Maternal Supply of Ruminally-Protected Lysine and Methionine During Close-Up Period Enhances Immunity and Growth Rate of Neonatal Calves

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplying ruminally-protected lysine (RPL), methionine (RPM), or the two in combination (RPML) to transition dairy cows on the immunity and performance of their offspring. Eighty heifer calves (n = 20 calves per group) were assigned to four treatments based on their dam diet; basal diet (CON), a basal diet with lysine [RPL, 0.33% of dry matter (DM)], a basal diet with methionine (RPM, 0.16% DM), or with the combination (RPML). Calves were fed colostrum from their dams within 2 h of birth. Calves were then fed milk only (d 2–22), a combination of milk and milk replacer (d 23–25), and milk replacer (d 25–60). Starter feed was fed to the calves twice daily after liquid feeding. Calves blood samples were collected after calving on 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 5 and 7 d after birth. Data were analyzed by SAS software v9.4. Providing ruminally-protected amino acids (RPAA) to transition cows improved colostrum quality compared to the CON (Brix; P < 0.01). Serum total protein concentrations were higher in calves from supplemented cows than in calves from unsupplemented cows (P < 0.01). Calves born to dams in the RPM, RPL, and RPML groups had higher plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 7 d after birth than those born to dams in the CON group (P < 0.05). The percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer was increased with RPM and RPL or the two in combination (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer between the RPM and RPL groups (P = 0.21). Calves from cows that receive supplemental RPAA have a greater average daily gain (ADG) than those born to cows in the CON group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that maternal supplementation with RPM or RPL or the two in combination during the periparturient period could be an alternative strategy to improve the performance of calves, especially in accelerated growth programs in calves.

Effect of Methionine Supplementation on Serum Metabolism and the Rumen Bacterial Community of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

“…Previous studies demonstrated that lymphocytes have a higher requirement for methionine, because in lymphocytes precursors such as choline and homocysteine are not met by methionine regeneration through the methionine cycle [ 34 , 35 ]. Wang Han et al also demonstrated that methionine supplementation increased the plasma IgG level in dairy cows [ 36 ]. Therefore, methionine levels should be more than the growth maintenance requirements of animals to meet the needs of the immune system.…”

Feasibility of Supplying Ruminally Protected Lysine and Methionine to Periparturient Dairy Cows on the Efficiency of Subsequent Lactation

“…This research is a part of a large project to study the effect of ruminally protected amino acids on transition dairy cows and their neonatal calves. Cows, calves management, sampling, analysis procedures, and results were previously reported ( 18 , 29 , 30 ). Briefly, this study lasted from 3 weeks before calving until 5 months after calving (approximately 6 months), the study on the dairy cows contained two majors stages; (1) transition period (3 weeks before through 3 weeks after calving), (2) high milking period (from 22 to 150 days in milk), besides the trial on neonatal calves born from the transition cows that were used in this study.…”

“…The cows were fed their respective diets starting at about 3 weeks [transition period, (25.0 ± 3.31 days) before the anticipated calving to 3 weeks post-calving (24.0 ± 3.31 days)]. A statistical power analysis was performed before the study using G–power 3.1 software ( 31 ), and power = 0.95, α = 0.05, and 0.32 effect size indicated a minimum group size of 100 cows, more details in our previous studies ( 18 , 30 ). Until the end of the first stage of the study (about 21 DIM), some cows were culled, diseased, sold, or died, and the cows removed from the herd for any reason were excluded from the statistical analysis [refer to our previous paper of Elsaadawy et al ( 18 )].…”

“…As discussed in our previous studies ( 18 , 30 ), TMR was formulated using Cornell net carbohydrate and protein system [(CNCPS) v.6.5.5 ( 33 )] as executed in AMTS.Cattle.Professional v.4.7.2 (2016, AMTS LLC, USA) to meet or exceed the requirements of dairy cows ( Tables 1 , 2 ). The high-lactating diet was formulated for cows at 50 DIM, 600 kg of BW, 3.25 BCS, producing 55 kg/day milk with a target of 4.0% of milk fat and 3.16% of true protein, and a predicted DMI of 26 kg/day.…”

“…The results have been presented in partial form during the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), Abstract No# 245 “Supplementing ruminally protected methionine or lysine improved milk production in transition cows” and ( 18 , 29 , 30 ).…”