The impact of lesion complexity on predicting mortality of coronary artery disease patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most frequent cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Nevertheless, there have been limited studies focusing on the impact of lesion complexity on resuscitated CAD patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between coronary lesion complexity and the mortality of CAD patients after OHCA. METHODS: From pooled database of two centers, which comprised 706 successfully resuscitated OHCA patients, 172 patients undergoing coronary angiography were retrospectively investigated. A total of 148 patients exhibited coronary stenosis on angiogram and were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics, pre-and post-hospital care, general status after resuscitation and angiographical findings were compared between the patients who deceased within 30 days and those who survived and the predictors of 30-day mortality were determined. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (63.5%) survived at 30 days. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (Odds ratio (OR) 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-0.96; P = 0.041), revascularization of coronary stenosis (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.19-0.86; P < 0.001), GRACE risk score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.05; P < 0.001) and SYNTAX score (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.13; P = 0.025) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. As multiple predictors such as bystander CPR, GRACE score and SYNTAX score were combined, the 30-day mortality gradually deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to bystander CPR, GRACE score and revascularization, SYNTAX score independently predicted 30-day mortality of CAD patients after OHCA.

Short communication: Temporal changes in the skin morphology of dairy cows during the periparturient period.

Management of dairy cow productivity requires monitoring of their nutritional status by visual observation. It has been suggested that changes in hair coat appearance are among the indicators of nutritional state in dairy cows. Temporal changes in the skin morphology in cows, however, have not been reported. In this study, we examined the changes in the skin of dairy cows that occur during the peripartum period. Seven pluriparous cows were used. Skin samples were collected at 28 d before the due date and 28 d and 56 d after calving for morphological examination. Hair follicle width was 108.8 ± 5.9 µm (±SD) in the dry period, 95.5 ± 5.5 µm at 28 d after calving, and 104.2 ± 5.3 µm at 56 d postpartum. The percentages of anagen hair follicles during these 3 periods were 41.4 ± 3.4, 18.5 ± 3.4, and 32.3 ± 3.3%, respectively. The corresponding sebaceous gland sizes were 8,362.0 ± 707.6, 7,800.0 ± 831.4, and 9,186.8 ± 962.6 µm2, respectively. Hair follicle width was positively correlated with percentage of anagen hair follicles. The thickness of epidermal and proliferation rate of epidermal cell were also correlated. However, the hair follicle width, sebaceous gland size and cell proliferation rate, and thickness and proliferation rate of epidermal cells did not show any marked changes.

Effects of treatment for anestrus in water buffaloes with PGF2α and GnRH in comparison with vitamin-mineral supplement, and some factors influencing treatment effects.

The effect of treatment for anestrus in buffaloes with a PGF2α or GnRH injection and vitamin-mineral (Vit-M) supplementation for 1 to 2 months and some factors influencing the treatment effect were studied. In anestrus buffaloes with CL, an injection of PGF2α tended to show higher estrus detection and pregnancy rates within 17 days after treatment than Vit-M supplementation (P<0.10). In those with inactive ovaries, effect of GnRH and Vit-M did not differ. Body condition score of the animals before treatment affected pregnancy rate within 17 days after treatment (P<0.05). Pregnancy rate within 4 months after treatment was adversely influenced by low serum concentrations of calcium (P<0.01) and gastrointestinal parasitic infection before treatment (P<0.05).

Relationships among steroid hormone levels in newborn piglets, birth weight, placental weight, vitality of offspring and litter size.

Blood estrone sulfate (E(1) S), estrone (E(1) ), estradiol (E(2) ) and progesterone (P(4) ) in newborn piglets were measured to clarify the relationships among birth and placental weight, vitality of offspring and litter size. First, the association between vital status (normal, weak and stillborn) from 165 newborn piglets of 18 litters and steroid concentrations; second, steroid concentrations from 152 newborn normal piglets and litter size; and third, steroid content in fetal placenta from 50 newborn normal piglets of six litters and litter size, were investigated. In the normal group, the birth and placental weight were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Blood E(1) S levels in the stillborn group were significantly lower, whereas E(1) , E(2) and P(4) were significantly higher compared to the normal group. Blood and placental E(1) S levels in the small litter group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. However, there was no significant difference among the three litter size groups in the levels of steroid hormones in maternal blood. These results indicate that vitality of newborn piglets is related to E(1) S concentration of neonate, to birth weight and placental weight. However, steroid hormone concentrations of newborn piglets were greatly affected by the number of littermates.

Relationship between milk somatic cell count and postpartum ovarian cyclicity and fertility in dairy cows.

The main objective of the study was to describe the relationship of high somatic cell count (SCC) with the incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The factors influencing SCC were also investigated. Four hundred and forty-seven cows from six dairy herds in Japan were monitored for SCC and postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Cows with high SCC (200,000 to 500,000) had a higher incidence of prolonged luteal phase (P < 0.01) than cows with an SCC of 50,000 to 100,000. The high SCC cows (> 500,000) also showed a higher incidence of delayed first ovulation post partum than cows with an SCC ≤500,000 (P < 0.05) during the first month post partum. Cows with an SCC of 200,000 to 500,000 showed lower conception and pregnancy rates, and more days from calving to conception than cows with an SCC of less than 200,000 (P < 0.05). Cows in parity 5 or more had a higher incidence of high SCC than cows in the first and second parities (P < 0.05). It is concluded that cows with a high SCC have a higher incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity, leading to reduced reproductive performance.

Days in milk at first AI in dairy cows; its effect on subsequent reproductive performance and some factors influencing it.

The aim of the present study was to show the distribution of cows by days in milk (DIM) at first AI, effect of DIM at first AI on reproductive performance and some factors influencing DIM at first AI. A total of 767 Holstein Frisian cows that calved from January 2004 to December 2007 in 14 dairy herds were used. The first AI conception rate (FAICR) was 34.0%. Seventy-five percent of the cows were first inseminated within 100 days after calving. FAICR increased linearly up to 100 DIM. A one unit (20 days) longer DIM at first AI within the first 100 days postpartum increased the likelihood of a 2.4% FAICR. However, cows first inseminated at an earlier stage of lactation showed better reproductive performance in terms of pregnancy rate and calving to conception interval than cows first inseminated at a later stage. A one day increase in the interval from calving to first AI reduced the likelihood of 0.85 days to become pregnant. Herd or region located in southwestern Japan, tie-stall herd, first AI in spring, higher parity, uterine infection, metabolic diseases and/or mastitis and abnormal resumption of postpartum ovarian cycles contributed to delaying first AI.

Analysis of some factors affecting fertility levels in a high-producing dairy herd in south-western Japan.

The present study aimed to know whether all cows have been showing declining fertility or only a proportion of cows are attributed to the declining fertility, and to describe factors affecting the level of fertility. A total of 131 cows calved from February 2005 to December 2007 in a dairy herd were examined. Fourteen cows were excluded from the study because of early culling. Of the remaining 117 cows, 47 (40%) conceived within 115 days postpartum after 1-3 artificial insemination (AI) (normal fertility cows), 42 (36%) conceived after 115 days postpartum following 1-3 AI or were culled after 1-2 (sub-fertility cows/culled), and 28 (24%) were inseminated more than three times without detectable genital tract abnormalities (repeat breeders). Calving to conception interval in the normal fertility group was 72 + 3 days, while in the sub-fertility/culled and repeat breeding groups the intervals were 170 + 8 and 259 + 16 days, respectively. Endometritis was the risk factor for sub-fertility/culled (odds ratio (OR) = 3.76). Prolonged luteal phase (OR = 4.08), delayed first ovulation (OR = 6.02), and delayed corpus luteum formation after AI (OR = 8.55) were the risk factors for repeat breeding. In conclusion, 60% cows showed reduced fertility in a herd, while the other 40% had normal fertility. Uterine infection and some ovarian disorders contributed to reduced fertility.

Reproductive performance of repeat breeders in dairy herds.

The objectives were to characterize repeat breeding in dairy cows, including reproductive performance and risk factors. Data from 613 Holstein Friesian cows in nine dairy herds across Japan were enrolled. A repeat breeder was defined as a cow that did not become pregnant after three inseminations, despite no clinically detectable reproductive disorders. In contrast, cows that became pregnant within three inseminations were considered to have normal fertility. Of the 613 cows, 87.3% eventually became pregnant after repeated AI (maximum calving to conception interval was 435 d). Mean (+/-SEM) first AI conception rate, days in milk at first AI, calving to conception interval and service per conception were 38.3%, 82+/-2 d, 125+/-3 d, and 2.0+/-0.1 times, respectively. Normal fertility cows (n=479) required only 114+/-3 d to conceive and 1.7+/-0.1 inseminations per pregnancy, whereas repeat breeders (n=86) required significantly more days to conceive (211+/-10) and more inseminations per pregnancy (4.7+/-0.2). Based on survival analysis, it took 94 d after calving for 50% of normal fertility cows to become pregnant, compared to 155 d for repeat breeders. For repeat breeders, 31.4, 50.0, and 58.1% became pregnant within 210, 300, and 435 d after calving, respectively. The risk factors for repeat breeding were parity (relative risk [RR]=0.809; P=0.058), resumption of postpartum ovarian cycles (RR=1.928; P=0.009), and days in milk at first AI (RR=0.991; P=0.039). In conclusion, repeat breeder dairy cows had very poor reproductive performance. Lower parity, abnormal resumption of postpartum ovarian cycles, and shorter days in milk at first AI were risk factors for repeat breeding.

Effect of CIDR 12 to 19 days after AI on detection of returning estrus and conception rate in dairy cows.

Detection of returning estrus in dairy cows after AI and re-insemination without delay are important in shortening the calving to conception interval. The objectives of this study were to show the effectiveness of CIDR insertion 12 to 19 days after AI on returning estrus and shortening the calving to conception interval in dairy cows. Seventy-nine dairy cows from two commercial dairy farms were synchronized for first postpartum estrus using a CIDR-Heatsynch protocol, and 76 cows (96.2%) showed estrus signs within 2 days after EB injection and were inseminated. The cows were then divided randomly into two groups. Thirty-seven cows were treated with a CIDR from 12 to 19 days after AI (CIDR group), while the other 39 cows were not treated and served as a control group. Milk samples were collected twice weekly from one week before the commencement of the CIDR-Heatsynch protocol until 7 to 9 days after removal of device. Detection rates of returning estrus 20 to 25 days after AI (within 6 days after removal of the device) were 30.4% in the CIDR group and 47.6% in the control group. According to the progesterone profiles, almost half of the non-pregnant cows that did not show estrus 20 to 25 days after AI had high progesterone concentrations from days 20 to 25, 59.1% in the CIDR group and 50.0% in control group. The calving interval was not significantly different between the CIDR (162 +/- 50 days) and control groups (151 +/- 40 days). In conclusion, CIDR insertion 12 to 19 days after AI did not increase the detection rate of returning estrus. As a consequence, there was no effect of the CIDR treatment on the calving to conception interval.

A clinical study of anestrus buffaloes in southern Nepal.

Anestrus is one of the most important reproductive disorders in dairy buffaloes. The clinical features of anestrus in buffaloes, however, have not been well described. The objectives of this study were to describe the causes of anestrus in buffaloes and their reproductive performance after treatment under field conditions in southern Nepal. Of 135 anestrus buffalo cows, 61.4% had true anestrus with ovarian dysfunction and 33.3% had silent ovulation. In 111 buffalo heifers, 76.6% were in true anestrus and 18.9% had silent ovulation. The duration of anestrus after calving was longer than 6 months in 83% of buffalo cows and 61.5% of the buffalo cows had durations longer than 10 months. The interval between the last breeding and diagnosis of anestrus was more than 5 months in 67.4% of cows and heifers. Treatment of anestrus with prostaglandin F(2)alpha in cows and heifers with a corpus luteum resulted in higher pregnancy rates within one (P<0.01) and two months (P<0.05) after treatment as compared with treatment with a vitamin/mineral mixture. Buffalo cows and heifers with inactive ovaries bearing a dominant follicle were also successfully treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone, resulting in higher pregnancy rate within one month after treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the predominant cause of anestrus in dairy buffaloes in this region was true anestrus with inactive ovaries, and the duration of anestrus after calving as well as breeding was extremely long. Routine reproductive examination and adequate hormone treatment may improve the reproductive performance of these buffaloes.

Prevalence of endometritis during the postpartum period and its impact on subsequent reproductive performance in two Japanese dairy herds.

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the prevalence of different degrees of endometritis during different periods postpartum, to define 'clinically relevant endometritis', to determine its impact on subsequent reproductive performance, and to determine some risk factors for the incidence of clinically relevant endometritis in dairy cows. Holstein Friesian cows (n=135) from two commercial dairy herds were examined vaginoscopically and by per rectal palpation of genital organs for the first time between 15 and 60d postpartum. Cows with any proportion of pus in the cervico-vaginal discharge were defined as having endometritis and were classified into mild, mucopurulent, or purulent endometritis or postpuerperal metritis. The overall prevalence of endometritis during early (15-20d), intermediate (21-28d) and late (29-60d) postpartum period was 67.8%, 40.5% and 14.4%, respectively. Survival analysis was used to derive a case definition of clinically relevant endometritis based on factors associated with reduced pregnancy rate. Accounting for different factors, mucopurulent and purulent endometritis and postpuerperal metritis, but not mild endometritis each was associated with a significant decrease in pregnancy rate. The presence of mucopurulent or purulent cervico-vaginal discharge on vaginoscopy between 15 and 60d postpartum was defined as clinically relevant endometritis. The prevalence of clinically relevant endometritis was 25.9%. Cows with clinically relevant endometritis had a hazard ratio of 0.39 (P=0.001) for pregnancy (61% reduction in pregnancy rate) and a hazard ratio of 0.40 (P=0.001) for pregnancy per insemination. Cows with clinically relevant endometritis had more days open (325 vs. 120; P<0.001) and required more inseminations for 50% cows to become pregnant (5 vs. 2; P<0.001) than those without clinically relevant endometritis. Clinically relevant endometritis diagnosed between 15 and 20d postpartum was also associated with reduced pregnancy rate (HR=0.34; P=0.05). Based on logistic regression analysis, herd (P=0.002), higher parities (P=0.04), retention of fetal membranes (odds ratio, OR=4.24; P=0.05), early postpartum complications (OR=15.2; P=0.001) and earlier postpartum period at examination (P<0.001) significantly increased the risk of diagnosing clinically relevant endometritis within 60d postpartum. In conclusion, 25.9% cows had clinically relevant endometritis within two months postpartum that adversely affected the subsequent fertility in two Japanese dairy herds.

Duration of estrus induced after GnRH-PGF2alpha protocol in dairy heifer.

Estrous expressions in dairy cows have been shortened and weakened. Dairy heifers, on the other hand, may not have had such changes in estrous signs as observed in cows, since they have less stresses than cows. The aim of this study was to describe the duration of estrus in a herd of dairy heifers. A total of 56 Holstein Friesian heifers estrus was synchronized using two different hormonal protocols. They were checked for primary and secondary estrous signs with the help of heat detection devices for 48 h at an interval of 4 h starting at 16.00 hour, one day after PGF(2alpha) treatment. Onset and end of standing estrus during 48 h observation period was recorded in 35 of the 44 heifers coming into estrus within 5 days after PGF(2alpha) treatment during the observation period. The duration of standing estrus on the average (+/-SD) was 9.7 +/- 5.3 h. Percentage of heifers with standing estrus longer than 12 h was 40%, and 53% showed standing estrus only for 4-8 h. It is indicated that duration of estrus in dairy heifers has been shortened recently.

Fecal progestagen and estrone during pregnancy in a giraffe: a case report.

The present study was carried out to measure fecal progestagen and estrone concentrations during pregnancy in a giraffe and examine the possibility of utilizing this assay system for pregnancy diagnosis. Fecal samples were collected from a giraffe during her third and fourth parities and mixed with methanol to prepare a fecal solution. Diluted fecal solution was used for direct enzyme immunoassay for progestagen and estrone. The newborn calf from the third parity was viable, although that from the fourth parity died 5 days after calving. In the third parity, the giraffe's progestagen and estrone concentrations increased transiently from days 30 to 120 of pregnancy. Then, they decreased and remained low until day 330. This was followed by a drastic rise in both concentrations as parturition approached. Parturition caused a reduction in the progestagen and estrone concentrations of the feces. In the fourth parity, the progestagen concentration increased gradually after mating until day 320. This was followed by a reduction in the concentration until parturition. However, the estrone concentration fluctuated, and the duration and extent of the prepartum rise in concentration were shorter and lower than those of the third parity. The hormone dynamics of the third parity suggest the possibility of early pregnancy diagnosis by measuring progestagen or estrone between days 30 and 120 after mating.

Peripartum changes in plasma estrone sulfate and estradiol-17beta profiles associated with and without the retention of fetal membranes in holstein-friesian cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in plasma concentrations of estrone sulfate (E(1)S) and estradiol-17beta (E(2)beta) during the peripartum period (from day 10 prepartum to day 1 postpartum) associated with and without retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in Holstein-Friesian cattle (n=42). Plasma samples were analyzed for E(1)S and E(2)beta by ELISA. All parturitions were spontaneous and normal. Of 38 cattle delivering singletons, 29 had no RFM (singleton-normal group) and nine had RFM for more than 12 h (singleton-RFM group). Four cows gave birth to twins, and each twin had its own fetal membrane (FM). Two twinning cows expelled both FMs normally within 12 h (twin-normal group). In the remaining 2 twinning cows (twin-RFM group), the FM was expelled normally for one twin (first), while the FM of the other (second) was retained. There were no significant differences in the E(1)S concentrations or their increments from the concentrations on the preceding day between the normal and RFM groups of singleton cows on any peripartum day. The mean plasma E(2)beta concentrations on each day from day 10 to day 3 prepartum were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the singleton-RFM group compared with the singleton-normal group; however, on days 2 and 1 prepartum, the increments in the E(2)beta concentrations from the concentrations on the preceding days were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the singleton-RFM group than in the singleton-normal group. Thus, the plasma E(1)S concentrations just before parturition may not be associated with RFM. In the cows with RFM, the lower plasma E(2)beta concentrations that were found prior to day 2 prepartum may have been associated with immature placentomes, and the rapid rise in plasma E(2) beta within 1 to 2 days prior to calving may have produced asynchrony of placental and/or fetal maturation in relation to calving, thus resulting in RFM.

Plasma cortisol and progesterone responses to low doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone in ovariectmized lactating cows.

The objective of this study was to describe the responses of the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations in ovariectomized lactating cows to low doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The estrous cycles in 3 lactating cows were synchronized, and the cows were ovariectomized in the luteal phase. ACTH challenge tests were conducted at doses of 3, 6, 12 and 25 IU. Blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals, and the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations were analyzed by EIA. A concomitant rise in plasma progesterone and plasma cortisol was observed in cows treated with 12 IU or higher doses of ACTH. Significant increments in the plasma cortisol concentrations were observed at all doses of ACTH. The means (+/- SE) of the peak plasma progesterone concentrations after the 3, 6, 12 and 25 IU ACTH challenge tests were 0.6 +/- 0.1, 1.3 +/- 0.4, 1.5 +/- 0.3 and 2.4 +/- 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. The means of the peak plasma cortisol concentrations in the 3 cows after the ACTH challenge were 14.0 +/- 1.5, 17.0 +/- 2.5, 23.3 +/- 3.0, and 33.3 +/- 7.0 ng/ml, respectively. The effects of the doses, time after treatment, and their interaction on the plasma progesterone concentrations after the ACTH challenge were significant (P<0.01). Likewise, the effects of the doses, time after treatment, and their interaction on the plasma cortisol concentrations after the ACTH challenge were significant (P<0.01). The mean AUC values for the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations after the ACTH treatments were also significantly affected by the dose of ACTH (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). A significantly positive correlation was obtained between the peak plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations after different doses of ACTH (r=0.7, P<0.05). The results suggest that lactating dairy cows are capable of secreting a significant amount of adrenal progesterone, reaching up to the minimal concentration necessary to cause suppression of estrus in response to 12 IU ACTH (P<0.01). The concomitant plasma cortisol concentration was 23.3 ng/ml.

Characteristics of repeat breeding buffaloes in Nepal.

Repeat breeding is one of the most important reproductive disorders in buffaloes. Its etiology, however, is not well described. The aim of this study was to show the clinical features of repeat breeding buffaloes referred to infertility camps in the southern region of Nepal. Eighty-five buffaloes mated three times or more without conception were clinically examined. Sixty percent of the buffaloes were heifers. Fifty-nine percent of the buffalo cows with repeat breeding were already 10 months or more after calving. Indications of cervicitis were observed in 25% of the repeat breeders. Buffalo cows 12 months or more after calving and heifers in adequate nutritional condition were treated with either GnRH or PGF2alpha, and showed a satisfactory conception rate after treatment. Cows within 12 months post partum and heifers at a relatively younger age were treated with a vitamin/mineral mixture supplement, and this resulted in a moderate conception rate. In conclusion, the major clinical features of repeat breeding buffaloes include a large proportion of heifers, a long interval from calving to treatment, a high incidence of cervicitis, and a high or moderate response to treatment with PGF2alpha and GnRH or vitamin/mineral mixture. More attention needs to be paid to estrous detection and management of mating with bulls.

Deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase (DUMPS) and X-chromosome deletion in fetal mummification in cattle.

Ten mummified fetuses were tested for the deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase (DUMPS), which is known to contribute to the embryonic and fetal mortality in cattle. Genomic DNAs of the mummified fetuses were extracted from tissue samples collected from the mummies and were amplified by GenomiPhi DNA amplification kit. UMPS gene of the mummies was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DUMPS primers. Out of ten mummies examined, two fetuses were heterozygous (carriers) for DUMPS as indicated by the presences of three bands of 89, 53 and 36 bp. Estimated stage of gestation when the death occurred in the two mummies was 3.5 and 2.5 months, respectively. The other fetuses exhibited only two bands of 53 and 36 bp on the polyacrylamide gel indicated that they were normal. On the other hand, all the mummies were sexed using AMX/Y primers. Specific regions of Y and X chromosomes were amplified by PCR using AMX/Y. The expected 280 bp fragment in the female sample and the 280 and 217 bp in the male sample were observed. Nine mummies had a normal X and Y chromosome bands; however, the other mummified fetus exhibited only Y chromosome band, while the constitutive X chromosome fragment was missing. The estimated stage of gestation when the death occurred in this mummified fetus was 100 days. This might be the first report of DUMPS and X-chromosome deletion at the amelogenin gene in bovine-mummified fetuses in Japan.

Onset and duration of luteal activity postpartum and their effect on first insemination conception rate in lactating dairy cows.

The incidence of different types of luteal activity postpartum and their effect on reproductive performance were studied in 21 postpartum dairy cows. Progesterone concentrations in defatted milk collected 3 times a week were determined by EIA. Reproductive tract examination was undertaken every other week postpartum. Body weight and body condition score (BCS) were measured before and after calving and the average 100-day milk yield was calculated. Nine (42.9%) cows had normal ovarian activity (first luteal activity < or = 50 days postpartum followed by regular cycles), 5 (23.8%) had prolonged luteal phase (PLP; ovarian cycle with luteal activity > or = 20 days pre-service) and in 7 (33.3%) cows the first luteal activity was shown later than 50 days postpartum (DOV). When compared with normal cows, both PLP and DOV had longer interval to first insemination (63.1 +/- 22.0 days versus 77.6 +/- 21.6 and 93.0 +/- 22.3 days, P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), lower first insemination conception rate (88.9% versus 0.0% and 57.1%, P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) and greater BCS loss (0.81 +/- 0.2 versus 1.05 +/- 0.21 and 1.04 +/- 0.10, respectively, P<0.01). Cows with PLP showed longer interval to uterine involution than normal and DOV groups (54.0 +/- 8.3 days versus 42.4 +/- 5.5 and 43.3 +/- 8.3 days, respectively, P<0.01) and higher 100-day milk yield (38.8 +/- 2.7 kg versus 33.6 +/- 4.7 and 29.9 +/- 6.1 kg, respectively, P<0.01). In conclusion, more than half of the cows had abnormal luteal activity postpartum, which adversely affected reproductive performance.

Relationships between body condition score, body weight, and some nutritional parameters in plasma and resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum during pre-service period in high-producing dairy cows in a subtropical region in Japan.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships among body condition score (BCS), body weight and plasma metabolite concentrations, and resumption of ovarian cycles postpartum in high-producing dairy cows in a subtropical region in Japan. The study was conducted between May 2001 and January 2003 in a commercial dairy farm in Hiroshima. Cows were kept in free-stall barns with sawdust and wood shavings for bedding, and fed a total mixed ration consisting of alfalfa, timothy and oat hay, corn, tofu ground-wet, beet pulp, cottonseed and soybean. Milk samples were collected twice weekly from 2 to 11 weeks postpartum, and progesterone concentrations in skim milk were determined by ELISA. At 8 and 2 weeks before calving and 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 weeks after calving, both BCS and body weights were determined and blood samples were collected to determine plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (T-cholesterol), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total protein, and urea nitrogen. The average 305 days milk yield was 10,422 kg. Out of 110 cows, 44.5% had normal resumption (ovulation occurred < or =45 days after calving, followed by regular ovarian cycles), 33.6% had a prolonged luteal phase (luteal activity >20 days), 12.7% had delayed first ovulation (no ovulation until < or =45 days after calving), 4.6% had a short luteal phase (luteal activity <10 days, except in the first cycle), and the remaining 4.6% had cessation of cyclicity (no luteal activity > or =14 days between cycles). The BCS of cows with delayed first ovulation were lower than the BCS of cows with normal resumption and prolonged luteal phase at 5 weeks (2.9+/-0.1 versus 3.1+/-0.1 and 3.2+/-0.1; P<0.05), 7 weeks (2.8+/-0.1 versus 3.1+/-0.1 and 3.2+/-0.1; P<0.01), 9 weeks (2.7+/-0.1 versus 3.0+/-0.1 and 3.2+/-0.1; P<0.01) and 11 weeks (2.6+/-0.1 versus 3.0+/-0.1 and 3.2+/-0.1; P<0.01) after calving. None of the plasma parameters differed (P>0.05) among different groups of cows. Cows loosing > or =1 unit BCS after calving had a prolonged interval to commencement of luteal activity, and were at greater risk of having delayed first ovulation. Poor postpartum nutritional status was associated with delayed first ovulation postpartum. Regular monitoring of BCS before and after calving would be useful in nutritional management, and help in preventing delayed first ovulation in high-producing dairy cows.

Factor XI mutation in a Holstein cow with repeat breeding in Japan.

Factor XI deficiency is an autosomal recessive coagulopathy in Holstein cattle. Affected cows have a tendency to show repeat breeding. Forty repeat breeding Holstein Friesian cows were selected and tested for the Factor XI mutation. Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood of the cows (n=40). Exon 12 of the Factor XI gene of the cows was amplified by PCR. One repeat breeding cow was heterozygous to the Factor XI mutation as indicated by the presence of two DNA fragments of 320 bp and 244 bp. The insertion of the 76 bp in the heterozygous cow was confirmed by DNA sequencing. The heterozygous cow was in her fourth lactation. She gave birth to male twins at the last calving. She was inseminated artificially four times after the last calving. Factor XI deficiency in cattle has been reported in different countries. However, no case was reported in Japan. This might be the first to report Factor XI mutation in Holstein cattle in Japan.