Effect of organic zinc supplementation on hematological, mineral, and metabolic profile in dairy cows in early lactation.

The aim of the current trial was to evaluate the effect of organically chelated zinc - methionin (Zn-Met) supplementation (30 mg Zn /kg DM TMR) on hematological, biochemical, and mineral profile of dairy cows in early lactation (1 - 90 d p.p.). Twenty dairy cows were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments in a randomized design. Animals in group C were treated as control (no zinc supplementation); whereas animals in group S were supplemented with organic Zn. Zn-Met supplementation had a significant effect on hematological parameters. White blood cell (WBC) counts 60 days p.p. and red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit level (HCT) and platelet count (PLT) on calving day, 30th- and 60th- day p.p were significantly higher in cows fed Zn than in the control group. In calves from supplemented mothers, there was a significant increase in RBC (p≤0.001), HCT (p≤0.01) and MCV (p≤0.05). There was no difference in other parameters among the groups, except of the highly significant difference in Zn concentration in blood serum of the S-group during the entire experimental time. The results obtained confirm the beneficial effect on serum zinc level and hematological parameters with no negative effects of 30mg Zn/kg TMR addition on mineral and biochemical parameters.

Comparison of effect of parenteral and oral supplementation of Selenium and vitamin E on selected antioxidant parameters and udder health of dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of parenteral and oral supplementation of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VTE) on selected antioxidant parameters in blood and colostrum as well as their effect on the incidence of mastitis in dairy cows during the final phase of gravidity (6 weeks) and first two weeks after calving. For the practical part of the study 36 dairy cows of Slovak pied breed in the second to fourth lactation-gestation cycle were selected. The animals weredivided into three groups: the control (C) and two experimental groups (D1 and D2). The selected groups were treated as follows: in group D1 products containing Se (Selevit inj.) and vitamin E (Erevit sol. inj.) were administered intramuscularly twice, six and three weeks prior to parturition; in group D2 a vitamin-minerals supplement in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and dl-α-tocopherol acetate were supplemented orally for six weeks calving. The blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis in dairy cows approximately 42 days before calving (control sampling), on parturition day, and the 14th day after calving. Higher concentrations of Se and VTE were found in the blood plasma samples of both experimental groups collected on the day of parturition. In addition, the orally supplemented group (D2) showed higher Se and α-tocopherol concentrations in blood plasma on the14th day after calving as well a reduction of occurrence of mastitis by about 25 % compared to the control group. The relationship between inflammatory response and oxidative stress was also confirmed. The concentrations of milk malondialdehyde indicating lipid peroxidation during mastitis were significantly higher in milk samples from infected cows than in milk samples from healthy animals in each monitored group. In order to prevent oxidative stress and moderate inflammatory response in dairy cows it is very important to optimally balance their nutritive needs with an appropriate ratio of Se and VTE supplements. Therefore we still recommend supplementation of the cows' postpartum dietwith 0.5 mg of Se/kg dry matter (DM) and 102 mg of dl-α-tocopherol acetate/kg DM to stabilize their optimal blood levels, stimulate the activity of glutathione peroxidase and reduce the incidence of mastitis.

Comparison of the content of selected heavy metals in the liver tissue of the wild boar (Sus scrofa), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), living in north-eastern Poland.

The study aimed to determine the content of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in the liver of predominantly plant-eating omnivore wild boar (Sus scrofa), predominantly meat-eating omnivore red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and herbivore red deer (Cervus elaphus), from North-Eastern Poland (Warmia and Mazury), in order to verify the distribution of these elements in the trophic pyramid. Furthermore, the study was used to assess the risk of eating venison. Samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average concentration of Se was 3.9 (p⟨0.001) and 1.8-fold higher (p0.001) in the wild boar and red fox, respectively, in comparison to the red deer, and 2.1-fold higher in the wild boar comparing to the red fox (p⟨0.001). There was no difference in the average concentration of Zn. The average concentration of Cu was 9.3. Concentration of this element was 5.4-fold higher in red deer in comparison to red fox (p⟨0.001) and 9,34-fold higher than in wild boar (p⟨0.001). The average concentration of Cd was 1.9-fold higher in wild boar in comparison to the red fox (p⟨0.029). Correlation between Cu and Cd concentrations was also observed in the case of the red deer and red fox, while no such correlations were observed between the tested elements in the wild boar. In conclusion, the liver concentrations of these heavy metals in selected wild animas species from the hunting areas of Warmia and Mazury, do not exceed standard safe values for consumers. Moreover, the wild red deer population in North-Eastern Poland is significantly Se deficient.

Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates from sheep and goat cheeses in eastern Slovakia.

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of undesirable bacteria and their antimicrobial profile in samples obtained from a productive farm situated in border region Slanské vrchy (Slovakia), involved in keeping sheep and goats for the purpose of processing raw milk to special products (cheeses). Genus and species identification was carried out by PCR method and MALDI -TOF MS. Isolates thus identified were detected for antimicrobial resistance using the Agar Dilution Method. Bacteria of Staphylococcus spp. exhibited the highest resistance to penicillin (98% isolates). Isolates from the family Enterobacteriacae showed the highest resistance to azithromycin (90%). At the same time, in isolates of Enterococcus spp. we detected high resistance to linezolid (100%). Our investigation showed that all tested strains were resistant to more than one antibiotic used in this study.

Changes in acid-base balance in neonatal goats before and two hours after colostrum intake.

The purpose of the study was to obtain values of acid-base balance and basic biochemical parameters in neonatal kids of the White Shorthaired goat depending on colostrum intake. The research was focused on changes in acid-base balance parameters and basic biochemical parameters in neonatal kids before and two hours after colostrum intake. Total of 66 blood samples were taken from 33 neonatal kids. Blood pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), bicarbonate concentration (cHCO3 -), base excess (BE), oxygen saturation (cSO2), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-), glucose (Glu), lactate (Lac), creatinine (Crea), hematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hgb) were measured. There were no statistically significant differences in acid-base balance parameters such as pO2, pCO2, TCO2, cSO2 and biochemical parameters such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, lactate between the two groups - before colostrum intake (group BF) and after colostrum intake (group AF). There were statistically significant differences in acid-base balance parameters such as pH, BE, cHCO3 - between these groups. Differences in acid-base values of pH, BE and cHCO3 - were statistically significant (p˂0.05). Differences in biochemical values of creatinine and glucose were statistically significant (p˂0.05). Differences in values of hematocrit and haemoglobin were statistically significant (p˂0.05). The present results are important for veterinary practice and can improve the neonatal care especially for impaired kids.

The influence of short-term selenitetriglycerides supplementation on blood selenium, and hepatic, renal, metabolic and hematological parameters in dairy cows.

Selenium deficiency is a common nutritional disorder in dairy cattle globally. However, selenium supplementation can lead to selenium toxicity. This study evaluated a novel, low-toxicity selenium supplement, selenitetriglycerides, to determine its efficacy and safety in dairy cows. The study was conducted on 12 Holstein Friesian cows divided in two equal groups (control group without supplementation of selenium and experimental group with supplementation of selenitetriglycerides). Experimental cows (n=6) were orally administered 300 mg/cow/day of selenitetriglycerides for 14 days (days 1-14) and then monitored for a further 14 days (days 15-28). Blood from both groups of cows was sampled for determination of selenium concentrations, activity of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma- -glutamyl transferase, concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, total protein, urea, creatinine and hematological parameters. Serum selenium concentrations in the experimental group increased significantly on day 2 (from 64.92±6.89 µg/L to 127.95±13.75 µg/L), peaked on day 7 (266.22±14.21 µg/L) and remained significantly above the initial baseline values (day 1) for 28 days. Serum selenium concentrations in the control group did not change significantly during the 28 day period (65.22 µg/L on 1st day and 64,35 µg/L on 28th day) and were significantly lower than those in the experimental group from day 2 to day 28. The results of clinical examinations, analyses of hematological parameters, and liver and kidney function tests showed that selenitetriglycerides had no adverse effect on the health or on the metabolic or haematological statuses of the cows. These findings indicate that selenitetriglycerides are safe and effective selenium supplements for cattle.

Comparison of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from sheep milk using three diagnostic methods.

In this study we investigated 24 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and 33 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from milk of sheep with clinical mastitis, for their ability to form biofilms. Three methods for the determination of a biofilm were used. When evaluating the growth on Congo Red agar (CRA), 79.2% S. aureus strains and 72.7% S. epidermidis strains were positive for biofilm formation. The quantitative method of biofilm detection on a Microtitre Plate (MTP) revealed positive results for 75.0% of S. aureus samples and 75.8% for S. epidermidis samples. Using PCR method for determination of the presence of genes that affect formation of biofilms, the most frequently determined genes were eno in both S. aureus (18/24; 75.0%) and S. epidermidis strains (20/33; 60.6%). The genes icaAB and ebpS were detected in both S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains, and similarity between these strains was 12.5% - 15.1% and 4.2% - 6.0%, respectively. The bap was recorded only in S. epidermidis (3.0%). Statistical comparison of the level of biofilm formation was performed using Chi square test. There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of biofilm formation between two methods for detection of biofilm CRA and MTP (p>0.05). Comparison of all six monitored parameters showed no dependence of characteristics of the tested strains S. aureus and S. epidermidis at significance level α = 0.05. Biofilm formation by the bacteria isolated from 57 cases of clinical mastitis in sheep was confirmed. Sensitivity and specificity of the CRA method for S. aureus were 94.44% and 66.66%, respectively, and for S. epidermidis 92.0% and 87.5%, respectively. Both CRA and MTP methods can be recommended for the detection of biofilm production by S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains isolated from milk of sheep with clinical mastitis.

An effect of mammary gland infection caused by Streptococcus uberis on composition and physicochemical changes of cows' milk.

An effect of mammary gland infection caused by Streptococcus uberis on the changes in cows' milk composition and its physicochemical properties was examined. The study was conducted in the herd of Slovak Pied breed cattle (with a share of HF blood), in 2nd and 3rd lactation, after 4th month of milking. Milk samples were collected from a quarter milking. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, basic milk composition, total bacteria count, somatic cell count and physicochemical properties were examined. Also analyses of protein fractions share and fatty acids profile were conducted. An effect of bacterial infection of the mammary gland bring an increase (P<0.01) in somatic cell count was observed in this study. Milk samples contaminated with S. uberis were characterized by higher (P<0.05) total bacteria count and total protein compared to milk samples collected from non-infected mammary gland. The level of κ-casein was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in cows with subclinical mastitis caused by S. uberis. Significant (P<0.05) reduction in the share of C13:0 acid, and an increased level of C18:0, C18:1n7t and CLA were observed in milk contaminated with S. uberis compared to healthy cows' milk. It should be concluded that S. uberis causes the increase in total bacteria count, SCC and the decrease in κ-casein level, which significantly affects deterioration of technological quality of cows' milk.

Effects of udder infections with Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus warneri on the composition and physicochemical changes in cows milk.

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effects of two species of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus warneri, on the changes in technological parameters of cows' milk. The study was conducted in a herd of Slovak Pied cattle breed (with share of HF blood). Based on the performance results from three subsequent months, cows in the 2nd and 3rd lactation with SCC up to 200 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), and above 800 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), after the 4th month of lactation, were selected. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, total bacteria count, somatic cell count; basic milk composition and physicochemical properties were also examined. The research has found the impact of bacterial infection on the increasing (p<0.05) of the number of somatic cells and a decrease (p<0.01) in protein levels in milk due to both types of staphylococci. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in C8: 0, C10: 0 and the total amount of saturated fatty acids in the milk of the infected cows in comparison to the healthy ones. The research also revealed higher (p<0.01) levels of C14: 0 and C20: 1 in milk from the healthy cows.

Comparison of shortened and conventional dry period management strategies.

The aim of this study was to compare 2 dry-cow management strategies and evaluate the effect of shortened dry period strategy on feed intake, metabolism, and postpartum performance of dairy cows in early lactation. Twenty-nine high-yielding dairy cows were divided into 2 groups. The control (CON) group (n=14) was assigned to a traditional dry period of approximately 60 d (57±5.9 d) and was fed a far-off dry cow ration from dry-off to -21 d relative to expected parturition. From d -21 relative to expected parturition, the cows were switched to a precalving ration containing an additional 3kg of concentrates. The cows of the experimental group (n=15) were assigned to a shortened dry period (SDP; 35±6.3 d) and were continuously fed a late-lactation diet from d -60 d relative to expected parturition until calving. After calving, both groups were fed the same lactation diet corresponding to their lactation requirements and cows were followed for 100 d of lactation. Prepartum dry matter intake of the cows assigned to an SDP and fed a late-lactation diet was approximately 4.11kg/cow per day greater compared with the CON group during the 60 d. However, no effect of dry period strategy on postpartum dry matter intake was detected. The cows with an SDP produced approximately 2.78kg/d (6.9%) less milk in the first 100 d of lactation than CON cows; the difference was not statistically significant. No differences were observed in live body weight, body condition score, or back-fat thickness between the treatments. Similarly, no differences existed in concentrations of plasma metabolites. The cows of the SDP group showed lower pH and increased concentrations of lactic acid and volatile fatty acids prepartum than the CON cows. Postpartum concentrations of lactic acid, volatile fatty acids, and NH3 and pH in rumen fluid did not differ between the treatments. Shortening of the dry period did not affect the colostrum quality or birth weights of the calves. Based on the results of this study, a traditional dry period management strategy appeared to be more favorable, considering the dry matter intake and milk production, compared with an SDP and feeding a late-lactation diet throughout the dry period.

Histochemical and ultrahistochemical localization of heavy metals in calf organs.

Cadmium, zinc, selenium, and copper were administered, singly or in combination, orally or subcutaneously. Experiment I included 32 calves of both sexes; six received Cd (two groups), Zn, Cd, and Zn, and Cd and Se (two groups) and one group was a control. In Experiment II (21 bulls), three were given Cd, Cd, and Cu, and Cd and Zn, respectively, and one group was a control. For light microscopy, in Experiment I the highest amounts of silver granules were present in the samples of liver, small intestine, and vesicular gland of all the exposed groups; in Experiment II the most affected organs were liver, kidney, and small intestine. For electron microscopy, in Experiment I, after administration of Cd and Zn, the highest amounts of granules were seen in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules and the lowest amounts were found in glandular cells of the pancreas. Administration of Cd and Se resulted in the presence of large numbers of granules in the nuclei and nucleoli of spermatogonies. In Experiment II, ingestion of Cd and Zn in feed led to the appearance of highest amounts of granules in the nucleoli, nuclei, and cytoplasm of cells in testes, kidneys, and pancreas. Following Cd intake, the highest accumulation of granules was observed in the nucleoli of hepatocytes and cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules. Combined Cd and Cu produced the highest number of granules in cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules and in the nucleoli and nuclei of germinal epithelium.

Distribution of exogenous heavy metals in the hepatocytes of calves: a morphometric study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of heavy metals in the hepatocytes of the animals fed a cadmium-supplemented diet and also receiving zinc and/or selenium in the injection form. The experiment involved four groups of calves (6-8, both sexes) receiving the heavy metals in various combinations for 95 days. Electron micrographs of liver cells were prepared and statistically evaluated using Student's t-test. A modified morphometric apparatus was used for morphometric examination. Exogenous cadmium showed marked accumulation in the hepatocytes. If, however, the cadmium diet was combined with zinc or selenium administration the amount of the reduction product was much lower.

[Preclinical diagnosis of metabolic osteopathy in feedlot bulls]. / Preklinická diagnostika metabolických osteopatií u býku ve výkrmu.

Diagnostic significance of some clinico-biochemical parameters was investigated in 221 fattened bulls. An evaluation of the results has shown that the determination of concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood plasma was not of essential importance for diagnostics. The values of these parameters were within the reference range (Tab. I). The parameters determined by chemical analyses of bioptates from the tuber coxae of the fattened bulls with various forms of alimentary osteopathy showed characteristics, statistically significant differences in comparison with the control animals (Tabs. II, III, IV). In the bulls of group B/1 (clinically healthy, phosphorus deficit in the feed ration, acidogenic nutrition in part of the animals, lowered performance, occurrence of clinical cases of osteopathy in fattening facilities), a significant decrease in the values of ash per 1 g fat-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 spongy substance of the t. coxae and a significantly wider index Ca/P were determined. In the bulls of group B/2 (clinically healthy, deficit of phosphorus, calcium, proteins and energy in the feed ration, decreased performance, occurrence of clinical osteopathy), a significant decrease of ash per 1 g fat-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 of spongy substance of the t. coxae was determined, the Ca/P index was significantly narrower. In the bulls of group C/1 (bulls with clinical symptoms of skeleton disorder, phosphorus deficit in the feed ration, acidogenic nutrition in part of the animals), a significant decrease of ash per 1 g far-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 spongy substance of the t. coxae was found out, the Ca/P index was wider.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The effect of long-term feeding of higher doses of urea on clinical and biochemical indicators in sheep]. / Vliv dlouhodobého zkrmování vyssích dávek mocoviny na nekteré klinicko-biochemické ukazatele u ovcí.

During feeding 120 g of urea per head/day to four-year wethers for nine months it was observed that for the whole period the animals accepted the feed with appetite, the rumen motility and body temperature were within the physiological standard. In both groups of animals (three animals experimental and three animals control) a higher breathing frequency was found. In experimental (control) animals the levels were as follows: plasma calcium 2.62 +/- 0.17 mmol . 1(-1) (2.66 +/- 0.16 mmol . 1(-1)), inorganic phosphorus 2.35 +/- 0.33 mmol . 1(-1) (2.40 +/- 0.47 mmol . 1(-1), sodium 148.25 +/- 5.65 mmol . 1(-1) (151.09 +/- 5.71 mmol . 1(-1), potassium 5.02 +/- 0.46 mmol . 1(-1) (5.02 +/- 0.74 mmol . 1(-1)), magnesium 1.00 +/- 0.14 mmol . 1(-1) (0.98 +/- 0.10 mmol . 1(-1)), chlorine 107.86 +/- 12.86 mmol . 1(-1) (106.92 +/- 11.12 mmol . 1(-1)), total protein 69.9 +/- 7.8 g. 1(-1) (70.2 +/- 8.1 g . 1(-1)), glucose 3.97 +/- 0.68 mmol . 1(-1) (4.48 +/- 1.01 mmol . 1(-1)), urea 11.20 +/- 3.23 mmol . 1(-1) (7.61 +/- 1.89 mmol . 1(-1)), osmotic pressure 299.27 +/- 12.91 mosm . kg-1 (298.63 +/- 10.44 mosm . kg-1). By statistical t-test evaluation a significant difference in plasma urea in favour of the experimental animals was found. As to the other followed values, a statistically significant difference between the two groups, and that in favour of the control animals, was found only as regards the pulse rate.

[The effect of Rumensin on mineral metabolism and on the conversion of nutrients in feedlot cattle]. / Vliv Rumensinu na minerální metabolismus a konverzi zivin u zírného skotu.

A study on mineral metabolism and conversion of nutrients by applying sodium monensinate, 125 mg per head and day, in cattle fattening was performed. This experiment was realized under production conditions in the fattening station of pavillion type for 367 days and included 985 bulls of Bohemian Spotted cattle. The feed ration consisted of maize silage with addition of dried poultry bedding and concentrates. At the beginning of the experiment the appetite antipathy was observed, the adaptation period lasted 4 weeks. During the adaptation period the weight gains decreased; after adaptation of animals to monensin the weight gain not only counter-poised, but in comparison with the control it increased. Throughout the experiment no health disorders connected with the applied additive were observed. In the rumen fluid the content of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron was followed. In the blood plasma the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron were followed. The application of sodium monensinate did not affect the followed parameters of mineral metabolism. The experiment was aimed at the evaluation of production and operational parameters with a view to the weight gain and feed conversion. In the experimental group the weight gain was higher by 3.85%. The saving of maize silage in the experimental group amounted to 5.8%, by using of this additive the saving of concentrates amounted to 1.35%. In the experimental group the feed conversion converted to dry matter increased by 7.12%. Sodium monensinate at the dose of 125 mg per head and day had positive effect on the followed production and economic parameters.

[The levels of various mineral substances in the blood plasma of bovine fetuses and their mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy]. / Hladiny nekterých minerálních látek v krevní plazmé bovinních fétu a jejich matek ve tretím trimestru.

The levels of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chlorides in the blood plasma, and the osmolality of the plasma, were determined in bovine foetuses (n = 20) and the dams (n = 20) in the third trimester of gravidity. The cows of the Bohemian Spotted breed were 2.5 to 7 years old. The foetuses were taken from the uterus by the Caesarean section with local anaesthesia. The foetuses were of both sexes (nfemale = 12, n male = 8). Only the level of total calcium and inorganic phosphorus in the blood plasma was much higher in the foetuses than in the dams and this difference was highly significant. The levels of other minerals showed no statistically significant differences in the two categories of animals tested. The osmolality of the blood plasma of the foetuses was almost the same as in the cows. The higher calcaemia and phosphoraemia of the foetuses ensues from the function of osteotrophic minerals in the process of quick growth and ossification in the third trimester of intrauterine life. The closeness of the levels of sodium, potassium and chlorides as well as the very similar osmolality of the blood plasma in the foetuses and the dams prove the "stability" of the dynamic balance of these parameters between the foetus and the dam in the internal environment of the womb.

[Chronic metabolic acidosis in dairy cows]. / Chronická metabolická acidóza u dojnic.

Complex clinical and clinico-biochemical examination of the blood, urine and rumen liquor in a herd of dairy cows revealed chronical metabolic acidosis accompanied by rumen dysfunction and by a reduced butterfat content of milk. During the first examination of the acid-base state of the blood was almost at a standard level. An increased level of urea in blood plasma and a higher GOT transaminase activity testified to an excessive load on the liver. Urine pH was considerably deviated towards the acidic side and inorganic phosphorus was present in urine in a greater concentration. The pH of rumen liquor was slightly shifted towards alkalinity owing to the release of NH3 from urea in the food ration. The diagnosis--suspect chronical metabolic acidosis--was determined on the basis of the first examination. Chronical metabolic acidosis was definitely proved by the second examination when urea had been excluded from the feed ration. Repeated examinations revealed chronical metabolic acidosis which had originally been accompanied by a higher rumen liquor pH. On the basis of case histories and mechanisms of chronical acidosis, measures were proposed, resulting in an increase of the butterfat content of milk. Chronical metabolic disorders often follow a long-lasting latent pattern, manifesting themselves as a reduced milk yield and lower resistance; the clinical form of disease appears only at a later stage. The system of preventive diagnostics provides information on the changes in the composition of internal medium and of the faeces before a drop occurs in milk and fat production. These measures prevent metabolic disorders and high losses of produce which otherwise remain hidden for a long time.