Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1984. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1974. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Calcium status is a major factor in the regulation of reproductive activity in the hen. Restriction of dietary calcium (Ca) or vitamin D (D) is assumed to cause cessation of ovulation through decreased plasma calcium concentrations. Several studies suggest that there may be a threshold level of ionized calcium (Cai) below which ovulation will not proceed. The objectives of this thesis were to determine how Cai concentration is involved in the process of ovulation by comparing Ca and D-deficient hens, that had ceased laying, with control birds that were laying normally. A secondary objective was to determine the effects of multiple blood sampling (MBS) on the hen's ovulatory cycle. SCWL hens were divided into three groups-control, Ca-deficient and D-deficient groups and fed respective diets. Control birds were serially sampled every two hrs for 24-26 hrs immediately after oviposition until the next oviposition. Deficient birds, that had ceased laying for 10 to 14 days, were sampled at the same time. MBS was achieved with an indwelling vascular access port. Six birds/experimental group were used. Control birds were bled two weeks later from late afternoon until the following day at the same time. Whole blood was analyzed for Cai. Separated plasma was analyzed for total calcium (Cat), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P₄) and l,25(OH)₂D₃ concentrations. Tibiae were ashed for mineral content. In expt. 1, the effect of MBS on the ovulatory pattern of hormones and ions was observed by sampling control birds twice, using two different time courses. Patterns and concentrations of the hormones and ions, regardless of time course, were similar to previous studies. Overall treatment effects were only significant between treatments with regards to total calcium and estradiol concentrations. The large loss of plasma proteins during the bleeding regime resulted in a steady decline in Cat over the 26 hrs, however, it was still within the physiological range of laying birds. . E₂ concentrations were also affected due to interruption of the laying sequence. However, this can be avoided since some birds continued to lay. In expt. 2, the control group had significantly higher mean plasma Cat and Pi concentrations and bone ash than both the deficient groups. Control and D-deficient groups had similar mean Cai concentrations, however, the ovulatory profile of the control group had a significant cyclic pattern over the 24-26 hrs, whereas, both deficient groups did not vary significantly over the 24 hrs. Plasma Pi concentration in the control group, not previously described, was cyclic in nature, related to the egg laying cycle. Plasma l,25(OH)₂D₃ concentrations were significantly higher in the Ca-deficient group than the control group. D-deficient birds had detectable levels of plasma 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but it was significantly lower than the control group. Plasma E₂ and P₄ concentrations were significantly higher in the control group In conclusion, it would appear that an inter-relationship exists among Cai, Pi and 1,25(0H)₂D₃ and the reproductive hormones. A threshold concentration of Cai may be the trigger for ovulation, perceived at the level of the pituitary, hypothalamus or ovary. A threshold of Pi and a window of l,25(OH)₂D₃ concentration may also have permissive roles in ovulation. In addition, MBS, regardless of time course, can be used as a method for determining ovulatory profiles in individual birds without seriously affecting ionic and hormonal concentrations and patterns. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1958. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-130).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-181). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-181). Also available on the Internet.

No description available.

The effect of increasing the calcium content of a hay-grain diet fed to postparturient dairy cattle was studied. Mineral apparent digestibilities, serum concentrations and apparent mineral retentions were monitored while the animals were under the stress of peak lactation. Nine Holstein and seven Ayrshire cows were randomly assigned to the control (0.7% Ca) or the Ca-treatment (1.5% Ca) based on calving order. The diets otherwise contained adequate nutrients. Each animal was fed to appetite for 80 days with no difference (p > . 05) occurring between treatments in intake when expessed as a percentage of body weight. Daily milk production (4% FCM) was higher (p < .05) as was the average body weight (p<.01) for the control animals reflecting the disproportionate number of young animals on the calcium treatment. After a minimum of 60 days on trial, 5 cows from each treatment were exposed to a 5 day digestibility collection period. No change in organic matter or nitrogen apparent digestibility occurred (p>.05) but there were higher (p<.05) levels of calcium and iron, increased (p<.01) levels of copper, and lower (p<.05) zinc and molybdenum apparent digestibilities for animals on the Ca-treatment. Fecal pH was higher (p<.05) in the calcium treated cows indicating a buffering effect occurred as a result of the addition of the calcium carbonate. No change (p>.05) was evident in the secretion of minerals into the milk but urinary phosphorus excretion was significantly higher (p<.05) in the control group. Milk progesterone was analyzed to correspond blood samples (average of 14 per animal) to specific regions of the estrus cycle. Serum phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc varied with reproductive cycling as phosphorus dropped (p<.01) at the onset of regular estrus while the other minerals fluctuated with the cycle (copper and zinc (p< .05), iron (p<.01)). In the serum of Ca-treated animals, calcium and zinc concentrations were higher (p<.01), copper increased (p<.05), and phosphorus was lower (p<.01) than the levels for the control animals. Breed effects were apparent as both phosphorus and copper were higher (p< .01) in the serum of Ayrshires than of Holsteins. Plasma glucose concentrations proved not to be different (p>.05) between treatments. Calcium supplementation of the diet allowed the animals to go from a negative to a positive calcium balance (p<.01). It also increased (p<.05) the amount of phosphorus apparent retention. In all, 6 essential minerals had altered apparent digestibilities and/or serum concentrations with possible long term effects on animal metabolism / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

No description available.

No description available.