Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Biochemical profile differences during the transition period based on different levels of non-esterified fatty acids at 7 weeks before parturition in Mediterranean Italian dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Metabolic adaptations to negative energy balance, as well as lipomobilization, influence inflammatory responses, immune function, and oxidative stress in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical profile of Mediterranean buffaloes with different levels of lipomobilization from the prepartum to the postpartum period. A total of 76 Mediterranean buffaloes were enrolled, and a weekly blood sample was taken from 7 weeks before to 6 weeks after calving. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) was determined in serum and was used to categorize buffaloes into three lipomobilization groups 7 weeks before calving: mild (NEFA-I; NEFA ≤ 0.29 mEq/L; n = 18), medium (NEFA-II; 0.29 < NEFA < 0.57 mEq/L; n = 20), and severe (NEFA-III; NEFA ≥ 0.57 mEq/L; n = 38). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes within and between the groups and over time. Significant differences were found in the concentration levels of NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, protein profile, oxygen radicals, antioxidants, lysozyme, complement, and minerals. These results suggest that both medium and severe lipomobilization groups are associated with metabolic alterations. In conclusion, buffaloes with higher NEFA levels (>0.29 mEq/L; NEFA-II and NEFA-III) at 7 weeks before calving should be monitored more closely to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the medium (NEFA-II) and severe (NEFA-III) lipomobilization groups could be associated with differences in the animals' ability to manage their metabolic status. Specifically, the severe mobilization group was most associated with a greater energy deficit during both the prepartum and postpartum periods without oxidative stress. On the contrary, the medium mobilization group was associated with a less severe energy deficit but was also associated with an inflammatory status and oxidative stress during the prepartum period. These distinctions highlight the need for tailored management strategies to address varying levels of metabolic stress in dairy buffaloes.

Dietary Moringa oleifera Alters Periparturient Plasma and Milk Biochemical Indicators and Promotes Productive Performance in Goats

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M₀) group (basal diet without MOLP), M_2% group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M_3.5% group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M_3.5% group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M_2% and M_3.5% groups as compared to the M₀ group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M_2% and M_3.5% supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M_3.5% group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M_2% and M_3.5% groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M_2% and M_3.5% groups in comparison to the M₀ group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.

Current Diagnostic Methods for Assessing Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves and Possible Improvements: A Literature Review

Simple Summary

The transfer of passive immunity (TPI) from cows to calves needs to be routinely assessed on farms and in field research. The gold standard method for assessing TPI is radial immunodiffusion (RID) because it directly assesses the immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in calf serum samples. In addition to RID, there are several other methods available for the assessment of TPI which determine the concentration of IgG or other serum components. It is known that several components present in the colostrum are absorbed by the calves and aid passive immunity. We conducted a literature review of the methods scientifically reported by experts in the field.

Abstract

Several direct or indirect methods can be used to assess immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in calves, which evaluates the transfer of passive immunity (TPI). Radial immunodiffusion (RID) is the gold standard method to measure serum IgG in bovines. Previous studies have shown that colostrum provides several molecules in addition to immunoglobulins, which play an important role in the passive immunity of the calf. However, no studies have yet determined the level of interference of these components in the immunity, health and survival of calves. In this sense, the objective of this study is to review the methods of evaluation available for the laboratory and field diagnosis of TPI in calves and discuss the main aspects of each technique. Several methods available for TPI evaluation in calves may provide insights into the various components of colostrum involved in passive immunity.

Moringa oleifera Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Status and Biochemical Indices by Attenuating Early Pregnancy Stress in Beetal Goats

This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on antioxidant status and blood biochemical indices during early gestation in Beetal goats. A total of 30 goats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) comprising control (basal diet without MOLP), the 1.6% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 1.6% MOLP), and the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 3.2% MOLP). The experiment started 5 days before estrus synchronization and lasted till day 60 of gestation. The MOLP significantly increased plasma flavonoids in 1.6% as well as 3.2% supplemented group on days 40 and 60 of pregnancy, while total phenolic contents were observed to be higher in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group throughout the experiment in comparison with the control group. The supplementation improved plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) in contrast to the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were enhanced in both supplemented groups, whereas catalase (CAT) activity was noticed to be significantly high in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group. The protein contents were significantly elevated with 1.6 and 3.2% supplementation levels from day 40 to day 60 of the experiment. Plasma sugar level, carotenoids, progesterone profile, and hydrolytic (protease and amylase) enzymes activities were improved only when supplemented with 3.2% MOLP. The findings suggest that supplementing with 3.2% MOLP provides beneficial effects on early pregnancy stress in Beetal goats.

Plasma albumin-to-globulin ratio before dry-off as a possible index of inflammatory status and performance in the subsequent lactation in dairy cows

The dry-off of dairy cows represents an important phase of the lactation cycle, influencing the outcome of the next lactation. Among the physiological changes, the severity of the inflammatory response can vary after the dry-off, and this response might have consequences on cow adaptation in the transition period. The plasma protein profile is a diagnostic tool widely used in humans and animals to assess the inflammatory status and predict the outcome of severe diseases. The albumin-to-globulin ratio (AG) can represent a simple and useful proxy for the inflammatory condition. In this study, we investigated the relationship between AG before dry-off and inflammation, metabolic profile, and performance of 75 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from -62 (7 d before dry-off) to 28 d relative to calving (DFC) to measure metabolic profile biomarkers, inflammatory variables, and liver function. Daily milk yield in the first month of lactation was recorded. Milk composition, body condition score, fertility, and health status were also assessed. The AG calculated 1 wk before dry-off (-62 DFC) was used to retrospectively group cows into tertiles (1.06 ± 0.09 for HI, 0.88 ± 0.04 for IN, and 0.72 ± 0.08 for LO). Data were subjected to ANOVA using the PROC MIXED program in SAS software. Differences among groups observed at -62 DFC were almost maintained throughout the period of interest, but AG peaked before calving. According to the level of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, cholesterol, retinol-binding protein), bilirubin, and paraoxonase, a generally overall lower inflammatory condition was found in HI and IN than in the LO group immediately after the dry-off but also after calving. The HI cows had greater milk yield than LO cows, but no differences were observed in milk composition. The somatic cell count reflected the AG ratio trend, with higher values in LO than IN and HI either before dry-off or after calving. Fertility was better in HI cows, with fewer days open and services per pregnancy than IN and LO cows. Overall, cows with high AG before dry-off showed an improved adaptation to the new lactation, as demonstrated by a reduced systemic inflammatory response and increased milk yield than cows with low AG. In conclusion, the AG ratio before dry-off might represent a rapid and useful proxy to evaluate the innate immune status and likely the ability to adapt while switching from the late lactation to the nonlactating phase and during the transition period with emphasis on early lactation.

Vitamin E and Selenium Treatment Alleviates Saline Environment-Induced Oxidative Stress through Enhanced Antioxidants and Growth Performance in Suckling Kids of Beetal Goats

Salinity is a worldwide, threatening problem affecting socioeconomic status globally. Saline land comprises salt content in soil, plants, and drinking water. Livestock farming is the worthy option for proper utilization of saline land in a cost-effective approach. Animals reared on this land experience a variety of stresses. Such stresses promote oxidative stress and reduced animal performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidative function of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on pregnant/nonpregnant animals reared on the saline environment. A total of 36 multiparous pregnant (n = 18) and nonpregnant (n = 18) goats weighing about 38-45 (average 41.5) kg were equally divided into control and supplemented groups. The experiment lasted from 120 days of gestation to 15 days after parturition for pregnant goats and 0 to 45 days for nonpregnant cyclic goats (>50 days post-kidding). The supplemented group was administered vitamin E (1000 mg/kg BW) and selenium (3 mg/50 kg BW), while the control group was kept on normal saline (0.9% NaCl) with the same route 15 days apart. The blood samples were collected with 15 days apart during the entire experimental period of 45 days and subjected to assessment of enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants, hydrolytic enzymes, oxidants, stress metabolic biomarkers, Se, and progesterone concentration of (pregnant) animals. Results revealed that vitamin E and Se supplementation significantly enhanced the activity of enzymatic (catalase and peroxidase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as total phenolic/flavonoid content and vitamin C and increased blood plasma level of Se concentration in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01). Exposure to antioxidant supplementation mitigated lipid peroxidation and enhanced progesterone level and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) as compared to the control group in pregnant goats. Administration of vitamin E and selenium promoted kid survival rate (100%) along with increased initial birth weight, daily average weight gain, and total weight gain in comparison with the control group. Besides, the twinning rate and sex ratio were also recorded in pregnant animals. It is concluded that vitamin E and Se supplementation ameliorated salinity-induced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant status, and enhanced reproductive and growth performance of suckling kids reared on saline land.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ACUTE-PHASE PROTEIN AND SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS PRELIMINARY REFERENCE VALUES FOR PRONGHORN (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA)

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are native to western North America and are found in 24 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions. Acute-phase proteins (APP) are a broad class of proteins that are stimulated in response to inflammation and have been shown to be a sensitive measure of inflammation in equids and ruminants. In this study, blood samples from clinically normal free-ranging and captive populations of pronghorn were analyzed using assays for protein electrophoresis (EPH) and APP, including serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (HP), to develop preliminary ranges to gauge potential differences between these populations. Additional samples were taken from clinically abnormal captive pronghorn with facial abscesses. By EPH measurements, albumin: globulin ratio mean and SE were significantly different (P <0.05) with 1.02 (0.08) for captive populations and 1.91 (0.05) for free-ranging populations. Total protein mean and SE were significantly different (P <0.05) for captive and free-ranging populations, respectively 5.6 (0.3) g/dl and 6.9 (0.1) g/dl. Mean and SD of SAA for captive pronghorn were 1.4 (3.2) mg/L, and were significantly different from the free-ranging population, which was below the limits of detection for (P <0.05). There was no difference in HP levels between these groups. In a case study of a pronghorn with facial abscesses, elevated levels of HP, but not SAA, suggested that HP maybe useful in certain disease states. Future studies should explore the use of these biomarkers as tools to monitor general health, prognosis, and subclinical disease.