The relationship between body condition score, thyroxin, and health condition and serum energy indices, insulin like growth factor-1, and lipids profile over the transition period in Holstein dairy cows.

Background: Lipid mobilization increases significantly in cows around the time of calving; a correlation between excessive blood NEFA concentrations, oxidative stress, and impaired health status in transition dairy cattle was observed. Aims: The relationship between serum thyroxin (T4) values and energy indices and lipid profile in all cows, non-fat cows (NFCs), fat cows (FCs), healthy, and diseased animals were estimated in the present study. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from fifty multiparous cows on -14, +10, +20, and +30 days relative to parturition. They had similar diets and were kept under the same management conditions. Results: NEFA and BHBA values increased significantly on the 10th day of calving. Inversely, glucose, T4, triglyceride, LDL-C, and VLDL-C decreased significantly ten days after calving. There was a significant negative correlation between serum T4 and NEFA for all cows and FCs. Serum T4 and BHBA values had a significant negative correlation in NFCs, FCs, healthy, and diseased cows. In addition, serum T4 and fructosamine had a significant negative relationship in FCs and a significant positive correlation in diseased cows. Serum T4 values had a significant negative correlation with cholesterol, HDL-C, and a positive correlation with triglyceride and VLDL-C for all cows, NFCs, FCs, and healthy cows. Conclusion: The data emphasized the effects of negative energy balance during the transition period on serum lipids profile and thyroid function. In addition, the correlation between T4 and energy and lipids indices may indicate a possible effect of health and body condition status on thyroid responses.

Evaluation of cardiac troponin I, atrial natriuretic peptide and some oxidative/antioxidative biomarkers in the serum and hemolysate of trained Arabian horses after exercise.

BACKGROUND: Limited information existed on performance tests in Iranian Arab horses. AIMS: The objective of this study is to investigate time related changes of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and oxidative/antioxidant biomarkers in the serum of Arabian horses before and after regular training. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from jugular vein of 25 Arabian horses before exercise; 5 h and 18 h after exercise and used to measure the cTnI, ANP, malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations. Data analysis was performed using SAS. RESULTS: Significant time related changes were seen for cTnI, MDA, and GPX concentrations (P<0.05). There were no time significant variations in the concentrations of ANP, FRAP and SOD. The values of cTnI and MDA significantly increased after exercise. The amounts of GPX significantly increased 5 h after exercise and then decreased up to 18 h after exercise. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study can be used in future studies in evaluating the health status of Arabian horses. In addition, the present results can be used as primarily described data in the evaluation of Arabian horses.

Evaluation of five resynchronization methods using different combinations of PGF2α, GnRH, estradiol and an intravaginal progesterone device for insemination in Holstein cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate five methods for the resynchronization of estrus in lactating dairy cows. One hundred and seventy-three Holstein cows were assigned at random to five treatments: Ovsynch-24, IPD+Ovsynch-24, Ovsynch-31, Heatsynch, and IPD+Heatsynch. The start of the resynchronization protocols, and all subsequent procedures, was timed in relation to the pre-enrolment AI (PAI) and ranged over 7 days for each treatment. The pregnancy status of all the animals was evaluated by ultrasound examination on day 31±3 PAI. In all treatments, the resynchronized AI (RAI) was at an observed estrus or at a fixed time after the completion of the resynchronization procedures. Cows were observed for estrus thrice daily and those observed in estrus were inseminated according to the AM-PM rule. Those cows diagnosed as not pregnant and not observed in estrus were inseminated at a fixed time. The average proportion of cows with an active CL was 31.2% (54/173) on day 14 PAI, 22.0% (38/173) on day 21 PAI, and 18.5% (32/173) on day 24 PAI (NS). The incidence of luteolysis averaged 12.7% (22/173) from day 21 to 24, and 28.9% (50/173) from day 14 to 24. The differences between individual treatments were not significant but there was a significantly greater incidence of luteolysis (P<0.0009) from day 14 to 21 for the IPD treatments combined (30.3%; 24/63) than for the non-IPD treatments combined (26.6%; 17/110). Conception rates at day 31 PAI ranged from 16.6% to 42.1% (NS), and at day 61 PAI ranged from 16.6% to 37.1% (NS). Also conception rates at day 31 and 61 RAI ranged from 5% to 25% (NS). Pregnancy losses between days 31 and 61 PAI varied from 0 to 25.0% (NS) between treatments for the pre-enrollment AI but were 0% for all treatments for the resynchronized AI. It was concluded that using IPD, PGF2α, estradiol and GnRH in different resynchronization methods had no effects on conception rate in this study. Also conception rate was not significantly different when resynchronization programs began before ultrasonographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis. Using IPD did not reduce luteolysis during resynchronization programs and estrus detection rates were similar among treatment groups.

Effects of parenteral supply of iron and copper on hematology, weight gain, and health in neonatal dairy calves.

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of parenteral administration of iron and copper on hematological parameters, weight gain, and health of neonatal dairy calves in the period when iron and copper deficiency could be existed. Twenty-four Holstein calves were used for the experiment and randomly assigned to four different treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no injections of Fe and Cu), (2) test 1 (1000 mg Fe as fe-dextran was injected to each calf at day 2 of age), (3) test 2 (160 mg Cu as methionine-copper complex was injected to each calf at day 14 of age), and (4) test 3 (Fe and Cu were injected to each calf as mentioned previously). Blood samples were collected from all of the calves within 24-48 hours after birth and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age for measuring hematological parameters and within 24-48 hours after birth and at 14, 21 and 28 days of age for the determination of iron, copper, TIBC concentrations, and AST activity. Anti-coagulated blood was analyzed shortly after collection for: number of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), heamatocrit (HCT), total leukocyte count (WBC), Platelet (Plt), MCH, MCV, MCHC, and differential leukocyte counts. The amounts of iron, copper, TIBC, and AST were measured in serum. Group had significant effects on the amounts of HCT, RBC, hemoglobin, MCV, neutrophil, weekly weight gain, and daily gain during each week (p < 0.05). Sampling time had significant effects on the amounts of RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet, fibrinogen, copper, TIBC, AST, weight, weekly gain and, daily gain during each week (p < 0.05). significant interactions between sampling time and group were seen for HCT, RBC, hemoglobin, MCV, platelet, total protein, fibrinogen, iron, and TIBC (p < 0.05). Improved RBC parameters and MCV were seen in calves of group 4 (test 3) in comparing with control group. Total and daily gains were also significantly improved in test groups in comparing with control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was seen for the days of treatment between groups.

Serum constituents analyses in dairy cows: effects of duration and temperature of the storage of clotted blood.

We studied the effects of storage time and temperature of clotted whole blood on the amounts of 17 analytes in bovine blood serum. Serum separated after blood was allowed to stand for 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h at room temperature or on ice. Results obtained for phosphorous, magnesium, urea, cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglyceride, albumin, total protein and gamma-glutamyletransferase (GGT) were not influenced by storage at room temperature or on ice for as long as 24h. Duration of the clotted whole blood storage had a significant effect on calcium, glucose concentrations, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and temperature had a significant effect on glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, CK and bilirubin concentrations.

Effects of short-term supplementation of clinoptilolite in colostrum and milk on hematology, serum proteins, performance, and health in neonatal dairy calves.

In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition has increased, mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxins intoxication. Thirty calves were used in the present study for the determination of the effects of clinoptilolite supplementation on hematology, serum proteins, performance, and health. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1 and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. For test 1 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% of each colostrum meal was added for 48h and for test 2 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% was added to each colostrum and milk meal for 14 days. Blood samples were taken from all calves 12h after birth and at the end of the first, second, third, forth, fifth and sixth weeks of life (end of the experiment: 42 days of life) and analyzed for hematology, plasma fibrinogen and for total protein, albumin, beta and gamma globulin measurement. Performance and health of calves were also recorded during the experiment. For statistical analysis of data a repeated measures approach using ANOVA with Mixed linear models, and chi-test was used. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect on the values of hematocrit (HCT), red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), monocyte (Mono), and albumin (Alb). The values of most above parameters were significantly higher in test group 2, except MCV that was significantly lower in test group 1 than other trial groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen for other measured parameters, performance, and health between trial groups.

Effects of short-term supplementation of clinoptilolite in colostrum and milk on the concentration of some serum minerals in neonatal dairy calves.

In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition has increased mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxin intoxication. Thirty calves were used in the present study for the determination of some physiologic effects of clinoptilolite supplementation. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1, and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. For group test 1, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% of each colostrum meal was added for 48 h, and for group test 2, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% was added to each colostrum and milk meal for 14 days. Blood samples were taken from all calves 12 h after birth and at the end of the first, second, third, forth, fifth, and sixth weeks of life. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were determined in the serum. For statistical analysis of data, a repeated measures approach using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with mixed linear models was used. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect on the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron. The concentrations of Fe significantly higher in test group 2 than other trial groups (p < 0.05). Calcium concentrations were significantly higher in serum of clinoptilolite-treated than control calves (p < 0.05). The concentrations of phosphorus were significantly lower in test groups than control group (p < 0.05). Sodium concentrations were significantly higher in clinoptilolite-supplemented groups than control calves (p < 0.05). Potassium and magnesium concentrations were not affected by clinoptilolite supplementation. Clinoptilolite supplementation could promote iron levels in serum and better hemopoiesis and prevent pathologic or physiologic drop of red blood cell (RBC) parameters in supplemented calves during a first few weeks of life. According to higher need and utilization of Ca in growing animals, clinoptilolite supplementation could increase available Ca. Based on the results of the present study and the importance of dietary phosphorus in many physiologic processes, the level of phosphorus in diet of neonatal dairy calves must be considered and adapted when clinoptilolite was supplemented. With an adequate supply of good quality drinking water, cattle can tolerate large quantities of dietary sodium chloride. Thus, it seems that significant increase in serum Na concentration during short-term supplementation of clinoptilolite in neonatal calves could be well tolerated without any adverse effects.

Effect of isoflupredone acetate with or without insulin on energy metabolism, reproduction, milk production, and health in dairy cows in early lactation.

Glucocorticoids are commonly used to treat cows with clinical ketosis and fatty liver disease, but their use is controversial. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of isoflupredone acetate alone or with insulin on the energy metabolism of dairy cows in early lactation in a large double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A total of 1,162 Holstein cows and first-lactation heifers were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatments between the day of parturition and 8 DIM: group A, 20-mg i.m. injection of isoflupredone and 100 units of insulin; group B, 20-mg i.m. injection of isoflupredone; group C (control group), 10-mL i.m. injection of sterile water. Treatments were randomized across 24 dairy farms located near Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Serum samples obtained at the time of treatment and at wk 1 and 2 following treatment were analyzed for beta-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, glucose, calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride. Cows were assigned a body condition score at the time of enrollment. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures mixed model that accounted for the effects of parity and body condition score, and the random effects of cow and farm. Cows that received isoflupredone with insulin and isoflupredone alone had higher beta-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations 1 wk after treatment compared with control cows. Cows that received isoflupredone acetate plus insulin had lower glucose concentrations at 1 wk after treatment. Calcium concentrations 1 wk after treatment were lower for cows that received isoflupredone and insulin or isoflupredone only compared with control cows. Serum sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations were not influenced by treatment. The effect of treatment on the proportion of cows with subclinical ketosis was evaluated with a logistic regression model. Over the 2 wk following treatment, a significant increase in the prevalence of subclinical ketosis was observed in the isoflupredone plus insulin group relative to the control group. Among 972 cows that were not ketotic at enrollment, cows that received isoflupredone acetate plus insulin or isoflupredone acetate only were, respectively, 1.72 and 1.59 times more likely than control cows to develop subclinical ketosis 1 wk after treatment. There were no treatment effects on test-day milk production, milk fat and protein percentages, or the intervals from calving to first insemination or pregnancy.

Metabolic changes in cows with or without retained fetal membranes in transition period.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on serum minerals and energy- and protein-related metabolites in dairy cows at a herd with a recent history of fatty liver syndrome. Forty-seven multiparous Holstein cows were selected during transition period. Nine cows had RFM longer than 24 h after calving. Blood samples were obtained on prepartum days 21 and 7 and postpartum days 7 and 21. We used repeated measure procedure of anova to evaluate the effect of RFM on serum metabolites. Cows with RFM had significantly higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides after calving, but had lower concentrations of cholesterol during transition period. The concentrations of serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen were also significantly lower in RFM-affected cows than non-affected ones after parturition. Our results suggested that negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum was associated with RFM in dairy cattle. However, our findings did not reveal a cause and effect relationship with respect to the role of NEB as a possible risk factor for RFM.

Efficacy of dried colostrum powders in the prevention of diarrhea in neonatal Holstein calves.

One hundred and twenty healthy Holstein calves were assigned randomly at birth to one of four groups; each group contained 30 calves and the calves were received as follows: group A, 85 ± 5 g of lyophilized colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk; group B, 85 ± 5 g of spray-dried colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk; group C, 750 ml frozen and thawed colostrum in 3 kg of whole milk, and group D, only 3 kg of whole milk without colostrum supplement. Each group was subdivided into 3 sub-groups of 10 calves as follows: calves fed colostrum supplement at 24 or 48 or 72 h after birth. All calves fed fresh colostrum within 6 h after birth at the amount of 5% of BW by bottle. Calves which were fed lyophilized colostrum supplement had a significant lower incidence of diarrhea in comparison to control calves. In addition, calves were received lyophilized colostrum supplement at 24 h after birth showed less incidence of diarrhea than calves fed the supplement at 48 and 72 h. According to the results of present study providing lyophilized colostrum supplement at 24 h after birth might have been preventive effect on calf diarrhea. The spray-dried colostrum supplement had not the same effect.

Congenital bovine epitheliogenesis imperfecta: a report of three cases from Iran.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a recessive hereditary condition characterized by the congenital missing of epithelium on the skin and oral mucosa. These lesions vary in size and location but usually consist of irregular patches of discontinuity of hair and squamous epithelium of skin usually on the distal extremities. Affected calves may also have patchy missing epithelium in the oral mucosa and tongue. The defect is usually incompatible with life. In this report, clinical, gross and histopathogical findings of epitheliogenesis imperfecta were described in two neonatal calves and one stillborn calf. Absence of epithelium over extensive areas of limbs, muzzle, nostrils, tongue, hard palate, cheeks and esophagus were among the remarkable findings.

Use of pre-partum urine pH to predict the risk of milk fever in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (IP) values and urine pH of cows fed common rations without the addition of anionic salts in late pregnancy. One hundred and seven Holstein cows, having completed two or more lactations and with an expected calving date within the next seven days were selected from two herds. In order to determine levels of serum Ca and IP and urine pH, blood and urine samples were collected seven to one days before parturition. Of the 107 sampled cows, 17 developed recumbency after calving and were considered to be affected by milk fever. There were significant ( p<0.01 ) negative correlations between urine pH and serum Ca, IP and the ratio of Ca to IP, The urine pH, and levels of serum Ca and IP measured within 48 h prior to parturition differed significantly ( p<0.001 ) between recumbent and non-recumbent cows. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of urine pH test 48 h prior to parturition, using a cut off level of above pH 8.25, were 100%, 81%, 55%, and 100%, respectively. These signify that monitoring urine pH within 48 h prior to parturition is a sensitive method to assess the risk of parturient paresis. The results of this study emphasize the importance of acid-base status of the animal in the pathophysiology of milk fever.

Mandibular pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis in a Sannen goat.

Mandibular pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis was diagnosed in a female Sannen goat. The doe presented for difficulty prehending and chewing food. The left mandible was swollen and firm on palpation. Radiographs revealed changes consistent with osteomyelitis of the affected mandible. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from aspirates of swollen mandible. Despite antimicrobial therapy, the goat died. Histopathological findings were consistent with pyogranulomatous disease of the affected mandible. The histopathological findings were similar to those reported for actinomycosis, caused by Actinomyces bovis. Mandibular osteomyelitis is a common condition in cattle and very rare in goat.

Outbreak of osteodystrophia fibrosa in young goats.

Osteodystrophia fibrosa was diagnosed in young goats which received a dict of 60% wheat straw and 40% barley for 8 months. The ratio of calcium:phosphorus in the diet was 1:1.8. The clinical signs were bilateral and symmetrical enlargement of the face, swelling of the joints, and limb deformities. The laboratory findings showed a low level of serum calcium in all affected goats. Histopathological examination revealed marked fibrous deposition and osteoclasia in bones of the maxilla and mandible.

Renal amyloidosis in cattle: a case report in Iran.

Renal amyloidosis is a rare condition in cattle and this report is the first in Iran. A 5-year old Holstein cow was referred because of profuse diarrhoea, ventral oedema and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed a well audible ping area on the upper half of the right paralumbar fossa. At rectal examination, a large firm and circular shaped kidney was palpated. Laboratory examination revealed hypoproteinaemia and severe proteinuria. At necropsy, the kidneys were enlarged, yellow and waxy. Amyloid deposits were found in glomeruli by microscopic examination of the kidneys, and with Congo red staining renal amyloidosis was confirmed.

The effectiveness of ascorbic acid in the prevention of calf neonatal diarrhoea.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ascorbic acid in the prevention of neonatal calf diarrhoea. Ascorbic acid was given orally to 65 calves as follows: one tablet (1000 mg) three times a day for the first week; one tablet twice a day for the second week; and one tablet daily for the third week after birth (test group). Another 65 calves did not receive ascorbic acid (control group). The calves in these two groups were matched on the basis of the stage of lactation of their dams. The number of diarrhoeic calves that received ascorbic acid was significantly (P < 0.005) lower than the number of diarrhoeic calves in the control group that did not receive the drug.