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Tree M, Lam TJGM, McDougall S, Beggs DS, Robertson ID, Barnes AL, Chopra A, Ram R, Stockman CA, Kent TC, Aleri JW. Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy dairy cattle on a Mediterranean pasture-based system of Australia: A cross-sectional study. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:803-820. [PMID: 39369890 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25157] [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: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy lactating cows and calves in the Mediterranean pasture-based feeding dairy system of Western Australia (WA). Fecal samples were collected from healthy adult lactating cows and healthy calves from dairy farms in WA. Presumptive commensal E. coli was isolated from these samples and confirmed using matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Broth microdilution was used to assess the prevalence and the phenotypic AMR profiles of the E. coli isolates to 8 antimicrobial agents of dairy industry and human importance. The minimum inhibitory concentration for each isolate was interpreted using the epidemiologic cutoff (ECOFF) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints. Genomic characterization provided multilocus sequence types and AMR genes for a selection of isolates categorized as nonwild type (NWT) by ECOFF values for the combination of ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. From a total of 1,117 fecal samples (633 adult, 484 calf) collected across 26 randomly selected farms, 891 commensal E. coli isolates were recovered (541 adult, 350 calf). Commensal E. coli classified as NWT was highest for ampicillin for both adult (68.8%; 95% CI [64.7, 72.7]) and calf feces (67.1%; 95% CI [62.0, 72.0]). A large proportion of tetracycline NWT and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole NWT organisms were also identified from calf feces, being 44.0% (95% CI [38.7, 49.4]) and 24.6% (95% CI [20.2, 29.4]), respectively. Clinical resistance prevalence was low, being higher for calves than for adult feces for ampicillin (adult: 7.8%, 95% CI [5.7, 10.3]; calf: 30.0%, 95% CI [25.2, 35.1]), tetracycline (adult: 6.3%, 95% CI [4.4, 8.7]; calf: 40.3%, 95% CI [35.1, 45.6]), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (adult: 2.6%, 95% CI [1.4, 4.3]; calf: 22.0%, 95% CI [17.7, 26.7]). Commensal E. coli originating from calf feces was significantly higher in NWT prevalence compared with adult feces for ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The overall number of antimicrobials an isolate was classified as NWT toward varied among farms and was significantly higher for isolates originating from calf rather than adult feces. The strain type and sampling source of the commensal E. coli investigated were both associated with the commonality of the resultant resistance genome. Clinical resistance and NWT classification were highest for ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, all antimicrobials commonly used in the treatment of dairy cattle in Australia. Although highly variable across farms, commensal E. coli isolated from healthy dairy calf feces had significantly higher NWT and multidrug resistance (MDR) prevalence compared with feces from healthy adult lactating dairy cows. The resistant genome identified in MDR isolates, although not always consistent with the phenotype, included QnrS1 and genes encoding AmpC β-lactamase and aminoglycoside phosphotransferase.
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Sadri H, Ghaffari MH, Sauerwein H, Schuchardt S, Martín-Tereso J, Doelman J, Daniel JB. Longitudinal characterization of the muscle metabolome in dairy cows during the transition from lactation cessation to lactation resumption. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:1062-1077. [PMID: 39343201 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25324] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is vital in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and adapting to the physiological needs of pregnancy and lactation. Despite advancements in understanding metabolic changes in dairy cows around calving and early lactation, there are still gaps in our knowledge, especially concerning muscle metabolism and the changes associated with drying off. This study aimed to characterize the skeletal muscle metabolome in the context of the dietary and metabolic changes occurring during the transition from the cessation of lactation to the resumption of lactation in dairy cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows housed in tiestalls were dried off 6 wk before the expected calving date. Cows were individually fed ad libitum TMR composed of grass silage, corn silage, and concentrate during lactation and of corn silage, barley straw, and concentrate during the dry period. The metabolome was characterized in skeletal muscle samples (M. longissimus dorsi) collected on wk -7 (9 d before dry-off), -5 (6 d after dry-off), and wk -1, and wk 1 relative to calving. The targeted metabolomics approach was conducted using the MxP Quant 500 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences AG) with liquid chromatography, flow injection, and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis on the muscle metabolite data was performed using MetaboAnalyst 5.0, which allowed us to conduct various multivariate analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), informative heat map generation, and hierarchical clustering. The statistical analysis revealed a clear separation between pregnancy (wk -7, -5, and -1) and postcalving (wk 1). Starting 5 wk before calving and continuing through the first week thereafter, the concentration of 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) in the muscle increased. This coincided with an increase in the concentrations of 11 AA (Phe, His, Tyr, Trp, Arg, Asn, Leu, Ile, Gly, Ser, and Thr) in the first week after calving, whereas Gln decreased. l-Arginine pathway metabolites (homoarginine, ornithine, citrulline, and asymmetric dimethylarginine), betaine, and sarcosine followed a similar pattern, increasing from wk -7 to -5, but decreasing from wk -1 to 1. The transition from pregnancy to lactation was associated with an increase in concentrations of the long-chain acylcarnitine species C16, C16:1, C18, and C18:1 in the muscle, whereas the concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin in the muscle remained stable. The significant changes observed in the metabolome mainly concerned the AA and AA-related metabolites, indicating muscle protein breakdown in the first week after calving. The metabolites produced by the l-Arg pathway might contribute to regulating skeletal muscle mass and function in periparturient dairy cows. The elevated concentrations of long-chain acylcarnitine species in the muscle in the first week after calving suggest incomplete fatty acid oxidation, likely due to insufficient metabolic adaptation in response to the fatty acid load around the time of calving.
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Vermeersch AS, Ducatelle R, Geldhof P, Opsomer G. Invited review: Udder cleft dermatitis in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:59-72. [PMID: 39694238 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25086] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) is a common dermatological condition of the udder skin in dairy cows. It is generally considered to be a multifactorial disease, being described in a rather limited amount of literature. Its cow and within-herd prevalence widely ranges between studies depending on the study characteristics, environment and breed. Known risk factors include husbandry practices and environmental factors, such as freestall housing, the use of mattresses as cubicle bases, and footbathing. Cow-related elements, such as udder conformation, parity, and lactation parameters are well-known risk factors for developing UCD. Despite being associated with a high incidence of veterinary-treated clinical mastitis and culling due to udder disease, the SCC of the milk is not influenced by UCD. Severe UCD lesions are characterized by chronic and persistent, dysregulated inflammation accompanied by hampered skin healing and an impaired skin barrier. There is a decrease in microbial diversity followed by dysbiosis and a concomitant overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria negatively affecting beneficial commensal bacteria. Concurrently, a shift in virulence factors most likely contributes to the creation of an environment favorable to pathogens. Anecdotally, mange mites have been associated with UCD but current literature refutes this. The role of treponemes remains inconclusive. Multiomics analysis of both transcriptomic and metagenomic severe UCD datasets, revealed the negative interaction of the facultative pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes with microbiome-associated virulence factors and the patient's transcriptome. No efficient curative treatments nor prevention strategies have been identified so far, although alginogel products have been described to have a positive effect on the healing process of severe lesions. All in all, UCD is a painful skin disease for which an array of miscellaneous risk factors have been identified. For the first time we assimilate literature on prevalence and risk factors, and results from recent elementary studies that provide insights into the pathogenesis of this challenging disease.
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Mangwe MC, Mason WA, Reed CB, Spaans OK, Pacheco D, Bryant RH. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cow-level factors affecting milk urea nitrogen and urinary nitrogen output under pasture-based diets. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:579-596. [PMID: 39369898 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25394] [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: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
With dairy cattle farming under pressure to lower its environmental footprint, it is important to find effective on-farm proxies for evaluation and monitoring of management practices aimed at reducing the risk of nitrogen (N) losses and optimizing N use efficiency of dairy farm systems. Urinary N (UN) is regarded as the most potent source of N emissions. In contrast to confinement systems, there have been few studies from pasture-based systems associating on-farm animal and nutritional factors with UN output. Thus, the aims of this meta-analysis were to collate a database from pasture-based research in order to (1) investigate the associations of management, dietary, and animal variables with MUN concentration and daily UN output; (2) describe the MUN-UN association; and (3) assess whether animal, management, and dietary factors influence the relationship. We developed a dataset consisting of 95 observations representing 919 lactating dairy cattle fed pasture-based diets, which was compiled from 32 unique research publications that reported both MUN and UN output. Multilevel, mixed meta-analysis regression techniques were used to analyze the data. Initially, all variables were assessed as the sole fixed effect in a 2-level random effects model, accounting for within-publication heterogeneity. Meta-regression techniques were then used to assess the relationship of all variables with MUN and UN output, respectively, accounting for 3 sources of variability: the sampling error of the individual observation, within-publication heterogeneity, and among-publication heterogeneity. At the univariable level, despite more than 10 dietary, animal, or management variables being significantly associated with MUN, none explained a large amount of the MUN variation. The variables that explained the greatest amount of variation were dietary CP content and the ratio of nitrogen to ME content, which explained about 33% and 31% of the variation in MUN concentrations, respectively. Combining factors in multiple regressions improved the model fit, such that the variation within publications explained by dietary CP and N intake increased to 40.0% in the final multiple meta-regression model. For UN output, individual variables explained a greater proportion of variance reported among observations, compared with MUN, whereby diet CP content (pseudo R2 = 66.1%), N-to-ME intake ratio (pseudo R2 = 64.0%), N intake (pseudo R2 = 58.3%), and MUN (pseudo R2 = 43.5%) explained the greatest amount of the total variation. Milk urea nitrogen, N intake, and DMI were associated with UN output in the final multiple meta-regression model. Substantial heterogeneity existed in both MUN and UN among publications, with among-publication heterogeneity accounting for 73.4% of all the variation noted in MUN, and 88.6% of all the variation in UN output. As such, the meta-analyses could not predict MUN and UN to any great extent. It is recommended that a consistent approach to measuring and reporting MUN concentrations and UN output be carried out for all future research in pasture-based systems.
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Consentini CEC, Melo LF, Lemos Motta JC, Oliveira E Silva L, Picoli Folchini N, Alves RLOR, Madureira G, Oliveira Carneiro T, Abadia T, Moroz L, Fortes RVS, Soriano S, Gonzales B, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. Reproductive outcomes of lactating dairy cows submitted to first timed artificial insemination protocols with different strategies to induce final ovulation. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:1138-1149. [PMID: 39694244 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25188] [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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
The study evaluated strategies for induction of ovulation at the end of timed AI (TAI) protocols initiated after a novel presynchronization strategy. A total of 909 lactating dairy cows from 6 dairy herds initiated a presynchronization protocol on d -15 with an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant and 7 d later (d -8) were treated with 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate (EC) and 0.530 mg of cloprostenol sodium (a synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2α; PGF), simultaneously with the P4 implant removal. On d 0, the protocol for synchronization of ovulation was initiated with 16.8 µg of buserelin acetate (a synthetic analog of GnRH) and insertion of a 2.0 g P4 implant, followed by a treatment with 0.530 mg of PGF on d 6, and a second PGF on d 7, concomitant with the P4 implant withdrawal. In Group EC, cows received 1.0 mg of EC on d 7 as an ovulation inducer. In G group, cows received 8.4 µg of GnRH 56 h after the first PGF (16 h before TAI). In Group EC/G, cows received both EC and GnRH. The TAI was performed on d 9 (48 h after P4 withdrawal) in all experimental treatments. There were no differences among treatments on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) on d 31 (40.4%; 367/909). There was a tendency for greater pregnancy loss in G group (19.8%) than in EC (12.2%) and EC/G (10.1%) groups. When the 2 groups that received EC were combined, the pregnancy loss was lower than when cows received only GnRH (11.2% [21/188] vs. 19.8% [17/86]; P = 0.05). There was an interaction between treatment and expression of estrus on P/AI, in which estrus positively affected P/AI in EC (53.3% vs. 20.0%) and EC/G (53.1% vs. 36.7%), but not in G group (41.5% vs. 38.7%). Overall, 81% of the cows had a corpus luteum (CL) on d 0 and 91% at PGF treatment of the breeding protocols. Fertility was greater in cows with CL at the time of the first PGF treatment than in cows without CL (45.9% vs. 17.7%). In summary, the strategies to induce final ovulation resulted in similar fertility despite the different physiological responses, such as expression of estrus, but further research is needed to definitively confirm the relationship between lack of EC and increased pregnancy loss.
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Räisänen SE, Wasson DE, Cueva SF, Silvestre T, Hristov AN. Bioavailability of rumen-protected histidine, lysine, and methionine assessed using different in vivo methods. J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:538-552. [PMID: 39725506 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25437] [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: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to estimate the bioavailability (BA) of rumen-protected (RP) His, RPLys, and 2 RPMet products using 3 in vivo methods: area under the curve (AUC), plasma dose-response (PDR), and fecal free AA (FFAA) methods. We used 8 rumen-cannulated cows in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 16-d periods. Treatments were (1) abomasal infusion of water (control), (2) abomasal infusion of free His, Lys, and Met (FAA), (3) administration of RPHis + RPLys + RPMet1 (rumen-protected methionine protected with ethyl cellulose; RPAA1), and (4) administration of RPHis + RPLys + RPMet2 (rumen-protected methionine protected with a pH-sensitive polymer; RPAA2). On d 7 of each experimental period, a pulse-dose of water (control) or FAA were infused into the abomasum of the cows, or RPAA were placed directly in the rumen, and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein through a catheter 11 times over a 24-h period for the AUC method. Following the AA pulse-dose, infusion lines were installed into the abomasum for continuous infusion of FAA for the PDR method, or RPAA were fed from d 12 to d 16 and cows were fitted with urinary catheters for total collection of feces for the FFAA method. Fecal collection and blood sampling were conducted from d 14 to 16. Due to technical issues likely leading to unrealistic BA estimates, data for the PDR method are reported in the supplemental material. Relative BA based on the AUC method (computed as AUC of RPAA treatment plasma AA concentration divided by AUC of FAA treatment plasma AA concentration) was lower for RPMet1 compared with RPMet2 (43% vs. 61%) and was 45% (SEM = 3.35) and 72% (SEM = 5.99), for RPHis and RPLys, respectively. Rumen escape fractions of RPAA, estimated in a previous study using an in situ method, and digestibility data from the current study were used for calculations of BA for the FFAA method. Bioavailability based on the FFAA method was lower for RPMet1 (67%) compared with RPMet2 (91%) and was 87% (SEM = 0.71) and 75% (SEM = 2.75) for RPHis and RPLys, respectively. The relative differences in estimated BA based on both the AUC and FFAA methods between the RPMet products were as expected, based on literature, and data for all 4 RPAA products corresponded well with previously estimated BA using the FFAA method. The unrealistic data for the PDR method were likely caused by technical deviations from the original method (e.g., once-daily dosing of RPAA and inability to capture representative plasma concentration data with the sampling time points). Therefore, comparison of the PDR method with the AUC and FFAA methods were not possible in this study. Further comparisons are needed without deviations from the original PDR method. Variability in BA data and differences in estimated BA between the in vivo methods highlight the current challenges for accurate measurements of relative in vivo BA of RPAA products. Different protection technologies may call for different methodology to be used for BA estimations. Further research and standardization of in vivo BA methods are warranted.
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Akter A, Li X, Grey E, Wang SC, Kebreab E. Grape pomace supplementation reduced methane emissions and improved milk quality in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01416-4. [PMID: 39710260 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25419] [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: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024]
Abstract
Grape pomace (GP) is a byproduct of the viticulture industry and shows promise for feeding dairy cattle as well as reducing enteric methane (CH4) emissions. This study investigates the potential of using fresh GP in dairy cow feeding and its effects on CH4 emissions. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 24, 205 ± 39 DIM) were housed in free stall barns and provided rations consisting of alfalfa hay, wheat hay, almond hulls, cottonseed, and grain mix. After a 2-wk adaptation period, cows were randomly assigned to one of the 3 treatments: a control diet (CON) a diet with 10% grape pomace (10% GP), and a diet with 15% GP (15% GP) on a DM basis. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 3 Latin Square Design, where cows received 3 treatments over 3 periods, each period lasting for 4 wk. Rations were provided twice daily and gas emissions from cows were measured using an automated GreenFeed system. Milk production was recorded both in the morning and evening h and milk samples were collected weekly for fat, protein, lactose, SNF, MUN, and SCC analysis. For fatty acids analysis, milk samples were collected on the last 3 d of each 28-d period. Data were checked for normality and were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA in proc GLIMMIX in SAS. Dry matter intake was reduced in GP-fed cow, where CON had the highest DMI followed by 10% and 15% GP. Methane and H2 emissions were reduced in GP-supplemented group compared with CON group. On the other hand, CO2 emissions was found higher in GP-supplemented group compared with the CON group. Milk yield was not different among different GP treatments. Although no differences were observed in fat, protein, lactose, SNF, and SCC, we did observe that MUN was lower in the 10% and 15% GP compared with CON group. The reduction in CH4 emissions in GP-supplemented group suggests that the chemical components of GP were effective in reducing CH4 emissions. On the other hand, lower DMI in GP supplemented groups indicates that DMI can act as an indicator of lower CH4 production. No effects on fat, protein percentage, and milk yield indicate that GP did not negatively affect milk production. Total PUFA and linoleic acid in milk fat, were greater in 10% and 15% GP groups compared with CON group. In conclusion, GP supplementation helped reduce enteric CH4 emissions from cows without impacting milk production.
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Ojeda-Rojas OA, Pérez-Báez J, Casaro S, Chebel RC, Cunha F, De Vries A, Santos JEP, Lima FS, Pinedo P, Schuenemann GM, Bicalho RC, Gilbert RO, Rodriguez-Zas S, Seabury CM, Rosa G, Thatcher WW, Galvão KN. The economic impact of purulent vaginal discharge in dairy herds within a single lactation. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01345-6. [PMID: 39662820 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24897] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to calculate the cost of purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) in dairy cows. The data set included 11,051 cows from 16 dairy herds located in 4 regions of the US. Purulent vaginal discharge was characterized as a mucopurulent, purulent, or reddish-brownish vaginal discharge collected at 28 ± 7 d in milk. Gross profit was calculated as the difference between incomes and expenses, and the cost of PVD was calculated by subtracting the gross profit of cows with PVD from the gross profit of cows without PVD. Continuous outcomes such as milk production (kg/cow), milk sales ($/cow), cow sales ($/cow), feed costs ($/cow), reproductive management cost ($/cow), replacement costs ($/cow), and gross profit ($/cow) were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Pregnancy and culling by 305 DIM were analyzed by generalized linear mixed-effects models using logistic regression. Models included the fixed effects of PVD, metritis, parity, region, season of calving, and morbidity in the first 60 DIM, as well as the interactions between PVD and metritis, PVD and parity group, and PVD and morbidity. Farm and the interaction between PVD and farm were considered random effects in all the statistical models. A stochastic analysis was conducted using 10,000 iterations with varying relevant inputs. Cows with PVD produced less milk (9,753.2 ± 333.6 vs. 9,994.6 ± 330.9 kg/cow), were less likely to be pregnant (70.7 ± 1.7 vs. 78.9 ± 1.2%), and were more likely to be culled by 305 DIM (34.6 ± 1.7 vs. 27.2 ± 1.3%) compared with cows without PVD. Consequently, milk sales (4,744.7 ± 162.3 vs. 4,862.1 ± 161.0 $/cow) and residual cow value (1,079.6 ± 23.0 vs. 1,179.3 ± 20.3 $/cow) were lesser for cows with PVD. Replacement (639.4 ± 26.4 vs. 526.0 ± 23.4 $/cow) and reproductive management costs (76.3 ± 2.5 vs. 69.0 ± 2.4 $/cow) were greater for cows with PVD. The mean cost of PVD was $202. The stochastic analysis also showed a mean cost of $202, ranging from $152 to $265. The robust data set and the stochastic analysis strengthen both the external and internal validity of our findings, offering a deeper understanding of the economic consequences of PVD. In conclusion, PVD resulted in large economic losses to dairy herds by being associated with decreased milk yield, impaired reproduction, and greater culling.
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Gao J, Marins TN, Calix JOS, Qi Z, Savegnago CG, Roper AM, Woldemeskel MW, Bernard JK, Tao S. Systemic and mammary Inflammation and mammary gland development of Holstein dairy cows around dry-off and calving. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01348-1. [PMID: 39662814 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25279] [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: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated systemic and mammary inflammation, and immune cell population and developmental pattern of the mammary gland in Holstein dairy cows transitioning from late lactation to the dry period (LTD, n = 6) and from the dry period to early lactation (DTL, n = 7). All cows were healthy and free of mastitis at enrollment. Mammary biopsies, milk or mammary secretions and blood samples were collected on d -7, 3, 7, and 15 relative to dry-off and on d -8, 3, 7, and 21 relative to calving. After dry-off, LTD cows had increased circulating concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, haptoglobin and fibrinogen suggesting upregulated inflammation. Protein, SCC, and solid-not-fat contents in milk or mammary secretions increased during the early dry period but decreased after calving. In contrast, lactose concentrations in mammary secretions decreased in the early dry period and increased following calving. Skim milk concentrations of TNF-α, interleukin-10 and haptoglobin increased following dry-off. Consistently, mammary tissue mRNA expression of IL1B and IL10 tended to increase on d 7 and 15 following dry-off, respectively. After calving, mammary alveolar and total cells had higher apoptosis rate. Mammary alveolar, stromal, and total cell proliferation rates peaked on d 7 after dry-off in mammary tissue collected from LTD cows and were greater in the late dry period compared with early lactation. Mammary mRNA expression of HGF increased on d 7 and 15 after dry-off. Mammary tissue collected in the late dry period had greater gene expression of IGF1, IGF2, PRLR compared with early lactation. Mammary tissues collected in the early dry period had greater percentages of CD20+ B lymphocytes, CD172a+ macrophage and neutrophils compared with tissues collected during late lactation. Mammary gland collected from early lactation had greater percentages of CD20+ B lymphocytes, CD3+ T lymphocytes, CD172a+ macrophages than tissue collected from the late dry period. In conclusion, dairy cows experienced upregulated systemic and mammary inflammation during the early dry period which warrants further research to elucidate its impact on mammary development. Our data also suggested that the increased mammary growth during the late gestation and early dry period was mediated by different mechanisms. The concurrent increases in immune cell infiltration and mammary cell proliferation in the mammary gland following dry-off suggest an association between mammary immune responses and growth during the early dry period.
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Craig A, Gordon AW, White A, Ferris CP. Performance of dairy cows offered silages produced from grass swards harvested on either 3 or 5 occasions during the growing season. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:10599-10610. [PMID: 39033922 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24931] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The nutritive value of grass silage can be improved by harvesting herbage at a less mature growth stage, which in practice usually involves more frequent harvests. This study examined the performance of dairy cows offered grass silages produced from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) based swards harvested at 2 different frequencies during the growing season (3-harvest [3H] vs. 5-harvest [5H]). Thirty-four mid-lactation (average 147 DIM) dairy cows (30 multiparous, 4 primiparous) were offered either 3H or 5H silages in a continuous design (21 wk) experiment. Within each treatment cows were offered silage from each harvest (in harvest number order) for a predetermined number of days in proportion to herbage DM yield at each harvest. Silages were offered ad libitum, while a common concentrate was offered to all cows at 12.0 kg/cow per day over the first 15 wk of the study, 8.0 kg/cow per day during wk 16 to 19 and 6.0 kg/cow per day during wk 20 to 21. Total yield of herbage harvested over the season from within 3H and 5H were 12.6 and 11.2 t DM/ha, respectively. Across all harvests the mean ME and CP concentration of silages were 10.9 MJ/kg DM and 131 g/kg DM for 3H, and 11.5 MJ/kg DM and 152 g/kg DM for 5H. Silage DMI was greater for cows offered 5H silages compared with 3H silages (14.1 vs. 11.7 kg/d, respectively). Cows offered 5H silages had a greater daily milk yield (33.5 vs. 31.9 kg) and ECM yield (37.4 vs. 35.6 kg) compared with cows offered 3H silages. Treatment had no effect on milk fat or protein concentration. Cows offered 5H silages produced milk with greater concentrations of CLA and n-3 fatty acids. Treatment had no effect on mean BW or BCS, or on efficiency metrics such as milk yield or ECM yield per kilogram of DMI. Molar proportions of VFA in ruminal fluid differed between the treatments, with cows offered 3H silages having higher proportion of total butyrate (15.9% vs. 14.4% of total VFA) and lower total valerate (3.2% vs. 3.7% of total VFA) compared with those offered 5H. The acetate:propionate and acetate plus butyrate:propionate ratios were unaffected by treatment. In conclusion, increasing herbage harvesting frequency from 3 to 5 times per year improved the nutritional value of the resulting silages, and this led to higher silage DMI, milk yield, and ECM yield. However, overall production efficiency (ECM/DMI) was unaffected by treatment.
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Valníčková B, Bartošová J, Bartoš L. Losing a Herd Mate: Negative Effects on Milk Yield and Udder Health Indicators in Loose-Housed Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3459. [PMID: 39682422 DOI: 10.3390/ani14233459] [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: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 11/16/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Feral cattle (Bos taurus) live in socially stable herds. Due to farm management practices, intensively managed dairy cows experience frequent regrouping, which can disrupt affiliative bonds and induce social stress. This study examines how changes in herd composition affect milk yield and udder health traits in resident dairy cows exposed to the withdrawal of herd members or the introduction of new individuals. Milk yield, electrical conductivity, and blood presence in milk were measured in 798 cows using precision dairy sensors over 9 years. Milk yield decreased significantly (p < 0.001) one day after the removal of familiar herd members, while introducing cows had no effect. A higher number of cows being withdrawn (up to 10) was associated with reduced milk yield (p < 0.001), elevated milk electrical conductivity (p = 0.01), and an increased prevalence of blood presence in milk (p = 0.01), which can indicate potential udder health issues linked to social stress. Holstein Friesian, primiparous, and first-lactation-stage cows were more affected than Czech Simental and multiparous cows later in lactation. These findings underscore the influence of social stability on dairy cow welfare and productivity, emphasising the need for strategies to mitigate stress when herd changes are necessary.
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France TL, Ortega AF, Richards AT, Farricker MJ, Fontoura AB, McFadden JW. Abomasal Infusion of Deuterium-Labeled Choline Confirms that Choline is a Methyl Donor in Gestating and Lactating Holstein Dairy Cattle. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)01183-0. [PMID: 39581267 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.11.014] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 10/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cattle, dietary choline is fed in a rumen-protected form to bypass ruminal degradation while allowing intestinal absorption of choline. We require data to help us define choline utilization in the dairy cow transitioning from gestation to lactation. OBJECTIVES The study examined choline methyl group transfer in dairy cattle transitioning from gestation to lactation. METHODS Six multiparous, rumen-cannulated Holstein cows were enrolled in a longitudinal study design where they were abomasally infused with choline chloride (CC) for a 5-d experimental period at -3 wk from the expected due date and again at 2 wk postpartum. Twenty percent of CC provided per day was replaced with the stable-isotope trimethyl-d9-CC. Plasma, milk, liver, urine, and fecal samples were analyzed for choline and choline metabolite concentrations and isotope enrichment. RESULTS Plasma betaine (P < 0.01) and liver choline and betaine concentrations were lower during lactation (P < 0.01). During lactation, cows had greater circulating enrichment of d3-choline, d3-betaine, d9-betaine, and d9-phosphatidylcholine (PC; P ≤ 0.05), and greater liver enrichment of d3-glycerophosphorylcholine and d9-sphingomyelin (P ≤ 0.02). Greater urinary and fecal losses of d3- and d9-trimethylamine (TMA), and d3- and d9-TMA N-oxide (TMAO) were observed during pregnancy (P ≤ 0.05). Total choline metabolites detected in urine from infused CC were greater during pregnancy, relative to lactation (P < 0.01). Total fecal choline metabolites from infused CC were greater during lactation than during pregnancy (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm that choline is a methyl donor (e.g., detected d3-choline), and choline is used by both the cytidine diphosphate-choline and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyl transferase pathways in the cow during gestation and lactation. We also provide evidence for the endogenous recycling of absorbed choline via bile (i.e. presence of d3-TMA). Degradation of choline to TMA and TMAO must be considered when evaluating choline bioavailability.
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Moravcsíková Á, Vyskočilová Z, Šustr P, Bartošová J. Validating Ultra-Wideband Positioning System for Precision Cow Tracking in a Commercial Free-Stall Barn. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3307. [PMID: 39595359 PMCID: PMC11590918 DOI: 10.3390/ani14223307] [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: 10/10/2024] [Revised: 11/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
UWB positioning systems offer innovative solutions for precision monitoring dairy cow behaviour and social dynamics, yet their performance in complex commercial barn environments requires thorough validation. This study evaluated the TrackLab 2.13 (Noldus) UWB system in a dairy barn housing 44-49 cows. We assessed stationary tag positioning using ten fixed tags over seven days, proximity detection between eight cows and ten stationary tags, and moving tag positioning using three tags on a stick to simulate cow movement. System performance varied by tag location, with reliability ranging from 4.09% to 96.73% and an overall mean accuracy of 0.126 ± 0.278 m for stationary tags. After the provider updated the software, only 0.62% of measures exceeded the declared accuracy of 0.30 m. Proximity detection between moving cows and stationary tags showed 81.42% accuracy within a 2-m range. While generally meeting specifications, spatial variations in accuracy and reliability were observed, particularly near barn perimeters. These findings highlight UWB technology's potential for precision livestock farming, welfare assessment, and behaviour research, including social interactions and space use patterns. Results emphasise the need for careful system setup, regular updates, and context-aware data interpretation in commercial settings to maximise benefits in animal welfare monitoring.
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Wagner FC, Hesse F, Wehrle J, Mülling CKW. Chiropractic Treatment of Dairy Cows. Vet Sci 2024; 11:570. [PMID: 39591344 PMCID: PMC11598983 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11110570] [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: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lameness, also attributed to musculoskeletal disorders of the back, is a major issue in dairy cow farming, affecting both animal welfare and economics. Chiropractic techniques are well studied in humans and horses for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The anatomy of the bovine spine differs significantly from that of horses, but the knowledge of the animal's specific anatomy is crucial for chiropractic treatment. This report explores how chiropractic methods could be adapted to cattle, considering their unique anatomy, and potentially integrated into standard veterinary care. Five case reports and an example of measuring the alignment of the facet joints in the spine are presented and discussed. Chiropractic treatments showed success in alleviating lameness and spinal issues in dairy cows, particularly when combined with other interventions. However, the role of chiropractic treatment in cattle as a complementary therapy needs further research.
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Tobolski D, Zwierzchowski G, Wójcik R, Haxhiaj K, Wishart DS, Ametaj BN. Metabolic Fingerprinting of Blood and Urine of Dairy Cows Affected by Bovine Leukemia Virus: A Mass Spectrometry Approach. Metabolites 2024; 14:624. [PMID: 39590860 PMCID: PMC11596772 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14110624] [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: 10/22/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated metabolic changes associated with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in dairy cows, focusing on pre-parturition alterations. METHODS Metabolite identification in serum and urine samples was performed using a targeted metabolomics method, employing the TMIC Prime kit in combination with flow injection analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Of 145 cows examined, 42 (28.9%) were BLV-seropositive. Around 38% of infected cows showed high somatic cell counts indicative of subclinical mastitis, with 15 experiencing additional health issues such as ketosis, milk fever, and lameness. Despite these conditions, no significant differences in milk yield or composition were observed between the infected and control groups. Metabolomic analysis conducted at -8 and -4 weeks prepartum revealed significant metabolic differences between BLV-infected and healthy cows. At -8 weeks, 30 serum metabolites were altered, including sphingomyelins, lysophosphatidylcholines, amino acids, and acylcarnitines, suggesting disruptions in membrane integrity, energy metabolism, and immune function indicative of early neoplastic transformations. By -4 weeks, the number of altered metabolites decreased to 17, continuing to reflect metabolic disruptions in cows with leukemia. Multivariate analysis highlighted distinct metabolic profiles between infected and control cows, identifying key discriminating metabolites such as choline, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and arginine. Urine metabolomics revealed significant prepartum shifts in metabolites related to glucose, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and pyruvic acid, among others. CONCLUSIONS The research confirmed metabolomics' efficacy in defining a BLV infection metabolic profile, elucidating leukosis-associated metabolic disruptions. This approach facilitates the identification of BLV-infected cows and enhances understanding of infection pathophysiology, providing a foundation for advanced management and intervention strategies in dairy herds. The study underscores the profound impact of leukosis on metabolic processes and highlights urine metabolomics' utility in non-invasively detecting BLV infection, offering the potential for improved herd health management.
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Pires JAA, De La Torre A, Barreto-Mendes L, Cassar-Malek I, Ortigues-Marty I, Blanc F. Production and metabolic responses of Montbéliarde and Holstein cows during periparturient period and a sequential feed restriction challenge. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01291-8. [PMID: 39521419 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25488] [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: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The objective was to compare the production and metabolic responses of 22 Montbéliarde (MONT) and 18 Holstein (HOLS) multiparous cows during the periparturient period, and during a sequential nutritional challenge (SNC), consisting of 4 successive induced short feed restrictions each separated by a refeeding period, to explore breed differences in robustness (ability to maintain lactation function during successive challenges) and resilience (ability to recover after each challenge). Cows were studied from 4 wk before expected calving until 158 ± 9 DIM (mean ± SD). Milk and ECM yields were greater in HOLS than in MONT during both the early (i.e., from calving to wk 10) and mid-lactation (i.e., from wk 18 to 22) periods, whereas BCS was greater in MONT than HOLS. During early lactation, energy balance was lower (5 vs. 16 MJ/d), plasma NEFA (270 vs 163 µM) were greater, for HOLS than MONT, respectively. Cows in third-and-greater lactation secreted more ECM, and had delayed resumption of luteal activity compared with second lactation cows. The SNC started at 87 ± 9 DIM and consisted of a sequence of 4 4-d periods of feed restriction (FR), during which feed allowance was calculated to meet 50% of individual energy requirements (FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4), each of them being followed by an ad libitum intake period. Cows were allowed 10 d of ad libitum intake between FR1 and FR2 to study the recovery and compare it with the recovery following FR4, and 3 d of ad libitum intake between FR2, FR3 and FR4 to study responses to repeated FR. Feed allowance met 59 to 67% of energy requirements during FR1 through FR4, as milk secretion decreased with successive FR. Breed differences in milk secretion persisted throughout the nutritional challenges, but were more pronounced during the first 2 FR: Uncorrected MY was greater for HOLS throughout the entire SNC, whereas ECM and plasma NEFA concentrations and milk fat yield were greater for HOLS than MONT during FR1 and FR2, but not FR3 and FR4, suggesting a reduced ability of HOLS to mobilize and transfer fatty acids into milk with successive FRs, and indicating altered robustness of HOLS to maintain high milk yield. Resilience for ECM yield did not differ between breeds. Cows were able to respond to and recover from the SNC, by decreasing milk secretion during FR, undergoing acute metabolic adaptations to support lactation, and recovering DMI during each refeeding period. Cow rankings for ECM yield were maintained consistently from early lactation throughout the SNC periods (rs = 0.59 to 0.90), suggesting that dairy potential was a major driver of responses during the SNC for both HOLS and MONT.
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Farschtschi S, Lengl M, Röhrl S, Klenk C, Hayden O, Diepold K, Pfaffl MW. Digital Holographic Microscopy in Veterinary Medicine-A Feasibility Study to Analyze Label-Free Leukocytes in Blood and Milk of Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3156. [PMID: 39518879 PMCID: PMC11544890 DOI: 10.3390/ani14213156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 10/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
For several years, the determination of a differential cell count of a raw milk sample has been proposed as a more accurate tool for monitoring the udder health of dairy cows compared with using the absolute somatic cell count. However, the required sample preparation and staining process can be labor- and cost-intensive. Therefore, the aim of our study was to demonstrate the feasibility of analyzing unlabeled blood and milk leukocytes from dairy cows by means of digital holographic microscopy (DHM). For this, we trained three different machine learning methods, i.e., k-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forests, and Support Vector Machine, on sorted leukocyte populations (granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes/macrophages) isolated from blood and milk samples of three dairy cows by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Afterward, those classifiers were applied to differentiate unlabeled blood and milk samples analyzed by DHM. A total of 70 blood and 70 milk samples were used. Those samples were collected from five clinically healthy cows at 14-time points within a study period of 26 days. The outcome was compared with the results of the same samples analyzed by flow cytometry and (in the case of blood samples) also to routine analysis in an external laboratory. Moreover, a standard vaccination was used as an immune stimulus during the study to check for changes in cell morphology or cell counts. When applied to isolated leukocytes, Random Forests performed best, with a specificity of 0.93 for blood and 0.84 for milk cells and a sensitivity of 0.90 and 0.81, respectively. Although the results of the three analytical methods differed, it could be demonstrated that a DHM analysis is applicable for blood and milk leukocyte samples with high reliability. Compared with the flow cytometric results, Random Forests showed an MAE of 0.11 (SD = 0.04), an RMSE of 0.13 (SD = 0.14), and an MRE of 1.00 (SD = 1.11) for all blood leukocyte counts and an MAE of 0.20 (SD = 0.11), an RMSE of 0.21 (SD = 0.11) and an MRE of 1.95 (SD = 2.17) for all milk cell populations. Further studies with larger sample sizes and varying immune cell compositions are required to establish method-specific reference ranges.
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Lora I, Calderone C, Prussiani L, Contiero B, Malagoli S, Lotto A, Cozzi G. Reference limits for blood gas analysis performed from coccygeal vessels of multiparous Holstein dairy cows: Effects of stage of lactation and season of sampling. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:9839-9846. [PMID: 39033907 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24859] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Blood gas analysis is a great support to the diagnostic process of critically ill patients. Its correct application to the medicine of dairy cows depends on the availability of specific reference intervals that are still difficult to find in the literature. They may vary according to the type of blood sampled, the animals' age and production stage, and climatic conditions. This study aimed at calculating the reference limits for some blood gas parameters in the blood collected from the coccygeal vessels of multiparous Holstein dairy cows. This site of sampling implies the risk of withdrawing blood of unknown origin (venous, arterial, or mixed), but it has a high practical interest for easy and quick performance and minimal animal restraint required. Data from 379 cows were used, and reference limits were produced for pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, total carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen saturation (sO2), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), base excess, glucose, Na, K, and ionized calcium (iCa). The effects of stage of lactation (5-60 vs. >60 DIM) and season of sampling (cold vs. hot) were investigated, and specific reference limits were produced for each variable and each level of the factors whenever a significant effect was detected. The pH, sO2, K, and iCa were not influenced by season or stage of lactation. All the other blood gas parameters were significantly affected by season of sampling, and Hb, Hct, glucose, and Na were also affected by stage of lactation. Reference limits provided in this study are specific to the site of sampling (coccygeal vessels) and the animal category considered. Further studies are needed to produce reference intervals for other blood gas parameters, cow categories, and blood types.
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Cortese VS, Woolums A, Thoresen M, Pinedo PJ, Short T. Mucosal immune responses in peri-parturient dairy cattle. Vet Microbiol 2024; 298:110201. [PMID: 39178799 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110201] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate mucosal immune responses in peripartum Holstein cows, to assess the impact of intranasal modified live viral (MLV) vaccination on mucosal immunity, and to explore the relationship between genotype and peripartum immune responses. Eighty multiparous Holstein cows were randomized to receive either: 1) intranasal MLV tri-valent viral vaccine 18-24 days prior to expected calving (DC); 2) the same vaccine within twelve hours after parturition (F); 3) vaccine at both time points (DCF), or 4) no vaccine (CON). Nasal secretions and sera were collected from all cattle pre-vaccination and on multiple days before and after calving to determine concentrations of interferon beta (IFN-beta) and IFN-gamma and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1-) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV-) specific IgA in nasal secretions, and BHV-1 and BRSV serum neutralizing (SN) titers. Cows were genotyped by bead-based microarray, genotypes were used to categorize previously established health traits, and relationships between immune responses and genotype were evaluated. There was no significant effect of vaccination on immune responses, although all vaccinated groups demonstrated numerically increased IFN-gamma within four days post vaccination. There was a significant (P <0.0001) time effect on nasal IgA in CON, F, and DCF groups, with the highest nasal IgA titers measured post calving. There was a significant (P <0.0001) time effect on nasal IFN-beta in all groups. Significant relationships between genotype and immune response were not detected. Contrary to previous reports of systemic immunosuppression, bovine mucosal responses appear to be intact in the peripartum period.
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Su L, Kamboh AA, Matar AM, Leghari RA, Kumar C. Assessment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in dairy cattle and the associated risk factors in Northern China. J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e73. [PMID: 39608768 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.24173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Gastrointestinal nematodiasis poses significant economic losses in the livestock industry due to mortality, morbidity, and decreased production. OBJECTIVE This study examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia, Northern China, the associated risk factors, and the effects on the pepsinogen and gastrin levels. METHODS Fecal samples (n = 590) were collected from four regions and analyzed using the standard floatation and sedimentation techniques. The serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels were also assessed as potential biomarkers for gastrointestinal nematodiasis. RESULTS Among 590 animals, 259 (43.9%; 95% confidence interval, 36.7-49.8) tested positive for at least one type of gastrointestinal nematode parasite. Among the positive animals, 38.6% were poly-parasitic, while 61.4% were mono-parasitic (p < 0.05). Cooperia was the predominant nematode among mono-infections, accounting for 10.8%, followed in order by Oesophagostomum (10.0%), Trichuris (9.6%), Trichostrongylus (8.5%), Dictyocaulus (6.9%), Ascarid (6.9%), Haemonchus (4.6%), and Strongyloides (3.9%). Among the poly-parasitic infected cattle, 22.7%, 9.3%, 4.2%, and 2.3% had two, three, four, and five parasite combinations, respectively. The risk factors, such as age, breed, area, physical condition, and presence of diarrhea, were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis. Poly-parasitic infected cattle showed 49.1% higher (p = 0.013) serum pepsinogen levels than the control group, while the mono-parasitic ones exhibited a 28.33% increase (p = 0.030). Similarly, the serum gastrin levels increased by 99.2% (p = 0.004) and 71.3% (p = 0.015) in the poly-parasitic and mono-parasitic animals, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings demonstrate the high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in Northern China, with an alarming rate of poly-parasitic infections. In addition, polyparasitic infections affect the enzymes pepsinogen and gastrin levels.
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Zwierzchowski G, Zhang G, Tobolski D, Wójcik R, Wishart DS, Ametaj BN. Metabolomic fingerprinting of milk fever cows: Pre- and postpartum metabolite alterations. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:3384-3397. [PMID: 39466655 PMCID: PMC11586556 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Milk fever (MF), a metabolic disorder in dairy cows characterized by low blood calcium concentrations postpartum, is well-recognized clinically. However, comprehensive data on the alteration of metabolites associated with this condition remains sparse. HYPOTHESIS Delineate serum metabolite profiles and metabolic pathways preceding, coinciding with, and after the onset of MF. ANIMALS Twenty-six cows, including 20 healthy cows and 6 cows initially affected by MF. Because of culling, the number of MF-affected cows decreased to 4 at MF week, +4 weeks, and +8 weeks postpartum. METHODS A nested case-control longitudinal study was conducted, with blood samples collected at -8 and -4 weeks prepartum, MF week, and +4 and +8 weeks postpartum. Serum analysis utilized direct injection/liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (DI/LC/MS/MS) techniques. RESULTS Key findings included the identification of diverse metabolites such as hexose, amino acids, phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelin, which varied between studied groups (P < .05). The most marked metabolic alterations were observed 4 weeks prepartum. In total, 42, 56, 38, 29, and 24 metabolites distinguished the MF group at the respective time points (P < .05). Additionally, 33 metabolic pathways, including amino acid, antioxidant metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and carbohydrate processing, were impacted (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Metabolic disruptions in dairy cows begin several weeks before the clinical manifestation of MF and persist up to 8 weeks postpartum. These findings emphasize the complexity of MF, extending beyond only hypocalcemia and indicate the necessity for preemptive monitoring in dairy herd management.
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Williams A, Bennison JJ, Mackenzie AM, Sinclair LA. Feeding nanoparticles of copper oxide coated with lysine with or without added antagonists affects the copper status but not the performance of Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:9277-9288. [PMID: 39004140 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24871] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The apparent absorption of copper (Cu) in ruminants is low, with between 0.01 and 0.07 g/g absorbed from sources such as copper oxide (CuO) under typical feeding conditions, resulting in high levels of excretion. Improving the bioavailability of Cu could reduce the supplemental amount required to maintain Cu status and reduce excretion, particularly in the presence of dietary antagonists such as sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo). The objective of our study was to determine the Cu status of cows when fed nanoparticle CuO coated with Lys compared with conventional CuO when fed without or in combination with antagonists to Cu absorption (S and Mo) in the diet of dairy cows. Fifty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows that were 48 d ± 17.2 (mean ± SD) postcalving and yielding 41 ± 6.4 kg of milk per day were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The 4 treatment groups were: CuO (O-), CuO with added antagonists (O+), nano CuO with a lysine coating (N-), and nano CuO with a Lys coating with added antagonists (N+), fed for 16 wk. We formulated the diets to contain ∼17 mg of Cu/kg DM, and diets with antagonists contained an additional 1 g of S/kg DM and 6 mg of Mo/kg DM, with Lys added to O- and O+ to provide the same daily supply as N- and N+. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 16, and liver biopsy samples at wk 0 and 16. We found no effect of dietary treatment on DMI, milk yield, live weight, or BCS, with mean values of 23.3 kg/d, 40.1 kg/d, 646 kg, and 2.68, but milk SCC was higher in cows fed conventional compared with nano CuO, or added compared with no added antagonists. We also found no effect of treatment on blood activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase, or ceruloplasmin, hematology profile, or plasma Cu and iron concentration. We found that plasma Mo concentration was increased from 0.36 µmol/L in cows fed O- or N- to 0.80 µmol/L in those receiving O+ or N+. Additional dietary antagonists also decreased the concentration of Cu in the liver of cows fed conventional CuO (C+) over the study period by 1.3 mg/kg DM per day, but in cows fed dietary antagonists and nano CuO coated with Lys (N+), liver Cu concentration was increased by 1.1 mg/kg DM per day. Our study is the first to demonstrate that reducing the particle size of CuO into the nano scale with a lysine coating improves the bioavailability of CuO in the presence of dietary antagonists in dairy cattle, and we did not observe any negative effects on performance or health.
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Santos MGS, Mion B, Ribeiro ES. Magnitude of change in prepartum feed intake: Estimations using multiple classes of predictors and associations with transition metabolism, health, and milk production. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:9803-9820. [PMID: 39033909 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24618] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with the relative change in prepartum DMI (RCDMI) of 273 cows fed individually, evaluate the performance of linear models to estimate RCDMI using different classes of predictors, and characterize the implications of RCDMI to transition metabolism, health, and subsequent milk production. Two periods of interest were established. Period 1 comprised d -21 to -12 relative to calving, when DMI was stable. Period 2 comprised d -4 to -1, when average DMI was distinctly declined. The RCDMI from period 1 to 2 was calculated as a percentage value, which ranged from -75% to 15% and averaged -18.1% (± 15.0%). Season, parity, body fatness, body weight, milk production in the previous lactation and at dry-off, and length of dry period were associated with RCDMI and explained 11% of the variation in all cows, and 19% when only parous cows were considered. Performance of linear models to predict RCDMI was improved when data on rumination and physical activities and target blood metabolites were added. The adjusted R2 increased to values between 0.45 and 0.55, and selected models performed consistently in cross-validation analyses. To evaluate the implications of RCDMI, cows were ranked within parity according to RCDMI and classified into terciles as large decline (LDec), moderate decline (MDec), or small decline (SDec). By design, DMI did not differ between tercile groups in period 1 (13.3 ± 0.2 kg/d), but differed substantially in period 2 (LDec = 8.8; MDec = 11.2; SDec = 12.7 ± 0.2 kg/d), creating important differences in RCDMI among groups (LDec = -33.8; MDec = -16.2; SDec = -3.4% ± 0.8%). At enrollment, cows in the LDec and MDec groups were heavier (LDec = 788; MDec = 775; SDec = 750 ± 7 kg), and the proportion of cows with BCS >3.5 was higher in LDec (LDec = 63%; MDec = 47%; SDec = 38%). An interaction between group and time was observed for postpartum DMI, which started lower in LDec than in SDec cows, equaled by the end of transition, and inverted at wk 13 and 14 after calving. Yields of ECM were greater in LDec than in SDec cows, and both groups did not differ from MDec (LDec = 41.0; MDec = 40.3; SDec = 39.0 ± 0.5 kg/d). The LDec cows had decreased energy balance and greater concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and aspartate aminotransferase in serum, and greater glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma than SDec cows. Larger declines in prepartum DMI were also associated with increased risk for postpartum disease, although the associations were only weak to moderate. In conclusion, a large decline in prepartum DMI of cows fed ad libitum was associated with important adjustments in the energy metabolism and antioxidants activities, and greater milk production in the subsequent lactation. These findings indicate that feed intake decline close to parturition is likely a normal response to physiological adaptations at the onset of lactation when cows are fed ad libitum.
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Terré M, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E, Fàbregas F, Bach A. Micro RNA profiles in colostrum exosomes obtained from primiparous or multiparous dairy cows. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1463342. [PMID: 39545260 PMCID: PMC11561390 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1463342] [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: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Colostrum is rich in membranous vesicles of endocytic origin named exosomes, with proteins, lipids, RNA, and/or DNA cargos which can play different roles in physiological processes. Like other colostrum bioactive compounds, exosomes could be also influenced by individual characteristics. The objective of the study was to characterize miRNA cargo of colostrum exosomes from primiparous and multiparous cows in different farms. Twenty-seven colostrum samples of clinically healthy Holstein cows (11 primiparous and 16 multiparous) from 3 different farms were obtained and frozen. After thawing, exosomes were isolated following an ultracentrifugation protocol, and characterized morphologically. Particle size distribution and western immunoblotting were also analyzMaed. After RNA extraction, miRNAs were sequenced and analyzed to assess potential differences in profiles between primiparous and multiparous cows from different farms. Fourteen miRNA were upregulated and 11 miRNAs downregulated in primiparous compared with multiparous cows. Most of the miRNA differences between primiparous and multiparous cows regulate the gene expression of factors involved in mammary gland development and differentiation, and lipogenesis. In addition, miRNAs from one of the farms showed 8 miRNAs downregulated and 12 upregulated compared with the other 2 farms, independently of parity. Differences in miRNA between farms were mainly associated with immune and inflammatory-related genes. In conclusion, miRNA cargos of bovine colostrum exosomes differ in primiparous and multiparous cows, and some on-farm practices might also determine the content and activity of miRNA in colostrum exosomes.
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Zhao C, Xu R, Yan W, Jiang B, Feng S, Wang X, Ding H. Elevated RBP4 in Subclinical Ketosis Cows Inhibits Follicular Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Steroid Hormone Synthesis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3118. [PMID: 39518840 PMCID: PMC11545013 DOI: 10.3390/ani14213118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 10/17/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which subclinical ketosis (SCK) causes postpartum reproductive disorders in dairy cows remains unclear. In this study, cows within the day 14 to 21 postpartum period were categorized into the SCK group or the control group. Subsequently, they were monitored until 45 d to 60 d postpartum and divided into the SCK anestrus group (SCK-AE, n = 12) and the control estrus group (C-E, n = 12). In comparison to the C-E group, the RBP4 and p-AKT of the SCK-AE group exhibited increased levels in serum, liver, and ovaries. In the in vitro experimental cultivation of granulosa cells (GCs), after adding RBP4, cell proliferation, steroid hormone secretion and synthesis, and GLUT4 secretion were inhibited, and cell apoptosis was exacerbated. After silencing STRA6 (RBP4 receptor), cell proliferation and steroid hormone secretion and synthesis, as well as the inhibition of GLUT4, were alleviated, and the situation of cell apoptosis also improved. The SC79 activator could promote the phosphorylation of AKT, thus alleviating the increased cell proliferation, steroid hormone secretion and synthesis, GLUT4 inhibition, and apoptosis rate in cow GCs induced by RBP4 stimulation. Our research indicates that elevated RBP4 levels in SCK cows inhibit the proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis of GCs through the STRA6 receptor and the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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