Status Of Cattle Research Articles

Natural (auto)antibodies in calves are affected by age and diet

Background: Natural autoantibodies (N(a)ab) were found in every species tested so far, and are likely important in maintaining homeostasis.Objectives: (1) To determine N(a)ab in Bos taurus calves, (2) evaluate effects of diet and age on N(a)ab binding repertoires in calves, and (3) delineate bovine liver cell lysate (BLL) antigens related with variation in rumen score and body weight.Animals and methods: Effects of age and diet on staining of BLL fragments by IgM and IgG antibodies in serum samples collected at 20 or at 26 weeks of age from bull calves either fed a restricted or ad libitum diet were analyzed using quantitative Western blotting. Correlations between fragments stained and grouping of calves were done by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Redundancy analysis (RDA) was done to relate rumen score and body weight variation at slaughter at 27 weeks of age with stained BLL fragments.Results: In sera from all calves IgM and IgG antibodies binding BLL antigens were found. Corresponding fragments were stained, but quantitative differences in staining intensities were related to diet and age for both IgM and IgG. PCA revealed that age had a greater influence than diet on BLL fragment staining. RDA suggested that staining by IgM or IgG of specific BLL fragments was related with variation in rumen score and body weight. Conclusions and clinical importance: Analyses of N(a)ab in serum could be a potential tool to estimate the health status of cattle, and be used to evaluate effects of husbandry practices.

Reliability of the i-STAT for the determination of blood electrolyte (K+, Na+, and CI-) concentrations in cattle.

BackgroundRapid determination of blood electrolyte concentrations can help determine electrolyte status and delivery of effective volume of electrolyte solutions in field conditions.ObjectiveTo evaluate reliability of the i‐STAT, a point‐of‐care (POC) device, in measuring blood K+, Na+, and CI − concentrations in cattle.AnimalsNinety‐eight cattle with various diseases.MethodsIn this prospective study, blood samples collected from the jugular vein were processed for determination of K+, Na+, and CI − concentrations in blood and plasma using the i‐STAT and auto‐analyzer (Cobas C501), respectively. Blood and plasma electrolyte data were subjected to student t‐test for comparison, the concordance analysis for agreement, accuracy, and precision, the Passing‐Bablok regression and the Bland‐Altman plot for reliability, and receiver operating characteristics curves for sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).ResultsPlasma concentrations of K+ (4.39 versus 4.2 mmol/L; P < .0001) and CI − (100.30 versus 99.4 mmol/L; P < .04) were greater than their concentrations in blood. Plasma and blood Na+ concentrations were similar (136.95 versus 136.8 mmol/L). The i‐STAT results were highly correlated with the Cobas C501 results (r = 0.970, 0.922, and 0.866 for K+, Na+, and CI −, respectively). Regression equations fitting blood (Y) and plasma (X) concentration did not deviate from the identity line for K+ (Y = −0.10 + 0.98 × X), Na+ (Y = X), and CI − (Y = 3.04 + 0.96 × X). The mean bias (blood concentration ‐ plasma concentration) was −0.20 for K+ (P = .03), −0.16 for Na+ (P = .12), and −0.87 for CI − (P = .93). The i‐STAT had 76–100% Se and 87.7–100% Sp for assessing electrolyte statuses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe i‐STAT yielded results that were in agreement with the auto‐analyzer, with negligible biases in measurement of plasma K+, Na+, and CI − concentrations. The i‐STAT is a reliable POC device and can be used in field condition to assess electrolyte status in cattle.

Evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in chromosomal regions impacting pregnancy status in cattle.

Reproductive success is an important component of commercial beef cattle production, and identification of DNA markers with predictive merit for reproductive success would facilitate accurate prediction of mean daughter pregnancy rate, enabling effective selection of bulls to improve female fertility. A previous study identified SNP associated with beef cattle reproductive efficiency based on a genomewide association analysis approach using genotyping multiple-animal pools of DNA to increase the number of animals that could be genotyped with available resources. For the current study, we expand on this previous study by individually genotyping cattle from the pooling study for 89 SNP that were associated with female pregnancy rate. The aims of the study were to confirm the results of the pooling study and, more specifically, identify modes of gene action and DNA variations such as haplotypes that would not be possible with pooled genotyping. Eighty-nine SNP selected from the pooling study were evaluated using the Sequenom MassARRAY system to individually genotype animals from populations evaluated in the pooling study, including both and breeds. From this research, regions on chromosomes 5 (26.3-48.1 Mb; UMD3.1 assembly) and 9 (37,436,575 bp; UMD3.1 assembly), first identified in the previous pooling study, were shown through individual genotyping to harbor genetic variation ( < 0.05 genomewide significance) affecting reproductive efficiency in interspecific crosses ( and ) of cattle. Each of these markers exhibited additive (vs. dominant) gene action. Additionally, a haplotype block harboring an allele of origin with negative effects on reproduction was identified on chromosome 5 in interspecific composite breeds of × composites.

Prevalence of Haemoparasites of Cattle from Three Abattoirs in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

The haemoparasitemia of cattle slaughtered in three abattoirs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria were determined between the months of March and May, 2013. Blood samples were obtained from 180 apparently healthy cattle from three abattoirs (Bodija, Akinyele and Olorunsogo), using standard field and laboratory techniques. An overall parasitemia of 6.67% accounting for 12 positive cattle out of 180 cattle examined was recorded. Abattoir-specific prevalence indicated 3.33%, 2.22% and 1.11% for Bodija, Akinyele and Olorunsogo abattoirs respectively. The three species of parasites identified showed prevalences of 3.81%, 2.22% and 0.56% for Trypanosoma brucei, Babesia bigemina and Theileria parva respectively. Sex- related parasitemia revealed that females had higher prevalence 8(4.44%) than males 4(2.22%) which was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Breed-specific prevalence showed 2.78%, 2.22% and 1.67% for Sokoto Gudali, Red Bororo and White Fulani respectively, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). This study provides information on the haemoparasitism status of cattle that arrive for slaughter in Ibadan metropolis and calls for more control/preventive measures to eradicate haemoparasites to enhance more wholesome beef for the general populace.

Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2012

This report, provided by the AHVLA, summarises the infection status of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in Great Britain from January 1 to December 31, 2012 and describes some of...

The use of seaweed from the Galician coast as a mineral supplement in organic dairy cattle

This study was designed to assess the value of seaweeds from the Galician coast as a source of minerals (especially iodine (I) but also other micro-minerals) in organic dairy cattle. It was conducted in an organic dairy farm in the Lugo province that typically represents the organic milk production in NW Spain. The animal’s diet consisted mainly of local forage (at pasture or as hay and silage in the winter) and 5 kg of purchased concentrate/day per animal (representing 23.5% of feed intake). Based on the mineral composition of the diet, the physiological requirements and the EU maximum authorised levels in feed, a supplement composed by Sea Lettuce (Ulva rigida) (as flakes, 80%), Japanese Wireweed (Sargasum muticum) (flakes, 17.5%) and Furbelows (Saccorhiza polyschides) (powder, 2.5%) was formulated to give 100 g/animal per day. Sixteen Holstein Friesian lactating cows were randomly selected and assigned to the control (n=8) and algae-supplemented groups (n=8). Both groups had exactly the same feeding and management with the exception of the algae supplement, which was mixed with the concentrate feed and given to the animals at their morning milking for 10 weeks. Heparinised blood (for plasma analysis) and milk samples were collected at 2-week intervals and analysed for toxic and trace element concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The algae supplement significantly improved the animals’ mineral status, particularly I and selenium that were low on the farm. However, the effect of the algae supplement on the molybdenum status in cattle needs further investigation because of its great relevance on copper metabolism in ruminants. The I supply deserves special attention, since this element is at a very high concentration in brown-algae species and it is excreted in the milk proportionally to its concentration in plasma concentrations (mean±s.e. in the algae-supplemented and control groups were 268±54 and 180±42 µg/l, respectively).

Field and laboratory studies on Corridor disease (Theileria parva infection) in cattle population at the livestock/game interface of uPhongolo-Mkuze area, South Africa

Corridor disease (Theileria parva infection in cattle associated with carrier buffaloes) had not been reported to cause serious outbreaks in South Africa prior to 1994. In recent years, there has been an increase in the introduction of T. parva-infected buffaloes onto private game parks in Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The objectives of this study were to investigate the number of T. parva outbreaks in cattle at the livestock/wildlife interface and to establish the possible T. parva carrier status in cattle which were diagnosed to have recovered from clinical disease.The occurrence of outbreaks was closely monitored from 2004 to 2009 covering a total of 15 localities. The observations included the number of cattle involved in the outbreaks, clinical signs, parasitological and post-mortem examinations, as well as serological and molecular tests specific for T. parva. Sentinel cattle were introduced to monitor tick transmission and some of these recovered from clinical T. parva infection in the field and confirmed to be positive by PCR, were challenged using lethal T. parva stabilates to ascertain their immune status.Thirty-one Corridor disease outbreaks were recorded during the study period. Of the 846 cattle tested for Corridor disease during the study period, 140 (16.5%) were found positive by the real time PCR and IFA tests. Eighty-two (9.7%) cattle were found positive by the IFA test only. The prevalence of T. parva infection was 26.2%. Adult R. appendiculatus fed as nymphs on 5 bovines which recovered from clinical T. parva infection in the field transmitted only T. taurotragi to susceptible bovines. However, 8 of the field-recovered cattle resisted lethal challenge using T. parva tick stabilate. Though the study could not demonstrate cattle-to-cattle transmission by ticks using 5 previously infected cattle in the field, it is suggested that Corridor disease should be considered a potential emerging disease, and more stringent control methods should be implemented.

Analyses of the correlation between dermal and blood carotenoids in female cattle by optical methods

Herd health programs for the maintenance of welfare and productivity in cattle need efficient tools for monitoring the health of individual animals. Recent reports demonstrate that the oxidative status is related to various stress conditions in dairy cows. Biomarkers, among other carotenoids, could serve as indicators of stress originating from the environment (e.g., heat stress or sun radiation) or from the animal itself (e.g., disease). To date, only invasive in vitro tests are available to assess the oxidative status in cattle. The present study compares the results of optical noninvasive in vivo measurements of dermal carotenoids in cattle udder skin using an LED-based miniaturized spectroscopic system (MSS) with those obtained by photometric analysis of beta carotene in whole blood samples using a portable device. Correlations between the concentrations of dermal and blood carotenoids were calculated under consideration of the nutritional status of the animals. Significant correlation (R = 0.86) was found for cattle with a moderate to obese body condition. Thus, the blood and skin concentrations of the marker substance beta carotene are comparable under stable stress conditions of the cattle. This demonstrates that the MSS is suitable for noninvasive assessment of dermal carotenoid concentrations in cattle.

Sulphur levels in saliva as an estimation of sulphur status in cattle: a validation study

Effective assessment of sulphur (S) status in cattle is important for optimal health, yet remains difficult. Rumen fluid S concentrations are preferred, but difficult to sample under practical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate salivary S concentration as estimator of S status in cattle. Saliva and rumen fluid samples were collected from dairy cows (n = 16) as well as samples of different feedstuffs offered to the animals. The N and S concentrations were determined using the Dumas technique. The average dietary N and S content were calculated as well as N:S ratio of saliva, rumen fluid and diet. Salivary S concentrations could not predict rumen fluid or dietary S concentrations (p > 0.05). The log transformed salivary N:S ratio (x) could predict the rumen fluid N:S ratio (y) with a linear equation of y = 9.83 (±4.59) x + 0.39 (±4.56) (r = 0.497, p = 0.05), but left too much residual variation to serve as reliable predictor. Further research should investigate this relationship in the search for an S status estimator.

Short communication: Evaluation of Brucella infection of cows by PCR detection of Brucella DNA in raw milk

The collection of serum samples from cows is frequently difficult to implement in large-scale surveys, and may involve a h igh risk of occupational infection. This study assessed the potential of using raw milk sampling as a suitable method for use in a pilot survey of Brucella abortus infection status in cattle. Raw milk samples from 816 cows were examined. Polymerase chain reaction assays of raw milk, with primers derived from the IS711 element of the Brucella genome, were used. Of the cows, 55 were Brucella positive based on serum agglutination test (SAT) results. Polymerase chain reaction amplified Brucella DNA in 25 (45%) of the 55 SAT-positive cows. All of the 689 SAT-negative cows were found to be negative in PCR assays of their milk. Brucella infection status based on PCR results was then predicted for 72 cows from private h erds in which the brucellosis status was unknown. Subsequently, SAT verification of Brucella status was performed. There was no significant difference between predicted and actual SAT-positive rates in those 72 cows. This study indicates a relationship between Brucella detection levels obtained using milk-based PCR results and SAT results. The specific, rapid, and easy sampling procedure within milk-based PCR assaying for brucellosis detection makes the milk PCR method an attractive alternative for evaluation of B. abortus infection in cows, particularly if used as a routine screening and surveillance tool to reduce brucellosis outbreaks.

Noninvasive measurements of carotenoids in bovine udder by reflection spectroscopy

For a long time, the antioxidative status in cattle has been discussed as an indicator for stress conditions resulting from disease or exertion. Until now, invasive approaches have been necessary to obtain blood samples or biopsy materials and gain insights into the antioxidative status of cattle. Due to these efforts and the costs of the analyses, serial sampling is feasible in an experimental setting, but not for measurements on a routine basis. The present study focuses on the feasibility of an innovative, noninvasive spectroscopic technique that allows in vivo measurements of carotenoids in the skin by reflection spectroscopy. To this end, in a first trial, repeated measurements of the carotenoid concentration of the udder skin were performed on 25 healthy cattle from different breeds. Carotenoid concentrations showed highly significant differences between individual animals (P<0.001), although they were kept under the same environmental conditions and received the same diet. The carotenoid concentrations in "sensitive" and "robust" cows (evaluated by a temperament test) differed significantly (P<0.005), with higher concentrations observed in robust cows.

Vitamin D Status in Cattle with Malignant Catarrhal Fever

The aim of the present study was to determine the vitamin D status in cattle with malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). Twelve cattle diagnosed as MCF and 6 healthy cattle (controls) were used in the study. Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25-D), calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were determined as 96.83 pg/ml, 30.0 ng/ml, 2.19 mmol/l, 1.57 mmol/l and 15.21 pg/ml in MCF group and 42.33 pg/ml, 37.0 ng/ml, 2.43 mmol/l, 1.96 mmol/l and 36.08 pg/ml in controls, respectively. Although serum 1,25-D level in the MCF group was increased (P<0.01), serum calcium (P<0.01) and PTH (P<0.05) levels were decreased compared to the controls. The results suggest that there might be an interaction between vitamin D status and MCF.

Effects of feed deprivation on behavioral reactivity and physiological status in Holstein cattle1

The present study evaluated whether feed deprivation can increase reactivity to stressful events, such as those that can occur at slaughter. Therefore, effects of 30 h of feed deprivation on behavior, including reactions to psychological stressors, and physiological status in cattle were determined. Sixteen Holstein cows (Exp. 1) and 32 Holstein heifers (Exp. 2) were either fed (FE) or 30-h feed deprived (FD). Throughout the first day of feed deprivation and during evening feed distribution to control animals, FD heifers and cows were more active than controls (P < 0.05). In Exp. 1, during a feeding test, in response to a sudden air blast arising from the bucket from which the cow was feeding, FD cows showed a longer latency to return to feed (P = 0.0002), spent less time in the bucket air blast zone (P = 0.008) and less time motionless (P = 0.03), and tended to withdraw over a longer distance (P = 0.07) than FE cows. In Exp. 2, during a reactivity test, FD heifers spent more (P = 0.0001) time motionless in response to social isolation than FE heifers. In Exp. 2, one-half of the FE and FD heifers were subjected to an additional physical and psychological stressor just before the reactivity test by driving them for 5 min through a labyrinth. Within heifers subjected to the additional stressor, FD heifers were less accepting of being detained (P = 0.05) and stroked (P = 0.003) by a familiar stockperson in a corner of the test arena. Compared with FE animals, FD heifers and FD cows had greater plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). Feed-deprived cows also had reduced β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (P = 0.02) compared with FE cows. Thus, in cattle, FD influenced some of the classical indicators of energy metabolism and exacerbated reactivity to sudden events. In addition, when additional stressors were applied, FD cattle were more reluctant to accept handling. Results indicate that a multifactorial origin of stressors during the slaughter period may synergistically increase psychological stress of cattle.

Bovine tuberculosis prevalence survey on cattle in the rural livestock system of Torodi (Niger).

BackgroundBovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a widespread zoonosis in developing countries but has received little attention in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Niger. Recent investigations confirmed the high incidence of the disease in cattle slaughtered in an abattoir in Niamey. The fact that most of the animals in which M. bovis has been identified were from the rural area of Torodi implied the existence of a probable source of BTB in this region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BTB infection in cattle and to identify risk factors for infection in human and cattle populations in Torodi.Methods and Principal FindingsA survey was carried out at the level of households keeping livestock (n = 51). The questionnaire was related to the potential risk factors and the presence of clinical signs of TB both in animals and humans. Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test was conducted to determine the TB status in cattle (n = 393). The overall apparent individual animal prevalence of tuberculin reactors was 3.6% (CI: 95%, 1.9–5.9), whereas the individual true prevalence was estimated at 0.8% (CI: 95%, 0.0–5.0). Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis and a classification tree analysis, the only household level risk factor that significantly influenced the presence of BTB in cattle was the presence of animals coughing in the herd (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.12–19.71, p-value = 0.034). The lack of the practice of quarantine was borderline significant (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 0.96–18.40, p-value = 0.056).Conclusion/SignificanceThe study confirmed that BTB is endemic in cattle in Torodi and the risk of the transmission of the disease to humans is potentially high. For the control of the disease in livestock, slaughtering of infected animals and the compensation of the owners is needed. Collaboration between the veterinary and the medical sectors, in the diagnosis, monitoring, prevention and control of BTB is strongly encouraged.

Vitamin D2 impairs utilization of vitamin D3 in high-yielding dairy cows in a cross-over supplementation regimen

Vitamin D exists in 2 forms that are important regarding vitamin D status and supply in cattle: vitamin D2 (D2) and vitamin D3 (D3). To become physiologically active, both D2 and D3 must undergo 25-hydroxylation in the liver. The resulting 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 [25(OH)D2] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] are measured as indicators of the physiological vitamin D status of cattle. The study used 14 Danish Holstein cows housed without access to sunlight. The cows were orally administered 250mg (1.0 × 107IU) of D2 and D3 in a cross-over design with 2 treatment groups and 2 study periods, rendering 4 treatments when carryover effects were taken into account: D2 given first, D2 given last after D3, D3 given first, and D3 given last after D2. Two weeks elapsed between the treatment in the first study period and the treatment in the second study period. Blood samples were collected 0, 3, 6, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 40, 48, 70, 94, 166, and 214h after providing the oral bolus of vitamin to the cows. Comparisons between plasma levels of the metabolites D2, D3, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 over time were made by comparing areas under the plasma concentration curves. Oral administration of D3 increased plasma D3 (182.6±17.1 ng/mL; mean ± SEM) and 25(OH)D3 (103.5±10.0 ng/mL) more efficiently than oral administration of D2 increased plasma D2 (49.1±32.6 ng/mL) and 25(OH)D2 (27.9±2.1 ng/mL). The D3 given after an oral dose of D2 was less efficient for increasing plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D3 (61.2±12.0 ng/mL) compared with D3 given without previous D2 administration (103.5±10.0 ng/mL), whereas the plasma concentrations of D3 itself were the same when given first (182.6±17.1 ng/mL) as when given after D2 (200.0±123.9 ng/mL). The same occurred for plasma concentrations of D2 metabolites both if D2 was given first (49.1±32.6 ng/mL) and after D3 (54.7±7.7 ng/mL). In conclusion, D3 given after D2 is less efficient at increasing the plasma status of 25(OH)D3 than D3 given without previous D2 administration.

Relationship between clinical signs and postmortem test status in cattle experimentally infected with the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent

BackgroundVarious clinical protocols have been developed to aid in the clinical diagnosis of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which is confirmed by postmortem examinations based on vacuolation and accumulation of disease-associated prion protein (PrPd) in the brain. The present study investigated the occurrence and progression of sixty selected clinical signs and behaviour combinations in 513 experimentally exposed cattle subsequently categorised postmortem as confirmed or unconfirmed BSE cases. Appropriate undosed or saline inoculated controls were examined similarly and the data analysed to explore the possible occurrence of BSE-specific clinical expression in animals unconfirmed by postmortem examinations.ResultsBased on the display of selected behavioural, sensory and locomotor changes, 20 (67%) orally dosed and 17 (77%) intracerebrally inoculated pathologically confirmed BSE cases and 21 (13%) orally dosed and 18 (6%) intracerebrally inoculated but unconfirmed cases were considered clinical BSE suspects. None of 103 controls showed significant signs and were all negative on diagnostic postmortem examinations. Signs indicative of BSE suspects, particularly over-reactivity and ataxia, were more frequently displayed in confirmed cases with vacuolar changes in the brain. The display of several BSE-associated signs over time, including repeated startle responses and nervousness, was significantly more frequent in confirmed BSE cases compared to controls, but these two signs were also significantly more frequent in orally dosed cattle unconfirmed by postmortem examinations.ConclusionsThe findings confirm that in experimentally infected cattle clinical abnormalities indicative of BSE are accompanied by vacuolar changes and PrPd accumulation in the brainstem. The presence of more frequently expressed signs in cases with vacuolar changes is consistent with this pathology representing a more advanced stage of disease. That BSE-like signs or sign combinations occur in inoculated animals that were not confirmed as BSE cases by postmortem examinations requires further study to investigate the potential causal relationship with prion disease.

Modulation of the bovine innate immune response by production of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in bovine monocytes

In cattle, the kidney has been the only known site for production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] by 1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase). Based on human studies, it was hypothesized that bovine monocytes could produce 1,25(OH)2D3 upon activation and 1,25(OH)2D3 would regulate expression of vitamin D–responsive genes in monocytes. First, the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bovine monocytes isolated from peripheral blood were tested. Treatment of nonstimulated monocytes with 1,25(OH)2D3 increased expression of the gene for the vitamin D 24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) enzyme by 51±13 fold, but 1,25(OH)2D3 induction of 24-OHase expression was blocked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the chemokine RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) in LPS-stimulated monocytes 69±13 and 40±12 fold, respectively. Next, the ability of bovine monocytes to express 1α-OHase and produce 1,25(OH)2D3 was tested. Activation of monocytes with LPS, tripalmitoylated lipopeptide (Pam3CSK4), or peptidoglycan caused 43±9, 17±3, and 19±3 fold increases in 1α-OHase gene expression, respectively. Addition of 25(OH)D3 to LPS-stimulated monocytes enhanced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and RANTES and nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner, giving evidence that activated monocytes convert 25(OH)D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3. In conclusion, bovine monocytes produce 1,25(OH)2D3 in response to toll-like receptor signaling, and 1,25(OH)2D3 production in monocytes increased the expression of genes involved in the innate immune system. Vitamin D status of cattle might be important for optimal innate immune function because 1,25(OH)2D3 production in activated monocytes and subsequent upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and RANTES expression was dependent on 25(OH)D3 availability.

Technical note: Copper chaperone for copper, zinc superoxide dismutase: A potential biomarker for copper status in cattle1

Copper chaperone for Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (CCS) has been shown to be reflective of Cu status in mice and rats. The objective of this study was to evaluate liver and erythrocyte CCS as an indicator of Cu status in beef cattle (Exp. 1), and to test the acute-phase properties of CCS under conditions of inflammation (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, samples of whole blood and liver were collected at slaughter (492 d of age) from 15 Cu-deficient and 6 Cu-adequate Angus calves. At the time of tissue collection, severe Cu deficiency had been achieved and differences (P < 0.0001) in plasma and liver Cu among Cu-adequate and Cu-deficient calves were extreme (1.26 vs. 0.19 mg/L and 208.4 vs. 6.3 mg/kg for plasma and liver Cu, respectively). Protein levels of CCS were greater in liver (40%; P = 0.02) and erythrocytes (65%; P < 0.0001) of Cu-deficient vs. Cu-adequate calves. In Exp. 2, inflammatory responses were elicited in beef heifers by administration of a Mannheimia hemolytica vaccine. Four days after vaccination, plasma concentrations of the Cu-dependent protein ceruloplasmin and the Cu-independent protein haptoglobin were increased (P < 0.001) by 71 and 83%, respectively. In contrast, detection of CCS protein in samples of liver and erythrocytes did not differ (P >or= 0.45) between baseline (d 0) and d 4 after vaccination. These data demonstrate that bovine erythrocyte and liver CCS protein levels increase in Cu-deficient cattle. Furthermore, levels of CCS protein do not change after a vaccine-induced inflammatory response, suggesting that unlike ceruloplasmin, CCS may be a reliable indicator of Cu status in cattle.

Use of selenium enriched fertilizers in the management of a suckling herd: effects over a 5 year period

Antioxidant mechanisms, immune responses, reproduction, thyroid metabolism are processes in which the trace element selenium (Se) is involved. In beef production with suckling herds, a Se deficiency could impair animal health resulting in reduced incomes. In Belgium the Se content in locally produced feedstuffs is low and thus, in beef farms where locally produced feedstuffs are fed for the entire year, symptoms of Se deficiency are observed. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect, of Se enriched fertilizers on the Se content of feedstuffs and on the Se status of cattle.

Editor's choice: Where the buffalo roam – bison and brucellosis in Yellowstone

Kilpatrick, A.M., Gillin, C.M. & Daszak, P. (2009) Wildlife–livestock conflict: the risk of pathogen transmission from bison to cattle outside Yellowstone National Park. Journal of Applied Ecology, 46, 476–485. An enduring symbol of the American West, great migratory herds of bison Bison bison once roamed the Great Plains in their millions (Berger & Cunningham 1994). Sadly, this wildlife spectacle is no more, as in parallel with population declines and extirpation in other migratory ungulates (Bolger et al. 2008; Harris et al. 2009), bison are now restricted to a number of small remnant populations. The causes of population decline in bison and other migrants are well known – hunting, habitat loss, fencing – and their need for space makes the conservation of these wide ranging species a major challenge (Berger 2004; Thirgood et al. 2004). The only free-ranging herd of bison remaining in the United States is found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. At the start of the 20th century, this population had been reduced to 23 individuals, but with protection it has increased to nearly 5000. Bison spend most of the year at higher altitudes in the Yellowstone National Park but during severe winters they graze at lower elevations outside the park. Here they come into conflict with cattle ranching because of the risk of transmission of brucellosis from bison to cattle. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes weight loss, abortion and reduced milk yields in cattle. The maintenance of brucellosis-free status in cattle is economically important to the livestock industry, and as a result, culling bison is part of the Government interagency disease control strategy (Clarke et al. 2005). The conservation success of Yellowstone's bison indirectly led to the culling of 1600 bison during the 2007/08 winter. For this issue's Editor's Choice selection, Kilpatrick et al. (2009) develop a quantitative risk assessment integrating both ecological and epidemiological data to assess the spatio-temporal risk of transmission of brucellosis from bison to cattle. The model demonstrates that the risk of transmission is highly variable in space, time and frequency and can be predicted by climatic conditions and the abundance of bison. Critically, the model suggests that the risk of brucellosis transmission is very low in most years and is periodically high only in certain localized areas around the park. The authors suggest alternative management strategies, such as financially compensating ranchers for grazing rights in localized areas, would be more cost-effective than the current policy of culling bison to control population size. Another management proposal is to the consider the section of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which occurs in Montana as a separate zone from the rest of the state in terms of brucellosis infection status and provide yearly testing of cattle in that zone. This would cost a fraction of the $2.5 million that the current management strategies cost per year. Similarly, compensating ranchers for the financial value of all the cattle that graze in the affected areas around the park would cost about half the current yearly amount. The results of Kilpatrick et al.'s study have generated considerable interest from scientists, managers and the general public – particularly in the United States. In the month since the paper was published online it has been picked up in the mainstream media more than 100 times. Perhaps this is a reflection of the iconic status of the bison in American popular culture – but it does highlight the critical role of good ecological research in influencing natural resource management decisions. The primary role of the Editor's Choice initiative is to showcase papers that we believe best fulfil the journal's mission of publishing ecological studies with management relevance. Kilpatrick et al.'s study is a particularly good example of the connection between good science and real-world problem solving and we expect that the paper will be both widely cited and highly influential.