Influence of Age and Breed on Natural Bovine Fasciolosis in an Endemic Area (Galicia,NW Spain)

An analysis was undertaken of the effect of breed and age on bovine fasciolosis using antibody and antigen detection ELISAs. A total of 84.3% of the 1284 serum samples examined had positive antibody values and 20.4% exhibited antigenaemia. The seroprevalence of antibodies in crossbred cattle was higher than that in autochthonous Rubia Gallega, Friesian or Brown Swiss cows. The highest percentage antigenaemia occurred in the Brown Swiss cattle, but the breed differences were not statistically significant. Cattle aged 3–5 years had the highest antibody and circulating antigen prevalence and the age differences were significant. It was concluded that the apparent influence of breed was probably closely associated with the husbandry system. The autochthonous Rubia Gallega may be better adapted to fasciolosis as its percentage of antigenaemia was the lowest.     

A survey of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in the Gisborne and Hunterville regions of New Zealand

A postal survey of 400 beef farmers in the Hunterville and Gisborne districts sought to identify features of farms or management procedures that might influence the occurrence, transmission or severity of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). The overall response rate was 72%. The annual incidence of IBK outbreaks rose from 10% to 28% between the years 1977 to 1981 and was similar for both districts. Prevalence was highest during mid-summer and lowest in mid-winter. Larger properties were more prone to outbreaks. In both districts, farmers of IBK-free properties purchased fewer cattle than those who had experienced IBK and this distinction was more evident in the Hunterville area. Only in the Gisborne district did a Hereford breed predisposition to infection become apparent. All age groups were affected with IBK but the attack rate was highest in the younger cattle. Eleven percent of farmers routinely treated their cattle for IBK and that produced an earlier resolution of lesions and fewer cattle in which healing extended longer than four weeks. Most farmers considered IBK to be an inconvenience which limited livestock production through reducing growth rates and lowering monetary returns when stock had to be sold at unsuitable times. Eye disfigurement caused loss of value in stud and export stock.     

Prevalence of Bovine tuberculosis in Ethiopian slaughter cattle based on post-mortem examination

A study aimed at describing the magnitude and distribution of gross lesions compatible with bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in Ethiiopian slaughter cattle in five abattoirs (four municipal and one export) located in various cattle husbandry systems in Ethiopia was carried out from July 2006 to January 2007 using detailed meat inspection procedure. Five representative abattoirs (four municipal and one export) located in distinct livestock management systems were selected. A total of 3322 cattle; 2876 (86.6%) male, 446 (13.4%) female; 3094 (93.1%) indigenous zebu, 140 (4.2%) crossbred and 88 (2.7%) pure exotic cattle were included in the study. A nine-year meat inspection record was also analyzed to elucidate the trend of BTB in the local cattle population.Of the carcasses inspected, 337 (10.2%, 95%CI= [9.2–11.2]) had lesions suggestive of tuberculosis, 69 (20.5%) generalized and 268 (79.5%) localized.TB prevalence showed a marked variation between categories of age, breed, class of animals, abattoir, geographic origin and husbandry system. It was higher in old and young animals than middle age group; in exotic than local breed; in calves than other classes of animals. The highest and lowest prevalence of TB was recorded in Adama (24.7%, 95%CI= [21.1–28.7]) and Yabello abattoirs (4.2%, 95%CI= [2.6–6.6]), respectively. Cattle whose origin was from Addis Ababa and its surrounding areas had higher prevalence of TB infection (23.9%, 95%CI= [17.6–31.5]).Cattle maintained in dairy farms had high degree of exposure (23.9%, 95%CI= [16.7–32.9]) to the infection than those maintained in other types of management system. Analysis of meat inspection records also revealed an increasing incidence of TB over the years. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of tuberculosis in Ethiopian slaughter cattle and this could infer to similar scenario in a reference cattle population in the country. In view of Ethiopia’s increasing involvement in livestock export trade, the reported high prevalence of tuberculosis could be a major obstacle, particularly at this moment when sanitary requirements from importing countries are so much strict. Furthermore, the growing concern over increasing incidence of tuberculosis/HIV/AIDS co-infection, the high incidence of extra- pulmonary tuberculosis and a high risk of acquiring zoonotic tuberculosis among the majority of the population emphasize the need for paying the necessary attention towards the control of bovine tuberculosis.     

Serological prevalence of Neospora caninum in healthy and aborted dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran

A total of 810 dairy cattle were blood sampled and used to evaluate serological screening for Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle herds in Mashhad (Khorasan province, Iran). In 4 herds, of the 810 cattle, 123 (15.18%) were seropositive by IFA Test (VMRD Inc., Pullman, WA 99163, USA) with titer 1:200 and range of prevalence per herd from 9.92 to 19.60%. Seroprevalence was not significantly different between Holstein breed (14.88%) and Brown Swiss breed (19.60%). Comparison of N. caninum serological status with age groups (< or =2 years, 2-4 years, > or =4 years) showed no significant difference. Of the 139 aborted cattle sampled, 19.42% were seropositive for N. caninum.     

External coaptation for the treatment of long bone fractures in cattle: a retrospective study of 35 cases (1996-2001)

The objective of this retrospective study was to report the history, signalment, frequency, types, complications, and long-term outcome of long bone fractures in cattle treated using external coaptation techniques. The sex, age, breed, history, physical examination findings, and radiographic findings were recorded. Of 35 cases with long bone fractures treated using external coaptation, 31 were discharged alive. The mean hospitalization time for these cattle was 2 days. Six to 12 months after treatment, 26 (84%) cases were considered satisfactorily healed. It was concluded that cattle with long bone fractures could be treated successfully using external coaptation with minimal effect on productivity.     

Studies on age specific leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in normal Friesian, Red Danish and Jersey cattle in Denmark.

To determine reference values for leukocyte and lymphocyte counts of the most common cattle breeds in Denmark, especially regarding the evaluation procedure in the leukosis control work, blood samples from normal cattle of all ages within the Friesian, the Red Danish and the Jersey breeds were collected, transported and counted as in the routine leukosis control programme. Evaluation of breed- and age specific counts showed numerically small, but statistically significant differences in mean values of leukocytes and lymphocytes between on the one hand Jersey cattle and on the other hand Red Danish and Friesian cattle. However, it was found that the key values used in the leukosis control work are generally in good agreement with the calculated 99.87 percentiles of all age- and breed specific lymphocyte count distributions, which were approximated with logarithmic normal distribution curves.     

Comparison of heat tolerance of feedlot heifers of different breeds

Heat stress in cattle causes decreases in feed intake and feed efficiency; in extreme cases, it can cause death. These losses amount to millions of dollars each year. A study was designed to determine severity of heat stress among four breeds of cattle. Throughout two summers, 256 feedlot heifers of four different breeds were observed. Respiration rates, panting scores, and surface temperatures were taken twice each day on 10 animals/breed for several weeks during the summers of 2002 and 2003. Twenty-four-hour behavior measurements were recorded for four heat-stress and four thermoneutral days. Results showed during the afternoon, Angus cattle (black) had the highest respiration rates, panting scores, and surface temperatures, followed by the MARC III (dark red), Gelbvieh (tan), and Charolais (white). Behavior data showed that heat stress increased drinking and standing behavior, and decreased eating, lying, and agonistic behaviors, and that dark-hided cattle adjusted their behavior more than light-hided cattle. Overall, it was found that breed of cattle with dark-hides were more affected by temperature changes and at peak temperatures than breeds of cattle with light-hides.     

Genetic differences among native and modern cattle breeds in Lithuania based on milk protein loci polymorphism

The intrabreed and interbreed genetic diversity of Lithuanian cattle breeds - two native, namely Lithuanian Light Grey and Lithuanian White-Backed and two modern, namely Lithuanian Red and Lithuanian Black and White was investigated by determination of genetic markers: 4 milk protein systems, Alpha(s1)-casein, Kappa-casein, Beta-casein and Beta-lactoglobulin, which are comprised of 12 different milk protein types. According to results, the B type of Alpha(s1)-casein was found as predominant in all four studied breeds. The most common A and B types of Kappa-casein were found at high frequency in all investigated cattle breeds. All investigated Lithuanian dairy cattle breeds had high frequency of Beta-lactoglobulin whey protein B types, with the highest frequency in Lithuanian Red breed, and the lowest in Lithuanian Light Grey. After investigation the diversity of alleles and genotypes of milk proteins in Lithuanian dairy cattle breeds was determined that, Lithuanian Red breed was distinguished private C allele and BC genotype of Beta-lactoglobulin and CC genotype of Alpha(s1)-casein. The interbreed genetic diversity was estimated by a principal component analysis (PCA). The first principal component (PC) explains 63.39% and the second principal component (PC) explains 33.67% of the genetics diversity between the breeds. Principal component analysis, suggests the hypothesis that native Lithuanian White Backed and Lithuanian Light Grey breeds still have traits tracing to old native populations.     

Relationships between demographic variables and lead toxicosis in cattle evaluated at North American veterinary teaching hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between age, sex, breed, and month and year of admission and the diagnosis of lead toxicosis in cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. Sample Population-Records of all cattle evaluated at North American veterinary teaching hospitals during the years 1963 to 2002, which were available through the Veterinary Medical Database. PROCEDURES: Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between postulated risk factors and the occurrence of lead toxicosis in cattle and predict the occurrence of the diagnosis of lead toxicosis in cattle. RESULTS: 413 cases of lead intoxication and 202,363 control cattle were identified and met the inclusion criteria. Cattle < 4 years of age were at increased risk for the diagnosis of lead intoxication relative to cattle > or = 4 years of age. Cattle > or = 2 months and < 6 months of age had the greatest risk for lead intoxication (odds ratio, 12.3). Angus cattle were at greater risk for toxicosis (odds ratio, 1.95), compared with other breeds. The risk of lead toxicosis was greater before 1985 (odds ratio, 1.94) than the risk thereafter. The risk of lead toxicosis diagnosis was greatest in the months of May, June, July, and August. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lead toxicosis in cattle was associated with age < 4 years and the Angus breed. A seasonal pattern existed with peak occurrence in the late spring and summer. The occurrence of lead toxicosis has declined over time.     

Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy cattle and water buffaloes and associated abortions in the plateau of Southern Peninsular India

A seroprevalence study of bovine neosporosis was conducted among 1,927 dairy cattle and 341 water buffaloes from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states in plateau of southern peninsular India by employing competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 12.61 and 9.97 % sera samples were found positive for the presence of Neospora caninum antibody, respectively, among cattle and water buffaloes. Out of 1,927 sera samples from cattle, 912 and 1,015 samples were collected from unorganized and organized herds, respectively. The cattle screened were of upgraded Holstein–Friesian and water buffaloes were of graded Surti breed. Significantly (p?<?0.05) higher prevalence was found in the cattle in unorganized herds (16.66 %) in comparison to organized herds (8.96 %). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in the age group of 4 years and above in both type of cattle herds and water buffaloes. There was a significant variation of seroprevalence (p?<?0.05) observed between different age groups of cattle. The rate of seroprevalence increased with the increment in the age of the animals suggesting a possibility of horizontal mode of transmission of the infection from the environment. The percentage of abortion history was more in seropositive group (51.65 %) in comparison to the seronegative group (5.84 %) and the seropositive cattle were 8.84 times more likely to experience abortion than the seronegative cattle. The occurrence of abortion among different age groups varied significantly (p?<?0.05). The findings revealed the presence of neosporosis in the southern peninsular India among cattle and water buffaloes and a strong association between the seroprevalence and abortion.     

Prevalence of bovine leukemia virus infection in Florida

A serologic study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in dairy and beef cattle in Florida. Using the agar gel immunodiffusion test with a glycoprotein antigen 47.8% of 7,768 dairy cattle and 6.7% of 4,911 beef cattle were found to have antibodies to BLV. The prevalence of BLV antibodies increased significantly (P less than 0.0001) with increasing age. After data were adjusted for age, prevalence of BLV antibodies was significantly associated with dairy breed (P less than 0.05) but not with species (Bos taurus and B indicus) or sex.     

Risk factors for abomasal volvulus and left abomasal displacement in cattle.

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to evaluate and compare risk factors for abomasal volvulus (AV) and left displaced abomasum (LDA) in cattle. Medical record abstracts were derived from 17 North American veterinary schools by the Veterinary Medical Data Program for all cattle admitted between Jan 1, 1977 and Dec 31, 1986, and for those with a diagnosis of AV or LDA. From a total of 108,956 individual cattle records, 1,036 cases of AV and 7,695 cases of LDA were identified, with a ratio of LDA to AV cases of 7.4 to 1. In-hospital mortality was 23.5% for AV and 5.6% for LDA. Age, breed, gender, and season each had significant (P less than 0.05) effects on risk for AV and LDA. Risk for AV and LDA increased with increasing age, with greater risk in cattle aged 4 to 7 years. Dairy cattle were at higher risk of developing AV (adjusted odds ratio, 36.4) and LDA (adjusted odds ratio, 95.2) than were beef cattle. The odds of AV in Brown Swiss cattle were significantly (P less than 0.0001) lower, and the odds of LDA in Guernsey cattle were significantly (P less than 0.0001) higher than those in Holstein cattle. Female cattle were also at higher risk of developing AV (adjusted odds ratio, 3.3) and LDA (adjusted odds ratio, 29.1) than were male cattle. The odds of AV and LDA varied considerably throughout the year, with the lowest number of cases observed in autumn. Seasonal development of AV differed significantly (P less than 0.0001) from that of LDA, with the odds of AV and LDA being highest in January and March, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A seroepidemiological study on bluetongue virus in dairy cattle in the central valley of California

A seroepidemiological study on bluetongue virus (BTV) infection in California dairy cattle was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution by age and season of BTV group-reactive antibodies and to look for possible associations between the presence of antibodies and cattle age or breed and farm. Between December 1985 and March 1987, a sample of cattle was tested at approximately two-month intervals for BTV group-reactive antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data taken during the month of December 1986 were used to evaluate possible associations between a positive antibody test and certain intrinsic (age, breed) and extrinsic (farm) factors.Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses using the -square test for associations and multiple logistic regression, respectively, were carried out for possible associations between positive antibody tests to BTV and each factor of interest. The strengths of the associations were determined using estimates of the odds ratio.Of the 3774 serum samples tested, 238 (6.3%) were from calves, 1045 (27.6%) were from heifers and 2492 (66.0%) were from cows. Seroprevalence varied from nil in calves on two occasions to over 90% on several occasions in cows. Cows consistently had higher prevalence rates than heifers or calves across all test dates (p<0.05). The seroprevalence of BTV group-reactive antibodies also showed a seasonal fluctuation, with the highest rates occurring during the warmer months of the year. These highest prevalence rates coincided with heavy activity of the known vector of BTV, Culicoides spp. Breed and farm effects were not statistically significant (p>0.05). With the exception of one farm, all cattle were of the Holstein breed, which reduced confidence in assessing any breed effect in this study. Relative estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of BTV ELISA were 87% and 100% respectively, compared to the standard agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test.The observations support previous findings of seasonal distribution of BTV antibodies and suggest an age relationship, whereby older cattle are more likely to be positive to BTV group-reactive antibodies than younger cattle.     

Risk factors associated with prevalence of tuberculosis-like lesions and associated mycobacteria in cattle slaughtered at public and export abattoirs in Ethiopia

This study was aimed at investigating risk factors associated with prevalence of tuberculosis (TB)-like lesions and associated mycobacteria in Ethiopian cattle slaughtered. The study was carried out during 2006–2007 in five selected municipal and export abattoirs. Methods of investigation involved detailed necropsy examination of carcasses and isolation of mycobacteria from pathologic tissue specimens. Factors of animal and environment origin were recorded and examined as explanatory variables in relation to the presence or absence of TB-like lesions and the presence of viable mycobacteria. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with prevalence of TB-like lesions and mycobacteria. Out of 3,322 carcasses inspected, 10.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) [9.2–11.3]) and 3.2% (95% CI [2.6–3.8]) were positive, respectively, based on necropsy and bacteriologic examinations. The highest and lowest lesion prevalence was recorded in Adama (24.7%) and Yabello (4.2%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, breed, abattoir location, geographic origin and management system as being risk factors for prevalence of TB-like lesions and occurrence of viable mycobacteria in Ethiopian cattle. The study demonstrated mycobacterial infection as important infectious disease of Ethiopian cattle. The reported confirmed cases of the disease in different management and geographic settings in Ethiopia disproved the earlier held opinion of its occurrence as a low sporadic profile. In view of a dietary proclivity of Ethiopian communities (milk and meat are predominantly consumed raw) and lifestyle (close contact of people with animals), the risk of bovine tuberculosis as a public health threat is eminent.     

Seroprevalence of hypodermosis in cattle in some provinces of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hypodermosis in cattle in the east and southeast of Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 634 sera samples of cattle were collected from Malatya, Elazig and Diyarbakir provinces of east and southeast of Turkey from November 2005 to February 2006. The sera were analyzed using a Hypodermin C antigen by means of indirect ELISA. One hundred and forty eight (23.3%) out of 634 cattle were seropositive for hypoderma antibodies. The highest percentage of seropositivity were detected at Elazig province (26.3%) followed by Malatya (22.3%) and Diyarbakir provinces (22.1%). The seropositivity rate was higher in female (31%) than male (14.1%). When the mean is considered by animal breed, the highest seropositivity was detected at local breed (27.7%) following crossbreed (26.8%) and purebreed (19.7%). There was a positive relation between age and seropositivity. Seropositivity rate was 15.9% in 2 and under ages while these rates were 38.1% and 30.4% in 3-4 ages and 5 and up ages, respectively.     

江西地方品种黄牛产肉性能及肉品质分析研究

本研究选择18~24月龄广丰黄牛、吉安黄牛、锦江黄牛3个江西地方品种黄牛各3头,进行肉用性能和牛肉主要营养养分的测定分析。结果表明,广丰黄牛的骨率显著高于吉安黄牛(P<0.05);锦江黄牛与广丰黄牛、吉安黄牛相比屠宰率、净肉率较高,眼肌面积较大,但无显著差异(P>0.05);同时,锦江黄牛氨基酸总量低于其它品种,鲜味氨基酸、甜鲜味氨基酸高于其它品种,苦味氨基酸低于其它两品种,差异均不显著(P>0.05);各种氨基酸中,锦江黄牛赖氨酸和酪氨酸含量低于其它品种,但甘氨酸含量高于广丰黄牛,差异显著(P<0.05)。牛肉各种脂肪酸含量、硬脂肪酸总含量和不饱和脂肪总含量在品种间均无显著差异(P>0.05)。结果显示从常规养分含量、氨基酸、脂肪酸的营养价值评定方面,3个地方品种黄牛中,广丰黄牛、吉安黄牛优于锦江黄牛。     

Prevalence of mixed trematode infections in an abattoir receiving cattle from northern Portugal and north-west Spain

Between February 2007 and January 2009, a total of 776 slaughtered animals were examined for the presence of Trematoda in the liver, gall bladder, oesophagus and stomach (rumen and reticulum). Data collected were analysed by the age and breed of the animals. The percentage of cattle from which Trematoda were found was 38 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 35 to 41 per cent); 28 per cent (95 per cent CI 25 to 31 per cent) had Fasciola hepatica, 12 per cent (95 per cent CI 10 to 14 per cent) Calicophoron daubneyi and 6 per cent (95 per cent CI 4 to 8 per cent) Dicrocoelium species. A significantly high prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was observed in cattle over 10 years of age. Autochthonous Rubia Gallega cattle had the highest prevalence of fasciolosis and crossbred cattle had the highest prevalence of dicrocoeliosis (P<0.05). Twenty per cent (95 per cent CI 15 to 25 per cent) of the cattle positive for Fasciola also had Calicophoron species; 10 per cent (95 per cent CI 6 to 14 per cent) also had small liver flukes (Dicrocoelium species).     

Causes of death in beef cattle in southern Brazil

We determined the prevalence of diseases and pathogens associated with mortality in beef cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on pathology laboratory submissions. Postmortem examinations were conducted on 1,277 beef cattle that died between 2008 and 2018. Information regarding age, time of the year, breed, and regional location were analyzed statistically. Most cattle were from the surrounding region of Porto Alegre, and 78.7% of the analyzed cases had diagnostic value. The diagnostic category with most cases was infectious and/or parasitic diseases (60%), followed by toxic and toxicoinfectious (25%). Most cases occurred in the fall. Major disease conditions identified included hemoprotozoal infection (18.2%), rabies (8.2%), and plant intoxications by Senecio spp. (8.5%) and Pteridium arachnoideum (4.6%). Hemoprotozoal infection occurred at a higher frequency in young cattle, mainly in animals up to 1 y old. Intoxication by Senecio spp. was more frequent in cattle 2–3 y old.     

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND GROSS PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ONCHOCERCA GIBSONI INFECTION IN CATTLE

SUMMARY A total of 5712 cattle from 62 properties or localities in northern, central and eastern Australia were examined at abattoirs, and the presence of Onchocerca gibsoni infection was related to region, season when slaughtered, and breed, sex and age of slaughtered cattle. Additionally, these features were also related to nodule characteristics determined from macroscopic examination of all nodules in single (left or right) briskets from 1287 infected cattle selected at random from those examined in abattoirs. Infection rate was 86% and number of nodules per brisket was 3.7 ± 4.1 (Mean ± Standard Deviation). When adjusted for other variables infection rates varied from 18% in central New South Wales to a maximum of 96% in north western Queensland. Number of nodules per brisket in cattle from north western Queensland was 9 times greater than in cattle from central New South Wales. Most nodules (70%) were 1–2 cm in diameter and weighed less than 2 g. The occurrence of changes such as calcification and caseation indicated that 20–30% of nodules studied were undergoing advanced degeneration or resolution. More nodules were detected in autumn than during winter or spring and the proportions of nodules which were hard on palpation, or had thick capsules, both increased during the autumn-spring interval. Although inconclusive, breed differences observed suggested that Bos indicus and B. indicus crossbreds had slightly greater resistance to O. gibsoni infection than cattle of British breed. Infection rate and number of nodules per brisket were greater in bulls than in cows or steers but weight of nodules in steers was greater than in other groups. Percentage of animals infected, and nodule prevalence both increased with increasing age but annual increase in nodule prevalence was less in cattle over 5 years than in younger ones, suggesting development of some immunity in mature cattle.     

Familial occurrence of bovine dilated cardiomyopathy in Denmark

Bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCM) is a hereditary disease genetically related to the Canadian Holstein sire Montwick Red Apple Sovereign (MRAS). The occurrence of this disorder in the Red Danish Dairy breed, Holsteins, and Red Holsteins in Denmark is reported. Fourteen cases were diagnosed during a 13-year period. All suffered from congestive heart failure because of progressive myocardial fibrosis. Pedigree information was available in 12 cases revealing both maternal and paternal relationship to MRAS. Several sires were identified as carriers of BDCM. These sires originated from breeding lines used to upgrade Danish cattle populations. The findings indicate that BDCM is a potential health problem for Danish cattle.