Time to pain relief: A randomized controlled trial in the emergency department during vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE

Compare time to pain relief (minimum of a 13 mm and 30% reduction) during an Emergency Department (ED) visit among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experiencing severe pain associated with a vaso-occlusive episode who were randomized to receive either an individualized or weight-based pain protocol.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial in two EDs. Adults with sickle cell disease. Research staff recorded pain scores every 30 min during an ED visit (up to 6 h in the ED) using a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale. Analysis included 122 visits, representing 49 patients (individualized: 61 visits, 25 patients; standard: 61 visits, 24 patients).

RESULTS

Pain reduction across 6-h was greater for the individualized compared to the standard protocol (protocol-by-time: p = .02; 6-h adjusted pain score comparison: Individualized: M = 29.2, SD = 38.8, standard: M = 45.3, SD = 35.6; p = .03, Cohen d = 0.43). Hazards models indicated a greater probability of 13 mm (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.27, p = .03) and 30% (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.63, p = .01) reduction in the individualized relative to the standard protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received treatment with an individualized protocol experienced a more rapid reduction in pain, including a 13 mm and 30% reduction in pain scores when compared to those that received weight-based dosing.

The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in alcohol-related behaviors

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes an alarming economic and health burden in the United States. Unfortunately, this disease does not exist in isolation; AUD is highly comorbid with nicotine use. Results from both human and animal models demonstrate a genetic correlation between alcohol and nicotine behaviors. These data support the idea of shared genetic and neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Nicotine acts directly at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) to have its pharmacological effect. Interestingly, alcohol also acts both directly and indirectly at these receptors. Research utilizing genetically engineered rodents and pharmacological manipulations suggest a role for nAChR in several ethanol behaviors. The current manuscript collates this literature and discusses findings that implicate specific nAChR subunits in ethanol phenotypes. These data suggest future directions for targeting nAChR as novel therapeutics for AUD.

NMR metabolomics reveals effects of Cryptosporidium infections on host cell metabolome

Background

Cryptosporidium is an important gut microbe whose contributions towards infant and immunocompromise patient mortality rates are steadily increasing. Over the last decade, we have seen the development of various tools and methods for studying Cryptosporidium infection and its interactions with their hosts. One area that is sorely overlooked is the effect infection has on host metabolic processes.

Results

Using a ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance approach to metabolomics, we have explored the nature of the mouse gut metabolome as well as providing the first insight into the metabolome of an infected cell line. Statistical analysis and predictive modelling demonstrated new understandings of the effects of a Cryptosporidium infection, while verifying the presence of known metabolic changes. Of note is the potential contribution of host derived taurine to the diarrhoeal aspects of the disease previously attributed to a solely parasite-based alteration of the gut environment, in addition to other metabolites involved with host cell catabolism.

Conclusion

This approach will spearhead our understanding of the Cryptosporidium-host metabolic exchange and provide novel targets for tackling this deadly parasite.

Past and future trends of Cryptosporidium in vitro research

Cryptosporidium is a genus of single celled parasites capable of infecting a wide range of animals including humans. Cryptosporidium species are members of the phylum apicomplexa, which includes well-known genera such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. Cryptosporidium parasites cause a severe gastro-intestinal disease known as cryptosporidiosis. They are one of the most common causes of childhood diarrhoea worldwide, and infection can have prolonged detrimental effects on the development of children, but also can be life threatening to HIV/AIDS patients and transplant recipients. A variety of hosts can act as reservoirs, and Cryptosporidium can persist in the environment for prolonged times as oocysts. While there has been substantial interest in these parasites, there is very little progress in terms of treatment development and understanding the majority of the life cycle of this unusual organism. In this review, we will provide an overview on the existing knowledge of the biology of the parasite and the current progress in developing in vitro cultivation systems. We will then describe a synopsis of current and next generation approaches that could spearhead further research in combating the parasite.

Early-adolescent male C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice display reduced sensitivity to acute nicotine administration

BACKGROUND

The initial response to nicotine is an important predictor of subsequent use. Multiple factors may alter this response including genetics and age of first use. Here we investigated the influence of age, genetics, and their interaction on nicotine sensitivity. We then examined whether these factors influence the relationship between initial behavioral responses and voluntary nicotine consumption in adulthood.

METHODS

We measured initial nicotine responses, including nicotine-induced locomotor depression and hypothermia following an acute intraperitoneal injection (0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg), during early-adolescence, middle-adolescence, late-adolescence, or adulthood. Thirty-five days after the initial testing, mice were assessed for voluntary oral nicotine consumption.

RESULTS

Early-adolescent mice were more resistant to nicotine-induced hypothermia and locomotor depression than later ages, further hypothermia was influenced by genetics. In the DBA/2J  strain, early-adolescent mice were insensitive to nicotine-induced hypothermia, but this response developed at later ages. In contrast, C57BL/6J  mice were sensitive at all ages, but sensitivity increased across developmental age. There was little evidence of a relationship between initial behavioral response and choice nicotine consumption.

CONCLUSION

By understanding how age of exposure and genetics influence initial nicotine behavioral responses, we have a greater understanding of factors that make adolescents differentially sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Localization of Fe-S Biosynthesis Machinery in Cryptosporidium parvum Mitosome

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan, apicomplexan, parasite that poses significant risk to humans and animals, as a common cause of potentially fatal diarrhea in immunodeficient hosts. The parasites have evolved a number of unique biological features that allow them to thrive in a highly specialized parasitic lifestyle. For example, the genome of Cryptosporidium parvum is highly reduced, encoding only 3,805 proteins, which is also reflected in its reduced cellular and organellar content and functions. As such, its remnant mitochondrion, dubbed a mitosome, is one of the smallest mitochondria yet found. While numerous studies have attempted to discover the function(s) of the C. parvum mitosome, most of them have been focused on in silico predictions. Here, we have localized components of a biochemical pathway in the C. parvum mitosome, in our investigations into the functions of this peculiar mitochondrial organelle. We have shown that three proteins involved in the mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster biosynthetic pathway are localized in the organelle, and one of them can functionally replace its yeast homolog. Thus, it seems that the C. parvum mitosome is involved in iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis, supporting the organellar and cytosolic apoproteins. These results spearhead further research on elucidating the functions of the mitosome and broaden our understanding in the minimalistic adaptations of these organelles.

Adolescent social stress increases anxiety-like behavior and ethanol consumption in adult male and female C57BL/6J mice

Exposure to social stress is an important risk factor for comorbid affective disorders and problem alcohol use. To better understand mechanisms involved in social stress-induced affective disorder and alcohol use co-morbidity, we studied the effects of adolescent social stress on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and binge-like ethanol consumption. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to chronic variable social stress (CVSS) or control conditions throughout adolescence (postnatal days, PND, 25-59) and then tested for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and a novel open field environment, or depression-like behavior using the forced swim test on PND 64-66. Mice were then tested for binge-like ethanol consumption using the Drinking-in-the-Dark model. Male and female mice exposed to adolescent CVSS had increased adult anxiety-like behavior and increased locomotor adaptation to a novel environment. Further, CVSS mice consumed significantly more ethanol, but not saccharin, than controls. Despite group differences in both anxiety-like behavior and ethanol consumption, there was no relationship between these outcomes within individual mice. These data suggest that exposure to adolescent social stress is an important risk factor for later alcohol use and affective behaviors, but that social stress does not necessarily dictate co-morbidity of these outcomes.

Identification and characterisation of a cryptic Golgi complex in Naegleria gruberi

Although the Golgi complex has a conserved morphology of flattened stacked cisternae in most eukaryotes, it has lost the stacked organisation in several lineages, raising the question of what range of morphologies is possible for the Golgi. In order to understand this diversity, it is necessary to characterise the Golgi in many different lineages. Here, we identify the Golgi complex in Naegleria, one of the first descriptions of an unstacked Golgi organelle in a non-parasitic eukaryote, other than fungi. We provide a comprehensive list of Golgi-associated membrane trafficking genes encoded in two species of Naegleria and show that nearly all are expressed in mouse-passaged N. fowleri cells. We then study distribution of the Golgi marker (Ng)CopB by fluorescence in Naegleria gruberi, identifying membranous structures that are disrupted by Brefeldin A treatment, consistent with Golgi localisation. Confocal and immunoelectron microscopy reveals that NgCOPB localises to tubular membranous structures. Our data identify the Golgi organelle for the first time in this major eukaryotic lineage, and provide the rare example of a tubular morphology, representing an important sampling point for the comparative understanding of Golgi organellar diversity.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

A cell culture platform for Cryptosporidium that enables long-term cultivation and new tools for the systematic investigation of its biology

Cryptosporidium parasites are a major cause of diarrhoea that pose a particular threat to children in developing areas and immunocompromised individuals. Curative therapies and vaccines are lacking, mainly due to lack of a long-term culturing system of this parasite. Here, we show that COLO-680N cells infected with two different Cryptosporidium parvum strains produce sufficient infectious oocysts to infect subsequent cultures, showing a substantial fold increase in production, depending on the experiment, over the most optimistic HCT-8 models. Oocyst identity was confirmed using a variety of microscopic- and molecular-based methods. This culturing system will accelerate research on Cryptosporidium and the development of anti-Cryptosporidium drugs.

A randomized controlled trial comparing two vaso-occlusive episode (VOE) protocols in sickle cell disease (SCD)

Limited evidence guides opioid dosing strategies for acute Sickle Cell (SCD) pain. We compared two National Heart, Lung and Blood (NHBLI) recommended opioid dosing strategies (weight-based vs. patient-specific) for ED treatment of acute vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE). A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in two ED's. Adults ≥ 21 years of age with SCD disease were eligible. Among the 155 eligible patients, 106 consented and 52 had eligible visits. Patients were pre-enrolled in the outpatient setting and randomized to one of two opioid dosing strategies for a future ED visit. ED providers accessed protocols through the electronic medical record. Change in pain score (0-100 mm VAS) from arrival to ED disposition, as well as side effects were assessed. 52 patients (median age was 27 years, 42% were female, and 89% black) had one or more ED visits for a VOE (total of 126 ED study visits, up to 5 visits/patient were included). Participants randomized to the patient-specific protocol experienced a mean reduction in pain score that was 16.6 points greater than patients randomized to the weight-based group (mean difference 95% CI = 11.3 to 21.9, P = 0.03). Naloxone was not required for either protocol and nausea and/or vomiting was observed less often in the patient-specific protocol (25.8% vs 59.4%, P = 0.0001). The hospital admission rate for VOE was lower for patients in the patient-specific protocol (40.3% vs 57.8% P = 0.05). NHLBI guideline-based analgesia with patient-specific opioid dosing resulted in greater improvements in the pain experience compared to a weight-based strategy, without increased side effects.

Mechanical Ventilation and ARDS in the ED: A Multicenter, Observational, Prospective, Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

There are few data regarding mechanical ventilation and ARDS in the ED. This could be a vital arena for prevention and treatment.

METHODS

This study was a multicenter, observational, prospective, cohort study aimed at analyzing ventilation practices in the ED. The primary outcome was the incidence of ARDS after admission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of ARDS.

RESULTS

We analyzed 219 patients receiving mechanical ventilation to assess ED ventilation practices. Median tidal volume was 7.6 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW) (interquartile range, 6.9-8.9), with a range of 4.3 to 12.2 mL/kg PBW. Lung-protective ventilation was used in 122 patients (55.7%). The incidence of ARDS after admission from the ED was 14.7%, with a mean onset of 2.3 days. Progression to ARDS was associated with higher illness severity and intubation in the prehospital environment or transferring facility. Of the 15 patients with ARDS in the ED (6.8%), lung-protective ventilation was used in seven (46.7%). Patients who progressed to ARDS experienced greater duration in organ failure and ICU length of stay and higher mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung-protective ventilation is infrequent in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ED, regardless of ARDS status. Progression to ARDS is common after admission, occurs early, and worsens outcome. Patient- and treatment-related factors present in the ED are associated with ARDS. Given the limited treatment options for ARDS, and the early onset after admission from the ED, measures to prevent onset and to mitigate severity should be instituted in the ED.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01628523; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Transfusion of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells in a 1:1:1 vs a 1:1:2 ratio and mortality in patients with severe trauma: the PROPPR randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

Severely injured patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock often require massive transfusion. Earlier transfusion with higher blood product ratios (plasma, platelets, and red blood cells), defined as damage control resuscitation, has been associated with improved outcomes; however, there have been no large multicenter clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and safety of transfusing patients with severe trauma and major bleeding using plasma, platelets, and red blood cells in a 1:1:1 ratio compared with a 1:1:2 ratio.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Pragmatic, phase 3, multisite, randomized clinical trial of 680 severely injured patients who arrived at 1 of 12 level I trauma centers in North America directly from the scene and were predicted to require massive transfusion between August 2012 and December 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

Blood product ratios of 1:1:1 (338 patients) vs 1:1:2 (342 patients) during active resuscitation in addition to all local standard-of-care interventions (uncontrolled).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were 24-hour and 30-day all-cause mortality. Prespecified ancillary outcomes included time to hemostasis, blood product volumes transfused, complications, incidence of surgical procedures, and functional status.

RESULTS

No significant differences were detected in mortality at 24 hours (12.7% in 1:1:1 group vs 17.0% in 1:1:2 group; difference, -4.2% [95% CI, -9.6% to 1.1%]; P = .12) or at 30 days (22.4% vs 26.1%, respectively; difference, -3.7% [95% CI, -10.2% to 2.7%]; P = .26). Exsanguination, which was the predominant cause of death within the first 24 hours, was significantly decreased in the 1:1:1 group (9.2% vs 14.6% in 1:1:2 group; difference, -5.4% [95% CI, -10.4% to -0.5%]; P = .03). More patients in the 1:1:1 group achieved hemostasis than in the 1:1:2 group (86% vs 78%, respectively; P = .006). Despite the 1:1:1 group receiving more plasma (median of 7 U vs 5 U, P < .001) and platelets (12 U vs 6 U, P < .001) and similar amounts of red blood cells (9 U) over the first 24 hours, no differences between the 2 groups were found for the 23 prespecified complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, venous thromboembolism, sepsis, and transfusion-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with severe trauma and major bleeding, early administration of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells in a 1:1:1 ratio compared with a 1:1:2 ratio did not result in significant differences in mortality at 24 hours or at 30 days. However, more patients in the 1:1:1 group achieved hemostasis and fewer experienced death due to exsanguination by 24 hours. Even though there was an increased use of plasma and platelets transfused in the 1:1:1 group, no other safety differences were identified between the 2 groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01545232.

Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) Trial: design, rationale and implementation

BACKGROUND

Forty percent of in-hospital deaths among injured patients involve massive truncal haemorrhage. These deaths may be prevented with rapid haemorrhage control and improved resuscitation techniques. The Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) Trial was designed to determine if there is a difference in mortality between subjects who received different ratios of FDA approved blood products. This report describes the design and implementation of PROPPR.

STUDY DESIGN

PROPPR was designed as a randomized, two-group, Phase III trial conducted in subjects with the highest level of trauma activation and predicted to have a massive transfusion. Subjects at 12 North American level 1 trauma centres were randomized into one of two standard transfusion ratio interventions: 1:1:1 or 1:1:2, (plasma, platelets, and red blood cells). Clinical data and serial blood samples were collected under Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC) regulations. Co-primary mortality endpoints of 24h and 30 days were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between August 2012 and December 2013, 680 patients were randomized. The overall median time from admission to randomization was 26min. PROPPR enrolled at higher than expected rates with fewer than expected protocol deviations.

CONCLUSION

PROPPR is the largest randomized study to enrol severely bleeding patients. This study showed that rapidly enrolling and successfully providing randomized blood products to severely injured patients in an EFIC study is feasible. PROPPR was able to achieve these goals by utilizing a collaborative structure and developing successful procedures and design elements that can be part of future trauma studies.

Paleozoic seeds with embryos

Seeds in a conifer cone from the Lower Permian of west Texas contain embryo tissue. These are the oldest plant embryos on record. Their development prior to seed dispersal shows that the sequence of embryo growth typical of most modern seed plants had evolved before the end of the Paleozoic Era.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide induces AP-1 activity by a PKA and c-fos-dependent mechanism in pre-B cells

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a sensory neuropeptide with regulatory influences on immune and inflammatory responses and early B lymphocyte differentiation. Little is known about its cellular mechanisms. These studies examined whether CGRP induces c-fos. CGRP induced a transient concentration-dependent increase in c-fos in a CGRP receptor expressing pre-B cell line, 70Z/3. CGRP did not induce c-jun, jun B or jun D. A protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor blocked c-fos induction by CGRP, suggesting that the mechanism depends on cAMP induction of PKA. CGRP induced AP-1 binding activity in the nucleus, indicating that CGRP regulates expression of specific target genes. CGRP also induced c-fos in B220(+) enriched cells from bone marrow. These results suggest that regulatory influences of CGRP on early B cells and in other tissues can involve a cAMP/PKA, c-fos/AP-1-dependent pathway for regulation of specific genes.

Supplementing pasture to lactating Holsteins fed a total mixed ration diet

Beginning in September 1997, a 6-week study was conducted to compare performance and income-over-feed cost of lactating Holsteins cows fed either a total mixed ration diet (TMR) only, compared to TMR in the afternoon and pasture in the morning, or TMR in the morning and pasture in the afternoon. Fifty-four Holstein cows in midlactation, averaging 28.1 kg/d of milk, were used in the study. Cows were on pasture for 8 h/d after either the p.m. or the a.m. milking. Predominantly orchardgrass with lesser amounts of white clover and Kentucky bluegrass were grazed. Pasture was sampled once per week, and weekly composites were analyzed. Compressed sward height and herbage dry matter (DM) yield were estimated once per week. Milk yield was electronically recorded and was sampled biweekly. Body condition score and body weight (BW) was recorded at the beginning and end of the study. Income-over-feed cost was calculated for each treatment. Compressed sward height and DM yield averaged 12.7 cm and 1397 kg/ha, respectively. Pasture crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber averaged 27.0, 55.7, and 26.9%, respectively, and net energy-lactation was 1.65 Mcal/kg of dry matter. Milk production was greater for cows on the TMR treatment (29.1 vs. 28.2 and 27.6). No significant difference occurred in percentage of milk fat (3.54, 3.42, and 3.46%), or protein (3.28, 3.20, and 3.22%) for the above respective treatments. The SNF content (8.77 vs. 8.67 and 8.63%) was higher in TMR cows. While BW change did not differ among treatments (23, 32, and 22 kg), body condition score change was greater in cows fed TMR only (0.14 vs. -0.06 and 0.01). As expected, TMR intake was greatest for cows fed TMR only and lowest for cows grazing after the p.m. milking (26.6 vs. 20.3 vs. 17.5 kg/d dry matter). Income-over-feed cost differed between treatments and was approximately 18.6 and 7.5% higher for cows grazing high quality pasture during the afternoon and the morning, respectively, compared with cows on the TMR treatment.

Milk production and composition, rumen fermentation parameters, and grazing behavior of dairy cows supplemented with different forms and amounts of corn grain

The objectives were to compare milk production and composition, change in body weight and body condition score, rumen fermentation parameters and grazing patterns by cows when supplemented with different forms and amounts of corn grain. In experiment 1, 36 Holstein cows were supplemented with either 6, 6, 6, or 4 kg/d of dry matter of high moisture corn, coarsely ground corn, finely ground corn, or high moisture corn in two equal daily feedings, respectively. Milk yield (30.3 kg/d), milk protein (2.97%), and milk urea N (14.7 mg/dl) were not different among treatments. Body weight change and body condition score change were similar (23.1 kg and -0.24) for the 10-wk study. During experiment 2, four rumen cannulated cows in midlactation were supplemented with 6 kg/d of dry matter from either coarsely ground corn or high moisture corn in two equal feedings after milking. After the p.m. milking, ruminal pH was measured and rumen fluid samples, were collected from cows to determine ammonia N and volatile fatty acids at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, ...8 h post-corn feeding during grazing. Ruminal pH values were similar for corn supplements, and, with one exception, were 6.0 or below between 5 and 8 h. Ruminal ammonia-N concentrations reached a maximum at 7 h also. In experiment 3, 40 cows were observed for grazing behavior every 30 min for two consecutive days. Cows grazed an average of 6.4 h/d, 4.1 h in the afternoon and 2.3 h in the morning. Milk yield, milk composition, change in body weight, and body condition were similar regardless of the type or amount of corn supplemented.

Correlation of Pneumocystis carinii cyst density with mortality in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pneumocystis pneumonia

Fifteen percent to 20% of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pneumocystis pneumonia do poorly despite early intervention. It is not known what distinguishes those who die, despite early intervention and aggressive therapy, from those who readily respond to therapy. We used image analysis to determine the relative abundance of cysts within aggregates of Pneumocystis carinii found in induced sputa (21 patients) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (14 patients) from 35 patients with pneumocystis pneumonia. We calculated a cyst density (number of cysts per area of aggregate) for each aggregate and a mean cyst density for all of the aggregates on the smear. Six patients died within 2 weeks of diagnosis; four of these six patients who had autopsies all had residual P carinii. The mean cyst density for those who died was 9.7 +/- 3.9 (range, 5 to 15 x 10(-3)). The 29 patients who survived beyond 2 weeks had a mean cyst density of 18.4 +/- 8.7 (range, 5 to 35 x 10(-3); P = .01). Mean cyst density was not influenced by the number of aggregates present in the smear, the variation in cyst density among aggregates in a smear, or the episode of pneumocystis pneumonia. Cyst density determinations alone should not be used to predict outcome for individuals with P carinii pneumonia until further study is completed. Nevertheless, the current study suggests that a low cyst density specimen, which may indirectly indicate a greater proportion of trophozoites compared with a high cyst density specimen, may be associated with an unfavorable outcome in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated pneumocystis pneumonia.

Response of lactating cows to pelleted and unpelleted soybean meal after partial protein depletion

Twenty-four first-lactation cows, averaging 82 d postpartum, were protein depleted for 20 d by consuming a 9.4% crude protein diet. The cows were then assigned randomly and equally to a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments in which either pelleted or unpelleted soybean meal containing 1% sodium bentonite was supplemented to corn or corn silage-based diets to yield 12.2, 15.4, or 18.1% crude protein, dry basis. Between 9 and 15 d of the depletion period, milk, milk protein production, and dry matter consumption decreased 20 to 25%. Blood hematocrit increased. On refeeding three amounts of protein, dry matter intake was greatest during week 4 of repletion. Milk production rapidly increased to a plateau averaging approximately 88% of preexperimental production with a somewhat greater response to the higher soybean rations. Neither intake, milk, milk protein production, plasma urea, serum albumin, or blood hematocrit provided any evidence that pelleted or unpelleted soybean meal differed nutritionally.

Feeding value and nutrient preservation of high moisture corn ensiled in conventional silos forlactating dairy cows

Sixty-one Holstein cows were used at varying stages of lactation to evaluate the feeding value of high moisture shelled corn ensiled in conventional silos. Control rations consisted of comparable amounts of conventional shelled corn dried in commercial drying facilities. Cows fed high moisture corn produced milk of higher fat content (3.09 versus 2.64%) and greater quantities of fat (.73 versus .64 kg) while they consumed less concentrate (9.28 versus 9.84 kg), resulting in the crude fiber content of the dry matter being 14.60% compared to 13.82% for control cows. Covariate adjustment of treatment means to equal intake of crude fiber eliminated differences above. Milk, 4% fat corrected milk, silage, total dry matter intake, and rumen volatile fatty acids were not significantly different between groups. Dry matter recovery following the ensiling process was 96.0 plus or minus 1.9% with 3.0 plus or minus 1.1% classified as spoiled corn, resulting in a total of 7% loss. Recoveries of all proximate constituents were similar to dry matter with the exception of ash (82.4%). Costs of the two systems were evaluated for varying corn prices and moisture.