54 research outputs found
The effect of copper sulfate and zinc oxide in a drench on the gain and health of newly arrived calves
One hundred and fifty-four, newly
arrived, bull calves averaging 295 lb were
either drenched with a copper-zinc (Cu-Zn)
solution or water at arrival. The Cu-Zn
drench did not affect gains during a 56-day
trial. Additionally, no differences occurred in
morbidity or the number of antibiotic treatments
required per animal
The effect of protected lysine-methionine on gain and health of newly arrived calves
Long-hauled calves averaging 293 lb
were allotted to groups fed with or without
protected lysine-methionine (Smartamine
ML®). Protected lysine-methionin e did not
improve ADG in the first 28 days but did improve
ADG from 29 to 56 days. It also
reduced morbidity (16.1 vs 34.2%) from day
29 to 56. Based on this research, the
response of long-hauled calves to protected
lysine-methionine in the diet appears to occur
after they have recovered from the stress of
shipment
EP50
Gerald L. Stokka and Thomas R. Falkner, Preventive herd health program, Kansas State University, November 1998
Effect of cooked molasses tubs on performance and health of newly received stocker calves
Eight paired comparisons conducted at
three field sites with 1059 newly-received
lightweight stocker calves were used to
determine the effect of free-choice cooked
molasses tubs designed for receiving cattle
on 28-day receiving period performance,
percentage of cattle treated for respiratory
disease, and death loss. At all sites, cattle
received similar management with the exception
that cooked molasses tubs were added to
half of the pens immediately following initial
processing. Weight gains were similar
(P=0.36) for cattle with or without access to
tubs (43 and 38 lb, respectively). The addition
of tubs also did not affect the number of
cattle treated (P=0.48) or percent death loss
(P=0.61); however, there was a numerical
decrease in death loss for cattle with access
to tubs (2.7 vs 1.8%). Tub consumption
(0.245 lb/day) based on beginning and
ending weights of the tubs, was below the
desired level of 0.5 lb/day. Low tub consumption
may have compromised any potential
for improved performance or overall
health response for cattle offered free access
to cooked molasses tubs
Differences in serum immunoglobulin g1 and total protein concentrations in neonatal calves on days 1, 5, and 10
Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) serum concentrations are used to evaluate passive transfer of immunity in neonatal calves. Total serum proteins also can be measured to evaluate calf health. If IgG1 and total serum protein concentrations change with age, it becomes imperative to compare samples only from a narrow time period. Otherwise, differences might be due to age and not immune status. To help define this time period, blood was drawn from 10 beef calves when they were 1, 5, and 10 days of age. Serum samples were analyzed for IgG1 and total protein concentrations. Total protein concentrations decreased from days 1 to 5 (P\u3c.05) or days 1 to 10 (P\u3c.05), but not from days 5 to 10 (P=.46). IgG1 concentrations declined from days 1 to 10 (P\u3c.05), but values from days 1 to 5 were similar (P=.17). Thus, it is important to collect serum on day 1 to guarantee correct results when evaluating IgG1 and total proteins collectively. However, if IgG1 alone is evaluated, serum can be collected between days 1 and 5
Reducing bovine leukosis in dairy cattle
Bovine leukosis virus (BLV) is a cancerous condition of tissues in which lymph nodes and lymphocytes are affected. Infected cattle may be identified by testing blood sera for BLV antibodies using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test that requires 2 days for processing. Most dairy farms have infected animals, but the condition is not considered important because less than 1% of infected cattle show clinical signs. However, many of these cows are culled because of poor milk production or reproductive performance. Procedures for reducing and(or) eliminating the disease are outlined. Results obtained at the Kansas State University Dairy Teaching and Research Center demonstrate that feeding only colostrum and whole milk from BLV-negative cows to newborn and young calves is an effective method of reducing the incidence of BLV in future generations.; Dairy Day, 1996, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1996
MF2102
Gerald Stokka et al., Dairy "preventive herd health program" (PHHP), Kansas State University, October 1996
Preventive health programs for dairy cattle
Always consult your veterinarian when making vaccination decisions. The most common errors are failing to give booster immunizations and doing so at the incorrect time. Animal comfort is a greater determinant of production than vaccinations, and to receive the full benefits of nutrition, genetic, and management programs, cow comfort must be maximized. This does not lessen the need for balanced rations that allow the immune system to respond efficiently to vaccines. More is not necessarily better. The best vaccination program for a dairy includes vaccines for the most probable infectious pathogens possibly found in the herd. This combination is different for each production unit based on disease problems and management practices that can be identified by your herd practitioner.; Dairy Day, 1996, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1996
Lameness in dairy cattle
Foot problems are major concerns for dairies, and care should be taken to avoid promoting them. Preventive measures, with the aid of a veterinarian, must be followed if the problem is expected to be controlled. Feet should be trimmed or at least observed one to two times per year. High concentrate diets should be fed carefully to avoid acidosis. Cows should have limited time standing on concrete and should not be rushed when walking on any abrasive surfaces. Cows need a clean, comfortable environment in which to lie down. Lame cows need treatment early, and records should be kept on all cases.; Dairy Day, 1996, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1996
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