Search

This study examined metabolic profiles of commercial dairy herds differing in milk production. Thirty herds were selected with 10 herds averaging more than 7258 kg milk, 10 herds between 6350 and 7258 kg, and 10 herds averaged below 6350 kg. In each herd, 28 cows were selected for blood sampling, which was collected every 3 mo during 12 mo. Cows varied in estimated relative producing ability. Metabolic profiles were established for 19 blood components. Differences among treatment means were significant between high and low producing herds and little between profiles for milking and pregnant nonlactating cows. Metabolic profiles of problem herds remained within normal ranges for all herds except one. Profiles of herds with breeding or mastitis problems remained in the normal range. Metabolic profile testing was of limited value in screening a dairy herd for potential problems or deficiencies.

To study the effect of a topical antibiotic spray in reducing postoperative morbidity when used during surgery, a randomized, double-blind study was done on 150 women who had a vaginal hysterectomy with or without colporrhaphy. The spray contained neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate and zinc bacitracin and was used in 75 patients; a placebo spray was used in the other 75 patients. The antibiotic spray significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the frequency of pelvic infections postoperatively--14.7% in the antibiotic group compared with 37.3% in the placebo group.

During vaginal hysterectomy with or without colporrhaphy a topical aerosol spray containing neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate and zinc bacitracin was used in 50 patients to decrease the change of postoperative pelvic infection; a placebo spray was used in another 50 patients. All patients were treated preoperatively with povidone iodine and postoperatively with nitrofurantoin and an antibacterial irrigating solution for the bladder if catheter drainage was necessary. The frequency of postoperative pelvic infection was 16% in the group sprayed with the antibiotic combination and 34% in the group sprayed with the placebo, a significant difference (P less than 0.05).

Chemical analyses and in vitro fermentations were on three corn silages, four legume-grass silages, and four corn-hay crop silage mixtures which had been fed to sheep for 21 days. In vivo data were collected for voluntary silage intake and apparent digestibility of energy. Forage nutritive value was expressed as digestible energy intake. Multiple regression equations were developed to determine the more reliable methods to evaluate voluntary intake, digestibility, and nutritive value of silage. Equations for quadratic response surfaces accounted for 71 to 79% of variation in in vivo data compared to 54 to 70% of variability accountable by simple linear regression equations. Dry matter, crude protein, cell wall, acid-detergent fiber, and acid-detergent lignin contents of silage accounted for greater variability in silage intake, digestibility, and nutritive value than did any in vitro method either alone or in combination with chemical analysis. The results support Crampton's concept of nutritive value index, which is now expressed in the relative feed value system proposed by the American Forage and Grassland Council for differences between forages.