Prevalence of antibodies to four bovine rotavirus strains in different age groups of cattle

Neutralizing antibody titers to four bovine rotavirus strains, representing three serotypes, were measured in 160 sera from cattle of different age groups. Age-specific seroprevalence analysis revealed serotype 6, represented by bovine rotavirus (BRV) NCDV, as the predominant rotavirus serotype infecting German cattle and serotype 10, represented by BRV V1005, as the least prominent. Infections with serotype 8, represented by BRV 678, occurred with intermediate frequency. Antibodies of young calves distinguished between NCDV and UK virus, two serotype 6 BRV strains differing in VP4 antigen.     

Cryptosporidium and Giardia in different age groups of Danish cattle and pigs--occurrence and management associated risk factors

To obtain information both about the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Danish cattle and pigs as well as the possible influence of different management systems on the occurrence and intensity of infection, we conducted an epidemiological survey comprising 50 randomly selected dairy and sow herds, respectively. Each herd was visited once for the collection of faecal samples and registration of basic management parameters. Faecal samples were collected from three different age groups of animals, i.e. 5 sows/cows, 10 nursing piglets/calves less than 1 month, and 10 weaner pigs 8-45 kg/calves 1-12 months. The faecal samples were purified and the number of (oo)cysts quantified. The study revealed an age-specific herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium of 16, 31 and 100% for sows, piglets and weaners, respectively, and of 14, 96 and 84% for cows, young calves and older calves, respectively. For Giardia the age-specific herd prevalence was 18, 22 and 84% for the sows, piglets and weaners, while for cattle herds the prevalence was 60, 82 and 100% for cows, young calves and older calves, correspondingly. The (oo)cyst excretion levels varied considerably both within and between herds for all age groups. Risk factors were evaluated by using proportional odds models with (oo)cyst excretion levels divided into four categories as response. Among the numerous risk factors examined, only a few were demonstrated to have a statistically significant influence, e.g. the use of an empty period in the calf pen between introduction of calves for both parasites had a protective effect in young calves. For weaners, use of straw in the pen and high pressure cleaning between batches of weaners had a preventive effect against higher Cryptosporidium oocyst excretion levels.     

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Ruminal and total tract phosphorus release from feedstuffs in cattle measured using the mobile nylon bag technique

Phosphorus (P) excretion in manure is a concern for dairy and beef producers. Excess P released into surface water runoff can lead to eutrophication and algal blooms in streams and lakes. One approach to reducing P excretion is to reduce dietary P. Data regarding P release from feedstuffs is limited and more precise formulations based on specific feed P release in the digestive tract may be one way to lower excreted P. In this experiment, the mobile nylon bag technique was used to determine the disappearance of P in corn silage, alfalfa hay, Coastal bermudagrass hay, and Tifton‐85 bermudagrass hay in steers after ruminal (24 h), ruminal + pepsin/HCl (rumen + PHCl), and ruminal + pepsin/HCl + intestinal (rumen + PHCl + I) incubation. Ruminal disappearance of P differed (p < 0.05) between feedstuffs and by site of incubation. Total tract (rumen + PHCl + I) P disappearance for corn silage, alfalfa hay, Coastal bermudagrass hay, and Tifton‐85 bermudagrass hay were 90.6%, 93.7%, 83.8% and 84.0% respectively. The range in P release (approximately 7%) indicates that considering P availability when balancing rations could have a measurable impact on subsequent P excretion from ruminants. More data concerning P availability as affected by other feed ingredients or plant species, maturity, and/or quality are needed to more accurately define P release from ruminant feeds.     

Effects of different supplemental soya bean oil levels on the performance of prepubertal Saanen goats: Oestrogen and progesterone release

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of soya bean oil in the total diet on the growth rate, metabolic changes, and oestrogen and progesterone release in Saanen goats. After dietary adaptation, 21 prepubertal goats (weight of 29.12 ± 0.91 kg, 230 days old) were randomly distributed among three diets of D2: inclusion of 2% soya bean oil in the total diet; D3: basal diet – inclusion of 3% soya bean oil in the total diet; and D4: inclusion of 4% soya bean oil in the total diet. The basal diet (D3) was formulated to promote a daily gain of 0.140 kg. The goats were weighed, and their blood samples were collected weekly. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, urea, non‐esterified fatty acids, beta‐hydroxybutyrate, oestrogen and progesterone in the plasma were measured. Prepubertal goats that were fed D4 exhibited a significantly lower dry matter intake, urea and cholesterol levels compared with the goats that were fed D2 and D3. Indeed, goats that were fed D4 displayed a significantly lower final weight than goats that were fed D2 and D3. In contrast, the inclusion of soya bean oil in the diet increased the progesterone and oestrogen concentrations, and goats that were fed D4 released a significantly higher concentration of progesterone than those that were fed D2 and D3. Furthermore, the percentage of goats with a progesterone level greater than 1 ng/ml (functional Corpus luteum) was significantly higher among the goats that were fed D3 and D4 than among those that were fed D2. In this study, although the inclusion of 4% soya bean oil in the diet decreased dry matter intake and growth rate, it increased progesterone concentration and the percentage of goats with a functional Corpus luteum, suggesting that the inclusion of soya bean oil accelerated puberty in prepubertal goats.     

Endoparasites in swine in different age groups and management systems

In different age groups endoparasites are of varying importance. Sows are predominantly infected with gastrointestinal strongyles (mainly Oesophagostomum spp.), Ascaris suum and Eimeriae, to a lesset extent with Trichuris suis, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Strongyloides ransomi or Isospora suis, while in suckling piglets I. suis and occasionally S. ransomi frequently occur. Weaners and fatteners are infected with coccidia and gastrointestinal strongyles, later with A. suum. Whipworms are also found occasionally. I suis causes diarrhoea in suckling piglets, while in older animals the infection is not correlated with disease. Damage induced by helminths is mainly due to reduced performance, in the case of ascarosis to reduced carcass value. Therefore planned antiparasitic measures should be taken at all stages of pig keeping. Hygienic measures can reduce infection pressure; however parasite elimination is difficult to obtain under conventional management conditions. Consequently the control of parasitic infection at the early stage of piglet production is desirable.     

An outbreak of babesiosis (B. divergens) in a dairy herd comprising different age groups of cattle

Outbreaks of acute bovine babesiosis affecting several individuals within a herd are well known among veterinary practitioners and farmers within different parts of Sweden. Although outbreaks may not occur every year, they are feared by the farmers due to the unpredictability of the disease, its suddeness of onset, its rapid course, and the high mortality unless treated. Sporadic outbreaks of acute bovine babesiosis comprising several animals within a limited time period have been previously reported in Sweden (Linnaeus 1747, Bergman & Waxberg 1915, Heijbel 1928), in Finland (Hinderson 1928), in Norway as cited by Tambs-Lyche (1943), in the United Kingdom (Donnelly et al. 1970) and elsewhere within the area where B. divergens is distributed (Tambs-Lyche 1943, Purnell 1980). In all of these cases groups of animals had been transferred onto pastures where clinical cases of bovine babesiosis were known to occur from areas where the disease was rare or had never occurred; i.e. unexposed animals were transferred onto pastures with Babesia infected ticks. The farmers first became aware of this situation after the outbreak had occurred.     

Studies on age specific leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in normal Friesian, Red Danish and Jersey cattle in Denmark.

To determine reference values for leukocyte and lymphocyte counts of the most common cattle breeds in Denmark, especially regarding the evaluation procedure in the leukosis control work, blood samples from normal cattle of all ages within the Friesian, the Red Danish and the Jersey breeds were collected, transported and counted as in the routine leukosis control programme. Evaluation of breed- and age specific counts showed numerically small, but statistically significant differences in mean values of leukocytes and lymphocytes between on the one hand Jersey cattle and on the other hand Red Danish and Friesian cattle. However, it was found that the key values used in the leukosis control work are generally in good agreement with the calculated 99.87 percentiles of all age- and breed specific lymphocyte count distributions, which were approximated with logarithmic normal distribution curves.     

Evaluation of cervical and uterine size,at 4 weeks postpartum,as a predictor of subsequent fertility in Jersey cattle

Uterine and cervical size of Holstein dairy cows is reported among reasons for a decline in dairy cow fertility. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) determine whether size of the cervix and uterus at 4 weeks postpartum impacted subsequent fertility at first service in Jersey cattle, (b) determine whether progesterone level at 4 weeks postpartum impacted cyclicity and (c) the association of the presence of corpus luteum and uterus and cervix size. Body condition scores at calving, presence of postpartum diseases, parity number and milk weights were taken from lactating Jersey dairy cows (N = 147) for 28 days postpartum. During the fourth week postpartum, a blood sample was obtained for progesterone concentration, and transrectal ultrasonography was performed by a high-resolution ultrasound machine to determine cervical and uterine horn diameter, as well as ovarian structures measurements. Correcting for parity number, BCS at calving, presence of diseases and milk yield, cows with a cervix >2.54 ± 0.63 cm and uterine horn >2.25 ± 0.59 cm were less likely to become pregnant at first service (p = .04 and p = .003, respectively). The cows with larger cervix had a trend to be less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .067). Cows with larger uterine horn size were less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .015). It is concluded that a larger cervix and/or uterus during the postpartum was associated negatively with fertility and cyclicity in Jersey cows.     

Ocular and multicentric lymphoma in a young racehorse

A 6-year-old thoroughbred gelding was presented with a history of blepharospasm and opacity in the OS of 1 weeks' duration. Ophthalmic examination findings were consistent with acute uveitis in the OS, and traditional treatment was initiated with systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, topical mydriatics, and corticosteroids. During the total treatment period of 4 weeks response to treatment was weak and the horse developed further problems such as cellulitis of the right hind limb with fever and eventually weight loss and dependent edema. Blood work was indicative of liver disease. Abdominal sonography revealed severe splenomegaly and slight hepatomegaly, and a liver biopsy confirmed malignant T-cell lymphoma. The horse was euthanized due to deteriorating general condition and subsequently underwent postmortem examination. Necropsy and histologic examination revealed a multicentric lymphoma with involvement of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and OU.
The findings in this case demonstrate that the differential diagnosis of intraocular and systemic lymphoma should be considered in any horse presenting with anterior uveitis, especially when uveitis is unresponsive to treatment and when additional systemic signs of illness such as lethargy, fever, weight loss, or dependent edema arise.
Cytological examination of aqueous humor may provide a rapid diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma in eyes with clinical uveitis.     

Productivity of different cow genetic groups in dual-purpose cattle production systems in south-eastern Mexico

The objective was to evaluate the effect of cow genetic group, nutritional level and their interaction on some economically important traits of dual-purpose herds managed under field conditions. Nine herds were monitored during a production cycle in Yucatan, Mexico. Herds were grouped into four nutritional levels (NL) based on the metabolizable energy (ME) apparently available on pasture, nutritional management, and milk production. Cows were classified into three genetic groups (GG): low (≤25%), middle (25–75%) and high (≥75%) graded for Bos taurus inheritance. Total milk sold (TMS), days in milk (DIM), TMS adjusted to DIM within each NL (TMSA), body condition score (BCS) at calving, changes of BCS during lactation (CBCS), calf weaning weight (WW), age at weaning (AW), kg of calf weaned per cow (KWC) and calf mortality were studied. The statistical model included the fixed effects of NL, GG, month of calving (MC), parity number (PN) and BCS at calving and GG × NL interaction. The effects of NL, GG, MC, PN and GG × NL were significant (p < 0.05) for TMS, KWC. As expected, TMS increased with NL from 562.4 ± 106 kg for NL1 to 2366.3 ± 100.1 kg for NL4. KWC was greatest for NL2 (138.6 kg) followed by NL1 (135 kg); the lowest KWC corresponded to NL4 (96.0 kg) (p < 0.05). TMS values for the middle (1727 ± 94.7 kg) and the high graded GG (1603.5 ± 83.5 kg) were twice those for the low graded GG cows (828.5 ± 95 kg) (p < 0.05). KWC was also higher for the middle graded group (152.8 kg) than for the low or (104 kg) or the high graded GG (118 kg) (p < 0.05). With better nutrition cows of all GG improved their milk performance but not the calf traits. CBCS was negative for all GG. The highest BCS lost was for cows in NL1 and NL2 and for cows in the high graded GG (p < 0.05).     

Genetic trends production and somatic cell count for Jersey cattle in Zimbabwe born from 1994 to 2005

Genetic trends for Jersey dairy cattle in Zimbabwe were estimated. A total of 10,986 lactation records were obtained from Zimbabwe Livestock Identification Trust, with cows calving in the period 1996 to 2008. An ASReml program fitting an animal model was used for the analyses. The animal model that was used included overall mean, herd-year-season, previous calving interval, and days dry as fixed effects while linear and quadratic regression coefficients of age at calving as covariates. Random effects were cow, permanent environmental effects, and residual error. The pedigree file included 1,228 animals born from 1994 to 2005. The traits studied were milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percent, protein percent, and Log₁₀SCC. Results indicated that milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield increased genetically (P?<?0.0001) on average by 1.420, 0.160, and 0.164?kg per year, respectively. Fat percent, protein percent, and Log₁₀SCC declined over the past 12?years (P?<?0.0001) at the rate of ?0.021, ?0.015, and ?0.0002 per year, respectively. This was due to the negative correlation between milk composition and milk yield. The results implies that the selection applied in the last decade has achieved genetic progress and that there is genetic variance for continued improvement and for setting up an effective dairy breeding program in Zimbabwean Jersey herds for milk, fat, and protein production.     

Body and claw measurements and pressure distribution under the claws in calves of different cattle breeds

In 58 female calves of the three breeds German Holstein (GH), German Brown (GB) and German Red (GR) the body weight and height were determined at the age of 79 to 188 days. At the right front limb and the left hind limb the following claw measurements were taken: dorsal border length, diagonal length, heel length and height, angle of the dorsal border and hardness of the claw horn. Furthermore, the punctual pressure under the medial and the lateral claw of the right front limb and the left hind limb were determined using an electronic measuring system. The GH calves weighing 136.8 kg were heavier than GB, which was the tallest breed with 106.2 cm height at the sacral bone. GR calves were the smallest (99.1 cm) and weighed 121.1 kg. The length of the diagonal and the angle of the dorsal border were smaller at the hind limb of all breeds which resulted in a smaller area of ground surface for the claw of this limb. The GR calves had the longest and flattest claws. The GB showed the highest pressures per cm2 at the front limb with 25.6 N/cm2 under both claws as well as at the hind limb with 26.7 N/cm2. The AR had the smallest pressure load with 20.8 N/cm2 at the front limb and 20.2 N/cm2 at the hind limb. The animals showed a larger relative weight load and area of ground surface on the medial claws of the front and hind limbs than on the lateral claws. The highest pressures were found underneath the rear part of the medial claw in all breeds. GB calves showed the highest average pressures (33.3 N/cm2 at the front limb) while GR calves had the lowest (26.3 N/cm2 at the hind limb). GR calves had the highest claw hardness at all measuring positions.     

CRTC2基因在不同品种和月龄肉牛的表达分析

为了研究肉牛CREB转录激活因子2(CRTC2)基因在肌肉组织中不同品种和月龄的表达情况,探讨CRTC2基因与生长发育的关系,利用qRT-PCR技术检测CRTC2基因在不同组织和不同月龄的表达规律;运用Western blot和免疫组化方法对CRTC2蛋白进行定量定位分析,探讨CRTC2蛋白的表达规律。结果显示:布莱凯特黑牛胰脏中CRTC2基因mRNA的表达量极显著高于其他组织(P0.01),睾丸中CRTC2基因mRNA的表达量最低;CRTC2基因在不同时期随着月龄的增加表达量逐渐降低,其中2和6月龄mRNA表达量极显著高于10和18月龄(P0.01),18月龄表达量最低;4个月龄布莱凯特黑牛的CRTC2表达量均高于鲁西黄牛,且2和6月龄品种间差异极限著(P0.01);CRTC2蛋白随着月龄的增加呈现逐渐降低的趋势,其中2月龄表达量极显著高于其他月龄(P0.01),18月龄相对表达量最低;4个月龄布莱凯特黑牛蛋白表达量均极显著高于鲁西黄牛(P0.01)。提示:CRTC2基因主要在肌肉组织的肌原纤维中表达,可能参与动物的早期分化和生长相关过程,对调控肌肉生长发育发挥重要作用。     

Random regression models on Legendre polynomials to estimate genetic parameters for weights from birth to adult age in Canchim cattle*

The objective of this work was to estimate covariance functions for direct and maternal genetic effects, animal and maternal permanent environmental effects, and subsequently, to derive relevant genetic parameters for growth traits in Canchim cattle. Data comprised 49 011 weight records on 2435 females from birth to adult age. The model of analysis included fixed effects of contemporary groups (year and month of birth and at weighing) and age of dam as quadratic covariable. Mean trends were taken into account by a cubic regression on orthogonal polynomials of animal age. Residual variances were allowed to vary and were modelled by a step function with 1, 4 or 11 classes based on animal’s age. The model fitting four classes of residual variances was the best. A total of 12 random regression models from second to seventh order were used to model direct and maternal genetic effects, animal and maternal permanent environmental effects. The model with direct and maternal genetic effects, animal and maternal permanent environmental effects fitted by quadric, cubic, quintic and linear Legendre polynomials, respectively, was the most adequate to describe the covariance structure of the data. Estimates of direct and maternal heritability obtained by multi‐trait (seven traits) and random regression models were very similar. Selection for higher weight at any age, especially after weaning, will produce an increase in mature cow weight. The possibility to modify the growth curve in Canchim cattle to obtain animals with rapid growth at early ages and moderate to low mature cow weight is limited.     

Estimation of the marbling development pattern in Japanese Black cattle by using serial ultrasound measurement data

The objective of this study was to develop mathematical equations for describing the change in marbling in Japanese Black steers using longitudinal measurements. Serial ultrasound measurements were taken at 14, 16, 20, and 26 months of age and analyzed using an image analysis software. The longitudinal marbling measurements from the ultrasound images and carcasses were fitted into a nonlinear logistic curve. Data used for the analysis consisted of 749 steers that converged in nonlinear curve fitting and showed reasonable estimated parameters of the logistic curves. The average predicted mature beef marbling score (BMS) and maturation rate were 6.26 and 0.353, respectively, and the average maturity levels at 24 months of age were 83.9%. The heritability estimates for the predicted maturity traits were moderate, indicating that these traits may have potential for genetic improvement. There was a negative relationship between the expected progeny differences between carcass BMS and maturity traits, suggesting that genetic improvement by carcass BMS may lead to the selection of bulls with late maturity for marbling. The results indicate that ultrasound and model building for marbling can be useful tools to correctly select candidate bulls with high marbling in the early fattening period.     

牛O型、亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫疫苗不同免疫次数免疫后群体抗体合格率比较

本研究选取沈阳地区饲养管理正规的牛规模场,采用液相阻断ELISA试验方法测定牛血清样品中O型-亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫抗体水平,并计算免疫抗体的群体合格率。用O型-亚洲Ⅰ型二价苗一免、二免、三免的牛在免后28d时牛O型-亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率研究结果表明,O型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率分别为82.5%、100%、100%;亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率分别为57.5%、97.5%、97.5%。一免后O型和亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率下降速度均较快,一免后60dO型免疫抗体群体合格率降到72.5%,免后80d时O型、亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率分别降为47.5%、12.5%。二免以上的牛口蹄免疫抗体群体合格率在28～120d内均较一免组高,而且抗体持续时间也长,三免后120d时O型、亚洲Ⅰ型口蹄疫免疫抗体群体合格率仍高达77.5%、75%。