Congenital syringohydromyelia in a crossbred (Holstein-Friesian × Japanese Black) beef calf

A 5-day-old male crossbred beef calf presented with a well-coordinated bilateral hopping gait of the hind limbs. Postmortem CT showed a poorly defined oval-shaped region at the L3–L4 spinal segments, which had high signal intensity on T2 weighted postmortem MRI images. On pathological examination, we identified a large cystic cavity filled with a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid on the cut surface of the spinal region. Histopathological examination revealed that the spinal cord parenchyma was compressed by the cystic structure, and the cystic cavity was lined with a thin layer of discrete ependymal cells, indicating syringohydromyelia. This is the first reported case of a Holstein-Friesian × Japanese Black crossbred calf with solitary syringohydromyelia. Our findings suggest that myelodysplasia with cystic cavities can be suspected by CT, without the need for MRI.     

Genetic parameters of postnatal mortality and birth weight in Japanese Black calves

Postnatal mortality (PM) of calves is an economically important trait, because a high mortality rate of calves decreases farm income and significantly increases production costs. In spite of the economic importance of PM, genetic studies on PM have been scarce for Japanese Black cattle. The objectives of this study were to estimate the direct and maternal heritability for PM using a Bayesian threshold model with Gibbs sampling in Japanese Black cattle. The original data consisted of 43 723 records of animals born from January 2005 to June 2006. Four binary traits of mortality were considered: D1‐14, D15‐60, D61‐180 and D1‐180 with numbers indicating the period of risk in days after birth. Direct heritabilities for PM ranged from 0.12 to 0.31 and maternal heritabilities for PM were lower than the direct heritabilities and ranged from 0.02 to 0.16. Direct genetic correlations between D1‐14 and D15‐60, between D15‐60 and D61‐180, and between D1‐14 and D61‐180 were 0.501, 0.689 and 0.062, respectively. Direct genetic correlations of birth weight with D1‐14, D15‐60, D61‐180 and D1‐180 were 0.089, 0.482, 0.434 and 0.394, respectively. These results indicated that different genes were responsible for early and late PM and early PM (D1‐14) can be genetically reduced without influencing birth weight.     

Blood biochemical values in Japanese Black calves in Kagoshima Prefecture,Japan

To obtain blood biochemical basic data of Japanese Black calves in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, blood sampleswere obtained from 582 clinically healthy calves on 27 farms. Calves were divided into three stages: thesuckling stage (between 14 and 90 days of age, n=191), the early growing stage (between 91 and 180 days ofage, n=200) and the late growing stage (between 181 and 270 days of age, n=191). The mean concentration oftotal cholesterol, triglyceride, nonesterified fatty acids, calcium and zinc, and the mean activities ofγ-glutamyltransferase and alkaine phospatase in the suckling stage were significantly higher than those in theearly and late growing stages (P<0.01). The mean concentration of total protein, albuminand globulin increased gradually with growing. The mean concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the sucklingstage was below 150 µmol/l, however, it elevated above 400µmol/l in the early and late growing stages. The mean concentration ofcopper concentration was above 70 µg/dl in all stages. The meanconcentration of zinc was between 90 and 110 µg/dl in all stages. Theseresults suggest that the blood biochemical values of Japanese Black calves vary with growing stages, and theblood parameters obtained in this study are considered useful as indices for health management of JapaneseBlack calves.     

Comparison of the peripheral blood leukocyte population between Japanese Black and Holstein calves

Japanese black (JB) calves have greater susceptibility to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. In order to clarify the differences in cellular immune status between JB and Hol calves, the leukocyte population and lymphocyte proliferative ability were analyzed. In total 200 healthy calves, 1 day to 14 weeks of age, were examined: 105 JB and 95 Hol calves. Lower numbers in peripheral blood and percentage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CD3⁺TcR1‐N12⁺ T cells and major histocompatibility complex class‐II⁺CD14^‐ B cells were observed in the JB compared to the Hol. The percentage of TcR1‐N12⁺CD25⁺ T cell in the JB was significantly lower than that of the Hol at 4–6, and 8–10 weeks. Interleukin (IL)‐2 sensitivity in the JB was lower than that in the Hol, and significant differences were observed in age groups of 6–8 weeks and 10–14 weeks. These findings indicated that the lower numbers of γδ T cells and B cells in the JB compared to the Hol might be associated with the specificity of the immune systems in JB calves.     

Comparison of the alkalizing abilities between 1.35% sodium bicarbonate solutions with and without dextrose in healthy calves

The present study aimed to clarify the alkalizing ability of 1.35% isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution (ISBS), which did not contain dextrose, compared with that of 1.35% isotonic bicarbonate sodium solution containing 4.03% dextrose (ISBD) in healthy calves. The calves were intravenously administered with 20.7 mL/kg of the solutions for 30 min as the volume required to correct base deficit of 10 mM. ISBS increased the blood pH, HCO₃⁻, and base excess from 7.44 ± 0.02, 29.6 ± 1.9 mM, and 5.3 ± 2.1 mM to 7.49 ± 0.02, 36.9 ± 2.3 mM, and 13.5 ± 2.6 mM respectively (P<0.05). These factors for the ISBD group increased from 7.41 ± 0.02, 29.0 ± 1.1 mM, and 4.5 ± 1.3 mM to 7.43 ± 0.02, 33.5 ± 1.9 mM, and 9.5 ± 1.7 mM (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, in the ISBD group, the relative plasma volume and blood glucose level increased while the K⁺ level decreased, which did not occur in the ISBS group. Therefore, the results revealed that ISBS had better alkalizing ability in calves than ISBD.     

Congenital cutaneous fibropapillomatosis without evidences of papillomavirus infection in a Holstein-Friesian calf

A male Holstein-Friesian calf was born with multiple, cauliflower-like, pale pink cutaneous masses on the head and limbs. On histopathological examination, the cutaneous masses were diagnosed as congenital cutaneous fibropapillomatosis. Those lesions involved focal proliferation of sebaceous gland in the dermis. There were no histological findings to suggest bovine papillomavirus infection, such as the presence of intranuclear inclusion bodies, large keratohyalin granules, and koilocytosis. Furthermore, papillomaviral antigens and DNA were not detected by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. These results suggested that there was no association between these cutaneous lesions and bovine papillomavirus infection, and the lesions were considered as harmartomatous changes.     

Effect of supplemental vitamin E on the peripheral blood leukocyte population in Japanese Black calves

We investigated the effect of supplemental vitamin E on the peripheral blood leukocyte population in Japanese Black calves. Twenty-six calves kept at the same farm were studied. They were divided into two groups; thirteen calves received 300 IU/day of vitamin E orally from 1 to 3 months of age (VE group), and the other thirteen calves did not receive the vitamin E supplement (control group). The VE group showed a higher serum vitamin E concentration at 2 and 3 months of age compared with the control group (P<0.01). The numbers of CD3⁺ cells and CD4⁺ cells were higher in the VE group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant at 3 months of age (P<0.05). The numbers of CD21⁺ cells were higher in the VE group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant at 2 months of age (P<0.05). The numbers of CD335⁺ cells tended to be higher in the VE group than in the control group. The numbers of CD8⁺ cells and CD14⁺ cells tended to be higher in the VE group than in the control group at 3 and 4 months of age. This study demonstrated that the supplementation of suckling Japanese Black calves with vitamin E might affect the numbers of some immune cell types in the peripheral blood.     

Application of highly differentiated SNPs between Japanese Black and Holstein to a breed assignment test between Japanese Black and F1 (Japanese Black x Holstein) and Holstein

Two taurine breeds, Japanese Black and Holstein, established from geographically distant origins and selected for different uses, beef and dairy, were extensively genotyped using a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip with more than 1000 animals of each breed. The genetic structure was examined by principal component analysis, in which the first principal component clearly separated the two breeds and explained more than 15% of the variance. Highly differentiated SNPs were detected throughout the genome, some of which were clustered within small regions on BTA4 (79.2–79.7 Mb, Btau4.0) and BTA26 (22.2–23.6 Mb). A breed assignment test was developed using 18 highly differentiated SNPs to distinguish Japanese Black from F₁ (Japanese Black × Holstein) and Holstein. The error rate that an F₁ or Holstein animal is misjudged as Japanese Black was expected to be < 0.8%, while the error rate that a Japanese Black animal is misjudged as F₁ or Holstein was expected to be < 0.001%. This test provides a reliable and powerful method to detect breed label falsification in retail beef.     

Changes in the plasma levels of several bone markers in newborn calves during the first two days of life

The fluctuations in the plasma levels of several bone markers were investigated in newborn calves. Experiment1 monitored the postnatal changes in the plasma levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b(TRAP5b), total alkaline phosphatase (t-ALP) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) in four calves.These markers increased significantly from 9−20 hr after the first colostrum-suckling compared with the valuesimmediately after birth. Experiment 2 evaluated changes in the plasma TRAP5b, t-ALP, BAP and type I collagencross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) levels within 2 days post-birth in five calves with successful passiveimmunization via colostrum (non-deficient group) and five others with poor colostrum intake (deficient group).The non-deficient group had significantly higher plasma levels of the four parameters around 12 hr of lifecompared with the deficient group. The results suggest that the increase in plasma bone markers in calves inthe first day of life is related to the colostrum intake.     

胰岛素受体mRNA在新生犊牛组织中的表达

应用半定量RT-PCR方法检测了新生犊牛中枢神经系统和外周组织中胰岛素受体（insulin receptor，InsR）基因的表达。结果表明，InsR基因在肝、皮下脂肪、半腱肌、胰、肾皮质、脾、心、肺、下丘脑、肠系膜淋巴结、主动脉、十二指肠、结肠、垂体、大脑皮质、小脑皮质中都有表达。其中，肝、半腱肌、下丘脑、胰、主动脉、垂体中InsR基因的表达量显著多于其他组织（P〈0．05）。InsR基因在各组织中的广泛分布表明胰岛素在体内具有广泛的生理功能。     

Establishment of a Method to Measure Length of the Ulnar Nerve and Standardize F-wave Values in Clinically Normal Beagles

We designed a new method of measuring the length of the ulnar nerve and determining standard values for F-wave parameters of the ulnar nerve in clinically normal beagles. Nerve length must be precisely measured to determine F-wave latency and conduction velocity. The length of the forelimb has served as the length of the ulnar nerve for F-wave assessments, but report indicates that F-wave latency is proportional to the length of the pathway traveled by nerve impulses. Therefore, we measured the surface distance from a stimulus point to the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (nerve length 1) and the anterior horn of the scapula (nerve length 2) as landmarks through the olecranon and the shoulder blade acromion. The correlation coefficients between the shortest F-wave latency and the length of nerves 1, 2 or the forelimb were 0.61, 0.7 and 0.58. Nerve length 2 generated the highest value. Furthermore, the anterior horn of the scapula was easily palpated in any dog regardless of well-fed body. We concluded that nerve length 2 was optimal for measuring the length of the ulnar nerve.     

A novel dynamometer for the standardisation of the force applied during distal forelimb flexion tests in horses

Variability in the technique employed for flexion tests may produce different responses and veterinary assessments. We propose a novel custom-designed dynamometer and compare the results with the literature. Ten horses were enrolled in the present study, with a total of 20 forelimbs. The horses were found to be healthy based on orthopaedic and radiographic examination of the distal forelimb region, performed on both limbs. Lower forelimb flexion tests were performed by applying three different forces (75, 100 and 120 N), measured with a dynamometer, for one minute, with a time interval of 48 h between each test. Each horse was trotted before and after the flexion test. The experiment was videotaped, and the responses were assessed randomly and blindly by three experienced equine veterinarians. None of the horses responded with a lameness grade exceeding 1/5 on a numerical 6-point scale. Two out of three veterinarians detected a increased degree of lameness between the minimum and the maximum force applied, while one veterinarian showed no change in the interpretation of the flexion test for all three applied forces. A mild agreement was detected between veterinarian A and B, applying a force of 100 N, and between A and C, with 120 N; a moderate agreement was found between veterinarian A and B, with 120 N. The chi-square test showed that the results observed were only like the expected ones for 100 N. With a force of 100 N, there is no relationship between intensity and the evaluation of lameness; consequently, 100 N could be used to achieve a real standardisation of the lameness score. The use of the dynamometer was found to be easy and practical. It also enabled the applied force and the manipulation technique to be objectified.     

Comparison of carcass composition among Japanese Black, Holstein and their crossbred steers fattening on farm

Carcass composition among Japanese Black, Holstein and their crossbreed (F1), by Holstein mated with Japanese Black sires, was compared by using carcass components of fattening steers collected at eight carcass processing factories. The least squares means of 14 retail cuts, total weights of retail cuts, trimmed fat and bones, and six carcass traits measured at 6th?7th rib section were used for the comparison and examined the expression of heterosis. The comparison was performed at the same level of left‐side carcass weight and under 10 mm fat cover on each retail cut. Japanese Black had the heaviest total weight of retail cuts, followed by F1 and then Holstein. By contrast, non‐edible parts, trimmed fat and bones, were heavier in the order of Holstein, F1 and Japanese Black. Of the retail cuts, so called higher‐priced cuts, such as Shoulder‐Chuck‐Roll, Tender‐Loin, Rib‐Chuck‐Roll, Strip‐Loin and Sirloin‐Butt surrounding the spinal column, were heavier in Japanese Black than Holstein. Although F1 showed intermediate values for almost all traits, Tender‐Loin, Rib‐Chuck‐Roll and Strip‐Loin of F1 were similar to those of Japanese Black rather than the mid‐parent averages. It reflects that at least the average parent heterosis of 2.3–4.3% might be expressed in these higher‐priced cuts. The classification of breeds was carried out by the canonical discriminant analysis using 20 carcass measurements. By the canonical variates, breeds can be effectively discriminated with misdiscrimination rate of 11.6%. When the comparison is made at the carcass weight constant, Japanese Black has characteristics for producing superior carcass quality as well as meat quality.     

Flow cytometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid immune dynamics in calves

Understanding the immune dynamics in the respiratory mucosa of calves is necessary for a good management of bovine respiratory disease. Immune dynamics in the respiratory mucosa in humans and experimental animals has been assessed by flow cytometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); however, few reports have addressed this subject in calves. The aim of this study was to establish a universal method to analyze bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by flow cytometry and to obtain basic knowledge of bovine respiratory mucosal immune dynamics. We investigated the immune cell populations in BALF and evaluated the surface antigen expression of alveolar macrophages in calves using flow cytometer. To further analyze the surface antigen variation observed in alveolar macrophages in detail, stimulation assays were performed in vitro. BALF cells were separated into three distinct populations based on their light scatter plot, which were considered to be macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In most individuals, most of the BALF immune cells were alveolar macrophages, but an increased proportion of lymphocytes and neutrophils was observed in some individuals. Analysis of each surface antigen expression in alveolar macrophages showed that CD21 and MHC class II expression changed in response to changes in the leukocyte population. Moreover, when alveolar macrophages were stimulated with interferon-γ in vitro, the expression of CD21 was drastically reduced and MHC class II was increased, suggesting that functional changes in alveolar macrophages themselves are involved in the immune dynamics.     

Cryptosporidium parvum infection and management-based risk factors of dairy calves in Taiwan

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the major causes of diarrhea in calves. Cryptosporidium parvum is considered the most important calf diarrhea pathogen in the Cryptosporidium species. Not only could infected calves spread C. parvum, but infected adult cattle could also shed oocysts. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the prevalence of C. parvum in dairy herds in Taiwan, including calves, the dams in delivery enclosure, the floor, and the drinking water; (2) to clarify the relationship of diarrhea, management, and C. parvum infection. Twenty dairy herds in Taiwan were selected by random sampling, including 226 calves and 198 dams, and other environmental samples were collected. A questionnaire was filled out by the farm owners to collect information regarding the management of calves and the delivery enclosure. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for C. parvum infection. The prevalence of C. parvum infection in calves was 26.5% (60/226), while in dams, it was 19.7% (39/198). The C. parvum infection in calves increased with environmental contamination of C. parvum and clinical signs of diarrhea, while it decreased with a yard provided in the delivery enclosure. In conclusion, the management of the delivery enclosure appears to be more important for preventing cryptosporidiosis in calves in Taiwan.     

Evaluation of S100B in cerebrospinal fluid as a potential biomarker for neurological diseases in calves

S100B in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-S100B) was measured in calves with 20 neurologic and 21 non-neurologic diseases to clarify its utility as a biomarker for neurologic diseases. The median CSF-S100B value in the neurologic disease group (43.0 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the non-neurologic disease group (10.2 ng/ml). As CSF-S100B levels in calves with neurologic diseases widely differed, the utility of CSF-S100B as a diagnostic marker for neurologic diseases in cattle remains inconclusive.     

Genetic relationships between temperament of calves at auction and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle

Correlations of calves’ temperament with carcass traits were estimated to clarify the genetic relationships between them in Japanese Black cattle. The temperament records for 3128 calves during auction at a calf market were scored on a scale of 1 (calm) to 5 (nervous) as temperament score (TS ), and the TS were divided into two groups (TSG ): TS 1 and 2 comprised TSG 1, and 3 to 5 constituted TSG 2. Carcass data were obtained from 33 552 fattened cattle. A threshold animal model was used for analyzing the underlying liability for TSG , whereas a linear one was used for TS and carcass traits. The heritability estimates for TS and TSG were 0.12 and 0.11, respectively. On the other hand, moderate to high heritability estimates were obtained for carcass traits (0.40 to 0.68). The temperament scores were negatively correlated with carcass weight, rib thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness (?0.13 to ?0.59). In contrast, weak to moderate positive correlations were found between the temperament scores and rib eye area or yield estimate (0.16 to 0.45). The temperament scores and beef marbling score had no correlation. These results showed that it is possible to improve temperament and carcass traits simultaneously.