Sick Cows Research Articles

Маститы – проблема безопасности, качества и сыропригодности молока сырого

Bovine mastitis is a common hygiene-related issue in milk production. It increases the somatic cell count in milk. Somatic cell count is an important indirect indicator of milk quality. Somatic cells include those of udder and blood. Normally, one healthy udder lobe secretes ≤ 500,000 somatic cells per 1 cm3 milk. In the presence of pathogenic bacteria, the same amount indicates a latent infection. Inflammatory processes in the udder include impaired secretion and mastitis. They increase the number of leukocytes and other blood cells in the total somatic cell count, which means that the milk came from sick cows. Raw milk for cheese production must contain ≤ 4×105 cells per 1 cm3. Mastitis, or garget milk is not suitable for cheese production. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent of staphylococcal mastitis in cows. Coagulase-positive staphylococci are responsible for 30-50% cases of infectious mastitis. They pose great risks for bulk-formed cheeses. Mastitis affects milk processing, taste, and storage capacity. It is high in chlorides and low in lactose, which gives it a flat and salty-bitter taste. If somatic cell count exceeds 5×105 cells per 1 cm3, the resulting milk has poor thermal stability. As the content of somatic cells in milk increases, so does the rennet coagulation time: fat goes into whey and moisture in curd increases, which eventually reduces cheese yield.

Herd–level risk factors associated with preweaning mortality on Ontario dairy farms

The objective of this cross-sectional, herd-level study was to identify associations between calf management practices and herd-level preweaning mortality on Ontario dairy farms. From April to August 2022, a convenience sample of 100 dairy farms from Ontario, Canada, were visited once. A questionnaire, covering farm biosecurity, calving, colostrum management, preweaning nutrition, and housing, was verbally administered at each farm visit. Furthermore, data regarding preweaning calf mortality were retrieved from each farm's herd management software or records, including the total count of calves that survived, were culled, or died during the preweaning period for the 365 d before the farm visit. Preweaning mortality was defined as the proportion of calves that died between ≥48 h and 60 d of age divided by the total number of calves alive after 48 h of age. The herd-level preweaning mortality risk on sampled farms ranged from 0 to 15.9%, with an average of 2.8% (SD = 3.8%). A multivariable Poisson regression model was used to evaluate associations between 22 explanatory variables and preweaning mortality. Factors associated with greater herd-level preweaning mortality were larger herd size; having treatment protocols for diarrhea, pneumonia or navel infection written in collaboration with a veterinarian (compared with farms with the same treatment protocols developed without a veterinarian), and the herd-veterinarian never inquiring about calf health (compared with farms where the herd veterinarian inquired sometimes). Factors associated with lower herd-level preweaning mortality were using the calving pen for sick cows, having more than 4 people working with calves, offering calves a minimum volume of ≥9 L of milk/day, and farmers with a level of formal education higher than secondary school. These results indicate that producers may be able to reduce preweaning calf mortality by providing adequate labor for calf care, offering calves sufficient volumes of milk, being proactive in communicating with their veterinary practitioners about calf health, and potentially by engaging in continuous education.

Treatment of cows with liver pathology using a liposomal drug based on extract from the fruits of Silybum marianum

After labor, dairy cows are often diagnosed with fatty liver disease. The objective of our study was to identify the efficacy of a liposomal drug based on extract from seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., including tocopheryl acetate, lecithine, squalene, and Twin-80, which was intramuscularly administered to dairy cows to recover the functional state and structure of the liver from the disorder. The experiment involved clinically healthy cows and cows suffering disorders in the main functions and the structure of the liver. The sick cows were treated with intramuscular injections of the drug. Three-time administration of the liposomal drug, with two days interval between each dose, improved the functional condition and the structure of the damaged liver. Biochemical assays of blood of the cows after treatment revealed improvement of the bile-forming and bile-removing functions of the liver, and also removal of cholestasis, as evidenced by decreased concentrations of uric acids, total and conjugated bilirubin, and lower activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum. Intramuscular injections of the drug in the sick animals reduced the activities of the hepatospecific mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase in the blood serum, and also the indicatory enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, indicating recovery of the structure of hepatocytes and cessation of cytolysis. After treatment, the sick cows were observed to have upward tendencies in albumin and glucose, which may be interpreted as recovery of the protein-synthesizing and carbohydrate functions of the liver. However, three-time intramuscular injection of the S. marianum-based liposomal drug did not lead to complete recovery of the functions and the structure of hepatocytes in the cows suffering fatty liver disease, and therefore further research should be carried out, with longer and more complex therapeutic approaches.

Performance of an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for bovine serum amyloid A.

Acute phase proteins are a group of vital constituents of the innate immune system, which may also serve as circulatory biomarkers of inflammation. The major acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) is a reliable and sensitive biomarker in cows, allowing for rapid detection of inflammatory disease. A multispecies automated immunoturbidimetric assay (VET-SAA, Eiken) has been validated for horses, dogs, and cats, and it has been used to measure SAA concentrations in bovine samples. The aim of the present study was to perform an analytical validation of the VET-SAA immunoturbidometric assay based on monoclonal antihuman SAA antibodies for the measurement of SAA in clinical samples from cows. The validation included an assessment of imprecision, inaccuracy, and detection limit, as well as an evaluation of the overlap performance, using banked serum from healthy and sick cows with or without inflammatory disease. Intra- and interassay variation ranged from 0.91% to 2.9% and 2.5% to 5.8%, respectively. The assay was performed with acceptable accuracy within a clinically relevant range of SAA, although minor signs of inaccuracy were detected. Overlap performance was acceptable, with the VET-SAA assay able to differentiate between healthy cows and cows with inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions. The automated VET-SAA assay is considered acceptable for the measurement of SAA in cows.

Cytokine inflammatory response in dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

The aim of the study was evaluation of the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-12β and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and milk of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. A total of 60 milk samples from diseased cows and 30 milk samples from healthy cows were included in the study. Blood and milk samples were taken from Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds (two in tie-stall and one in a free-stall housing system) in Lublin Province in Poland. The concentrations of cytokines in blood serum and quarter milk samples were determined by ELISA. The levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by S. agalactiae compared to the milk of healthy cows (263.03 vs 55.36 pg/mL, 298.34 vs 131.82 pg/mL, 604.10 vs 139.17 pg/mL and 460.86 vs 78.82 pg/mL, respectively). In the group of sick cows, cytokine levels were significantly higher in milk than in serum (263.03 vs 55.25 pg/mL for IL-1β, 298.34 vs 164.22 pg/mL for IL-8, 604.10 vs 70.34 pg/mL for IL-12β and 460.86 vs 104.78 pg/mL for TNF-α). The results confirm the involvement of the entire bovine immune system to protect against the bacteria first locally in the udder. The response of the mammary gland to infection caused by S. agalactiae is rapid and already very strong at the beginning of the infection.

PREVALENCE OF CONTAGIOUS BOVINE MASTITIS PATHOGENS IN SAMPLES OF COLLECTED MILK

Dairy producers suffer significant economic losses due to various diseases of contagious and non-contagious etiology, among which inflammation of the mammary gland is one of the main ones. Mastitis is one of the most common diseases on dairy farms and causes significant economic losses associated with the cost of treating sick cows, reduced milk yield and quality of dairy products, and the risk of premature culling. The causative agents of mastitis are divided into two groups, among which the most important are contagious pathogens, including the five most important infectious agents: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, their habitat is sick animals and they are usually transmitted mainly from a healthy cow to a sick cow, especially through milking equipment, hands of machine milking operators, which in turn can lead to infection of the entire dairy herd. Therefore, establishing the prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens is quite relevant today, it provides information on the possibility of creating rational and effective mastitis control programs on dairy farms, and also fills an important gap in veterinary medicine and farm management practice. The aim of this study was to identify and establish the prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens in tank milk samples using bacteriological and molecular genetic (PCR-RFLP) studies. Molecular genetic studies were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nucleic acids were isolated using the KingFisher Purification System automatic isolation system using the MagMAX™ CORE Nucleic Acid Purification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). For the amplification reaction of the isolated nucleic acids, commercial VetMAX MastiType Micro4 Kit (Applied Biosystems™ by Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) was used. The reaction was performed on a real-time PCR product detection system using a QuantStudio5 Real Time PCR System (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Bacteriological studies of tank samples of cow milk were carried out according to generally accepted methods, the identification of bacterial cultures obtained on blood agar was carried out by MALDI-TOF using a VITEK®MS device (BioMérieux, France). The VITEK MS KB V3.2.0 US Version database was used to analyze the mass spectra. The results of the study of contagious mastitis pathogens in tank milk samples by PCR-RF revealed that the most common are Streptococcus agalactiae 36% and Streptococcus uberis 35 %, Staphylococcus aureus occupies an intermediate position, accounting for 24 % of all isolates, Mycoplasma bovis, in turn, accounts for only 5% of isolates. When analyzing the data of the results of molecular genetic studies, it was found that the following associations of pathogens of contagious mastitis in tank milk samples were found Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae – 29,8 %, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis – 21,3 %, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus – 19,1 %, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus – 14,9 %, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis and Streptococcus uberis, Mycoplasma bovis – 4,3 %, respectively. The associations of infectious agents Streptococcus uberis, Mycoplasma bovis, Streptococcus agalactiae; Mycoplasma bovis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis, Mycoplasma bovis, Staphylococcus aureus were found once each, which is 2,1 %. The bacteriological examination of tank milk samples showed that the most commonly detected contagious pathogens were Streptococcus agalactiae – 55 % and Streptococcus uberis – 28 %, Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 11 % of isolates, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae was identified in only 6 % of tank milk samples. The following associations of pathogens of contagious mastitis were most often found in tank milk samples: Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus – 35,7 %, Streptococcus uberis and Staphylococcus aureus – 28,6 %, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus agalactiae – 21,4 %. The associations of pathogens Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae were found in tank samples only once, which is 7,1 % each.

The state of the body's immune system of beef cows with signs of endotoxicosis

During the development of endotoxicosis of various etiologies, secondary immunodeficiency occurs in animals, which progresses due to exposure to toxic metabolites. The work aimed to study the influence of endotoxicosis on the dynamics of indicators of the immune system of beef cows. The research was conducted on the Ukrainian black and spotted dairy breed beef cows. In cows with signs of endotoxicosis, clinical signs such as swelling of the external genital organs and mammary gland, anemia of the mucous membranes, depressed state, impaired appetite, and functional disorders of the antrum and intestines were characteristic. The main immunological tests characterizing the state of the immune system of beef cows are indicators of humoral immunity (bactericidal and lysozyme activity of blood serum), cellular immunity (T- and B-lymphocytes), indicators of non-specific resistance of the organism (phagocytic activity and phagocytic index). In beef cows with clinical manifestations of endotoxicosis, inhibition of cellular, humoral, and non-specific links of the immune system was established, which led to the development of the so-called secondary immunodeficiency. This is evidenced by a decrease in the bactericidal and lysozyme activity of blood serum, a decrease in the number of T- and B-lymphocytes, and a decrease in the phagocytic index and phagocytic activity of the blood of sick cows. In particular, it was established that the lowest indicator of bactericidal and lysozyme activity was observed in the 9th month of pregnancy in the experimental group of cows, where it decreased by 15.9 and 4.91 %, respectively, compared to the control. In the above study periods, a decrease in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils by 5.04 % and the phagocytic index by 33.3 % was established compared to the indicators of the control group. During the analysis of cellular immunity, similar changes were found in determining the number of T- and B-lymphocytes; they were lower by 12.5 % and 4.19 %, respectively. Changes in the indicators of the immune system are significant and objective markers of the state of the cow's body during the development of endotoxicosis, regardless of its causes.

To Treat or Not to Treat: Public Attitudes on the Therapeutic Use of Antibiotics in the Dairy Industry-A Qualitative Study.

This paper describes the views of 779 U.S. residents on questions related to therapeutic antibiotic use in dairy cattle. An online survey was conducted with qualitative (open-ended) questions. Respondents were offered one of three scenarios with varying degrees of information describing a farmer with a sick cow that would benefit from antibiotic therapy. The text replies to the open-ended questions were analyzed by grouping responses with similar comments and identifying patterns or themes. Content analysis showed that many of the participants in this study provided farmers with the social license to treat sick cows with antibiotics; however, some participants commented on the social license not necessarily extending to antibiotic use for growth promotion or prophylactic use. Our findings are not generalizable, but may provide some insight that should be considered when developing policies and practices regarding the use of antibiotics on dairy farms that may promote improved alignment with societal values.

Factors Supporting the Success of Artificial Insemination in Beef Cattle in East Langsa District Langsa City

Cattle farming plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and meeting the protein requirements of humans. It is not only appealing due to its simplicity in care but also because it can make use of plant-based feed. Artificial insemination (AI) can be employed to boost the cattle population. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the success of AI in beef cattle within the East Langsa District of Langsa City. The sampling method utilized was purposive sampling, involving 42 respondents. Statistical analysis involved classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression, and hypothesis testing to identify the factors impacting the success of AI in beef cattle. Data processing was conducted using the SPSS computer software. The results revealed that the AI tool variables (X2), including inseminator origin, inseminator service, AI success rate, and AI equipment, had a significant effect (significance value 0.010) on the success of artificial insemination (Y). Similarly, the inseminator variable (X4), involving inseminator ability without special education, AI special education, inseminator ability to detect cattle in heat, and the inseminator's capability to insert frozen semen into the uterus even when the animal is not in heat, demonstrated a significant impact. Conversely, examining the livestock condition variable (X1), such as no sick cows in the last year, cows in good health before AI, and yearly calving, did not exhibit a significant effect (significance value 0.816). Further research is urgently required, incorporating additional variables to strengthen the factors that can enhance artificial insemination and increase livestock production.

Resistance to antimicrobials of the microflora extracted in acute postpartum endometritis in cows

In the article, the authors presented data on the species structure of the microflora isolated from cows with acute postpartum purulent-catarrhal endometritis. In acute postpartum endometritis, representatives of 8 genera of microorganisms were isolated in washings from the cervical canal. Identification of isolates to the species showed that Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were most often isolated from sick cows. These microorganisms were more common in associations: Escherichia coli + Streptococcus pyogene; Staphylococcus aureus + Streptococcus pyogenes. And Proteus vulgaris + Staphylococcus epidermidis. The disk diffusion method tested Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for resistance to 9 pharmacological groups of antimicrobial agents. In total, 48 isolates of 15 antibacterial drugs were tested in the work. The studied isolates of microorganisms showed multiple drug resistance. The authors revealed resistance to drugs of three or more pharmacological groups. Microorganisms showed high resistance (80% or more of isolates that did not show growth zone retardation) to drugs: neomycin (aminoglycosides) and benzylpenicillin (penicillins) - Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; vancomycin (glycopeptides), polymyxin (polymyxins) - Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli; ampicillin (penicillins), tetracycline (tetracyclines), cefazolin (cephalosporins), ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolones) - only Staphylococcus aureus; lincomycin (lincosamides), tylosin (macrolides) - only Escherichia coli; streptomycin (aminoglycoside) - only Streptococcus pyogenes.

Mastitis prevention and control: Integration of microbiological and management approaches

Mastitis is a common cause of reduced dairy productivity in cows and poor milk quality. This paper considers a set of approaches based on microbiological studies and risk analysis aimed at reducing the number of cows with mastitis and improving milk quality. The study is aimed at examining microbial agents isolated from the milk of sick cows and means of ensuring udder health, and identifying the main dangers that arise due to errors in the implementation of mastitis prevention measures. The study included microbiological tests of milk, wipes and udder dipping using chromogenic media. For a qualitative risk assessment, a survey of consulting managers and veterinarians was conducted. The paper presents the results of microbiological tests of 115 samples of milk, 45 reusable napkins, and 111 samples of udder dips using conventional and chromogenic media. The most common microorganisms in milk samples were Streptococcus spp. 34.4% (S. agalactiae and S. disgalactiae), Staphylococcus aureus 31.1%, and Escherichia coli 28.9%. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. it is associated with infectious mastitis, and Escherichia coli – with sanitary mastitis. To reduce the incidence of mastitis, it is important to apply targeted measures aimed at various categories of pathogens. Udder wipes were contaminated with pathogens associated with the development of mastitis. The use of laundry detergent containing bactericidal components is crucial to minimise contamination of reusable udder wipes. Among the dips under study, 40.6% of the samples had a complete bactericidal effect, and 9.9% had no bactericidal effect. 3 factors of high risk of environmental mastitis and 6 factors of sanitary mastitis were identified. The results of the studies were tested on two dairy farms. Correction of high-risk risk factors led to an increase in the quality of milk in terms of somatic cells and the number of bacteria. The results obtained can be useful for improving the system of prevention and optimisation of mastitis treatment on dairy farms

Імунобіологічна реактивність організму корів за дисфункції яєчників

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

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

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

Clinical and pharmacological effectiveness of Fit-O-Metrin drug in the scheme of treatment of bovine postpartum metritis

The article presents data on the approval of the new Fit-O-Metrin drug for accelerating the recovery of cows from postpartum metritis. The experiment was focused on monitoring the excretion of exudate; restoration and strengthening of the contractile function and regenerative processes in the uterus after the use of the drug. Favorable conditions for uterine disease are often created during calving. However, the reproductive function of animals is mostly determined by the ability to restore the physiological state of the uterus in the postpartum period. Thus, in the experimental farm AgroTsvit 2012 (Zhytomyr region), clinical and laboratory examination of cows in the postpartum period determined that the prevalence of metritis covers up to 42% of the herd. The largest percentage of sick cows had purulent form (53.1 %), catarrhal-purulent metritis was registered in 30.4 %, catarrhal – in 16.5 %. Through our own research, we determined the effectiveness of the experimental drug Fit-O-Metrin, made on the basis of plant materials (extract of thyme, motherwort, and common barberry) for intrauterine administration as part of the treatment regimen for bovine metritis. In the clinical test, 13 sick cows were involved, to which Fit-O-Metrin was applied according to three different schemes. Another 5 animals with metritis were included in the control group, which were treated according to the standard protocol for the farm. However, regardless of the chosen scheme, the complete cessation of the release of inflammatory exudate from the vagina of the entire cow's herd was recorded already on the 6–7 day (in the control group – on the 9 day). Normalization of tone and anatomical position of the uterus, complete closure of the cervical canal was noted on the 8th day (in the control group – on the 12 day). The most optimal scheme of using the herbal preparation against postpartum purulent metritis is 2 days injections, 2 days break, 2 days injections, 2 days break, final injection. A single dose of the FitO-Metrin drug is 30 ml. Key words: postpartum metritis, Fit-O-Methrin, cattle, treatment scheme, effectiveness, exudate, sexual cycle.

Characteristics of the sanitary quality of milk in sick cows with purulent inflammation of the uterus when using the GEA Dairy ProQ robotic milking system

Purpose : to establish the role of reproductive pathologies in high-yielding cows in reducing the sanitary quality of milk at dairy enterprises using various milking systems. Materials and methods . The studies were carried out in high-tech dairy enterprises using GEA Dairy ProQ and Ley Astronaut robotic milking systems with cow productivity of more than 11 tons of milk per lactation. 4659 lactating cows were under observation. The selection of samples of uterine secretions, samples from the udder teats, the surface of the anogenital area, mammary gland and milk for bacteriological studies was carried out sterile, then they were sown on nutrient media. Results . The contents of the uterus with pyometra in 80% are contaminated with microorganisms: S. dysgalactiae – 29.1%, S. aureus – 26.4%, E. coli – 24.2%, and S. agalactiae – 20.3%. In 12% of cows, the microflora was isolated in monoculture. In samples of milk obtained from sick cows with uterine pathology using Ley Astronaut robotic milking, it showed 1.72 times lower sanitary safety, in comparison with samples obtained from clinically healthy animals and using the GEA Dairy ProQ robotic milking system. Conclusion . In samples of milk obtained from sick cows using the Ley Astronaut robotic milking system, a microbiological study found a decrease in the sanitary quality of milk, which is an obstacle in the production of cheese.

Cattle Health Monitoring System using IoT

Diseases negatively impact the productivity of dairy cows and the production of milk. The challenge lies in the early detection and treatment of sick cows, due to the lack of continuous monitoring and the limited knowledge of breeders about various diseases. To address this issue, this study presents the development of a comprehensive dairy cattle health manage- ment system, aimed at monitoring cow health and detecting and treating diseases. By collecting temperature and pulse data from sensors, the system is able to assess the health condition of cows and distinguish between normal and abnormal results

Clinical and sonographic changes in the uterus of repeatedly over -walking cows with subclinical endometritis

The research was carried out at a modern high-tech dairy enterprise using robotic milking (GEA DairyProQ JV "Donskoye" of the Volgograd region with the productivity of cows over 15,000 kg for 305 days of lactation. Rectal palpation of the uterus in cows with subclinical endometritis showed the presence of a pronounced cavity, which was 2.78 times higher than that in clinically healthy animals of the same study period, and the thickness of the uterine wall in subclinical endometritis averaged 9.23± 0.21 mm, which was 1.41 times higher than similar data in healthy animals. According to sonography data, the endometrium acquired an echoneodnomogeneous structure, which is caused by the ongoing inflammatory process. Dilated blood vessels are visualized in the myometrium. The revealed zone of reduced density at the border of the muscular and mucous layers is characterized by hyperechogenicity, which indicates signs of developing edema. The study of the perimeter revealed no structural changes. The detailed sonographic signs of subclinical endometritis in repeatedly overworking highly productive cows showed that the endometrial condition did not correspond to normal echographic criteria in more than half of cases in sick cows during estrus. The presence of variable in shape and size areas of increased echogenicity in the horns of the uterus of the M-echo during the hunting period is noted. Hyperechogenic formations in the basal layer of the endometrium were found in every fifth sick cow with signs of subclinical endometritis who repeatedly overdo it, and in every second, with the manifestation of hunting, a clinically healthy animal. The endometrial echostructure was found to be inconsistent with the stage of sexual cycle arousal in cows with subclinical endometritis in comparison with repeatedly over-walking animals without symptoms of uterine pathology. When comparing the obtained linear parameters of the uterus by rectal palpation of its anatomical structures with the parameters of the sonographic data, their correspondence was noted in both study groups. Ultrasound diagnostics provides an objective assessment of the state of the uterus and allows you to differentiate the nature of the pathological process.

Cattle Health Monitoring System using IoT

Diseases negatively impact the productivity of dairy cows and the production of milk. The challenge lies in the early detection and treatment of sick cows, due to the lack of continuous monitoring and the limited knowledge of breeders about various diseases. To address this issue, this study presents the development of a comprehensive dairy cattle health manage- ment system, aimed at monitoring cow health and detecting and treating diseases. By collecting temperature and pulse data from sensors, the system is able to assess the health condition of cows and distinguish between normal and abnormal results.

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

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

BRUCELLA ECOLOGY AND DIAGNOSTICS OF BRUCELLOSIS (REVIEW)

Review of domestic and foreign scientific literature on brucella ecology, brucellosis epizootology and pathogenesis is presented. It has been found that the main route of transmitting the infection causative agents is vertical. At the same time the newborns receive such a small dose of brucella that for a long time it is impossible to confirm them being infected by the conventional diagnostic methods. The deterioration of the epizootic situation is explained precisely by the following – young cattle bred from sick cows are integrated in the broodstock. In this case many of them remain hidden carriers of the pathogen and do not respond to diagnostic tests (a state of tolerance). Young cattle infected with brucella are detected only after they become an active source of infection causing epizootic danger during 2–4 years, i.e. before calving or abortion, still remaining the undetected source of the pathogen. At the same time the conventional diagnostic methods are practically ineffective. In this case the diagnostic method based on the immunological tolerance phenomenon implying the use of the vaccine from the strain B. abortus 19 is applied, this is a serological test to detect the negatively responsive to brucellosis heifers that are 15–20 days after vaccination and to bar them from herd reproduction. In addition, when diagnosing brucellosis, it is necessary to take into account the latent course of the disease in adult animals. It is possible to reveal hidden carriers of brucella by provoking latent infection through immunisation with vaccines from the R-strains B. abortus 1096 or RV-51, which ensures the pathogen devastation.