Female Holstein Calf Research Articles

Surgical and histopathological study of quadruple nostrils in a Holstein calf

AbstractA female Holstein calf was presented with quadruple nostrils. In the normal nose, one of the nostrils was normal and another had an abnormal flexible structure in the upper region of the nose. The extra nose included one tube‐like structure, two accessory nostrils and narrow vestibules. Complete surgical removal was selected. Histopathologically, a normal cutaneous region of nostril structure and a small region of immature respiratory tissue were observed. The cutaneous region of the rostral portion was lined by a thick keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. At the caudal cutaneous region, the epithelium was thinner. Collagen fibres, vessels, serous glands, muscle and cartilage were seen in the submucosa. The epithelium lining the immature respiratory region was pseudostratified columnar. No recurrence or wound healing complication was observed 5 months following the surgical procedures.

Hematological, Biochemical and Blood Gas Findings in a Calf with Cerebral Theileriosis

This case report aims to present the clinical and laboratory findings of cerebral theileriosis in a 1-month-old female Holstein calf. In the clinical examination of the calf, blindness, ataxia, opistotonus, nystagmus and convulsions, anemia and petechial hemorrhage foci in the conjunctiva, upper palate, gingiva were observed, and asymmetrical enlargement of the left prescapular lymph node was detected. As a result of hematological examinations, it was determined that lymphocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin amount, mean erythrocyte diameter (MCV) and hematocrit values were lower than normal, but mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet values were lower than normal in the calf. higher than normal values. In terms of biochemical values, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), direct and indirect bilirubin, triglyceride and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) values were found to be higher than normal values. In blood gas analysis, blood pH and glucose values were lower than normal values, and lactate concentration was higher than reference values.The parameters in this case report are reported to be helpful in the differential diagnosis of similar cases that veterinarians in the field may encounter.

Effect of formic acid treatment on colostrum quality, and on absorption and function of immunoglobulins: a randomized controlled trial in Holstein dairy calves

BackgroundGood quality colostrum is characterized by high immunoglobulin concentration and low pathogen load. Some methods of pathogen reduction can decrease immunoglobulin concentration and potentially affect their function. Objectives were to determine the effect of formic acid treatment on colostral bacterial and immunoglobulin (IgG) levels before feeding, and serum immunoglobulin concentration and neutralizing capabilities after feeding. Fifteen female Holstein calf pairs born < 12 h apart from different dams were randomly assigned to receive four liters of either untreated pooled (both dams) colostrum (MC) or colostrum acidified to pH 4.0–4.5 (AC). Colostrum characteristics estimated; pH, bacterial load, IgG concentration, and neutralization of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBRV/BoHV-1), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVDV) Types 1 and 2. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 3 and monthly for 6 months and were analyzed for IgG, and both viral plus leptospiral neutralization, and total protein (day 3 only).ResultsCompared to MC (mean 6.7, SD 0.4; median 6.8, range 6.0–7.3), AC pH was significantly reduced (mean 4.3, SD 0.2; median 4.3, range 4.0–4.5; P < 0.001). Total coliform count (cfu/mL) was also reduced (MC mean 149, SD 444; median 1, range 0–1,700; AC mean 8, SD 31; median 0, range 0–120; P = 0.02). Colostrum IgG concentration was not significantly different between MC (mean 93.3, SD 39.7; median 92.8, range 36.7–164.4 g/L) and AC (mean 101.9, SD 36.7; median 108.3, range 33.8–164.4 g/L; P = 0.54). In calves, serum IgG peaked on day 3 (MC mean 26.1, SD 34.9; median 169.2, range 8.3–151.0 g/L; AC mean 30.2, SD 48.7; median 188.8, range 3.1–204.4 g/L; P = 0.77), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was not different between groups (MC mean 24.3, SD 11.4, median 25.3, range 8.6–51.3%; AC mean 22.6, SD 21.7, median 21.6, range 4.1–58.9%; P = 0.65). Thereafter, IgG levels declined but did not differ between groups. MC and AC serum neutralizing titers for IBRV, BVDV Types 1 and 2, or Leptospira interrogans serovars Canicola, and Pomona and L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo were not different.ConclusionsColostrum acidification significantly decreased bacterial load fed to newborn calves without affecting colostral IgG concentration or virus neutralization. In addition, acid treatment did not affect serum IgG concentration in calves or its activity against common pathogens.

Ocular Dermoid Cyst in a Four-Month-Old Holstein Calf

Case Description- A four-month-old female Holstein calf was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University with a history of abnormal hairy growth on the right eye since birth. Clinical Findings- On general examination, the animal was alert. Body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, menace test, and pupillary light reflex were normal. On ophthalmic examination, a hairy mass was observed on the conjunctivae, third eyelid, sclera, and cornea of the right eye. Histopathological examination revealed the mass with three distinct areas of skin. It was diagnosed as an ocular dermoid cyst and surgical treatment was warranted. Treatment and Outcome- The mass was surgically excised to prevent damage to the anterior chamber of the eye. Ocular healing was satisfactory in a 4 week follow up. Clinical Relevance- This report described an ocular dermoid cyst in a four-month Holstein calf. There was just lacrimation, possibly due to irritation caused by the hairs. The ocular dermoid cyst could be excised surgically, and the prognosis is good.

A Heterozygous Missense Variant in the COL5A2 in Holstein Cattle Resembling the Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Simple SummaryGenodermatoses represent inherited disorders of the skin that mostly follow a monogenic mode of inheritance. Heritable connective tissue disorders such as classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (cEDS) belong to this group of human rare diseases that sporadically occur in other species. Herein, affected cattle are reported showing skin lesions including cutis laxa clinically and pathologically resembling cEDS in humans. Microscopic findings in the deeper dermis were consistent with collagen dysplasia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) identified a most likely disease-causing mutation in the COL5A2 gene. The COL5A2 gene is known to be associated with dominant inherited cEDS forms in mice and humans, but so far, it was not shown to cause a similar phenotype in domestic animals. The disease phenotype examined herein showed co-segregation with the identified missense variant within the maternal line across two generations and is most likely due to a spontaneous mutation event. Rare non-lethal disorders such as cEDS in livestock are mostly not diagnosed, but might affect animal welfare and thus lower the value of affected animals. WGS-based precision diagnostics allows understanding rare disorders and supports the value of surveillance of cattle breeding populations for harmful genetic disorders.Classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by variable degrees of skin hyperextensibility and fragility, atrophic scarring, and generalized joint hypermobility. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinicopathological phenotype of a cEDS-affected Holstein calf and to identify the causative genetic variant associated with the disorder by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A 3-day-old female Holstein calf was referred because of easily induced skin detachment and hyperextensibility in the neck. A complete clinical investigation was performed in the calf, dam, and maternal-grandmother. The calf and dam showed hyperextensibility of the neck skin and atrophic scarring; additionally, the calf presented skin fragility. Moreover, the histopathology of biopsies from the calf and its dam showed that the collagen bundles in affected skin areas were wavy, short, thin, and surrounded by edema and moderate to severe acute hemorrhages. Genetic analysis revealed a private heterozygous missense variant in COL5A2 (c.2366G>T; p.Gly789Val) that was present only in the calf and dam. This confirmed the diagnosis of cEDS and represents the first report of a causal variant for cEDS in cattle and the first COL5A2-related large animal model.

Congenital Cutaneous Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in a Newborn Calf

Abstract A one-day-old female Holstein calf was presented with subcutaneous masses spread over the whole body. Macroscopically, the masses were firm in touch, greyish-white in colour, 0.5-2 cm in diameter range. Histopathological examination confirmed the cutaneous Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed sheets of spindled endothelial cells forming vascular slits. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells and capillaries gave strongly positive reaction for CD31 while vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 were negative. In this case, macroscopical, detailed histhopathological and immunohistochemical findings of congenital KHE reported firstly in a newborn calf.

Triple nostrils in a calf

BackgroundNasal abnormalities are rare in bovines. In humans, nasal deformities are mainly classified as proboscis lateralis or supernumerary nostrils. This report discusses the etiology of triple nostrils in a calf, based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy.Case presentationA female Holstein calf presented with triple nostrils. The following abnormalities were observed: (1) formation of a small and flat blind-ended middle nostril between the right and left nostrils; (2) presence of a hair-bearing surface on the muzzle; (3) abnormal curvature of the nasal septum, resulting in a narrower right nasal cavity due to transformation of the nasal bones; and (4) formation of a bone-like structure within the nasal septum. These findings were similar to those of supernumerary nostrils in humans.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description of a calf with triple nostrils. The use of imaging modalities is necessary for investigating the etiology of triple nostrils.

\u0391 de novo 3.8-Mb inversion affecting the EDA and XIST genes in a heterozygous female calf with generalized hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

BackgroundIn mammals, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by sparse hair, tooth abnormalities, and defects in cutaneous glands. Only four genes, EDA, EDAR, EDARADD and WNT10A account for more than 90% of HED cases, and EDA, on chromosome X, is involved in 50% of the cases. In this study, we explored an isolated case of a female Holstein calf with symptoms similar to HED.ResultsClinical examination confirmed the diagnosis. The affected female showed homogeneous hypotrichosis and oligodontia as previously observed in bovine EDAR homozygous and EDA hemizygous mutants. Under light microscopy, the hair follicles were thinner and located higher in the dermis of the frontal skin in the affected animal than in the control. Moreover, the affected animal showed a five-fold increase in the number of hair follicles and a four-fold decrease in the diameter of the pilary canals. Pedigree analysis revealed that the coefficient of inbreeding of the affected calf (4.58%) was not higher than the average population inbreeding coefficient (4.59%). This animal had ten ancestors in its paternal and maternal lineages. By estimating the number of affected cases that would be expected if any of these common ancestors carried a recessive mutation, we concluded that, if they existed, other cases of HED should have been reported in France, which is not the case. Therefore, we assumed that the causal mutation was dominant and de novo. By analyzing whole-genome sequencing data, we identified a large chromosomal inversion with breakpoints located in the first introns of the EDA and XIST genes. Genotyping by PCR-electrophoresis the case and its parents allowed us to demonstrate the de novo origin of this inversion. Finally, using various sources of information we present a body of evidence that supports the hypothesis that this mutation is responsible for a skewed inactivation of X, and that only the normal X can be inactivated.ConclusionsIn this article, we report a unique case of X-linked HED affected Holstein female calf with an assumed full inactivation of the normal X-chromosome, thus leading to a severe phenotype similar to that of hemizygous males.

Perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus

The detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in a female Holstein calf presented with perosomus elumbis, a congenital anomaly, is reported here. A cow with dystocia was evaluated and an abnormal dead calf was detected during vaginal examination. The calf was retrieved via caesarean section and exhibited abnormalities characteristic of PE, such as vertebral and pelvic malformations. These abnormalities were further confirmed using radiographic and necropsy examinations. At necropsy cerebellar hypoplasia was an additional finding, which is a typical lesion associated with bovine virus diarrhea (BVD). Several tissue samples from the calf were tested for the presence of antigens of BVDV and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) by ELISA. In addition, sera samples from the dam and calf were tested for the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and bluetongue disease virus (BTV) using a virus neutralization assay. Results indicated that the calf was congenitally infected with BVDV, whereas there was no evidence for the presence of BHV-1 and BTV. In the dam's serum no antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and BTV were detected. Even though the etiology of perosomus elumbis is unknown, BVDV, which causes fetal anomalies at early gestation in cows, may have been a contributing factor in this case.

Bilateral cleft lip, jaw, and palate in a female Holstein calf

A female Holstein calf with a body weight of 35 kg was born alive after a normal pregnancy period in September 2010 at a commercial dairy farm in Karaj, Iran. At birth, the cleft lip, jaw, and palate were obvious. The cleft was approximately 8.4 cm in length and 7.2 cm in width at the widest part. Pulse rate, respiration rate, and body temperature of the calf were 112/min, 42/min, and 38°C, respectively. Respiration was abdominal and irregular. Necropsy revealed that there was no more congenital abnormality except for the facial defect. Radiologic examination revealed that the cleft extended from the median lip to the rostral part of the palate, which made the dorsal nose and the palate separate. Based on examination of the craniofacial skeletal in detail following maceration, it was revealed that all the facial bones were developed and the defect was just limited to cleft lip, jaw, and palate, which was resulted from failure of closure in facial processes. Accordingly, abnormality was diagnosed as bilateral cleft lip, jaw, and palate.

Congenital porencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia in a Holstein calf: a case report

We describe the case of a nine-day-old female Holstein calf which had cheiloschisis, a moderate dome-shaped head, ataxia and opisthotonus since birth. No significant findings except the dome-shaped head were observed on survey radiography of the skull. Computed tomography (CT) images showed bilateral lateral ventriculomegaly, cerebellar hypoplasia and a cyst-like lesion communicating with the right lateral ventricle. Post-mortem examination revealed a cerebral defect in the frontoparietal lobe, which communicated with the right lateral ventricle, and cerebellar hypoplasia. CT provided a characteristic finding of porencephaly and was helpful for diagnosing the accompanying anomalies. We suggest that porencephaly should be included as a specific anomaly in the differential diagnosis of congenital brain malformation. &amp;nbsp;

Monocephalus tetrapus dibrachius in a calf

Congenital duplications are said to be more common in cattle than in other domestic animals, and the anterior part of the body is usually affected. Dipygus or caudal duplication is a rare anomaly in the calf that is structurally related to monozygotic twins. A female Holstein calf with six legs was studied. Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation revealed that the pelvic symphysis had not been formed, and each half of pelvic bone had been attached to a plate-like bone piece medially. Postmortem dissection on the pelvic region showed duplicated uterus and urinary bladder. Anal atresia was seen as an associated defect. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first report of bladder duplication in a dipygus calf. In addition, this is the first report of a dipygus calf with six legs from Iran.

An unusual congenital anomaly in the pulmonary artery and vein of a Holstein calf

This report describes an unusual congenital anomaly found at postmortem in the pulmonary artery and vein of a 4-month-old female Holstein calf with clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Developmental abnormalities found included the pulmonary veins having two branches that opened into the right atrium instead of normal seven to eight, and the pulmonary artery had two branches in addition to the normal left and right branches that enter the lungs. This is the first confirmed case report of a congenital anomaly in the pulmonary artery and vein in the Holstein calf.

Multiple Rib Fracture Repair in a Neonatal Holstein Calf

To report rib fracture repair in a neonatal calf using the Securos Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair System (SCCLRS). Case report. A 2-day-old female Holstein calf with fracture of right ribs 4-10. On the day of admission the calf was anesthetized and rib fractures were repaired using open reduction and the SCCLRS. Rib fractures were successfully stabilized and the calf discharged from the hospital 8 days postoperatively. Modification of previously reported use of the SCCLRS to repair rib fractures in foals was required because of the different anatomy in the calf. This new technique was rapidly and easily performed for a large number of fractured ribs in this case. Effective rib fracture repair in calves can be readily performed using the SCCLRS with modification of the technique reported in foals.

The Right Displacement of Abomasum with Ulceration in A Calf

Summary The aim of this case report is to describe the clinical, ultrasonographic, and surgical findings in an 8-week-old female Holstein calf with right abomasal displacement and ulceration. Auscultation/percussion, auscultation/ballottement, and ultrasound examination were used to identify displacement of the abomasum. Right-flank laparotomy was used for repositioning of the displaced abomasum. The abomasum was greatly distended between the rumen and right body wall. Approximately 7 L of abomasal content was discharged from the abomasum. A few ulcerative areas in the mucosal surface of abomasum were observed. After surgery, antimicrobial and antiulcerative therapy were given. The calf discharged was followed with telephonically. As a result, right displacement of the abomasum is very rarely seen in calves. Right flank laparotomy gives good result in calves with right displaced abomasum, and ultrasound examination helps to distinguish right displaced abomasum from other metabolic disorders of the digestive tract in calves.

Computer Tomography Diagnosis of Meningoencephalocele in a Calf

A 24-day-old female Holstein calf had a soft, painless fluctuating swelling on the median plane in the frontal region, but did not show any clinical symptoms including neurological signs. Computer tomography (CT) distinctly showed the cyst filled with fluid and part of the encephalon. Hence, this swelling was diagnosed as meningoencephalocele, but not meningocele. The meningoencephalocele was successfully repaired surgically. Meningoencephalocele can thus be easily recognised by CT in a calf.

A Case of Perosomus Elumbis in a Holstein Calf

Perosomus elumbis is an occasionally found congenital anomaly of unknown etiology and is characterized by partial or complete agenesis of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae and ankylosis of the hindlimbs. A 2-day-old female Holstein calf presented nearly normal forelimbs but flexure and ankylosis of the hindlimbs. The vertebrae and pelvic malformations and agenesis were radiographed and then necropsied. Mild ankylosis of the hindlimbs, absence of cauda equina, left scoliosis in state of fusion of T11 and T12 and complete fusion of L4 and L5, narrowed pelvic canal and misshapen ilium were confirmed. However, abnormal development or agenesis was not observed in the urogenital and intestinal system in this calf.

Gingival vascular hamartoma in a young Holstein calf

This report describes gingival vascular hamartoma in a 2.5-month-old female Holstein calf. Macroscopically, the mass was 4 × 3 × 1.5 cm in size, 5.5 g in weight, and reddish gray in color. The mass was localized on rostral mandibular gingiva adjacent to the central incisor teeth. Microscopically, the mass was characterized by proliferation of structurally normal blood vessels with all supporting elements.

Natural Killer-like T-Cell Lymphoma in a Calf

A case of natural killer (NK)-like T-cell lymphoma in a 9-month-old female Holstein calf is described. The liver, spleen and lymph nodes were affected with lymphoma. The neoplastic cells showed not only epitheliotropism in the biliary epithelium and hepatic cords but also preferential homing to follicular centres of the lymph nodes. In the cytoplasm, there were eosinophilic granules of various sizes, which were positive with phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase. Erythrophagia by lymphoma cells was rarely detected. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed surface CD3, surface CD5 and CD57, and perforin expression was present in the cytoplasmic granules. The lymphoma described resembled feline NK-like T-cell lymphoma in epitheliotropism in the liver and phagocytic activity but differed in respect of follicular involvement and marked variation in granule size.

An electrically powered total artificial heart. Over 1 year survival in the calf.

An electric motor driven orthotopic artificial heart was implanted in a 110 kg female Holstein calf as part of a series of 12 such implants intended to demonstrate the in vivo durability and compatibility of the device. The device uses pusher plates set into motion by a reversing brushless DC motor and roller screw to alternately eject two cylindrical sac type blood pumps. The pumps use Bjork-Shiley Delrindisc convexo-concave or monostrut valves. The left pump provides an 88-90 ml dynamic stroke volume. Woven Dacron grafts and polyurethane coated Dacron/Lycra cuffs are used to attach the device to the major arteries and atria, respectively. A polyurethane conduit and anchoring skin button bring motor wires percutaneously to an extracorporeal controller. The controller provides balanced cardiac output sensitive to atrial or aortic pressures, without operator intervention. The system is hermetically sealed and uses a simple compliance sac to maintain thoracic pressure between the pumps. The calf recovered uneventfully from surgery and thrived thereafter. She was killed on the 388th post-operative day because of worsening cardiac insufficiency. The previous three operative survivors in this series lived 131, 134, and 204 days. These results indicate the device's good potential for durability and body compatibility.