1
|
Rodrigues da Silva WP, Bastos Queiroz PJ, Jorge da Cunha PH, Feitosa Noronha Filho AD, Arnhold E, de Resende Fernandes JJ, Nascimento KDS, Borges NC. Radiographic Analysis of the Beef Cattle Digits Slaughtered after 114 Days of Confinement. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:5512555. [PMID: 38974507 PMCID: PMC11226336 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5512555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Foot disorders are responsible for up to 5% of confinement losses. Identifying the cause of lameness and applying the correct treatment are crucial measures. The possibility of determining the probable origins of digital lesions, their extension, and assistance in cases in which it was not possible to reach a definitive clinical diagnosis demonstrates that the radiographic evaluation provides information of great importance on cattle digits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate possible radiographic changes in the hoof, bone structures, and soft tissues of the digits of Nelore bulls at the end of the confinement period. Regarding the main signs, 100% (n = 24) showed proliferation of enthesophytes and osteophytes and irregular contours, 62.5% (n = 15) enlargement of vascular channels, 37.5% (n = 9) osteolysis, 33.4% (n = 8) gas content in the white line region, 20.84% (n = 5) gas content in the dorsal lamina region, and 4.16% (n = 1) presented palisade periosteal reaction. Ten (41.7%) out of 24 (100%) animals evaluated at the end of the confinement presented lameness, three animals of score three, four animals of score two, and three animals of score one. The higher the score indicating the severity of the signs observed in the visual assessment of the radiographs, the higher the internal angle values (moderate correlation of 0.5 and p < 0.05). A higher prevalence of osteo-proliferative radiographic changes was identified at the end of the 114-day confinement period in the third phalanx of Nellore cattle even in animals that had no lameness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Paulo José Bastos Queiroz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Jorge da Cunha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Antônio Dionísio Feitosa Noronha Filho
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Arnhold
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Juliano José de Resende Fernandes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Kaique de Souza Nascimento
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Naida Cristina Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceFederal University of Goiás, Goiânia-Nova Veneza Highway, Kilometer 8, Samambaia Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sousa LPB, Pinto LFB, Cruz VAR, Oliveira GA, Rojas de Oliveira H, Chud TS, Pedrosa VB, Miglior F, Schenkel FS, Brito LF. Genome-wide association and functional genomic analyses for various hoof health traits in North American Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2207-2230. [PMID: 37939841 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Hoof diseases are a major welfare and economic issue in the global dairy cattle production industry, which can be minimized through improved management and breeding practices. Optimal genetic improvement of hoof health could benefit from a deep understanding of the genetic background and biological underpinning of indicators of hoof health. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to perform genome-wide association studies, using imputed high-density genetic markers data from North American Holstein cattle, for 8 hoof-related traits: digital dermatitis, sole ulcer, sole hemorrhage, white line lesion, heel horn erosion, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, and toe ulcer, and a hoof health index. De-regressed estimated breeding values from 25,580 Holstein animals were used as pseudo-phenotypes for the association analyses. The genomic quality control, genotype phasing, and genotype imputation were performed using the PLINK (version 1.9), Eagle (version 2.4.1), and Minimac4 software, respectively. The functional genomic analyses were performed using the GALLO R package and the DAVID platform. We identified 22, 34, 14, 22, 28, 33, 24, 43, and 15 significant markers for digital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, toe ulcer, white line lesion disease, and the hoof health index, respectively. The significant markers were located across all autosomes, except BTA10, BTA12, BTA20, BTA26, BTA27, and BTA28. Moreover, the genomic regions identified overlap with various previously reported quantitative trait loci for exterior, health, meat and carcass, milk, production, and reproduction traits. The enrichment analyses identified 44 significant gene ontology terms. These enriched genomic regions harbor various candidate genes previously associated with bone development, metabolism, and infectious and immunological diseases. These findings indicate that hoof health traits are highly polygenic and influenced by a wide range of biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Paulo B Sousa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando B Pinto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Valdecy A R Cruz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Gerson A Oliveira
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Tatiane S Chud
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; PEAK, Madison, WI 53718
| | - Victor B Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Filippo Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Lactanet Canada, Guelph, ON, N1K 1E5, Canada
| | - Flávio S Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kofler J, Hoefler M, Hartinger T, Castillo-Lopez E, Huber J, Tichy A, Reisinger N, Zebeli Q. Effects of High Concentrate-Induced Subacute Ruminal Acidosis Severity on Claw Health in First-Lactation Holstein Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081418. [PMID: 37106981 PMCID: PMC10135006 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diet-induced subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) severity during transition and the early lactation period on claw health in 24 first-lactation Holstein heifers. All heifers were fed a 30% concentrate (in dry matter) close-up ration three weeks before calving, then switched to a high-concentrate ration (60% dry matter), which was fed until the 70th day in milk (DIM) to induce SARA. Thereafter, all cows were fed the same post-SARA ration with around 36% concentrate in dry matter. Hoof trimming was performed before calving (visit 1), at 70 (visit 2) and at 160 DIM (visit 3). All claw lesions were recorded, and a Cow Claw Score (CCS) was calculated for each cow. Locomotion scores (LCS 1-5) were assessed at two-week intervals. Intraruminal sensors for continuous pH measurements were used to determine SARA (pH below 5.8 for more than 330 min in 24 h). The cluster analysis grouped the cows retrospectively into light (≤11%; n = 9), moderate (>11-<30%; n = 7), and severe (>30%; n = 8) SARA groups, based on the percentage of days individual cows experienced SARA. Statistically significant differences were found between SARA groups light and severe in terms of lameness incidence (p = 0.023), but not for LCS and claw lesion prevalence. Further, the analysis of maximum likelihood estimates revealed that for each day experiencing SARA, the likelihood of becoming lame increased by 2.52% (p = 0.0257). A significant increase in white line lesion prevalence was observed between visits 2 and 3 in the severe SARA group. The mean CCS in severe SARA group cows were higher at each visit compared to cows in the other two groups, but without statistical significance. Overall, this is the first study indicating that first-lactation cows fed a similar high-concentrate diet but with a higher severity of SARA tended to have poorer claw health, albeit with only partial statistical evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kofler
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hoefler
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hartinger
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ezequias Castillo-Lopez
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Huber
- Teaching Farm, VetFarm Kremesberg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Qendrim Zebeli
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thomas M, Green M, Kypraios T, Kaler J. A multistate modeling approach to investigate long-term effects of claw horn disruption lesions and early lesion development in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4184-4197. [PMID: 37028964 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL) are a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle, and the development, effect, and pathology of these lesions remains an open area of interest within dairy cattle health. Current literature typically attempts to measure the effect of risk factors on the development of CHDL over a relatively short time period. Further understanding of the interaction of CHDL and the long-term effect of early CHDL in a cow's life remains an important area of research which is so far mostly unexplored. In this study 57,974 cows from 1,332 herds were selected and their regular claw trimming records containing important claw health information were used to model the long-term effect of lesions in a cow's lifetime in a 6-state multistate model. A multistate model predicts the time before transition from any one state to another and the probability of transition to a future state. The 6 lesion states that were modeled were as follows: never had a lesion, first recorded lesion event, no recorded lesion after first lesion event, second or subsequent recorded lesion event, no recorded lesion after second or subsequent lesion event, and culled. The effect of various cow level covariates on the transition probabilities between various states was tested. For the first time, this study shows the importance and effect of the first lesion and other cow level factors on long-term claw health. Model results showed that the timing and severity of the first recorded lesion event significantly influenced the likelihood of a future lesion being present. Cows with CHDL present within the 180 d of first calving had a short-term increased risk and long-term decreased risk of a future lesion, compared with cows that present with CHDL later than 180 d of first lactation. Moreover, presence of a severe first lesion increased a cow's risk of a future lesion being present. The model was used to evaluate the relative difference between high-risk cows (age of first calving ≥793 d, breeding values in the lowest quartile) and low-risk cows (age of first calving ≤718 d, breeding values in the highest quartile). Our results indicated that these low-risk cows present with a lesion on an average 3 mo later than high-risk cows. Furthermore, results from the model evaluation of a simulated herd with cows with breeding values in the higher quartile indicated that cows present with a CHDL on an average 7.5 mo later compared with a herd where cows have breeding values distributed in a lower quartile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Thomas
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore Kypraios
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmeet Kaler
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fabbri G, Magrin L, Gottardo F, Armato L, Contiero B, Gianesella M, Fiore E. Development of an equation to screen for solar hemorrhages from digital cushion ultrasound texture analysis in veal calves at slaughter. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:899253. [PMID: 35967996 PMCID: PMC9372481 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.899253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Claw disorders are a relevant welfare issue in the cattle industry, fast and accurate diagnoses are essential for successful treatment and prevention. The present study aimed to develop an equation to assess the presence of solar hemorrhages from real-time ultrasound images texture analysis at slaughter. Eighty-eight hind feet were collected at the slaughterhouse from 44 Holstein male veal calves. The claws were trimmed by a veterinarian hoof-trimmer, approximately 30 min after the calves' slaughter, and classified into healthy and affected by solar hemorrhages. At the same time, ultrasound images were collected for each claw. Sole soft tissues' thickness was measured, and texture analysis was performed using MaZda software. The resulting parameters from sole soft tissues' measurements and texture analysis were screened with a stepwise linear discriminant analysis using the absence or presence (0/1) of solar hemorrhages as the dependent variable. Results from the stepwise analysis identified 9 variables (among 279) as predictors, and an equation was developed and used to predict the presence or absence of solar hemorrhages on the scanned claws by binary measure: values ≤0.5 counted as 0, while those >0.5 as 1. Validation of the equation was performed by testing predicted lesions (LESpred) against the clinically evaluated lesions (LESeval) with a confusion matrix, a ROC analysis, and a precision-recall curve. Results of the present study suggest that the equation proposed has a good potential for detecting effectively hemorrhages of the sole by ultrasound imaging texture means, and could be used to monitor unsatisfactory housing and management conditions at the farm level, and for early management intervention and prevention.
Collapse
|
6
|
Thermographic Screening of Beef Cattle Metatarsal Growth Plate Lesions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020191. [PMID: 35049813 PMCID: PMC8773219 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Young beef bulls are predisposed to develop diseases of the growing skeleton, especially growth plate lesions. These lesions jeopardize both welfare and production, often leading to anticipated culling and diminished weight gain. However, beef cattle are prey animals and do not exhibit signs of pain and lameness until the disease becomes extensive and severe. Fast methods to screen for growth plate lesions presence could therefore lead to prompt treatment of the affected animals, enhancing recovery and diminishing losses. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening beef bulls for the presence of growth plate lesions. Here, 20 Charolais and Limousine beef bulls affected by growth plate lesions were screened using infrared thermography. A difference in maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures was detected between healthy and affected growth plate areas, and a difference in mean and maximum temperatures was detected globally in the affected limbs against healthy ones. Infrared thermography could therefore serve as a reliable tool for screening growth plate lesions in beef bulls, permitting rapid detection at pen level and aiding fast and targeted treatment, thus improving animal welfare and production. Abstract Lameness represents one of the main causes of decreased productive performance and impaired animal welfare in the bovine industry. Young beef bulls are predisposed to develop diseases of the growing skeleton, especially growth plate lesions. Early diagnosis is indispensable for ensuring correct treatment, fast recovery and reduction losses. However, when dealing with beef cattle, this is not always possible. Fast and reliable diagnostic imaging techniques are necessary to improve dealing with lameness in beef animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of thermographic imaging as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening beef bulls for the presence of growth plate lesions. Here, 20 Charolais and Limousine beef bulls affected by growth plate lesions in one of the rear limbs were selected. IRT was performed on both hind limbs using a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam T420 Model, Flir Systems, Boston, MA, USA), prior to radiographic imaging and clinical examination. The temperature of healthy and affected limbs was measured in two regions: the area correspondent to the growth plate (AR01) and the whole area of the metatarsus (AR02). Growth plate lesions were found to increase the maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures in AR01; and the mean and maximum temperatures in AR02, therefore, indicating the potential of IRT as a reliable, practical tool for screening growth plate lesions in beef bulls.
Collapse
|
7
|
Digit ratio and length asymmetry in calves’ limbs. ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
8
|
Fabbri G, Gianesella M, Morgante M, Armato L, Bonato O, Fiore E. Ultrasonographic alterations of bovine claws sole soft tissues associated with claw horn disruption lesions, body condition score and locomotion score in Holstein dairy cows. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:146-152. [PMID: 32371299 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Claw Horn Disruption Lesions (CHDL) negatively affect the sole soft tissue structures located beneath the sole horn. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CHDL on sole soft tissues by ultrasound means, correlating Body condition score (BCS), locomotion score and CHDL with ultrasonography evaluations of sole soft tissues in Holstein dairy cows. 100 Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in the study. BCS and locomotion score were assessed and functional trimming was performed on all animals. 84 healthy claws and 174 claws with solely one CHDL per claw were evaluated both clinically and with ultrasound, and CHDL were identified and recorded. Sole soft tissues thickness (mm) and echogenicity was determined, and ultrasonographic alterations, related to CHDL presence, where measured long their vertical (L1) and horizontal (L2) axis. Statistically significant (P < .001) differences were found in echogenicity between healthy claws and all the affected ones, with the healthy ones being mainly anechoic. Statistically significant (P < .001) differences were found for vertical (L1) and horizontal (L2) axis measures between the diverse CHDL, confirming ultrasonography as a useful tool to distinguish lesions and their extension by measuring L1 and L2. BCS had an influence both on sole soft tissues ultrasonographic appearance and on CHDL insurgency. These results confirm ultrasonography as a reliable tool for detecting an increase in sole soft tissues echogenicity, that was seen to occur with CHDL insurgency, and in determining lesion extension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Fabbri
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Matteo Gianesella
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Massimo Morgante
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Leonardo Armato
- Veterinary Freelance, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Ortensio Bonato
- Veterinary Freelance, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Enrico Fiore
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sartori C, Gianesella M, Pilastro A, Mantovani R, Armato L, Fiore E. Digit ratio and length asymmetry in calves' limbs. ZOOLOGY 2020; 140:125777. [PMID: 32248058 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study considered possible sexual dimorphism in the relative lengths of the second, third and fourth digits (digit ratio), in calves. Furthermore, a different length of the bone structures of the third (3D) and of the fourth (4D) digits has been examined as an evolutionary adaptation to locomotion on soft ground. The length of the digital bones of the right fore-limb of 33 females and 15 male calves was measured in vivo using a portable X-ray machine. The vestigial structure of the second digit (2D), and 3D and 4D, from metacarpus to the third phalanx were considered in a mixed model, as well as some ratios between 2D and different parts of 3D or 4D (2D:3D and 2D:4D). A covariate for the mean finger length was considered for digit ratios to control for possible biases due to shape allometry. Shorter first phalanx and trotter were found in 3D than in 4D, and the reverse for the third phalanx. The 2D was significantly shorter in females, as well as the second phalanges of 3D and 4D. Significant sex differences in 2D:3D and 2D:4D were found for some digit parts of 3D and 4D and for the first phalanges of 3D:4D. These ratios were always shorter in females, in contrast to that found in most mammals. The asymmetry between 3D and 4D could mean a functional adaptation for locomotion. Sex differences in 2D:4D and 3D:4D were found, but with a reverse pattern than in most mammal species (males > females rather than males < females). In this regard digit ratio in calves was similar to that of Old World monkeys. This study is the first investigation of digit ratio in Ungulates, whose limbs differ from the limbs of most mammals, maintaining five digits. The reverse pattern of sex differences (digit ratios: males> females) could be due to the peculiar nature of the vestigial dewclaw of 2D and to the hormone patterns acting on this digit during development, but further research is required around this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sartori
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - Matteo Gianesella
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Mantovani
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Armato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Fiore
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Herzberg D, Strobel P, Chihuailaf R, Ramirez-Reveco A, Müller H, Werner M, Bustamante H. Spinal Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Damage Mediate Chronic Pain in Lame Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090693. [PMID: 31533257 PMCID: PMC6770087 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic inflammatory diseases could impact central nervous system homeostasis, being oxidative damage of the dorsal horn, a relevant mechanism mediating central sensitization. Chronic inflammatory lameness in dairy cows is a painful condition that affects animal welfare, affecting dairy production worldwide. This study reveals increased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and carbonyl groups, indicating lipid and protein damage in the spinal cord of cows with chronic lameness. Moreover, antioxidant system activity was similar between lame and non-lame cows which suggests that antioxidant dysregulation was not the cause of oxidative damage, as has been proposed previously. Based on the fact that nociceptive pathways are strongly conserved between species, there is no reason to neglect that chronic pain in cows promotes Central Nervous System (CNS) alterations, such as oxidative damage. Moreover, lame cows develop central sensitization, as allodynia and hyperalgesia are centrally and not peripherally mediated. Our results support the current assumption that chronic pain is a central nervous system disease and lameness in dairy cows is far beyond an inflammation of the hoof. Abstract Lameness in dairy cows is a worldwide prevalent disease with a negative impact on animal welfare and herd economy. Oxidative damage and antioxidant system dysfunction are common features of many CNS diseases, including chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage markers in the spinal cord of dairy cows with chronic inflammatory lameness. Locomotion score was performed in order to select cows with chronic lameness. Dorsal horn spinal cord samples were obtained post mortem from lumbar segments (L2–L5), and ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and carbonyl groups were measured along with the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant response (TAR). Lame cows had increased levels of ROS, MDA, and carbonyl groups, while no differences were observed between lame and non-lame cows in SOD, GPx, CAT, and TAR activity. We conclude that painful chronic inflammatory lameness in dairy cows is associated with an increase in ROS, MDA, and carbonyl groups. Nonetheless, an association between ROS generation and dysfunction of the antioxidant system, as previously proposed, could not be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herzberg
- Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| | - Pablo Strobel
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| | - Ricardo Chihuailaf
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile.
| | - Alfredo Ramirez-Reveco
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| | - Heine Müller
- Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| | - Marianne Werner
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| | - Hedie Bustamante
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|