, and birth weight. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) demonstrated that for every 5 individuals treated with OCI, one death was prevented NNT = 4.9 (95% CI = 1.84-5.20); however, for PTNB with VLBW who remained hospitalized for 50, 100 and 150 days, the NNT reduces to 4, 4 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The OCI proved to be a beneficial intervention, since it reduced the risk of mortality in PTNB with VLBW when compared to the control group.

Characterization of lyophilized equine colostrum

Foals require maternal colostrum in the first hours of life to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTIP). Innovative storage methods such as lyophilization may enable conservation of colostrum immunoglobulins by a differentiated process of dehydration. The current study aimed to compare the quality of equine colostrum after freezing and after the lyophilization process. Thirty-one pregnant Quarter Horse mares were used. The IgG concentration of frozen and lyophilized colostrum was determined by simple radial immunodiffusion (SRID) and Brix refractometry. The physical-chemical composition (pH, total protein (TP), fat, lactose, salts, total solids (TS), and density) of the samples was evaluated and the lyophilized colostrum reconstitution test was performed. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the variables IgG, fat, lactose, salts, TS, density, and pH between samples measured before and after lyophilization. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the Brix average and the TP of the frozen and lyophilized colostrum samples. Lyophilization resulted in a small reduction (6.55%) in the IgG concentration measured by SRID. A strong positive correlation was observed between colostrum density and IgG concentration by SRID (r = 0.76) and between Brix and IgG concentration by SRID (r = 0.77). In the reconstitution test, the lyophilized colostrum was easily rehydrated in water, with full dilution, and remained stable. Lyophilization could be an alternative for the conservation of mare colostrum, since it is a very efficient process for retaining the physicochemical characteristics of the product, with minimal loss, particularly of IgG.

Efficacy of oral administration of specific immunoglobulins in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea in dairy herds

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bovine concentrated lactoserum (BCL) containing specific immunoglobulin G against Escherichia coli, rotavirus and coronavirus in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD).

METHODS

A total of 489 newborn calves from 35 herds were orally given either BCL or a placebo before the first feeding of colostrum and clinically supervised by the farmers for the first 14 days of life. The diarrhoea score was defined according to the following criteria: 0 = no diarrhoea; 1 = light diarrhoea without medical treatment; 2 = diarrhoea requiring oral treatment (rehydration and/or antibiotic therapy); and 3 = severe diarrhoea requiring parenteral rehydration or resulting in death.

RESULTS

A total of 138 calves suffered from diarrhoea (28%), and 65 (13%) showed signs of diarrhoea requiring treatment. The odds of getting NCD were reduced (odds ratio = 0.326; p < 0.001) in the BCL group. There was a tendency towards a reduction in the duration of NCD in the BCL group (2.25 (±1.7) days vs. 2.88 (±2.7) days in the placebo group) (p = 0.052). Furthermore, no calves died in the BCL group, whereas four calves died in the placebo group.

LIMITATIONS

Because of the design of the study using animals in practice, the mechanisms explaining the clinical findings remain as hypotheses. Diarrhoea scoring performed by farmers has to be analysed and interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that BCL as a single preventive treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of NCD even in a region with good general management of dairy calves and overall good colostrum quality.

Bioactivity and efficacy of a hyperimmune bovine colostrum product- Travelan, against shigellosis in a non-Human primate model (Macaca mulatta)

Infectious diarrhea is a World Health Organization public health priority area due to the lack of effective vaccines and an accelerating global antimicrobial resistance crisis. New strategies are urgently needed such as immunoprophylactic for prevention of diarrheal diseases. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) is an established and effective prophylactic for infectious diarrhea. The commercial HBC product, Travelan® (Immuron Ltd, Australia) targets multiple strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is highly effective in preventing diarrhea in human clinical studies. Although Travelan® targets ETEC, preliminary studies suggested cross-reactivity with other Gram-negative enteric pathogens including Shigella and Salmonella species. For this study we selected an invasive diarrheal/dysentery-causing enteric pathogen, Shigella, to evaluate the effectiveness of Travelan®, both in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate broad cross-reactivity of Travelan® with all four Shigella spp. (S. flexneri, S. sonnei, S. dysenteriae and S. boydii) and important virulence factor Shigella antigens. Naïve juvenile rhesus macaques (NJRM) were randomized, 8 dosed with Travelan® and 4 with a placebo intragastrically twice daily over 6 days. All NJRM were challenged with S. flexneri 2a strain 2457T on the 4th day of treatment and monitored for diarrheal symptoms. All placebo-treated NJRM displayed acute dysentery symptoms within 24-36 hours of challenge. Two Travelan®-treated NJRM displayed dysentery symptoms and six animals remained healthy and symptom-free post challenge; resulting in 75% efficacy of prevention of shigellosis (p = 0.014). These results strongly indicate that Travelan® is functionally cross-reactive and an effective prophylactic for shigellosis. This has positive implications for the prophylactic use of Travelan® for protection against both ETEC and Shigella spp. diarrheal infections. Future refinement and expansion of pathogens recognized by HBC including Travelan® could revolutionize current management of gastrointestinal infections and outbreaks in travelers' including military, peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and in populations living in endemic regions of the world.

Alleviation of DSS-induced colitis via bovine colostrum-derived extracellular vesicles with microRNA let-7a-5p is mediated by regulating Akkermansia and -hydroxybutyrate in gut environments

IMPORTANCE

Even though studying on the possible involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in host-microbe interactions, how these relationships mediate host physiology has not clarified yet. Our current findings provide insights into the encouraging benefits of dietary source-derived EVs and microRNAs (miRNAs) on organic acid production and ultimately stimulating gut microbiome for human health, suggesting that supplementation of dietary colostrum EVs and miRNAs is a novel preventive strategy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Minerals and essential amino acids of bovine colostrum: Phenotypic variability and predictive ability of mid- and near-infrared spectroscopy

Colostrum quality and volume are fundamental for calves because it is the primary supplier of antibodies and the first source of energy, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins for the newborn. Assessing the detailed composition (i.e., AA and mineral content) of bovine colostrum (BC) on-line and at a reasonable cost would help dairy stakeholders such as farmers or veterinarians for precision feeding purposes and industries producing preparations containing BC such as foodstuff, supplements, and medicaments. In the present study we evaluated mid- (MIRS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) prediction ability for AA and mineral composition of individual BC. Second, we the investigated the major factors affecting the phenotypic variability of such traits also evaluating the correlations with the Ig concentration. Results demonstrated that MIRS and NIRS were able to provide sufficiently accurate predictions for all the AA. The coefficient of determination in external validation (R2V) fell, in fact, within the range of 0.70 to 0.86, with the exception of Ile, His, and Met. Only some minerals reached a sufficient accuracy (i.e., Ca, P, S, and Mg; R2V ≥ 0.66) using MIRS, and also S (R2V = 0.87) using NIRS. Phenotypically, both parity and calving season affected the variability of these BC composition traits. Heifers' colostrum was the one with the greatest concentration of Ca and P, the 2 most abundant minerals. These minerals were however very low in cows calving in summer compared with the rest of the year. The pattern of AA across parities and calving season was not linear, likely because their variability was scarcely (or not) affected by these effects. Finally, samples characterized by high IgG concentration were those presenting on average greater concentration of AA. Findings suggest that infrared spectroscopy has the potential to be used to predict certain AA and minerals, outlining the possibility of implementing on-site analyses for the evaluation of the broad-sense BC quality.

The effects of colostrum consumption and feed restriction during marketing and transportation of male dairy beef calves: Impact on pre-transport nutritional status and on farm recovery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostrum consumption and feed restriction on biomarkers of stress, nutritional and health status, gut functionality, and behavior in male dairy beef calves being marketed and transported. A total of 82 male Holstein calves (42 ± 1.2 kg of body weight and 14 ± 0.9 d of age) were used to study the amount of colostrum given at birth at the dairy farm of origin, the degree of feed restriction suffered at an assembly center simulation (d -4 to d -1), and the effects of a 19 h transportation (d -1). Treatments were as follows: control calves (CTRL; n = 16) were fed 10 L of colostrum at the dairy farm of origin, milk replacer (MR) and concentrate at the assembly center, and were not transported; calves fed high colostrum and milk replacer (HCMR; n = 17) were given 10 L of colostrum at the dairy farm of origin, MR at the assembly center, and transported; calved fed high colostrum and rehydrating solution (HCRS; n = 16) were given 10 L of colostrum at the dairy farm of origin, a rehydrating solution (RS) at the assembly center, and transported; calves fed low colostrum and milk replacer (LCMR; n = 17) were given 2 L of colostrum at the dairy farm of origin, MR at the assembly center, and transported; and calves fed low colostrum and rehydrating solution (LCRS; n = 16) were given 2 L of colostrum at the dairy farm of origin, RS at the assembly center, and transported. Transported calves mimic a 19-h transportation. After transport, all calves were fed 2.5 L of MR twice daily and had ad libitum access to concentrate, straw, and water. Calves' recovery was followed for 7 d. Concentrate intake and health records were collected daily from d -4 until d 7 and body weight (BW) and blood samples were collected on d -4, -1, 0, 1, 2, and 7 of the study. Results showed that the feeding regimen provided at the assembly center reduced BW for the HCRS and LCRS calves compared with the CTRL, HCMR, and LCMR calves. Concentrate intake peaked on d 0 in the transported calves, followed by a reduction of intake on d 1 after transportation. Concentrate intake recovery was lower for the LCRS and LCMR calves. On d -1, nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were greater for the HCRS and LCRS calves compared with the CTRL, HCMR, and HCRS calves. After transportation, serum Cr-EDTA concentration was greater for the HCRS and LCRS calves than the HCMR, LCMR, and CTRL calves. The LCRS calves had the lowest serum concentration of citrulline. Finally, health scores were greater for the LCRS calves from d 0 to 7. In summary, both the greatest degree of feed restriction during the assembly center and the low colostrum consumption at birth negatively affected the recovery of concentrate consumption and BW, gut functionality, health status, and behavior in calves after arrival at the rearing farm.

An Investigation of the Suitability of Viscosity Detection in Estimating IgG Content in Mare Colostrum

An adequate supply of colostrum is important for the prevention of hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals. In addition to the quantity of colostrum consumed and the time of consumption, the quality of the colostrum, the immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration, is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the viscosity of equine colostrum was a suitable estimate of IgG concentration. IgG content of colostrum was measured by ELISA and viscosity directly measured with a cone plate viscometer and indirectly assessed with a funnel. Analysis of 56 colostrum samples obtained from 40 mares at different postpartum time points was conducted to assess colostrum samples with varying levels of quality. The range of IgG concentrations determined by ELISA was 0.83 to 245.5 mg/mL (30.69 ± 41.92 mg/mL). The range of viscosity values determined by the cone plate method was 1.84 to 110.00 cP (7.86 ± 17.48 cP) at a shear rate of 3 rpm. Colostrum drainage from the funnel (drainage time), varied between 7.9 and 30.0 s, with an average of 9.96 ± 4.48 s. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman's rank correlation analyses were calculated and significant correlation found between viscosity and IgG content (ρ = 0.71, P < .001), as well as between drainage time and IgG content (ρ = 0.75, P < .001). These correlations indicate that determining the viscosity of equine colostrum by cone plate or drainage time, may be an effective proxy measurement of IgG content.

Feeding colostrum and transition milk facilitates digestive tract functionality recovery from feed restriction and fasting of dairy calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestive tract recovery and metabolism of feeding either bovine colostrum (BC), transition milk (TM), or milk replacer (MR) after an episode of feed restriction and fasting (FRF) in dairy calves. Thirty-five Holstein male calves (22 ± 4.8 d old) were involved in a 50-d study. After 3 d of feeding 2 L of rehydration solution twice daily and 19 h of fasting (d 1 of study), calves were randomly assigned to one of the 5 feeding treatments (n = 7): calves were offered either pooled BC during 4 (C4) or 10 (C10) days, pooled TM during 4 (TM4) or 10 (TM10) days, or MR for 10 d (CTRL) at the rate of 720 g/d DM content. Then, all calves were fed the same feeding program, gradually decreasing MR from 3 L twice daily to 2 L once daily at 12.5% DM until weaning (d 42), and concentrate feed, water, and straw were offered ad libitum until d 50. Citrulline, Cr-EDTA, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in serum and complete blood count (CBC) were determined on d -3, 1, 2, 5, and 11 relative to FRF, except BHB and NEFA at d -3. Volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactoferrin (LTF), IgA, and microbiota (Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and Fecalis prausnitzii) were analyzed in feces on d 5 and 11 before the morning feeding. Health scores were recorded daily from d -3 to d 14 as well as d 23 and 30. Feed concentrate, MR, and straw intake were recorded daily, and body weight on d -3, 1, 2, 5, and 11 and weekly afterward. Calf performance, intake, serum Cr-EDTA, CBC, fecal LTF concentrations and microbiota parameters were similar among treatments throughout the study. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater in TM4, TM10 and C10 calves compared with the CTRL ones from d 2 to 11, and after the FRF, serum concentrations of BHB were lower in CTRL calves than in the other treatments, and on d 11, serum BHB concentrations in the long treatments (C10 and TM10) remained greater than those in the shorter ones (C4 and TM4) and CTRL. Serum citrulline concentrations were similar on d -3 and 1 in all treatments, but they were greater in C4, C10, TM4, and TM10 on d 2 and 5, and on d 11 they were only greater in C10 and TM10 than in CTRL calves. Fecal IgA concentrations tended to be greater in C10 than in CTRL, TM4, and TM10 calves, and in C4 and TM10 than in CTRL animals. Fecal propionate proportion was lesser in C10 than in CTRL, TM4, and TM10 calves, while butyrate was greater in C4 and C10 than in TM4 and CTRL calves. The proportion of non-normal fecal scores of C10 fed calves was greater than TM4 and TM10 calves. Results showed that TM and BC may help to recover intestinal functionality, provide gut immune protection, and increase liver fatty acid oxidation in calves after a FRF episode.

Topics on maternal, fetal and neonatal immunology of dogs and cats

Birth and the first few weeks of age are critical periods of developing the immune system of puppies and kittens and adapting to an environment containing a variety of infectious agents. The survival rate during these periods depends mainly on the newborn's immune capacity to prevent and combat infections. Although most components of innate and adaptive immunity are present at birth, responses are slow and immature compared to adults. Due to immunological immaturity and the endotheliochorial placental structure, circulating concentrations of immunoglobulins in dogs and cats at birth are quite low. Thus, newborns need a prompt and immediate immune response, which is essentially provided by defense cells and maternal antibodies via colostrum. Failure to ingest colostrum is correlated with high mortality rates in the neonatal period. Concurrently, factors related to pregnant, such as pregnancy physiological immunosuppression and nutritional and health states, can directly influence newborn immunity and health. Therefore, understanding the maternal and neonatal immunological aspects, importance of colostrum, risk factors for failure to transfer passive immunity and colostrum substitute strategies are essential to ensure the survival of the litter.

Usefulness of mid-infrared spectroscopy as a tool to estimate body condition score change from milk samples in intensively fed dairy cows

Directly measuring individual cow energy balance is not trivial. Other traits such as body condition score (BCS) and BCS change (ΔBCS) can, however, be used as an indicator of cow energy status. Body condition score is a metric used worldwide to estimate cow body reserves, but the estimation of ΔBCS was, until now, conditional on the availability of multiple BCS assessments. The aim of the present study was to estimate ΔBCS from milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra and days in milk (DIM) in intensively fed dairy cows using statistical prediction methods. Daily BCS was interpolated from cubic splines fitted through the BCS records and daily ΔBCS was calculated from these splines. The ΔBCS records were merged with milk MIR spectra recorded on the same week. The dataset comprised 37,077 ΔBCS phenotypes across 9,403 lactations from 6,988 cows in 151 herds based in Quebec, Canada. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and a neural network (NN) were then used to estimate ΔBCS from (1) MIR spectra only, (2) DIM only, or (3) MIR spectra and DIM together. The ΔBCS data in both the first 120 and 305 DIM of lactation were used to develop the estimates. Daily ΔBCS had a standard deviation of 4.40 × 10-3 BCS units in the 120-d dataset and of 3.63 × 10-3 BCS units in the 305-d dataset. A 4-fold cross-validation was used to calibrate and test the prediction equations. External validation was also conducted using more recent years of data. Irrespective of whether based on the first 120 or 305 DIM, or when MIR spectra only, DIM only or MIR spectra and DIM were jointly used as prediction variables, NN produced the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) of cross-validation (1.81 × 10-3 BCS units and 1.51 × 10-3 BCS units, respectively, using the 120-d and 305-d dataset). Relative to predictions for the entire 305 DIM, the RMSE of cross-validation was 15.4% and 1.5% lower in the first 120 DIM when using PLSR and NN, respectively. Predictions from DIM only were more accurate than those using just MIR spectra data but, irrespective of the dataset and of the prediction model used, combining DIM information with MIR spectral data as prediction variables reduced the RMSE compared with the inclusion of DIM alone, albeit the benefit was small (the RMSE from cross-validation reduced by up to 5.5% when DIM and spectral data were jointly used as model features instead of DIM only). However, when predicting extreme ΔBCS records, the MIR spectral data were more informative than DIM. Model performance when predicting ΔBCS records in future years was similar to that from cross-validation demonstrating the ability of MIR spectra of milk and DIM combined to estimate ΔBCS, particularly in early lactation. This can be used to routinely generate estimates of ΔBCS to aid in day-to-day individual cow management.

How benchmarking motivates colostrum management practices on dairy farms: A realistic evaluation

This study used realistic evaluation to determine how, and in which circumstances, providing dairy farmers with benchmarked data on their calves can motivate improved colostrum management practices. Dairy farmers from British Columbia, Canada, were recruited through 2 veterinary clinics that offered benchmarking of calf data as part of their services. For approximately 8 wk, blood samples were collected from newborn calves to evaluate serum total protein concentrations as an indicator of the effectiveness of the farmer's colostrum management. These data were analyzed separately for heifer calves ("replacement calves") and non-replacement calves, including males and beef crossbred females ("surplus calves"). The results of these analyses were benchmarked against other participating herds and presented to dairy farmers (n = 27) by their herd veterinarian (n = 7). Follow-up interviews were conducted separately with the farmers and veterinarians after each meeting to determine their perspectives on the utility of this benchmarking strategy. Therefore, a total of 42 interviews were coded, and realistic evaluation was used to determine common contexts and mechanisms that contributed to the success or failure of the benchmark meeting, with success characterized by farmers' expressed intention to improve their colostrum management practices. Four important contexts were identified that influenced the outcome of the benchmark meetings: (1) farm resources (e.g., facility limitations), (2) the farmer's perception of their calf performance, (3) management strategies, and (4) the farmer's personal values. Depending on these contexts, some farmers intended to improve their calf care practices based on resources the benchmark meeting provided, which included illustrative data and veterinary advice. These resources motivated change through influencing farmer decision-making, which depended on the value they saw in the data as a decision-making tool. The economic or moral interest farmers expressed in their surplus calves also influenced whether farmers intended to implement management changes. Recommendations for future implementation of benchmarking include targeting producers who are motivated to improve and who value the future performance of their calves, those who have engaged calf care personnel, and those who prefer data-driven decision-making. This study supports the important role veterinarians can play in motivating improved calf care practices through providing benchmarking services.

The effect of maternal supply of rumen-protected protein to Holstein Friesian cows during the dry period on the transfer of passive immunity and colostral microbial composition

The objective of this study was to analyze if maternal supply of rumen-protected protein during the dry period can affect the IgG concentration and microbial composition of colostrum and the IgG absorption and fecal microbial composition in the calf. Seventy-four multiparous Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows were stratified per parity and randomly assigned to one of 2 different dry period diets, a diet with a low crude protein (CP) level (LP) and a diet with a high CP level (HP) by addition of rumen-undegraded protein (RUP; formaldehyde-treated soybean meal, Mervobest, Nuscience, Drongen, Belgium). Colostrum was collected within 1 h after calving and IgG concentration was quantified by radial immunodiffusion analysis. Forty-nine calves (23 female and 26 male) were enrolled in the trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design, with prenatal and postnatal treatment as the 2 independent variables. This led to 4 experimental groups: LPLP, LPHP, HPLP, and HPHP, in which the first 2 letters refer to the prenatal treatment (diet of the dam) and the last 2 refer to the postnatal treatment (diet of the colostrum-producing cow). Calves received 3× 2 L of colostrum within 2, 6, and 24 h after birth. Meconium and feces were collected solely from female calves (n = 18) by digital palpation of the rectum, immediately after birth and before colostrum administration and at d 3 of age. Microbial DNA was extracted from meconium (n = 9), feces (n = 15), and colostrum (n = 49). Amplicon sequencing of the bacterial V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed for characterization of the bacterial communities. Colostrum IgG concentration was higher in cows that were supplemented with RUP, especially in cows entering their second lactation (LSM ± SEM 61.3 ± 2.3 vs. 55.2 ± 2.8 g of IgG/L). Calves born out of LP cows that received colostrum from HP cows (LPHP) had a lower serum IgG level compared with HPHP and LPLP calves (LSM ± SEM 14.2 ± 1.3 vs. 18.8 ± 1.2 and 20.9 ± 1.3 g of IgG/L in HPHP and LPLP, respectively). The most abundant phyla in colostrum were Proteobacteria (48.2%), Firmicutes (24.8%), Bacteroidetes (9.5%), and Actinobacteria (5.0%). The most abundant phyla in calf meconium and feces were Firmicutes (42.5 and 47.5%), Proteobacteria (21.7% and 33.7%), Bacteroidetes (16.8% and 15.7%), and Actinobacteria (2.9% and 3.1%). There was no difference in the overall microbial communities between colostrum from HP and LP cows. However, 2 genera (both members of the family Lachnospiraceae) were more abundant in colostrum from HP cows compared with LP cows. The microbial composition of meconium, feces and colostrum differed from each other. Fecal samples were more similar to each other and are characterized by a lower intersample diversity compared with colostrum and meconium samples. To conclude, increasing the CP level by addition of RUP in the dry period diet affected the colostrum IgG concentration and the transfer of passive immunity, but did not change the overall microbial composition of colostrum nor of meconium and feces in the calf.

Maternal Consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners during Pregnancy Is Associated with Alterations in the Colostrum Microbiota

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) provide a sweet taste to foods and beverages without significantly adding calories. Still, their consumption has been linked to modifications in adult's and children's gut microbiota and the disruption of blood glucose control. Human milk microbiota are paramount in establishing infants' gut microbiota, but very little is known about whether the consumption of sweeteners can alter it. To address this question, we sequenced DNA extracted colostrum samples from a group of mothers, who had different levels of NNS consumption, using the Ion Torrent Platform. Our results show that the "core" of colostrum microbiota, composed of the genera Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Cutibacteium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, remains practically unchanged with the consumption of NNS during pregnancy, but specific genera display significant alterations, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. A significant increase in the unclassified archaea Methanobrevibacter spp. was observed as the consumption frequency of NNS increased. The increase in the abundance of this archaea has been previously linked to obesity in Mexican children. NNS consumption during pregnancy could be related to changes in colostrum microbiota and may affect infants' gut microbiota seeding and their future health.

Hyperimmune bovine colostrum containing lipopolysaccharide antibodies (IMM124-E) has a nondetrimental effect on gut microbial communities in unchallenged mice

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhea with the potential to cause long-term gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. Preventative treatments for ETEC-induced diarrhea exist, yet the effects of these treatments on GI commensals in healthy individuals are unclear. Whether administration of a prophylactic preventative treatment for ETEC-induced diarrhea causes specific shifts in gut microbial populations in controlled environments is also unknown. Here, we studied the effects of a hyperimmune bovine colostrum (IMM-124E) used in the manufacture of Travelan (AUST L 106709) on GI bacteria in healthy C57BL/6 mice. Using next-generation sequencing, we aimed to test the onset and magnitude of potential changes to the mouse gut microbiome in response to the antidiarrheagenic hyperimmune bovine colostrum product, rich in immunoglobulins against select ETEC strains (Travelan, Immuron Ltd). We show that in mice administered colostrum containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibodies, there was an increased abundance of potentially gut-beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Desulfovibrio, without disrupting the underlying ecology of the GI tract. Compared to controls, there was no difference in overall weight gain, body or cecal weights, or small intestine length following LPS antibody colostrum supplementation. Overall, dietary supplementation with colostrum containing LPS antibodies produced subtle alterations in the gut bacterial composition of mice. Primarily, Travelan LPS antibody treatment decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in gut microbial populations in unchallenged healthy mice. Further studies are required to examine the effect of Travelan LPS antibody treatment to engineer the microbiome in a diseased state and during recovery.

Long-Term Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Football Players

Physical exercise, especially of high intensity, is a significant burden on an athlete's body. It should be emphasized that achieving high results in competitive sports requires the use of significant, sometimes extreme, exercise loads during training, which may result in homeostasis disorders, adversely affecting the fitness of athletes. This study aims to investigate the effects of 6 months of bovine colostrum supplementation on indicators of immune system functioning, selected parameters related to iron management, and anabolic/catabolic balance in young football players. Twenty-eight male football players completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover protocol (24 weeks of colostrum/placebo). A standardized exercise test was executed at the beginning of the trial and after 3 and 6 months of supplementation. Blood samples were taken before and after the exercise test and after 3 h of recovery. Markers of iron homeostasis, pro- and anti-inflammatory balance, and hormonal responses were determined. A significant increase in immunoglobulin G concentration was observed, accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory markers in supplemented athletes. Bovine colostrum supplementation had no significant effect on athletes' performance or on iron management and hormonal response. The use of bovine colostrum, which is characterized by a high content of immunologically active compounds, can be an element of a relatively mild and safe intervention for reducing inflammation induced by intense physical exercise.

Genetic aspects of Wood's lactation curve parameters in Jersey crossbred cattle using Bayesian approach

The study was undertaken to estimate the genetic parameters of lactation curve parameters of Wood's function in Jersey crossbred cattle using the Bayesian approach. Data on 33,906 fortnightly test day milk yields of 1,718 lactation records of Jersey crossbred cows, maintained at the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute in West Bengal, were collected over a period of 40 years. The lactation curve parameters including 'a' (initial milk yield after calving), 'b' (ascending slope up to peak yield) and 'c' (descending slope after peak yield) and lactation curve traits, peak yield (ymax), time of peak yield (tmax) and persistency of milk yield (P) of individual cow for each lactation were estimated using the incomplete gamma function (Wood's model) by fitting the Gauss-Newton algorithm as an iteration method using PROC NLIN procedure of SAS 9.3. Variance components and genetic parameters of lactation curve parameters/traits were estimated by a repeatability animal model using the Bayesian approach. Estimates of heritabilities were found to be 0.18 ± 0.05, 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.11 ± 0.04 for parameters 'a', 'b' and 'c', respectively and 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.12 ± 0.04, and 0.15 ± 0.05 for ymax, tmax and P, respectively. Repeatability estimates were 0.31 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.04 and 0.30 ± 0.04 for parameters 'a', 'b' and 'c' respectively and 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.24 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.03 for ymax, tmax and p, respectively. Genetic correlations among lactation curve parameters/traits ranged from -0.75 to 0.95. Existence of genetic correlations among lactation curve parameters/traits indicated substantial genetic and physiological relationships among lactation curve parameters/traits of Jersey crossbred cattle.

Influence of high- and low-fermentable dietary fibres in sows' diet on the colostrum potential against Clostridioides difficile toxin-induced effects in IPEC-J2 cells

Sow colostrum has been reported to protect the IPEC-J2 cells and piglet colon tissues from detrimental effect of Clostridioides difficile toxins. Since dietary fibre can influence the colostrum composition in sows, we hypothesised that it can also differentially affect the colostrum potential against C. difficile toxin-induced effects in IPEC-J2. IPEC-J2 were incubated with colostrum from sows fed either high-fermentable sugar beet pulp (SBP) or low-fermentable lignocellulose (LNC) fibres and in combination with the toxins and analysed by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell viability using propidium iodide in flow cytometry. Toxins drastically decreased the integrity of IPEC-J2. Colostrum from the sows fed either SBP or LNC exerted protective effect against toxins on IPEC-J2 integrity and this effect was numerically superior in the SBP group. Differences in the percentages of TEER between different treatments were noted after 2 h (p = 0.043), 3 h (p = 0.017) and 4 h (p = 0.017) of incubation and a tendency for differences was noted after 5 h of incubation (p = 0.071). Colostrum from either SBP- or LNC-fed sows did not protect the IPEC-J2 from toxin-induced death. Colostrum of the sows fed either high-fermentable or low-fermentable fibres has a potential to protect IPEC-J2 from the loss of integrity, which may be important in protection from C. difficile-infection development in neonatal piglets.

Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 1: Risk factors

Maternal antibodies, delivered to the calf via colostrum, are crucial to prevent calfhood diseases and death. However, knowledge regarding the factors influencing this transfer of total and specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against common enteric and respiratory disease pathogens under current production conditions is sparse. The objectives of this study were to determine risk factors influencing total and pathogen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations against Escherichia coli (E. coli), bovine Rotavirus (BRoV), Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 (BVDV), Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PI-3), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) in the serum of newborn beef calves. A total of 420 serum samples were collected from 1- to 7-day-old beef calves born on 6 farms in Alberta, Canada. Samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion for total IgG concentration and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for pathogen-specific IgG concentrations against E. coli, BRoV, C. parvum, BVDV, PI-3, BRSV, and BHV-1. Multivariable multilevel linear and logistic regression models were built to evaluate dam- and calf-level risk factors associated with total and pathogen-specific IgG concentrations, failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI; serum IgG < 10 g/L), and inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI; serum IgG < 24 g/L). Farm was included as a random effect in all models to account for clustering at the herd level. Of the 420 calves included in this study, 5% (n = 20) and 18% (n = 75) of calves had FTPI and ITPI, respectively. Receiving colostrum intervention (i.e., being fed colostrum or colostrum product by either bottle or tube) was the most consistent risk factor for low total IgG concentration and significantly increased the odds of FTPI (Odds ratio (OR): 6.1, 95% CI: 2.0-18.9) and ITPI (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.1-10.8). Calves born to cows consistently had higher pathogen-specific IgG concentrations (P < 0.0001), compared to calves born from heifers, and calves born to vaccinated dams had significantly higher BRoV, BVDV, and BHV-1-specific IgG concentrations. Interestingly, E.coli-specific IgG concentrations were associated with dam vaccination only in cows but not in heifers, which was likely due to differing vaccination strategies used. This study highlights the need to review and refine protocols with respect to dam vaccination and colostrum intervention on cow-calf operations.