Tract Of Cows Research Articles

The microbial landscape of the genital tract of healthy cows with different gestation periods

The doctrine of the normal microflora of the human and animal body is currently in the focus of attention of clinical microbiologists and a wide range of clinical specialists. It is known that the microflora of the vagina depends on many factors of the internal and external environment, therefore, it is now considered to be an ecosystem with a unique set of mechanisms that ensure its resistance to foreign microorganisms and support reproductive health. The aim of the study was to study changes in vaginal microbiocenosis in cows during different periods of pregnancy. The object of the study was clinically healthy cows (n=10) of a redmottled breed (holshitinized), and the subject of the study was cervical–vaginal mucus. On the 150-160, 210-220 and 260-265 days of pregnancy, mucus samples were taken from cows using sterile probe tampons for bacteriological studies. It was found that representatives of the normoflora, as well as conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microflora were present in the vaginal secretions of animals of all periods of pregnancy. However, the total bacterial contamination of the genital tract in cows in the first half and second half of the third trimester of pregnancy was characterized by its decrease by 29.2 and 33.3%, respectively, relative to the data obtained in the second trimester. It should also be noted that by the second half of the third trimester of pregnancy, there is an increase in obligate normoflora due to lacto- and bifidobacteria by 27.1% and 4 times, respectively, with the predominance of the genus Lactobacillus in quantitative terms. Against this background, the amount of transient microflora decreased by 34.2-57.1% (P0.05).

Microbiocenosis of the genital tract in cows with acute postpartum endometritis

Microbiocenosis of the genital tract in cows with acute postpartum endometritis

Genomic differences among strains of Corynebacterium cystitidis isolated from uterus of camels.

Members of the Corynebacterium cystitidis species are usually isolated from kidney and urine of cow having pyelonephritis. Nevertheless, we have isolated Corynebacterium cystitidis for the first time from uterus of camels, extending the type of mammalian host for this species. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether there are significant genetic variations between strains isolated from different host species and anatomic sites. In this perspective, we investigated the genomic diversity of Corynebacterium cystitidis species, whose pan genome remain unexplored to date. Thus, we sequenced and compared the genomes of five Corynebacterium cystitidis of camel origin and a public genome of cow associated Corynebacterium cystitidis. Results revealed open pan genome of 4,038 gene clusters and horizontal gene transfer played a role in the extensive genetic diversity. Further, we found an obvious distinction between cow and camel associated C. cystitidis via phylogenomic analysis and by average nucleotide identity value of 95% between the two distant lineages and > 99% within camel associated C. cystitidis strains. Moreover, our data supports the hypothesis that the gene repertoire of cow associated Corynebacterium cystitidis developed so as to become more adaptable to the urine milieu. These genetic potentials are specifically evident for genes required for benzoate breakdown, iron transport, citrate and alanine utilization. Our findings confirm the differentiation of strains into camel lineage and cow lineage. These different niches, comprising the uterus of camel and urinary tract of cow probably played a role in shaping the gene repertoire of strains.

Isolation, identification and probiotic properties of vaginal isolates of lactic acid bacteria of healthy slaughter cows

Relevance. The use of antibiotics to treat infections of the reproductive tract in cows can cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics and endanger human health. Potentially, preparations from representatives of the lactic acid vaginal microflora (probiotics) can be used as a biological control to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry.However, the specific composition of the vaginal lactic acid microflora of healthy dry cows and its probiotic properties remain poorly documented.Methods. The species identification of catalase-negative gram-positive isolates of bacteria forming colonies on MRS agar isolated from utero-cervical mucus of healthy lactating cows was carried out in accordance with standard procedures using a culturedependent approach, biochemical tests and tests for sugar fermentation using API50 CHL strips (bioMеrieux, France). For testing for antagonistic activity by the method of delayed antagonism against test cultures of staphylococci and Escherichia, 14 isolates were selected in accordance with typing assigned to 5 species of the genus Lactobacillus.Results. The results obtained indicate that the utero-vaginal biocenosis of healthy lactating cows is represented by microorganisms of the Lactobacillaceae family, including lactic acid enterococci and bacteria of the Leuconostocaceae family. The presence of representatives of the genera Aerococcus, Peptostreptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis was found in the composition of the vaginal biocenosis in cows without signs of pathology of the birth canal. According to the results obtained, the vaginal population of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus has low or medium antagonistic activity against test cultures of indicatory strains of staphylococci and Escherichia.

Application of bacillus megaterium for subclinical mastitis in cows

The problem of treatment of subclinical mastitis often arises after calving, especially in cows of the first lactation. The paper presents the results of the therapeutic effect of Bacillus megaterium in subclinical mastitis in cows.
 The aim of the research. To determine the effect of Bacillus megaterium on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and colonies of microorganisms isolated from subclinical mastitis in cows.
 Materials and methods. The research was conducted in a dairy farm growing Holstein. Cows with subclinical mastitis of the experimental groups were given concentrated feed with the addition of Bacillus megaterium (1 × 109 CFU/g) at a dose of 15–35 g per animal. The control group of cows was given the usual diet for dairy cows. The experiment lasted 30 days.
 Results. The use of Bacillus megaterium (1 × 109 CFU/g) at a dose of 35 g per animal had a pronounced effect on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of cows. The amount of Lactobacillus sp. was 67 % higher and Bifidobacterium 58 % higher than the control. In addition, the level of opportunistic pathogens on Escherichia coli decreased by 45 %, Clostridium by 27 %, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus by 75 %, and Candida by 80 % compared to controls. The amount of microflora in milk decreased by 40.2 % and the number of somatic cells by 87.9 %.
 Conclusions. The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus megaterium (1 × 109 CFU/g) at a dose of 35 g per animal for 30 days in subclinical mastitis has been proven. After treatment, the amount of microflora in cow's milk decreased by 40.2 % and the number of somatic cells by 87.9 %.
 A positive effect on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of cows, where the number of Lactobacillus sp. increased by 67 % and Bifidobacterium by 58 %. The level of opportunistic pathogenic microflora decreased by Escherichia coli – by 45 %, Clostridium – by 27 %, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus – by 75 %, Candida – by 80 %, compared to the control.

Study of the kinetic regularities of the grain extrusion process in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle

The problem of developing of highly digestible compound feeds with protected protein for cattle is due to the specifics of the gastric tract of cows and the peculiarities of protein assimilation. Due to the importance of preliminary moisture-heat treatment of grain for the subsequent course of the extrusion process, it was carried out by steam at a pressure of 0.6 МРа before moistening the feed to a humidity of 17–20% and heating to a temperature of 70–80° C. It is established that heat treatment has a significant effect on the carbohydrate complex of grain: heating it at high temperatures causes the destruction of starch, accompanied by the formation of easily soluble carbohydrates, which has a positive effect on the digestibility of feed. The kinetic regularities of the processes of moisture-heat treatment, grinding and extrusion of grain in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle were studied. The degree of dextrinization and the digestibility of starch increased with the heating temperature of corn and its mixtures with wheat up to 100–110° C, when the performance of the extruder was 300–320 kg/h, the digestibility of starch extruded corn and grain mixture is increased to 85 and 68 mg of glucose per 1 g of the product (hereinafter mg/g), respectively. For wheat, this indicator is lower and, accordingly, is 50 mg/g. When heated during the extrusion of corn to a temperature of up to 120–140° C, the digestibility of starch was 100–110 mg/g, and for the grain mixture – 80–83 mg/g. At this temperature, the digestibility of the starch of extruded wheat corresponded to 60–65 mg/g. The optimal moisture content of feed in the process of extrusion for the purpose of forming pellets is 18%. Studies of the extrusion effect on the carbohydrate complex of processed feed have shown that the destruction of starch in the extruded product increases. Thus, the content of soluble carbohydrates increases by 27–32%, and the digestibility of starch increases twice in extruded feed compared to unprocessed.

Investigation into gyneco-pathological disorders and identification of associated bacteria from the genital organs of cows in Dinajpur, Bangladesh

The present study was aimed to investigate the gynaeco-pathological disorders by post-mortem and histopathological examination, and to identify the associated bacteria. A total of 310 genital tracts of cows were collected from slaughter house of Dinajpur Sadar Upazilla during April 2009 to March 2010. Among the 310 samples, 31.29% (n=97/310) were affected with endrometritis. Similarly, 8.37% (n=26/310) cystic ovary, 6.77% (n=21/310) ovary hyperplasia, 4.84% (n=15/310) pyometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) parovarian cyst, 4.52% (n=14/310) hydrometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) ovary hypoplasia, 3.55%(n=11/310) ovaro-bursal adhesion, 1.29% (n=4/310) vaginal cyst and 0.66% (n=2/310)) hemorrhagic uterine horn were detected by post-mortem examination, the cases were reconfirmed by histopathological studies. Uterine fluid (n=50) samples were collected, and were subjected for conventional bacteriological culture and biochemical analysis. Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. could be identified from 30% (n=15/50) and 8% (n=4/50) samples, respectively. In conclusion, various pathological disorders in the female reproductive system of cows are prevalent, that may cause reduction of calf production.

Pathological Abnormalities in Genital Tract of Cows Slaughtered at Dhamar Abattoirs , Yemen

Pathological Abnormalities in Genital Tract of Cows Slaughtered at Dhamar Abattoirs , Yemen

Gross pathological changes in the reproductive tracts of cows slaughtered at two abattoirs in Southern Ethiopia

Abattoir based study was conducted to assess the type and prevalence of reproductive abnormalities and pregnancy status of cows slaughtered at Hawassa municipality abattoir and Tula slaughter house. Out of the 345 genital tracts examined, one or two gross abnormalities with different degrees of severity were observed in 124 (35.9%) of genital tract. The most common abnormalities encountered were ovariobursal adhesions (6.38%, n=22), endometritis (4.93%, n=17), and follicular cysts (4.35%, n=15). On anatomical basis, ovarian abnormalities (14.78%, n=51) were more frequent followed by uterine (10.43%, n=36), cervico-vaginal (7.25%, n=25) and oviductal (4.93%, n=17) abnormalities. Both breed and study area showed no statistically significant effect in the prevalence of reproductive abnormalities. Pregnancy was recorded in 26.67% (n=92) of the slaughtered cows, of which 45.65% (n=42) were in the first trimester, while 30.43% (n=28) and 23.91% (n=22) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The current study revealed that reproductive tract abnormalities are important diseases in the study areas with considerable impact on the reproductive performance of cows. Moreover, the large number of cyclical (36.52%) and pregnant cows (26.67%) slaughtered without any gross abnormalities indicates the absence of proper gynecological examination prior to slaughtering. Key words: Reproductive abnormalities, genital tract, slaughter, cows, Hawassa, Tula.

MHC class II expression by mast cells in the genital tract of cows

This work examined the presence of MHC class II molecules expressing mast cells in oviduct, uterus and vaginal tissues in cows. The tissue samples of five cows were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Toluidine blue pH 0.5 (TB) and avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) staining procedures applied to adjacent sections from tissue samples. It was determined that some TB + cells were also gave positive reaction with strept ABC staining for MHC II molecules. To our knowledge this is the first evidence indicating the presence of MHC class II molecules expressing mast cells in the cow.

The effect of the yeast, <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, on the fibrolytic activity in the rumen and on nutrient digestibility in the digestive tract of cows

The effect of the yeast, <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, on the fibrolytic activity in the rumen and on nutrient digestibility in the digestive tract of cows

Effect of Induced Subclinical Hypocalcemia on the Motility of the Bovine Digestive Tract

The motility of the digestive tract of cows having hypocalcemia induced by administrating Na2EDTA was monitored in three cows through force transducers sutured on peripheral surface of the rumen, body of the abomasum, pylorus, duodenal bulb, descending portion of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum with the purpose to investigate the influence of the concentration of calcium ion [Ca+2] in plasma on the motility of the digestive tract. The contraction was decreased in the respective portions of the digestive tract with decreasing Ca+2 concentration in plasma prior to showing anorexia or ataxia observed in milk fever. The rumen was most sensitive to plasma [Ca+2]. When plasma [Ca+2] was decreased to 0.82 mmol/l, contractions began to decrease in amplitude. When the concentration was further decreased to 50 % of the initial value, the contraction only remained 46 % of the initial level. In contrast the descending portion of the duodenum still showed 66 % of the full contraction when the plasma [Ca+2] was 50 % of the initial value. In the abomasum, stronger suppression of the contraction was observed in the pylorus than in the corpus fundus. When plasma [Ca+2] was decreased to 50 %, the contraction became 61 % of the full in the body, 47 % in the pylorus. During administration of Na2EDTA, phase III of small intestine was often suppressed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Even when phase III was observed the intervals of migrating contractions were prolonged. The results obtained in this study showed that subclinical hypocalcemia brought about suppression of the motility in the respective portions of the digestive tract in cows, and that the sensitivity to hypocalcemia with regard to smooth muscle contraction was different among the portions. This was probably due to the difference in function of the nerves connected to the portions. It was suggested that diminished motility of the rumen and abomasum, caused by subclinical hypocalcemia, was one of the mportant pathogenic factors of enterectacsis or derangement of the abomasum. Additionally, the decreased motility of the small intestine lowered the uptake of Ca+2, and this vicious circle brought about constipation.

The effects of ensiling and supplementation with sucrose and fish meal on forage intake and milk production of lactating dairy cows

AbstractThe effect of ensiling grass and supplementing the resulting silage with water-soluble carbohydrate in the form of sucrose and undegradable dietary protein (UDP) in the form offish meal on forage intake and milk production and composition were evaluated in an experiment involving 63 mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows. Herbage from the primary growth of a predominantly perennial ryegrass sward was zero-grazed (ZG) from 19 April to 16 May 1993. The herbage was mown and picked up with a precision-chop harvester and offered as the sole diet, twice daily, to 18 cows which were on average 186 days into lactation. On 13 May, herbage from the same sward was harvested identically to the ZG herbage and ensiled, treated with formic acid at a rate of 2·85 lit grass. At 53 days after ensiling the silage was offered either as the sole diet (SO) or supplemented with sucrose at 10·3 g/kg fresh silage (SS) or supplemented with sucrose and fish meal each at 10·3 g/kg fresh silage (SSF) to 15 cows per treatment which were on average 164 days into lactation. The feeding period was 28 days for ZG and 21 days for the SO, SS and SSF treatments, and the last 7 days were the main recording interval. Prior to going on to the experimental diets all animals were offered a common silage ad libitum and supplemented with 5 kg of a 180 g/kg crude protein concentrate. Dry-matter intakes (DMI), milk yields and milk composition were recorded during the pre-experimental period and subsequently used as covariates in the statistical analysis. For diets ZG, SO, SS and SSF, forage DMI (kg/day), total DMI (kg/day), milk yields (kg/day), fat concentration (g/kg) and protein concentration (g/kg) were 14·4,14·0,13·7 and 13·9 (average s.e.d. = 0·55); 14·4,14·0,14·5 and 15·4 (average s.e.d. = 0·59); 15·4, 14·4, 14·5 and 16·7 (average s.e.d. = 0·42); 36·6, 38·6, 38·6 and 37·5 (average s.e.d. = 2·67); 33·0, 30·7, 32·2 and 32·8 (average s.e.d. = 0·75). Nitrogen (N) digestibility was higher on SO and SSF (P < 0·05) relative to ZG with SS being intermediate, otherwise treatment did not alter (P > 0·05) diet apparent digestibility. Ensilage increased the immediately soluble N fraction (a value) and degradability of N (P < 0·001) relative to ZG. It is concluded that ensilage had no effect on forage DMI but decreased milk yield and protein concentration relative to the parent herbage. The positive response in milk yield due to supplementation of the silage-based diet with sucrose and fish meal and the lack of response to sucrose supplementation alone suggests that nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract of cows offered silage-based diets are more limiting in protein or specific amino acids supplied by fish meal than in energy. The decrease in animal performance due to ensiling may be overcome by supplementation of silage-based diets with UDP at sufficient levels to equate that of the parent herbage.

The effect of concentrates on the rate of disappearance of digesta from the alimentary tract of cows given hay

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted with non-lactating cows to examine the effect of adding concentrates to a diet of hay on the rate of disappearance of digesta from the alimentary tract. The addition of large amounts of concentrates to the diet of cows offered hay ad lib. decreased the voluntary intake of hay, increased slightly the digestibility of the organic matter and decreased markedly the digestibility of the crude fibre of the diet. Also, the addition of concentrates increased the mean time of retention of stained hay residues in the alimentary tract and increased the time/kg hay the cows spent ruminating. At the end of a meal the amount of digesta in the reticulo-rumen of the cows offered hay ad lib. with restricted amounts of concentrates was about the same as that found when offered hay ad lib. as the only food. The results are discussed in relation to the regulation of the voluntary intake of hay by the cow.

On the influence of diet on the retention time of food in the digestive tract of cows

The retention times of dry matter and its constituents in the digestive tract of cows on hay+sugar beet pulp (5 cows) and cows fed on hay+swedes (8 cows) are compared with the retention times pertaining to cows fed on hay+concentrate or hay only. The following conclusions were reached; On a hay+sugar beet pulp diet the mean retention time of dry matter in the reticulo-rumen, and the retention times of lignin in the reticulo-rumen, in the whole digestive tract, and in the digestive tract following the reticulo-rumen are of the same magnitude as the corresponding retention times on a hay+concentrate diet (figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6). The mean retention time of membrane substances in the reticulo-rumen seems to be shorter and that of valuable N-free nutrients in the reticulo-rumen longer than the corresponding retention times on a hay+concentrate diet (figs. 3 and 4). On a hay+swede diet the mean retention times of dry matter and membrane substances in the reticulo-rumen are of the same magnitude as on a hay+concentrate diet (figs. 1 and 3). The mean retention time of valuable N-free nutrients in the reticulo-rumen and, in abundant feeding, the retention times of lignin in the reticulo-rumen, in the whole digestive tract, and especially in the digestive tract following the reticulo-rumen are shorter than on the hay+concentrate diet (figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6). On the hay+sugar beet pulp and the hay+swede diets the retention times are in general of the same magnitude. However, the retention time of membrane substances in the reticulo-rumen is shorter and that of the valuable N-free nutrients considerably longer on a hay+sugar beet pulp than on a hay+swede diet. Replacing a certain amount of hay by concentrates, sugar beet pulp or swedes on a dry matter basis seems to have no effect on the mean retention time of dry matter in the reticulo-rumen. However, a retarding effect on the rate of passage of typical hay constituents (lignin and membrane substances) and an accelerating effect on that of valuable N-free nutrients characteristic of concentrated foods was observed. The said replacing accelerates the rate of passage of lignin in the disgestive tract following the reticulo-rumen on a hay+swede diet.

Effects of Method of Preservation of Roughage, and of Cane or Wood Molasses on Vitamin Excretion by Cows

Summary Three methods of preservation and storage of hay were compared with respect to their effect upon vitamin synthesis in the digestive tract of cows fed the hays. Fecal and urinary excretions of the vitamins were measured. Whether the roughage was field-cured, mow-cured or ensiled had no significant effect upon the excretion of nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid or riboflavin. Silage apparently favorably affected the synthesis of thiamine in the digestive tract. As a feed for dairy cattle, wood molasses was found to be comparable to cane molasses with respect to its effect upon rumen or intestinal synthesis of nicotinic acid, thiamine and pantothenic acid. In the case of pantothenic acid, this synthetic activity was considerably increased when molasses was present.