Periparturient Holstein-Friesian Cows Research Articles

Ultrasonographic image of fatty infiltration of the liver correlates with selected biochemical parameters and back fat thickness of periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows

Ultrasonographic image of fatty infiltration of the liver correlates with selected biochemical parameters and back fat thickness of periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows

Alterations in hematology, immunology, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney functions in periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows fed acidogenic diet.

Alterations in hematology, immunology, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney functions in periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows fed acidogenic diet.

Metabolomics of Periparturient Holstein-Friesian Cows Associated with Feeding a Negative Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD)

Metabolomics of Periparturient Holstein-Friesian Cows Associated with Feeding a Negative Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD)

The effect of Seasonal heat stress on oxidants\u2013antioxidants biomarkers, trace minerals and acute-phase response of peri-parturient Holstein Friesian cows supplemented with adequate minerals and vitamins with and without retained fetal membranes

BackgroundThe global warming has become a worldwide problem affecting adversely the human being and the productivity of the livestock. This study aimed to investigate the effect of seasonal heat stress on the incidence of retained fetal membranes, oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers, haptoglobin, mineral status, milk production, inseminations/conception, estradiol, and days open of Holstein Friesian cows raised under Egyptian environmental conditions. Blood samples were collected one week before parturition and one day after parturition from two dairy farms. Total proteins, albumin, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione reduced (GSH), haptoglobin, estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc were measured in the blood serum for cows delivered during the hot months (May to September) and the cold months (December to April).ResultsCows delivered during the hot months had the highest prevalence of retained placenta and were older (P = 0.0001) of mean parity (4.93 ± 2.24), required more services/conception (P = 0.0001; 3.14 ± 1.20), produced higher (P = 0.0001) milk yield/Ton (8.43 ± 1.29) compared to those retained during the cold months (8.00 ± 1.03). All cows retained their placentae had low estradiol ((P = 0.0001) compared to those dropped their placenta within the same season. All cows retained their fetal membranes had high NO (P = 0.0002) but low GSH (P = 0.008), and globulin (P = 0.041). During the hot months, cows with retained placenta obtained low calcium, corrected calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio. The type of placental drop and its interaction with season influenced (P < 0.01) services /conception, milk yield, NO, estradiol and copper.ConclusionsThe retention of fetal membranes decreased the productive and reproductive parameters and its effects deteriorated reproduction and immunological status during the hot months.

Technical note: Evaluation of a colorimetric point-of-care test for measuring urine ammonium concentration in periparturient dairy cattle

Urine ammonium concentration ([NH4+]) provides a clinically useful indicator of the magnitude of nutritionally induced systemic acidification in dairy cattle when urine pH < 6.1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a low-cost point-of-care colorimetric test in measuring urine [NH4+] in dairy cattle consuming an acidogenic ration. A method comparison study was performed using 154 urine samples from 43 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows. We compared urine [NH4+] measured by an indophenol blue colorimetric test (MColortest, Merck KGaA, Billerica, MA; test method) with levels measured by formaldehyde titration (reference method). Diagnostic performance was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient (r), Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman plot, and binary logistic regression. Urine [NH4+] measured by the colorimetric test was strongly correlated (r = 0.98) with urine [NH4+] measured by formaldehyde titration. Method comparison studies indicated that the colorimetric test provided acceptable test performance when urine [NH4+] < 80 mmol/L. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the colorimetric ammonium test was high at 0.985 when used to identify formaldehyde titration [NH4+] > 10 mmol/L, equivalent to urine pH <6.1. At the optimal cut point ([NH4+] > 11 mmol/L) for the colorimetric test, sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.97, positive likelihood ratio = 27.6, and κ = 0.89, indicating excellent test performance. We conclude that the indophenol blue colorimetric test provided an accurate, low-cost, and practical on-farm test for measuring urine [NH4+] in diluted urine samples from dairy cattle consuming an acidogenic ration.

Measurement of urine pH and net acid excretion and their association with urine calcium excretion in periparturient dairy cows

Urine pH (UpH) and net acid excretion (NAE) are used to monitor the degree of systemic acidification and predict the magnitude of resultant hypercalciuria when feeding an acidogenic ration to control periparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic performance of urine dipstick and pH paper for measuring UpH, and to characterize the UpH-NAE relationship and the association of urine Ca concentration ([Ca]) with UpH and NAE. Urine samples (n = 1,116) were collected daily from 106 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows fed an acidogenic ration during late gestation. Net acid excretion was measured by titration, and UpH was measured by a glass-electrode pH meter (reference method), Multistix-SG urine dipsticks (Siemens Medical Solutions Inc., Ann Arbor, MI), and Hydrion pH paper (Micro Essential Laboratory Inc., Brooklyn, NY). Diagnostic performance was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs), Bland-Altman plots, and logistic regression. Urine pH measured by urine dipstick (rs = 0.94) and pH paper (rs = 0.96) were strongly associated with UpH. Method-comparison studies indicated that the urine dipstick measured an average of 0.28 pH units higher, and pH paper 0.10 pH units lower, than UpH. Urine [Ca] was more strongly associated with UpH (rs = -0.65) than NAE (rs = 0.52). Goals for controlling periparturient hypocalcemia under the study conditions were UpH <6.22 and <6.11, based on achieving urine [Ca] ≥5 mmol/L and estimated urinary Ca excretion ≥4 g/d, respectively. Urine pH was as accurate at predicting urine [Ca] as NAE when UpH >6.11. We conclude that pH paper is an accurate, practical, and low-cost cow-side test for measuring UpH and provides a clinically useful estimate of urine [Ca].

Clinical utility of urine specific gravity, electrical conductivity, and color as on‐farm methods for evaluating urine concentration in dairy cattle

BackgroundUrine concentration (UC) provides clinically useful information concerning hydration status and renal function of animals.ObjectivesTo characterize the clinical performance of urine specific gravity measured by optical refractometry (USG‐R) or Multistix‐SG urine reagent dipstick (USG‐D), urine electrical conductivity using an OAKTON Con 6 conductivity handheld meter (UEC), urine color (UColor) using a custom‐designed 8‐point color chart, and urine creatinine concentration (UCreat) for assessing UC in dairy cattle.Animals20 periparturient Holstein‐Friesian cows.MethodsUrine was obtained by perineal stimulation or urethral catheterization and urine osmolality (UOsm, reference method), USG‐R, USG‐D, UEC, UColor, and UCreat determined. Diagnostic test performance was evaluated using Spearman's rho and logistic regression to determine the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and optimal cut point for diagnosing hypohydration (UOsm ≥800 mOsm/kg). P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsThe best performing test for diagnosing hypohydration was USG‐R (AUC = 0.90) at an optimal cut point ≥1.030. The second‐best performing test was UEC (AUC = 0.82) at a cut point of ≥23.7 mS/cm, followed by UCreat (AUC = 0.76) at a cut point of ≥95.3 mg/dL, and UColor (AUC = 0.74) at a cut point of ≥4 on an 8‐point scale. Urine specific gravity measured by dipstick performed poorly (AUC = 0.63).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUSG‐R and UEC provide practical and sufficiently accurate methods for measuring UC in dairy cattle. Urine color had moderate clinical utility as a no‐cost cow‐side method for assessing UC, whereas dipstick refractometry is not recommended for assessing UC.

Parity and Periparturient Period Affects Galectin Gene Expression in Holstein Cow Blood

The periparturient period in dairy cows is a crucial time influencing health, milk production and fertility. Galectins are receiving interest as therapeutic targets because of their roles in immune signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and modulation of galectin genes in periparturient cows with different parities. Twelve periparturient Holstein Friesian cows were grouped into 3 parities (1st parity, 2nd parity, 3rd parity) (N=4). Blood was taken during the periparturient period including 2 weeks close to parturition (close-up), and 7 days after parturition(c+7) in Paxgene tubes. Total RNA was isolated, reverse-transcribed to cDNA. With the use of Primer 3 online tool, specific primers (forward and reverse) for cow galectins LGALS- 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, GAPDH and β-actin were designed. Transcription of galectins was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Fold change in transcript abundance was calculated using the Livak method. GAPDH and β-actin served as internal controls. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA) was used to detect and determine the concentrations of Galectins(Gal) in the plasma. All galectins tested were differentially expressed. LGALS1 and LGALS15 were transcribed only during late gestation, but undetected postpartum regardless of parity. Gal-1, -2,-4,-8 and -9 concentrations in plasma were high in periparturient cows compared to far-off cows. Gal9 concentration increased postpartum. Gal-2, Gal-3 and –Gal-12 concentrations were reduced in plasma postpartum compared to far-off cows. This study supports the idea that galectin signatures may be useful biomarkers and drug targets in dairy cows, especially during the periparturient period.

Evaluation of 2 portable ion-selective electrode meters for determining whole blood, plasma, urine, milk, and abomasal fluid potassium concentrations in dairy cattle

Two low-cost ion-selective electrode (ISE) handheld meters (CARDY C-131, LAQUAtwin B-731; Horiba Ltd., Albany, NY) have recently become available for measuring the potassium concentration ([K+]) in biological fluids. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the analytical performance of the ISE meters in measuring [K+] in bovine whole blood, plasma, urine, milk, and abomasal fluid. We completed 6 method comparison studies using 369 whole blood and plasma samples from 106 healthy periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows, 138 plasma samples from 27 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows, 92 milk samples and 204 urine samples from 16 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows, and 94 abomasal fluid samples from 6 male Holstein-Friesian calves. Deming regression and Bland-Altman plots were used to characterize meter performance against reference methods (indirect ISE, Hitachi 911 and 917; inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy). The CARDY ISE meter applied directly in plasma measured [K+] as being 7.3% lower than the indirect ISE reference method, consistent with the recommended adjustment of +7.5% when indirect ISE methods are used to analyze plasma. The LAQUAtwin ISE meter run in direct mode measured fat-free milk [K+] as being 3.6% lower than the indirect ISE reference method, consistent with a herd milk protein percentage of 3.4%. The LAQUAtwin ISE meter accurately measured abomasal fluid [K+] compared to the indirect ISE reference method. The LAQUAtwin ISE meter accurately measured urine [K+] compared to the indirect ISE reference method, but the median measured value for urine [K+] was 83% of the true value measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. We conclude that the CARDY and LAQUAtwin ISE meters are practical, low-cost, rapid, accurate point-of-care instruments suitable for measuring [K+] in whole blood, plasma, milk, and abomasal fluid samples from cattle. Ion-selective electrode methodology is not suitable for measuring [K+] in bovine urine.

Effects of body condition score at calving on indicators of fat and protein mobilization of periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows

The objective was to study the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving on dairy performance, indicators of fat and protein mobilization, and metabolic and hormonal profiles during the periparturient period of Holstein-Friesian cows. Twenty-eight multiparous cows were classed according to their BCS (0 to 5 scale) before calving as low (BCS ≤2.5; n=9), medium (2.75≤BCS≤3.5; n=10), and high (BCS ≥3.75; n=9), corresponding to a mean of 2.33, 3.13, and 4.17 points of BCS, and preceding calving intervals of 362, 433, and 640d, respectively. Cows received the same diets based on preserved grass to allow ad libitum feed intake throughout the study, and lactation diet contained 30% of concentrate (dry-matter basis). Measurements and sampling were performed between wk −4 and 7 relative to calving. No significant effects were observed of BCS group on dry matter intake (kg/d), milk yield, BCS loss, plasma glucose, and insulin concentrations. The high-BCS group had the lowest postpartum energy balance and the greatest plasma concentrations of leptin prepartum, nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate postpartum, insulin-like growth factor 1, and milk fat content. Milk fat yield was greater for the high- than the low-BCS group (1,681 vs. 1,417g/d). Low-BCS cows had the greatest concentration of medium-chain fatty acids (e.g., sum of 10:0 to 15:0, and 16:0), and the lowest concentration and secretion of preformed fatty acids (e.g., cis-9 18:1) in milk fat. Milk protein secretion was lowest in the low-BCS group, averaging 924, 1,051, and 1,009g/d for low-, medium-, and high-BCS groups, respectively. Plasma 3-methylhistidine was greater in wk 1 and 2 postpartum compared with other time points, indicating mobilization of muscle protein. Plasma creatinine tended to be lower and the 3-methylhistidine: creatinine ratio was greater in low- compared with medium- and high-BCS cows, suggesting less muscle mass but more intense mobilization of muscle protein in lean cows. High-BCS cows were metabolically challenged during early lactation due to intense mobilization of body fat. Conversely, limited availability of body fat in low-BCS cows was associated with increased plasma indicators of body protein mobilization during the first weeks of lactation, and lower milk protein secretion. These results should be confirmed using an experimental approach where calving BCS variation would be controlled by design.

Association between changes in plasma calcium concentration and plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in periparturient cows.

Eight periparturient Holstein Friesian cows were examined for plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity to assess the degree of bone metabolic activity and to evaluate the association between the change in calcium (Ca) concentration and bone metabolism during the periparturient period. Milk fever occurred in 1 of 8 cows just after parturition. Plasma TRAP activities did not markedly change in 5 of 8 cows during the experimental period. The changing rate of Ca between preparturition and just after parturition was under -20% in 3 of 8 cows, and low TRAP activities were observed in 2 of these 3 cows. This study suggests that cows with a low TRAP activity are at risk of developing milk fever in comparison to cows with high TRAP activity. Temporary increases of parathyroid hormone were observed in 7 cows, but not in the cow with milk fever.