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

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

MF2102

Gerald Stokka et al., Dairy "preventive herd health program" (PHHP), Kansas State University, October 1996

EP51

Gerald L. Stokka et al., Bovine Leukosis, Kansas State University, November 1998