Cattle Rates Research Articles

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of bovine herpesvirus 4 isolated from aborted bovine foetuses in Türkiye.

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is responsible for reproductive disorders and abortions in cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of BoHV-4 in abortions in dairy cows when the possible aetiological cause could not be determined in Türkiye. The study also provided the molecular characterization of BoHV-4 strains based on the gB gene. In this study, foetuses (n = 188) and serum (n = 50) were retrospectively used for PCR and indirect ELISA assays, respectively. In addition, foetuses with BoHV-4 were tested for the isolation of the BoHV-4 strain in MDBK cell culture. The BoHV-4 gB gene was detected in the brain, liver, lung, kidney, and spleen tissues of three foetuses out of 188 aborted foetuses. The BoHV-4 strain was isolated from the kidney of one foetus in MDBK cell culture. The three aborted foetuses were from different cows in the same herd in 2021. On this dairy farm, the BoHV-4 seroprevalence rate in cattle with a history of abortion was 96% (48/50). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected strains belong to genotype II. The present study shows that the impact of BoHV-4 on abortions in cattle should not be ignored. It can therefore be informative to focus on BoHV-4 in routine laboratory diagnostics for abortions without a proven aetiology or in cattle herds that have previously been infected with BoHV-4.

Molecular identification of Entamoeba spp. in humans and cattle in Baghdad, Iraq.

A total of 10% of the global population succumbs to amoebiasis yearly, equating to 50,000-100,000 recorded fatalities. It is closely associated with contaminated food and water supplies due to human feces. The disease's pathophysiology remains a subject of ongoing debate among experts. Some experts attribute the role of the host's conditions, parasite species and strain, and infection intensity in eliciting clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to perform molecular identification of Entamoeba species isolated from humans and cattle. Stool samples from three hundred patients and one hundred cattle were collected from different regions, age groups, and sexes in Baghdad for microscopic examination. One hundred randomly chosen patient and cattle stool samples underwent microscopic examination and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic tree analyses were performed for Entamoeba species identification. The infection rate in humans differed significantly (p < 0.05) between age groups and genders, totaling 38%. The infection rate in cattle, determined by conventional PCR, differed significantly (p < 0.05) between age groups and genders, amounting to 58%. Ten PCR products with positive results were sequenced and deposited in GenBank database. Sequence analysis detected that Eight sequences belong to E. histolytica (OM268853.1, OM268854.1, OM268855.1, OM268857.1, OM268858.1, OM268860.1, OM268861.1, and OM268862.1) and two sequences belong to E. dispar (OM268856.1 and OM268859.1) in humans, while 10 sequences (ON724165.1 to ON724174.1) belongs to E. histolytica in cattle. The increased susceptibility of cattle to E. histolytica suggests a considerable role in human infection and substantial public health risks. Further research should be conducted on the many virulence factors such as HM1:IMSS strain, cysteinprotease (Cp1), Gal/lectin, etc. of E. histolytica and E. dispar.

Identifying and addressing barriers and opportunities for bovine respiratory disease complex vaccination: a consensus paper on practical recommendations for best practise vaccination.

Many questions are raised, and challenges faced in the new era of (intranasal) bovine respiratory disease complex vaccination. An increase in vaccination rate is expected, due to its positive impact on cattle health, reduction of antimicrobial use and economic factors. However, engagement of farmers and veterinarians with regard to vaccination is often affected by limitations, resulting in the development of barriers to vaccination, but also opportunities to overcome these. The objective of the report is to provide practical recommendations and a consensus on best practises for BRDC vaccination, addressing barriers faced by veterinarians and farmers. The report combines an evidence review with expert opinions and includes discussions on different vaccination approaches, such as intranasal and systemic protocols. As result of the discussions, several barriers to BRDC vaccination were identified, including a lack of knowledge or visibility of the disease's impact, the preference for blanket antibiotic use over vaccination, resistance to change, the need for visible success, uncertainty about the best time to vaccinate, and concerns about adverse reactions and vaccine efficacy in the presence of maternal antibodies. While these barriers seem substantial, they provide opportunities for the veterinary sector. Indeed, veterinarians are encouraged to use the argumentation presented, along with local case studies and diagnostic testing to highlight the impact of disease, while conducting calf health audits, ensuring expectations are managed to achieve visible success. Overall, this consensus paper aims to provide practical recommendations and support for veterinarians and farmers to overcome barriers and increase BRDC vaccination rates in cattle.

115 Solubility and degradation of human fertility-promoting molecules in a rumen environment

Abstract Endometrial epithelial of cows conceiving was associated to gene set enrichment of pathways associated to synthesis, metabolism, and degradation of myo-inositol pathways (Physiol. Genomics 54: 71-85, 2022). Progesterone-modulated transcription also indicated an increase in oxidative phosphorylation pathways in the endometrial epithelial of cows. Thus, modulation of myo-inositol and oxidative phosphorylation pathways can favor conception rates in cattle. Oral supplementation with pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ), an antioxidant, and inositol isomers (myo- and D-chiro-inositol) has been proven to be beneficial for fertility of women undergoing assisted reproductive biotechnologies. However, oral supplementation of these compounds to ruminant species has not been evaluated. It is unknown if PQQ and inositol isomers are soluble in the rumen environment, if they are degraded by the microbial populations which exist in this environment, or the timeframe for the ruminal degradation of these molecules resulting from oral supplementation. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate disappearance (solubility) of different of inositol isomers and PQQ; and 2) to quantify the in-vitro ruminal degradability of inositol isomers and PQQ over time. Inositol isomers and PQQ (0.25 g) were placed in Ankom bags and heat sealed. The bags were placed in glass beakers with an artificial saliva solution and rumen fluid, then incubated at 39 C in a warm shaker bath to simulate ruminal digestion for 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. These were then evaluated for disappearance of each form of inositol from the Ankom bag and repeated for a total of five replicates. For the second trial, only myo-inositol was evaluated. In addition to bag removal at the same time points, duplicate ruminal fluid samples were collected for myo-inositol concentration determination. This trial had seven replicates. For all forms of inositol 0.00% was removed at 0 h, and by 1 h 99.0 % inositol had disappeared (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There were two exceptions, PQQ, at 1 h was less (P &amp;lt; 0.0001; 96.33 %) and at 4 h (98.46 %). For the second trial, myo-inositol disappearance increased (P = 0.0001) from 0.00 % at 1 h to 99.53 % at 4 h and remained constant (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for subsequent sampling times. Ruminal fluid concentration of myo-inositol increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) from 0.197 to 5.39 g/L, and remained constant (P &amp;gt; 0.05) until h 24 when it had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) to 2.766 g/L, and decreased P &amp;lt; 0.0001) further by 48 h to 0.377 g/L. Ruminal concentration of myo-inositol was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between 0 h and 48 h. These data indicates that inositol isomers and PQQ are soluble in the rumen environment, though not immediately, with myo-inositol concentrations peaking between 12 and 24 h and disappearing mostly by h 48.

Distribution and prevalence of ixodid tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda

BackgroundTicks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are a significant threat to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Transhumance pastoralism practiced in Karamoja region and other factors like cattle trade, communal grazing and the presence of wildlife predispose cattle to TTBDs. Tick species abundance and distribution data can be used as a tool for early disease diagnosis and inform tick control strategies. However, these data for north-eastern Uganda are currently limited; previous surveys were relatively localized and targeted fewer cattle kraals and numbers.MethodsWe randomly collected tick specimens from 1,534 cattle spread across Karamoja region in both the peak month of the rainy (May 2020) and the dry (February2021) seasons. The ticks were identified using morpho-taxonomic keys and the tick species identities confirmed by the 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsA collection of 18,637 ticks was examined and fifteen tick species from three genera (ten Rhipicephalus; three Amblyomma; two Hyalomma species) were identified. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was the most dominant (37.9%) tick species, followed by Amblyomma variegatum (32.3%); A. lepidum (17.3%); R. evertsi evertsi (7.8%); and R. decoloratus (1.4%). Eight of these tick species were ubiquitous in the study districts while six were found in isolated areas. The peak month of the dry season collection was associated with a higher proportion of tick-infested cattle (91%) compared to the peak month of the rainy season (89.8%); a difference that was not found statistically significant (χ2 = 0.5077, n = 1385, p = 0.476). The overall cattle infestation rate was mainly dominated by five tick species namely: A. variegatum (55%), R. appendiculatus (53%), A. lepidum (41%), R. evertsi (22%), and R. decoloratus (8%). The proportion of tick-infested cattle was highest in Napak District (95.4%) and lowest in Amudat District (80.9%) during the peak month of the rainy season. Napak and Amudat Districts also had the highest and lowest proportion of tick-infested cattle (94.8% and 80.7% respectively) during the peak month of the dry season. Rhipicephalus microplus was confirmed in Amudat, Kaabong and Napak districts.ConclusionThis study demonstrates high tick infestation rates in cattle by a battery of tick species in Karamoja region. We identified both R. microplus and R. decoloratus which indicates that R. microplus has recently been introduced in this region. This calls for effective tick control responses to prevent further spread of this invasive cattle tick specie.

A study on the epidemiology of brucellosis in bovine population of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, southern Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacterial pathogen belonging to the genus Brucella. It is one of the most frequent bacterial zoonoses globally but unfortunately, it is still considered as a neglected disease in the developing world. Keeping in view, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in large ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan-Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples (n = 490) were collected from the cattle (n = 245) and buffalo (n = 245) population of the study area and subjected to preliminary screening of brucellosis using local and imported RBPT reagents. All the samples were further analyzed using commercially available multi-specie indirect ELISA kit followed by their confirmation by PCR using genus and species-specific primers. Data obtained from lab analysis and questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis for Pearson Chi-square, Odds Ratio and Confidence intervals (95%).ResultsThe results showed that the maximum seropositivity was recorded with local RBPT reagent (VRI, Pakistan; 12.45%; 95%CI = 9.72–15.65%) followed by RBPT-IDEXX (12.24%; 95%CI = 9.52–15.45%) and RBPT-ID.vet (11.84%; 95%CI = 9.18–14.95%) however statistical difference was non-significant (P = 0.956). The ELISA results showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.22% (95%CI = 8.59–14.33%) with comparatively higher rate in cattle (12.65%; 95%CI = 8.82–17.44%) as compared to buffaloes (9.80%; 95%CI = 6.49–14.15%). The PCR analysis confirmed the presence of genus Brucella in all seropositive samples whereas frequency of B. abortus and B. melitensis in seropositive samples was 80% and 20%, respectively. The co-existence of both species was also observed in 5.45% samples. The statistical analysis showed a significant association of bovine brucellosis with herd size, breed, reproductive disorders, mode of insemination, educational status and farmers’ awareness about brucellosis (P < 0.05). Conversely, locality, age, weight, gender, pregnancy status, parity and puberty status had no associations with brucellosis (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in large ruminants of district Multan, Pakistan. It is suggested to devise and implement stringent policies for the effective control and prevention of brucellosis in the region. Further, the current situation also warrants the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination among veterinarians and physicians in one health perspective to ensure and strengthen the human and animal health care systems in the region.

Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction.

Fat supplementation has potential to improve reproductive performance and increase pregnancy rates in cattle by increasing the energy density of the diet. However, some of the positive effects of fat seem to be influenced by the type of fatty acid fed. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) are long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have important biological effects on reproduction through their involvement in hormone and series 3 prostaglandin synthesis. Ruminant tissues are naturally almost devoid of n-3 long-chain PUFA, specifically EPA and DHA. Algae biomass provides a consistent source of DHA and EPA that could be fed to alter hormonal profiles and improve reproduction of beef heifers. Eighty-eight Angus × Simmental heifers (427 ± 1.8kg body weight [BW]) were blocked by BW and allotted to 2 treatments (44/treatment, 4 pens/treatment, 11 heifers/pen). Control heifers were fed a diet that contained (dry matter [DM] basis) 52.8% mixed grass silage, 32% corn silage, and 15.2% concentrate. DHAgold (49% fat; 21.8% DHA; DSM Inc.) was included in the algae diet at 1.65% DM, replacing equal parts of corn and DDGS. Diets were formulated to contain 12% crude protein and 0.85 Mcal/kg net energy for gain (NEg). Heifers were fed treatment diets from 54 d prior to the breeding season through the first trimester. Follicular fluid was collected on day 47 for hormonal analysis. Artificial insemination (AI) was from days 54 to 77. Heifers that did not get pregnant to AI were removed from the study on day 109 and placed with a bull. The study ended on day 180. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During the pre-breeding period, algae heifers had lesser dry matter intake (P = 0.006) compared to control heifers. Heifers supplemented with algae had a greater average daily gain (P = 0.03) during the breeding period and BW tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for algae compared to control heifers on day 98 and was greater on day 180 (P = 0.03). Dominant follicle diameter and follicular estrogen concentration were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.12). Follicular insulin-like growth factor-1 was greater in algae compared to control heifers (P = 0.03). First service conception rate did not differ between treatments (P = 0.67); however, second service and overall conception were lesser (P ≤ 0.03) in algae compared to control heifers. These data suggest supplementing DHA-rich algae improved growth but decreased conception rates of primiparous beef females.

The Effect of Conventional Semen, Sexed-Semen, and Embryo Transfer on Pregnancy Rate in Holstein Dairy Cows

In this study, it was aimed to detect the effects of conventional semen, sexed-semen and embryo transfer on pregnancy rates in Holstein dairy cows. In the study, a total of 139 healthy cows with the serum progesterone &amp;gt; 8 ng/ml were used as animal material. Estrus synchronization protocol was applied and cows were divided into three different groups as conventional semen group (G1, n=46), sexed semen group (G2, n=47), and embryo transfer group (G3, n=46) considering age, body condition score, lactation number, and body weight. Cows in G1 and G2 were inseminated with conventional semen and sexed-semen, respectively. Embryo transfer was performed to cows in Group 3 (n=46) 7th day after estrus. The embryos were transferred to recipients as freshly. Pregnancy examinations for the cows were conducted on the 30th and 60th days of gestation. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed. Pregnancy rates were detected as %50, %46,8 and %69,56 in G1, G2, and G3 respectively on 30th day. On 60th day, however, pregnancy rates were %45.60, %42.55 and %67.39 in G1, G2, and G3 respectively due to embryonic losses. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the embryo transfer group (G3) compared to the conventional semen (G1) and sexed-semen (G2) group (p&amp;lt;0.05) on both 30th and 60th days. There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 (p&amp;gt;0.05). Findings led to the conclusion that higher serum progesterone level may increase pregnancy rate in cattle. In addition, it is evident that embryo transfer has the potential for widespread use in the field of veterinary medicine in terms of genetic progress.

Studies on the Determination of Ectoparasites and the Prevalence Rate in Cattle in İzmir, Aydın and Muğla Regions.

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence rates of ectoparasites (external parasites) seen in cattle in Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions. For ectoparasite screening, a total of 1,353 cattle breeds from Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions were included in the study. Ectoparasite samples were collected with the help of hand, forceps, comb and scalpel, brought to the laboratory in plastic containers containing 70% alcohol and examined under a microscope. In the study, 191 (14.12%) of 1,353 cattle were infested with external parasites. Of the cattle, 138 (72.25%) ticks, 24 (12.57%) lice, 9 (4.71%) tabanid, 8 (4.19%) hippoboscid, 7 (3.66%) fleas and 5 (2.62%) mites were detected. Accordingly, 4 tick species in cattle Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma detritum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, 4 lice species (Bovicola bovis, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Haematopinus quadripertusus ), 1 mite species (Chorioptes bovis), 2 flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis), 1 hippoboscid fly species (Hippobosca equina) ve 3 tabanid fly species (Tabanus bromius, Tabanus exclusus, Philipomyia aprica) diagnosed. The presence of external parasites varied depending on the frequency of antiparasitic use in cattle.

Epidemiology, Molecular, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Cysts in Slaughtered Farm Animals in Al-Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia

Echinococcosis, or hydatidosis, is a serious veterinary disease and public health issue worldwide, particularly in rural areas in which dogs have frequent contact with local herbivores. This study assessed the frequency of hydatidosis found among farm animals slaughtered in Al-Jouf Province in northern Saudi Arabia in 2021. A total of 156754 sheep, 36337 goats, 8590 camels, and 986 cattle were inspected for hydatidosis infection by comprehensive evaluation involving meticulous visual inspection and manual exploration of the internal organs through palpation. The cysts were subjected to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence rates of hydatid cysts were 0.43%, 0.19%, 0.54%, and 0.51% in the inspected sheep, goats, camels, and cattle, respectively. The highest disease prevalence rates among sheep (27.8%) and goats (30.9%) occurred in the spring, and the highest prevalence rates among camels (41.3%) and cattle (80%) were in the summer. Regarding the prevalence of the disease in four slaughterhouses in the Al-Jouf Province, the highest prevalence in sheep, goats, and camels was in the Tabarjal slaughterhouse (1.43%, 0.81%, and 1.08%, respectively), although the Al-Qurayat slaughterhouse had the highest prevalence rate in cattle (1.98%). Complete molecular analysis indicated that cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences from cyst isolates belonged to Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). Moreover, there was high homology (98-100%) with associated Genbank sequences of E. granulosus isolated from sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Sheep and camels were a significant source of hydatidosis transmission to dogs and helped to maintain disease incidence in the Al-Jouf Province. Thus, significant efforts should focus on preventing cyst transmission from abattoirs and infected stray dogs.

Large scale spatio-temporal modelling of risk factors associated with tuberculosis exposure at the wildlife-livestock interface.

The management of animal tuberculosis (TB) is a priority for European Union animal health authorities. However, and despite all the efforts made to date, a significant part of Spain has as yet been unable to obtain the officially tuberculosis-free (OTF) status. Information regarding wildlife disease status is usually scarce, signifying that the role played by wildlife is usually ignored or poorly assessed in large-scale TB risk factor studies. The National Wildlife Health Surveillance Plan in Spain now provides information on infection rates in wildlife reservoirs at a national level, but there are limitations as regards the sample size, the spatio-temporal distribution of the samples, and the lack of homogeneity of the diagnostic techniques employed. The objective of the study described herein was, therefore, to employ a Bayesian approach with the intention of identifying the risk factors associated with four TB rates in cattle: prevalence, incidence, maintenance and persistence in Spain during the period 2014-2019. The modeling approach included highly informative spatio-temporal latent effects with which to control the limitations of the data. Variation partitioning procedures were carried out, and the pure effect of each factor was mapped in order to identify the most relevant factors associated with TB dynamics in cattle in each region. This made it possible to disclose that the movement of cattle, particularly from counties with herd incidence >1%, was the main driver of the TB dynamics in cattle. The abundance of herds bred for bullfighting was retained in all four models, but had less weight than the movements. After accounting for farm-related factors, the TB prevalence in wild boar was retained in all the models and was significantly related to incidence, maintenance and persistence. With regard to the incidence, variation partitioning revealed that wildlife was the most explicative factor, thus suggesting that it plays a role in the introduction of the pathogen into uninfected herds, and consequently highlighting its importance in breakdowns. These results show, for the first time on a national scale, that wild ungulates play a relevant role in the spatio-temporal variability of TB in cattle, particularly as regards their disease status. Moreover, the spatial representation of the pure effect of each factor made it possible to identify which factors are driving the disease dynamics in each region, thus showing that it is a valuable tool with which to focus efforts towards achieving the OTF status.

Identification of Buxtonella sulcata with phylogenetic analysis in cattle in Egypt

Protozoan diseases are of great significance in ruminants. In Egypt, the published data for Buxtonella sulcata (B. sulcata) in cattle is limited. This is the first study on B. sulcata in Assiut governorate via PCR and phylogenetic analysis. This study investigated the B. sulcata positive rate in cattle and its association with diarrhea. Out of 100 cattle fecal samples (50 males and 50 females) with different ages were collected from Assiut governorate, Egypt. Microscopically, the positive rate of B. sulcata was 69% (69/100). The cysts were oval or round with a size range of (82.23×78.63 to 53.65×48.62 μm) with a mean of (58.46×54.35 μm). While, its trophozoite appeared oval with characteristic grooves with a size range from (80.9×40.2 to 41.8×30.64 μm) with a mean of (58.78×41.26 μm). Females are slightly higher infected 72% (36/50) than male 66% (33/50). While, the highest positive rate recorded in age less than 1 year 78.6% (22/28), followed by age more than 3 years 68.4% (13/19), then the lowest in age 1-3 years 64.2% (34/53). The positive rate of B. sulcata was 92.2% (47/51) and 44.9% (22/49) of diarrheic and non-diarrheic feces, respectively, with very high significant differences. Diarrhea was established in all fecal samples with more than 1000 cysts per gram of faeces. Three fecal samples were positive for B. sulcata SSrDNA gene specific primer (1047 bp) by PCR. After DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, all nucleotide sequences showed high similarity to B. sulcata. We advised regular examination for B. sulcata in the predominant areas with excessive studies to aid in planning effective control strategies against it.

Management of pregnancy failure in cows with vaginal stimulation and hormone therapy

The focus of this study is to improve the pregnancy rate of cattle using different interventions with the analysis of associated risk factors. A total of 180 cows with pregnancy failure after one insemination were selected, which showed normal oestrous behaviour and vaginal mucus discharge. The animals were divided into six groups: A [control: with only Artificial Insemination (AI)]; B [penis-like device (PLD) used after AI]; C [intramuscular injection (im) of 2 ml prostaglandin-F2α at day 7 of the oestrous cycle and AI at observed oestrus], D [AI at natural oestrus followed by 2.5 ml GnRH im, repeated 4-6h after AI], group E [As group C and PLD used after AI], group F [as D and PLD used after AI]. The overall pregnancy was 55.6%. Group F had the highest pregnancy rate (70.0%). Higher pregnancy rates were in older animals of more than 4.6 years of age with parity of more than two. A significant correlation was found between age and parity; age and Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT); Body Condition Score (BCS) and breed; Reproductive Health (RH) and AIT. It is suggested that the use of hormonal treatments (with or without PLD) improved the pregnancy rate in cattle.&#x0D; Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 16–25

An Exemplary Computational Approach to Investigate Lumpy Skin Disease in Indian Cattle

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a highly consequential infectious ailment that affects cattle caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which is a DNA virus classified under the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. This affliction presents a significant obstacle in the cattle industries of several Asian and African countries. Although the virus may be found in many physiological fluids and excretions, such as sperm, skin lesions are the primary source of infection. Hematophagous arthropods, such as biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, act as mechanical vectors for transmission. The geographical expansion of LSDV is believed to have been assisted by vector-borne transmission. However, a lack of quantitative understanding of the transmission of LSDV hinders the implementation of efficient disease control measures. Obstacles as mentioned earlier, this work focuses on developing a mathematical model to analyze the phenomenon of Lumpy Skin Disease, with a specific emphasis on its implications for the cattle sectors in African and Asian countries. The model encompasses a set of differential equations incorporating the influences of infection forces originating from sick and asymptomatic cattle, along with infected vectors. The research demonstrates a plausible correlation between Lumpy Skin Disease and increased death rates in cattle. Employing rigorous examination and computational modelling, a valuable understanding of the fundamental dynamics of disease outbreaks is obtained. The mathematical model shows potential for predicting the future transmission of Lumpy Skin Disease. This presents a prospective opportunity for understanding and alleviating the disease's effects on bovine populations. Moreover, the analysis reveals that the impact of direct contact transmission on the spread of LSDV during documented outbreaks was negligible, therefore providing valuable insights into the dynamics of disease transmission. As the model is rigorously analyzed to gain insights into its qualitative dynamics of epidemics, which are present in the numerical simulations, this mathematical model can be allowed to estimate the future spread of the disease.

Effects of estradiol, progesterone and kisspeptin-1 concentrations at the time of insemination on conception rates in cattle

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of kisspeptin (Kiss-1), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on conception rates and also whether or not there is a relationship between Kiss-1 and E2 levels in cattle. Cows (n=100) raised on a semi-closed farm system and having corpus luteum were administered 25mg of prostaglandin F2a (Dinolytic®, Zoetis, Spain) and were evaluated following injection for signs of estrus. Just prior to AI, pre-ovulatory follicle diameters were assessed by ultrasonography (USG) and recorded. Then blood samples were collected. Blood serum samples were separated and stored until analyzed. Pregnancies were determined with rectal USG on day 30±2 following AI. The mean follicular diameters at the time of AI were similar in pregnant (17.9±0.01 mm) and non-pregnant (17.9±0.01 mm) cows. E2, P4, and Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI were determined from serum samples using the ELISA method. The Kiss-1 level at the time of AI in pregnant cows (80.58±4.4 pg/mL) was statistically higher than that in non-pregnant cows (66.68±2.48 pg/mL) (P=0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in E2 and P4 levels between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Moreover, while a significant correlation was found between serum kiss-1 level and follicle diameter, no significant correlation was found between serum estrogen and progesterone levels. In conclusion, Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI may be used to predict the possibility of successful pregnancy in cattle, allowing different approaches to be developed to increase pregnancy rates in animals with low Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI.

Biomarker metabolite mating of viable frozen-thawed in vitro-produced bovine embryos with pregnancy-competent recipients leads to improved birth rates

Selection of competent recipients before embryo transfer (ET) is indispensable for improving pregnancy and birth rates in cattle. However, pregnancy prediction can fail when the competence of the embryo is ignored. We hypothesized that the pregnancy potential of biomarkers could improve with information on embryonic competence. In vitro-produced embryos cultured singly for 24 h (from d 6 to 7) were transferred to d 7 synchronized recipients as fresh or after freezing and thawing. Recipient blood was collected on d 0 (estrus; n = 108) and d 7 (4-6 h before ET; n = 107) and plasma was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H+NMR). Spent embryo culture medium (CM) was collected and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a subset of n = 70 samples. Concentrations of metabolites quantified in plasma (n = 35) were statistically analyzed as a function of pregnancy diagnosed on d 40, d 62 and birth. Univariate analysis with plasma metabolites consisted of a block study with controllable fixed factors (i.e., embryo cryopreservation, recipient breed, and day of blood collection; Wilcoxon test and t-test). Metabolite concentrations in recipients and embryos were independently analyzed by iterations that reclassified embryos or recipients using the support vector machine. Iterations identified some competent embryos, but mostly competent recipients that had a pregnancy incompetent partner embryo. Misclassified recipients that could be classified as competent were reanalyzed in a new iteration to improve the predictive model. After subsequent iterations, the predictive potential of recipient biomarkers was recalculated. On d 0, creatine, acetone and l-phenylalanine were the most relevant biomarkers at d 40, d 62, and birth, and on d 7, l-glutamine, l-lysine, and ornithine. Creatine was the most representative biomarker within blocks (n = 20), with a uniform distribution over pregnancy endpoints and type of embryos. Biomarkers showed higher abundance on d 7 than d 0, were more predictive for d 40 and d 62 than at birth, and the pregnancy predictive ability was lower with frozen-thawed (F-T) embryos. Six metabolic pathways differed between d 40 pregnant recipients for fresh and F-T embryos. Within F-T embryos, more recipients were misclassified, probably due to pregnancy losses, but were accurately identified when combined with embryonic metabolite signals. After recalculation, 12 biomarkers increased receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve (>0.65) at birth, highlighting creatine (receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve = 0.851), and 5 new biomarkers were identified. Combining metabolic information of recipient and embryos improves the confidence and accuracy of single biomarkers.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) Reveals High Levels of Chromosomal Errors in In Vivo-Derived Pig Embryos, with an Increased Incidence When Produced In Vitro.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is widespread, but controversial, in humans and improves pregnancy and live birth rates in cattle. In pigs, it presents a possible solution to improve in vitro embryo production (IVP), however, the incidence and origin of chromosomal errors remains under-explored. To address this, we used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based PGT-A algorithms in 101 in vivo-derived (IVD) and 64 IVP porcine embryos. More errors were observed in IVP vs. IVD blastocysts (79.7% vs. 13.6% p < 0.001). In IVD embryos, fewer errors were found at blastocyst stage compared to cleavage (4-cell) stage (13.6% vs. 40%, p = 0.056). One androgenetic and two parthenogenetic embryos were also identified. Triploidy was the most common error in IVD embryos (15.8%), but only observed at cleavage, not blastocyst stage, followed by whole chromosome aneuploidy (9.9%). In IVP blastocysts, 32.8% were parthenogenetic, 25.0% (hypo-)triploid, 12.5% aneuploid, and 9.4% haploid. Parthenogenetic blastocysts arose from just three out of ten sows, suggesting a possible donor effect. The high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in general, but in IVP embryos in particular, suggests an explanation for the low success of porcine IVP. The approaches described provide a means of monitoring technical improvements and suggest future application of PGT-A might improve embryo transfer success.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Bovine Coronavirus Infection among Dairy Cattle and Water Buffalo in Campania Region, Southern Italy

Cattle and water buffalo are the main livestock species that are raised in the Campania region, southern Italy, and they contribute significantly to the regional rural economy. Currently there are limited data on the prevalence of relevant impact infections, such as bovine coronavirus (BCov), an RNA virus that causes acute enteric and respiratory disease. Although these diseases are described primarily in cattle, there have been reports of spillovers to other ruminants, including water buffalo. Here, we determined the seroprevalence of BCoV in cattle and water buffalo in the Campania region of southern Italy. An overall seroprevalence of 30.8% was determined after testing 720 sampled animals with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A risk factor analysis revealed that the seropositivity rates in cattle (49.2%) were higher than in water buffalo (5.3%). In addition, higher seroprevalence rates were observed in older and purchased animals. In cattle, housing type and location were not associated with higher seroprevalence. The presence of BCoV antibodies in water buffalo was associated with the practice of co-inhabiting with cattle, demonstrating that this practice is incorrect and promotes the transmission of pathogens between different species. Our study found a considerable seroprevalence, which is consistent with previous research from other countries. Our results provide information on the widespread distribution of this pathogen as well as the risk factors that are involved in its transmission. This information could be useful in the control and surveillance of this infection.

Structural change in feedlot cattle death loss rates.

Industry reports and anecdotal evidence indicate that the death loss rate in cattle feedlots has increased over time. Such increases in death loss rates impact feedlot cost and thus profitability. The primary objective of this study is to examine whether feedlot death loss rates in cattle have changed over time, to analyze the nature of any identified structural change, and to identify possible catalysts for that change. Data from the Kansas Feedlot Performance and Feed Cost Summary from 1992 through 2017 is used to model feedlot death loss rate as a function of feeder cattle placement weight, days on feed, time, and seasonality in the form of monthly dummy variables. Commonly used tests of structural change, including the CUSUM, CUSUMSQ, and Bai and Perron methods, are implemented to examine the existence and nature of any structural changes in the proposed model. All tests indicate the presence of structural breaks in the model, including both systematic change and abrupt change. Following a synthesis of structural test results, the final model is modified to include a structural shift parameter for the period from December 2000 to September 2010. Models indicate that days on feed has a significant positive influence on death loss rate. Trend variables indicate that death loss rates have increased systematically over the period studied. However, the structural shift parameter in the modified model is positive and significant for December 2000 to September 2010, indicating that death loss is higher on average during this period. Variance of death loss percentage is also higher during this period. Parallels between evidence of structural change and possible industry and environmental catalysts are also discussed. Statistical evidence does indicate changes in the structure of death loss rates. Ongoing factors such as changes in feeding rations prompted by market forces and feeding technologies may have contributed to systematic change. Other events, such as weather events and beta agonist use could result in abrupt changes. No clear evidence directly connects these factors to death loss rates and disaggregated data would be required to facilitate such a study.

Effect of induced saliva flow on fluid retention time, ruminal microbial yield and methane emission in cattle.

Both in vitro and animal studies indicated that a higher dilution rate is related to a more efficient microbial synthesis and a lower methane (CH4 ) yield. The latter could be a consequence of the former, as an increase in microbial cell synthesis offers an alternative hydrogen sink competing with methanogenesis. To test this assumption in live animals, we applied a saliva stimulant, pilocarpine, to modify liquid flow rate in cattle. Four non-lactating cows (750 ± 71 kg) were fed forage only (restricted to constant intake) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with oral doses of 0, 1, 2.5 and 5mg pilocarpine/kg body weight and day. We quantified feed and water intake, ruminal and total tract mean retention time (MRT) of solute and particle markers, ruminal microbial yield (via urinary purine bases or metabolic faecal nitrogen), CH4 emission, digestibility, chewing behaviour, reticular motility and rumen fluid parameters. The effect of induced saliva flow was evident by visibly increased salivation and water intake. Increasing the pilocarpine dosages resulted in a linearly decreased MRT of fluid and small particles (p < 0.001 and p< 0.05, respectively) and methane yield as related to digested DM (p < 0.05), the latter at a magnitude of 5%. No effect of treatment was found on ruminal microbial yield estimated via purine derivates. Metabolic faecal N as an indicator of microbial growth linearly correlated with pilocarpine dosages (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between pilocarpine dosages and large particle MRT, nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH and short-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, different from some in vitro studies, there was little indication of a reciprocal effect of CH4 and microbial biomass production in cows fed a forage-only diet.