Blood studies and performance among calves reared by different methods.

Three methods of feeding calves were compared as follows: 1) milk replacer only with restricted movement, 2) milk replacer only with freedom of movement, and 3) hay, grain, and water with freedom of movement. No significant differences were noted for variables of acid-base balance (sampled while resting). An Fe deficiency, microcytic, hypochromic anemia, developed in the calves receiving milk replacer only. Average daily gain, carcass grade, and sale price were superior for calves receiving only milk replacer with freedom of movement as compared with those with restricted movement. A fourth method (calves nursing cows), represented by calves having a different origin, was compared as a supplemental group. Absolute numbers for lymphocyte and neutrophils were significantly higher for calves nursing cows than for calves reared by the other methods.

Erythrocyte changes, serum iron concentration and performance following iron injection in neonatal beef calves.

The injection of iron-dextran into beef calves at an early age immediately increased values for erythrocyte (RBC) numbers, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), even though the calves were not anemic. There were no significant differences in average daily gain (ADG) from birth through 15 wk between those that were injected and those that were not injected. Hereford calves had lower values for PCV, Hb, MCH and MCV than Angus and crossbred calves, and both Hereford and Angus calves had lesser body weight and slower ADG than crossbred calves. Serum iron (Fe) concentrations were higher in calves born in the spring and pastured in the summer than in calves born in late summer and fall and pastured in the fall. The serum Fe concentration of calves at first sampling (during first week of life) was positively correlated with their weight at that and subsequent times to 15 wk. Mean corpuscular volume and MCH in cows before calving were positively correlated with the MCV and MCH in their calves at first sampling. Serum Fe concentration in cows before calving was negatively correlated with the ADG of their calves through 15 wk.

Injection of iron in newborn beef calves: erythrocyte variables and weight gains with newborn-dam correlations.

Iron injection in beef calves during the 1st week after birth increased their PCV, hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, mean corpuscular volumes (MCV), and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH). These increases persisted between weeks 2 and 12. The RBC count during the 1st week after birth had a positive correlation with the PCV and Hb concentrations and a negative correlation with the MCV and MCH. There was a positive correlation between the serum iron concentration of the dams and their MCV and mean corpuscular Hb concentration. There was also a positive correlation between the MCV and MCH of the dam and their calf's MCH. Seemingly, iron injection did not affect weight gain during the first 18 weeks of life.

Effect of Combinations of Fresh and Frozen Beef on Microbial Flora of Ground Beef Patties.

Beef patties composed of fresh beef, blast frozen beef or combinations of fresh and frozen beef were then frozen by liquid nitrogen (LN2) or liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) and stored at -20 C for 6 months. Analyses for various bacteria were made at monthly intervals to evaluate effects of originally combining fresh and frozen beef on the subsequent microbial flora. Of the different combinations of fresh and frozen meat, the mixture in a 50:50 ratio produced highest bacterial numbers during frozen storage. Lowest bacterial counts resulted from use of fresh beef with no blast frozen meat but frozen subsequently with LN2 or LCO2.