Effect of environmental factors on fertility of Holstein–Friesian cattle in Japan

We investigated the environmental factors in Japan, including meteorological conditions, on the fertility of a European cattle breed, Holstein–Friesian, by examining conception rates in different regions. First artificial insemination and associated conception details were recorded for 69,952 Holstein female cattle. In general, meteorological conditions vary considerably according to latitude in Japanese islands. Conception rates were higher in the Northern (above 37°N) than the Southern (below 37°N) region (61.3% vs. 53.3%). All the factors analyzed in the statistical model, including insemination year, region, month, AI technician, service sire and interaction between region and month, had significant effects on the conception rate. In the Southern region, conception rates were lower in the summer months (average temperature, 27.8 °C, and maximum temperature, 32.3 °C). However, this seasonal decline was not observed in the Northern region (average temperature, 23.7 °C, and maximum temperature, 28.4 °C). Regression analysis of conception rate in relation to temperature showed highly significant negative regression coefficients (− 0.66 to − 0.63% per °C; p < 0.001) in the Southern region, but non-significant coefficients in the Northern region. Humidity had a minimal effect on conception rate in both regions. Our data collectively suggest that 37°N latitude is a threshold that affects Holstein–Friesian conception rates in Japan.     

Genetic diversity of Theileria orientalis from cattle in Turkey

Theileria orientalis is usually a benign parasite but some genotypes cause infection and economic losses to the cattle industry. This study was carried out to determine T. orientalis genotypes in cattle. T. orientalis positive 63 sample were analyzed by amplifying the MPSP gene region by PCR. As a result of the SSCP analysis, samples with different band profiles were sent to the sequence analysis and genotypes were determined. T. orientalis genotype-specific PCR was performed to determine the mix genotypes. Type 1 (chitose), type 3 and type 1-type 3 mix were found positive 11.1%, 46%, and 17.5% respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was performed to separate the chitose genotypes, and two samples were found in chitose A, one sample was found in chitose B. Although chitose A genotype is suggested to be more pathogenic than chitose B, but there is little evidence for this. As a result of this study, we showed the presence of pathogenic genotype T. orientalis in Turkey. Therefore, extensive epidemiological studies are required to understand the geographic distribution, different genotypes and clinical pathologies of T. orientalis.     

Orf virus circulation in cattle in Turkey

Orf virus (ORFV) causes contagious skin disease that mainly affects sheep and goats with zoonotic potential. However, there is not enough information about the association between ORFV and occurrence of skin disease in cattle. The present study describes outbreaks of ORFV infection in cattle in different provinces that are located in the Aegean, Central Anatolian and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. During the months of June and August 2017, vesicular fluid and scab samples were collected from cattle which had proliferative skin lesions. First, presence of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) and bovine herpesvirus 2 (BoHV-2, known as the causative agent of pseudo-lumpy skin disease) were investigated by real time PCR and PCR, respectively. Then, samples tested for the presence of parapoxviruses by PCR using primers specific to major envelope protein gene (B2L). Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in investigated samples whereas LSDV and BoHV-2 DNA were not detected. The analysis of the B2L gene sequences revealed that cattle were infected with ORFV. The isolates in the present study shared 100% sequence identity at the nucleotide and amino acid level when compared with previously characterised Turkish field ORFV isolates from goats in 2016. Results of the study show unusual infection of cattle with ORFV, and suggest that ORFV jumps the host species barrier from goats to cattle.     

中式解冻液解冻牛精液的受胎试验

中药解冻液１、２号和对照液２．９％柠檬酸钠液的一次受胎率及６０－９０天不发精率比较，中式解冻液具有更广泛的实用性。     

Season and physiological status affects the circadian body temperature rhythm of dairy cows

The circadian body (vaginal) temperature rhythm was measured in 36 dairy cows: Holstein–Friesian (HF, n = 12), Jersey (J, n = 12) and their crossbreed, Holstein–Friesian × Jersey (HF × J, n = 12) at six different periods (5-7 days in duration) during the year that could potentially be a seasonal and physiological stressor. These were a) early winter (late pregnancy), (b) early spring (early lactation), (c) late spring (before mating at mid-lactation), (d) early summer (after mating at mid-lactation), (e) late summer (late lactation, early pregnancy) and, (f) early autumn (drying-off at the end of lactation, mid-pregnancy). Live weight and body condition score was recorded on the first day of each measurement period. Live weight differed (P < 0.001) with breed with HF cows heaviest and J cows lightest (HF: 525 ± 51, HF × J: 456 ± 56, J: 401 ± 30 kg). HF cows tended (P = 0.099) to have a higher body condition than either J or HF × J cows although the overall change in body condition during the experiment was similar (P = 0.961) amongst breeds. The circadian body temperature rhythm differed markedly between each measurement period, being flatter and having a less prominent morning nadir and afternoon peak during early winter compared to spring and summer. The timing of peak body temperature was 4-5 h earlier in early autumn in HF and HF × J cows relative to J cows. There was no breed difference (P ≥ 0.162) in daily mean body temperature except for a tendency (P = 0.075) for mean body temperature to be moderately higher in J cows (38.5 °C) during late summer compared to HF and HF × J cows (38.4 °C), primarily due to an increase (P = 0.001) in daily minimum body temperature (38.0 vs. 37.8 °C). The daily range of oscillation (maximum–minimum) in the body temperature rhythm was highest during late summer, particularly in HF and HF × J cows. Minimum body temperature was also higher (P = 0.033) for J cows than HF and HF × J cows during early autumn (37.9 vs. 37.8 °C). In conclusion, season and physiological status of cattle had a profound effect on the circadian body temperature rhythm but there was little difference between the breeds of dairy cows studied.     

Hydatidosis of slaughtered cattle in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir,southern Ethiopia

The study was carried out from July 2007 to June 2008 in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir to assess the status of hydatidosis in cattle. Routine meat inspection, hydatid cyst count and characterization were conducted. Out of 400 cattle slaughtered in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir 64 (16%) animals were found harboring hydatid cysts. Thorough meat inspection in the abattoir revealed that 74 visceral organ were found harboring one or more hydatid cysts. The infection of the lung, liver, spleen and kidney were found to be 45.94% 45.94%, 6.75% and 1.35% respectively. From the total of 283 hydatid cysts counted 153(54.06%), 17(6.00%), 5(1.76%), 108(38.16%) were found to be small, medium, large and calcified cysts respectively and 170(60.28%), 5(1.76%) and 108(38.16%) were sterile, fertile and calcified cysts respectively. The rate of cyst calcification was higher in the liver than in the lung while fertility rate was higher among the cysts of the lung. Hydatid cyst viability rate of 40% was observed.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in local and imported cattle breeds in the Kars province of Turkey

This study investigates the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the province of Kars in north-eastern Turkey. A total of 301 serum samples, 228 from local breeds of cows with a history of recent abortion and the remaining 73 collected at random from Simmental cows imported from Germany or their offspring, were tested for anti-Neospora antibodies by ELISA. All the serum samples from local breeds were negative for N. caninum antibodies, apart from one which tested inconclusive. In contrast six of the samples (8.2% with 95%CI: 2-14.5%) from Simmental cows tested positive. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) in the seroprevalence of N. caninum between local and Simmental breeds, even if the inconclusive test was considered positive, and the odds ratio of its occurrence in the Simmental breed was 20.3. In conclusion, it is unlikely that N. caninum contributes to abortion in local cattle breeds and our results also suggest that N. caninum was introduced to the region by the importation of Simmental cattle and that the vertical transmission of the parasite in cattle is important in the region.     

江苏某奶牛场荷斯坦牛和娟姗牛泌乳性能的比较分析

[目的]研究旨在比较荷斯坦牛和娟姗牛泌乳性能的差异.[方法]收集了江苏某奶牛场2020年1—12月间共896条DHI记录,用多因素方差法分析不同测定季节、胎次、泌乳阶段和产犊季节荷斯坦牛和娟姗牛泌乳性能的差异.[结果]结果表明,不同测定季节、胎次、泌乳阶段和产犊季节对荷斯坦牛和娟姗牛泌乳性能有极显著影响.不同测定季节、...     

提高牛人工授精受胎率技术

文章从母牛繁殖机能、冻精质量、冻精解冻的温度、时间及方法、母牛发情鉴定、黄牛和水牛繁殖的差异、输精方法、输精时间、榆精部位、技术培训和养牛综合配套技术等方面阐述了提高黄牛、水牛冻精配种受胎率的技术措施。     

湘西黄牛与湘南黄牛主要种质特性的比较研究

[目的]为评价、保护和利用好湘西黄牛和湘南黄牛重要的遗传资源提供科学依据.[方法]按照DB43/T638-2011规定的方法对湘西黄牛和湘南黄牛的体型外貌、体重体尺、繁殖性能、生长发育性状、胴体性状、肌肉品质和役用性能等主要种质特性进行了研究和评价.[结果]湘西黄牛较湘南黄牛体型大,生长发育快,役力大;肌内脂肪高和肌肉...     

Effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and season on plasma and milk insulin-like growth factors I (IGF-I) and II (IGF-II) in lactating dairy cows

During two studies, effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on plasma and milk IGF's in cows adapted to summer (S; 12 cows) or winter (W; 12 cows) conditions were evaluated. Each study consisted of on-farm periods (30 days) followed by climatology chamber periods (CC; 30 days). Cows were given daily injections of rbST, Sometribove, USAN (25mg/day; 6 cows each study) or saline (control; 6 cows each study). During on-farm periods, blood and milk (am and pm) samples were collected once weekly. During CC periods, blood samples were collected every 2 days and milk samples (am and pm) were collected daily. Plasma IGF-I and IGF-II were increased in cows treated with rbST. A pronounced seasonal pattern in basal and rbST-stimulated plasma IGF-I but not IGF-II was detected. Higher basal and rbST-stimulated plasma IGF-I concentrations in S occurred despite large decreases in feed intake and energy balance. Milk IGF-I and IGF-II was not affected by rbST treatment or season. Although milk IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations were unaffected by rbST treatment, total IGF-output increased due to increased milk yield. The observed seasonal patterns in plasma IGF-I may be indicative of seasonal differences in the coupling of the somatotropin-IGF axis. In particular, we failed to detect an uncoupling of the somatotropin-IGF-I axis in S despite an induced negative energy balance during thermal stress.     

Herd-level Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence was not associated with herd-level breeding performance in Czech dairy herds

Q fever was studied on a large agricultural farm in northern Moravia, Czech Republic. Antibodies to Coxiella burnetii were ascertained by a complement fixation test. Titre of 8 or higher was considered as positive. The seroprevalences in cows (each cow was examined only once immediately after drying-off during a one-year period) from 14 different herds was between 4 to 19%. No significant correlation between seroprevalence levels and fertility characteristics in the cow herds was found. Of a total of 17 samples of milk from 17 randomly-selected cows with antibody titres of 8 to 32, one strain of Coxiella burnetii was isolated. In heifers (n = 339) and beef bulls (n = 210) no antibodies to C. burnetii were found. In cattle from the farm investigated, latent Q fever did not represent any health problem.     

Distribution of nuclear mitochondrial DNA in cattle nuclear genome

The nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts), originated from mtDNA insertions into the nuclear genome, have been detected to exist in many species. However, the distribution of numts in cattle nuclear genome yet has not been fully reported. By referring to the whole cattle mtDNA sequence and to the recently released cattle nuclear genome by Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC), 303 numts were identified by BLAST with 55 numts unmapped to cattle nuclear genome. Further analysis found that the size of the numts ranges from 37 to 1932 bp, and the homologous identity between numts and their corresponding mtDNA fragments varies from 73 to 98%. Furthermore, the identified cattle numts cover nearly all the mitochondrial genes including mtDNA control region, distributing over all the chromosomes with the exception of the chromosome 23 and Y chromosome (in the latter the sequence data are not available). In the discovered numts, 29 relatively complete mitochondrial genes, which were distributed in 72 numts, were detected. Undoubtedly, this research would provide some valuable information for successive research related to mitochondrial genes and the evolution of cattle.     

Temporal trends in reproductive performance in Irish dairy herds and associated risk factors

: Irish dairy herd fertility has been declining since the 1980s. The extent, nature and causes of this decline in fertility and the current status of Irish dairy herd fertility were described. An increase in calving interval of approximately one day per year has been recorded. The principal components of this trend have been an increased incidence of postpartum endocrinopathies, reduced expression of oestrus and a fall in conception rate. Both submission rate and calving-to-service interval have increased slightly over time. Significant risk factors associated with these trends have been strain substitution within the Holstein-Friesian breed and single trait selection for milk production. Critically, these changes have been reflected in loss of body condition. Contributory factors included increased herd size and possibly increased use of DIYAI. The most recent Irish study showed that 48% of cows conceived to first service and 14% of cows were not pregnant at the end of the industry-average 15-week spring breeding season. However, the top quartile of herds achieved a first-service conception rate of 59%, illustrating the wide variation between herds. These phenotypic trends were attributed to both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. Recent Irish dairy herd fertility performance falls short of the targets set for seasonal compact calving.     

不同季节不同生产因素对荷斯坦奶牛性控冻精人工输精受胎率的影响

为研究不同季节、不同胎次、不同发情方式及不同泌乳天数等因素对奶牛单个情期受胎率的影响,选取2169头奶牛进行统计分析。结果显示,奶牛秋冬季配种受胎率较春夏季高,冬季情期受胎率显著高于春、夏两季（P＜0.05）,初产奶牛情期受胎率高于经产奶牛（P＜0.01）,自然发情情期受胎率极显著高于同期发情药物处理奶牛（P＜0.01）,不同泌乳阶段对受胎率影响不大（P＞0.05）。     

Eimeriosis in dairy cattle farms in Morogoro municipality of Tanzania

Coccidial oocysts were detected in 35% of 445 cattle in four medium-scale and 20 small-scale dairy farms in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. The highest prevalence (56%) was observed in animals aged between 5 and 18 months, whereas lower prevalences were observed in calves (29%) aged between 12 days and 4 months and adults (30%). No coccidial oocysts were detected in calves less than 12 days old. The oocyst output was high in calves, followed by weaners; adults had the lowest oocyst output. The number of oocysts per gram of faeces was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in diarrhoeic animals than in non-diarrhoeic animals, and more so in young calves. Eimeria species infecting the animals included Eimeria bovis (68%) and Eimeria zuemii (57%), Eimeria ellipsoidalis (25%), Eimeria cylindrica (23%), Eimeria auburnensis (22%), Eimeria alabamensis (12%) and Eimeria subspherica (5%). Mixed infections involving two or three species were common. Our findings indicate that eimeriosis is common in cattle in Morogoro municipality.     

应用西门塔尔牛冻精改良大别山黄牛的效果分析

为了提高大别山黄牛的生产性能，在麻城市乘马岗乡利用让塔尔牛冻精改良大别山黄牛。杂交改良结果表明：西大Ｆ１黄牛生长发育快，从初生重到６月龄，１２月龄以及１８月龄时体重和体尺均优于大别山黄牛；２４月龄时抽样屠宰，西大Ｆ１黄牛的屠宰率和净肉率均明显 高于大别山黄牛。杂交改良效果显著，值得全面推广。     

Characteristics of prolactin-releasing response to salsolinol in vivo in cattle

The aims of the present study were to clarify the effect of salsolinol (SAL), a dopamine (DA)-derived endogenous compound, on the secretion of prolactin (PRL) in cattle. The experiments were performed from April to June using calves and cows. A single intravenous (i.v.) injection of SAL (5 mg/kg body weight [BW]) or sulpiride (a DA receptor antagonist, 0.1 mg/kg BW) significantly stimulated the release of PRL in male and female calves (P < 0.05), though the response to SAL was smaller than that to sulpiride. The secretory pattern of PRL in response to SAL or sulpiride in female calves resembled that in male calves. A single i.v. injection of SAL or sulpiride significantly stimulated the release of PRL in cows (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the PRL-releasing response between the SAL- and sulpiride-injected groups in cows. A single intracerebroventricular injection of SAL (10 mg/head) also significantly stimulated the release of PRL in castrated calves (P < 0.05). These results show that SAL is involved in the regulatory process for the secretion of PRL, not only in male and female calves, but also in cows. The results also suggest that the potency of the PRL-releasing response to SAL differs with the physiological status of cattle.     

提高受体黄牛移植受胎率试验

[目的]为提高受体黄牛移植受胎率,探索合理的饲养管理条件.[方法]本试验将受体牛随机分成为6组,分别为对照、注射亚硒酸钠、VADE、HCG和饲料中增加6%的能量和蛋白,各组均采用两次注射PG的同期发情的方法.[结果]显示:注射亚硒酸钠、VADE、HCG能够提高受体移植受胎率,受胎率分别为57.1±2.45%、58.3±1.61%、59.2±3.13%,与对照组(受胎率为48.3±2.33%)之间差异显著(P＜0.05);在一定营养水平下,饲料中增加5%的能量和蛋白未能提高受体移植受胎率,受胎率分别为 56.9±3.57%、47.6±1.20%,与对照之间差异不显著(P＞0.05).受体牛子宫黄体状况也是影响移植受胎率的重要因素,受体牛的子宫生理状况是A级(移植受胎率达到55.8%)与B级(移植受胎率达到45.9%)差异显著(P＜0.05), A级与C(移植受胎率达到6.7% )级差异极显著(P＜0.01).[结论]全价营养,合理管理,较好的子宫黄体生理状况是影响受胎率的主要因素.