Effect of rumen-protected choline on dairy cow metabolism, immunity, lactation performance, and vaginal discharge microbiome.

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) promotes benefits in milk production, immunity, and health in dairy cows by optimizing lipid metabolism during transition period management and early lactation. However, the RPC success in dairy cows depends on choline bioavailability, which is affected by the type of protection used in rumen-protected choline. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of a novel RPC on dry matter intake (DMI), identify markers of metabolism and immunity, and evaluate lactation performance. Dry Holstein (n = 48) cows at 245 ± 3 d of gestation were blocked by parity and assigned to control or RPC treatment within each block. Cows enrolled in the RPC treatment received 15 g/d of CholiGEM (Kemin Industries, Cavriago RE, Italy) from 21 d prepartum and 30 g/d of CholiGEM from calving to 21 d postpartum. During the transition period, DMI was measured daily, and blood was sampled weekly for energy-related metabolites such as ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), as well as immune function markers such as haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). Vaginal discharge samples were collected at the calving and 7 d postpartum and stored in microcentrifuge tubes at -80°C until 16S rRNA sequencing. The main responses of body condition score, body weight, DMI, milk yield, milk components, and immune function markers were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the effects of treatment, time, parity, and relevant covariates added to the models. The relative abundance of microbiome α-diversity was evaluated by 3 indexes (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and ß-diversity by principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate ANOVA. We found no differences in DMI in the pre- and postpartum periods. Cows fed RPC increased the yields of energy- and 3.5% fat-corrected milk and fat yield in primiparous and multiparous cows, with an interaction between treatment and parity for these lactation variables. However, we found no differences in milk protein and lactose up to 150 DIM between treatments. Glucose, NEFA, and BHB had no differences between the treatments. However, RPC decreased BHB numerically (control = 1.07 ± 0.13 vs. RPC = 0.63 ± 0.13) in multiparous on the third week postpartum and tended to reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis (12.7% vs. 4.2%). No effects for Hp and LPB were found in cows fed RPC. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes were lower at calving in the RPC treatment than in the Control. However, no differences were found 7 d later for Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. The vaginal discharge microbiome was altered in cows fed RPC at 7 d postpartum. Fusobacterium, a common pathogen associated with metritis, was reduced in cows fed RPC. Rumen-protected choline enhanced lactation performance and health and altered the vaginal discharge microbiome which is a potential proxy for uterine healthy in dairy cows. The current study's findings corroborate that RPC is a tool to support adaptation to lactation and shed light on opportunities for further research in reproductive health.

Effect of 200 µg of gonadorelin hydrochloride at the first GnRH of a CO-Synch program on ovulation rate and pregnancies per artificial insemination in Holstein heifers.

The initial ovulatory response during synchronization programs is often low in dairy heifers, largely due to follicular dynamics and hormonal dynamics. Specifically, the progesterone (P4) concentration at the time of the first GnRH treatment in a breeding program can influence the LH response, often resulting in a suboptimal ovulatory response. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the highest label dose 200 µg (100 µg vs. 200 µg) of GnRH (50 µg of gonadorelin hydrochloride per mL; Factrel, Zoetis Inc. Madison, NJ) at the first GnRH of a 6-d CO-Synch plus P4 device program on ovulatory response and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in first service in Holstein heifers. A total of 1,308 Holstein heifers were randomly allocated at the beginning of a 6-d CO-Synch program at day 0 to receive either i.m. treatment of 100 µg (2CC, n = 655) or 200 µg (4CC, n = 653) of GnRH. Also, at d 0, heifers received an intravaginal insert with 1.38 g of P4 (Eazi-Breed CIDR Cattle Insert, Zoetis Inc.). On day 6, the insert was removed, and i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF2α (12.5 mg of dinoprost tromethamine/mL; Lutalyse HighCon Injection, Zoetis Inc.) was administered. On d 7, a second i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF2α was given, followed on d 9 by concurrent i.m. treatment of 100 µg of GnRH, and timed AI. A subset of 396 heifers had their ovaries scanned to evaluate ovulatory response, and blood samples were collected to measure the serum concentration of P4 at d 0 and d 6 of the study. The P4 concentrations at d 0 were categorized as low (≤3 ng/mL) or high (>3 ng/mL). The ovulatory response was greater for heifers receiving 4CC than 2CC at d 0 (54.7% vs. 42.8%). The ovulatory response was greater for low P4 than high P4 at d 0 (54.3% vs. 37.8%). However, we did not observe an interaction between treatment and P4 concentrations (low P4 2CC = 48.6% vs. high P4 2CC = 30.0%; low P4 4CC = 60.0% vs. high P4 4CC = 45.5%). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that P4 concentrations at d 0 treatment could predict the ovulatory response, although the area under the curve was only 0.6. As expected, heifers that ovulated had increased P/AI (no = 55.6% vs. yes = 67.7%); however, we found no effect of treatment on P/AI (2CC = 63.3% vs. 4CC = 59.6%), and no interactions between treatment and ovulation and treatment and P4 (high vs. low) for pregnancy outcomes. In summary, P4 concentration and increasing the dose of GnRH at d 0 positively affected ovulatory response in Holstein heifers. However, there was no interaction between treatment and P4 on ovulation and no subsequent impact of GnRH dose on P/AI.

Application of behavior data to predictive exploratory models of metritis self-cure and treatment failure in dairy cows.

The objective was to evaluate the performance of exploratory models containing routinely available on-farm data, behavior data, and the combination of both to predict metritis self-cure (SC) and treatment failure (TF). Holstein cows (n = 1,061) were fitted with a collar-mounted automated-health monitoring device (AHMD) from -21 ± 3 to 60 ± 3 d relative to calving to monitor rumination time and activity. Cows were examined for diagnosis of metritis at 4 ± 1, 7 ± 1, and 9 ± 1 d in milk (DIM). Cows diagnosed with metritis (n = 132), characterized by watery, fetid, reddish/brownish vaginal discharge (VD), were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatments: control (CON; n = 62), no treatment at the time of metritis diagnosis (d 0); or ceftiofur (CEF; n = 70), subcutaneous injection of 6.6 mg/kg of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid on d 0 and 3 relative to diagnosis. Cure was determined 12 d after diagnosis and was considered when VD became mucoid and not fetid. Cows in CON were used to determine SC, and cows in CEF were used to determine TF. Univariable analyses were performed using farm-collected data (parity, calving season, calving-related disorders, body condition score, rectal temperature, and DIM at metritis diagnosis) and behavior data (i.e., daily averages of rumination time, activity generated by AHMD, and derived variables) to assess their association with metritis SC or TF. Variables with P-values ≤0.20 were included in the multivariable logistic regression exploratory models. To predict SC, the area under the curve (AUC) for the exploratory model containing only data routinely available on-farm was 0.75. The final exploratory model to predict SC combining routinely available on-farm data and behavior data increased the AUC to 0.87, with sensitivity (Se) of 89% and specificity (Sp) of 77%. To predict TF, the AUC for the exploratory model containing only data routinely available on-farm was 0.90. The final exploratory model combining routinely available on-farm data and behavior data increased the AUC to 0.93, with Se of 93% and Sp of 87%. Cross-validation analysis revealed that generalizability of the exploratory models was poor, which indicates that the findings are applicable to the conditions of the present exploratory study. In summary, the addition of behavior data contributed to increasing the prediction of SC and TF. Developing and validating accurate prediction models for SC could lead to a reduction in antimicrobial use, whereas accurate prediction of cows that would have TF may allow for better management decisions.

Simultaneous mode A and mode B echobiometry of senile cataractous eyes in dogs / Ecobiometria simultânea em modos A e B de olhos acometidos por catarata senil, em cães

The evaluation of lens by ultrasonography, previously to phacoemulsification, can offer relevant information, markedly such as aspects and dimensions, allowing design safer surgical strategies with enhanced outcomes. Within the contents of this research, the biometry was performed in lens of dogs with senile immature, mature, and diabetic cataracts, previously to phacoemulsification, using mode A and mode B ultrasonography, simultaneously. The values obtained for axial diameter of the eyes, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous chamber were, respectively, 19.22mm, 2.35mm, 7.94mm, and 8.94mm. Diabetic cataractous lens were larger (8.90mm), compared to mature cataract (8.12mm). Lens with immature cataract were smaller in dimension than those with mature and diabetic cataracts.

A avaliação da lente pela ultrassonografia, previamente à facoemulsificação, pode fornecer informações relevantes, notadamente, quanto ao seu aspecto e dimensões, que permitem delinear estratégias cirúrgicas mais seguras e com melhores resultados. Nesta pesquisa, realizou-se a biometria da lente de cães acometidos por catarata senil imatura, madura ou diabética, previamente à facoemulsificação, valendo-se da ultrassonografia em modo A e B, simultaneamente. Os valores obtidos para o diâmetro axial do bulbo do olho, câmara anterior, lente e câmara vítrea foram, respectivamente, 19,22mm, 2,35mm, 7,94mm e 8,94mm. Lentes cataratogênicas pertencentes a animais diabéticos apresentaram dimensões maiores (8,90mm), comparativamente àquelas que apresentavam catarata madura (8,12mm). Lentes acometidas por catarata imatura apresentaram menor dimensão (7,06mm), comparativamente às demais.

Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) em tilápias-do-nilo cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede / Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) in Nile tilapia cultured under different stocking densities in cages

Avaliaram-se a prevalência e a intensidade de infecção por Monogenoidea em tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede de 4m³. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos - densidades (D) de D1=250, D2=300, D3=350 e D4=400 peixes/m³, três repetições por tratamento, utilizando-se 360 peixes capturados e analisados no período de fevereiro a junho de 2003. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram mensalmente monitorados. Observaram-se prevalências de 52,8; 62,5; 69,4; 83,3; 58,3 por cento e intensidade média parasitária de 112,8; 65,7; 274,0; 97,8; 100,2 de Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae). Não houve relação da prevalência e intensidade de infecção com a densidade de cultivo, porém foi verificado efeito quadrático (P<0,05) da intensidade parasitária em função do mês. Verificaram-se maior intensidade média de infecção (274) e elevada prevalência (83,3 por cento) nos meses em que a temperatura e a transparência da água oscilaram abaixo dos limites recomendados para o conforto térmico e bem-estar das tilápias.

The prevalence and infection intensity of Monogenoidea in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated under different stocking densities in 4m³ cages were evaluated. The experiment was designed in sample random sampling with four treatments - densities (D) of D1=250, D2=300, D3=350, and D4=400 fish/m³- and three repetitions, using 360 fish captured and analyzed during the period from February to June 2003. Physiochemical parameters of the water were monthly monitored. Prevalences of 52.8; 62.5; 69.4; 83.3; and 58.3 percent and parasitic mean intensities of 112.8; 65.7; 274.0; 97.8; and 100.2 Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were observed. No relationship between the prevalence and infection intensity with the cultivation density was found. However, quadratic effect was verified (P<0.05) related to the parasitic intensity in function of the month. High mean intensity of infection (274) and high prevalence (83.3 percent) were verified in the months in that the temperature and the transparency of the water oscillated below the recommended limits for the thermal comfort and well-being of tilapia.

Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em cães de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Soroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs from Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Investigou-se a prevalência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, e realizou-se um estudo de fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram examinadas 285 amostras de soro sangüíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, conduzida em setembro de 2003. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 22 sorovares. Para a caracterização do sorovar mais provável, levou-se em conta a titulação e a freqüência. A prevalência encontrada foi de 21,4 (IC 95 = 16,8-26,6), com maior freqüência dos sorovares autumnalis (7,4), copenhageni (6) e canicola (2,1). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospirose foram: idade superior a um ano (odds ratio = 3,00; P = 0,006), raça não definida (odds ratio = 4,02; P = 0,011) e ocorrência de enchentes (odds ratio = 2,32; P = 0,039).

Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em cães de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Soroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs from Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Investigou-se a prevalência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, e realizou-se um estudo de fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram examinadas 285 amostras de soro sangüíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, conduzida em setembro de 2003. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 22 sorovares. Para a caracterização do sorovar mais provável, levou-se em conta a titulação e a freqüência. A prevalência encontrada foi de 21,4% (IC 95% = 16,8%-26,6%), com maior freqüência dos sorovares autumnalis (7,4%), copenhageni (6%) e canicola (2,1%). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospirose foram: idade superior a um ano (odds ratio = 3,00; P = 0,006), raça não definida (odds ratio = 4,02; P = 0,011) e ocorrência de enchentes (odds ratio = 2,32; P = 0,039).

The prevalence of leptospirosis was investigated in dogs from Campina Grande city, State of Paraíba, Brazil, and the risk factors for infection were analyzed. Two hundred and eighty five blood samples were collected from dogs during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September 2003. The diagnostic method run for leptospirosis was the microscopic agglutination test, using a batch of 22 leptospiral serovars. The most prevalent serovar was found crossing the results of frequency and titer of agglutinins. The prevalence was 21.4% (95% CI = 16.8%-26.6%) and most frequent reactant serovars were autumnalis (7.4%), copenhageni (6%) and canicola (2.1%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for leptospirosis were: age older than one year (odds ratio = 3.00; P = 0.006), mixed breed (odds ratio = 4.02; P = 0.011) and occurrence of floods in the area (odds ratio = 2.32; P = 0.039).

Tuberculose endobrónquica / Endobronchial tuberculosis. Case report

É apresentado um caso de tuberculose endobrônquica exuberante em paciente do sexo masculino, 29 anos, HIV negativo, sob os aspectos endoscópicos, após a instituiçäo de terapêutica específica. Tendo em vista a alta prevalência da tuberculose infecçäo/doença em nosso meio e as seqüelas em potencial desta forma de tuberculose, os autores enfatizam a importância do exame endoscópico do aparelho respiratório no diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento das lesöes endobrônquicas