Cows In Control Group Research Articles

Incidence of uterine torsion during veterinary-assisted dystocia and singleton live births after vaginal delivery in Holstein-Friesian cows at pasture

Abstract Objective To determine the incidence of uterine torsion and their association with live births after vaginal delivery at pasture. Methods A total of 119 veterinary-assisted dystocia, occurred in Holstein-Friesian cows, were accessed between September 2012 and February 2013 from Azores islands (Portugal). The general health status of dam, cause of dystocia, obstetric treatment choice, number and viability of fetus were evaluated. Results The uterine torsion represented 24.4% (29/119) of total assisted dystocia. The general health status was normal or slowly affected, at delivery time, for 96.6% (28/29) of the cows with uterine torsion. Vaginal delivery after rolling cows, cesarean section or euthanasia were performed in 72.4% (21/29), 24.1% (7/29) and 3.5% (1/29) of dams with uterine torsion, respectively. Singletons were observed in 96.6% (28/29) and 86.7% (78/90) of cows with uterine torsion and remaining dystocia, respectively. After vaginal delivery, the occurrence of singleton live births was more probable to occur in cows with uterine torsion (17/21) than the remaining cows (37/70) of control group (odds ratio = 3.79; 95% interval of confidence from 1.16 to 12.41; P Conclusions A high frequency of uterine torsion was observed in Holstein-Friesian cows with normal or slowly affected general health status at delivery time at pasture. The singleton live births prevailed and, in general, their occurrence by vaginal delivery after uterus reposition were most likely to occur in cows with uterine torsion than dams presenting other dystocia.

Effects of monensin on production and energy metabolism in early lactation cows

The aim of the research was to investigate effects of monensin controlled-release capsules on production and metabolism in early lactation cows, with relation to the time of administration of monensin. The study was performed in 2014 (from 01/05/2014 to 01/10/2014) at a Lithuanian cattle farm having 500 dairy cows. Four experimental groups were applied as follows: 1) Group 1 (G1) control (no supplementation, n = 20); 2) Group 2 (G2) with supplementation of monensin (32.4 g monensin controlled-release capsule (MCRC), n = 20). Both groups were on 30th day before expected calving; 3) Group 3 (G3) control (no supplementation, n = 10); 4) Group 4 (G4) with supplementation of monensin (32.4 g monensin controlled-release capsule (MCRC), n = 10). Both groups were on day 1 post partum. Group 2 (G2) received MCRC 30 days before calving, Group 4 (G4) 1 day after calving. Experimental and control cows received the same diet and were exposed to the same environment and management conditions during the entire experimental protocol. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels: G1 and G2 cows from day –30 (before expected calving, prior to supplementation), each day, up to 30 days post partum; G3 and G4 from day 1 post partum, each day, up to 30 days post partum. Blood serum was tested for beta-hydroxybutyrates (BHB) and glucose concentration. The daily milk yield was measured electronically (DairyPlan C21, Westfalia Surge Inc., GEA). Milk was sampled once monthly. Samples were analyzed for contents of fat, protein, lactose, urea, and somatic cells count. The BHB concentration decreased more efficiently after the supplementation of MCRC after calving. After supplementation with monensin on the first day after calving, it has been identified that the BHB concentration in serum of experimental group (G4) cows statistically significantly decreased after 3 days (p < 0.05). During this period, the average BHB concentration of control group (G3) cows was 0.414 (±0.05) mmol/l, while the BHB concentration of experimental group (G4) cows was 0.27 (±0.03) mmol/l. Statistically significant differences between the experimental and the control groups were observed during the entire study (p < 0.05). After calving, cows supplemented with monensin showed statistically significant higher production of milk (p < 0.05) than the control group. Statistically significant differences in the blood glucose and BHB concentration, quantity of milk and production average between two experimental groups (G2 and G4) were not identified.

Effect of selenium on its content in milk and performance of dairy cows in ecological farming

Currently, the ecological farming is increasingly spread in the European Union. The aim of this relatively young farming method is a friendly approach to agricultural production with an emphasis to deliver healthy raw materials and food to final consumer. Selenium is included in an essential trace micronutrients which are necessary for the proper process of physiological reactions. It is a part of glutathione peroxidase, which is a powerful antioxidant. At present, selenium-deficiency can occur in feed and food in central Europe. Selenium deficiency is one cause of the higher occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the experiment was to study whether the addition of selenium to the diet of dairy cows in ecological farming can increase its concentration in milk and affect quantitative (milk yield) and quality (content of protein, fat, lactose, somatic cells and urea) milk indicators. The experiment included twenty cows of Holstein breed. The first experimental group of cows (n = 10) was fed with selenium in an amount of 0.3 mg.kg-1 (as selenomethionine) in the feed dose. The control group (n = 10) was not fed with the increased selenium in the feed dose. The basic feed dose contained 0.17 mg of Se/kg in the diet. For dairy cows, daily intake was of 20.5 kg of dry matter feed. The duration of the experiment was set at 45 days. The selenium concentration in milk was measured from 0.13 to 0.15 µg.mL-1 in the experimental group of cows during the evaluation. The control group of cows without the addition of selenium to the diet showed a selenium concentration below the detection limit. During the experiment, milk yield, lactose, fat and protein were not affected. A significant decrease (p <0.05) of somatic cells by 58% occurred in milk in the experimental group. The amount of urea was significantly lower in both groups in the experimental (by 52%; p <0.05) and control (50%; p <0.05). These results show that the addition of selenium may increase the selenium concentration in milk (the production of functional food). The addition of selenium reduces the amount of somatic cells, which are the indicators of inflammatory diseases of the mammary gland.

Effect of micro-alga supplementation on goat and cow milk fatty acid composition

The microalgae cultivation has been developed over the last decades because it is capable of producing valuable metabolites, such as n-3 fatty acids for nutraceutical purposes. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the micro-alga as fat supplement on fatty acid profile of goat and cow milk, with particular reference to n-3 fatty acids and rumenic acid. Twenty dairy goats and 16 dairy cows were randomly allocated to two isonitrogenous treatment groups to investigate the effect of micro-alga supplementation on the composition and fatty acid profile of milk. The 1st goat group was fed with alfalfa hay and concentrate; the 2nd goat group received the same forages but the concentrate was supplemented with 10 g kg-1 DM intake micro-alga. The control group cows were fed with alfalfa hay, corn silage and concentrate, while the experimental animals were fed with the same forages but the concentrate was supplemented with 7.4 g kg-1 DM intake micro-alga. The experimental periods lasted for 17 d. The micro-alga supplements considerably increased rumenic acid concentration in milk (1.20% vi. 1.54%, P < 0.001 for goats; 0.75% vs. 0.85%, P < 0.05 for cows). The n-3 fatty acids were higher in milk (1.02 vs. 1.35; P < 0.001 for goats; 0.47 vs. 0.56; P < 0.05 for cows) and in addition the n-6/n-3 ratio was also more favorable in the micro-alga supplemented groups (3.53 vs. 2.88; P < 0.01 for goats; 4.18 vs. 3.36; P < 0.05 for cows). It is concluded that the diet with micro-alga supplementation significantly increased the concentration of beneficial fatty acids in both goat and cow milk.

The effects on ruminal pH and serum haptoglobin after feeding a grain-based supplement to grazing dairy cows as a partial mixed ration or during milking

Ruminal pH and serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) were measured in order to assess the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in grazing cows offered rolled wheat grain twice daily in the dairy at milking (Control group; n = 64), or as a partial mixed ration (PMR group; n = 64) on a feedpad. Cows were allocated various levels of the supplement (8, 10, 12 or 14 kg dry matter/day). Ruminal pH was measured in 16 rumen-fistulated cows (eight PMR and eight Control group cows), using indwelling pH meters, recording every 10 min for 14 days. Serum Hp was analysed in samples collected from 125 cows. No differences in ruminal pH or serum Hp concentration were found between treatment groups, or levels of feeding. It was concluded that, using ruminal pH patterns and Hp as markers of SARA at the feeding levels used in this study, there were no differences between grazing cows fed the supplement either as grain in the dairy or as a PMR fed on a feedpad.

Immediate and residual effects of heat stress and restricted intake on milk protein and casein composition and energy metabolism

The effects of heat stress on dairy production can be separated into 2 distinct causes: those effects that are mediated by the reduced voluntary feed intake associated with heat stress, and the direct physiological and metabolic effects of heat stress. To distinguish between these, and identify their effect on milk protein and casein concentration, mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (n=24) were housed in temperature-controlled chambers and either subjected to heat stress [HS; temperature-humidity index (THI) ~78] or kept in a THI<70 environment and pair-fed with heat-stressed cows (TN-R) for 7 d. A control group of cows was kept in a THI<70 environment with ad libitum feeding (TN-AL). A subsequent recovery period (7 d), with THI<70 and ad libitum feeding followed. Intake accounted for only part of the effects of heat stress. Heat stress reduced the milk protein concentration, casein number, and casein concentration and increased the urea concentration in milk beyond the effects of restriction of intake. Under HS, the proportion in total casein of αS1-casein increased and the proportion of αS2-casein decreased. Because no effect of HS on milk fat or lactose concentration was found, these effects appeared to be the result of specific downregulation of mammary protein synthesis, and not a general reduction in mammary activity. No residual effects were found of HS or TN-R on milk production or composition after THI<70 and ad libitum intake were restored. Heat-stressed cows had elevated blood concentrations of urea and Ca, compared with TN-R and TN-AL. Cows in TN-R had higher serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations than cows in HS. It was proposed that HS and TN-R cows may mobilize different tissues as endogenous sources of energy.

The relationship between bovine adenomyosis and endometritis

Adenomyosis is the invasion of endometrium into the myometrium, which could reduce fertility in cows. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the occurrence of adenomyosis and endometritis in dairy cows. Cows in the control group (n = 33) had no uterine infection, while cows in the case group (n = 37) had endometritis. To harvest uterine specimens, cows in both groups were subjected to uterine biopsy. The uterine specimens were fixed in 10 % formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and examined histopathologically. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of adenomyosis was 5.4 % (2/37) and 0 % (0/33) in cows with endometritis and control cows, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study showed a numerically higher prevalence of adenomyosis in cows with endometritis.

Effect of Feeding Formaldehyde Treated Rapeseed and Cottonseed Cakes on Milk Yield and Composition at Various Stages of Lactation and Parity in Jersey Cows

The aim of this study was to document the response of lactating Jersey cows to feeding of formaldehyde treated oil cakes of rapeseed and cottonseed on milk yield and composition at various stages of lactation and parity. Formaldehyde treatment of oil cakes was performed at 1% of crude protein, and these treated cakes were used in preparing treatment concentrate mixture. The experiment was carried out for 40 days using 27 lactating Jersey cows differing in parity 1–3, 4–6 and ≥7 with different stages of lactation i.e. early (1–3 m), mid (4–6 m) and late (7–9 m) in each lactation groups. The animals were grouped into Control and Treatment. For first 10 days, cows of Control group were offered with a control concentrate and thereafter same animals were grouped as Treatment group and fed the same concentrate having both the protein meals treated with formaldehyde, along with ad libitum access to barley green fodder and wheat straw. The milk yield and its component yield were decreased linearly as lactation advanced and the differences were significant (P<0.05) between early and late lactation. The highest increment (P<0.05) in milk yield was noted in early lactation (0.69 kg/d) and least during late lactation (0.56 kg/d). Milk SNF yield was improved (P<0.05) up to the tune of 40 g/d in mid lactation cows only. With respect to parity, the highest (P<0.05) milk yield was observed in 1st-3rd parity and lowest after 7th parity, while milk fat% followed the reverse trend upon feeding formaldehyde treated oil cakes, while other parameters like fat and SNF percentage did not differ due to treatment. Furthermore, milk fat yield was increased (P<0.05) to the extent of 50 g/d and 20 g/d in 1st-3rd and above 7th parity cows, respectively. It was concluded that feeding of concentrate mixture containing formaldehyde treated oil cakes (rapeseed and cottonseed) economically improved yield of milk and milk components. Furthermore, the treatment effect was more pronounced during early lactation and in lower (1–3) parity Jersey cows.

Changes of Serum Calcium Concentration, Frequency of Ruminal Contraction and Feed Intake Soon after Parturition of Dairy Cows Fed Difructose Anhydride III.

Requirements to control the large decrease in serum calcium (Ca) due to parturition and to increase the feed intake soon after parturition have been well accepted in dairy cows. This study was aimed to investigate the feed intake affected by serum Ca concentration with difructose anhydride (DFA) III supplement in dairy cows soon after parturition. Fourteen transition Holstein cows were divided into DFA and control (CONT) groups within 1 to 5 parity variations in each group. Measurement schedule for an individual cow was from 14 d before parturition to 7 d following parturition. The cows in DFA group were supplied 0.2 kg/head/d of DFA III feed containing 40 g of pure DFA III while the cows in CONT group received no DFA III. Other feeding procedures were the same for all cows in both groups. At parturition (d 0), serum Ca concentration sharply declined in both groups (p<0.05). Time interval for recovery from decreased serum Ca to its normal range (>9.0 mg/dL) tended to be faster in DFA group (12 h) than in the CONT group (48 h), but the differences were not significant. Active ruminal contraction was observed in DFA group at following parturition of d 1 (p<0.05), d 3 (p<0.05), and d 5 (p<0.01). Dry matter (DM) intake did not differ between the groups. However, positive correlations were observed between serum Ca concentration and ruminal contraction (p<0.001), and between ruminal contraction and DM intake (p<0.001) during following parturition. According to multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.824, p<0.001), the DM intake was positively affected by serum Ca concentration and ruminal contraction. These results suggest that feed intake soon after parturition in dairy cows can be increased by improvement of serum Ca concentration and active ruminal contraction, but DFA III supplementation in this study did not improve the lower serum Ca concentration due to parturition.

9 TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN BLOCKS: A NEW ALTERNATIVE TO IMPROVE FERTILITY IN BEEF COWS

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether timed artificial insemination (TAI) according to the diameter of the dominant preovulatory follicle (POF) would improve pregnancy rates in beef cows. In Experiment 1, a retrospective meta-analysis of 5 oestradiol- or gonadotropin-releasing hormone-based TAI experiments from 2011 to 2014 was performed to evaluate the interval from luteolysis to ovulation. In these experiments, crossbred cows (Gyr × Holstein; n = 60) were examined by ultrasonography at 12-h intervals from progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) removal to ovulation. A linear regression model was used to predict the effect of POF diameter on the time of ovulation. Cows with a larger POF at the time of AI ovulated earlier than cows with smaller POF (y = –8.25x + 115.22; R2 = 0.93; P &lt; 0.0001). In Experiment 2, lactating Nelore cows (Bos indicus; n = 59) on random days of the oestrous cycle were given 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate IM and a CIDR device (Day 0) to synchronize follicular waves. The CIDR were removed, and cows were given 500 μg of d-Cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2α) IM, 1 mg of oestradiol cypionate IM, and 300 IU of eCG IM on Day 8. On the morning of Day 10 (07:00 a.m.), the diameter of the POF was assessed by ultrasonography, and cows were randomised into Control (n = 29) and Block (n = 30) groups. 1) Control-group cows were TAI 48 h after CIDR removal (08:00 a.m. on Day 10), and Block-group cows were inseminated at 4 time points according to the diameter of the POF: B0 (POF ≥15 mm, TAI at 08:00 a.m. on Day 10, n = 6), B1 (POF 13 to 14 mm, TAI at 02:00 p.m. on Day 10, n = 8), B2 (POF 11 to 12 mm, TAI at 08:00 a.m. on Day 11, n = 11), and B3 (POF ≤ 10 mm, TAI at 02:00 p.m. on Day 11, n = 5). Pregnancy status was assessed 30 days post-AI by ultrasonography. No differences were detected in the diameter of the POF 48 h after CIDR removal (P = 0.77) or ovulation rate (P = 0.65; combined ovulation rate 52/59, 88%) between Control and Block groups. Block group had a higher pregnancy rate than Control (22/30, 73% v. 13/29, 45%, respectively; P = 0.02). In conclusion, our results document that interval from luteolysis to ovulation depends on the size of preovulatory follicle, timing of AI in relation to ovulation time is critical, and AI time according to the diameter of the POF can be an effective tool to improve fertility of cows in TAI protocols.

Prostaglandin receptors (EP2 and EP4) and angiotensin receptor (AGTR2) mRNA expression increases in the oviducts of Nelore cows submitted to ovarian superstimulation

Many peptides are responsible for the coordination of muscle contraction, secretion and ciliary beating of the oviduct epithelium to allow the transport of gametes and embryos, including vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), prostaglandins (PGs), endotelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II). The effect of reproductive biotechnologies used to improve embryo yield on oviduct gene expression is poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ovarian superstimulation on the mRNA expression of the genes encoding the major peptides involved in oviduct contraction in bovine. Therefore, Nelore cows were submitted to P-36 (n=5) or P-36/eCG (n=5) ovarian superstimulatory protocols and a control group of cows was not submitted to any superstimulatory protocol (n=5). The relative expression of VEGF (VEGF, Flk1, Flt1), Ang II (AGTR2, ACE1), ET1 (ET1, ECE1) and PG pathway members (PGES, EP2, EP4, COX1, COX2) was analyzed using real time RT-PCR in each of oviduct segment (infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus). All target genes were expressed in the three segments of the bovine oviduct; however, specific genes were regulated by ovarian superstimulation: EP2 and EP4 receptors mRNA was affected by P-36/eCG protocol, in the ampulla and infundibulum, respectively; and AGTR2 mRNA was up-regulated by both the P-36/eCG and P-36 protocols in the isthmus. The upregulation of EP2, EP4 and AGTR2 expression in the superstimulated cows suggests a suitable effect of FSH and eCG on bovine oviduct physiology, coordinating the contraction in Nelore cows.

Effect of uterine immunomodulation on hematobiochemical parameters in cyclic non-breeding cows

Aim: To study the effect of uterine immunomodulation on hematobiochemical parameters and total immunoglobulin concentration in cyclic non-breeding cows. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one repeat breeding cows around Bhubaneswar area were screened by white side test to detect and treat the endometritis and were assigned to three treatment protocols with an equal number of seven animals in each group. Cows in control group were administered with 50 ml of normal saline while treatment Group I animals were given single intrauterine infusion of 20 ml of fresh colostrum and treatment Group II animals received nonpathogenic Escherichia coli in 10 ml sterile saline. The blood samples were collected from all the experimental animals, and hematobiochemical parameters and total immunoglobulin concentration were estimated. Results: A high significant difference (p<0.01) was accounted in lymphocyte count of E. coli treated group within different days of sampling. Analysis of variance recorded a highly significant difference with neutrophil percent in E. coli lavaged cows. In colostrum treated group monocyte count showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between 0 and 14 th day of sampling. The analysis of hematocrit values did not show any significant difference apart from the erythrocyte sedimentation rate parameter in the colostrum infused group with the highest significant (p<0.01) variation being observed between 7 th and 14 th day of sampling. The analysis of aspartate amino transferase values in the colostrum lavaged cows revealed a significant difference, but that of alanine amino transferase values did not show any significant difference. Comparison of immunoglobulin values for different days in all the treatment protocol revealed a highly significant (p<0.05) difference within various days of sampling. Conclusion: In the present study, the local immunomodulation by different agents have been highlighted and which indicated potentiation of uterine immunity by different drug that might serve as a new direction of treatment to uterine diseases. The scope of research in the future should be widened by considering a larger population for validation.

Two Possibile Hormonal Treatment Methods for Inducing Follicular Growth in Dairy Cows With Inactive-Static Ovaries

Abstract Postpartum anestrus is a physiological phenomenon in high-producing dairy cows. Static ovaries have been related as major contributors for its occurrence causing a significant reproductive problem to the dairy industry. Different treatment methods have been employed with inconsistent rate of success in initiation of cyclicity, requiring further investigations in order to achieve satisfactory results. The aim of the present study was to compare the ovarian response in cows diagnosed with static ovaries, more than 60 days postpartum using two different hormonal treatment (GnRH and eCG) methods. A total of 58 acyclic cows (no CL, follicles&lt;8mm, P4&lt;0.5ng/mL) were randomly divided into three groups: GnRH (Group 1, n=23), eCG (Group 2, n=23) and Controls (n=12), and allocated thereafter, into subgroups according to the applied doses of GnRH (100μg or 250μg); eCG (750 IU or 1000 IU) whilst control group cows were left untreated. Daily follicular growth rate and treatment respond interval were estimated based on repeated ultrasound examinations. Blood serum P4 sampling was done on d -7, d-0 (start of the experiment) and on d 7 after ovulation. Resumption of cyclic activity occurred in 55.17% (32/58) of the treated cows, 56.52% in Group 1; 60.86% in Group 2 and 41.66% in the control group. Overall, the follicular growth rate was similar between the trials group and significant with regard to the cows in the control group (p&lt;0.05). eCG or GnRH treated cows responded significantly faster 6.85±0.2 and 7.84±0.2 days, respectively, in comparison to the control group cows (17±0.7 days, p&lt;0.001). Treatment with a single dose of GnRH or eCG caused resumption of follicular growth and ovulation following luteogenesis (forming CL) without significant changes in P4 concentrations on day 7 after ovulation (p&gt;0.05). Cows in Group 2 had significantly higher incidence of multiple ovulations than cows in Group 1 (p&lt;0.05). The eCG treatment resulted in a faster response and higher ovulation rate compared to GnRH treatment. In conclusion, both treatments have shown acceptable results in resumption of cyclicity in dairy cows with static ovaries.

Changes in isoflavones concentrations in cheese during processing and ripening

The aim of the study was to determine possible changes in isoflavones concentration in cheese made from either control or isoflavone-enriched milk during manufacturing and ripening. The experiment was carried out on four high-yielding lactating Holstein cows that were divided into two groups with similar mean milk yield. The control group of cows was fed a diet based on extruded rapeseed cake (C) while the experimental group of animals was fed a diet based on extruded full-fat soya (S). The experiment was carried out in the form of a cross-over design and was divided into 2 periods of 14 days (a 10-d preliminary period and a 4-d experimental period). Cows were fed individually twice dailyad libitumthe diet based on maize silage, lucerne hay and supplemental mixture. In each period 20 kg of morning milk was collected from each group for cheese processing. After pasteurisation (65 °C, 30 min.) a total of 5 kg of milk from each sample in each period was weighed out to make cheese with a low-heated curd. Cheeses were salted in 20% solution of NaCl for 3.5 h and allowed to ripen for 90 days at 15 °C. During technological processing samples were taken to determine isoflavones content. Data concerning the nutrients intake, milk yield and concentration of isoflavones were analysed by means of multifactor analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of the Statgraphics 7.0 package. Average daily isoflavones intake in S (1284.7 mg/d) was higher than in C (2.9 mg/d, P &lt; 0.001). Milk yield expressed in 4% FCM did not differ significantly between groups (P &gt; 0.05). Concentration of daidzein, genistein and glycitein in pasteurised full fat milk was similar in both groups. Milk from S group had higher concentration of equol (26.7 µg/L) in comparison to C group (4.0 µg/L). After processing cheese in C contained 32.1 µg/kg daidzein and 5.6 µg/kg of equol while cheese in S contained 17.5 µg/kg of daidzein and 24.3 µg/kg of equol. During a 90-day ripening percentage decrease in isoflavones concentration was lower in S than in C. Concentration of daidzein was reduced by 47% in C and 37% in S. Concentration of genistein decreased by 51% in C and 31% in S, concentration of glycitein by 46% in C and 29% in S and concentration of equol by 50% in C and 38% in S.

Formation of NET, phagocytic activity, surface architecture, apoptosis and expression of toll like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) in neutrophils of mastitic cows.

Neutrophils employ both oxidative and non oxidative mechanisms to destroy pathogens. Function of neutrophils coming in milk during mammary invasion is not clearly understood in dairy animals. Therefore, the present study was designed in 36 Sahiwal cows to see the changes occurring in the neutrophil activity of cows suffering from subclinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM). Cows were divided into three groups as healthy (n = 12), SCM (n = 12) and CM (n = 12) groups on the basis of CMT scoring, gross morphological changes in milk, bacteriological examination of milk and by counting milk SCC. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk SCC, neutrophil percent and significantly (P < 0.05) lower viability of both blood and milk neutrophils were observed in CM group of cows as compared to SCM and control group of cows. Phagocytic activity (PA) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in milk neutrophils of SCM and CM cows as compared to control cows. Toll like receptors 2 and 4 in blood and milk neutrophils were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher, whereas, apoptosis in terms of altered mitochondrial transmembrane potential, Caspase 3 and 7 activities were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower in CM cows. Alterations in surface architecture of neutrophils in terms of formation of pseudopods was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and found to be higher in CM cows. Blood neutrophils were found to be spherical as compared to milk neutrophils. Formation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NETs) were found milk neutrophils of CM cows, whereas, SCM and healthy cows did not exhibit NET formation. The study indicated a positive correlation between lower neutrophil apoptosis and higher expression of TLR2 and TLR4 with the formation of NETs and change in surface architecture. Formation of NET like structures seemed to be an effective mode of defense employed by neutrophils of cows suffering from clinical mastitis.

Efficiency of superstimulatory protocol P-36 associated with the administration of eCG and LH in Nelore cows

Recent work with P-36 demonstrates that the replacement of the last two doses of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) increases embryo yields. However, it is unclear if the positive effect of eCG is related to its FSH-like activity, LH-like activity, or both. This study aimed to verify the replacement of eCG with pLH on the last day of superstimulatory treatment. Twenty-five Nelore cows were allocated to four groups: P-36 (control), P-36/eCG, P-36/LH2, and P-36/LH4. All animals underwent four treatments in a crossover design. The control group cows were superstimulated with decreasing doses of porcine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (pFSH, 133 mg, im). In the P-36/eCG, P-36/LH2, and P-36/LH4 groups, the last two doses of pFSH were replaced in the former group by two doses of eCG (200 IU each dose, im) and in the latter two groups by two doses of pLH (1 and 2 mg each dose, im), respectively. Donors received fixed-time artificial insemination 12 and 24 hours after pLH. Embryo flushing was performed on D16. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (Proc Mixed, SAS). There was a trend of decreasing ovulation rate when comparing groups LH2 and eCG (P = 0.06). However, there was no significant difference in the mean number of viable embryos among groups P-36 (3.3 ± 0.7), P-36/eCG (4.5 ± 0.5), P-36/LH2 (3.7 ± 0.8), and P-36/LH4 (4.2 ± 1.0). It is concluded that the replacement of eCG by pLH on the last day of superstimulatory treatment can be performed with no significant variation in the production of viable embryos.

Effect of Certain Immunomodulators on Uterine Microbiology in Cyclic Non Breeding Cows

Immunomodulators, uterine microbiology, Cow A total number of twenty one repeat breeding cows selected after meticulous screening based on Whiteside test and Laing’s criteria then allotted randomly into three equal groups (n=7). Cows in control group were lavaged with intra-uterine with 50 ml of normal saline, in group I 20 ml of fresh colostrum and in group II infusion with 10 ml of non-pathogenic E.Coli in sterile saline as intra uterine medication were given. Bacterial isolates were collected in pre-treatment stage (day0) and post treatment stage (day 21) and their concentrations (cfu/ml) were compared.In the pre treatment stage, the predominant bacterial flora and their frequency in animals constituted Klebsiella spp , Staphylococcus spp , E.coli , Enterococcus fecalis , Streptococcus spp , Proteus spp and Bacillus spp . In the post treatment sampling after twenty one days, following different drug treatments revealed inhibition of many bacterial isolates which were identified in the pre-treatment period. Klebsiella spp. was found only in normal saline group whereas it was absent in colostrum and E.coli treated group. Similarly Staphylococcus spp. was identified from a single case in colostrum treated group whereas the other two treatment regimen did not reveal their presence. Similar bacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus spp. was marked in normal saline and E.coli. The presence of non pathogenic E.coli was evident in all the treatment groups at post treatment period, indicating either their reinfection or due to its natural presence in the reproductive tract. The cows in control group projected a first insemination conception rate of 42.86%, in group – I recorded a pregnancy rate of 57.14% and in group – II three cows became pregnant (42.86%) out of seven inseminations.

에너지 및 반추위 미분해단백질 수준을 달리한 사료급여가 비유중기 유우에 미치는 영향

Sources of energy and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) have been used to meet nutrient requirements for high producing dairy cows. However studies for manipulation the levels of energy and RUP in diets have been mainly achieved using dairy cows at early-lactation period. The objective of this study thus, was to investigate the effects of different energy and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) levels on dry matter intake and milk yield in Holstein cows at mid-lactation period. Basal diet was prepared as TMR to meet nutrient requirements for dairy cows at mid-lactation according to NRC recommendation. Cows of control group (Con) were fed only basal diets while ground corn (0.5 kg/d), heat-treated soybean meal (0.5 kg/d), and their mixture (0.25 kg of each supplements/d) were added to diets for cows of treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3 respectively) to modulate the level of energy and RUP contents in diets. Addition of energy or RUP source in basal TMR did not affect in total DMI while TMR intake tended to be higher in Con compared to T3. Cows fed T3 diets tended to show increased milk yield and MUN content than those of Con. Cows for T2 as well as T3 had lower ADG (P<0.05) compared with those of Con. We concluded that the addition of RUP source in diets for dairy cows on mid-lactation period might cause the decrement of DMI and ADG.

More male calves born after Presynch-Ovsynch protocol with 24-hour timed AI in dairy cows

Various factors including synchronization treatments have been reported to influence sex ratio of offspring in cattle. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of treatment with Presynch-Ovsynch protocol on sex ratio of offspring in Holstein dairy cows. Healthy Holstein cows (N = 1102) were randomly assigned to Presynch-Ovsynch (N = 564) or control (N = 538) group by parity. Cows in Presynch-Ovsynch group received two administrations of PGF2α 14 days apart started at Days 23 to 27 postpartum. Twelve days after the second PGF2α treatment, Ovsynch protocol, consisting of an administration of GnRH followed by administration of PGF2α 7 days later and a final administration of GnRH given 48 hours after the third PGF2α treatment, began. Cows were subjected to fixed-time AI 24 hours after the last administration of GnRH. Cows in control group received no treatment and were inseminated 12 hours after standing estrus. Sex of calves conceived by the first service postpartum was determined after parturition and used for calculation of sex ratio. Parity, season, sire, and calving to conception interval were considered as covariates in statistical analysis. Sex ratio of calves in Presynch-Ovsynch group (1.64) was higher than that in control group (1.09; odds ratio = 1.51; P < 0.05). Moreover, male to female ratio was higher in cows conceived in summer, fall, and winter than in cows that conceived in spring (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cows treated with Presynch-Ovsynch protocol and inseminated 24 hours after the last GnRH administration of Ovsynch had a higher sex ratio than cows inseminated 12 hours after standing estrus.

Effect of progesterone supplementation on conception rate following single and double insemination in repeat breeder cows

Repeat breeder cows (141) were used to study the effect of progesterone supplementation on conception rate following single and double insemination in repeat breeder cows. In treatment group cows 500 mg hydroxyprogestrone caproate was injected intramuscularly and no treatment was given in control group cows. The animals included in progesterone treatment group were divided into 3 groups, viz. the progesterone administration simultaneous to AI (group 1, n=30), conception was 18.18% with single insemination and 21.05% with double insemination. In group 2, (n=32), progesterone was administered day 3 post AI, the conception was 46.05 and 47.36% with single and double insemination respectively. Whereas in group 3 (n=44), administration of progesterone on fifth day post AI, the conception was 45.45 and 48.48% with single and double insemination respectively. In control group (n=35), when no treatment was given, the conception was 18.75 and 31.57% with single and double insemination, respectively.