Metabolic profile of newborn calves and levels of immunoglobulins in the first days of life

After examination of the clinical state of 128 new-born calves, blood was collected from their vena jugularis for the determination of blood actual pH value, concentration of lactic acid, pCO2, base excess, buffer base and standard acid bicarbonate. The course and difficulty of parturition exerted a significant influence on the vitality of the calves and on the studied parameters of acid-base state. In the normally born calves, compared with those after dystocia, the following values were obtained: pH 7.20 +/- 0.03 : 7.11 +/- 0.07, pCO2 = 8.4 +/- 0.9 : 10.0 +/- 1.1 kPa, base excess -2.30 +/- 2.10 : 5.80 +/- 4.60 mmol/l, buffer base 43.0 +/- 2.4 : 39.5 +/- 6.5 mmol/l, standard acid bicarbonate 22.3 +/- 1.8 : 19.6 +/- 4.1 mmol/l and lactic acid concentration 5.6 +/- 2.0 : 10.7 +/- 5.1 mmol/l. The differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) and statistically highly significant (P less than 0.01). The continual study of the blood actual pH value and lactic acid concentration in the calves in the first 24 hours of life showed that with the same trend of changes in calves after dystocia the initial values were less favourable and that their normalization lasted longer. Attention is drawn to the importance of dystocia for the rise of respiratory metabolic acidosis and its effect on the vitality of newborn calves, and/or on their survival. The discussion deals with the importance of immunoglobulin levels in calves in the first days after birth for their further development. The determination of antibody content in colostral serum from the first milking in 33 and 29 cows on two farms showed great drawbacks in quality. A satisfactory level of IgG was found only in 36.36% and 58.62% of the cows, and a satisfactory level of IgM only in 12.12% and 24.13% of the studied cows. The determination of immunoglobulin content in their calves two to three days from birth (33 + 33 animals) showed normoglobulinemia only in 24.24% and 15.15% of cases. In 33 and 29 cows on two farms the colostrum serum from the first milking had an average content of immunoglobulins of class G amounting to 27.99 +/- 20.25 mg/ml and 36.95 +/- 21.62 mg/ml, and class M amounting to 3.64 +/- 1.25 and 2.04 +/- 1.42 mg/ml. Three days from birth, their calves had an IgG content of 4.25 +/- 2.57 mg/ml and 3.99 +/- 1.86 mg/ml and an IgM content of 0.30 +/- 0.20 and 6.38 +/- 0.25 mg/ml.     

The content of ascorbic acids in different tissues of cattle, normally developed piglets, splay-legged piglets, adult swine and dogs

The following ascorbic acid levels were recorded from different organs of cattle, with all values quoted being related to mg/100 g fresh matter: 150 +/- 20 in pituitary gland, 170 +/- 40 in left adrenal gland, 45.5 +/- 12.5 in spleen, 38.1 +/- 7.3 in liver, 30.0 +/- 8.5 in cerebrum, 23.2 +/- 7.2 in cerebellum, 16.4 +/- 6.1 in kidney, 11.0 +/- 2.9 in heart, and 9.1 +/- 2.1 in M. longissimus dorsi. The ascorbic acid level in blood plasma of normally developed piglets was 6.5 +/- 2.7 mg/dl and was thus higher with significance (p less than 0.01) than that recorded from splayleg piglets which was 2.3 +/- 0.96 mg/dl. The levels in the M. semimembranosus and M. semitendinosus in piglets of moderate birth weight were higher, as well (p less than 0.05). The liver level in pigs for slaughter was 30.8 +/- 9.0 mg/100 g lower than that in piglets. Piglets exhibited genetically founded differences in their capability of biosynthesis of ascorbic acid. The highest ascorbic acid level in dog was recorded from the pituitary and adrenal glands, values being 135.5 +/- 7.5 mg/100 g fresh matter or 90.3 +/- 37.8 mg/100 g. Their liver level was 27.9 +/- 11.9 mg/100 g.     

Plasma growth hormone concentrations in female mithun (Bos frontalis) of different ages: relations with age and body weight

The role of growth hormone (GH) in postnatal somatic growth is well established. Its basal level and relation to growth performance in different age group mithun (Bos frontalis), a semiwild ruminant has not been characterized until now. To estimate the normal blood GH level and also to assess the influence of age and body weight (BW) on blood GH level in captive mithuns, a total of 65 female mithuns was divided into six age groups (group I, 0-6 months; group II, >6-12 months; group III, >1-2 years; group IV, >2-2.5 years; group V, >2.5-3.0 years and group VI, >3.0 years). Blood samples collected weekly for six consecutive weeks were assayed for GH. GH was also estimated in the samples collected from six growing mithuns at -60, -45, -30, -15, -10, -5 and 0 min prior to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) administration for calculation of basal GH level and at 5, 10, 15, 30 min and thereafter at 15-min interval up to 8 h post-GHRH to assess blood GH response following GHRH administration in growing mithuns. For calculation of basal plasma GH in adult mithuns, GH was measured in blood samples collected at 30-min interval for 24 h from four animals. BW of all animals was recorded on two consecutive days per week and average of weekly BW was considered for growth rate calculation. It was found that both mean GH and GH per 100 kg BW between the age groups differ (p < 0.01). With increasing age and BW, GH and GH per 100 kg BW both decreased (p < 0.01). The age group with higher plasma GH and GH per 100 kg BW showed higher growth rates (r = 0.83 and 0.97 respectively). Interestingly, mean plasma GH for six consecutive weeks in all the groups showed much greater GH concentration (group I, 86.6 +/- 9.7 ng/ml to group VI 33.2 +/- 5 ng/ml) than reported in other species. Mean basal plasma GH calculated in growing and adult mithuns was 29.6 +/- 4.01 ng/ml and around 25 +/- 3.6 ng/ml respectively. The GH peak (444 +/- 21.3 ng/ml) was registered at 15 min post-GHRH administration in growing mithuns. In conclusion, age and BW influence plasma GH and GH per 100 kg BW but the latter is a better indicator of growth. The basal plasma GH and GH response to GHRH administration is six to eight and four to five times higher in mithun than in other species reported so far. An accurate assessment of the relationship between GH profiles and protein metabolism, proper receptor level study for GH action at the cellular level and the interaction of GH with other growth factors awaits better understanding of higher GH in this unique species.     

The effect of administration of vitamin E on levels of serum immunoglobulins and levels of phagocytic activity]

The effect of peroral administration and parenteral implantation of vitamin E was followed as exerted on the concentration of total serum immunoglobulins and phagocytic activity of blood leucocytes in calves. Twelve calves at the age of maximally 14 days with the average live weight of 41.2 kg were included in an experiment with peroral administration; six of them were given Combinal E (Tocoferolum aceticum 40 mg in 1 ml) at a dose of 20 mg tocopherol acetate per kg live weight. Sixteen calves at the age of three months and with the average live weight of 112.6 kg were included in the second trial. The Erevit preparation was implanted intramuscularly to eight calves at the same dose as in the first experiment (Tocoferolum aceticum 300 mg in 1 ml solutions oleosae). The animals of control groups in both experiments were administered sunflower oil as a placebo, namely at the same amount as the above-mentioned preparations (no oil treatment for peroral administration, heat and pressure treatments of oil for intramuscular implantation). All the preparations lead to a significant increase in vitamin E concentrations in the blood plasma of calves in both experiments, the highest average level being recorded in 24 hours after administration (8.05, and/or 5.51 mumol/l; Tabs. I and IV). The level of total serum immunoglobulins was not influenced by vitamin E supplementation; this level remained below the physiological range of values in calves with peroral administration during the whole time of observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of GnRH supplement of FSH and PMSG treatments for prepubertal swamp buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of the experiment was to improve the multifollicle stimulation technique and the ovarian response examination in prepubertal swamp buffalo calves. Six animals were stimulated by gonadotropin hormone 7 days after a progesterone ear-implant. The first stimulation was done by giving 24 mg FSH + 100 microg GnRH (FSH+GnRH) and the second, one month after by giving 2,000 IU PMSG + 100 microg GnRH (PMSG+GnRH). Twenty-four hours after GnRH, the ovarian responses were checked using rectal palpation and real-time B mode ultrasonography. Five out of six animals (83.3%) responded to both treatments and were selected for oocyte collection. The oocytes were aspirated directly following a caudal midline laparotomy. The results of ovarian responses to FSH+GnRH and PMSG+GnRH averaged 17.6+/-12.1 (L-9.8+/-8.7, R=7.8+/-6.2) and 17.4+/-5.6 (L-9.4+/-2.9, R=8.0+/-3.7), respectively. The average number of recovered oocytes per animal was 9.0+/-6.4 and 8.4+/-1.1, respectively which represented a recovery rate of 56.3 (+/- 9.2)% and 51.9 (+/- 10.3)%. More than eighty percent of the recovered oocytes were in an immature stage with more than 2-3 layers of compact cumulus mass. The present study showed that the oocytes were collected successfully in prepubertal buffalo calves after the FSH+GnRH or PMSG+GnRH stimulation and most of the recovered oocytes were immature, which made them suitable for in vitro maturation and fertilization.     

The effect of administration of non-soluble fungal glucan on the level of delayed skin hypersensitivity and phagocytic activity of leukocytes in the blood of calves]

The level of delayed skin hypersensitivity (DSH) was evaluated in vivo after dinitrofluorobenzene induction (3rd and 7th week of the experimental) while the level of phagocytic activity (FA) of blood leucocytes (in weekly intervals during six weeks of observation) was evaluated in calves (4.5 to 5.5 months of age) after administration of particular fungal glucane (from oyster mushroom) at a dose of 10 mg/kg live weight. In calves which were administered glucane (abbr. G), a significantly stronger cell-mediated immune response was recorded by means of DSH test in the 3rd week of observation, namely in comparison with its starting value (P < 0.01) and also with the value of control animals (P < 0.01; K group)-Tab. I. In the seventh week of the experiment there was not a statistical difference in the average values of DSH any more (Tab. I). But at that time 100 percent of calves showed a skin reaction above 6.5 mm (mean = 7.64 +/- 0.55) evoked by the used sensibilizer in the G group; this reaction was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in comparison with the value of DSH in a majority (80%) of calves of the K group (mean = 6.15 +/- 0.21)-Fig.1. The immunostimulating effect of the used glucane on the FA of blood leucocytes was less significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Quantitation of bovine macrophage colony-stimulating factor in bovine serum by ELISA

We established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for the quantitation of bovine macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and used it to measure the serum M-CSF levels in bovine fetuses and calves. The average serum M-CSF level was 2.7+/-1.5 ng/ml in 39 calves under 100 days old, and 1.8+/-0.8 ng/ml in 15 cattle between 101 and 418 days old. Fetal sera samples (n = 6) prepared from cattle between 150 and 280 days of gestational age had a higher average level of M-CSF (8.8+/-1.4 ng/ml). Alteration in serum M-CSF levels in each individual calf was also measured. The serum levels of M-CSF in calves at 0-1 day after birth ranged from 0.52 to 7.3 ng/ml. During the period 113-125 days after birth, serum levels were around 1.4+/-0.39 ng/ml. Although serum M-CSF levels generally decreased as the age of calves advanced, differences among individuals, especially among newborn calves, were observed.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of spiramycin in pigs.

The pharmacokinetics of spiramycin in pigs were investigated after intravenous and oral administration. The potential therapeutically effective blood level was established after a single administration and examined in a subsidiary five day study. The rapid intravenous injection of 25 mg spiramycin/kg bodyweight produced marked salivation in all the test animals. The elimination half-life (2.3 +/- 1.2 hours) was relatively short, in accordance with the total body clearance rate (27.3 +/- 10.1 ml/minute/kg). The high volume of distribution (5.2 +/- 2.2 litres/kg) was due to the accumulation of the drug in the body tissues. The maximum plasma concentration (4.1 +/- 1.7 micrograms/ml) after oral administration of 85 to 100 mg spiramycin/kg bodyweight was reached after 3.7 +/- 0.8 hours and the half-life of the elimination phase was 6.0 +/- 2.4 hours. The oral bioavailability was 45.4 +/- 23.4 per cent. Ad libitum feeding of a diet containing 2550 mg spiramycin/kg produced a steady state concentration of 0.96 +/- 0.27 micrograms/ml. This plasma concentration would provide a potentially therapeutically effective blood concentration against Mycoplasma species, Streptococcus species and Staphylococcus species.     

Effect of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on inflammatory markers in calves with experimentally-induced bronchopneumonia

The influence of treatment with steroidal (SAIDs) and non-steroidal (NSAIDs) anti-inflammatory drugs on inflammatory markers in thirty, 6-8 week old calves with induced bronchopneumonia was investigated. Animals received a single intravenous treatment with meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg body weight), flumethasone (0.05 mg/kg body weight) or sterile 0.9% NaCl (10 ml per animal). Body temperature, respiratory and heart rate, concentration of prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2alpha, thromboxane (TXB2), leukotriene (LTB4) and malonyldialdehyd (MDA) and proinflammatory cytokines i.e. tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) and interferon (INFalpha) were recorded in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood platelets (BP). A significant reduction of main inflammatory mediators PGE2, PGF2alpha,TXB2 and MDA after meloxicam treatment in calves with induced bronchopneumonia indicates a beneficial effect on the inflammatory processes. Contrary to effects observed by flumethasone, meloxicam induced an increase of LTB4 and INFalpha indicating that it is not immunosuppressive.     

Insulin-like growth factor-I concentration in Holstein female cattle: variations with age, stage of lactation and growth hormone-releasing factor administration

Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations were monitored in Holstein females through different periods of their growth, lactation and after acute or chronic growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) administration. Plasma samples were radioimmunoassayed using a human IGF-I antibody after a 24 hr incubation in a HCl(.1N)-glycine(.2M) buffer (pH 2). In a first study, IGF-I concentrations were measured in Holstein females of different ages and(or) stages of lactation (n = 6 per group). The IGF-I concentrations in newborn calves (102.0 +/- 11.3 ng/ml) markedly decreased (P less than .01) in 1 mo old animals (50.2 +/- 7.1 ng/ml), then increased (P less than .01) to 137.0 +/- 5.1 and 137.4 +/- 11.0 ng/ml in 6 and 10 mo old heifers, respectively. In dairy cows, IGF-I concentrations were low 24 hr post-partum (44.7 +/- 7.6 ng/ml) and then increased (P less than .05) to remain stable throughout lactation (91.3 +/- 4.9, 92.8 +/- 12.9, 96.1 +/- 7.6, 90.7 +/- 8.8 ng/ml at 2, 3, 6 and 9 mo of lactation, respectively). There was a further increase (P less than .05) to 113.7 +/- 3.1 ng/ml during the dry period. In a second trial, blood samples were collected from lactating dairy cows every 2 hr for 24 hr following a sc injection of saline (n = 4) or human (h) GRF (1-29)NH2 (10 micrograms/kg BW, n = 4). The IGF-I peak concentration was reached on average 10 hr after the GRF injection and was higher (P less than .01) in treated cows than in control cows (135.4 vs 86.9 +/- 16.2 ng/ml). In the last trial, daily sc injections of 10 micrograms of hGRF(1-29)NH2 per kg BW to dairy cows (252 days of lactation) for 57 days, which increased milk production by 14% (2 kg/day), also increased (P less than .01) IGF-I concentration: 127.1 +/- 5.3 and 118.0 +/- 1.6 vs 90.7 +/- 4.7 and 96.0 +/- 5.0 ng/ml on days 29 and 57 of treatment for treated (n = 9) and control (n = 8) cows, respectively. Thus, the IGF-I concentration in dairy cattle varies with age and stage of lactation, and is increased by GRF administration in lactating dairy cows.     

Serum leptin concentrations, luteinizing hormone and growth hormone secretion during feed and metabolic fuel restriction in the prepuberal gilt

Two experiments were conducted to determine 1) the effect of acute feed deprivation on leptin secretion and 2) if the effect of metabolic fuel restriction on LH and GH secretion is associated with changes in serum leptin concentrations. Experiment (EXP) I, seven crossbred prepuberal gilts, 66 +/- 1 kg body weight (BW) and 130 d of age were used. All pigs were fed ad libitum. On the day of the EXP, feed was removed from four of the pigs at 0800 (time = 0) and pigs remained without feed for 28 hr. Blood samples were collected every 10 min from zero to 4 hr = Period (P) 1, 12 to 16 hr = P 2, and 24 to 28 hr = P 3 after feed removal. At hr 28 fasted animals were presented with feed and blood samples collected for an additional 2 hr = P 4. EXP II, gilts, averaging 140 d of age (n = 15) and which had been ovariectomized, were individually penned in an environmentally controlled building and exposed to a constant ambient temperature of 22 C and 12:12 hr light: dark photoperiod. Pigs were fed daily at 0700 hr. Gilts were randomly assigned to the following treatments: saline (S, n = 7), 100 (n = 4), or 300 (n = 4) mg/kg BW of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), a competitive inhibitor of glycolysis, in saline iv. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for 2 hr before and 5 hr after treatment. Blood samples from EXP I and II were assayed for LH, GH and leptin by RIA. Selected samples were quantified for glucose, insulin and free fatty acids (FFA). In EXP I, fasting reduced (P < 0.04) leptin pulse frequency by P 3. Plasma glucose concentrations were reduced (P < 0.02) throughout the fast compared to fed animals, where as serum insulin concentrations did not decrease (P < 0.02) until P 3. Serum FFA concentrations increased (P < 0.02) by P 2 and remained elevated. Subcutaneous back fat thickness was similar among pigs. Serum IGF-I concentration decreased (P < 0.01) by P 2 in fasted animals compared to fed animals and remained lower through periods 3 and 4. Serum LH and GH concentrations were not effected by fast. Realimentation resulted in a marked increase in serum glucose (P < 0.02), insulin (P < 0.02), serum GH (P < 0.01) concentrations and leptin pulse frequency (P < 0.01). EXP II treatment did not alter serum insulin levels but increased (P < 0.01) plasma glucose concentrations in the 300 mg 2DG group. Serum leptin concentrations were 4.0 +/- 0.1, 2.8 +/- 0.2, and 4.9 +/- 0.2 ng/ml for S, 100 and 300 mg 2DG pigs respectively, prior to treatment and remained unchanged following treatment. Serum IGF-I concentrations were not effected by treatment. The 300 mg dose of 2DG increased (P < 0.0001) mean GH concentrations (2.0 +/- 0.2 ng/ml) compared to S (0.8 +/- 0.2 ng/ml) and 100 mg 2DG (0.7 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). Frequency and amplitude of GH pulses were unaffected. However, number of LH pulses/5 hr were decreased (P < 0.01) by the 300 mg dose of 2DG (1.8 +/- 0.5) compared to S (4.0 +/- 0.4) and the 100 mg dose of 2DG (4.5 +/- 0.5). Mean serum LH concentrations and amplitude of LH pulses were unaffected. These results suggest that acute effects of energy deprivation on LH and GH secretion are independent of changes in serum leptin concentrations.     

Pharmacokinetics and Dosage Regimen of Ceftriaxone in Buffalo Calves

The pharmacokinetics and dosage regimen of ceftriaxone were investigated in buffalo calves (n = 6) following a single intravenous administration of ceftriaxone (10 mg/kg). The elimination rate constant was 0.18 +/- 0.01 h(-1) and the elimination half-life was 3.79 +/- 0.09 h. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd(area)) was 1.40 +/- 0.01 L/kg and the total plasma clearance was 0.26 +/- 0.01 L/(kg h). Approximately 43% of total administered dose of ceftriaxone was excreted in urine within 8 h. To maintain a minimum therapeutic concentration of 1 microg/ml, a satisfactory intravenous dosage regimen of ceftriaxone in buffalo calves is 13 mg/kg repeated at 12 h intervals.     

Disposition Kinetics,Bioavailability and Renal Clearance of Cefepime in Calves

The pharmacokinetics of cefepime were studied following intravenous and intramuscular administration of 6.5 mg/kg in four female Friesian calves. Following single intravenous administration, the serum concentration-time curves of cefepime were best fitted using a two-compartment open model. The elimination half-life (t(1/2)beta) was 2.38+/-0.16 h, volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 0.21 +/- 0.01 L/kg, and total body clearance (ClB) was 1.1 +/- 0.08 ml/min per kg. Following intramuscular administration, the drug was rapidly absorbed with an absorption half-life (t(1/2)ab) of 0.29+/-0.02 h; maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of 21.7 +/- 1.1 microg/ml was attained after (Tmax) 1.1 +/- 0.08 h; and the drug was eliminated with an elimination half-life (t(1/2)el) of 3.02 +/- 0.18 h. The systemic bioavailability (F) after intramuscular administration of cefepime in calves was 95.7% +/- 7.44%. The in vitro serum protein-binding tendency was 10.5-16.7%. Following administration by both routes, the drug was excreted in high concentrations in urine for 24 h post administration.     

Effect of ad lib and restricted milk feeding on the course of illness and body weight in young calves with diarrhea

Two different feeding regimens for calves (age up to 21 days) suffering from acute diarrhea were evaluated with respect to course of illness and change in body weight. The patients of the experimental group were given whole milk ad libitum three times a day. The patients of the control group were offered whole milk at a rate of 13% their body mass per day divided into three meals. In addition, both groups were offered an oral rehydration solution at a rate 9.5% of body mass per day, also divided into three portions. Data from 60 calves (30 in both groups) were available for statistical analysis. The duration of illness in the experimental group was 10.9 +/- 6.0 days vs. 10.0 +/- 5.2 days in the control group. The daily increase of body mass in the experimental group averaged 0.607 +/- 0.452 kg, the one in the control group 0.230 +/- 0.231 kg (p = 0.0002). The calves of the experimental group required 13.16 +/- 11.18 I milk per kg weight gain, the calves of the control group 21.39 +/- 12.80 I. Six calves of the experimental group and two calves of the control group subsequently had a relapse. On the basis of the results obtained, a feeding regimen for calves suffering from acute diarrhea is suggested.     

Clinical forms of enzootic pneumonia in calves and their effects on respiration]

Enzootic pneumonia was diagnosed in 160 of 225 bullocks in a livestock fattening unit. Within the first 10 weeks, 51 of those affected contracted the disease a second time after the symptoms had vanished. Acute catarrhal bronchopneumonia were most common (49.3%) during the first outbreak, whereas acute catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia (39.2%) and chronic pneumonia (29.4%) were most common during the second. Arterial blood gas analysis was undertaken for 33 clinically healthy bullocks and 100 bullocks with clinically diagnosed acute bronchitis, acute catarrhal bronchopneumonia, acute catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia and chronic pneumonia. The pO2, SATO2 and A-aDO2 levels found in blood from the abdominal aorta of all diseased animals differed significantly from those of healthy animals. The values for animals with distinct catarrhal bronchopneumonia and catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia showed the greatest differences.     

Urea formation in kidneys of the domestic fowl in early postincubation ontogenesis]

The nitrogen secretion is not limited in any animal species to one final nitrogenous metabolite only. In the organism of uricotelic birds, besides other products, urea is produced. It was revealed that it developed also in the kidney of the domestic fowl. In the experiments with 130 cockerels of the White Leghorn breed--a commercial Primant hybrid at the age from 0 to 62 days--we determined the urea concentration in the supernatant of kidney homogenate and in the heparinized blood plasma by diacetylmonoxim according to Homolka (1971). In the kidney we observed a moderate insignificant increase of urea concentration from 0 to 62 days of post-incubation life (zero-day: 34.77 +/- 9.20 mg per 100 g; the 62nd day: 36.46 +/- 14.66 mg per 100 g). In the heparinized blood plasma the urea concentration was increased significantly from the initial values of 16.66 +/- 3.17 mg per 100 ml (zero-day) to 54.03 +/- 3.19 mg per 100 ml (the 62nd day).     

Vitamin E and selenium concentrations in month-old beef calves.

Three groups of beef cow and calf pairs were studied to determine plasma vitamin E and blood selenium (Se) concentrations of calves at 1 month old. Group 1 was managed on irrigated pasture and calves received no Se/vitamin E injections at birth. Group 2 was managed on irrigated pasture, and the calves were injected with Se/vitamin E at birth. Group 3 was managed on dry foothill grasslands, and these cows were supplemented with 56.3 mg vitamin E and 3 mg Se daily, and the calves received a Se/vitamin E injection at birth. The plasma concentration of vitamin E in group 1 and 2 cows (9.5 +/- 1.24 and 8.43 +/- 1.0 microg/ml, respectively) was significantly higher than that of the group 3 cows (2.28 +/- 0.42 microg/ml; P < 0.05). The blood Se concentrations in group 3 cows (169 +/- 37 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those in group 1 and 2 cows (36.4 +/- 15.9 and 31.1 +/- 12.5 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Calf Se was highly correlated to cow Se (r = 0.965), and calf vitamin E was moderately correlated to cow vitamin E (r = 0.605). Calf vitamin E concentrations were consistently lower than cow vitamin E concentrations, and many values would be considered deficient.     

The effects of clenbuterol hydrochloride on the pulmonary function of calves with subacute and chronic bronchopneumonia

The influence of clenbuterol on some pulmonary function tests in 11 calves with subacute and chronic bronchopneumonia has been investigated. Treatment with clenbuterol caused changes only in calves with subacute bronchopneumonia; in these animals it decreased the total pulmonary resistance, the viscous work per litre and the peak to peak changes in transpulmonary pressure.     

The adenohypophyseal response and effect of GnRh (Dirigestran inj. Spofa) administration in cows in the postpartum period

Radioimmunological investigation (RIA) of the level of pituitary FSH in the peripheral blood of cows after parturition demonstrated that this level increased successively. The FSH value of 32.93 +/- 3.71 ng per 1 ml, recorded the fourth to sixth day post partum, increased to as much as 57.78 +/- 40.98 ng per 1 ml 40 days after parturition. The LH level changed only slightly over the same period (from 1.12 +/- 0.21 ng per ml to 1.72 +/- 1.15 ng per ml). The concentration of progesterone in the blood of the cows was about 0.40 ng per ml during the first 15 days after parturition, but from the 25th day post partum it trebled, on an average (1.53 +/- 1.19 - 1.59 +/- 1.25 ng per ml). The response of the adenohypophysis of the cows to the administration of 200 micrograms of synthetic gonadoreline (spec. Dirigestran inj. Spofa) increased with increasing length of time from parturition. FSH concentration increased less markedly during the first 28 days p.p. and this increase was not uniform in time (the average increase was 1.5 to three times); in the later period the highest increase 300-500% was recorded, as a rule, 120 minutes after GnRH administration. The situation was similar in the increase in LH concentration in peripheral blood, but after the 26th day post partum the average increase in LH accounted for 500 to 600%. The concentration of progesterone in peripheral blood increased by more than 300%, on an average, from the 25th day after parturition. This testifies to the first post partum ovulation and to the formation of a new yellow body in the majority of cows under study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of thymus in Holstein calves and Heifers and its diagnostic application

This study was performed to evaluate the cross section of the thymus in 46 clinically healthy Holstein calves and heifers from birth to 100 weeks of age and 8 age-matched affected animals with chronic bronchopneumonia by ultrasonography. The cross sectional area of the thymus increased in healthy calves and heifers from birth to 31 weeks of age, peaked around 35 weeks of age, and then decreased until 100 weeks after birth. A positive correlation (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) was found between the area in cross section and the weight of the whole thymus in calves and heifers with chronic bronchopneumonia. The cross- sectional areas of the thymus were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in animals with chronic bronchopneumonia. The cross sections of thymus in clinically healthy calves at 2 weeks of age and heifers at 34 weeks and 87 weeks of age were hypoechoic, moderately hyperechoic and hyperechoic, respectively. The observation of thymus by ultrasonography seems to be an effective tool for estimating the size of the thymus objectively in Holstein calves and heifers from birth to 100 weeks of age. The results of this study prove the approach to be useful and applicable to monitor the growth of thymus in Holstein calves and heifers and their association with chronic pneumonia.