Segmental Cervical Aplasia in a Colombian Creole Mare with Mosaic X-Chromosome Aneuploidy.

A 4-year-old Colombian Creole mare was presented for diagnosis because the external orifice of her cervix was not detectable when a uterine lavage as therapy for uterine fluid accumulation was attempted. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of the genital tract revealed that ovaries were of normal size and showed structures suggestive of regular ovarian activity. However, granular free-floating fluid material distending the uterus was detected by ultrasound. Upon vaginal examination, the normal external cervical morphology was not evident. The vagina ended in a blind bag with a small papilla with no evident external cervical os. Cytology of uterine fluid obtained by transvaginal aspiration showed findings compatible with mucometra. Cytogenetic analysis revealed an abnormal karyotype (63,X and 64,XX both 45% and 65,XXX 10%). A diagnosis of congenital segmental cervical aplasia was proposed possibly related to the mosaicism detected. To our knowledge, this is the first case of this reproductive pathology in a mare with regular ovarian activity and confirmed aneuploidy in mosaic form of the X sex chromosome.

Concentraciones séricas de Beta-hidroxibutirato y su asociación con enfermedades posparto en bovinos de leche / Serum Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and its association with postpartum diseases in dairy cows

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de cetosis bovina según las concentraciones séricas (mmol/Lt) de beta-hidroxibutirato (βHB) y estimar su asociación con enfermedades del posparto temprano en vacas lecheras. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio epidemiológico de corte transversal con información individual de los niveles sanguíneos de βHB y presentación clínica de enfermedades puerperales de n=1149 animales; además se evaluó la eficiencia de la prueba como predictora de enfermedad posparto. Posteriormente, se realizó X 2 y un modelo de regresión logística final para explorar los factores asociados con hipercetonemia. La relación entre βHB sanguíneo, la presentación de cetosis y la ocurrencia de enfermedades puerperales se calculó analizando Característica Operativa del Receptor (Receiver Operating Characteristic -ROC). Resultados. Según los niveles de -3HB, la prevalencia de cetosis fue de 7.9%, cetosis clínica 0.6% y cetosis subclínica 7.3%. La prueba fue predictora de enfermedad puerperal (LR+ del 13.6). La condición corporal ≥3.5, número de partos igual a 2 y ≥3, la presentación de retención de placenta, fiebre de leche y la enfermedad posparto, son factores de riesgo de cetosis. El análisis de la curva ROC mostró que la medición de βHB (≥1.2 mmol/Lt) en sangre sirve para diagnosticar cetosis (p<0.0001). Conclusiones. La medición de niveles sanguíneos de βB permitió determinar que la presentación de cetosis es baja, es una alerta no solamente para esta enfermedad sino para las enfermedades del posparto temprano. Los resultados de este estudio confirman lo reportado en estudios previos sobre los factores de riesgo de cetosis.

ABSTRACT Objective. Determine the prevalence of bovine ketosis based on serum concentrations (mmol/Lt) of beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and estimate its association with early postpartum diseases in dairy cows. Materials and methods. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out with individual information on blood levels of βHB and clinical presentation of puerperal diseases in 1149 animals; In addition, the efficiency of the test was evaluated as a predictor of postpartum disease. Subsequently, univariate analysis and a final logistic regression model were performed to explore the factors associated with hyperketonemia. The association between blood βHB, the presentation of ketosis and the occurrence of puerperal diseases was calculated by analyzing the Receiver Operating Characteristic -ROC. Results. According to βHB levels, the prevalence of ketosis was 7.9%, clinical ketosis 0.6% and subclinical ketosis 7.3%. The test was a predictor of puerperal disease (LR+ of 13.6). Body condition score ≥3.5, number of births 2 and ≥3, presentation of retained fetal membranes, milk fever and postpartum disease, are risk factors for ketosis. The analysis of the ROC curve showed that the measurement of βHB (≥1.2 mmol/Lt) in blood serves to diagnose ketosis (p<0.0001). Conclusions. The measurement of βHB blood levels allowed to determine that ketosis presentation is low, it is an alert not only for this disease but for early postpartum diseases. The results of this study confirm risk factors observed in previous studies.

The Effect of N-N-Dimethylformamide on the Membrane Characteristics of Canine Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation, and its Relationship With Post-Thaw Motility.

Some studies have demonstrated that glycerol is superior to amides in preserving sperm motion characteristics of canine sperm; however, little is known about the effect of these cryoprotectants on the membrane characteristics of canine spermatozoa after freezing/thawing. In this study, the effects of using either N-N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or glycerol (GLY) on the integrity and function of the canine sperm, after cryopreservation were determined. We hypothesized that the use of a multiparametric approach for assessing the effect of DMF on the membranes of canine sperm would explain the lower values reported for post-thaw motility. Ejaculates from 12 dogs were collected, split into 2 groups, and frozen using a tris-fructose-citrate-egg yolk-based extender containing either 7% (v/v) GLY or 7% (v/v) DMF. Frozen straws (n = 120) were thawed and analyzed for subjectively-assessed sperm progressive motility, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, plasma membrane function (HOST+), acrosome membrane integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential, and simultaneous assessment of sperm membrane integrity and function by a triple-staining fluorescent procedure. Overall, sperm motility and membrane intactness/function were higher when GLY was used as a cryoprotectant, as compared to DMF (P < .05). A model to explain the variation in progressive motility using the values obtained from the sperm integrity and function parameters was designed. The percent HOST+ sperm and high mitochondrial membrane potential sperm were mostly associated with the changes observed in the progressive motility (r2 = 0.84; P = .043) when either GLY or DMF were used as cryoprotectants. These results may explain the overall reduced sperm quality observed after cryopreservation, as a reflection of sublethal damage sustained by the sperm membranes.

Brucellosis in Colombia: Current Status and Challenges in the Control of an Endemic Disease.

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of nearly worldwide distribution. The disease is considered to be endemic in most of the developing countries with a substantial impact on both human and animal health as well as on the economy. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the brucellosis status in Colombia and the factors associated with its persistence, to highlight the strengths and gaps of the adopted countermeasures and to supply evidence to policy-makers on the best approaches to mitigate the disease burden. Due to the presence of brucellosis in several susceptible production livestock systems scattered throughout the country, a plan for its control, prevention and eradication was established almost 20 years ago. However, despite extensive efforts, brucellosis prevalence has fluctuated over the years without any trend of decreasing. The restricted budget allocated for brucellosis control is a limiting factor for the success of the program. For instance, the absence of indemnities for farmers results in infected animals remaining on farms which potentially increases the risk of disease spread. Likewise, disease surveillance is restricted to Brucella abortus and excludes other Brucella species of importance, such as B. melitensis and B. suis. The countermeasures are mostly focused on cattle and only a few actions are in place for the management of brucellosis in other livestock species. In humans, cases of brucellosis are annually diagnosed, although the disease remains highly underreported. High impact educational and training programs are required to address the disease in a comprehensive manner, including vulnerable groups, such as traditional smallholders and low-productivity regions, as well as other stakeholders, such as healthcare and veterinary authorities. Important financial investments based on sustained cooperation between governmental institutions, industry, and farmers are important for developing affordable and effective strategies to control the disease.

Identificación de factores asociados con la exposición al virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) en terneras de hatos lecheros de la sabana de Bogotá / Identification of factors associated with exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in dairy-herd calves in the Bogotá savanna / Identificação de fatores associados com a exposição ao vírus da diarreia viral bovina (VDVB) em bezerras de fazendas de gado leiteiro da savana de Bogotá

Resumen El virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) es un patógeno que afecta la salud bovina; produce signos clínicos como bronconeumonía, diarrea, teratogenia y pérdidas reproductivas. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia y algunos factores asociados con la exposición al VDVB en un total de 930 terneras provenientes de 31 hatos lecheros de la sabana de Bogotá. Los datos de los hatos se obtuvieron a través de una encuesta epidemiológica, así como la información individual de las terneras. Se utilizó una prueba de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos contra VDVB p80. Los datos se analizaron con estadística de frecuencias, descriptiva, análisis univariado y con un modelo de regresión logística binaria en el que se evaluaron factores de confusión a través de la comparación entre los odds ratio (OR) crudos y ajustados. La seroprevalencia promedio de VDVB fue del 27,1 % (rango 0-90 %); adicionalmente, en el 83,9 % de los hatos se observaron anticuerpos contra VDVB. Los factores asociados con la exposición a VDVB fueron: 1) la edad en animales menores de 4 meses (OR = 4,9; IC 95 %: 2,52-9,56), 2) histórico de aborto de la madre (OR = 6,4; IC 95 %: 3,91-10,46; p = 0,001) y 3) la presentación histórica de diarrea (OR = 2,6; IC 95 %: 1,58-4,46; p = 0,010). Este estudio permitió confirmar la alta exposición al virus en los hatos e identificar de algunos factores asociados, lo cual contribuye al conocimiento de la epidemiología de la enfermedad.

Abstract Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen that affects bovine health; it produces clinical signs such as bronchopneumonia, diarrhea, teratogenicity, and reproductive losses. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and some other factors associated with exposure to BVDV in a total of 930 calves from 31 dairy herds in the Bogotá savanna. The data of the herds, as well as individual information of the calves, were collected through an epidemiological survey. An ELISA test was used to detect antibodies to BVDV p80. Data were analyzed with frequency and descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and a binary logistic regression model, in which confounding factors were evaluated through a comparison between crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). The average seroprevalence of BVDV was 27.1% (range 0-90%); additionally, antibodies against BVDV were observed in 83.9% of the herds. The factors associated with exposure to BVDV were: 1) age of animals under 4 months (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.52-9.56); 2) records of abortion of the mother (OR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.91-10.46; p = 0.001); and 3) records of diarrhea (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.58-4.46; p = 0.010). This study allowed confirming a high exposure to the virus in these herds and identifying some associated factors, which contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease.

Resumo O vírus da diarreia viral bovina (VDVB) é um patógeno que afeta a saúde bovina; produz sinais clínicos como broncopneumonia, diarreia, teratógena e perdas reprodutivas. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a soro prevalência e alguns fatores associados com a exposição ao VDVB em um total de 930 bezerras provenientes de 31 fazendas de gado leiteiro da savana de Bogotá. Os dados dos rebanhos foram obtidos através de uma enquete epidemiológica, assim como a informação individual das bezerras. Utilizou-se uma prova de ELISA para detecção de anticorpos contra VDVB p80. Os dados foram analisados com estatística de frequências, descritiva, análise uni variada e com um modelo de regressão logística binária no qual foram avaliados fatores de confusão através da comparação entre os odds ratio (OR) crus e ajustados. A soro prevalência média de VDVB foi do 27,1 % (rango 0-90 %); adicionalmente, no 83,9 % dos rebanhos se observaram anticorpos contra VDVB. Os fatores associados com a exposição a VDVB foram: 1) a idade em animais menores de 4 meses (OR = 4,9; IC 95 %: 2,52-9,56), 2) histórico de aborto da madre (OR = 6,4; IC 95 %: 3,91-10,46; p = 0,001) e 3) a apresentação histórica de diarreia (OR = 2,6; IC 95 %: 1,58-4,46; p = 0,010). Este estudo permitiu confirmar a alta exposição ao vírus nos rebanhos bovinos e identificar de alguns fatores associados, fator que contribui para o conhecimento da epidemiologia da doença.

In vitro embryo production from cumulus-oocyte complexes type II in Bos indicus cattle / Producción in vitro de embriones a partir de complejos cúmulos oocitos tipo II en bovinos Bos indicus / Produção in vitro de embriões de cumulus oócito complexo de tipo II de bovinos Bos indicus

Abstract The morphological selection of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is an important step for in vitro embryo production. It has been suggested that COC showing signs of atresia have the ability to generate embryos. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of COC morphology from Bos indicus animals with signs of early atresia versus no signs of atresia on in vitro embryo production. COC were classified in: Type I (TI): homogeneous ooplasm with ≥ 4 layers of compact cumulus cells (CC) and Type II (TII): granular ooplasm and ≥ 4 layers of CC slightly expanded. The COC were matured in vitro for 24 hours in TCM199 medium and subsequently fertilized in vitro for 18 h. The suspected zygotes were cultured in vitro for seven days in modified SOFaa medium. Embryonic quality was determined by blastomeric count following staining with Hoechst 33342. Student test was used to determine statistical differences for cleavage, blastocyst rate and blastomeric counts between types of COC. The cleavage rate for TI (n = 220) and TII (n = 161) was 88 ± 4% and 89 ± 8% respectively (p> 0.05); embryo development rate was 36 ± 7% and 33 ± 8% (p>0.05) respectively. The blastomeric count for both groups was 101 and 104 cells for TI and TII respectively (n = 10), (p>0.05). These results demonstrate that there is no difference in the quantity and quality of embryos produced in vitro using COC type I or type II, suggesting that both types could be used for bovine in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus cows.

Resumen La selección morfológica de los complejos cúmulo-oocito (COC) es crucial para la producción de embriones in vitro. Se ha sugerido que COC que muestran signos de atresia poseen capacidad de generar embriones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la morfología de los COC provenientes de animales Bos indicus con signos de atresia temprana y sin signos de atresia sobre la producción de embriones in vitro. Se clasificaron COC obtenidos de ovarios de faenado en dos grupos: Tipo I (TI): ooplasma homogéneo con ≥ 4 capas de células del cumulo (CC) compactas y Tipo II (TII): ooplasma granular y ≥ 4 capas de CC ligeramente expandidas. Los COC fueron madurados por 24 horas en medio TCM199 y posteriormente fueron fertilizados in vitro durante 18 h. Los presuntos cigotos se cultivaron in vitro por siete días en medio SOF modificado. La calidad embrionaria se determinó por conteo de blastómeras posterior a tinción con Hoechst 33342. Se usó la prueba t para determinar diferencias estadísticas. La tasa de clivaje para los COC, TI (n=220) y TII (n=161), fue 88 ± 4% y 89 ± 8% respectivamente (p>0,05); la tasa de desarrollo embrionario fue 36 ± 7% y 33 ± 8% (p>0,05) respectivamente. El conteo de blastómeras para ambos grupos fue de (TI:101,TII:104) (n=10), (p>0,05). Los resultados de este trabajo permiten concluir que no hay diferencia en la cantidad y calidad de embriones producidos in vitro utilizando COC tipo I o tipo II, sugiriendo que ambas calidades podrían ser usadas en la producción de embriones in vitro a partir de animales Bos indicus.

Resumo A seleção morfológica dos complexos cumulus-oócito (COC) é crucial para a produção in vitro de embriões. Relata-se que COC que apresentam sinais de atresia têm a capacidade de gerar embriões. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito morfológico dos COC de animais Bos indicus com sinais de atresia precoce ou sim sinais de atresia sobre a produção in vitro de embriões. COC obtidos de ovários de animais abatidos foram classificados em dois grupos: tipo I (TI): ooplasma homogéneo com ≥ 4 camadas de células do cúmulos (CC) compactos e Tipo II (TII): ooplasma granular e ≥ 4 camadas CC levemente expandidas. Os COC foram submetidos à maturação por 24 horas em meio TCM199 e depois fertilizados in vitro por 18 h. Os prováveis zigotos foram cultivados in vitro por sete dias em meio SOFaa modificado. A qualidade embrionária foi determinada pela contagem dos blastômeros após coloração com Hoechst 33342. O teste t foi utilizado para determinar diferenças estatísticas significativas. A taxa de clivagem para os COC TI (n = 220) e TII (n = 161) foi de 88 ± 4% e 89 ± 8%, respectivamente (p>0,05); a taxa de desenvolvimento embrionário foi de 36 ±7% e 33 ±8% (p>0,05), respectivamente. E a contagem de blastômeros para ambos os grupos foi (TI: 101, TII: 104) (n = 10) (p>0,05). Com base nos resultados deste trabalho conclui-se que não existe diferença na quantidade e qualidade dos embriões produzidos in vitro, utilizando COC tipo I ou tipo II, sugerindo que ambas as qualidades podem ser utilizadas na produção in vitro de embriões em animaes Bos indicus.

A global view of 54,001 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip and their transferability to water buffalo.

The Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip features 54,001 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that uniformly span the entire bovine genome. Among them, 52,255 SNPs have locations assigned in the current genome assembly (Btau_4.0), including 19,294 (37%) intragenic SNPs (i.e., located within genes) and 32,961 (63%) intergenic SNPs (i.e., located between genes). While the SNPs represented on the Illumina Bovine50K BeadChip are evenly distributed along each bovine chromosome, there are over 14,000 genes that have no SNPs placed on the current BeadChip. Kernel density estimation, a non-parametric method, was used in the present study to identify SNP-poor and SNP-rich regions on each bovine chromosome. With bandwidth = 0.05 Mb, we observed that most regions have SNP densities within 2 standard deviations of the chromosome SNP density mean. The SNP density on chromosome X was the most dynamic, with more than 30 SNP-rich regions and at least 20 regions with no SNPs. Genotyping ten water buffalo using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip revealed that 41,870 of the 54,001 SNPs are fully scored on all ten water buffalo, but 6,771 SNPs are partially scored on one to nine animals. Both fully scored and partially/no scored SNPs are clearly clustered with various sizes on each chromosome. However, among 43,687 bovine SNPs that were successfully genotyped on nine and ten water buffalo, only 1,159 were polymorphic in the species. These results indicate that the SNPs sites, but not the polymorphisms, are conserved between two species. Overall, our present study provides a solid foundation to further characterize the SNP evolutionary process, thus improving understanding of within- and between-species biodiversity, phylogenetics and adaption to environmental changes.