Investigation on the incidence of adverse reactions, viraemia and haematological changes following field immunization of cattle using a live attenuated vaccine against lumpy skin disease.

The present study was performed to investigate the clinical impact and certain virological and haematological parameters following immunization of cattle against lumpy skin disease (LSD). The study was conducted in a dairy cattle farm (215 animals), immunized with a Neethling strain-based live vaccine. Twenty-seven animals (14 lactating cows, four dry cows and nine calves) were randomly selected for repetitive blood and saliva samplings. An EvaGreen-based real-time PCR was designed to differentiate vaccine from field LSDVs. Vaccinated animals underwent examination for adverse reactions. Nodule samples were collected from two representative cases for histopathological testing and virus identification. Milk yield was calculated based on bulk-tank measurements of all lactating cows (79). Viral DNA was detected between days 6-15 post-vaccination (p.v.) at 63% of the sampled animals (17/27). Saliva and bulk-tank milk samples were LSDV-negative. Pronounced swelling was observed at injection sites of 12% of the immunized animals (26/215), starting at day 6 p.v., and was resolved after 2-4 days. Small-sized (<0.5 cm) cutaneous lumps were developed between days 8-18 p.v. at 9% of the vaccinated animals (19/215). These were observed in adult cows and not in calves/heifers. Resolution was observable 10 days post-development. The vaccine virus was also identified in nodules and injection-site aspirates. Haematological changes (e.g., lower leucocyte counts) were observed in cows and not in calves. Daily milk production was being reduced during the first 12 days p.v. LSD immunization of cows resulted in nodules and low viraemia levels. The fact that nodules and haematological changes were not observed in calves, along with the low viraemia, supports the reduced virulence of the Neethling vaccine strain. The characteristic nodules in vaccinated animals could allow clinical differentiation from those observed in LSD. The developed real-time PCR efficiently differentiates infected from vaccinated cattle, and should be further validated as a tool in LSD surveillance.

Effects of long-term feeding of a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite to dairy cows on the incidence of ketosis, milk yield and liver function.

Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (A) consisted of 17 cows that were fed a concentrate ration supplemented with 1.25 per cent clinoptilolite, the second group (B) consisted of 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 2.5 per cent clinoptilolite, and the third group (C) consisted of 18 cows, which were fed the basal ration containing no clinoptilolite. The rations were fed from four weeks before the cows' expected parturition dates until the beginning of the next dry period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the start of the experiment, on the day of calving and then monthly, and analysed for serum glucose, ketone bodies, liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total proteins. The milk yield of each cow was recorded monthly. The cows in group B had significantly fewer cases of clinical ketosis during the first month after calving and a higher total milk yield. Feeding the cows with clinoptilolite for a long period had no apparent adverse effects on their liver function, and did not significantly affect the concentrations of glucose, ketone bodies, BUN and total proteins in their serum.

The role of natural and synthetic zeolites as feed additives on the prevention and/or the treatment of certain farm animal diseases: A review.

The present review comments on the role of the use of zeolites as feed additives on the prevention and/or the treatment of certain farm animal diseases. Both natural and synthetic zeolites have been used in animal nutrition mainly to improve performance traits and, based on their fundamental physicochemical properties, they were also tested and found to be efficacious in the prevention of ammonia and heavy metal toxicities, poisonings as well as radioactive elements uptake and metabolic skeletal defects. During the last decade, their utilization as mycotoxin-binding adsorbents has been a topic of considerable interest and many published research data indicate their potential efficacy against different types of mycotoxins either as a primary material or after specific modifications related to their surface properties. Ingested zeolites are involved in many biochemical processes through ion exchange, adsorption and catalysis. Recent findings support their role in the prevention of certain metabolic diseases in dairy cows, as well as their shifting effect on nitrogen excretion from urine to faeces in monogastric animals, which results in lower aerial ammonia concentration in the confinement facilities. Moreover, new evidence provide insights into potential mechanisms involved in zeolites supporting effect on animals suffered from gastrointestinal disturbances, including intestinal parasite infections. All the proposed mechanisms of zeolites' effects are summarized in the present review and possible focus topics for further research in selected areas are suggested.

Effects of long-term feeding dairy cows on a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite on certain serum trace elements.

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) supplementation in the ration of dairy cows on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A) comprised 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite, the second group (group B) comprised also 17 cows was given a ration with 2.5% clinoptilolite, and the third group (group C, the control), comprised 18 cows fed the basal ration that did not contain any clinoptilolite. The experiment started when the cows entered the fourth week before the expected parturition and lasted until the end of lactation. All cows were fed the above concentrates during the entire experimental period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the starting day of the experiment, at the day of calving, and at monthly intervals thereafter. All samples were tested for serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite did not have any adverse effects on serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe.

Long-term fluctuations and effect of age on serum concentrations of certain fat-soluble vitamins in dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient evidence in the literature concerning the fluctuations and correlations of serum fat-soluble vitamin concentrations during lactation in dairy cows and the potential effect of age of the animals on these values. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine fluctuations in mean serum concentrations of the fat-soluble vitamins A and E and b-carotene and the correlations among them in clinically healthy dairy cows, from the last month of the dry period until the end of lactation, and to investigate whether age was a factor that affects these serum concentrations. METHODS: Forty-five clinically healthy Holstein cows were assigned to 2 groups based on age. Group A consisted of 23 cows 4 years old (mean +/- SD, 3.24 +/- 0.44 years), and group B consisted of 22 cows >4 years old (6.68 +/- 1.66 years). Blood samples for determination of serum beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E concentrations were collected from each animal just before the start of study (1 month prior to expected parturition), at parturition, and thereafter, at monthly intervals until the end of lactation. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E values. Mean serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E were significantly higher in younger animals. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that age is a factor affecting serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins in dairy cows.

Effects of prolonged consumption of water with elevated nitrate levels on certain metabolic parameters of dairy cattle and use of clinoptilolite for their amelioration.

Elevated levels of nitrates in feed and water can pose a significant risk for dairy cattle, due to their cumulative action. The effect of prolonged consumption of water naturally contaminated with nitrates on some metabolic parameters in dairy cows was investigated at the present study. Concurrently, whether in-feed inclusion of clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite with high selectivity for ammonia cations, could ameliorate nitrate consumption consequences was examined. Two experiments were run simultaneously in two farms each. In both, farms were assigned into two groups according to nitrate levels in borehole water (NG > 40 ppm; CG < 40 ppm). Furthermore, in experiment 2, the incorporation of clinoptilolite in the ration was taken into account (NC-clinoptilolite feeding; CNC-controls). In experiment 1, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations appeared to be affected by nitrate consumption and were significantly higher in NG animals. In experiment 2, BUN concentration was significantly lower in the NC group. The prolonged consumption of water with increased nitrate levels seemed, to some degree, to impair protein metabolism and glucose utilization, while the dietary administration of clinoptilolite could alleviate the nitrates' effects.

Selenium concentration in blood and hair of holstein dairy cows.

Four-hundred Holstein cows in 40 dairy farms in north Greece were included in this study, and blood (n=400), black hair (n=400), white hair (n=40), and feed (n=40) samples were obtained. Although the feeding regime in these farms was similar, the selenium content of feeds was variable. The Se content of concentrate feeds was 0.104+/-0.086 mg/kg dry matter (DM), and of silage, it was 0.025+/-0.018 mg/kg. A significantly positive correlation was found between the Se concentration in black hair and the Se concentration in blood (r2=0.610, p<0.001), the Se concentration in white hair and the Se concentration in blood (r2=0.770, p<0.001), and the Se concentration in white hair and the Se concentration in black hair (r2=0.921, p<0.001). The Se concentration in white hair was significantly smaller than that in black hair (p<0.001).

Effect of selenium and vitamin E on antibody production by dairy cows vaccinated against Escherichia coli.

Sixty clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of four groups according to their age and parity and vaccinated in late pregnancy (day 190) with a multivalent vaccine against Escherichia coli. The 15 cows in the first group (SeE) were injected intramuscularly with a solution of sodium selenite (0.1 mg Se/kg bodyweight) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate, 8 U/kg bodyweight), the cows in the second group (Se) received only selenium and the cows in the third group (E) received only vitamin E at the same doses and by the same route of administration; the cows in the fourth group were used as controls. The vaccination and the injections of selenium and vitamin E were repeated 42 days later. The concentration of selenium in whole blood and of vitamin E in serum was determined by fluorometric methods. Specific antibody titres against E coli were determined in serum samples by ELISA. The results showed that the injection of selenium either alone or in combination with vitamin E significantly improved the production of specific antibodies against E coli, and that the production of specific antibodies was greater after the administration of selenium alone.

[The effectiveness of cholecalciferol and flumethasone for the prevention of hypocalcemic parturient paresis in dairy cows]. / Untersuchungen über die Wirksamkeit von Cholekalziferol und Flumethason zur Prophylaxe der hypokalzämischen Gebärparese bei Milchkühen.

Investigations on the efficacy of high doses of cholecalciferol and flumethasone for prophylaxis of hypocalcemic milk fever were performed in dairy cows. Only one cow in the group of 25 treated animals diseased by milk fever, but 5 of 25 control animals showed signs of hypocalcemia. A placenta retention was observed in three treated animals and in four control animals. The results show that the additional application of flumethasone for birth induction after the injection of vitamin D3 was unchanged.

[The effectiveness of clanobutin for the prevention of postpartum primary ketosis in dairy cows]. / Untersuchungen über die Wirksamkeit von Clanobutin) zur Vorbeuge der postpartalen primären Ketose bei Milchkühen.

Investigations on the efficacy of Clanobutin for prophylaxis of postpartum primary ketosis were performed in dairy cows. No one cow in the group of 15 treated animals diseased by ketosis, but 2 of 15 control animals showed signs of primary ketosis. The results show the good efficacy of Clanobutin for prophylaxis of postpartum primary ketosis in dairy cows.

[Tongue play and manganese deficiency in dairy cattle]. / Zungenspielen und Manganmangel bei Milchkühen.

The present paper discusses "tongue rolling" observed in dairy cattle farms of a region in northern Greece associated with manganese deficiency. In these animals total body manganese status was evaluated by determining hair, as well as feed manganese content. Cows exhibiting tongue rolling had significantly lower hair manganese content, compared to non-tongue rolling control animals from other farms; in addition, feedstuff analysis demonstrated that manganese and inorganic phosphorus intake of affected cows was also significantly lower.

Haemorrhagic diathesis in a ram with Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection.

A 10-month-old ram with fever, inappetence and haemorrhagic diathesis had petechiae and ecchymoses at various body sites and was infested by ticks. Haematological examination revealed pancytopenia, while serum biochemistry indicated hepatic dysfunction. Blood smears were negative for Ehrlichia spp. and other haemoparasites. Paired sera revealed infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, but testing by polymerase chain reaction was negative. Treatment with oxytetracycline was effective. This is the first reported clinical case of ovine anaplasmosis in Greece caused by A. phagocytophilum.

Macromineral status of dairy cows with concurrent left abomasal displacement and fatty liver.

AIM: To evaluate the macromineral status of field cases of dairy cows surgically treated for left abomasal displacement (LDA), with concurrent fatty liver of different severity, and compare this for animals that died or recovered. METHODS: Sixty-eight Holstein dairy cows with LDA and 110 control cows, from 28 farms, were used in the study. Blood samples and liver biopsies were obtained during standing surgery for correction of LDA, and from control cows. The concentration of macrominerals in serum, and of total lipids (tLPD) and triglycerides (TG) in liver were determined. Liver was examined histologically, and classified for its severity of fatty liver. Cows with LDA were grouped according to severity of fatty liver. Cows in Groups 1 to 3 recovered, whereas those in Group 4 died within 4 weeks of surgery. Group 1 = mild (n=4) or moderate (n=6 cows, n=4 heifers) fatty liver, Group 2 = moderate to severe fatty liver (n=13), Group 3 = severe fatty liver (n=15 cows, n=5 heifers), Group 4 = severe fatty liver (n=17 cows, n=4 heifers). RESULTS: The concentration of macrominerals in serum was affected by the concurrence of fatty liver and LDA; Ca, K and Mg were significantly (p<0.05) lower in animals that died than those that survived. For cows with severe fatty liver, concentrations of tLD and TG were higher in the animals that died compared with those that recovered (p<0.01). Cows with LDA and severe fatty liver that died were earlier in lactation (median days in milk (DIM) 13 days) compared with the other cows with LDA (median DIM 21-26 days) (p<0.05); they were also significantly older (median 6 years old) than cows in the other groups (median 4 or 5 years old) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Concentrations of macrominerals in serum were influenced by the concurrence of LDA and fatty liver. Animals with low concentrations of Ca, K and Mg had a guarded prognosis. The concentration of K should always be evaluated in cows with LDA and concurrent fatty liver when providing a prognosis. Most cows with severe fatty liver were detected in the first 4 weeks of lactation, but older animals and those that had more recently calved had a worse prognosis.

Carbamate poisoning in a dairy goat herd: clinicopathological findings and therapeutic approach.

CASE HISTORY: Approximately 1 hour after the consumption of carnations from a nearby glasshouse 55 animals from a dairy goat herd exhibited signs of possible poisoning. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Upon clinical examination affected animals exhibited signs of salivation, tympany, tachypnoea, polydipsia, urination, diarrhoea, bradycardia, miosis, tremor and convulsions. As poisoning from an acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticide was suspected, treatment with atropine sulphate was initiated at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg bodyweight. The treatment was repeated for some animals that relapsed, and was effective in all cases, with the exception of one goat kid that died. DIAGNOSIS: Necropsy of the goat kid showed pulmonary oedema and congestion of internal organs. Toxicological analysis of stomach contents and liver of the dead animal, as well as of the carnations, revealed high concentrations of carbamates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carbamate poisoning after consumption of polluted feedstuffs or glasshouse products can be fatal for dairy goats. Atropine sulphate, at 0.3 mg/kg, can be useful in treating this condition.