Biomedical subjects

J L Walters

Publications and source records attributed to J L Walters.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Neutrophil function and energy status in Holstein cows with uterine health disorders.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations between peripheral blood neutrophil (PMN) function, energy status, and uterine health in periparturient dairy cows. Data were collected from 83 multiparous Holstein cows. Blood samples for PMN function determination were collected weekly from 1 week prior to calving (week -1) through 4 weeks after calving and again at 8 weeks after calving. Energy metabolites were measured and dry matter intake (DMI) was determined from weeks -2 to 5 to evaluate energy status of cows during the periparturient period. All cows were examined for uterine health disorders. Blood PMN killing ability was evaluated by determining myeloperoxidase activity and cytochrome c reduction activity in isolated blood PMN's. For cows that were diagnosed with puerperal metritis and subclinical (SC) endometritis and puerperal metritis, blood PMN functions were significantly (P<0.05) impaired during the periparturient period, compared to cows with normal uterine health. Cows with subclinical endometritis and puerperal metritis or SC endometritis also had significantly (P<0.01) higher NEFA and significantly (P<0.001) lower DMI during the periparturient period, and significantly (P<0.05) higher BHBA during early lactation, compared to cows with normal uterine health. Neutrophil function was also significantly (P<0.01) impaired in cows with peripartum negative energy balance, which was characterized by elevated blood levels of NEFA and decreased DMI. Decreased PMN function and energy balance were associated with uterine health disorders and the decreases in PMN function and energy balance occurred prior to parturition and prior to the detection of these uterine disorders.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

PubMed2002

Relationship between DHI production values and Myers-Briggs type indicator as a measure of management ability.

Associations between owners' Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) preferences (E = extraversion vs. I = introversion; S = sensing vs. N = intuition; T = thinking vs F = feeling; J = judging vs. P = perceiving) and 21 Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) production variables were determined on 60 farms. Of 60 dairy farmers participating, 51 were from Holstein farms (85%) and nine from farms with other breeds, primarily Jersey. Cows were milked either twice (n = 44 herds, 73%) or three times (n = 16) per day. Farmers were evenly split between the "E" and "I" dimension, whereas 93% of the farmers were "S," 75% "T," and 62% "J.". Individuals with a preference for the "I" dimension were associated with higher peak and mature equivalent milk yield than those individuals with a preference for the "E" dimension. The "T" and "J" dimensions had a significantly higher percentage of the herd with records usable by USDA and a lower percentage of animals pregnant by the goal set by the dairy producer than the "F" and "P" dimensions. Herds managed by individuals with a combination preference of "E" and "P" produced 7 to 10 kg of 3.5% FCM/cow per day less or 1,820 to 2,752 kg/ cow RHA ECM less than other combinations of the "E-I" and "J-P" dimensions. Those herds also had longer days dry and a lower percentage of records usable by USDA, suggesting that the "E-P" preference is less favorably associated to those measures of herd performance. The MBTI had limited association with many DHI production variables, but relationships to measures of labor and business management should be examined.

Administrative Personnel↗

PubMed1998

Live birth from a zygote cryopreserved for 8 years.

After a cryopreservation period of 8 years, four zygotes were thawed and transferred to the patient's uterine cavity. A singleton pregnancy resulted in the delivery of a normal male. This case report offers evidence that long terms of cryopreservation are consistent with full developmental potential post-thaw, and encourages further examination of imposing limits on length of storage of frozen concepti.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Effects of concentrated separator dried beet pulp on nutrient digestibility, milk production, and preference of Holstein cattle.

Concentrated separator by-product was fed to cattle to determine TDN, milk production, and feed preference. The TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was determined using a substitution method involving a basal diet of alfalfa and grass hay and a treatment diet of alfalfa and grass hay plus 10% added concentrated separator by-product. Four ruminally cannulated cows in a replicated 2 x 2 Latin square design were used. The estimated TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was 59.3%. Twenty midlactation dairy cows were fed either a control ration containing 20% molasses dried beet pulp or a treatment ration containing 20% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Cows in the treatment group produced significantly less daily milk and 3.5% FCM than the control group. Percentages of milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF were not different between treatments. Eight Holstein heifers were used to determine feed preference. Heifers were given a choice among 20% molasses dried beet pulp (control) or 10, 15, or 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Heifers showed no preference between 10 or 15% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp and control, but preferred the control over the 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1994

The influence of sometribove dose and days in lactation on behavior of cows implanted with pelleted sometribove.

Data were from observations of behavior of 99 lactating Holstein cows during implantations with bST. Implantations were at 14-d intervals during 1 yr. Cows on one study received 0, 120, 240, or 360 mg; cows on a second study received 0, 160, or 320 mg of bST per implantation. A checklist of behaviors was completed by the recorder and observer for each cow during implantation. Cows were also given an overall temperament score during each session. Lunging occurred in 49% of the sessions, but bellowing, kicking, and kneeling occurred least. More cows scored in the docile range than in the excited range. Cows habituated to head bobbing, back sagging, lunging, moving back in chute, flinching, head up, and bellowing, but not to shifting feet, kicking, shaking the head, head back, or ears back.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Evaluating multicultural approaches in HIV/AIDS educational material.

In recent years health educators have become more aware of the impact of culture on the success of health education programs. This awareness has prompted experimentation with the use of cultural elements in HIV prevention and education efforts. The literature on multicultural education offers little guidance to the health educator on how to evaluate the appropriate and effective use of culturally distinctive messages in educational materials. The authors describe common errors in the development, pedagogical approach, and design of printed HIV educational material and suggest a framework for evaluating the impact of cultural elements on HIV education programs. The guidelines help one determine how effectively language and visual images are used in a given material, as well as how clearly information is conveyed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1992

Effects of a new molasses byproduct, concentrated separator byproduct, on nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in cattle.

Continuous chromatographic separator techniques have allowed the extraction of more simple sugars from molasses (MOL). The resultant byproduct, concentrated separator byproduct (CSB), has reduced readily fermentable carbohydrates but elevated CP and mineral content. The feed value of CSB was compared to that of MOL in two separate trials. In Trial 1, a chopped forage mixture containing 84% meadow grass hay and 8% alfalfa hay was mixed with either CSB or MOL at 7.3% of DM. Diets were administered to four ruminally cannulated cows in a single reversal design. digestibility of DM, ADF, NDF, and CP were measured. Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3), VFA, total viable bacteria (TVB), cellulose-xylan fermenting bacteria (CXFB), and ciliated protozoa (PTZ) were evaluated. Blood profiles of electrolytes were also measured. Digestibility of DM, ADF, NDF, and CP were 69.03, 68.58; 57.48, 57.77; 65.62, 64.75; and 67.63, 65.07% for the MOL and CSB diets, respectively. Only CP digestibility differed (P less than .02). Ruminal pH, NH3, VFA, TVB, CXFB, and PTZ were 6.97, 6.93; 14.21, 16.71 mg/dL; 74.30, 74.78 mumol/mL; 26.79, 27.36 x 10(9)/mL; 21.72, 21.36%; and 13.90, 7.80 x 10(3)/mL for the MOL and CSB diets, respectively. Ruminal measurements did not differ. Blood electrolyte profiles were not altered. Trial 2 was similar to Trial 1 except the basal diet used was 47% barley grain, 35% alfalfa hay, and 10% barley straw. Either MOL or CSB was added at 7.3% of the DM. Digestibilities of DM, ADF, NDF, and CP were 69.52, 71.33; 35.96, 37.11; 27.93, 33.47; and 71.10, 73.66% for the MOL and CSB diets, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1991

The effect of protein degradability on milk composition and production of early lactation, somatotropin-injected cows.

Twenty multiparous Holstein cows in early lactation that received 500 mg bST injected every 2 wk were assigned to one of two treatments to examine the influence of diets that varied in degradability of protein. Effects of degradability were determined on milk production and components and on nutrient digestibility. Treatments consisted of a basal ration (control) containing soybean meal as its primary degradable protein source and a ration (treatment) containing corn gluten and meat and bone meals as the primary undegradable protein source, representing 33% undegradable protein in CP. The undegradability of protein sources did not influence DMI and BW. Milk yield, 3.5% FCM, and production efficiency of bST-treated cows were not affected by increased undegradable protein in the diet. Milk fat and SNF were not significantly increased by treatment. Lactose was significantly higher for the control diet (5.0 vs. 4.9%) but was not biologically significant. Increasing undegradability of protein significantly increased total protein in milk and casein percentage in milk protein (3.14 vs. 2.86% and 62.11 vs. 58.24%, respectively). Total tract digestibility of nutrients was unaffected by treatment; however, CP digestibility tended to be higher as undegradability increased (67.85 vs. 62.83%).

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1991

Effect of sometribove on rumen fermentation, rate of passage, digestibility, and milk production responses in dairy cows.

Six ruminally and duodenally fistulated Holstein cows 60 d postpartum were assigned randomly to each of two treatments in a single reversal design. Treatments consisted of placebo or 25 mg of sometribove (bST) injected daily. Treatments were initiated at 60 d +/- 7 postpartum and maintained for 6 wk with a 3-wk adjustment between treatment periods. All cows received a TMR consisting of 16% CP and 1.67 Mcal of NE I/kg of DM. Influence of bST on rumen fermentation characteristics, digesta rate of passage, apparent nutrient digestibility, and milk production was evaluated. Milk yield of treated animals was 4.0 kg/d higher than controls. The 3.5% FCM and milk production efficiency (3.5% FCM/DMI) were significantly higher in treated animals than in controls (29.0 vs. 25.4 kg/d and 1.38 vs. 1.21 kg/kg, respectively). Percentage of rumen cellulolytic bacteria (of total viable bacteria) was not significantly different for bST-treated animals (6.4 vs. 3.4%). Total number of rumen protozoa tended to be higher (7.25 vs. 6.55 x 10(3)/ml) in bST-treated animals. Ruminal percentages of CP, NH3 N, alpha-amino N, VFA, and pH were unaffected by treatment. Sometribove treatment did not significantly affect liquid dilution or solids turnover rates. Percentages of CP, alpha-amino N, and NH3 N content in duodenal samples were unaffected by treatment. Total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients and mean daily DMI were unaffected by treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Effect of poultry waste feeding on intake, body weight and milk yield of Holstein cows.

Forty lactating Holstein cows were fed 0, 5.9, 11.7, or 17.4% processed poultry excreta in total mixed rations. The effect of treatment was evaluated on feed intake, BW, milk yield, and composition. Processes poultry excreta appeared to be well accepted by cows even when included in rations at 17.4% of total DM. Mean DM intake averaged 19.3, 19.7, 19.5, and 19.7 kg/d for cows fed 0, 5.9, 11.7, and 17.4% processed poultry excreta, respectively. Body weight change averaged 2.0, 1.7, -1.7, and 1.4 kg/wk from 90 to 180 d of lactation for cows fed from 0 to 17.4% processed poultry excreta, respectively. Fat-corrected milk (4%) yield was similar among treatment groups, averaging 24.2, 26.1, 24.6, and 25.1 kg/d for cows fed 0, 5.9, 11.7, and 17.4% processed poultry excreta. No differences were found for milk and fat yields of percentage fat among treatment means. No off flavors in milk could be attributed to processed poultry excreta added to feed. Processed poultry excreta fed up to 17.4% of total mixed rations supported both adequate feed intake and high milk yields of mid-lactation cows.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1989

Effect of chemical drying agents on alfalfa hay and milk production response when fed to dairy cows in early lactation.

Third-cutting alfalfa hay cut at bud stage was treated with a drying agent consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and citric acid at the rate of 280.6 L/ha (1 kg/37.47 L water) to alternate swaths 4.27-m wide. Hay samples were taken at cutting and at 4-h intervals during daylight until baling was initiated. Twenty lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to untreated and treated alfalfa hay treatments in a switch-back design. Individual feed intakes and milk yields were recorded daily. Milk composition was analyzed once weekly. Drying rates were: .40 and .48% moisture/h for control and Na2-K2CO3-citrate treatments, respectively. There was no significant difference between treatments in feed composition parameters nor in vitro DM digestibility parameters. Cows fed the hay treated with Na2-K2CO3-citrate had a higher mean daily milk yield, adjusted for feed intake, compared with cows fed untreated hay (33.0 versus 32.5 kg/d). There were no significant differences in milk composition between treatments.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1989

Microbial inoculation of alfalfa haylage: ensiling characteristics and milk production response when fed to early lactation dairy cows.

Third-cutting alfalfa hay harvested at bud stage and wilted to approximately 65% moisture was treated with a live bacterial inoculant at the rate of 300,000 cfu/g fresh alfalfa. Treated alfalfa was packed in polyethylene bags. Samples were taken at time of ensiling and d 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 28 postensiling. Mean pH was lower in the treated haylage (5.09 and 5.71 for treatment and control, respectively). Mean temperatures were higher in the treated haylage (30.0 and 28.0 degrees C for treatment and control, respectively). Mold count, water-soluble carbohydrate, alpha amino nitrogen, CP, and ADF were not affected by treatment. Regardless of treatment, pH, mold counts, and water-soluble carbohydrates declined with time. There was no significant difference between treatments for DM intake, milk production, and milk composition.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1988

Effect of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in an alfalfa-based total mixed ration fed to early lactating dairy cattle.

Forty-eight lactating Holstein cows were fed a total mixed ration of 57% concentrate and 43% forage (dry basis) for 12 wk postpartum. Treatments consisted of 1) no added buffers, 2) .4% MgO, 3) .8% NaHCO3, and 4) .8% NaHCO3 plus .4% MgO of the total ration DM. Body weight, DM intake, and milk yield and composition were unaffected by treatment. Gross efficiency of milk production was decreased by the addition of NaHCO3 or MgO. Buffer supplementation had no effect on ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration or blood chemistries.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1987

Effect of orally administered pilocarpine on serum enzymes, organ weights and histopathology in meadow voles.

Fifteen mature meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were assigned to each of four diets: 1) basal; 2) basal + .001% pilocarpine (PLCN); 3) basal + .01% PLCN; 4) basal + .10% PLCN in a completely randomized design to measure the effect of PLCN on liver, kidney and parotid gland histopathology and feed intake. Meadow voles were fed each treatment for 14 d prior to euthanasia. Serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamic pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels were unaffected by dietary PLCN. Liver fresh weight tended to decrease with PLCN treatment, but kidney weight was not consistently affected. Parotid gland fresh weight decreased by 31% as the dietary level of PLCN increased from 0 to .10%. One of 15 voles on the control treatment died. Twelve of the remaining 14 voles showed no histopathological changes in the organs studied, but one showed segmental cystic dilation of some convoluted tubules and one showed chronic cortical interstitial nephritis. One vole of the 15 on the .001% PLCN treatment died. Eleven of the 14 remaining voles showed no histopathological changes in the organs studied, while two voles showed segmental cystic dilation of some convoluted tubules and one showed slight hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes. There was no mortality among voles fed .01% PLCN. Nine of the 15 voles showed no histopathological changes in the organs, while four showed slight hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes and one showed segmental cystic dilation of some convoluted tubules. Three of 15 voles died while fed .10% PLCN. The remaining 12 voles showed no histopathological changes in the above-mentioned organs, although three voles showed slight hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1987

Effect of orally administered pilocarpine on ruminal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in cattle.

Four barren Holstein cows weighing 637 kg were fed a 45% concentrate diet plus the following amounts of pilocarpine: 1) 0 mg/kg; 2) 1 mg/kg; 3) 2 mg/kg; 4) 4 mg/kg body weight in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Cows were administered the treatments for a 14-d adaptation period followed by an 8-d collection period. Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, cellulose, and hemicellulose were determined during the first 3 d of the collection period. Ruminal liquid volume, volatile fatty acids, NH3N, bacterial mass production, viable bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, liquid dilution rate, and particulate rate of passage were measured during the remainder of the collection period. As pilocarpine increased from 0 to 4 mg/kg body weight, digestibility of dry matter and cellulose increased by 8.5%. Digestibility of crude protein increased by 6.1%. Digestibility of hemicellulose was unchanged. Ruminal liquid volume was unchanged by treatment, whereas liquid dilution rate and particulate rate of passage increased 30% as pilocarpine increased. Ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations and proportion were unchanged by treatment. Ruminal pH increased 4.2% and NH3N decreased by 37% as pilocarpine increased. Percent cellulolytic and bacterial mass production tended to increase as pilocarpine increased.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Physiological and glucocorticoid response to treadmill exercise of Holstein heifers.

Effect of exercise for 8 wk prepartum on heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and serum glucocorticoid concentration was determined for nine Holstein heifers. Exercise was on a treadmill 30 min daily, 5 d/wk, for approximately 8 wk. Physiological measures were taken at rest and immediately postexercise; blood samples were taken via jugular vein cannulas at 2-h intervals 26 h preexercise, at 10-min intervals during exercise and 21.5 h postexercise, all at initiation of the experiment and again near the end of pregnancy. The three physiological measures increased during exercise at both the initiation and termination of the 8-wk exercise period. Mean serum glucocorticoids of heifers increased from 5.4 to 21.3 ng/ml during initial exercise but increased from 4.4 to 5.2 ng/ml following approximately 8 wk exercise. These glucocorticoid data mimic trends found in other species, i.e., physically fit subjects or animals trained to chronic exercise have lower glucocorticoids than sedentary or untrained subjects during intense or exhaustive exercise.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Effect of yeast culture and Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract on ruminal characteristics and nutrient digestibility.

Four nonpregnant and nonlactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were assigned to each of four diets in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were 1) basal diet containing 50% concentrate; 2) basal diet plus 90 g/d yeast culture; 3) basal diet plus 2.63 g/d Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract; 4) basal diet plus 90 g/d of A. oryzae fermentation extract and yeast culture. Cows were fed diets at a rate of 86 g DM/kg BW.75 for 14 d adaptation followed by an 8-d collection period. Digestibility of dry matter was increased by A. oryzae and A. oryzae and yeast culture combination treatments. Digestibility of CP was increased regardless of fungal culture addition. Hemicellulose digestibility, percent ruminal cellulolytic organisms, and acetate to propionate ratio were increased by the addition of fungal supplements.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Effect of early rearing experience on subsequent behavior and production of Holstein heifers.

Sixty-seven heifer calves were assigned at birth to one of four rearing treatments: groups of six, individual hutch, isolation, and isolation with handling (10 min daily interaction with calf feeder). Calves were on the same diet and except for group calves were in 1.2 X 2.4-m hutches. Group calves were in open shed housing with 3m2/calf. Calves were weaned at approximately 10 wk and then assimilated into regular herd routine. An open field test of 3 min for each calf was conducted on 3 consecutive days at weaning. Samples for blood plasma glucocorticoids were taken before and after open field testing. Forty-eight heifers milked twice daily completed 305-day lactations. There were no differences in weaning weight or average daily gain to weaning. Group calves urinated and defecated more during open field tests, but number of vocalizations was not different. There was a significant rise of glucocorticoids for all calves, but treatment effects were nil. Cows reared in isolation (treatments 3 and 4) produced significantly more milk (922 kg 3.5% fat-corrected milk), had a 1205 kg advantage in relative milk, but were not different from group or individually reared cows in relative milk fat. A hypothesis to explain these results is proposed.

Age Factors↗