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Biomedical subjects

J T Huber

Publications and source records attributed to J T Huber.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Influence of protein percentage and degradability on performance of lactating cows during moderate temperature.

Sixty high producing Holstein cows (15/treatment) averaging 157 d postpartum were offered the following diets: high protein (18.5%), high rumen degradability (60%); high protein (18.0%), medium degradability (41%); medium protein (15.4%), high degradability (61%); medium protein (15.0%), medium degradability (46%). All diets contained 32% corn silage, 15% alfalfa haylage, and 10% whole cottonseed. Degradabilities were determined by the ficin method and were lowered by replacing soybean meal with meat and bone meal and brewers dried grains. Cows were milked three times daily and the study was conducted from May 11 to June 23 in Provo, UT during ascending day temperatures but cool nights. Milk yields were not different for the respective treatments (36.9, 35.4, 34.8, and 36.7 kg/d), but milk fat was higher at high protein degradability: 3.11, 2.89, 3.04, 2.78%, respectively, resulting in a tendency toward higher FCM. Lower acetate and propionate and acetate:propionate ratios were observed for medium degradability diets and were consistent with lower milk fat. Rumen NH3, butyrate, valerate, isovalerate, 2-methyl butyrate, and blood urea N were higher for cows on high protein diets but were not affected by degradability. Serum glucose and cortisol were not significantly affected by protein treatment, but serum triiodothyronine was lower on high protein; the interaction effect for thyroxine was significant.

Animal Feed↗

Influence of dietary protein concentration and degradability on performance of lactating cows during hot environmental temperatures.

To test effects of protein concentrations and degradability, 60 lactating Holstein cows in midlactation were offered the following diets during three trials between May and October in Tucson, AZ: high protein (18.4%), high degradability; high protein (18.5%), medium degradability; medium protein (16.1%), high degradability; and medium protein (16.1%), medium degradability. Diets comprised 39% alfalfa hay, 12% cottonseed hulls, 10% whole cottonseed, and 39% concentrate (DM) and concentrates contained 60, 40, 57, and 40% degradability, respectively, as determined by ficin assay. Rectal and ambient temperatures suggested that cows were under moderate to intense heat stress, as did group water intakes, which were increased about 15% by high degradability. Milk yields (3.5% FCM) and persistencies were lower for the high protein, high degradability diet than for all others. Mean DM intakes across treatments were quite high but were lower on high than medium protein; whereas ruminal ammonia and blood serum urea were higher on high protein. Milk composition, ruminal VFA, serum glucose, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and cortisol were not affected by treatment.

Animal Feed↗

Fertility and hormonal responses to temporary relief of heat stress in lactating dairy cows.

The influence of temporary cooling on pregnancy rate and ovarian secretion of cortisol, estradiol and progesterone in Holstein cows was evaluated during the months of June to September. Cows were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: 1) evaporative cooling, 8 d; 2) evaporative cooling, 16 d; 3) refrigerated air conditioning, 8 d; 4) refrigerated air conditioning, 16 d and 5) controls maintained outdoors with access to shade. Estrus was synchronized by giving two injections of prostaglandin (25 mg). Cows in the cooled groups were placed in box stalls at the time of the second prostaglandin injection, allowing them to be cooled for approximately 3 d prior to breeding. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 postbreeding and serum was analyzed for estradiol, cortisol, progesterone and a pregnancy-specific protein. Pregnancy rates as determined by palpation per rectum at 40 to 60 d post breeding were not different between cows in cooled treatments, regardless of duration or type of cooling. Pregnancy rate was higher (P<0.05) in cooled as compared to control cows. Serum progesterone concentrations were higher on Day 15 in cooled cows as compared to control cows. No differences in serum estradiol or cortisol concentrations were observed between cooled and control cows. Pregnancy-specific protein determinations indicated that 50% of both cooled and control cows conceived. Results indicate that temporary cooling increased pregnancy rates by increasing embryonic survival rates.

Journal Article↗

Hormonal alterations in the lactating dairy cow in response to thermal stress.

The influence of acute exposure to thermal stress on the secretion of progesterone, estradiol, cortisol, and LH was monitored in 14 lactating Holstein cows. Eight cows were maintained throughout the summer in a refrigerated air-conditioned tie stall barn. An additional eight cows were maintained in outdoor corrals with access only to shade. Rectal temperatures and respiration rates of cows under heat stress conditions were elevated above the cows maintained under air conditioning. Cows in both environments exhibited similar serum concentrations of progesterone and estradiol throughout the estrous cycle. Serum cortisol concentrations were higher in heat-stressed cows compared to cows maintained under cooling. The number of LH pulses on d 5 of the estrous cycle was greatly reduced in the heat-stressed cows compared to the cows under cooling. No differences in the number of pulses of LH were observed on d 12 of the estrous cycle between cows in the two environments. Data suggest that heat stress can suppress anterior pituitary release of LH without having a measurable influence on ovarian steroid hormone secretion.

Animals↗

Morphological alterations of small intestinal epithelium of calves caused by feeding soybean protein.

Sixteen male Holstein calves were fed milk replacer (14% solids) containing 23% crude protein from: 100% milk protein; or 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein as the only nutrients at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12, and 12% body weight from 1 to 7 wk of age, respectively. Eight calves were sensitized to soybean by feeding 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein for 21 d and eight were not sensitized by feeding 100% milk protein. Afterward, each calf received one of the diets for 10 d followed by the other diet for an additional 10 d. During the 2nd wk of the initial period each calf was surgically fitted with a duodenal cannula for biopsy of intestinal mucosa. Biopsies were taken at surgery and on the last day of each period. Feeding 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein resulted in lower body weight gain, decreased feed efficiency, higher rectal temperatures, increased diarrhea, and villus atrophy. Diminished villi size supports other studies reporting allergic reaction to soybean protein and was associated with the poor performance observed in calves fed soybean protein.

Animals↗

Nutritive value of potato processing wastes in total mixed rations for dairy cattle.

The nutritive value of wet potato processing waste for dairy cattle was determined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, rations contained, on a dry matter basis, 0, 10, 15, and 20% potato waste and were substituted for high moisture corn in diets for 32 lactating Holstein cows for 12 wk. Substituting potato waste for corn did not significantly affect milk yield, milk composition, milk production persistency, or dry matter intake. Cows fed 20% potato waste tended to decrease in milk fat percent and to shift molar proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids toward a decrease in acetate: propionate ratio. In Experiment 2, six steers were used in a 3 X 3 Latin square design to test digestibility and nitrogen utilization of potato waste substituted for high moisture corn at 0, 10, and 20% of the ration dry matter. A second group of four steers with rumen fistulas were used in a 4 X 4 Latin square to test rumen fermentation parameters. Diets contained 0, 10, 20, and 30% potato wastes and were similar to Experiment 1. Potato waste did not significantly affect digestibility of crude protein or dry matter, but at 20% substitution digestibility of acid detergent fiber decreased. Rumen ammonia, acetate, acetate to propionate ratios, and total volatile fatty acids were lower at high intakes of potato waste and pH was increased. The shift in rumen fermentation when large amounts of potatoes were fed explains the depressed butter fat on these rations.

Animal Feed↗

Effect of dietary protein and energy levels on rumen fermentation in Holstein steers.

Two experiments using six rumen-fistulated Holstein steers in 3 X 3 Latin square designs were conducted to test the effects of urea addition to corn silage, and grain addition to haylage, on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients and rumen fermentation of complete diets fed once daily. Addition of .34 and .68% urea to corn silage increased dietary crude protein from 8.1 to 11.3 and 13.3%, and stimulated dry matter intake 6 and 13%. No change in dry matter or acid-detergent fiber digestibility was noted among treatments. Rumen contents, sampled at 2 h intervals for 24 h postfeeding, exhibited two distinct peaks in ammonia (NH3) concentration at 2 and 12 h. Rumen pH decreased through 12 h and then increased. Total VFA increased from 7 to 11 mmol/dl between 0 and 14 h and then decreased. Individual VFA's followed a similar pattern. Added nitrogen (N) increased (P less than .05) concentrations of acetic, butyric and total VFA. Little difference in molar percentages of VFA was noted among treatments and sampling times, suggesting that N stimulated the amount of VFA produced rather than the type of rumen fermentation. Addition of corn to alfalfa haylage diets at 30 and 60% of dry matter (DM) stimulated dry matter intakes 19 and 38%, respectively, and increased DM, N and acid-detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities about 8%. However, total ADF disappearance from the digestive tract was 25% lower on 60% corn, compared with 0 and 30%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ammonia↗

Secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone from overfeeding dairy heifers.

Secretory effects of gonadotropins and various ovarian and uterine measurements were investigated in 22 prepubertal or postpubertal dairy heifers fed a concentrate to forage ration (60:40) in restricted or ad libitum amounts until they gained 125 kg. Average daily gain of heifers on restricted feeding was 613 g compared with 1218 g for heifers fed for ad libitum intake. During three stages of the experiment blood was collected either at 30-min intervals for two 4-h periods (Stage I and III) or at frequent intervals before and after an injection of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (Stage II). At the end of Stage III, all heifers were slaughtered, and ovaries and uteri were collected. Of the variables measured in ovaries and uteri, nutrition affected only number of uterine caruncles (76.5 in ad libitum versus 59.7 in restricted-fed heifers). Excess feeding increased frequency of luteinizing hormone pulses during Stage I but not during Stage II. However, amplitude baseline and overall concentrations of luteinizing hormone were unaffected. Release of luteinizing hormone induced by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone was reduced in heifers with ad libitum intake. Secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone was not affected by overfeeding.

Animals↗

Amino acids in plasma and duodenal digesta and plasma growth hormone in cows fed varying amounts of protein of differing degradability.

Eighty-four Holstein cows in early lactation fed diets varying in protein percent (11, 14, and 17% crude protein) and degradability in the rumen (normal and heated soybean meal) were sampled for effects on amino acids and growth hormone in blood plasma, and amino acid profiles in the duodenal digesta. Essential and branched chain amino acids in plasma increased as protein and amount of protected protein in the diet increased. These changes were accompanied by decreased concentrations of nonessential amino acids. Plasma growth hormone was highest at low protein (11.3%) probably because of decreased intakes on this diet. Molar percentages of amino acids in duodenal contents were not affected by diet suggesting that our heat-treated soybean meal influenced quantity more than quality of amino acids available for absorption in the small intestines.

Amino Acids↗

Influences of methionine hydroxy analog on milk and milk fat production, blood serum lipids, and plasma amino acids.

Feeding for 150 days of 25 g per day of methionine hydroxy analog was tested on 100 cows (52 treated and 48 controls) in the Brigham Young University herd. Effect of days after parturition of initiating methionine hydroxy analog feeding also was observed. Milk yields were not affected by methionine hydroxy analog, but fat percent and fat yields were increased 21 and 17% by the additive. Abnormally low milk fat by control cows (2.84%) magnified the response to methionine hydroxy analog feeding. Feeding methionine hydroxy analog beginning 0 to 12 days postpartum elicited much larger increases of milk fat than started later (17 to 102 days). Blood from the coccygeal vein of 20 cows from each treatment had 10% more triglycerides from cows fed methionine hydroxy analog than from control cows. Increases of arterio-venous differences across the mammary gland of triglycerides and lipoproteins of blood serum suggested that increases of milk fat could have resulted from greater uptake of performed fat by the udder. Feeding methionine hydroxy analog increased methionine, isoleucine, and leucine in serum of coccygeal vein, but methionine was the only amino acid with significantly higher arteriovenous differences across the mammary gland.

Amino Acids↗

Influence of feeding different amounts of milk on performance, health, and absorption capability of baby calves.

The influence of feeding high milk on performance, health, and absorption capability of the small intestine was studied in Holstein calves (eight males and eight females). Animals were kept in outdoor hutches bedded with straw. Treatments consisted of two quantities of milk: 1) 4.1 kg of whole milk from 3 to 48 days of age when calves were weaned and 2) gradually increasing milk from 4.1 to 7.0 kg during the first 2 wk of treatment and feeding 7.6 kg per day thereafter until day 42. Milk was reduced gradually during the 7th wk. Intake of milk averaged 4.1 and 6.7 kg per animal per day. Commercial starter, alfalfa hay, and water were offered ad libitum to all calves. Higher milk resulted in larger weight gains (615 versus 538 g/day) and less starter intake. Total dry matter intake, feed efficiency, and scour scores were not different between treatments, but rectal temperatures were greater on high milk. Female calves fed high milk showed less xylose absorption and more days medicated than females fed less milk.

Animal Feed↗

Performance of high producing cows in early lactation fed protein of varying amounts, sources, and degradability.

Eighty-four multiparous Holstein cows were fed a standard ration from 0 to 21 days postpartum and treatment rations from 22 to 91 days. Treatments varied in amount and source of protein, and only cows averaging at least 26 kg milk daily from 8 to 21 days postpartum were used. Experimental variables included protein percent (11.3, 14.5, 17.5), ammoniated versus untreated corn silage, and heated (2.5 h at 140 degrees C in forced draft oven) versus normal soybean meal. Treatments by protein percent and supplement types were: 1) 11%, untreated silage, normal soy; 2) 14%, ammonia silage, heated soy; 3) 14%, untreated silage, heated soy; 4) 14%, untreated silage, normal soy; 5) 17%, ammonia silage, heated soy; 6) 17%, untreated silage, heated soy; and 7) 17%, untreated silage, normal soy. Milk production and dry matter intakes increased with increased protein. Differences were greater between 11 and 14% than between 14 and 17%. At 14 and 17% protein, cows fed normal soy produced less than those fed heated soy, but silage treatments were not different. The 17% ration containing ammonia silage and heated soy resulted in greatest milk production and highest income over feed costs. A combination of heated soybean meal to limit rumen degradability and ammonia in corn silage to furnish nonprotein nitrogen was the most productive and profitable of several rations compared for cows early in lactation.

Ammonia↗

Influence of amount fed on hormone concentrations and their relationship to mammary growth in heifers.

Concentrations in blood serum of growth hormones, prolactin, insulin, and glucocorticoids were investigated in 22 pre- or postpubertal heifers fed restricted or ad libitum amounts of a ration. Gains for the respective feeding regimens were 613 and 1218 g daily. Growth hormone was elevated for prepubertal heifers on restricted feed, whereas there was no difference from feeding for postpubertal heifers. Concentrations of prolactin, insulin, and glucocorticoids were higher for heifers fed ad libitum than for those restricted. Mammary secretory tissue was positively correlated with blood serum concentrations of growth hormone, and extraparenchymal adipose tissue was negatively correlated with them. Prolactin was negatively related to mammary secretory tissue; however, this relationship disappeared after adjustment for concentrations of growth hormone, insulin, and glucocorticoids. Mammary tissue was not related to concentrations of insulin or glucocorticoids. The negative influence of excess feeding on mammary development of prepubertal heifers may be associated with a decrease in concentrations of growth hormone in blood.

Animals↗

Influence of nonprotein nitrogen and protein of low rumen degradability on nitrogen flow and utilization in lactating dairy cows.

Four lactating cows, each fitted with a rumen cannula and duodenal and ileal t-cannulae, were used to measure flow and digestion of nitrogenous compounds in the digestive tract. Dietary dry matter contained 17% crude protein and 50:50 forage:concentrate. Treatments were: 1) corn silage-soybean meal; 2) corn silage-heated soybean meal; 3) ammonia-treated corn silage-soybean meal; and 4) ammonia-treated corn silage-heated soybean meal. Flow of organic matter to the duodenum was overestimated when lanthanum or chromium ethylene-diaminetetraacetate was used as an indigestible marker. This resulted in low estimates of ruminal digestion of organic matter and high estimates of nitrogen flow to the duodenum. However, calculations using lanthanum or lignin as markers yielded similar organic matter flow to ileum and feces. With acid-detergent lignin as a marker, estimates of dietary nitrogen degraded in the rumen were: corn silage-heated soybean meal, 55.0% ammonia-treated corn silage-heated soybean meal, 58.8%; ammonia-treated corn silage-soybean meal, 63.3%; and corn silage-soybean meal, 66.0%. Digestion in the small intestine of nonammonia nitrogen was equal for all treatments suggesting that availability of heated soybean meal in the intestine was not different, although ruminal degradability tended to be lower. Feeding diets containing nonprotein nitrogen did not decrease available nitrogen at the duodenum.

Animals↗

Performance and digestion by calves from limestone added to milk replacers containing soy protein concentrate.

Sixteen male Holstein calves were fed milk replacers containing milk protein or 50% of the protein from soy protein concentrate for study of limestone as a buffer in the small intestine. Experimental diets were: A) 19% of crude protein as milk protein; B) same as A but containing .8% limestone; C) 19% crude protein, 9.5% milk protein, and 9.5% soy protein; and D) same as C but containing .8% limestone. Milk replacers were reconstituted with water to 14% solids and fed at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 12% body weight from 1 to 6 wk of age. Calves were fed twice daily, and clean fresh water was available at all times. Soy protein concentrate in the replacer resulted in 20% lower weight gains, lower dry matter and protein digestibilities. Apparent crude protein retention also was reduced, but intake of nutrients, feed efficiencies, fecal scores, and rectal temperatures were not different between protein sources. Limestone did not change any of these measurements. Xylose absorption tests at 3 and 6 wk of age showed differences from age but not treatment. Analysis of digesta from different sections of the gut of 6-wk-old calves sacrificed 6 h after feeding revealed that pH throughout the small intestine was above 6 for both proteins, which may explain the ineffectiveness of added limestone. Compared to milk protein, soy protein concentrate produced a lower pH in the large intestine and feces.

Animals↗

Influence of nutrition of mammary development in pre- and postpubertal heifers.

This experiment investigated the influence of plane of nutrition on mammary development in heifers. Prepubertal and postpubertal heifers were fed a ration 60:40 concentrate to forage in restricted or ad libitum amounts. Dry matter intake of the heifers on restricted feeding was 60% that of heifers fed ad libitum. Average daily gain of heifers on restricted feeding was 613 g compared with 1218 g for heifers fed ad libitum. Ad libitum feeding during prepuberty lowered mammary secretory tissue weights 23% and deoxyribonucleic acid content 32% compared to restricted feeding. In contrast, there was no difference in growth of mammary secretory tissue between postpubertal heifers fed restricted or ad libitum amounts. Composition of mammary parenchyma was not affected by plane of nutrition in prepubertal or postpubertal heifers. From these data, we suggest a critical period for total mammary cell number in heifers during which mammary growth is affected adversely by a high plane of nutrition.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Enzymatic hydrolysate of fish, spray-dried fish solubles, and soybean protein concentrate in milk replacers for calves.

Holstein calves (120) were fed milk replacers as the only nutrients from 4 to 46 days of age. All milk replacers contained 20% crude protein and differed in protein source: 1) 100% milk protein; 2) 67% milk protein, 33% soybean protein concentrate; 3) 67% milk protein, 33% enzymatic hydrolysate of fish; 4) 67% milk protein, 16.5% soybean protein concentrate, 16.5% enzymatic hydrolysate of fish; 5) 67% milk protein, 16.5% soybean protein concentrate, 16.5% spray-dried fish solubles; 6) 67% milk protein, 24.75% soybean protein concentrate, 8.25% spray-dried fish solubles. Substitution up to 33% of dietary protein with soybean protein concentrate or combinations of soybean, enzymatic hydrolysate of fish, or spray-dried fish solubles produced 14% lower weight gains than all milk protein, but 33% replacement with enzymatic hydrolysate of fish produced 27% lower weight gains. Feed consumed per kilogram of gain was least for all milk, most for 33% fish hydrolysate, and intermediate for other rations. Scour scores did not differ between diets.

Animals↗