Methods for detection and frequency of contamination of fetal calf serum with bovine viral diarrhea virus and antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Methods used by the National Animal Disease Center to test fetal calf serum for contamination with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and antibodies against BVDV are described. Using those methods, virus was isolated from 332 of 1,608 (20.6%) lots of raw fetal calf serum obtained specifically for the Center and 93 of 190 (49%) lots of commercially available fetal calf serum. Virus neutralization and immunoperoxidase staining tests were used to detect antibodies against BVDV in 224 of the 1,608 (13.9%) lots of raw fetal calf serum. Both BVDV and antibodies against BVDV were detected in 50 lots of raw serum. The molecular specificity of antibodies against BVDV was determined by radioimmunoprecipitation. Lots of fetal calf serum that contained BVDV-specific antibodies that did not neutralize virus were identified.     

Inbreeding and immunoglobulin G1 concentrations in cattle

Immunoglobulin G1 concentration (IgG1) was measured in presuckle colostrum and calf serum obtained at 36 h and at weaning from inbred and straightbred Angus, Brangus, Hereford, Red Angus and Simmental cattle. Sources of variation considered as dam traits examined for IgG1 in colostrum and 36-h calf serum included line of sire, sire within line, age, and linear regression of IgG1 on inbreeding of dam. Only line of sire and inbreeding of dam were significant in the analysis of 36-h calf serum. Sources of variation considered as calf traits examined for IgG1 in calf serum at 36 h and at weaning included line of sire, sire within line, sex of calf, age of dam, and regressions of calf serum IgG1 on inbreeding of the calf and on dam's colostral IgG1. Only sire within line and the regression on dam's colostral IgG1 were significant for calf serum IgG1 at 36 h. Large differences existed in 36-h calf serum IgG1 between sires both within lines and when lines were ignored. Calves with 36-h serum IgG1 of less than 10 mg/ml were two to four times more likely to die before weaning than calves with higher IgG1 levels. The heritability estimates of IgG1 by paternal half-sib analysis were .41 +/- .30 for colostrum measured as a trait of the dam and .56 +/- .25 for 36-h. calf serum and .05 +/- .17 for calf serum at weaning considered as a trait of the calf. These estimates indicate that IgG1 in colostrum and 36-h calf serum could be increased by selection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Increased serum concentration of apolipoprotein C-III and its greater distribution to chylomicrons than to the high-density lipoprotein fraction in a calf with hyperlipidemia

A calf having extremely high concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids, in particular in chylomicrons (CM) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction was found. The purpose of the present study was to determine serum concentration and distribution of apolipoprotein (apo) C-III, a low molecular mass protein mainly distributed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction in normolipidemic cattle, in the calf with hyperlipidemia. The serum apoC-III concentration in the calf increased to more than 10-fold that of normolipidemic control calves, and apoC-III was distributed more in the CM than in the HDL. The concentration of apoA-I (a predominant apoprotein in the HDL) was also increased to nearly 4-fold that of controls in the serum from the calf, and its major distribution site was the CM. Haptoglobin was detected in the serum from the hyperlipidemic calf, and was distributed in the CM as well as in the HDL. Serum amyloid A was also induced. In contrast to apoC-III, apoA-I and haptoglobin, the majority of apoSAA was found in the HDL fraction, as observed in normolipidemic calves. Increased concentrations in the CM of apoC-III and apoA-I suggest that the two apolipoproteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of calf hyperlipidemia. The presence of haptoglobin in the CM and HDL also implies the relevance of this acute-phase protein in the regulation of lipid metabolism.     

The inactivation of mycoplasmas and bacteria in calf serum by 60Co gamma rays

Reported in this paper is the use of 60Co gamma radiation to inactivate mycoplasmas in calf serum, newborn calf serum, and fetal calf serum. A dose of 3 kGy, independent of dose rate, was found to be sufficient for inactivation in the above sera of several mycoplasmas, including Acholeplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma (M.) orale, M. arginini, M. hyorhinis, and M. bovis. The critical dose proved to be at 2 kGy. No difference was found to exist between the above species in susceptibility to irradiation in diluted sera (50%) and 10% in Eagle MEM). Sensibility of wild mycoplasma strains was found to be identical with that of laboratory strains. Hence, 60Co gamma irradiation of sera appears to be a safe method by which to make sera mycoplasma-free. Bacillus subtilis in calf serum was inactivated by doses above 18 kGy, with the critical dose being 15 kGy.     

Further Studies on the Presence, Qualities and Effects of the Toxic Principles from Narthecium Ossifragum Plants

Flåøyen, A., Bratberg, B., Frøslie, A., Grønstøl, H., Langseth, W., Mantle, P.G. and Von Krogh, A., 1997. Further studies on the presence, qualities and effects of the toxic principles from Narthecium ossifragum plants. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (2), 137-148One calf was dosed during one day with an aqueous extract from 3.0 kg (wet weight) of Narthecium ossifragum and another was dosed on the same day with the insoluble plant residue. The concentrations of serum creatinine and magnesium increased only in the calf dosed with the aqueous extract, while the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase increased only in the serum of the calf dosed with the plant residue, so differentiating the nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic principles as water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds, respectively.One calf was dosed with 30 g (wet weight) N. ossifragum flower stems per kg live weight during one day and another was dosed with 30 g (wet weight) N. ossifragum leaves per kg live weight on the same day. The serum creatinine and urea concentrations and also the activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and -glutamyltransferase in the serum increased in the calf dosed with the flower stems, whereas there was only a slight temporary increase in the creatinine concentration in serum from the calf dosed with the leaves. However, histopathological examination of the kidneys of the calf dosed with the flower stems revealed severe tubular necrosis and degeneration. It therefore appears that both the toxic principles are present in the flower stems of N. ossifragum rather than in its leaves.The serum creatinine concentration was significantly increased in a non-ruminating calf dosed with an aqueous extract from 32 g (wet weight) N. ossifragum per kg liveweight during one day, showing the intrinsic nephrotoxicity of the plant.     

The use of 60Co-gamma ray-sterilized calf serum in cell culture

The use of 60Co-gamma-radiation-sterilised calf sera in cell culturing is reported in this paper. Evidence was produced to the effect that 60Co-gamma-irradiation, using a dosage of 3 kGy and a dose rate of 8 kGy/h, of fetal calf serum, neonatal calf serum, and calf serum did not substantially alter the growth-stimulating properties of those sera during 42-day tests. With almost all cell lines and sera used, for all practical purposes, they were identical with the properties of control sera. The following cell lines were used in the experimental programme: one human mammary tumor, MaTu, one human embryonic cell line--E VI, one bat lung cell line--Tb1-Lu, and one human rhabdomyosarcoma--A 204. Growth stimulation was twelve percent below the control value only with Tb1-Lu on Eagle-MEM culturing medium with 3-kGy-irradiation of neonatal calf serum. On the other hand, cell growth was stimulated by 28 percent in A 204 on RPMI 1640 culturing medium, again with 3-kGy-irradiation of neonatal calf serum. Loss of activity by up to 30 percent, depending on the serum used, must be expected from irradiation doses of 10 kGy and 20 kGy which are capable of causing drastic reduction or even complete elimination of serum-borne microorganisms (Bender et al., 1989). Sera irradiated that way would be only conditionally applicable, when it comes to highly vulnerable cell strains.     

Frequency of detectable serum IgG concentrations in precolostral calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of detectable serum IgG concentrations in calves prior to ingestion of colostrum and to assess whether a detectable IgG concentration was related to dam parity, calf birth weight, calf sex, season of calving, or infectious agents that can be transmitted transplacentally. ANIMALS: 170 Holstein dairy calves. PROCEDURES: Serum samples were obtained from calves prior to ingestion of colostrum, and serologic testing for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Neospora caninum was performed. Relative risk, attributable risk, population attributable risk, and population attributable fraction for calves with a detectable serum IgG concentration attributable to positive results for N caninum and BVDV serologic testing were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether dam parity, calf sex, season of calving, and calf weight were associated with precolostral IgG concentration. RESULTS: 90 (52.9%) calves had a detectable total serum IgG concentration (IgG >or= 16 mg/dL). Relative risk, attributable risk, population attributable risk, and population attributable fraction for calves with a detectable serum IgG concentration attributable to positive results for N caninum serologic testing were 1.66, 0.34, 0.014, and 0.03, respectively. Calf sex, calf birth weight, and season of calving were not significant predictors for detection of serum IgG in precolostral samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevalence of IgG concentrations in precolostral serum samples was higher than reported elsewhere. There was no apparent link between serum antibodies against common infectious agents that can be transmitted transplacentally and detection of measurable serum IgG concentrations.     

Colony Formation in Culture by Bovine Granulopoietic Progenitor Cells

Calf bone marrow cells cultured in a semi-solid medium of 0.8% methyl cellulose produced colonies of granulocytic cells and macrophages by seven days. A prerequisite for colony growth was the presence of serum obtained from a calf three hours after intravenous injection of endotoxin. Three morphological types of colonies were seen but cell types within these types of colonies did not differ. Cultured cells were identified by morphological and cytochemical characteristics.

Optimum growth occurred when serum from endotoxin stimulated calves and fetal calf serum were present in a volumetric ratio of 7:3. Inhibition of colony growth occurred when endotoxin-stimulated serum was present at greater than optimum concentration. Normal calf serum, fetal calf serum, mouse L-cell conditioned medium and bovine urine did not stimulate significant colony growth when 8.0 x 10⁴ marrow cells were cultured.

There was a linear relationhip between the number of marrow cells in the cultures and the number of colonies produced. Colony forming efficiency ranged from 13 to 59 colonies per 10⁵ cells plated.

The behaviour of calf colony forming units in suspension culture was similar to that reported for mouse colony forming units.

     

犊牛维生素A缺乏造成骨骼发育异常的探讨研究

一牛场出现犊牛腿部骨骼发育异常、多数母牛胎衣不下的情况，开展现场临床检查，实验室检测犊牛和母牛的血清Ca、P、碱性磷酸酶，犊牛骨碱性磷酸酶，母牛和犊牛血清维生素A含量。结果表明，部分犊牛Ca、P、碱性磷酸酶偏低，其他犊牛以上指标正常，所有检测的犊牛、母牛血清维生素A含量均远低于参考值，处于严重缺乏状态。通过临床检查、实验室检验及药物试验，证明该牛场此次犊牛腿部骨骼发育异常及母牛胎衣不下是以维生素A缺乏为主因造成的。     

Congenital Neospora caninum infection in a calf with spinal cord anomaly

Neospora caninum was identified in a calf with spinal cord anomaly in Australia. The calf was full-term and born dead. The caudal cervical and cranial thoracic segments of the spinal cord of the calf were asymmetric because of marked unilateral reduction of ventral gray matter and focal cavitation. Mild focal disseminated nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis was associated with N caninum tissue cysts. Tissue cysts were 16 to 35 microns X 10 to 27 microns, and the cyst walls were 1 to 3 microns thick. In an immunohistochemical test, the parasite stained with N caninum serum but not T gondii serum.     

Phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes and level of serum immunoglobulins and albumin after parenteral administration of zinc during vaccination against trichophytosis in calves

The study dealt with the evaluation of the contents of the total serum immunoglobulins (CS-Ig), serum albumin, and with the phagocytic activity of blood leucocytes in trichophytosis-affected calves (aged 4 months), in dependence on the doses (revaccination) of the live avirulent vaccine against trichophytosis (the calf group R) and its administration with a zinc based-injection preparation (calf group ZnR). In calf group ZnR (5 mg Zn.kg-1 l. w.) there was a potentiating effect on the percentual proportion of potential blood phagocytes (compared with data before administration: P less than 0.01 on the first day, P less than 0.05 on the third, eighth and thirtieth day; in comparison with the group of calves R: P less than 0.01 during a 24h experiment) and on the percentage of phagocytic cells (compared with data before administration: P less than 0.05 the first and 30th day; compared with calf group R: P less than 0.05 in a 24h experiment. No effect on the index of phagocytic activity was observed. In both groups positive statistical significance was stated in the level of CS-Ig, as compared with the value before administration (on the 8th, 15th, 30th and 60th day of investigation, P less than 0.05, resp. 0.01), but there was no significance when the groups were compared with each other. Significant increase was stated in serum immunoglobulin concentration on the 15th day of examination within each group of calves. Its concentration in calf group ZnR was lower at the beginning of the experiment and at the end of the experiment it was almost exactly the same as in calf group R.     

Computer model of the absorption and distribution of colostral immunoglobulins in the newborn calf

The transfer of immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgM), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) and added D-xylose from colostrum to serum was investigated in newborn Holstein bull calves. Significant differences were observed in the time courses of the serum concentrations of these colostrum constituents following absorption from pooled colostrum. A computer model was devised to simulate the process of absorption of Ig isotypes, gamma-GT and D-xylose from colostrum in the newborn calf. A Fortran program was used to generate plots of the time course of the concentration of colostrum constituents in serum and other body fluids following a single feed of colostrum. These plots show how the changes in serum concentration of absorbed Ig isotypes, gamma-GT and D-xylose are affected by different rates of intestinal absorption, redistribution in body fluids and removal from plasma. A critical examination of data from the computer model and from the calf feeding experiments supports the view that the absorption of IgG1, IgG2 and IgM is not selective in the calf. The data were compared with earlier studies of the efficiency of the colostral transfer of Ig to the calf. In the present study the transfer efficiencies of IgG1, IgG2, IgM, gamma-GT and D-xylose were 46 per cent, 49 per cent, 47 per cent, 18 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.     

Survival of the neonatal calf

Factors that influence passive transfer of immunoglobulins from colostrum to the calf include timing of colostrum intake, immunoglobulin concentration of the colostrum, presence of the dam, season, and individual calf variation in efficiency of absorption. This article describes a study conducted to determine the effect of body condition at calving and calving difficulty on calf vigor and calf serum immunoglobulin concentrations, and to determine the relationship of calf serum immunoglobulin concentration and calf growth at weaning.     

Natural infection of cattle with an atypical 'HoBi'-like pestivirus--implications for BVD control and for the safety of biological products

During a study on Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) epidemiology in Thailand, a pestivirus was detected in serum from a calf. Comparative nucleotide sequence analysis showed that this virus was closely related to a recently described atypical pestivirus (D32/00_'HoBi') that was first isolated from a batch of foetal calf serum collected in Brazil. The results from virus neutralisation tests performed on sera collected from cattle in the herd of the infected calf, showed that these cattle had markedly higher antibody titres against the atypical pestivirus 'HoBi' than against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus types 1 and 2, or Border Disease Virus. The results also supported, consequently, the results from the molecular analysis, and demonstrated that a 'HoBi'-like pestivirus had been introduced to, and was now circulating in the herd. This study is the first to report a natural infection in cattle with a virus related to this atypical pestivirus, and it suggests that this group of pestiviruses may already be spread in cattle populations. The findings have implications for BVD control and for the biosafety of vaccines and other biological products produced with foetal calf serum. Consequently, these atypical pestiviruses should be included in serological assays, and any diagnostic assay aimed at detection of pestiviruses in biological products or animals should be tested for its ability to detect them.     

Japanese black cattle with orotic aciduria detected by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry

A 4-months-old calf of Japanese black cattle was diagnosed with orotic aciduria by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GC/MS). Until now orotic aciduria had not been reported in Japanese black cattle. The animal showed repeated diarrhea. The hematocrit was low, and microcytes and acanthocytes were observed in blood smears. The calf had lower serum total protein concentrations with a higher blood ammonia concentration. Needle-shaped crystals of orotic acid were observed in urinary sediments. Sequence homologous analysis with cattle uridine monophosphate synthase DNA indicated silent mutation in the affected calf.     

Cytokine profile of a Holstein calf with bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency during the acute-phase inflammatory response

Changes in interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 in serum, and their mRNA expression on neutrophils from a 4.6-month old Holstein young calf with bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) during the acute phase were evaluated. IL-1beta concentrations in the serum of the calf with BLAD at age 143-162 days ranged from 8.7 to 16.6 ng/ml, whereas the values were less than 2.7 ng/ml in control calves. Serum IL-6 (0.04 ng/ml) was only detected on the 1st day when the animal was diagnosed with the BLAD. IL-1beta and IL-8 mRNA expression on neutrophils from the affected calf appeared to be similar to those of controls. Serum cytokine levels and their mRNA expression on neutrophils from the calf with BLAD appeared to be little affected by the deficient expression of beta(2)-integrin on leukocytes, and are considered to be modulated by the inflammatory stimuli.     

Elevation and prolongation of serum ampicillin and amoxycillin concentrations in calves by the concomitant administration of probenecid

The effects of probenecid on serum ampicillin and amoxycillin concentrations were investigated in 1–5 week old calves after oral and parenteral drug administration. Ampicillin trihydrate was administered orally at 250mg/calf, after an overnight fast, alone and with 1.5g probenecid. Peak serum ampicillin concentrations were elevated from 0.60 to 1.22 μg/ml by the co-administration of probenecid. In calves given 0.5 g amoxycillin trihydrate with the milk replacer, peak serum drug concentration increased from 1.74 to 3.16 μg/ml when 1.5 g probenecid was given too. Maximal effect of probenecid administered orally was with the 1.5 g/calf dose with considerably lesser increase in peak serum amoxycillin being observed with doses of 0.5 g, 1 g and 2 g/calf. After parenteral injection of probenecid solution at 1 g and 2 g/calf serum ampicillin concentrations peaked at more than twice the concentrations measured after equal doses of the two antibiotics were injected alone. The co-administration of 2 g probenecid and 1 g sodium ampicillin or 0.5 g sodium amoxycillin parenterally resulted in peak antibiotic concentrations considered to be effective against some of the more resistant pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria associated with diseases in calves and serum antibiotic concentrations 5 μg/ml were maintained during 5–6 h as opposed to 2–3 h after the antibiotics were injected alone. Oral administration of 1.5 g probenecid at three consecutive milk feeding times did not alter serum urea or serum creatinine concentrations.     

A paravaccinia virus isolated from cattle.

Isolation of viruses from calves with acute respiratory tract disease were attempted on bovine embryonic lung cell cultures. An isolate obtained from one calf with oral lesions and respiratory disease, designated 44-M-E482, was characterized as a paravaccinia virus on the basis of biological and physical properties. The calf from which the paravaccinia virus 44-M-E482 was isolated did not possess serum neutralizing antibody in its convalescent sera; neither did experimentally inoculated calves possess serum neutralizing antibody to the isolate. However, a low titer of serum neutralizing antibody was produced in one calf after several intravenous injections of the virus. Inoculation of calves with 44-M-E482 into the oral mucosa, skin, nasal cavity and pharynx did not cause any noticeable illness or lesions. The relation of 44-M-E482 to the viruses which cause bovine papular stomatitis and pseudocowpox is discussed.     

Clinical neosporosis in a 4-week-old Hereford calf.

Most reports of neosporosis associated with abortion in cattle are in dairy cattle and infected calves do not survive beyond 7 days of age. This paper reports neosporosis in a 4-week-old Hereford calf. The calf was full term and appeared clinically normal at birth. At 2 weeks of age, the calf had weakened and was unable to nurse unassisted. The calf was killed at 4 weeks because of paralysis. The primary lesions were in the brain and were associated with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-Neospora rabbit serum.     

暖季放牧补饲对新疆褐牛公犊日增重及其血液激素水平的影响

试验旨在研究暖季放牧加补饲对褐牛公犊生长过程中不同时期血清激素水平变化的影响。选取10月龄新疆褐牛公犊70头,分为对照组(放牧)和试验组(放牧加补饲),分别于0、30、60、90和120 d时,测定公犊体重,并采集血样进行生长激素(growth hormone,GH)、睾酮(testosterone,T)、胰岛素(insulin,INS)、生长抑制素(somatostatin,SS)、甲状腺素(T4)、三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)及糖皮质激素(corticosteroid,CORT)含量的检测。结果表明,在试验全期,两组公犊牛血清中GH含量差异均不显著(P>0.05);在90 d时,试验组公犊牛血清中T含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),30、60和120 d时,两组差异均不显著(P>0.05);在60和90 d时,试验组公犊牛血清T4含量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01);在30、60和120 d时,两组公犊牛T3含量差异均不显著(P>0.05),90 d时,试验组公犊牛血清T3含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。提示,暖季天然草场放牧新疆褐牛公犊为其补饲合理的蛋白质和能量等营养物质能极显著提高公犊牛的日增重(P<0.01)。