副乳头对奶牛生产性能的影响及其相关基因LGR5的遗传表达分析

试验旨在探究副乳头（SNT）对奶牛产奶性能的影响及乳腺发育相关基因LGR5与副乳头发生的关系。收集325头有副乳头奶牛及同年出生的737头无副乳头奶牛的产奶性能数据,比较有、无副乳头奶牛间的产奶性能差异;利用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测有、无副乳头奶牛LGR5基因的表达差异,通过直接测序法测定有、无副乳头奶牛的LGR5基因序列,寻找该基因上的遗传突变。结果表明,无副乳头奶牛的日产奶量、高峰奶量及泌乳持续力等产奶性能均优于有副乳头奶牛,但未达到统计学显著水平;LGR5基因在有副乳头奶牛中的表达量显著高于无副乳头奶牛（P<0.05）;在LGR5基因第1内含子中检测到3个SNPs：rs42849472、rs42849471和rs42849470,有副乳头奶牛中3个SNPs的AA基因型频率均极显著高于无副乳头奶牛（P<0.01）。结果提示,LGR5基因可能与奶牛副乳头发生有关,可作为有效的候选基因。     

猪翻乳头的解剖组织学特征的研究与探讨

通过对正常乳头，翻乳头，副乳头及其乳房的组织样本进行解剖学观察，对照，发现正常乳头由乳基，乳头本组成；翻乳头由乳基，不明显的乳头体组成；副乳头只有小突起。对各类乳腺做成切片观察，对照，发现正常乳头和翻乳头均有完整的乳腺，乳管，副乳头的乳腺，乳管不发达，且很稀少。     

Effect of dry period length on the effect of an intramammary teat sealant on the risk of mastitis in cattle treated with antibiotics at drying off

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate, under farm conditions, the use of a teat sealant in addition to whole herd dry cow antibiotic therapy on the risk of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle at pasture, and to evaluate the impact of dry period length on that risk and the impact of the teat sealant on that risk.

METHODS: Dairy cows in three herds which used routine whole herd antibiotic therapy were randomly assigned to receive either treatment with an internal teat sealant (n=322) or no additional treatment (n=313) at drying-off between March and May 2010. All clinical mastitis cases during the dry period and to the end of the subsequent lactation were recorded by farm staff; factors affecting risk of clinical mastitis were then analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS: Median duration of the dry period was 112 days with >25% of cows having a dry period >130 days. The incidence risk of mastitis during lactation for cows treated with teat sealant was 9.9 (95% CI=6.9–13.7) cases per 100 cows compared with 17.9 (95% CI=13.8–22.6) cases per 100 cows for cows treated with antibiotic alone. The addition of a teat sealant to dry cow antibiotic therapy decreased the risk of clinical mastitis only in the first 33 days after calving (Hazard risk 0.24 (95% CI=0.12–0.48)). Length of dry period did not significantly affect the risk of clinical mastitis, or the effect of adding teat sealant to dry cow antibiotic therapy on the risk of clinical mastitis.

CONCLUSIONS: In these herds where, based on the mastitis history, whole herd antibiotic therapy had been recommended, the use of a teat sealant significantly reduced the risk of clinical mastitis. This effect was limited to the first 33 days after calving; subsequently there was no significant effect of treatment. There was no effect of dry period length on risk of clinical mastitis, nor any significant interaction with treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combination therapy with teat sealant and antibiotic was effective under New Zealand conditions in herds using whole herd antibiotic treatment at drying off. Teat sealant reduced risk of clinical mastitis in cattle with dry periods substantially longer than 100 days, and there was no evidence that this effect changed as dry period length increased.     

奶牛纯中药乳头消毒剂的临床应用效果观察

将93头奶牛分成3组,1组31头用碘伏进行乳头药浴,2 组 32 头用鱼腥草、红花和明矾组成的中药乳头消毒剂进行药浴,30 头作为对照组,35 d的临床应用,结果如下:中药乳头消毒剂和碘伏能使临床型乳腺炎发病率降低,差异不显著(P>0 05);1组隐性乳腺炎的发病率,由药浴前的 58 1%下降到 48 4%,与对照组差异显著(P<0 05),2组隐性乳腺炎的发病率由药浴前的81 3%下降到药浴后的75%,与对照组差异显著(P>0 05);1 组和2组隐性乳腺炎的乳区发病率差异不显著(P>0 05),与对照组差异极显著(P<0 01);中药乳头消毒剂药浴后体细胞数和LDH活性明显降低,与药浴前差异显著(P<0 05);NAGase的活性药浴前后差异不显著(P>0 05),该中药乳头消毒剂对奶产量无显著影响。     

Experimental reconstruction of teat mucosa by vestibular mucosal graft in cows. A histopathologic and radiographic study

Injuries to the teat in dairy cows can result in partial or complete obstruction of the teat lumen. Different treatment techniques have been used to restore normal function in injured teats, one of which is autogenous mucosal grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vestibular mucosa as a replacement for teat mucosa in severe teat injuries. Sixteen teats of four healthy, mature, non-gravid Jersey cows were randomly divided into two equal groups. Under high epidural analgesia and after surgical preparation a 1 x 1.5 cm piece of teat mucosa was removed. In group 1, the defect was replaced by a 2 x 2.5 cm vestibular mucosa, whereas in group 2, the defect was left open. In both groups, a sterile disposable teat cannula was inserted into the teat cistern following surgery. To evaluate luminal diameter, double contrast radiography with constant air pressure was performed every 25 days till day 125, after which the animals were slaughtered and teats removed for histopathological study (H&E staining). On the basis of radiographic examination, luminal narrowing in group 2 was significantly more severe than in group 1. Histopathologically, the entire mucosal grafts of group 1 were taken and a good adhesion could be seen between the graft and the host epithelium. In group 2, severe submucosal fibrosis and mucosal papilloid hyperplasia resulted in severe narrowing of the teat cistern. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that using vestibular mucosal grafts with temporary insertion of teat cannula can be considered as a method of treating teat mucosal injuries.     

Influence of milking technique and lactation on the bovine teat by means of ultrasonographic examination

The teats of Brown Swiss and Austrian Simmental cows, divided into two groups, one milked by means of an automatic milking system, the other using a conventional milking parlour, were examined monthly by ultrasonography. Aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different milking machines upon the structures of the bovine teat canal and wall by ultrasonography and thereby evaluate ultrasonography as a research tool for visualisation of different influences on the bovine teat. Length and thickness of the teat canal and teat wall thickness were measured and analysed. During lactation, teat canal length and thickness increased in both groups, teat canal length decreased in conventional milked cows at the end of lactation. Shorter and narrower teat canals were observed in automatic milked cows. Differences between the groups in teat canal length and thickness were determined in early lactation. During lactation teat wall thickness showed a slight increase. Automatic milked cows displayed thinner teat walls than cows milked in the milking parlour. Teat morphology was influenced by the number and duration of lactations, milk yield, quarter of the udder and time and date of examination. It was concluded that the effect of the two different milking machines caused significant differences in bovine teat morphology and that ultrasonography proved to be an appropriate method for visualising influences of the milking technique on the bovine teat.     

Relationship between California Mastitis Test score and ultrasonographic teat measurements in dairy cows

Objective The majority of published studies about mastitis are related to the control and prevention of mastitis, with particular emphasis on eliminating predisposition factors. The objective of the current study was to determine the role of teat morphology as an important factor in the aetiology of mastitis. Design Ultrasonographic measurements were taken from 190 teats from 100 dairy cows of different breeds. Procedure Mastitis in cows was diagnosed by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and microbiological tests. The data were evaluated in the light of the clinical history of the animals. Results Main effects of breed on teat diameter at the position of the Furstenberg rosette (FTD) and teat cistern diameter (CD), that of age on FTD and overall teat diameter (OTD), and that of CMT score on CD and OTD were significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Number of lactations, pregnancy, the lactation period and the udder lobe (rear, front) were not found to have a significant effect on any of the measurements. Results showed that CD was significantly smaller (1.44 ± 0.04 cm) (P < 0.01) in CMT‐positive udder lobes than that in CMT‐negative lobes. No difference was detected in canal length, CD, teat wall thickness, OTD or FTD between the CMT‐positive and ‐negative lobes. Conclusion The occurrence of mastitis could be related to specific ultrasonographic teat measurements (e.g. CD, OTD and FTD) and these may be important in the breeding of cows with a predisposition to mastitis, as well in the evaluation of in‐herd cows in terms of udder/teat deformities.     

Effects of different teat inserts on wound healing of experimentally incised streak canal in non-lactating cattle

The recurrence of reduced milk flow is a common sequela after placement of teat inserts in the streak canal as a treatment for teat injury. We evaluated the effects of three types of commercial teat inserts on wound healing. Thirty-two normal streak canals of eight cows were incised longitudinally using a teat knife. Then, a wax-bougie, silicone self-retaining cannula, and catgut teat dilator were placed in each cow for 7 days. No insert was placed on the remaining teat as a control. Histopathological examination revealed that granulation polyps with squamous metaplasia developed in the area around the rosette of Furstenberg in most teats in which silicone cannulas and catgut teat dilators were placed, whereas the controls and the teats with wax-bougies healed with less tissue reaction. This study suggests that the placement of irritating inserts, such as a silicone cannula and catgut teat dilator, interfere with wound healing.     

Effect of pre-milking teat preparation procedures on the microbial count on teats prior to cluster application

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of six pre-milking teat preparation procedures on lowering the staphylococal, streptococcal and coliform microbial count on teat skin prior to cluster application. The teat preparations included 'Iodine', 'Chlorhexidine' teat foam, 'Washing and drying' with paper, 'No preparation', 'Chlorine' teat foam, and disinfectant 'Wipes'. Teat preparations were applied for five days to 10 cows for each treatment during two herd management periods (indoors and outdoors). Teats were swabbed on day four and five before teat preparation and repeated after teat preparation. The swabs were plated on three selective agars: Baird Parker (Staphylococcus spp.), Edwards (Streptococcus spp.), and MacConkey (coliform). Following incubation, microbial counts for each pathogen type were manually counted and assigned to one of six categories depending on the microbial counts measured. The results were analysed by logistic regression using SAS 28. The main analysis was conducted on binary improvement scores for the swabbing outcomes. There were no differences for staphylococcal, streptococcal and coliform bacterial counts between treatments, measured 'before' teat preparation. Treatments containing 'Chlorhexidine' teat foam (OR = 4.46) and 'Wipes' (OR = 4.46) resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the staphylococcal count on teats compared to 'Washing and drying' or 'No preparation'. 'Chlorine' teat foam (OR = 3.45) and 'Wipes' (3.45) had the highest probability (P < 0.01) of reducing streptococcal counts compared to 'Washing and drying' or 'No preparation'. There was no statistical difference between any of the disinfectant treatments applied in reducing coliforms. Thus, the use of some disinfectant products for pre-milking teat preparation can have beneficial effects on reducing the levels of staphylococcal and streptococcal pathogens on teat skin.     

Clinical and ultrasonographic findings in the mammary gland of sheep

AIM: To compare clinical and ultrasonographic findings and assess the value of ultrasonography for evaluating the structure and condition of the teat and teat canal of sheep.

METHODS: The mammary glands of 30 lactating ewes were examined clinically and using ultrasonography. The distance from the teat tip to the ground was measured and diagnostic images of the body of the gland, gland cistern and teat cistern were obtained using an 8.5 MHz frequency ultrasonic transducer. A California mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological culture were performed on milk samples collected from each half of each udder.

RESULTS: Udder parenchyma and teats were palpably normal in 27/30 (90%) ewes. Milk clots or abnormalities were evident in 4/30 (13%) udders, lesions in the glandular parenchyma and/or teats were evident by palpation in 3/30 (10%), and pathogenic bacteria were cultured from 2/30 (7%). In both of the latter cases, mastitis was diagnosed based on clotted and discoloured appearance of milk and highly positive CMT reactions. Ultrasonographic examination in these udders revealed non-homogenous regions in the glandular tissue and alternating areas of hyperechogenic and hypoechogenic tissue. Overall, highly positive CMT reactions were evident in milk from 14/30 (47%) left halves and 9/30 (30%) right halves (p=0.02). No relationship between teat-to-ground distances and CMT results was evident (p>0.05). Teat canal lengths ranged from 5.7–10.3 mm (mean=8.6; SD=1.3 mm) and the widths from 1.8–3.1 mm (mean=2.3; SD=0.4 mm). Milk sampled from ewes that had long (≥9 mm) or wide (≥2 mm) teat canals was highly positive to the CMT in 75% and 83% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurements of the length and width of the teat canal appeared to correlate with CMT results. The use of ultrasonography in evaluating the health of the udder of small ruminants holds promise for the future.     

Comparison of cephalonium alone and in combination with an internal teat sealant for dry cow therapy in seasonally calving dairy cows

AIM: To assess the effect of combining an internal teat sealant (ITS) and a long-acting cephalonium-based dry cow therapy (DCT) on the prevalence of cows with a somatic cell count (SCC) >150,000 cells/mL 60–80 days after calving, and the incidence of clinical mastitis diagnosed by farm staff in the first 100 days after calving.

METHODS: Cows from a spring-calving, pasture-based, dairy farm in the South Canterbury region of New Zealand were randomly allocated to receive cephalonium DCT (n=289) or cephalonium and internal teat sealant (n=304) at the end of lactation. Cows were inspected twice daily by farm staff during the dry period and following calving for signs of mastitis. Individual SCC were determined from herd tests conducted in the previous lactation and following calving. Logistic regression models were used to determine relationships with the prevalence of cows with a SCC >150,000 cells/mL after calving, and survival analysis was used to model time to the first case of clinical mastitis following calving at the cow and quarter level.

RESULTS: The OR for a cow with a SCC >150,000 cells/mL after calving, including age and individual SCC in the preceding lactation in the model, was 0.53 (95% CI=0.32–0.89) for cows treated with combination therapy compared to cows receiving cephalonium (p=0.017). At the cow level, including age and preceding SCC in the model, the hazard ratio for diagnosis of clinical mastitis by farm staff in the first 100 days of lactation was 0.60 (95% CI=0.39–0.98) for cows treated with combination therapy compared to cows receiving cephalonium (p=0.04). At the quarter level, the hazard ratio for diagnosis of clinical mastitis, with age included in the model, was 0.41 (95% CI=0.23–0.74) for the combination therapy compared to cephalonium alone (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of internal teat sealant and cephalonium DCT was more effective than cephalonium alone at reducing clinical mastitis diagnosed by farm staff in the 100 days after calving, and the prevalence of cows with a SCC >150,000 cells/mL 60–80 days after calving.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study adds to the evidence that the prevention of intra mammary infections throughout the dry period and up to calving by using combination therapy is important in reducing the incidence of farmer-diagnosed clinical mastitis and prevalence of cows with a SCC >150,000 cells/mL 60–80 days after calving.     

Teat canal diameter and other cow factors with possible influence on somatic cell counts in cow milk

A case-control study on matched pairs of cows in 2 counties of Norway indicated a strong positive association between teat canal diameter (TCD) and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. The study indicated further a highly significant association between leakage of milk and high SCC and a significant association between teat injury and high SCC. Finally, an association between the shape of the teat end and SCC that was nearly significant (p = .067) when considered in isolation, was shown to exist through it's dependency on TCD. A flat or inverted teat end is associated with a large TCD while a pointed or round teat end tends to have a smaller TCD.     

Effect of treatment with an internal teat sealant at drying-off in cows wintered on forage crops in New Zealand on clinical mastitis and somatic cell counts

AIMS: To determine the impact of treatment with internal teat sealant (ITS) compared to no treatment at drying-off on the incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) during the dry period and 84 days after calving, and the prevalence of cows with somatic cell counts (SCC) ≥200,000?cells/mL at the first lactation herd test, for cows wintered on forage crops.

METHODS: In four dairy herds in the South Island of New Zealand, cows with no history of CM or individual SCC >100,000?cells/mL during the 2015–16 season were randomly assigned to treatment with ITS in each quarter (ITS group) at drying-off or no treatment (Control group). Cows were otherwise treated similarly, wintered on forage crops and transferred to pasture for calving and lactation. Cows were monitored over the dry period and for 84 days after calving, and any case of CM recorded. Individual SCC were recorded at the first herd test after calving.

RESULTS: Between drying-off and 84 days after calving 36/470 (7.7%) cows in the ITS groups and 73/442 (16.5%) cows in the Control group were diagnosed with CM (RR=0.46; 95% CI=0.26–0.73). The final multivariable logistic regression model included an interaction between treatment group and length of dry period. For a Friesian/Jersey cow, aged 4–8 years, with a dry period of 30–80 days, dried off without ITS, the probability of CM in the study period was 0.12 (95% CI=0.09–0.16), and for such a cow treated with ITS the probability was 0.07 (95% CI=0.05–0.10). For an equivalent cow, with a dry period of 81–140 days, which was untreated, the probability was 0.21 (95% CI=0.14–0.29), and for such a cow treated with ITS it was 0.05 (95% CI=0.02–0.11). At the first herd test after calving 77/383 (20.1%) cows in the Control group and 57/425 (13.4%) cows in the ITS group had SCC ≥200,000?cells/mL (RR=1.51; 95% CI=1.10–2.06).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For these farms, treatment of cows with no history of elevated SCC or CM with ITS at drying-off halved the incidence of CM between drying-off and 84 days after calving, and reduced by 33% the proportion of cows with SCC≥200,000 at the first herd test after calving, compared with untreated cows. Treatment with ITS reduced the risk of CM proportionally more for cows with a dry period of 81–140 days than for cows with a shorter dry period.     

Effect of using an internal teat sealant at drying-off in cows wintered on forage crops in New Zealand on culling in the dry period and early lactation

AIMS: To determine the impact of treatment with internal teat sealant (ITS) compared to no treatment at drying-off on culling during the dry period and 90 days after calving, for cows wintered on forage crops.

METHODS: In four dairy herds in the South Island of New Zealand, cows with no history of clinical mastitis or somatic cell counts >100,000 cells/mL during the 2015–16 season were randomly assigned to treatment with ITS in each quarter (ITS group) or no treatment (Control group). Cows were otherwise treated similarly, wintered on forage crops and transferred to pasture for calving and lactation. Culling was defined as an unplanned exit from the herd, including cows sold for slaughter, cows slaughtered for salvage value and cows that died on farm. Culls and cull dates were recorded between drying-off and 90 days after calving.

RESULTS: Between drying-off and 90 days after calving 24/491 (4.9%) cows in the ITS group and 45/473 (9.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.51; 95% CI=0.75–0.83), and between 30 days before calving and 90 days after calving 20/491 (4.1%) cows in the ITS group and 40/473 (8.5%) cows in the Control group were culled (RR=0.48; 95% CI=0.29–0.81). In the final multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for dry-period length, cow age, breed and farm, the OR for culling in the study period was 0.43 (95% CI=0.23–0.81) for cows in the ITS compared with the Control group. For a Friesian/Jersey cow, aged 4–8 years, with a dry period of 30–80 days, dried-off without ITS, the probability of culling in the study period was 0.10 (95% CI=0.06–0.16), and for such a cow treated with ITS the probability was 0.05 (95% CI=0.03–0.08).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In these four herds, the use of ITS at drying-off reduced the incidence of culling between drying-off and 90 days after calving. The use of ITS at drying-off in cows prior to wintering on forage crops may provide additional benefit to farmers through reduced incidence of culling and should be considered in any cost–benefit analysis of its use.     

CD117‐ and vimentin‐positive telocytes in the bovine teat sphincter

Mastitis is a common economically relevant problem in dairy farming. As the major entry for pathogens is the papillary duct, one of the first defence mechanisms is the teat sphincter. This sphincter shows a rhythmic contractility of yet unknown origin. Searching for possible modulatory pacemaker cells, teat sphincters of eight cows were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against CD117 and vimentin and evaluated microscopically for the presence of telocytes. CD117‐ and vimentin‐positive telocytes with telopodes were found in close contact with smooth muscle cells. Our findings present a first evidence of telocytes in the teat of bovines.     

Use of a jugular vein graft in a modified Blalock-Taussig procedure in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether autologous jugular veins provide functional grafts with high 30-day patency rates in an experimental model of systemic-to-pulmonary shunting performed with a modified Blalock-Taussig procedure. ANIMALS: 15 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURE: A segment of the left jugular vein was implanted between the left subclavian and pulmonary arteries. Echocardiograms were obtained prior to surgery, at day 4 to 7, and at day 30 after surgery. Selective angiograms were performed immediately after surgery and on day 30. Oximetric shunt calculations were made via terminal angiography prior to euthanasia. Gross and histologic evaluations of the grafts were conducted. RESULTS: Grafts were patent in 12 of 15 dogs 30 days after surgery as assessed via auscultation, color Doppler ultrasonography, angiography, and histologic examination. Echocardiographic analysis revealed compensatory eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Mean pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio was 1.5:1. Histologic evidence of endothelialization of the anastomotic sites and vein graft arterialization was detectable at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Autologous jugular vein grafts were effectively used to create a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt by use of a modified Blalock-Taussig procedure. High patency, ready accessibility, low cost, and theoretical adaptative remodeling during patient growth make autologous jugular vein grafts a valuable alternative to synthetic materials.     

Associations between teat injuries and fistula formation in lactating dairy cows treated with surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between rate of fistula formation and parity, lactation period, wound age, wound location, and shape of teat injuries in surgically treated teats in dairy cows. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 106 lactating dairy cows with teat lacerations. PROCEDURES: Lacerations were classified via shape, location, and age. Associations between potential risk factors and fistula formation were analyzed. Seasonal distribution, type of injured teat, parity, and days in lactation were determined. RESULTS:Cows with teat injury in their first and second parity had 4.1 times the odds of fistula formation, compared with cows with parity >or= 3.Teats sutured within 48 to 72 hours of injury had 8.3 times the odds of fistula formation, compared with teats sutured within the first 24 hours. Cows in early lactation stage (first 60 days of lactation) were more susceptible to teat injuries. Occurrence of teat injury was greater at the third, fourth, and fifth parity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Season, parity, and lactation period were associated with prevalence of teat injury in lactating dairy cows in a range system. Neither the type of suture material used nor the suturing technique was associated with effects on healing of the operated full-thickness teat wounds. Factors such as parity and age of the wound can be associated with delay in the healing process, which may result in fistula formation.     

Use of mucosal grafts and temporary tube implants for treatment of teat sinus mucosal injuries

A mucosal lesion was created in the center of each test sinus of 6 mature, healthy, nonlactating Holstein cows by resecting a circumferential band of mucosa. Each lesion was then treated by implantation of strip grafts of autogenous oral mucosa, temporary silastic tube implant, or a combination of strip grafts and temporary silastic tube implant. All teats were evaluated for patency 6 weeks after treatment, and tube implants were removed through a second thelotomy incision. All teats were reevaluated for gross and radiographic patency 12 weeks after treatment, and teats were collected for histologic evaluation of lesions. All 4 teats treated with grafts only were obstructed at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Incomplete coverage of the lesion with mucosa was observed in all 4 teats. The major source of obstruction was proliferation of epithelium and keratin into the lumen. All 8 teats treated with temporary silastic tube implants alone were patent at 6 weeks after treatment, but were obstructed at 12 weeks after treatment. Foci of mucosa at the lesion site were detected in only 2 of the 8 teats. Obstruction resulted from proliferation of granulation tissue into the lumen. All 12 teats treated with grafts and a temporary tube implant were patent at 6 weeks after treatment and 11 of 12 were patent at 12 weeks after treatment, although marked luminal narrowing was evident in 9 of 11 teats. Partial to complete coverage of the lesion with mucosa was seen in all teats. Proliferative granulation tissue, epithelium, and keratin contributed to luminal narrowing in 10 of 11 patent teats. Bacteriologic culture of quarters from 6 of the 11 teats patent at the final evaluation yielded pathogens.     

Postoperative evaluation of the surgical treatment of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes in dairy cows.

The purpose of this study was the long-term evaluation of a method of surgically repairing the abnormal condition of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes in dairy cattle. A prospective evaluation of three cows that had undergone the procedure was done. These cows were evaluated from four months to one year, postoperatively. A thorough history, physical examination, contrast radiography, and ultrasonic examination were done on each cow. A retrospective evaluation of an additional 13 cows that had also undergone the procedure was obtained four months to three years following the surgery, via owner communication. The prospective portion of this study demonstrated patency of the communication between main and accessory teat cisterns. Postoperative complications included initial slow milking and mild swelling of the involved teat. These problems resolved in all cows one to two months postoperatively. None of the 16 cows that had undergone the surgery either developed or was treated for mastitis. Likewise, none of these cows was sold or slaughtered as a result of postoperative teat problems or unsatisfactory milk production. Our study demonstrated that this particular method of surgical correction of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes is effective, is esthetically acceptable, produces minimal associated complications, and preserves the milk production capacity of the gland.     

A PATHOLOGICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF BEEF COWS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

Pathological and bacteriological studies were made of a total of 507 udders from slaughtered beef cows originating from various locations in northern Queensland. Incidence of supernumerary tests was 28%, their distribution being caudal (80%), intercalary (8%), ramal (5%) and anterior 1%; 6% had both caudal and intercalary teats. They were seen most frequency in British breed and British-Brahman crossbreds (each 29%) and less frequently in Brahmans (22%). Gross lesions were found in 11.4% of cows; these lesions comprised cysts (2.8%), leech infestation (1.0%), mastitis (0.6%), teat occlusionsion (3.9%), papillomatosis (1.2%), cutaneous horns (0.4%), teat fistulas (0.4%), teat trauma (0.6%) and udder fibrosis (0.6%). Mastitis was obviously low in occurrence, while leech infestation and teat occlusion were relatively frequent in cows from one area. Bacteriological examination of single quarters in 364 cows, revealed infection in 154 (42.3%). A total of 199 isolations were made of which 3.5% were recognised mastitis pathogens. Pathological conditions were found, and bacterial isolations were made more frequently in aged than in mature or young cows.