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Tavares DHS, Vargas JAC, Bozorg VLDA, Neiva JNM, de Andrade Moura JH, Freitas IB, da Silva Pinto TM, Sousa LF, Miotto FRC. Impact of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain on nutrient utilization and the rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle under tropical conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:201. [PMID: 38990398 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effect of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain in high-concentrate diets with or without the addition of silage, on the intake, digestibility, and rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in tropical regions. Four cannulated, crossbred steers were used, 4.5 ± 0.5 years old, with an average weight of 685.55 ± 111.78 kg. The steers were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two sources of protein: protein pellets or whole soybean grain, with or without added dietary bulk). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.109) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, or the digestibility (P ≥ 0.625) of DM or crude protein (CP). However, both factors affected (P ≤ 0.052) the intake of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), as well as the independent digestibility (P ≤ 0.099) of fat, NFC, total carbohydrates (TC), and total cholesterol concentration. There was an effect (P ≤ 0.053) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on the digestibility of NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN), as well as on the glycose concentration (P = 0.003). Blood parameters (i.e. protein, albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) were not affected (P ≥ 0.139) by the source of protein, the addition of silage, or their interaction. Lastly, including 150 g/kg silage DM in a high-grain diet, and using soybean grain as a source of protein in substitution of protein pellet could be a suitable nutritional strategy to ensure adequate DM and nutrient intake and digestibility, with no detrimental effects on rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julián Andrés Castillo Vargas
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil.
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Maranhão, Buriticupu Campus, Buriticupu, Maranhão, 65393-000, Brazil.
| | - Vera Lúcia de Araújo Bozorg
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Jose Neuman Miranda Neiva
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - José Helder de Andrade Moura
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Ithalo Barros Freitas
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Thays Matias da Silva Pinto
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Luciano Fernandes Sousa
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Fabrícia Rocha Chaves Miotto
- Center for Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, 77804-970, Brazil.
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Silvestre AM, Souza JM, Millen DD. Adoption of adaptation protocols and feed additives to improve performance of feedlot cattle. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2191679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M. Silvestre
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Johnny M. Souza
- College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo D. Millen
- College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pickinpaugh WJ, Neville BW, Moore RL, Caton JS. Impacts of added roughage on growth performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and ruminal pH of feedlot steers fed wheat-based feedlot diets containing 30% modified distillers grains with solubles. Transl Anim Sci 2022; 6:txac051. [PMID: 35663611 PMCID: PMC9155159 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the inclusion rate roughage in wheat-based diets containing modified distillers grains with solubles (MDGS) on feedlot performance (Feedlot Experiment), as well as digestibility, ruminal pH, and ruminal fermentation characteristics (Digestibility Experiment). The feedlot experiment utilized 72 Angus steers (392 ± 46.3 kg initial body weight) which were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 pens, 3 pens per treatment, to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Dietary treatments were 1) control; 10% roughage, 2) 12% roughage, 3) 14% roughage, and 4) 16% roughage. The digestibility experiment used four ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (393 ± 33.0 kg) in a 4 × 4 Latin Square with either 10%, 12%, 14%, or 16% roughage as in the feedlot experiment. However, dietary roughage source was different between these two experiments and included a combination of grass hay and wheat straw (Feedlot Experiment), and corn silage (Digestibility Experiment). All data were analyzed with the Mixed Procedures of SAS. Feed intake was recorded, with duodenal and fecal output calculated using chromic oxide. Ruminal pH and fermentation were assessed. Growth performance and most carcass characteristics were not affected by increasing roughage (P ≥ 0.11). Marbling tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.10) with increasing roughage inclusion. Increasing dietary roughage content had no effect on organic matter intake (P = 0.60) in the digestibility experiment. Intake, duodenal flow, and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.16). Ruminal pH increased linearly (P < 0.01) as rate of roughage inclusion increased. Ruminal concentrations of acetate and butyrate increased, and propionate decreased in a linear fashion (P < 0.01) thereby increasing (P < 0.01) acetate and butyrate to propionate ratio with increasing dietary roughage. Our data indicate that increasing roughage inclusion in wheat-based diets including 30% MDGS increased ruminal pH and shifted ruminal fermentation patterns. Additionally, increasing roughage inclusion did not affect feedlot performance in steers fed wheat at 36% to 42% of dietary dry matter in combination with 30% MDGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayde J Pickinpaugh
- Carrington Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Carrington, ND 58421, USA
| | - Bryan W Neville
- Carrington Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Carrington, ND 58421, USA
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Rebecca L Moore
- Carrington Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Carrington, ND 58421, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Pereira MCS, Yang WZ, Beauchemin KA, McAllister TA, Wood KM, Penner GB. Effect of silage source, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and undigested neutral detergent fiber concentrations on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txaa236. [PMID: 33569540 PMCID: PMC7859906 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of silage source (barley vs. wheat silage) when harvested at two chop lengths (low vs. high physically effective neutral detergent fiber [peNDF]) and when barley silage was partially replaced with straw to increase the undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentration on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Four hundred and fifty yearling commercial crossbred steers with an initial body weight (BW) of 432 ± 30.5 kg were allocated to 30 pens and fed diets containing 90% concentrate:10% forage for 123 d in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement. Treatments included 1) barley silage (BarS) with low peNDF (LpeNDF); 2) BarS with high peNDF (HpeNDF); 3) BarS with straw to yield a diet with LpeNDF + uNDF; 4) wheat silage (WhS) LpeNDF; and 5) WhS HpeNDF. There were no silage × peNDF interactions for dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), or gain to feed ratio (G:F), but cattle fed WhS LpeNDF had a lower (P < 0.01) proportion of yield grade 3 and a greater proportion in yield grade 2 carcasses than cattle fed BarS LpeNDF or HpeNDF and WhS HpeNDF. Cattle fed WhS LpeNDF had greater (P = 0.02) incidence of severe liver abscesses when compared with cattle fed BarS LpeNDF or HpeNDF and WhS HpeNDF. Cattle fed BarS consumed less (P < 0.01) uNDF as a percentage of BW, had increased (P = 0.02) ADG, heavier (P = 0.02) hot carcass weight, with greater (P = 0.01) back fat thickness, and (P < 0.01) incidence of minor liver abscesses when compared with cattle fed WhS. Feeding HpeNDF did not affect DMI, ADG, or G:F, but increased (P = 0.02) marbling score and reduced (P < 0.01) the proportion AA quality grade and increased (P < 0.01) those classified as AAA when compared with cattle fed LpeNDF. Cattle fed low uNDF had lesser (P < 0.01) uNDF intake as a percentage of BW, greater dressing percentage (P = 0.01), had a lower (P < 0.01) proportion of carcasses in yield grade 2, and a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of carcasses in yield grade 3 when compared with cattle fed high uNDF. Thus, silage source, peNDF, and uNDF content do not impact DMI or G:F when diets contain 10% forage, but BarS relative to WhS as well strategies increasing the peNDF concentration may increase ADG, HCW, back fat thickness, dressing percentage, marbling score, and carcasses classified as quality grade AAA. Future research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of peNDF and uNDF in rations for finishing cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murillo C S Pereira
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Wenzhu Z Yang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Karen A Beauchemin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Katharine M Wood
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Gregory B Penner
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Llonch L, Castillejos L, Ferret A. Increasing the content of physically effective fiber in high-concentrate diets fed to beef heifers affects intake, sorting behavior, time spent ruminating, and rumen pH. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa192. [PMID: 32516372 PMCID: PMC7320828 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe importance of fiber particle size in ruminal health is well known, but there are fewer studies to assess the requirements of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in beef cattle than in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to establish the optimal peNDF proportion in high-concentrate diets fed to beef cattle, to reduce the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis. The experimental design was a replicated Latin Square 4 × 4, with four periods of 21 d. Treatments consisted of four diets with different peNDF proportions: 6.4%, 10.4%, 13.6%, and 15.4%, offered ad libitum as total mixed ration, and containing 15% barley straw and 85% concentrate. Diets, which differed in proportions of straw > 4 mm (considered peNDF) and straw < 4 mm, were manually mixed with concentrate. This concentrate was the same for all diets. A ruminal bolus was orally administered to each heifer for pH measurement. Intake, water consumption, intake by particle size, feed sorting, feeding behavior, behavioral activities, and rumen pH were recorded. Chemical composition and particle sizes of diets offered were assessed in the last week of each period. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Orthogonal contrasts determined the linear and quadratic effects of increasing peNDF proportion. T-test procedure determined whether heifers carried out sorting behavior. Particles >4 mm linearly increased (P = 0.001), and particles <4 mm linearly decreased (P = 0.001) as peNDF increased. Water consumption and feeding behavior were unaffected by treatment. As peNDF increased, intakes of DM and NDF linearly decreased (P = 0.001), whereas peNDF intake increased (P = 0.001). Intake of particles > 4 mm linearly increased, whereas intake of particles < 4 mm linearly decreased (P = 0.001) as peNDF increased. Diet 6.4% performed sorting for particles > 4 mm (P < 0.01), and diets 13.6% and 15.4% against particles > 4 mm (P < 0.01). Diet 10.4% tended to sort against particles > 4 mm (P < 0.10). Time spent ruminating linearly increased (P = 0.001) as peNDF increased. Diets did not differ in mean and minimum rumen pH, but time under rumen pH thresholds (5.8, 5.7, 5.6, and 5.5) linearly decreased as peNDF increased (P < 0.05). The results suggested that the diet that best met the requirements of not compromising intake, limiting sorting behavior, and promoting time spent ruminating to reduce the number of hours under rumen pH thresholds, was the 10.4% diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Llonch
- Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lorena Castillejos
- Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alfred Ferret
- Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Goulart RS, Vieira RAM, Daniel JLP, Amaral RC, Santos VP, Toledo Filho SG, Cabezas-Garcia EH, Tedeschi LO, Nussio LG. Effects of source and concentration of neutral detergent fiber from roughage in beef cattle diets on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa107. [PMID: 32386225 PMCID: PMC7344115 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of source and concentration of α-amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) from roughage on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics in beef cattle receiving high-concentrate diets. Six ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (408 ± 12 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six diets: 10% aNDF from corn silage (10CS); 20% aNDF from corn silage (20CS); or four diets containing 10% aNDF from corn silage and 10% aNDF from one of the following sources: sugarcane (SC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), soybean hulls (SH), or low oil cottonseed hulls (LOCH). The parameters of passage and degradation kinetics were estimated based on a two-compartmental model with gamma- and exponential-distributed residence times. The nonlinear models were fitted by nonlinear least squares, and a linear mixed-effects model was fitted to all variables measured from the Latin square design that were related to intake, digestibility, digestion kinetic parameters, and residence times. Mean particle size (MPS) between roughage sources (CS, SCB, and SC) and coproducts (SH and LOCH) was affected (P < 0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SC, SH, or LOCH. Steers fed 20CS or LOCH diets had 16% and 20% greater DMI, respectively, (P < 0.05) than steers fed 10CS diet. Steers fed SCB consumed the least dry matter (DM). The SH and LOCH diets had lower MPS values (about 8.77 mm) in comparison to 20CS, SCB, and SC diets (about 13.08 mm) and, consequently, affected (P < 0.05) rumen content, ruminal in situ disappearance, nutrient digestibility, and solid fractional passage rate. Chewing time was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage sources and concentration. Lower values of distance travel inside the rumen (min/cm) were observed (P < 0.05) for the SCB and SC diets in comparison with any other diet. Except for SCB, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in rumen fill, among other treatments. Mean daily ruminal pH was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SCB, SC, and LOCH diets, and it ranged from 6.1 to 6.23. Total short-chain fatty acids concentration was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage source and concentration. Based on our results, we recommend that under Brazilian finishing diets, replacing roughage sources, except for SCB, based on aNDF concentration of the roughage in high-concentrate diets containing finely ground flint corn does not affect DMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo S Goulart
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Vieira
- Laboratório de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joao L P Daniel
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Rafael C Amaral
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa P Santos
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio G Toledo Filho
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edward H Cabezas-Garcia
- Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umea, Sweden
| | - Luis O Tedeschi
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Luiz G Nussio
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Tomczak DJ, Lockard CL, Jennings JS, Richeson JT. Performance, rumination, and rumen pH responses to different dietary energy density and feed management strategies in auction-derived feedlot cattle. J Anim Sci 2020; 97:4682-4690. [PMID: 31608380 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Auction-derived steers (n = 36; initial BW = 284 ± 11 kg) were received to compare performance, rumination characteristics, and rumen pH differences due to alternative ration energy densities and feed management strategies during a 56 d receiving study. Cattle were weighed on day -1 and randomized to 1 of 3 treatments. Time spent ruminating was quantified with a three-axis accelerometer ear-tag. Rumen pH and temperature were logged in a random subset (n = 6 per treatment) by a ruminal bolus. Cattle were processed identically and housed in individual pens. The modified-live virus respiratory vaccination was delayed until day 28. The finisher (FIN) cattle were provided their daily feed as a high energy density (1.39 Mcal NEg/kg) diet. The finisher + hay (FIN+H) cattle were provided the same diet but were also offered 0.5% BW DM as coastal Bermudagrass hay on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28. The control (CON) cattle were fed a low energy density (0.93 Mcal NEg/kg) diet from day 0 to 7, then transitioned to the FIN diet by replacing an additional 25% of the daily feed call with FIN every 7 d until 100% of the diet was FIN on day 29. Feed offering for CON was increased more aggressively (0.45 kg DM daily for days 1 to 7, every other day for day 8 to 14) than FIN and FIN+H (0.45 kg DM every other day for days 1 to 7, daily for days 8 to 14). Performance and DMI were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with treatment as a fixed effect. Rumination, pH, and temperature models included repeated measures. There was no treatment difference observed for BW, average daily gain (ADG), or G:F (P ≥ 0.12). There was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.06) for rumen temperature, where FIN increased more rapidly following vaccination on day 28 compared to CON (P ≤ 0.04). Daily rumination minutes were greater (P < 0.01) for CON than FIN from days 7 to 22. Additionally, CON had the greatest (P < 0.01) hourly rumination from 2000 to 0800 hours. Lower minimum daily rumen pH occurred in FIN+H (P ≤ 0.06) on weeks 1, 2 and 6 to 8 compared to CON. There were minimal statistical differences in area under the curve or time below pH thresholds, probably due to large animal-to-animal variation. Hourly rumen pH was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) for FIN vs. FIN+H and CON during the initial 28 d, but greater (P = 0.05) for FIN and FIN+H during the final 28 d. When cattle are individually fed, greater energy density rations can be fed initially without compromising performance, but this needs to be evaluated in group pens where greater DMI variation is probable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter J Tomczak
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
| | | | | | - John T Richeson
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
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Tomczak DJ, Samuelson KL, Jennings JS, Richeson JT. Oral hydration therapy with water and bovine respiratory disease incidence affects rumination behavior, rumen pH, and rumen temperature in high-risk, newly received beef calves. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2015-2024. [PMID: 30911760 PMCID: PMC6488335 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The study objectives were to determine the effect of oral hydration therapy and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) on rumination behavior, rumen pH, and rumen temperature. A random subset of high-risk, auction-sourced bulls from 3 truckload blocks (initial BW = 188.9 ± 19.1 kg) were fitted with a collar containing a 3-axis accelerometer to quantify rumination time and activity (n = 58) and administered a rumen pH and temperature data logging bolus (n = 33). At arrival, subset calves (n = 2 per pen) were balanced across treatment pens (n = 15 per treatment; n = 10 animals per pen) and randomized to receive 0.57 L water/45.4 kg BW from a modified oral drenching apparatus (H2O) or no water administration (CON). Standard arrival processing procedures were implemented including surgical castration. Modified-live virus respiratory vaccination was delayed until day 28. Technicians assigned a clinical illness score (CIS) daily; calves with CIS ≥ 2 and rectal temperature ≥ 40 °C were considered a BRD case (RCASE) and treated with an antimicrobial. The fixed effect of BRD cases vs. nontreated cohorts (RCON) was determined retrospectively using data from the accelerometer collar (n = 19 and 29) and rumen bolus (n = 12 and 21, for RCASE and RCON, respectively). Daily means and hourly means across days throughout the 56-d observation period were generated. Fixed effects were analyzed using the mixed model procedure with repeated measures. Daily rumen temperature was altered (P = 0.04) such that peak rumen temperature occurred earlier for H2O, whereas CON had increased (P ≤ 0.01) rumen temperature following delayed vaccination on day 28. Calves diagnosed with BRD had a transiently decreased (P = 0.04) active minutes between days 9 and 32, decreased (P < 0.01) active minutes between 0800 and 2000 h, decreased (P < 0.01) rumination time between 2000 and 0400 h, greater (P < 0.01) rumen temperature until delayed vaccination on day 28, and greater (P < 0.01) hourly rumen temperature between 0900 and 0300, and altered (P < 0.01) rumen pH. Earlier peak rumen temperature observed in H2O may indicate physiological modification enabling a more pronounced inflammatory response. Differences in rumination behavior and activity may be useful for early BRD detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter J Tomczak
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
| | | | | | - John T Richeson
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
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