Genome-wide scan for runs of homozygosity in the composite Montana Tropical® beef cattle

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and autozygosity islands in the composite Montana Tropical^® beef cattle to explore hotspot regions which could better characterize the different biological types within the composite breed. Montana animals (n = 1,436) were genotyped with the GGP-LD BeadChip (~30,000 markers). ROH was identified in every individual using the plink v1.90 software. Medium and long ROH prevailed in the genome, which accounted for approximately 74% of all ROH detected. On an average, 2.0% of the genome was within ROH, agreeing with the pedigree-based inbreeding coefficient. The Montana cattle with a higher proportion of productive breed types showed the highest number of autozygosity islands (n = 17), followed by those with a higher proportion of breeds adapted to tropical environments (n = 15). Enriched terms (p < .05) associated with the immune and inflammatory response, homeostasis, reproduction, mineral absorption, and lipid metabolism were described within the autozygosity islands. In this regard, over-represented GO terms and KEGG pathways described in this population may play a key role in providing information to explore the genetic and biological mechanisms together with the genomic regions underlying each biological type that favoured their optimal performance ability in tropical and subtropical regions.     

An assessment of the herd-level impact of the Theileria orientalis (Ikeda) epidemic of cattle in New Zealand, 2012–2013: a mixed methods approach

AIM: To estimate incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rate within herds affected by bovine anaemia associated with Theileria orientalis infection (TABA), in New Zealand during the early phase of the epidemic (August 2012–September 2013).

METHODS: A mixed methods approach was utilised to integrate data from various sources, including a detailed questionnaire carried out on 18 dairy farms which had experienced cases of TABA; a brief telephone survey of an additional 139 case farms; and data extracted from a Ministry for Primary Industries database for a further 42 case farms. The subsequent analysis determined incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rates for beef and dairy herds.

RESULTS: Data were analysed from 196/263 (74%) known case farms at the date of closing the questionnaires. These farms contained 99,505 cattle; 2,847 animals were reported with clinical disease, and a further 590 animals were recorded as having died from TABA. The within-herd incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rate were consistent between the three data sources, did not differ between beef and dairy herds, and were estimated to be 0.97 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 0.36–2.07)%, 0.23 (IQR 0.00–0.66)% and 16.67 (IQR 0.00–33.33)%, respectively. There was substantial variability in the level of impact, with 22 farms severely affected (incidence risk >5% and cumulative mortality >5%).

CONCLUSIONS: The mixed methods approach was effective in dealing with the disparate data sources. The inclusion of the majority of farms known to be affected at the time the questionnaires were performed implies that the information is likely to be representative. The collective outputs of the analyses represent the best estimate available of within-herd measures of disease frequency in the early phase of the epidemic in New Zealand. The limitations of the data imply that their primary application may be to inform the design of subsequent structured observational field studies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study provide information on the impact of TABA on cattle farms during the emergence and early spread of the disease, as well as for generating hypotheses on causal mechanisms and risk factors that may influence the course of disease.     

Retrospective study of the temporal distribution of vesicular stomatitis in cattle in Costa Rica, 1972–1986

The temporal distribution of vesicular stomatitis in cattle in Costa Rica, from 1972 to 1986, was analysed using the time series analysis. Seasonal fluctuations were observed with the highest occurrence in the dry season. The possible existence of 3–4-year cycles was demonstrated.     

Comparison of intraperitoneal ropivacaine and ropivacaine–dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo investigate the intraperitoneal (IP) administration of ropivacaine or ropivacaine–dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, positively controlled clinical study.AnimalsA total of 45 client-owned cats were enrolled.MethodsThe cats were administered intramuscular (IM) meperidine (6 mg kg⁻¹) and acepromazine (0.05 mg kg⁻¹). Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Meloxicam (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) was administered subcutaneously in all cats after intubation. After the abdominal incision, the cats were administered one of three treatments (15 cats in each treatment): IP instillation of 0.9% saline solution (group Control), 0.25% ropivacaine (1 mg kg⁻¹, group ROP) or ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine (4 μg kg⁻¹, group ROP–DEX). During anesthesia, heart rate (HR), electrocardiography, noninvasive systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and respiratory variables were monitored. Sedation and pain were assessed preoperatively and at various time points up to 24 hours after extubation using sedation scoring, an interactive visual analog scale, the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS) and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT; von Frey anesthesiometer). Rescue analgesia (morphine, 0.1 mg kg⁻¹) IM was administered if the MCPS ≥6. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Tukey test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman test (p < 0.05).ResultsHR was significantly lower in ROP–DEX compared with Control (p = 0.002). The pain scores, MNT, sedation scores and the postoperative rescue analgesia did not differ statistically among groups.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAs part of a multimodal pain therapy, IP ropivacaine–dexmedetomidine was associated with decreased HR intraoperatively; however, SAP remained within normal limits. Using the stated anesthetic protocol, neither IP ropivacaine nor ropivacaine–dexmedetomidine significantly improved analgesia compared with IP saline in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.     

Serological status of Canadian cattle for brucellosis,anaplasmosis, and bluetongue in 2007–2008

A national bovine serological survey was conducted to confirm that the prevalence of brucellosis, bluetongue, and anaplasmosis does not exceed 0.02% (95% confidence) in live cattle in Canada. Sampling consisted of a systematic random sample of 15 482 adult cattle slaughtered in federally inspected abattoirs, stratified by province. Samples were tested to detect antibodies for brucellosis, bluetongue, and anaplasmosis. All samples were negative for brucellosis. Three samples were seroreactors to bluetongue, 2 of which originated from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and 1 from Ontario, which after follow-up, was considered an atypical result. A total of 244 samples were seroreactors to Anaplasma and follow-up identified infection in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec. In conclusion, the Canadian cattle population remains free of brucellosis and free of bluetongue outside the Okanagan Valley. Canada is no longer free of anaplasmosis and will be unable to claim freedom until eradication measures are completed.     

A computed tomography–based method for the assessment of canine retrobulbar cone volume for ophthalmic anaesthesia

ObjectiveTo develop a comprehensive formula for calculating the volume of local anaesthetic solution used for retrobulbar anaesthesia in dogs with different skull morphologies.Study designRetrospective cohort imaging study.AnimalsSkull computed tomography (CT) images of 188 dogs of different breeds collected between January 2009 and December 2017.MethodsAnatomical integrity of the orbit and adjacent structures, presenting complaint, clinical signs and CT findings were verified to exclude ocular abnormalities. The volume of the retrobulbar cone of 376 eyes was calculated using CT scans of the dogs’ skulls. Additional data recorded included morphology of the skull, body weight, sex and size of the dogs, all of which were matched for possible association to the retrobulbar cone volume through univariable and multivariable linear regression models. Results of linear regression models were expressed as estimated beta coefficients with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsUsing univariate analysis, the retrobulbar cone volume was positively associated with weight and male sex. In addition, brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dogs showed a larger retrobulbar cone volume than mesocephalic dogs, while sex was no longer significantly associated with the retrobulbar cone volume. In multivariate analysis, when considering all variables in the model, weight emerged as the strongest predictor (beta coefficient: 0.062 mL kg^–1, 95% CI: 0.056–0.067 mL kg^–1, p < 0.001).Conclusionsand clinical relevance In the veterinary literature, there is no agreement on the precise volume of local anaesthetic solution that should be used to achieve intraconal retrobulbar anaesthesia in dogs. Here we suggest a formula to calculate the retrobulbar cone volume and, accordingly, the injection volume of local anaesthetic solution for effective retrobulbar anaesthesia.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways in the dog: the Italian experience (2008–2016)

Introduction

Accessory pathways (APs) in dogs are mostly right-sided, display nondecremental conduction, and mediate atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardias (AVRTs). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is considered the first-line therapy in human patients to abolish electrical conduction along APs.

A mass screening programme of angus cattle for the mannosidosis genotype — A prototype programme for control of inherited diseases in animals

Abstract

Extract

Recent research has shown that the gene frequency for mannosidosis (pseudolipidosis) may approximate 0.05 in pedigree Angus herds (Jolly, unpublished data). As epidemiological studies suggest an equal frequency in commercial non-pedigree herds, the disease is elf economic importance to the national beef industry. Mannosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease associated with a defect in catabolism, of the heterosaccharide fractioln of glycoproteins (Whittem and Walker, 1957 Donnelly, W. J. C., Sheahan, B. J. and Rogers, T. A. 1973a. GM₁ gangliosidosis in Friesian calves. J. Path., 111: 173–179.  [Google Scholar]; Jolly 1971 Donnelly, W. J. C., Sheahan, B. J. and Kelly, M. 1973b. Bet α-galactosidase deficiency in GM₁ gangliosidosis of Friesian calves. Res. vet. Sci., 15: 139–141.  [Google Scholar]; Hocking et al., 1972 Hocking, J. D., Jolly, R. D. and Batt, R. D. 1972. Deficiency of α-mannosidase in Angus cattle. Biochem. J., 128: 69–78.  [Google Scholar]; Phillips et al., 1974 Jolly, R. D. 1971. The pathology of the central nervous system in pseudolipidosis of Argus cattle. J. Path., 103: 113–121.  [Google Scholar]). Whereas animals with mannosidosis have negligible tissue sand plasma levels of α-mannosidase, heterozygotes having one normal gene and one defective gene have approximately half the normal level of enzyme in their tissues and plasma. This observation forms the basis for a control programme in which heterozygotes are identified by their plasma α-mannosidase 1evels (Jolly et al., 1973 Jolly, R. D., Tse, C. A. and Greenway, R. M. 1973. Plasma α-mannosidase activity as a means of detecting mannosidosis heterozygotes. N.Z. vet. J., 21: 64–69. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], 1974a Jolly, R. D., Thompson, K. G., Tse, C. A., Munford, R. E. and Merrall, M. 1974a. Identification of mannosidosis heterozygotes — factors affecting normal plasma α-mannosidase levels. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 155–162. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], b Jolly, R. D., Thompson, K. G. and Tse, C. A. 1974b. Evaluation of a mass screening programme for identification of mannosidosis heterozygotes in Angus cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 185–190. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Phenotypic–genotypic resistance in Salmonella spp. isolated from cattle carcasses from the north central zone of the State of Mexico

Salmonella is a public and animal health problem due to the generation of strains multiresistant to antimicrobial products. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and antimicrobial phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from beef cattle carcasses killed in slaughterhouses of the north central zone of the State of Mexico. Sampling was carried out according to the European Directive 2001/471/EC; isolation and identification of the strain was carried out according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-114-SSA1-1994; resistance was established by CMI according to the National Committees for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCLS) and multiplex PCR according to Ahmed et al. (Journal of Applied Microbiology 106:402–409, 2009) with PSE-1, tetG, qnrS, FloR, STR, and sul1 oligonucleotides. Twenty-seven strains of Salmonella spp. were obtained from 327 samples (prevalence of 0.083); 19 strains (70 %) were resistant to 10 μg/ml of ampicillin, 15 of these (79 %) had the PSE-1 gene; 22 strains (84 %) were resistant to 30 μg/ml streptomycin, 14 of these (63.6 %) had the STR gene. Genes PSE-1 and STR were factors in the presence of resistance, the rest of the genes (tetG, qnrS, FloR, and sul1) were not factors of resistance in the studied strains.     

Heck cattle in the Oostvaardersplassen: risk for infectious diseases or not?

This article discusses risk analysis of infectious diseases in a cattle population. Heck cattle living in nature reserve 'De Oostvaardersplassen' were studied as an example of the risk analysis approach. Twenty-five adult cattle were tested for every infectious disease agent that the risk analysis indicated might be prevalent. All sampled cattle tested positive for Bovine Herpesvirus 1, whereas the prevalence of antibodies against other infectious disease agents was below the level that was assumed to be the threshold for spread of the disease to cattle in the surrounding areas. Risk management of infectious diseases was expressed in a so-called 'low-risk profile'. The risk of introduction or spread of infectious diseases was estimated to be very low as long as the population was kept strictly enclosed.     

Trends in the management of horses referred for evaluation of colic: 2004–2017

The financial crisis of 2008 had effects on veterinary practice, with falling turnovers associated with reluctance of owners to spend money on veterinary care. There were anecdotal reports that fewer horses were undergoing colic surgery. The aims of this study were to document the numbers of horses with colic being referred to, and undergoing surgery and/or euthanasia, at two equine hospitals (a university based equine hospital in the United States [NC State] and a private equine hospital in the UK [Bell Equine]) over a 14-year period (2004–2017). There was a trend of declining total yearly equine accessions at NC State starting in 2009, followed by an increase starting in 2012. At Bell Equine, total accessions showed an increasing trend from 2004 to 2015, followed by a slight decline in 2016 and 2017. The proportion of equine accessions that were colics varied from around 15% to 20% at both hospitals and did not show any notable variations over the time period studied. Both practices showed a trend of decreasing colic admissions undergoing and recovering from surgery starting from 2007 to 2008. The numbers and percentages of colic admissions that were subjected to euthanasia increased from 2004/2005 to 2014/2015 in both hospitals; there was a greater increase in numbers being subjected to euthanasia at surgery at NC State, compared to a greater increase in numbers being subjected to euthanasia without surgery at Bell Equine. At both hospitals, there was a trend of increasing mean invoice totals over the study period. The results show that there has been a trend of decreasing numbers of horses undergoing surgical treatment for colic since 2004/2005. This is likely to be, at least partly, due to the financial crisis of 2008, although other factors, including the high costs of surgery and the ageing equine population may also be important.     

Rumenocentesis: a suitable technique for analysis of rumen juice pH in cattle?

In the United States, rumenocentesis has been recommended especially for early diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). The objective of the current study was to evaluate health risks due to the technique ofrumenocentesis and to measure pH in ruminal juice using a commercial indicator paper (Pehanon) and a pH electrode (reference method). After 11 dairy cows underwent rumenocentesis, the clinical status of those animals was evaluated daily, and cows were slaughtered as well as pathologically--anatomically examined on day 7. During the observation period, the following pathological clinical signs were evident: forced inspiration (3 cows), transient episode of hyperthermia (2 cows), increased tension of the abdominal wall (8 cows) and positive foreign body tests (3 cows). One cow had to be culled on day 7 because of severe generalised septic peritonitis spreading from the site of rumenocentesis. At slaughter, hematoma formation in the area of the puncture site was found in 9 out of 10 cows. It was concluded that the severe complications encountered with this technique do not legitimate rumenocentesis as a routine procedure for collection of rumen juice samples in cows under Swiss conditions. The correlation between the pH reference method and the commercial indicator paper was the high (r = 0.926).     

A preliminary assessment of association‐analysis in the Kroonstad area

Vegetation in the Kroonstad area was sampled by means of a stratified random distribution of 235 4mx4m quadrats within physiographic‐physiognomic categories as determined and delineated on aerial photographs. “Normal” and “inverse” association‐analyses were carried out “Normal” association‐analysis where low‐frequency species were, respectively, included in and excluded from the computation, gave broadly similar results in so far as the major groupings are concerned. Local frequency and constancy estimates were computed for various groupings. Association tables were drawn up for major groupings and Poore's “successive approximation” approach was adopted in reducing species associations to noda. There is a strong subjective element in this determination of noda, and an effort should be made to reduce it to a minimum.     

Validation of the Postprandial Interleukin-1β Response in Horses Using Equine-Specific Antibodies

Interleukin (IL)-1β is a commonly studied proinflammatory cytokine, with relevance to arthritis, obesity, aging, and other inflammatory diseases of horses. Evaluating protein concentrations in plasma is a useful measurement for research in these areas of equine health. The objective of this research was to validate a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for equine IL1β and to compare concentrations with those previously published using an ELISA that is no longer available. The ELISA was assessed for linear parallelism and recovery using plasma from four healthy Standardbred mares. The assay was found to have linear parallelism for samples diluted 1:2, when the detection antibody concentration was 3 μg/mL. The average recovery of spiked IL1β was 98.9%. To compare concentrations, plasma was collected from six geldings at −0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours after consumption of a meal high in starch and sugar (1.2 g/kg bodyweight). Consumption of 1.2 g of starch and sugar per kg of BW increased plasma IL1β concentrations 1 hour after feeding (P = .053). In conclusion, the commercially available ELISA is validated, with modifications, for use in equine plasma, and it detects a rise in plasma IL1β concentrations at 1 hour after meal consumption, a finding that is similar to previously reported data.     

Factors that influence the efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system in Kenya: A SWOT–AHP analysis

Animal recording in Kenya is characterised by erratic producer participation and high drop-out rates from the national recording scheme. This study evaluates factors influencing efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system. Factors influencing efficiency of animal identification and registration, pedigree and performance recording, and genetic evaluation and information utilisation were generated using qualitative and participatory methods. Pairwise comparison of factors was done by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats–analytical hierarchical process analysis and priority scores to determine their relative importance to the system calculated using Eigenvalue method. For identification and registration, and evaluation and information utilisation, external factors had high priority scores. For pedigree and performance recording, threats and weaknesses had the highest priority scores. Strengths factors could not sustain the required efficiency of the system. Weaknesses of the system predisposed it to threats. Available opportunities could be explored as interventions to restore efficiency in the system. Defensive strategies such as reorienting the system to offer utility benefits to recording, forming symbiotic and binding collaboration between recording organisations and NARS, and development of institutions to support recording were feasible.     

A live weight–heart girth relationship for accurate dosing of east African shorthorn zebu cattle

The accurate estimation of livestock weights is important for many aspects of livestock management including nutrition, production and appropriate dosing of pharmaceuticals. Subtherapeutic dosing has been shown to accelerate pathogen resistance which can have subsequent widespread impacts. There are a number of published models for the prediction of live weight from morphometric measurements of cattle, but many of these models use measurements difficult to gather and include complicated age, size and gender stratification. In this paper, we use data from the Infectious Diseases of East Africa calf cohort study and additional data collected at local markets in western Kenya to develop a simple model based on heart girth circumference to predict live weight of east African shorthorn zebu (SHZ) cattle. SHZ cattle are widespread throughout eastern and southern Africa and are economically important multipurpose animals. We demonstrate model accuracy by splitting the data into training and validation subsets and comparing fitted and predicted values. The final model is weight^0.262?=?0.95?+?0.022 × girth which has an R ² value of 0.98 and 95 % prediction intervals that fall within the ±20 % body weight error band regarded as acceptable when dosing livestock. This model provides a highly reliable and accurate method for predicting weights of SHZ cattle using a single heart girth measurement which can be easily obtained with a tape measure in the field setting.