Ultrasonographic assessment of standing laparotomy wound healing in dairy cows

The surgical wounds of 40 cows with a standing clean laparotomy were assessed 10-15 days after surgery. The abdominal wall thickness on the upper (w1), the middle (w2) and the lower (w3) third of the wound (and the contralateral flank n1, n2, and n3), the presence of edema, cavitary lesion, capsulated lesion, or visualization of shadow artifact in the wound were assessed ultrasonographically. On day 30, wound healing status (normal or surgical site infection (SSI)) was determined. Five out of 39 cows (12.8%) had SSI. A significant positive correlation was found between w3 and edema (p<0.01; r=0.44), w3/n3 and edema (p<0.05; r=0.32), w3 and pain on wound palpation (p<0.01; r=0.41); w3/n3 and the presence of pain (p<0.002; r=0.49) and w2/n2 and pain when palpating the wound (p<0.05; r=0.33). No association was found between the ultrasonographic evidence of edema and SSI (p=0.10), cavitary lesion and SSI (p=0.65), encapsulated lesion and SSI (p=1), and shadow artefact and SSI (p=1). The wound ultrasonography 10-15 days after surgery was not predictive of abnormal wound healing.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the liver in cows

The size of the liver, as well as the situation and diameter of vessels in cattle were determined by use of ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic examinations of the liver were performed on 10 cows 10 times within 2 weeks, using a 3.5-MHz linear transducer on the right side in the 12th, 11th, and 10th intercostal spaces. Dorsal and ventral margin of the liver as well as localization and diameter of the caudal vena cava and the portal vein were determined in each intercostal space. Furthermore, the angle of the liver in the ventral area between the visceral surface and the diaphragmatic surface, the dorsal margin, and the circumference of the gall bladder were determined. The ultrasonographic values of liver size and localization in healthy cows can be used as reference values for the diagnosis of changes in liver size attributable to illness.     

Fatty liver in dairy cows

An increase in liver fat concentration during the peripartum period is extremely common in dairy cows and, to some degree, is probably normal. When severe, it is associated with clinical problems including increased morbidity and mortality and reduced breeding efficiency. Fatty liver develops when serum NEFA concentrations rise and hepatic uptake of NEFA exceeds the liver's ability to synthesize and secrete lipoproteins. In most cases, hepatic lipid accumulation appears to commence prepartum, in association with rising serum NEFA concentrations and declining serum lipoprotein concentrations. Commonly used clinicopathologic tests of liver function do not yield clearly abnormal results except in animals with extremely high concentrations of liver fat. Clinically useful estimates of hepatic lipid concentration can be obtained in the field by determining the buoyancy of needle biopsy samples in liquids of various specific gravities. Clinically ill animals with liver fat concentrations of greater than 35 per cent by weight have a poor prognosis, and those that do survive will have a protracted convalescence. Treatment of dairy cows with clinical fatty liver should be aimed at reducing further adipose lipid mobilization and promoting hepatic lipoprotein synthesis; however, protocols for therapy have not as yet been evaluated critically. Prevention of fatty liver is more rewarding than treatment. Dry cows should be maintained in a moderately fat condition and fed high-quality, palatable feeds in amounts necessary to met or slightly exceed their energy requirements. Free-choice feeding of high-energy feeds should be avoided in late lactation and during the nonlactating period.     

DDGS在奶牛生产中的安全性评价

本文综述了影响DDGS安全性的主要因素及其在奶牛生产中应用的安全风险,并探讨了黄曲霉毒素B1在动物体内的代谢情况.     

日粮赖氨酸含量对奶牛产奶性能的影响

试验选取40头荷斯坦奶牛随机分为4个试验组,每组10头奶牛。试验1组的日粮为14.1%粗蛋白质(CP)和0.60%赖氨酸(Lys),试验2组为14.1%CP和0.45%Lys,试验3组12.6%CP和0.58%Lys及试验4组12.5%CP和0.44%Lys。所有试验奶牛先饲喂10d试验日粮作为预试期,然后开始70d正试期。试验结果表明:试验1组产奶量平均为(22.26±1.50)kg/d,与试验3组([21.98±2.18)kg/d](P0.05);试验1组和3组产奶量均高于试验2组和4组(P0.05);试验2组产奶量([20.83±1.57)kg/d]略高于4组([20.15±1.71)kg/d],差异不显著(P0.05)。因此,奶牛日粮蛋白质从14.1%适当降到12.6%,日粮赖氨酸水平保持在0.60%,奶牛产奶量不受影响,乳蛋白含量有上升趋势;奶牛日粮赖氨酸从0.60%降到0.45%,无论日粮蛋白质水平是否变化,奶牛产奶量下降。     

Reduced fertility associated with fatty liver in high-yielding dairy cows

In a group of 20 high-yielding dairy cows, 10 with mild and 10 with severe fatty liver one week after calving, there was an association between fatty liver and reduced fertility. The 10 cows with severe fatty liver had a significantly longer calving interval to the next lactation compared to the cows with mild fatty liver. In addition there was a significant positive correlation between the amount of fat in the liver and calving interval. The results support the concept that liver dysfunction at calving adversely affects subsequent fertility.     

Haematology of subclinical fatty liver in dairy cows

The relationship between liver fat content and haematology was investigated in 369 cows from eight herds sampled in the second week after calving. High levels of fat in the liver were associated with a depression in total white cell count and in neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. There was no correlation between liver fat content and the percentage of E rosetting lymphocytes, packed cell volume or haemoglobin concentration. The changes in peripheral white cell counts may be related to the increased incidence of post parturient disease in cows with fatty liver.     

不同泌乳阶段奶牛血清矿物元素含量的变化

试验旨在探讨不同泌乳阶段和产奶量对奶牛血清矿物元素含量的影响。试验采用2×5(产奶量:高产≥35 kg/d和低产<35 kg/d;泌乳阶段:围产前期、围产后期、泌乳前期、泌乳中期和泌乳后期)二因素完全随机试验设计,选择40头荷斯坦奶牛,分析产奶量与泌乳阶段对血清常量元素(钙、磷、钾、镁)与微量元素(镉、钴、铬、钼、铅、铜、锰、硒、铁、锌)含量的影响。结果表明产奶量对血清矿物元素含量无显著影响(P>0.05),泌乳阶段对血清矿物元素含量影响显著(P<0.05)。除泌乳后期外,其它阶段血清铜含量均较低,接近阈值;泌乳前期和围产后期血清硒及围产后期钴含量较低,且低于正常范围;各阶段血清铁含量均较低;泌乳后期铅含量高于正常范围;其它各阶段其余元素含量均在正常范围内。因此,生产中应针对不同生理阶段注意元素铁、硒、铜、钴的及时供给,并预防泌乳后期铅中毒。     

Ultrasonographic assessment of the reticular motility in cows after administration of different doses of metoclopramide and neostigmine

The aim of the present study was to use of ultrasonography for assessment of reticular motility after administration of various doses of metclopramide and neostigmine in cows. A total of ten Holstein cows were used in six trials in each one single dose of each drug was used. Metoclopramide was used at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg intramuscularly, whereas neostigmine was used at 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 mg/kg subcutaneously. Reticular motility was assessed using 3.5 MHz transducer just before drugs administration and every 20 minutes after administration with total time of two hours. At twenty minutes postadministration, metoclopramide at a dose rate of 0.3 mg kg significantly (P<0.01) produced shortening of the interval time between the two biphasic reticular contractions by 25% and significantly (P<0.05) increased the amplitude of the first reticular contraction by 42%, but with mild neurological signs. Neostigmine produced non-significant increase in reticular contraction rate and strength. The results of the present study indicate that metoclopramide and neostigmine at selected doses are not clinically useful agents for increasing reticular contraction rate and strength. The findings of this study in healthy animals may not be extrapolatable to findings in cattle with reticuloruminal hypomotility.     

Hepatocyte apoptosis in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver

The objective of the present study was to analyse the apoptotic process of liver cells in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver using indicators of DNA damage and immunohistochemistry. For this purpose, sixteen dairy cows with fatty liver were examined. On clinical examination, the physical condition of the animals was fair in nine and poor in seven cows. The most dominant clinical signs were reduced ruminal motility, inappetance and/or anorexia and recumbency. Postmortem examination, in seven cases, revealed enlarged liver (18–33 kg), icteric carcasses and distended gallbladder. Laboratory results included neutrophilia, hypochloraemia, decreased concentrations of total bilirubin and increased concentrations of β-hydroxy butyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and insulin. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were high. Histopathological examination of hepatic specimen showed lipid drops in cytosol with indistinct cellular membranes. In control hepatic cells, the DNA was tightly compressed and maintained the circular disposition of the normal nucleus. However, in the diseased cows, the damaged DNA migrated from the core toward the anode, forming a tail of a comet. Compared to controls, numerous ssDNA and caspase-3-positive cells were detected in the liver. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to document accelerated apoptosis of hepatocytes in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver.     

Hepatocyte apoptosis in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver

The objective of the present study was to analyse the apoptotic process of liver cells in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver using indicators of DNA damage and immunohistochemistry. For this purpose, sixteen dairy cows with fatty liver were examined. On clinical examination, the physical condition of the animals was fair in nine and poor in seven cows. The most dominant clinical signs were reduced ruminal motility, inappetance and/or anorexia and recumbency. Postmortem examination, in seven cases, revealed enlarged liver (18-33kg), icteric carcasses and distended gallbladder. Laboratory results included neutrophilia, hypochloraemia, decreased concentrations of total bilirubin and increased concentrations of β-hydroxy butyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and insulin. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were high. Histopathological examination of hepatic specimen showed lipid drops in cytosol with indistinct cellular membranes. In control hepatic cells, the DNA was tightly compressed and maintained the circular disposition of the normal nucleus. However, in the diseased cows, the damaged DNA migrated from the core toward the anode, forming a tail of a comet. Compared to controls, numerous ssDNA and caspase-3-positive cells were detected in the liver. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to document accelerated apoptosis of hepatocytes in dairy cows with fatty infiltration of the liver.     

Plasma lipoproteins and fatty liver in dairy cows

Dairy cows were classified on the basis of a histological study after a hepatic biopsy conducted in the second week post partum (mild fatty liver, moderate fatty liver, severe fatty liver). Plasma lipoproteins were separated into various density classes by repeated ultracentrifugation. The results indicate that the beginning of lactation is associated with a low concentration of the 1.006 to 1.063 g ml-1 lipoprotein fraction. The lowest concentrations occurred in cows with severe steatosis or during the evolution of moderate steatosis.     

Ultrasonographic assessment of liver size in the dog

A simple ultrasonographic method of estimating liver size in the dog was evaluated in this study. A single linear measurement from the tip of the ventral liver lobes to the diaphragm was made, using both transverse and longitudinal planes of section, Assuming careful technique, this measurement proved to be highly reproducible. There was good correlation between the measurements taken on the two planes of section. This measurement was shown to provide a good indicator of liver mass, irrespective of the size or breed of dog. It was concluded that ultrasound provides a simple, quantitative method of assessing liver size in the dog.     

摄入不同能量的围产期乳牛肝低密度脂蛋白受体mRNA丰度的比较

将30头健康、经产、处于围产期的黑白花乳牛随机分为3组，每组10头。从产前28d开始，低能量组乳牛饲喂《中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）》减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％），对照组乳牛饲喂《标准》日粮（能量摄入100％），高能量组乳牛饲喂《标准》增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％），产后各组乳牛均饲喂标准日粮。至产后第56d结束试验；采用内对照RT-PCR方法检测摄入不同能量的围产期乳牛肝活体组织低密度脂蛋白受体（LDLR）mRNA丰度。结果，不同能量组乳牛肝LDLR mRNA丰度产前至产后均呈现先升高后降低的趋势。100％和120％能量组肝LDLR mRNA丰度在产后14d达最大值，且产后均高于产前（产后56d除外，P〈0．01或P〈0．05）；而80％能量组产后1d即达到最大值，产前14d至产后14d，LDLR mRNA相对表达量显著高于100％和120％能量组；产后28～56d，120％能量组显著高于80％和100％能量组（P〈0．01）。表明围产期乳牛能量摄入水平对肝LDLR mRNA丰度有显著影响。     

Total serum bile acid concentrations in dairy cows with fatty liver and liver failure

In forty-five Holstein Frisian dairy cows (1-6 weeks post partum; mean age: 5.1 +/- 1.2 years) the serum total bile acid concentrations (SBA) were measured enzymatically. In all cows a left sided abomasal displacement was corrected surgically by right side laparotomy and omentopexy three days before investigation. The liver fat content was determined in all cows histologically. Liver failure was assumed if typical clinical signs (ataxia, general depression, recumbency or coma), an increased venous plasma ammonia level (> 35 mumol/l) and a decreased plasma amino acid index (< 4.0) were found. Cows without liver failure (N = 29) were grouped according to the liver fat content as cows with mild (N = 5), moderate (N = 19) or severe hepatosteatosis (N = 5). Histological examination of liver biopsies in cows with liver failure (N = 16) revealed in twelve cases a severe fatty liver and in four cases a hydropic degeneration of the liver tissue. Although in cows without liver failure mean SBA concentrations were higher in the group with moderate (47.3 +/- 30.9 mumol/l) or severe fatty liver (32.9 +/- 21.7 mumol/l) than in that with mild lipidosis (18.0 (16.8 mumol/l), differences were not significant. The mean SBA concentration in cows with liver failure (70.5 +/- 49.5 mumol/l) was only significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to cows with uncomplicated mild hepatic lipidosis. In conclusion, the determination of SBA concentrations is of little value in the recognition of fatty liver or even liver failure due to the considerable variance of SBA concentrations in dairy cows.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of exogenous isobutane gas in the mammary glands of dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exogenous isobutane gas infused into the udders of dairy cattle could be detected ultrasonographically, and if so, what effects volume of gas infused and infusion pressure had on how long after infusion exogenous isobutane gas could be detected. DESIGN: Randomized block design. ANIMALS: 8 Holstein cows 28 to 32 days after parturition. PROCEDURE: In each cow, 1 mammary gland was not treated and the other 3 received 1 of 3 treatments by means of intramammary infusion: low volume-high pressure, low volume-low pressure, and high volume-high pressure infusion of isobutane gas. Mammary glands were examined ultrasonographically 1 hour before and 1, 3, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours after treatment. RESULTS: After intramammary infusion of isobutane gas, bright echoes and associated acoustic shadows were seen ultrasonographically; echoes were no longer seen 72 hours after gas infusion. Percentages of mammary glands in which bright echoes were detected were not significantly different among the 3 treatment groups at any time during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that exogenous isobutane gas infused into the mammary glands to enhance the appearance of the udder of show dairy cattle can be readily detected by ultrasonography.     

Comparison of milk yield in dairy cows with different degrees of lameness

OBJECTIVE: To compare milk yield among cows classified as nonlame, moderately lame, and lame and to examine the relationship between severity of lameness and milk yield in cows classified as lame during the first 100 days after parturition. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. ANIMALS: 465 Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Cows were examined weekly during the first 100 days after parturition and assigned a lameness score by use of a 6-point locomotion scoring system (ie, 0 to 5). Milk yield was compared among cows classified as nonlame, moderately lame, and lame. Among cows classified as lame (locomotion score > or = 4), milk yield was compared for cows with low, medium, and high cumulative locomotion scores. Cows classified as lame were further examined on a tilt table for diagnosis and treatment of lameness. RESULTS: 84 (18%), 212 (46%), and 169 (36%) cows were classified as nonlame, moderately lame, and lame, respectively. Among cows in their second or later lactations, milk yield in lame cows was significantly lower than that in moderately lame and nonlame cows. In addition, among cows classified as lame, milk yield was significantly lower in cows with high locomotion scores during the first 100 days after parturition, compared with cows with low scores. Most (58%) cows classified as lame had laminitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate a linear relationship between increasing degree of lameness and decreasing milk yield among cows in their second or later lactations. The locomotion scoring system used in this study may be a useful management tool that veterinarians and dairy farmers could adopt for early detection of lameness in dairy cows.     

不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛肝MTP mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同，年产奶量大于7000kg的围产期荷斯坦奶牛30头随机分为3组，每组10头，低能量组（Ⅰ组）按中国奶牛营养标准2000年版减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％），高能量组（Ⅱ组）则按此标准增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％），对照组（Ⅲ组）按标准日粮（能量摄入100％）饲喂，试验从产前28d到产后56d结束，分娩后各组均按标准配制相同的泌乳日粮。分别于产前28、14d及产后1、14、28、56d采取肝活体组织。应用内对照RT—PCR方法检测肝脏组织MTPmRNA丰度。结果显示，各组奶牛肝MTPmRNA丰度均呈现先升高后降低的趋势。产后均高于产前，且产后1～28d差异显著（P〈0．01或P〈0．05），而后回降，至56d趋于平稳（P〉0．05）；Ⅲ组肝MTP mRNA丰度在产后1d达到峰值，而Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组在产后14d达到最大值（P〈0．01）；Ⅱ组产后1～28d显著高于I组。产后14d显著高于Ⅲ组（P〈0．01）；Ⅲ组产后1d和28d显著高于Ⅰ组（P〈0．01或P〈0．05）。这些结果表明，围产期奶牛能量摄入水平对肝MTP mRNA丰度有显著影响。