Correlation of Different Biochemical Parameters in Blood Sera of Healthy and Sick Cows

Metabolic diseases of cows represent the leading internal pathology in Lithuania in terms of incidence and economic impact. This paper summarizes the mineral metabolic state of milk cows, and details the influence of feeding on serum levels of calcium, nonorganic phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, glucose, total protein, and urea quantity, and correlationd among them, in healthy dry or post-calving cows as well as in cows with osteomalacia and milk fever after calving. There was less pronounced hypocalcaemia and there were only minor changes in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium in the serum of healthy dry and post-calving cows that had silage and mineral-vitamin supplements, compared to cows that did not have supplements and silage. There was a fall in calcium and phosphorus (to 1.89 +/- 0.12 mmol/L and 0.71 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, respectively) in the blood of cows sick with milk fever after calving, while levels of magnesium and potassium were increased. The correlation between calcium and phosphorus was r = 0.6993, p < 0.001 in the serum of sick cows. There was a fall in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium (to 1.86 +/- 0.46 mmol/L, 0.75 +/- 0.37 mmol/L, and 0.60 +/- 0.19 mmol/L, respectively) and an increase in sodium level (to 158.90 +/- 19.30 mmol/L) in the blood of cows with osteomalacia in comparison with healthy cows.     

Assessment of Lactate Dehydrogenase,Alkaline Phosphatase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Activities in Cow’s Milk as an Indicator of Subclinical Mastitis

This study examined the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the milk of lactating Holstein cows in association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of 94 milk samples were collected from 58 lactating dairy cows representing stages of lactation from the second to the tenth week after calving. Those which were classified as positive by California mastitis test (CMT) were deemed to have subclinical mastitis. All the milk samples were skimmed by centrifugation at 10 000g at 0 degrees C and were used for enzyme activities estimations. The mean activities of LDH and ALP were higher in the milk from udders with SCM than in the milk from healthy udders (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in AST values. The maximum agreement rates between the CMT results and LDH and ALP values were seen at thresholds of > 180 IU/L and > 40 IU/L respectively (kappa values 0.65 and 0.79, respectively). However, the sensitivity of the tests for identifying SCM at these thresholds was higher for ALP (96.4%) than for LDH (68.5%). In this study, LDH and ALP tests were standardized for cow's milk and results showed that only the ALP test was reliable in the early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.     

Relation of the levels of mineral substances in the blood of cows, the quantity of milk and the fat content of the milk

No explicit relations to the milk yield on the day of sampling were found when studying the content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium in the arterial and venous blood of cows before and after milking in the peak lactation period. However, there is a tendency of higher milk yields at higher phosphorus levels in the milk of the Black-Pied and higher-yielding cows. Some relations to milk fat content were found to be significant: a positive effect of phosphorus content in the blood of Slovak Spotted cows, a positive effect of calcium and magnesium content in the blood of more productive cows and a negative effect of magnesium content in the blood of less productive cows.     

Effect of mastitis during the first lactation on production and reproduction performance of Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postpartum mastitis between first calving and subsequent conception on production and reproduction performance as well as culling of Holstein cows. A data set of 9,183 first lactation cows was used. Results showed that the first cumulative 100?days' milk production and the milk yield standardized to 305?days were affected by the interval from calving to first mastitis (P??0.05). Calving year, calving difficulty score, and cumulative first 60?days milk production had significant impacts on mastitis risk (P?相似文献   

水牛乳和荷斯坦牛乳中五种常量元素含量的测定

对摩本杂水牛(摩拉水牛×德宏水牛)乳和荷斯坦牛乳中的5种常量元素进行测定.采用火焰光度法测定钾、钠含量,火焰原子吸收分光光度法(FAAS)测定钙、镁含量,磷钼酸比色法测定磷含量.结果表明,水牛乳中钾、钠含量极显著低于荷斯坦牛乳(P<0.01),钙、磷含量极显著高于荷斯坦牛乳(P<0.01),两种牛乳中镁含量差异不显著(...     

The relationship between certain blood cations in cows with milk fever and both the state of consciousness and the position of cows when attended

In one study, a comparison was made of the concentrations and ratios of certain blood cations in 2 groups of cows with milk fever, one showing normal consciousness (n = 8) and the other depressed consciousness (n = 24). There were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of serum total calcium, plasma inorganic phosphorus and potassium, erythrocyte sodium and potassium, the serum calcium/serum magnesium ratio or the plasma sodium/erythrocyte sodium ratio. There were significant differences (all P less than 0.05) in the mean (+/- SD) concentrations of serum magnesium and plasma sodium concentrations, and the plasma sodium/serum magnesium ratio of 0.8 +/- 0.28 vs 1.2 +/- 0.37 mmol/l, 155 +/- 3.0 vs 147 +/- 6.4 mmol/l and 180 +/- 40.1 vs 116 +/- 34.1 for normal vs depressed cows, respectively. In a second study, a comparison was made of the concentrations and ratios of the same blood cations in 3 groups of cows in different positions when attended for milk fever, namely standing (n = 6), sternal recumbency (n = 24) and lateral recumbency (n = 31). There were no significant differences between the mean concentrations or ratios of any of the cations.     

Evaluation of the on-line electrical conductivity of milk in mastitic dairy cows

Mastitis is a persistent, inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue, which entails a decline in potassium, and is also responsible for a higher somatic cell count (SCC) and electrical conductivity (EC) of milk. The measurement of EC is an indirect, rapid method to detect subclinical mastitis from milk. The aim of this study was to analyse the EC of milk throughout the lactation, around the day of mastitis detection, and also to estimate its heritability based on data from a large-scale dairy farm. Shortly after calving the EC value generally decreases; however, it was discovered that from the thirteenth week onwards, substantial differences arise between the mastitic and healthy groups of cows. The authors observed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in EC before the detection of clinical mastitis. This higher value (around 11 mS) persisted for 4 days, then it gradually returned to the normal level. The EC of milk from daughters sired by different bulls responded differently in case of mastitis. The heritability of EC seems to be high (h2 = 0.56). Therefore, the EC trait can be a beneficial indicator in detecting mastitis and should be considered in sire selection.     

Subclinical mastitis causes alterations in nitric oxide, total oxidant and antioxidant capacity in cow milk

The aim of this study was to investigate total antioxidant (TAC), and oxidant capacity (TOC) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Brown Swiss and Holstein breed cows were screened with California Mastitis Test (CMT) to determine mammary glands with subclinical mastitis. Moreover, somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined electronically in all milk samples. Mammary quarters were classified as healthy (n = 25) or subclinical mastitis (n = 35) based on CMT scores and somatic cell count (SCC: ?200,000/ml or >200,000/ml) in milk. Nitric oxide, TOC and SCC levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively) in milk from mammary quarters with subclinical mastitis compared to those from healthy mammary quarters. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis results in higher NO concentrations, TOC and SCC, and NO and TOC were positively correlated with SCC. Moreover, alterations in NO levels and TOC in milk could be used as an alternative diagnostic tool to screen for subclinical mastitis.     

Study on risk factors and their association with subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows in Trinidad

A cross-sectional study was conducted on dairy farms in eight milking centres in Trinidad to determine the prevalence of risk factors for mastitis and to assess their relationship to occurrence of subclinical mastitis. The California mastitis test (CMT) was used to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis by estimating the somatic cell counts in bulk and composite milk. Of a total of 177 dairy farms studied, 121 (68.4%), 39 (22.0%) and 17 (9.6%) practised semi-intensive, extensive and intensive management systems, respectively. A total of 129 (72.9%), 37 (20.9%) and 11 (6.2%) farms milked cows in parlours, stanchions and pasture/out-on-field, respectively. Based on sanitary practices, 40 (22.6%), 123 (69.5%), and 14 (7.9%) farms were classified as good, fair, and poor, respectively, while 76 (42.9%) and 60 (33.9%) farms reported to rarely experience and frequently experience water shortages, respectively. Amongst the 177 farms, only seven (4.0%) used machine-milking primarily, 152 (85.9%) screened for mastitis as a routine, 18 (10.2%) teat dipped, and 49 (27.7%) practised dry cow therapy. To detect mastitis, of 152 farms involved, 20 (13.2%) used the strip cup while only two (1.3%) employed the CMT. Pipe-borne water delivered directly from the hose was the only source of water to 91 (51.4%) farms while seven (4.0%) and eight (4.5%) farms used only well and surface water (ponds and rivers), respectively. Based on bulk milk samples, the farm prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 60.5% (107 of 177) with a range from 33.3% (centre 5H) to 100.0% (centre 2B). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01; chi 2). However, using composite milk, the farm prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 52.5% (93 of 177) with a range from 21.2% (centre 5H) to 92.9% (centre 2B) and again, the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (P < 0.001; chi 2). Subclinical mastitis was detected in 150 (45.0%) of 333 lactating cows screened and the range of prevalence was from 17.9% (centre 5H) to 56.3% (centre 1C). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001; chi 2). Of a total of 14 risk factors for mastitis studied which were related to animal husbandry, personnel, mastitis control and water, only two, the herd size and practice of dry cow therapy were significantly (P < 0.05; chi 2) associated with subclinical mastitis. It was concluded that the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Trinidad dairy herds could significantly reduce milk production with associated economic loss. Although a majority of the risk factors studied were not found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis possibly due to confounding factors, the need to eliminate or reduce these risk factors cannot be over-emphasized.     

Effect of Infusing Lactoferrin Hydrolysate into Bovine Mammary Glands with Subclinical Mastitis

The therapeutic effect of administering lactoferrin hydrolysate (LFH) into the mammary glands of cows with subclinical mastitis was evaluated. Seven millilitres of a preparation of LFH (7% protein) was infused into 35 quarters of 25 cows with subclinical mastitis. The numbers of bacteria in the milk from infected quarters decreased, and bacteria disappeared by the 14th day after the administration of LFH. The mean somatic cell counts (SCC) peaked one day after administration of LFH and the counts were significantly (p<0.01) decreased on days 7, 14 and 21 compared to those before the administration of LFH. The mean lactoferrin concentration in the milk peaked on days 2 or 3 and then gradually decreased to day 14, returning to the level before the administration of LFH. It appears that administration of LFH may have a therapeutic effect when infused into the quarters of cows with subclinical mastitis.     

Interaction between the levels of hormones and minerals in sera of healthy and sick cows

An interaction between blood levels of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was examined in 85 cows, which included healthy cows and cows with ostemalacia, mastitis and paresis. Levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin were determined in vitro using IMMULITE analyser (Diagnostic Products Corporation, USA), by means of immunometric assay. Levels of vitamin D were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were determined using the automated Eos-Bravo analyser (Hospitex Diagnostics, Italy) with HOSPITEX reagents. The lowest blood levels of calcium (1.38 +/- 0.18 mmol/L) and phosphorus (0.65 +/- 0.12 mmol/L) were found in cows with parturient paresis. Decreased blood levels of phosphorus and magnesium were also determined in cows with osteomalacia. For cows with parturient paresis, which received a mineral supplement, the average serum level of calcium was by 20.7% higher than the level found in those which did not receive a supplement, and the level of phosphorus was by 23.6% higher, however, these levels remained low. The blood level of parathyroid hormone ranged from 3.47 to 5.20 pmol/L in healthy cows and from 3.95 to 15.21 pmol/L in sick cows. The highest and statistically significant increase in blood PTH level (up to 18.31 +/- 1.88 pmol/L) was found in cows with parturient paresis. The blood level of PTH correlated inversely with the level of calcium in cows with osteomaliacia (r = -0.89) and in cows with parturient paresis (r = -0.49 and r = -0.61, respectively). The serum level of calcitonin ranged from 1.46 pmol/L to 2.40 pmol/L in healthy and sick cows and the difference was not statistically significant. Lower serum levels of vitamin D were found in heifers-in-calf and in cows with mastitis. A clear correlation between levels of calcitonin, vitamin D and macronutrients was not found.     

阴离子型日粮及补Ca对围产期奶牛代谢与健康及其生产性能的影响

将36头干奶后期中国荷斯坦奶牛随机分为对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组（每组12头）．分别饲喂常规日粮、阴离子型日粮及在此基础上朴Ca日粮，探讨其对奶牛体内代谢状况、健康状况及生产性能的影响。与饲喂常规日粮相比，饲喂阴离子型日粮可降低奶牛尿液pH值（P〈0．01）和血液HCO2^-浓度（P〉0．05）；增加奶牛产后12h（P〈0．05）、2d（P〈0．05）血清总钙含量．对血清无机磷、镁含量没有显著影响；明显降低奶牛亚临床性低血钙率（33％）、胎衣不下率（33％）和乳房水肿率（17％）；增加牛奶乳糖率（P〈0．05），对其他奶成分和奶产量没有显著影响（P〉0．05）。在阴离子型日粮中补Ca后．与饲喂阴离子型日粮相比．除增加奶牛产后血清镁含量外（P〈0．05）．对其他各项指标没有明显影响。     

Local and systemic effects of endotoxin mastitis on the chemiluminescence of milk and blood neutrophils in dairy cows

The local and systemic effects of intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection on the chemiluminescence (CL) of milk and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were investigated in six healthy early lactation cows. Clinical signs of acute mastitis such as fever, increased heart rate and a decreased milk production were observed in all cows. Before LPS challenge, the CL activity of milk PMN was significantly lower than that of blood PMN (P < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between pre-challenge milk and blood PMN CL and, the decreased milk production in unchallenged quarters. The CL activity of milk PMN from LPS-injected quarters increased following LPS challenge, whereas it remained unchanged in control quarters. The CL activity of blood PMN showed a biphasic increase, with two peaks and a valley below pre-challenge CL activity (P < 0.01). At post-challenge hours (PCH) 6 and 12, the CL activity of milk PMN from LPS-injected quarters exceeded that of blood PMN (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The decreased CL activity of blood PMN and the enhanced CL activity of milk PMN during endotoxin-induced mastitis was reflected by changes in the shape of the CL curve. In blood PMN, a decrease of the second peak of the CL curve suggests that the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-H2O2 system is impaired during endotoxin-induced mastitis. In contrast, the MPO-H2O2 system was enhanced in milk PMN from challenged quarters. The highest duration and intensity of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production was observed in milk PMN from LPS-injected quarters at PCH 12. The increased viability of PMN in LPS-injected quarters and to a lesser extent in control quarters suggests possible effects of both facilitated diapedesis and inflammatory mediators on milk PMN survival. In conclusion, our results suggest that a combination of local and systemic action of E. coli endotoxin is involved in the priming of milk PMN during mastitis.     

The interrelationships between milkability traits and subclinical mastitis in cows

The investigation was conducted during 2005-2006 on 4010 dairy cows. Having performed statistical data analysis, we determined that the lowest somatic cell count (SCC) in Red and Red-White cow population was obtained when the milking time was 5-6 min., milking speed was higher than 1.5 kg/min., high milk flow was from 2.51 to 4 kg/min., and in Black-White cow population having a milking time was higher than 7 min., milking speed was from 1.01 to 2 kg/min., a high milk flow --from 2.01 to 4 kg/min. (p<0.001). In Red and Red-White cow population with subclinical mastitis, milking time was longer and milking speed was slower than in healthy cows. High milk flow values were least in healthy Black-White cow population. This determines a more equal milk flow which is desired in milking cows mechanically. Most sensitive to udder infection are 1st lactation cows which have a higher milk flow. A larger phenotype correlation coefficient in Red and Red-White cow population was between the SCC and milking time (-0.089, p<0.01) and between high milk flow (0.086, p<0.01) and milk yield (-0.071, p<0.05). However in Black-White cow population, correlation was found between SCC and milk yield (-0.117, p<0.01) and milking speed (-0.110, p<0.01). Contagious mastitis pathogens were identified in Red and Red-White cow milk samples primarily from productive cows having a milking speed of 1.01-1.5 kg/min., and in Black-White cow population having a milking speed of 1.51-2.0 kg/min.     

Fractional excretion of electrolytes during pre- and postpartum periods in cows

In this study, fractional excretions (Fe) of sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (PO4) were examined with the aim to demonstrate interactions between fractional excretions of these electrolytes within each period and relate them to electrolyte metabolism in clinically normal cows at different stages of lactation and dry period. The material of this study consisted of 20 clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows of the same age and milk yield. Blood and urine samples were collected on 190-200th, 240-250th and 270-280th days of pregnancy and on days 1-7th, 35-45th and 75-85th after calving, altogether 6 times. An increase was observed in FeCa and FeMg during the transition from the lactation to the dry period (p < 0.05), and a decrease in FeCa (p < 0.05), FeMg (p < 0.01) in the 2nd month of the dry period. FePO4 and FeMg, respectively, increased on levels of p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, while FeCa decreased on a level of p < 0.05 after gestation compared to the level before gestation. FeNa and FeK showed a decrease of p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively, between the 1st and 2nd months of the dry period, while after gestation this value showed an increase in FeNa (p < 0.05) and FeK (p < 0.01). FeCl increased significantly (p < 0.05) only from postpartum to the 1st month of lactation. There was a strong positive correlation between FeNa and FeCl in all of the periods. It was concluded that there were significant changes in the Fe of Na, K, Cl, Ca, PO4 and Mg before parturition and during lactation; these changes could have an important role in assessing renal function and electrolyte balance.     

In vitro transformation of lymphocytes from blood and milk of cows with subclinical paratuberculosis

Lymphocytes from blood or milk of 12 cows were evaluated in vitro for the lymphocyte's capability to proliferate in response to mitogens (phytohemagglutinin-A, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen) and to an antigen prepared from Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (purified protein derivative, PPD-J). Responses of 4 control cows were compared with those of 4 cows subclinically infected with M paratuberculosis and with 4 apparently noninfected herdmates. Blood lymphocytes or milk lymphocytes from control cows had no detectable responses to PPD-J. Blood lymphocytes from infected cows had significant (P less than 0.05) responses to PPD-J, but milk lymphocytes from these cows did not. Conversely, milk lymphocytes from apparently noninfected herdmate cows had significant (P less than 0.05) responses to PPD-J, but blood lymphocytes from these cows did not. There were no significant differences in the responses of blood lymphocytes from control, noninfected, or infected cows to the mitogens. However, milk lymphocytes from infected cows had significantly (P less than 0.05) lower responses than did lymphocytes from the milk of control or noninfected cows to all mitogens. The decreased responsiveness of milk lymphocytes from cows subclinically infected with M paratuberculosis may indicate that immunocompetency of the mammary gland was altered.     

Differential expression of CD5 on B lymphocytes in cattle infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

CD5 is a cell surface molecule involved in antigen recognition and is present on all T lymphocytes and a subset of B lymphocytes. The purpose of this study was to examine CD5+ expression on peripheral blood B cells from healthy, noninfected cattle and cattle with subclinical and clinical paratuberculosis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were freshly isolated or cultured for 7 days in the presence or absence of live Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis), and then analyzed by flow cytometry for CD5 expression within the B cell subpopulation. Analysis demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.01) in B cells in clinical animals as compared to healthy control cows and subclinically infected cows. In addition, three subpopulations within the CD5+ B cell population were identified: CD5dim, CD5bright, and a minor population that was characterized as CD5extra bright. A decrease in the CD5dim B cell population along with a concomitant increase in CD5bright B cells was observed in infected cows, an effect that was highly significant (P<0.01) for subclinically infected cows in cultured PBMC. In vitro infection with live M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis did not affect CD5+ expression patterns on B cells, regardless of animal infection status. Addition of exogenous IL-10 to PBMC cultures resulted in decreased numbers of CD5(bright) B cells for healthy control cows, whereas, a synergistic effect of IL-10 and infection with live M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis resulted in increased CD5bright B cells for subclinically infected cows. These results suggest that differential expression of CD5bright and CD5dim subpopulations on B cells in animals with paratuberculosis may reflect a shift in host immunity during the disease process.     

The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Kenya

California mastitis test (CMT), direct leukocytes counts and bacteriological examination were performed on 630 milk samples from apparently healthy mammary glands of dairy goats comprising a mixed population of German Alpine, Toggenberg, Saanen and Galla crosses to find the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 9.8% according to CMT, 9.7% according to direct leukocyte counts and 28.7% by bacterial isolation during a 3-month period. The proportion of the bacteriologically positive milk samples was significantly (P <0.01) higher than that positive for CMT and direct leukocyte counts. There was a significant (P < 0.01) correlation between CMT and direct leukocyte counts. There was no significant direct relationship between bacterial isolation and CMT Bacterial organisms were isolated in 22.5% of the 568 CMT-negative milk samples. The results suggest that bacterial organisms isolated from the CMT-negative milksamples were either latent infections or did not stimulate any significant increase in somatic cell counts that could be detected by either the CMT or direct leukocyte counts. The observations of this study indicate that the mere presence of bacteria in goat's milk does not mean that the udder is infected and so does not warrant antibiotic therapy.     

Norfloxacin pharmacokinetics in lactating cows with sub-clinical and clinical mastitis

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of norfloxacin after intravenous administration of norfloxacin nicotinate at 10 mg norfloxacin/kg body weight was investigated in cows with healthy udders and in cows with chronic subclinical and postacute clinical mastitis. An HPLC method was used to determine the norfloxacin concentrations in serum and milk. Significant differences were observed in norfloxacin pharmacokinetics when administered to cows with infected udder quarters. The clearance (Cl) values were 10.4+/-2.5, 13.2+/-1.9 and 14.2+/-2.1 mL/min/kg (mean +/-SD) in the control (healthy udder) cows and in cows with subclinical and postacute clinical mastitis, respectively. There appeared to be a trend of increasing clearance according to severity of the disease. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) in the respective groups was 3.1+/-0.7, 2.2+/-0.6 and 1.3+/-0.2 L/kg. The volume of distribution was significantly decreased in the cows with postacute clinical mastitis. The half-lives (t1/2) and mean residence times (MRT) of norfloxacin were 353, 206 and 115 min (harmonic means) and 306+/-76, 168+/-39 and 95+/-9 min in control cows or in cows with subclinical and postacute clinical mastitis, respectively. The half-lives in the clinical mastitis group were significantly shorter than in the control group and the mean residence times were significantly shorter in the two mastitis groups when compared to the control group. Norfloxacin concentrations in milk were extremely high when compared to the respective serum concentrations. The area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) of norfloxacin in milk was 23899+/-6206 mg/L x min in the control cow group. The AUC in milk was significantly lower in the infected udder quarters of the mastitis groups (5075+/-1887 mg/L x min and 7484+/-4645 mg/L x min in the subclinical and the clinical group). The AUC values were significantly lower in milk from the infected udder quarters of the cows with chronic subclinical and postacute clinical mastitis when compared to the values in milk from the healthy quarters of the same udder. Norfloxacin was marginally bound to serum protein. The binding was concentration dependent and was 19, 13 and 6% at 0.2, 1.0 and 8.4 mg/L, respectively. Binding to milk protein was 46-51% and concentration independent. An in vitro dialysis model was used to simulate drug transport between serum and milk as a function of protein binding. The results showed that the rate of norfloxacin disposition from milk to serum was slower than from serum to milk, which was in agreement with the findings obtained in the pharmacokinetic study. Norfloxacin was poorly soluble in organic solvents and our results suggest that changes in the degree of ionization of the drug in different body fluids considerably affect its disposition.     

Concentration of serum amyloid A and ceruloplasmin activity in milk from cows with subclinical mastitis caused by different pathogens

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA) and the activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) in milk from cows with subclinical mastitis caused by different pathogens. Eighty-four milk samples from cows with subclinical mastitis and fourteen milk samples from healthy cows were examined. SAA concentration was determined using the commercial ELISA kit (Tridelta Development Ltd., Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland). Cp activity was assessed spectrophotometrically, using the Rice method. The results reveal that the concentration of SAA (with exception of CNS) and activity of Cp in cow milk can be regarded as markers of subclinical mastitis, irrespective of the microorganism inducing the disease. In conclusion, measurement of SAA and Cp in milk samples could be a useful method in diagnosing subclinical mastitis in cows, but the method should be adapted for field use.