Somatic cell count in milk of selenium-supplemented dairy cows after an intramammary challenge with Staphylococcus aureus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on milk somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows. Twelve multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were fed a diet containing a suboptimal Se concentration (<0.05 ppm, dry basis) starting 2 months before calving. Supplemented cows (n=6) received a single s.c. injection of barium selenate (1 ml/50 kg BW) 45 days prior to calving, whereas control group was kept unsupplemented. Twenty weeks after calving, two mammary quarters (right side) of each cow were challenged with 205,000 cfu/ml of Staphylococcus aureus (strain Newbould 305). Blood was collected bi-weekly until day 150 of lactation for the analysis of blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx1; EC 1.11.1.9) activity. To re-isolate the challenging pathogen and to evaluate SCC, aseptic milk samples were collected daily starting on the day of challenge, and finishing 7 days after inoculation. Unsupplemented cows had a lower activity of GPx1 through the experiment (P<0.001). Natural log SCC (lnSCC) was higher in unsupplemented than Se-supplemented cows (P=0.04), showing evidence of significance after 5 days. Selenium supplementation of dairy cows fed a diet containing a suboptimal Se concentration, resulted in higher blood activity of GPx1, and lower mean lnSCC after an intramammary challenge with Staph. aureus.     

复方中草药添加剂对围产期奶牛产奶量及乳成分影响的研究

本试验旨在研究基础日粮中添加复方中草药对围产后期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响,为更好地发挥奶牛生产性能提供理论依据。选用围产期荷斯坦牛32头,按照年龄、胎次、预产期相近的原则,随机分成四组,对照组饲喂常规基础日粮,处理A组、处理B组、处理C组添加由黄芪、党参、香附、白术、当归、川穹、白芍、熟地等组成的复方中草药,产前21d至产后21d连续饲喂42d,添加量分别为50g／d、100g／d、150g／d。试验结果表明,处理A组、处理B组、处理C组与对照组相比,产奶量分别提高了2．74kg、4．87kg、4．73kg,差异显著（P〈0．05）,表明复方中草药能显著提高奶牛产奶量。基础日粮中添加复方中草药对乳成分的影响无明显变化规律,处理A组、处理B组、处理C组的干物质含量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率与对照组相比差异不显著（P〉0．05）。     

围产期奶牛低血钙症的发生及预防措施研究进展

围产期奶牛经历妊娠后期、分娩和泌乳等一系列生理变化,抵抗力下降,容易诱发奶牛产后诸多疾病,其中低血钙症就是本阶段易发的疾病之一.本文就围产期奶牛低血钙症的发生原因、危害、影响因素及目前的预防措施进行了总结,为奶牛围产期的饲养管理提供相应的理论参考.     

过瘤胃烟酸和胆碱对围产期奶牛泌乳性能和肝脂质代谢的影响

旨在研究日粮中添加过瘤胃保护烟酸(rumen-protected niacin,RPN)和过瘤胃保护胆碱(rumen-protected choline,RPC)对围产期奶牛泌乳性能和肝脂质代谢的影响,为缓解奶牛脂肪肝提供理论依据.本试验选用24头健康、胎次相近的中国荷斯坦围产期奶牛,根据2×2试验设计分为4组,每组6...     

当归提取物对围产期奶牛生产性能及健康状况的影响

试验旨在研究当归提取物对围产期奶牛生产性能及健康状况的影响。选择60头荷斯坦奶牛按胎次、上一泌乳周期产奶量、预产期相近的原则随机分成4组,对照组饲喂粉状精料,试验一组将精料中的部分蛋白饲料制成颗粒,试验二、三组分别在蛋白颗粒饲料中添加0.4%和0.8%的当归提取物。试验测定采食量、奶产量、乳成分、血液指标及胎衣不下、子宫炎等健康指标。结果表明:添加当归提取物能显著提高奶牛采食量及产奶量(产后45 d内)(P<0.05);对乳成分无显著影响(P>0.05),血液生化指标变化较小;对部分产后疾病的预防效果较为明显,产后首次发情日期提前。研究显示,在日粮中以颗粒料为载体添加当归提取物对提高围产期奶牛的生产性能、改善健康状况有显著作用。     

Effects of feeding intensity during the dry period on leukocyte and lymphocyte sub-populations, neutrophil function and health in periparturient dairy cows

The objective of this investigation was to study (1) the numbers of leukocytes, (2) the proportions of lymphocytes expressing CD4, CD8, WC1, B or IL2R and (3) neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity in blood around parturition in three groups of dairy cows fed different levels of a total mixed ration during the last eight weeks before calving. All cows were fed ad libitum during the first eight weeks of lactation. Serum concentration of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA), the milk somatic cell count (SCC) and disease incidence were also recorded. Special emphasis was given to the weeks just before and just after calving as dairy cows are known to be immune suppressed during this period. Dry period diet had only minor effects on leukocyte numbers, and did not influence neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. In addition, no effect was observed on disease incidence or SAA concentrations. However, an increase in the proportion of B-lymphocytes and a decrease in the proportion of WC1+ T lymphocytes were observed after calving in cows fed high or low energy rations during the dry period, but not in cows fed a medium energy ration. The weeks just before and after parturition were characterised by neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis, but time had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. The proportions of CD4+, CD8+, B+ and IL-2R+ lymphocytes increased in early lactation relative to the mid dry period. In addition, the concentration of SAA increased dramatically at calving. The results emphasise the need for more studies to clarify the complex interactions between nutrition and immunity during the peripartum period in dairy cattle.     

Effect of Anionic Salts on Health and Production Performance of Holstein Cows in Peripartum

This study was to determine the effect of anionic salts on health and production performance of Holstein cows during the peripartum period. Twenty-four Holstein cows during the peripartum period were selected and divided into control group and experimental group. Twelve Holstein dairy cows in control group were fed diets with original concentrate,while twelve cows in experimental group were fed diets with concentrates adding anionic salts for the last 21 days before expected calving. All animals were ad libitum fed with the same diets after calving. The results showed that urine pH maintained 5.7 to 6.9,and blood pH was decreased significantly compared to control group (P<0.05). However,the contents of plasma Ca,glucose and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in experimental group were significantly increased in 1 d after calving (P<0.05). What's more, the incidences of hypocalcemia,milk fever,retained placenta,displaced abomasum and mastitis were reduced in experimental group and the incidences of retained placenta was significantly decreased (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected in milk yield between two groups (P>0.05). In summary,supplementation of anionic salts concentrate could help to keep the health and plasma Ca homeostasis of Holstein cows.     

酵母铬对围产前期奶牛抗氧化能力的影响

研究在日粮中添加不同水平的酵母铬对围产前期奶牛抗氧化性能的影响。选用20头体况和预产期相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为4组,对照组为基础日粮,3个处理组在基础日粮中分别添加2.4、4.8和7.2g/d的酵母铬。结果显示,与对照组相比,添加酵母铬可以提高血清中总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱苷肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）的活力（P〈0.01）;在4.8g/d铬水平下,与对照组相比饲喂酵母铬奶牛血清丙二醛（MDA）含量显著降低（P〈0.01）。结果表明,基础日粮添加酵母铬,0.4mg Cr/kg干物质（DM）可提高围产前期奶牛抗氧化能力。     

Use of every ten-day criteria for metabolic profile test after calving and dry off in dairy herds

The traditional metabolic profile test cannot be applied to peripartum dairy cows, because these cows are in a state of physiological abnormality making it difficult to interpret their blood components. This study aimed at establishing and evaluating the practicability of interpreting a metabolic profile test every 10 days (Ten-day criteria) during the dry and lactation periods in herds with high and no incidence of peripartum diseases. Data from 29,043 cows in 1,130 commercial dairy herds were used to establish standard values every 10 days, mean +/- 1.0 standard deviation for the metabolic profile test. The practicability of these criteria was evaluated in herds with peripartum diseases. In the ten-day criteria, the body condition score, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, total cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and aspartate aminotransferase, fluctuated during the dry and early lactation periods and there were very big changes in packed cell volume, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol and magnesium just after calving. The ten-day criteria were able to detect overconditioned cows, low levels of albumin, total cholesterol and magnesium, and high nonesterified fatty acids in herds with a high incidence of peripartum diseases. In conclusion, the ten-day criteria can be successfully applied to peripartum cows, and is recommended because it is able to detect metabolic abnormalities not only in the herd, but also in individual cows.     

阴离子盐对围产期奶牛健康和生产性能的影响

试验旨在研究阴离子盐对围产期奶牛产后健康和生产性能的影响。试验选取24头围产前期经产奶牛分为对照组和试验组,对照组饲喂牧场原饲料、试验组于产前21 d饲喂含阴离子盐颗粒料,产犊后统一饲喂牧场原有日粮。结果显示,试验组奶牛尿液pH值维持在5.7~6.9;与对照组相比,试验组血液pH值显著降低（P<0.05）,血钙含量、血糖水平、碱性磷酸酶活性在产后1 d显著升高（P<0.05）;试验组低血钙、产乳热、胎衣不下、真胃移位和乳房炎等疾病的发生率降低,其中胎衣不下发病率显著降低（P<0.05）;但两组间产奶量无显著差异（P>0.05）。综上所述,饲喂阴离子盐颗粒料可提高奶牛的健康状况,维持血钙平衡。     

Targeted transcript analysis revealed association of suboptimal expression of certain endometrial immunity-related genes with disparate uterine diseases in zebu cows

The onset of uterine infection during postpartum period compromises uterine health, fertility, and productivity of dairy cattle. Endometrial innate immunity plays a key role in eliminating uterine infection and keeping the uterus healthy. Hence, the present study has been designed with the hypothesis that altered endometrial immune response around calving may compromise uterine health during postpartum period. Expression of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α), prostaglandin synthase (PGFS, PGES), and antimicrobial peptides (beta-defensins (BDEF-4, BDEF-5), lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), and calcium-binding proteins (S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12) in endometrial tissues on the day of calving was studied using qRT-PCR, and circulating concentrations of prostaglandin E and F metabolites (PGEM and PGFM) during peripartum period (on days ??7, ??4, ??1 (before calving), 0 (on the day of calving), +?1, +?4, and +?7 (post calving)) of normal (healthy) cows (n?=?11) that did not develop postpartum uterine infection and cows that developed puerperal metritis (n?=?7) and clinical endometritis (n?=?6) were studied. Endometrial expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, BDEF-4, BDEF-5, S100A8, S100A12, and PGFS was higher (P?<?0.05), and expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and PGES was lower (P?<?0.05) in normal (healthy) cows than puerperal metritic and clinical endometritic cows. The PGFM concentration in serum was high (P?<?0.05) on days 0, +?1, and +?4 of calving in puerperal metritic cows followed by normal and clinical endometritic cows. However, PGEM concentration in serum was high (P?<?0.05) during peripartum period in uterine-infected (puerperal metritic and clinical endometritic) cows compared with normal cows. From the above findings, it is concluded that higher constitutive expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, PGFS, BDEF-4, BDEF-5, S100A8, and S100A12 genes in the endometrium and lower concentration of PGEM during the period immediate to calving might be beneficial for uterine health of cows.

     

过瘤胃葡萄糖对泌乳奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

研究过瘤胃葡萄糖对泌乳奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响。试验选用20头中国荷斯坦奶牛,按照胎次、体况及产奶量随机分成A、B两组(n=10)。A组牛为对照组,饲喂奶牛场原有基础日粮+2%脂肪粉;B组为试验组,饲喂基础+2%过瘤胃葡萄糖。结果表明,与A对照组相比较,添加过瘤胃葡萄糖后显著增加了奶牛产奶量(P<0.01),平均提高8.71kg/d;过瘤胃葡萄糖对乳脂率、乳蛋白率及乳中干物质含量均无明显变化,差异不显著(P>0.05)。在试验条件下,过瘤胃葡萄糖可显著提高泌乳奶牛产奶量。     

Immune responses during the peripartum period in dairy cows with postpartum endometritis

Determining the immune responses to the development of endometritis during the peripartum period may assist in the development of more efficient reproductive management regimens for dairy herds. In this study, we compared the peripartum immune responses of dairy cows that develop endometritis by 4 weeks postpartum (n = 11) to cows that did not develop this disease (n = 19). Blood samples were collected 1 week before calving, just after or during calving, and then at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 postpartum. Cows that developed endometriris had significantly higher total leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts than the control cows (P < 0.05) at all time points. The leukocytes from cows that developed endometritis were significantly less phagocytic than those from control cows at all sampling time points (P < 0.01). The serum TNFalpha concentrations of the control cows decreased linearly from the prepartum time point (P = 0.0029), but the endometritis cows showed a different profile (P > 0.05). As a result, the serum TNFalpha concentrations were greater in the endometritis group (P < 0.01) than in the control group during the third and fourth weeks postpartum. The greater total leukocyte numbers and neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and the maintenance of elevated serum TNFalpha levels in the cows with endometritis may be due to infection in the postpartum period. Furthermore, the decreased phagocytic capacity of leukocytes during the peripartum period, including at the prepartum time point, makes cows more susceptible to postpartum endometritis.     

不同能量摄入水平对奶牛产乳性能及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度的影响研究

将30头围产期健康奶牛随机分为3组,每组均为10头,其中Ⅰ组为对照组,Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组为试验组;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、标准日粮增加20%能量(能量摄入120%组)和标准日粮减少20%能量(能量摄入80%组),产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮,至产后第56d结束,观察不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛产乳性能及血液中瘦素(Leptin)和神经肽Y(NPY)浓度的影响。试验结果表明,产前饲喂低能日粮不仅提高了产后奶牛产乳性能,而且提高了产后奶牛血液中Leptin和NPY浓度。可见,奶牛不同能量摄入水平与产奶量及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

Modulation of cytokine gene expression and secretion during the periparturient period in dairy cows naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Johne's disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is estimated to infect more than 22% of US dairy herds. Periods of immunosuppression may contribute to the transition from the subclinical to the clinical stage of infection. Understanding the effects of stressors such as parturition on the escalation of disease may provide information that will help to manage JD. The objective of this study was to characterize cytokine gene expression and secretion in periparturient dairy cows naturally infected with MAP. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of healthy noninfected, and subclinically and clinically infected dairy cows for 3 weeks pre-calving to 4 weeks post-calving. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of the following cytokine genes by peripheral blood mononuclear cells: IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-12p35, IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-4. To assess the effects of parturient immunosuppression on cytokine gene expression, RT-PCR data were analyzed by using 2(-ddCt) values calibrated to dCt value at +1 day relative to calving for each animal. Overall, cytokine gene expression was not influenced by infection status of the cows in this study. However, significant effects in cytokine gene expression were noted across sampling days within the periparturient period. Expression of IFN-gamma by NS and ConA-stimulated PBMCs declined at calving compared with prepartum values in both control and infected cows. Similarly, a decline in expression of IL-4 and IL-10 was observed for cells isolated from subclinically infected cows after stimulation with ConA. ConA-stimulated PBMCs isolated from infected cows secreted higher concentrations of IFN-gamma compared with the controls. A significant decline in IFN-gamma secretion was noted for MPS-stimulated cells for clinical cows from -21 days to +1 day. Stimulating cells with MPS resulted in greater secretion of IL-10 by infected cows during the postpartum period. A trend was also observed for higher TGF-beta secretion by NS PBMCs isolated from clinical cows in the postpartum period. Cells isolated from clinically infected cows and stimulated with MPS secreted higher levels of nitric oxide throughout the periparturient period when compared to control or subclinically infected cows. These data suggest that parturition is a very dynamic time period for host immunity, with potential for altered immunity to hinder the ability of dairy cows to thwart infectious diseases.     

Effect of dietary carbohydrate and monensin on expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in liver of transition dairy cows

Thirty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of feeding nonforage fiber sources (NFFS), monensin, or their combination on expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver during the transition to lactation. The addition of 0 or 300 mg/d of monensin to a conventional (CONV) or NFFS prepartum diet was evaluated in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The NFFS diet was formulated by replacing 30% of the forage component of the CONV diet with cottonseed hulls and soyhulls. The CONV and NFFS basal diets were fed at dry-off and continued through parturition. Monensin was fed from -28 d relative to calving (DRTC) through parturition. At calving, all cows were placed on the same diet. Liver biopsy samples obtained at -28, -14, +1, +14, and +28 DRTC were used to determine pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) mRNA expression. Feeding NFFS resulted in greater (P < 0.05) prepartum DMI compared with the CONV diet. There was no effect of prepartum diets on postpartum DMI or average milk production to 56 d of lactation. Expression of PC mRNA was elevated (P < 0.05) at 1 d postpartum, but there was no effect of NFFS or monensin on PC mRNA abundance. Expression of PEPCK-C mRNA at calving was increased (P < 0.05) with prepartum monensin feeding. The data indicate that feeding monensin to transition cows induces hepatic PEPCK-C mRNA expression before calving. The increased expression of hepatic PEPCK-C mRNA with monensin feeding suggests a feed-forward mechanism of metabolic control in ruminants that links molecular control of gluconeogenesis with the profile of rumen fermentation end products.     

Glucocorticoid receptor down-regulation in neutrophils of periparturient cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of parturition on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in neutrophils, serum cortisol concentration, and total blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts in periparturient dairy cows. ANIMALS: 23 Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected from 8 multiparous and 5 primiparous periparturient cows at various times from 28 days before parturition until 14 days after parturition. Glucocorticoid receptor expression in neutrophils, serum cortisol concentration, and total blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts were determined. Results were compared with results from control samples obtained from 5 multiparous and 5 primiparous Holstein cows in midpregnancy. RESULTS: Neutrophils from periparturient cows had 49% reduction in GR expression at calving, compared with GR expression 2 to 4 weeks before calving, and 39% reduction, compared with neutrophils from cows in midpregnancy. Reduction in neutrophil GR expression began 1 week before calving and was most severe at calving and 24 hours after calving; a significant difference in GR expression was detected between primiparous and multiparous cows. Serum cortisol concentrations and total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly increased at calving and returned to baseline values by 24 hours after calving. Significant negative correlations were detected between neutrophil GR expression and serum cortisol concentration, total leukocyte count, and neutrophil count. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reduced GR expression in blood neutrophils of periparturient dairy cows was associated with increased serum cortisol concentrations, leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. Thus, GR down-regulation in neutrophils may be involved in periparturient neutrophil dysregulation and may cause increased susceptibility to mastitis.     

Associations of prepartum body condition score with occurrence of clinical endometritis and resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cattle

This study was performed to investigate the effect of periparturient body condition score on the occurrence of clinical endometritis and postpartum resumption of ovarian activity in dairy cows. Eighty-seven lactating Holstein cows, fed with a total mixed ration diet, were included into the study. Body condition scoring (using a 5-point scale with quarter-point divisions) was performed by the same investigator using the visual technique every 2 weeks, from 2 weeks before until 6 weeks after calving. Palpation of the reproductive tract and ultrasonographic assessment of ovaries for detection of corpus luteum using a rectal linear probe was also performed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after calving. Cows with clinical endometritis had significantly lower body condition score (BCS) than normal cows at all weeks pre- and postcalving, and cows that did not ovulate until 45 days after calving had a significantly lower BCS pre- and postpartum. Cows that did not ovulate until 45 days after calving also lost more BCS from 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after calving. Besides, first ovulation after calving take occurred later in cows with clinical endometritis compared to normal cows (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, low BCS is a risk factor for postpartum endometritis and delayed cyclicity in dairy cows. BCS loss from dry-off to early lactation and occurrence of clinical endometritis can significantly affect postpartum ovarian activity.     

Effect of micronutrient supplementation around calving on the plasma cortisol levels of Murrah buffaloes and Sahiwal and Karan Fries cows

Micronutrients when fed around peripartum may reduce the stress induced by cortisol. With this objective, 24 Sahiwal (SW) and 24 Karan Fries (KF) cows and 24 Murrah (Mu) buffaloes were taken and divided into four groups of six each. Vitamin E (VE), zinc (Zn) and copper were supplemented from 30 days pre- to 30 days postcalving in groups 1, 2 and 3. Animals without supplementation served as control. Blood sampling was done on days 30, 15, 7 and 3 precalving; at calving; and on days 3, 7, 15 and 30 postcalving. Plasma cortisol levels were measured by ELISA. Supplementation of VE and Zn significantly (P?<?0.05) reduced plasma cortisol levels at calving and at 30 days postcalving. KF cows exhibited best results with VE, whereas SW cows and Mu buffaloes responded best to Zn. Copper increased the peripartum cortisol levels. Reduction in cortisol levels may help in keeping the animal healthy and stronger to fight immuno-suppression generally observed around the period of peripartum.