In cattle, initial pregnancy diagnosis takes place during the late embryonic/early fetal stage of gestation. From this point onward, pregnancy loss may occur in up to one fifth of pregnancies before the initial pregnancy diagnosis is... more
In cattle, initial pregnancy diagnosis takes place during the late embryonic/early fetal stage of gestation. From this point onward, pregnancy loss may occur in up to one fifth of pregnancies before the initial pregnancy diagnosis is confirmed. This means the early identification of risk factors is a key part of pregnancy diagnosis and herd management. The various factors responsible for pregnancy losses are classified into infectious and noninfectious. Among the noninfectious causes, several dam-related (circumstances of the individual pregnancy or milk production) and herd-related factors causing stress have been well established. In this review, we summarize the impacts of these noninfectious factors and predict associated risks of pregnancy loss.
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... un ulteriore leggero incremento, seppur temporaneo, nei loro livelli delle proteine, prima che gli stessi diminuissero definitivamente, facendo ipotizzare che la produzione delle proteine da parte delle cellule ... URL:... more
... un ulteriore leggero incremento, seppur temporaneo, nei loro livelli delle proteine, prima che gli stessi diminuissero definitivamente, facendo ipotizzare che la produzione delle proteine da parte delle cellule ... URL: http://www.ismea.it/flex/FixedPages/IT/RicercaStampa.php/L/IT. ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Duragen® and skimmed milk (SM) extenders on the quality parameters, bacterial load and fertilization ability of stored ram semen. A total of 50 ejaculates from Sardi rams (n = 5) aged... more
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Duragen® and skimmed milk (SM) extenders on the quality parameters, bacterial load and fertilization ability of stored ram semen. A total of 50 ejaculates from Sardi rams (n = 5) aged 2.5–3 years, were collected and stored in Duragen® and SM at 15°C. The motilities and velocity parameters generated by the CASA system were then evaluated at 0, 8 and 24 h of storage. Afterward, bacterial loads of sperm extended in Duragen® and SM were determined at 0, 5 and 24 h of incubation. In addition, ewes (n = 100) aged 2 years, have been chosen in the same herd. The selected ewes were then synchronized and inseminated using semen extended in Duragen® and SM and stored for 5 h at 15°C. The results revealed that total and progressive motilities, straight velocity (VSL), straightness (SRT), lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were not affected by the extender type after 24 h of storage (p > .05). However, curvilinear velocity (VCL), velocity average path (VAP), linearity (LIN) and wobble (WOB) showed higher values in Duragen® compared with SM extender after 24 h of storage (p < .05). Bacterial loads were observed mainly in sperm stored in SM at 5 h (183 UFC/mL) and at 24 h (357 UFC/mL) of incubation. However, the only case showing a bacterial load in Duragen® is when the storage time attains 24 h (199 UFC/mL). Concerning fertility, sperm diluted in both extenders resulting in high fertility rates which reaches 66% and 73% for Duragen® and SM, respectively, with no statistical difference (p > .05). In summary, Duragen® extender decreased bacterial load in stored semen and maintained high ram sperm quality and fertility. These findings suggest that Duragen® extender could be used as SM alternative in ovine artificial insemination (OAI).
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Prior to initiating any obstetrical intervention for anterior or posterior presentation, it is imperative to emphasize the need for a precise and accurate diagnosis of fetal viability and to select the most appropriate approach for... more
Prior to initiating any obstetrical intervention for anterior or posterior presentation, it is imperative to emphasize the need for a precise and accurate diagnosis of fetal viability and to select the most appropriate approach for assistance. In uncertain cases, diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, pulse oximeter, or measurement of acid–base balance or lactate concentration may be employed to confirm the diagnosis. In situations of severe asphyxia, a cesarean section is preferred over traction, even if the duration of asphyxia is less than 60 s, to maximize the likelihood of the survival of the fetus. Postcalving, several vitality scores have been proposed to evaluate the vigor of the newborn calf. Originally, four different clinical signs were recommended for assessing the well-being of newborn calves. Subsequently, five or more different clinical signs were recommended to evaluate vitality. However, despite the efforts for devising a practical tool to assess newborn calf vit...
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The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in maternal and fetal arterial acid-base variables withdrawn from catheterized dams and fetuses during the last days before and during calving. The average gestation length in... more
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in maternal and fetal arterial acid-base variables withdrawn from catheterized dams and fetuses during the last days before and during calving. The average gestation length in nine cows with chronically catheterized fetuses was 285 ± 10 (SD) days. The arterial acid-base variables of a catheterized dam and fetus were very stable during late gestation. Four newborn calves showed small differences between prenatal and postnatal pH values (−0.035). At the same time, pCO2 values started to increase significantly (p = 0.02), indicating a shift towards physiological respiratory acidosis during calving. The partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation values showed some non-significant improvements immediately after birth, while the other acid-base parameters did not differ. The remaining five newborn calves showed a significant decrease in arterial blood pH (p < 0.01) and BE (p = 0.01), while pCO2 tended to be higher (p ...
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During the past 25 years, several methods were developed to synchronize estrus in dairy cattle. Synchronization with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is successful when cows are bred at a detected estrus because estrus detection rates and... more
During the past 25 years, several methods were developed to synchronize estrus in dairy cattle. Synchronization with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is successful when cows are bred at a detected estrus because estrus detection rates and artificial insemination (Al) are more efficient than daily detection of estrus (Stevenson and Pursley, 1994). The success of estrous induction with PGF2α depends on the presence of a functional corpus luteum (CL). In case of a palpable CL, Archbald et al (1994) found that the percentage of milking cows observed in estrus within seven days after treatment (25 mg of PGF2α) was 55% (61/111). This management tool still does not control the time of AI, because estrus detection continues to be necessary, which is evidenced by the lower pregnancy rate after timed AI compared with AI after detected estrus. This might be partially explained by the variation in time of ovulation over periods of five days with respect to time of AI (Stevenson et al, 1987). Various a...
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SummaryBlood gas and acid‐base status of 44 Caesarean‐derived calves (all in anterior presentation) were determined in blood samples obtained before the onset of extraction and after it. Calves were assigned to one of three groups... more
SummaryBlood gas and acid‐base status of 44 Caesarean‐derived calves (all in anterior presentation) were determined in blood samples obtained before the onset of extraction and after it. Calves were assigned to one of three groups according to their blood pH value: group 1 = normal, pH above 7.2; group 2 = slightly acidotic, pH 7.2 to 7.0; group 3 = severely acidotic, pH below 7.0. Before the onset of extraction (i.e. 4 to 5 hours after the appearance and spontaneous rupture of foetal membranes), 28 calves (63.6%) had normal acid‐base values, 10 (22.7%) had slight acidosis, and 6 (13.7%) had severe acidosis. Vigorous leg movements during extraction direct attention to the occurrence of severe acidosis. At birth the three groups of calves showed the following distribution: 22 (50%) were normal, 15 (34.1 %) had slight acidosis, and 7 (15.9%) had severe acidosis. The acid‐base balance of calves during extraction was mainly shifted to respiratory acidosis. During the first ten minutes a...
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Parallel with the successful genetic selection for higher milk production in Holstein-Friesian cows, a dramatic decline in fertility rates has been observed around the world. Therefore, to achieve an optimum herd reproductive performance,... more
Parallel with the successful genetic selection for higher milk production in Holstein-Friesian cows, a dramatic decline in fertility rates has been observed around the world. Therefore, to achieve an optimum herd reproductive performance, we must focus on the first 100 days postpartum. During and after calving, a cow overcomes a series of physiological hurdles before becoming pregnant. By selecting accurate diagnostic devices and/or methods, such as predicting the onset of calving, monitoring activity and rumination time to determine cows for early treatment of clinical metritis and/or metabolic diseases, long-term measurement of reticuloruminal pH to monitor subclinical acidosis, perform metabolic profile tests to diagnose subclinical metabolic diseases at the herd level, estrous detectors and/or detection aids, on-farm/in-line P4 test to monitor specific events in the postpartum periods, diagnosis of early pregnancy and pregnancy loss using ultrasonography to correctly identify pr...
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Due to the successful genetic selection for higher milk production in Holstein dairy cows, a dramatic decline in fertility rates has been observed around in the world in recent decades. Therefore, herd management should focus the first... more
Due to the successful genetic selection for higher milk production in Holstein dairy cows, a dramatic decline in fertility rates has been observed around in the world in recent decades. Therefore, herd management should focus the first 100 days postpartum to achieve optimum herd reproductive performance (calving interval less than 400 days). After calving, a cow has to overcome a series of physiological hurdles before becoming pregnant. The selection of timely diagnostic devices and methods, such as the calving alarm vaginal thermometer to predict the onset of calving, electronic hand-held BHBA measuring system to detect subclinical ketosis on the farm, long-term measurement of reticuloruminal pH by an indwelling and wireless data transmitting unit to monitor subclinical acidosis, monitoring rumination time to select cows for early treatment of subclinical metabolic diseases (subclinical ketosis, acidosis and/or hypocalcaemia) and/or clinical metritis, performing metabolic profile t...
Besides traditional methods such as evaluation of the external preparatory and behavioral signs, which even presently are widely used also in large dairy farms, there are several new possibilities such as measuring body (intravaginal,... more
Besides traditional methods such as evaluation of the external preparatory and behavioral signs, which even presently are widely used also in large dairy farms, there are several new possibilities such as measuring body (intravaginal, ventral tail-base surface, ear surface, or reticulo-ruminal) temperature, detecting behavioral signs (rumination, eating, activity, tail raising) or detecting the expulsion of the device inserted into the vagina or fixed to the skin of the vulva when allantochorion appears in the vulva to predict the onset of the second stage of calving. Presently none of the single sensors or a combination of sensors can predict the onset of calving with acceptable accuracy. At the same time, with the exception of the iVET® birth monitoring system, not only the imminent onset of calving could be predicted with high accuracy, but a significantly lower prevalence rate of dystocia, stillbirth, retained fetal membranes, uterine diseases/clinical metritis could be reached ...
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At present, the main emphasis is on preventing asphyxia, since instruments suitable for artificial respiration in calves under practical conditions are not yet widely available. The most important breeding objective is to reduce the... more
At present, the main emphasis is on preventing asphyxia, since instruments suitable for artificial respiration in calves under practical conditions are not yet widely available. The most important breeding objective is to reduce the number of births in which calving assistance is required. This is even more important, since calving assistance in itself may result in a shift of the calf's acid-base balance. In cases of difficult calving, the mode and time of calving assistance should be chosen with regard to profitability factors and in a manner to allow the least possible shift of the calf's acid-base balance towards acidosis. Before applying traction, the measurements of the soft birth canal should always be considered and if necessary must be expanded non-surgically or surgically, and obstetrical lubricants should be used to avoid traction for longer than 2 to 3 minutes. If a prolonged traction is expected, a caesarean section should be carried out to save the calf and to ...
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Here we revise circumstances of non-infectious causes in which the uterus may be associated with pregnancy loss during the late embryo/early fetal period (following a positive pregnancy diagnosis in lactating dairy cows). As the uterine... more
Here we revise circumstances of non-infectious causes in which the uterus may be associated with pregnancy loss during the late embryo/early fetal period (following a positive pregnancy diagnosis in lactating dairy cows). As the uterine size increases with parity and pregnant heifers with no detrimental effects of a previous parturition, a primigravid uterus is proposed as a reference for identifying risk factors that negatively influence pregnancy in lactating cows. Cows suffering placenta retention or with a large uterus at insemination were selected as topics for this revision. Retained placenta, that occurs around parturition, has a long-lasting influence on subsequent pregnancy loss. Although retained placenta is a particularly predisposing factor for uterine infection, farm conditions along with cow factors of non-infectious cause and their interactions have been identified as main factors favoring this disorder. A large uterus (cervix and uterine horns lying outside the pelvi...
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Research Interests: Reproduction and Semen
One of the most recent techniques for the on-farm diagnosis of early pregnancy (EP) in cattle is B-mode ultrasonography. Under field conditions, acceptable results may be achieved with ultrasonography from Days 25 to 30 post-AI. The... more
One of the most recent techniques for the on-farm diagnosis of early pregnancy (EP) in cattle is B-mode ultrasonography. Under field conditions, acceptable results may be achieved with ultrasonography from Days 25 to 30 post-AI. The reliability of the test greatly depends on the frequency of the transducer used, the skill of the examiner, the criterion used for a positive pregnancy diagnosis (PD), and the position of the uterus in the pelvic inlet. Non-pregnant animals can be selected accurately by evaluating blood flow in the corpus luteum around Day 20 after AI, meaning we can substantially improve the reproductive efficiency of our herd. Pregnancy protein assays (PSPB, PAG-1, and PSP60 RIA, commercial ELISA or rapid visual ELISA tests) may provide an alternative method to ultrasonography for determining early pregnancy or late embryonic/early fetal mortality (LEM/EFM) in dairy cows. Although the early pregnancy factor is the earliest specific indicator of fertilization, at presen...
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The aim of the present study was: i) to investigate the use of PAGs for pregnancy follow up in Boujaâd non prolific (n=8) vs. Boujaâd x D’man a prolific sheep (n=20), ii) to study whether the boPAG tracer (daily available at the... more
The aim of the present study was: i) to investigate the use of PAGs for pregnancy follow up in Boujaâd non prolific (n=8) vs. Boujaâd x D’man a prolific sheep (n=20), ii) to study whether the boPAG tracer (daily available at the laboratory of physiology of reproduction, Liège, could be used in RIA without affecting the results, iii) to prospect the possibility of transferring the technique to a Moroccan laboratory. The blood samples were weekly collected from the first week of gestation till the 4 week after lambing. The RIA1, RIA2, RIA3 and RIA4 were all based on ovPAG standard, while the tracer and antiserum changed according to the system. The RIA1, RIA3 and RIA4 were performed in Belgium while the RIA2 was carried out in Morocco. The results showed that the highest correlation was obtained between the RIA3 and RIA4 (R2 = 0.83) while the lowest was recorded between the RIA2 and RIA4 (R2 = 0.69). The lowest concentrations derived from the RIA2. The highest concentrations were recorded before lambing (279.29; 88.21; 268.75; 152.67 ng/ml respectively for RIAs 1, 2, 3 and 4). To conclude, the profiles of ovPAG showed that it is possible to flow-up with success using the four systems. In addition, the RIA1 using boPAG as tracer could be a good alternative to the homologous one and finally, it is possible to set up routinely the RIA technique for PAG detection in Moroccan laboratories
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Research Interests: Chemistry, Animal Science, Phosphorus, Pregnancy, Urea, and 5 moreNitrogen, Blood Urea Nitrogen, NICE, Cattle, and Phosphorous
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Objective: To compare biochemical and cytological findings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in horses with acute neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infections with those of control healthy horses. Design: Retrospective case-control... more
Objective: To compare biochemical and cytological findings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in horses with acute neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infections with those of control healthy horses. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Samples: Fifteen CSF samples from horses with acute WNV neuroinvaisve disease (WNVND)and twenty from healthy horses. Procedures: WNVND was diagnosed based on acute neurologic symptoms and positive IgM ELISA results. CSF samples were collected either from the atlanto-occipital or the lumbosacral sites. Results: CSF results of the WNV affected group did not follow normal distribution. Protein,creatine-kinase, aspartate-aminotransferase, lactate-dehydrogenase, alkaline-phosphatase,magnesium, glucose, and lactate concentrations showed abnormal levels in a number of WNV cases. None of the 6 horses with elevated glucose concentrations survived (<=0.36, modified Wald method). Opposite to previous equine studies we have found neutrophilic pleocytos...
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Az agy-gerincvelő folyadek (liquor) egy szintelen, tiszta, fiziologiasan nem alvado, a vizehez hasonlo viszkozitasu folyadek, mely korulveszi es hatarolja a kozponti idegrendszert, szerepe van annak vedelmeben, tapanyaggal valo... more
Az agy-gerincvelő folyadek (liquor) egy szintelen, tiszta, fiziologiasan nem alvado, a vizehez hasonlo viszkozitasu folyadek, mely korulveszi es hatarolja a kozponti idegrendszert, szerepe van annak vedelmeben, tapanyaggal valo ellatottsagaban, valamint a koponyaűri nyomasingadozasok kiegyenliteseben. A liquor egyes parametereinek laboratoriumi kiertekelese hasznos diagnosztikai eszkoz a kozponti idegrendszer megbetegedeseinek meghatarozasaban, vagy a betegseg eredetenek lokalizaciojaban. Ahhoz, hogy az egyes betegsegek okozta, egyes parameterekre jellemző elvaltozasokat vizsgalni tudjuk a liquorban, szukseges adott laboratoriumra jellemző referencia tartomanyok meghatarozasa. Ez mindinkabb szukseges, mivel bizonyos parameterekre vonatkozo referencia adatok nem, vagy csak hianyosan szerepelnek a nemzetkozi szakirodalomban. Szakirodalmi utmutatas alapjan, a referencia tartomany meghatarozasahoz 20, egeszseges lobol gyűjtottunk agy-gerincevlői folyadek mintat. 12 minta szarmazott atla...
Research Interests: Physics and Humanities
ABSTRACT
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Twin pregnancies are an economically unwanted phenomenon in dairy cattle, not only because they increase pregnancy losses, but also because antibiotics usage and culling rate of the dam are also dramatically increased due to them,... more
Twin pregnancies are an economically unwanted phenomenon in dairy cattle, not only because they increase pregnancy losses, but also because antibiotics usage and culling rate of the dam are also dramatically increased due to them, furthermore animal welfare issues are also affected through them. In cattle, under field conditions using an early pregnancy determination tool, the first accurate diagnosis from the pregnancy status is available from around day 28, although further confirmations of pregnancy are required. Twin pregnancy diagnosis is available either by rectal palpation or ultrasonography. The measurement of pregnancy specific proteins are also available to determine gestation, but there is still a long way to go to properly identify twin pregnancies. In this commentary, we compared our own results with the literature data in this field with a special emphasis on the clinical practices.
Research Interests: Obstetrics, Ultrasound, Medicine, Pregnancy, Animals, and 9 morePalpation, Pregnancy Loss, Cattle, Pag, Gestation, Twin, Twin Pregnancy, rectal palpation, and culling
Equine grass sickness (also known as dysautonomia) is a life-threatening polyneuropathic disease affecting horses with approx. 80% mortality. Since its first description over a century ago, several factors, such as the phenotype,... more
Equine grass sickness (also known as dysautonomia) is a life-threatening polyneuropathic disease affecting horses with approx. 80% mortality. Since its first description over a century ago, several factors, such as the phenotype, intestinal microbiome, environment, management and climate, have been supposed to be associated with the increased risk of dysautonomia. In this retrospective study, we examined the possible involvement of genetic factors. Medical and pedigree datasets regarding 1,233 horses with 49 affected animals born during a 23-year period were used in the analysis. Among the descendants of some stallions, the proportion of animals diagnosed with dysautonomia was unexpectedly high. Among males, the odds of dysautonomia were found to be higher, albeit not significantly, than among females. Significant familial clustering (genealogical index of familiality, P = 0.001) was observed among the affected animals. Further subgroups were identified with significant (P < 0.00...
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Neurons co-synthesizing kisspeptin (KP), neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (“KNDy neurons”) in the hypothalamic arcuate/infundibular nucleus (INF) form a crucial component of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone... more
Neurons co-synthesizing kisspeptin (KP), neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (“KNDy neurons”) in the hypothalamic arcuate/infundibular nucleus (INF) form a crucial component of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) “pulse generator.” The goal of our study was to characterize KP neuron distribution, neuropeptide phenotype and connectivity to GnRH cells in ovariectomized (OVX) dogs and cats with immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed hypothalamic tissue sections. In both species, KP and NKB neurons occurred in the INF and the two cell populations overlapped substantially. Dynorphin was detected in large subsets of canine KP (56%) and NKB (37%) cells and feline KP (64%) and NKB (57%) cells; triple-labeled (“KNDy”) somata formed ∼25% of all immunolabeled neurons. Substance P (SP) was present in 20% of KP and 29% of NKB neurons in OVX cats but not dogs, although 26% of KP and 24% of NKB neurons in a gonadally intact male dog also contained SP signal. Only in ca...
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In this study, the utility of a commercial intravaginal thermometer was evaluated as an automated method for the prediction of calving in a total of 257 healthy pregnant Holstein–Friesian female cattle. The accuracy and the sensitivity of... more
In this study, the utility of a commercial intravaginal thermometer was evaluated as an automated method for the prediction of calving in a total of 257 healthy pregnant Holstein–Friesian female cattle. The accuracy and the sensitivity of predicting calving within 48 hr before calving were also evaluated. The intravaginal temperature changes from 72 hr before and up to calving were significantly (p ≤ .001) affected by parity, season (summer vs. autumn), the time of day (8 a.m. or 8 p.m.) and the 6‐hr time intervals (38.19°C: first interval 0 to 6 hr before calving vs. 38.78°C: twelfth interval 66 to 72 hr before calving), while the gender (p = .943), and the weight of the calf (p = .610), twinning (p = .300), gestation length (p = .186), foetal presentation (p = .123), dystocia (p = .197) and retention of foetal membranes (p = .253) did not affect it significantly. The sensitivity of the SMS of expecting calving within 48 hr and the positive predictive value were 62.4% and 75%, resp...
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West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes between wild birds (natural hosts) and other vertebrates. Horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. Owing to... more
West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes between wild birds (natural hosts) and other vertebrates. Horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. Owing to the close contact of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with the extracellular fluid of the brain, the analysis of CSF composition can reflect central nervous system (CNS) impairments enabling the diagnosis and understanding of various neurodegenerative CNS disorders. Our objective was to compare the findings from the CSF samples of horses with neuroinvasive WNV infection with those of healthy controls. We compared findings from fifteen CSF samples of 13 horses with acute WNV encephalomyelitis with those of 20 healthy controls. Protein, particular enzymes and ions, glucose and lactate showed abnormal levels in a significant number of WNV cases. None of the six horses with elevated glucose concentrations survived. Rather neutrophilic than mononuclear pleocytosi...
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ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to further develop and extensively describe a surgical technique in order to realise long-term fetal blood sampling in the bovine species. Eleven Holstein–Friesian 6- to 8-month pregnant cows (4–10 years... more
ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to further develop and extensively describe a surgical technique in order to realise long-term fetal blood sampling in the bovine species. Eleven Holstein–Friesian 6- to 8-month pregnant cows (4–10 years old) were used for this study. Gestational age on the day of surgery varied from approximately 180 days (n = 1) to 240 days (minimum: 232 days, maximum 252 days; n = 10). The fetal medial tarsal artery was catheterised in pregnant cows with a polyvinyl catheter in dorsal recumbency under general anaesthesia. Although 5 out of 11 operations (45.5%) performed between 232 and 252 days of gestation were lost due to different causes mainly associated with peritonitis and septicaemia, the mean interval between operations and calvings was 42.5 days (between 27 and 95 days). It is important to emphasise that a well-trained surgical team is needed for bovine fetal cannulation in order to be able to decrease the risk factors during the operations. Due to the ...
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Changes in lying behaviour in response to extreme ambient temperatures have not been examined in dairy calves so far. In this study, lying time, and frequency of lying down were investigated in shaded (n = 8) and non-shaded (n = 8)... more
Changes in lying behaviour in response to extreme ambient temperatures have not been examined in dairy calves so far. In this study, lying time, and frequency of lying down were investigated in shaded (n = 8) and non-shaded (n = 8) Holstein bull calves during a 5-d period [temperature, average/max (°C); Day 1 (control, all calves shaded): 22.9/29.4, Day 2 (heat stress day): 28.3/38.8, Day 3: 26.2/33.5, Day 4: 23.7/28.7, and Day 5: 21.2/24.7]. The thermal environment around the calves was characterized by the temperature–humidity index (THI). A three-dimension accelerometer was used to record posture of the calves and lying time and lying down frequency were analysed with 4-h sampling intervals. On Day 1 no differences were found in THI between the shaded and non-shaded environments. On Days 2, 3 and 4 maximal and average THI were higher in the shaded than those recorded for the non-shaded environment. On Day5 no significant differences in THI were observed between calf environments....
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Activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and concentrations of serum metabolites [beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)] of primiparous (n = 83) and... more
Activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and concentrations of serum metabolites [beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)] of primiparous (n = 83) and multiparous (n = 213) Holstein cows were studied as possible predictors of retained fetal membranes (RFM), grade 2 clinical metritis (CM) and clinical endometritis (CEM). A logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for the prevalence of CM diagnosed between 0–5, 6–10 and 11–20 days in milk (DIM) and for the prevalence of CEM diagnosed between 22–28 and 42–49 DIM. The activities of the examined serum enzymes did not show significant associations either with CM or with CEM. For NEFA sampled on days 0 and 5, an OR of 2.38 for CM 0–20 DIM and an OR of 2.58 for CM 11–20 DIM was found. For BHB sampled on days 0 and 5, an OR of 8.20 for CEM 22–28 and 42–49 DIM and an OR of 1.98 for CM 6–10 DIM were found. The prevalence of RFM was higher in ≥ ...
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The aim of this study was to create a fetal heart rate (FHR) reference curve for singleton bovine fetuses in the first trimester of gestation and to determine its possible relationship with the outcome of pregnancy. Forty-eight... more
The aim of this study was to create a fetal heart rate (FHR) reference curve for singleton bovine fetuses in the first trimester of gestation and to determine its possible relationship with the outcome of pregnancy. Forty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows with one fetus and five cows with twins were used. Fetal heart beatings were recorded on videotape during transrectal scanning with a 5 and/or 7.5 MHz linear array transducer on a weekly basis between Days 40 and 95 of gestation. FHR was calculated by averaging the results of five counts of the same record by the same observer. For singleton pregnancies, a reference curve was created using the mean, the standard deviation (SD) and the 5th and 95th percentiles. The FHR increased from Days 40–46 (173 beats/min) to Days 61–67 (183 beats/min). After a peak, the FHR decreased slowly until Days 89–95 (175 beats/min), while the SD increased. There was no significant difference between singleton and twin fetuses. in the aborted and lost fetuses...
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The authors monitored the postpartum period during the first seven weeks after calving at a Holstein-Friesian dairy farm in Hungary. Calvings occurred between 2013 and 2015 in three periods from June to November each year (n = 314). Data... more
The authors monitored the postpartum period during the first seven weeks after calving at a Holstein-Friesian dairy farm in Hungary. Calvings occurred between 2013 and 2015 in three periods from June to November each year (n = 314). Data were collected from the farm record and ultrasonographic examinations were performed between 22 to 28 and 43 to 49 days in milk (DIM), respectively. The animals were followed until successful artificial insemination (AI), i.e. until becoming pregnant or until culling, but at most at 365 DIM. The prevalence of dystocia, twin calving, stillbirth rate and retained fetal membranes (RFM) was 23.2%, 3.8%, 3.5%, and 34.4%, respectively. Altogether 38.9% of the cows (n = 122) had bacterial complications of involution in the first 49 DIM. The prevalence of Grade 2 clinical (puerperal) metritis (CM) was 20.1% within 5 DIM, 10.5% between 6 to 10 DIM and 13.1% from 11 to 20 DIM, while 9.9% of the cows had clinical endometritis (CEM) between 21 and 28 DIM and 1....
Research Interests: Sociology, Internal Medicine (General Medicine), Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Biostatistics, and 9 moreMedicine, Statistical Techniques in Spatial Analysis, Artificial insemination, Veterinary Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Metritis, Statistical Programming, culling, and Endometritis
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ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine whether measurements of certain metabolic (non‐esterified fatty acid, β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, total protein, albumin, urea‐nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, total calcium, inorganic... more
ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine whether measurements of certain metabolic (non‐esterified fatty acid, β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, total protein, albumin, urea‐nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, total calcium, inorganic phosphate and magnesium) and endocrine (cortisol, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor) parameters in the peripartal period (2 months and 3 weeks before expected calving and within 1 hr after calving) were related to the prevalence of stillbirth in a Holstein‐Friesian farm in Hungary. All together 155 dairy cattle (n = 22 primiparous, n = 133 multiparous cows) were monitored in two separate years selected randomly on the same farm. Overall, the prevalence of stillbirth was 11% (n = 17). Significantly higher stillbirth rate was detected in case of heifer calvings (OR = 8.5), and when ≥3 assistants (severe dystocia; OR = 8.9) were needed to assist at calving while the body condition score of the dams, the bodyweight and g...
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Interbeat interval data were collected from 219 Holstein cows in 2 smaller-scale farms and 3 larger-scale farms to investigate the effects of posture (standing vs. lying), rumination (rumination vs. no rumination) and feeding on baseline... more
Interbeat interval data were collected from 219 Holstein cows in 2 smaller-scale farms and 3 larger-scale farms to investigate the effects of posture (standing vs. lying), rumination (rumination vs. no rumination) and feeding on baseline values of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters reflecting vagal and sympathetic activity. A General Linear Model was used for detecting factors (parity, milking technology, herd size) having possible effects on HRV calculated for undisturbed lying posture. Basal values of cardiac parameters were also compared between larger and smaller-scale farms. Neither parity nor milking technology affected HRV parameters. Sympathetic activity increased in the order of lying, ruminating when lying, standing, ruminating when standing and feeding on both sizes of farms. Vagal activity decreased in that order in both lower- and larger-scale farms. Rumination caused an increase in HR and a decrease in vagal tone in both lower- and larger-scale...
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Temperament has not been taken into account in previous studies evaluating the stress response to exercise in horses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cortisol response in Thoroughbred racehorses to a single exercise... more
Temperament has not been taken into account in previous studies evaluating the stress response to exercise in horses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cortisol response in Thoroughbred racehorses to a single exercise bout, and to analyse the results based on the basic personality of the horse examined. Twenty healthy Thoroughbred horses were selected for the study based on a 25-item rating questionnaire survey used for characterising equine temperament. Eight temperamental and twelve calm horses took part in the experiment. The horses trotted as a warm-up activity, and then galloped on a rounded sand track. Blood sampling was conducted four times for each horse. Horses with a more excitable temperament showed a higher cortisol response to the test (P = 0.036). In conclusion, cortisol levels in response to a mild intensive exercise can be affected by temperament in horses. Serum cortisol may be a relevant marker to quantify individual temperamental differences in r...
Research Interests: Personality, Biomarkers, Biology, Medicine, Animals, and 7 moreMale, Temperament, Horses, Horse, Saliva, Veterinary Sciences, and hydrocortisone
We compared three methods for diagnosing early pregnancy in cattle: 1) a trans-rectal ultrasound scan of the uterus, 2) a cow-side enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) milk progesterone test 3) a radioimmunoassay (RIA) milk progesterone test. Scanning... more
We compared three methods for diagnosing early pregnancy in cattle: 1) a trans-rectal ultrasound scan of the uterus, 2) a cow-side enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) milk progesterone test 3) a radioimmunoassay (RIA) milk progesterone test. Scanning of the uterus was performed in 148 cows. These cows were not detected in estrus before scanning, which took place between Days 21 and 33 after insemination (AI). A considerable difference was noted between the reliability of the scannings performed at an early stage (Days 21 to 25) and those performed at a later stage (Days 26 to 33). The sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound examination between Days 21 and 25 were only 44.8% and 82.3%, respectively, but were 97.7% and 87.8% between Days 26 and 33, respectively. Milk samples were collected on the day of AI. (Day 0) and 21 days later. Samples that were positive in the EIA test always contained more than 1 ng/ml progesterone (P4); however, 20% of the negative EIA samples contained also more than 1 ng/ml P4. Only 59% of the animals showing a negative EIA test on Day 0 and a positive test on Day 21, indicating pregnancy, calved, while 16% of the cows with a negative test on Day 0 and Day 21, indicating nonpregnancy, turned out to be pregnant. Of the 82 animals with P4 levels lower than 1 ng/ml on Day 0 and higher than 1 ng/ml on Day 21, only 61.0% calved. All 14 cows with low levels both on Day 0 and Day 21, indicating nonpregnancy, were found to be not pregnant. The influence of both early embryonic death and the accumulation of intrauterine fluids on the accuracy of these tests are discussed.
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Transabdominal ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful and reliable method for assessing fetal well-being in horses and cattle. To test the applicability of fetal aortic diameter measurement in cattle, 44 late-term pregnant cows and... more
Transabdominal ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful and reliable method for assessing fetal well-being in horses and cattle. To test the applicability of fetal aortic diameter measurement in cattle, 44 late-term pregnant cows and heifers were examined 21 to 0 days prior to calving. Mean fetal aortic diameter was 2.07 ± 0.14 cm and mean fetal heart rate (FHR) was 109 ± 17 bpm. Three dead calves were dissected and their aortic diameter was measured in a water bath. The mean birth weight (n = 44) was 39.9 ± 5.8 kg. There was a significant negative correlation between FHR and fetal aortic diameter. However, although some studies have shown that fetal aortic diameter strongly correlates with birth weight in near-term horses and cattle, in this study there was no correlation between fetal aortic diameter and birth weight in Holstein-Friesian cows and heifers irrespective of whether the fetus was born alive or dead.
Research Interests: Biology, Medicine, Fetal development, Birth Weight, Pregnancy, and 5 moreFemale, Animals, Cattle, Veterinary Sciences, and Fetus
Streptococcus agalactiae is an important contagious bovine mastitis pathogen. Although it is well controlled and even eradicated in most Northern European and North American dairy herds, the prevalence of this pathogen remains very high... more
Streptococcus agalactiae is an important contagious bovine mastitis pathogen. Although it is well controlled and even eradicated in most Northern European and North American dairy herds, the prevalence of this pathogen remains very high in China. However, research on development of a vaccine against S. agalactiae mastitis is scarce. The aims of the present study were to: (1) develop a single-dose vaccine against S. agalactiae based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MS) encapsulated CAMP factor, a conserved virulent protein encoded by S. agalactiae's cfb gene; and (2) evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. The cfb gene was cloned and expressed in a recombinant Escherichia coli strain Trans1-T1. The CAMP factor was tested to determine a safe dose range and then encapsulated in MS of PLGA (50:50) to assess its release pattern in vitro and immune reaction in vivo. Furthermore, a mouse model and a histopathological assay were develop...
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Staphylococcus aureus is the leading pathogen involved in bovine mastitis, but knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus resulting in bovine mastitis in Ningxia, China, is limited.... more
Staphylococcus aureus is the leading pathogen involved in bovine mastitis, but knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus resulting in bovine mastitis in Ningxia, China, is limited. Therefore, antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence gene, and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses of Staph. aureus were carried out. A total of 327 milk samples from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis in 4 regions of Ningxia were used for the isolation and identification of pathogens according to phenotypic and molecular characteristics. Antimicrobial susceptibility against 22 antimicrobial agents was determined by disk diffusion. The presence of 8 virulence genes in Staph. aureus isolates was tested by PCR. Genotypes of isolates were investigated based on RAPD. Results showed that 35 isolates obtained from mastitis milk samples were identified as Staph. aureus. The isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole (100%), penicill...