Effect of phosphorus deficiency on erythrocytic morphology and function in cows

Evaluation of haematological, serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in cattle naturally infected with lumpy skin disease virus

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector-borne viral transboundary disease of cattle caused by the LSD virus (LSDV). Despite investigations on clinical and outbreak features of LSDV, information on disease pathogenesis and alternative changes in blood parameters are scarce. Keeping this in view, the current study was designed to determine haematological, serum biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in naturally infected cattle with LSDV during the recent surge of outbreaks in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 35 blood samples was collected from polymerase chain reaction-confirmed LSDV-infected cattle for assessment of all parameters. The haematological examination of blood samples showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in different variables of erythrogram and leucogram. On the other hand, differences between levels of various serum biochemical parameters with the significant increase in levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen were observed in LSDV naturally infected cattle. Moreover, malondialdehyde levels for lipid peroxidation and nitrate concentration were markedly elevated whereas glutathione S-transferase fluorescent and serum superoxide dismutase enzymes showed a decrease in levels. The current study suggests that alternations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters following LSDV infection stimulate oxidative stress and such findings may be useful for early and rapid diagnosis and improvement in the treatment strategy of the disease.

Fish feed can show genotoxic damage

The present study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic potential of nutritional quality of feed, using erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities assay in Nile tilapia and its correlation with available nutrients and common fish growth biomarkers. For this, ten feeds commercialized in Brazil were assessed on digestibility and performance assays with triplicate groups. Venipuncture of the caudal vein for abnormalities analyzed was performed 102 days after the fish were fed with the commercial feed twice a day, to apparent satiation. Nuclear abnormalities were analyzed in blood smears. Principal component analysis and correlation matrix were used to carry out an exploratory analysis of correlation between frequency of abnormalities and performance parameters or available nutrients. The frequency of abnormalities in erythrocytes of Nile tilapia, fish performance, and digestibility were feed-dependent. It was observed correlations between the frequency of most abnormalities and performance parameters or content of nutrients. The frequency of kidney-shaped (6.23 ± 4.14), bud nuclei (2.99 ± 1.95), bridge nuclei (0.53 ± 0.50), and binuclei (0.43 ± 0.59) was the highest in fish that also presented the worst performance among all treatments and correlated with digestible methionine. Micronucleus frequency (0.33 ± 0.49) was higher in fish from the same group that presented depressed feed intake and lower available zinc. Only one group presented vacuolated nuclei and the frequency of this abnormality was correlated with available phosphorus. The frequency of abnormalities in erythrocytes is a fish sensitive indicator of health and plays an important role as a complementary tool in the assessment of fish feeding. The variation in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes obtained among fish fed with the different feeds allows the assertion that they contained genotoxic factors.

Changes to blood parameters after postparturient hemoglobinuria in 11 Holstein-Friesian cows

This study reviewed a case series of 11 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows with postpartum hemoglobinuria (PPH) from one dairy herd. The first clinical signs of PPH appeared in the animals during the second or third lactation, between 21 and 30 days after calving. The clinical signs, including depression, diminished appetite, a dark red to brown color in the urine, pale mucous membranes, and a decrease in milk yields were observed in these 11 animals. Three of the cows developed jaundice of the mucous membranes and five had dry, parched feces. PPH was confirmed on laboratory test results of blood and urine samples. Anemia, serum hypophosphatemia (Pi = 0.79 mmoL/L), and increased liver function analytes (total bilirubin, total protein, and urea concentrations) were observed in all animals. Animals were treated with intravenous phosphorus supplementations for the first 2 days after clinical signs were noted, and then oral supplementations were administered. After the clinical signs resolved and the treatments were discontinued, the animals still had mild anemia; however, the phosphorus concentration increased to 1.40 mmoL/L. Gamma-glutamyltransferase activity increased compared with activities measured before treatments and total bilirubin concentrations decreased slightly; however, the concentrations were still more than twice the upper limit of the normal RI. These animals were diagnosed with liver damage that had developed over the course of PPH, indicating the need for the further monitoring and treatment of cows during the postparturient period, even if clinical signs are no longer present.

Mineral status of soil, sea water, and mangrove (Avicennia marina) forages in several coastal areas of West Sumatra

Background and Aim

The availability of minerals in the soil affect the mineral content of mangrove leaves. This study aimed to determine the macro- and micromineral contents in the environment and mangrove leaves (Avicennia marina) as animal feed in the coastal areas of West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods

In this study, soil, water, and mangrove leaves were extracted from the mangrove plant's environment. The mineral contents were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer of Beijing Rayleigh Analytical Instrument Corporation (make and country of origin). The total phenol and tannin contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and hide-powder methods, respectively.

Results

The mineral content of the soil affected the mineral content of the plants. The soil and leaves of A. marina in the Pariaman area were richer in terms of macro- and microminerals. The soil had pH value, organic carbon content, leaf nitrogen content, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium of 5.65, 4.21%, 3.39%, 0.17%, 1.99%, and 0.54%, respectively. A. marina leaves had a total phenol and tannin contents of 24.51 mg GAE/g check the unit and 4.09%, respectively.

Conclusion

This research showed that the mineral content in the soil in several mangrove areas in West Sumatra has a positive correlation with the mineral content in the leaves of A. marina, which have a complete mineral content. Therefore, A. marina leaves could be recommended as a mineral source for ruminants.

Mechanism of CuSO4 cytotoxicity in goat erythrocytes after high-level in vitro exposure to isotonic media

Copper (Cu) is a common environmental pollutant in nature. Cu-poisoning can cause liver damage and erythrocytes hemolysis. To evaluate the effect of CuSO₄ poisoning on the morphological and functional characteristics of goat red blood cells. Five 10-14-month-old goats were selected for jugular vein blood sampling to obtain erythrocytes, and then the erythrocytes were processed with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μmol/L) of CuSO₄ for 48 h, and 40 μmol/L doses CuSO₄ incubated for different time (12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h) to process erythrocytes. We observed the changes in erythrocyte morphology through scanning electron microscopy, and detected the antioxidant function and activities of three ATPases. Additionally, biological properties were examined from the perspectives of phospholipids and membrane protein components, permeability fragility, and fluidity in erythrocytes. We found that after CuSO₄ treatment, the antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes decreased, which was manifested as increased MDA content and decreased CuZn-SOD and GSH-Px activities (p < 0.05). In addition, we also found that erythrocyte fluidity decreased, osmotic fragility increased, membrane phospholipid percentage and protein composition changes abnormally, and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase^, Mg²⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase activities decreased (p < 0.05). From the results, it can be concluded that CuSO₄ exposure causes hemolysis of goat erythrocytes through oxidative stress to the structure and function of erythrocytes, showing a dose-time effect.

The possibility of using citric phosphate dextrose in chilling ram semen instead of egg yolk and soybean lecithin to improve fertility

Semen chilling has some harmful effects on sperm characteristics. Modification of extenders by using conventional and non-conventional chilling substances can affect sperm characteristics and fertility. One of the important substances using to chilling human blood cells is citric phosphate dextrose (CPD); therefore, it can be used to store ram semen. This study aimed to assay the ability of CPD instead of egg yolk (EGD) and soybean lecithin (SLD)-based extenders to store ram semen at 5°C. This trial was carried on pooling semen samples that were collected from five rams using a standard artificial vagina and an oestrous restrained ewe. Immediately after semen collection, semen was divided into four portions. The EGD, SLD and citric phosphate dextrose with an antibiotic (CPDA) and without antibiotic (CPD) were extender in the first, second, third and fourth portions of semen, respectively. Sperm characteristics were evaluated after dilution and cooling up to 7 days. Also, conception rate and fertility potential were assayed by 48 ewes (12 each) after 2 days of store ram semen extenders. Data clearly indicated that higher (p > .05) sperm characteristics in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD at 0 day of storage. Whilst, sperm characteristics from 1 day up to 7 days of storage were higher (p < .05) in EGD, SLD, CPDA extenders than CPD. Moreover amongst extender types, the advancing of chilling days reduced sperm characteristics. Also, the results showed an acceptable conception rate and the fertility rate of dilution ram semen, which stored 2 days in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD. Using of CPD substances with antibiotic in chilling extension ram semen has benefits as well as EGD- and SLD-based extenders. The future work should be conducted to validate these results in frozen ram semen.

Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium status of heifers grazing in Northern Cyprus

Vitamin A, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) are essential components for the health and reproductive yield of dairy cows. In this study, it is aimed to profile the calcium, phosphorus and magnesium elements together with vitamin A, which are important components in cattle bred and reared in Northern Cyprus. To analyse these parameters, 260 clinically healthy animals, at least 30 from each region, were blood sampled from eight different regions (Nicosia, Gecitkale, Vadili, Famagusta, Iskele, Ziyamet, Morphou and Kyrenia) during both summer and winter seasons. Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were measured from blood samples. Vitamin A levels increased significantly only in Nicosia and Ziyamet regions during the winter season, while there was no seasonal difference from the other regions. Calcium and phosphorus levels were higher in summer when compared with winter. Magnesium levels were significantly higher in winter than in summer. In the comparison between regions in summer and winter, the change in P and Mg values was significant, whereas Ca only showed inter-regional differences during winter. In conclusion, all the parameters found were within the expected ranges but affected by seasonal changes. Therefore, we think that calcium and phosphorus supplementation in winter and vitamin A and magnesium supplementation in summer will provide positive results on cattle.

Different ambient management intervention techniques and their effect on milk production and physiological parameters of lactating NiliRavi buffaloes during hot dry summer of subtropical region

In tropical countries, one of the major threats for diary animal production is climate change. Ambient management interventions are beneficial and are the dire need of animal production in tropics. Ambient management intervention and its effect on physiological performance of lactating NiliRavi buffaloes were investigated during the hot dry months (April to June) of Pakistan. Fifteen lactating NiliRavi water buffaloes of similar size, age, and same parity were randomly stratified into three groups, comprising of five animals in each group, designated as group S, SF, and SFS. Animals of group S (control) were kept just under the shade while the animals in group SF were provided shade plus fan, animals in group SFS were provided the shade, fan as well as sprinklers during the hot day hours between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Shed conditions were same for all animals, isonitrogenous and isocaloric feed was provided to all animals. Milk production decreased with the increase in ambient temperature. Average dry matter intake in group S, SF, and SFS were 75%, 80%, and 90% of the total feed offered to the experimental animals, respectively. The mean rectal temperatures (°F) were 101.69, 101.19, and 100.85 in group S, SF, and SFS, respectively. Heat stress had pronounced effect on blood glucose level as indicated by the mean glucose concentration in group S and SFS being recorded at 78.04 mg/dl and 90.47 mg/dl, respectively. It is concluded that the buffaloes should be provided with sprinklers and fans to minimize heat load and maximize the production during hot dry season.