Blood Plasma Of Cows Research Articles

Dynamics of inflammatory cytokine expression in bovine endometrial cells exposed to cow blood plasma small extracellular vesicles (sEV) may reflect high fertility

Aberrant inflammation in the endometrium impairs reproduction and leads to poor fertility. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are nanoparticles 30–200 nm in-size and contain transferable bioactive molecules that reflect the parent cell. Holstein–Friesian dairy cows with divergent genetic merit, high- (n = 10) and low-fertile (n = 10), were identified based on fertility breeding value (FBV), cow ovulation synchronization and postpartum anovulatory intervals (PPAI). In this study, we evaluated the effects of sEVs enriched from plasma of high-fertile (HF-EXO) and low-fertile (LF-EXO) dairy cows on inflammatory mediator expression by bovine endometrial epithelial (bEEL) and stromal (bCSC) cells. Exposure to HF-EXO in bCSC and bEEL cells yielded lower expression of PTGS1 and PTGS2 compared to the control. In bCSC cells exposed to HF-EXO, pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1-α was downregulated compared to the untreated control, IL-12α and IL-8 were downregulated compared to the LF-EXO treatment. Our findings demonstrate that sEVs interact with both endometrial epithelial and stromal cells to initiate differential gene expression, specifically genes relate to inflammation. Therefore, even subtle changes on the inflammatory gene cascade in the endometrium via sEV may affect reproductive performance and/or outcomes. Further, sEV from high-fertile animals acts in a unique direction to deactivate prostaglandin synthases in both bCSC and bEEL cells and deactivate pro-inflammatory cytokines in the endometrial stroma. The results suggest that circulating sEV may serve as a potential biomarker of fertility.

THE CONTENT OF SATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN THE BLOOD PLASMA OF GOATS DEPENDING ON THE TONE OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Currently, goat breeding is actively moving to one of the first positions in the market of dairy and meat products. People are increasingly consuming goat's milk rather than cow's milk. Scientists are currently actively studying the factors affecting the content of fatty acids in the body of goats and in the milk they produce. Individual characteristics of each organism can be characterized as one of the most significant factors. The autonomic nervous system is one of the components of a number of systems in the adjustment of animal homeostasis. The purpose of the study is to establish the influence of the tone of the autonomic nervous system on the content of saturated fatty acids in the blood plasma of goats. Research was conducted on the basis of a private dairy farm in the village of Knyagininok, Lutsk district, Volyn region, goat breed – Zaanenskaya. Physiologically healthy 50 goats of 2-3 lactations were selected for variation-pulsometric research. The types of autonomous regulation were determined by determining the state of the cardiovascular system according to Baevsky. The content of saturated fatty acids in blood plasma lipids was determined by the method of gas chromatography with the study of the following fatty acids: butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, margaric, stearic, arachinic, tricosanoic acid. By comparing the obtained results, differences in the content of saturated fatty acids in blood plasma lipids of goats were established. It was established that the tone of the autonomic nervous system has an effect on the content of saturated fatty acids in the blood plasma of goats. It was determined that animals with a preference for the sympathetic nervous system have a lower content of saturated fatty acids (capric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, stearic, tricosanoic) in relation to other research groups (Р<0.05, Р<0.001). The experimental group of vagotonics has the highest content of saturated fatty acids (capric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, stearic, tricosanoic) in the blood plasma of goats (Р<0.05, Р<0.01, Р<0.001). The experimental group of normotonics occupied an intermediate place in terms of the content of saturated fatty acids in the lipids of the blood plasma of cows.

Hormonal regulation of the concentration of glucose and its derivatives in the blood of dairy cows during the transit period

In dairy cows, metabolic disorders are mainly found in the last weeks of the dry period and the first weeks after calving (transit period). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hormonal regulation of the concentration of glucose and its derivatives in the blood of dairy cows during the transit period. The study was conducted on cows of 2-4 lactations, with a capacity of 7.8-8.2 thousand kg of milk for previous lactation. Blood for research was taken from cows 7-10 days before calving and Days 2-4, Days 10-14, and Days 30-40 after calving. The concentration of glucose in blood plasma was determined by the glucose oxidase method, pyruvate − by the modified Umbright method, lactate – by reaction with paraoxydyphenyl, and hormone content – by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was established that high-performance dairy cows during the transit period experience substantial changes in carbohydrate metabolism and the functional state of organs and systems, which are aimed at ensuring high productivity. Thus, hypoglycaemia is found in cows within two weeks after calving. At the same time, with a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma of cows, the content of pyruvate and lactate increases, as well as the lactate/pyruvate ratio, which indicates an increase in gluconeogenesis. Negative energy balance and increased gluconeogenesis lead to a decrease in the synthesis of insulin and insulin-like growth factor. Compared to the final dry period, on Days 2-4 of lactation, the concentration of leptin in the blood plasma of cows decreased threefold and stayed at a low level until Day 40 of lactation. Plasma cortisol levels were highest on Days 2-4 and 10-14 of lactation. Intensive cortisol synthesis during the period of energy deficiency increases gluconeogenesis, which is possible due to lipolysis and proteolysis. In the first days after calving, the content of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood plasma of cows decreased. Inhibition of thyroid hormone production is a consequence of the physiological regulatory features of this period. Thus, in highly productive cows during the transit period, attention should be paid to maintaining vital body functions and their well-coordinated endocrine regulation, which will ensure a physiologically balanced metabolic rate, successful calving, high milk productivity, and animal health

The content of saturated fatty acids in the blood plasma of cows in the winter period depends on autonomic nervous regulation

The tone of the autonomic nervous system is one of the key systems of the nervous system in regulating homeostasis. In turn, this can affect the metabolism of organic substances in the animal's body, which is reflected in physiological indicators. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the tone of the autonomic nervous system on the content of saturated fatty acids. Groups of animals were formed according to Baesky’s method, according to which they were divided into three groups: normotonic, sympathotonic, and vagotonic. Blood was collected in winter. Chromatographic research revealed the following: caproic acid in normotonic (1.19 ± 0.01) is 0.15 % less compared to sympathotonic (P ≤ 0.01) and 0.15 % more compared to vagotonic (P ≤ 0.001). Caprylic acid is 0.28 % more in normotonic (1.19 ± 0.05) compared to sympathotonic (P ≤ 0.001) and, comparing the indicators with the third group, 0.37 % more than vagotonic (P ≤ 0.001). Lauric acid in normotonic (0.54 ± 0.03) is higher than vagotonic by 0.13 % (P ≤ 0.01). Myristic acid has a lower percentage ratio in normotonic (2.62 ± 0.08) compared to sympathotonic by 0.30 % (P ≤ 0.001). Palmitic acid is 2.95 % less in normotonic (17.59 ± 0.46) compared to vagotonic (P ≤ 0.001). Arachidic acid has a lower percentage ratio in normotonic (0.21 ± 0.01) compared to sympathotonic by 0.08 % less (P ≤ 0.001). Cows belonging to the normotonic group have the most saturated fatty acids: capric (1.19 ± 0.05), lauric (0.54 ± 0.03); and the least myristic (2.62 ± 0.08) and arachidic (0.21 ± 0.01). Animals belonging to the group of sympathotonic have the most saturated fatty acids: caproic (1.18 ± 0.04), myristic (2.92 ± 0.03) and arachidic (0.29 ± 0.01). Cows belonging to the group of vagotonic have the least saturated fatty acids: caproic (0.88 ± 0.01), capric (0.82 ± 0.03) and lauric (0.41 ± 0.01); the most palmitic acid (20.54 ± 0.16). Considering all factors, we can conclude that the tone of the autonomic nervous system in the body of cows plays an indirect role in the metabolism of saturated fatty acids in blood plasma. This can be facilitated by the influence of the departments of this nervous system, namely the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which, depending on the peculiarities of the animal's physiological state, affect the body as a whole.

BLOOD FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN COWS DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF AUTONOMIC REGULATION IN SUMMER PERIOD

Coordination of physiological activity and intensity of metabolism in various organs and tissues of a productive animal, depending on environmental conditions and own needs, is provided by the regulatory activity of the corresponding nerve centers. However, the features of the autonomic regulation of the nervous system in this matter can have a significant impact not only on the physiological activity of animals but also on their productivity. Therefore, the question of studying the influence of autonomic regulation on the animal body in general and the interaction of the autonomic system and lipid metabolism is quite relevant. Groups of animals were formed by determining the state of the cardiovascular system according to Baevskyi. Blood plasma was used for the study, lipid extraction was performed by the Folch method. Fatty acid analysis was performed on a Trace GC Ultra gas chromatograph (USA) with a flame ionization detector. Studies have shown that the relative content of saturated fatty acids in blood of normotonics was the highest compared with other groups: sympathotonics – by 1.9%; vagotonics – 0.48%. Regarding the concentration of saturated fatty acids in sympathotonics, it should be noted that the content of stearic acid was the highest (18.07 ± 0.01; P < 0.001) and saturated fatty acids from C6 to C16 were characterized by the lowest values (P < 0.01–0.05) in comparison with other groups The total content of unsaturated fatty acids in blood plasma of sympathotonics and vagotonics was 1.19% and 0.49% higher, respectively, compared with normotonics. Quite interesting is the fact that sympathotonics were characterized by the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the content of which decreased in the range C18:2n6 > C20:4n6 > C18:3n3 > C22:6n3 > C22:5n3, a similar sequence we observed in other groups, although the relative concentration of acids could fluctuate. Normotonics were characterized by the highest levels of some polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:3n3, C22:5n3, C22:6n3) (P < 0.05-0.01), while levels of some unsaturated fatty acids (C18: 1n9, C20: 3n6) were the lowest. Thus, the type of nervous activity has a significant effect on the ratio of fatty acids in blood plasma of cows and autonomous regulation affects the metabolic processes in the animal’s body.

The analysis of serum mineral profile of cows before and after calving: A case study

The analysis of serum mineral profile of cows before and after calving: A case study

Результат использования сенажа из эспарцета песчаного в рационах молочных коров

Abstract. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of feeding by sainfoin haylage in the dry period (21 days before calving) and in the period of early lactation (50 days after calving) on the metabolic processes of dairy cows and the results of reproduction. The article gives the brief description of sainfoin (Onobrychis arenaria Kit.) as a valuable feed protein crop that can be successfully cultivated in Perm region conditions. High sugar content in sainfoin forage was noted 4.86 %, which is 1.6 times higher compared with standard class 1 for legume haylage first class. Methods. Experiments for use of sainfoin haylage in feeding highly productive cows were conducted in 2018. Cows of the experimental groups received a diet including sainfoin haylage. Cows in the control group received 5 kg of poaceous grass hay as a fodder. The first experimental group got 50 % of forage dry matter as sainfoin haylage. The second experimental group received 100 % of forage dry matter as sainfoin haylage. Results. Hay replacing by equal dry matter amount of sainfoin haylage provided positive effect on immuno-biochemical parameters of cows blood. The protein content increased in the blood plasma of cows during the time of the experiment: in the second experimental group by 4.3 g/l (5.47 %, p < 0.01) and reached 82.80 g/l, in the first experimental group by 1.72 % (p < 0.05), in the control – by 2.28 % (p < 0.05). Feeding sainfoin haylage to cows had a positive effect on their reproductive functions. The service period for cows of the second experimental group was shorter by 8.1 days (9.28 %, p < 0.01) compared with the first experimental group and by 21 days (24.05 %, p < 0.05) shorter than in the control group. The scientific originality of the work is that for the first time the biochemical composition of sainfoin was studied thoroughly in Perm region and the results of sainfoin haylage feeding to animals were presented.

The concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in colostrum, milk and plasma of cows

Milk contains key nutrients in optimal proportions, which makes it to be an important component of the human diet. Despite the fact that consumers receive with milk a significant amount of readily available nutrients, milk can be a source of dangerous factors of chemical and biological origin. The level of physiological hormones found in milk is not a limiting factor and is studied solely for scientific purposes. However, milk hormones can have a negative effect on the health of consumers. Based on this, the aim of this work was to study the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of cows at different stages of lactation. The secretion of the mammary gland and blood plasma of cows of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed, in their 2nd–5th lactations with milk yield 5100–5700 kg of milk per previous lactation was the object of the study. The concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was investigated in withdrawn samples. The obtained data indicates that the highest level of secretion of iodine-containing thyroid hormones with milk is observed on 1st–4th days of lactation. Thereafter, the concentration of hormones in milk statistically significant decreases by 2.8–3-fold (P ˂ 0.001) till 30–40th day of lactation. The high concentration of iodine-containing hormones in colostrum allows to enhance metabolic processes in calves. Studies of the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood plasma of cows showed a gradual increase from the beginning of lactation till 10th–14th and then till 30th–40th days of lactation. By 10th–14th days we observed 2.2-fold growth of triiodothyronine level (P ˂ 0.001), and till 30th–40th days this parameter has increased by another 12.5 %. The level of thyroxine on 10th–14th days of lactation was higher, compared to such in the beginning of lactation by 62.2 % (P ˂ 0.001), and by 30th–40th day increase was by 40.9 %. The main reasons for such changes are the formation of lactation dominant, the discharge of hormones secreted by the breast and the stimulation of metabolic processes during lactation. The prospects of further research lie in investigation of the dependence of triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels in the secretion of the mammary gland on productivity, breed, age and diet of animals.

Effects of supplementing limiting amino acids on milk production in dairy cows consuming a corn grain and soybean meal-based diet.

Limiting amino acids (AAs) for milk production in dairy cows fed on a concentrate diet of corn grain and soybean meal was evaluated in this study. Four lactating and multiparous Holstein cows (in third or fourth parities, with an average body weight of 633 ± 49.2 kg), 8 to 9 weeks into their lactation period, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experiment comprised four dietary treatments: (1) no intravenous infusion (control); (2) control plus intravenous infusion of an AA mixture of 6 g/d methionine, 19.1 g/d lysine, 13.8 g/d isoleucine, and 15.4 g/d valine (4AA); (3) control plus intravenous infusion of the AA mixture without methionine (no-Met); and (4) control plus intravenous infusion of the AA mixture without lysine (no-Lys). All animals were fed on a controlled diet (1 kg/d alfalfa hay, 10 kg/d silage, 14 kg/d concentrate mixture, ad libitum timothy hay). The AA composition of the diet and blood were determined using an automatic AA analyzer. Milk composition (protein, fat, lactose, urea nitrogen, and somatic cell counts) was determined using a MilkoScan. The results showed that feed intake for milk production did not differ from that of intravenous infusion using a limiting AA mixture. The 4AA treatment numerically had the highest milk yield (32.4 kg/d), although there was no difference when compared with the control (31.2 kg/d), no-Met (31.3 kg/d), and no-Lys (31.7 kg/d) treatments. The concentration of AAs in blood plasma of cows in all treatments, mainly isoleucine and valine, increased significantly compared with that of control. The no-Met treatment increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of lysine in the blood relative to the control and no-Lys treatments, whereas the no-Lys treatment increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of methionine relative to the control and no-Met treatments. In conclusion, milk production increased when feeding 10 g/d methionine to the cows, together with their concentrate diet of corn grain and soybean meal.

Comparative characteristics of different methods of prevention and treatment of post-medical diseases in cows

The article presents data on the dynamics of postpartum pathology, which was most often recorded in the form of both their pathologists and as acute postpartum cervicitis . So in 2017, this pathology of the organs of the genital system was diagnosed in 7 animals, which made up 37% of the total number of calving cows, in 2018 a similar figure was 8 cases, which is 42.1%, and in 2019 observed an unprecedented decrease the number of cases of postpartum cervicitis is 7, which is 31.82% of the total number of cows.&#x0D; However, fluctuations in the number of families had pathological tendencies th to increase, but this increase was not statistically significant: in 2017 - 7 cases (35%), in 2018 - 8 (42.1%) in 2019 - 9 (39, 34%). For all reasons, pathologic births most frequently reported a delay: in 2017 - 3 (42.85%), in 2018 - 4 (50%), in 2019 - 3 (33.34%), on average over the three reporting years the figure was 41.67% of the total number of causes of pathological births.&#x0D; As can be seen from the data presented in table 6 in sick animals , on the third day from the beginning of treatment there is a probable increase in the level of total protein in the cows of the experimental group, compared with the indicator for treatment by 6.9% (p &lt;0.01), but its content still remains&#x0D; Lower relative to the level of clinically healthy cows by 5.8% (p &lt;0.01). In the control group, this indicator remained almost unchanged from the pre-treatment index, remaining lower by 12.4% (p &lt;0.001) relative to clinically healthy cows and by 7% (p &lt;0.05) compared to the experimental group.&#x0D; In particular, studies concentration of fibrinogen in the blood plasma of cows with different methods of treatment showed that at the third day of treatment fibrinogen level is reduced compared with the rate before treatment to 14.3% (p &lt;0.001) in the experimental group and incredibly on 5% in the control.

The role of insulin-like growth factor and leptin in the pathogenesis of internal non-contagious pathology of dairy cows

The endocrine system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the non-infectious pathology of dairy cows. However, the role of a number of hormones in pathology is not clear. These hormones include insulin-like growth factors and leptin. The insulin-like growth factor is synthesized predominantly in the liver in response to an increase in the level of somatotropic hormone in the blood. According to its physiological properties, it is close to insulin, structurally similar, has common receptors that trigger the same chain of reactions: stimulates transport of amino acids and glucose in the muscles, increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, in adipose tissue, transport glucose, oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide, the inclusion of glucose in lipids. Leptin is synthesized by adipocytes, and its main physiological function is to reduce the synthesis of macroergic compounds and increase energy expenditure. Circulating in the blood, it helps to maintain an optimal level of glucose, which is necessary for the energy needs of the body. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentration of insulin-like growth factor, leptin, glucose, pyruvate and lactate in the blood of cows under secondary osteodystrophy, ketosis and hepatodistrophy. This will give an opportunity to better understand the pathogenesis and create theoretical preconditions for the development of informative diagnostic tests and effective means of treatment. The experiment was conducted on dairy cows, analogues by age, breed, productivity and physiological state. According to clinical features, urine analysis and values of biochemical parameters of blood of experimental cows were divided into four groups: 1 – clinically healthy cows, 2 – patients with osteodystrophy, 3 – patients with ketosis, 4 – patients with hepatodistrophy. The obtained results of research indicate that the internal non-contagious pathology in dairy cows deficiency of exchange energy is recorded, which induces an increase in the activity of gluconeogenesis and is expressed by lowering the concentration of glucose and increasing the content of pyruvate and lactate. At the same time, a decrease in the level of insulin-like growth factor and leptin was found. The lowest level of insulin-like growth factor and leptin was determined by ketosis. The decrease in the level of tissue hormones in the blood plasma of cows under osteodystrophy was within the statistical error.

Cortical regulation of content of TBA-active products in cow blood plasma

Cortical mechanisms of regulation of the content of TBC-active products in the cow’s organism depending on the season are given in the article. Experiments were carried out on cows of Ukrainian black-and-rumped breed of second-third lactation of different types of higher nervous activity. It is established that in cows with a weak type of higher nervous activity, the content of TBA-active products in blood plasma is higher than in strong cows. Thus, in the summer, this indicator in animals of the weak type of higher nervous activity was higher by 18.0% (P &lt; 0.01) in accordance with the indicators of animals of a strong, balanced, mobile type of higher nervous activity. At the same time, in winter, the content of TBA-active products in the plasma of blood of animals of the weak type of higher nervous activity is greater by 13.0% compared to the indicators of strong, balanced, mobile type cows. The effect of cortical processes on the content of TBA-active products in the summer is – ɳ2х = 0.28 (P &lt; 0.05), but in winter it decreases to an average of ɳ2х = 0.17. The equilibrium of the cortical processes significantly influenced the TBA- active products content, both in the summer and in winter, è2x2 = 0.24–0.30 (P &lt; 0.05). The mobility of cortical processes does not have a significant effect on the content of TBK-active products. Reliable influence of the type of higher nervous activity (F = 3.86 &gt; FU = 3.01; p = 0.02) on the content of TBC-active products in the blood plasma of cows was established. Then, as the season does not limit the content of TBA-active products in the blood plasma of cows (F = 2.18 &lt;FU = 4.26; p = 0.15). It is proved that the time of year does not affect the main characteristics of cortical processes (F = 0.09 &lt; FU = 3.0; p = 0.96). But only the effect of cortical processes in summer directly correlates with the content of TBA-active products in the blood plasma of cows (r = -0.67; P &lt; 0,05). Thus, the influence of the type of higher nervous activity on the content of TBA-active products in the plasma of cows in different seasons is established. In animals with a weak type of higher nervous activity, a higher content of TBA-active products in plasma was detected.

Effect of dietary propylene glycol or anti-ketosis supplement on biochemical parameters of cows blood plasma

Experiment was carried out in 6 groups of Ukrainian dairy black-and-white cows of 5 animals in a group. Cows were divided into 2 subgroups of 15 animals, each of one formed 3 groups: 1 control and 2 experimental. The diet of the first subgroup contains a soybean meal, and the second – a similar amount of soybean cake. To the ration of cows of 2-nd and 3-rd group propylene glycol or new developed dietary supplement were added. The trial lasted during the last month of the dry period and the first month of lactation. Addition of propylene glycol increased the concentration of glucose in the cows blood plasma (P &lt; 0.05). Adding propylene glycol to the diet with soybean meal reduces the triacylglycerol content in the plasma by 21.22% (P &lt; 0.05), addition of complex supplement to this diet, on the contrary, increases the content of triacylglycerols by 21.21% (P &lt; 0.05). On the diet with soybean meal, propylene glycol and complex supplement reduced the amount of non-esterified fatty acids by 14.29% and 21.43% (P &lt; 0.05), while with the soybean cake diet these differences were 21.22 and 40.39% (P &lt; 0.05–0.001). Under the influence of feeding propylene glycol and the complex supplement, the total amount of ketone bodies in the blood plasma of cows consuming the soybean meal diet decreased 1.65 and 1.75 times (P &lt; 0.001), and in the plasma of cows fed soybean cake diet 1.71 and 1.80 times (P &lt; 0.001).

血中ホルモン濃度からの分娩日予測の可能性

血中ホルモン濃度からの分娩日予測の可能性

Analysis of protein expression changes in the blood plasma of cows during the last month before parturition and 2 months after calving

Analysis of protein expression changes in the blood plasma of cows during the last month before parturition and 2 months after calving

DYNAMIC OF CHANGES OF BLOOD PLASMA ENERGY METABOLISM PARAMETERS IN SUCKLING COWS DURING CALVING INTERVAL

In this study, effect of environmental condition changes during gazing period on energy metabolism parameters was investigated. Totally 40 Aberdeen Angus cows were selected for observation. Calving all of cows was situated into March. The feeding ration for the animals was comprised by pasture during the grazing period and corn silage, hay and granulated distiller’s grains during the winter period. At average age 9 days before calving, and subsequently 10, 81, 151, 189 and 273 days after calving, blood was sampled and analysed for glucose and NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) concentrations on KONELAB T20xt automatic analyser (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Finland) and currently available commercial kits (Biovendor-Laboratorni medicina, Czech Republic). A rapid increase (p &lt; 0.05) of glucose concentration was detected in blood plasma of cows in period before calving to 81 days post partum. Average value of glucose concentration at 273 days postpartum was significant (p &lt; 0.05) lower comparing to day 189. The highest concentrations of NEFA in blood plasma of cows were found at 10 day postpartum. After that, during the persisted higher temperature period the NEFA concentration decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) till 189 days postpartum. At the end of monitored period concentration of NEFA in blood plasma significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Changes of hot and cold season during the grazing period probably according to forage quality and had significant effects on blood plasma NEFA and glucose concentrations.

Appraisal of Transfer of a Few Crucial Minerals from Forage to Ruminants: A Case Study in Pakistan

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate minerals (copper, selenium, zinc and cobalt) concentrations of plants used as forages and samples of blood plasma of cows in suburb of Sargodha, Pakistan to know the mineral deficiency of excesses so that proper monitoring should be managed. Plant species and samples of blood were collected for four months after one month interval, wet digested and processed by AAS (Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer) for metals determination. All the metals except Cu found in excess that the need of livestock, with some irregular trends of elevation or depression during times of intervals. The plant samples contained low amount of Cu than that required for livestock for various metabolic processes pointing to the warranted need of provision of mineral mixture containing higher amount of Cu for maximizing the productive and reproductive potential of animals. The amounts of Cu and Zn were found to be elevated and much more than the requirements of livestock, while the Co, and at some harvesting intervals Se in plasma found marginally and moderately, anyhow the values of these metals in plasma of cows found optimum for the normal requirement. Based on the findings of this study, the animals should be supplemented with green forages to prevent problems of minerals imbalances for maximizing the animal potential at the specific investigated area which will a most pragmatic approach in regard of minerals provision to the livestock.

Experimentally induced mastitis and metritis modulate soy bean derived isoflavone biotransformation in diary cows

The present study compared the changes in isoflavone (daidzein and genistein) and their metabolite (equol and para-ethyl-phenol) concentrations in the blood plasma of cows with induced mastitis and metritis after feeding with soy bean. Sixteen cows were divided into four groups: control for mastitis group, cows with induced mastitis group, control for metritis group, and cows with induced metritis group. All cows were fed a single dose of 2.5 kg of soy bean and then blood samples were taken from the jugular vein for 8 h at predetermined intervals. The concentrations of soy bean-derived isoflavones and their active metabolites were measured in the blood plasma on HPLC system. β-Glucuronidase activity in the blood plasma of cows was measured by fluorometric method. In the blood plasma of cows with induced mastitis and metritis, we found considerably higher concentrations and time-dependent increase in isoflavone metabolites (equol and para-ethyl-phenol) with reference to cyclic cows (P < 0.05). Moreover, we noticed significant decrease of genistein in the blood plasma of the cows with induced metritis compared with control cows (P < 0.05). In addition, in the blood plasma of the cows with induced metritis, we found an increase in β-glucuronidase activity compared with control cows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, health status of the females influenced the concentrations of isoflavone metabolites in the blood plasma of the cows. Experimentally induced mastitis and metritis increased isoflavone absorption, biotransformation and metabolism. Therefore, we suggest that cows with induced mastitis and metritis are more exposed to active isoflavone metabolite actions than healthy cows.

A Study on the Transfer of Iron in Soil–Plant–Animal Continuum Under Semi-arid Environmental Conditions in Sargodha, Pakistan

The present investigation on the iron (Fe) transfer from soil to plant and in turn to animal (cows), as a function of sampling periods was conducted at the Livestock Experimental Station Sargodha, Pakistan which falls under semi-arid conditions. Although the iron transfer from soil to forage increased consistently, the forage Fe content decreased progressively with increase in sampling period. Highest Fe transfer from forage to cow blood plasma was observed during October and lowest during January. The transfer of Fe from forage to animal milk was maximum during the months of October and January and minimum during December. The transfer of Fe to plasma and milk was found to be dependent variably on the growth stage of forage in this investigation. Based on the findings of the present study, it is evident that mineral supplementation with higher Fe availability is urgently warranted to the animals particularly during the months of December and January to enhance plasma Fe in the cows being reared at that livestock farm during the entire grazing period. Thus, obligatory supplementation of Fe to the ruminants is highly recommended. Since the processes involved in iron management system in humans, animals, and plants are basically similar, appropriate elemental management must be provided to the living organisms, otherwise deficient or excessive levels of iron may deteriorate the developing cells of the organisms.

Comparison of antioxidative/oxidative profiles in blood plasma of cows with and without retained fetal placental membranes

Ante- and postpartum antioxidative/oxidative profiles in blood plasma of cows with and without retained placental membranes (RFM) were investigated. Twenty-two healthy pregnant cows were included in the study. Seven animals out of 22 suffered from RFM. Blood samples were obtained at 4, 3, 2, 1 weeks and 5 days antepartum (a.p.), at parturition and 1, 3, and 5 weeks postpartum. The following antioxidative parameters were measured using spectrophotometric methods: total antioxidant activity (TAC), β-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and ceruloplasmin. The oxidative profile was based on the content of intermediates and end products of lipid and protein peroxidative processes which were measured by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods. The examined parameters revealed a dynamic profile within the experimental period. The highest antioxidant and oxidant activity was noted at 2 and 1 week a.p. with a drop towards parturition suggesting the presence of oxidative stress during this time period and an apparent appropriate metabolic response of the macroorganism. Except for TAC and vitamin A, the contents of oxidative and antioxidative blood constituents did not differ between cows with and without RFM. A TAC and vitamin A by time interaction indicated higher antepartal concentrations of TAC and vitamin A in cows without RFM than in cows with RFM suggesting a possible role of antioxidative/oxidative imbalances in the aetiology of RFM.