• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1889-1896
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• 2019

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of prepartum body condition score (BCS) on the milk yield, lipid metabolism, and oxidative status of Holstein cows. Methods: A total of 112 multiparous Holstein cows were divided into 4 groups according to the BCS at 21 days before calving: medium BCS (3.0 to 3.25, MBCS), high BCS (3.5 to 3.75, HBCS), higher BCS (4.0 to 4.25, HerBCS), and highest BCS (4.5 to 5.0, HestBCS). Blood samples were collected on 21, 14, and 7 days before calving (precalving), on the calving day (calving), and on 7, 14, and 21 days after calving (postcalving). The indices of lipid metabolism and oxidative status were analyzed using bovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Colostrum were taken after calving and analyzed by a refractometer and milk analyzer. The individual milk yield was recorded every 3 days. Results: The density and levels of immune globulin and lactoprotein of colostrum from Holstein cows in the HestBCS group were the highest (p<0.05). These animals not only had the highest (p<0.05) levels of serum non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate, but also had the highest (p<0.05) levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin A, and vitamin E. In addition, greater (p<0.05) BCS loss was observed in the HestBCS cows. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the milk yield, lipid metabolism, and oxidative status of Holstein cows are related to prepartum BCS and BCS loss during the transition period. HestBCS cows are more sensitive to oxidative stress and suffer greater loss of BCS after calving, whereas the MBCS animals had better milk yield performance.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.280-285
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• 2008

This study evaluated the correlation between the body condition score (BCS) during prepartum, calving and postpartum periods and the reproductive performance of Korean brown cattle. The BCSs of 33 cows who underwent 73 calvings over a two and a half period [the parities of the cows ranged from 1 to 4 ($mean{\pm}SD,\;2.0{\pm}0.9$)] were scored at months 2 and 1 prepartum, calving, and every month postpartum until month 7. A marked prepartum loss of BCS in the month preceding calving was noted. The correlations between the interval from calving to conception and the month 1 prepartum, calving and months 1 and 2 postpartum BCSs were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. The correlation between the interval from calving to conception and the prepartum body condition loss was also evaluated. The interval from calving to conception correlated positively with the month 1 prepartum BCS (r = 0.389, P = 0.0007) and the prepartum body condition loss (r = 0.488, P < 0.0001) but did not correlate significantly with the BCS at calving (r=-0.070, P=0.56) or months 1 (r=0.107, P=0.37) or 2 (r=0.102, P=0.39) postpartum. The prepartum body condition loss correlated positively with the month 1 prepartum BCS (r=0.587, P<0.0001). In conclusion, the month 1 prepartum BCS may be a good criterion for predicting subsequent reproductive performance. Moreover, the prevention of obesity and/or excessive prepartum body condition loss may result in higher fertility in Korean brown cattle.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.1013-1023
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• 2022

Body condition score (BCS) at calving is a vital indicator of the effectiveness of the beginning of lactation in dairy animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of BCS at calving on milk production and transition success in dairy buffaloes. Thirty-six (36) Nili Ravi buffaloes were enrolled at 40 days of expected calving and followed through 90 days of lactation. The buffaloes were categorized into three groups according to their BCS (on a scale of 1-5 with 0.25 increments) as follows: 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25-3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75. All buffaloes were fed a similar diet ad libitum. The lactation diet had increased concentrate allowance according to milk yield. The results revealed that the BCS at calving did not affect milk yield; however, fat percentage (fat%) was lower in the low-BCS group. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar among the treatment groups, although post-calving BCS loss was greater in the high-BCS group compared to the medium- and the low-BCS groups. Similarly, the buffaloes in the high-BCS group had higher non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration compared to the low- and medium-BCS groups. No cases of metabolic disorders were observed during the study. The present results suggest that the buffaloes in the medium-BCS group appeared to perform better compared to the low- and the high-BCS groups with respect to milk fat% and blood NEFA concentration.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.359-367
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• 2003

Supplementary feeding strategies were evaluated from pre-calving throughout lactation on 24 dual-purpose Mpwapwa breed cows in their second or greater lactation, weighing 246-455 kg. The Mpwapwa breed is an established breed of 4 Bos indicus breeds and 8% of Bos taurus. The cows were penned and stall-fed individually. Eight weeks before calving to eight weeks after calving, the cows were divided into two groups and offered hay ad libitum with either 2 kg DM (L) or 4 kg DM/day (H) concentrates. Nine weeks after calving half of the cows on L-level continued with 2 kg DM/day (L-L) while the remainder received 4 kg DM concentrate daily (L-H). Half of the cows on H-group continued with 4 kg DM/day (H-H) while the remainder received 2 kg DM/day (H-L). The concentrate mixture comprised of sunflower seed cake (33%) and maize bran (67%). The cows consumed all the concentrate offered. Hay DM intake was similar (6.8 kg/day) and tended to decrease the last two weeks before calving increased again after calving. Live weight change and body condition score were similar across treatments before calving but differed after calving (p<0.05). Heavier cows with higher condition score pre-calving had a higher body weight loss and regained weight later. After treatment reallocation, live weight change and condition differed between treatments (p<0.05). Calves were allowed to suckle milk from one quarter. The amount of milk suckled and calf weight gains were not significantly different between treatments. The cows were removed from the experiment when the milk yield was below 4 kg per day. Cows on treatment H produced 6.2 kg and on treatment L 5.0 kg saleable milk/day (p<0.05) during the first 8 weeks post partum. During the period 9-18 weeks post partum the saleable daily milk on H-H, L-H, H-L and L-L were 5.2, 4.8, 4.7 and 4.3 kg, respectively (p>0.05).

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.228-234
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• 2017

Feed intake (FI) of sows during lactation is a serious problem because sows require a large amount of energy for high milk production during lactation. Providing a palatable diet is important for lactating sows to cope with the stress of breast-feeding. Palatability can be increased by adding sweeteners to diets. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of saccharin (sweetener) on growth performance, fecal moisture, and litter performance of lactating sows. Sixteen sows were randomly allotted to one of two dietary treatments in a 27-day trial starting from lactation. The two dietary treatments were supplemented with 0 and 0.2% saccharin (sweetener), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was increased (p < 0.05) and back fat loss (BFL) was decreased (p < 0.05) in sows fed saccharin supplementation diets compared with sows fed control diet during lactation. However, sows' body weight loss, body condition score (BCS), fecal score, and the number of piglet survival were not different (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments. The two dietary treatments also had no significantly different effect (p > 0.05) on litter weight and average daily gain (ADG) of piglets. Taken together, saccharin has no significant effect on growth performance of piglets but it can increase FI and reduce BFL of lactating sows.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.185-192
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• 2013

Objectives : Weight loss and loss of appetite in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are common symptoms, these are associated with survival as well as nutritional condition. The changes in weight and appetite were reported after treatment using Megestrol acetate and Korean medical treatments. Methods : Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient with weight loss and loss of appetite were treated by administering megestrol acetate a known anti-malignant tumor agent and Korean medical treatments such as acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine. The changes in weight and appetite were checked using body mass index(BMI) and simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire(SNAQ). Results : There was a more than 17 kg increase in weight. BMI increased from 15.94 $kg/m^2$ to 21.97 $kg/m^2$ and SNAQ score increased from 7 to 16. Owing to several side effects, Megestrol acetate was stopped after which only Korean medical treatments were provided. After which the lasting effects in BMI and appetite could be seen. Conclusion : There are few studies on weight loss and loss of appetite in ALS patients. Using only megestrol acetate can cause several considerable side effects. Which respect to this, the findings in this study could open up new clinical guideline possibilities.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.778-789
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• 2021

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of dietary glucose oxidase (GOx) supplementation on the reproductive performance, litter performance, total tract digestibility, and blood profile of lactating sows fed corn- wheat-based diet. A total of twenty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were allocated into one of four treatments with five replicates per treatment. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON (Basal diet), GO1 (basal diet + 200 U GOx/kg), GO2 (basal diet + 300 U GOx/kg), GO3 (basal diet + 400 U Gox/kg). Dietary GOx supplementation did not affect lactating sow's reproduction performance as well as body weight, backfat thickness, and body condition score during pre and post farrowing, and at weaning (p > 0.05). However, after farrowing to weaning period lactating sow's fed GOx supplement has linearly (p = 0.0196) decreased the bodyweight loss. While, there were no effects (p > 0.05) observed on sows backfat thickness loss, average daily feed intake, and estrus interval among treatment groups. Dietary supplementation of GOx has linearly improved the body weight gain (p = 0.049) and average daily gain (p = 0.040) of suckling piglets. The total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was linearly increased with the graded level of GOx supplement. Also, a linear effect was observed on the glucose and superoxide dismutase of blood profile with the dietary inclusion of GOx. In summary, our finding indicates that the dietary inclusion of GOx supplement with corn- wheat-based diet had a beneficial effect on the nutrient digestibility and blood profile of lactating sows and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2021

This study was conducted on sows to evaluate the effect of flaxseed oil on the sows and their offspring's performance. Forty-eight (48) sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their offspring were assigned randomly to each treatment (Control and Control + flaxseed oil 0.5% [FX]). Body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and nutrient digestibility of the sows were estimated. Sow backfat thickness, days-to-estrus, and chest circumference were measured by different methods. In piglets, survival rate, the initial weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were calculated. Fecal scores of both the sows and piglets were recorded. Inclusion of FX did not influence (p > 0.05) the litter size, days-to-estrus, sow BW, ADFI and digestibility of nutrient throughout the experiment. Reduction in (p < 0.05) BW loss was observed with the FX supplementation in sows. Only the backfat thickness during the weaning period showed an increase (p < 0.05) by FX supplementation. Chest circumference was decreased (p < 0.05) in the FX group compared to the control. Sows fed the FX diet had a reduced (p < 0.05) fecal score only at weaning. Piglets' fecal score showed no significant differences for FX supplementation. However, the inclusion of FX brought about a higher (p < 0.05) birth weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, our study suggests that FX has positive supplementary effects on a sow's body condition and its offspring's performance as a source of n-3 fatty acid.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.144-148
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• 2022

A one-year-old spayed female Korean Shorthair cat presented to Kangwon National University Veterinary Hospital with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and polyuria that lasted for more than two weeks. The body condition score, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were abnormally low, and the physical examination findings were consistent with moderate dehydration. Hematological and biochemical tests demonstrated mild azotemia and a low Na:K ratio. Additional abdominal ultrasound imaging revealed reduced size of both adrenal glands. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed decreased post-ACTH cortisol and aldosterone levels and increased endogenous ACTH levels, confirming a diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism. The cat was treated with subcutaneous injections of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and oral prednisolone supplementation, and subsequent electrolyte analysis showed a normal Na:K ratio. Clinical symptoms were also improved in response to treatment. Hypoadrenocorticism in cats is a very rare disease, but it should not be excluded as a potential diagnosis in favor of kidney diseases or other conditions, especially when the Na:K ratio is low. In addition, the prognosis for the disease and the response to DOCP treatment should be further evaluated in cats.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.707-716
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• 2022

The core intention to undertake this experiment for a period of 21 days is to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) supplemented diet on the performance and blood metabolites of sows and their litters. Sows weighing 208.5 ± 18.34kg and their neonates were used. From day 114 of gestation to 21st day of lactation(weaning), ten multiparous sows (n = 5/treatment) (Landrace × Yorkshire) were assigned randomly into one of two treatments: CON (basal diet) and TRT (CON + 0.05% SA). There was no significant difference in the body weight, backfat thickness, backfat loss, and body condition score in SA treated sows compared to sows fed the CON diet. However, the bodyweight of sow was dramatically reduced by an average of 16kg from farrowing to weaning time. The dietary inclusion of SA in the sow diet slightly improved the survival rate (p = 0.065) and showed a higher body weight (p = 0.009) in piglets. However, there was no significant difference in red blood cell, Fe, Hematocrit, and Hb concentrations between CON and TRT sows' groups, but the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was significantly reduced in sows from the TRT group compared with the CON group from the beginning to weaning. The outcome of this trial shows that dietary addition of SA on sows diet from early lactation could increase the birth weight and TIBC of neonates at the end of the trial.