Environmental factors influencing heat stress in feedlot cattle

Data from 3 summer feedlot studies were utilized to determine the environmental factors that influence heat stress in cattle and also to determine wind speed (WSPD; m.s(-1)) and solar radiation (RAD; W.m(-2)) adjustments to the temperature-humidity index (THI). Visual assessments of heat stress, based on panting scores (0 = no panting to 4 = severe panting), were collected from 1400 to 1700. Mean daily WSPD, black globe temperature at 1500, and minimums for nighttime WSPD, nighttime black globe THI, and daily relative humidity were found to have the greatest influence on panting score from 1400 to 1700 (R2 = 0.61). From hourly values for THI, WSPD, and RAD, panting score was determined to equal -7.563 + (0.121 x THI) - (0.241 x WSPD) + (0.00082 x RAD) (R2 = 0.49). Using the ratio of WSPD to THI and RAD to THI (- 1.992 and 0.0068 for WSPD and RAD, respectively), adjustments to the THI were derived for WSPD and RAD. On the basis of these ratios and the average hourly data for 1400 to 1700, the THI, adjusted for WSPD and RAD, equals [4.51 + THI - (1.992 x WSPD) + (0.0068 x RAD)]. Four separate cattle studies, comparable in size, type of cattle, and number of observations to the 3 original studies, were utilized to evaluate the accuracy of the THI equation adjusted for WSPD and RAD, and the relationship between the adjusted THI and panting score. Mean panting score derived from individual observations of black-hided cattle in these 4 studies were 1.22, 0.94, 1.32, and 2.00 vs. the predicted panting scores of 1.15, 1.17, 1.30, and 1.96, respectively. Correlations between THI and panting score in these studies ranged from r = 0.47 to 0.87. Correlations between the adjusted THI and mean panting score ranged from r = 0.64 to 0.80. These adjustments would be most appropriate to use, within a day, to predict THI during the afternoon hours using hourly data or current conditions. In addition to afternoon conditions, nighttime conditions, including minimum WSPD, minimum black globe THI, and minimum THI, were also found to influence heat stress experienced by cattle. Although knowledge of THI alone is beneficial in determining the potential for heat stress, WSPD and RAD adjustments to the THI more accurately assess animal discomfort.     

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs: owners' perspectives on management with phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide

OBJECTIVES: To explore seizure management from the perspective of the owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to owners of 29 dogs under management for suspected or diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy through the clinics of the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, using either phenobarbitone or potassium bromide alone or in combination. RESULTS: The postal survey had an 86 per cent response rate. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that "the dog's quality of life", "adequate seizure frequency" and "acceptable side effects of antiepileptic drugs" were the three greatest concerns for owners; 52 per cent of owners strongly agreed that the seizure management for their dog was adequate, though the seizure frequency reported varied within this group; the majority of owners did not consider the administration of medication a nuisance. However, approximately 60 per cent of owners reported that caring for an epileptic dog had an effect on the organisation of their free time, though this was not dependent on perception of seizure control. Opinions as to the value of further diagnostic procedures, in particular intracranial imaging, were significantly affected by having pet health insurance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: From the owners' perspective, adequacy of seizure control is determined by the balance between "the dog's quality of life", "adequate seizure frequency" and "acceptable side effects of antiepileptic drugs". A frequency of less than one seizure every three months is associated with the perception by owners of adequate seizure control.     

Antiserum against culture filtrate is cross-protective for various serovars of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

The protective effect of porcine antiserum prepared against culture filtrate (CF) of an attenuated strain of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (serovar 2) in mice to challenge with 20 virulent strains of 18 serovars and one type N was investigated. Passively immunized mice survived after challenge with serovars 1a, 1b, 2, 5, 6, 8 (strain Goda), 11, 12, 15, 16, 21 or type N, but 10-30% mortality occurred in immunized mice challenged with each strain of serovars 4, 7, 8 (strain 911), 9, 18 or 19 and 70% mortality to serovar 10 (strain 2179). All immunized mice died after challenge with serovar 20 (strain 2553). Non-treated control mice died after challenge with all serovars and the type tested.     

Decrease in catalase activity of cultured cells by Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection

The effect of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection on the host cell catalase activity was histochemically examined in cultured chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and kidney cells. The activity in normal cells was detected as fine, brown granules in the cytoplasm, which appeared ultrastructurally to correspond to anucleoid microbodies. By infecting cultured cells with a CEF-passaged strain of M. gallisepticum, the catalase-positive granules clearly decreased in amount, whereas the UV light-killed mycoplasma and the original strain failed to decrease the granules. The cell-passaged strain was able to induce cytopathic effects and this appeared to be due to its enhanced adherent ability as compared with the original strain. These findings suggest that attachment of viable organisms to cells is crucial to decrease the catalase activity and that the decreased activity may be an important process for the subsequent development of cytopathic effects.     

Evaluation of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibodies to the Apx toxins of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The reference strains of the 12 serotypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae express one or two of three different RTX exotoxins designated Apx I, Apx II and Apx III. The toxins are important virulence factors. In the present study, ELISAs with purified Apx I, Apx II and Apx III, respectively, as antigen were evaluated as candidates for serological diagnosis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in pigs. The pigs were inoculated with biotype 1, serotypes 1-12, and biotype 2, serotype 14, respectively. A strong humoral antibody response was seen to all the three antigens in most pigs irrespective of the serotype used for inoculation. However, titers to the exotoxins secreted by the serotype used for inoculation were generally highest. The results show that toxin proteins of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are antigenically related and that a correlation between serotype and secretion of exotoxin is not revealed serologically in the ELISA test.     

Feeding 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan during the transition from pregnancy to lactation increases calcium mobilization from bone in rats

An increasing demand for calcium during pregnancy and lactation can result in both clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia during the early lactation period in several mammalian species, in particular the dairy cow. Serotonin (5-HT) was recently identified as a regulator of lactation and bone turnover. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation of the maternal diet with a 5-HT precursor would increase maternal bone turnover and calcium mobilization to maintain appropriate circulating maternal concentrations of ionized calcium during lactation. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were fed either a control diet (n = 15) or a diet supplemented with the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, 0.2%; n = 15) from day 13 of pregnancy through day 9 of lactation. Maternal serum and plasma (day 1 and day 9 of lactation), milk and pup weight (daily), mammary gland and bone tissue (day 9 of lactation) were collected for analysis. The 5-HTP diet elevated circulating maternal concentrations of 5-HT on day 1 and day 9 of lactation and parathyroid hormone related-protein (PTHrP) on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.033). In addition, 5-HTP supplementation increased total serum calcium concentrations on day 1 of lactation and total milk calcium concentration on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.032). Supplemental 5-HTP did not alter milk yield, maternal body weight, mammary gland structure, or pup litter weights (P > 0.05). Supplemental 5-HTP also resulted in increased concentrations of mammary 5-HT and PTHrP, as well as increased mRNA expression of rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and Pthrp mRNA on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.028). In addition, supplementation of 5-HTP resulted in increased mRNA expression of maternal mammary calcium transporters and resorption of bone in the femur, indicated by increase osteoclast number and diameter as well as mRNA expression of classical markers of bone resorption on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.048). These results show that increasing 5-HT biosynthesis during the transition from pregnancy to lactation could be a potential therapeutic target to explore for prevention of subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia.     

Identification and cornification-related gene expression of canine keratinocyte differentiation-associated protein, Kdap

The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, is cornified epithelial tissue composed of keratinocytes. To maintain the structure and function of the epidermis, the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, and cornification of keratinocytes is crucial, and various soluble factors secreted by keratinocytes are involved in these regulations. Previously, work has shown that keratinocytes secreted the protein Kdap (keratinocyte differentiation-associated protein) associated with the formation of cornified cell envelopes, a specialized protective barrier structure on the periphery of terminally differentiating keratinocytes. In the present report, the canine counterpart of human Kdap is identified and an attempt has been made to define its physiological role in canine keratinization. Canine Kdap (cKdap) showed structural features commonly observed in other counterparts and is secreted from transfected cells. The expression profile of cKdap mRNA, which was restrictively expressed in cornified epithelial tissues besides skin has also been determined. These findings indicate that there is a strong association between cKdap expression and cornification, which supports previous observations that Kdap is involved in the synthesis and/or degradation of cornified cell envelopes in humans and mice.     

The Effect of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors of Left Atrial Pressure in Dogs with Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Background: Despite many epidemiological reports concerning the efficacy of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR), the hemodynamic effects of ACE inhibitor administration have not been fully evaluated. Objectives: To document left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with MR administered ACE inhibitors, in order to obtain interesting information about daily LAP changes with administration of ACE inhibitors. Animals: Five healthy Beagle dogs weighing 9.8 to 14.2 kg (2 males and 3 females; aged 2 years). Methods: Experimental, crossover, and interventional study. Chordae tendineae rupture was induced, and a radiotelemetry transmitter catheter was inserted into the left atrium. LAP was recorded for 72 consecutive hours during which each of 3 ACE inhibitors—enalapril (0.5 mg/kg/d), temocapril (0.1 mg/kg/d), and alacepril (3.0 mg/kg/d)—were administered in a crossover study. Results: Averaged diurnal LAP was significantly, but slightly reduced by alacepril (P= .03, 19.03 ± 3.01–18.24 ± 3.07 mmHg). The nightly drops in LAP caused by alacepril and enalapril were significantly higher than the daily drops (P= .03, ?0.98 ± 0.19 to ?0.07 ± 0.25 mmHg, and P= .03, ?0.54 ± 0.21–0.02 ± 0.17 mmHg, respectively), despite the fact that the oral administrations were given in the morning. Systolic blood pressure (122.7 ± 14.4–117.4 ± 13.1 mmHg, P= .04) and systemic vascular resistance (5800 ± 2685–5144 ± 2077 dyne × s/cm⁵, P= .03) were decreased by ACE inhibitors. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: ACE inhibitors decrease LAP minimally, despite reductions in left ventricular afterload. ACE inhibitors should not be used to decrease LAP.     

Prevalence of four enteropathogens in the faeces of young diarrhoeic dairy calves in Switzerland

The prevalences of Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, bovine coronavirus (bcv), and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E coli k99) were determined in diarrhoeic dairy calves aged one to 21 days on 71 dairy farms in western Switzerland during the winter of 2005 to 2006. Faecal samples from 147 untreated calves suffering from acute diarrhoea were analysed by standardised diagnostic methods, and the immunoglobulin status of each calf was evaluated. The prevalences of C parvum, rotavirus, bcv and E coli k99 were 55.0 per cent, 58.7 per cent, 7.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively. The proportions of herds positive for the respective pathogens among the herds with diarrhoeic calves were 41.7 per cent, 52.1 per cent, 2.1 per cent and 2.1 per cent. The immunoglobulin concentration in the serum of 90.5 per cent of the diarrhoeic calves was below 8 g/l.