Parturition Invokes Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Populations in Holstein Dairy Cows Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis

Twenty-one multiparous and two primiparous Holstein cows were grouped according to infection status with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative microorganism for Johne’s disease (JD). The effect of parturition and infection on the percentages of CD4 + , CD8 + , and T-cells, B-cells, and monocytes in the peripheral blood were monitored. The data suggest that changes in the percentages of lymphocyte subsets and monocytes are modulated by both infection status and the periparturient period

Osteopontin Expression in Periparturient Dairy Cows Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis

Twenty-five multiparous Holstein cows were grouped according to infection status with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative microorganism of Johne’s disease (JD). Osteopontin (Opn) was characterized at both the level of gene and protein expression. Results of this study indicate that in dairy cows, expression of Opn is modulated by natural infection with MAP and by the periparturient period

Non-invasive Diagnosis of Fatty Liver and Degree of Fatty Liver in Dairy Cows by Digital Analyses of Hepatic Ultrasonograms

The data demonstrate that digital analyses of liver ultrasonograms could diagnose fatty liver and degree of fatty liver (healthy liver, moderate fatty liver, and severe fatty liver with their ranges of 0–8, 8–12, \u3e12% lipids of liver wet weight) with an accuracy of over 90%. Total lipid concentrations could be predicted for liver samples \u3c8% of liver wet weight within 2% of wet weight. Therefore, ultrasound imaging is a reliable, non-invasive technique for determining liver lipid content and for diagnosing fatty liver in early lactation dairy cows to prevent loss of income for dairy farmers

Optimization of Methods for the Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Milk and Colostrum of Naturally Infected Dairy Cows

Two decontamination chemicals, hexadecylpyridinium choride (HPC) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH), were compared for their efficacy of reducing the growth of non-specific microorganisms in milk while minimally affecting the recovery of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). In addition three culture mediums, Bactec 12B and Trek-ESP para-JEM, and Herrold’s egg yolk media (HEYM), were compared for the ability to suppress growth of non-specific microorganisms as well as their sensitivity of detection of low levels of MAP in milk. Results indicated that exposing the milk to 1.5% NALC-NaOH for 15 minutes most effectively reduced nontarget microorganisms without reducing MAP viability. In addition, the Bactec 12B medium detected the lowest levels of MAP more rapidly and more consistently than the other two mediums

Feeding Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows Reduced-Fat Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles: Quality of Baby Swiss Cheese

In this experiment, feedingreduced-fat distillers grains(RF-DDGS)as 20% DM of a total mixed ration (TMR)supplemented with lysine did not negatively influence flavor attributes of baby Swiss cheese.Eye appearancein all cheeseswas atypical,but was not related to diet. Any defects in appearance of Baby Swiss cheese appeared in both control and RF-DDGS fed cows and therefore the defects observed can be attributed to the make procedure itself rather than to of feeding RF-DDGS. The results indicate that lactating Holstein dairy cows can be fed RF-DDGS as 20% DM of a TMR without negatively affecting usability of milk forproduction of Baby Swiss cheese

Effects of Complete Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Full Potential All-milk Diets on Growth and Health of Holstein Bull Calves

Pre-ruminant Holstein bull calves were fed two diets of pasteurized whole milk (PWM) in amounts that either limited intake or that maximized intake according to common commercial practice. Diets then were either supplemented or not supplemented with a full complement of vitamins and trace minerals (VTM) that met or exceeded NRC requirements. The objective of the study was to quantify the effects of the four feeding strategies on growth of calves, vitamin and mineral statuses in blood, and magnitude of acute phase inflammatory protein expression in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Calves were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (LM-, low milk, not VTM supplemented; LM+, low milk, TMV supplemented; HM-, high milk, not VTM supplemented; HM+, high milk, TMV supplemented) for 15 days. The HM strategy increased average daily gain in calves, but VTM supplementation did not improve growth during the first two weeks of life. Calves fed more milk had greater magnesium and copper concentrations in blood plasma, but treatment groups did not differ in acute phase protein expression

Use of Glucagon to Prevent and Treat Fatty Liver in Transition Dairy Cows

Because of the relationship of fatty liver to increase health problems and decreased productive and reproductive performance, scientists can improve the profitability of dairy farmers by developing nutritional and management technologies for preventing and treating fatty liver. Our research group has demonstrated that glucagon shows much promise for use in preventing and treating fatty liver in transition cows. Moreover, we have data to indicate that ultrasound technology can be used to estimate the incidence of fatty liver within a dairy herd. The development of a slow-release form of glucagon would seem necessary before adoption of our proposed glucagon technology is adopted by the dairy industry

Effects of Intensified Nutrition on Immune Cell Populations in Milk Replacer-Fed Neonatal Calves

Results from the present study confirm the growthpromoting benefits of feeding an intensified milk replacer to dairy calves. Effects of the elevated plane of nutrition on immune variables examined in the present study were minimal. The number of circulating leukocytes and the composition of the PBMC population as well as this population’s general responsiveness and capacity to secrete IgM were not affected by diet. Relative to responses of calves fed the traditional MR, calves fed the intensified MR demonstrated reduced IFN-γ responses and elevated NO responses during the latter stages of the study. Aberrant NO production, however, can result in undesirable host tissue destruction

Antigen-Specific B Cell Responses of Vaccinated, Neonatal Calves

The immune response of newborn calves to early vaccination is often variable and frequently characterized by marginal or nonexistent antibody responses. The B cell subpopulation of immune cells is pivotal in the production of antibody and has not been characterized completely in the newborn calf. Results from this research describe the composition and antigen-specific responses of B cell populations in preruminant calves vaccinated at an early age. Although preliminary, these data indicate that the responsiveness of B cell population in young calves is dependent on the nature of the vaccine and less on animal maturity. This research provides important new information regarding the immune responsiveness of the neonatal calf to vaccination