Effect of Initial GnRH and Duration of Progesterone Insert Treatment on the Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows

The study compared response to prostaglandin F2α (PG), synchrony of ovulation and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in a 5‐ vs a 7‐day Ovsynch + PRID protocol and investigated whether the initial GnRH affects P/AI in lactating dairy cows. Two hundred and seventy‐six cows (500 inseminations) were assigned to one of four timed‐AI (TAI) protocols: (i) PRID‐7G; 100 μg GnRH im, and a progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 7 days. At PRID removal, PG (500 μg of cloprostenol) was given im. Cows received the second GnRH treatment at 60 h after PRID removal and TAI 12 h later. (ii) PRID‐5G; as PRID‐7G except the duration of PRID, treatment was 5 days and PG was given twice (12 h apart). (iii) PRID‐7NoG; as PRID‐7G except the initial GnRH, treatment was omitted. (iv) PRID‐5NoG; as PRID‐7NoG except the duration of PRID, treatment was 5 days. Response to treatments and pregnancy status at 32 and 60 days after TAI was determined by ultrasonography. The percentage of cows ovulating before TAI was greatest in PRID‐7G (17.1%), and the percentage of cows that did not have luteal regression was greatest in PRID‐5G (9.5%). The overall P/AI at 32 and 60 days did not differ among TAI protocols. However, during resynchronization, cows subjected to the 5‐day protocols had greater (p < 0.05) P/AI (45.3% vs 33.6%) than cows subjected to the 7‐day protocols. Pregnancy loss between 32 and 60 days tended (p = 0.10) to be greater in cows that did not receive initial GnRH (14.8%) compared to those that received GnRH (8.2%). In conclusion, the PRID‐5G protocol resulted in fewer cows responding to PG, but P/AI did not differ among TAI protocols. A 5‐day protocol resulted in more P/AI in resynchronized cows, and cows that did not receive initial GnRH tended to experience more pregnancy losses.     

Experimental studies of the role of the little raven (Corvus mellori) in surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia

Objective To study the potential role of an Australian corvid, the little raven (Corvus mellori), in the surveillance for exotic West Nile virus (WNV) in Australia. Method In a series of trials, little ravens were infected with WNV (strain 4132 New York 1999) and Kunjin virus (strain K42886) by the intramuscular route. They were observed for 20 days during which blood and swab samples were taken for virus isolation. Tissue samples were taken from ravens humanely killed during the acute infection period, and at the termination of the trials, for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results Ravens infected with WNV became mildly ill, but all recovered and seroconverted. Blood virus titres peaked around 3 to 4 days after inoculation at levels between 10^3.0 to 10^7.5 plaque forming units/mL. Virus or viral antigen was detected in spleen, liver, lung, kidney, intestine, testis and ovary by virus isolation and/or immunohistochemistry. WNV was detected in oral and cloacal swabs from 2 to 7 days post inoculation. The molecular and pathogenic characteristics of the inocula were consistent with them being of high virulence, as expected for this isolate. Ravens infected with Kunjin virus developed viraemia and seroconverted, although they did not develop disease. Conclusions Little ravens do not develop severe disease in response to virulent WNV infection and for this reason may not be important sentinel hosts in the event of an outbreak of WNV, as in North America. However, as they have relatively high viraemias, they may be able to support virus cycles.     

Leukotrienes Affect Secretory Function of Ovarian Cells In Vitro*

The aim of this study was to determine which cells are the source of production and target for leukotriene (LTs) action within the bovine ovary. Luteal (CL, days 14–16 of the oestrous cycle), steroidogenic cells (LSC) and endothelial cells (LEC) of the bovine corpus luteum (CL), and granulosa cells (GC) were isolated enzymatically, cultured in a monolayer and incubated with LTC₄, LTB₄, Azelastine (an antagonist of LTC₄) or Dapsone (an antagonist of LTB₄). Then cells were collected for determination of mRNA expression for LT receptors (LTRs) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) by real time RT‐PCR, and media were collected for determination of prostaglandin (PG)E₂, F_2α, progesterone (P4; LSC only), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1; LEC only) and 17‐β oestradiol (E2; GC only). The greatest mRNA expression for LTR‐II and 5‐LO were found in LEC, whereas LTR‐I mRNA expression did not differ among cell types. The level of PGE₂ increased after LTs treatment in each type of ovarian cell, excluding LTC₄ treatment in LEC. The secretion of PGF_2α was also increased by LTs, but decreased after LTB₄ treatment of LSC. In GC cultures, both LTs stimulated E2 secretion; in LEC cultures, LTB₄ stimulated whereas LTC₄ inhibited P4 secretion; in LEC cultures, LTC₄ stimulated but LTB₄ inhibited ET‐1 secretion. The results show that LTs are produced locally and are involved in PGs production/secretion in all examined cells (LSC, LEC and GC) of bovine ovary. Leukotriene treatment modulate secretion of E2, by GC, P4 by LSC and ET‐1 by LEC, which indicates that LTs are involved in regulation of ovarian secretory functions.     

Transient glucose malabsorption in two horses fact or artefact?

Two horses, presented for investigation of chronic weight loss despite normal to increased feed intake, had flat oral glucose absorption curves, suggesting malabsorption. The cause of the apparent malabsorption was not evident grossly or on light microscopic examination of the intestinal tract. Both horses survived long term and at follow-up examination had regained weight and their capacity to absorb glucose. These cases illustrate that flat glucose absorption curves may occur in horses with no obvious intestinal lesions, that they may revert to normal and that the results of these tests should be interpreted with caution.     

Performance and environmental effects of forage production on sandy soils. II. Impact of defoliation system and nitrogen input on nitrate leaching losses

A field experiment was conducted over a 4‐year period to determine NO₃ leaching losses from grassland on a freely draining sandy soil. The experiment consisted of all combinations of five defoliation systems; cutting‐only (CO), rotational grazing (GO), mixed systems with one (MSI) or two silage cuts (MSII) plus subsequent rotational grazing, and simulated grazing (SG), four mineral nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha^?1 year^?1), and two slurry levels (0 and 20 m³ slurry ha^?1 year^?1). Due to the high N return by grazing animals, leaching losses in the rotational grazing systems generally were associated with NO₃‐N concentrations which exceeded the EU limit for drinking water. NO₃ leaching losses in a rotational grazing system could be reduced by lowering the N fertilizer intensity and the inclusion of one or two silage cuts in spring. However, even in the unfertilized mixed systems, N fixation by white clover exceeded the amounts of N removed via animal products, which resulted in NO₃‐N concentrations well above the EU limit for drinking water. In terms of leaching losses, the cutting‐only system was the most advantageous treatment. NO₃ leaching losses on grassland could be predicted by the amount of soil mineral N at the end of the growing season and by the N surplus calculated from N balances at the field scale. From the results obtained a revised nitrogen fertilization policy and a reduced grazing intensity by integrating silage cuts are suggested.     

Performance and environmental effects of forage production on sandy soils. III. Energy efficiency in forage production from grassland and maize for silage

Based on experimental data gathered in a research project on nitrogen fluxes in intensive dairy farming in Northern Germany, an analysis of fossil energy input and energy efficiency in forage production from permanent grassland and maize for silage was conducted. Field experiments comprised different defoliation systems and different rates of mineral N fertilizer and slurry application. Each change from grazing to cutting in grassland systems reduced the energy efficiency. Energy efficiency consistently decreased with increasing rates of mineral N application. In the production of maize for silage, maximum energy efficiency was obtained with an application of 50 kg N ha^?1 from slurry only. Net energy yields of maize for silage were much higher than that of grassland when compared at the same level of fossil energy and nitrogen fertilizer input. Considering both nitrate‐leaching losses and a necessary minimum quantity of grass herbage in a well‐balanced ration, it is suggested that a high proportion of maize for silage in combination with N‐unfertilized grass/clover swards used in a mixed cutting/grazing system represents a good trade‐off between the leaching of nitrates and energy efficiency.     

Lactose Synthase Components in Milk: Concentrations of α-Lactalbumin and β1,4-Galactosyltransferase in Milk of Cows from Several Breeds at Various Stages of Lactation

It is believed that milk production is determined by the number and activity of mammary secretory cells. Secretory activity, as assessed by milk volume, depends on secretion of the major osmole in milk, lactose, which is produced by lactose synthase. The amount of either of the two proteins in lactose synthase may regulate milk production. The objective of this study was to determine whether the concentrations in milk of the two components of lactose synthase, α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) and β1,4‐galactosyltransferase (B4GALT), were related to genetic background, stage of lactation, breed or parity of dairy cows. α‐Lactalbumin and B4GALT concentrations were measured by ELISA and by enzyme assays, respectively, from single milk samples. Two herds with a total of 279 cows were used in the analysis. One herd contained Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cows; the second herd contained two groups of cows; Holsteins selected for high milk production and Holsteins with 1960s genetics. The α‐LA concentration in milk was greater in Jerseys and Ayrshires than in Holsteins and Brown Swiss. However, no difference in α‐LA concentration was observed in milk from high and low genetic merit cows in the Minnesota herd or among different genetic backgrounds in the Illinois herd. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentrations were similar for all groups that were analyzed. α‐Lactalbumin concentrations were positively correlated with milk protein concentration, milk fat concentration and lactose concentration. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentration in milk exhibited a strong positive correlation with number of days in milk. Although the concentration of B4GALT increased as lactation progressed, the values did not show any correlation with persistency of lactation or late lactation milk production. In conclusion, this survey shows that the two components of lactose synthase are each correlated to protein concentration and individually correlated to the concentration of other milk components and stage of lactation.     

Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares

A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.     

Comparison of two methods of detecting purulent vaginal discharge in postpartum dairy cows and effect of intrauterine cephapirin on reproductive performance

Objective   Part 1: compare the use of a Metricheck™ device (a stainless steel probe with a semi-spherical rubber cup attached at one end) to sample the contents of the anterior vagina with a vaginal speculum examination for the diagnosis of pus in the vagina of postpartum dairy cows and to investigate the association of that pus with reproductive performance. Part 2: assess the effect of a single intrauterine infusion of 500 mg cephapirin in cows diagnosed with vaginal purulent or mucopurulent discharge 7 to 28 days after calving on reproductive performance.
Procedure   Six herds were visited fortnightly to examine cows that had calved between 7 and 28 days (n = 423) with both the Metricheck device and a vaginal speculum to score, by each method, the vaginal discharge from 0 (clear or absent) to 3 (purulent) for each animal included in the study. Half of the cows that had a positive discharge score (1 to 3 by either examination method) were then treated with an intrauterine infusion of 500 mg of cephapirin. The relationship between Metricheck score, vaginoscopy score, treatment and reproductive performance was assessed.
Results   There was a substantial measure of agreement between each method when scores were analysed by status. Cows that were positive with either method had inferior reproductive performance compared with cows with a score of zero. Treatment of cows diagnosed with a purulent or mucopurulent discharge with intrauterine cephapirin improved reproductive performance in both the vaginoscopy and Metricheck groups.