Factors associated with ruminal pH at herd level.

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with ruminal pH at herd level. Four hundred and thirty-two cows of a Thuringian dairy herd were sampled before claw trimming using a rumen fluid scoop. Volume and pH of the rumen sample were measured, and lactation number, percentage of concentrates in the ration, days in milk (DIM), time of day, and daily milk yield were recorded. Rumen sampling was successful in 99.8% of the cows. The average sample volume was 25 mL. Rumen sample pH decreased with increasing percentage of concentrates in the ration. Ruminal pH decreased from calving to 77 DIM, and grew subsequently to 330 DIM. During the day, rumen pH followed a sinus curve, with maxima in the morning (0915 h) and afternoon (1533 h), and a minimum around noon (1227 h). Ruminal pH decreased with increasing daily milk yield. Lactation number interacted with daily milk yield on rumen pH. The percentage of concentrates in the ration, DIM, time of day, and daily milk yield were significant factors affecting ruminal pH at the herd level.

[Do cows drink calcium?]. / Trinken Kühe Kalzium?

The objective of this study was to investigate how well cows drink the Propeller calcium drink, and it's effect on blood calcium concentration. Drinking was tested in 120 cows right after calving, before cows drank anything else. 60 cows each were offered 20 liters of Propeller calcium drink or 20 liters of water. Cows drank the Propeller as good as water. 72% of all cows drank all 20 liters, 18% drank on average 8.2 liters and 10% drank less than 1 liter. Blood calcium concentration was studied in 16 cows right after calving. Eight cows each were offered 20 liters of Propeller calcium drink or no calcium drink. Blood calcium significantly increased ten minutes after Propeller intake and stayed significantly elevated for 24 hours. Without calcium drink blood calcium levels decreased significantly. Advantages of the new Propeller calcium drink over calcium gels or boli could be that cows now drink calcium themselves and that the Propeller increases blood calcium concentration rapidly and long lasting.

In vitro motility disorders associated with displaced abomasum in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro abomasal motility in dairy cows diagnosed with displaced abomasum. Longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations originating from the abomasal antrum of control cows, and cows diagnosed with left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA) or abomasal volvulus (AV) were used. In control preparations electrical field stimulation evoked an immediate cholinergic contractile response exceeding amplitude of basal contractions by 60%. In contrast, contractile activity was significantly inhibited during electrical stimulation in LDA, RDA and AV by 47%, 66% and 45%, respectively. This inhibition was reversed in the presence of L-NAME. The staining intensity of NADPH-positive myenteric neurones was significantly higher in displaced abomasa than in controls. Concentration-response curves indicated that preparations from displaced abomasa showed reduced sensitivity to acetylcholine. This study demonstrated motility disorders in displaced abomasa in vitro. The results suggested that abomasal displacement is associated with malfunctions at the level of the intrinsic nervous system combined with impaired cholinergic muscle responses. There appeared to be a predominance of nitrergic inhibitory mechanisms over excitatory mechanisms. These results might be of significance for diseases associated with gastric hypomotility and emptying disorders.

An evaluation of protein/fat ratio in first DHI test milk for prediction of subsequent displaced abomasum in dairy cows.

First DHI test milk that was sampled prior to displaced abomasum (DA) diagnosis was used to evaluate milk protein/fat ratio (PFR) for prediction of subsequent DA in dairy cows. Odds ratio, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio were determined. Twenty-seven DA cases were matched to 3 controls per case by herd and calving date. Milk was tested at a median of 19 d after calving, which was 8 d prior to the median time of DA diagnosis. Adjusted for parity and days in milk, a protein/fat ratio < or = 0.72 was 8.2 times more likely to come from a cow subsequently diagnosed with DA than a protein/fat ratio > 0.72. Using the cut off value of 0.72, the sensitivity of PFR for DA was 80% and the specificity was 68%. A receiver operating characteristics curve indicated that the minimum sum of false negative and false positive results was at a PFR cut off value of 0.72. The likelihood ratio indicated that protein/fat ratios < or = 0.62 are 3.8 times more likely to come from cows that are diagnosed subsequently with DA than from cows without DA. The protein/fat ratio in 1st DHI test milk may predict subsequent DA in dairy cows.

Evaluation of aspartate transaminase activity and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration in blood as tests for prediction of left displaced abomasum in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate aspartate transaminase (AST) activity and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood obtained during the first or second postpartum (PP) week as tests for prediction of subsequent left displaced abomasum (LDA) diagnosis in dairy cows. ANIMALS: 36 cows with LDA tested at a mean 3 PP days, which was 7 to 22 days prior to LDA diagnosis (25, 75% quantiles), and 28 cows with LDA tested at 10 PP days, which was 5 to 18 days prior to LDA diagnosis, were matched to 3 controls per case by herd and calving date. Data were available from a large field study. PROCEDURE: Odds ratio, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio were determined for various AST and BHB cutoff values. RESULTS: AST, using cutoff values between 100 and 180 U/L, and BHB, using cutoff values between 1,000 and 1,600 mumol/L, were significantly associated with subsequent LDA diagnosis. When cutoff values were increased, odds ratio and likelihood ratio increased; however, sensitivity decreased and specificity increased. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AST activity and BHB concentration in blood obtained during the first or second PP week might be useful as predictors of subsequent LDA diagnosis.

Metabolic aspects in the etiology of displaced abomasum.

Results of studies on metabolic variables that exist prior to the diagnosis of displaced abomasum (DA) indicate that subclinical ketosis is a risk factor for DA. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, serum and milk betahydroxybutyric acid concentrations, and milk fat-to-protein ratios were often elevated before the diagnosis of DA, and these variables may be used to predict DA. Prevention of subclinical ketosis may prevent DA.

[The topography of the cecum and proximal loop of the colon in cattle with cecal dilatation]. / Untersuchungen zur Topographie von Blinddarm und Anfangsschleife des Grimmdarmes bei Blinddarmerweiterung des Rindes.

The topography of the cecum and the proximal loop of the colon was studied in 32 cattle of different german breeds, female gender and different age (5.2 +/- 2.0 years), which were surgically treated for cecal dilatation in the Medical and Forensic Veterinary Clinic II of the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. In 13 cases (41%) dilatation and dislocation--without or with torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left)--of the cecum, with dilatation of the proximal loop of the colon was diagnosed. In 3 cases (9%) dilatation, dislocation and torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left) of the cecum without dilatation of the proximal loop was found. In 6 cases (19%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the left, and in 10 cases (31%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the right, was observed. By lining up single findings, models are presented how torsion of the cecum to the left, and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon to the left or to the right may develop.

[Occurrence of abomasal displacement in cattle in Hesse]. / Vorkommen von Labmagenverlagerung bei Rindern in Hessen.

In veterinary practices in Hesse cattle diagnosed with abomasal displacement increased from 0.18% in 1980 to 0.6% in 1992. In this period the percentage of left abomasal displacement (L) (75-83%), right abomasal displacement (R-) (13-16%), and abomasal volvulus (R+) (4-8%) remained constant. In the Medical and Forensic Veterinary Clinic of the University of Giessen (MGV 2) cattle diagnosed with abomasal displacement increased from 2.1% in 1970 to 25.6% in 1992. In this period the percentage of L, R- and R+ was 71, 15 and 13% respectively. The percentage of L had decreased in this period. In 1988 and 1992 the percentage of the Deutsche Schwarzbunte (DSB) breed was 51 and 52% in the Hessian cattle population and with that lower than the percentage of cattle diagnosed with abomasal displacement in the MGV 2, where the percentage of DSB was 80% in 1988 and 79% in 1992. In the period between 1970 and 1992 the percentage of DSB in all cattle referred to the MGV 2 was 51% and with that lower than in cattle diagnosed with abomasal displacement, where it was 80%. The findings indicate, that in Hesse the DSB breed is predisposed to abomasal displacement.

[Fat/protein ratio in the milk of cattle herds in which displacement of the abomasum occurs]. / Fett/Eiweiss-Quotient in der Milch von Rinderherden mit Vorkommen von Labmagenverlagerung.

The fat:protein ratio of the milk was calculated for 27 herds in Hessia breeding German Black Pied Cattle, in which displacement of the abomasum occurred (case herds) and in 27 similar herds, in which displacement of the abomasum did not occur (control herds). This was measured for the year preceding the displacements as well as for the month in which displacement occurred. Control herds were selected which had the same number of lactating cattle and the same milk yield (lbs). In herds where displacement of the abomasum occurred the fat:protein ratio of the milk in the year before the displacement was significantly higher than in herds free of displacement, and also tended to be higher in the month before. This implies that herds in which displacement occurred received less energy-rich carbohydrates than herds in which displacement was not seen.

Ammonia in ruminal and abomasal contents of cows with abomasal displacement.

Ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentrations were determined in cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV) before the abomasum was corrected, as well as one and three days later, and compared with those from healthy control cows fed hay or hay and concentrates. In LDA, RDA, and AV, ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentrations before correction of the position of the abomasum significantly exceeded ammonia concentrations in control cows during hay diet. In LDA, ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentration before correction did not differ from control cows during hay/concentrate diet, whereas in RDA and AV, ruminal and abomasal ammonia significantly exceeded control cows during hay/concentrate diet. Ammonia concentrations significantly differed between forms of displacement before correction and one day after correction, with LDA showing lowest, RDA intermediate and AV highest ruminal ammonia values, and LDA and RDA showing lower abomasal ammonia values than AV. However, three days after correction, ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentrations did not differ between LDA, RDA and AV. Up to the third day after correction, ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentrations significantly decreased in LDA, RDA and AV. On the third day after correction, ruminal and abomasal ammonia concentrations in LDA, RDA and AV did not differ from control cows during hay diet, and were significantly lower than in control cows during hay/concentrate diet. These findings suggest disturbances in the protein metabolism of cows with abomasal displacement.

[Examination of a novel wax teat bougie for treatment of wounds in the papillary lactiferous sinus of dairy cows with special regard to endoscopic documentation of mucosal reactions compared with conventional teat bougies and a teat cannula]. / Prüfung eines neuartigen Strichkanalstabes zur Behandlung von Strichkanalwunden unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der endoskopisch dokumentierten Schleimhautverträglichkeit im Vergleich zu konventionellen Zitzenstiften und Verweilkanülen.

The present study on a novel wax-teat bougie, developed by Dr. T. GEISHAUSER for treatment of wounds in the papillary lactiferous sinus of dairy cows, has been performed in two phases of investigation. In a first step, fourteen healthy dairy cows (Deutsch Schwarzbunt) in state of early lactation were dried off temporarily for five days, after checking milk samples of all quarters for six following-on days on their bacteriological status, number of somatic cells, conductivity and results of the California-Mastitis-Test (CMT). The drying off was performed on two Quarters with similar cell-count in milk samples each. In one teat of the selected pairs off udder quarters, the wax-bougie was applied (group I), the other corresponding udder quarters were used as a control (group II). After five days of drying off, lactation was started again after removing the bougies in treated quarters. For another five days milk samples out of the quarters in groups I and II were checked in the laboratory tests named above and mean values and increase differences of results were compared. Comparison of increase differences with t-test showed no statistically significant difference between drying off procedures with the wax-bougie and without any treatment in the parameters named above. Courses of counts of somatic cells, conductivity and CMT showed no significant differences between drying off probands by using the novel wax-bougie and drying off without further treatment. In the second phase of the study, fifteen lactating, healthy dairy cows as probands have been split in five groups. Three cows (twelve udder quarters) were dried off for five days by using the novel teat bougie (group D), in three groups (A,B,C) two different types of conventional teat bougies and one type of cannula were used, and, as a control three cows (group E) were dried off without any treatment. Before drying off the udder quarters and after starting lactation again, the condition of the mucosa in the teat papillary lactiferous sinus has been documented by means of endoscopy and the bacteriological status of milk samples has been determined. As a result all udder quarters dried off temporarily showed endoscopically detectable inflammatory-proliferating reactions in the mucosa of the papillary lactiferous sinus, whereas in cows treated with the novel wax-bougie (group D), as well as in the cows of the control group (E), there were no inflammatory reactions detectable at all. These different reactions, basing on the Fisher-test, have to be considered statistically significant (p < 0.001).

[pH, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and chloride in the rumen and abomasal contents of cows with abomasal displacement]. / pH, Natrium, Kalium, Magnesium, Kalzium, Phosphat und Chlorid im Pansen- und Labmageninhalt von Kühen mit Labmagenverlagerung.

Ruminal and abomasal contents were collected from cows with left abomasal displacement (L), right abomasal displacement (R-), or abomasal volvulus (R+), before the abomasum was corrected, as well as one and three days later, pH and concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and chloride (Cl) were determined. Results were compared with those from healthy control cattle fed a balanced diet. Ruminal concentrations of Na and Ca were reduced in cattle with abomasal displacement, whereas those of K, P and Cl were increased, and those of Mg and pH remained nearly unchanged. Concentrations of K and P before abomasal correction were lower in cattle with L than in those with R+, and declined after the correction. Concentrations of Cl decreased continuously after the abomasum was corrected in cattle with L, whereas they increased after replacement in cattle with R and declined later. These findings imply that cattle with abomasal displacement took up less feed before surgical correction and that ruminal contents backed up in the rumen, whereby the backup was less with L than with R+, and that the backed-up contents passed on after the abomasum was corrected. The results also indicate that a reflux of abomasal contents into the rumen took place in cattle with all forms of abomasal displacement, whereby with R+ increased amounts of abomasal contents passed into the rumen following correction and were then later passed out. Compared to controls, abomasal concentrations of Cl were increased in cattle with displacement and the concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, and P were reduced. Before abomasal correction, pH was decreased in cattle with L and unchanged in those with R- and R+. The concentrations of Na and K before correction in L were lower than those with R+, whereas the concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, and P were higher. After abomasal correction, the concentrations of Na declined, and those of K, Mg, Ca, and P increased. On the third day after abomasal correction, pH and the concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, and P were lower and the concentrations of Cl higher than in controls. These findings indicate that before abomasal correction in cattle with abomasal displacement secretion from the abomasal glands was increased, abomasal contents backed up in the abomasum, whereby the secretion/backup was less with L than with R+, and that the backed-up contents are passed on after the abomasum is corrected. The findings also suggest that the increased rate of secretion from the abomasal glands or abomasal motility disorders continues on to the third day after abomasal correction.

Abomasal displacement in the bovine--a review on character, occurrence, aetiology and pathogenesis.

Literature on the subject of character, history, occurrence, causes and pathogenesis of abomasal displacement in the bovine is listed and summarized. The chapter on occurrence is subdivided according to heritibility, sex, age, season, husbandry, milk yield and concomitant diseases. In the chapter on causes special consideration is given to feeding. The chapter on pathogenesis is subdivided according to mechanical influences, disturbances of the abomasal motor activity, collection of gas and dilatation of the abomasum and artificial displacement of the abomasum. Displacement of the abomasum is seen predominantly in the spring in herds with above-average milk yield in dairy cows between the age of 4 and 7 years which have calved within the last month and have ketosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of abomasal displacement are unclear.

[Purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint in cattle--treatment by joint resection]. / Eitrige Fesselgelenkentzündung beim Rind-Behandlung durch Gelenkresektion.

A surgical method for the treatment of purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint in cattle is reported. The method involves opening of the diseased joint and complete removal of diseased tissues (articular resection). Three of four cattle with purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint could be successfully treated using this procedure. Following complete removal of the fetlock joint ossification took place. The use of the limb was little affected in all gait types following the ossification of the fetlock joint. One cow was not healed, since it was not possible to resect the affected tissues completely.

[Carpal joint inflammation in calves--treatment by joint resection]. / Eitrige Karpalgelenkentzündung beim Kalb--Behandlung durch Gelenkresektion.

A surgical method of treating purulent inflammation of the carpal joint in calves is reported. This method involves the opening of the diseased joint and the complete removal of diseased tissues (articular resection). Of five calves with various inflammations of the carpal joint and surrounding tissues, four could be successfully treated using this procedure. Following the complete removal of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal and/or carpometacarpal, or of all carpal joints, these joints ossified. The range of motion of the carpal joint was limited to various degrees, depending on the position and number of ossified joints. The motility of the limb was little affected in all gait types following the ossification of one joint (the antebrachiocarpal or middle carpal joint) or of two joints (middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints). Goose-stepping was seen in the limb after ossification of all the carpal joints. One calf with highly advanced inflammatory alterations in the carpal joint could not be healed, since it was not possible to completely resect the affected tissues.

Investigations on teat canal length in teats with milk flow disturbances.

The objective of this study was to evaluate teat canal length as a test for tissue ruptures in the area of the teat canal in teats with milk flow disturbances (Medl's test). A total of 133 dairy cows affected with milk flow disturbances in one teat were used for this study. The teat canal length of the affected teat was compared with the teat canal length of the contralateral teat of the same cow. Milk flow disturbances were diagnosed by endoscopy. Diagnoses were categorized as tissue ruptures in the area of the teat canal or other causes such as narrowing of the teat canal, or free foreign bodies in the teat cistern. The median teat canal length was 11 mm in teats with milk flow disturbances, and 8 mm in contralateral control teats. When the test criterion was lengthening of the teat canal by > or =2 mm, 79% of the teat canals with tissue ruptures tested positive (true positive), but 47% of teat canals without tissue ruptures also tested positive (false positive). When the test criterion was unchanged teat canal length, 47% of teat canals with tissue ruptures tested positive, and only 7% of teat canals without tissue ruptures tested positive. Thus, it is concluded that Medl's test may be useful in differentiating causes of milk flow disturbances. However, a more accurate diagnosis may be made by teat endoscopy.

Duodeno-abomasal reflux in cows with abomasal displacement.

The aim of this study was to investigate abomaso-duodenal digesta transport during abomasal displacement and after surgical correction of the abomasum, using intra-abomasal bile acid concentration. In healthy cows, bile acids were found in the abomasum, indicative of duodeno-abomasal reflux being a physiological event. In cows with left abomasal displacement (LDA), right abomasal displacement (RDA) and abomasal volvolus (AV), abomasal bile acid concentration was significantly higher than in healthy control cows. This was found to be true during surgery, on the first day as well as on the third day after surgery. Abomasal bile acid concentration was significantly different between LDA, RDA and AV, with LDA, RDA and AV showing lowest, intermediate and highest values respectively. In those with LDA and RDA, abomasal bile acid concentration significantly increased from surgery to first day after surgery, and decreased from first to third day after surgery. In AV cows, however, bile acid concentration declined constantly from surgery to third day after surgery. These findings indicate pathological duodeno-abomasal reflux during abomasal displacement and after surgical correction of the abomasum. Reflux seems to differ between forms of displacement (LDA < RDA < AV) and during recovery. Pathological duodeno-abomasal reflux is discussed as a consequence of functional and/or mechanical impediments on abomaso-duodenal digesta transport during abomasal displacement and after surgical correction of the abomasum.

The association between ionized calcium in blood and selected parameters in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between blood calcium (Ca) and left displaced abomasum (LDA), and between Ca and selected anamnestic, blood and urine parameters in cows diagnosed with LDA. One hundred and forty-four cows diagnosed with LDA and 20 controls were used. The association between Ca and LDA was evaluated using linear regression. Possible associations between anamnestic, blood and urine parameters and blood calcium were assessed using a forward stepwise procedure in linear regression. Ca was not significantly associated with LDA. In control cows, Ca was explained by urea alone (R2 = 0.6); this was a negative association. In cows diagnosed with LDA, the final model of Ca included base excess (partial R2 = 0.31), urea (partial R2 = 0.11), phosphorus (partial R2 = 0.03) and potassium (partial R2 = 0.03). A negative linear association was found between base excess and Ca. A quadratic association was found between urea and Ca. We conclude that Ca is significantly associated with urea in dairy cows. Ca is not significantly associated with displaced abomasum in cows diagnosed with LDA. Blood base excess and urea explain Ca in cows diagnosed with LDA.

[Methods for the determination of pH value and redox potential in the rumen fluid of adult cattle]. / Verfahren zur Bestimmung von pH-Wert und Redoxpotential im Pansensaft erwachsener Rinder.

pH sticks and pH meters were tested to determine ruminal pH and mV meters in order to measure the redox potential in rumen contents. Rumen pH can be determined by reading pH sticks left in rumen liquor or immediately after removal. Differences between pH sticks and a reference method accounted for 0.01-0.48 pH units, depending on the pH stick used and the pH range of the ruminal contents (pH < 6, 6-7, > 7). Ruminal pH is accurately measured by the pH meters pHep and GPHR (y = -0.22 + 1.03x, or y = 0.15 + 0.97 x). By using a mV meter the redox potential in rumen liquor can be determined 10 min after start of measurement. Results determined with the mV meter GPHR showed a mean difference of 10-23 mV, those determined with ORP a mean difference of 131-202 mV in comparison with a reference method. There is no linear correlation between the data of the mV measurements and the data of the methylene blue reduction test in ruminal contents (y = -328.5 - 0.003 x; p = 0.652). Therefore these data may not be in used in the same manner for rumen liquor diagnosis.

Arginine in liquid contents of displaced abomasal in dairy cows.

Increased nitric oxide synthesis by abomasal neurons was related to disorders of abomasal muscle function in displaced abomasum in a previous study. Nitric oxide is synthesised from L-arginine. The objectives of the studies reported on here were to isolate factors associated with arginine in abomasal fluid and to evaluate the association between arginine in abomasal fluid and left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA) or abomasal volvulus (AV). Four cows fitted with abomasal cannulas were fed two different diets in succession. Abomasal samples were taken from 1.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. during each diet. The data were analyzed using three factor analysis of variance. Diet, sampling time and cow were significantly associated with abomasal arginine concentration. Diet and cow significantly affected abomasal arginine percentage, whereas sampling time had no significant effect. Cows diagnosed with LDA, RDA or AV and control cows were used to study the association between abomasal arginine and LDA, RDA or AV. Linear regression of arginine on LDA, RDA or AV, adjusting for age, time to calving, duration of illness and intraherd correlation was used for data analysis. Associations between arginine concentration and LDA or RDA, and between arginine percentage and LDA, RDA or AV were not significant. AV significantly increased abomasal arginine concentration. The findings do not support the hypothesis that arginine in abomasal fluid is related to abomasal displacement in dairy cows.