Hasil untuk "Cattle"

A. I. Varlamova, I. A. Arkhipov, S. S. Khalikov et al.

The purpose of the research is to study the anthelmintic efficacy of a complex solid dispersion based on Fenbendazole and Niclosamide against gastrointestinal strongylatosis and dictyocaulosis in young cattle.Materials and methods. A complex solid dispersion was obtained by combined mechanochemical processing of FBZ, NZM, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) substances (2 : 20 : 78) in an LE-101 roller mill using previously developed technique. Anthelmintic activity was studied on 50 heifers naturally infected with gastrointestinal strongylates and on 22 heifers naturally infected with dictyocaulosis. The animals with strongylatosis were divided into 5 groups. A single dose of the complex solid dispersion was administered orally to the heifers of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd experimental groups at doses of 2.0; 3.0, and 4.0 mg/kg, respectively, according to FBZ. Animals of the 4th experimental group received a mechanical mixture of FBZ, NZM, and PVP in the same ratio at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg according to FBZ. The 5th group received no treatment and served as controls. The animals naturally infected with dictyocaulosis were divided into three groups of 7–8 animals each. The 1st group of heifers received a solid dispersion orally at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg of FBZ. A mechanical mixture of FBZ, NZM, and PVP was administered to the animals of 2nd group at the same dose. The 3rd group served as controls and was not treated. The efficacy of the drugs was evaluated according to the results of coproscopic studies by the flotation method and the Berman method before and 13 days after drugs administration according to the "control test".Results and discussion. The solid dispersion of FBZ, NZM with PVP showed 100, 96.8, and 70.9% efficacy, against gastrointestinal strongylatosis at doses of 4.0, 3.0, and 2.0 mg/kg according to FBZ respectively, versus 42.0% activity of the basic mixture. The solid dispersion demonstrated 97.0% effect against dictyocaulosis at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg according to FBZ, and the mechanical mixture exhibited 43.9% activity at the same dose.

C BINDU KIRANMAYI, N SUBHASHINI, T SRINIVASA RAO et al.

The present study was designed to detect the presence of β-lactamase producing Salmonella enterica Serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium from faecal (60 cattle rectal, 108 sheep rectal, 163 pig rectal and 186 poultry cloacal swabs) and meat (55 beef, 98 mutton, 120 pork and 126 chicken) samples of different livestock and poultry. The isolates were detected by cultural isolation and further confirmed by PCR. Further these isolates were subjected to phenotypic detection and genotypic confirmation of different β-lactamases by PST and PCR, respectively. Out of 916 samples analysed, 18 Enteritidis and 14 Typhimurium were isolated, out of which β-lactamase producing S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were detected in 14 (10 poultry cloacal, 2 chicken, 1 pork and 1 pig rectal) and 12 (10 chicken, 1 pork and 1 mutton) samples, respectively. Of 14 β-lactamase positive S. Enteritidis, 7 showed presence of TEM, 3 OXA, 2 SHV, one each for CTXM-1 and CTXM-9. Out of 12 β-lactamase positive S. Typhimurium, 8 showed presence of TEM, 2 for CTXM-9 and one each for OXA and CTXM-2. Genotyping of these Salmonella isolates by ERIC & REP-PCR has differentiated all the isolates.

Xinyu Zhang, Wei Wang, Yajing Wang et al.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diets on the composition and function of rumen microbiome and metabolites in Sanhe heifers.MethodsMetagenomic and metabolomic analyses were performed using rumen fluid samples collected from Sanhe heifers (n = 20) with similar body weights and ages from grass-fed and grain-fed systems.ResultsThe grain-fed group exhibited more intensive rumen fermentation than the grass-fed group. However, the grass-fed group exhibited carbohydrate metabolism and methane production higher than that of the grain-fed group; these increases were observed as a higher abundance of various bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae, and Verrucomicrobia), families (Lachnospiraceae, Eubacteriaceae, and Eggerthellaceae), and the archaeal family Methanobacteriaceae. A comparison of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes, using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome profiles, revealed noteworthy differences in the functions of rumen microbiota; these differences were largely dependent on the feeding system.ConclusionThese results could help manipulate and regulate feed efficiency in Sanhe cattle.

Md Nafiul Islam, Jonathan Yoder, Amin Nasiri et al.

Monitoring the drinking behavior of animals can provide important information for livestock farming, including the health and well-being of the animals. Measuring drinking time is labor-demanding and, thus, it is still a challenge in most livestock production systems. Computer vision technology using a low-cost camera system can be useful in overcoming this issue. The aim of this research was to develop a computer vision system for monitoring beef cattle drinking behavior. A data acquisition system, including an RGB camera and an ultrasonic sensor, was developed to record beef cattle drinking actions. We developed an algorithm for tracking the beef cattle’s key body parts, such as head–ear–neck position, using a state-of-the-art deep learning architecture DeepLabCut. The extracted key points were analyzed using a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to classify drinking and non-drinking periods. A total of 70 videos were used to train and test the model and 8 videos were used for validation purposes. During the testing, the model achieved 97.35% accuracy. The results of this study will guide us to meet immediate needs and expand farmers’ capability in monitoring animal health and well-being by identifying drinking behavior.

Igor Zagorodniuk, Evgenia Ulyura

An essay about a researcher whose beginnings are associated with the study of mammals and the gathering of zoological collections. In the post-war period, before entering Kyiv University (1945) and until the time of defending his dissertation (1953), he participated in expeditions and collected specimens, primarily rodents and bats. These collections have been preserved in NMNH, where his collections of hollow-nesting birds are also kept. The researcher worked on scientific topics under the supervision of Prof. B. Novykov, his dissertation was devoted to seasonal and age-related changes in the function of the thyroid gland in cattle. In subsequent years, he switched to studying similar changes in birds.

Fumitaka Shitamori, Ryoko Uemura, Takuya Kanda et al.

Background: Mycoplasma bovis causes various diseases such as bronchopneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis in cattle. M. bovis is often isolated from the deep pharynges of healthy cattle and is generally considered not to cause clinical symptoms while in the upper respiratory tract. In mycoplasma infections, adhesion to the host cells is a crucial step. In recent years, five new adhesins, NOX, α-enolase, TrmFO, P27, and VpmaX, have been reported in M. bovis strains from pneumonia cases. However, the presence of these adhesins in wild isolates has not been established. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the presence of these adhesin genes in wild isolates isolated from cattle nasal cavities and lesion sites (pneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis) in various regions in Japan and clarify the relationship between adhesion and the symptoms caused by M. bovis infection. Methods: A total of 141 M. bovis wild isolates isolated from nasal cavities (healthy or sick cattle), lungs with pneumonia, ears with otitis media, joint fluids of arthritic animals, and milk of mastitic animals. M. bovis type strain PG45 was also used. Specific polymerase chain reaction reactions were performed to detect nox, α-enolase, trmFO, P27, and vpmaX, which are adhesins of M. bovis. Results: This study reports 139 M. bovis wild isolates were positive for nox, α-enolase, trmFO, P27, and vpmaX, while two isolates each lacked α-enolase or P27 genes. M. bovis PG45 also had all five adherens genes. Conclusion: Almost all M. bovis wild isolates possessed all nox, α-enolase, trmFO, P27, and vpmaX genes regardless of the lesion site or region of origin. This means no relationship was found between the presence of the five adhesins and lesion sites in M. bovis and M. bovis isolated from the nasal cavities of asymptomatic cattle have the same numbers and types of adhesins as isolates from symptomatic lesion sites (pneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis). This suggests that not only M. bovis isolates from pulmonary lesions, but also M. bovis existing in the nasal cavity has the potential to causes symptoms in the host. [Open Vet J 2022; 12(6.000): 782-786]

Marlya Fatira AK, Anriza Witi Nasution, Tuti Kurnia

Abstract: This research identifies the needs of cattle breeders for Islamic financing for cattle business development to provide solutions to problems faced by breeders in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, especially in obtaining access to capital through Islamic financial institutions. The condition of the breeders included in the non-bankable criteria and did not have the 5 C criteria (character, capacity, collateral, capital, and conditions of economic), which are the main requirements for distribution of financing. One way to provide a solution to this problem is by providing easy access for farmers to obtain financing from LKMS with the most appropriate financing schemes and models for farmer business activities. In order to reach this stage, it is necessary to identify the needs of breeders. The research method used is a qualitative approach. Data were collected based on primary sources in the form of interviews with breeders, LKMS around Deli Serdang Regency. The results showed the main needs (needs) of breeders in managing their livestock business to be successful where the availability of capital during the maintenance period, the need for knowledge and skills in processing potential waste from livestock manure to become business and additional income from livestock management, the availability of routine health assistants. Conduct visits to help and provide counseling and control the health of livestock. The Islamic financing model for cattle breeders shows very promising business potential and opportunities for both parties of Islamic cooperatives and cattle breeders. The welfare opportunities formed in a multiplier manner from the sharia financing model for cattle breeders and sharia cooperatives based on investment with a yield within 42 months reach an equivalent rate of 72.5%.

Meharenet B, Shitu D

Behablom Meharenet, Dessalew Shitu National Institute for the Control and Eradication of Tsetse Fly and Trypanosomosis, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Behablom MeharenetNational Institute for the Control and Eradication of Tsetse Fly and Trypanosomosis, Akaki Kaliti, PO Box 19917, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEmail behablom@gmail.comBackground: A cross-sectional study was conducted from late October 2016 to June 2017, with the primary objective of estimating and analyzing the concurrent occurrence of both fascioliasis and trypanosomosis infections and associated risk factors along the tsetse-infested Didessa river basin.Methods: The methodology applied was based on stratified sampling for the parasitological study, with entomological and malacological surveys, including fly dissection.Results: The result of variance-ratio testing between trypanosomosis and fascioliasis infections (mean prevalence 0.117± 0.322 and 0.283± 0.451, respectively), was statistically significant (P[F>f]=0), with higher observed fascioliasis infection (n=147, 28.27%). Severe anemia was observed in trypanosomosis infection, with mean packed cell volume of 19.57 (OR=0.71, P>|z|=0.000), and vast fascioliasis infections identified among cattle with medium and poor body condition in terms of weight (n=91 [32.73%] and n=38 [21.47%]). On entomological study, 578 (62.62%) and 345 (37.38%) female and male Glossina tachinoides fly species were cached, respectively, with overall mean flies/trap/day of 5.19 (n=923). Despite the prevalence of trypanosomosis in infected cattle, of 130 G. tachinoides flies dissected, only three were found to be positive for an infection rate of 2.31%. Malacological study identified three snail species known to maintain fascioliasis: Lymnea truncatula (n=28, 45.16%), Lymnea natalensis (n=23, 37.10%), and Biomphalaria (n=11, 17.74%). Concurrent infection with fascioliasis and trypanosomosis was mainly associated with the co-occurrence of their intermediate host snails and Glossina flies, respectively, with 4.42% (n=23) prevalence.Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated that the former parasite was highly associated with emaciation, whereas the second was responsible for anemia. In future,researchers should focus solely on estimating meat and milk production of local cattle to assess the economic impact of the study parasites.Keywords: concurrent infection, fascioliasis, trypanosomosis, associated risk factors, cattle

Jamyang Namgyal, Tim J. Lysyk, Isabelle Couloigner et al.

Tick infestation is the most reported parasitological problem in cattle in Bhutan. In May and June 2019, we collected ticks from 240 cattle in two districts of Eastern Bhutan. Tick presence, diversity, and infestation prevalence were examined by morphological identification of 3600 live adult ticks. The relationships between cattle, geographic factors, and infestation prevalence were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Habitat suitability for the tick species identified was determined using MaxEnt. Four genera and six species of ticks were found. These were <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i> (Canestrini) (70.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 68.7–71.7)), <i>Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides</i> Supino (18.8% (95% CI: 17.5–20.1)), <i>Haemaphysalis bispinosa</i> Neumann (8.2% (95% CI: 7.3–9.1)), <i>Haemaphysalis spinigera</i> Neumann (2.5% (95% CI: 2–3)), <i>Amblyomma testudinarium</i> Koch (0.19% (95% CI: 0.07–0.4)), and a single unidentified <i>Ixodes</i> sp. Logistic regression indicated that the variables associated with infestation were: longitude and cattle age for <i>R. microplus</i>; latitude for <i>R. haemaphysaloides</i>; and altitude and cattle breed for <i>H. bispinosa</i> and <i>H. spinigera</i>. MaxEnt models showed land cover to be an important predictor for the occurrence of all tick species examined. These findings provide information that can be used to initiate and plan enhanced tick surveillance and subsequent prevention and control programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle in Bhutan.

A. P. Ponomarev

The article presents the results of electron microscopic studies of blood samples of cattle infected with monoinfections: bovine leukemia virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus and bovine ephemeral fever virus. Previously, the author identified nanometer-sized microorganisms in the blood of animals and humans with pronounced signs of gram-negative prokaryotic cells and characterized as nanobacteria. Nanobacteria at a concentration of 108-1010 cells/ml were detected by electron microscopy in the blood of animals infected with the virus of leukemia, foot-and-mouth disease and ephemeral fever. In addition, the technique, which includes the stages of freezing-thawing of blood samples and subsequent double centrifugation (500 and 2000 g), allows to identify cells of lymphocytes affected by nanobacteria, which gives grounds for concluding about associated effects on lymphocytes of nanobacteria and viral pathogens. It is quite obvious that the death of immunocompetent cells from nanobacteria, as well as their presence in high concentrations in the blood and organs of animals, loads the bodys immune system and thereby contributes to the development of secondary immunodeficiency with all its consequences

Lorraine Michelet, Krystel de Cruz, Jennifer Tambosco et al.

<i>Mycobacterium microti</i>, a member of the <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex, was originally described as the cause of tuberculosis in wild rodents. However, in the last few years, an increasing number of cases have been reported in wildlife (wild boars and badgers) and livestock (goat and cattle) in the frame of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) surveillance program, demonstrating the risk of interference with bTB diagnosis in France. In 2019, we detected four cattle infected with <i>M.</i><i>microti</i>, from three different herds in three different distant regions. For all these cases, ante-mortem diagnosis by the skin test (single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT)) was positive. Confirmation of <i>M.</i><i>microti</i> infection was based on molecular tests, i.e., specific real-time PCR and spoligotyping. These results highlight a non-negligible risk of interference in the bTB diagnosis system and raise concern about the reliability of diagnostic tests used for bTB surveillance. The use of highly specific tests, like the interferon gamma test (IFN-γ) employed in France or new synthetic specific tuberculins for skin testing could alternatively be used to accurately identify <i>M.</i><i>bovis</i> (or <i>Mycobacterium caprae</i>) infection at ante-mortem examination. At post-mortem diagnosis, the use of specific molecular tools should be considered to accurately distinguish pathogens within the MTBC and to avoid misleading bTB diagnosis.

Songsak Chumpawadee

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cassava peel levels in fermented total mixed ration used Napier Pakchong as roughage on feed intake, ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in beef cattle. Four Brahman-Thai native crossbred cattle with an average initial body weight of 180.25 ± 16.25 kg were randomly assigned in a 4x4 Latin Square Design. During each of four 21 day periods, the animals were fed four dietary treatments. The treatments were fermented total mixed ration with different amounts of cassava peel 0, 15, 30, and45 %, respectively. The results showed that feed intake was significant different among treatment (P<0.05). The digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid were not significantly different (P>0.05). Therefore, suitable levels of cassava peels in fermented total mixed ration ranged from 15-30 %, and did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation.

Marina Harper, John Dallas Boyce

Pasteurella multocida is a heterogeneous species that is a primary pathogen of many different vertebrates. This Gram-negative bacterium can cause a range of diseases, including fowl cholera in birds, haemorrhagic septicaemia in ungulates, atrophic rhinitis in swine, and lower respiratory tract infections in cattle and pigs. One of the primary virulence factors of P. multocida is lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Recent work has shown that this crucial surface molecule shows significant structural variability across different P. multocida strains, with many producing LPS structures that are highly similar to the carbohydrate component of host glycoproteins. It is likely that this LPS mimicry of host molecules plays a major role in the survival of P. multocida in certain host niches. P. multocida LPS also plays a significant role in resisting the action of chicken cathelicidins, and is a strong stimulator of host immune responses. The inflammatory response to the endotoxic lipid A component is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of certain infections. Recent work has shown that vaccines containing killed bacteria give protection only against other strains with identical, or nearly identical, surface LPS structures. Conversely, live attenuated vaccines give protection that is broadly protective, and their efficacy is independent of LPS structure.

V. I. Trukhachev, Yu. M. Tokhov, S. N. Lutsuk et al.

Aim. To determine the characteristics of the modern dissemination, distribution and seasonal activity of Hyalomma ixodid ticks in the Stavropol region.Methods. The study of the spread of Ixodes Hyalomma ticks was conducted in all administrative districts of the Stavropol Territory in the period of 2000-2015. Collection of ixodid ticks in natural habitats, home to wild mammals and birds, was carried out according to conventional techniques.Results. Hyalomma marginatum is a two-host tick. In the region, H. marginatum of an adult stage becomes active in early spring (late March - early April); appearance of the larvae is observed in early July; the nymphs in the third decade of July. The peculiarity of biological development of H. scupense is the activation of adult species in the cold season (winter); development is only of one-host cycle. The peak number of ticks of an adult stage in cattle falls on the last days of January and February.Conclusion. Hyalomma ixodid ticks in the Stavropol region are distributed mosaicly, with the dominance of some species depending on climatic and landscape-geographical features of the territories they inhabit. The dominant species are H. marginatum and H. scupense, but H. anatolicum tick species occur sporadically in the east region.

Münir ÖZTÜRK, dem TATLI, Hasan ÖZÇELİK et al.

ABSTRACT: Eastern Anatolia and its environs are included in the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region of Türkiye. The region abounds in highest mountain ranges (average 1900 m) of the country some of which are of quarternary age and volcanic character. Many rivers of historical and international importance like Euphrates, Dicle, Murat, Karasu and Aras. Tigris, Aras and Çoruh flow through the region. It experiencens a typical continental climate. Soils are generally of alluvial, colluvial, chestnut-brown, regosal and basaltic types. The area embodies over 8 million ha of meadows and grasslands which is 41% of Türkiye's total pasturelands as such cattle raising is very high in this area. Forest vegetation is represented mainly by Pinus sylvestris, Quercus libani, Q. longipes, Q. brantii, Q. macranthera, Juniperus excelsa and Betula pendula. Most of these are highly degraded. Plant cover is rich in Irano - Turanian elements but we find Mediterranean and Euro-Siberian elements too to some extent, richest families being Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Apiaceae richest genera being Astragalus, Verbascum, Centaurea, Ranunculus, Alyssum, Vicia, Silene, Dianthus, Veronica and Trifolium. The number of endemics is very high, being around 950. And also the region has gene centers of genera Astragalus, Gypsophila, Cousinia, Acanthophyllum etc. The some typical associations one comes across in this area are; Triseto-Pinetum sylvestris, Trifolio-Pinetum sylvestris, Ballato-Rhamnetum pallasii, Caragano-Minuartietum lineatea, Hippophaetum rhamnoidis, Typho-Juncetum inflecii, Hordeetum violaceumii, Deschampsio-Ranunculetum brachylobus, Hordeeto-Ranunculetum comosae and Polygon-Primuletum auriculatae. Dominantly vegetation of the region is steppe. The are a lot of natural plant taxa using local people. Key Words: Eastern Anatolia, Flora, Vegetation, Biodiversity, Geobotany, Endemism, Türkiye. Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi ve Çevresinin Flora ve Vejetasyon Formasyonlarının Genel Özellikleri ÖZET: Doğu Anadolu bölgesi ve çevresi Türkiye'nin İran-Turan bölgesinde yer alır. Ülkenin yüksek dağlık bölge silsilesinde (ortalama 1900 m) yer alan bölge Quaterner yaşlı ve volkanik karakterlidir. Fırat, Dicle, Karasu, Aras ve Çoruh gibi tarihi ve uluslararsı öneme haiz çoğu ırmak bölge boyunca akar. Bölge tipik kontinental iklim özelliği taşır. Toprakları genellikle allüviyal, kolluviyal, kestane-kahverengi, regosol ve bazalttır. Alan, 8 milyon ha'ın üzerinde çayır ve otlaklara sahiptir. Bu alan Türkiye toplam çayır ve otlaklarının yaklaşık % 41'ini teşkil eder. Sığır üretimi bölgede giderek yükseliyor. Orman vejetasyonu esas itibariyle Pinus sylvestris, Quercus libani, Q. longipes, Q. brantii, Q. macranthera, Juniperus excelsa ve Betula pendula'dır. Ormanlık alanların çoğu tahrip edilmiştir. Bitki örtüsü İran-Turan elementleri bakımından çok zengindir. Fakat biz Akdeniz ve Avrupa-Sibirya elementleri açısından da bir dereceye kadar zengin bulduk. Bölgedeki takson sayısı bakımından en zengin familyalar; Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Caryophyllaceae ve Apiaceae; en zengin cinsler ise Astragalus, Verbascum, Centaurea, Ranunculus, Alyssum, Vicia, Silene, Dianthus, Veronica ve Trifolium'dur. Endemiklerin sayısı çok yüksektir, yaklaşık 950. Aynı zamanda bölge Astragalus, Gypsophila, Cousinia and Acanthophyllum gibi cinslerin gen merkezidir. Bölgenin vejetasyonunda hakim tipik bazı birlikler; Triseto-Pinetum sylvestris, Trifolio-Pinetum sylvestris, Ballato-Rhamnetum pallasii, Caragano-Minuartietum lineatea, Hippophaetum rhamnoidis, Typho-Juncetum inflecii, Hordeetum violaceumii, Deschampsio-Ranunculetum brachylobus, Hordeeto - Ranunculetum comosae and Polygon-Primuletum auriculatae vs.dir. Hakim vejetasyonu steptir. Yerli halkın kullandığı çok sayıda doğal bitki türü vardır. Anahtar kelimeler: Doğu Anadolu, Flora, Vejetasyon, Biyoçeşitlilik, Jeobotanik, Endemizm, Türkiye.

Behzat Oral Bıtlıslı, Bilge Hilal Cadirci, Huseyin ATA Karavana et al.

In the present study, Aspergillus parasiticus TEM obtained from our culture collection produced appreciable quantities (2955.739.4 U/gds) of extracellular protease, but negligible quantities of keratinase, when grown on wheat bran moistened to 75% with Czapex Dox solution containing 1% NaNO3 by means of solid-state fermentation (SSF). After incubation at 27C for 3 days, A. parasiticus TEM reached to a maximum protease activity. The optimum pH of purified enzyme was around pH 8.0 at 30C, but substantial activity was recorded at the pH 7.0-11.0 and it is stable pH values ranging from 7.0-9.0 for 8 hours. Temperature optimum of the enzyme was found to be at 50 oC without Ca++ and to be highly stable (90%) at 30oC for 8 hours. When the protease from A. parasiticus TEM was used in dehairing process of cattle hide, the mixture of 100% crude enzyme, 1.5% lime and 1% sodium sulphide based on hide weight was completely dehaired hides at 30oC for 6 hours, but crude enzyme 200% alone carried out this process for 8 hours

Jean A Hall, Gerd Bobe, Janice K Hunter et al.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in cattle, and Se-deficiency can affect morbidity and mortality. Calves may have greater Se requirements during periods of stress, such as during the transitional period between weaning and movement to a feedlot. Previously, we showed that feeding Se-fertilized forage increases whole-blood (WB) Se concentrations in mature beef cows. Our current objective was to test whether feeding Se-fertilized forage increases WB-Se concentrations and performance in weaned beef calves. Recently weaned beef calves (n = 60) were blocked by body weight, randomly assigned to 4 groups, and fed an alfalfa hay based diet for 7 wk, which was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium-selenate at a rate of 0, 22.5, 45.0, or 89.9 g Se/ha. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for WB-Se concentrations. Body weight and health status of calves were monitored during the 7-wk feeding trial. Increasing application rates of Se fertilizer resulted in increased alfalfa hay Se content for that cutting of alfalfa (0.07, 0.95, 1.55, 3.26 mg Se/kg dry matter for Se application rates of 0, 22.5, 45.0, or 89.9 g Se/ha, respectively). Feeding Se-fertilized alfalfa hay during the 7-wk preconditioning period increased WB-Se concentrations (P Linear<0.001) and body weights (P Linear = 0.002) depending upon the Se-application rate. Based upon our results we suggest that soil-Se fertilization is a potential management tool to improve Se-status and performance in weaned calves in areas with low soil-Se concentrations.

M. J. Burridge, C. Kimber

R. Peters, L. Chapin, K. B. Leining et al.

J. Allen, S. Humphreys