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Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G,... Aug 2019The transition period, 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving, is inevitably accompanied by a negative energy balance, which sometimes causes metabolic disturbances,... (Review)
Review
The transition period, 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving, is inevitably accompanied by a negative energy balance, which sometimes causes metabolic disturbances, such as ketosis. Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as an increase in the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration to ≥ 1.2 mmol/l in the blood. According to a recent study, a value of ≥ 0.7 mmol/l of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood indicates the potential development of the poor metabolic adaption syndrome (PMAS). With a herd prevalence of 21 %, and an incidence of approximately 40 % within the first 2 weeks after calving, SCK is a relevant herd health problem. The milk yield decreases in the first 2 weeks postpartum by 3-5.3 kg/d for each ketotic cow, and the total milk reduction through the whole lactation period of 305 days averages 112 kg (SD 89 kg). Although the cow does not display any clinical signs of ketosis at this stage, the risk of developing associated production diseases like retained placenta, metritis, displaced abomasum, lameness and clinical ketosis increases and the expected performance in terms of milk production will decrease. The herd health status deteriorates and the risk for early culling increases. Another impact factor is the financial aspect, which includes costs for early death, reduced milk production, reproduction losses, and associated production diseases. In the literature, the calculated costs per SCK case vary between $ 78 and $ 289. The gold standard diagnostic test for SCK is the photometric measurement of BHB in blood. This method is accurate, but results are delayed due to the required laboratory analysis. There are also some rapid cow-side tests, i. e. urine or milk strip tests available to identify ketotic cows. The common disadvantage of these methods is that they are not suitable for herd health monitoring because of the need to collect samples from each cow manually and the high rates of false negative results. However, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is suitable for herd health monitoring. It is already being used for the analysis of milk composition. This inexpensive, rapid and simple technique has a specificity of 83.8 % and a sensitivity of 82.4 %. Therefore, FTIR is an early and easy method for detecting ketotic cows, that could help reduce financial and performance losses associated with ketosis.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Dairying; Female; Ketosis; Lactation; Milk; Pregnancy; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 31434117
DOI: 10.1055/a-0949-1637 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Sep 2022Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a poisonous plant distributed throughout the Americas. The E. cyclocarpum fruits have high toxic potential for cattle in Colombia and the...
Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a poisonous plant distributed throughout the Americas. The E. cyclocarpum fruits have high toxic potential for cattle in Colombia and the clinical signs and pathological lesions are ill-defined. To begin address this issue, twelve Brahman heifers were administered E. cyclocarpum fruits and the evolution of clinical signs were recorded. Blood was collected to establish biochemical and hematological parameters. Animals were euthanized between 4 and 15 days after the initial dose was given, and tissue samples were routinely processed and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin. The severity of clinical signs and tissue lesions were correlated with the dose of E. cyclocarpum fruits. Clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, sialorrhea, jaundice, tympanism, and diarrhea. Skin lesions were consistent with photosensitization. Hematological and biochemical tests showed increased hematocrit, neutropenia, increased serum fibrinogen, elevated hepatic enzymes and azotemia. Histology revealed panlobular cytoplasmic vacuolization and extensive foci of necrosis in the liver. The skin, fore-stomach, abomasum and intestine revealed microcirculatory, inflammatory and ulcerative changes. Protein casts and tubular epithelium vacuolization were found in kidney. Depending on the toxicosis intensity, it is concluded that E. cyclocarpum fruits may cause two clinical and pathological forms of poisoning in Brahman heifers. First, a severe intoxication at repeated exposition with high (20 g/kg/d) or low (10 g/kg/d) dose that affected the digestive and tegumentary systems and the kidney. Second, a mild to moderate form with a single low dose (10 g/kg/d) that affected in lower grades the same systems/organs.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Digestion; Fabaceae; Female; Fruit; Microcirculation; Plants, Toxic
PubMed: 35780973
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.015 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2023Health treatments of Holstein cows ( = 2214) were recorded by the owners of eight high-performance dairy herds in Minnesota. Cows calved from March 2008 to October 2015,...
Health treatments of Holstein cows ( = 2214) were recorded by the owners of eight high-performance dairy herds in Minnesota. Cows calved from March 2008 to October 2015, and 14 types of health treatments were uniformly defined across the herds. Specific types of health treatment were subsequently assigned a cost based on the mean veterinary cost obtained from the veterinary clinics that serviced the eight herds. A fixed labor cost for time (USD 18/h) associated with specific types of health treatment was determined based on interviews with the herd owners and was added to the veterinary cost. Health treatment cost was then partitioned into five health categories: mastitis (including mastitis diagnostic test), reproduction (cystic ovary, retained placenta, and metritis), lameness (hoof treatments), metabolic (milk fever, displaced abomasum, ketosis, and digestive), and miscellaneous (respiratory, injury, and other). Lactations of cows were divided into six intervals that corresponded with stage of lactation based on days in milk. The first interval of lactation was 30 days in length, followed by four intervals of 60 days each, and the final interval started on day 271 and had variable length because it continued to the end of lactation and included the dry period. Health treatment cost was summed within each interval of lactation and subsequently across lactations by parity. Statistical analysis by parity included the fixed effects of herd, interval, and the interaction of herd and interval, with interval regarded as a repeated measure of cows. Health treatment cost was highest during the first interval for all five parities of cows and ranged from USD 22.87 for first parity to USD 38.50 for fifth parity. Reproduction treatment cost was about one-half of the total health treatment cost during the first interval in all five parities. Metabolic treatment cost during the first interval ranged from USD 3.92 (in first parity) to USD 12.34 (in third parity). Compared to the other health categories, mastitis treatment cost was most evenly distributed across intervals of lactation in all parities. Lameness treatment cost was highest during mid- or late-lactation across parities and reflected the time when cows received routine hoof trimming. Additionally, treatment cost across health categories was summed across intervals of lactation for each cow, and the total health cost of cows varied substantially from herd to herd and ranged from USD 23.38 to USD 74.60 for first parity and usually increased with parity.
PubMed: 37443859
DOI: 10.3390/ani13132061 -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... Dec 2021In this study, a three-step experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of orange essential oil (OEO) to reduce the severity of parasitic infection in lambs...
In this study, a three-step experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of orange essential oil (OEO) to reduce the severity of parasitic infection in lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites. In the first and second stages of the experiment, the lambs were distributed in groups (n = 10): without treatment (control), treated with levamisole (7.5 mg/kg), and treated either with 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg OEO in the first stage and with two doses of 300 or 350 mg/kg each of OEO with a six-hour interval in the second stage. In the third stage of the experiment, 20 lambs were distributed into control and treated groups (two doses of 350 mg/kg OEO) and slaughtered for determining the parasite count in the abomasum and small intestine. Evaluations were performed on D0, D3, D7, D10, and D14 by determining the egg count per gram of feces (EPG), and the percentage of EPG reduction was calculated in comparison to D0. Coproculture was performed on days D0 and D14 of the first and second stages of the study. In the first stage, the EPG increased by 20.90 and 100.99% and decreased by 5.54% on D14 in the groups treated with 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg OEO, respectively. At the second stage, the EPG of the OEO groups decreased by more than 96% on D3, but on D14 was decreased by 0.82% and 77.07% in the 2 × 300 and 2 × 350 mg/kg groups, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the highest percentage of collected larvae in all coproculture tests, ranging from 90 to 100%. In the third stage, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in the mean number of parasites between the OEO groups and the control. Although the decrease in EPG of more than 96% on D3 did not persist in the other evaluations, and immature forms and adult parasites were collected at slaughter, the EPG reduction of 77.07% on D14 with the dose of 700 mg/kg (OEO2 × 350) suggests that OEO can help to reduce the severity of parasitic infection and, consequently, to diminish pastures contamination, when used together with other methods to control gastrointestinal parasites in sheep.
Topics: Animals; Haemonchiasis; Haemonchus; Oils, Volatile; Parasite Egg Count; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 34879947
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100637 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Apr 2020This study aims to investigate and compare the expressions of leptin and ghrelin in the gastrointestinal tracts of calves and cows. The mRNA expression of leptin in the...
This study aims to investigate and compare the expressions of leptin and ghrelin in the gastrointestinal tracts of calves and cows. The mRNA expression of leptin in the rumen, abomasum, and jejunum of calves was significantly higher than that in cows. In both calves and cows, abomasum ghrelin mRNA expression was significantly higher than that in other gastrointestinal tracts. In calves, leptin protein expression in the abomasum was the highest. In addition, leptin protein expression in the abomasum and jejunum of calves was significantly higher than that in cows. Results indicated that leptin in the abomasum and jejunum plays an important role during the suckling period in a ruminant.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Gastrointestinal Tract; Gene Expression; Ghrelin; Leptin; Male; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 32092743
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0680 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jan 2023The pathogenic Clostridia cause neurotoxic, histotoxic and enterotoxic infections in humans and animals. Several Clostridium species have been associated with abomasitis...
Detection and molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens, Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium septicum from lambs and goat kids with hemorrhagic abomasitis in Turkey.
BACKGROUND
The pathogenic Clostridia cause neurotoxic, histotoxic and enterotoxic infections in humans and animals. Several Clostridium species have been associated with abomasitis in ruminants. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency, and the presence of virulence genes, of Clostridium perfringens, Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium septicum in lambs and goat kids with hemorrhagic abomasitis.
RESULTS
A total of 38 abomasum samples, collected from lambs and goat kids of 1 week to 1 month of age in different farms located in eastern Turkey between 2021 and 2022, were evaluated by histopathology, culture and PCR. At necropsy, the abomasum of the animals was excessively filled with caseinized content and gas, and the abomasum mucosa was hemorrhagic in varying degrees. In histopathological evaluation, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic inflammation was noted in abomasum samples. The examination of swab samples by culture and PCR revealed that C. perfringens type A was the most frequently detected species (86.84%) either alone or in combination with other Clostridium species. P. sordellii, C. perfringens type F and C. septicum were also harboured in the samples, albeit at low rates. Beta2 toxin gene (cpb2) was found in three of C. perfringens type A positive samples.
CONCLUSION
It was suggested that vaccination of pregnant animals with toxoid vaccines would be beneficial in terms of protecting newborn animals against Clostridial infections. This study investigated the presence of clostridial toxin genes in abomasal samples for the first time in Turkey.
Topics: Animals; Clostridium Infections; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium septicum; Clostridium sordellii; Gastritis; Goat Diseases; Goats; Hemorrhage; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Sheep, Domestic; Turkey
PubMed: 36639759
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03569-5 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Nov 2019As the precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, niacin is important for catabolic and anabolic redox reactions. In addition, niacin is known for its anti-lipolytic action via a... (Review)
Review
As the precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, niacin is important for catabolic and anabolic redox reactions. In addition, niacin is known for its anti-lipolytic action via a hydroxycarboxylic acid-2-receptor-dependent mechanism. The anti-lipolytic effects of traditional free niacin supplementation during transition periods had been studied extensively, but the reported effects are ambiguous. In the past decade, a series of studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected niacin (RPN) on production performance and metabolic status in early lactation and on heat stress in dairy cows. Feeding RPN seems more effective than free niacin regarding increasing circulating niacin concentration. The rebound of plasma NEFA was found after termination of niacin abomasal infusion. Feeding RPN or infusion of niacin via the abomasum could suppress lipolysis and reduce insulin resistance in early lactation. Additionally, RPN supplementation could possibly relieve heat stress through vasodilation during moderate to severe heat stress condition. However, these beneficial effects of niacin supplementation have not always been observed. The inconsistent results across studies may be related to dosages of niacin supplementation, rebound of plasma NEFA concentration, stage of lactation or severity of heat stress. Overall, the current review is to present updated information on niacin nutrition in dairy cows and the recommendations are given for future research.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dietary Supplements; Female; Niacin; Rumen; Vitamins
PubMed: 31474235
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114519002216 -
Veterinary Research Communications Dec 2022Omphalocele is an embryonic developmental error presented as a neonatal visceral umbilical herniation. Epidemiological and embryological studies are reviewed that revise... (Review)
Review
Omphalocele is an embryonic developmental error presented as a neonatal visceral umbilical herniation. Epidemiological and embryological studies are reviewed that revise our understanding of midgut development and defects in cattle. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for omphalocele, exomphalos, calves, calf, cattle, epidemiology, genetics, disease presentation, and omphalocele treatments of bovine neonates. Omphalocele contains small intestine and sometimes liver and/or pyloric abomasum. This condition may arise from inadequately expanded abdominal cavity, herniated midgut entrapment, or inappropriate umbilical ring growth. Full-term neonates are otherwise healthy but comorbidities may be present. Limited epidemiological evidence suggests neonates, commonly female, of dairy dams have much higher omphalocele prevalence than humans but with fewer co-morbidities. Genetic or environmental influences may present at low incidences, especially with co-defects, while also epigenetics operate in metabolically challenged dairy cattle. Calf survival after surgical repair was commonly good if damage to eviscerated tissue was minimal and surgery prompt. Inadequate follow-ups prevented assessment of their commercial value. We also revised understanding of embryonic midgut development. There is little useful epidemiological information on bovine omphaloceles. To address this, we suggest: (i) Observations on omphaloceles should report herd and dam histories, abdominal disposition of contents, and comorbidities. (ii) Cases of surgical restitution must report full histories and thoroughly explore post-surgical follow-ups to assess animal commercial viability. There is a need for very large-scale multi-centre prospective observational studies on cattle health and productivity that should include omphaloceles.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Cattle; Animals; Female; Hernia, Umbilical; Veterinarians; Embryonic Development; Cattle Diseases; Observational Studies, Veterinary as Topic
PubMed: 36107281
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09994-5 -
Journal of Comparative Pathology Apr 2021We describe the pathology of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in three cows. Gross lesions were found in the jejunum and ileum in all cases, and were characterized by...
We describe the pathology of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in three cows. Gross lesions were found in the jejunum and ileum in all cases, and were characterized by button-shaped ulcers in the mucosa overlying Peyer's patches and adjacent mucosa. One case had similar changes in the pyloric region of the abomasum. In the affected intestinal segments, marked granulomatous inflammation effaced the lymphoid follicles of Peyer's patches and often extended transmurally. Transmural granulomatous inflammation was also found in the abomasum of one cow. Acid-fast bacilli were identified by the Ziehl-Neelsen method and the lesions were immunolabelled by an anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex antibody. M. tuberculosis var. bovis was isolated in one case. Disseminated tuberculosis and marked lung lesions in all cows suggested that the gastrointestinal lesions were most likely secondary to pulmonary infection.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Granuloma; Intestines; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal
PubMed: 33894881
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.01.008 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Mar 2022The gastrointestinal microbiota greatly affects the health status and production performance of bovines. Presently, many studies have used high-throughput sequencing...
The gastrointestinal microbiota greatly affects the health status and production performance of bovines. Presently, many studies have used high-throughput sequencing methods to investigate the gastrointestinal microbiome in bovines. However, the microbiome profile of crossbred cattle across the whole gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has not been thoroughly reported. In this study, the digesta at ten regions (including the rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum) of the GIT were collected in three Simmental × Holstein crossbred heifers aged 17 months, and microbial DNA was extracted and amplified for sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Functional orthologs of the microbiota genome were predicted and analyzed. We found that samples were categorized into three groups (the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity in both the bacterial composition and functional profile. Samples from small intestine had the lowest alpha diversity of bacteria composition and highest alpha diversity of the functional composition. Three groups of GIT regions were characterized by several microbiome features. The stomach was characterized by and at the phylum level, and KEGG pathways related to the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, glycan biosynthesis, and metabolism were enriched in the stomach. The small intestine was characterized by and at the phylum level, and KEGG pathways related to xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were enriched in the small intestine. The large intestine featured , , and at the family level, and KEGG pathways, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism were enriched in the large intestine. The results of the current study revealed the spatial heterogeneity of microbiota across the GIT in Simmental × Holstein crossbreeds and identified microbial biomarkers of different regions. The results can provide useful information for the study of the gastrointestinal microbiome in bovines.
PubMed: 35405815
DOI: 10.3390/ani12070825