Relationship of serum and plasma copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations of cattle and the effects of whole blood sample storage

The present study was conducted to determine whether plasma and serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations in cattle are different and whether transport of samples with storage on ice before centrifugation affects the measurements. Mean copper and ceruloplasmin values were higher in plasma than in serum. Linear regressions were plasma copper (microgram/ml) = 1.200 serum copper -0.032 (r2 = 0.99), serum ceruloplasmin (mg/dl) = 14.0 serum copper + 2.34 (r2 = 0.48), and plasma ceruloplasmin (mg/dl) = 18.2 plasma copper + 2.1 (r2 = 0.43). The percentage of copper associated with ceruloplasmin was less in serum (55%) than in plasma (66%). Storage of blood samples on ice for 3 days decreased serum copper value by 3.5%. Linear regressions to correct for storage effects were corrected serum copper = 1.11 stored serum copper -0.04 (r2 = 0.94) and corrected plasma copper = 1.22 stored plasma copper -0.17 (r2 = 0.86). A cuproprotein may be involved in the blood clotting process, and some ceruloplasmin and its copper are apparently trapped in the fibrin clot, causing less copper in serum, compared with that in plasma. The difference between plasma and serum copper concentrations of calves was slightly increased by dietary copper supplementation.     

An automated micro-method for the enzymatic determination of D-B-hydroxybutyrate in ruminant plasma

An enzymatic 'reaction rate' micro-method for the rapid routine estimation of D-B-hydroxybutyrate (D-B- HOB ) in ruminant plasma, using an I.L. Multistat III centrifugal analyzer, is described. Reaction conditions were optimized to give a linear response for plasma D-B- HOB concentrations between 100 and 2500 mumoles per litre, at 30 degrees C and pH 9.0. For the standardized method the within-run and between-run coefficients of variation for deproteinised ovine plasma were consistently less than 3.5%. There was good agreement between plasma concentrations obtained by the present method and both original U.V. end-point technique (r = 0. 927b = 0.950) and a colorimetric end-point procedure (r = 0.937. b = 0.879). Untreated ovine and bovine plasma consistently exhibited high 'blank' activity and this was directly correlated with plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in both species (r = 0.971; p less than 0.001 and r = 0.949; p less than 0.001 respectively). The distribution of LDH activity in man was similar to sheep but, contrastingly , non-specific interference was extremely low in human plasma and unrelated to LDH. Horse, chicken and rat had negligible 'blank' activity and comparatively low LDH levels. In both cattle and sheep non-specific interference was abolished by perchloric acid precipitation. In the sheep subtraction of 'blank' activity gave D-B- HOB concentrations for untreated plasma comparable to those in deproteinised samples. However, in the bovine, D-B- HOB levels remained significantly (t = 6.44; p less than 0.001) higher even after 'blank' correction. In contrast to man and other non-ruminants, perchloric acid precipitation is essential in ruminants to avoid false overestimation of plasma D-B- HOB levels. Plasma with EDTA as anticoagulant and serum gave concentrations of D-B- HOB approximately 60% lower, than samples containing heparin or oxalate/fluoride. However, heparin was associated with much higher (up to 50%) non-specific NAD reduction than oxalate/fluoride. High levels of acetoacetate (400-1000 mumoles per litre) reduced the recovery of D-B- HOB from ovine plasma by less than 10%. This effect was negated by the inclusion of hydrazine hydrate in the reaction mixture. Perchlorate ion concentrations above 25 mumoles per litre per test dramatically inhibited the assay in ovine plasma, and therefore precipitation conditions must be carefully controlled. Plasma with oxalate/fluoride as anticoagulant showed the greatest stability in storage; 24 hours at room temperature, one week at +4 degrees C and at least one month at -20 degrees C.     

Changes in leucocyte cytochrome oxidase activity associated with deficiency of copper in laboratory and farm animals.

The cytochrome oxidase activity of circulating leucocytes was investigated by means of a semiquantitative method using blood films. A significant decrease in activity was found in male rats, cattle and sheep that had been deprived of copper. During copper depletion, leucocyte cytochrome oxidase activity declined more slowly than did plasma copper concentration and plasma ferroxidase I activity, and so was less sensitive as a guide to the copper status of the animal.     

Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin as determinants of inflammation in dogs.

Assay procedures for determining serum haptoglobin concentration and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in dogs were validated, and reference values were established. Serum haptoglobin concentration is reported as milligrams per deciliter of cyanmethemoglobin binding capacity, whereas serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was determined by use of p-phenylenediamine as substrate. Both assays were used to analyze serum samples from 288 dogs. In each dog's case record, clinical history and final diagnosis were evaluated to determine whether the dog had an inflammatory condition. Complete blood cell counts were performed in 265 dogs, using simultaneously collected blood samples. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was determined for 161 dogs. A positive correlation (P less than 0.01) for serum haptoglobin concentration and for ceruloplasmin oxidase activity, compared with WBC counts, segmented neutrophil and band neutrophil counts, and plasma fibrinogen concentration. Ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and haptoglobin concentration were up to 6 times more sensitive than fibrinogen concentration or leukocyte counts in detecting inflammation. Specificity of ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was comparable to fibrinogen concentration and leukocyte counts, whereas haptoglobin concentration was found to be slightly less specific. Specificity of haptoglobin concentration improved slightly (from 0.82 to 0.88) when dogs with a history of glucocorticoid administration were excluded from analysis. Predictive value of a negative test result (haptoglobin concentration less than 125 mg/dl; ceruloplasmin oxidase activity less than 20 IU/L) and predictive value of a positive test result for haptoglobin concentration and ceruloplasmin activity were comparable to or better than fibrinogen concentration or various oxidase leukocyte counts in detection of inflammation in a variety of disease conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Copper deficiency in sheep: An assessment of the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma

AIM: To assess the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma in sheep.

METHODS: Concentrations of Cu were measured in paired serum and heparinised plasma samples collected from 110 sheep in nine flocks. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether flock or gender had a significant effect on the association between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were then compared with those from plasma, using correlation and limits of agreement plotting.

RESULTS: Concentrations of Cu in serum ranged from 7.3 to 22 (mean 14.0) µmol/L, while concentrations in plasma ranged from 9 to 27 (mean 16.3) µmol/L. On average, concentrations of Cu in serum were 2.3 µmol/L lower than in plasma. Over the range of values seen in this study, concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum were significantly correlated (r=0.89), and mean concentrations in serum were 87% of those in plasma. There was no effect of flock or gender on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. Despite the significant correlation, there was marked variability between individual samples in the proportion of Cu that was lost during clotting, with the 95% limits of agreement for serum Cu ranging from 70 to 104% of the plasma concentration.

CONCLUSIONS: As in cattle, the individual variability in the loss of Cu during clotting in sheep is too great for concentration of Cu in serum to be used as a substitute for that in plasma.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When assessing the blood Cu pool as part of the diagnosis of Cu-responsive disease in sheep, the concentration of Cu in plasma should be measured in preference to that of serum. We suggest that a range of 4.5 to 9 µmol/L in plasma be used to define marginal Cu status in sheep.     

Influence of copper supplementation on blood and liver copper in cattle fed tall fescue or quackgrass

Copper concentrations were measured in naturally Cu-deficient and Cu-supplemented yearling Hereford heifers fed tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) or quackgrass (Agropyron repens [L] Beauv.) forage. The data were used to establish a relationship between dietary Cu supplementation and accumulation of liver Cu, and to test the influence of diet and Cu supplementation on blood plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity. Dietary Cu supplementation was positively correlated with accumulation of liver Cu; the rate of increase in liver Cu levels diminished at high supplementation rates (liver Cu = 410.43 - 353.47 x e-.00295 x mg Cu supplement; R2 = .740), suggesting an efficient mechanism preventing fast, toxic Cu-overloading in cattle. The linear relationship (R2 = .7878) between blood plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity indicated that similar percentages of blood plasma Cu were present as ceruloplasmin in deficient, normal and Cu-supplemented cattle. However, the portion of plasma Cu occurring as ceruloplasmin changes significantly with type of feed. When compared with quackgrass, tall fescue not only produced rapid Cu depletion in unsupplemented cattle, but affected intermediary Cy metabolism and activity of Cu-enzyme ceruloplasmin differently at all levels of experimental Cu supplementation.     

Problems in the diagnosis and anticipation of trace element deficiencies in grazing livestock

Three principles governing the interpretation of biochemical criteria of trace element status are identified; they concern the relationships between the concentration of the marker and the intake of the element, the time on an adequate regimen and disturbances of tissue function. From these principles, the concentrations of liver copper, liver vitamin B12 and ovine serum vitamin B12 are shown to be insensitive indices of deficiency but good indices of surfeit. Plasma copper less than 9 mumol/litre is a good index of marginally deficiency but values may have to fall below 3 mumol/litre before there is risk of dysfunction and loss of production in sheep and cattle. Serum vitamin B12 values below 188 pmol/litre are indicative of functional deficiency in sheep whereas cattle with values between 38 and 76 pmol/litre may be only marginally deficient. Concentrations of methylmalonic acid in the plasma greater than 5 mumol/litre may offer a surer guide to diagnosis of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. Blood selenium or glutathione peroxidase concentrations may be unreliable in diagnosing selenium-responsive conditions because other nutrients determine what is adequate. For all elements the surest diagnosis is an improvement in growth or health in response to a specific supplement. The adoption of preventive measures should be prompted by biochemical evidence of marginal deficiencies in animals (rather than soils or pastures) although economic responses will not necessarily follow.     

Relationship of serum total calcium to serum albumin in dogs, cats, horses and cattle

A retrospective study was performed in order to assess the relationship between serum calcium and serum albumin concentrations in domestic animals. Results of 9041 canine, 1564 feline, 2917 equine, and 613 bovine serum samples from hospitalized patients were examined by regression analysis. Subpopulations of cases with concurrent elevations in creatinine or that were less than six months of age were evaluated separately. Statistically significant linear relationships between calcium and albumin concentrations were established for each species (p <0.05). The coefficients of determination (r²) were 0.169 for dogs, 0.294 for cats, 0.222 for horses, and 0.032 for cattle. The correlation coefficients (r) computed were: dogs = 0.411, cats = 0.543, horses = 0.471, cattle = 0.182. Neither increases in creatinine concentration nor juvenile age appreciably influenced the relationship between calcium and albumin concentrations. Interspecies variation was marked, and a strong correlation between calcium and albumin concentrations was not established in any species.     

An automated micro-method for the enzymatic determination of D-B-hydroxybutyrate in ruminant plasma

1. An enzymatic ‘reaction rate’ micro-method for the rapid routine estimation of D-B-hydroxybutyrate (D-B-HOB) in ruminant plasma, using an I.L. Multistat III centrifugal analyzer, is described.
2. Reaction conditions were optimized to give a linear response for plasma D-B-HOB concentrations between 100 and 2500 μmoles per litre, at 30°C and pH 9.0.
3. For the standardized method the within-run and between-run coefficients of variation for deproteinised ovine plasma were consistently less than 3.5%.
4. There was good agreement between plasma concentrations obtained by the present method and both original U.V. end-point technique (r=0.927b=0.950) and a colorimetric end-point procedure (r=0.937. b=0.879).
5. Utreated ovine and bovine plasma consistently exhibited high ‘blank’ activity and this was directly correlated with plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in both species (r=0.971; p<0.001 and r=0.949; p<0.001 respectively). The distribution of LDH activity in man was similar to sheep but, contrastingly, non-specific interference was extremely low in human plasma and unrelated to LDH. Horse, chicken and rat had negligible ‘blank” activity and comparatively low LDH levels. In both cattle and sheep non-specific interference was abolished by perchloric acid precipitation. In the sheep subtraction of ‘blank’ activity gave D-H-HOB concentrations for untreated plasma comparable to those in deproteinised samples. However, in the bovine, D-B-HOB levels remained significantly (t=6.44; p<0.001) higher even after ‘blank’ correlation. In contrast to man and other non-ruminants, perchloric acid precipitation is essential in ruminants to avoid false overestimation of plasma D-B-HOB levels.
6. Plasma with EDTA as anticoagulant and serum gave concentrations of D-B-HOB approximately 60% lower, than samples containing heparin or oxalate/fluoride. However, heparin was associated with much higher (up to 50%) non-specific NAD rduction than oxalate/fluoride.
7. High levels of acetoacetate (400–1000 μmoles per litre) reduced the recovery of D-B-HOB from ovine plasma by less than 10%. This effect was negated by the inclusion of hydrazine hydrates in the reaction mixture. Perchlorate ion concentrations above 25 μmoles per litre per test dramatically inhibited the assay in ovine plasma, and therefore precipitation conditions must be carefully controlled.
8. Plasma with oxalate/fluoride as anticoagulant showed the greatest stability in storage; 24 hours at room temperature, one week at +4°C and at least one month at ?20°C.

     

Genetic relationships in Swiss sheep breeds based on microsatellite analysis

Genetic relationships between Swiss sheep breeds were estimated on the basis of microsatellite analysis. In addition to the Swiss breeds wild-type Mouflon was included in this investigation. Polymerase chain reaction amplifications of 31 ovine, bovine and caprine microsatellites were performed in a total of 307 animals representing eight populations. The average heterozygosity within each population was high in the domestic breeds (0.60–0.71) and lower in Mouflon 0.45. The average coefficient of gene differentiation G _ST over all loci was 0.17, i.e. a small part of the variability at the 31 microsatellite loci analysed must be ascribed to between-breed variability. Genetic distances between breeds were obtained, which were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Microsatellites developed from closely related species of cattle and goat are useful for estimating genetic relationships among sheep breeds.     

Acute phase response in horses: changes in plasma cation concentrations after localised tissue injury

An acute phase reaction was elicited in four horses to which Freund's adjuvant was administered intramuscularly. The localised inflammation was accompanied by changes in the plasma concentrations of copper, iron and zinc. The plasma copper concentration, the plasma ceruloplasmin copper concentration and the ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in the plasma steadily increased to a maximum 24 days after the administration of the adjuvant. At this time, the plasma copper concentration was 2.2 micrograms/ml, a 90 per cent increase over the baseline concentration. The ratio of the concentration of plasma ceruloplasmin copper to plasma copper remained constant, indicating that the non-ceruloplasmin bound copper component of the plasma is also an acute phase reactant in the horse. The plasma zinc and iron concentrations decreased to 59 per cent and 30 per cent of their respective baseline concentrations and the severity of the inflammation appeared to influence the plasma concentrations of each metal. Weak correlations between the plasma fibrinogen concentration and the plasma copper and zinc concentrations of 25 horses with plasma fibrinogen concentrations of 5 g/litre or greater indicated that a single measurement of plasma copper concentration is not useful in the diagnosis of non-specific inflammatory disorders of the horse. However, the results suggest that the plasma copper concentrations in serial samples may be used to monitor the resolution of inflammatory disorders in the horse.     

Relationships between nutritive quality and fiber components of cool season and warm season forages: a retrospective study

Feeding trials were conducted with 428 forages in three forage classes (C3 grasses, legumes, C4 grasses) fed ad libitum to sheep and with 170 forages fed to cattle over a 20-yr period. Of this total, 153 forages were fed concurrently to sheep and cattle. Where the same forages were fed, mean dry matter digestibility (DMD) and dry matter intake (DMI) were lower (P less than .01) for sheep than for cattle, with significant effects of forage class. With the main population of forages, the regression of DMI on DMD was positive and curvilinear (P less than .01) for sheep, with no effect of forage class, and positive and linear (P less than .0001) for cattle, with a significant effect of class. For all forages, correlations between DMI and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration were -.57 for sheep and -.41 for cattle; regressions differed (P less than .05) with class and animal species. Correlations of DMD with NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations were -.45 and -.59 (P less than .01), respectively, for sheep, and -.32 and -.39 (P less than .01) for cattle; again, regressions differed significantly with class and animal species. Within forage class, regressions of DMD and DMI on fiber components generally were linear. Intake of NDF (NDFI) was related to NDF percentage for all forages by a quadratic regression, with significant differences due to animal species and forage class. Results indicate that relationships between DMD, DMI and fiber fractions differ between forage classes and animal species, that C4 grasses are consumed at levels higher than would be expected from their DMD and fiber concentrations and that ruminants increase NDFI in response to higher NDF concentrations in the forage.     

A long-term bacteriological and immunological study in Holstein-Friesian cattle experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and necropsy culture results for Holstein-Friesian cattle, Merino sheep and Angora goats

The aims were to longitudinally evaluate the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) test in comparison to faecal culture and the absorbed ELISA in a cattle infection model for Johne's disease and to determine the adult infection status, by necropsy and tissue culture, of sheep, goats and cattle infected as young animals. Clinical disease, faecal culture results and immunological responses for Merino sheep [Stewart, D.J., Vaughan, J.A., Stiles, P.L., Noske, P.J., Tizard, M.L.V., Prowse, S.J., Michalski, W.P., Butler, K.L., Jones, S.L., 2004. A long-term study in Merino sheep experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis: clinical disease, faecal culture and immunological studies. Vet. Microbiol. 104, 165-178] and Angora goats [Stewart, D.J., Vaughan, J.A., Stiles, P.L., Noske, P.J., Tizard, M.L.V., Prowse, S.J., Michalski, W.P., Butler, K.L., Jones, S.L., 2006. A long-term study in Angora goats experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis: clinical disease, faecal culture and immunological studies. Vet. Microbiol. 113, 13-24], in the same experiments as the Holstein-Friesian cattle, have been described. Two longitudinal experiments involving Holstein-Friesian cattle challenged with either bovine or ovine strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) have been conducted over a period of 54 and 35 months, respectively. Blood samples for the IFN-gamma test and the absorbed ELISA and faecal samples for bacteriological culture were taken pre-challenge and monthly post-challenge. Cell-mediated (CMI) responses were substantially higher for the bovine Map strain during the 42-month period following dosing but then declined in the remaining 12 months. However, for the ovine Map challenge and control groups, CMI responses were not significantly different from each other. None of the cattle developed clinical disease and only one of the cattle in the bovine Map gut mucosal tissue challenged group was a persistent faecal shedder and also an ELISA antibody responder which developed after shedding commenced. Culture of tissues, following necropsy at the completion of the experiments, showed no evidence of infection in any of the challenged cattle and sheep for either the bovine or ovine Map strain in contrast to positive cultures for challenged goats in the same experiments. The tissues from the control cattle, sheep and goats were culture negative. The cattle were less susceptible to the bovine and ovine Map strains than goats and sheep with the goats being the least naturally resistant.     

Characteristics of Bacteroides nodosus isolated from cattle

Fourteen isolates of Bacteroides nodosus were cultured from cattle on six farms and examined for colony morphology, pilation, agglutinability, proteolytic activity and pathogenicity for sheep. Where sheep were also present on the farms, isolates from these were compared with those from cattle.Colonies of the bovine isolates were moderately fimbriate. Cells from these colonies were pilated, but not to the extent observed on virulent sheep isolates. The proteolytic activity of the isolates was also less than that described for virulent ovine isolates. When inoculated into sheep, B. nodosus from cattle produced only mild interdigital inflammation. There was no separation of horn characteristic of virulent foot-rot. Preliminary studies, based on agglutination tests, suggest that B. nodosus with different surface antigens may occur in cattle in the same herd and in cattle and sheep on the same farm. On one of six farms isolates from cattle and sheep were indistinguishable by the agglutination test.     

Measurement of superoxide dismutase, diamine oxidase and caeruloplasmin oxidase in the blood of thoroughbreds

Methods were developed for the measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), diamine oxidase (DAO) and caeruloplasmin oxidase in the blood of thoroughbred horses. These enzymes were measured in 178 normal thoroughbreds stabled throughout the United Kingdom. The relationships between the activities of SOD, DAO and caeruloplasmin oxidase and the blood concentrations of their associated trace metals (copper, zinc and manganese) were studied in 52 of the thoroughbreds. Trace metals were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No relationships were found between the activities of erythrocyte SOD and serum/whole blood copper, zinc and manganese, or serum DAO and serum copper or zinc concentrations. Caeruloplasmin oxidase in equine blood was found to be correlated to serum copper concentration, r = 0.695 (P less than 0.001) over the normal range. Samples from thoroughbreds with trace metal deficiency or toxicity were not available for study. The observed normal ranges for the activity of these enzymes are as follows: SOD: 50 to 200 units per ml whole blood between 5 and 95 percentiles; DAO: 0.1 to 28.5 units per litre (means = 14.8, SD 7.1) and caeruloplasmin oxidase; 11.6 to 35.8 units per ml (means = 23.7, SD 6.0). For numerical simplicity, the activity of DAO is given in units per litre, compared to units per ml for caeruloplasmin oxidase and SOD.     

An evaluation of the copper sequestrated during clotting in cattle: is it just caeruloplasmin?

In cattle, sequestration of copper (Cu) occurs during the clotting process so that serum Cu concentrations are markedly lower than plasma Cu. It has been suggested that all of the Cu lost during clotting is caeruloplasmin (CP). This study used paired samples from 125 cattle to assess whether this assumption was correct. The regression equations for plasma CP activity against plasma Cu concentration and serum CP against serum Cu had significantly different intercepts suggesting that at zero CP activity the amount of Cu remaining was dependent on sample type. Furthermore, the difference between serum and plasma Cu was unrelated to Cu status, whereas the difference between serum and plasma CP was related to Cu status. The regression equation for the loss of CP activity against change in Cu concentration had an intercept that was different from zero, indicating that a reduction in Cu concentration could occur even if CP activity was unaffected by clotting.     

Implant and copper oxide needles for steers grazing Acremonium coenophialum-infected tall fescue pastures: effects on grazing and subsequent feedlot performance and serum constituents.

Two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of a progesterone-estradiol implant (PEI) with no implant (NI) and 20 g of copper oxide needles (CuON) with no CuON on grazing, subsequent feedlot performance, and selected serum constituents of steers. In Exp. 1, 114 Limousin crossbred yearling steers (317 kg average initial BW) were stocked continuously on Acremonium coenophialum-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)-ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.) pastures (C) or were rotated to bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) during summer months (R) of two consecutive years. Implant and copper treatments were applied within pasture. Blood samples were collected four times during each grazing season. Continuously stocked steers had greater (P less than .05) grazing gain, less (P less than .10) feedlot gain, and heavier (P less than .05) carcass weights than R steers did. Implanted steers had greater (P less than .05) pasture but lesser (P less than .05) feedlot gains than did NI steers. Prolactin concentrations were greater (P less than .05) from R than from C steers in late summer 1988. Ceruloplasmin was greater (P less than .01) with CuON than without on the last three and last two sampling dates in 1988 and 1989, respectively. In Exp. 2, blood samples were collected twice from 40 mixed-breed steers (283 kg average initial BW) receiving the same implant and copper treatments as in Exp. 1 and grazing infected fescue for one season. Serum ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations were increased (P less than .01) by CuON, but other measurements did not differ among treatments. Summer grazing of bermuda grass increased serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and prolactin but decreased grazing performance. Implanting increased grazing performance. Copper oxide needles increased serum ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations but did not affect steer performance.     

喀斯特山区草地施肥对放牧乌蒙半细毛羊抗氧化系统功能的影响

为选择草地施肥的肥料种类,减少施肥对乌蒙半细毛羊产业的影响,在威宁县凉水沟种羊场多年生人工草地开展施肥和放牧试验。 结果表明:凉水沟种羊场人工草地牧草铜含量相对较低,但仍高于乌蒙半细毛羊营养需要标准;施肥极显著增加牧草氮含量(P<0.01),各施肥处理之间没有明显差异。硫酸铵施肥显著增加牧草硫和锌含量(P<0.01),显著降低了牧草硒的含量(P<0.01)。放牧试验结束时,施硫酸铵草地的乌蒙半细毛羊血液中铜、铁和硒的含量极显著低于施硝酸铵草地和对照组(P<0.01), 动物血液锌和硫含量极显著高于硝酸铵施肥牧场和对照组(P<0.01)。硫酸铵施肥牧场的乌蒙半细毛羊血红蛋白、红细胞压积容量极显著低于硝酸铵施肥牧场和对照牧场(P<0.01),血清铜蓝蛋白含量、血清超氧化物歧化酶活力、血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活力和血清过氧化氢酶等抗氧化酶的活力极显著低于硝酸铵施肥牧场和对照牧场(P<0.01),丙二醛的含量显著高于硝酸铵施肥牧场和对照牧场(P<0.01)。血液其他矿质元素和血液指标及血清生化值在2个施肥处理和对照之间均差异不显著。 因此得出结论,草地施肥的种类需要根据土壤矿物质分布和含量情况确定,铜含量低的牧场不适合硫酸铵施肥,硫酸铵施肥明显影响了乌蒙半细毛羊机体抗氧化系统功能。     

Genetic comparison of ovine and bovine pestiviruses

Viral RNA oligonucleotide fingerprinting was used to compare genetic relationship among pestiviruses originating from ovine or bovine host species. Ovine pestiviruses, including reference border disease virus and 2 border disease isolates originating from natural pestivirus infections of sheep, appeared to have a more distant genetic relationship among themselves than with certain bovine pestiviruses. A closer genetic relatedness was evident between border disease virus and 3 noncytopathic bovine pestiviruses, including Draper bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a BVDV isolate that originated from aborted bovine fetuses, and a virus that was isolated from the serum of a calf that had a chronic BVDV infection. Four noncytopathic bovine viruses, including Draper BVDV and 3 field isolates, were closely related. Reference Oregon C24V BVDV, a cytopathic virus, was closely related to only 1 of the 7 noncytopathic viruses in this study.     

Evaluation of a portable glucose meter for use in cattle and sheep

Background: In farm animal practice, determination of blood glucose concentration under field conditions is often necessary. Objective: As there is no portable glucose meter device developed for use in farm animals, the analytical accuracy of a portable glucometer designed for people was evaluated for its use in cattle and sheep. Methods: Blood samples from 90 cattle and 101 sheep were used in the study. Glucose concentration was determined in whole blood immediately after blood collection from the jugular vein with the One Touch Vita portable glucometer and in serum with an enzymatic colorimetric method. The agreement between methods was assessed by Passing and Bablok regression analysis. The precision and the accuracy of the measurements were determined using the concordance correlation coefficient. Results: There was a strong linear relationship between the glucose values obtained using the portable glucometer and those obtained by the bench method in both cattle and sheep. Precision was 95% for cattle and 88% for sheep, whereas accuracy was 92% and 99%, respectively. The mean glucose values obtained using the portable glucometer were significantly lower by 8.3% in cattle and 3.2% in sheep than those determined by the bench method. Conclusion: The One Touch Vita portable glucometer can be used in clinical practice to determine blood glucose concentrations in cattle and sheep, but reference intervals (RI) must be corrected to allow for negative bias. Based on these equations the RI for blood glucose in cattle and sheep using the portable glucometer were corrected to 1.84–4.17 and 2.41–4.35 mmol/L, respectively.