A comparative physiological and behavioral study of freeze and hot-iron branding using dairy cows.

A public debate has recently arisen, largely surrounding the issue of pain, over whether freeze or hot-iron branding should be the preferred method of permanently identifying cattle. This study addressed that question by quantifying the following accepted measures of distress and pain over a 25-min sampling period: elevated heart rate, concentrations of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, and escape-avoidance reactions and vocalizations. Twenty-four dairy cows (15 Holsteins and 9 Jerseys) were assigned to one of three treatments: freeze-branded (F), hot-iron-branded (H), or sham-branded (S), in which a room-temperature brander was applied. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations showed no discernible trends. Plasma cortisol concentrations were elevated in the F and H cows from 5.5 min to 25.5 min postbranding (P = .04). Heart rate, analyzed as a proportion of the prebranding mean, showed that H cows had a greater, more acute, response than did F cows (P = .04), which exhibited a more prolonged response (P = .07). No cows vocalized during branding; however, H cows had a greater escape-avoidance reaction toward branding than did the F and S cows. Both methods of branding produced elevated heart rates and cortisol concentrations indicative of pain sensations. Because the cows exhibited a greater escape-avoidance reaction and heart rate proportions to hot-iron branding, freeze banding would be preferable to hot-iron branding when feasible.     

Readability of branding symbols in horses and histomorphological alterations at the branding site

Identification of horses has traditionally been facilitated by hot iron branding, but the extent by which branding symbols and numbers can be identified has not been investigated. The local pathological changes induced by branding are also unknown. This study analysed the readability of branding symbols and histomorphological alterations at the branding sites. A total of 248 horses in an equestrian championship were available for identification of symbols and numbers. A further 28 horses, euthanased for other reasons, provided histological examination of the branding site.All except one horse had evidence of histological changes at the brand site, including epidermal hyperplasia, increase of dermal collagenous fibrous tissue and loss of adnexal structures. In two foals, an ulcerative to necrotizing dermatitis was observed and interpreted as a complication of recent branding lesions. Despite the fact that hot iron branding caused lesions compatible with third degree thermal injury, it did not allow unambiguous identification of a large proportion of older horses. While the breed-specific symbol was consistently identified by three independent investigators in 84% of the horses, the double-digit branding number was read correctly by all three investigators in less than 40%. In conclusion, hot iron branding in horses causes lesions compatible with third degree thermal injury but does not always allow identification of horses.     

Cardiac troponin I and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in horses with experimentally induced endotoxaemia

Branding is the traditional and well-established method used to mark horses, but recently microchip transponders for implantation have become available. In this study, behaviour, physiological stress variables and skin temperature in foals were determined in response to hot-iron branding (n=7) and microchip implantation (n=7). Salivary cortisol concentrations increased in response to branding (1.8 ± 0.2 ng/mL) and microchip implantation (1.4 ± 0.1ng/mL), but cortisol release over time did not differ. In response to both manipulations there was a transient increase in heart rate (P<0.001) and heart rate variability (P<0.01). Branding and microchip implantation induced a comparable aversive behaviour (branding, score 3.86 ± 0.85; microchip, score 4.00 ± 0.82). Both techniques thus caused similar physiological and behavioural changes indicative of stress. Acutely, implantation of a microchip was as stressful as branding in foals. Branding caused a necrotising skin burn lasting at least 7 days. Moreover branding, but not microchip implantation (P<0.001), was accompanied by a generalized increase in skin temperature which was comparable to low degree post-burn hypermetabolism in humans.     

Bovine focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis (Lechiguana) associated with Pasteurella granulomatis.

In southern Brazil, cattle are affected by a disease known locally as Lechiguana and characterized by large subcutaneous swellings. Eighteen cases were examined clinically; 17 of the cattle had a single swelling, and one had two swellings. In 14 of the 18 cases, the swellings were located over the scapula and adjacent regions. The subcutaneous masses reached maximum dimensions of 45 x 50 cm, with heights above the skin surface of 5-25 cm. Growth was rapid, often taking place in 15 to 60 days. Histologically, all lesions were focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis and consisted of focal proliferation of fibrous tissue that was infiltrated by plasma cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and sometimes neutrophils. An eosinophilic lymphangitis was also present, which sometimes resulted in the destruction of the lymphatics and the formation of eosinophilic microabscesses. Small granulomas, sometimes containing radiating clubs, and Splendore-Hoeppli material were present in the regional lymph node. Pasteurella granulomatis was isolated from the subcutaneous masses of 14 of the 18 natural cases. All 11 of these cases recovered following treatment with 3 g of chloramphenicol daily for 5 days. Untreated animals died. Because the area of anatomic distribution is similar to that infested by Dermatobia hominis, we postulate that this insect may transmit the causative agent. In one steer, a subcutaneous injection of P. granulomatis caused a large subcutaneous swelling consisting of interlacing bundles of collagen infiltrated by neutrophils, eosinophils, and some lymphocytes. Microabscesses, but not lymphangitis and granulomas, were detected. In all 11 cattle inoculated either intramuscularly or subcutaneously with P. granulomatis, purulent abscesses were produced at the sites of the injection, and P. granulomatis was recovered from all lesions.     

Supracoronary approach for keratoma removal in horses: Two cases

Two competitive horses were presented for examination of chronic lameness; one associated with a hoof‐wall deformity, the other with a firm mass over the dorsal pastern region. Radiographs revealed moderately radiopaque masses associated with both deformities. The lesions were characterised ultrasonographically as noninvasive, well‐circumscribed heterogeneous masses. Computed tomographic examination of the second case revealed a well‐defined, partially mineralised, bi‐lobed mass with associated bony resorption of the underlying middle phalanx. Both patients were anaesthetised and the keratomas surgically removed via approaches 1–2 cm proximal to the coronary bands. Both horses were stall‐sound 2 days after surgery and returned successfully to an equal level of competition by 8 months. A supracoronary approach is a viable alternative to partial or complete hoof wall resection for the removal of nonsolar keratomas from the foot of a horse.     

Feline perforating dermatitis resembling human reactive perforating collagenosis: clinicopathological findings and outcome in four cases

The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5–3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone-shaped, yellow-orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave-shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methyl-prednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methyl-prednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow-up immediately after the diagnosis.     

Determinants and opportunities for commercial marketing of beef cattle raised on communally owned natural pastures in South Africa

The objective of this study was to examine the factors influencing smallholder producers’ potential to sell cattle and identify marketing opportunities for sustainable beef production in South Africa. A total of 95 structured questionnaires was administered to the Ncorha and Gxwalibomvu communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Average cattle herd size per household was higher (P < 0.05) in Ncorha (13.7 ± 1.9) than in Gxwalibomvu (11.3 ± 1.9). The logit model showed that households with few members, young farmers, Christians, large cattle herds, low income levels and access to extension services had high potential to sell cattle compared with other households (P < 0.05). Beef branding (～40% of respondents from each community), feedlotting (～30%), group marketing (～25%) and forward contracting (>5%) were mentioned as potential strategies for improving commercial marketing of cattle in the studied areas. Most producers (70%) indicated their potential and willingness to participate in developing a natural pasture-fed beef brand. Overall, commercial marketing of beef cattle raised on communally owned natural pastures in the surveyed areas in South Africa was largely determined by farmer’s demographic characteristics, cattle herd size and access to extension services with branding and feedlotting as the major opportunities for improving sales.     

Effects of hot-iron branding on heart rate, breathing rate and behaviour of anaesthetised Steller sea lions

This study assessed the heart rate, breathing rate and behavioural responses of 12 juvenile Steller sea lions during hot-iron branding under isoflurane anaesthesia. Physiological and behavioural measures were recorded in four periods: baseline (five minutes), sham branding (one minute), branding (approximately 2.7 minutes) and postbranding (five minutes). No difference in heart rate was noted from baseline to sham branding, but heart rate increased from mean (sem) 78.3 (2.4) bpm in the baseline period to 85.6 (2.5) bpm in the branding period. Heart rate remained elevated in the postbranding period, averaging 84.7 (2.5) bpm. Breathing rate averaged 2.5 (1.0) breaths/minute in the baseline and sham branding periods increased to 8.9 (1.0) breaths/minute during branding, but returned to baseline by the postbranding period. Behaviourally, half of the sea lions exhibited trembling and head and shoulder movements during branding.     

Development of multiple pigmented viral plaques and squamous cell carcinomas in a dog infected by a novel papillomavirus

Canine viral plaques are uncommon skin lesions that are induced by papillomaviruses (PVs). Plaques are usually of little clinical significance in dogs, although they have been reported rarely to progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Here is described a 7‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog that developed numerous darkly pigmented plaques up to 8 cm in diameter. Multiple ulcerated nodular masses were visible within plaques on the ventrum and axilla. The dog showed no clinical evidence of immunodeficiency and appeared otherwise healthy. Over the next 2 years, five surgeries were performed to remove 23 ulcerated masses that ranged in size from 2 to 5 cm in diameter. Five masses were submitted for histology, and all were SCCs. Each was surrounded by epidermis that contained histological features consistent with those described in canine plaques. Suggestive of a PV aetiology, massive numbers of large keratohyaline granules were present throughout the thickened epidermis. Additionally, koilocytes were focally present, and one sample contained a band of keratinocytes within the superficial epidermis that contained pale cytoplasm and marginated chromatin. From two samples, DNA sequences from a previously unreported PV were amplified, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of PV antigen in both. The PV DNA sequences were most similar to those of canine PVs previously associated with plaque formation. The plaques observed in this case were unusual owing to their rapid growth, large size and frequent malignant transformation. It is unknown whether this unusual behaviour was due to the specific PV detected in this case or to host factors within the dog.     

Sheep pox: experimental studies with a west african isolate

Under conditions of a maximum security laboratory, four cross-bred sheep were inoculated intradermally only or intradermally and intratracheally with a West African isolate of sheep pox virus. All sheep had increased temperature and depression by the fourth or fifth day after infection. Nasal and lacrimal discharge and coughing occurred in all sheep but were more severe in sheep receiving the virus via the tracheal route. From the fifth day after infection, numerous papular erythematous skin lesions developed at the inoculation sites. These were 3-7 mm in diameter and gradually became nodular. Some of these lesions healed and others coalesced to form tumorlike masses. In one sheep, euthanized 14 days after intradermal and intratracheal inoculation, nodular lesions were found in the skin around the eyes, nostrils, oral and perianal regions, the mucosa of the rumen and throughout the lungs. Histologically, skin nodules were characterized by ischemic necrosis, vasculitis, microvesicualtion, eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in the dermal epithelial cells and vacuolar nuclear degeneration. The pulmonary lesion was that of proliferative alveolitis with occasional cytoplasmic inclusions in the alveolar cells and macrophages. Ultrastructurally, large cuboidal virus particles were found both in the skin lesion and inoculated tissue cultures. The sheep pox virus structure was easily distinguished from contagious ecthyma virus, a parapoxvirus which causes sporadic disease in Canada. Serum neutralizing antibodies developed in all the sheep by 14 days postinfection.

The clinical and pathological characteristics of experimental sheep pox produced with this West African isolate were similar to those caused by Neethling virus of lumpy skin disease in cattle.

     

The occurrence of dermatosparaxis in a commercial Drakensberger cattle herd in South Africa

Dermatosparaxis is a heritable collagen dysplasia causing skin extensibility and fragility. In Belgian Blue cattle this mutation has been described as a 3 base pair (bp) change followed by a 17bp deletion in the gene coding for procollagen 1 N-Proteinase (pNPI). An outbreak in a commercial Drakensberger herd in South Africa followed the introduction in late 2000 of a 3-year-old bull that developed skin lesions in 2001 and was culled in 2002. Some of his offspring were similarly affected, 1 of which was kept as a breeding bull after his sire's death. Two affected calves were referred to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital in October 2005. Detailed examination revealed only skin abnormalities limited to the lateral extremities of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis, viz. either acute lacerations of varying sizes, slow healing defects or thin scars in chronic cases. During a subsequent farm visit, 13 animals with similar wounds were seen in the herd of 146 animals. Electron microscopic examination of skin biopsies revealed haphazard arrangement and loose packing of dermal collagen fibrils within collagen fibres. The fibrils showed size variation and slightly irregular outlines on cross-section, consistent with mild dermatosparaxis. DNA samples of affected calves were analysed using primers designed to amplify the region of the pNPI gene that contained the mutation described in Belgian Blue cattle, but this mutation could not be demonstrated in any of the animals tested. It is concluded that a form of dermatosparaxis with a different gene mutation from that described in Belgian Blue cattle exists in Drakensberger cattle in South Africa. This possibly also explains the milder and more delayed clinical signs and the milder dermal collagen ultrastructural abnormalities.     

A mixed fungal infection in a dog: sporotrichosis and cryptococcosis

Unusual ulcerated masses protruding from both nostrils of a 3-year-old terrier were diagnosed histologically as sporotrichosis, and regressed with iodide therapy. Cryptococcus neoformans was recovered from new lesions that appeared near the dog's eye and on the extremities. All lesions regressed with itraconazole therapy.     

Abnormal skin fragility in a cat with cnolangio-carcinoma

An eight-year-old shorthaired cat which presented with a five-month history of bouts of anorexia and vomiting, developed a large spontaneous skin tear over the left shoulder when manipulated for clinical workup. The cat had no previous history of abnormal skin fragility and clinical examination of the skin revealed a general thinning but no scarring or hyperextensibility. After one day of hospitalisation the animal was euthanased because of its poor condition and on post mortem examination a cholangiocarcinoma with distant metastasis was identified. The skin biopsy specimens obtained from different sites revealed dermal atrophic changes, characterised in electron microscopy by disorganisation in the packing of both collagen fibrils and fibres, and by collagen fibrils with an abnormally wide range of diameters and with an irregular shape in cross section. Although no specific cause of the dermal lesions was suggested, this case differed greatly from the fragile skin conditions previously described in the cat.     

Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus as etiologic agents of foot rot in cattle.

Fusobacterium necrophorum (Sphaerophorus necrophorus) and Bacteroides melaninogenicus were the predominant bacteria isolated from biopsy specimens of lesions in cattle affected with foot rot. Mixed inoculums of the 2 bacteria, applied to the scarified interdigital skin or inoculated intradermally into the interdigital skin of test cattle, induced typical lesions of foot rot. Both bacteria were reisolated in large numbers from the induced lesions.     

基于品牌化思维的平凉红牛产业化开发探究

随着经济社会的发展,农产品品牌化进程不断加快,已成为促进农业产业实现增值增效、引领产业高质量发展的重要方向。2008年“平凉红牛”注册为全国第一个活牛类证明商标以来,平凉市就开启了平凉红牛产业品牌化发展之路,虽然近十多年来发展取得了显著成效,但在推进产业化开发中仍面临诸多制约和挑战。本文基于品牌化思维,对“平凉红牛”品牌的形成与发展、产业品牌化发展现状、面临的困难与瓶颈、未来发展对策等内容进行了探究分析,旨在为平凉红牛产业品牌化、产业化开发提供些许启示或指导。     

Molecular and biological characterization of vascular endothelial growth factor of parapoxviruses isolated from wild Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus)

Contagious dermatitis in domestic and wild ruminants caused by parapoxvirus (PPV) occurs worldwide. Although PPV infections appear in cattle, sheep and goats, the papular, nodular, pustular and ulcerated skin lesions of wild Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus) are significantly more severe than those of other animals. To determine the factors involved in the severity of these skin lesions, we compared the molecular characteristics of 4 PPV isolates from Japanese serows and 2 isolates from sheep in Japan, and also investigated the biological properties of primary endothelial cells from different host species. All of the 6 Japanese isolates harbored a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene, which is known as one of the virulence factors of PPVs. Three different amino acid sequences of viral VEGF were identified and the sequence was identical among the 4 isolates from the Japanese serows. The temporal expression pattern of viral VEGF mRNA was almost the same among 3 isolates encoding the 3 different VEGFs in infected cells from different host species. Recombinant forms of the 3 different VEGFs showed the ability to induce vascular permeability and endothelial cell proliferation. Primary endothelial cells from Japanese serows were most responsive to recombinant viral VEGF compared to cells from cattle, sheep, and goats. These results suggest that not only the biological activity of viral VEGF but also the high responsiveness to viral VEGF of endothelial cells might be involved in the severe proliferative skin lesions induced by PPV infection in Japanese serows.     

Diagnosis and treatment of biaxial keratomas in the left fore foot of a 15‐year‐old Clydesdale mare

A 15‐year‐old Clydesdale mare presented for further diagnostics and treatment of waxing and waning lameness and recurrent subsolar abscesses. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed biaxial masses extending from the hoof capsule, causing bone resorption of the distal phalanx. Surgery was performed to remove the masses and post operative care included regional limb perfusions, systemic antibiotics and therapeutic shoeing. Histopathology was consistent with the diagnosis of keratoma for each of the masses; this is the first case of confirmed biaxial keratomas. Two months after surgery the horse is sound at the walk and is expected to return to full function within the next year.     

The experimental transmission of Parafilaria bovicola to cattle in South Africa using Musca species (subgenus Eumusca) as intermediate hosts

In controlled experiments in an insect-free stable, cattle became infected with Parafilaria bovicola when Musca lusoria, infected with the larvae of this worm, were allowed to feed on a fresh skin incision, and when infective larvae were placed on fresh skin incisions, injected subcutaneously or into the jugular vein, or instilled into the eyes. The sites of blood spots caused by ovipositing P. bovicola females and the sites of carcass lesions were seldom close to the site of infection, an indication that the worms had migrated. The prepatent period of P. bovicola in 4 cattle which developed blood spots ranged from 242--319 days. Neither of the infected cattle that were kept continuously in a shady stable showed blood spots, but 4 out of 7 infected cattle which spent some time in the sun bled. However, carcass lesions on shaded cattle were similar in appearance to those on cattle kept outdoors. Infective larvae were stimulated to escape from the mouth-parts of infected M. lusoria and Musca xanthomelas s.s. when these were fed citrated ox blood warmed to 38--40 degrees C. No escape took place when the flies were fed warmed saline or warmed 15% sucrose solution.     

Animal Identification: I. Liquid Nitrogen Branding of Cattle

A number of branding tools of various metals and various sizes in combination with several wetting agents were cooled with liquid nitrogen and applied for different lengths of time to calves and mature cattle. White hair appeared in the shape of the brand on the animals in place of dark hair when the application was properly carried out. Best results can be obtained by using metal irons at least 25 millimeters thick and 14 millimeters wide with xylol as a wetting agent for ten seconds in young or thin skinned animals and up to twenty seconds in mature or thick skinned animals.