Vitamin D metabolism in growing pigs: influence of UVB irradiation and dietary vitamin D supply on calcium homeostasis, its regulation and bone metabolism.

The aim of this study was to prove whether pigs are able to synthesize vitamin D (vitD) in the skin and to investigate the influence of ultraviolet irradiation (UVB) on vitD status and calcium (Ca) homeostasis of growing pigs. Thirty-two 11-week-old pigs were kept without access to sunlight and divided into four groups receiving the following treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial design: (i) UVB irradiation or not and (ii) vitD in feed or not. Blood, urine and faeces were sampled every third week. In serum, vitD metabolites, Ca, phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and bone markers were analysed. Digestibility of Ca, P and Mg as well as urinary excretion of these minerals was analysed. After 14 weeks, the animals were slaughtered, and samples of skin, intestines, kidneys and bones (metatarsus) were taken for further analyses: sterols of vitD synthesis in the skin, Ca flux rates in the intestines, expression of genes involved in Ca transport in the intestines and kidneys, bone mineral density (BMD) with the aid of peripheral quantitative computer tomography and bone mineral content by ashing the metatarsus. Irradiated animals showed higher levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol and tachysterol in the skin, higher levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the serum and higher Ca net flux rates were determined in Ussing chambers. In contrast, the expression of genes involved in Ca transport in the intestines and kidneys was not altered. Similarly, the digestibility of Ca and P as well as the urinary excretion was not affected. With respect to the metatarsus, no differences in mineral contents and BMD were found between groups. At the end of the study, some subclinical signs of beginning vitD 'insufficiency' were observed in the group without access to vitD (represented by higher expression of 1α-hydroxylase in the kidney and increased parathyroid hormone in serum).

[Claw size of Scottish Highland Cows after pasture and housing periods]. / Klauengrösse von Schottischen Hochland-Kühen nach Weide- und Laufstallhaltung.

The claws of pastured Scottish Highland Cattle are large and this may raise the question if regular claw trimming is necessary. Therefore, the claws of the right thoracic and pelvic limbs were measured in 22 Scottish Highland cows 4 times 8 weeks apart. The cows were kept on various alpine pastures before the first measurement, on a two-hectare low-land pasture before the second measurement, in a welfare-compliant straw-bedded free stall before the third measurement and on alpine pasture before the fourth measurement. Housing conditions significantly affected claw dimensions. The claws were composed of dry, hard horn during pasture periods, and had prominent weight-bearing hoof-wall borders and soles with a natural axial slope. Long dorsal walls and heels and a greater symmetry were common. Claw lesions were absent. In contrast, free-stall housing was associated with shorter toes and steeper toe angles, but white line deterioration, heel horn erosion, wearing of the axial slope and hoof wall edges were common.

Les onglons des vaches Higland détenues de façon extensive semblent souvent trop grands et posent la question de la nécessité de soins réguliers. On a donc mesuré 4 fois à intervalle de 8 semaines les onglons des membres antérieur et postérieur droits de 22 Higland. Les vaches étaient détenues avant la première mesure à l'alpage, avant la deuxième sur un pâturage de plaine d'environ 2 ha, avant la troisième dans une stabulation libre ouverte à litière profonde avec des surfaces de sortie bétonnées, et avant la quatrième à nouveau à l'alpage. Le volume des onglons se modifiait significativement selon les conditions de détention. Après les périodes de pâturage, on observait de longues parois dorsales et de longs talons mais aussi une grande symétrie entre les onglons. Les onglons relativement grands présentaient une corne dure et sèche, des parois débordantes et une concavité naturelle. Il n'y avait pas de signe de pathologie des onglons. Après la détention en stabulation, les parois dorsales étaient plus courtes et leur angle plus redressé, mais on constatait régulièrement des dégâts comme une ligne blanche altérée, de la pourriture au niveau des talons, un manque de concavité ou des parois usées.

Bovine medicine: Whats´s your diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION: Two Angus calves housed in the Swiss Alps for two months were presented with brisket edema, jugular distension, and diarrhea. Hematological and biochemical examination included elevated concentration of erythrocytes and increased activity of liver enzymes. Ultrasonography revealed small amount of pleural effusion hepatomegaly and congested caudal vena cava. The diagnosis of congestive heart failure secondary to high-altitude disease was confirmed in pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Deux veaux Angus alpés dans les Alpes suisses depuis deux mois ont été présentés avec un œdème du poitrail, une stase jugulaire et de la diarrhée. Les examens hématologiques et biochimiques ont révélé une concentration élevée d'érythrocytes ainsi qu'une augmentation de l'activité des enzymes hépatiques. L'échographie a révélé un petit épanchement pleural, une hépatomégalie et une veine cave caudale congestionnée. Le diagnostic d'insuffisance cardiaque congestive secondaire à un mal des montagnes a été confirmé par la pathologie.