Adenocarcinoma of the jejunum in two cows

Two cows from separate farms were examined for gastrointestinal disturbances. The first animal had an acute gastrointestinal disturbance with colic and the second animal had chronic weight loss and anemia. Both cows had jejunal adenocarcinoma with metastasis. They were euthanized and necropsied. Adenocarcinomas of each cow were similar histologically. Adenocarcinoma of the intestine is a rare disorder of cattle, but may present as either an acute or chronic gastrointestinal disturbance.     

牛羊线虫抗药性及其PC检测技术研究进展

牛羊线虫病是严重影响牛羊生产性能和经济效益的主要寄生虫病，化学药物是目前防治本病的主要手段，近年来线虫抗药性。已经成为世界各地牛羊线虫控制中的首要问题。建立线虫抗药早期检测技术可以时了解抗药性及其产生的条件等，便于采取有效对策，本文简要阐述牛羊线虫抗药性的分布与检测，现有抗药性检测方法的缺点以及PCR检测技术的最新进展。     

牛消化系统疾病症状及防治

牛只饲养过程中,消化系统疾病具有较高的发病率,其会在较大程度上影响牛只的生长与繁殖。牛只患病后,将会显著降低采食欲望,生长发育速度减缓,甚至还会有死亡问题出现,进而严重损害到养殖户的经济利益。针对这种情况,需总结牛消化系统疾病的常见类型,提前采取针对性的预防措施,促使牛消化系统疾病的发病率得到降低。     

Nutritional factors in bovine gastrointestinal disease

Gastrointestinal disorders may be prevented through proper nutrition. Attention should be placed on establishing optimum feeding programs for cattle in all stages of the life and production cycle. Normal reticuloruminal development in calves and maintenance of gastrointestinal function in adult cattle is dependent upon adequate nutrition. Nutrition is also an important part of therapy of many gastrointestinal disorders.     

Efficacy and safety of ivermectin applied topically to cattle under field conditions in Australia

Fifteen controlled field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes and safety of ivermectin when applied topically to cattle in Australia. Three hundred and fifty-one cattle received ivermectin, and 88 were untreated controls. The trials were conducted in 3 States and included a variety of cattle breeds and environmental conditions. Faecal samples were collected before treatment and 11 to 14 days after treatment for nematode egg counts. Data from these trials show that under Australian conditions, ivermectin applied along the mid line of the back from the withers to the sacral region at a dose rate of 500 mcg/kg body weight, effectively controlled gastrointestinal nematode infections, and did not produce unacceptable adverse reactions in the animals.     

青海省门源县石头沟地区牛羊胃肠线虫病的调查

石头沟地区放牧的牛羊每年一到秋末或冬季便出现消瘦、贫血、浮肿、被毛脆弱,容易脱落。为此笔者进行调查,走访14户农户,采集了58头牛羊粪便。结果表明,牛羊的胃肠线虫种类很多,往往混合感染,对牛羊危害极大。结果检查出牛羊的线虫感染率为39.01%。     

Assessment of the effect of gastrointestinal nematode infestation on weight gain in grazing beef cattle

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of subclinical, naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infestation on weight gain in yearling cattle kept on pasture. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 799 Bos taurus yearlings kept on pasture with 2,805 herd mates in eastern and central South Dakota. PROCEDURE: 11 trials were initiated at 9 sites from 1999 through 2001. For each trial, approximately 10% of cattle in each site's pasture group were identified, weighed, and administered a bolus of ivermectin (sustained-release formulation) prior to turnout. A similar subgroup of nontreated control cattle was identified and weighed prior to turnout. For each trial, treated and control groups remained with the larger pasture group throughout the entire grazing season. At the end of the grazing season, weight measurements and fecal samples were obtained from all treated and control cattle; average daily grazing gain was calculated and compared between these 2 groups. RESULTS: Treatment of grazing cattle with ivermectin increased average daily gain by 0.0459 +/- 0.01 kg/head/d (mean +/- SEM; 0.1 +/- 0.02 lb/head/d), compared with that achieved in control cattle. Control cattle had significantly greater fecal egg counts at grazing season end than treated cattle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with anthelmintic-treated cattle, yearling cattle with naturally occurring gastrointestinal nematode infestations kept on pasture in the US Northern Plains had a decreased average daily gain equivalent to 6.6 kg (14.5 lb) less gain in a 143-day grazing season. Strategies for control of nematode populations in pastures should be considered to ameliorate this production loss.     

Atrial fibrillation associated with neostigmine administration in three cows

Three cattle with gastrointestinal disease were given neostigmine as part of the treatment for postsurgical ileus. All 3 cattle developed atrial fibrillation either before or during neostigmine administration, and 2 converted to normal sinus rhythm after cessation of treatment.     

Boogenic human diseases

Basing on observations from practice and clinic, a survey is given (in two tables) concerning the disturbances of human health due to the handling of cattle, and their causes.     

Biosecurity for gastrointestinal diseases of adult dairy cattle.

As biosecurity management strategies are developed and implemented to prevent introduction and spread of infectious diseases in cattle populations, it is informative to review principles of biosecurity from another livestock species in which these issues have been considered (e.g., swine) and compare these perspectives to the current situation for cattle. The authors follow a biosecurity risk-assessment model to identify important health hazards, evaluate risks, and present principles for implementing a cattle biosecurity program for important gastrointestinal health hazards of adult dairy cattle, after consideration of a swine biosecurity model.     

Infectivity of scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) following in vitro digestion with bovine gastrointestinal microbiota

The influence of a complex microflora residing in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle on the prion protein plays a crucial role with respect to early pathogenesis and the potential infectivity of faeces resulting in contamination of the environment. It is unknown whether infectious prion proteins, considered to be very stable, are inactivated by microbial processes in the gastrointestinal tract of animals during digestion. In our previous study it was shown that the scrapie-associated prion protein was degraded by ruminal and colonic microbiota of cattle, as indicated by a loss of anti-prion antibody 3F4 immunoreactivity in Western blot. Subsequently, in this study hamster bioassays with the pre-treated samples were performed. Although the PrP(Sc) signal was reduced up to immunochemically undetectable levels within 40 h of pre-treatment, significant residual prion infectivity was retained after degradation of infected hamster brain through the gastrointestinal microflora of cattle. The data presented here show that the loss of anti-prion antibody 3F4 immunoreactivity is obviously not correlated with a biological inactivation of PrP(Sc). These results highlight the deficiency of using Western blot in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies inactivation assessment studies and, additionally, point to the possibility of environmental contamination with faeces containing PrP(Sc) following an oral ingestion of prions.     

Helminthic control on grazing ruminants and environmental risks in South America

The control of ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes and ectoparasites, one of the major production health problems, are heavily reliant on the systematic and sometimes abusive use of anthelmintic drugs. Endectocides are the most frequently used drugs, having high potency against arthropods and nematodes. Their dung pat residues enhance the risk of adverse effects on non-target invertebrates and on the general grazing cattle ecosystem. In this scenario, our objective is to review current knowledge of the agro-environmental and biodiversity impact and risks of endectocides in South America. The effects of faecal drug residues of ivermectin and doramectin on dung colonising invertebrates and dung degradation have been reported in studies carried out in the temperate centre of Argentina and in the subtropical region of Brazil. The results from Argentina showed a depression in invertebrate colonisation and degradation of dung recovered from endectocide treated cattle during the autumn. Comparisons have shown that ivermectin and doramectin have similar adverse effects. A decrease of Coleoptera larvae, Diptera larvae, Staphylinidae, Collembola, Acari and dung specific nematodes was noted in pats from both endectocides. The results from Brazil showed that dipterous larvae, Polyphaga coleopteran larvae and adults and mites were significantly reduced in the ivermectin treated group. The disturbances that macrocyclic lactones can produce on non-targeted invertebrates and on their associated participation in dung degradation and soil element recycling, are unpredictable and can negatively influence biodiversity and the agricultural ecosystem sustainability.     

Influence of high risk exposure to trypanosoma infection on the reproduction of the Baoulé cattle in Burkina Faso

Trypanosome infection influences reproductive function in trypanotolerant as well as trypanosensitive cattle. Abortions and anoestrus behaviour have been noted in short horned Baoulé cattle in high risk areas of trypanosome infestation. These reproductive disturbances, which are systematically encountered in sensitive animals as well as some resistant animals, seem to be linked with a degradation in the physical state of the animal, anemia, and hyperthermia. Finally, a considerable amount of individual variation has been reported in what concerns the animals response to trypanosome infection.     

Clinical signs and diagnosis of BSE

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle is characterised by typical signs and an insidious course. There is gradual weight loss and decreased milk production, and the disease is distinguished by disturbances in behaviour, sensitivity and locomotion. The most common behavioural changes are apprehension and abnormal temperament. The most common changes in sensitivity are hypersensitivity to tactile, auditory and optical stimuli, kicking during milking and excessive licking of the muzzle. The most important disturbances in locomotion include ataxia, falling down and inability to get up. Diagnostic procedures include a thorough clinical and neurological examination followed by a more detailed examination to assess behaviour, locomotion and sensitivity to touch, sound and light stimuli. Other causes of central nervous system disease may be ruled out by a complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis and examination of cerebrospinal fluid. Disturbances in behaviour, locomotion and sensitivity that occur singly, rather than in combination with each other, should be interpreted with caution. However, in cattle with disturbances in two or more of these categories, a tentative diagnosis of BSE can be made, and the veterinary authorities must be notified.     

Fluid therapy in mature cattle.

Fluid therapy is practical and beneficial when properly administered to cattle. Mature cattle are more frequently alkalotic than acidotic, so nonalkalizing solutions are usually indicated. Exceptions include cattle with choke, carbohydrate engorgement, diabetes mellitus, and occasionally, renal disease, diarrhea, and fatty liver/ketosis. Many dehydrated cattle need supplemental potassium and calcium as well as sodium, chloride, and water. Intravenous administration is indicated in patients with obstructive gastrointestinal disease and those with severe dehydration. Oral or intraruminal administration is less expensive and, often, very effective.     

Fluid therapy in mature cattle

Fluid therapy is practical and beneficial when properly administered to cattle. Mature cattle are more frequently alkalotic than acidotic, so nonalkalizing solutions are usually indicated. Exceptions include cattle with choke, carbohydrate engorgement, diabetes mellitus, and, occasionally, renal disease, diarrhea, and fatty liver/ketosis. Most dehydrated cattle need supplemental potassium and calcium as well as sodium, chloride, and water. Intravenous administration is indicated in patients with obstructive gastrointestinal disease and those with severe dehydration. Oral or intraruminal administration is less expensive and often very effective.     

高原牛羊胃肠道线虫驱治模式研究

根据高原地区＂春乏＂期间,牛、羊因胃肠道线虫病引起死亡严重的突出情况,自列项目,在全州范围划为三大区域,以项目区为中心,在牛、羊发病率和死亡率相对高的乡（镇）、村设点,将93330头（只）牛、羊分为三个组,作为高原地区牛、羊胃肠道线虫病防治技术模块,结果3个试验组用药前胃肠道寄生虫感染率均为100%,早晨在放牧前投喂赛爱吉夏结、克虫特和丙硫苯咪唑等药物后,7 d粪检EPG,虫卵转阴率和虫卵减少数均为100%。间隔7 d重复驱虫1次,防治效果显著。有计划的用驱虫药丙硫咪唑,克虫特、伊维菌素。在每年春季2~3月,秋季8~9月份进行两次驱虫。可提高牛、羊有机体的免疫力,降低牛、羊胃肠道线虫病的发病率和死亡率,减轻对养殖业的危害。     

Efficacy of an albendazole feed formulation against bovine gastrointestinal nematodes including arrested larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi

The efficacy of an albendazole feed premix formulation was compared with that of an albendazole drench suspension for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in 31 beef cattle. The premix (11 cattle) and drench suspension (9 cattle) were found to have similar efficacies at a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg of body weight. When compared with controls (11 cattle), both formulations caused significant (P less than 0.05) reductions in worm counts with an efficacy of 98% or greater against adult Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia punctata, and C pectinata. There was no significant effect against arrested 4th-stage larvae of O ostertagi. Adverse effects of albendazole treatment were not observed, and the premix formulation was readily consumed by cattle.     

Use of animal breeds and breeding to overcome the incidence of grass tetany: a review

British breeds of cattle are not so effective as Zebu in extracting nutrients from low-quality roughages, and these breeds differ in their nutrient metabolism and animal physiology. Breeds of cattle may differ in their requirements for Mg. Brahman cows are less susceptible to death from disease and metabolic disorders than are British breeds of cattle, whereas cows with 50% or greater dairy breeding (Holstein and Jersey) are more susceptible than British or Brahman breeds when maintained in beef production herds. Brahman or Brahman crossbred cows are less susceptible than other breeds to metabolic disorders such as grass tetany. Magnesium absorption has been shown to be greater in Brahman than in Jersey, Holstein and Hereford cows. These differences in the efficiency of Mg absorption between different breeds of cows may be due to genetic variation in the absorptive mechanisms of Mg, in feeding behavior, in gastrointestinal tract motility, in gastrointestinal tract fill or to some combination.     

Degradation of scrapie associated prion protein (PrPSc) by the gastrointestinal microbiota of cattle

A food-borne origin of the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to cattle is commonly assumed. However, the fate of infectious prion protein during polygastric digestion remains unclear. It is unknown at present, whether infectious prion proteins, considered to be very stable, are degraded or inactivated by microbial processes in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle. In this study, rumen and colon contents from healthy cattle, taken immediately after slaughter, were used to assess the ability of these microbial consortia to degrade PrP(Sc). Therefore, the consortia were incubated with brain homogenates of scrapie (strain 263K) infected hamsters under physiological anaerobic conditions at 37 degrees C. Within 20 h, PrP(Sc) was digested both with ruminal and colonic microbiota up to immunochemically undetectable levels. Especially polymyxin resistant (mainly gram-positive) bacteria expressed PrP(Sc) degrading activity. These data demonstrate the ability of bovine gastrointestinal microbiota to degrade PrP(Sc) during digestion.