Prioritization based on neutral genetic diversity may fail to conserve important characteristics in cattle breeds

Conservation of the intraspecific genetic diversity of livestock species requires protocols that assess between-breed genetic variability and also take into account differences among individuals within breeds. Here, we focus on variation between breeds. Conservation of neutral genetic variation has been seen as promoting, through linkage processes, the retention of useful and potentially useful variation. Using public information on beef cattle breeds, with a total of 165 data sets each relating to a breed comparison of a performance variable, we have tested this paradigm by calculating the correlations between pairwise breed differences in performance and pairwise genetic distances deduced from biochemical and immunological polymorphisms, microsatellites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. As already observed in floral and faunal biodiversity, significant positive correlations (n=54) were found, but many correlations were non-significant (n=100) or significantly negative (n=11). This implies that maximizing conserved neutral genetic variation with current techniques may conserve breed-level genetic variation in some traits but not in others and supports the view that genetic distance measurements based on neutral genetic variation are not sufficient as a determinant of conservation priority among breeds.     

Comparison of models for genetic evaluation of survival traits in dairy cattle: a simulation study.

Three models for the analysis of functional survival data in dairy cattle were compared using stochastic simulation. The simulated phenotype for survival was defined as a month after the first calving (from 1 to 100) in which a cow was involuntarily removed from the herd. Parameters for simulation were based on survival data of the Canadian Jersey population. Three different levels of heritability of survival (0.100, 0.050 and 0.025) and two levels of numbers of females per generation (2000 or 4000) were considered in the simulation. Twenty generations of random mating and selection (on a second trait, uncorrelated with survival) with 20 replicates were simulated for each scenario. Sires were evaluated for survival of their daughters by three models: proportional hazard (PH), linear multiple-trait (MT), and random regression (RR) animal models. Different models gave different ranking of sires with respect to survival of their daughters. Correlations between true and estimated breeding values for survival to five different points in a cow's lifetime after the first calving (120 and 240 days in milk after first, second, third and fourth calving) favoured the PH model, followed by the RR model evaluations. Rankings of models were independent of the heritability level, female population size and sire progeny group size (20 or 100). The RR model, however, showed a slight superiority over MT and PH models in predicting the proportion of sire's daughters that survived to the five different end-points after the first calving.     

Herd and individual animal risks associated with bovine tuberculosis skin test positivity in cattle in herds in south west England

The aim of this study was to investigate the cattle—exposure factors associated with the risk of a bovine animal reacting to a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) skin test at a whole herd test. There were 148 study farms enrolled. These were located in six counties of the south west of England in an area considered endemic for bovine tuberculosis (bTB): 24% were restocked after foot and mouth disease (FMD) in 2001; all farms were located within the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) area. Data on cattle on these farms were sourced from the bTB Vetnet database from 1996 to 2004 and from the British Cattle Movement Scheme database. Individual animal records were created that included data on whether or not an animal became a reactor at a full-herd bTB test between 1 June 2001 and 19 August 2004, their prior exposure to cattle with bTB (defined by presence at a bTB test where at least one reactor was detected), whether the animal was homebred, the farm history of bTB and the farm restocking status. Data from 144 farms were used, 4 farms had no data.Cattle were more likely to react to the bTB skin test when they had been present at a previous bTB herd test (or tests) where other cattle had reacted to the skin test. This positively correlated with age and the number of bTB tests an animal had had. Cattle on restocked farms were less likely to react to the skin test compared with cattle on continuously stocked farms. These results highlight the likely importance of exposure to infected cattle at a previous test as a source of infection to cattle that subsequently became reactors and suggest that there was a lower risk of exposure to bTB to cattle in newly formed herds.     

Modelling the demographics of the Irish cattle population

In recent years, national authorities have committed very substantial resources to the creation and maintenance of databases capable of recording important animal event data, such as births, deaths and movements. This has primarily been driven by the need to ensure the quality and safety of animal products. However, it can also be used to assist policy makers in decision making. Despite the abundance of animal event data, as yet there is little published information about the use of these data to better understand the demography of cattle populations. This study reports the development of, and outputs from, a demographic model using data routinely collected from the Irish cattle population. The demographic model was based on a series of life tables detailing age-specific probabilities of survival up to a maximum of 17 years. These outputs were used to determine characteristics of the Irish cattle population, including estimated mortality rates, life expectancies and age profiles, and estimated cattle numbers by age and date. Separate life tables were developed for each of the 204 monthly birth cohorts born between January 1989 and December 2005. Within the Irish cattle population, the peak estimated mortality rate occurs at 29–33 months. The estimated life expectancy at birth of cattle in Ireland was 42 months. When the survival rates for all the cohorts within a population are calculated, then it is possible to use these rates as a model for determining future population size and answering cohort specific queries.     

牛非结核分枝杆菌分离与鉴定

本试验对从吉林省不同区域的7个城市采集的503份牛颌下淋巴结样品和497份牛肠系膜淋巴结样品进行非结核分枝杆菌的流行情况的调查,样品均采自结核(副结核)变态反应阴性牛只,调查中得到阳性样品25份,阳性率2.5%,其中颌下淋巴结阳性率1.59%,肠系膜淋巴结阳性率3.42%,成功分离扩增培养出14株非结核分枝杆菌,并进行了分类鉴别,得到母牛分枝杆菌1株,龟分枝杆菌脓肿亚种2株,苏加分枝杆菌2株,偶发分枝杆菌1株,蟾蜍分枝杆菌6株,胞内分枝杆菌2株.调查结果表明:非结核分枝杆菌单独感染的情况不容乐观,应加强对非结核分枝杆菌的检验检疫工作.     

Sustainability and welfare of Podolian cattle

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sustainability and welfare of extensively farmed Podolian cattle. A trained interviewer visited 50 farms and filled in a checklist which included four cards corresponding to the following animal categories: calves, replacements, feeders and adults. The analysis of the farming system showed that animals were able to express their main behavioural patterns. In addition, recorded animal-related variables indicated that Podolian cattle could benefit from high standards of welfare. Sustainability of the Podolian farming system in terms of human edible returns was evaluated for two production systems producing 10-month-old calves (10 month) and 18-month-old young bulls (18 month), respectively. Edible returns for humans were low when all animal intakes were considered for both production systems. However, if returns were computed using not only the amount of food used by the animals but also consumable by humans, yields were much higher for 18-month systems [103% crude protein (CP) and 37.1% gross energy (GE)] and so high that they could not be computed for 10-month systems. These results indicate either a low degree of competition (18-month system) or no competition (10-month system) between humans and Podolian cattle. Perceptions of sustainability and welfare of Podolian cattle may promote a favourable positioning of products in premium-price markets and help preserving this breed and the related traditional farming system.     

Contagious impetigo in a dairy cattle herd

Abstract Impetigo and fürunculosis appeared in a dairy cattle herd in association with intensive showering of the lactating cows during the summer months. Heifers and dry cows in the same herd, as well as those in a neighbouring herd in the same village, which was not showered and served as a comparison herd, remained unaffected. Skin lésions declined with the termination of showering. Only six animals [three cows (7.3%) and three first-calving cows (20%)] had to be treated parenterally with antibiotics. Resumen En un rebafio de vacas de leche aparecieron cuadros de impetigo y fürunculosis asociados a las duchas frecuentes aplicadas durante los meses de verano a las vacas lactantes. Las novillas y vacas secas en el mismo rebaño, asi como las de un rebaño vecino de la misma localidad y que no recibian duchas fueron usadas como rebaño de comparación, no se vieron afectadas. Las lesiones cutáneas remitieron al dejar de aplicar las duchas. Tan solo en seis animales [tres vacas (7, 3%) y tres vacas en primer parto (20%)] fue necesario aplicar una terapia parenteral con antibióticos. [Yeruham, I., Elad, D., Perl, S., Nyska, A., Vishinsky, Y. Contagious impetigo in a dairy cattle herd (Impetigo contagioso en un rebaño de vacas de leche). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 239–242.] Résumé Impétigo et füronculose se sont manifestés dans un troupeau laitier, en relation avec un douchage intensif des vaches allaitantes pendant les mois d'été. Les jeunes et les vaches taries du même troupeau, ainsi que celles d'un troupeau voisin du même village, non douchées et servant d'élément de comparaison, restèrent inaffectés. Les lésions cutanées ont régressé dês la cessation des douchages. Seuls six animaux (trois vaches-7, 3%-et trois vaches primipares-20%-) durent etre traités par antibiothérapie parentérale. [Yeruham, I., Elad, D., Perl, S., Nyska, A., Vishinsky, Y. Contagious impetigo in a dairy cattle herd (Impétigo contagieux dans un troupeau de vaches laitières). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 239–242.] Zusammenfassung Eine Impetigo und Furunkulose trat bei einer Milchviehherde in Verbindung mit intensivem Abduschen bei den laktierenden Kühen während der Sommermonate auf. Färsen und trockenstehende Kühe in der selben Herde sowie die einer Nachbarherde im selben Ort, die nicht abgeduscht wurden und als Vergleichsgruppe dienten, blieben unverändert. Die Hautveränderungen reduzierten sich mit Beendigung des Abduschens. Nur sechs Tiere (drei Kühe (7, 3%) und drei Kalbinnen (20%)) mußten parenteral mit Antibiotika behandelt werden. [Yeruham, I., Elad, D., Perl, S., Nyska, A., Vishinsky, Y. Contagious impetigo in a dairy cattle herd (Ansteckende Impetigo bei einer Milchviehherde). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 239–242.]     

Establishment of a standard operating procedure for predicting the time of calving in cattle

Precise calving monitoring is essential for minimizing the effects of dystocia in cows and calves. We conducted two studies in healthy cows that compared seven clinical signs (broad pelvic ligaments relaxation, vaginal secretion, udder hyperplasia, udder edema, teat filling, tail relaxation, and vulva edema) alone and in combination in order to predict the time of parturition. The relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments combined with teat filling gave the best values for predicting either calving or no calving within 12 h. For the proposed parturition score (PS), a threshold of 4 PS points was identified below which calving within the next 12 h could be ruled out with a probability of 99.3% in cows (95.5% in heifers). Above this threshold, intermitted calving monitoring every 3 h and a progesterone rapid blood test (PRBT) would be recommended. By combining the PS and PRBT (if PS ≥ 4), the prediction of calving within the next 12 h improved from 14.9% to 53.1%, and the probability of ruling out calving was 96.8%. The PRBT was compared to the results of an enzyme immunoassay (sensitivity, 90.2%; specificity, 74.9%). The standard operating procedure developed in this study that combines the PS and PRBT will enable veterinarians to rule out or predict calving within a 12 h period in cows with high accuracy under field conditions.     

The estimated long-term impact of tsetse control on the size of the population of cattle in the Didessa Valley,Western Ethiopia

The long-term impact of tsetse control on cattle population size in the Didessa Valley, western Ethiopia, was analysed using an age-structured population model. A prior analytical assessment revealed that the risk of cattle dying in the tsetse-unprotected villages ranged from 4 to 9 times higher than in the tsetse-protected village. Model results show that during a period of 10 years the cattle population in the tsetse-protected village of Meti is likely to increase from 167 to 583 animals, while that in the adjacent tsetse-unprotected village of Gale remains almost constant. Model simulations also predict that improving the survival rate of calves in the tsetse-unprotected villages of Taikiltu and Temoloko (which presently have calf mortality rates of up to 35%) would bring a substantial increase in their cattle population.     

温棚养殖肉牛骨质疏松病的病因研究

本文通过对日粮中钙、磷含量及其比例的研究,结合气候、降雨、土壤pH值、土壤含磷量及施肥等因素对牧草、农作物含磷量的影响,对温棚养殖肉牛发生骨质疏松病的病因进行了探讨。     

家畜排泄物对牧草种子传播和萌发的作用

放牧调控牧草的生殖格局,包括牧草有性繁殖和无性繁殖分配、种子生产、传播和萌发等,其中家畜的排泄物是重要的作用途径之一。放牧家畜的排泄物促进种子生产、远距离扩散和种子萌发,同时也会损伤种子、抑制萌发等。本文从种子生产、传播及萌发等方面阐述放牧家畜排泄物对牧草种子的作用,认为其是牧草自然更新有效途径之一。放牧家畜排泄物能够增加种子产量、采食几率、散布距离及改变萌发自身与生境条件,从而提高种子传播数量和质量,以促进牧草的有效自然更新。通过了解家畜排泄物在牧草种子传播和萌发中的作用并再此基础上探讨牧草自然更新的机制,以期为草地更新和退化草地恢复提供理论参考。     

提高母牛繁殖成活率技术研究

针对晋南牛饲养管理粗放、母牛繁殖成活率低、经济效益差等主要问题,通过一系列主 因地制宜、切实可行、技术配套、易于推广的提高母牛繁殖成活率的技术措施和组织措施,并对课题顺利实施谈了几点体会。     

First Isolation of Trypanosoma theileri in Sicilian cattle

Veterinary Research Communications -     

牛源环孢子虫的形态学特征观察

对首次在乳牛粪便中发现的疑似环孢子虫卵囊的形状、大小、抗酸染色和孢子化等形态学特征进行了观察，探讨了该原虫的纯化方法。结果显示，牛源环孢子虫卵囊呈球形，直径6～10μm。直接涂片时可见卵囊内含折光性较强的成团小球体，呈桑椹胚状，淡绿色。碘液染色不着色。经改良抗酸染色后，卵囊着色变化较大，呈淡红色、深红色或不着色。新排出的未孢子化卵囊培养后可观察到孢子化的卵囊，内含2个孢子囊，每个孢子囊内含有2个折光性较强的子孢子。这些特征与人或其他动物的环孢子虫一致。环孢子虫感染阳性的粪便经Sheather＇s蔗糖漂浮法浓集后，再经蔗糖密度梯度离心，可以得到较为纯净的卵囊。     

Seroprevalence of Leptospira Hardjo in the Irish suckler cattle population

Background

Prior to the present study, the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in Irish suckler herds was unknown. In this study, we describe the herd and animal-level prevalence of Leptospira Hardjo infection in the Irish suckler cattle population. For the purposes of the study, the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland were divided into 6 regions from which a representative number of herds were selected. A herd was considered eligible for sampling if it was not vaccinating against leptospirosis and if it contained ≥ 9 breeding animals of beef breed ≥ 12 months of age. In total, 288 randomly selected herds were eligible for inclusion in the seroprevalence dataset analysis. Serological testing was carried out using a commercially available monoclonal antibody-capture ELISA, (sensitivity 100%; specificity 86.67%).

Results

Herds were categorised as either “Free from Infection” or “Infected” using the epidemiological software tool, FreeCalc 2.0. Using this classification, 237 herds were “Infected” (82.29%). The South West and South East regions had the highest herd prevalence. The regional effect on herd prevalence was largely mirrored by breeding herd size. A true animal-level prevalence of 41.75% was calculated using the epidemiological software tool, TruePrev. There was a statistically significant regional trend, with true prevalence being highest in the South East (P < 0.05). The median Breeding Herd Size (BHS), when categorised into quartiles, had a statistically significant influence on individual animal true seroprevalence (P < 0.001); true seroprevalence increased with increasing BHS.

Conclusions

Leptospirosis is a widespread endemic disease in the Republic of Ireland. It is possible that economic losses due to leptospirosis in unvaccinated Irish suckler herds may be underestimated.     

山区牛场寄生虫病调查及防治措施

根据调查方案和流行病学特点,采取随机采样、粪检、屠宰检验和镜检等方法,对宁化县张某牛场牛感染寄生虫的情况进行初步调查。调查结果表明：不同季节、不同日龄的牛都不同程度感染不同类群的寄生虫,通过调查进而探讨牛寄生虫病的防治措施。     

The micronucleus frequency in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes of cattle in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant

Cytogenetic and hematological analyses were performed on the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from Korean native cattle bred in the vicinity of three nuclear power plants (Wolsong, Uljin and Yeonggwang) and in a control area. The micronucleus (MN) rates for the cattle from the Wolsong, Uljin and Yeonggwang nuclear power plants and for the control area were 9.87 ± 2.64, 8.90 ± 3.84, 9.20 ± 3.68 and 9.60 ± 3.91 per 1,000 cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes, respectively. The apparent difference is not statistically significant. The MN frequencies of PBLs from cattle bred in the four areas are within the background variation for this study. The MN frequencies and hematological values were similar regardless of whether the cattle were bred near a nuclear power plant or in the control area.     

牛隐孢子虫和隐孢子虫病的研究进展

从牛隐孢子虫病的病原分类、内生发育史、体液免疫和细胞免疫、流行病学特点、诊断、防治等几方面阐述了牛隐孢子虫和隐孢子虫病的研究现状，总结了前人对牛隐孢子虫3个有效种的生物学特性研究的结果，为进一步了解牛隐孢子虫病的流行病学及有效防制该病提供了参考。     

牛羊补偿生长的研究进展

综合了当今世界对草食家畜补偿生长的研究,探讨了影响补偿生长的主要因素是年龄、基因类型、营养限制的程度和持续时间、补充营养物质的质量和持续时间.补偿生长的作用机制是通过营养限制减少维持需要、增加采食量、增加生长效率和增加消化道内容物来实现的,特别在目前有关补偿生长的研究中,激素是热点话题,不同激素的作用可以看作是补偿反应的一个完整组成部分.