The diagnostic and prognostic significance of ketonuria in fertility disorders of cattle

The diagnostic and prognostic significance of ketonuria for the prognosis of reproductive disorders in high-performance dairy cows was examined in 3 herds of Holstein Friesian and Holstein Friesian x Hungarian Red Pied F1 that were either primiparae or were due to calve for the 2nd to 8th time during the study period from mid-February to late March, 1988. The course of uterine involution and status of the ovaries was followed up by regular rectal and vaginal examination. In the first experiment (n = 15) the return of cyclic ovarian activity was monitored by determination of progesterone in milk twice weekly over a period of 10 weeks post partum. In the second experiment (n = 121) urine and milk samples were collected at intervals of 5 to 8 days over a period of 9 weeks post partum and analysed for ketone bodies. The body condition of the cows was estimated by a scoring system at 5 and 9 weeks post partum. In the third experiment (n = 289) urine samples taken 1-4 days before as well as 3 days and 5 weeks after calving were analysed for ketone bodies. Biologic reproduction data were followed up for 150 days post partum in all experiments. One to two thirds of the cows in the examined herds showed ketonuria post partum, some animals also displayed ketonuria ante partum. Persistent postpartal ketonuria occurred mainly among the older cows with a high performance that at the same time showed a marked loss of body condition during the first weeks post partum. Primiparous heifers seldom developed ketonuria, despite a generally poor body condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Study on the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis and its economic significance in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir,Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, χ ² = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, χ ² = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, χ ² = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.     

Cooling and feeding strategies to reduce heat load of grain-fed beef cattle in intensive housing

Six Murray Grey × Hereford yearling steers were used to determine the effect of two cooling treatments (ENV) (day cooled (0600–1400) or night cooled (1400–2200), and two dietary treatments (DIET) – control (CON) no added fat or added fat (FAT) – on rectal temperature, respiration rate and dry matter intake (DMI). Cattle were exposed to 2 d of thermoneutral conditions followed by four hot days in a controlled climate facility. This was replicated 6 times. Steers were given a 10 d rest in outside pens between each replication. Sprinklers (2.84 L min^− 1; 5 min on, 20 min off) and fans (continuous; 2 m s^− 1) were used when ambient temperature (T_A) ≥ 28 °C. Rectal temperature (5 min intervals) and respiration rate (hourly) were measured for 12 × 24 h periods on hot days (2 per replication). Individual DMI over two time periods (PER) (period 1; 0600–1500, and period 2; 1500–0600) and daily metabolisable energy (ME) intakes were also recorded. Steers fed FAT had greater (P < 0.05) DMI then the CON steers during day cooling. However, there were no DIET or PER differences for DMI during night cooling. DMI of FAT and CON fed steers during night cooling was similar to the DMI of the FAT fed steers during day cooling. Overall DMI was greater during night cooling (DMI from both diets pooled). There were PER differences for DMI, with more (P < 0.05) feed consumed during period 2 irrespective of ENV or DIET. ME intake was 22.9% greater (P < 0.05) for the FAT fed steers during day cooling then for the CON fed steers. There were no DIET effects on ME intake during night cooling. DIET had no effect (P > 0.05) on respiration rate however differences were seen for rectal temperature. Mean rectal temperature for the FAT steers was lower (P < 0.05) than the mean of the CON steers, however there were no within ENV differences. Day cooled cattle had a higher (P < 0.05) respiration rates (71.8 breaths/min; bpm) than the night cooled steers (65.3 bpm). There were no differences for rectal temperature. However, day cooled steers had lower (P < 0.05) rectal temperature and respiration rate than the night cooled steers during the day — which corresponded with the day cooling period. Night cooling appears to be beneficial in lowering mean rectal temperature and respiration rate, and in maintaining DMI. There is no suggestion that feeding fat will replace the need for supplementary measures to alleviate heat exposure of confined cattle. However feeding fat may be worthwhile in maintenance DMI when combined with strategies involving day cooling.     

The distribution and prevalence of stephanofilariasis in cattle in Queensland

A total of 10,543 cattle from 1,386 farms throughout Queensland was examined at abattoirs and the presence of stephanofilarial lesions was related to property of origin, sex, breed, and age of the slaughtered cattle and season of slaughter. The mean prevalence was 38% and within the infected area this varied from less than 5% in south east Queensland to 95% on Cape York Peninsula. The prevalence of lesions was higher in bulls than in steers [corrected] and was least in cows [corrected]. Bos indicus animals had a lower prevalence than B. taurus. Prevalence increased with age. The distribution of the disease closely matched that of the buffalo fly, Haematobia irritans exigua.     

The prevalence and economic significance of Fasciola gigantica and Stilesia hepatica in slaughtered animals in the semi-arid coastal Kenya

Fasciola gigantica and Stilesia hepatica constrain ruminant productivity. The prevalence and economic losses caused by F. gigantica and S. hepatica in the ruminant production systems of Taveta division of Kenya were estimated in a retrospective appraisal of the slaughter records on the total number of animals slaughtered and livers condemned over the period 1989 to 2004. Only liver condemnations based on infestation by F. gigantica and S. hepatica were considered for purposes of this study. Liver condemnation rates differed significantly between bovines, caprines and ovines (p≤ 0.05) for F. gigantica (26%, 6.6% and 5.2%, respectively) and for S. hepatica (0.4%, 22% and 28%, respectively). The total loss through condemnation of both F. gigantica and S. hepatica infested livers was 4 408 272 KES (Kenyan shillings) (US$ 72 272). The proportion of loss in bovines, caprines and ovines, was 76%, 17% and 7%, respectively. Fasciolosis contributed 3 505 410 KES (79.5%) and S. hepatica infestation 903 210 KES (20.5%) to the total losses due to liver condemnations. The authors feel strongly that there is a need for more work on the two parasites using live animals to determine the prevalence in animals of various ages, species and breeds and the economics of disease control at farm level.     

The prevalence of Yersinia-specific antibodies in cattle in Bavaria

Yersiniosis is considered to be an emerging infection in humans. It is believed that contaminated pork is the main source of infection for man but also beef and cow milk might cause infection in the consumer. Therefore, a survey was carried out to obtain actual data on the prevalence of anti-Yersinia antibodies within cattle. 600 serum samples were taken form 120 farms located in 43 districts of Bavaria, Germany. Antibodies were detected in 396 animals (65.7%) revealing a distribution of 52.3% of anti-YopD, 40.3% of anti-YopM, 24.0% of anti-YopH, 21.2% of anti-YopE and 3.0% of anti-V-antigen antibodies. 21 reactionpatterns out of 32 possible patterns were identified. Anti-YopD and YopM antibodies were sufficient to detect all Yersinia antibody positive sera. No regional differences in the distribution of antibodies were noted.     

The prevalence and PCR detection of Salmonella contamination in raw poultry

Contaminated poultry meat has been identified as one of the principal foodborne sources of Salmonella. The development of rapid detection assays for Salmonella would enable official agencies and food industries to identify contaminated foodstuffs in a more timely manner. In addition, these diagnostic tools could allow more 'real time' decisions to be made regarding end product acceptability. In this study, a survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in raw broiler carcasses. A total of 198 neck skin samples were obtained from within 40 flocks at a commercial broiler slaughtering facility. The presence of Salmonella was assessed by traditional culture methods and by a Salmonella-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Salmonella was recovered from 32 (16%) of all samples using traditional culture methods. In contrast, the PCR assay proved to be more sensitive and detected Salmonella DNA in 38 (19%) of the samples tested. The pathogen was detected in 45 (23%) of the 198 samples when culture and PCR results were combined. The sensitivity of the PCR test was also greater than culture when detecting Salmonella from within flocks (53% of flocks by PCR, 30% of flocks by culture). The combination of both tests revealed that 55% of the flocks were contaminated with Salmonella. The PCR assay proved to be a highly specific and sensitive method for detecting Salmonella and the incorporation of a routine PCR test in conjunction with standard culture could be effective in providing a more accurate profile of the prevalence of this pathogen in broiler carcasses.     

The distribution and prevalence of Theileria buffeli in cattle in Queensland

The distribution and prevalence of Thelleria buffeli in Queensland cattle were investigated using serum samples and blood films collected primarily for brucellosis surveillance and tick fever diagnosis. Serums from 8654 cattle from 357 farms throughout Queensland were examined by an indirect fluorescent antibody test for antibody to T buffeli. In addition, 347 peripheral blood films collected from 147 farms in south-eastern Queensland were examined for piroplasms of T buffeli. The overall herd and animal prevalences for T buffeli were 75% and 41%, respectively. There was significant variation among regions in both herd and animal prevalences (P less than 0.001). Herd and animal prevalences were highest in the north and east decreasing westward. The results indicate that T buffeli is more widespread in Queensland than previously thought.     

The prevalence and identity of Sarcocystis cysts in cattle in Belgium

Muscle tissue from the oesophagus, diaphragm and heart of 100 cattle slaughtered in Belgium was examined for Sarcocystis infection by microscopic examination of tissue and artificial digestion. Intact sarcocysts or cystozoietes were recovered from 97% of the cattle examined. There was a difference in sensitivity between the method (digestion or histology) used and the muscle processed. The digestion of the oesophagus muscle resulted in the highest number of positive animals whereas the heart muscles contained most cysts during histological examination. Thin-walled cysts were recovered from all positive animals especially in the heart and they were indistinguishable from those of S. cruzi. Thick-walled cysts were recovered from 56% of animals but these could not be identified as S. hirsuta and/or S. hominis on morphological grounds. A correlation between pathological changes and the infection grade could not be proved.     

The prevalence of paratuberculosis in culled New England cattle

The prevalence of bovine paratuberculosis in New England was determined to be 18% based on a random survey of abattoir cattle. Six tissues from each of 100 animals were examined by histologic and bacteriologic methods. The cecal lymph node and the ileocecal valve yielded positive cultures most frequently, but isolations were also made from liver, tonsil, colon, and ileum. On the basis of the prevalence data, the economic significance of paratuberculosis to the New England dairy industry was estimated in excess of +15.4 million annually. Field studies identified 25 infected herds in New England. One of the infected herds from Connecticut was sold at public auction, an act which resulted in the dissemination of 95 potentially infected cattle to 28 farms in 8 different states.     

The prevalence and significance of hyperglycemia in hospitalized cats

Objective – To report the prevalence of hyperglycemia in cats admitted to a veterinary hospital and to determine if hyperglycemic cats had increased morbidity and mortality when compared with normoglycemic cats.
Design – Retrospective clinical study.
Setting – Community-based referral hospital.
Animals – Nondiabetic cats admitted to the hospital.
Interventions – None.
Measurements and Main Results – The medical records of nondiabetic cats admitted to the hospital over a 1-year period were reviewed. There were 182 cats that met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Information obtained included signalment, length of hospitalization, initial and highest blood glucose measurement, diagnosis, treatment, and final disposition. Sixty-three percent of cats (116/182) were hyperglycemic at the time of presentation. Total incidence of hyperglycemia at any point during hospitalization was 64% (118/182). No association was found between hyperglycemia either initially or at any point during the hospitalization and mortality. However, a significant association was documented between the presence of hyperglycemia and increased length of hospitalization (LOH) ( P =0.04). The duration of LOH was also significantly associated with the degree of hyperglycemia ( P =0.01). A number of different disease processes were represented in the study population. However, the number of cats in each disease category was small and no association could be found between any of them and blood glucose affecting mortality and morbidity.
Conclusion – The prevalence of hyperglycemia in feline patients admitted to a primary referral hospital was 64%. Cats with hyperglycemia had a longer LOH when compared with normoglycemic cats; however, presence of hyperglycemia did not impact mortality in this population of cats.     

The prevalence and identity of Sarcocystis in beef cattle in New Zealand

Muscle tissue from the oesophagus and diaphragm of 500 beef cattle slaughtered in New Zealand was examined for Sarcocystis infection by microscopic examination of cysts isolated from muscle samples. All cattle were infected with Sarcocystis; based on light microscopy of cysts, 98% had thin-walled Sarcocystis cruzi cysts and 79.8% had thick-walled (Sarcocystis hirsuta/Sarcocystis hominis) cysts. Cysts were also collected for electron microscopy and transmission experiments. Thick-walled cysts could not be distinguished as S. hirsuta or S. hominis by light or electron microscopy. Thick-walled cysts were fed to three cats and one human volunteer; one cat shed sporocysts but not the human volunteer. Electron microscopy of the cysts revealed many features that have not been described previously.     

A study of the prevalence and economic significance of diseases and defects of slaughtered farmed deer

A survey was undertaken in a deer slaughterhouse to record the diseases, defects, and productivity-related information that were detectable at postmortem meat inspection. A total of 4762 farmed deer were surveyed in 1988-89 over the period of highest throughput (October-January). Comparative data were drawn from a further two deer slaughterhouses and from national disease and defect statistics for slaughtered cattle. Farmed deer had a very different disease and defect status compared to cattle. Wounds and bruises dominated the disease and defect statistics, and resulted in an average loss of 26.9% in carcass value over all cases. In addition, most chronic pathological lesions were trauma-related. Tuberculosis was the only infectious disease of importance, and the prevalence of confirmed cases (0.38%) o was significantly higher than that in slaughtered cattle in New Zealand (0.07%). Average loss in carcass value for reactors and confirmed tuberculous cases was 74.7%.     

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in feedlot cattle

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important human pathogen and recent evidence has implicated food animals in the epidemiology of human infections in some regions. While the role of food in MRSA transmission and human health relevance are unclear, MRSA can be found in retail meat products internationally, including beef, yet there has been minimal investigation of MRSA in beef cattle. This study involved screening feedlot cattle for nasal and gastrointestinal colonization with MRSA shortly before the time of slaughter. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was not isolated from any of 491 nasal swabs and 488 faecal samples. This finding is in contrast to studies that have isolated MRSA from retail beef in Canada, performed in the same laboratory using comparable culture techniques. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear but it demonstrates that further study of MRSA in livestock as well as slaughter, processing and retail environments is needed to elucidate the epidemiology of MRSA contamination of meat.     

The prevalence and distribution of leptospiral titres in cattle and pigs in Queensland

Serological test results for leptospiral species on serums from cattle and pigs performed by the diagnostic laboratories of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries from July 1973 to June 1976 were used to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of 3 leptospiral serotypes in Queensland. There was a higher prevalence of antibodies to L. hardjo than to L. pomona in cattle, whereas in pigs the prevalence of antibodies to L. pomona was much higher than that for L. tarassovi or L. hardjo. Feral pigs had a particularly high prevalence of L. pomona antibodies. There is a different geographical distribution of antibodies to L. pomona and L. hardjo. L. hardjo antibodies appear to be fairly uniformly distributed but there is a higher prevalence of L. pomona antibodies in low rainfall areas. This relationship was shown to be significantly correlated.