An evaluation of milk temperature measurement for detecting oestrus in dairy cattle. I factors affecting measurement of milk temperature

The paper reports the development of an electronic system of milk temperature measurement and the results of investigations into the influence of milk yield, milk flow and ambient temperature on milk temperature. The milk and body temperatures of randomly selected multiparous Friesian cows were recorded at afternoon milkings. Temperature was measured by bead thermistors housed in perspex probes from which a digital read-out with an accuracy of ±0.1°C was obtained. Milk tempetature was measured at four sites: the short milk tube (SMT), claw piece (CT), and the beginning (BLT) and end of the long milk tube (ELT) with readings being taken every 30 a from the commencement of milking. Body temperature measured with a probe in the vagina (VT) 38.85±0.02°C) was significantly higher than milk temperature at any of the four sites although a significant positive correlation existed between milk and body temperature. Milk temperature measured at each site decreased with distance from the cows (SMT: 38.64±0.03°C, ELT: 37.92±0.04°C). The difference between body and milk temperature was greatest in cows in which milk flow rates were below average (<1.37 kg/min) and/or milk yields were below average (<7.82 kg/milking). Milk temperature sites SMT and CT were least affected by variation in milk yield or flow, and showed the closest relationship between maximum milk temperature and body temperature. Milk temperature measurement was most reliable when taken during the full flow of milk.     

Detecting oestrus by measuring milk temperatures of dairy cows during milking

An experiment was set up primarily to investigate whether the milk temperature in the clawpiece of the milking machine corresponds with the body temperature of the cow. On average the milk temperature was slightly lower (0.09°C) than the rectal temperature. There were, however, some differences between cows. Secondly it was investigated whether measuring the milk temperature twice a day may be of use for detecting sick cows and cows on heat. During the observation period, however, there were no sick cows. In total there were 19 cases of oestrus. In 16 cases there was an increase of ≥ 0.3°C compared with the mean morning or evening temperature of the preceding days.Measuring the temperature in the clawpiece during milking may open up prospects for an automated system to identify cows which are on heat or sick.     

Oestrus detection in dairy cows by milk temperature measurement

The milk and body temperatures of 15 cows were monitored twice daily at milking times, over a total of 30 oestrous periods. The best determination of oestrus was based on a temperature rise of at least 0.2 degree C over the corresponding mean temperature of the three preceding days. This resulted in 72 +/- 16 per cent of oestruses, predicted by serial progesterone assays, being successfully detected by serial progesterone assays, being successfully detected and 11 +/- 3 per cent of false positives. The variable extent of the temperature rise at oestrus and the large daily fluctuations in temperature for individual cows, resulted in a moderate oestrus detection rate accompanied by an unacceptable level of false positives.     

Evaluation of oestrus observation and conception rates in suckling beef cows using whole milk progesterone concentration

A 2-sample regime was used to measure whole milk progesterone concentration on the day of oestrus and insemination (Day 0) and 6 days later (Day 6) in a sample of 50 primiparous and 100 multiparous suckling beef cows. Exposure to teaser bulls and observation by cattlemen identified the occurrence of oestrus. Three sets of criteria used to define ovulatory oestrus were compared: a) milk progesterone concentration less than 6 nmol/l on Day 0; b) milk progesterone less than 6 nmol/l on Day 0 and rising to greater than 6 nmol/l on Day 6; c) milk progesterone less than 6 nmol/l on Day 0 and rising to greater than 6 nmol/l on Day 6, or cow diagnosed pregnant to 1st insemination. Using only a single milk sample on Day 0 (criterion a) would have resulted in the positive predictive value of heat detection being estimated at 98.7%. Using a pair ed measurement (criterion b) resulted in a significantly lower estimate of 84.7%. The inclusion of cows that conceived despite not showing a marked rise in milk progesterone concentration (criterion c) resulted in a more accurate estimate of 89.3 %. Use of a 2-sample regime also allowed calculation of conception rates while eliminating the effect of heat detection errors. In the cows sampled, of those in ovulatory oestrus that were inseminated, 73.1% conceived to the 1st insemination. These results demonstrate that artificial insemination within a limited breeding season can be successful if nutrition is optimal and management is intensive. The use of a 2-sample milk progesterone test may be a valuable tool in investigating heat detection and conception problems in beef herds in which artificial insemination is used.     

Interrelationship between milk constituents,serum oestradiol and vaginal mucus indicators of oestrus in Egyptian buffaloes

The intensity of heat signs in buffaloes is generally low and the incidence of suboestrus varied from 15 to 73% (Buffalopedia). The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of monitoring the changes in some milk constituents, oestradiol levels and electrical conductivity of vaginal mucus during peri‐oestrous period in prediction of the timing of oestrus in buffaloes. Twenty‐one Egyptian buffaloes aged 3–9 year, 1st–6th lactations, were examined by oestrous detector and ultrasonographically for monitoring the ovarian and uterine activity for 7 days around the time of standing oestrus. Sodium, potassium, chloride and lactose were assayed in aqueous phase of milk; besides, oestradiol was estimated in serum. Current results declared highly significant acute changes in milk constituents at the time of oestrus characterized by peaking of chloride and sodium levels and lowering of potassium and lactose values. The alternation in milk composition when arranged in decreasing order of magnitude, sodium was the highest (77.78 ± 0.69%), followed by chloride (61.60 ± 1.52%) and potassium (?58.14 ± 10.89%). Concomitantly, milk lactose decreased by 26.07 ± 7.97% compared to baseline levels. Synchronously, vaginal electrical resistance (VER) showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease, but serum oestradiol 17β levels surged (59.93 ± 7.29 pg/ml) on day of oestrus. Serum oestradiol level was negatively correlated with VER (r = ?0.577), potassium (r = ?0.661), positively correlated with chloride (r = 0.707) and sodium (r = 0.579) and not correlated with lactose levels. These results for the first time suggested that the changes in constituents of milk during peri‐oestrous period may be used as a practical non‐invasive indicator for oestrous detection and prediction of ovulation in Egyptian buffaloes.     

The effect of oestrus on milk production in cows

The rectal temperatures, pulse rates and milk yields of 44 Ayrshire and 38 Friesian cows were recorded during oestrus and compared with values obtained after oestrus had ceased. The fat, solids-non-fat (SNF) and protein percentages and the cell counts of milk samples were also compared. Forty of the cows were housed in cubicles and 42 were kept loose in yards. During oestrus rectal temperatures and pulse rates were significantly raised and milk yields were lowered. Milk had, on average, significantly higher fat contents and cell counts and lower SNF and protein contents than post-oestrous milk. The differences due to oestrus between the cows kept in cubicles and yards were minimal, but the Ayrshire cows tended to show more significant effects than the Friesians, except in the milk cell counts, where the difference was higher in the Friesians.     

Role of the sensitivity of detection of oestrus in the submission rate of cows treated to resynchronise oestrus

OBJECTIVE: To determine if failure to detect oestrus in cows treated to resynchronise oestrus leads to fewer cows being inseminated than are truly in oestrus. PROCEDURE: Cows in three herds were enrolled in a controlled breeding program that involved synchronisation of oestrus for a first round of artificial insemination (AI) followed by resynchronisation for a second round of AI. Just before oestrus was expected at the second round of AI, aids for the detection of oestrus were fitted, which included pedometers, radiotelemetric transmitters (HeatWatch), tail-paint and heatmount detectors. Milk samples were collected at the second round of AI (day 33, herds A and B; day 35, herd C of the treatment program) and were used in combination with pregnancy testing to determine the number of cows that were in oestrus (milk progesterone < 2.0 ng/mL) and cows that were not in oestrus (milk progesterone > 2.0 ng/mL or pregnant at second round of AI) at the time samples were collected. RESULTS: The mean sensitivity of detection of oestrus at the resynchronised oestrus was 92.5% and did not differ significantly between herds (P = 0.19). A total of 75% (60/80) of cows that were retrospectively determined to be not pregnant at the time of the second round of AI were classified as having high (> or = 2.0 ng/mL) concentrations of progesterone in milk at that time. Pregnancy testing of cows about 35 days after AI suggested that early pregnancy loss also contributed to a reduction in submission rates at the resynchronised oestrus. CONCLUSION: Failure to submit cows for insemination at a resynchronised oestrus was mainly due to cows not being in oestrus rather than due to a failure to detect oestrus.     

Radioimmunoassay of milk progesterone as a tool for fertility control in smallholder dairy farms

This study focused on the use of radioimmunoassay of progesterone in milk for the diagnosis of post-partum ovarian cyclicity and accurate detection of oestrus and non-pregnancy in cows in the artificial insemination (AI) programme in Bangladesh. In Investigation 1, milk samples were collected on day 0 (day of AI), day 9–13 and day 21–24 from 444 milking cows of various breeds presented for the first post-partum insemination by 413 farmers living at 182 villages/regions in Mymensingh District from 6 AI centres and sub-centres. Each cow was then examined three times after each AI until it stopped returning to oestrus. Sixty to 90 days after the last AI, the cows were examined per rectum to confirm the pregnancy. Milk progesterone data on day 21–24 contributed to a clear diagnosis with respect to non-pregnancy in 100% cows, indicating a possible use of this progesterone assay for identifying non-pregnant cows in AI programmes. In Investigation 2, milk progesterone was monitored two times in a month with a 10-day interval in 88 cows. The samples were taken between 10 days after calving and the first detected oestrus, followed by two more samples 10 days apart. The proportion of cows accurately detected in oestrus was 30%. Another 30% were stated to be in oestrus when they were not (false positive) and 40% were not detected when they were in oestrus (false negative). The mean intervals between calving and oestrus and between calving luteal activity were 40 to 362 days (median = 120, n = 82) and 34 to 398 (median = 111, n = 64) days, respectively. The body condition scores at calving and at the initiation of luteal activity influenced the interval between calving and luteal activity (p < 0.05). Cows suckled twice daily initiated luteal activity earlier than their counterparts suckled several times daily (p < 0.05). Determination of progesterone in milk on day 21–24 is a good means for detecting non-pregnant cows.     

Pharmacokinetics of streptomycin with particular reference to its distribution in plasma,milk and uterine fluid of shebuffaloes

The study elucidated the pharmacokinetics of streptomycin in healthy lactating she-buffaloes after a single intramuscular (IM) injection (10 mg/kg). The drug attained its peak concentrations of 24.39±2.67, 0.45±0.05 and 5.06±0.18 g/ml at 1, 4 and 1 hour in plasma, milk and uterine fluid respectively. Calculations based on the assumption of a 2-compartment model gave a plasma t1/2 () of 4.01±0.44 h and an apparent volume of distribution [Vd(area)] of 0.47±0.06 l/kg. The drug was detectable in the plasma, milk and uterine fluid for 30, 8 and 12 hours, respectively. A therapeutic concentration of the drug was maintained for 6 to 7 hours in the plasma and for around 1 hour only in the uterine fluid. However, a therapeutic level could not be achieved in milk at any time. The results suggest that the drug can be used clinically by the IM route against streptomycin susceptible systemic infections but not those in the uterus and mammary gland.     

Milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a tool to investigate ovarian cyclicity of water buffaloes in relation to body condition score and milk production

Background

Application of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes is limited to some extent by farmers’ inability to detect oestrus because of its poor expression. The present study aimed at investigating reliability of a milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the ovarian cyclicity during post partum, oestrus and post-breeding periods in water buffaloes.

Methods

Progesterone concentrations were measured by an ELISA in milk of 23 postpartum buffaloes in relation to oestrus, pregnancy, body condition score (BCS) and milk production. Two milk samples were taken at 10 days intervals, every month starting from day 30 and continued to day 150 post partum. BCS and milk production were recorded during sample collection. Milk samples from bred buffaloes were collected at Day 0 (day of breeding), Days 10–12 and Days 22–24. Defatted milk was preserved at −80°C until analysis. Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum on Days 70–90.

Results

Seventeen buffaloes had 47 ovulatory cycles, one to four in each, 13 were detected in oestrus once (28 % oestrus detection rate). Progesterone concentration ≥1 ng/ml in one of the two 10-day-interval milk samples reflected ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The intervals between calving to first luteal activity and to first detected oestrus varied from 41 to 123 days (n = 17) and 83 to 135 (n = 13) days, respectively. Eight buffaloes were bred in the course of the study and seven were found pregnant. These buffaloes had a progesterone profile of low (<1 ng/ml), high (≥ 1 ng/ml) and high (≥ 1 ng/ml) on Day 0, Days 10–12 and Days 22–24, respectively. Buffaloes cycling later in the postpartum period had fewer missed oestruses (P < 0.05). Buffaloes with a superior BCS had a shorter calving to oestrus interval and produced more milk (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Milk progesterone ELISA is a reliable tool for monitoring ovarian cyclicity and good BCS may be an indicator of resuming cyclicity in water buffalo.     

The Effect of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Conjunction with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin on the Superovulatory Response in Crossbred Sheep In India

Thirty-two mature crossbred (Fine Wool Synthetic, FWS) sheep developed for fine wool production in India were treated for superovulation and oestrus synchronization in spring season. The ewes were randomly allocated to four treatment groups in a factorially designed experiment. For induction of superovulation, pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) was administered alone (group 1), in combination with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) (group 2) or with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (group 3) and with both (group 4). Oestrus was synchronized in all the ewes by two injections of prostaglandin F2 (PGF, 10 mg each) administered at an interval of 10 days. Superovulation treatment started 48 h prior to the second PGF injection. The proportion of ewes in oestrus did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in the four groups. The use of GnRH set the ewes into oestrus earlier than the ewes in the other groups. Treatment with PMSG (800 IU) in conjunction with 4 g of Buserilin (GnRH) increased the ovulation rate (9.1±2.6 corpora lutea (CL)) above that observed when PMSG was used alone (3.0±0.7 CL). The use of FSH (0.5 U ovagen) in conjunction with PMSG was characterized by a decrease in the proportion of ewes with 2 CL (4/8 vs 7/8; p<0.05) and in the number of ovulations, i.e. CL observed (2.4±0.6 vs 9.1±2.6), and a nonsignificant increase in the incidence of large follicles (LF) (4.6±1.28 vs 3.25±0.6; p>0.05). The interaction between treatments of FSH and GnRH was not significant (p>0.05).It is concluded that use of GnRH, in conjunction with either PMSG alone or PMSG plus FSH treatment, advanced the onset of oestrus and increased the ovulation rate in FWS sheep.     

Some Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Pefloxacin in Lactating Goats

The aim of this study was to elucidate some of the pharmacokinetic parameters of pefloxacin in lactating goats (n = 5) following intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injections of 10 mg/kg bw. Serially obtained serum, milk and urine samples were collected at precise time intervals, and the drug concentrations were assayed using a microbiological assay. A two-compartment open model best described the decrease of pefloxacin concentration in the serum after intravenous administration. The maximum serum concentration (C _p ⁰ ) was 8.4±0.48 g/ml; elimination half-life (t _1/2) was 1.6±0.3 h; total body clearance (Cl_tot) was 3.6±0.3 L/kg/h; steady-state volume of distribution (V _dss) was 5.14±0.21 L/kg; and the area under the curve (AUC) was 2.78±0.22 g.ml/h. Pefloxacin was absorbed rapidly after i.m. injection with an absorption half-life (t _1/2ab) of 0.32±0.02 h. The peak serum concentration (C _max) of 0.86±0.08 g/ml was attained at 0.75 h (T _max). The absolute bioavailability after i.m. administration was 70.63±1.13% and the serum protein-bound fraction ranged from 7.2% to 14.3%, with an average value of 9.8±1.6%. Penetration of pefloxacin from the blood into the milk was rapid and extensive, and the pefloxacin concentration in milk exceeded that in serum from 1 h after administration. The drug was detected in milk and urine for 10 and 72 h, respectively; no samples were taken after 72 h.     

Estimation of daily milk yield of Nellore cows grazing tropical pastures

Beef cows’ milk yield is typically determined by measuring milk yield once daily and then doubling this value to estimate daily production. However, it is not known whether this is accurate. Thus, we aimed to determine the association between morning and afternoon milk yield in grazing Nellore cows. Eighty Nellore cows were used, with initial weight of 516.0?±?1.0 kg. The experiment was a completely randomized factorial scheme, with 20 replications and four treatments (i.e., +?or ??pre-partum supplementation in combination with +?or ??post-partum supplementation): PRMM—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days pre-partum; MMPS—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days post-partum; PRPS—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days pre-partum and 90 days post-partum; and MM—only mineral mix ad libitum during pre- and post-partum. Milk was sampled on days 45, 135, and 225 post-partum (early, middle, and late lactation, respectively). No effects were observed of pre- and post-partum supplementation on milk yield (P?>?0.05). The afternoon/morning proportion of 0.45 in the early third of lactation was higher than other stages, which had a proportion of 0.41 (P?<?0.05). Post-partum supplementation increased milk protein in the morning and afternoon milking (P?<?0.05). There was also no effect of pre- and post-partum supplementation on afternoon-morning proportion other milk components (P?>?0.05). We conclude that estimating daily milk production of grazing beef cattle by multiplying a once daily milking amount times two is not accurate. Under the conditions of this study, proportion of total daily production represented by the ratio of afternoon/morning milking was 0.45 in early lactation (first third) and 0.41 in mid- and late lactation.     

Behavioural and Physical Signs Associated with Oestrus and Some Aspects of Reproductive Performance in Fogera Cows and Heifers

An investigation was carried out into the behavioural and physical signs of oestrus in 70 Fogera cows and heifers between December 1993 and May 1994 at Metekel Cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch, Ethiopia. Retrospective information generated from records made between 1991 and 1994 was evaluated for some aspects of the reproductive indices. The mean±SD duration of oestrus (n = 136) was 10.6±4.5 h (range 2.2–21). Most oestruses (63.2%) started during the day (06:00–18:00). The incidence of oestrus was significantly affected by months (² = 21.86; p<0.001). Among the physical signs, standing to be mounted was the most consistent indication (97.8%) of oestrus. About 12.5% of the cows in oestrus did not mount other cows. The retrospective study indicated that the mean inter-oestrus interval for 46 oestruses was 29.2±19.7 days. The average gestation length for 141 cows was 276 days. Continuous and careful observation of oestrus would reduce the reproductive wastage that arises from less pronounced heat periods and those occurring at night, especially for ranches that use artificial insemination and have a limited number of bulls.     

Acute and Subacute Metabolic and Endocrine Effects of Clenbuterol in Female Pigs

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between acute and subacute metabolic and endocrine effects after intravenous administration of the ₂-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol in a growth-promoting dose to female pigs. Acute metabolic and endocrine effects were assessed by measuring the blood glucose, serum insulin and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations during 300 min after a single administration of clenbuterol. Significantly higher serum insulin and NEFA concentrations (19.90±2.50 U/ml, p<0.01, and 0.69±0.04 mmol/L, p<0.001, respectively) were measured 30 min after the preprandial administration of clenbuterol in female pigs. Over the same period, the levels of blood glucose (4.42±0.30 mmol/L) showed no difference from those of control pigs. The postprandial serum NEFA concentration decreased moderately during 210 min after feeding. Postprandial blood glucose and insulin concentrations increased and reached maximal levels 120 min after clenbuterol administration (10.91±0.60 mmol/L and 85.22±7.24 U/ml, respectively), and returned to basal levels at 300 min (4.20±0.21 mmol/L and 7.75±1.60 U/ml, respectively) after the administration of clenbuterol. Subacute metabolic and endocrine effects were assessed by measuring the blood glucose, serum insulin and NEFA concentrations for 21 days after the repeated doses of clenbuterol. In addition, the influence of clenbuterol administration on the endocrine regulation of the onset of the next expected oestrus in female pigs was assessed by measuring their serum 17-oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. Blood glucose, serum insulin and NEFA concentrations after the last administration of clenbuterol did not differ significantly from those in control animals. The onset of the next expected oestrus occurred regularly without any significant difference in serum 17-oestradiol or progesterone concentrations between the treated (9.83±2.60 pg/ml and 0.15±0.03 ng/ml) and control pigs (8.52±2.70 pg/ml and 0.25±0.06 ng/ml). The study results suggest the duration of intravenous administration of clenbuterol in a growth-promoting dose necessary to influence the metabolic and endocrine activities in female pigs.     

Pharmacokinetics of benzydamine in dairy cows following intravenous or intramuscular administration

Five lactating cows were given benzydamine hydrochloride by rapid intravenous (0.45 mg/kg) and by intramuscular (0.45 and 1.2 mg/kg) injection in a crossover design. The bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters and excretion in milk of benzydamine were evaluated. After intravenous administration, the disposition kinetics of benzydamine was best described using a two-compartment open model. Drug disposition and elimination were fast (t _1/2: 11.13±3.76 min;t _1/2: 71.98±24.75 min; MRT 70.69±11.97 min). Benzydamine was widely distributed in the body fluids and tissues (V _d(area): 3.549±1.301 L/kg) and characterized by a high value for body clearance (33.00±5.54 ml/kg per min). After intramuscular administration the serum concentration-time curves fitted a one-compartment open model. Following a dose of 0.45 mg/kg, theC _max value was 38.13±4.2 ng/ml at at _max of 67.13±4.00 min; MAT and MRT were 207.33±22.64 min and 278.01±12.22 min, respectively. Benzydamine bioavailability was very high (92.07%±7.08%). An increased intramuscular dose (1.2 mg/kg) resulted in longer serum persistence (MRT 420.34±86.39 min) of the drug, which was also detectable in milk samples collected from both the first and second milking after treatment.Abbreviations HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography - IC50 concentration to inhibit the activity of an organism by 50% - IM intramuscular(ly) - IV intravenous(ly) - NSAID non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs - pK _a negative logarithm of the ionization constant (K _a) of a drug; other abbreviations are listed in footnotes to tables     

The pharmacokinetics of thiamphenicol in lactating cows

The pharmacokinetics of thiamphenicol were studied after intravenous and intramuscular administration of 25 mg/kg body weight in lactating cows. Distribution (t _1/2) and elimination (t _1/2) half-lives of 6.10±1.39 min and 1.60±0.30 h, respectively, were obtained after intravenous administration. The body clearance was 3.9±0.077 ml/kg per min and the apparent volume of distribution was 1220.79±256.67 ml/kg. The rate at which thiamphenicol appeared in the milk, as indicated by the penetration half-life (t _1/2P) (serum to quarters), was found to be 36.89±11.14 min. The equivalent elimination half-life (t _1/2E) (quarters to serum) from the milk was 3.62±1.06 h and the peak thiamphenicol concentration in the milk was 23.09±3.42 µg/ml at 2.5±0.32 h.After intramuscular injection, the elimination half-life was 2.2±0.40 h, the absorption half-life was 4.02±1.72 min and the peak concentration in the serum was 30.90±5.24 µg/ml at 23±8.4 min. The bioavailability after intramuscular administration approached 100%. The penetration half-life was 50.59±6.87 min, the elimination half-life was 5.91±4.97 h and the mean peak concentration in the milk was 17.37±2.20 µg/ml at 3.4±0.22 h.Abbreviations AUC area under the concentration-time curve - CAP chloramphenicol - C _max peak concentration - IM intramuscular - IV intravenous - TAP thiamphenicol - t _1/2 distribution half-life - t _1/2 elimination half-life - V _c volume of central compartment - V _d volume of distribution     

Factors affecting skim milk progesterone assay results.

Five studies were performed to determine factors affecting progesterone concentration in skim milk. Results of the first study indicated that progesterone concentration was higher in skim milk of samples kept 16 hours in an ice bath (0 C) than of those left at room temperature (21 C). In the second study, this temperature effect was found to be reversible, with skim milk progesterone concentration increasing when whole milk samples were cooled prior to centrifugation. In the third study, [3H]-labeled progesterone was used to determine the relationship between fat content of foremilk (the first milk obtained from the teats), midmilk (milk obtained midway through milking), and strippings (milk obtained immediately after milking machines have been removed) samples and temperature (4 C and 21 C) on the percentage of progesterone in the skim milk fraction. The relationship between percentage of butterfat and percentage of progesterone in skim milk was linear when the log of these variables was used for calculations. In the fourth study, assayable progesterone in the skim milk fraction of foremilk, midmilk, and strippings was affected by temperature. In the fifth study, a multiple-regression procedure was used to determine the amount of variation in percentage of radioactive progesterone in the skim milk fraction. Independent variables (whole milk butterfat and temperature of incubation [1, 3, 13, 22, 37, and 50 C]) and the natural log of each variable, were entered into a stepwise multiple-regression analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta in plasma and milk and progesterone in plasma during the oestrus cycle and in early pregnancy in goats

Pre-ovulatory peaks in oestradiol-17 beta concentrations were observed on days 1 or 2 and post-ovulatory peaks between days 4 and 7, both in jugular venous plasma and defatted milk, day 1 being the day of the onset of oestrus in the goats. Mean values of the magnitudes of these concentration peaks and of their timing (relative to oestrus) during the oestrus cycle did not differ significantly (P greater than 0.05) from those when the goats were mated and became pregnant. Pre-ovulatory oestradiol-17 beta peaks were invariably greater than the corresponding post-ovulatory peaks, as were peak concentrations in plasma relative to those in defatted milk collected on the same day. Mean intervals between the pre- and post-ovulatory peaks in oestradiol-17 beta concentrations were respectively 4.2 days for plasma and 4.0 days for defatted milk. Concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta in jugular venous plasma and defatted milk were strongly correlated: rank correlation coefficients for the three goats studied were 0.871, 0.668 and 0.739. It is suggested that in goats, as in cattle, ovarian follicular oestradiol-17 beta secretion approaching pre-ovulatory level is restored by 4 days after oestrus and its rapid decline after this time may be due to the inhibitory influence of the rapidly rising plasma progesterone concentration.     

Disposition kinetics and distribution of demeclocycline in various biological fluids in female goats

A pharmacokinetic study of demeclocycline was carried out following intravenous administration at 5 mg/kg body weight in lactating goats. Demeclocycline appeared within 5 min in plasma, interstitial fluid (isf) and urine, while it appeared at 1 h in milk. Peak concentrations of 21.70±4.06, 2.67±0.23, 5.65±0.45 and 82.23±10.06 g/ml were attained at 5 min and at 6, 8 and 8 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. A potentially therapeutic concentration of 0.5 g/ml was maintained from 5 min–36 h, 30 min–30 h, 1–36 h and 5 min–48 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. The drug was detectable in all the above biological fluids for at least 48 h. A low distribution half life (t_1/2) of 0.44±0.04 h and a high elimination half life (t_1/2) of 19.24±1.22 h denote rapid distribution but very slow elimination of the drug in goats. A high tissue plasma concentration ratio [K₁₂:(K_2I–)] of 5.12±0.97 during the elimination phase and a Vd_area of 1.59±0.18 L/kg indicate uniform distribution of demeclocycline in the tissues and body fluids of goats. The dosage regimen for maintaining minimum plasma concentration (C min = MIC) of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/ml at selected dosage intervals of 12 and 24 h was also calculated.