Death In Cattle Research Articles

Intoxicação por <i>Palicourea marcgravii</i> em bovinos no Brasil

Palicourea marcgravii is considered the most important toxic plant that causes sudden death in cattle in Brazil, due to its extensive national distribution, high toxicity, good palatability and cumulative effect, being responsible for deaths and economic losses in Brazilian livestock every year. Its active toxic principle is monofluoroacetic acid which inhibits the Krebs cycle, interrupting the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. There´s not treatment for the poisoning due to its superacute progression, and prevention is based on the construction of fences around forested areas, cutting access to the plants.

Splenic rupture in dairy cattle: Report of 24 cases.

Splenic rupture in cattle is scarcely described in the literature. The aim of this work was to report the occurrence of splenic rupture in cattle in southern Brazil as well as to describe the causes of the condition. Between 2013 and 2022, 24 of the 1769 bovine necropsies performed in southern Brazil were due to splenic rupture, accounting for 1.36% of the diagnoses. Animals died due to hemoperitoneum caused by a rupture in the splenic capsule, typically associated with marked splenomegaly and a large hematoma between the capsule and the parenchyma. Clinical signs were described in a subset of cases (11 of 24 cases, 46%) and included apathy, abdominal pain, mucosal pallor, tachycardia, and respiratory distress. However, the majority (13 of 24 cases, 54%) presented as sudden death. The underlying cause of splenic rupture was established as follows: 16 cases (67%) secondary to babesiosis, 4 cases (17%) due to lymphoma, 1 case (4%) due to a thrombus, 1 case (4%) due to external trauma, 1 case due to a ruptured nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (4%), and 1 case of undetermined cause (4%). Hypovolemic shock caused by splenic rupture is an important cause of death of dairy cattle, and babesiosis and bovine leukemia virus-associated lymphoma are among the most common etiologic diagnoses (84% of cases). The description of the causes of this condition is important to clarify the pathogenesis and occurrence of splenic rupture in dairy cattle.

Evidence for and against manganese deficiency as causal for congenital joint deficiency disease or death in fetal and neonatal cattle.

Measures of manganese (Mn) status in cattle vary among studies, and no single criterion accurately predicts or diagnoses Mn deficiency and pathologic outcomes. Mn deficiency causes congenital joint laxity and dwarfism (CJLD) when total dietary intake is <20 ppm Mn dry matter (DM) for most of the pregnancy. However, the recommended dietary intake of 40 ppm DM can also result in clinical Mn deficiency. Some studies have found that CJLD occurs in calves from cows fed red clover or silage but not in calves from cows fed hay. The concentration of Mn in the liver is the best indicator of Mn status in neonates and adults but cannot be interpreted in fetuses. Serum, plasma, and whole blood concentrations of Mn are unreliable indicators of bovine Mn status. The primary objective of our report is to present evidence linking CJLD to a primary or secondary Mn deficiency. To predict and diagnose Mn deficiency in cattle, we propose using a combination of clinical signs, dietary Mn, liver Mn at birth and beyond, positive response to Mn supplementation or the replacement of silage with other forages, and ruling out other causes of malformations. By following these recommendations, we expect that CJLD and gestational death will decrease as hepatic Mn concentrations increase at birth. Many publications we reviewed are not statistically sound, and future research should include a statistician from the initial discussions of the study through the final publication.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from mastitis and enteritis in Egyptian dairy farms

BackgroundClostridium perfringens, a common environmental bacterium, is responsible for a variety of serious illnesses including food poisoning, digestive disorders, and soft tissue infections. Mastitis in lactating cattle and sudden death losses in baby calves are major problems for producers raising calves on dairy farms. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is largely mediated by its production of various toxins.ResultsThe study revealed that Among the examined lactating animals with a history of mastitis, diarrheal baby calves, and acute sudden death cases in calves, C. perfringens was isolated in 23.5% (93/395) of the total tested samples. Eighteen isolates were obtained from mastitic milk, 59 from rectal swabs, and 16 from the intestinal contents of dead calves. Most of the recovered C. perfringens isolates (95.6%) were identified as type A by molecular toxinotyping, except for four isolates from sudden death cases (type C). Notably, C. perfringens was recovered in 100% of sudden death cases compared with 32.9% of rectal swabs and 9% of milk samples. This study analyzed the phylogeny of C. perfringens using the plc region and identified the plc region in five Egyptian bovine isolates (milk and fecal origins). Importantly, this finding expands the known data on C. perfringens phospholipase C beyond reference strains in GenBank from various animal and environmental sources.ConclusionPhylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequence data differentiated between strains of different origins. The plc sequences of Egyptian C. perfringens strains acquired in the present study differed from those reported globally and constituted a distinct genetic ancestor.

Cattle poisoning by Baccharis coridifolia – report of an outbreak and a brief review of the literature

Baccharis coridifolia is a toxic weed from southern Brazil and regions of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), B. coridifolia occurs mainly in fields bordering Argentina and Uruguay (Campanha). Poisoning by B. coridifolia occurs in cattle, buffalo, sheep, and horses. The disease is often fatal after an acute course characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances. We report here the epidemiology, clinical, and pathological aspects of an outbreak of B. coridifolia poisoning in cattle that occurred in a herd of 70 heifers transported from the municipality of Bossoroca (28° 43' 48" S 54° 54' W), RS (Property 1), to another property in the municipality of Júlio de Castilhos (29° 13' 37 " S 53° 40' 55" W), here referred as Property 2, 180 km away from Property 1. Upon arriving at Property 1, the heifers were placed in a paddock of native pasture, which had a shortage of forage and a moderate amount of B. coridifolia. The next day, three heifers were found dead, and the others were transferred to an oat pasture, where 36 died, many without showing evident clinical signs. Out of 70 heifers, 39 died, and three were necropsied. The main gross changes were in the gastrointestinal tract. The ruminal contents were abundant and liquid; microscopically, there were degeneration and necrosis of the epithelium of the pre-stomachs and abomasum; these changes were more pronounced in the omasum. The final diagnosis was based on epidemiological data and pathology. Although B. coridifolia is found mainly in the Campanha region of RS, this outbreak indicates that it should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute death in cattle in the midwestern region of the State.

Manchas de Wischnewsky em casos de hipotermia fatal em bovinos

ABSTRACT: Wischnewsky spots (WS) are hemorrhagic, non-erosive, and non-ulcerative lesions that affect the gastric mucosa. They are considered common in the stomachs of humans who have died from hypothermia and are rarely described in other animal species. This study describes the occurrence of WS in cattle that had died of hypothermia in two cities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Two properties were visited, and three cattle were necropsied by the team from the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (LAP-UFMS). The epidemiological conditions and clinical signs of the cattle examined on both properties were similar. The deaths occurred on days when there was a sudden drop in environmental temperature, with continuous rain for more than 24 hours. During the visits, the most affected live cattle were found in sternal decubitus, with their heads resting on their flanks, or laterally in a comatose state, with nystagmus and a rectal temperature below 32°C. Macroscopically, there were multifocal to coalescent red and black areas on the mucosal surface of the abomasums of the three cattle necropsied, mainly at the apex of the folds, oval or punctate in shape, measuring 0.1 to 1.0cm in diameter. Microscopically, these dark areas corresponded to areas of rarefaction of the mucosal epithelial cells associated with hemorrhage and the frequent deposition of golden-brown pigment (hematin) in the extracellular medium. The diagnosis of hypothermia in cattle was based on epidemiology, clinical-pathological examination, and the exclusion of differential diagnoses. The lesions found in the abomasum of cattle that had died from hypothermia were compatible with WS, highlighting the importance of recognizing them in cases of cattle deaths in which this condition is suspected.

Trends of Human-Wildlife Conflicting in Kali Tiger Reserve Forest, Karnataka, South India

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a growing concern, impacting both conservation efforts and livelihoods. This study was conducted to analyse trends in wildlife conflicts involving agriculture, cattle, and human injuries from 2015-16 to 2022-23 with a focus on the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, India. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) method was used to assess the data, revealing critical insights. Agriculture-wildlife conflict showed an overall upward trend with a CAGR of 3.16 per cent. Notably, there was a significant increase in 2016-17, followed by fluctuations in subsequent years. This conflict arises due to natural habitat fragmentation and deterioration resulting animals encroaching on agricultural fields. Cattle-wildlife conflict exhibited a CAGR of 8.20 per cent, indicating a gradual increase with fluctuating cases from year to year. Tigers and leopards pose a threat to farmers who graze cattle near the forest reserves. Innovative solutions are required to balance the synergy of agriculture production and wildlife management policy. Human injuries due to wildlife displayed fluctuations, with a slight overall decrease (CAGR -0.47%) in the number of cases and an increase of 2.66 per cent in compensation. These incidents occur when people venture into forests for various reasons. Proper regulations and permissions are necessary to minimize such encounters. Overall compensation payments showed a CAGR of 5.83 per cent, reflecting fluctuating growth rates and significant changes in 2022-23. The forest and wildlife conservation sectors determine compensation based on specific factors for crop loss, cattle deaths, and human injuries. However, conflicts related to human injuries have shown a declining trend. The study suggests relocating rehabilitation efforts away from forest buffer zones and introducing off farm activities for affected communities to reduce their dependence on the forest.

Assessment of in vitro efficacy for common surface disinfectants and antiseptics against Tritrichomonas foetus trophozoites.

The protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus causes early embryonic death in cattle, there are no legal options for treating this parasite in the United States, and there are few developed protocols for cleaning veterinary and obstetrical equipment that may have been contaminated with trophozoites. In this study, we evaluated bleach, ethanol, acetic acid, chlorhexidine gluconate, and hydrogen peroxide solutions for the ability to kill trophozoites in vitro. Our findings suggested that ethanol and bleach could adequately disinfect tools and equipment. Acetic acid, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide had applications as surface disinfectants in addition to potential as local topical treatments due to their past uses in veterinary theriogenology. Chlorhexidine gluconate demonstrated trophocidal effects by damaging parasite cell membranes and had the lowest effective concentration 50 (EC50) of any compound tested and was in the micromolar range. These findings, in conjunction with accepted clinical uses of chlorhexidine gluconate suggest that this is a convenient agent for disinfecting equipment. In addition, topical use of chlorhexidine is relatively common, setting the stage for further investigation of this compound as a topical therapeutic option for bovine trichomonosis.

Loss of beef during primary production at Swedish farms 2002–2021

Loss of animals is a considerable waste of resources in the meat supply chain, where quantitative data are scarce but critical for guiding improvements. In this study, we used material flow analysis to track the amount of beef diverted away from the food supply chain at the farm level. The beef losses (absolute and as the proportion of yearly initial production) were estimated from data on assisted and unassisted deaths of cattle on Swedish farms obtained from the central register of bovine animals for 2002–2021 combined with official statistics on slaughter weight. The fallen animals were grouped according to age, sex and breed, to enable estimations of the lost amount of carcass weight, both in total and per animal group. The yearly loss during primary production 2017–2021 was on average 13,000 ton carcass weight, or 8.5% of the initial production. No decreasing trend for the loss rate could be determined after 2015, when the Agenda 2030 target 12.3 (Halved food waste and reduced early losses) was introduced. Female dairy breeds showed greater beef losses than dairy males or beef breeds and crossbreeds of both sexes, and their beef losses mostly occurred at 4–5 years of age, thus constituting the hot spot group for lost beef. The results can serve as a base for directed reduction efforts.

Heat Stress Mitigation Strategies in Feedyards: Use, Perceptions, and Experiences of Industry Stakeholders.

The purpose of this study was to: (1) understand heat mitigation strategies currently used and recommended by feedyard operators, veterinarians, and nutritionists, (2) understand their perceptions of heat mitigation strategies related to cattle health, performance, welfare, and carcass quality, (3) quantify the frequency of extreme heat events, and (4) understand industry needs associated with heat stress mitigation strategies. An online survey was shared via 11 industry association listservs. Descriptive statistics were performed on 56 responses (n = 22 operators, 26 veterinarians and eight nutritionists). Thematic analysis was performed on free-response questions. Sixteen (72.7%) operators, 23 (88.5%) veterinarians and eight (100%) nutritionists utilized at least one heat mitigation strategy. "Changing processing and shipping hours" (n = 42, 75%) had the most "strongly agree" responses when asked about strategy effectiveness. The majority of respondents agreed that heat stress negatively impacts cattle health, performance, and welfare (Mean ± SD; ≥7.8 ± 2.6 for all roles). Forty-two (75%) respondents experienced cattle death loss from extreme heat events. Thematic analysis indicated that respondents perceived pen infrastructure and water/feed management as important considerations for better mitigating heat stress impacts. When asked what resources would be helpful, respondents indicated research and data regarding the effectiveness of various strategies.

Sprinkler Irrigation Automation System to Reduce the Frost Impact Using Machine Learning

Frosts reduce the ambient temperature to the freezing point of water, affecting the agricultural sector and the integrity of plant tissues, severely damaged by freezing, destroying plant cells. In addition, losses are generated in the economy due to the death of cattle due to cold, hunger, diseases, etc. Latin America is a region that depends, to a considerable extent, on its crops for its consumption and export, so frost represents an urgent problem to solve, considering that in Perú the area of agriculture is not technical. Among the methods most used by farmers is anticipated irrigation, through automatic learning techniques, which allows predicting the behavior of a variable based on previous historical data. In this paper, sprinkler irrigation is implemented in crops exposed to frost, using an automated system with machine learning techniques and prediction models. Therefore, three types of models are evaluated (linear regression, random forests, and decision trees) to predict the occurrence of frosts, reducing damage to plants. The results show that the protection activation indicator from 1.1°C to 1.7°C was updated to decrease the number of false positives. On the three models evaluated, it is determined that the most accurate method is the Random Forest Regression method, which has 80.91% reliability, absolute mean error, and mean square error close to zero.

Lead poisoning responsible for the deaths of multiple beef cattle.

Lead poisoning responsible for the deaths of multiple beef cattle.

Outbreak investigation of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia.

An investigation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak was conducted between late October and mid-December 2019 in Tigray region. The outbreak investigation team collected epidemiological data from the six villages of Kafta Humera and Seharti Samre districts, including morbidity proportions, mortality proportions, and clinical signs, and cattle management and vaccination history were collected via participatory methods, including interviews and group discussions with local experts and farmers in Kafta Humera and reports from the district veterinarians in Seharti Samre. Twenty-two tissue samples were collected for laboratory confirmation. Overall, 4,299/9,811 (43.8%) and 13,654/16,921 (80.6%) cattle showed clinical signs for FMD in Kafta Humera and Seharti Samre, respectively. In Kafta Humera, the highest morbidity proportion was found in adult cows and heifers (48.1%), followed by 27.8% in oxen and 15.9% in calves. In Seharti Samre, the morbidity proportion was similar in all age groups at ~81%. No death of FMD-suspected cattle was reported throughout the outbreak. The serotype of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) identified by laboratory analysis differed between the two districts (serotype O in Kafta Humera and serotype A in Seharti Samre). We, therefore, suggest that the outbreaks in the two districts occurred independently from each other. Experts and farmers were interviewed and believed that the outbreak in Kafta Humera was most likely caused by interaction between cattle and wildlife from the surrounding Kafta Sheraro National Park, which share common grazing land. This outbreak investigation showed that FMD can cause devastating cattle morbidity. A regular vaccination program against the identified circulating FMDV serotypes with sufficient coverage is required to avoid future outbreaks.

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium bovis in bovine cytological smears and tissue sections by peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in-situ hybridization

BackgroundBovine tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in cattle and other species worldwide. Quick and precise identification of mycobacteria is critical to control the occurrence of tuberculosis in cattle. MethodsWe developed a fluorescent peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) approach to detect Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cytological smears and tissue sections of bovines suspected of having tuberculosis. PNA-FISH was conducted on smears of lung and lymph node tissues. Standard bovine mycobacterial cultures were used to standardize the probes using 50 % formamide for M. bovis and 30 % formamide for M. avium. M. bovis probe (MTBCcy3), which was standardized at hybridization conditions of (55 °C and 40 % formamide) concentrations, was positive in all cytological smears. ResultsFour out of twenty five samples tested positive in tissue sections observed as a bright red fluorescence with a cy3 filter (MTBC probe). No results were observed with (MAVTAMRA) probe for M. avium which was standardized at hybridization conditions of (55 °C and 30 % formamide). No fluorescence was observed in the control tissue sections. Additionally, the results were juxtaposed with those of other commonly used detection methods such as immunohistochemistry and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by targeting the esxA gene. None of the samples tested positive for M. avium infection. ConclusionPNA-FISH can be used to obtain cytological impression smears and tissue sections. When compared to PCR it consumes less time in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in post mortem cases.

Losses Insurance Protection for Cattle Death Caused by Mouth and Nail Disease (FMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemi

Losses Insurance Protection for Cattle Death Caused by Mouth and Nail Disease (FMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemi

BoHV-1 affects abortion and progesterone in dairy cows Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) seropositivity, progesterone levels and embryo loss of 30-day-old pregnant dairy cows in Zagros Industrial Dairy Farm in Shahrekord: Examination and analysis.

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is a serious disease with severe negative economic effects on the global cattle sector, especially in Iran. This cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of BoHV-1 infection with progesterone levels and embryo death in 30-day pregnant dairy cattle at Zagros Industrial Dairy Farm in Shahrekord, Iran. Between December 2017 to February 2018, blood samples were obtained from 60 dairy cow herds. To determine whether BoHV-1 was present, serum samples were examined using the ELISA for serum antibodies. To find progesterone (P4) in blood, the progesterone ELISA test was used. 96.7 % of sera tested positive for BoHV-1 antibodies, according to the findings. Additionally, 60.34 % of blood samples that tested positive had an experience of abortion and significantly more inseminations that resulted in pregnancy, consistent with findings from other studies conducted in Iran and other nations. Since this study is the first to document the risk factor for BoHV-1 infection in Shahrekord, Iran, we could infer that the virus is extensively dispersed in this area.

Determination of Microinsurance Premiums in Cattle Farms Based on Protein Content Index and Milk Production Using the Black-Scholes Method

Micro insurance is an insurance product that is intended for low-income people with features and administration that are simple, easy to obtain, economical prices and immediate settlement of compensation. Cattle business insurance is an effort to protect breeders in event of a risk of death and loss of cattle, this insurance product is a protection against worries the burden of a large premium. This study aims to calculate the premium price using the Black-Scholes method. In this study, a correlation analysis was conducted to determine the influence the protein content on cow’s milk production. Then, modelling the protein content using ARIMA-GARCH and determining the premium using the Black-Scholes method. The results showed that the protein content of milk in cow’s milk production has a positive correlation. Protein content follows the ARIMA(1,0,0)-GARCH(1) model. Based on the results of the analysis it can be concluded that the bigger protein content in milk, the higher premium that needs to paid.

Poisonous Plants of the Genus Pimelea: A Menace for the Australian Livestock Industry

Pimelea is a genus of about 140 plant species, some of which are well-known for causing animal poisoning resulting in significant economic losses to the Australian livestock industry. The main poisonous species/subspecies include Pimelea simplex (subsp. simplex and subsp. continua), P. trichostachya and P. elongata (generally referred to as Pimelea). These plants contain a diterpenoid orthoester toxin, called simplexin. Pimelea poisoning is known to cause the death of cattle (Bos taurus and B. indicus) or weaken surviving animals. Pimelea species are well-adapted native plants, and their diaspores (single seeded fruits) possess variable degrees of dormancy. Hence, the diaspores do not generally germinate in the same recruitment event, which makes management difficult, necessitating the development of integrated management strategies based on infestation circumstances (e.g., size and density). For example, the integration of herbicides with physical control techniques, competitive pasture establishment and tactical grazing could be effective in some situations. However, such options have not been widely adopted at the field level to mitigate ongoing management challenges. This systematic review provides a valuable synthesis of the current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of poisonous Pimelea species with a focus on the Australian livestock industry while identifying potential avenues for future research.

Prevalence of Cardiac Lesions in Cases of Bovine Blackleg in Tennessee (USA), 2004–2018

Blackleg is a common cause of death in cattle, mostly caused by the bacterium Clostridium chauvoei. Cardiac lesions were traditionally considered uncommon in cases of blackleg in cattle until a 2018 study reported otherwise. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of cardiac disease among cattle that died of blackleg in Tennessee, USA. The outcome of this study would reinforce the importance of assessing cardiac lesions in suspected cases of blackleg in cattle. The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center database searched for cattle with a confirmed diagnosis of blackleg necropsied between 2004 and 2018. Of the 120 necropsy reports, 37 had a diagnosis of blackleg. Histology slides of skeletal muscle (26/37) and the heart (26/37) were reviewed to confirm the presence of supportive lesions. Of the 37 cases of blackleg identified, 26 animals (70.3%) had cardiac lesions, including 4 (10.8%) that had only cardiac involvement without skeletal muscle lesions. Specifically, (5.4%; 2/37) had only necrotizing myocarditis; (13.5%; 5/37) had only fibrinous or fibrinosuppurative pericarditis, epicarditis, or endocarditis; (51.4%; 19/26) had a combination of myocarditis and pericarditis, epicarditis, or endocarditis; and (29.7%; 11/37) had no lesions. Furthermore, of the 26 cases with cardiac lesions, 24 cases had gross lesions, while 2 cases were identified only by microscopic examination. This indicates that gross examination alone is insufficient to identify cardiac involvement in blackleg cases in cattle. Contrary to traditional perceptions, cardiac lesions in cases of bovine blackleg could be as high as 70% and are most often associated with skeletal muscle lesions. The prevalence of cardiac lesions in cases of blackleg in cattle may be higher when the heart is examined microscopically than if it is only evaluated grossly. Pathologists should specifically evaluate the heart for lesions in suspected cases of blackleg in cattle and utilize microscopic examination when gross lesions are absent.

A Retrospective Study on Dairy Cattle Mortality Patterns in Two Farms of South-eastern Botswana

Generally, high mortalities of dairy cattle due to infectious and non-infectious diseases cause huge economic losses, unprofitability, and low productivity in the dairy industry. The present study aimed at determining the mortality rates, their causes, and risk factors among 1779 cattle at two dairy farms belonging to the Department of Agricultural Research, Botswana. An 8-year retrospective study was conducted using farm records during 2005-2012. Monthly and annual records of the farms were examined regarding the total dairy cattle population, sex, breed, age, cattle deaths, and causes of death. Mortality was calculated from the total cattle population and expressed as a percentage, and it was analyzed with respect to farm, breed, age, sex, year, season, and mortality causes. The overall mortality rate was 8.5%. The semi-intensively managed Farm II, as well as young stock (&lt;12 months old), and males recorded significantly higher mortalities than their counterparts. Dairy crosses of pure exotic and indigenous Tswana cattle had higher mortalities than the Friesians and Jerseys, and the wet season accounted for over 70% of the total deaths. Only two years (2010 and 2012) out of the 8-year study period had a mortality rate &lt; 5%. Notably, 28.1 % of mortalities with a known cause were due to heartwater disease (n = 57), but most deaths (62.3%) were due to unknown causes. In conclusion, to improve farm herd health and husbandry practices, more efforts should be devoted to preventing heartwater and mortalities in young stock and male animals, particularly during the hot-wet season.