Abomasum Research Articles

Metabolic Profile and Inflammatory Responses in Dairy Cows with Left Displaced Abomasum Kept under Small-Scaled Farm Conditions.

Simple SummaryThis research established an association between lactation number and milk production and metabolic and inflammatory responses in high-producing dairy cows affected by left abomasal displacement in small-scaled dairy farms. The study showed metabolic alterations, liver damage, and inflammation in the sick cows, which were further exacerbated with increasing lactation number and milk yield of the cows.Left displaced abomasum (LDA) is a severe metabolic disease of cattle with a strong negative impact on production efficiency of dairy farms. Metabolic and inflammatory alterations associated with this disease have been reported in earlier studies, conducted mostly in large dairy farms. This research aimed to: (1) evaluate metabolic and inflammatory responses in dairy cows affected by LDA in small-scaled dairy farms; and (2) establish an association between lactation number and milk production with the outcome of metabolic variables. The cows with LDA had lower serum calcium (Ca), but greater concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxy-butyrate (BHBA), in particular when lactation number was >2. Cows with LDA showed elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and serum amyloid A (SAA), regardless of lactation number. In addition, this study revealed strong associations between milk yield and the alteration of metabolic profile but not with inflammation in the sick cows. Results indicate metabolic alterations, liver damage, and inflammation in LDA cows kept under small-scale farm conditions. Furthermore, the data suggest exacerbation of metabolic profile and Ca metabolism but not of inflammation and liver health with increasing lactation number and milk yield in cows affected by LDA.

Evaluation of eating and rumination behaviour using a noseband pressure sensor in cows after right-flank laparotomy for correction of left displaced abomasum.

Evaluation of eating and rumination behaviour using a noseband pressure sensor in cows after right-flank laparotomy for correction of left displaced abomasum.

Metabolic indicators and risk factors of left displaced abomasum in dairy cattle

Sigirlarda sola abomazum deplasman vakalari cogunlukla dogum sonrasi gorulmektedir. Sola abomazum deplasmanlarinin insidansi ciftliklere gore farklilik gosterebilir. Laktasyonun ilk haftasinda gorulen abomazum deplasmani vakalari genellikle kuru donemin iyi yonetilememesinden kaynaklanabilir. Fakat daha gec donemlerde gorulen abomazum deplasman vakalari ise kuru donem ve/veya dogumu takiben ilk 2 ile 4 haftalik donemde ki sigirlarin yonetimi ile ilgili olabilir. Bu derleme sigirlarda abomasum deplasmanlari ile ilgili cesitli risk faktorlerini, metabolik indikatorlerini ve onlenmesini icermektedir.

Factors associated with survival in the herd for dairy cows following surgery to correct left displaced abomasum

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) is a common problem in dairy cows. There have been numerous studies focused on predicting prognosis for right displaced abomasal corrective surgery, but a paucity of studies exist focused on more common LDA surgeries. Our objective was to determine if survival to 60d or 1yr after surgery could be predicted from the physical exam findings, periparturient disease status, and a biochemical profile from a blood sample obtained at the time of LDA diagnosis. Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were measured immediately using a hand-held meter. Data obtained from CanWest DHI (Guelph, ON, Canada) for all of the study subjects (n=179 cases, by 24 veterinarians from 4 clinics), including cull date, cull reason, and test-day milk production. Cows were classified based on whether or not they were culled within 60d or 1yr of surgery. Based on logistic regression, cows that had dystocia [odds ratio (OR)=13, 95% confidence interval (CI)=7–26] or were not ketotic (blood BHBA <1.2mmol/L; OR=3, 95% CI=1.03–9) at the time of corrective surgery were more likely to be culled within 60 d. Higher serum concentrations of BHBA (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.92–0.98), nonesterified fatty acids (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.75–0.88), and Mg (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.35–0.68) all had a protective effect against culling within 1yr of LDA surgery. Based on survival analysis, longevity in the herd for 365d following corrective surgery was associated with higher BHBA and Mg at the time of LDA diagnosis before surgery, as well as milk production following surgery.

Rumination patterns, locomotion activity and milk yield for a dairy cow diagnosed with a left displaced abomasum

Rumination patterns, locomotion activity and milk yield for a dairy cow diagnosed with a left displaced abomasum

Genomic organization and evolution of ruminant lysozyme c genes.

Ruminant stomach lysozyme is a long established model of adaptive gene evolution. Evolution of stomach lysozyme function required changes in the site of expression of the lysozyme c gene and changes in the enzymatic properties of the enzyme. In ruminant mammals, these changes were associated with a change in the size of the lysozyme c gene family. The recent release of near complete genome sequences from several ruminant species allows a more complete examination of the evolution and diversification of the lysozyme c gene family. Here we characterize the size of the lysozyme c gene family in extant ruminants and demonstrate that their pecoran ruminant ancestor had a family of at least 10 lysozyme c genes, which included at least two pseudogenes. Evolutionary analysis of the ruminant lysozyme c gene sequences demonstrate that each of the four exons of the lysozyme c gene has a unique evolutionary history, indicating that they participated independently in concerted evolution. These analyses also show that episodic changes in the evolutionary constraints on the protein sequences occurred, with lysozyme c genes expressed in the abomasum of the stomach of extant ruminant species showing the greatest levels of selective constraints.

Molecular characterization of the first internal transcribed spacer of rDNA of Parabronema skrjabini for the first time in sheep.

Parabronema skrjabini is a spirurid nematode of the family Habronematidae that lives in the abomasum of ruminants such as sheep and goats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular aspects of Parabronema skrjabini in sheep. The worms were collected from sheep in Sanandaj (west of Iran). The first internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) nucleotide fragments of Parabronema skrjabini were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two pairs of specific primers (Para-Ir-R and Para-Ir-F). ITS1 homology in the sequence of this study was 69% compared with the sequence data in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the world exploring the genetic diversity of P. skrjabini in sheep based on ITS1.

Experimental induction of left abomasal displacement: a new educational technique

Summary The purpose of this study was to induce abomasal displacement to the left, and to let the undergraduate and post graduate students get used to the ping sounds of abomasum and other clinical manifestations. The procedure was carried out on eight young bulls, they were sedated and a 2 m flexible tube was inserted through the nasal canal into the rumen. By laparo-rumenotomy, 20 cm of the tube was inserted into the abomasums through the omaso-abomasal groove. The rumen wall and abdominal wall were apposed routinely. The animal was casted on its right side on the floor. The abomasum was inflated through the external end of the tube which was tied to bull’s horn base. Then the animal was allowed to stand on its feet. The gas filled abomasum was mobilized to the left flank between the body wall and the rumen. The left abomasal displacement was confirmed by ping and ultrasonography. Experimental induction of left abomasal displacement by inflating the abomasum using a nasal abomasal tube following rumenotomy is a safe and suitable technique for educational and research purposes.

Predicting prognosis of left displaced abomasal corrective surgery

The incidence rate of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in North America is commonly 3 to 7% of calvings. Of these cases, 12 to 17% are culled or die within 30 days of surgery. There have been numerous studies focused on predicting prognosis for right displaced abomasal corrective surgery; however, fewer studies focus on LDA surgeries. These studies tend to measure only a few parameters (i.e. blood analysis) and none focus on concurrent disease or physical exam at diagnosis. Croushore et al (2013) reported that cows that were not ketotic at diagnosis (BHBA&lt;1.2mmol/L) were at 2.5 times greater risk of being culled within 30 days than ketotic cows. Various studies have also demonstrated that elevated aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, ornithine carbamoyl transferase, bilirubin, urea, Ca, K, and Mg were associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcomes. The objective of this research was to determine if patient survival (or culling) within 60 days after surgery could be predicted from the physical exam findings, concurrent disease status, and a biochemical profile from a blood sample obtained at the time of LDA diagnosis.

Scintigraphic evaluation of abomasal emptying rate in neonatal suckling lambs.

Iranian fat tailed Ghezel lambs, 7-10 days of age, were fasted at least 12 h and then fed with 1 mCi of 99m Tc-DTPA added to 150 cc fresh ewe milk. Scintigraphic images were obtained in the standing position using a parallel hole, low-energy, triple head gamma camera. Images were stored digitally for 90 min and were analyzed using a nuclear medicine software program. The number of radionuclide counts from all three views during scintigraphic evaluations showed a time-dependent decrease in the number of radionuclide counts from the laterals (P<0.01) and the ventral view (P<0.001) of the abomasum. There was no significant difference in the number of radionuclide counts from all three views during scintigraphic evaluations. 51.70 ± 3.54 percent of the abomasum content was emptied after 90 min. Evaluating the ROI showed that half emptying time (T1/2) was 67.13 ± 8.64 min. This study was showed that nuclear scintigraphy can be used to evaluate the abomasal emptying rate in suckling lambs.

Characteristics of fluid composition of left displaced abomasum in beef cattle fed high-starch diets.

ABSTRACTTo clarify the pathophysiology of left displaced abomasum (LDA), beef cattle fed high-starch diets were examined. The abomasal pH in beef cattle with LDA was lower than that in non-LDA reference animals (data from beef cattle at an abattoir), suggesting that it facilitated acidity. Bacteriological examinations of the abomasal fluid in cattle with LDA revealed the presence of Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp. and Candida spp., presumably reflecting the accelerated influx of ruminal fluid into the abomasum. Biochemical analyses of serum revealed that LDA cattle had higher lactic acid and lower vitamin A and E levels than non-LDA reference animals. These results indicate that beef cattle with LDA may suffer from vitamin A and E deficiencies due to maldigestion of starch and the high acidity of abomasal fluid.

Prognostic judgment at post-surgery by biochemical parameters in beef cattle with left displaced abomasum.

ABSTRACTWe examined whether the postoperative prognosis of beef cattle with left displaced abomasum (LDA) can be estimated from changes in laboratory parameters. Preoperatively, beef cattle with LDA showed increases in plasma glucose with decreased serum insulin in the glucose tolerance test compared to non-LDA cattle. Postoperatively, the cattle with LDA were retrospectively divided into two groups, good and bad prognoses. Although plasma glucose concentrations significantly increased either pre- or postoperatively, no difference was noted between the good and bad prognosis groups. Serum insulin concentrations in the bad prognosis group significantly decreased, compared to those in the good prognosis group. These findings suggest that beef cattle with LDA elicit disturbed glucose metabolite pre- and postoperatively, and serum insulin levels may predict their prognoses after surgery.

NMR-based metabolomic evaluation in dairy cows with displaced abomasum

This study is the first to evaluate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics in cows with displaced abomasum (DA), which is an internationally recognized problem in dairy cows. Some biochemical parameters have been used for monitoring DA. However, to date, few data have been available on the blood metabolomic profile of dairy cows. Forty Holstein multiparous cows with DA (30 left, 10 right) and 10 clinically healthy Holstein multiparous cows were the subjects of the study. All the animals had similar dry matter intake. An NMR-based metabolomics approach and hematological and biochemical analyses were performed. Some changes in biochemical parameters were observed between the groups. Among the cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA), 10 were associated with concomitant ketosis. Disease periods between the 2 DA groups were different. The metabolites identified and quantified by NMR analysis were valine, 3 beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), alanine, glutamine, glutamate, and succinate. The last of these was significantly decreased in cows with right displaced abomasum (RDA). Glutamine, glutamate, and 3 BHB levels were significantly different between DA groups. There was a positive correlation between BHB and valine, glutamine, and glutamate in the LDA group. Overall, this work suggests that the additional information obtained by NMR-based metabolomics evaluation may contribute to assessing the metabolic status of cows with DA.

Preoperative cow-side lactatemia measurement predicts negative outcome in Holstein dairy cattle with right abomasal disorders

The objectives of the current study were (1) to determine the gain in prognostic accuracy of preoperative l-lactate concentration (LAC) measured on farm on cows with right displaced abomasum (RDA) or abomasal volvulus (AV) for predicting negative outcome; and (2) to suggest clinically relevant thresholds for such use. A cohort of 102 cows with on-farm surgical diagnostic of RDA or AV was obtained from June 2009 through December 2011. Blood was drawn from coccygeal vessels before surgery and plasma LAC was immediately measured by using a portable clinical analyzer. Dairy producers were interviewed by phone 30d following surgery and the outcome was determined: a positive outcome if the owner was satisfied of the overall evolution 30d postoperatively, and a negative outcome if the cow was culled, died, or if the owner reported being unsatisfied 30d postoperatively. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve for LAC was 0.92 and was significantly greater than the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve of heart rate (HR; 0.77), indicating that LAC, in general, performed better than HR to predict a negative outcome. Furthermore, the ability to predict a negative outcome was significantly improved when LAC measurement was considered in addition to the already available HR data (area under the curve: 0.93 and 95% confidence interval: 0.87, 0.99). Important inflection points of the misclassification cost term function were noted at thresholds of 2 and 6mmol/L, suggesting the potential utility of these cut-points. The 2 and 6mmol/L thresholds had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for predicting a negative outcome of 76.2, 82.7, 53.3, and 93.1%, and of 28.6, 97.5, 75, and 84%, respectively. In terms of clinical interpretation, LAC ≤2mmol/L appeared to be a good indicator of positive outcome and could be used to support a surgical treatment decision. The treatment decision for cows with LAC between 2 and 6mmol/L, however, would depend on the economic context and the owner’s attitude to risk in regard to potential return on its investment. Finally, performing a surgical correction on commercial cows with RDA or AV and a LAC ≥6mmol/L appeared to be unjustified and these animals should be culled based on their high probability of negative outcome.

Association between β-hydroxybutyrate concentration at surgery for correction of left-displaced abomasum in dairy cows and removal from the herd after surgery

To estimate the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and predictive values of blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in dairy cows immediately prior to surgical correction of left-displaced abomasum (LDA) for determining associations between BHB concentration and removal from the herd ≤ 30 days after surgery and to evaluate postsurgical risk of removal for cows with the BHB concentration that had highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting this outcome. Prospective cohort study. 136 dairy cows with LDA diagnosed between 5 and 30 days in lactation (ie, days in milk). Blood BHB concentration was measured immediately prior to surgery. All cows underwent surgical correction of LDA while standing. Follow-up information was obtained ≥ 30 days after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate a critical threshold value for BHB concentration that was associated with removal from the herd, and this value was used in Poisson regression to estimate risk ratio for the same outcome. While controlling for parity in the model, cows with a BHB concentration < 1.2 mmol/L at the time of LDA surgery were 2.5 times as likely (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.0) to be removed from the herd ≤ 30 days after surgery, compared with cows that had a BHB concentration ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. Results indicated that blood BHB concentration in dairy cows undergoing surgical correction of LDA may potentially be a useful prognostic indicator for the likelihood of removal from the herd ≤ 30 days after surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate other risk factors that may be associated with this outcome.

Clinicopathologic variables associated with hypokalemia in lactating dairy cows with abomasal displacement or volvulus

To identify potential mechanisms for hypokalemia in dairy cows with left-displaced abomasum (LDA), right-displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). Retrospective analysis of clinicopathologic data from 2 convenience samples of cows. 112 lactating dairy cows with AV (group 1); 1,332 lactating dairy cows (group 2) with LDA (n = 1,160) or RDA or AV (172). Data were analyzed via Spearman ρ and multivariate stepwise regression. 78 of 112 (70%) group 1 cows were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.5 mEq/L; reference range, 3.9 to 5.8 mEq/L). For group 1 cows, serum chloride concentration had the strongest positive association with serum potassium concentration, and serum potassium concentration was negatively associated with plasma bicarbonate and serum glucose, creatinine, and urea concentrations. Six hundred thirty-six of 1,160 (55%) of group 2 cows with LDA were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.7 mEq/L). Ninety-two of 172 (53%) group 2 cows with RDA or AV were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.8 mEq/L). For group 2 cows, serum chloride concentration had the strongest positive association with serum potassium concentration, and serum potassium concentration was negatively associated with indices of feed intake (serum bilirubin concentration) and hydration status. Results suggested hypokalemia was associated with hypochloremia, alkalemia, low feed intake with high amount of milk produced, hypovolemia, and hyperglycemia in lactating dairy cows. Treatment of hypokalemia should include surgical correction of abomasal displacement, increased dietary potassium intake via dietary dry matter intake or oral administration of KCl, and correction of hypochloremia, alkalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and dehydration.

Depleted serum vitamin E concentrations precede left displaced abomasum in early-lactation dairy cows

Cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA), a costly disease occurring primarily in multiparous dairy cows during early lactation, have been reported to have 40% lower circulating concentrations of vitamin E. It is unknown, however, whether the lower circulating α-tocopherol concentrations precede LDA or remain after LDA. Using a nested case-control design, blood samples taken at d −21, −14, −7, −3, −1, 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 postpartum from 7 multiparous Holstein cows diagnosed with LDA between d 6 and 32 postpartum and 10 healthy Holstein cows from the same herd were analyzed for serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and indicators of energy and nutrient status and inflammation. In addition to indicators of negative energy balance and inflammation, lower serum α-tocopherol concentrations preceded LDA and persisted after LDA correction. At the last blood sampling before LDA diagnosis, cows had serum α-tocopherol concentrations 45% lower (5.0±0.9 vs. 9.1±0.9µM) and α-tocopherol to cholesterol molar ratios 39% lower (1.90±0.19 vs. 3.09±0.26) than those of healthy cows. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations remained lower (<10 vs. ~15µM) up to d 49 postpartum in cows that had LDA. These findings indicate that lower serum α-tocopherol concentrations are a potential early indicator for the development of LDA in multiparous cows.

The effect of administering ketoprofen on the physiology and behavior of dairy cows following surgery to correct a left displaced abomasum

Surgical correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA) is common in lactating dairy cattle. Despite the growing acceptance that abdominal surgery is painful, few cows are administered analgesia following LDA surgery. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of administering a label dose of ketoprofen on physiological and behavioral indicators of pain in dairy cattle. Holstein cows were enrolled in a field study following LDA surgery. Surgery was performed using the standing right flank (RF) approach or the paramedian (PARA) approach. Using a triple-blind randomized trial, each animal was assigned to receive either 3mg of ketoprofen/kg of body weight or saline (the equivalent volume) by intramuscular injection immediately following surgery and 24h postoperatively. Physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration rate, and rumen motility), blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels, and an assessment of cow attitude were measured on the day of surgery, and at 2 follow-up visits (visit 1=3±0.9 d and visit 2=9±1.2 d postsurgery; n=175). Milk production and culling were recorded for all cows enrolled in the study. Producers assessed their cows’ attitudes and appetites daily for the first 3 d following surgery. A subset of cows (n=37) were fitted on the day of surgery with a 3-axis accelerometer on the hind leg to assess lying behavior. Continuous and binary outcome data were analyzed using multivariable mixed linear and mixed logistic models, respectively, with cow modeled as a random effect. Ketoprofen did not alter the physiological measures, BHBA levels, or behavioral outcomes measured. Cows subjected to RF surgery had longer lying times [model coefficient β=228.9min; 95% confidence interval (CI): 122.2 to 335.6] in the first 3 d following surgery, and lower heart rates (β=−9.4 beats/min; 95% CI: −12 to −6.9 beats/min) at the follow-up visits, compared with animals that underwent PARA surgery. Regardless of surgical procedure, BHBA decreased from surgery day to visit 1 (β=−1.9mmol/L; 95% CI: −2.1 to −1.7) and visit 2 (β=−2.0mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.2.2 to −1.8). Producer reports indicated that animals that received ketoprofen were more likely to begin eating when provided fresh feed during the first 3 d following surgery compared with those that received saline (odds ratio=4.8; 95% CI: 0.97 to 23.8). These results indicate that PARA surgery may be more painful relative to lying down than the RF approach. The apparent differences in appetite or attitude in cows that received ketoprofen reported by producers warrant further investigation.

Observations on the incidence and seasonality of uterine torsion and left displaced abomasum following the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK

Time-series impact analysis was used to compare differences in the rate of reporting of left displaced abomasum (LDA) and uterine torsion by veterinarians in the UK before and after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in 2001. There were 150% and 35% increases in the reported incidences of LDA and uterine torsion, respectively, following the outbreak. Changes to feeding practices are likely to have been a major contributor to the increased incidence of LDA, but this factor is unlikely to have influenced the changed incidence in uterine torsion. Given that abdominal size and shape of dairy cows are recognised risk factors for both disease processes, the findings of this study suggest changes in these parameters may have a role in the altered incidences. Additional research is required to further elucidate the risk factors contributing to the increased incidence of LDA and uterine torsion in dairy cows under UK conditions.

Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study of the goat abomasum during prenatal development.

This study sought to chart the morphological changes taking place in the goat abomasum during prenatal development, using histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques. A total of 140 goat embryos and fetuses, from the first stages of prenatal life until birth. Differentiation of the abomasum as a separate compartment of the primitive gastric tube was observed at 35 days of prenatal life (CRL 3 cm, 23% gestation). Primitive abomasal folds were first observed at 38 days (CRL 4.3 cm, 25% gestation). The muscularis mucosae was visible by 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation). Transformation of pseudostratified epithelium to simple cylindrical epithelium was also observed at this stage. Differentiation of gastric pits and glands first became apparent at 75 days (CRL 17.5 cm, 50% gestation) and 84 days (CRL 20 cm, 55% gestation), respectively. Neuroendocrine cells were detected by synaptophysin (SYP) at 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation), while glial cell markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP, and vimentin-VIM) were observed at 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation) and 38 days (CRL 4.3 cm, 25% gestation), respectively. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were detected at 75 days (CRL 17.5 cm, 50% gestation). Gastrin-immunoreactive cells first appeared in the abomasum at 76 days (CRL 18 cm, 50% gestation). In conclusion, prenatal development of the abomasum appears to take place somewhat earlier in goats than in sheep or cattle, but at a similar rate to that reported in wild ruminants such as deer.