Serum Mineral Levels in Dairy Cows Transiting from Feedlot to Pasture

The objective of the present study was to evaluate trace element and minerals levels in the serum of cows transiting from diets consumed in feedlot or under grazing. A total of 30 healthy 5-6 years old cows of the Red Steppe breed were involved in the study. Blood samples were collected at the end of the feedlot period (end of April) and during the pasture period (end of June). Serum essential trace element and mineral levels were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that serum K levels in cows during the feedlot period exceeded those in the pasture period by 50%, whereas serum P values in the pasture period were significantly higher than in the feedlot period by 20%. Serum Li levels in cows during the feedlot feeding period were nearly 3-fold higher than the respective values in a pasture period. In addition, serum B, Sr, and Zn concentrations in cows during a pasture period exceeded those observed upon feedlot feeding by 38%, 40%, and 13%, respectively. In contrast, serum I and V levels in a feedlot period were 32% and 77% higher when compared to the respective values in a pasture period. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that Cr, Cu, I, Na, and V are positively associated with feedlot feeding. At the same time, serum Zn and to a lesser extent Sr values were directly associated with the pasture period. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that feedlot and pasture rations have a significant impact on trace element and mineral metabolism in dairy cows.

Serum and Hair Trace Element and Mineral Levels in Dairy Cows in Relation to Daily Milk Yield

The objective of the present study was to assess hair and serum trace element and mineral levels in dairy cows in relation to daily milk yield. A total of 70 healthy 5-6-year-old Simmental cows were divided into two groups (n = 35) with high and low daily milk yield using median as a cut-off value. Hair and serum trace element and mineral content was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. A nearly twofold difference in daily milk yield (43.8 ± 9.7 vs 21.3 ± 7.1 L/day, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with 11% lower hair Cu (p = 0.043) and 35% higher Se levels (p = 0.058) content when compared animals with lower daily milk yield. Serum trace element levels were found to be more tightly associated with milk productivity in dairy cows. Particularly, serum levels of Se and Zn were found to be 73 and 35% higher in cows with higher milk productivity in comparison to animals with lower milk production, respectively. Serum Co levels also tended to increase with higher milk productivity. Serum minerals including Ca, Mg, and P were also found to be higher in highly productive cows by 6%, 14%, and 71%, respectively. The overall regression model based on serum trace element and mineral levels accounted for 38% of daily milk production variability. Generally, improvement of essential trace element and mineral supply, as well as prevention of copper overload in dairy cows, may be considered the potential tool for modulation of milk productivity.

Speciation of Serum Copper and Zinc-Binding High- and Low-Molecular Mass Ligands in Dairy Cows Using HPLC-ICP-MS Technique

The objective of the present study was assessment of the major copper and zinc species in dairy cow blood serum using a hybrid high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) technique. A total of seventeen 5-6-year-old female Simmental cows, cultivated in the Southern Ural region, were examined. Speciation of serum Cu and Zn was performed using chromatographic PerkinElmer Series 200 system equipped with Agilent Bio SEC-5 Column and docked with NexION 300D mass spectrometer. Analysis of serum ⁶³Cu species revealed four major fractions containing 2.5% (A), 15.6% (B), 75.6% (C), and 11.9% (D) of total copper levels. The revealed fractions could be assigned to tetrameric and dimeric macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, and low molecular mass (LMM) copper compounds, respectively. Minor fraction (E) containing <1% of total serum Cu levels may be represented by low-molecular mass Cu species. Speciation analysis also revealed four Zn fractions containing 6.3% (A), 16.9% (B), 71% (C), and 3% (D) of total Zn levels that may be attributed to zinc-bound tetrameric and dimeric macroglobulin, albumin, and Zn-amino acid compounds. Correlation analysis demonstrated that relative levels (%) of Zn-B (dimeric α2-macroglobulin), Zn-C (albumin), and Zn-D (LMM) fractions correlate inversely with Cu-A (monomeric α2-macroglobulin) (r = -0.600), Cu-D (albumin) (r = -0.696), and Cu-C (ceruloplasmin) (r = -0.652), respectively. The obtained data demonstrate the particular features of Zn and Cu transport in dairy cows that may be used for assessment of dietary status of trace elements.

Data on rumen and faeces microbiota profiles of Yakutian and Kalmyk cattle revealed by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons

It is known that the rumen microbiome directly or indirectly contributes to animal production, and may be a prospective target for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. At the same time, feed types and components of diet can influence the composition of the rumen microbiome [2,3]. Fluctuations in the composition of the digestive tract microbiota can alter the development, health, and productivity of cattle [4]. Many studies of cattle microbiomes have focussed on the rumen microbiota, whereas the faecal microbiota has received less attention [5], [6], [7]. Therefore, the features of the faecal and the ruminal microbiomes in different cattle breeds are yet to be studied. Here, we provided 16S rRNA gene amplicon data of the ruminal and the faecal microbiomes from Yakutian and Kalmyk cattle living in the Republic of Sakha, Yakutia, Russia. Total DNA was extracted from 13 faecal and 13 ruminal samples, and DNA libraries were prepared and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Paired-end raw reads were processed, and final operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned to the respective prokaryotic taxa using the RDP (Ribosomal Database Project) database. Analysis of the microbiome composition at the phylum level revealed very similar faecal microbiota between the introduced Kalmyk breed and the indigenous Yakutian breed, whereas the ruminal microbiomes of these breeds differed substantially in terms of relative abundance of some prokaryotic phyla. We believe that the data obtained may provide new insights into the dynamics of the ruminal and the faecal microbiota of cattle as well as disclose breed-specific features of ruminal microbiomes. Besides, these data will contribute to our understanding of the ruminal microbiome structure and function, and might be useful for the management of cattle feeding and ruminal methane production.

The Reference Values of Hair Content of Trace Elements in Dairy Cows of Holstein Breed

The objective of this study was to assess trace element content in hair of Holstein dairy cows bred in the Leningrad Region of Russia and to calculate the site-specific reference intervals. Hair content of arsenic, boron, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, iodine, lithium, manganese, lead, selenium, silicon, tin, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in 148 cows during first (n = 50), second (n = 48), and third (n = 50) lactation periods of life was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary intake of trace elements corresponded to the adequate values according to national and international recommendations. Comparative analysis did not reveal any significant differences in hair content of main essential elements on the animals depending on the number of lactation. At the same time, the first-lactation cows had significantly (P < 0.05) lower concentration of lead in hair as compared to the third-lactation cows and a higher level of mercury as compared to the second-lactation cows. The reference intervals and 90% confidence intervals for the lower and upper limits were calculated in agreement with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standard Guidelines.

Assessment of Gender Effects and Reference Values of Mane Hair Trace Element Content in English Thoroughbred Horses (North Caucasus, Russia) Using ICP-DRC-MS

The objective of the present study was assessment of gender differences in hair trace element content in English Thoroughbred horses (North Caucasus, Russia) using ICP-DRC-MS and calculation of the reference values. Trace element content in mane hair of 190 stallions and 94 mares (3-7 years old) bred in North Caucasus (Russia) was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mane hair Co, Cr, Mn, Li, Si, and Sr levels in mares exceeded those in stallions by 77%, 63%, 64%, 42%, 39%, and 64%, respectively. Hair Fe and Si content was nearly twofold higher in female horses as compared to the males. Only hair Zn content was 5% higher in stallions as compared to mares. In addition, mares were characterized by 63%, 65%, 29%, and 40% higher levels of As, Pb, Sn, and Ni levels in hair as compared to the respective values in stallions. In turn, hair Al and Hg were more than twofold higher in mares than in stallions. The reference intervals of mane hair content (μg/g) for Co (0.006-0.143), Cr (0.028-0.551), Cu (4.17-6.84), Fe (10.11-442.2), I (0.026-3.69), Mn (0.551-12.55), Se (0.108-0.714), Zn (97.43-167), Li (0.011-0.709), Ni (0.060-0.589), Si (0.665-29.12), V (0.006-0.584), Al (1.98-168.5), As (0.006-0.127), Cd (0.002-0.033), B (0.494-16.13), Pb (0.018-0.436), Sn (0.002-0.144), Sr (1.0-9.46), and Hg (0.0018-0.017) in the total cohort of horses were estimated using the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standard Guidelines. The reference intervals were also estimated for stallions and mares bred in North Caucasus (Russia) and may be used for interpretation of the results of hair trace element analysis in horses.

The Reference Intervals of Hair Trace Element Content in Hereford Cows and Heifers (Bos taurus)

The objective of the present study was to assess hair trace element content in Hereford heifers and cows (Bos taurus) living in South Ural region and calculate the site-specific reference intervals. Hair trace element content in 150 cows and heifers farmed in the Southern Urals of Russia was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Dietary trace element content corresponded to the adequate values as estimated by recommendations of USSR State Agriculture Committee and U.S. National Research Council. Comparative analysis demonstrated that heifers are characterized by significantly higher hair Se (3-fold), Hg (4-fold), and Sn (46%) content, whereas cows had significantly higher levels of hair Co (56%), I (33%), Si (2-fold), V (27%), B (55%), Cd (19%), Pb (47%), and Sr (23%). At the same time, no significant group difference in hair Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Zn, As, and Ni was detected between Hereford cows and heifers. The reference intervals and 90% confidence intervals for the lower and upper limits were calculated in agreement with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standard Guidelines.

[Comparative Sensitivity of the Luminescent Photobacterium phosphoreum, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis Strains to Toxic Effects of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Metal Nanoparticles]

A comparative analysis of the four commercially available and laboratory luminescent sensor strains to the toxic effect of 10 carbon-based nanomatherials (CBNs) and 10 metal nanoparticles (MNPs) was carried out in this study. The bioluminescence inhibition assays with marine Photobacterium phosphoreum and recombinant Escherichia coli strains were varied in minimal toxic concentrations and EC50 values but led to well correlated biotoxicity evaluation for the most active compounds were ranked as Cu > (MgO, CuO) > (fullerenol, graphene oxide). The novel sensor strain Bacillus subtilis EG 168-1 exhibited the highest sensitivity to CBNs and MNPs that increased significantly number of toxic compounds causing the bacterial bioluminescence inhibition effect.

[MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE THYROID GLAND AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF COPPER NANOPARTICLES]

The study was conducted on 15 male Wistar rats, which were injected intramuscularly with copper nanoparticle lyosols at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight once a week for 3 months. Thyroid gland was removed 7 days after the last injection and was studied using histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical methods (demonstration of Ki-67 and caspase-3). Animals of the control group (n = 15) were administered distilled water at the same time intervals. It was found that after 1, 2, 3 and 4 injections of copper nanoparticles, the thyroid gland contained an increased number of large cyst-like follicles, while the average thyrocyte height of and the volume of their nuclei were reduced, which indicate a decline in hormone production. After 12 injections of copper nanoparticles, the hyperplastic thyroid gland demonstrated small follicles lined with columnar epithelium, which contained no or small amount of the colloid. The number of mitotically dividing thyrocytes was increased. Parafollicular cells demonstrated an apoptotic dominant. Morphological data suggest goitrogenic effect of multiple doses of copper nanopartides. The data received indicating the readiness of the thyroid cells to the programmed death and its possible depression (absence of signs of thyrocyte apoptosis) at different stages of the experiment confirm the modulating effect of copper on apoptosis.

[Effect of thrombodefensins on the course of chronic staphylococci dermatitis on in vivo model]

AIM

Evaluate therapeutic effect of thrombodefensins (TD) on the course of chronic staphylococci dermatitis (CSD) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TD was obtained from human thrombocytes. 24 CBRB-Rb(8.17)1Iem line female mice were used in the experiment, that were divided into 2 equal groups. Staphylococcus aureus strain producing exfoliative exotoxin was isolated from withers of each mouse with signs of affection. Mice of the experiment group subcutaneously around the locus of affection, received for 4 weeks daily a composition in the volume of 0.2 ml, that contains 1 g of dry lyophilized TD diluted in 10 ml of 0.9% NaCl (final concentration of the preparation--15 μg/ml). Control group animals similarly received 0.9% solution of NaCl without TD. Area and degree of the affected zone on the back was evaluated in all the mice. Statistical significance of differences in the values of parameters was determined by t-criteria.

RESULTS

At the start of the experiment the average area of the affected zone in mice of both groups was 167 ± 17 mm2. From day 8 to 23 the expansion of the affection zone was observed, however in the experiment group of mice these negative tendencies were less pronounced. At the end of the experiment on day 50 the area of affection was significantly smaller (2.3 times) in the experiment group of mice compared with the control (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The anti-staphylococci effect of TD, demonstrated in the study, opens perspective of their clinical use in CSD therapy.

[Copper nanoparticles as modulators of apoptosis and structural changes in some organs]

The effect of repeated intramuscular injection into the organism of copper nanoparticles (CNP) with the diameter of 103 nm on the index of cell readiness to apoptosis and the structure of liver, spleen, kidney, as well as sensomotor cerebral cortex, was studied in 78 male Wistar rats. CNP were injected once per week for 12 weeks. The organs were studied using histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. It was found that after the injections, CNP were distributed into organs and tissues of animals causing structural changes that were specific for eaach tissue. Toxicity of CNP in respect to microgliocytes was demonstrated at a dose of 2 mg/kg, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity--at 6 mg/kg. The increase of CNP load on the organism up to toxic threshold (maximum tolerated dose) resulted in the appearance of signs of dystrophy and tissue necrosis. The data obtained suggest the application of an index of cell readiness to apoptosis, as assessed by caspase 3 expression, as a criterion for evaluation of CNP injection safety.

[Selenium content in meat and poultry in Orenburg region]

Selenium content in beef, pork and poultry from Orenburg Region has been investigated. Regions with low (beef < 112 mcg/kg, pork--about 200 mcg/kg, poultry < 127 mcg/kg), medium and high (beef > 300 mcg/kg; pork--about 600 mcg/kg; poultry--170-180 mcg/kg) selenium levels are indicated. Positive correlations between selenium content in meat and soil are demonstrated (beef/soil +0.558, p < 0.001; pork/soil +0.557, p < 0.001; poultry/soil +0.389, p < 0.05). Meat contribution to selenium consumption is equal to: beef--4.6%, pork--6%, poultry--2.6%.

[Selenium content in bread of Orenburg region]

Selenium content in wheat and rye bread from 35 districts of Orenburg region has been estimated. The results indicate heterogeneity of selenium distribution and the existence of decreased selenium levels in the West of the region. Different factors affecting selenium accumulation by cereals are discussed: heavy metals pollution, Ni and Cu mining, soil salinization.