J.A. Jackson

Health and Performance of Holstein Calves that Suckled or Were Hand-Fed Colostrum and Were Fed One of Three Physical Forms of Starter

Abstract Intake of colostrum by neonatal calves and early transition to calf starter are two important factors in successful calf programs. Thirty-one Holstein calves were used to determine health and performance of calves that were 1) allowed to remain with their dams for 3 d and suckle (suckled calves) or were removed from their dams and fed colostrum only by bottle (bottle calves); and were 2) fed ground, pelleted, or textured starters, formulated to be isonitrogenous. Bottle calves were removed from their dams at birth, fed 2.84L of colostrum, placed in individual hutches, and fed 1.89L of colostrum 12h after the first feeding. Suckled calves were removed from their dams after 3 d and placed in individual hutches. Once calves were housed in hutches, they were fed 2L of whole milk twice daily and were provided starters and water beginning on d 3. Calves were weighed at birth and weekly for 6 wk. Blood samples were obtained at birth, 24h, and weekly for serum protein determination. Starter intake, fecal scores, and electrolyte treatments were recorded daily. Weaning began when calves had consumed 0.68kg starter for 2 d consecutively. There were no differences in treatment means between suckled and bottle calves for total gain, grain consumption, days with fecal scores >2, or electrolyte treatments per calf. Average days to weaning was greater for bottle calves compared with suckled calves. Mean serum protein concentration at 24h was greater for bottle (6.0 g/dl) compared with suckled calves (5.8 g/dl) and only 2 of 15 bottle calves had serum protein concentrations <5.0 g/dl compared with 6 of 16 suckled calves. For starter treatments, calves fed textured starter consumed more total grain, were weaned earlier, and weighed more at 6 wk of age than calves fed pelleted starter. Based on 24-h serum protein concentrations, transfer of passive immunity was greater for bottle calves compared with suckled calves.

Effect of feeding fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum )-infected tall fescue seed on reproductive performance in CD-1 mice through continuous breeding.

This study was designed to assess the effect of endophyte-infected (Acremonium coenophialum ) tall fescue (KY-31) seed (80% infected) on reproductive performance in CD-1 mice by continuous breeding. Twenty-four pairs of 70-d-old CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to four diets: 1) mouse chow ad libitum; 2) 40% infected fescue seed and 60% chow (w/w); 3) reduced intake (100% chow) similar to the intake, adjusted daily, in Diet 2; and 4) 60% infected fescue seed and 40% chow. Males and females were randomly paired (six pairs/treatment) and placed on the above diets. The mice were fed the corresponding diets for 80 d, although the pairs were separated on Day 60 (prior to the birth of the 3rd litter) and the females were monitored for one additional gestation period (20 d). The pregnancy data (litters produced) among the four treatments were 100.0 (18), 77.8 (14), 100.0 (18) and 80.0% (12) respectively. Similarly, the average number of pups born per litter among the four treatments was 11.8, 9.3, 10.1, and 9.8. When the chow treatment (1 and 3) and the fescue treatments (2 and 4) were pooled and compared, the percent pregnancy was 100.0 (n = 36) and 78.8 (n = 26), and the pups born per litter (means +/- SEM) were 11.0 +/- 0.5 and 9.5 +/- 0.6, respectively. Also the intervals between the three litters born during the 60-d cohabitation period were 21.6 +/- 1.1 and 24.5 +/- 0.9 d for the chow and fescue treatments, respectively. The results point out that 40 and 60% infected fescue seed in the diet of mice does influence (P < 0.05) their reproductive capacity as measured by percent pregnancy and litter size.

Effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seed on the reproductive performance in male and female CD-1 mice by combination crosses☆

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of endophyte-infected Acremonium coenophialum tall fescue (KY 31) seed (80% infected) on the reproductive performance of male and female CD-1 mice by combination crosses. Forty-eight male and 48 female 30-d-old mice were randomly allocated to two diet treatments. Twenty-four males and 24 females were fed Diet 1, consisting of 50% non-infected fescue and 50% mouse chow; the remaining animals were fed Diet 2, containing 50% infected fescue. At the end of 50 d, the animals were paired in groups (n = 12) as follows: 1) Diet 1 males and females; 2) Diet 2 males and Diet 1 females; 3) Diet 1 males and Diet 2 females; and 4) Diet 2 males and females. The pairs were maintained on the diets of their female partners and were allowed to cohabitate for 96 h. After this period the males were removed and the females were carried to term. Pregnancy rates among the four treatment groups were 100, 83.3, 75.0 and 54.5%, respectively. Similarly, the average number of pups born per litter among the four groups were 11.5, 8.0, 9.7, and 7.5, respectively. Also, the weights (grams) of pups born per litter were 17.5, 12.6, 12.4, and 9.8, respectively. The results point out that the reproductive capacity of both male and female mice are affected (P < 0.05) by the ingestion of endophyte-infected fescue seeds. Such negative effects were more severe in the female than the male (P < 0.05).

Lactation in mice fed endophyte-infected tall fescue seed.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of endophyte-infected Acremonium coenophialum tall fescue (KY-31) seed (80% infected) on lactation in CD-1 dams and suckling performance of pups as measured by pup survival and growth rates. Twenty-four pairs of mature CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: 1) 100% mouse chow ad libitum; 2) 40% endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and 60% mouse chow (w/w); 3) reduced intake (100% chow), adjusted daily to the intake level of Treatment 2; and 4) 60% infected tall fescue seed and 40% chow. The mice were preconditioned on their respective diets for 100 d prior to 96 h of cohabitation between pairs of males and females. At parturition the litters were removed, and each dam was given a litter of six pups of equal weight, size and sex ratio to suckle for 15 days. All pups given to all the dams were born to other mice that were not part of the study and had not been exposed to endophyte-containing diets. Dams and litter weights were measured daily for 15 consecutive days. The combined body weight measurements of litters from dams fed the tall fescue containing diets (Treatments 2 and 4) were significantly lower (2.07 +/- 0.41 g/d) than that of litters from dams fed the chow containing diets (Treatments 1 and 3) during the suckling trial (P<0.05). Similarly, nine of ten (90%) dams fed the chow containing diets maintained five or more pups (5.5 +/- 0.2) throughout the study as compared to five of nine (55.6%) dams fed the tall fescue containing diets that maintained less than five pups (4.5 +/- 0.2).

Effects of feeding endophyte-infected (Acremonium coenophialum ) KY-31 fescue hay on the reproductive development of Holstein bulls.

This study was designed to assess the effect of endophyte-infected (Acremonium coenophialum ) tall fescue (KY-31) on reproductive development in bulls. Eighteen Holstein bull calves (2 mo old) were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments consisting of 1) noninfected KY-31 fescue hay (NON) supplemented with grain (n=9) and 2) infected (67% infected by Acremonium coenophialum ) KY-31 fescue hay (INF) supplemented with grain (n=9). Both dietary treatments consisted of equal amounts of hay and grain. Data were collected every 14 d. Body weight, hip height and scrotal circumference did not differ (P>0.05) in the two treatments. Mean rectal temperatures also were not different in bulls (P = 0.12); however the infected bulls experienced higher rectal temperatures in all but four collection periods. Animals were sacrificed at 13 mo of age. Testicular weight and dimensions, epididymal weight and length as well as seminal vesicle weight were not different (P>0.05). Maturity of spermatozoa taken from each cauda epididymides was assessed by the incidence of cytoplasmic droplets and was not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Daily sperm production potential was not different (P>0.05) between treatments; however, large variations were noted among the infected bulls. Blood testosterone levels were not different (P=0.29) between the two dietary treatments, but were different over time (P<0.001) with NON and INF bulls having 2.14 +/- 0.21 and 2.41 +/- 0.22 ng/ml, respectively. Prolactin levels were different (P<0.02) between the NOn and INF bulls, 29.35 +/- 3.35 vs 18.31 +/- 3.39 ng/ml, respectively; and over time (P<0.001). The data generated in this study showed some important biological trends. Overall, the results indicate that endophyte infected KY-31 fescue hay fed to growing bulls did not appear to have severe detrimental effects on body growth or reproductive development. However, additional studies will be necessary to further delineate the patterns established in this study.

Physiological Responses of Rats Fed Loline and Ergot Alkaloids from Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue

Sixty-three male sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing 1) N-formylloline alkaloid (NFL), 2) N-acetylloline alkaloid (NAL), 3) NFL + NAL, 4) NFL + a mixture of ergot alkaloids, 5) NAL + a mixture of ergot alkaloids, 6) NFL + NAL + a mixture of ergot alkaloids, 7) a mixture of ergot alkaloids, 8) endophyte-free tall fescue seed (EFTF), and 9) endophyte-infected tall fescue (EITF) seed (negative control). All diets were prepared by mixing the prepared treatments and Laboratory Chow (1:1 ratio) and were fed at a maximum of 15 g per rat per day. All rats were killed at termination (d 18). Rats fed the EITF consumed less (P < .05) than those fed all other treatments. Feed intake for rats fed the NFL + ergot alkaloids was lower than for those fed NAL, NAL + ergot alkaloids, NFL + NAL + ergot alkaloids, ergot alkaloids, and EFTF treatments. Average daily weight gains (ADG) followed a trend similar to feed intake with some exceptions. Rats fed the NFL + NAL treatments had higher (P < .05) ADG than those fed all other treatments except the NFL + NAL + ergot alkaloid treatment. Rats fed the EITF had lower (P < .05) ADG than those fed all other treatments except those fed ergot alkaloids and NAL + ergot alkaloids. Epididymides, testes, hypothalamus, corpus striatum weights, prolactin and alkaline phosphatase content were not altered by dietary treatments. Results suggest that loline alkaloids may have a slight depressing effect on feed intake.

Physiological Responses in Rats Fed Extracts of Endophyte Infected Tall Fescue Seed

Three trials involving 184 male Sprague Dawley rats were conducted to identify the biologically active fraction of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed. In trial 1, seed infected (greater than 95%) with the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum and shown to be toxic to cattle, was serially extracted with hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol, respectively. A second sample of this seed was extracted with chloroform only. Controls included a solvent treatment (spraying the various solvents on endophyte-free seed and carrying the mixture to dryness), the seed post-extraction, endophyte-infected seed and endo-phyte-free seed. Laboratory chow was mixed with all diets to provide 50% of the mix. Trial 2 examined the same treatments as trial 1 except that the chloroform treatment was omitted. Dosages 3 times (equivalent to 22.5 g seed) those used in trial 1 were applied to endophyte-free seed (7.5 g) in an attempt to accentuate any differences. Trial 3 examined the methanol fraction extracted serially, a methanol fraction extracted batchwise, and a water fraction extracted batchwise. Controls included seed residues post-extraction, solvent residue from methanol sprayed on endophyte-free seed, and endophyte-infected seed. Lowered feed intake and weight gains, and depressed serum prolactin concentrations were used as indicators of toxicity. Feed intake was lower in all three trials for rats fed the methanol fraction. In all three trials mean serum prolactin concentrations in rats fed the methanol extracts were not different from those fed endophyte-infected fescue seed. Rats fed the water extract in trial 3 had lower feed intakes than rats fed endophyte-free seed. However, rats fed the seed, post-water extraction, had serum prolactin concentrations similar to that of the negative control. Results suggest that the toxic factor(s) may be concentrated in the methanol extract.

Physiological Responses in Rats Fed Extracts of Endophyte-Free and Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Seed Relative to Some Known Ergot Alkaloids

Ethanol and ethanol-water extracts of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed were effective for extracting toxin(s) responsible for feed intake and average daily weight gain (ADG) depression in Sprague Dawley rats. Although the ethanol extract of endophyte-infected seed depressed serum prolactin (Prl) concentrations, the data were less reflective of overall toxicity than feed intake and weight gain. Inclusion of commercially available ergonovine maleate, ergocryptine and ergotamine tartrate had no effect on rat feed intake, ADG or serum Prl at the levels tested. Dietary addition of a recombination of hexane, ethanol and ethanol-water extracts caused a toxicity response (depressed feed intake, ADG, and serum Prl) equivalent to that of the whole seed. The toxic factor(s) were extracted primarily in more polar solvents such as ethanol and ethanol-water. Rat assays can be used successfully in lieu of cattle assays as a routine evaluation of toxic components in endophyte-infected tall fescue. However, species differences dictate that eventually all suspected toxins be evaluated in the bovine.

Three Patients Needing High Doses of Valproic Acid to Get Therapeutic Concentrations

Valproic acid (VPA) can autoinduce its own metabolism. Cases requiring VPA doses >4000 mg/day to obtain therapeutic plasma concentrations, such as these 3 cases, have never been published. Case 1 received VPA for seizures and schizophrenia and had >50 VPA concentrations in 4 years. A high dose of 5,250 mg/day of VPA concentrate was prescribed for years but this dose led to an intoxication when switched to the enterocoated divalproex sodium formulation, requiring a normal dose of 2000 mg/day. VPA metabolic capacity was significantly higher (t = −9.6; df = 6.3, p < 0.001) during the VPA concentrate therapy, possibly due to autoinduction in that formulation. Case 2 had VPA for schizoaffective psychosis with 10 VPA concentrations during an 8-week admission. To maintain a VPA level ≥50 μg/mL, VPA doses increased from 1500 to 4000 mg/day. Case 3 had tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy and was followed up for >4 years with 137 VPA concentrations. To maintain VPA concentrations ≥50 μg/mL, VPA doses increased from 3,375 to 10,500 mg/day. In Cases 2 and 3, the duration of admission and the VPA dose were strongly correlated (r around 0.90; p < 0.001) with almost no change after controlling for VPA concentrations, indicating progressive autoinduction that increased with time.

Genetic and environmental effects on early growth and performance in purebred Holstein, Jersey, and reciprocal crossbred calves

For this designed experiment, Holstein × Holstein (n=28), Jersey × Jersey (n=10), Holstein × Jersey (n=15), and Jersey × Holstein (n=15) bull and heifer calves were compared for body weight (BW), dry matter intake, feed efficiency, hip height, BW gain to 42 and 56 d, and days to weaning from birth to 8 wk. All traits were examined for purebred, maternal, and heterotic genetic effects. Purebred genetic effects significantly favored the Holstein breed for BW, dry matter intake, hip height, and BW gain to 42 and 56 d. Heterotic genetic effects were present for dry matter intake and hip height. Calf sex affected BW and BW gain to 56 d. Our results indicate that early calf growth is influenced primarily by purebred effects favoring the Holstein breed and to a lesser extent heterosis.