Cattle Calves Research Articles

Prevalence of bovine respiratory viruses in cattle calves in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh

Respiratory diseases causing pneumonia are the 2nd leading cause of mortality in bovine calves and are primarily caused by viral pathogens. The present study was undertaken in cattle calves under twelve months of age for detecting four respiratory viruses, viz. bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPI3), using a commercially available multiscreen antigen ELISA kit. A total of 30 cattle calves necropsied at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, DGCN COVAS, CSKHPKV, Palampur, from June 2021 to June 2022 were screened. The samples of lung tissues and nasal turbinates were collected and stored at –20°C until further processing. The collected tissue samples were homogenised and processed as per the standard protocol. Among the 30 necropsied samples, BoHV-1 and BRSV were detected in 17/30 (56.67%) samples, BPI3 was detected in 14/30 (46.67%) samples, and BVDV was detected in 8/30 (26.67%) samples. 5/30 (16.67%) samples were found positive for all four viruses. Moreover, three viruses were concurrently detected in 4/30 samples (13.33%), and two viruses were present in 10/30 samples (33.33%). Additionally, a single virus was detected in 4/30 samples (13.33%). In conclusion, the present investigation reveals the substantial presence of respiratory viruses in the respiratory tract of cattle calves. The result indicates a complex pattern of co-infections of different viruses, emphasising the need for effective surveillance and management strategies to address the diverse viral dynamics affecting bovine respiratory health.

Muscular and Edible Organ Meat Chemical Composition, Macro and Micro-Elements Distribution and Subcutaneous Fat Properties of Camel and Beef Cattle Calves.

Muscular and Edible Organ Meat Chemical Composition, Macro and Micro-Elements Distribution and Subcutaneous Fat Properties of Camel and Beef Cattle Calves.

PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES INFECTION IN BALI CATTLE CALVES AT BERINGKIT ANIMAL MARKET BADUNG REGENCY

Calves infected with gastrointestinal nematodes can spread diseases to other livestock in a new environment, causing a decrease in quality, and financial losses for farmers. This study aims to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection, as well as the gastrointestinal nematodes infecting Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency. The study used a floatation method to identify worm egg morphology and continued with the McMaster method to determine infection intensity. Out of 100 fecal samples examined, 65 samples were found positive for gastrointestinal nematode infection, resulting in a prevalence of 65% infection among Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency. The identified nematodes were strongyle-type worms (64%) with an infection intensity of 203 ± 384 EPG, Strongyloides papillosus (10%) with an infection intensity of 100 ± 89 EPG, and Toxocara vitulorum (9%) with an infection intensity of 155 ± 287 EPG. It is concluded from this study that the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode infections in Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency was high with infection intensity falling into the mild category. Regular and continuous deworming is necessary as a control and prevention measure for gastrointestinal nematode infections in Bali cattle calves.

VARIATIONS OF COLIFORM BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM BALI CATTLE CALVES FECES, MARKETED AT BERINGKIT ANIMAL MARKET

Beringkit Animal Market is one of the largest animal markets in Bali. Which is a place for livestock transactions, especially bali cattle calves, which are usually used as breeds. Bali cattle calves need digestive tract microbes such as bacteria to carry out the digestives process. Coliform bacteria are one of the bacteria that play an important role in the digestive tract of bali cattle calves. Coliform bacteria are one of the bacteria that plays an important role in the digestive tract of bali cattle calves. Coliform bacteria which are included in the Enterobacteriaceae group consist of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Citrobacter sp. This research aims to determine what variations of Coliform bacteria are found in the feces of bali cattle calves marketed at the Beringkit Animal Market. This research was observational with the number of samples used were 50 fecal samples from 50 bali cattle calves. The samples were isolated on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMBA) media and then tested and identified using the Indole Methyl Voges Proskauer Citrate (IMViC) principles and Blood agar test. The result showed that 82% of samples were positive Coliform. Based on the result, it can be concluded that in the feces of bali cattle calves marketed at the Pasar Hewan Beringkit contain Coliform bacteria consisting of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Citrobacter sp. with the highest percentage was Escherichia coli at 58%, followed by Citrobacter sp. at 12% and Enterobacter sp. and klebsiella sp. respectively 6%. It is necessary to count the total number of each bacteria to determine the pathogenicity of the bacteria.

Insights into the involvement of male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in transmitting Anaplasma marginale, lumpy skin disease virus and Theileria annulata.

Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans, livestock, and pet animals causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) mechanically or biologically in the world. Lumpy skin disease virus, Anaplasma marginale, and Theileria annulata inflict severe infections in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The study investigated the potential transmissions of LSDV, A. marginale, and T. annulata through male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in cattle calves. Two 6-month-old Holstein crossbred calves designated as A and B were used. On day 1, 15 uninfected female ticks (IIa) and infected batch of 40 male ticks (I) were attached on calf A for 11 days. Filial transmission of the infections was observed in female ticks (IIb) collected from calf A, where 8 female ticks had been co-fed with infected male ticks. The blood sample of calf B was found positive through PCR for the infections. The larvae and egg pools obtained from the infected ticks were also tested positive in PCR. The study confirmed the presence of these mixed pathogens and potential intra-stadial and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale, T. annulata, and LSDV in male and female ticks of H. anatolicum and experimental calves to establish the feasibility of infections through an in vivo approach.

Non-encapsulated, encapsulated, and lyophilized probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 influenced the growth and gut health in calves

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of non-encapsulated, air-dried microencapsulated, and lyophilized microencapsulated probiotics in indigenous cattle calves (Bos indicus). Twenty-four (5–7 days old) indigenous cattle calves were selected and assigned into four groups, with six calves in each as follows: control (CON), fed milk and basal diet alone, and treatment groups supplemented with non-encapsulated (NEC), air-dried microencapsulated (AEC) and lyophilized microencapsulated (LEC) probiotic L. reuteri SW23 at 108 CFU/head/day in skim milk as a carrier provided for 60 days. The animals were divided into four groups, adopting a complete randomized design, and the effects were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Probiotics supplementation increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (kg), average daily gain, and structural growth measurements in calves of all treatment groups. Dry matter intake (g/d), feed conversion efficiency, and fecal counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were also increased in the treatment groups compared to CON. The fecal consistency index was highest in CON (0.70 ± 0.03), followed by NEC (0.68 ± 0.01), AEC (0.66 ± 0.02), and LEC (0.65 ± 0.02). Fecal pH and ammonia levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in the probiotic-fed groups compared to CON, with a concomitant increase in fecal lactate, acetate, and propionate levels. In addition, cell-mediated and humoral immunity were significantly increased in supplemented groups as compared to CON. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the probiotics in microencapsulated/non-encapsulated forms to neonatal calves had a variety of positive effects on their health, including better performance, improved gut health, and a lower fecal consistency index. Moreover, among all supplemented groups, the lyophilized microencapsulated group outperformed air-dried microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated groups in terms of ADG, DMI, and gut health.

Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance by Phenotypic and Genotypic Methods in E. coli Isolated from Diarrhea of Cattle Calves in Mhow, Indore

Background: Neonatal calf diarrhoea, a complex illness, continues to be the leading cause of neonatal calf deaths. The complex pathophysiology of infectious calf diarrhoea results in severe losses to the dairy sector, either directly via mortality or indirectly through the costs of prophylaxis and slowed growth in infected calves. Neonatal calf diarrhoea during the first month of life causes between 80 to 85 per cent of all deaths in India. Methods: A total 137 cattle calve diarrhea samples were collected from calves that show clinical signs of diarrhea. Swabs of the rectum were taken directly from diarrhoeic calves and collected in sterile test tubes. They were then immediately transported to the laboratory for the isolation of E. coli. Result: A total 64 E. coli isolates were detected and identified from samples via biochemical and molecular assays employing PCR targeting the E. coli specific 16s rRNA gene. The result of antibiotic sensitivity of 64 isolated strains of E. coli to 15 antimicrobial drugs shows highest sensitivity towards antibiotic gentamycin (68.75%) followed by sulfadiazine and co-trimoxazole (39.06), ciprofloxacin (32.81%) and highest resistance against ampicillin (87.5%) followed by ceftriaxone (82.813%), ceftazidime plus clav (81.25%). There is the variation in the expression of the AMR genes in the isolated E. coli strains. The detection rate of AMR gene blaTEM was highest 90% and that of aadA was the lowest (0%). The other AMR genes blaCTX-M, blaSHV, sul1 and tetA showing 50%, 20%, 50% and 30%.

Effect of Feeding Duration with Different Levels of Culled E. Cottonii on Consumption, Nutrient Digestibility, Growth and Body Composition of Early Weaned Balinese Calves

The study aimed to evaluate the duration of complete feed containing culled red seaweed (E. cottonii) with different levels on nutrient utilisation, growth and body composition of early weaned Bali cattle calves. A total of 24 Bali cattle calves (initial BW ± 30-40 kg; 2-3 months old) were used in this study. Bali cattle calves were randomly grouped by initial body weight and placed in 4 different treatments following a group randomised design pattern. The 4 treatments were: CT0 = complete feed containing no cull ECOT; CT5 = complete feed containing 5% cull ECOT; CT10 = complete feed containing 10% cull ECOT and CT15 = complete feed containing 15% cull ECOT. The data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test using SPSS 24 software. Feeding ECOT culls with different lengths of time and levels had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on increasing consumption and nutrient digestibility of early weaned Balinese calves, but there was no interaction effect (P&gt;0.05) between the length of time and level of ECOT culled on body weight gain and linear body size of early weaned Balinese calves. The same was true for body composition (meat and fat). The treatment also significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced the increase in bone weight in cattle treated with 5% cull ECOT and 10% cull ECOT. It was concluded that the use of culled ECOT up to 15% in complete feed could not increase the consumption and digestibility of nutrients but the duration of feeding affected the dry matter consumption and bone development of early weaned Bali cattle calves.

Successful management of unusual case of goat horn-induced traumatic peritonitis in a cattle calf

Successful management of unusual case of goat horn-induced traumatic peritonitis in a cattle calf

Haemato-biochemical Changes and Various Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Coronavirus Infection in Cattle Calves

Haemato-biochemical Changes and Various Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Coronavirus Infection in Cattle Calves

Seasonal variations in biochemical parameters of diarrheic cattle calves: Implications for gaushala health management

Seasonal variations in biochemical parameters of diarrheic cattle calves: Implications for gaushala health management

Population and Production Dynamic of Peranakan Ongole Cattle in The Breeding Source Area

The purpose of this research was to figure out the population structure and productivity of Peranakan Ongole cattle in the breeding source area. The research was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023 in the breeding source area for Peranakan Ongole cattle, Napis village, Tambakrejo sub-district, Bojonegoro district, East Java province. Data was obtained by recording for 1 year on 1,015 heads Peranakan Ongole cattle. Research variables include population structure and cattle productivity. The results of population structure research showed that the number of male calves was 10.34%, female calves 8.13%, bulls 17.61%, and cows 63.93%. Peranakan Ongole cattle calf crop was 55.01%, calf births to the population were 37.04% with the number of male calves born at 53.46% and the number of female calves born at 46.54%. The percentage of cows to the population was 63.94%. The percentage of mortality to the population was 2.27%. Total livestock income to the population was 12.12% and total livestock output to the population was 31.13%. The natural increase in Peranakan Ongole cattle was 34.78%. The research results showed that the Calf crop value is quite good. To increase the percentage of calf crops, it is necessary to limit and select the production of prospective and productive heifers and cows. Prospective heifers and cows who are productive and have good potential must be preserved to increase the number of births and produce good-quality calves.

Back passage of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) vaccine seed C82 in cattle calf

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is caused by Pasteurella multocida serotypes B: 2, a Gram-negative coccobacilli bacterium. It causes fatal septicaemia with high mortality in cattle and buffaloes. Disease control and prevention are by effective HS vaccination in animals. A study was conducted on one mixed breed cattle calf for back passage of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) seed strain C82. Prior to bacterial inoculation in the calf, Mouse Protection Test (MPT) was conducted to ensure the calf is free from any HS antibody. The calf was injected subcutaneously with 0.5 ml dilutions of 10-3 of the bacteria incubated overnight (approximately 106 CFU/ml). After ±30 hours inoculation, post-mortem was conducted on the calf showing sign of HS. Heart blood and organ samples were collected and cultured on blood agar to determine bacteria purity. Blood and organ samples were also sent to the bacteriology laboratory in VRI for confirmatory tests. The death of the calf is confirmed by re-isolation of Pasteurella multocida Type B. Heart blood collected was processed, freeze-dried and keep as vaccine seed for further usage in vaccine production. Revival of vaccine seed is needed to ensure its pathogenicity and functionality for production purposes.

Seasonal effect on the prevalence of virulence genes of non-O157 Verotoxic E.coli serogroups in faeces of cattle calves

Calves faecal samples (n=216) were investigated to observe the effect of seasons on the prevalence of serogroups and virulence genes of non-O157 VTEC. A total of 177 (81.94%) E. coli were isolated and 32 (14.81%) were identified as VTEC and serotyping resulted in 13 different non-O157 ‘O’ serogroups. The prevalence of serogroups and their virulence genes was found to be influenced by seasons and highest number were shed in summer (22.22%) followed by rainy (13.88%) and winter season (8.33%), respectively. A higher prevalence of O9 and O11 serogroups (25% each) was observed in summers. Molecular detection of virulence genes revealed the overall prevalence of vt1 to be 37.5%, vt2 43.8%, (vt1+vt2) 18.8%, eaeA 21.9% and hlyA 34.4% genes. Dominance of hlyA 50% was observed in summers, whereas vt1 and vt2 were more prevalent during rain (50% each). The study revealed the link between the occurrence of hlyA gene and O9, O11 serogroups in summers as both the serogroups were hlyA gene bearer. This association might be responsible for more VTEC outbreaks in summers. So, faecal contamination of raw milk seems to pose greater threat of non-O157 VTEC outbreak during hotter and humid months.

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Group A Rotaviruses in Faeces of Diarrhoeic Bovine, Caprine, Ovine, Porcine and Human Population from Central India

Background: Rotavirus infection is a leading cause of acute dehydrating diarrhoea in humans, primarily affecting infants and young children and causes neonatal diarrhoea in the majority of domestic animals. However, there is a dearth of literature in India on geographic or temporal comparisons of rotavirus transmission between humans and animals. Methods: Prior to analysis with one-step RT-PCR, RNA-PAGE confirmed 40 rotaviruses recovered from a total of 306 faecal and stool samples obtained from domestic animals, (245) suffering from watery diarrhoea and children (61) suffering from diarrhoea. The RT-PCR positive sample were subjected to sequence analysis followed by BLAST analysis to confirm the presence of VP7 gene specific to rotavirus. The sequences of rotavirus in study were aligned with Indian and global VP7 sequences and were further subjected for phylogenetic analysis. \Result: Only three samples of three different species (Human, cattle and buffalo) could show the positivity, while remaining 37 failed in RT-PCR. Besides, the similarity of the nucleotide sequence of one of the positive isolates recovered from cattle calf with one of the Indian human rotavirus sequences in phylogenetic analysis indicates the possibility of inter-species transmission of rota viral strains circulating in the area, indicating organism’s zoonotic significance.

Evaluation of silkworm pupae meal based calf starter diet on the performance of crossbred cattle calves

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the palatability, growth and economics of the silkworm pupae meal (SWPM) feeding, replacing fish meal (FM) in cattle calves. Crossbred cattle calves (15) around one-month of age were selected for the study and were divided into three equal groups (n=5) viz., T0 (100% FM), T1 (75% FM: 25% SWPM) and T2 (50% FM: 50% SWPM). To estimate the growth parameters fortnightly, a growth trial of 90 days was conducted, and a digestibility trial of 7 days was conducted at the end of experiment. The results revealed non-significant differences between the experimental groups in DMI, OMI, periodical body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) (g/d), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (%), digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP). Significant differences were observed in digestibility coefficients of crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) between the groups. The digestible nutrients intake revealed significant difference only in CPI (g/d) with higher values in T0 followed by T1 and T2, but non-significant differences were observed in DDMI, DCPI and TDNI. The economics of feeding showed a decrease in the feed cost and feeding cost per kg body weight gain with increased inclusion of SWPM. Thus, it is concluded that costly FM can be replaced upto 50% level by SWPM without anyadverse effect on feed intake, growth and nutrient utilization of crossbred cattle calves.

A Newly Emerging Serotype A Strain in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus with Higher Severity and Mortality in Buffalo than in Cattle Calves in North Egypt.

A severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic struck several Egyptian provinces recently, causing significant losses among animals even in vaccinated farms. This study indicated the existence of the newly emerging foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and first investigated its effect on the Egyptian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle calves in the Beheira province, north Egypt. Twenty tongue epithelial samples from diseased calves in five infected farms were randomly collected, prepared, and propagated using baby hamster kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells. Whole genomic RNA was extracted from the cells of the third passage. A FMDV genome was detected and serotyped using one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs). Nucleotide sequencing of the purified serotype-specific PCR bands was performed, and a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on 600 base pairs of VP1 was constructed. The results identified FMDV, serotype A in all infected samples, whereas the serotypes O and SAT2 were negative. The obtained 20 sequences were identical to each other and similar to the newly reported strain in Egypt that belongs to the Europe-South America (Euro-SA) topotype. The epidemiological and clinical parameters associated with such a strain were fully recorded by veterinarians and analyzed in a single infected farm including 70 cattle and buffalo calves. It caused higher peracute mortalities in buffalo (25.7%; 95% CI: 13-43) than in cattle (8.6%; 95% CI: 2-24) calves. Severe clinical signs such as dullness, hypothermia, bradycardia, and cardiac arrhythmia were common to both except in fatal cases, whereas hyperthermia and respiratory signs were prevalent in cattle calves. In conclusion, we first characterized the newly emerging FMDV in the calves of Beheira as more fatal and severe in buffalo than in cattle calves.

An effective strategy for the treatment of toxic dyspepsia in calves

Relevance. In this paper, an effective protocol for the treatment of a toxic form of dyspepsia in young cattle is considered. According to experts, dyspepsia is a multifactorial disease, the positive outcome of treatment of which depends not only on the effective action of antibacterial therapy, but also on the timely prevention of the development of endotoxic shock, developing due to dehydration and overexpression of the nervous system.The studies were carried out on cattle calves up to 10 days of age of the Holstein breed. To study the therapeutic efficacy of the proposed treatment protocol, three groups of analogues were formed: two experimental and a control group (n=12). The calves of the first experimental group were prescribed: a decoction of oak bark inside, an antibiotic intramuscularly and intraperitoneal preparation "Sterofundin isotonic". In the second experimental group, pathogenetic therapy in the form of visceral novocaine blockade was carried out in addition to the first scheme. In the control group, they were prescribed: inside decoction of oak bark, an antibiotic intramuscularly, the drug "Sterofundin isotonic" intravenously. During the observation period, the general clinical condition was determined daily in the morning and evening. At the end of the experiment, the number of recovered calves, the severity of the disease, and the percentage of animal deaths were determined. On the first day and after 10 days, blood was taken from all animals to determine the dynamics of hematological changes.The use of a treatment regimen for toxic dyspepsia of calves with the inclusion of antibacterial, infusion therapy with simulta neous visceral novocaine blockade allowed to reduce the incidence by 2.7 times, increase therapeutic efficacy by 2.4 times compared with the control group. The duration of treatment with the use of the proposed treatment was reduced by 1.9 days, a significant increase in hemoglobin was noted in the blood of calves by 11.48% higher, lymphocytes by 1.68 times (p&lt;0.05). The economic effect in the second experimental group was maximum and amounted to 2.28 rubles per rub of costs.

The role of the Cryptosporidium parvum in diarrhea in calves and lambs

Cryptosporidiosis is an important parasitic disease that leads to morbidity and mortality among young ruminants. In our study, 200 neonatal calves and lambs were examined for Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). The prevalence of infection in cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs was 38.7%, 22% and 40%, respectively, by microscope and was 82.7%, 84% and 62.7%, respectively using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in Assiut Governorate. The total prevalence in young ruminants was 75.5%. According to the sex, the prevalence in cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs was 82.1% and 90.5% and 54.2%, respectively in males and was 83.3% and 79.3% and 77.8%, respectively in females. Concerning the age, it was 90.6% and 96.2% and 96% in cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs, respectively, with age less than 1 month and was 96.6% and 63.6% and 26.9%, respectively, with age 1-2 months. While, it was 35.7% and 76.9% and 66.7% in cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs, respectively, in age more than 2 to 3 months. The prevalence of cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs was 97.1%, 90% and 100% of farm rearing, respectively, and was 70%, 75% and 37.8% of household rearing, respectively. The prevalence according to the feces consistency of cattle calves, buffalo calves and lambs was 77.3%, 78.9% and 49% of normal feces, respectively, and was 90.3%, 87.1% and 91.7% of diarrheic feces, respectively. This finding showed a high infection rate with C. parvum in calves and lambs.

Evaluation of Rumen Methane Emission in Sahiwal and Gir Calves Supplemented with Combination of Methanogenic Inhibitors

Methane is one of the main greenhouse gases emitted by ruminants around the world. It is essential to investigate novel approaches to increasing animal production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants. This study was conducted to examine the effect of methane inhibitors, such as nitrate, linseed oil, and anthraquinone, on nutritional digestibility, rumen fermentation processes, and methane emission in Sahiwal and Gir cattle calves. Twelve calves (6–12 months old), six of each Sahiwal and Gir breed, were selected and divided into four groups; Sahiwal control (C) and treated (T) calves; Gir control (C) and treated calves (T) of three calves each based on average body weight. Switch over a design was used as for periods 1 and 2. Animals in all groups were fed chopped oat fodder, wheat straw, and a concentrate mixture. Additionally, treated groups were fed a ration with potassium nitrate (1%), linseed oil (0.5%), and anthraquinone (4 ppm). The results revealed that the addition of methane inhibitors had no impact on nutrient intake and apparent digestibility. The levels of propionate, ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen were increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05), while butyrate decreased in the treated groups of both breeds. However, there was no change in acetate and pH between the groups. Methane emission (g/d) was lower (p &lt; 0.05) in the treated groups as compared to the control group. This study concludes that supplementation of methane inhibitors in calves feed can be utilized to lower methane emissions without affecting the intake and digestibility of nutrients. Combining diverse dietary mitigation strategies could be an effective way to mitigate methane emissions to reduce global warming while minimizing any negative impacts on ruminants to accomplish sustainable animal production.