The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships of neonatal beef calf behavior with calf serum metabolites. Angus, Hereford and crossbred beef females (n = 36; age = 4.0 ± 1.74; BCS = 6.5 ± 1.04; primiparous =5, multiparous = 31; calving date = April 4, 2018) and their calves were monitored continuously from 0 to 4 h post-parturition using a digital video recording system from March to May 2018. Jugular blood samples were obtained from calves at 24 (24.4 ± 1.73) and 48 to 72 (54.7 ± 9.08) h postnatal to determine serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total protein (TP). Video was analyzed for behavior latencies calculated from time of birth to time when calf shakes head, kneels, attempts to stand, stands, and suckles. Time to stand had a weak positive correlation (P = 0.03) with time to suckle. Time to shake head had a moderate positive correlation (P ≤ 0.04) with both time to attempt to stand and time to stand, but did not correlate (P = 0.99) with time to suckle. Dam parity (multiparous or primiparous) did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) calf vigor measures. Time to suckle had a moderate negative correlation (P ≤ 0.05) with both serum glucose and total protein at 24 and 72 h, however did not correlate (P ≥ 0.31) with BUN or NEFA serum concentrations. In conclusion, the initial calf vigor measures were poor predictors of time to suckle; however, time to stand may be a viable vigor measure used to predict calf suckling. Further analysis of immunoglobulin G concentrations in calf serum will be used to determine if these vigor measures have a relationship with passive immune transfer in beef calves.
Twinning has shown promise as a means of increasing reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of 1) twin calves raised by their dam (twin born-twin raised; TT); 2) twin calves where one calf was grafted to another cow that lost her calf and one calf was left with their dam (twin born-single raised; TS); and 3) single born calves that were raised by their dams (single born-single raised; S). To achieve twinning, sixty-three Angus-cross cows were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated. Seven days later, an embryo was placed into the uterine horn contralateral to the corpus luteum. Fourteen twin pairs and 11 singleton calves were produced from the described technique. Three natural twin pairs were added to the study. Birth order was recorded for twin calves (1=first calf; 2=second calf). Birth weights (BW) and blood samples for measuring serum total protein, IgG1, and IgM were collected 24 h post-calving. Calves were weighed at approximately six months of age, and a 200-d adjusted weight was calculated using the following equation: [(ADG x 200 d) + BW=A200dW]. Calf behavior data collected included interval to standing and first nursing, duration of dam nursing, and duration of non-dam nursing. Single calves had greater (P < 0.001) BW compared to TT and TS. Adjusted 200-d weights were greater (P < 0.05) for S compared to TS. There was a positive correlation between BW and A200dW (r=.32; P < 0.05). Behavior data did not differ among raising methods. Twin-single calves had lower (P < 0.05) serum IgG1 concentrations compared to S calves. Twin-Twin calves had a combined A200dW of 185 kg more than single born-single raised calves.
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate relationships of dam parity and calf suckling within 4 h postnatal with neonatal circulating metabolite concentrations, neonatal environment, and postnatal growth. For the experiment, 36 Angus, Hereford, and crossbred dams (age = 4.0 ± 1.74; multiparous (n = 5) and primiparous (n = 31); BCS = 6.5 ± 1.04; average calving date = April 4, 2018) were used. Calves were observed using a digital video recording system for 4 h after birth to determine suckling success [S = suckled (n = 27) or NS = did not suckle (n = 5) ≤ 4 h]. Jugular blood samples were obtained from calves at 24 (24.4 ± 1.73) and 48 to 72 (54.7 ± 9.08) h of age to determine serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total protein (TP). Postnatal growth measures were collected at 50.4 ± 13.6 d and 162 ± 19.7 d of age. Calf BW was greater (P ≤ 0.02) at 50 and 162 d of age and ADG (0 to 162 d) was greater (P = 0.04) for S than NS calves, however birth BW was not different (P = 0.69). Ambient temperature at parturition was colder (P = 0.03) for NS calves than S calves. Serum glucose at 24 and 72 h was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in S calves than NS calves, however NEFA, BUN, and TP were not affected (P ≥ 0.09) by suckling success at either sampling time. Dam parity had no effect (P ≥ 0.12) on calf circulating metabolites at 24 and 72 h postnatal. In conclusion, the success of beef calves to suckle within 4 h of birth is associated with greater circulating glucose, warmer ambient temperature at birth, and greater postnatal BW and ADG.
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