Exploration of Extension Research to Promote Genetic Improvement in Cattle Production: Systematic Review

In the cattle industry, tools for genetic improvement play a crucial role in animal selection. The changing circumstances faced by farmers and the significant part agricultural extension plays in these changes must be considered. Despite progress in genetic selection tools and the push for their adoption through extension services, a disconnect persists between the development of new strategies and tools for genetic improvement and their adoption by livestock farmers. This systematic review is designed to globally investigate the methodology and outcomes of extension research aimed at advancing genetic improvement in beef cattle. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across four databases for studies published from January 2012 to June 2023. Twenty-one articles were selected and reviewed. The research design in the articles predominantly employed mixed methods, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. While social factors are acknowledged as influencers in the adoption process, the application of theories or frameworks from social sciences is still in its early stages. To successfully implement extension activities that promote the use of genetic tools in cattle for a specific production region, more participatory research is required where farmers are actively involved.

The Anti-Müllerian Hormone as Endocrine and Molecular Marker Associated with Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows Exposed to Heat Stress

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is proposed as a biomarker for fertility in cattle, yet this associative relationship appears to be influenced by heat stress (HS). The objective was to test serum AMH and AMH-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers potentially predictive of reproductive traits in dairy cows experiencing HS. The study included 300 Holstein cows that were genotyped using BovineSNP50 (54,000 SNP). A genome-wide association study was then executed. Nine intragenic SNPs within the pathways that influence the AMH gene were found important with multiple comparisons adjustment tests (p < 1.09 × 10-6). A further validation study was performed in an independent Holstein cattle population, which was divided into moderate (MH; n = 152) and severe heat-stressed (SH; n = 128) groups and then subjected to a summer reproductive management program. Serum AMH was confirmed as a predictor of fertility measures (p < 0.05) in MH but not in the SH group. Cows were genotyped, which revealed four SNPs as predictive markers for serum AMH (p < 0.01), reproductive traits (p < 0.01), and additional physiological variables (p < 0.05). These SNPs were in the genes AMH, IGFBP1, LGR5, and TLR4. In conclusion, serum AMH concentrations and AMH polymorphisms are proposed as predictive markers that can be used in conjunction with genomic breeding value approaches to improve reproductive performance in Holstein cows exposed to summer HS conditions.

A pilot study

Respiratory disease in cattle is a significant global concern, yet current diagnostic methods are limited, and there is a lack of crush-side tests for detecting active disease. To address this gap, we propose utilizing electrical impedance tomography (EIT), a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time visualization of lung ventilation dynamics. The study included adult cattle from farms in Western Australia. The cattle were restrained in a crush. A standardized respiratory scoring system, which combined visual, auscultation, and clinical scores, was conducted by two non-conferring clinicians for each animal. The scores were blinded and averaged. During assessment, an EIT electrode belt was placed around the thorax. EIT recordings of ten suitable breaths were taken for analysis before the cattle were released back to the herd. Based on the combined examination scoring, the cattle were categorized as having healthy or diseased lungs. To allow visual interpretation of each breath and enable the creation of the quartile ventilation ratio (VQR), Flow/Tidal Impedance Variation curves (F/TIV) were generated for each breath. The analysis focused on two EIT variables: The novel VQR over time during inhalation and exhalation and global expiratory impedance (TIVEXP) adjusted by breath length. A mixed effects model was used to compare these variables between healthy and diseased cattle. Ten adult cattle of mixed ages were used in the current analysis. Five cattle were scored as healthy and five as diseased. There was a significant difference in the examination scores between the healthy and diseased group (P = 0.03). A significant difference in VQR during inhalation (P = 0.03) was observed between the healthy and diseased groups. No difference was seen in VQR over time during exhalation (P = 0.3). The TIVEXP was not different between groups (P = 0.36). In this study, EIT was able to detect differences in inhalation mechanics when comparing healthy and diseased cattle as defined via clinical examination, highlighting the clinical utility of EIT.

Benchmarking current preslaughter management factors, welfare indicators, and meat quality outcomes at commercial fed cattle processing facilities in the United States

Preslaughter management factors and their impacts on cattle welfare and meat quality are well documented in current literature. However, certain management factors related to transportation and lairage are underrepresented. Benchmarking preslaughter management factors that can impact welfare and meat quality outcomes will allow the industry to identify areas for improvement. The objective of the current study was to benchmark preslaughter management factors for a nationwide sample of commercial fed cattle processing facilities. Five processing facilities in the West, Midwest, and Southwest regions of the United States were sampled from March 2021 to July 2022. Data were collected on a total of n = 637 slaughter lots representing n = 87,220 head of cattle. Variables of interest included general cattle characteristics, distance traveled to the plant, truck wait times to unload, environmental conditions, lairage density, and lairage duration. Additionally, mobility was scored using a four-point locomotion scale (one being normal, not lame, and four being extremely reluctant to move). Carcasses were also observed for bruising using the following scale: no bruises, bruises smaller or larger than a deck of cards, and having multiple bruises. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data at the lot and individual animal level. On average, cattle traveled 155.8 ± 209.6 km (mean ± SD) from the feedlot to the processing facility and waited 30.3 ± 39.7 min to unload. Once in lairage pens, cattle were held for 200.7 ± 195.0 min. The mean lairage stocking density was 3.1 ± 2.0 m2 per head. A majority of the cattle scored a mobility score of 1 (n = 77,645, 91.8%), 7.8% (n = 6,125) were scored as a two and the remaining less than one percent of cattle were scored as either a 3 or 4 (n = 265). Carcasses with bruises less than or equal to the size of a deck of cards (n = 22,672, 27.1%) were less frequent than bruises measuring greater than the size of a deck of cards (n = 34,427, 42.6%). Of carcasses that were bruised, 65.2% (n = 39,856) had multiple bruises of varying size. This baseline data on preslaughter management factors identifies opportunities for improvement in wait times, lairage densities, and factors that cause bruising. Future studies should explore the relationships between these factors and their impacts on welfare and meat quality, report the economic value of these outcomes, and explore industry acceptability and adoptability of optimal preslaughter management practices.

High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study

Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans.

Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review

The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.

Effect of continuous or intermittent feeding of ergot contaminated grain in a mash or pelleted form on the performance and health of feedlot beef steers

This study evaluated the effect of feeding ergot contaminated grain continuously or intermittently through backgrounding (BG) and finishing (FN) in a mash or pelleted supplement on the growth performance, health and welfare parameters, and carcass characteristics of feedlot beef steers. Sixty black Angus steers (300 ± 29.4 kg BW) were used in a complete randomized 238-d study. Steers were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to four different diets (15 steers/treatment) and individually housed. Treatments included: (1) control [CON; no added ergot alkaloids (EA)], (2) continuous ergot mash (CEM; fed continuously at 2 mg total EA/kg of DM), (3) intermittent ergot mash (IEM; fed at 2 mg total EA/kg of DM, during the first week of each 21-d period and CON for the remaining 2 wk, this feeding pattern was repeated in each period), and (4) intermittent ergot pellet (IEP; fed at 2 mg of total EA/kg of DM as a pellet during the first week of each 21-d period and CON for the remaining 2 wk as described for IEM). Steers were fed barley based BG diets containing 40% concentrate:60% silage (DM basis) for 84 d (four 21-d periods), transitioned over 28 d (no ergot fed) to an FN diet (90% concentrate:10% silage DM basis) and fed for 126 d (six 21-d periods) before slaughter. In the BG phase, steer DMI (P < 0.01, 7.45 vs. 8.05 kg/d) and ADG (P < 0.01) were reduced for all EA diets compared to CON. The CEM fed steers had lower ADG (P < 0.01, 0.735 vs. 0.980 kg) and shrunk final BW (P < 0.01, 350 vs. 366 kg) than CON. CEM had lower gain:feed (P < 0.07, 0.130 vs. 0.142) than CON. In the FN phase, steer DMI (P < 0.01, 9.95 vs. 11.05 kg/d) and ADG (P = 0.04) were also decreased for all EA fed steers compared to CON. Total shrunk BW gain (P = 0.03, 202.5 vs. 225.2 kg), final BW (P = 0.03, 617.9 vs. 662.2 kg), and carcass weight (P = 0.06) decreased for all EA fed steers compared to CON. The percentage of AAA carcasses decreased for all EA fed steers (P < 0.01, 46.7 vs. 93.3%) compared to CON. EA fed steers had increased rectal temperatures (P < 0.01, 39.8 vs. 39.4 °C) compared to CON. Pelleting ergot contaminated grain did not reduce the impact of ergot alkaloids on any of the measured parameters during BG or FN. Continuously or intermittently feeding ergot contaminated diets (2 mg total EA/kg of DM) significantly reduced intake, growth performance, and carcass weight, with minimal impact on blood parameters in feedlot steers. Pelleting was not an effective method of reducing ergot toxicity.

Genetic parameters for yearling male reproduction traits in tropical composite cattle population

Fertility is economically important but is hard to quantify and measure in breeding programs which has led extensive breeding programs to ignore fertility in their selection criteria. While female fertility traits have been extensively researched, male fertility traits have been largely ignored. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of bulls have sub-fertility, reducing the number of calves born and profits, highlighting the importance of investigating bull fertility. The most practical measure of male fertility is a bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) which assesses structure as well as semen quality and quantity. Generally, traits recorded in a BBSE are neither genetically evaluated nor used for selection in breeding programs. All traits recorded during a BBSE were analyzed through a series of univariate and bivariate linear mixed models using a genomic relationship matrix to estimate genetic parameters. All genotype and phenotype data were obtained from a tropical composite commercial cattle population and imputed to 27,638 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a total of 2,613 genotyped animals with BBSE records ranging from 616 to 826 animals depending on the trait. The heritabilities of the 27 traits recorded during a BBSE ranged from 0.02 to 0.49. Seven of the male fertility traits were recommended to be included in a breeding program based on their heritability and their phenotypic and genetic correlations. These traits are scrotal circumference, percent normal sperm, proximal droplets, distal midpiece reflex, knobbed acrosomes, vacuoles/teratoids, and sheath score. Using these seven traits in a breeding program would result in higher calving rates, increasing production and profitability.

The influence of steroidal implants and manganese sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, hepatic gene expression, hepatic enzyme activity, and circulating metabolites in feedlot steers

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 359 kg ± 13.4) were used to assess the effect of dietary Mn and steroidal implants on performance, trace minerals (TM) status, hepatic enzyme activity, hepatic gene expression, and serum metabolites. Steers (n = 6/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (experimental unit = steer; n = 24/treatment). Dietary treatments included (MANG; 8 pens/treatment; Mn as MnSO4): (1) no supplemental Mn (analyzed 14 mg Mn/kg DM; Mn0); (2) 20 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn20); (3) 50 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn50). Within MANG, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: (1) no implant; NO; or (2) combination implant (Revalor-200; REV). Liver biopsies for TM analysis and qPCR, and blood for serum glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, and urea-N (SUN) analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 77. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement of treatments including fixed effects of Mn treatment (MANG) and implant (IMP) using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 using initial BW as a covariate. Liver TM, serum metabolite, enzyme activity, and gene expression data were analyzed as repeated measures. No MANG × IMP effects were noted (P ≥ 0.12) for growth performance or carcass characteristic measures. Dietary Mn did not influence final body weight, overall ADG, or overall G:F (P ≥ 0.14). Liver Mn concentration increased with supplemental Mn concentration (MANG; P = 0.01). An IMP × DAY effect was noted for liver Mn (P = 0.01) where NO and REV were similar on day 0 but NO cattle increased liver Mn from days 0 to 20 while REV liver Mn decreased. Relative expression of MnSOD in the liver was greater in REV (P = 0.02) compared to NO and within a MANG × IMP effect (P = 0.01) REV increased liver MnSOD activity. These data indicate current NASEM Mn recommendations are adequate to meet the demands of finishing beef cattle given a steroidal implant. Despite the roles of Mn in metabolic pathways and antioxidant defense, a basal diet containing 14 mg Mn/kg DM was sufficient for the normal growth of finishing steers. This study also provided novel insight into how implants and supplemental Mn influence genes related to arginine metabolism, urea synthesis, antioxidant capacity, and TM homeostasis as well as arginase and MnSOD activity in hepatic tissue of beef steers.

Detection of Staphylococcus Isolates and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Virulence Genes from Subclinical Mastitis Cattle Milk Using MALDI-TOF MS, PCR and Sequencing in Free State Province, South Africa

Staphylococcus species are amongst the bacteria that cause bovine mastitis worldwide, whereby they produce a wide range of protein toxins, virulence factors, and antimicrobial-resistant properties which are enhancing the pathogenicity of these organisms. This study aimed to detect Staphylococcus spp. from the milk of cattle with subclinical mastitis using MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA PCR as well as screening for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence genes. Our results uncovered that from 166 sampled cows, only 33.13% had subclinical mastitis after initial screening, while the quarter-level prevalence was 54%. Of the 50 cultured bacterial isolates, MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA PCR assay and sequencing identified S. aureus as the dominant bacteria by 76%. Furthermore, an AMR susceptibility test showed that 86% of the isolates were resistant to penicillin, followed by ciprofloxacin (80%) and cefoxitin (52%). Antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes showed that 16% of the isolates carried the mecA gene, while 52% of the isolates carried the Lg G-binding region gene, followed by coa (42%), spa (40%), hla (38%), and hlb (38%), whereas sea and bap genes were detected in 10% and 2% of the isolates, respectively. The occurrence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance profiles highlights the need for appropriate strategies to control the spread of these pathogens.

Outlook on genome editing application to cattle

In livestock industry, there is growing interest in methods to increase the production efficiency of livestock to address food shortages, given the increasing global population. With the advancements in gene engineering technology, it is a valuable tool and has been intensively utilized in research specifically focused on human disease. In historically, this technology has been used with livestock to create human disease models or to produce recombinant proteins from their byproducts. However, in recent years, utilizing gene editing technology, cattle with identified genes related to productivity can be edited, thereby enhancing productivity in response to climate change or specific disease instead of producing recombinant proteins. Furthermore, with the advancement in the efficiency of gene editing, it has become possible to edit multiple genes simultaneously. This cattle breed improvement has been achieved by discovering the genes through the comprehensive analysis of the entire genome of cattle. The cattle industry has been able to address gene bottlenecks that were previously impossible through conventional breeding systems. This review concludes that gene editing is necessary to expand the cattle industry, improving productivity in the future. Additionally, the enhancement of cattle through gene editing is expected to contribute to addressing environmental challenges associated with the cattle industry. Further research and development in gene editing, coupled with genomic analysis technologies, will significantly contribute to solving issues that conventional breeding systems have not been able to address.

Pollen beetle (Astylus atromaculatus)-associated gastroenteric disease in cattle: report of 6 natural outbreaks

Astylus atromaculatus is a pollen beetle native to South America, commonly found in crop flowers. Experimental intoxication of sheep and guinea pigs by this beetle resulting in fibrinonecrotizing enteritis has been reported. We describe here 6 natural outbreaks of intoxication in cattle associated with consumption of alfalfa (5 of 6) and mixed native (1 of 6) pastures heavily contaminated with A. atromaculatus. The outbreaks occurred during the summer (January-February) of 2023 in Argentina (n = 4) and Uruguay (n = 2), in beef cattle under extensive or semi-extensive rearing systems, with overall cumulative incidence and mortality of 22.3% and 17.8%, respectively. The main clinical signs included acute onset of anorexia, lethargy, hyperthermia, hindlimb weakness, reluctance to move, and diarrhea, for up to 15 d. In 2 outbreaks, sudden death was observed. Eight Hereford, Angus, and/or crossbreed heifers, cows, steers, and/or calves were autopsied. Gross and microscopic findings included multifocal necrosis with fibrinous pseudomembranes in the forestomachs and/or small and large intestines. Fragments or whole specimens of A. atromaculatus were identified in the ruminal content of all animals. Testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens was negative as was testing of A. atromaculatus for cantharidin and batrachotoxin. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS performed on the beetles did not identify any known toxic compounds. Based on the exposure to A. atromaculatus-contaminated pasture, gross and microscopic lesions, and negative results of all testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens, a diagnosis of intoxication by A. atromaculatus is proposed. Disease caused by A. atromaculatus consumption has not been reported previously in cattle, to our knowledge.

Analysis of histone H3K4me3 modifications in bovine placenta derived from different calf-production methods

In ruminants, the overgrowth of offspring produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common problem. Abnormal epigenetic modifications caused by environmental factors during the early embryonic period are suspected as an aetiology of overgrowth. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide histone H3K4me3 profiles of bovine placentae that play a pivotal role in foetal development and compared their characteristics between artificial insemination (AI)- and IVF-derived samples. Cotyledons were harvested from the placentae obtained at parturition of 5 AI- and 13 IVF-derived calves, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed for H3K4me3. We confirmed no significant maternal tissue contamination in the samples we used. The revealed H3K4me3 profiles reflected the general characteristics of the H3K4me3 modification, which is abundantly distributed in the promoter region of active genes. By extracting common modifications from multiple samples, the genes involved in placenta-specific biological processes could be enriched. Comparison with the H3K4me3 modifications of blastocyst samples was also effective for enriching the placenta-specific features. Principal component analysis suggested the presence of differential H3K4me3 modifications in AI- and IVF-derived samples. The genes contributing to the difference were related to the developmental biological processes. Imprinted genes such as BEGAIN, ZNF215 and DLX5 were among the extracted genes. Principal component and discriminant analyses using only male samples categorized the samples into three groups based on foetal weight and calf-production methods. To our knowledge, this is the first study to profile the genome-wide histone modifications of bovine foetal placentae and reveal their differential characteristics between different calf-production methods.

Comparison of 2 PCR assays on environmental samples cultured for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causal agent of paratuberculosis, a chronic, contagious, and incurable enteric disease of ruminants. An in-house IS900 PCR assay validated for MAP detection in sheep has been shown to have a higher sensitivity than a commercial PCR and fecal culture. We have now compared the performance of this in-house IS900 PCR assay with a commercial ISMap02 PCR assay for the detection of MAP DNA in bovine dairy farm environmental samples. We purposefully selected 30 culture-positive, 62 culture-negative, and 62 non-interpretable environmental samples. We applied the IS900 PCR assay directly to the frozen inoculum of these samples. Inocula were incubated in an automated system, and growth was confirmed by an acid-fast bacilli stain and the IS900 PCR assay. Among culture-positive samples before incubation, the IS900 PCR assay yielded significantly more positive results than the ISMap02 PCR assay; however, among culture-negative samples, the IS900 PCR assay yielded positive results both before and after incubation. The ISMap02 PCR assay did not flag positively among the culture-negative samples either before or after incubation. The IS900 PCR assay is a sensitive method that can be used to detect MAP DNA in environmental samples before incubation. The ISMap02 PCR assay is a specific method used to detect MAP DNA in environmental samples both before and after incubation.

Uncommon bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 1e associated with abortions in cattle in southern Brazil

We characterized bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-related abortions in cattle and identified the species and subgenotypes in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Our RT-PCR assay was positive for BVDV in 5 fetuses from different farms; however, 3 of the 5 fetuses were also PCR-positive for Neospora caninum. In the 5 BVDV-positive fetuses, gross lesions included fetal mummification (1), hepatomegaly (1), subcutaneous edema (1), and perirenal edema (1). Predominant histologic lesions included epicarditis and mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (5), mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic interlobular pneumonia (4), nephrosis associated with moderate multifocal interstitial nephritis (1), moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic necrotic hepatitis (1), and mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic meningitis (1). The amplification products from the Pestivirus 5'UTR region of 4 of the 5 fetuses had 96.3-100% similarity between fetal strains and reference strains. The samples were distributed into 2 branches of the phylogenetic tree; strains UDESC:01, UDESC:02, and UDESC:05 clustered in the BVDV-1e branch, uncommon in the Americas, and strain UDESC:04 clustered in the BVDV-2b branch. The three 1e strains had 96.9-97.4% similarity.

Granulomatous dermatitis caused by Exserohilum mcginnisii infection in a cow

A 5-y-old, Piedmontese cow had a 4-mo history of ongoing development of skin masses. This was the only cow affected in a herd of 20 cows. Up to 12, hairless, red-to-black, raised nodules-to-plaques were distributed along the dorsum and tail head. Biopsies were taken for histopathology and ancillary testing. An ulcerated skin section contained dermal infiltrates of eosinophils, plasma cells, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleate giant cells, and pyogranulomas. Fungal hyphae were seen within the dermis, multinucleate giant cells, and pyogranulomas. In pyogranulomas, fungi were surrounded by a Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Dematiaceous (pigmented) hyphae were rarely observed with H&E-stained and unstained (cleared and mounted) sections, but stained well with a Fontana-Masson stain. Exserohilum mcginnisii was identified by fungal culture, followed by PCR assay and sequencing. Exserohilum is a dematiaceous fungus that causes disease in humans and rarely in animals. The use of unstained sections and Fontana-Masson stain are important to demonstrate pigment because dematiaceous fungi have little melanin and appear as hyaline hyphae histologically. PCR assay and sequencing aid in the differentiation and classification of fungal species. To our knowledge, E. mcginnisii dermal granulomas have not been reported previously in cattle.

An overview of the detection of bovine respiratory disease complex pathogens using immunohistochemistry: emerging trends and opportunities

The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is caused by a variety of pathogens, as well as contributing environmental and host-related risk factors. BRDC is the costliest disease for feedlot cattle globally. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a valuable tool for enhancing our understanding of BRDC given its specificity, sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and capacity to provide information on antigen localization and immune response. Emerging trends in IHC include the use of multiplex IHC for the detection of coinfections, the use of digital imaging and automation, improved detection systems using enhanced fluorescent dyes, and the integration of IHC with spatial transcriptomics. Overall, identifying biomarkers for early detection, utilizing high-throughput IHC for large-scale studies, developing standardized protocols and reagents, and integrating IHC with other technologies are some of the opportunities to enhance the accuracy and applicability of IHC. We summarize here the various techniques and protocols used in IHC and highlight their current and potential role in BRDC research.

Sphenoid sinus in the Holstein cow: A sectional and 3D reconstructive anatomical study

Cattle disorders affecting the sphenoid sinus are underreported, likely due to difficulties in imaging and lacking topographic knowledge. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the normal anatomical and morphometric features of the cattle sphenoid sinus. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used, and the sinus was examined using CT, anatomical sectioning and 3D modelling. The sinus was bilaterally detected in all animals but exhibited structural asymmetry and significant interindividual differences in morphological characteristics. Three parts of the sinus were defined, namely the rostral, median and alar parts, which conform to the morphological structure of the sphenoid bone. The rostral part was bilateral in shape and located on the orbit wall of the presphenoid bone in all animals. The median part, which pneumatized the body of the sphenoid bone, was observed bilaterally in seven animals, while the alar part, which pneumatized the wing of the sphenoid bone, was formed bilaterally in four animals. The sinus volume and surface area were 11 ± 8 cm3 and 49 ± 30 cm2 , respectively. These findings may aid in the diagnosis of cattle sphenoid sinus disorders and contribute to the knowledge of regional anatomy for radiologists and clinicians.

Supplementation of media with gamma-oryzanol as a novel antioxidant to overcome redox imbalance during bovine oocyte maturation in vitro

This study evaluated the effect of supplementing IVM media with γ-oryzanol (ORY), a nutraceutical derived from rice bran oil, on the development of bovine oocytes and hindering the compromising effect of redox imbalance. An in vitro model of the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex was used for the evaluation of nuclear maturation and development. Antioxidant activity was investigated by assessing the level of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and GSH (glutathione) in oocytes and quantitative changes in gene expression in matured oocytes and their respective cumulus cells. ORY supplementation increased the proportion of MII oocytes, cleaved embryos, and total blastocysts (p < .05) and was linked to higher and lower levels of intracellular GSH and ROS, respectively (p < .05). The treated oocytes and their respective cumulus-granulosa cells showed a modulation in the expression of genes related to apoptosis (downregulation of BAX and CHOP) and oxidative stress (upregulation of NRF2, CAT, and SOD). Also, relative upregulation of OCT-4 and IGF2R in treated oocytes was concomitant with higher subsequent development in terms of cleavage and total blastocyst rates (p < .05). Based on our findings, it appears that ORY supplementation can improve the nuclear maturation and development of bovine oocytes into blastocysts and augment their enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, maintaining the Redox balance and high enzymatic activity against ROS generation.

Expression of Genes Encoding Selected Orexigenic and Anorexigenic Peptides and Their Receptors in the Organs of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Calves and Adult Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus taurus)

The regulation of food intake occurs at multiple levels, and two of the components of this process are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides, which stimulate or inhibit appetite, respectively. The study of the function of these compounds in domestic cattle is essential for production efficiency, animal welfare, and health, as well as for economic benefits, environmental protection, and the contribution to a better understanding of physiological aspects that can be applied to other species. In this study, the real-time PCR method was utilized to determine the expression levels of GHRL, GHSR, SMIM20, GPR173, LEP, LEPR, and NUCB2 (which encode ghrelin, its receptor, phoenixin-14, its receptor, leptin, its receptor, and nesfatin-1, respectively) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed cattle. In all analyzed GIT segments, mRNA for all the genes was present in both age groups, confirming their significance in these tissues. Gene expression levels varied distinctly across different GIT segments and between young and mature subjects. The differences between calves and adults were particularly pronounced in areas such as the forestomachs, ileum, and jejunum, indicating potential changes in peptides regulating food intake based on the developmental phase. In mature individuals, the forestomachs predominantly displayed an increase in GHRL expression, while the intestines had elevated levels of GHSR, GPR173, LEP, and NUCB2. In contrast, the forestomachs in calves showed upregulated expressions of LEP, LEPR, and NUCB2, highlighting the potential importance of peptides from these genes in bovine forestomach development.

Comparative Rumen Metagenome and CAZyme Profiles in Cattle and Buffaloes: Implications for Methane Yield and Rumen Fermentation on a Common Diet

A study was undertaken to compare the rumen microbial community composition, methane yield, rumen fermentation, and CAZyme profiles between cattle and buffaloes. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of the host species on the above when diet and environmental factors are fixed. A total of 43 phyla, 200 orders, 458 families, and 1722 microbial genera were identified in the study. Bacteroidetes was the most prominent bacterial phylum and constituted >1/3rd of the ruminal microbiota; however, their abundances were comparable between cattle and buffaloes. Firmicutes were the second most abundant bacteria, found to be negatively correlated with the Bacteroidetes. The abundances of Firmicutes as well as the F/B ratio were not different between the two host species. In this study, archaea affiliated with the nine phyla were identified, with Euryarchaeota being the most prominent. Like bacterial phyla, the abundances of Euryarchaeota methanogens were also similar between the cattle and buffaloes. At the order level, Methanobacteriales dominated the archaea. Methanogens from the Methanosarcinales, Methanococcales, Methanomicrobiales, and Methanomassiliicoccales groups were also identified, but at a lower frequency. Methanobrevibacter was the most prevalent genus of methanogens, accounting for approximately three percent of the rumen metagenome. However, their distribution was not different between the two host species. CAZymes affiliated with five classes, namely CBM, CE, GH, GT, and PL, were identified in the metagenome, where the GH class was the most abundant and constituted ~70% of the total CAZymes. The protozoal numbers, including Entodiniomorphs and Holotrichs, were also comparable between the cattle and buffaloes. Results from the study did not reveal any significant difference in feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation between cattle and buffaloes fed on the same diet. As methane yield due to the similar diet composition, feed ingredients, rumen fermentation, and microbiota composition did not vary, these results indicate that the microbiota community structure and methane emissions are under the direct influence of the diet and environment, and the host species may play only a minor role until the productivity does not vary. More studies are warranted to investigate the effect of different diets and environments on microbiota composition and methane yield. Further, the impact of variable productivity on both the cattle and buffaloes when the diet and environmental factors are fixed needs to be ascertained.

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

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence rates of ectoparasites (external parasites) seen in cattle in Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions.

Methods

For ectoparasite screening, a total of 1,353 cattle breeds from Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions were included in the study. Ectoparasite samples were collected with the help of hand, forceps, comb and scalpel, brought to the laboratory in plastic containers containing 70% alcohol and examined under a microscope.

Results

In the study, 191 (14.12%) of 1,353 cattle were infested with external parasites. Of the cattle, 138 (72.25%) ticks, 24 (12.57%) lice, 9 (4.71%) tabanid, 8 (4.19%) hippoboscid, 7 (3.66%) fleas and 5 (2.62%) mites were detected. Accordingly, 4 tick species in cattle Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma detritum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, 4 lice species (Bovicola bovis, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Haematopinus quadripertusus ), 1 mite species (Chorioptes bovis), 2 flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis), 1 hippoboscid fly species (Hippobosca equina) ve 3 tabanid fly species (Tabanus bromius, Tabanus exclusus, Philipomyia aprica) diagnosed.

Conclusion

The presence of external parasites varied depending on the frequency of antiparasitic use in cattle.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in communal and smallholder cattle farming in North West Province, South Africa

Brucellosis is an important bacterial zoonosis responsible for considerable economic losses in livestock and health-related burden worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in communal and smallholder cattle farming in four districts of the North West province of South Africa (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts). Seven hundred and seventy blood samples from farmed animals (n = 378) and abattoir-slaughtered animals (n = 392) were collected. In addition, milk samples (n = 22) were collected from lactating farmed cows. Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT) and milk ring test (MRT) were used to detect antibodies against Brucella species. The RBT showed a seroprevalence of 2% at 95% confidence interval (CI: 1.35-3.35), CFT confirmed an overall seroprevalence of 1.95% (95% CI: 1.14-3.12) for all four districts sampled. Although the seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be low, the possibility of undetected cases of the disease could not be ruled out. Overall, the findings of this study confirmed that brucellosis is endemic in the surveyed areas of the North West province of South Africa.Contribution: The outcome of this study will contribute to the National Brucellosis Project organised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (2016-2026) to assist in the effective implementation of the disease control measures with a view to prevent further outbreaks in the country's cattle population.

[Prokaryotic expression and biological activities of the hemolysin BL subunit of a pathogenic Bacillus cereus of cattle origin]

Bacillus cereus belongs to Gram-positive bacteria, which is widely distributed in nature and shows certain pathogenicity. Different B. cereus strains carry different subsets of virulence factors, which directly determine the difference in their pathogenicity. It is therefore important to study the distribution of virulence factors and the biological activity of specific toxins for precise prevention and control of B. cereus infection. In this study, the hemolysin BL triayl was expressed, purified, and characterized. The results showed that the bovine pathogenic B. cereus hemolysin BL could be expressed and purified in the prokaryotic expression system, and the bovine pathogenic B. cereus hemolysin BL showed hemolysis, cytotoxicity, good immunogenicity and certain immune protection in mice. In this study, the recombinant expression of hemolysin BL triayl was achieved, and the biological activity of hemolysin BL of bovine pathogenic ceroid spore was investigated. This study may facilitate further investigating the pathogenic mechanism of B. cereus hemolysin BL and developing a detection method for bovine pathogenic B. cereus disease.

Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Prevalence and Microbial Diversity at First Treatment for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and Its Associations with Health and Mortality Outcomes in Feedyard Cattle

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an economically important disease in feedyards influencing both animal welfare and antimicrobial utilization. Major pathogens associated with BRD have been identified in previous research, but little information is available on the relationship between nasopharyngeal microbiota and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to identify potential associations between nasopharyngeal microbiota and antimicrobial resistance patterns of clinical cases that lived or died compared to non-diseased controls. Enrolled animals were subdivided based on clinical disease status and case outcome (subsequent mortality). Deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected on enrolled animals and submitted for bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility determination, and metagenomics analysis. Enrolled cattle were represented in three groups: animals at first treatment for BRD that subsequently died (BRDM, n = 9), animals at first treatment for BRD that subsequently lived (BRDL, n = 15), and animals that were never treated for BRD during the feeding phase (CONT, n = 11). Antimicrobial resistance patterns for Pasteurella multocida illustrated cattle in each outcome category had isolates that were pan-susceptible or only showed resistance to oxytetracycline. The relative abundance of species and genera illustrated few differences among the three outcomes. Higher alpha diversity was identified in BRDL compared to CONT at the species level, and both BRDL and BRDM showed increased alpha diversity compared to CONT at the general level. Overall, this work illustrated nasopharyngeal microbiota showed relatively few differences among BRD cases that lived or died compared to animals without BRD.

Association of Variants in Innate Immune Genes TLR4 and TLR5 with Reproductive and Milk Production Traits in Czech Simmental Cattle

Bovine genes TLR4 and TLR5, which encode antibacterial toll-like receptors, were screened for polymorphisms in Czech Red Pied (Czech Simmental) cattle to identify variants associated with reproduction, udder health, and milk production traits. Variants were discovered by hybrid resequencing of 164 bulls using HiSeq X-Ten and PacBio technologies and then individually genotyped. Nominal p-values < 0.05 for associations were detected in 18 combinations between 14 polymorphisms and 15 traits using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The TLR4 variants g.610C>T (rs43578094) and g.10310T>G (rs8193072) in reference AC000135.1 were strictly associated with the index of early reproductive disorders and maternal calving ease, respectively, at false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. A highly permissive false discovery rate cutoff of 0.6 separated seventeen combinations in both genes comprising eight positives. In the case of the TLR4 variant g.9422T>C (rs8193060), indications were obtained for the association with as many as four reproductive traits: incidence of cystic ovaries, early reproductive disorders, calving ease, and production longevity. The permissive FDR interpretation for the TLR5 data indicated associations with cyst incidence and early reproduction disorders with maternal calving ease. Moreover, three TLR5 polymorphisms correlated with milk production traits. The discrepancy of the observed associations with the predicted impacts of the SNPs on protein function points to the role of haplotypes. Nevertheless, this question should be resolved on a larger scale. The observed associations are endorsed by independent evidence from the published functional roles in other species and by the published QTL mapping data.

Application of Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Predicting Chemical Composition of Feces in Holstein Dairy Cows and Calves

Traditional methods for determining the chemical composition of cattle feces are uneconomical. In contrast, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has emerged as a successful technique for assessing chemical compositions. Therefore, in this study, the feasibility of NIRS in terms of predicting fecal chemical composition was explored. Cattle fecal samples were subjected to chemical analysis using conventional wet chemistry techniques and a NIRS spectrometer. The resulting fecal spectra were used to construct predictive equations to estimate the chemical composition of the feces in both cows and calves. The coefficients of determination for calibration (RSQ) were employed to evaluate the calibration of the predictive equations. Calibration results for cows (dry matter [DM], RSQ = 0.98; crude protein [CP], RSQ = 0.93; ether extract [EE], RSQ = 0.91; neutral detergent fiber [NDF], RSQ = 0.82; acid detergent fiber [ADF], RSQ = 0.89; ash, RSQ = 0.84) and calves (DM, RSQ = 0.92; CP, RSQ = 0.89; EE, RSQ = 0.77; NDF, RSQ = 0.76; ADF, RSQ = 0.92; ash, RSQ = 0.97) demonstrated that NIRS is a cost-effective and efficient alternative for assessing the chemical composition of dairy cattle feces. This provides a new method for rapidly predicting fecal chemical content in cows and calves.

Comparative analysis of functional diversity of rumen microbiome in bison and beef heifers

IMPORTANCE

Ruminants play a key role in the conversion of cellulolytic plant material into high-quality meat and milk protein for humans. The rumen microbiome is the driver of this conversion, yet there is little information on how gene expression within the microbiome impacts the efficiency of this conversion process. The current study investigates gene expression in the rumen microbiome of beef heifers and bison and how transplantation of ruminal contents from bison to heifers alters gene expression. Understanding interactions between the host and the rumen microbiome is the key to developing informed approaches to rumen programming that will enhance production efficiency in ruminants.

Activation of sperm Toll-like receptor 2 induces hyperactivation to enhance the penetration to mucus and uterine glands: a trigger for the uterine inflammatory cascade in cattle

It is known that sperm and seminal plasma (SP) affect uterine immunity. In cattle, artificial insemination enables breeding by depositing frozen and largely diluted sperm with a negligible amount of SP into the uterus. Thus, the present study focused on the impact of frozen-thawed sperm on bovine uterine immunity. We have previously shown that in the bovine uterus, sperm swim smoothly over the luminal epithelium and some sperm interact with uterine glands to induce a weak inflammatory response mainly via the endometrial Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling. However, the process by which sperm is encountered in the uterine glands is not completely clear. The present study intended to evaluate the role of sperm-TLR2 in sperm-uterine mucus penetration for reaching the glandular epithelium to induce the uterine immune response. To activate and block sperm-TLR2, they were treated with TLR2 agonist and antagonist, respectively. TLR2 activation enhanced sperm hyperactivation and improved its capacity to penetrate the artificial viscoelastic fluid and estrous-uterine-mucus. In contrast, TLR2-blocked sperm showed completely opposite effects. It is noteworthy, that the TLR2-activated sperm that penetrated the uterine mucus exhibited increased motile activity with hyperactivation. In the sperm-endometrial ex-vivo model, a greater amount of TLR2-activated sperm entered the uterine glands with an immune response, which was seen as the upregulation of mRNA expression for TNFA, IL1B, IL8, PGES, and TLR2 similar to those in control sperm. On the other hand, a lesser amount of TLR2-blocked sperm entered the uterine glands and weakened the sperm-induced increase only in PGES, suggesting that penetration of a certain number of sperm in the uterine gland is necessary enough to trigger the inflammatory response. Altogether, the present findings indicate that activation of sperm-TLR2 promotes their hyperactivation and mucus penetration with greater motility, allowing them to enter into the uterine glands more. This further suggests that the hyperactivated sperm contributes to triggering the pro-inflammatory cascade partly via TLR2 in the uterus.

Effect of Prepartum Maternal Supplementation with Diphenyl Diselenide on Biochemical, Immunological, and Oxidative Parameters of the Offspring

This study aimed to assess the impact of prepartum maternal diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 supplementation on the development, biochemical, immune, and antioxidant parameters of calves. Eighteen Holstein breed calves were used, born to females who were or were not subjected to supplementation, at 42, 28, and 14 days prior to calving. The (PhSe)2 group (DDG) was administered 3 μmol/kg of (PhSe)2 in 4 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the DMSO and NaCl groups were administered 4 mL of DMSO and 0.9% NaCl, subcutaneously. The calves were evaluated based on their weight, withers height, body condition score 24 h post-birth (0), as well on days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70. Blood samples were also taken to determine serum variables. Calves on the DDG showed higher average levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins on day 0, and the immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher than the other groups on days 0, 14, 56, 70. Maternal supplementation showed immunomodulatory effect on calves, evidenced by the exceptional rates of passive immunity transfer, as well as the enhancement of humoral immunity. Our research offers fresh insights into the immunomodulatory potential of (PhSe)2, making it a viable alternative in facing this challenging phase, rearing dairy calves.

Total Selenium Level and Its Distribution between Organs in Beef Cattle in Different Selenium Status

The aim of this study was to determine the Se concentration in the main tissues of beef cattle and to evaluate the differences in tissue distribution between animals with different selenium status. Selenium concentration was determined in the serum, longissimus dorsi muscle, semitendinosus muscle, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and lungs of cows, heifers and beef bulls, using spectrofluorimetric method. Despite receiving supplementation, 55.6% animals demonstrated an optimal Se level, while 44.4% were deficient. The mean serum Se concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals with a normal Se status than in Se-deficient animals. Differences in Se tissue distribution were observed between Se-deficient animals and those with normal Se status. The organs most susceptible to Se deficiency are the semitendinosus muscle, lungs, heart and liver. In both normal and Se-deficient animals, significantly higher Se concentrations were observed in the kidney than other organs (p < 0.05), and the lowest in the muscles. As Se deficiencies can be found among supplemented animals, the level of Se should be monitored in beef cattle in order to detect possible Se deficiencies, which may have negative health effects for animals and reduce the value of animal products as a source of Se in the human diet.

Early detection of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis with artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) was developed to distinguish cattle by their muzzle patterns and identify early cases of disease, including infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). It was tested on 870 cattle in four locations, with 170 developing IBK. The AI identified 169 of the 170 cases prior to their identification by veterinarians, and another 17 cases that remained free of IBK signs (sensitivity = 99.4%, specificity = 97.6%). These results indicate the AI can detect emerging IBK cases by muzzle images very early in the disease process and be used as an intervention tool in the prevention of IBK outbreaks.

Seroepidemiological investigation of Getah virus in the China-Myanmar border area from 2022-2023

Getah Virus (GETV) is an RNA virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause disease or death in a variety of vertebrates. Its prevalence is increasingly severe in Asia. This study conducted a GETV epidemiological investigation on 1,300 bovine sera collected in the Honghe Prefecture of Yunnan Province on the China-Myanmar border from 2022 to 2023. The positive rate of GETV antibodies in bovine serum in Honghe Prefecture was determined to be 20.25% through indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) methods. Using Real-time PCR methods to detect GETV RNA in bovine serum, the positive rate was 0.23% (3/1300), and viral nucleic acids were only detected in three bovine sera in Jianshui area in 2022. The YN2305 strain was successfully isolated from mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells and the complete gene sequence was obtained. All the above results indicate the existence of GETV infection in cattle in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Homology and genetic evolution analysis found that the isolated strain has a high homology with the JL1808 strain isolated from cattle in 2018, with a nucleotide identity of 100%, and a nucleotide identity of 99.8% with the SD17-09 strain isolated from foxes in 2017. Compared with the nucleotides of 44 virus strains published in Genbank, YN2305 has multiple nucleotide site mutations in the structural gene E2 and non-structural gene NS. The nucleotide and amino acid identity of the E2 gene are 94.2-100% and 96.4-100%, respectively. Genetic evolution analysis found that this virus strain is most closely related to the bovine origin JL1808, and it is in gene group III with HuN1, Kochi-01, SD17-09, MI-110-C1, and MI-110-C2 strains that causes significant clinical symptoms in Chinese pig, fox and horse populations, belonging to the same evolutionary branch. This study determined the infection rate, genotype, and main prevalence areas of GETV in bovine sera in the China-Myanmar border area. Therefore, the epidemiological investigation of GETV infection in multiple animal hosts should be further expanded, and research on its pathogenicity and vectors should be carried out.

Draft-genome sequences of Leptospira santarosai strains isolated from urogenital tract of cows

Leptospira santarosai serovar Guaricura is adapted to bovines and is associated with a chronic disease that causes reproductive disorders, leading to important economic losses. Here, we present the draft genomes of three L. santarosai strains isolated from vaginal fluid and one from the urine of cows with reproductive disorders from Brazil.

The genomic and epidemiological investigations of enteric viruses of domestic caprine (Capra hircus) revealed the presence of multiple novel viruses related to known strains of humans and ruminant livestock species

IMPORTANCE

Compared with other domestic animals, the virome and viral diversity of small ruminants especially in caprine are less studied even of its zoonotic potential. In this study, the enteric virome of caprine was investigated in detail using next-generation sequencing and reverse transcription PCR techniques. The complete or nearly complete genomes of seven novel viruses were determined which show a close phylogenetic relationship to known human and ruminant viruses. The high similarity between the identified caprine tusavirus (family Parvoviridae) and an unassigned CRESS DNA virus with closely related human strains could indicate the (reverse) zoonotic potential of these viruses. Others, like astroviruses (family Astroviridae), enteroviruses, or novel caripiviruses (named after the term caprine picornavirus) of family Picornaviridae found mostly in multiple co-infections in caprine and ovine, could indicate the cross-species transmission capabilities of these viruses between small ruminants.

Prevalence of Bovine Trematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Introduction

Trematodiases cause significant financial losses to livestock worldwide and some of which are zoonotic, raising public health concerns. In Rwanda, information on the prevalence of bovine trematodiases is scanty, and this hampers efforts to control and prevent them in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trematodiases in Nyagatare district and associated risk factors. One hundred cattle were randomly selected for this study and faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum to identify trematode eggs using a simple sedimentation technique. To analyze the data, frequencies, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were computed.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of bovine trematodiases was 69%, and Paramphistomum spp. predominated (69%), followed by Dicrocoelium spp. (23%), Fasciola spp. (20%), and Echinostoma spp. (1.0%). The study also recorded mixed paramphistomiasis, fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis (11.6%), paramphistomiasis and fascioliasis (15.9%) as well as paramphistomiasis and dicrocoeliasis (20.3%). The odds of having trematodiasis (mono or mixed fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis) for the cow located in Barija cell (AOR = 0.143; 95% C.I. 0.026-0.793) were 14% lower compared to those of developing such parasitosis for the cow located in Bushoga cell.

Conclusion

Taken together, the study shows that trematodes are a significant contributor to lowering livestock production and productivity and pose a threat to human health. Different approaches should be applied to prevent and control the trematodiases in cows and other livestock (sheep and goats) and reduce the risk of contracting fascioliasis and echinostomiasis in humans in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.

Comparison between indicine and taurine cattle DNA methylation reveals epigenetic variation associated to differences in morphological adaptive traits

Indicine and taurine subspecies present distinct morphological traits as a consequence of environmental adaptation and artificial selection. Although the two subspecies have been characterized and compared at genome-wide level and at specific loci, their epigenetic diversity has not yet been explored. In this work, Reduced Representation Bisulphite Sequencing (RRBS) profiling of the taurine Angus (A) and indicine Nellore (N) cattle breeds was applied to identify methylation differences between the two subspecies. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of the same animals was performed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at cytosines in CpG dinucleotides and remove them from the differential methylation analysis. A total of 660,845 methylated cytosines were identified within the CpG context (CpGs) across the 10 animals sequenced (5 N and 5 A). A total of 25,765 of these were differentially methylated (DMCs). Most DMCs clustered in CpG stretches nearby genes involved in cellular and anatomical structure morphogenesis. Also, sequences flanking DMC were enriched in SNPs compared to all other CpGs, either methylated or unmethylated in the two subspecies. Our data suggest a contribution of epigenetics to the regulation and divergence of anatomical morphogenesis in the two subspecies relevant for cattle evolution and sub-species differentiation and adaptation.

Pathological and molecular study of kidneys in apparently healthy cattle and sheep with special reference to Leptospira species in central and northern Jordan

Background and Aim

Renal pathological conditions can cause significant economic losses for livestock owners. This study investigated and described the gross pathology and histopathology of lesions found in the kidneys of sheep and cattle, with particular attention to the presence of Leptospira spp.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and sixty kidneys from apparently healthy sheep and cattle (208 and 152, respectively) were collected from slaughterhouses in Jordan for gross and histopathological examinations, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and gene sequencing of Leptospira spp.

Results

Histopathological analysis of the samples revealed the following conditions: interstitial nephritis (4.44%), glomerulonephritis (4.16%), acute tubular necrosis (17.22%), and renal congestion (4.72%). In addition, in 26.9% of the samples, hyaline material was observed in the interstitium of the cortex and medulla. The PCR results revealed that 83 (23.1%) of the 360 samples were positive for Leptospira spp. 16S rRNA, 42/152 (28%) of cattle, and 41/208 (20%) of sheep. Four samples (two sheep and two cattle) were sequenced and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers from OL701310 to OL701313. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool search and nucleotide similarities between OL701311 and OL701313 resulted in the highest similarities with different Leptospira borgpetersenii strains, whereas OL701310 showed the highest nucleotide similarity (99.2%) with the Leptospira interrogans strain. Similarly, phylogenetic analysis revealed that OL701311 to OL701313 clustered together with different serovars of L. borgpetersenii, whereas OL701310 clustered with the L. interrogans clade.

Conclusion

This is the first study to reveal a close association between pathogenic Leptospira spp. and kidney disorders in Jordanian cattle and sheep. These findings may help expand the current understanding of the causes and mechanisms of renal disease in cattle and sheep and contribute to developing more effective prevention and treatment programs.

Prevalence of babesiosis in bovines of India: a meta-analytical approach for 30 years (1990-2019)

BACKGROUND

India has a massive population of bovines, which makes the framework of the economy mainly relying on milk and meat production. Parasitic diseases such as babesiosis are detrimental to bovines by decreasing animal welfare and production efficiency.

AIM

Performing a meta-analysis of the prevalence of babesiosis over 30 years viz 1990 to 2019 within India to pool out individual studies from different country regions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The studies were reviewed thoroughly to assess the quality, and it was done by following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) and MOOSE protocols. The prevalence of babesiosis in cattle and buffaloes was calculated using meta-analysis tools using R-software and Q Statistics.

RESULTS

The systematic review and meta-analysis performed on 47 studies among bovine, 48 studies among cattle, and 13 studies among buffaloes revealed the (pooled) prevalence of babesiosis in India as 10.9% (6.3%-18.2%; Q = 5132.03, d.f. = 46, P < 0.001), 11.9% (6.9%-19.8%; Q = 5060.2, d.f.=47, P < 0.001), and 6.0% (2.6%-13.2%; Q = 500.55, d.f.=12, P < 0.001), respectively, which provides a rather exact scenario of the prevalence of this haemoparasitic disease across the country. In addition, cattle were having higher risk of babesiosis than buffalo.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the meta-analysis showed that the disease is prevalent across the country, and that bovines are highly affected by it.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Appropriate prevention and control measures should be taken to mitigate this disease and enhance welfare and production performances of bovines.

Association of milk microbiome with bovine mastitis before and after antibiotic therapy

Background and Aim

Mastitis is recognized as the most common disease in cattle and causes economic losses in the dairy industry. A number of opportunistic bacterial taxa have been identified as causative agents for this disease. Conventionally, antibiotics are used to treat mastitis; however, most bacteria are resistant to the majority of antibiotics. This study aimed to use molecular methods to identify milk microbiome patterns characteristic of mastitis that can help in the early diagnosis of this disease and in the development of new treatment strategies.

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the microbiome composition, we performed NGS sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the V3 region.

Results

An increase in the abundance of the bacterial genera Hymenobacter and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group is associated with the development of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cows. These bacteria can be added to the list of markers used to detect mastitis in cows. Furthermore, a decrease in the abundance of Ralstonia, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group, Acetitomaculum, Massilia, and Atopostipes in cows with mastitis may indicate their role in maintaining a healthy milk microbiome. Antibiotics reduced the levels of Streptococcus in milk compared to those in the healthy group and cows before antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic therapy also contributed to an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria of the genus Asticcacaulis.

Conclusion

This study expands our understanding of the association between milk microbiota and mastitis.

[Risk factors for chronic perforating skin lesions in the area of the digits in cattle on Swiss alpine pastures]

INTRODUCTION

Diseases of the digits often occur in cattle on larger cattle mountain pastures. In the late spring 2020, at the time of the ascent of 1554 cattle to 11 high altitude alpine pastures in the Lower Engadine region, lesions in the area of the digits were clinically assessed and documented. 254 cattle were of non-cantonal and 1300 of local origin (Lower Engadine; postal code CH-75XX). Skin lesions in the area of the digits, identified as digital dermatitis (DD; Mortellaro's disease), were further classified according to the DD scoring system. Nonspecific skin lesions with clinical evidence of granulation tissue formation were termed chronic penetrating skin lesions (CPSL). At the end of the alpine pasturing season, in the early fall (descent of cattle from the alpine pastures), the procedure was repeated, and biopsies were taken from randomly selected cattle with CPSL. Digital dermatitis lesions were found in 34 of 1551 cattle at ascent, but no case of CPSL was found at that time. At descent, 19 of 1529 cattle had DD lesions and 88 cattle had CPSL. The clinical appearance of the CPSL was consistent with chronic skin lesions caused by penetrating skin lacerations. Histologically, the majority of the CPSL were classified as chronic hyperplastic dermatitis with granulation tissue formation. In all CPSL biopsies examined by PCR, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii, but neither Dichelobacter nodosus nor the tested Treponema species were detected. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed a negative result for Treponema species in all biopsies. In the regression analysis, cattle in the age group of 365 to 730 days had an increased risk for the presence of CPSL compared to the age group of 160 to 365 days (odds ratio (OR) = 4,95; confidence interval (CI) = 1,97-12,43). Holstein cattle had an increased risk of developing CPSL compared to Brown cattle (OR = 2,92; CI = 1,46-5,86) and cattle of non-cantonal origin showed a massively higher risk compared to local cattle (OR = 10,59; CI = 5,79 - 19,37). The statistically significant associations found in the present study can be taken into account in the selection of animals for summer pasturing on high altitudes in the future in order to reduce the prevalence of CPSL and consequently reduce the antimicrobial use. Spread of DD during the alpine pasturing season within the cattle groups examined was not found.

The potential for bluetongue virus serotype 16 to cause disease in sheep in New South Wales, Australia

BLUETONGUE VIRUS SEROTYPE 16 DETECTION IN NSW: In coastal New South Wales (NSW), bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes 1 and 21 are endemic and transmitted in most years without evidence of disease. However, serotype 16 (BTV-16) infection was detected for the first time in NSW in November 2016 in cattle undergoing testing for export. Retrospective testing of blood samples collected from sentinel cattle as part of the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) established that the first detected transmission of BTV-16 in NSW occurred in April 2016 in sentinel cattle on the NSW North Coast. Subsequently, until 2022, BTV-16 has been transmitted in most years and was the predominant serotype in the 2018-2019 transmission season. The data available suggests that BTV-16 may have become endemic in NSW. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES: During experimental infection studies with BTV-16, all sheep were febrile, with the peak of viremia occurring 6-10 days after inoculation. There was nasal and oral hyperaemia in most sheep with several animals developing a nasal discharge and nasal oedema. All sheep developed coronitis of varying severity, with most also developing haemorrhages along the coronary band. There was a high incidence of haemorrhage in the pulmonary artery, epicardial petechiae, extensive pericardial haemorrhages and moderate body cavity effusions including pericardial effusions. CONCLUSION: Overall, experimental pathogenicity findings suggest moderate disease may occur in sheep in the field. These findings, when combined with climatic variability that could result in an expansion of the range of Culicoides brevitarsis into major sheep-producing areas of the state, suggest that there is an increasing risk of bluetongue disease in NSW.

A 14-bp deletion in bovine EPAS1 gene is associated with carcass traits

EPAS1 (Endothelial PAS Domain Protein 1) gene is well-known for its function in plateau hypoxia adaptability. It encodes HIF-2α, which involved in the induction of genes regulated by oxygen and then affects multiple physiological processes such as angiogenesis and energy metabolism. All of these indicate it may affect the development of animals. In this study, a 14-bp deletion in EPAS1 gene was uncovered in Shandong black cattle population (n = 502). Two genotypes (II and ID) were found and the frequency of the homozygous II genotype is higher than the heterozygous ID genotype. This population is consisted with HWE (p > 0.05). And more importantly, the 14-bp deletion was associated with outside flat (p = 0.003), brisket (p = 0.001), and knuckle (p = 0.032). These findings suggested that the 14-bp deletion is significantly associated with carcass traits, which could be served as a molecular marker applied to cow breeding.

Copy number variation of bovine S100A7 as a positional candidate affected body measurements

Beef production is closely related to the national economy and the attention has been paid to the improvement of beef cattle by molecular markers associated. Copy number variations (CNVs) recently have been gained many researches and recognized as an important source of genetic variation. Extensive studies have indicated that CNVs have effects on a large range of economic traits by a wide range of gene copy number alteration. S100A7 is a member of S100 family which is a famous family of Ca2+-binding proteins. S100A7 plays a crucial role in many important phenotypes (progress) including inflammatory diseases, psoriasis, obesity, etc. The aim of our study was to explore the phenotypic effects of CNV located in the S100A7 gene of bovine chromosome 3. We detected S100A7 CNV by qPCR in different cattle breeds, including Qinchuan cattle, Yunling cattle, Xianan cattle and a crossbred group Pinan. The copy number was identified as gain, normal and loss type, our results showed that the gain type was the main type in three types of S100A7 CNV of the whole tested breeds. After CNV detection, association analysis between S100A7 CNV and growth traits was carried out in four cattle breeds. We found significant effects of the CNV on cattle growth traits with differently preferred CNV types such as gain type with better chest depth (p = 0.043) in QC, loss type with better body length (p = 0.008) and rump width (p = 0.014) in YL, normal with better chest girth (p = 0.001), gain with better waist width (p = 0.001) and rump width (p = 0.044) in PN. These results suggested that the S100A7 CNV could affect the phenotypic traits and be used as a promising genetic marker for cattle molecular breeding.

Postpartum vaginal discharge score is associated with genetic traits, postpartum fertility phenotypes, metabolic status, and overall reproductive performance in seasonal-calving pasture-based dairy cows

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate potential associations between genetic traits, postpartum phenotypes, cow factors, and postpartum vaginal discharge score (VDS); and (2) to investigate possible associations between postpartum VDS, plasma progesterone (P4) after first service, and reproductive performance. First- and second-parity (n = 2,842) spring-calving lactating dairy cows from 35 dairy herds were enrolled. Farm visits were performed every 2 wk during the postpartum period and weekly during the breeding period. Cows that were at wk 3 and wk 7 postpartum and between 7 and 13 d after first artificial insemination (AI) were examined. Body condition score (BCS) was measured on all farm visits using a 1-to-5 scale (low ≤2.5; target ≥2.75). Transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted to determine the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL). Vaginal discharge score was determined at wk 3 and wk 7 using a Metricheck device (Simcro) and a 1-to-4 scale (1 = clear mucus; 4 = mucopurulent with >50% purulent material ± odor). At wk 3, cows having a VDS ≤2 were considered to have normal reproductive tract health status (RTHS). At wk 7, cows having VDS = 1 were considered to have normal RTHS. Blood samples were collected at each visit, and plasma concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, fatty acids, and progesterone (only during breeding visit) were analyzed. Animals with target BCS at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater odds of having normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, than cows with low BCS. Cows with a CL at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater prevalence of normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, compared with cows without a CL. Cows with normal RTHS had a lesser plasma concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate at wk 3 and wk 7 and greater plasma concentration of glucose at wk 3 compared with animals with abnormal RTHS. More cows in the greatest quartiles for the fertility subindex of the Economic Breeding Index and genetic merit for milk production traits (milk kg and milk protein [%]) had normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7 compared with the other quartiles. Cows with VDS = 4 at wk 7 postpartum had lesser plasma P4 concentration after first AI (-1.2, -1.1, and -1.0 ng/mL compared with cows with VDS = 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Similarly, cows with VDS = 4 at both wk 3 and wk 7 had lesser pregnancy at first service, lesser cumulative pregnancy rates at wk 3, 6, and 12 during the breeding period, and longer interval from mating start date to conception (+3 d if VDS = 4 at wk 3; +5 d if VDS = 4 at wk 7), compared with cows having other VDS. In conclusion, cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits and milk production traits, and favorable fertility phenotypes at wk 3 and wk 7, were all associated with greater likelihood of having normal RTHS. In turn, abnormal postpartum RTHS and greater postpartum VDS (score = 4) were associated with lesser odds of successful pregnancy establishment.

Clinical Application of Platelet Concentrates in Bovine Practice: A Systematic Review

Platelet concentrates (PCs) have become widely used in veterinary and human medicine. The PCs consist mainly of supraphysiological concentrations of platelets and, therefore, growth factors (GFs) which are stored within platelet α-granules. Among PCs, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is characterised by low-density fibrin. Research on the effect of PCs in cattle has surged in recent years; in particular, evidence has shown the positive use of PRP for treating reproductive problems, in vitro production of bovine embryos, sole ulcers and udder diseases. The aim of this report is to critically review, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the available literature reporting clinical application in the bovine practice of PRP. Three bibliographic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were used for a broad search of "platelet concentrates" OR "PRP" OR "platelet-rich plasma" OR "PRF" OR "platelet-rich fibrin" AND "cows" OR "cattle". From 1196 papers, only six met the inclusion criteria. Two papers described the use of PRP in mastitis, two papers in uterine dysfunction and two papers in ovarian dysfunction. PRP offered a low-cost, easily obtained therapeutic option and showed positive results for these patients. However, given the different pathologies and definitions involved, further studies are necessary to assess its full clinical potential.

Sequence variability of CatSper1 and TNP2 gene in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh

CatSper1 and TNP2 genes are known to affect semen quality and fertility parameters, including sperm motility and maturation. However, studies are yet to examine the genes in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the genetic variants of CatSper1 and TNP2 in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from 130 indigenous and 70 crossbred (Holstein Friesian × indigenous) cattle. Nucleotide variation was evaluated by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. The results of the study showed that the indigenous cattle possessed only TT genotype (1.0), whereas the crossbreds possessed both TT (0.91) and CT (0.09) genotypes, which was validated by gene sequencing. Additionally, the CatSper1 was conserved in both the indigenous and crossbred cattle, suggesting good semen quality and fertility. However, the TNP2 was conserved in the indigenous breeds and mostly conserved in the crossbreds. The findings of this study reveal the diversity of CatSper1 and TNP2 genes in indigenous and crossbred cattle.

Host preference and human blood index of Phlebotomus orientalis, an exophilic sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala azar), caused by Leishmania donovani, transmitted by Phlebotomus orientalis, is a serious systemic disease that causes high morbidity and mortality rates in Sudan and other parts of East Africa and the world. Despite progress in understanding the epidemiology of the disease in East Africa, little is known about the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages of Sudan, which have some of the highest VL incidence rates in the world. The present study used host choice experiments and blood-meal identification approaches to determine the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages in Gedarif state, eastern Sudan. In the host choice experiment, tent traps were used to compare the attractiveness of cows, donkeys, sheep and goats for host-seeking P. orientalis. In the blood-meal identification study, blood-fed P. orientalis females, captured inside houses and peri-domestic habitats, were subjected to molecular typing using cytochrome b gene (cyt b) amplification and sequence analysis. Cows and donkeys were the most attractive to blood-seeking P. orientalis, followed by goats. Similarly, the blood-meal analysis of P. orientalis showed that the vector preferentially feeds on cows, followed by donkeys, humans and goats. The human blood index of P. orientalis was 19.4% (42/216), indicating a high zoophilic habit of the vector, both inside and outside the houses. Although the order of host preference varied by location, it was clear that cows are the most preferred host of P. orientalis in the area. Results are discussed in relation to the role of domestic/livestock animals in VL zoopotentiation and zooprophylaxis. Inference is made on the potential impact of insecticide treatment of cows in control of the vector and the transmission of VL in Sudan and other parts of East Africa.

Trace element concentrations in blood samples from dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonatal calves

Background and Aim

Mineral deficiencies can lead to dystocia and abnormalities in neonates. Stillbirth of neonatal calves in dairy cows due to dystocia has become an economic problem. Uterine torsion (UT) is a common form of dystocia observed in dairy cows. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the characteristics of serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with UT. This study aimed to comprehensively measure serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with UT and dystocia.

Materials and Methods

Dairy cows with (n = 15) and without (n = 27) UT and neonates (n = 9 and n = 26, respectively) were included in this study. Blood samples (10 mL) were collected, and serum trace element concentrations were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry.

Results

The mortality rate at birth was significantly higher in calves delivered by cows with UT than those delivered by cows without UT. The odds ratio for mortality rate at birth in dairy cows with UT was 7.85. Serum zinc (Zn) levels were significantly lower in cows with UT than in cows without UT (p = 0.01). The copper: Zn ratio was significantly higher in cows with UT than in cows without torsion (p = 0.05). In contrast, serum Cobalt (Co) concentrations were significantly higher in neonates from cows with UT than in neonates from cows without UT (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Uterine torsion is associated with a high mortality rate at birth and considerable economic losses. Cows with UT had low serum Zn levels, and neonates born to these cows had high serum Co levels.

[Pestiviruses in sheep and goats in Austria: Options for integration into the bovine viral diarrhea (BVDV) monitoring program]

INTRODUCTION

After the successful eradication of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle in Austria, the risk of infections with the border disease virus (BDV) remains. Both viruses belong to the pestivirus genus. BDV infections lead to false-positive results in BVDV surveillance. This can be attributed to the contact to small ruminant populations. In particular, keeping cattle together with sheep or goats on a farm or alpine pasture are significant risk factors. Between 2015 and 2022, BDV type 3 was detected in 15 cattles in Austria. These animals were almost exclusively persistently infected calves. However, a positive antibody result for pestiviruses can lead to an extremely time-consuming and costly, and not always successful search for the source of the infection if no active virus excretor is found. This study documents how small ruminants can be integrated into pestivirus monitoring with a manageable amount of work and costs. 23 406 sheep and goat samples from two brucellosis surveillance programs in small ruminants were analyzed retrospectively. Blood samples were examined using pestivirus real-time pool RT-PCR (qPCR). Direct virus detection of BDV-3 was achieved in 40 sheep from five different federal states. Over the entire investigation period a further 37 detections of BDV-3 were found in cattle, sheep and goats outside of this study throughout Austria. This study accounts for 52 % of all border disease detections from 2015 to 2022. By including small ruminants in pestivirus monitoring, the disruptive factor BDV and the risk of its introduction into cattle herds can be significantly minimized in the future.