The relationship between the variants of the bovine MBL2 gene and milk production traits, mastitis, serum MBL-C levels and complement activity

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a calcium-dependent collagenous lectin, plays an important role in the host immune defence against a wide range of pathogens. There are MBL1 and MBL2 genes which encode the MBL-A and MBL-C proteins, respectively. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between the variants of the bovine MBL2 gene and milk production traits, mastitis, serum MBL-C levels and hemolytic complement activity in both classical pathway (CH50) and alternative pathway (ACH50) in Chinese Holstein cattle. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exon 1 of the MBL2 gene in Chinese Holstein cattle and Luxi yellow cattle were identified by the direct sequencing method. The SNP g.201 G>A was identified as a non-synonymous mutation (codon 31, Arg>Gln) at the N-terminus cysteine-rich domain and the SNPs g.234 C>A and g.235 G>A (codon 42) made Pro to Gln at the 1st Gly-X-Y repeat of the collagen-like domain, while the SNP g.244 T>C (codon 45) was identified as a synonymous mutation (Asn>Asn) at the 2th Gly-X-Y repeat of the collagen-like domain. The SNP markers (g.201 G>A, and g.234 C>A) were significantly correlated with somatic cell score (SCS) (P<0.05). The concentration of MBL-C protein in serum ranges from 0.8 to 7.4μg/mL by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Six combinations of different haplotypes from the four SNPs were identified in Chinese Holstein cattle. Statistical analysis revealed that cows with the haplotype combination H4H5 exhibited the lowest SCS. The CH50 value of H4H5 and H5H5 cow are significantly higher than H2H5 haplotype combination (P<0.05). The association analysis results showed that the haplotype combination H4H5 may be used as a tolerance haplotype combination for the bovine mastitis.     

中国荷斯坦牛Toll样受体4基因的遗传多态性与体细胞评分的关联分析

试验旨在研究中国荷斯坦牛Toll样受体4(toll-like receptor 4,TLR4)基因的遗传多态性及其与体细胞评分(somatic cell score,SCS)的关联性,寻找与乳房炎相关的分子标记,加快中国荷斯坦牛的抗病育种。利用PCR-RFLP和PCR-SSCP技术对30个公牛家系的610头中国荷斯坦牛TLR4基因进行多态性检测,用最小二乘均数法对TLR4基因的多态位点与SCS进行相关分析。结果发现,试验共检测到2个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs),TLR4基因5'侧翼区存在SNP -226 G>C突变,经PCR-RFLP检测发现3种基因型:GG、GC和CC,基因型频率分别为0.208、0.482和0.310;外显子3存在SNP 1760 C>T突变,经PCR-SSCP检测发现3种基因型:CC、TC和TT,基因型频率分别为0.738、0.225和0.007,以上2位点均偏离Hardy-Weinberg 平衡。对于SNP -226 G>C位点,基因型个体的SCS差异不显著;对于SNP 1760 C>T位点,CC基因型个体的SCS最小二乘均值极显著低于TT和TC基因型个体(P<0.01)。SNP 1760 C>T的CC基因型对于中国荷斯坦牛的SCS有较大的遗传效应,可作为分子标记应用于奶牛乳房炎抗性筛选。     

Polymorphism of BRCA1 Gene and its Association with Mastitis Resistance in Holstein Dairy Cows

In order to study mutations of bovine breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene and its association with somatic cell count and somatic cell score in Holstein dairy cows in Beijing.SNPs of BRCA1 gene exon 13 and 14 were obtained by cloning,sequence alignment and searching for known mutations.In our research,25025 T>A of exon 9 and 46126 G>T of exon 13 in BRCA1 were detected by SNaPshot in Holstein dairy cows raised on the outskirts of Beijing city,as well as the association between SNPs and somatic cell count (SCC) or somatic cell score (SCS) were also analysed.The results showed that both 25025 T>A and 46126 G>T were detected in Holstein dairy cows.TT genotype at locus 25025 T>A and GT genotype at locus 46126 G>T were dominant genotypes,respectively.At locus 25025 T>A,least squares mean of SCC and SCS in individuals with AA genotype was significantly lower than that with TT and TA genotypes (P<0.05;P<0.01).Least squares mean of SCC in individuals with TT genotype was significantly lower than that with GG and GT genotypes (P<0.05),while SCS of different genotypes showed no difference at locus 46126 G>T (P>0.05).These results preliminarily indicated that the 25025 T>A and 46126 G>T mutations of BRCA1 gene could be used in molecular marker-assisted selection programs of mastitis resistance in Holstein dairy cows.     

BRCA1基因多态性及其与奶牛乳房炎抗性的相关性研究

为了研究BRCA1基因突变与荷斯坦奶牛体细胞数和体细胞评分的关系,试验通过对BRCA1基因外显子13、14进行克隆、序列比对和挖掘已有突变的方法确定该基因的多态位点,采用SNaPshot技术检测了BRCA1基因25025 T>A和46126 G>T突变位点在北京郊区荷斯坦奶牛群体中的分布,并对突变位点与体细胞数和体细胞评分进行了关联分析。结果表明,荷斯坦奶牛BRCA1基因2个位点均检测到3种基因型,其中25025 bp位点TT基因型为优势基因型,46126 bp位点GT基因型为优势基因型。25025 bp位点AA基因型个体体细胞数(P<0.05)和体细胞评分(P<0.01)都显著低于TT和TA基因型;46126 bp位点TT基因型个体体细胞数显著低于GG和GT基因型个体(P<0.05),但3种基因型个体体细胞评分无显著差异(P>0.05)。本研究结果初步表明,BRCA1基因25025和46126 bp位点可作为中国荷斯坦牛乳房炎抗性的标记辅助选择。     

Test-day somatic cell score, fat-to-protein ratio and milk yield as indicator traits for sub-clinical mastitis in dairy cattle

Test-day (TD) records of milk, fat-to-protein ratio (F:P) and somatic cell score (SCS) of first-lactation Canadian Holstein cows were analysed by a three-trait finite mixture random regression model, with the purpose of revealing hidden structures in the data owing to putative, sub-clinical mastitis. Different distributions of the data were allowed in 30 intervals of days in milk (DIM), covering the lactation from 5 to 305 days. Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling was used for model inferences. Estimated proportion of TD records originated from cows infected with mastitis was 0.66 in DIM from 5 to 15 and averaged 0.2 in the remaining part of lactation. Data from healthy and mastitic cows exhibited markedly different distributions, with respect to both average value and the variance, across all parts of lactation. Heterogeneity of distributions for infected cows was also apparent in different DIM intervals. Cows with mastitis were characterized by smaller milk yield (down to -5 kg) and larger F:P (up to 0.13) and SCS (up to 1.3) compared with healthy contemporaries. Differences in averages between healthy and infected cows for F:P were the most profound at the beginning of lactation, when a dairy cow suffers the strongest energy deficit and is therefore more prone to mammary infection. Residual variances for data from infected cows were substantially larger than for the other mixture components. Fat-to-protein ratio had a significant genetic component, with estimates of heritability that were larger or comparable with milk yield, and was not strongly correlated with milk and SCS on both genetic and environmental scales. Daily milk, F:P and SCS are easily available from milk-recording data for most breeding schemes in dairy cattle. Fat-to-protein ratio can potentially be a valuable addition to SCS and milk yield as an indicator trait for selection against mastitis.     

Dynamics of leukocytes and cytokines during experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis

Streptococcus uberis causes a significant proportion of clinical and subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) in lactating and non-lactating dairy cows. In spite of this, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. A study was conducted to determine leukocyte and cytokine dynamics during experimentally induced S. uberis mastitis. Five Jersey and five Holstein cows were challenged via intramammary inoculation of S. uberis into two uninfected mammary glands. Sixteen of 20 challenged mammary glands developed clinical mastitis with peak clinical signs observed at 144 h. The number of S. uberis in milk increased (P<0.05) 48 h after challenge, in spite of an increase in milk somatic cells that began at 18 h (P<0.001) and remained elevated throughout the study. Increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in milk were detected 66 h after challenge (P<0.05). Peak TNF-alpha and IL-8 concentrations occurred 120 h after challenge and preceded peak clinical signs. Experimental S. uberis IMI induced local production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of S. uberis mastitis. Other mediators may be involved in initial leukocyte recruitment to the mammary gland, since increases in milk somatic cells occurred earlier than cytokine production.     

Association of toll‐like receptor 2 polymorphisms with somatic cell score in Xinjiang Brown cattle

This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the TLR2 gene, and analyze the association of SNPs or haplotypes and somatic cell scores in 151 Xinjiang Brown cattle and 138 Holsteins to evaluate the role of TLR2 during intramammary infections. TLR2 coding region was amplified by PCR and screened for SNP sequencing. Genotypes and frequencies of SNPs were identified. Finally, the associations of genotypes or haplotypes and somatic cell scores (SCS) were analyzed. The results showed that: (i) 15 SNPs (E+653, E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1250, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1891, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055, E+2214 and E+2295) were observed and detected from 289 cows; (ii) distribution of the 14 SNPs were significantly different from Xinjiang Brown cattle and Holstein (P < 0.001) except for the E+945 (P > 0.05); (iii) in 11 SNPs (E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055 and E+2214), the SCS of AB genotype was lower than AA (P < 0.05) in Xinjiang Brown cattle; and (iv) haplotypes composed of the above‐mentioned 11 SNPs were constructed. The SCS of cattle with Hap5 was lower than that of Hap3 (P < 0.05). This suggests that Hap5 might play an important role in sub‐mastitis resistance in Xinjiang Brown cattle.     

Controlling highly prevalent Staphylococcus aureus mastitis from the dairy farm

In 57 Holstein cows where the dairy farm uses a milking parlor system, the somatic cell count (SCC) increased persistently in the bulk milk (monthly mean 52.3 x 10(4) cells/ml; range 21 to 94 x 10(4) cells/ml). We detected S. aureus in 24 (41.2%) of the 54 lactating cows and in 29 (12.8%) of 227 quarters of the 57 milking cows in the herd. A control program was implemented in an effort to eradicate S. aureus mastitis from this dairy farm. The control plan established improved handling of the lactating cows, improved milking procedures, dry-cow therapy, and culling of infected cows. The program was monitored for 3.5 years by frequent checkups on the rate of S. aureus infection, the SCC, and the changes in milk composition. Eighteen months after the control program was started, the rate of S. aureus infection in the quarter milk decreased dramatically, and no S. aureus isolates were found in the milk of the remaining cows. The SCC in the bulk milk of the herd dropped to a monthly mean of <20 x 10(4) cells/ml. In conclusion, the control program was effective for controlling persistent S. aureus mastitis in this dairy herd.     

Status of bovine mastitis and associated risk factors in subtropical Jeju Island, South Korea

The present investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of mastitis in 136 Holstein cows from a subtropical province of South Korea. Out of 527 milk samples studied, 22.6 % were found positive for mastitis. On animal level, prevalence was estimated at 55.2 %. Late lactating cows were at higher risk for mastitis development as compared to those in early and mid lactations. The study revealed that the risk of an increase in somatic cell count (SSC) and mastitis increased with advanced age and in animals with higher parity. The highest infection rate of 71.4 % was found in the age group >9 years followed by cows with higher than fifth parity (65.5 %). On severity and quarter basis, cows of <3 years of age had higher occurrence (12.5 %) of severe mastitis. From the present study, it may be concluded that a positive relationship exists between increased prevalence of mastitis and high SCC and the advance in age and parity of Holstein cows.     

Haemophilus somnus: investigations of its potential role in bovine mastitis

Mammary glands of 6 lactating Holstein cows were inoculated with Haemophilus somnus strain 43826. Three cows developed chronic mastitis and shed bacteria for up to 1 year. Three cows developed acute gangrenous mastitis, with evidence of bacteremia and endotoxemia. Cows with gangrenous mastitis had lower somatic cell counts early after inoculation in affected quarter secretions compared with those in cows that developed chronic mastitis. Cows with gangrenous mastitis developed hypocalcemia, hypoalbuminemia, azotemia, hyperbilirubinemia, mildly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activity, and a marked neutropenia with a degenerative left shift. Histopathologic examination of gangrenous quarters revealed edema, necrosis, and vascular thrombosis with few inflammatory cells. A limited survey failed to recover H somnus from dairy cows with clinical mastitis or from mammary secretions from 41 beef cattle at an abattoir.     

新疆地区荷斯坦牛乳中体细胞评分对产奶量与乳成分的影响

为了探究牛乳中体细胞评分（SCS）对日产奶量（DMY）和乳成分之间的关系,了解奶牛乳房的健康状况,本研究使用新疆昌吉地区规模化牛场共2 338头荷斯坦牛的33 290条DHI记录和生产性能数据,将DHI记录中的体细胞数（SCC）转化为SCS后分析SCS对DMY与乳成分的影响。运用SAS 9.2软件对产奶量和乳成分进行最小二乘方差分析及多重比较,并对SCS与产奶量和乳成分进行相关性分析,其固定效应主要包括SCS、场、年份、季节及胎次效应。结果表明：SCS、场效应、年份效应、季节效应和胎次效应均对DMY与乳成分有极显著影响（P<0.01）。随着SCS的增加,DMY和乳糖率（MLP）呈下降趋势,当SCS为0水平,且SCC为9×10³~17×10³个/mL时,DMY和MLP极显著高于其他SCS水平（P<0.01）;MFP和MPP呈上升趋势,当SCS为9水平,且SCC为4 529×10³~4 904×10³个/mL时,MFP和MPP最高。相关性分析结果显示,SCS与DMY、MLP呈极显著负相关（P<0.01）;SCS与MFP、MPP呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）。因此,通过分析SCS对产奶量和乳成分间的关系,可为规模化牧场奶牛日常管理提供科学依据,预防和降低患乳房炎的风险。     

Three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms of MBL1 gene in Chinese native cattle and their associations with milk performance traits

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognizing serum protein, participates in the innate immune system of mammals as an opsonin. In humans, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MBL2 gene were found to cause various innate immune dysfunctions. In the present study, we discovered three single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the MBL1 gene in Chinese native cattle and analyzed their associations with milk traits. By screening the genetic variation of MBL1 in 1053 individuals of three Chinese native cattle breeds including China Holstein, Luxi Yellow and Bohai Black using created restriction site–polymerase chain reaction (CRS–PCR), PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and DNA sequencing techniques, three new SNPs, g.855G>A, g.2651G>A and g.2686T>C, were found to have allele frequencies of 0–12.65%, 24.07–42.39% and 56.95–73.68%, respectively. While SNP g.855G>A is located within intron ?, the other two SNPs reside in the exon II region with one mutation being non-synonymous (GTT (Val) > ATT (Ile)) and the other synonymous (GCT (Ala) > GCC (Ala)). Among the 596 Chinese Holstein cattle with at least 3 lactation Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records, eight different haplotypes and 19 genotype combinations were detected. Statistical analyses revealed no correlation between either g.855G>A or g.2686T>C and somatic cell score (SCS), however significant association was found between g.2651G>A and SCS, suggesting a possible role of this SNP in the host response against mastitis. Our data also suggested that the combined genotypes of GGC/AAC with the lowest SCS, AAT/AAT with the highest protein content and AGC/AGC with the highest 305-d milk yield were favorable combinations for mastitis resistance and milk production traits. Therefore, GGC/AAC, AAT/AAT and AGC/AGC can be used as possible candidates for marker-assisted selection in the dairy cattle breeding program.     

荷斯坦母牛TLR6基因多态性及其与体细胞评分关系的研究

本研究旨在阐明Toll样受体6(TLR6)基因的多态性与荷斯坦母牛乳房炎抗性之间的关系.采用PCR-SSCP和PCR-RFLP技术检测208头荷斯坦母牛TLR6基因多态性,用最小二乘法分析该基因多态性与荷斯坦母牛钵细胞评分(somatic cell score,SCS)的关系.结果发现,TLR6基因mRNA序列中存在T853A、G855A、G1793A、C1859A、G1934A和A1980G 6个多态位点,其中T853A突变使编码氨基酸由缬氨酸变为谷氨酸,G855A突变使天冬氨酸变为天冬酰胺,A1980G突变使异亮氨酸变为缬氨酸.T853A和G855A突变位点经SSCP检测发现3种基因型AA、AB和BB,其频率分别为0.308、0.490和0.202;X~2检验表明荷斯坦母牛在该位点处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡;BB基因型SCS最小二乘均值极显著低于AB和AA基因型所对应的值(P<0.01);AB基因型SCS最小二乘均值极显著低于AA基因型所对应的值(P<0.01).G1793A突变位点经BsiY Ⅰ酶切产生2种基因型CC和CD,其频率分别为0.332和0.668;荷斯坦母牛在该位点偏离了Hardy-Weinberg平衡,CC和CD基因型SCS最小二乘均值差异不显著(P>0.05).C1859A突变位点经BstX Ⅰ酶切产生2种基因型EE和EF,其频率分别为0.178和0.822;荷斯坦母牛在该位点偏离了Hardy-Weinberg平衡;EE和EF基因型SCS最小二乘均值差异不显著(P>0.05).G1934A突变位点经BsiY Ⅰ酶切产生2种基因型GG和GH,其频率分别为0.356和0.644;荷斯坦母牛在该位点偏离了Hardy-Weinberg平衡;GG和GH基因型SCS最小二乘均值差异不显著(P>0.05).A1980G突变位点经Bcl Ⅰ酶切产生3种基因型II、IJ和JJ,其频率分别为0.260、0.567和0.173,荷斯坦母牛在该位点处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡;JJ基因型SCS最小二乘均值极显著低于IJ和II基因型所对应的值(P<0.01);IJ基因型SCS最小二乘均值极显著低于II基因型所对应的值(P<0.01).对于奶牛乳房炎抗性,BB和JJ是有利基因型,AA和II是不利基因型.本研究结果初步表明TLR6基因T853A和G855A突变位点的B等位基因以及A1980G突变位点的J等位基因是提高奶牛乳房炎抗性的2个潜在的DNA标记.     

Effect of LEPR,ABCG2 and SCD1 Gene Polymorphisms on Reproductive Traits in the Iranian Holstein Cattle

During the last decades, genetic selection for milk production traits has led to increased fertility and health problems in dairy cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of three polymorphisms located in the ATP‐binding cassette superfamily G member 2 transporter (ABCG2), stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes on reproductive traits and somatic cell count (SCC). The analysis was conducted on 408 randomly selected cows. The SNPs within the genes (LEPR, ABCG2 and SCD1) were genotyped using the PCR‐RFLP method. All three possible genotypes were observed for SCD1‐T878C and LEPR‐T945M SNPs, but not for ABCG2‐Y581S SNP. LEPR‐T945M and ABCG2‐Y581S SNPs had no statistically significant effect on the studied reproductive traits and SCC. However, SCD1‐T878C SNP were negatively and significantly related to pregnancy length, dry days and open days (p < 0.05), which lead to decreased profitability in dairy herds. The results suggest that the T878C SNP of SCD1 might be useful as a DNA marker to decrease reproductive problems and improve production traits in Iranian Holstein dairy cows.     

MET基因多态性与中国荷斯坦牛繁殖和泌乳性状的关联分析

为筛选与中国荷斯坦牛繁殖和泌乳性状相关的遗传标记，本研究从分子水平探究了MET基因单核苷酸多态（single nucleotide polymorphisms，SNPs）与繁殖和泌乳性状的相关性。通过混池测序法在70头无血缘关系的健康中国荷斯坦公牛中扫描目标基因的SNPs，采用竞争性等位基因特异性PCR （kompetitive allele-specific PCR，KASP）对其后代1 160头中国荷斯坦泌乳牛进行部分SNP的基因分型，基于连锁不平衡分析获得双倍型信息，并采用线性模型对SNP及其双倍型与5个繁殖和6个泌乳性状的估计育种值（estimated breeding values，EBV）进行关联分析。随后，针对位于功能区域的SNPs进行生物信息学分析和基因表达量相关性分析，初步探究其潜在的调控机制。本研究在MET基因中共检测到19个SNPs，说明该基因存在丰富的遗传变异；就其中7个SNPs进行了基因分型，分型结果与目标性状的关联分析结果显示，7个SNPs与多个性状存在显著（P<0.05）或极显著（P<0.01）的关联；位于上游调控区的g.51737889T>C位点GG基因型个体的初产日龄、青年牛首末配种间隔、经产牛首末配种间隔、体细胞评分的EBV最低，说明该基因型个体同时具有较好的繁殖性能和泌乳性能；另一个位于上游调控区的g.51736640A>C位点GG基因型个体的初产日龄、青年牛首末配种间隔、经产牛首末配种间隔、体细胞评分的EBV最低，但乳蛋白率、乳脂率的EBV最低，说明该基因型个体繁殖性能较好，但泌乳性能相对较差；此外，位于第6外显子的g.51660569G>A位点TC基因型个体初产日龄的EBV较低，青年牛首末配种间隔、经产牛首末配种间隔、体细胞评分的EBV最低，说明该基因型个体具有较好的繁殖性能。连锁不平衡分析发现，该基因的7个SNPs形成2个单倍型块，其双倍型与目标性状的关联分析进一步表明，单倍型块1中H1H3个体的繁殖性能较好且泌乳性能中等，单倍型块2中H4H4个体的繁殖性能和泌乳性能均较优秀，为两个优势双倍型；此外，H1H3包含g.51660569G>A位点的TC基因型，H4H4为g.51737889T>C、g.51736640A>C两位点GG基因型的组合，其关联分析结果与单个位点的结果一致。基序分析结果表明，g.51737889T>C与g.51736640A>C位点的优势等位基因G可富集到与基因激活、细胞增殖、分化相关的转录因子，且两位点GG基因型的MET基因表达量均最高，其双倍型H4H4表达量也较高，进一步验证了关联分析结果。综上，本研究获得了中国荷斯坦牛MET基因的多态性图谱，并通过关联分析、生物信息学预测及基因表达量分析发现并验证了MET基因与繁殖、泌乳性状的遗传关联，为中国荷斯坦牛高产高效选育提供了可用的遗传标记。     

新疆褐牛与荷斯坦牛隐性乳房炎与体细胞数、病原菌种类的比较

本试验以新疆乌鲁木齐市地区一大中型奶牛场的新疆褐牛、荷斯坦牛奶样为研究对象,对奶样进行了病原菌分离培养,同时对不同品种牛体细胞数与菌落形成单位（colony-forming unit, CFU）、体细胞数与不同年龄进行了统计分析。结果表明,2个品种牛感染病原菌种类稍有差别且新疆褐牛感染葡萄球菌的机率明显高于荷斯坦牛;荷斯坦牛比新疆褐牛更容易患乳房炎;新疆褐牛、荷斯坦牛体细胞在小于20万/mL时均与体细胞大于50万/mL时的CFU值呈显著差异（P＜0.05）,而这2个品种牛的体细胞在20～50万/mL时分别与体细胞小于20万/mL、大于50万/mL时的CFU值均无显著差异（P＞0.05）,初步推测体细胞数和细菌总数之间没有必然联系,还受其它因素影响;此外,随着年龄增长,褐牛和荷斯坦牛的体细胞评分（somatic cell score,SCS）都呈上升趋势,且不同品种间的SCS差异显著。     

芽孢杆菌、乳酸菌复合菌制剂对奶牛泌乳性能和乳汁中体细胞的影响研究

为研究芽孢杆菌、乳酸菌复合菌制剂即奶牛专用微生态制剂对奶牛生产奶性能及乳中体细胞数的影响,选择45头荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为3组,每组15头,进行为期60 d天的饲养试验,3组的基础日粮相同,1、2组分别添加0.5%、1%的奶牛专用微生态制剂,3组为对照.分析了各组的产奶量、乳脂率及体细胞数.结果表明:试验组1、2奶牛产奶量分别比对照组提高10.83%,14.28%,差异均极显著(P＜0.01);试验组1、2牛奶的乳脂率分别比对照组提高0.27%、0.34%,差异极显著(P＜0.01);试验1、2组奶中体细胞数比对照组分别低0.21%、0.26%,差异均不显著(P＞0.05).结论认为奶牛专用微生态制剂对奶牛提高产奶量、改善牛奶品质和预防奶牛隐性乳房炎的发生有积极作用.     

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine Toll-like receptor 1 gene and association with health traits in cattle

ABSTRACT: Bovine mastitis remains the most common and costly disease of dairy cattle worldwide. A complementary control measure to herd hygiene and vaccine development would be to selectively breed cattle with greater resistance to mammary infection. Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) has an integral role for the initiation and regulation of the immune response to microbial pathogens, and has been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine TLR1 gene (boTLR1) are associated with clinical mastitis (CM).Selected boTLR1 SNPs were analysed within a Holstein Friesian herd. Significant associations were found for the tagging SNP -79 T > G and the 3'UTR SNP +2463 C > T. We observed favourable linkage of reduced CM with increased milk fat and protein, indicating selection for these markers would not be detrimental to milk quality. Furthermore, we present evidence that some of these boTLR1 SNPs underpin functional variation in bovine TLR1. Animals with the GG genotype (from the tag SNP -79 T > G) had significantly lower boTLR1 expression in milk somatic cells when compared with TT or TG animals. In addition, stimulation of leucocytes from GG animals with the TLR1-ligand Pam3csk4 resulted in significantly lower levels of CXCL8 mRNA and protein.SNPs in boTLR1 were significantly associated with CM. In addition we have identified a bovine population with impaired boTLR1 expression and function. This may have additional implications for animal health and warrants further investigation to determine the suitability of identified SNPs as markers for disease susceptibility.     

Acute phase proteins in the diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis

Background: The California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) are commonly used for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle. Acute phase proteins (APPs), as alternative biomarkers of mastitis, may increase in concentration in the absence of macroscopic changes in the milk, or may precede the onset of clinical signs. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of APPs measured in milk and in serum with bacterial culture for the diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis. Methods: One hundred and seventy‐five Holstein cows were randomly selected from 7 dairy farms. Quarter milk and serum samples were taken from all cows. Milk samples were analyzed using a CMT and SCC, and for haptoglobin (MHp) and amyloid A (MAA) concentrations, and were also submitted for bacterial culture. Serum samples obtained concurrently were analyzed for haptoglobin (SHp) and amyloid A (SAA). Two‐sample Wilcoxon (Mann–Whitney) test was used to compare SCC, MAA, MHp, SAA, and SHp concentrations between culture‐positive and culture‐negative animals. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the performance of each test using bacterial culture as the reference method. Results: MAA concentration was the most accurate of the 5 tests, with a sensitivity of 90.6% and specificity of 98.3% at concentrations >16.4 mg/L. MAA and MHp had significantly larger areas under the curve than the respective serum proteins, SAA and SHp. Conclusions: The results suggest that measuring haptoglobin and amyloid A in milk is more accurate than serum analysis for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows.