Trace element deficiencies in cattle

Deficiency of cobalt, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, selenium, or zinc can cause a reduction in production. Reduced production occurs most commonly when a deficiency corresponds to the phases of growth, reproduction, or lactation. Because of environmental, nutrient, disease, genetic, and drug interactions, deficiencies of single or multiple elements can occur even when the levels recommended by the National Research Council for these nutrients are being fed. Additionally, random supplementation of trace elements above National Research Council recommendations is not justified because of the negative interaction among nutrients and potential toxicosis. Evaluation of trace element status can be difficult because many disease states will alter blood analytes used to evaluate nutrient adequacy. Proper dietary and animal evaluation, as well as response to supplementation, are necessary before diagnosing a trace element deficiency.     

Survey for antibodies to viruses of bovine virus diarrhea, bluetongue, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in hunter-killed mule deer in New Mexico

Sera from male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) collected in November 1977 in Otero County, New Mexico were tested fro antibodies to bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV), bluetongue virus (BTV), and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 26 of 76 (34%) sera tested for BVDV (titer greater than or equal to 1:16). Of 46 sera tested for antibodies to BTV and EHDV, 10 (22%) and 3 (7%), respectively, were positive. Three (7%) of 46 sera were suspect (titer < 1:20) for BTV, and 18 (38%) sera were suspect (titer < 1:20) for EHDV.     

Hemochromatosis in Salers Cattle

Two 2-year-old Salers cattle from different herds raised on pasture were evaluated for retarded growth and diarrhea. Increase of liver enzyme activities and prolonged sulfobromophothalein (BSP) half life (T1/2) indicated liver disease with impaired liver function. Histopathologic examination of liver biopsies revealed a micronodular cirrhosis with marked deposition of hemosiderin in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and arterioles. Transferrin saturation (TS) and liver iron content were markedly increased, consistent with a diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Both animals were euthanatized due to deterioration in their condition. Necropsy findings included hepatomegaly and hemosiderin accumulation in the liver, lymph nodes, pancreas, spleen, thyroid, kidney, brain and other glandular tissue. Continued surveillance of the second herd (serum iron, total iron binding capacity [TIBC], unsaturated iron binding capacity [UIBC], and TS), identified a heifer as a hemochromatosis suspect in a subsequent generation. Liver biopsies from that animal revealed the same histopathologic changes as the previous 2 animals, and similar increases in liver iron content (8,700 ppm, normal range 45 to 300 ppm). The 3 affected cattle were all products of line breeding programs and shared a common ancestor. The absence of dietary iron loading in conjunction with the histopathologic and metabolic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of primary hemochromatosis. The reported disease is similar to idiopathic hemochromatosis in human beings in which there is a hereditary defect in iron metabolism.     

Uses and analysis of sulfites in the corn wet milling industry

This paper reviews the purpose and principal uses of sulfiting agents in corn wet milling, together with the residual levels of sulfiting agents in finished products. Comparative results of the Monier-Williams method, an iodometric method, and a pararosaniline method for sulfur dioxide are discussed.     

A survey of pesticide usage against leatherjackets (Tipula species) in south-west scotland in 1975

A survey of 2000 farms in south-west Scotland revealed that 3.5% of the cereal area had been treated with pesticides for the control of leatherjackets (Tipula spp.) in 1975. A small area of recently established grass and some turnip fields were also treated. DDT and gamma-HCH were the most commonly used compounds with an estimated use respectively of 1863 and 376 kg of active ingredient. Pesticide usage in 1975 appeared to have been consistent with the generally low leatherjacket population in that year.     

THE BLOWFLY STRIKE PROBLEM OF SHEEP IN NEW SOUTH WALES

A field survey was undertaken between 1972-76 to reappraise the nature of the blowfly problem in New South Wales. For 2 years, 1972-1974, some 80,000 sheep were kept under observation and 12,481 strikes were reported, most due to Lucilia cuprina. Breech strike was still the basic problem but tail strike associated with scouring had become an important component where pastures have been improved. Breech strike was controlled at minimal cost by managerial practices such as docking tails the correct length--second joint-space palpable ventrally (midway down the vulval orifice in ewes) for radically mulesed lambs and the third joint-space (tip of vulva in ewes) for all other lambs-mulesing at lamb marking, mid-season crutching, determining the cause of scouring and applying the appropriate preventative or remedial measures. Thus the use of insecticides could be reserved for the control of body strike in young sheep in the odd wet years and poll strike in horned rams. Major outbreaks of body strike occurred in 1973/74. Body strike worried graziers most because of its unpredictability, sudden onset and scale. and only failing insecticides were available for control.