Prepartum nutrient intake alters glucogenic capacity of liver slices from peripartal dairy cows.

Ruminants rely on hepatic gluconeogenesis to support whole-body glucose metabolism and to supply glucose for lactose synthesis. Understanding the effect of plane of nutrition before parturition on the capacity for hepatic gluconeogenesis in dairy cows may provide a basis for improved cow health and productivity in the subsequent lactation. Our objectives were to determine the effects of far-off (FO) dry period diet, close-up (CU) period diet, and their interaction on adaptations in metabolism of gluconeogenic substrates (Ala and propionate) in liver slices.

Should outpatient hysteroscopy be used in preference to transvaginal ultrasound to identify endometrial pathology in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding? Revisiting NICE Guideline 88.

Introduction: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guideline 88 advocates outpatient hysteroscopy in preference to transvaginal ultrasound for premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding, who are suspected of having submucosal fibroids, polyps or endometrial pathology. The guideline, however, analysed outdated studies that provided low-quality evidence. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in detecting endometrial pathology; and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of outpatient hysteroscopy if it were to be used in preference to transvaginal ultrasound.

Effects of esterification, saturation and amount of fatty acids infused into the rumen or abomasum in lactating dairy cows.

Our objective was to determine the effects of chemical structure, amount, and site of infusion of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) in lactating dairy cows. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 21-d periods. During d 1 to 14, 250 g/d of LCFA and during d 15 to 21, 500 g/d of LCFA were infused continuously into either the rumen or abomasum.

Supplemental fat for dairy calves during mild cold stress.

Eighty-one Holstein and Holstein-cross dairy calves fed calf milk replacer (CMR) were used to determine response to increasing amounts of supplemental fat during mild cold stress. Calves (n=27) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) low fat [LF; 28% crude protein:15% fat milk replacer (28:15 MR)]; (2) medium fat [MF; 28:15 MR+113 g/d of commercial fat supplement (FS)]; (3) high fat (HF; 28:15 MR+227 g/d of FS). The MF and HF calves received FS from d 2 to 21, and all calves were fed LF from d 22 to 49.

Comparison of peripartum metabolic status and postpartum health of Holstein and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred dairy cows.

Objectives of the current experiment were to evaluate plasma concentrations of metabolites and haptoglobin peripartum, uterine health and involution, and follicle growth and resumption of cyclicity of Holstein (HO) and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred cows. Cows (52 HO and 52 crossbred) were enrolled in the study 45 d before expected calving date. Cows had body weight and body condition score recorded on d -45, -14, 0, 1, 28, and 56 relative to calving.