Large Animal Review

Effect of probiotic and prebiotic supplementations in dietary dairy cows on colostrum IgG concentration and passive immune transfer to calves.

2024-12-23T16:47:48+01:00

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing dairy cows with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics to improve the immunological quality of the cow’s colostrum and the transfer of passive immunity in their calves, and at the same time to evaluate the Brix refractometer as an effective tool to measure the immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration in colostrum in comparison with the golden test Radial Immunodiffusion (RID). Thirty days before the expected calving date, forty five Montbeliarde cows (8 primiparous, and 37 multiparous) were divided into four groups, Control group(CNT; n=13) received dry period diet (DPD) with no supplementation, yeast group (SC; n=13) received dry period diet supplemented with 5g/day/cow of live yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (probiotic), yeast wall fraction group (YWF; n=10) supplemented with 5g/day/cow of yeast wall fraction (mannans and β-glucans; prebiotic) and the Mixture group (MIX; n=10) received dry period diet with a combination of 5g of yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and 5 g of yeast wall fraction(mannans and β-glucans) (synbiotic). Colostrum samples were collected in sterile universal containers immediately after calving and frozen at - 20°C until analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS “IBM SPSS V. 22.0”. Significant differences in colostrum IgG concentration (IgG˃50g/l) were shown for the yeast group and mixture compared to control group (P˂0.01) compared to the control group. There was no effect of body condition score (BCS), age, parity and the sex of neonates (P˃0.05) on colostrum IgG concentration. The correlation between Radial immunodiffusion (RID) and refractometer was high and positive (r=0.785) for colostrum. In conclusion, supplementation of dairy cows with probiotics and synbiotics positively improved the immunological quality of colostrum. The Brix refractometer stands as an accessible and cost-effective tool for on-farm use, assisting producers and veterinarians in improving their calf health management programs. Therefore, avoid fatal neonatal diseases in newborns.

Enhancing prognostication of corpus luteum function in cows through B-mode and Doppler sonography

2024-12-23T16:47:48+01:00

The utilization of B-mode ultrasound and Doppler techniques in ruminants has emerged as a promising avenue for investigating the intricacies of female reproductive physiology, with a specific focus on the dynamic processes occurring within the follicles and corpus luteum (CL). The primary objective of this investigation was to comprehensively characterize and evaluate the activity of the CL in cows using B-mode and Doppler sonography. To achieve this, 31 Algerian brown atlas cows were subjected to synchronization using the well-established Ovsynch protocol. Ovulation monitoring was conducted using an ultrasound scanner equipped with an endocavitary probe operating at a frequency of 7.5 MHz, precisely 24 and 48 hours after the final administration of GnRH. Subsequently, daily ultrasound assessments were carried out to closely monitor the development of the resulting CL, commencing from the day of ovulation (D0) and continuing up until D20. By meticulously observing morphological changes within the CL, detecting variations in blood flow through ultrasound-Doppler technology, and measuring serum progesterone (P4) levels, three distinct phases were discerned within the comprehensive summary curve, illustrating the relative evolution of these parameters: a phase characterized by luteal growth, a subsequent static phase, and finally, a regression phase.
Notably, a robust correlation was observed between the area of the CL and P4 (0.67; p < 0.001), as well as between the CL blood flow area and P4 (0.93; p < 0.001). The application of colour Doppler imaging facilitated the estimation of blood flow quantity and patterns within the CL, which indirectly served as an indicator of its functional status. Consequently, assessing the vascularity of the CL holds great promise as a superior marker for evaluating its secretory activity, thereby providing an invaluable tool for making informed reproductive management decisions. These decisions encompass various aspects, including the objective selection of recipients within bovine embryo transfer programs, as well as the timely detection of pregnancies in both heifers and cows.

Comprehensive assessment of metabolic profile and dynamics of lipid metabolism alterations in calves with intrauterine growth restriction

2024-12-23T16:47:49+01:00

One of the complications of pregnancy in cows is intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUFR). In this condition, the fetus lags in size and weight relative to gestational age, which negatively affects both the cow and its offspring. This study aimed to establish differences in blood parameters between calves born to dams with physiologically progressing pregnancies and those born to cows diagnosed with IUFR immediately after birth and to monitor changes in lipid metabolism parameters dynamically. The research was conducted on 30 Simmental calves, divided into two groups (16 calves with a history of IUFR and 14 without pathology) on a farm owned by IP Rogacheva G.A. (Astrakhan region, Ikryaninsky district). The presence of IUFR was determined by clinical-ultrasonographic examination. Overall blood parameter assessment was conducted 24 hours after calf birth, and levels of total lipids and cholesterol were examined in serum collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after birth. A decrease in glucose level, total protein, and immunoglobulin, and an increase in lactate, lactate/pyruvate ratio, and albumin-globulin ratio in blood collected one day after birth were identified. The dynamics of lipid metabolism changes indicate a persistent decrease in total lipids in serum from days 1 to 14 of life and cholesterol from days 1 to 3 of life. The obtained data contribute to the possibility of correctly selecting methods to correct the negative consequences in calves induced by IUFR development.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN CATTLE UNDERGOING ENTERECTOMIES

2024-12-23T16:47:49+01:00

Post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs) have a detrimental impact on patient mortality, morbidity, and medical expenses. Large ruminants' post-operative SSIs have not been examined in any studies. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine various risk factors responsible for causing surgical site infections (SSIs) in cattle having enterectomies. The present study was conducted in cattle (n=30) suffering from intussusceptions and underwent laparo-enterectomies to evaluate rate of SSIs and the risk variables that cause these SSIs. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative parameters were noted, and each case was monitored for 35 days following discharge on alternate days for the diagnosis of SSIs. These parameters were then compared between cattle that developed SSIs and the cattle that did not develop SSIs. The overall rate of SSIs in laparo-enterectomies was 40% (12/30). Increased days of illness (6.42 ± 0.48 days), increased age (3.13 ± 0.29 years), hypoalbuminemia (2.53 ± 0.08 g/dl), ineffective scrubbing (n=3), increased TLC level (24236 ± 2206.7/mm³), and increased PCV (41.64 ± 1.38%) were associated with a higher risk for SSIs in the preoperative period in cattle. Intra-operative risk factors were intra-operative contamination (n=1), increased mean duration of procedure (117.33 ± 2.53 minutes), increased blood loss (540.83 ± 56.10 ml), use of subcutaneous sutures and operation by students with less level of experience. Post-operative risk factors were more than 2 days hospital stay (n=6), dehiscence of subcutaneous suture material (n=9), severe hypoalbuminemia (<2.5 g/dl, n=9) and anemia (<8 g/dl, n=7) at post-operative days. In conclusion, cattle with Intussusception belong to ASA-4 physical status and require emergency laparo-enterectomy, which is a clean contaminated surgery and possess a high risk of post-operative infections. Early identification and successful management of the risk factors like pre and post operative hypoalbuminemia, anaemia, increased TLC and PCV values, intra operative blood loss, increased duration of surgery and use of subcutaneous sutures can lessen the complication rate in the post-operative period.

Traditional equestrian events in Italy: results of the official veterinary controls carried out during the period 2017-2023

2024-12-23T16:47:49+01:00

Traditional equestrian events, such as races, jousting and tournaments, where equids (donkeys and horses) are used outside authorised hippodromes, are still widespread in Italy and represent important religious and historical events. However, in the last years, public debate on animal welfare and public safety in these events has increased due to the high risks of injuries both for animals and humans. For these reasons the Italian Ministry of Health issued a specific ordinance for the protection of equids, riders and spectators during these events. According to the ordinance, official veterinarians must participate in all phases of the event and complete a technical report with information concerning the type of the event, the characteristics of the environment, the characteristics of the animals and any fatal or non-fatal incidents involving the animals. The present study reported for the first time information regarding these Italian traditional equestrian events, with a focus on issues related to animal health and welfare (i.e., injuries and death cases). The number of equestrian events reported by the official veterinarians during the study period (September 2017-December 2023) was 572. The predominant event type were races (n=291) followed by jousting events (n=182), tournaments (n=37) and pariglia (n=28). A total of 10,055 equids (horses and donkeys) participated to these traditional events. Concerning injuries, lethal outcomes, or other problematic situations, 47 cases were reported during the reference period, corresponding to 0.5% of all equids (n=10,055) that participated during the traditional events. Forty-six cases involved horses and only one case concerned donkeys. Six cases, all involving horses, resulted in death or euthanasia (6/47; 12.8%), which corresponded to 0.07% of the horses that competed from September 2017 to December 2023. The frequency of incidents by event type was quite similar among races, quintains, pariglia, and tournaments. The ground type that resulted in the most incidents was quarry material (28.6%), followed by pozzolana (13.3%) and tuff (10%). Concerning track length most of the injuries occurred on tracks ranging from 501 to 1000m and on tracks overs 1000m. Although the number of incidents reported during the study period is below 1%, these findings could help risks managers and policymakers to take informed decisions aimed to protect equid welfare during these types of events.

Exploring the Genetic basis of Residual Feed Intake (RFI) to predict feed-efficient in beef bulls

2024-12-23T16:47:48+01:00

Residual feed intake (RFI) is defined as the difference between actual feed consumption and the predicted feed intake based on a bull's live weight, growth, and maintenance needs. Bulls with low RFI values are considered more efficient because they have reduced feed costs compared to those with high RFI values. Identifying marker genes that control RFI is challenging due to the significant variation in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the antagonistic expression of genes that regulate the RFI trait in bulls. In this literature review, we searched for potential genes, their positional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their chromosomal locations, and their expression patterns to better understand the regulation of RFI traits in bulls. Based on specific inclusion criteria, this review explored over 200 studies on RFI in beef bulls and steers published between 2012 and 2022. The review utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and identified 511 genes located on 240 chromosomal loci in 7,992 beef bulls. Of these genes, 52 were consistently reported as modulating RFI, while 469 were unique and only reported once. During this period, 228 of the 244 chromosomal loci were reported multiple times, while 16 were reported only once. The literature search revealed that 11 studies linked the bovine chromosome 6 (BTA6) to RFI quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in bulls. Similarly, eight studies linked BTA8, ten linked BTA7, and eight linked BTA11 to RFI QTLs. Additionally, 228 SNPs were identified across 30 chromosomal locations between 2012 and 2023. This review provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying feed efficiency (FE) regulation and lays the groundwork for identifying molecular markers associated with FE in bulls across all breeds and populations.

Exogenous melatonin: effects on lactation and colostrogenesis in small ruminant livestock

2024-12-23T16:47:49+01:00

Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone that is involved in numerous functions in animals, most studies have focused on the ability to control reproduction in species that are sensitive to photoperiodicity. Recently, however, the number of studies on the effects of melatonin on productive aspects of small ruminant livestock has increased. This review summarizes recent published studies on the effects of exogenous melatonin on lactation and colostrogenesis in small ruminants. The melatonin membrane receptors MT1 and MT2 are in the epithelial cells of the mammary glands, which suggests that melatonin might influence milk yield and composition. Furthermore, melatonin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune properties, might regulate udder health. Research has shown that melatonin influences the immune system by affecting the synthesis of IgG; however, the precise pathway through which melatonin influences lactation and colostrogenesis in small ruminants is not fully understood. Variability in the effects of exogenous melatonin on lactation and colostrogenesis occurs because of differences in administration routes, dosing protocols, and environmental conditions.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CRANIAL MENINGOCELE IN 4 COW CALVES

2024-12-23T16:47:48+01:00

The study reports the management of congenital cranial meningocele in 4 female cow calves (3 Holstein Friesen crossbred and one indigenous Gir breed). All the calves were presented with the complaint of a soft tissue swelling {with (2 calves) or without hairy skin (2 calves)} in the cranium bones. Radiography in one calf revealed a gap in the frontal suture. While, echocardiography revealed atrial septal defect in one calf. Out of 4, 3 were surgically operated under local infiltration and diazepam + ketamine injectable anaesthesia. The one Holstein Friesen crossbred calf with a small non-cystic soft tissue swelling and no hairy skin covering was not operated but recovered completely on follow up. Out of the other 3 calves operated, one completely recovered (HF crossbred with Atrial septal defect) while one (Sahiwal) showed circling nervous signs in post-operative period but recovered with medicines, and the third calf showed blindness and circling after 7 days of surgery and did not respond to treatment. It was concluded that cystic cranial meningocele should be surgically resected while small non-cystic cranial meningocele without skin covering can be left as such for healing.