Blood Of Cows Research Articles

Multiple hosts, multiple impacts: the role of vertebrate host diversity in shaping mosquito life history and pathogen transmission

The transmission of malaria parasites from mosquito to human is largely determined by the dietary specialization of Anopheles mosquitoes to feed on humans. Few studies have explored the impact of blood meal sources on the fitness of both the parasite and the mosquito. Our study investigated the effects of 3-4 consecutive blood meals from one of four vertebrate species (human, cattle, sheep, or chicken) on several fitness traits, including mosquito feeding rate, blood meal size, susceptibility to wild isolates of Plasmodium falciparum, survival, fecundity, F1 offspring development time, and size. Our findings revealed no significant effect on parasite development. Similarly, parasite exposure had no overall effects on mosquito fitness. However, blood meal type did have a strong impact on mosquito feeding rate, survival, lifetime fecundity, and offspring size. Specifically, mosquitoes that were fed successive chicken blood meals produced fewer eggs and fewer and smaller F1 adults compared to those fed human blood. Combining our results in a theoretical model, we show a decrease in the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes fed chicken or cow blood and an increase in the capacity of those fed sheep blood compared to those fed human blood. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the diversity of blood meal sources in understanding mosquito ecology and their role in the transmission intensity of malaria parasites.

Effects of herbal supplements on milk production quality and specific blood parameters in heat-stressed early lactating cows.

The present study explored the influence of supplemental herbal mixtures on cow milk production, quality, and blood parameters in dairy cows under high ambient temperatures. Thirty Holstein cows were randomly assigned into three experimental groups of 10 each. The first control group was supplied with the commercial basal diet, whereas two treatment groups were provided with the commercial basal diet supplemented with 50 and 100 g/head/day of the herbal mixture, respectively. The results showed that the mixture of herbal supplementation did not influence weekly milk production. Milk total fat, triglyceride, and total protein values were not affected (p < 0.05) in cows fed on basal diets supplemented with herbal mixture; however, milk cholesterol was decreased significantly by 100 mg/head/day of the herbal mixture. On the other hand, lactose has increased significantly by adding 100 mg/head/day of herbal mixture. Furthermore, the total cholesterol level in serum was decreased by adding 100 mg/head/day of the herbal mixture, while plasma prolactin, cortisol, GOT, and GPT were unaffected. Regarding fatty acids (C18, C18:1 (c9), 18:1 (c11), 18:2 (c9, c12), 18:2 (t9, t12), and CLA (c9, t11)), there was no significant variation between the groups. Meanwhile, both C19:00 and 18:3 (c6, c9, and c12) were noticeably higher (p < 0.05) in the group that received 100gm, followed by 50 mg, compared to the control. In conclusion, the supplement with a herbal mixture positively affected milk quality by decreasing total cholesterol and increasing lactose, milk fatty acid profile by increasing unsaturated fatty acids content, and plasma cholesterol levels.

Імунобіологічна реактивність організму корів за дисфункції яєчників

It is known that the immune status of the female organism changes dynamically at all stages of both the physiological and pathological state of the reproductive system. The work presents the results of scientific research and analysis of immunological studies in cows with ovarian dysfunction. We studied the nature and peculiarities of the relationships between the indicators of immunity and sexual function of infertile cows before and after treatment. The purpose of the research was to find out the dynamics of some morphological and biochemical blood indicators and the immune status of the body in cows with functional disorders of the ovaries. Certain regularities of the immune status in cows with persistent corpus luteum of the ovary and hypofunction of the ovaries have been established. The results of our research confirmed and supplemented previously established data on changes in hematological and immunological indicators in cows with ovarian pathology. It was established that the development of this pathology was accompanied by an immunodeficient state of the body, disorders of the cellular and humoral links of immunity, and a decrease in indicators of non-specific protection. Ovarian dysfunction in cows mainly develops against the background of immunosuppression and deficiency of indicators of cellular protection of the body, which was supplemented by a decrease in the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and total protein in the blood. A significant increase in the content of “0” mononuclear cells in the blood of sick cows indicates a violation of the mechanisms of lymphocyte differentiation, which negatively affects the formation of the body’s immune response. The imbalance of individual lymphocyte populations indicates the need for immunocorrection in order to increase the content of B and T cells, which will, accordingly, lead to a decrease in the share of low-active “0”-lymphocytes, and will contribute to the restoration of the immune defense mechanisms of the cows’ body. The decrease in indicators of individual factors of immunobiological reactivity of the body of cows with gonadal pathology substantiates the need for the use of general stimulating drugs with an immunomodulating effect.

Influence of liposomal thiosulfonate drug on the blood parameters of cows suffering catarrhal mastitis

Diseases of the mammary gland in cows are of multi-factor nature, which significantly complicates their control and treatment. One of the factors influencing development of mastitis is bacterial microflora. Because of limited use of antibiotics, development of novel alternative antmicrobial drugs is of great relevance. Therefore, the objective of the study was identifying the effect of an ethyl-thiosulfanilate-based liposomal drug on the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood of the cows suffering catarrhal mastitis. The animals were three times intramuscularly injected with the liposomal drug in the dose of 0.04 mL/kg of body weight. Blood from the cows was taken from the jugular vein on the day prior to administration of the drug, and also on the 3rd and 7th days after its application. During the bacterial study of the secretion of udder of sick cows, we collected 51 bacterial isolates, in which dominated Staphylococcus aureus (27.5%) and Streptococcus spp. (21.6%). In blood of the sick cows, we found higher number of leukocytes, increases in the concentrations of circulating immune complexes, lipid hydroperoxides, and ketone derivatives of oxidative modification of proteins. At the same time, we observed decreases in the number of lymphocytes and concentration of protein and the bactericidal activity of blood serum. Administration of the complex liposomal drug had a normalizing effect on the analyzed parameters of the cows. This was evidenced by 9.4% decrease in the total number of leukocytes, 18.5% decrease in the content of circulating immune complexes, 9.3% increase in lymphocytes, and 13.6% increase in the level of total protein. In the sick cows, the drug enhanced the bactericidal (by 35.4%) and lysozymic (by 36.3%) activities of blood serum, glutathione peroxidase activity, and increased the content of reduced glutathione. On the seventh day after injecting the drug into blood of the cows, we saw decrease in the level of intermediate and end products of lipid peroxidation and derivatives of oxidative modification of proteins. Therefore, the complex ethyl-thiosulfanilate-based liposomal drug promoted reduction of metabolic homeostasis of the organism, had positive effect on the activity of natural defense mechanisms in the organism and can be recommended for the treatment of cows with catarrhal mastitis.

Influence of vitamin-mineral premix on biochemical and hematological indicators of Simmental cows

In this article, the effect of a vitamin-mineral premix on the biochemical and hematological parameters of the blood of Simmental cows was studied. The effect of the vitamin-mineral premix was evaluated using indicators characterizing the state of metabolism (total protein, albumins, globulins, etc.). The experimental part of the research was carried out on the basis of PE, the head of the peasant farm economy Kireeva V.M. on four groups of cows of the Simmental breed, selected for productivity and lactation. The introduction of a vitamin-mineral premix into the diet made it possible to establish that the most optimal dose for this breed is 125 grams per head per day.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry-sensitive glycolysis regulates neutrophil adhesion and phagocytosis in dairy cows with subclinical hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia in dairy cows is associated with a decrease of neutrophil adhesion and phagocytosis, an effect driven partly by changes in the expression of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)-related molecules. It is well-established in non-ruminants that neutrophils obtain the energy required for immune function through glycolysis. Whether glycolysis plays a role in the acquisition of energy by neutrophils during hypocalcemia in dairy cows is unknown. To address this relationship, we performed a cohort study and then a clinical trial. Neutrophils were isolated at 2 d postcalving from lactating Holstein dairy cows (average 2.83 ± 0.42 lactations, n = 6) diagnosed as clinically healthy (CON) or with plasma concentrations of Ca2+ < 2.0 mmol/L as a criterion for diagnosing subclinical hypocalcemia (HYP, average 2.83 ± 0.42 lactations, n = 6). In the first experiment, neutrophils were isolated from blood of CON and HYP cows and used to analyze aspects of adhesion and phagocytosis function through QRT-PCR along with confocal laser scanning microscopy, mRNA expression of the glycolysis-related gene hexokinase 2 (HKII) and components of the SOCE moiety ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 [ORAI1, ORAI2, ORAI3, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and STIM2]. Results showed that adhesion and phagocytosis function were reduced in HYP cows. The mRNA expression of adhesion-related syndecan-4 (SDC4), integrin β9 (ITGB9) and integrin β3 (ITGB3) and phagocytosis-related molecules complement component 1 R subcomponent (C1R), CD36, tubulinß1 (TUBB1) were significantly decreased in the HYP group. In the second experiment, to address how glycolysis affects neutrophil adhesion and phagocytosis, neutrophils isolated from CON and HYP cows were treated with 2 μM of the HKII inhibitor Benserazide-d3 or 1 μM of the fructose-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) inhibitor MB05032 for 1 h. Results revealed that the HKII inhibitor Benserazide-d3 reduced phagocytosis and the mRNA abundance of ITGB9, and CD36 in the HYP group. The FBP1 inhibitor MB05032 increased adhesion and phagocytosis and increased mRNA abundance of HKII, ITGB9, and CD36 in the HYP group. Lastly, to investigate the mechanism whereby SOCE-sensitive glycolysis affects neutrophil adhesion and phagocytosis, isolated neutrophils were treated with 1 μM of the SOCE activator thapsigagin or 50 μM of the inhibitor 2-APB for 1 h. Results showed that thapsigargin increased mRNA abundance of HKII, ITGB9, and CD36, and increased adhesion and phagocytosis in the HYP group. In contrast, 2-APB decreased mRNA abundance of HKII and both adhesion and phagocytosis of neutrophils in the CON group. Overall, the data indicated that SOCE-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ levels affect glycolysis and help regulate adhesion and phagocytosis of neutrophils during hypocalcemia in dairy cows.

Prevention of subclinical ketosis in cows during drying off and after calving

Research of the frequency of increased ketone bodies in cows during the transition period three weeks before calving and three weeks after calving should determine the tendency of the Holstein breed to ketosis. It is also important to investigate the relationship between changes in blood biochemical parameters and the development and treatment of ketosis. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of using a probiotic strain of bacteria in subclinical ketosis in cows during drying off and after calving. The following methods were used: testing for determining the level of beta-ketones in the blood of cows; biochemical method of blood testing; clinical method; statistical method. A study of cows in the drying off group showed that the level of β-ketones ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mmol/L. Application efficiency of Bacillus Pumilus L. A 56 in a concentration of 1×109 , CFU/g at a dose of 30 g per animal was determined to be 100%. In the study of metabolic changes in the body of cows after calving patients with ketosis, the content of total protein, albumins globulins of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, and urea at the beginning of the study was increased and went beyond the maximum permissible limits of the reference level. After seven days of using the probiotic, the content of ketone bodies and biochemical parameters decreased to normal. It was proved that at the end of the study, the activity of alanine aminotransferase increased, the level of potassium, vitamins A and E increased. Thus, it was determined that the enzyme alanine aminotransferase is one of the metabolites, an increase in the level of which indicates the accumulation of lipids in the liver. In addition, the content of Ca, P, and vitamin D decreased during treatment, which indicates the risk of hypocationemia. In the group of cows after calving, the incidence of ketosis was 27%. The therapeutic efficacy of a probiotic of 35 g per animal in the postcalving distribution group was 73%. The practical value of the study lies in the prevention of subclinical ketosis in cows in deep drying off and after calving, reducing the cost of treating concomitant diseases, and culling animals

Effects of blood meal source on blood consumption and reproductive success of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis.

Cat fleas, small blood-feeding ectoparasites that feed on humans and animals, cause discomfort through their bites, and can transmit numerous diseases to animals and humans. Traditionally, fleas have been reared for research on live animals, but this process requires animal handling permits, inflicts discomfort on animals, and requires money and time to maintain the host animals. Although artificial membrane-based feeding systems have been implemented, these methods are not sustainable in the long term because they result in lower blood consumption and egg production than those with rearing on live hosts. To maximize these parameters, we tested blood from four hosts to determine the most suitable blood, on the basis of blood consumption and egg production. We also tested the effects of adding the phagostimulant adenosine-5´-triphosphate to the blood to maximize blood consumption. In 48 hours, fleas fed dog blood consumed the most blood, averaging 9.5 μL per flea, whereas fleas fed on cow, cat, or human blood consumed 8.3 μL, 5.7 μL, or 5.2 μL, respectively. Addition of 0.01 M and 0.1 M adenosine-5´-triphosphate to dog and cow blood did not enhance blood consumption. In a 1-week feeding period, the total egg production was also greatest in fleas fed dog blood, with females producing 129.5 eggs, whereas females on cat, human, and cow blood produced 97.2, 83.0, and 70.7 eggs, respectively. The observed results in dog blood indicate an improvement over previously reported results in cat fleas fed with an artificial feeding system. Improving the sustainability of rearing cat flea colonies without feeding on live animals will enable more humane and convenient production of this pest for scientific research.

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.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Hepatitis E Virus Detection in Farmed Ruminants.

Swine are widely recognized as the main reservoir of zoonotic HEV; however, a growing body of data on the HEV prevalence in farmed ruminants of different species also points to a potential route for HEV transmission through ruminants and ruminant products and by-products. Definite information on the zoonotic potential of ruminants is still absent or unclear, compelling the necessity for increasing knowledge on this. The aim of the current study was to analyze the state-of-the-art in this research topic and provide a summary of HEV detection and characterization in farmed ruminants. A total of 1567 papers were retrieved from four search databases that resulted in 35 eligible papers after application of exclusion/inclusion criteria. Studies on HEV in farmed ruminants were mainly based on the detection of HEV RNA and were reported in Africa (n = 1), America (n = 3), Asia (n = 18) and Europe (n = 13), and focused on a variety of ruminants species, namely cow, goat, sheep, deer, buffalo and yak. The overall pooled prevalence of HEV was 0.02% (0.01-0.03, 95% CI). The subgroup pooled prevalence of HEV RNA was 0.01% (0.00-0.02, 95% CI) in cow milk, stool, serum, liver, intestinal, bile, blood, spleen and rectal swab samples; 0.09% (0.02-0.18, 95% CI) in goat serum, bile, stool, milk, liver, rectal swab and blood samples; 0.01% (0.00-0.04, 95% CI) in sheep stool, serum, milk, blood and liver samples. Most of the HEV genotypes found in farmed ruminants belonged to the zoonotic HEV-3 (subtypes 3a, 3c) and HEV-4 (subtype 4d, 4h), with Rocahepevirus also found. The wide HEV circulation observed in different farmed ruminants raises concerns for the possibility of HEV transmission through products from infected ruminants and alerts for the potential zoonotic route for HEV in ruminant products, such as meat and dairy products. Also, contact exposure to infected farmed animals could be a risk factor. Further research should be conducted in order to understand the circulation of HEV in these animals and its zoonotic potential, as there is currently a lack of data on this topic.

Biochemical parameters of blood of dairy cows of the Simmental breed when feeding new recipes of feed additives in the conditions of Yakutia

The article presents the results of the influence of new recipes for feed additives made on the basis of local resources on the biochemical parameters of the blood of dairy cows of the Simmental breed in the conditions of Yakutia. Research objectives: 1) study the chemical composition of new recipes for feed additives produced from local resources; 2) determination of the influence of the new formulation of feed additives from local resources on the biochemical parameters of blood in cattle of the Simmental breed. In our experiments, there were no statistically significant changes in the biochemical parameters of blood during the period of the experiments, all the studied blood parameters, both at the beginning and at the end of the experiments, in all groups of animals were within the physiological norms and did not have significant differences between the groups. Consequently, feeding the formulation of feed additives in the composition of Tammi barley, Tuymaada wheat, Pokrovsky and Vilensky oats, dry brewer's grain, Hongurin zeolite, Hongurinobakt probiotic in the diet of cows and heifers of the Simmental breed contributed to the activation of vital processes in the body, assimilation of feed and improved appetite. It should be noted that the cows of the II-experimental group showed a tendency to increase the composition of amino acids. At the beginning of the experiment, the blood lysine content increased by 5.22 mg /% compared with the control and by 5.79 mg /% with the I-experimental group, methionine by 19.67 mg /% and by 10.02 mg /% respectively. The same pattern is observed for the rest of the amino acid composition at the end of the experiment. The data obtained indicate that the optimization of the feed rations of Simmental cows in terms of the content of vitamins of groups A and C through the use of the formulation of protein-vitamin-mineral feed additives had a positive effect on the hematopoietic function.

Seasons dynamics of biochemical parameters of blood of cows during the dry period

The study of the metabolism in the body of cows, depending on the physiological state, factors of feeding and the conditions of content in different seasons of the year, is a necessary condition for the direct effect on their reproductive capacity and productivity. In particular, the scientific and practical interest is the disclosure of physiological and biochemical mechanisms, which are associated with the characteristics of metabolism in the body of cows during pregnancy. The purpose of the research was to study the features of protein metabolism in highly productive deep-calving cows in different seasons of the year. The object for the study is served cows with milk production of 5–6 thousand kg for lactation at 8–9 months of pregnancy and blood samples taken from them. Biochemical study of cows blood plasma was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The recorded seasonal changes in protein exchange of deep-calving cows (Table) were cyclic. In contrast to the total protein content, seasonal differences in its fractional composition were also detected. The dynamics of the change in protein ratio is similar to that of albumin. During the summer, the content of a-globulins increased by 20.1 %, b-globulins by 17.3 %, g-globulins per 20.5 % compared with the spring period. In dry-bodied cows, the activity of ALT and AST in winter increases, reaching its maximum value but in the summer activity of ALT significantly decreased, and its activity was even less than the physiological limits. ACT activity was the lowest in the autumn. Determined that seasonal changes in the protein metabolism of dry cows were cyclic character. A decrease in the content of globulins (due to a-, b- and g-globulins) was observed during the winter period compared to the summer period. This characterizes the high activity of protein metabolism in the summer with the decline in winter. In dry cows, the albumin content and protein ratio reached a maximum in winter with a significant decrease in spring and summer, and in the autumn they again started to rise. The degree and direction of changes in ALT and AST activity were similar to seasonal changes in albumin content. This indicates a low intensity of protein-synthesizing processes in the liver in summer.

INFLUENCE OF MINERAL-VITAMIN PREMIX ON INDIVIDUAL LINKS OF METABOLISM AND PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS

The recipe of mineral-vitamin premix, made on the basis of salts of mineral elements (Cuprum, Zinc, Cobalt, Iodine and Selenium) and fat-soluble vitamins (A and D), which are deficient in the Pre-Carpathian zone, has been developed and its influence on individual metabolic links and productivity of dairy cows has been investigated. The experiment was conducted on two groups of highly productive cows of Simental breed, analogues in origin and productivity in the summer-pasture period of keeping. The main diet for animals of both groups consisted of pasture grass, mowed mass of cereal-bean mixtures of green conveyor, hay cereal-mixed grass, molasses and standard feed K 60-32-89 with premix P 60-5M. The experimental group received a similar amount of this feed, but with an experimental mineral-vitamin premix. It was found that in the herbal-concentrate type of diet in the control group, the deficiency of Cuprum, Zinc, Cobalt, Iodine and Selenium was 16.6, respectively; 13,2; 6,9; 26,2; 51.8%, and the deficiency of vitamins A and D - 60.0 and 16.3%. Introduction of mineral-vitamin premix into the compound feed, which contained salts of the specified elements deficient for the Pre-Carpathians, made it possible to better balance the rations according to the mineral part, which significantly influenced both the intensity of metabolic processes in the rumen and blood, and the milk productivity of cows and the quality of milk. In particular, the positive effect of its feeding on the level of fermentation, the activity of enzyme systems and the intensity of synthetic processes in the rumen of cows of the experimental group was noted. The study of the hematological picture showed a tendency to increase the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood of cows of the experimental group, an increase in the concentration of nitrogen fractions and urea (P &lt; 0.01). Analyzing the results of research, it can be argued that ensuring the optimal level of mineral-vitamin nutrition led to an increase in the intensity of metabolic processes in the body of animals and therefore contributed to an increase in dairy productivity.&#x0D; The average daily yield of natural milk in the experimental group for 90 days of the accounting period was 21.6 kg and was 10.8% higher than in the control (19.5 kg). The chemical composition of milk of cows that received a mineral-vitamin premix as part of the feed was preferable. It showed a probable increase in the content of dry matter, total protein (P &lt; 0.05) and calcium (P &lt; 0.02).

THE EFFECT OF AROMATASES INHIBITOR-BASED PRODUCTS ON COW REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY

Mycotoxin zearalenone is a phytoestrogenic substance that can disrupt the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system of cows. At the same time, a hyperestrogenic state occurs, which&#x0D; leads to overeating, multiple unsuccessful inseminations and infertility of cows.&#x0D; The purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of a single application of drugs based on aromatase inhibitors on the main biochemical and hormonal parameters of the blood of cows, as well as to establish their effectiveness during spontaneous expression of desire and when applying synchronization schemes.&#x0D; The effect of a single dose of aromatase inhibitors on the dynamics of sex hormones in cows, which directly affect the formation of the dominant follicle and its ovulation, was investigated. At the same time, a 1.56-fold decrease in estradiol, a 1.67-fold increase in progesterone, a 1.29-fold increase in luteinizing hormone, and a 1.76-fold increase in follicle-stimulating hormone were found. At the same time, the maturation of the dominant follicle and its ovulation at a size of 22 to 24 mm have been established. A change in the biochemical parameters of the blood serum of cows after the use of products based on an aromatase inhibitor was revealed. A tendency was established to restore the level of calcium to 2.01±0.27 mmol/l, phosphorus – 1.1±0.41 mmol/l, magnesium – 0.87±0.11 mmol/l, selenium –1.0± 0.1 mmol/l. At the same time, the level of creatinine decreased by 1.2 times compared to sick animals, the indicators of liver transferases also tended to decrease. A significant decrease in the blood urea index by 1.69 times was established, which indicates the restoration of protein and lipid metabolism.&#x0D; The indicators of fertilization of cows with spontaneous manifestation of sexual desire when using agents based on aromatase inhibitors were studied. At the same time, the fertility rate ranged from 69.39% in cows older than 5 years to 80.39% in cows after the 1st calving.&#x0D; A positive effect of aromatase inhibitors, introduced before the use of estrus synchronization schemes in cows, was established on the development of the dominant follicle, luteogenesis and the appearance of a new wave of follicle development. Fertilization averaged from 68.1% to 76.42%.

Analysis of immune-related microRNAs in cows and newborn calves

Bovine colostrum contains a high concentration of immune-related microRNAs (miRNAs) that are packaged in exosomes and are very stable. In this study, 5 immune-related miRNAs (miR-142-5p, miR-150, miR-155, miR-181a, and miR-223) were quantified in dam blood, colostrum, and calf blood using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Their levels in calf blood after colostrum ingestion were investigated to assess whether miRNAs are transferred from the dam to newborn calves. Three groups of Holstein-Friesian bull calves were bottle-fed 2 L of colostrum or milk from different sources twice per day. The group A calves received colostrum from their own dam and the group B calves were fed foster dam colostrum. Each pair of group A and group B calves were fed identical colostrum from the same milking of the corresponding group A dam for 3 d and then bulk tank milk for 7 d after birth. Group C calves were fed only 2L of "pooled colostrum" from multiple dams d 0 to 4 postpartum, and then fed bulk tank milk thereafter for 7 d after birth. The groups were fed colostrum from different sources and different amounts to assess possible miRNA absorption from the colostrum. All miRNAs were at the highest level in colostrum at d 0 and then decreased rapidly after d 1. The level of miR-150 had the largest decrease from 489 × 106 copies/µL (d 0) to 78 × 106 copies/µL (d 1). MicroRNA-223 and miR-155 were the most abundant in both colostrum and milk. Dam colostrum had significantly higher levels of miR-142-5p, miR-155, and miR-181a than the bulk tank milk. However, only the miR-155 concentration was significantly higher in the dam colostrum than in the pooled colostrum. The concentrations of miRNAs in the colostrum were less than in the cow blood (100- to 1,000-fold less). There was no significant correlation between the level of miRNAs in the dam blood and their colostrum, suggesting that miRNA is synthesized locally by the mammary gland rather than being transferred from the blood. MicroRNA-223 had the highest level in both calf and cow blood compared with the other 4 immune-related miRNAs. Calves were born with high levels of immune-related miRNAs in their blood, and there were no significant differences in miRNA levels between the 3 calf groups at birth or after they were fed different colostrum. This suggests that these miRNAs were not transferred from the colostrum to the newborn calves.

Cow blood – A superior storage option in forensics?

Given the use of modified blood products (e.g. leucocyte depleted erythrocyte concentrates in SAG-mannitol, dehydrated blood powder, defibrinated blood), drawing blood from conscious animals while minimizing their stress is a good option to obtain blood for bloodstain pattern analysis. Nevertheless, the blood must be well described since individual differences in quality can occur, and storage will influence blood components qualitatively and quantitatively. Cow has been discussed as a suitable source of blood supply, but current data lack hematological and full rheological perspectives. This project includes the respective parameters in combination with passive drip pattern experiments during refrigerated storage in multiple study arms. Cow blood displayed a constant increase in viscosity (at high shear rate: 1000s−1), reflecting the expected reduction in red blood cell (RBC) flexibility. RBCs shrank but remained intact with very few irregular shapes, therefore there was no evidence of hemolysis. Influence of storage on stain size in passive drip pattern experiments with different substrates was minimal. However in cows, it is not hemolysis but an early change in suspension properties that indicates storage lesion. Viscosity (at low shear rate: 1s−1) of some blood samples increased three-fold (peaking at day 14), transitioning sharply to near-Newtonian (almost shear-independent) behavior thereafter. The higher this increase in viscosity, the greater the increase in the number of satellite spatter on glass. In order to ensure high quality simulations in the future, comprehensive rheological analyses to detect gradual changes in blood pseudoplasticity should be implemented in the forensic discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis.

Вплив лікувально-профілактичної кормової добавки на рубцеву ферментацію хворих на кетоз корів

It is known that ionophoric antibiotics regulate ruminal fermentation, improve the utilization of feed protein, and prevent the occurrence of ketosis and steatosis in ruminants. Ionophoric antibiotics and β-acids of hops have a similar spectrum of biological activity, that is, they inhibit the vital activity of most gram-positive microorganisms of the rumen. Bacteria, like other living organisms, need vitamin E as an active antioxidant for cell membranes. The toxicity of tocopherol is very low, so adding it to the diet of ruminants in larger quantities can stimulate celluloselytic rumen bacteria and compensate for the negative effect of ionophores on fiber breakdown. Since rumen bacteria break down a significant part of dietary choline, methionine and carnitine, ruminants must receive them in a protected form, so their influence on rumen fermentation is insignificant. Three groups of cows of the Ukrainian dairy black-spotted breed with milk yields of 5 or more thousand kg during the previous lactation were formed: with signs of clinical ketosis — 4 animals; with subclinical ketosis — 5 animals and clinically healthy — 5 animals. For a month, cows with ketosis were given a treatment supplement containing crushed granules of hop cones (20 g), vitamin E (3 g), and rumen protected choline (50 g), methionine (20 g) and carnitine (1 g). Clinically healthy cows were used as control. In the blood of cows with subclinical ketosis, the additive increased the concentration of glucose and decreased the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate, these indicators were within the normal range. In cows with symptoms of clinical ketosis, using of the feed additive also reduced the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (P&lt;0.01), but it was still higher than normal. In sick cows, amylolytic and lipolytic activity was lower than in healthy cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). Celluloselytic activity was lower only in cows with clinical ketosis. The proteolytic activity of rumen content changed in the opposite way; it was higher in sick cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). This is a consequence of the increase in the number and activity of hyper producing ammonia bacteria in the rumen, what is characteristic for ketosis. After treatment of cows with subclinical ketosis, the celluloselytic and amylolytic activities in the rumen fluid were equal to the corresponding indicators of healthy cows, and the proteolytic activity was even slightly lower (P&lt;0.05) than in the control group. Treatment of cows with clinical form of ketosis was not as effective, although the general trends remained. During subclinical and clinical ketosis, a greater amount of ammonia was found in the rumen fluid (P&lt;0.05–0.01), because of higher proteolytic activity. In both forms of ketosis, the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen decreased, and the concentration of lactate increased (P&lt;0.05–0.01). After the treatment, these indicators in cows with subclinical ketosis approached the healthy animals, while the condition of cows with clinical ketosis improved, but the concentration of ammonia continued to differ from healthy animals.

Twelve-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid-induced fetal membrane release improves postpartum ovarian function, milk production, and blood plasma biochemical parameters in cows.

We aimed to determine the effects of 12-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (12-KETE)-induced placenta release on the performance of mother cows (milk yield, ovarian function, and blood plasma biochemical properties). Experimental treatments were as follows: i) natural delivery including natural placental release (control cows); ii) induced calf delivery with placental retention (RP cows); and iii) induced calf delivery and 12-KETE-induced placental release (KE cows). Delivery in pregnant KE cows was induced with dexamethasone and prostaglandin. These cows were injected with 12-KETE after calf discharge, resulting in the release of the fetal placenta. RP cows were not treated with 12-KETE after inducing delivery, resulting in placental retention. The milk yield in RP cows during the first 50 days after delivery was significantly lower than that in control cows (p<0.05), whereas KE cows exhibited a similar milk yield to that of control cows. The postpartum plasma progesterone levels of control cows increased 14 days after delivery on average; however, its increase was delayed by 10 days in RP cows. Meanwhile, the 12-KETE treatment (KE cows) brought the timing of progesterone increase forward to the normal level (control cows). Among the 20 biochemical parameters examined, the total cholesterol levels in blood plasma 14 days after delivery were lower in RP cows than that in the other two treatment groups (control cows and KE cows) (p<0.05). In addition, the plasma level of haptoglobin tended to be low in cows that discharged their placentas shortly after delivery. These findings indicate that 12-KETE treatment can alleviate the disorder caused by placental retention.

Adaptive changes of cows blood under technological stress

The creation of livestock complexes with the introduction of new methods of organization and technologies has led to a wide manifestation of technological stresses in cattle. Stress reduces the natural resistance and the level of humoral immunity, as a result of which conditions are created for the activation of conditionally pathogenic microflora, which leads to digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, decreased productivity, increased morbidity and mortality of animals. Therefore, the analysis of adaptive reactions of blood in cows under technological stress will allow us to assess the state of the body and timely develop measures to prevent emerging disorders. The marker of the general adaptation process is the blood system. The study of the content of leukocytes, erythrocytes, ATP in erythrocytes, electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes (EFPE) of cattle blood under technological stress.It was shown that in animals after technological stress there was a significant increase in the number of leukocytes on the 3rd- 14th day of the study compared with the control group of animals, the development of neutrophilosis, monocytosis and lymphopenia was noted. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, EFPE and ATP content after technological stress were lower compared to the control group for 3 days. Thus, to correct technological stress in cows, means are needed that increase the overall adaptive capabilities of the animal organism.

Abortion outbreak in pregnant goats and cows with coinfection of ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ and HoBi-like pestivirus

New emerging diseases, including ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ (‘Ca. M. haemobos’) and HoBi-like pestivirus in central China has been a huge challenge for ruminant production. From July to September 2022, an abortion outbreak affected 14 goat farms and 11 cattle farms in this area. To investigate whether the two pathogens are associated with the disease, samples were collected: Group 1 included 55 goat blood samples with foetal tissue samples and ticks on the skin; Group 2 included nine healthy goat blood samples; Group 3 included 36 cow blood samples with foetal tissue samples and ticks on the skin; and Group 4 included seven healthy cow blood samples. Then, these samples were analysed by serology, PCR, sequence analysis, and identification. A total of 339 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and 61 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were identified in Group 1 and Group 3. By molecular detection, 32 ‘Ca. M. haemobos’-positive amplicons, and 27 HoBi-like pestivirus-positive amplicons were amplified from goats in Group 1; meanwhile, 20 ‘Ca. M. haemobos’-positive amplicons, and 18 HoBi-like pestivirus-positive amplicons were amplified from foetuses. Statistical significance (P = 0.002) and association (OR=7.556) between the ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ PCR results of foetus and goat samples were observed, and statistical significance (P = 0.017) and association (OR=4.271) between the HoBi-like pestivirus PCR results of foetus and goat samples were observed. These significances and associations were also observed in Group 3. In addition, coinfections were detected in Group 1 and Group 3. ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ was detected in both tick species. Further serological results revealed that the frequency of HoBi-like pestivirus was 20.0 % (11/55) in Group 1 % and 30.6 % (11/36) in Group 3 in central China. No ticks, pathogens, or neutralizing antibodies were observed in Group 2 or Group 4. This is the first molecular evidence of ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ and HoBi-like pestivirus natural coinfections in goats and cows with abortion in China. HoBi-like pestivirus and ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ can be transferred from goats/cows to their foetuses.