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.     

The concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium in the hair of newborn piglets and their dams.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was employed to determine the levels of certain trace elements in the hair of newborn piglets and their dams. The mean concentrations (mumoles/mg) of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium in the neonatal piglet hair samples were 222 +/- 55, 4940 +/- 1728, 12.7 +/- 17.1 and 8.9 +/- 5.5, respectively, and in sow hair samples the mean concentrations (mumoles/mg) were 156 +/- 22, 5124 +/- 1927, 31.7 +/- 22.2 and 6.5 +/- 3.7, respectively. The mean copper level was higher (p less than 0.05) in piglet hair compared with sow hair. However the mean concentration of manganese was lower (p less than 0.05) in piglet hair. There was no relationship between the trace mineral levels found in the piglets' hair and the dams' hair. The levels of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium found in piglet hair were shown to be unrelated to the piglet body weight. The feasibility of using porcine hair as a practical biopsy material for trace element analysis is discussed.     

干奶期不同能量摄入对围产期乳牛血液葡萄糖胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响

将围产期健康乳牛30头随机分为3组，分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮（能量摄入i00％组）、标准日粮增加20％的日粮（能量摄入120％组）和标准日粮减少20％的日粮（能量摄入80％组），产后备组乳牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮，至产后第56d结束，观察干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明，产前低能饲喂可以增加围产期乳牛血浆葡萄糖浓度，干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度起重要调节作用。     

PCB concentrations in hair, blood, tissues and secretions of chronically-exposed dairy cows, fattening bulls and calves. 1. Course and relation of some polychlorinated biphenyls in hair, milk and tissues in exposed nursing cows and conventionally raised dairy cows]

20 cows contaminated chronically with PCB were kept as nurse cows or in a tie-stall. The contamination in different substrates (hair, milk, blood, feces) was examined for a period up to 8 months. The distribution of PCB in the carcass of some animals was registered in addition. The system of keeping nurse cows turned out to be useful in order to overcome a contamination situation. Drying off gravid animals in the first step helps solving problems of handling contaminated milk. With low contaminated animals a short dry off period is sufficient, so that the milk--after calving--is marketable (report II, in preparation). In case of nurse cows with two calves post partum a continuous decline of PCB-concentrations in the milk can be observed. With biological half life periods of 2-4 months, milk with PCB 153-concentrations of 0.15-0.20 mg/kg fat will be marketable within this period. Cows milked by milking-machines show a decline of PCB in the milk similar to nurse cows. Two animals had a limited increase p.p., probably caused by mobilization of fat in the high lactation stage. Over longer periods, the biological half-life-periods were comparable to nursing cows. Hair is easy to sample and store; it is useful as a diagnostic substrate beside the milk in order to estimate the degree of contamination in individual animals. The ratio of PCB-concentrations between perirenal fat and hair is 1:0.95 (s = +/-0.192); the ratio of PCB-concentrations between perirenal fat and milk is 1:0.77 (s = +/- 0.122).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Copper,zinc, and iron concentrations in blood serum and diet of dairy cattle on semi-industrial farms in central Iran

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood serum and diet concentrations of copper, zinc, and iron in Holstein dairy cattle kept under semi-industrial farming in Isfahan province, central Iran. Moreover, the effects of season, pregnancy, and daily milk yield on serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were also evaluated. The study was carried out on 12 semi-industrial Holstein dairy cattle farms. A total of 120 blood serum samples (60 in each season) and 24 diet samples (12 in each season) were collected in the summer and winter. The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents were assessed in samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the summer, the mean concentrations of Cu and Fe in serum samples were lower and higher than the critical level, respectively (P < 0.05). In total diet samples, the mean concentrations of Zn were significantly higher than critical level (P < 0.05). In summer, winter, and total diet samples, the mean concentrations of Fe were significantly higher than critical level (P < 0.05). The serum Cu and Zn concentrations were significantly higher in the winter than those determined in the summer (P < 0.05). The serum Cu concentrations were significantly higher in nonpregnant than those in pregnant dairy cattle (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations of dairy cattle in different daily milk yield groups. It can be concluded that Holstein dairy cattle reared under semi-industrial dairy farming were deficient in serum Cu concentrations, especially in summer. Further, high level of Fe in blood serum might be due to feeding of cattle with diet containing excess quantity of Fe.     

壳聚糖对奶牛产奶性能、乳体细胞数及血清免疫球蛋白的影响

试验旨在研究壳聚糖对奶牛产奶性能、乳体细胞数及血清IgG、IgM浓度的影响。试验选择12头胎次、体重、泌乳量、泌乳阶段相近(P>0.05)的成年荷斯坦奶牛,根据产奶量、产犊日期、胎次等相近的原则,采用配对分组试验,分为对照组和壳聚糖组,每组6头。对照组不添加壳聚糖,壳聚糖组每天每头牛饲粮中添加15g的壳聚糖。试验期为75d,前15d为预饲期,后60d为正试期。结果表明:在整个试验阶段,奶牛日粮中添加0.1%的壳聚糖可显著提高产奶量(P<0.05),对于乳成分含量没有明显影响,但是平均乳脂量有明显的增加趋势;日粮中添加0.1%的壳聚糖可以显著降低乳中体细胞数(P<0.05),对血清IgG、IgM浓度无明显影响。     

The effect of lupinosis on liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations in merino sheep

Merino wether weaners were exposed to toxic lupin stubbles for periods of one, two and six to nine weeks, and the effect on their liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations studied. After the one week period there was a slight decrease in liver copper and selenium concentrations in sheep severely affected with lupinosis. This was attributed to loss of these elements from necrotic cells, and greatly increased quantities of fat in the liver. In the same period liver zinc concentrations declined and were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. After two weeks or more of exposure to toxic lupins a positive correlation existed between both the liver copper and selenium concentrations, and the degree of liver injury. Furthermore, total liver copper and selenium levels were also positively correlated with the degree of liver injury. Liver zinc concentrations were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. It is suggested that when the liver is under the influence of the toxins causing lupinosis for more than two weeks, it stores copper and selenium, and loses zinc.     

Diagnostic value of zinc concentrations in serum, leucocytes and hair of dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis

The concentrations of zinc in serum, leucocytes and hair of normal dogs, dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis and dogs with dermatitis not associated with zinc deficiency was determined. The mean concentration of zinc in serum and hair of dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis was significantly lower than in other dogs but the range of zinc concentrations overlapped that of the other dogs. The mean leucocyte zinc concentration was similar for each group of dogs. It is concluded that low zinc concentrations in serum and hair have only a corroborative value in the diagnosis of zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs.     

不同能量摄入水平对奶牛产乳性能及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度的影响研究

将30头围产期健康奶牛随机分为3组,每组均为10头,其中Ⅰ组为对照组,Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组为试验组;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、标准日粮增加20%能量(能量摄入120%组)和标准日粮减少20%能量(能量摄入80%组),产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮,至产后第56d结束,观察不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛产乳性能及血液中瘦素(Leptin)和神经肽Y(NPY)浓度的影响。试验结果表明,产前饲喂低能日粮不仅提高了产后奶牛产乳性能,而且提高了产后奶牛血液中Leptin和NPY浓度。可见,奶牛不同能量摄入水平与产奶量及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

Inter‐ and intra‐individual differences in serum copper and zinc concentrations after feeding different amounts of copper and zinc over two lactations

The influence of different copper and zinc contents in rations on blood serum concentrations was tested in a feeding trial at the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI). A total of 60 German Holstein breed cows (38 first lactating and 22 second lactating cows) were tested. All animals received a diet based on maize‐ and grass silage ad libitum. The animals were divided into two groups with 30 cows each. Group A received concentrates supplemented with copper and zinc as recommended, whereas Group B was offered a concentrate with roughly double the amount of copper and zinc. Blood samples were taken several times during the lactation. The concentrations of copper and zinc in the serum were measured and correlations between trace element intake and their serum concentrations were calculated. The mean dry matter intake was significantly higher for cows in the second lactation (19.1 kg/day) than for cows in the first lactation (16.4 kg/day), whereas the DM‐intake was constant in the different feeding groups (17.3 and 17.4 kg/day). The correlation between feed intake in the first and the second lactation was r = 0.76. The copper concentration in the serum was not influenced by the different feedings (11.9 and 12.5 μmol/l), but high variations were found between the cows. The influence of the lactation number was not significant (12.1 and 12.4 μmol/l). In contrast to copper, the zinc concentration in the serum was significantly higher for Group B (14.0 μmol/l) than for Group A (12.2 μmol/l), respectively, for second lactating cows (13.8 μmol/l) in relation to 12.7 μmol/l for first lactating cows. The individual variation was also high as for copper. Neither the correlation between copper intake and copper serum concentration nor the correlation between zinc intake and zinc serum concentration was significant.     

Long-term fluctuations and effect of age on serum concentrations of certain fat-soluble vitamins in dairy cows

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient evidence in the literature concerning the fluctuations and correlations of serum fat-soluble vitamin concentrations during lactation in dairy cows and the potential effect of age of the animals on these values. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine fluctuations in mean serum concentrations of the fat-soluble vitamins A and E and b-carotene and the correlations among them in clinically healthy dairy cows, from the last month of the dry period until the end of lactation, and to investigate whether age was a factor that affects these serum concentrations. METHODS: Forty-five clinically healthy Holstein cows were assigned to 2 groups based on age. Group A consisted of 23 cows 4 years old (mean +/- SD, 3.24 +/- 0.44 years), and group B consisted of 22 cows >4 years old (6.68 +/- 1.66 years). Blood samples for determination of serum beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E concentrations were collected from each animal just before the start of study (1 month prior to expected parturition), at parturition, and thereafter, at monthly intervals until the end of lactation. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E values. Mean serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E were significantly higher in younger animals. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that age is a factor affecting serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins in dairy cows.     

Antioxidant enzymes and somatic cell count in dairy cows fed with organic source of zinc,copper and selenium

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of dietary organic sources of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) for dairy cows on somatic cell count (SCC), occurrence of subclinical mastitis, number of clinical mastitis cases and concentration of superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and ceruloplasmin (CP). Nineteen dairy cows, with confirmed pregnancy, were selected by body weight, body condition score (BCS), number of lactation, and milk yield in previous lactation, and randomly distributed among two groups, one to receive organic (n = 9) and the other the inorganic (n = 10) source of Zn, Cu and Se. Diets were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of animals from 60 days before the expected date of calving up to 80 days of lactation. Blood samples were collected at − 60, − 21, 1, 21, 40 and 80 days in relation to the expected date of calving for analysis of CuZnSOD, GSH-Px and CP concentration. Milk samples for SCC determination were collected weekly after 15 days of lactation, also at day 1 and 7 and when a clinical case was diagnosed for microbiological culture. The number of new and total cases of subclinical mastitis was lower for the group of cows fed with organic sources of Zn, Cu and Se compared to animals receiving inorganic sources. Average SCC during the first 80 days of lactation tended to be lower for the group fed with organic Zn, Cu and Se. Feeding organic Zn, Cu and Se did not alter the concentration of CuZnSOD, GSH-Px and CP.     

奶牛子宫内膜炎的治疗方法及效果比较

奶牛产后子宫内膜炎常发生于奶牛分娩后数天之内。如治疗不及时,炎症易于扩散,引起子宫浆膜或子宫周围炎,并常转为慢性炎症,最终导致长期不孕。饲养管理不良的牛场该病发病率高达60％以上,严重影响奶牛场的经济效益。2007年5月至2008年4月,我们采取多种方法治疗子宫内膜炎病例。统计表明,采用氧氟沙星和甲硝唑联合用药进行子宫灌注和氟苯尼考注射液子宫灌注,可取得良好的效果。     

Influence of age and breed of equid on plasma copper and zinc concentrations

Plasma ceruloplasmin activities and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined in 215 clinically normal equids of various ages and breeds. Newborn foals, regardless of breed, were hypocupremic, compared with adolescent and mature horses. The mean plasma Cu concentration of newborn Standardbred-Thoroughbred (STD-TB) foals was 2.9 mumol/L, which was about one-sixth of plasma Cu concentrations of mature horses. Newborn draft-cross foals had higher (4.6 mumol/L) plasma Cu concentrations than did newborn STD-TB foals, but plasma Cu content was only one-fifth of the dams' concentrations. Draft-cross horses, regardless of age, had plasma Cu concentrations 15% to 40% higher than did STD-TB horses. Plasma Cu concentrations of Quarter Horse yearlings were similar to those in draft-cross yearlings. Plasma ceruloplasmin activities revealed a curvilinear relationship to plasma Cu concentrations. Plasma Zn concentrations of newborn and 1-week-old STD-TB foals were 30% to 80% higher than those for yearling and mature STD-TB horses. There were no differences between draft-cross neonates and their dams in plasma Zn concentration. Plasma Zn concentrations of neonatal and mature draft-cross horses were 22% higher than those obtained for all other equids. Age and breed of equid should be a consideration in interpretations of plasma Cu and Zn concentrations in equids.     

Changes in oxidative stress indices, zinc and copper concentrations in blood in canine demodicosis

Status of certain oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper concentrations in blood were estimated in dogs with localized demodicosis (LD) and generalized demodicosis (GD). In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in both LD as well as GD. However, level of reduced glutathione and activity of catalase were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in both LD and GD. Blood zinc and copper levels in dogs with LD and GD were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than healthy control. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were also observed in different oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper levels in between LD and GD groups. From the present study, it was concluded that demodicosis is associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial in management of canine demodicosis.     

Canine liver iron, copper, and zinc concentrations and association with histologic lesions.

Concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc were measured in livers of 95 dogs that were suspected of having liver disease. Iron concentrations ranged from 177 to 7,680 ppm (dry weight basis); 54 dogs had iron concentrations greater than the normal concentration of 1,200 ppm. Iron stores were present in Kupffer cells and macrophages but not hepatocytes. The dogs did not have lesions of hemochromatosis. Dogs with high liver iron tended to have high liver copper and inflammatory lesions. High liver copper concentrations usually were associated with hepatocellular necrosis and fibrosis. High liver zinc was found in only 5 animals and was accompanied by histologic inflammatory lesions in one. In humans, increased iron concentration in the liver exacerbates liver damage caused by a variety of insults, and the same may be true for dogs.     

Effects on blood concentrations of certain serum fat-soluble vitamins of long-term feeding of dairy cows on a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) supplementation in the ration of dairy cows on serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E concentrations. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A, n = 17), was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite. The second group (group B, n = 17), was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 2.5% clinoptilolite. The third group (group C, n = 18), which served as controls, was offered the same concentrate feed without clinoptilolite supplementation. All cows were fed the above concentrates continuously starting 30 days before the expected parturition up to the end of lactation. Blood samples from individual animals were collected just before the start of experiment, at the day of calving and, thereafter, at monthly intervals. All samples were tested for serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E concentrations. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite had no adverse effect on serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamins A and E.