Re: The safety of oral calcium formate

Abstract

A Short Communication was published in the October 2002 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal entitled “An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters” (McIntyre and Weston 2002 McIntyre, LH and Weston, SJ. 2002. An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 50: 195–198. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). It appeared to be comparing results directly withthose of a prior communication (Scott and Van Wijk 2000 Scott, DJ and Van Wijk, N. 2000. Comparison in dairy cattle of mucosal toxicity of calcium formate and calcium chloride in oil. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 48: 24–26. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

Re: The safety of oral calcium formate

A Short Communication was published in the October 2002 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal entitled An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters (McIntyre and Weston 2002). It appeared to be comparing results directly with those of a prior communication (Scott and Van Wijk 2000). The following should be considered when comparing the two papers. Haptoglobins were propounded by McIntyre and Weston as definitive indicators of acute inflammation, yet current literature does not give consistent viewpoints as to their value. The authors cited instances where the haptoglobin concentration was measured in cases of infective disease. However, Skinner et al (1991) believed that haptoglobin concentrations increase as a result of the infection rather than the trauma. To further complicate matters Alsemgeest et al (1994) found that haptoglobin concentrations were elevated in cattle with chronic rather than acute conditions whereas Horadagoda et al (1999) believed the concentrations of acute-phase proteins were higher in acute inflammation. However, they found serum amyloid A was more reliable as an indicator of acute, rather than chronic, inflammation than was haptoglobin. Therefore, histopathology would appear to give much more conclusive evidence of mucosal inflammation than the determination of haptoglobin...     

奶牛产后血液流变学及生化主要指标动态变化研究

为了解产后健康奶牛血液流变学及生化主要指标的变化规律，探求母体产后发生胎衣不下的生理基础及发病机制，对9例2～4胎龄产后健康奶牛产后0、4、8、12、16h的血液流变学及主要生化主要指标进行了系统检测。结果表明，产后健康奶牛其血液流变学大多指标呈逐渐降低趋势，存在“气虚血瘀”现象，表明血液流变学及生化指标的异常变化可能是胎衣不下的重要原因。     

Serum calcium response following oral zinc oxide administrations in dairy cows

Six non-pregnant cows were allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised a pair of lactating cows, whereas groups 2 and 3 each comprised a pair of non-lactating cows. The cows in groups 1 and 2 were dosed intraruminally by stomach tube with zinc oxide at 120 mg Zn per kg of bodyweight at weekly intervals for a period of 33 days. Each cow received a total of 4 doses of zinc oxide. Group 3 served as non-treated control group. Blood samples were collected from all 6 cows daily. Serum was analysed for concentration of calcium. Within 12-24 h of each zinc oxide administration the serum calcium of the lactating cows dropped dramatically indicating the existence of an antagonistic effect between Zn and Ca. The first Zn induced hypocalcaemic episode in the lactating cows was followed by a rise in serum calcium to a level above the pre-dosing level and above the mean value of the control group. The depth of the hypocalcaemic response decreased with the number of zinc oxide dosings. This effect was explained as a response from the stimulation of the calcium homeostatic mechanisms. In the Zn dosed non-lactating cows responses were similar but less clear. The perspective of these findings is discussed in relation to resistance towards parturient hypocalcaemia.     

暑热宁对热应激奶牛血液生化指标的影响

奶牛是一种耐寒不耐热的动物,环境温度超过26℃时,即可引起奶牛的热应激反应,导致奶牛食欲下降,产奶量明显下降、情期受胎率显著下降,乳房炎、胎衣不下等疾病发病率明显升高[1],目前用于奶牛抗热应激的饲料添加剂种类很多,主要有有机铬、活性酵母、矿物质缓冲盐、镇静剂、抗生素、维生素、脂肪酸钙等添加剂[2].     

The effect of prolonged movement restriction of dairy cows on biochemical parameters

In thirty-three dairy cows--first calves, the influence of hypokinesis on biochemical parameters was studied over three lactation periods. The cows of the experimental group (n = 15) were reared in steel cages enabling only minimum movement, whereas the control group (n = 18) was housed loosely. It was found out that the permanent movement restriction led to a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations, as well as in aspartate aminotransferase activity. In comparison with the control group, a significant decrease was also observed in substances of the lipid group--cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. Similarly, thyroxin and total proteinemia were lower.     

香兰素对泌乳前期奶牛产奶性能及血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究香兰素对奶牛干物质采食量、产奶量、乳成分及血清生化指标的影响,为香兰素在奶牛生产上的开发应用提供科学依据。选取40头健康的荷斯坦奶牛进行配对,随机分为对照组和试验组,每组20头,在相同的条件下饲养。对照组饲喂牛场全混合日粮,试验组在对照组日粮基础上添加10 g/d香兰素,预试期7 d,试验期70 d。结果表明:日粮添加10 g/d香兰素对奶牛泌乳前期的干物质采食量、产奶性能无显著影响(P0.05);日粮中添加10 g/d香兰素对泌乳前期奶牛的乳成分无显著影响(P0.05);日粮中添加10 g/d香兰素对血清生化指标无显著影响(P0.05)。得出结论:在日粮中添加10 g/d香兰素对泌乳前期奶牛的生产性能及血清生化指标无显著影响。     

Evaluation of haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters of transgenic rabbits

The aim of our study was to compare the hFVIII mRNA expression in different organs, pathological changes and selected haematological and biochemical blood parameters between transgenic and non-transgenic rabbits from F3 generation. Selected physiological parameters of 3- to 4-month-old transgenic rabbits from F3 generation carrying human factor VIII gene (hFVIII) were analysed and compared with those of non-transgenic ones. Before slaughtering, the blood for haematological and biochemical analysis was taken from the central ear artery. Pathological and histological examination of vital organs and RT-PCR analysis of several tissue organs of transgenic and non-transgenic animals were performed after slaughtering. Except for the mammary gland tissue, slight hfVIII mRNA expression in the spleen, lung and brain and none expression in the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and heart of rabbits were recorded. pathological examination of vital organs showed some pathological changes in both transgenic and non-transgenic rabbits which were confirmed by histological qualitative evaluations. Statistically significant lower values of blood haemoglobin in blood of transgenic (11.86+/-0.86) animals compared with non-transgenic (12.41+/-1.02, P<0.05) ones and lower parameters of HCT (39.22+/-2.44 versus 40.89+/-2.26, P<0.01) in blood of transgenic rabbits were observed. Parameters of WBC, RBC and PLT showed no significant differences between the analysed groups. All biochemical serum parameters of transgenic rabbits were higher in comparison with non-transgenic ones. Significant differences were found in the concentration of the urea, AST and GMT between transgenic and non-transgenic animals (P<0.001) and in the total protein content, the difference was significant at P<0.05. In conclusion, our results showed that no considerable impact on the general health was found in transgenic rabbits.     

奶牛真胃左方变位手术前后血液生化参数的变化

为了解奶牛真胃左方变位(LDA)手术前后血液生化指标的变化,跟踪采集了100头围产期奶牛产后7、14、21和28 d尾静脉血液,后经确诊6例LDA患牛进行手术整复,并随机选择6头相应的健康牛为对照。通过检测12头牛手术前后1周血清中游离脂肪酸(NEFA)和β-羟丁酸(BHBA)等21项生化指标,调查患LDA奶牛机体能量代谢、肝功能和电解质状况,并分析手术前、后生化指标的变化。结果显示:术前多数患LDA奶牛机体能量负平衡指标升高,肝功能指标不同程度的升高,电解质变化不一;术后牛机体能量代谢指标多数恢复正常,肝功能指标部分恢复正常,部分仍升高,电解质多恢复正常。     

Comparison in dairy cattle of mucosal toxicity of calcium formate and calcium chloride in oil

AIM: Oral aqueous preparations of calcium chloride have been well established as causes of gastro-intestinal irritation in cattle. Recently another calcium salt, calcium formate, has been marketed as a treatment and prevention for hypocalcaemia, with the claim that it is non-irritant. The aim of this trial was to establish the safety of calcium formate in the target animal. METHODS: Nine Friesian milking cows were selected and separated at random into three groups. Three were treated with calcium formate, three with calcium chloride in soya bean oil as a positive control and three were negative controls. Cows were slaughtered 6 hours after the last administration and the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum examined by an operator who was unaware of the experimental status of the animals. RESULTS: There was diffuse reddening and swelling of the abomasal mucosa in two of the three cows treated with calcium formate but no lesions in those treated with calcium chloride in soya bean oil or in the negative controls. Histology of the affected portions of abomasum showed areas of necrosis of the mucosa and some acute inflammation. The submucosa was also haemorrhagic with moderate numbers of polymorphonuclear neutrophils present. Histology on other animals was unremarkable. CONCLUSION: Calcium formate may not be a safe oral treatment for cattle. Further testing is required. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Calcium formate, in the high concentrations required for therapy of hypocalcaemia may not be a safe treatment.     

不同水平互花米草提取物对泌乳奶牛生产性能和血清生化指标的影响

文章旨在研究饲粮中添加互花米草提取物对奶牛产奶性能及血清生化指标的影响。试验选取体重(550±25) kg、胎次2～3胎、泌乳期(110±24) d及泌乳(24.2±4.2) kg/d的泌乳期荷斯坦奶牛90头,采用完全随机区组设计分为6组,每组15头,进行为期60 d的饲养试验,其中预试期10 d,正试期50 d。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,处理组分别在基础饲粮中每天添加5、10、25、50 g/d和100 g/d的互花米草提取物。结果表明:整个试验期间,处理组的采食量、产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、总固形物含量、乳尿素氮含量以及血清谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、碱性磷酸酶、谷氨酰胺基转移酶、α-羟丁酸脱氢酶、乳酸脱氢酶、总蛋白、球蛋白和肌酐含量与对照组相比均无显著差异(P>0.05);5～50 g/d组乳糖率和白蛋白含量显著高于100 g/d组(P<0.05)。互花米草提取物添加量5～50 g/d组体细胞数显著低于对照组和100 g/d组(P<0.05)。50 g/d组尿素氮浓度显著高于100 g/d组(P<0.05);而该组尿酸浓度显著低于5 g/d组(P<0.05)。50 g/d组葡萄糖浓度显著高于对照组、5 g/d和10 g/d组(P<0.05)。试验条件下,饲粮中添加100 g/d范围内的互花米草提取物对奶牛产奶性能没有明显影响,但50 g/d组可以提高乳糖率和血糖浓度,降低体细胞数,是适宜的添加剂量。     

Silymarin, a possible hepatoprotector in dairy cows: biochemical and histological observations

Silymarin, a standardized extract from Silybum marianum seed, is a natural hepatoprotector used for the treatment of liver diseases in man. The aim of this study was to investigate its safety and efficacy in periparturient dairy cows. Ten treated and 10 control pregnant dairy cows were paired by parity, body condition score (BCS), health condition and previous milk production. Treatment consisted of daily 10 g per animal of silymarin extract administered as oral drenches, from 10 days prior to the calving date to 15 days after calving. Blood samples and liver biopsies were taken from each animal at 7 and 30 days after calving. Hepatic functions were evaluated by assay of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride and total bilirubin. The histological aspect of the liver was assessed in biopsies. Clinical chemistry values were similar for both groups and effects at different times (day 7 versus day 30; P < 0.05) were attributed to physiological variations in periparturient cows. Histology showed fat accumulation in the liver of both groups, as it is expected in periparturient dairy cows. In treated cows, fat-rich hepatocytes were observed near the central vein. These observations suggest that, at the used dosage, S. marianum extract has no adverse effect on the liver of lactating cows, and presents no objective evidence for a hepatoprotective effect in this species.     

饮水温度对高温环境下奶牛生产性能及血清生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究饮水温度对高温环境下奶牛生产性能和血清生化指标的影响。试验选用12头泌乳后期的中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用单因子完全随机试验设计。试验分为4组,试验组A、B、C三组饮水温度分别为22、24、26℃,D组为对照组,饮水温度28℃,试验期49d。试验结果表明,与对照组组相比:①饮用22、24、26℃的水对奶牛直肠温度和呼吸频率无显著影响(P>0.05);②饮用22℃的水可使干物质采食量提高5.14%(P<0.05),而饮水量无显著差异(P>0.05),饮用24、26℃的水不影响干物质采食量和饮水量(P>0.05);③饮用22℃的水可使产奶量提高6.38%(P<0.05);饮用24、26℃的水对产奶量无显著影响(P>0.05),饮用22、24、26℃的水对乳成分的影响未达到显著水平(P>0.05);④饮用22、24、26℃的水对奶牛血清中常量矿物元素无显著影响(P>0.05)。综合分析试验奶牛的生产性能和血清生化指标变化,夏季给奶牛饮用22℃的水有助于提高干物质采食量和产奶量。     

An investigation of the effects of ketoprofen following rumen fistulation surgery in lactating dairy cows

Post-operative pain management following rumen surgery is not common practice. We examined the effect of providing the pain medication ketoprofen to dairy cattle following the first stage of a rumen cannulation surgery, which involves an incision in the body wall and exteriorizing and clamping the rumen. The results of this study provide clear evidence that the first stage of the surgery was painful and ketoprofen at the time of and 24 h following surgery, alleviated some, but not all, of the post-surgical pain. Pain mitigation should be included when performing flank surgery in cattle.     

围产后期奶牛的血液生化指标特征

本试验旨在通过对围产后期奶牛进行血液生化指标检测,探讨奶牛血液生化指标的变化规律以及与疾病相关指标的发生特点,为围产后期奶牛产后保健提供理论依据。试验选择年龄、体况、胎次相近的二胎以上无疾病史的健康奶牛30头,于分娩当天(0d),产后1,2,3,7,14,21d清晨饲喂前尾静脉采血10mL,分离血清进行血液生化指标β-羟丁酸(BHBA)、游离脂肪酸(NEFA)、门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、葡萄糖(GLU)、血钙(Ca2+)、血磷(P3+)和血镁(Mg2+)的检测。结果显示:在试验期内30头试验奶牛脂肪肝的发病率为46.7%,酮病的发病率为40.0%,低血钙的发病率为33.3%;血液中NEFA的浓度在分娩当天最低为(0.33±0.17)mmol/L,与产后7,14,21d差异极显著(P0.01),血清中NEFA浓度从产后1d逐步升高。奶牛分娩当天血糖浓度最高为(6.40±1.55)mmol/L,与产后1,2,3,7,14和21天的血糖浓度差异极显著(P0.01),奶牛产后在7~21d时,血液中BHBA浓度逐步升高,其中第21dBHBA浓度最高为(0.84±0.68)mmol/L,与0,1,2和3dBHBA浓度差异极显著P0.01。分娩当天Ca2+浓度为(2.29±0.31)mmol/L,与其他各天差异极显著P0.01。产后0d起,血清中P3+浓度逐步升高,其中0d相对于3,7,14,21d差异极显著P0.01。血清中Mg2+浓度产后1d最低为(1.56±0.42)mmol/L,0d血清Mg2+浓度与产后1,2,3,7,14,21d血清Mg2+浓度差异极显著P0.01,产后1~21d血清Mg2+浓度逐步升高,并处于平稳趋势。结果表明,该牛场奶牛产后营养代谢性疾病发病率较高,应加强对围产期奶牛的饲养管理及保健,对于集约化高产奶牛场应制定合理的保健方案,通过饲料添加剂对分娩牛保健,来预防围产期常见营养代谢性疾病。     

The use biochemical and hepatic parameters to predict treatment outcome of dairy cows suffering from displacement of the abomasum

In this prospective study the impact of fatty liver and an impaired liver function on the treatment outcome of displacement of the abomasum (DA) was investigated. In a yearlong period, all cows suffering from DA submitted to the clinic were included in this study. All cows were clinically examined before surgery and a serum sample was taken to measure the following parameters: ASAT, bilirubin, urea. Liver biopsy was performed in all cows. Liver fat content was measured gravimetrically and concentrations of triglycerides were measured using a commercial test kit. Reposition of DA was done using the method by Dirksen. A total of 365 cows with DA entered the study, 326 (89.3%) suffered from LDA and 39 (10.7%) from RDA. RDA-cows had significantly (p = 0.002) more days in milk than LDA-cows. RDA-cows had significantly (p < 0.001) higher urea concentrations than LDA-cows. Bilirubin concentrations (p = 0.008) and liver fat content, triglyceride concentrations and the ratio of triglycerides to fat (TRI/FAT) (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in LDA-cows. The majority of LDA-cows showed at least a mild fatty liver. Comparing the cows with successful and failed treatment showed that ASAT-activity (p = 0.021), bilirubin concentration (p = 0.001), triglyceride concentration in liver and TRI/FAT (all p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the unsuccessfully treated cows. In RDA cows, significant differences between successfully and unsuccessfully treated cows were only seen in urea concentration (p = 0.004). ROC-analysis was performed to determine whether any parameter is suitable for a prediction of treatment outcome. In RDA-cows no threshold value was traceable for urea concentration. In LDA cows, TRI/FAT showed the best curve progression. The threshold value of 53.5 % had a sensitivity of 0.720 and a specificity of 0.700. LDA-cows exceeding this threshold had a 2.4 higher risk of an unsuccessful treatment. Due to the good overall treatment success (92.3 %) the positive predictive value for an unsuccessful or ineffective treatment was 0.368 only. The results of our study clearly show that impaired liver function plays an important role in the outcome of treatment of LDA but not RDA. In spite of this no laboratory parameter provides sufficient power to make a predictive statement of treatment outcome.     

Treatment of cows with milk fever using intravenous and oral calcium and phosphorus

Fifteen cows with milk fever were treated with 500ml of 40 % calcium borogluconate (group A) administered intravenously. Fifteen other cows with milk fever received the same treatment, supplemented with 500ml of 10 % sodium phosphate administered intravenously, and 80g calcium as calcium lactate and 70g inorganic phosphorus as sodium phosphate administered orally in drinking water. The cows were monitored and blood samples collected for 3 days to measure the concentrations of total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium and the activity of creatine kinase. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to the course of the disease. In each group 14 cows were cured. A rapid and significant increase in serum calcium concentration from the hypo- to the hypercalcaemic range occurred in both groups within 10min of the start of treatment, followed by a slow and steady decrease to the hypocalcaemic range. Calcium lactate did not prevent the calcium concentration from returning to the hypocalcaemic range, and the calcium profiles of the two groups did not differ significantly. As expected, treatment had little effect on the concentration of inorganic phosphorus in group A. In group B, treatment caused a rapid increase in the concentration of inorganic phosphorus to a maximum 20min after the start of treatment. This was followed by a slow decrease in the phosphorus concentration to the normophosphataemic range. Our findings confirmed that combined intravenous and oral administration of sodium phosphate in cows with periparturient paresis attributable to hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia results in a rapid and sustained increase in serum phosphorus, but not in serum calcium concentration. This modified therapy did not improve the success rate of milk fever treatment and further studies are needed to improve treatment of periparturient paresis.     

Outcome prediction from the first examination in clinical mastitis using ultrasonography in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to examine whether ultrasonography can be used to predict the outcome of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Forty‐seven mastitic quarters of Holstein‐Friesian cows were examined using ultrasonography at the time of the first examination. In mastitic mammary tissue, three sonographic signs indicating tissue abnormality were found: a hyperechoic spot in the parenchyma area, structural changes to the milk duct, and non‐homogeneous parenchyma. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether the abnormal findings in the sonographic images can be used to predict the outcome of clinical mastitis. The outcomes of clinical mastitis were defined by the return, or failure to return, to marketable milk production. The sonogram finding of non‐homogeneous parenchyma in the first examination did predict the outcome of clinical mastitis, whereas the type of systemic symptoms (severe or moderate) was not a predictor in this regression model. Therefore, ultrasound examinations of mammary glands in the first examination could be a useful method for predicting outcome of clinical mastitis. There is an economic benefit if ultrasound examination in first examination helps in the decision of whether or not to treat the mastitic cows.     

Effect of melatonin on biochemical variables of the blood in dairy cows

In order to examine the effect of exogenous melatonin on selected biochemical variables of the blood in ruminants, dairy cows were given the pineal gland hormone in the dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. One and four hours after melatonin administration blood samples were collected from the cows in the control and the treated group in order to determine the levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, as well as the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. The pineal gland hormone caused a significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, slight increases in glucose and insulin levels, and a significant decrease in the concentration of free fatty acids. Melatonin did not exert an effect on the activity of liver enzymes.