Nutrition-induced Changes of Growth from Birth to First Calving and Its Impact on Mammary Development and First-lactation Milk Yield in Dairy Heifers: A Review

Lohakare, J.D.,Sudekum, K.H.,Pattanaik, A.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2012 Animal Bioscience Vol.25 No.9

This review focuses on the nutritional effects from birth until age at first calving on growth, mammary developmental changes, and first-lactation milk yield in heifer calves. The advancement in the genetic potential and the nutritional requirements of the animals has hastened the growth rate. Genetic selection for high milk yield has suggested higher growth capacity and hence increasing nutritional inputs are required. Rapid rearing by feeding high energy or high concentrate diets not only reduces the age of sexual maturity but also lowers the time period of attaining the age of first calving. However, high energy diets may cause undesirable fat deposition thereby affecting future milk yield potential. Discrepancies exist whether overfed or overweight heifers at puberty can influence the mammary development and future milk yield potential and performance. The data on post-pubertal nutritional management suggested that body weight at calving and post-pubertal growth rate is important in first lactation milk yield. There is a continuous research need for strategic feeding that accelerates growth of dairy heifers without reduction in subsequent production. Nutritional management from birth, across puberty and during pregnancy is critical for mammary growth and for producing a successful cow. This review will mostly highlight studies carried out on dairy breeds and possible available opportunities to manipulate nutritional status from birth until age at first calving.

Effect of Dietary Protein Levels on the Performance, Nutrient Balances, Metabolic Profile and Thyroid Hormones of Crossbred Calves

Lohakare, J.D.,Pattanaik, A.K.,Khan, S.A. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2006 Animal Bioscience Vol.19 No.11

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different dietary protein levels on the performance, nutrient balances, blood biochemical parameters and thyroid hormones of crossbred calves. Thirty crossbred (Bos taurus${\times}$Bos indicus) calves aged 3-5 months were divided into 3 equal groups of 10 each and fed graded levels of crude protein, namely 100 (NP), 75 (LP) and 125 (HP) percent of the Kearl recommendations for 105 d. The calves had access to ad libitum oat hay as the basal roughage. A metabolism trial of 6 d duration was conducted at 90 d of the study. Blood collection and its analysis for various hematological and biochemical parameters as well as thyroid hormones was done both during the pre- and post-experimental periods. The fortnightly body weight changes and the net gain did not differ significantly due to dietary variation. The average daily gain was $367{\pm}21.6$, $347{\pm}22.9$ and $337{\pm}26.4g$ in calves fed NP, LP and HP diets, respectively. Averaged across the feeding trial, oat hay intake was higher (p<0.05) in NP animals than HP or LP fed groups. The dry matter (DM) intake showed no significant difference between the 3 groups but the DM digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in the HP fed animals. The digestibility of crude protein, organic matter, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract was significantly higher (p<0.05) on HP diets compared to LP or NP diets. The calves on all 3 diets were in positive nitrogen (N) balance, however the N retention was higher (p<0.05) in HP than in LP fed calves. The intake and retention of calcium and phosphorus were similar between the treatments. The blood biochemical profile revealed no significant influence of the dietary treatments on hemoglobin, packed cell volume as well as serum levels of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, P, and alkaline phosphatase. Serum levels of the circulating thyroid hormones ($T_3$ and $T_4$) tended to be lower (p>0.05) on feeding of the LP diet besides showing an increasing trend with the advancement of age. Considering the similar performance and metabolic profile, it could be concluded that crossbred calves can be satisfactorily reared on 25% lower protein level as recommended by Kearl for developing countries, which would not only economize the cost of production but also help to reduce environmental pollution attributable to livestock production.

Effect of Dietary Fat-soluble Vitamins on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Growing Pigs

Lohakare, J.D.,Lee, S.H.,Chae, B.J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2006 Animal Bioscience Vol.19 No.4

Two experiments were conducted to compare the effect of various vitamins on performance and digestibility in growing pigs. In experiment 1, a total of 54 pigs ($L{\times}Y{\times}D$, $42.73{\pm}2.40kg$) were assigned to three treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replicates (6 pigs/pen) for 40 days. The three dietary treatments were: 100% fat-soluble vitamins (FSV) and water-soluble vitamins (WSV); 150% FSV and 100% WSV of NRC (1998); and 100% FSV and 150% WSV of NRC (1998). In experiment 2, a total of 180 pigs ($L{\times}Y{\times}D$, $28.20{\pm}3.05 kg$) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design with three replicates for four weeks (15 pigs/pen). The four dietary treatments were, 150% vitamin A and 100% other vitamins, 150% vitamin D and 100% other vitamins, 150% vitamin E and 100% other vitamins, and 150% vitamin K and 100% other vitamins. In experiment 1, there were significant differences in growth performance and digestibility of nutrients among the treatments. The ADG, ADFI and FCR of pigs fed 150% FSV diet were better (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet. However, there were no differences (p>0.05) in ADG, ADFI and FCR between pigs fed the control and 150% WSV diets. Digestibilities of dry matter, gross energy and calcium were improved in 150% FSV treatment group compared with control (p<0.05). However, the improvement was similar when compared with 150% WSV except for Ca. In experiment 2, there were no differences (p>0.05) in ADG, ADFI and FCR and nutrient digestibility between the fat-soluble vitamin treatments when fed at the 150% level. In conclusion, growing pigs were more responsive to additional fat-soluble vitamin supplements over the requirements suggested by NRC (1998) than to water-soluble vitamin supplements as measured by growth performance and digestibility of nutrients.

Effects of Dietary Combinations of Vitamin A, E and Methionine on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Immunity in Commercial Broilers

Lohakare, J.D.,Choi, J.Y.,Kim, J.K.,Yong, J.S.,Shim, Y.H.,Hahn, T.-W.,Chae, B.J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.4

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary combinations of vitamin A (VA), vitamin E (VE) and methionine (Met) on growth performance, meat quality and immunity in commercial broilers. Ross chicks (n=3,630) were allocated to five experimental treatments with three replicates per diet. The dietary treatments were: VA 8,000 IU, VE 10 IU (diet 1); VA 12,000 IU, VE 10 IU (diet 2); VA 8,000 IU, VE 100 IU (diet 3); VA 12,000 IU, VE 100 IU (diet 4) and; VA 12,000 IU, VE 100 IU/kg diet and 20% Met higher than other groups (diet 5). The Met content in diet 1 to diet 4 were as per the requirement suggested by NRC. Separate vitamin premixes were prepared for each treatment diet as per the requirement of study. The 35 d study revealed significantly (p<0.0001) higher weight gains in broilers fed diet 3 and diet 5, than in the rest of the groups during starter phase (0-3 weeks) only. The feed intake did not vary significantly at all phases of study, but feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) lower in diet 1 during starter and overall phase (4-5 weeks). The bone strength and bone composition, except bone calcium, remained unaffected due to experimental diets studied after 35 d of experimental feeding. The thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (p=0.0013) lower in the breast meat in group 5, followed by group 3, than in the rest of the groups. The immune studies conducted, antibody titers to sheep red blood cells, thickness index to phytohaemagglutinin-P, and heterophil: lymphocyte ratio, did not show any significant difference among treatments. It could be concluded that supplementation of VA, VE and Met at higher levels could be beneficial to broilers only during the starter phase.

Effects of Feeding Methods (Water vs. Feed) of Vitamin Con Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

Lohakare, J.D.,Chae, B.J.,Hahn, T.W. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.8

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of vitamin C supplemented in either feed or water on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers during the hot season. For a 6 week feeding trial, a total of 330 broiler chicks (Ross, 4 d old, average 57 g BW) were alloted to five treatments. The treatments of vitamin C (VC) supplementation were 1) 0 ppm VC, 2) 10 ppm VC in feed, 3) 20 ppm VC in feed, 4) 5 ppm VC in water and 5) 10 ppm VC in water. During the starter phase (0-3 week), chicks on non-supplemented group grew slower (p<0.01) than the supplemented ones, and a similar trend was also noted during finisher stage and the overall stage. Feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher in supplemented groups and higher when fed in feed as compared with water during all stages. But feed conversion efficiency was significantly improved in non-supplemented groups compared to supplemented ones in finisher and overall stage. The digestibility of gross energy and ether extract was significantly (p<0.05) higher during starter phase in supplemented, given in feed, and at higher levels as compared with non-supplemented, given in water, and at lower levels, respectively. The bone resistance was significantly (p<0.05) higher in supplemented, supplied in feed groups as compared with their counterparts. Except breast meat, the dressing percentage and abdominal fat were also higher in supplemented group and the dressing percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher in VC supplemented in feed as to water, but no effect of supplementation was noticed on meat color when compared between the methods of feeding (feed vs. water). The levels of VC in plasma and liver increased linearly, as the level of supplementation both in feed and water increased and it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in feed group as compared with water group. It can be concluded that, retention and availability of vitamin C in feed was higher than those in water, and supplementation of VC during summer was beneficial for poultry.

Effect of Lacquer (Rhus verniciflua) Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Traits and Serum Profile of Broiler Chickens

Lohakare, J.D.,Zheng, Jin,Yun, J.H.,Chae, B.J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2006 Animal Bioscience Vol.19 No.3

This experiment was conducted to explore the efficacy of lacquer (Rhus verniciflua) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and serum biochemical values in commercial broilers. Eight hundred and forty Hubbard broiler chicks (1d old) were randomly distributed and allotted to four dietary treatments for five weeks. Each treatment had 5 replicates with 42 birds each. The dietary treatments were (1) control (2) 1% lacquer, (3) 2% lacquer and 4) 4% lacquer supplied as meal in the diet. Supplementation with lacquer improved weight gain (p = 0.0960) showing a linear trend during the starter phase (0-3 wk), but weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio remained unaffected at the finisher phase (4-5 wk) and overall (0-5 wk). The nutrient digestibility studies conducted after 18 and 35 days of experimental feeding showed a linear (p<0.05) increase in digestibility of CP and ether extract at both measurement timess. The carcass studies were conducted on two birds per replicate (10 per treatment) at the end of both 3 and 5 wk. The dressing percentage, liver weight, heart weight, abdominal fat and the breast meat expressed as a percentage of live weight, did not differ significantly due to treatments at both phases. The serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) showed a linear decrease (p = 0.0683 and p = 0.0322, respectively) as the level of supplementation increased at 3 wk; at 5 wk serum cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels decreased significantly showing a positive linear effect of lacquer on fat metabolism. The meat color values such as lightness, redness and yellowness did not reveal any significant trend. Overall, it could be concluded that lacquer supplementation at higher levels did not affect growth performance, but had a positive impact on fat metabolism by influencing fat digestibility and reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride.

Effects of Feeding Methods (Feed vs. Water) of Vitamin E on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers

Lohakare, J.D.,Hahn, T.-W.,Shim, Y.H.,Choi, J.Y.,Chae, B.J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.9

This research was conducted to compare the effects of vitamin E (VE) when supplemented in either feed or water on the performance and meat quality of broilers. For a six-week feeding trial, a total of 330 broiler chicks were allotted to five treatments. The treatments were 1) 0 ppm VE, 2) 10 ppm VE in feed, 3) 20 ppm VE in feed, 4) 5 ppm VE in water and 5) 10 ppm VE in water. During the starter phase (0-3 weeks) chicks on non-supplemented groups grew slower (p<0.05) than the supplemented ones and the same trend was followed during the finisher (4-6 weeks) and overall period (0-6 weeks). The feed intake was significantly higher in feed supplemented groups as compared with water-supplemented groups and at higher levels as compared with lower levels of supplementation. The nutrient digestibility studies conducted after 15 and 35 days on the feeding trial showed that the digestibility of all nutrients was significantly (p<0.05) higher in supplemented groups than the non-supplemented one. The dressing percentage was higher in supplemented groups, when fed in feed and at higher levels when compared with their respective counterparts. Similar trends were noticed with respect to bone resistance. The calcium and phosphorus contents in tibia were also significantly (p<0.05) higher in supplemented, feed fed groups at higher levels than other groups. The TBARS values measured after 5 and 10 days of storage, which reflect the degree of oxidation, showed significantly lower levels in supplemented diets. The plasma and muscle vitamin E levels also showed a positive linear correlation with the levels supplemented both in feed and water. Overall it can be inferred that supplementation of VE was beneficial and there was not much difference observed when fed either in feed or water at the levels measured in the present study.

Effect of Feeding Levels of Microbial Fermented Soy Protein on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Intestinal Morphology in Weaned Piglets

Kim, Y.G.,Lohakare, J.D.,Yun, J.H.,Heo, S.,Chae, B.J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.3

To elucidate the efficacy of different levels of microbial-fermented soy proteins (FSP) on piglet performance, a total of 240 weaned piglets ($L{\times}Y{\times}D$, $22{\pm}3$ d of age, $5.16{\pm}0.07$ kg initial BW) were allotted to 4 treatment diets comprising control, FSP-3%, FSP-6% and FSP-9%. The fermented soybean product named $Pepsoygen^{(R)}$ was utilized for the study. There were 15 pigs per pen and 4 pens per treatment. The control diet contained 15% soybean meal (SBM), and SBM for the treatment diets was replaced at 3, 6 and 9% with FSP, respectively. Experimental diets were fed from 0 to 14 d (phase-I) after weaning and then a common commercial diet was fed from 15 to 35 d (phase-II). There was a linear (p<0.05) increase in ADG and ADFI at both phases of measurement. The feed to gain ratio was also improved, showing a linear (p<0.01) trend as the level of supplementation increased. Except for phosphorus, the digestibility of all other nutrients was improved linearly (p<0.05) in the FSP added diets. However, villous height and crypt depth were not affected by dietary treatments. No special effect on intestinal morphology was noticed between FSP-added and control diets. In conclusion, the growth, digestibility of nutrients and morphological changes in weaned pigs fed FSP showed improved performance at higher levels of supplementation.

Effects of Water Restriction Following Feeding on Nutrient Digestibilities, Milk Yield and Composition and Blood Hormones in Lactating Holstein Cows Under Heat Stress Conditions

Nejad, Jalil Ghassemi,Lohakare, Jayant D.,West, Joe W.,Kim, Byong W.,Lee, Bae H.,Sung, Kyung I. Informa UK (Taylor Francis) 2015 Italian journal of animal science Vol.14 No.3

Limiting Concentrate during Growing Period Affect Performance and Gene Expression of Hepatic Gluconeogenic Enzymes and Visfatin in Korean Native Beef Calves

Chang, S.S.,Lohakare, J.D.,Singh, N.K.,Kwon, E.G.,Nejad, J.G.,Sung, K.I.,Hong, S.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.2

This study elucidated the effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth, plasma profile, and gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes and visfatin in the liver of Hanwoo beef calves. The purpose of this study was to test that reducing the amount of concentrate would partially be compensated by increasing the intake of forage and by altering the metabolic status. The study utilized 20 Korean native beef calves (Hanwoo; 60 to 70 d of age) divided into two groups of 10 calves each for 158 d. Control group calves received the amount of concentrate as per the established Korean feeding standards for Hanwoo, whereas calves in the restricted group only received half the amount of concentrate as per standard requirements. Good quality forage (Timothy hay) was available for ad libitum consumption to both groups. Since calves were with their dam until 4 months of age in breeding pens before weaning, the intake of milk before weaning was not recorded, however, the concentrate and forage intakes were recorded daily. Body weights (BW) were recorded at start and on 10 d interval. Blood samples were collected at start and at 50 d interval. On the final day of the experiment, liver biopsies were collected from all animals in each group. The BW was not different between the groups at all times, but tended to be higher (p = 0.061) only at final BW in control than restricted group. Total BW gain in the control group was 116.2 kg as opposed to 84.1 kg in restricted group that led to average BW gain of 736 g/d and 532 g/d in respective groups, and the differences were significant (p<0.01). As planned, the calves in the control group had higher concentrate and lower forage intake than the restricted group. The plasma variables like total protein and urea were higher (p<0.05) in control than restricted group. The mRNA expressions for the gluconeogenic enzymes such as cytosolic phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.32) and pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1), and visfatin measured by quantitative real-time PCR in liver biopsies showed higher expression (p<0.05) in restricted group than control. Overall, restricting concentrate severely reduced the growth intensity and affected few plasma indices, and gene expression in liver was increased indicating that restricting concentrate in the feeding schemes during early growth for beef calves is not advocated.