Efficacy of avilamycin for the prevention of necrotic enteritis caused by a pathogenic strain of Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens.

The efficacy of avilamycin for the prevention of necrotic enteritis (NE) was investigated in a 35-day floor pen study of 2200 broiler cockerels using a Clostridium perfringens (Cp) feed inoculum challenge model. Treatments consisted of (1) nonmedicated, nonchallenged; (2) nonmedicated, challenged; (3) avilamycin at 15 ppm, challenged; (4) avilamycin at 30 ppm, challenged. Avilamycin was administered in the feed from day 7 to day 30 of the study. Challenge inoculum was administered on day 14 and delivered approximately 10(9) CFU Cp/bird. NE mortality rates from day 14-35 were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in birds treated with avilamycin at 15 and 30 ppm when compared to nonmedicated, challenged birds. Treatment with avilamycin also resulted in a significant reduction in ileal Cp count on day 21 (P < 0.0001) and NE lesion scores on day 17 (P < 0.006) when compared to nonmedicated, challenged birds. The performance of birds treated with avilamycin was also improved when compared to nonmedicated, challenged birds. Cockerels that received either 15 or 30 ppm avilamycin had a significantly (P < 0.0001) increased body weight on day 35 and average daily gain from days 0-35 than nonmedicated, challenged birds. Furthermore, birds treated with avilamycin had an improved feed conversion rate from days 0-35 compared to both nonmedicated, nonchallenged birds and nonmedicated, challenged birds. This study confirms that avilamycin is effective at controlling mortality related to NE in growing broiler chickens.

The effect of storage temperature on the accuracy of a cow-side test for ketosis.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of storage conditions on the accuracy of a milk test strip for ketosis. Storage at 21 degrees C for up to 18 wk had little effect on accuracy for diagnosis and classification of subclinical ketosis.

Milk residues and performance of lactating dairy cows administered high doses of monensin.

Milk residues and performance were evaluated in lactating cows that were fed up to 10 times the recommended dose of monensin. Following an acclimatization period of 14 d, during which cows were fed a standard lactating cow total mixed ration containing 24 ppm monensin, 18 lactating Holstein dairy cows were grouped according to the level of feed intake and then randomly assigned within each group to 1 of 3 challenge rations delivering 72, 144, and 240 ppm monensin. Outcome measurements included individual cow daily feed intakes, daily milk production, body weights, and monensin residues in composite milk samples from each cow. There were no detectable monensin residues (< 0.005 microg/mL) in any of the milk samples collected. Lactating cows receiving a dose of 72 ppm monensin exhibited up to a 20% reduction in dry matter intake, and a 5% to 15% drop in milk production from the pre-challenge period. Cows receiving doses of 144 and 240 ppm monensin exhibited rapid decreases in feed intake of up to 50% by the 2nd d and milk production losses of up to 20% and 30%, respectively, within 4 d. Lactating cows receiving up to 4865 mg monensin per day had no detectable monensin residues (< 0.005 microg/mL) in any of the milk samples collected. Results of this study confirm that food products derived from lactating dairy cattle receiving monensin at recommended levels are safe for human consumption.

The impact of controlled release capsules of monensin on postcalving haptoglobin concentrations in dairy cattle.

This study was designed to assess the impact of a controlled release capsule (CRC) of monensin, administered prior to calving, on postcalving haptoglobin levels. The role of disease on haptoglobin levels was also studied. The study population consisted of 1010 cows from 25 Holstein dairy herds near Guelph, Ontario. Monensin CRC or placebo capsules were randomly assigned within each herd 3 wk prior to the expected calving date. Serum from week 1 and week 6 postcalving was submitted for quantification of haptoglobin concentrations. Haptoglobin results were analyzed for associations with treatment, health data, and individual cow factors up to 95 d in milk. Haptoglobin concentrations were higher in week 1 than week 6 (P < 0.05). In univariate analysis, several diseases were significantly associated with haptoglobin concentrations. However, occurrence of disease appeared to be a confounding factor in the data interpretation. Thus, the analysis was stratified by the presence or absence of disease. There appeared to be associations between factors other than clinical disease contributing to increased haptoglobin levels in both clinically healthy and unhealthy cattle. Haptoglobin served as a good indicator of inflammatory disease. Monensin CRC treatment was associated with increased haptoglobin concentrations in clinically unhealthy cattle, perhaps reflecting a better ability to respond to disease challenge. The lower haptoglobin concentrations in monensin CRC treated cattle that were clinically normal may be a reflection of reduced subclinical disease.