最新論文抄録

Clinical predictive significance of biomarker molecules elevation during the transition period in cattle suffering from different pathological states: A review
Open Vet J. 2024 Jun;14(6):1345-1357. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i6.3. Epub 2024 Jun 30.
ABSTRACT
The transition period (TP), which extends from 3 weeks before 3 weeks post parturition, is a critical period regarding the health, productivity, and profitability of dairy animals, during which most health disorders arise, including lameness, mastitis, rumen acidosis, ketosis, hypocalcemia (HC) (milk fever), left-displaced abomasum, fatty liver, hypophosphatemia and post-parturient hemoglobinuria, subacute ruminal acidosis, RP, and metritis. Biomarkers are biological molecules distributed in blood, body fluids, or tissues that represent physiological or pathophysiological indicators of events, processes, or conditions happening within the animal’s body. In the field of veterinary medicine, biomarkers are thought to have enormous valuable potential in the field of clinical diagnosis, therapeutical research, surgery, and obstetrical outcome. This review article aims to explore the significance of biomarkers used to predict pathological conditions and health status of cattle during the TP to facilitate the early clinical diagnosis and prompt treatment of TP-related diseases/or conditions and thus improve animal welfare and health and increase productivity.
PMID:39055757 | PMC:PMC11268916 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i6.3
Evaluation of pregnancy associated glycoproteins assays for on farm determination of pregnancy status in beef cattle
PLoS One. 2024 Jul 25;19(7):e0306325. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306325. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
Transrectal ultrasonography is known as the gold standard for pregnancy detection, but requires costly equipment and technical skills; therefore, access to an inexpensive and more user-friendly method with similar accuracy could benefit cattle producers. Detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins can accurately determine pregnancy in ruminants; however, usually requires specialized equipment for the assay. Thus, the objectives of these studies were to 1) validate the IDEXX Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test (lateral flow) and compare the accuracy of all three commercial PAG assays to transrectal ultrasonography and 2) to determine the postpartum interval necessary for clearance of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from the previous pregnancy to avoid false positives. In study 1, blood samples from previously identified pregnant Bos taurus females from six different herds (nulliparous n = 1,205 and multiparous n = 1,539; samples collected between d 27 to 285 of gestation over a three-year period) were utilized. In study 2, postpartum females (primiparous n = 48 and multiparous n = 66) from one herd were utilized: (n = 1,066; samples collected weekly for up to 12 weeks postpartum). In study 1, level of agreement between different methods of pregnancy detection was determined by Pearson’s correlation and Kappa scores. In study 2, data were analyzed as a repeated measure using the MIXED procedure of SAS with main effects of parity, days postpartum (dpp), and parity by days postpartum, then data were analyzed further using the REG procedure of SAS. In study 1, transrectal ultrasonography and lateral flow were positively correlated (r = 0.77; P <0.01), with 92.4% agreement. In study 2, the abundance of absorbance of PAGs rapidly decreased from 0 to 50 days postpartum, then continued to gradually decrease (P <0.01; r = 0.90). Prior to 42 days postpartum, PAG concentrations were sufficiently elevated resulting in false positive readings in all assays. In conclusion, there is very good agreement between transrectal ultrasonography and PAG assays, but likelihood of false positive results are highif assays are performed fewer than 42 days postpartum.
PMID:39052584 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0306325
Effects of cashew nutshell liquid on milk production and methane emission of dairy cows in a farm condition
Anim Sci J. 2024 Jan-Dec;95(1):e13983. doi: 10.1111/asj.13983.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to clarify the efficacy of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) in methane emissions, milk production, and rumen fermentation of lactating cows in practical conditions. Ten Holstein lactating cows were used in a free-stall barn with a milking robot. Two treatments were arranged as control (no CNSL additive, n = 5) or CNSL addition (10 g/day of CNSL, n = 5) for 21 days after the 7-day preliminary period. A sniffer method was applied to predict daily methane production and methane conversion factor (MCF). In vitro, rumen gas production was also tested using the rumen fluid of individual cows. Daily dry matter intake (DMI), eating time, milk production, and methane production were not affected by the CNSL addition. However, methane production per DMI and MCF were lower (p ≤ 0.01) for the CNSL cows than those for the control cows. Ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and acetate proportion tended to be lower (p < 0.15) for CNSL cows. A tendency to decrease (p < 0.10) in methane was also observed in the in vitro incubation with the rumen fluid obtained from the CNSL cows compared with those from the control cows. These results suggest that adding CNSL to diets could reduce the methane yield of cows in practical conditions.
PMID:39053951 | DOI:10.1111/asj.13983
Rumen-protected methionine modulates body temperature and reduces the incidence of heat stress temperatures during the hottest hours of the day of grazing heat-stressed Bos indicus beef cows
Anim Sci J. 2024 Jan-Dec;95(1):e13980. doi: 10.1111/asj.13980.
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effects of supplementation of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on body thermoregulation and conception rate of Nelore cows exposed to high temperature-humidity index (THI). On -31 days before the artificial insemination protocol, 562 lactating, multiparous cows were assigned to receive (MG) or not (CG) RPM supplementation (3 g/cow mixed into 100 g of mineral supplement). Both groups remained in tropical pastures and received supplementation for 77 days. A subset of cows (n = 142) remained with an intravaginal thermometer collecting intravaginal temperature (IT). The respective minimum, average, and maximum environmental THI were 72.8, 78.0, and 83.3. Effects of treatment × hour of the day were detected (P < 0.0001) for IT. From 1330 to 1730 h and 1830 to 1900 h, IT was higher (P < 0.05) for CG versus MG cows when exposed to moderate and high THI. The supplementation with RPM did not affect conception rate (CG = 64.4% vs. MG = 58.2%; P > 0.05). In conclusion, 3 g of RPM supplementation lowered internal body temperature and possibly altered critical THI threshold in Nelore cows with no impact on reproduction.
PMID:39054255 | DOI:10.1111/asj.13980
Stress-induced epigenetic effects driven by maternal lactation in dairy cattle: a comethylation network approach
Epigenetics. 2024 Dec;19(1):2381856. doi: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2381856. Epub 2024 Jul 23.
ABSTRACT
Epigenetic marks do not follow the Mendelian laws of inheritance. The environment can alter the epigenotype of an individual when exposed to different external stressors. In lactating cows, the first stages of gestation overlap with the lactation peak, creating a negative energy balance that is difficult to overcome with diet. This negative energy balance could affect early embryo development that must compete with the mammary tissue for nutrients. We hypothesize that the methylation profiles of calves born to nonlactating heifers are different from those of calves born to lactating cows. We found 50,277 differentially methylated cytosines and 2,281 differentially methylated regions between these two groups of animals. A comethylation network was constructed to study the correlation between the phenotypes of the mothers and the epigenome of the calves, revealing 265 regions associated with the phenotypes. Our study revealed the presence of DMCs and DMRs in calves gestated by heifers and lactating cows, which were linked to the dam’s lactation and the calves’ ICAP and milk EBV. Gene-specific analysis highlighted associations with vasculature and organ morphogenesis and cell communication and signalling. These finding support the hypothesis that calves gestated by nonlactating mothers have a different methylation profile than those gestated by lactating cows.
PMID:39044410 | PMC:PMC11271077 | DOI:10.1080/15592294.2024.2381856
Comparative Analysis of Milking and Behavior Characteristics of Multiparous and Primiparous Cows in Robotic Systems
An Acad Bras Cienc. 2024 Jul 19;96(3):e20221078. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202420221078. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
Robotic milking systems are successful innovations in the development of dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to analyse the milking characteristics and behavior of dairy cows of different calving orders in “milk first” robotic milking systems. The data were collected from a commercial herd located in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais (Brazil), which uses an automatic milking system (AMS TM, DeLaval). Were analysed 26,574 observations of 235 Holstein cows were available. Data were evaluated by multivariate analysis of variance and the Tukey test. – Tthe characteristics milk flow and milking efficiency were more favourable for multiparous cows (p <0.01), while the time in the stall was more favourable for primiparous females (p <0.01). The values of handling time were better in the primiparous cows (p <0.01). Primiparous cows had higher amounts of kick-off (p <0.001), and multiparous cows had higher incomplete milkings (p <0.001). The number of incomplete milkings showed a higher ratio in terms of reduction in milk production in 26.6% in primiparous cows and 26.7% in multiparous cows (p <0.01). Regarding the behavioral characteristics, primiparous cows had higher amounts of kickbacks, while multiparous cows had greater quantities of incomplete milkings.
PMID:39046017 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202420221078
Performance and metabolic evaluation in primiparous beef cows under grazing at different breeding ages
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Jul 23;56(7):221. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04068-x.
ABSTRACT
We aimed to evaluate the metabolic and performance differences in primiparous Nellore cows, which became pregnant at 14 or 24-mo old. Thirty-eight cows with 202 ± 5 days of gestation were divided into two treatments according to breeding age: 14 or 24-mo. Cows were evaluated for body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), carcass characteristics, milk yield, calves’s performance, and blood characteristics. The animals were managed in eight paddocks under continuous grazing and evaluated from 90 d before parturition until 240 d after calving. We observed an interaction between breeding age and time (P < 0.01) for cow BW. Both breeding age categories experienced BW loss during parturition, with a concurrent decrease in BCS. However, following their first calving, the BW of 24-mo cows remained stable (P > 0.05), whereas 14-mo cows exhibited a gradual recovery in BW after parturition (P < 0.05). Milk yield was greater in 24-mo animals (P < 0.01), but decreased with increasing milking days (p < 0.05) for both groups. The weight gain calves from the heifers bred at 24-mo was greater (P < 0.01), which reflected in greater BW at weaning. The beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) concentration was greater before calving and a marked decrease after parturition (P < 0.05). The 24-mo cows had greater blood β-OHB (P < 0.01) at prepartum and 30 days after calving. Blood progesterone was greater in 24-mo cows (P > 0.05). Primiparous beef cows that conceive at either 14 or 24-months of age exhibit distinct nutritional requirements and metabolic profiles. Notably, cows that conceive at 24-months of age have the advantage of weaning heavier calves and displaying a more consistent reproductive cycle following their first calving than cows that conceive at 14-months.
PMID:39039361 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04068-x
Systematic map of recent evidence on reproductive performance of cattle in Africa
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Jul 22;56(7):218. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04074-z.
ABSTRACT
Good cattle reproductive performance is essential for livestock productivity. Farmers are highly dependent on the success of productive outputs to support their livelihoods. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), however, optimal reproduction of cows and bulls is comparatively less well defined, with information on key reproductive parameters and reproductive management often not available. The aim of this study was to collate and synthesise the recent published evidence on cattle reproductive performance in selected sub-Saharan countries.Systematic mapping methodology was used, with searches conducted for both cow and bull reproductive performance in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, for the period 2012-2022, in English language. Search returns were screened for relevance at title and abstract, and full-text levels, based on the research question criteria.A substantial number of studies were identified for cows (n = 133), but only very few for bulls (n = 11). A large proportion of reported studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, with relatively few from the other countries, and most studies published between 2014 and 2016, and in 2021. Certain reproductive parameters received more attention than others; calving interval was reported in 86 studies, while culling due to infertility was reported in eight studies.The study highlights where research is being conducted in this area, and importantly where there is a gap, in particular on bull reproductive performance. While there were a range of values reported for cow reproductive parameters, the values were reasonable, indicating that it is possible to have good reproductive performance in LMICs. The synthesis of studies in the map should help to inform farmers and their advisors, at farm and national levels.
PMID:39034360 | PMC:PMC11271395 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04074-z
Using a multi-omics approach to explore potential associations with rumen content and serum of cows with different milk production levels based on genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk and phenotypic milk production
PLoS One. 2024 Jul 18;19(7):e0305674. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305674. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
This study aims to compare rumen microbiome and metabolites between second lactation dairy cows in the 75th percentile (n = 12; 57.2 ± 5.08 kg/d) of production according to genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk (GPTAM) and their counterparts in the 25th percentile (n = 12; 47.2 ± 8.61 kg/d). It was hypothesized that the metagenome and metabolome would differ between production levels. Cows were matched by days in milk (DIM), sire, occurrence of disease, and days open in previous lactation. For an additional comparison, the cows were also divided by phenotype into high (n = 6; 61.3 ± 2.8 kg/d), medium (n = 10; 55 ± 1.2 kg/d), and low (n = 8; 41.9 ± 5.6 kg/d) based on their milk production. Samples were collected 65 ± 14 DIM. Rumen content was collected using an oro-gastric tube and serum samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels. High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for rumen and serum metabolite profiling. Shotgun metagenomics was used for rumen microbiome profiling. Microbiome sample richness and diversity were used to determine alpha and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index was used to estimate beta diversity. Differences in metabolites were determined using t-tests or ANOVA. Pearson correlations were used to consider associations between serum metabolites and milk production. There was no evidence of a difference in rumen metabolites or microbial communities by GPTAM or phenotype. Cows in the phenotypic low group had greater serum acetate to propionate ratio and acetate proportion compared to the cows in the phenotypic medium group. Likewise, serum propionate proportion was greater in the medium compared to the low phenotypic group. Serum acetate, butyrate, and propionate concentrations had a weak positive correlation with milk production. When investigating associations between rumen environment and milk production, future studies must consider the impact of the ruminal epithelium absorption and post-absorption processes in relation to milk production.
PMID:39024228 | PMC:PMC11257365 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0305674
Cow-calf contact: a single-herd observational study of AMS yield during the first 100 days in milk
Acta Vet Scand. 2024 Jul 17;66(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s13028-024-00757-7.
ABSTRACT
An increasing number of dairy farmers plan to implement cow-calf contact (CCC) in their herd which necessitates descriptions of the cows` performance in different systems. The aim of the study was to describe (1) Automatic milking system (AMS) milk yield of cows in a CCC system during the first 100 days in milk (DIM) and (2) AMS milk yield before and after cow-calf separation. In a prospective study at a commercial Norwegian dairy farm, we included all calvings from Norwegian Red cows between January 2019 to April 2020. After calving, cow-calf pairs stayed in an individual calving pen during the first 5-6 d before they were moved to the loose housing unit with the remaining herd. Calves had whole-day (24 h/d) and full physical contact to the cows. Cows were milked in an AMS. From 14 individual cows of which one cow calved twice during the study period, we collected daily AMS yields from 15 different lactations, with parities ranging from 1 (n = 6), 2 (n = 5) and 3 (n = 4). Due to the sample size and structure of the data set, we only calculated descriptive statistics from DIM 7-100. All data is shown separately for primiparous and multiparous cows. Mean (± SD) calf age at (fence-line) separation was 52 d ± 14.8 beyond which suckling was prevented. Our data indicates great individual variation in the AMS milk yield. Prior to separation, primiparous cows` AMS yields ranged from 11.0 to 25.9 kg/d while that of multiparous cows ranged from 4.8 to 28.8 kg/d. Once calves were no longer allowed to suckle, the yield increased gradually. During the week after separation, AMS yields ranged from 17.3 to 30.4 kg/d for primiparous cows and 8.7 to 41.8 kg/d for multiparous cows and these yields increased in DIM 93-100 (26.5 to 34.3 and 20.6 to 38.3 kg/d respectively). This study is limited by a low sample size from a single-herd but may provide useful descriptions of AMS milk yield in a whole-day, full contact CCC system during the first 100 days of lactation.
PMID:39020375 | PMC:PMC11253444 | DOI:10.1186/s13028-024-00757-7
Association of genomic prediction for twin pregnancies with the incidence of double ovulation in primiparous dairy cows
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14687. doi: 10.1111/rda.14687.
ABSTRACT
Twin pregnancies compromise the health and well-being of dairy cattle. A recent genomic prediction model for twin pregnancies has been developed based on twin calving or abortion. However, the incidence of double ovulation is significantly higher than that of twin births. This study aimed to evaluate whether genomic prediction values for twin pregnancies are associated with the incidence of double ovulation in primiparous dairy cows. Factors influencing the double ovulation rate were analysed using binary logistic regression on 676 cows: 475 (70.3%) inseminated at spontaneous estrus and 201 following one of two different estrus synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The odds ratio for double ovulations was 0.92 (p = .002) per unit increase in prediction value and 2 (p = .01) for cows subjected to an FTAI protocol. Our findings suggest that genomic prediction values for twin pregnancies can effectively identify the risk of double ovulation at the herd level.
PMID:39010828 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14687
Identification of potential differences in salivary proteomic profiles between estrus and diestrus stage of estrous cycle in dairy cows
Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2024 Dec;70(1):204-217. doi: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2370328. Epub 2024 Jul 15.
ABSTRACT
In the present study, a comparative global high-throughput proteomic analysis strategy was used to identify proteomic differences between estrus and diestrus stage of estrous cycle in dairy cows. Saliva was collected from cows during estrus and diestrus, and subjected to LC-MS/MS-based proteomic analysis. A total of 2842 proteins were detected in the saliva of cows, out of which, 2437 and 1428 non-redundant proteins were identified in estrous and diestrous saliva, respectively. Further, it was found that 1414 and 405 salivary proteins were specific to estrus and diestrus, respectively while 1023 proteins were common to both groups. Among the significantly dysregulated proteins, the expression of 56 proteins was down-regulated (abundance ratio <0.5) while 40 proteins were up-regulated (abundance ratio > 2) in estrous compared to diestrous saliva. The proteins, such as HSD17B12, INHBA, HSP70, ENO1, SRD5A1, MOS, AMH, ECE2, PDGFA, OPRK1, SYN1, CCNC, PLIN5, CETN1, AKR1C4, NMNAT1, CYP2E1, and CYP19A1 were detected only in the saliva samples derived from estrous cows. Considerable number of proteins detected in the saliva of estrous cows were found to be involved in metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis pathway, insulin signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and oocyte meiosis. On the other hand, proteins detected in saliva of diestrous cows were involved mainly in metabolic pathway. Collectively, these data provide preliminary evidence of a potential difference in salivary proteins at different stages of estrous cycle in dairy cows.
PMID:39008339 | DOI:10.1080/19396368.2024.2370328
Uterine tone: A neglected criterion for the selection of bovine embryo transfer recipients
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14671. doi: 10.1111/rda.14671.
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the relationship between CL features assessed by ultrasound (luteal tissue area and blood flow, BF) or rectal palpation (size), uterine tone (UT), plasma progesterone (P4) concentration on Day 7 (D7) and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in bovine embryo recipients. A total of 163 cows and heifers were included in this study. The expected day of ovulation after the synchronization protocol was designated as D0. On D7, ovaries and uterus were examined by ultrasonography and rectal palpation, and subjective scores (1-3 scale) were assigned for CL size, area and BF, and for UT. Blood samples were collected for further P4 analysis. Each embryo recipient then received a grade I frozen-thawed in vivo-produced blastocyst, which was transferred to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on D35, and the results were retrospectively compared with the assigned scores for CL and UT. We observed a significant (p < .02) interaction between CL size and UT, with a progressive increase in the likelihood of pregnancy for recipients bearing a large CL among those with turgid UT. Ultrasound scoring of the CL using B-mode and Doppler-mode did not significantly predict pregnancy rates on D35 (p < .6 and p < .5, respectively). However, logistic regression analysis revealed a trend towards a quadratic effect (p < .08 and p < .06) indicating that the probability of pregnancy varied according to the area of luteal tissue and P4 concentrations, respectively. No significant (p > .05) association was found between the probability of pregnancy and the BF area of the CL. In summary, UT before embryo transfer may reflect successful recipient synchronization. Elevated P4 levels, assessed by CL size, may offset uterine contractility, mitigating adverse effects. Additionally, the CL area may be more important than its vascularization area when evaluating recipients D7 after ovulation.
PMID:39005009 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14671
The Role of Ovalbumin in Manganese Homeostasis during Chick Embryogenesis: An EPR Spectroscopic Study
Molecules. 2024 Jul 7;29(13):3221. doi: 10.3390/molecules29133221.
ABSTRACT
Ovalbumin (OVA), a protein vital for chick embryo nutrition, hydration, and antimicrobial protection, together with other egg-white proteins, migrates to the amniotic fluid and is orally absorbed by the embryo during embryogenesis. Recently, it has been shown that for optimal eggshell quality, the hen diet can be supplemented with manganese. Although essential for embryonic development, manganese in excess causes neurotoxicity. This study investigates whether OVA may be involved in the regulation of manganese levels. The binding of Mn(II) to OVA was investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results show that OVA binds a maximum of two Mn(II) ions, one with slightly weaker affinity, even in a 10-fold excess, suggesting it may have a protective role from Mn(II) overload. It seems that the binding of Mn(II), or the presence of excess Mn(II), does not affect OVA’s tertiary structure, as evidenced from fluorescence and UV/vis measurements. Comparative analysis with bovine and human serum albumins revealed that they exhibit higher affinities for Mn(II) than OVA, most likely due to their essentially different physiological roles. These findings suggest that OVA does not play a role in the transport and storage of manganese; however, it may be involved in embryo protection from manganese-induced toxicity.
PMID:38999173 | PMC:PMC11243369 | DOI:10.3390/molecules29133221
A Review: The Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Immunity in People of All Ages
Nutrients. 2024 Jun 25;16(13):2007. doi: 10.3390/nu16132007.
ABSTRACT
Bovine colostrum provides newborn calves with strong passive immunity, which will further affect the immunity of their offspring. Compared with other commercial dairy products, bovine colostrum emphasizes the limit of aflatoxin M1, pathogenic bacteria, microorganisms, antibiotics, stimulants, and other items, so it is safe to use. There are many reports that the use of bovine colostrum as a breast milk fortifier for preterm infants provides necessary immune support for premature infants, but the selection of bovine colostrum products chosen must be free of Bacillus cereus because they are very dangerous for premature infants. This also emphasizes that for the bovine colostrum that is used in preterm infants, more clinical research support is needed. At the same time, it should also be emphasized that the composition of BC is different from that of human colostrum, in particular, the main protein of BC is casein, while the main protein in breast milk is whey protein, especially α-lactalbumin, which together with ovalbumin is still the reference protein with the best biological value, especially for muscles. Therefore, bovine colostrum is currently not a complete substitute for breast milk. In recent years, in addition to reports of bovine colostrum use in preterm infants, studies have also found that bovine colostrum has immunomodulatory and promoting effects in adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This suggests that bovine colostrum has the potential to provide appropriate immune support for people of all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of nutritional characteristics of bovine colostrum on three dimensions. The effects of bovine colostrum on people of all ages is a narrative review of the effects of bovine colostrum on immunity in people of all ages. This review identified several classes of immunoactive substances in bovine colostrum, including immunoglobulins, cytokines, and enzymes, and compared the nutritional composition of bovine colostrum with mature milk, colostrum and mature milk in full-term breast milk, and colostrum and mature milk in preterm breast milk, to demonstrate that bovine colostrum provides a rich range of immunoactive components. In addition, the influencing factors affecting the quality of bovine colostrum (immunoglobulin) were reviewed, and it was found that individual differences, environmental factors, and processing methods had a great impact on the quality of BC. More importantly, the immunomodulatory effects of bovine colostrum in people of all ages were reviewed in detail (with an emphasis on preterm infants and immunocompromised children in neonates) as evidence to support the immunity effects of colostrum in people of all ages. This review hopes to use the above evidence to make people understand the health role of bovine colostrum as having a human immunomodulatory effect, and at the same time, when seeing the potential value of bovine colostrum in the future, the limitations of its application should also be deeply re-explored, such as lactose intolerance, allergies, etc., to provide effective solutions for the wide application of bovine colostrum.
PMID:38999755 | PMC:PMC11242949 | DOI:10.3390/nu16132007
Potential relationships between apelin and metabolic-associated indices in transition dairy cows
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Jul 13;56(6):209. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04043-6.
ABSTRACT
Metabolic disorders pose significant challenges in transition dairy cows. Numerous parameters have been investigated in this context, and apelin has recently emerged as a potential metabolic indicator. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the associations between this hormone and other metabolic parameters. Twenty-two adult Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, 21 days before their expected calving date, were selected for blood sampling and serum separation at four time points: 21 and 10 days before calving and 10 and 21 days after parturition. Serum concentrations of apelin, leptin, insulin, cortisol, T3, T4, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, triglycerides, cholesterol, high, low and very low-density lipoproteins, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were measured in these samples. Surrogate indices for insulin resistance, body condition score, and milk production were also evaluated. Throughout the transition period, a significant increase in apelin levels was observed. Various models were employed to identify associations between apelin and the studied metabolic parameters. Notably, significant correlations between apelin and Leptin, Insulin, Cortisol, T3, T4, NEFA, Cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin and Indirect Bilirubin were observed, with some being immediate while others developed over time. These findings indicate a mutual influence between apelin and specific metabolic indices. Changes in any component of the metabolic profile at one stage can lead to alterations in apelin levels in subsequent stages. The correlations uncovered between apelin and other components of the metabolic profile in transitioning dairy cows offer valuable insights, contributing to a better understanding of the potential effects of apelin on the studied indicators and vice versa.
PMID:39001990 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04043-6
Short communication: Association between prepartum subclinical magnesium imbalance and postpartum diseases in grazing dairy cows in Southern Chile
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Jul 13;56(6):206. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04044-5.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between prepartum subclinical hypomagnesemia (pre-SHMg) and the occurrence of dystocia, metritis, clinical mastitis, lameness, and subclinical hypomagnesemia postpartum (post-SHMg) in pasture-based dairy cows. Also, the difference in means of prepartum magnesium (Mg) concentration by postpartum health events was evaluated. A total of 890 dairy cows from 32 commercial farms located in southern Chile were enrolled. Cows were examined twice, once between 30 and 3 days before and once between 3 and 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected on both assessments, and cows were considered as having SHMg if serum total Mg < 0.65 mmol/L. On the postpartum visit, cows were evaluated for metritis and lameness. Information about clinical mastitis and dystocia was collected from on-farm records. Data were analyzed using multivariable mixed linear models and multivariable mixed logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of pre-SHMg was 9.9%, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of post-SHMg (odd ratio [OR] = 5.7; P < 0.0001) and metritis (OR = 3.1; P = 0.04). However, we did not detect an association between pre-SHMg and dystocia, clinical mastitis, or lameness after calving. Prepartum serum Mg concentrations were lower in cows that developed post-SHMg than those that did not (LSM ± SE = 0.75 ± 0.02 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.02 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, pre-SHMg was associated with a higher risk of post-SHMg and metritis in grazing dairy cows but not other postpartum health events.
PMID:39002039 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04044-5
Bta-miR-200a Regulates Milk Fat Biosynthesis by Targeting <em>IRS2</em> to Inhibit the PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
J Agric Food Chem. 2024 Jul 24;72(29):16449-16460. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02508. Epub 2024 Jul 12.
ABSTRACT
Milk fat synthesis has garnered significant attention due to its influence on the quality of milk. Recently, an increasing amount of proofs have elucidated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional factor involved in regulating gene expression and play a significant role in milk fat synthesis. MiR-200a was differentially expressed in the mammary gland tissue of dairy cows during different lactation periods, which indicated that miR-200a was a candidate miRNA involved in regulating milk fat synthesis. In our research, we investigated the potential function of miR-200a in regulating milk fat biosynthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). We discovered that miR-200a inhibited cellular triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and suppressed lipid droplet formation; at the same time, miR-200a overexpression suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of milk fat metabolism-related genes, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPα), etc. However, knocking down miR-200a displayed the opposite results. We uncovered that insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) was a candidate target gene of miR-200a through the bioinformatics online program TargetScan. Subsequently, it was confirmed that miR-200a directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of IRS2 via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, IRS2 knockdown in BMECs has similar effects to miR-200a overexpression. Our research set up the mechanism by which miR-200a interacted with IRS2 and discovered that miR-200a targeted IRS2 and modulated the activity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby taking part in regulating milk fat synthesis in BMECs. Our research results provided valuable information on the molecular mechanisms for enhancing milk quality from the view of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks.
PMID:38996051 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02508
Proteomic profile in plasma as a biomarker of pregnancy in cows
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14667. doi: 10.1111/rda.14667.
ABSTRACT
Pregnancy has its own protein dynamics, reflecting the hormonal profile. Quantitative and qualitative changes in plasma protein profile may provide useful information about this condition. Any alterations may be a signal heralding clinical or subclinical pathology. The objective of our study was to compare the plasma protein profile between selected months of pregnancy in cows for a better understanding gestation course. For this purpose, we collected blood from healthy pregnant (n = 30; n = 6 for each pregnancy stage) and non-pregnant (C; n = 6) Holstein-Friesian cows during a routine veterinary examination. Collected samples were selected according to pregnancy month (first, second, third, sixth, and ninth), prepared, and separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The Delta-2D program compared and statistically evaluated scanned gel images from the appropriate months. The mean volume of the spots was considered. The MALDI TOF/TOF spectrometer was used to identify statistically significant proteins. There were 11 distinct proteins found, including peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase F, oligoribonuclease, and PRELI domain-containing protein 3B (all of them have the lowest abundance in the C group), alpha-1B-glycoprotein, L-gulonolactone oxidase, hemopexin (first month with higher abundance than control), alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (significantly higher abundance in the first month than in remaining groups), ermin (absent in the first month and lower abundance in the third and sixth months than in the remaining groups and control), endophilin-A2 (significant differences between the control and the second, third, sixth, and ninth months), apolipoprotein A-I (significant difference between control and the first and sixth months), alpha-1-antiproteinase (significant difference between control and the ninth month). The study demonstrated the distinctions between plasma protein composition and alterations during the pregnancy course which may potentially serve as diagnostic tools.
PMID:38988253 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14667
Grape seed oil in the diet of primiparous Jersey cows before and after parturition: effects on performance, health, rumen environment, and milk quality
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Jul 12;56(6):202. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04064-1.
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to determine whether adding grape seed oil (GSO) to the diet of primiparous Jersey breeds during the transition period would improve animal health by measuring effects on the rumen environment, serum biochemistry, oxidative response, and the composition and quality of milk. We used 14 Jersey heifers, weighing an average of 430 kg and 240 days of gestation. The animals were divided into two groups and offered a basal diet, including GSO in the concentrate for the GSO group (dose of 25 mL per animal day) and the same dose of soybean oil (SO) for the control group. The animals were allocated and maintained in a compost barn system, receiving an anionic diet (pre-partum) and a diet for postpartum lactating animals. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, serum biochemistry, serum and milk oxidative stability, ruminal fluid and milk fatty acid profile, milk qualitative aspects, and ruminal parameters such as pH, bacterial activity, and protozoan count were evaluated. The addition of GSO had a positive effect on the health of the cows, especially on the oxidative stability of the cows, by increasing total thiols (P = 0.03), higher plasma ferric reducing capacity (FRAP) (P = 0.01), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P = 0.01). In the oxidative stability of the milk produced by the treated animals, there was also an increase in TAC (P = 0.05) and FRAP (P = 0.03). Discreet changes were observed in the ruminal environment with a decreasing trend in pH (P = 0.04) but an increase in bacterial activity (P = 0.05) and protozoa counts (P = 0.07) in cows that consumed the additive. GSO consumption affected the fatty acid profile in milk, increasing saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P = 0.05) and reducing unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (P = 0.03). The oil did not affect milk production or efficiency in the postpartum period. Based on this information, it is concluded that the addition of GSO positively affects the cow’s antioxidant system.
PMID:38992295 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04064-1
Overfeeding copper during rearing affects the liver function and fertility of replacement dairy heifers
Vet Rec. 2024 Jul 20;195(2):e4397. doi: 10.1002/vetr.4397. Epub 2024 Jul 8.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oversupply of dietary copper (Cu) is common among UK dairy herds, but studies on the long-term outcomes of this oversupply are scarce.
METHODS: A longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the long-term implications when 80 Holstein‒Friesian heifers with a mean (±standard error) age of 4.1 ± 0.1 months and a mean liveweight of 137 ± 2.4 kg were fed a recommended (R; 16 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) or high (H; 32 mg/kg DM) dietary Cu concentration until 6 weeks prior to calving.
RESULTS: Hepatic Cu concentrations in both treatment groups were elevated into the ranges used to diagnose chronic Cu toxicity in cattle at 6.9 months of age (798 ± 46.4 mg/kg DM for H vs. 643 ± 35.4 mg/kg DM for R), with associated evidence of liver damage. Hepatic Cu concentrations then returned to normality but remained higher (p < 0.001) for heifers fed H than for those fed R and were associated with a reduced (p = 0.044) conception rate to first and second services (73.7 ± 8.05% for H vs. 91.2 ± 7.68% for R).
LIMITATION: This retrospective analysis identified pre-study liver damage, which may have affected results.
CONCLUSIONS: Supplying Cu in excess of requirements resulted in liver damage and reduced conception rates.
PMID:38975621 | DOI:10.1002/vetr.4397
Selection based on the Breeding Soundness Evaluation is associated with the improvement of the reproductive quality of young Nellore bulls
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:369-377. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.032. Epub 2024 Jun 28.
ABSTRACT
Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is the best methodology to estimate the fertility potential of future bulls and performing indirect selection for their fertility. However, the outcome of the BSE is influenced by several factors, including genetics, environment, and BSE guidelines. Herein, in this retrospective study, our first aim was to characterize the reasons for failure in 46,566 BSE from 2-year-old beef Bos indicus bulls (Nellore) born from 1997 to 2018. Our second aim was to determine whether or not BSE was associated with reproductive potential improvement of the bulls over the years. Due to changes in the BSE criteria, we used the same dataset, but only bulls born from 2002 to 2018 were included resulting in 35,856 BSE. For the second aim, the effect of the year and farm were included in the model of the multivariate logistic regression. We also determined if the main reasons for BSE failure decreased over time. Bulls were classified as approved (satisfactory potential breeders and qualified for natural breeding service) and not approved (deferred and unsatisfactory potential breeders). The reasons for BSE failure in Nellore bulls were poor semen quality (53.1 %) and physical defects (46.9 %), with the main physical defect being testis abnormalities (19.7 %). The overall percentage of bulls approved each year was 87.1 %, with no improvement over the years of study. However, the percentage of approved bulls at the first BSE increased over the years (P < 0.05). This increase was evident by a reduction in the difference between the overall percentage of the bulls approved vs the percentage of bulls approved at the first BSE. Furthermore, there was an increase in the percentage of bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders in the BSE and an evident decrease in the percentage of bulls qualified only for natural breeding service (P < 0.05). In addition, an increase of the scrotal circumference (SC) of the herd was found (P < 0.05). These results indicate the overall quality of the bulls improved over the years. To associate and identify the main sperm abnormalities, 3461 not approved bulls were clustered. The most frequent defects were strongly coiled tail spermatozoa, proximal droplets, and acrosomal defects. Overall, there was no change in the frequency of bulls not approved by the sperm morphology nor the frequency of the main sperm abnormalities over the years. Nevertheless, the frequency of the defects remained very low, implying they were controlled. Additionally, abnormalities in the testis decreased over the years and was associated with the increase in the SC of the herd and a decrease of culled bulls due to low SC. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is an association between implementation and use of BSE with improvements in the reproductive quality of future generation bulls.
PMID:38970923 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.032
Serum macroelements and microelements levels in periparturient dairy cows in relation to fatty liver diseases
BMC Vet Res. 2024 Jul 6;20(1):295. doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04121-9.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fatty liver in dairy cows is a common metabolic disease defined by triglyceride (TG) buildup in the hepatocyte. Clinical diagnosis of fatty liver is usually done by liver biopsy, causing considerable economic losses in the dairy industry owing to the lack of more effective diagnostic methods. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential utility of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and early warning of fatty liver in dairy cows.
RESULTS: A total of twenty-four lactating cows within 28 days after parturition were randomly selected as experimental animals and divided into healthy cows (liver biopsy tested, n = 12) and cows with fatty liver (liver biopsy tested, n = 12). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the macroelements and microelements in the serum of two groups of cows. Compared to healthy cows (C), concentrations of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo) were lower and copper (Cu) was higher in fatty liver cows (F). Meanwhile, the observed differences in macroelements and microelements were related to delivery time, with the greatest major disparity between C and F occurring 7 days after delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to test the correlation between nine serum macroelements, microelements and fatty liver. Based on variable importance projection and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, minerals Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were screened as the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that serum levels of Ca, K, Mg, Se, B, Mo, Mn, and Sr were lower in F than in C. The most suitable period for an early-warning identification of fatty liver in cows was 7 days after delivery, and Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows.
PMID:38971753 | PMC:PMC11227133 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-024-04121-9
Effects of a blood-free mosquito diet on fitness and gonotrophic cycle parameters of laboratory reared Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto
Parasit Vectors. 2024 Jul 6;17(1):289. doi: 10.1186/s13071-024-06345-y.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The current rise of new innovative tools for mosquito control, such as the release of transgenic mosquitoes carrying a dominant lethal gene and Wolbachia-based strategies, necessitates a massive production of mosquitoes in the insectary. However, currently laboratory rearing depends on vertebrate blood for egg production and maintenance. This practice raises ethical concerns, incurs logistical and cost limitations, and entails potential risk associated with pathogen transmission and blood storage. Consequently, an artificial blood-free diet emerges as a desirable alternative to address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a previously formulated artificial blood-free diet (herein referred to as BLOODless) on Anopheles gambiae (An. gambiae s.s.; IFAKARA) gonotrophic parameters and fitness compared with bovine blood.
METHODS: The study was a laboratory-based comparative evaluation of the fitness, fecundity and fertility of An. gambiae s.s. (IFAKARA) reared on BLOODless versus vertebrate blood from founder generation (F₀) to eighth generation (F₈). A total of 1000 female mosquitoes were randomly selected from F₀, of which 500 mosquitoes were fed with bovine blood (control group) and the other 500 mosquitoes were fed with BLOODless diet (experimental group). The feeding success, number of eggs per female, hatching rate and pupation rate were examined post-feeding. Longevity and wing length were determined as fitness parameters for adult male and female mosquitoes for both populations.
RESULTS: While blood-fed and BLOODless-fed mosquitoes showed similar feeding success, 92.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 89.7-94.9] versus 93.6% (95% CI 90.6-96.6), respectively, significant differences emerged in their reproductive parameters. The mean number of eggs laid per female was significantly higher for blood-fed mosquitoes (P < 0.001) whereas BLOODless-fed mosquitoes had significantly lower hatching rates [odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% CI 0.14-0.22, P < 0.001]. Wing length and longevity were similar between both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of the BLOODless diet as a viable and ethical alternative to vertebrate blood feeding for rearing An. gambiae s.s. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and ethical studies aimed at combating malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
PMID:38971773 | PMC:PMC11227146 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-024-06345-y
A retrospective analysis of conception per embryo transfer in dairy cattle in South Korea
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:363-368. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.001. Epub 2024 Jul 3.
ABSTRACT
The bovine embryo production industry has seen significant growth over the past two decades, particularly in the production of in vitro produced embryos. This growth, driven by advancements in cryopreservation, in vitro culture mediums, ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures, ultrasonography devices, and embryo transfer (ET) has been notable. Particularly, ET is crucial for disseminating high genetic merit and amplifying foreign breeds by importing frozen embryos. This retrospective study aimed to assess factors affecting conception per embryo transfer (CPET) in Holstein-Friesian cattle in South Korea from October 2008 to July 2022. We evaluated type of embryo breed, type of embryo production (fresh and frozen; in vitro and in vivo production), recipient conditions including estrus type, corpus luteum quality, parity (nulliparous heifers, primiparous, and multiparous cows), and the daily mean temperature-humidity index (THI) as an index for heat stress. Type of embryo breed and estrus had no significant impact on CPET. However, we observed higher CPET in recipients with good quality corpus luteum, nulliparous heifers, and surrogates receiving fresh in vitro and frozen in vivo embryos. Importantly, CPET was not adversely affected by mild heat stress conditions (up to daily mean THI 76), indicating that using frozen in vivo embryos produced by multiple ovulation embryo transfer and fresh in vitro embryos by OPU-ET can help alleviate the subfertility issues in dairy cattle caused by global warming in Korea.
PMID:38968679 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.001
Effect of harvesting strategy of second-cut orchardgrass silage on feed intake, digestion, and milk production in dairy cows
Anim Sci J. 2024 Jan-Dec;95(1):e13976. doi: 10.1111/asj.13976.
ABSTRACT
We investigated the effects of regrowth interval and first-cut timing on the dietary characteristics of second-cut orchardgrass silage and feed intake and milk production in dairy cows fed second-cut orchardgrass silage. The second-cut grasses were harvested 7w after the first-cut at the early stage (E7w) or at the heading stage (H7w), or harvested 6w after the first-cut at the early stage (E6w) from orchardgrass sward, and then ensiled. We evaluated the effect of regrowth interval by comparing E7w and E6w, and the effect of first-cut timing by comparing E7w and H7w. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with three dietary treatments: diets containing E7w, E6w, or H7w silage at 30% dietary dry matter. We observed that feeding E6w silage instead of E7w silage increased fiber digestibility, dry matter intake, and milk production; however, the first-cut timing (E7w vs. H7w) did not affect nutrient content and digestibility, feed intake, or lactation performance. These results show that harvesting at short regrowth intervals for second-cut orchardgrass can be an effective strategy for improving feed utilization and milk yield; however, the first-cut timing for second-cut orchardgrass has little impact.
PMID:38967066 | DOI:10.1111/asj.13976
Effects of supplementation of grazing Nellore cows with β-carotene and vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin on follicle diameter, oestrus, establishment of pregnancy, and foetal morphometry
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14660. doi: 10.1111/rda.14660.
ABSTRACT
The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of Nellore (Bos indicus) cows with β-carotene + vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin on body condition score (BCS), oestrus, pregnancy, and foetal morphometry. Lactating cows (n = 497) from two herds were balanced for BCS and calving period [early calving (EC); late calving (LC)] and were assigned randomly to: Control (n = 251)-supplementation with a mineral supplement; and SUP (n = 246)-supplementation with the mineral supplement fed to control + β-carotene (150 mg/day) + vitamin A (40,000 IU/day) + vitamin D3 (5000 IU/day) + vitamin E (300 mg/day) + biotin (20 mg/day). Cows were supplemented from Days -30 to 30 (Day 0 = timed artificial insemination; TAI). Pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days after TAI and foetal crown-rump distance and thoracic diameter were measured at 30 and 77 days of gestation. Cows in the SUP treatment were more likely to have BCS ≥3.0 on Day 0 (63.0 ± 3.1 vs. 60.2 ± 3.1; p < .01) and were more likely to gain BCS from Days -30 to 30 (57.7 ± 3.3 vs. 44.1 ± 3.3%; p < .01). Fewer LC cows in the SUP treatment were detected in oestrus at the time of the first TAI (Control: LC: 75.4 ± 4.4 vs. SUP: LC: 64.0 ± 5.2 vs. Control: EC: 65.3 ± 4.0 vs. SUP: EC: 71.8 ± 3.7; p = .04). There was a tendency for the SUP treatment to increase pregnancy to the first TAI (64.2 ± 3.0 vs. 56.6 ± 3.1%; p = .08). A greater percentage of SUP cows was detected in oestrus at the time of the second TAI (70.1 ± 5.0 vs. 52.3 ± 4.8%; p = .01). The SUP treatment increased pregnancy to the second TAI among LC cows (SUP: LC: 75.9 ± 8.0% vs. Control: LC: 50.0 ± 8.3% vs. Control: EC: 52.0 ± 5.9% vs. SUP: EC: 41.4 ± 6.5%; p = .02). The SUP treatment increased foetal size (crown-rump; p = .04 and thoracic diameter; p < .01) at 30 days of gestation and, despite decreasing crow-rump length at 77 days after the first TAI among EC cows (p < .01), it increased the thoracic diameter at 77 days after the first TAI independent of calving season. Our results support that pregnancy establishment and foetal growth can be improved when grazing Nellore cows are supplemented with β-carotene and vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin.
PMID:38962998 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14660
Treatment alternatives to induce follicular wave emergence for timed-AI in lactating dairy Cows
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:343-349. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.023. Epub 2024 Jun 26.
ABSTRACT
Two experiments evaluated the effect of different hormonal treatments to synchronize follicle wave emergence on follicle dynamics and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in estradiol (E2)/progesterone (P4) timed-AI (TAI) protocols in lactating dairy cows. In Experiment 1, lactating, primiparous Holstein cows (n = 36) received a P4 releasing device (Day 0) and were allocated at random to one of the following three treatment groups: Group EB received 2 mg E2 benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (i.m.), Group EB + GnRH received 2 mg EB+20 μg buserelin (GnRH) i.m., or Group EB + P4 received 2 mg EB + 100 mg of injectable P4 (iP4) in oil i.m. All cows received 0.150 mg D-Cloprostenol on Days 7 and 8 followed by P4 device removal, 400 IU eCG and 1 mg ECP on Day 8. Daily ultrasound examinations revealed that although the interval from P4 device removal to ovulation was not affected by treatment, cows that received EB + GnRH had an earlier (P < 0.05) emergence of the new follicular wave (Day 2.6 ± 0.2) than the other two treatment groups (Days 3.5 ± 0.3 and 6.1 ± 0.3, for EB and EB + P4, respectively). In Experiment 2, 808 lactating cows were assigned randomly to the three treatments evaluated in Experiment 1, and all the cows were TAI to determine P/AI. Cows in the EB + GnRH group had greater P/AI (57.4 %, P < 0.01) than those in the EB (44.6 %) or EB + P4 (45.7 %) groups. In conclusion, the administration of GnRH, but not iP4, on the day of insertion of a P4 device improves P/AI in lactating dairy cows synchronized for TAI with an estradiol/P4-based protocol.
PMID:38964033 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.023
EFFECT OF CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF LOW DOSES OF POLYPEPTIDES OF CATTLE CEREBRAL CORTEX AND METHIONYL-GLUTAMYL-HISTIDYL-PHENYLALANYL-PROLYL-GLYCYL-PROLINE ON BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF RAT OFFSPRING
Georgian Med News. 2024 Apr;(349):22-24.
ABSTRACT
In the modern world, anyone is susceptible to the effects of stress, regardless of age, gender, culture, and social status. Stress at an early age accelerates long-term changes in the functional properties underlying emotional perception and therefore may alter the stress response later in life. Unfortunately, the interdisciplinary approach in stress research emphasised the study of stress phenomenon in the development of this or that pathology or manifestation of appropriate reactions under the influence of this or that factor, i.e. the study of a particular case, which did not significantly affect the conceptual level of interpretation of the stress phenomenon as such. Moreover, we did not come across any publications interpreting the pathogenesis of the development of the classical triad of stress, confirming, or refuting its validity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nootropic drugs – polypeptides of cattle cerebral cortex and methionyl-glutamyl-histidyl-phenylalanyl-prolyl-glycyl-proline on the behaviour of rat offspring under conditions of maternal deprivation. The drug affects processes related to memory formation and learning, enhances attention during learning and analysis of information, improves adaptation of the organism to hypoxia, cerebral ischaemia, anaesthesia and other damaging effects. As a result of the conducted study against the background of early postnatal maternal deprivation and the use of such drugs as methionyl-glutamyl-histidyl-phenylalanyl-prolyl-glycyl-proline and polypeptides of cattle cerebral it was noted that the latter drug showed the greatest effectiveness as a means of compensating the reaction to chronic stress under conditions of maternal deprivation.
PMID:38963195
Lead and calcium crosstalk tempted acrosome damage and hyperpolarization of spermatozoa: signaling and ultra-structural evidences
Biol Res. 2024 Jul 5;57(1):44. doi: 10.1186/s40659-024-00517-x.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Exposure of humans and animals to heavy metals is increasing day-by-day; thus, lead even today remains of significant public health concern. According to CDC, blood lead reference value (BLRV) ranges from 3.5 µg/dl to 5 μg/dl in adults. Recently, almost 2.6% decline in male fertility per year has been reported but the cause is not well established. Lead (Pb²⁺) affects the size of testis, semen quality, and secretory functions of prostate. But the molecular mechanism(s) of lead toxicity in sperm cells is not clear. Thus, present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of lead acetate at environmentally relevant exposure levels (0.5, 5, 10 and 20 ppm) on functional and molecular dynamics of spermatozoa of bucks following in vitro exposure for 15 min and 3 h.
RESULTS: Lead significantly decreased motility, viable count, and motion kinematic patterns of spermatozoa like curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, beat cross frequency and maximum amplitude of head lateral displacement even at 5 ppm concentration. Pb²⁺ modulated intracellular cAMP and Ca²⁺ levels in sperm cells through L-type calcium channels and induced spontaneous or premature acrosome reaction (AR) by increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and downregulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Lead significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis as well. Electron microscopy studies revealed Pb²⁺ -induced deleterious effects on plasma membrane of head and acrosome including collapsed cristae in mitochondria.
CONCLUSIONS: Pb²⁺ not only mimics Ca²⁺ but also affects cellular targets involved in generation of cAMP, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and ionic exchange. Lead seems to interact with Ca²⁺ channels because of charge similarity and probably enters the sperm cell through these channels and results in hyperpolarization. Our findings also indicate lead-induced TP and intracellular Ca²⁺ release in spermatozoa which in turn may be responsible for premature acrosome exocytosis which is essential feature of capacitation for fertilization. Thus, lead seems to reduce the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa even at 0.5 ppm concentrations.
PMID:38965573 | PMC:PMC11225213 | DOI:10.1186/s40659-024-00517-x
Transverse and vertical incisions affect the viability of in vitro-produced embryos submitted to a simplified microsurgery approach
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:294-301. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.029. Epub 2024 Jun 28.
ABSTRACT
Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these methods have not been widely adopted in commercial settings because of their substantial costs. Hence, there is a need to streamline the bisection procedure while ensuring efficient production of viable demi-embryos. In this study, we investigated the impact of different orientations of microsurgical incisions in relation to inner cell mass on embryonic development, morphology, viability, and expression of cell fate protein markers using a simplified microsurgery approach. Ovaries were transported from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory and aspirated to obtain oocytes that were selected and subjected to in vitro embryo production. The selected expanded blastocysts (n = 204) underwent microsurgery. The blastocysts were immobilized to facilitate incision using an adapted microblade, yielding demi-embryos (vertical incision) and viable embryonic fragments (transverse incision). The structures were then re-cultured for 12 h. Viability was assessed by measuring the re-expansion rate after re-culture, followed by immunofluorescence analysis of proteins (CDX2 and NANOG) and apoptosis analysis using terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Microsurgically derived embryos exhibited remarkable plasticity, as evidenced by a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the re-expansion rate (transverse 64.2 % and vertical 57.2 %) compared to that of the control group (blastocysts without microsurgery) (86.7 %). They also demonstrated the ability of morphological reconstitution after culturing. Despite the anticipated decrease (P < 0.05) in the total number of cells and embryo volume, microsurgery did not result in a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, microsurgery led to higher (P < 0.05) expression of markers associated with pluripotency, indicating its efficiency in preserving regenerative capacity. Moreover, microsurgery, whether followed by immunosurgery or not, made the isolation of embryonic cells easier. In conclusion, both transverse and vertical microsurgery incisions enabled the production of identical demi-embryos and served as tools for isolating embryonic cells without compromising the resumption of development and the apoptotic index.
PMID:38959839 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.029
Superovulating cattle with corifollitropin-alpha, a long-acting recombinant human FSH (rhFSH): Dose-response, half-life, effects on the ovaries, and embryo outcomes
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:302-307. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.033. Epub 2024 Jun 30.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the superestimulatory and superovulatory responses of cattle treated with corifollitropin-alpha, a long-acting human recombinant FSH (rhFSH). In the first and second experiments, we used Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers previously submitted to follicular wave suppression by active immunization against GnRH. In Experiment 1 (a dose-response study), heifers (n = 20) were randomly allocated into five groups, which received placebo (saline) or a single sc dose of 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 or 30.0 μg rhFSH. The heifers were subjected to daily ovarian scan and blood sampling during 11 days. We observed group, time, and group x time effects (P<0.0001) for both average follicle size and circulating FSH concentrations, with a strong correlation (R = 0.82, P<0.0001) between the area under curve (AUC) for both parameters. The peak concentration of FSH 24h after treatment and average follicle size at all timepoints, however, were similar (P>0.05) between groups 22.5 and 30.0 μg. In Experiment 2, heifers (n = 18) were allocated into three groups, which received (0h) either placebo (control), 25 μg rhFSH or 130 mg pFSH (Folltropin). There was no difference (P>0.05) in average follicle size at any moment, as well as in intrafollicular E2 at 120h or in plasma P4 seven days later between groups rhFSH and pFSH. In Experiment 3, cycling Nelore heifers (n = 20) were subjected to a wave synchronization protocol and superovulated (day 0) using a standard pFSH protocol (120 mg split in eight decreasing im doses) or with a single sc injection of 20 μg rhFSH. The number of follicles >7 mm on day 4 did not differ (P=0.4370). Heifers receiving rhFSH had greater average follicle size on day 4 (P=0.0005), ovulation rate (P<0.0001), and number of CL (P=0.0155), as well as a trend towards a greater number of ova (P=0.07) and viable embryos (P=0.0590). In Experiment 4, superovulation was induced with a single sc injection of 25 μg rhFSH in Girolando and Nelore cows and heifers (n = 20). None of the embryo yield endpoints differed between the two breeds (P>0.05). In conclusion, cattle superstimulation and superovulation can be successfully induced with a single dose of a long-acting rhFSH (corifollitropin-alpha).
PMID:38959840 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.033
Mammary fat globules as a source of mRNA to model alterations in the expression of some milk component genes during lactation in bovines
BMC Vet Res. 2024 Jul 3;20(1):286. doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04130-8.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The milk’s nutritional value is determined by its constituents, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The mammary gland’s ability to produce milk is controlled by a complex network of genes. Thereby, the fat, protein, and lactose synthesis must be boost in milk to increase milk production efficiency. This can be accomplished by fusing genetic advancements with proper management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), kappa casein CSN3, and Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) genes expression levels and such milk components as fat, protein, and lactose in different dairy breeds during different stages of lactation.
METHODS: To achieve such a purpose, 94 milk samples were collected (72 samples from 36 multiparous black-white and red-white Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 22 milk samples from 11 Egyptian buffaloes) during the early and peak lactation stages. The milk samples were utilized for milk analysis and genes expressions analyses using non- invasive approach in obtaining milk fat globules (MFGs) as a source of Ribonucleic acid (RNA).
RESULTS: LPL and CSN3 genes expressions levels were found to be significantly higher in Egyptian buffalo than Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows as well as fat and protein percentages. On the other hand, GLUT1 gene expression level was shown to be significantly higher during peak lactation than early lactation. Moreover, lactose % showed a significant difference in peak lactation phase compared to early lactation phase. Also, fat and protein percentages were significantly higher in early lactation period than peak lactation period but lactose% showed the opposite pattern of Egyptian buffalo.
CONCLUSION: Total RNA can be successfully obtained from MFGs. The results suggest that these genes play a role in glucose absorption and lactose synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Also, these results provide light on the differential expression of these genes among distinct Holstein-Friesian cow breeds and Egyptian buffalo subspecies throughout various lactation phases.
PMID:38961471 | PMC:PMC11220969 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-024-04130-8
Genetic relationship of energy balance predicted from milk traits with fertility in Japanese Holsteins
Anim Sci J. 2024 Jan-Dec;95(1):e13968. doi: 10.1111/asj.13968.
ABSTRACT
We predicted the energy balance of cows from milk traits and estimated the genetic correlations of predicted energy balance (PEB) with fertility traits for the first three lactations. Data included 9,646,606 test-day records of 576,555 Holstein cows in Japan from 2015 to 2019. Genetic parameters were estimated with a multiple-trait model in which the records among lactation stages and parities were treated as separate traits. Fertility traits were conception rate at first insemination (CR), number of inseminations (NI), and days open (DO). Heritability estimates of PEB were 0.28-0.35 (first lactation), 0.15-0.29 (second), and 0.09-0.23 (third). Estimated genetic correlations among lactation stages were 0.85-1.00 (first lactation), 0.73-1.00 (second), and 0.64-1.00 (third). Estimated genetic correlations among parities were 0.82-0.96 (between first and second), 0.97-0.99 (second and third), and 0.69-0.92 (first and third). Estimated genetic correlations of PEB in early lactation with fertility were 0.04 to 0.19 for CR, -0.03 to -0.19 for NI, and -0.01 to -0.24 for DO. Genetic improvement of PEB is possible. Lower PEB in early lactation was associated with worse fertility, suggesting that improving PEB in early lactation may improve reproductive performance.
PMID:38951923 | DOI:10.1111/asj.13968
Characteristics of unilateral and bilateral bovine twin foetuses
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14659. doi: 10.1111/rda.14659.
ABSTRACT
Twin pregnancy in cattle is undesirable for a number of reasons, including a higher abortion risk compared to pregnancies with a single foetus. Yet, the abortion risk is significantly influenced by the intrauterine location of the foetuses, that is, the abortion risk is several times higher if they are implanted in the same uterine horn (unilateral twin pregnancy) than if they are implanted with one foetus in each uterine horn (bilateral twin pregnancy). The reason for the higher abortion risk in unilateral twin pregnancies is unknown, but it may be related to malnutrition of the outermost foetus due to a limited placental capacity, as is the case for equine twin foetuses. A slaughterhouse study was performed and the foetuses of cattle pregnant with twins were measured. We identified 65 cases of twin pregnancies, of which 35 were unilateral twin pregnancies and 30 were bilateral twin pregnancies. There was no significant difference between the outermost and the more centrally located foetus in unilateral twin pregnancies in terms of body weight and length of the metacarpal diaphysis. Growth retardation of the outermost foetus could therefore not be confirmed as the cause of the higher abortion risk in unilateral bovine twin pregnancies. Four cases of pre-slaughter foetal mortality were identified. In three of these cases, both twins were dead, of equal size and at a comparable level of degradation. In the fourth case, with approximately 40-day-old twin foetuses of equal size, only one of the foetuses showed signs of pre-slaughter death.
PMID:38949053 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14659
Effects of feeding different dietary rates of mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage on the performance of Holstein lactating cows
J Anim Sci. 2024 Jan 3;102:skae179. doi: 10.1093/jas/skae179.
ABSTRACT
Rations containing different rates of the mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage (BS), instead of corn silage (CS), were given to 30 mid-lactation Holstein cows (all in parity 2) to measure the effects on feed consumption, milk production efficiency, milk chemistry, urinary purine derivatives (PD), blood chemistry, antioxidant levels, and in vitro methane (CH4) emission. The BS was prepared by mixing the fodder beet tops with wheat straw at a ratio of 9:1 based on fresh weight. The experimental design was completely randomized (one 28-d period with 21-d adaptation) using 30 cows (10 animals/treatment) and 3 treatments. The treatments were 1) a diet containing CS only (25 g/100 g DM) (CSD), 2) a diet containing 50% CS (12.5 g/100 g DM) and 50% BS (12.5 g/100 g DM) (CBSD), and 3) diet containing BS only (25 g/100 g DM) (BSD). Each animal (as an experimental unit) was housed individually in the tie stall and had ad libitum access to its diet. Dietary replacing 50% of CS with BS showed no significant differences in milk production, fat-corrected milk, fat and protein yields, feed efficiency, and apparent digestibility, however, these variables were less (P < 0.05) in the cows fed with BSD. Cows fed on BSD had less intakes of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber but greater oxalic acid intake and blood urea-N, as compared to the other cows. Milk percentages of fat, protein, lactose, urea N, blood serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, as well as in vitro ruminal pH, were not affected by the diets. Saturated fatty acids concentration was less and monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was greater in the milk of cows receiving CBSD, compared to the other groups. The inclusion of both BS rates in the diet decreased the in vitro gas production, protozoa number, and CH4 emission in comparison to the control. Cows fed BSD had decreased levels of urinary allantoin, PD excreted or absorbed, and estimated microbial-N synthesis than the control and CBSD-fed groups. The milk and blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the animals fed CBSD was the maximum among the cows. Overall, under the current experimental conditions, replacing 50% of dietary CS with BS did not affect milk production, but increased milk PUFA, as well as blood and milk TAC, and decreased in vitro CH4 emission, so it's feeding to lactating Holstein cows is recommended.
PMID:38943457 | PMC:PMC11247529 | DOI:10.1093/jas/skae179
Estimation of maternal and additive effect on reproduction and productive traits in Hardhenu cattle
Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Jul;59(7):e14658. doi: 10.1111/rda.14658.
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to assess performance traits in Hardhenu cattle by analysing data from 445 animals born to 59 sires and 227 dams. The investigation focused on estimating (co)variance components and genetic parameters for reproduction and production traits in dairy cattle. Results from least-squares analysis indicated a significant effect (p < .01) of the period of calving (POC) on key production traits, including first lactation milk yield (FLMY), 300-day milk yield (FLMY300), first peak yield (FPY) and total lactation milk yield (TLMY) in studied population. The least squares means for these traits were reported as follows: FLMY (2665.68 ± 45.66 kg), FLMY300 (2425.52 ± 34.41 kg), FLL (312.95 ± 3.83 days), FPY (11.52 ± 0.15 kg) and TLMY (9282.44 ± 167.03 kg) in Hardhenu cattle. In the studied population, only additive genetic variability was found to be present and there was absence of any significant maternal effect with respect to targeted traits in the resource population. Direct heritability estimates (h²) for FLMY, FLMY300, FLL, FPY, TLMY and other traits ranged from 0.03 to 0.41 in Hardhenu cattle. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic factors influencing performance traits, contributing to the enhancement of breeding and management practices in Hardhenu cattle.
PMID:38943461 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14658
Lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, and enteric gas emission of dairy cows fed an amylase-enabled corn silage in diets with different starch concentrations
J Dairy Sci. 2024 Jul;107(7):4426-4448. doi: 10.3168/jds.2023-23957.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effects of feeding an amylase-enabled corn silage (ACS) on the performance and enteric gas emissions in lactating dairy cows. Following a 2-wk covariate period, 48 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a 10-wk randomized complete block design experiment. Treatments were diets containing the same proportion of corn silage (40% of dietary DM) as follows: (1) a conventional hybrid corn silage control (CON), (2) ACS replacing the control silage (ADR), and (3) the ADR diet replacing soybean hulls with ground corn grain to achieve the same dietary starch concentration as CON (ASR). Control corn silage and ACS were harvested on the same day and contained 40.3% and 37.1% DM and (% of DM): 37.2% and 41.0% NDF and 37.1% and 30.0% starch, respectively. Enteric gas emissions were measured using the GreenFeed system. Two cows were culled due to health-related issues during the covariate period. Ruminal fluid was collected from 24 cows (8 per treatment) using the orogastric ruminal sampling technique. When compared with CON, cows fed ADR had increased DMI during experimental wk 3, 4, and 9, but treatment did not affect milk or ECM milk yields (39.0 kg/d on average; SEM = 0.89). Compared with CON, feed efficiency (per unit of milk, but not ECM) tended to be lower for ADR, whereas milk true protein concentration (a tendency) and yield were lower for ASR. Milk urea N was decreased by both ADR and ASR diets relative to CON. Compared with CON, daily CH₄ emission and emission intensity were increased by ADR but not ASR. Total protozoal count tended to be increased by both diets formulated with ACS when compared with control corn silage. Total-tract digestibility of dietary NDF was greater for ASR, and that of ADF was greater for both ADR and ASR versus CON. The molar proportion of acetate (a tendency) and acetate-to-propionate ratio were increased by ADR, but not ASR, when compared with CON. Replacement of CON with ACS (having lower starch concentration) in the diet of dairy cows increased DMI during the initial weeks of the experiment, maintained ECM, tended to decrease feed efficiency, and increased enteric CH₄ emissions, likely due to increased intake of digestible fiber, compared with CON.
PMID:38942561 | DOI:10.3168/jds.2023-23957
Characterization of expression patterns and dynamic relocation of Notch proteins during acrosome reaction of bull spermatozoa
Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 28;14(1):14925. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-65950-0.
ABSTRACT
Notch is a conserved cell-signaling pathway involved in spermatogenesis regulation. This study firstly evaluated the presence, localization patterns, acquisition origin and relation to acrosome reaction of Notch proteins in bull sperm. Western Blot analysis detected all Notch proteins in ejaculated bull sperm, and immunostaining described their specific sperm localization. Recovery of sperm from different segments showed that Notch proteins have testicular origin (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, DLL4), are sequentially acquired during sperm maturation along epididymal transit (NOTCH3, DLL3, JAGGED1-2), or post-ejaculation (DLL1, NOTCH4). Testis NOTCH2 is ubiquitously expressed in all germ-cell lines, whereas DLL4 is expressed in round and elongated spermatids during the Golgi, Cap, Acrosome and Maturation phases. In vitro spontaneous and induced sperm acrosome reaction induce consistent sperm regional relocation of NOTCH2, DLL4 and JAGGED1, and these relocation patterns are significantly associated to sperm acrosome status. NOTCH2 and JAGGED1 are relocated from the head apical to the post-equatorial regions, whereas DLL4 is lost along with the acrosome, evidencing that sperm spatial redistribution of NOTCH2 and JAGGED1 is linked to acrosome reaction onset, whereas DLL4 loss is linked to AR completion. Overall, results prompt for a relevant Notch role in bull sperm acrosome testicular development, epididymal maturation and acrosome reaction.
PMID:38942812 | PMC:PMC11213903 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-65950-0
Influence of different milking methods on milk quality based on somatic cell count and basic composition
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2024 Jun 27;31(2):198-204. doi: 10.26444/aaem/187170. Epub 2024 May 13.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Correlations between the number of milk somatic cells (SCC), the number of microorganisms, and the content of basic components of milk were studied on five farms (F1-F5) with cows of the same breed, but with different milking systems.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: From each farm, 50 Holstein Friesien milk samples were collected once a month (250 samples/month; n=3,000) during March 2022 – February 2023. Samples from farms F1 and F5 were tested for fat, protein, lactose, no fat dry matter content (FTIR spectroscopy), for the SCC (Fossomatic 7), and for the differential cells (Vetscan DC-Q).
RESULTS: The highest fat content was confirmed on farm F5 (3.85 ± 1.70%) and F4 (3.82 ± 0.21%) with automatic milking system (AMS). However, from the point of view of protein content, these farms showed slightly lower values (<0.05). F1 did not meet the minimum required amount for fat content (2.84 ± 0.81%) set by the legislation of the Slovakia. The comparison shows that there is not much difference in cell size between healthy cells and mastitis cells. The average size of healthy cells was approximately 8.77 ± 0.49 μm. In the monitored period, the average values determined were at the level of 292,000/mL (5.46 ± 0.72 log10 SCC) in cow milk samples, while for the rest of the year, the values remained at 256,000/mL (5.40 ± 0.80 log10 SCC). F1 was categorized as a positive farm with a high TLC (total milk leucocyte count) concentration (5.58 log10 cells/mL, 406.65 ± 53.80 × 10³ cells/mL) and a predominant NEU fraction (61%). Farms F2, F4, and F5 were classified as negative farms (TLC was 4.70 ± 0.26 log10 cells/ml).
CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the size of SCCs in healthy milk does not differ from SCCs found in mastitis milk. From the results, it can be concluded that the transition to the latest generation of robotic milking method can positively affect milk production and its quality.
PMID:38940103 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/187170
Separate offering of forages and concentrates to lactating dairy cows: Effects on lactational performance, enteric methane emission, and efficiency of nutrient utilization
J Dairy Sci. 2024 Jul;107(7):4587-4604. doi: 10.3168/jds.2023-24261.
ABSTRACT
The objective was to evaluate the effects of separate offering of feed ingredients (SF) and frequency of concentrate feeding versus offering a TMR, on lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, enteric CH₄ emissions, nutrient digestibility, N use efficiency, milk fatty acid profile, and blood variables in mid-lactation dairy cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows (12 primi- and 12 multiparous) averaging (±SD) 141 ± 35 DIM and 43 ± 6 kg/d of milk yield (MY) at the beginning of the study were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment with 3 periods of 28 d each, composed of 7 d for adaptation to the diets, 11 d for estimation of net energy and metabolizable protein requirements, and 10 d for data and samples collection. Cows were grouped based on parity, DIM, and MY into 4 Latin squares. Treatment allocation was balanced for carryover effects, and cows within square were assigned to (1) basal diet fed ad libitum as TMR; (2) basal diet fed as SF with forages fed ad libitum and concentrates fed 3×/d (SF×3); or (3) basal diet fed as SF with forages fed ad libitum and concentrates fed 6×/d (SF×6). Compared with TMR, SF decreased total DMI by 1.2 kg/d. Treatments did not affect MY, milk components, or ECM yield, except for a decrease in milk fat concentration and an increase in milk urea N by SF×3, compared with TMR. Feed efficiency (kg of MY/kg of DMI) was increased by 7% in SF, compared with TMR. Ruminal molar proportion of acetate and acetate-to-propionate ratio were decreased, whereas molar proportion of propionate was increased by SF×3, compared with TMR and SF×6. There was a 9% decrease in daily CH₄ production by SF, compared with TMR. Enteric CH₄ yield (per kg of DMI) was not affected by treatments in the current study. Methane intensity per kilogram of MY tended to be decreased by 10% in SF, compared with TMR. The sums of odd- and branched-chain, odd-chain, and anteiso milk fatty acids tended to be or were increased by SF, compared with TMR. Intake of nutrients tended to be or were decreased by SF, compared with TMR. The digestibility of amylase-treated NDF tended to be decreased and ADF digestibility was decreased by 3% in SF, compared with TMR. Urinary and fecal N excretions were not affected by treatments. As a percentage of total N intake, separate offering of feed ingredients increased milk N secretion, indicating an increased N use efficiency by SF, compared with TMR. Blood total fatty acid concentration was decreased by SF relative to TMR. Compared with both TMR and SF×6, SF×3 increased blood urea N concentration. Overall, feed and N use efficiencies were increased by separate offering of feed ingredients, and increasing the frequency of concentrate feeding promoted ruminal fermentation effects similar to those obtained by feeding a TMR.
PMID:38942562 | DOI:10.3168/jds.2023-24261
<em>PC</em> Gene Affects Milk Production Traits in Dairy Cattle
Genes (Basel). 2024 May 29;15(6):708. doi: 10.3390/genes15060708.
ABSTRACT
In previous work, we found that PC was differentially expressed in cows at different lactation stages. Thus, we deemed that PC may be a candidate gene affecting milk production traits in dairy cattle. In this study, we found the polymorphisms of PC by resequencing and verified their genetic associations with milk production traits by using an animal model in a cattle population. In total, we detected six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PC. The single marker association analysis showed that all SNPs were significantly associated with the five milk production traits (p < 0.05). Additionally, we predicted that allele G of 29:g.44965658 in the 5' regulatory region created binding sites for TF GATA1 and verified that this allele inhibited the transcriptional activity of PC by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. In conclusion, we proved that PC had a prominent genetic effect on milk production traits, and six SNPs with prominent genetic effects could be used as markers for genomic selection (GS) in dairy cattle, which is beneficial for accelerating the improvement in milk yield and quality in Chinese Holstein cows.
PMID:38927644 | PMC:PMC11202589 | DOI:10.3390/genes15060708
Transcriptomic Analysis of Newborn Hanwoo Calves: Effects of Maternal Overnutrition during Mid- to Late Pregnancy on Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Liver
Genes (Basel). 2024 May 28;15(6):704. doi: 10.3390/genes15060704.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the transcriptomic responses of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and liver in newborn Hanwoo calves subjected to maternal overnutrition during mid- to late gestation. Eight Hanwoo cows were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. The treatment group received a diet of 4.5 kg of concentrate and 6.5 kg of rice straw daily, resulting in intake levels of 8.42 kg DMI, 5.69 kg TDN, and 0.93 kg CP-higher than the control group (6.07 kg DMI, 4.07 kg TDN, and 0.65 kg CP), with respective NEm values of 9.56 Mcal and 6.68 Mcal. Following birth, newly born calves were euthanized humanely as per ethical guidelines, and SAT and liver samples from newborn calves were collected for RNA extraction and analysis. RNA sequencing identified 192 genes that were differentially expressed in the SAT (17 downregulated and 175 upregulated); notably, HSPA6 emerged as the most significantly upregulated gene in the SAT and as the singular upregulated gene in the liver (adj-p value < 0.05). Additionally, differential gene expression analysis highlighted extensive changes across genes associated with adipogenesis, fibrogenesis, and stress response. The functional enrichment pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) unraveled the intricate networks and biological processes impacted by overnutrition, including extracellular matrix organization, cell surface receptor signaling, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These findings underscore maternal overnutrition's substantial influence on developmental pathways, suggesting profound cellular modifications with potential lasting effects on health and productivity. Despite the robust insights that are provided, the study's limitations (sample size) underscore the necessity for further research.
PMID:38927640 | PMC:PMC11202606 | DOI:10.3390/genes15060704
Identifying Regions of the Genome Associated with Conception Rate to the First Service in Holstein Heifers Bred by Artificial Insemination and as Embryo Transfer Recipients
Genes (Basel). 2024 Jun 11;15(6):765. doi: 10.3390/genes15060765.
ABSTRACT
Heifer conception rate to the first service (HCR1) is defined as the number of heifers that become pregnant to the first breeding service compared to the heifers bred. This study aimed to identify loci associated and gene sets enriched for HCR1 for heifers that were bred by artificial insemination (AI, n = 2829) or were embryo transfer (ET, n = 2086) recipients, by completing a genome-wide association analysis and gene set enrichment analysis using SNP data (GSEA-SNP). Three unique loci, containing four positional candidate genes, were associated (p < 1 × 10^-5) with HCR1 for ET recipients, while the GSEA-SNP identified four gene sets (NES ≥ 3) and sixty-two leading edge genes (LEGs) enriched for HCR1. While no loci were associated with HCR1 bred by AI, one gene set and twelve LEGs were enriched (NES ≥ 3) for HCR1 with the GSEA-SNP. This included one gene (PKD2) shared between HCR1 AI and ET services. Identifying loci associated or enriched for HCR1 provides an opportunity to use them as genomic selection tools to facilitate the selection of cattle with higher reproductive efficiency, and to better understand embryonic loss.
PMID:38927701 | PMC:PMC11202900 | DOI:10.3390/genes15060765
Pregnancy risk in beef and dairy cows after supplementing semen with transforming growth factor beta-1 at the time of artificial insemination
J Anim Sci. 2024 Jan 3;102:skae169. doi: 10.1093/jas/skae169.
ABSTRACT
Our objective was to determine if the addition of a concentrated human recombinant transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF) to bovine semen at the time of AI would result in increased risk of pregnancy in beef and dairy cows. Suckled beef cows (n = 1,132) in 11 herds across 2 states and lactating dairy cows (n = 2,208) in one organic-certified herd were enrolled. Beef cows received fixed-time AI (FTAI) following a 7 d CO-Synch + controlled internal drug release estrous synchronization protocol. Dairy cows were inseminated following observation of natural estrus expression. Cows received either no treatment as a control (CON) or 10 ng of TGF in 10 μL added through the cut-end of a thawed straw of semen immediately prior to AI. At the time of FTAI of beef cows, the mean ± SD age was 5.0 ± 2.4 yr, BCS was 5.3 ± 0.7, and days postpartum was 78.2 ± 15.5 d. The overall pregnancy risk (PR) in beef cows was 55.2% to AI and 90.5% season-long. PR in beef cows was not affected (P = 0.27) by the addition of TGF (53.1% vs. 58.1%). Furthermore, there was no difference (P = 0.88) for season-long PR in beef cows that received TGF (91.2% vs. 91.5%). At the time of insemination of dairy cows, the mean ± SD lactation was 3.0 ± 1.3 lactations, BCS was 2.9 ± 0.3, days in milk was 115.6 ± 56.6 d, and cows had received 2.4 ± 1.5 inseminations/cow. The overall pregnancy risk to AI in dairy cows was 23.1%. PR to AI for dairy cows was not affected (P = 0.32) by addition of TGF (22.0% vs. 23.8%). In conclusion, PR to AI was not affected by addition of TGF to thawed semen immediately prior to AI in beef or dairy cows.
PMID:38934412 | PMC:PMC11245693 | DOI:10.1093/jas/skae169
Setting the boundaries-an approach to estimate the Loss Gap in dairy cattle
PLoS One. 2024 Jun 27;19(6):e0306314. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306314. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
Dairy production in the UK has undergone substantial restructuring over the last few decades. Farming intensification has led to a reduction in the total numbers of farms and animals, while the average herd size per holding has increased. These ever-changing circumstances have important implications for the health and welfare of dairy cows, as well as the overall business performance of farms. For decision-making in dairy farming, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the inefficiencies and their relative impact. The investigation of yield gaps regarding dairy cattle has been focused on specific causes. However, in addition to the risk of overestimating the impact of a specific ailment, this approach does not allow understanding of the relative contribution to the total, nor does it allow understanding of how well-described that gap is in terms of underlying causes. Using the English and Welsh dairy sectors as an example, this work estimates the Loss Gap-composed of yield losses and health expenditure – using a benchmarking approach and scenario analysis. The Loss Gap was estimated by comparing the current performance of dairy herds as a baseline with that of scenarios where assumptions were made about the milk production of cows, production costs, market prices, mortality, and expenditure related to health events. A deterministic model was developed, consisting of an enterprise budget, in which the cow was the unit, with milking herd and young stock treated separately. When constraining milk production, the model estimated an annual Loss Gap of £148 to £227 million for the whole sector. The reduction in costs of veterinary services and medicines, alongside herd replacement costs, were important contributors to the estimate with some variation between the scenarios. Milk price had a substantial impact in the estimate, with revenue from milk yield representing more than 30% of the Loss Gap, when milk price was benchmarked against that of the top performing farms. This framework provides the boundaries for understanding the relative burden from specific causes in English and Welsh dairy cattle, ensuring that the sum of the estimated losses due to particular problem does not exceed the losses from all-causes, health or non-health related.
PMID:38935774 | PMC:PMC11210862 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0306314
Effect of combining the methanogenesis inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol and cottonseeds on methane emissions, feed intake, and milk production of grazing dairy cows
Animal. 2024 Jul;18(7):101203. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101203. Epub 2024 May 24.
ABSTRACT
No single enteric CH₄ mitigating strategy has been consistently effective or is readily applicable to ruminants in grassland systems. When CH₄ mitigating strategies are effective under grazing conditions, mitigation is mild to moderate at best. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of combining two CH₄ mitigation strategies deemed feasible to apply in grazing dairy cows, the methanogenesis inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol additive (3-NOP) and cottonseed supplementation (CTS), seeking to enhance their individual CH₄ mitigating potential. Forty-eight dairy cows were evaluated in a continuous grazing study and supplemented with either a starch-based concentrate (STA) or one that contained cottonseeds (1.75 kg DM/d; CTS), and with either 19 g/d of 10% 3-NOP (Bovaer®) or the additive’s carrier (placebo), in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were supplied mixed with a concentrate supplement (5 kg/d as fed) and offered in two equal rations at milking. Methane emissions were measured on weeks 4 and 8 using the sulphur hexafluoride tracer gas technique over a 5-d period. The 3-NOP and CTS treatments tended to interact on absolute CH₄ such that 3-NOP decreased CH₄ by 13.4% with STA, but there was no mitigation with 3-NOP and CTS. Treatment interactions were also obtained for CH₄ yield, where 3-NOP tended to decrease CH₄ when supplied with STA, and tended to increase it with CTS. The increase in CH₄ yield with the CTS diet was driven by a numerical decrease in DM intake. Methane intensity was not affected by the 3-NOP or CTS treatments. Total volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid were not affected by 3-NOP supplementation, but a reduction in acetate and an increase in propionate proportion occurred, resulting in decreased acetate: propionate. The 3-NOP additive decreased grass intake; however, energy-corrected milk yield and milk composition were largely unaffected. Milk urea increased with 3-NOP supplementation. Combining twice daily supplementation of 3-NOP and CTS did not enhance their CH₄ mitigation potential when fed to grazing dairy cows. The relatively low inhibition of CH₄ production by 3-NOP compared to studies with total mixed rations may result from the mode of delivery (pulse dosed twice daily) and time gap caused by experimental handling and moving of animals to pasture after 3-NOP supplementation in the milking parlour, which could have impaired the synchrony between the additive presence in the rumen and grass intake in paddocks.
PMID:38935983 | DOI:10.1016/j.animal.2024.101203
Assessing short-term feed efficiency and its association with biological markers in herbage-fed dairy cows
Animal. 2024 Jul;18(7):101211. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101211. Epub 2024 Jun 4.
ABSTRACT
Feed efficiency is an important trait of dairy production. However, assessing feed efficiency is constrained by the associated cost and difficulty in measuring individual feed intake, especially on pastures. The objective of this study was to investigate short-term feed efficiency traits of herbage-fed dairy cows and screening of potential biomarkers (n = 238). Derived feed efficiency traits were ratio-based (i.e., feed conversion ratio (FCR) and N use efficiency (NUE)) or residual-based (i.e., residual feed intake (RFI), residual energy intake (REI), and residual N intake (RNI)). Thirty-eight Holstein and 16 Swiss Fleckvieh dairy cows underwent a 7-d measurement period during mid- and/or late-lactation. The experimental data (n = 100 measurement points) covered different lactational and herbage-fed system situations: mid-lactation grazing (n = 56), late-lactation grazing (n = 28), and late-lactation barn feeding (n = 16). During each measuring period, the individual herbage intake of each cow was estimated using the n-alkane marker technique. For each cow, biomarkers representing milk constituents (n = 109), animal characteristics (n = 13), behaviour, and activity (n = 46), breath emissions (n = 3), blood constituents (n = 35), surface, and rectal temperature (n = 29), hair cortisol (n = 1), and near-infrared (NIR) spectra of faeces and milk (n = 2) were obtained. The relationships between biomarkers and efficiency traits were statistically analysed with univariate linear regression and for NIR spectra using partial least squares regression with feed efficiency traits. The feed efficiency traits were interrelated with each other (r: -0.57 to -0.86 and 0.49-0.81). The biomarkers showed varying R² values in explaining the variability of feed efficiency traits (FCR: 0.00-0.66, NUE: 0.00-0.74, RFI: 0.00-0.56, REI: 0.00-0.69, RNI: 0.00-0.89). Overall, the feed efficiency traits were best explained by NIR spectral characteristics of milk and faeces (R²: 0.25-0.89). Biomarkers show potential for predicting feed efficiency in herbage-fed dairy cows. NIR spectra data analysis of milk and faeces presents a promising method for estimating individual feed efficiency upon further validation of prediction models. Future applications will depend on the ability to improve the robustness of biomarkers to predict feed efficiency in a greater variety of environments (locations), managing conditions, feeding systems, production intensities, and other aspects.
PMID:38935984 | DOI:10.1016/j.animal.2024.101211
Expression and localization of anti-Müllerian hormone and its receptors in bovine corpus luteum
Theriogenology. 2024 Sep 15;226:228-235. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.017. Epub 2024 Jun 21.
ABSTRACT
Although anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is involved in the regulation of granulosa cell function in female animals, its role in tissues other than ovarian follicles remains poorly understood. It has also been suggested that cows with high circulating AMH concentrations have increased fertility; however, the mechanism has not been elucidated. This study was conducted to identify the presence of the AMH-signaling system and its target cells in the bovine corpus luteum formed from an ovulated follicle. Immunoblotting revealed that the proteolytically cleaved C-terminal region in AMH (AMH_C), a biologically active peptide, was present in trace amounts in the early corpus luteum and significantly increased during the mid to regressed stages. AMH_C and cleaved N-terminal region (AMH_N) in AMH generate a noncovalent isoform that improves the activity of AMH signaling. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AMH_C, AMH_N, and type II AMH receptor (AMHR2) were localized to luteal cells during the entire estrous cycle. AMH in the corpus luteum seemed to be newly synthesized since AMH expression was detected. These findings suggest that AMH signaling is involved in the regulation of luteal cell function through an autocrine and post-translational processing mechanism. The level of AMHR2 and mRNA expression of AMHR2 and type I AMH receptors (activin-like kinase 2, 3, and 6) were highest in the mid stage. Thus, AMH signaling in the corpus luteum may also be regulated by changes in the receptor levels. Since the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, to which AMH belongs, is a multifunctional polypeptide growth factor, further studies are needed to evaluate whether AMH signaling has a role in facilitating or inhibiting luteal cell functions.
PMID:38924892 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.017
Effects of natural mating, artificial insemination and intravaginal deposition of raw semen or seminal plasma on vaginal and uterine blood flow in German Holstein cows
BMC Vet Res. 2024 Jun 26;20(1):277. doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-03919-x.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The present study was performed to characterize and compare the perfusion of vaginal and uterine arteries after challenging the reproductive tract of dairy cows via natural mating, artificial insemination (AI), or intravaginal deposition (vaginal fundus) of different biological fluids or a placebo.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind study, six German Holstein cows were administered PGF_2α during dioestrus and 48 h later treated with GnRH. Intravaginal or intrauterine treatments were carried out 12 h after GnRH was administered. Animals served as their controls, using a cross-over design with an interval of 14 days between experiments. The experimental animals were allocated to receive the following treatments: natural mating (N), intrauterine artificial insemination (A), intravaginal deposition (vaginal fundus) of 6 mL raw semen (R) or 6 mL seminal plasma (S), and compared to their controls [control 1: 6 mL placebo (P: physiological saline); control 2: no treatment (C)). Corresponding time intervals were chosen for the untreated control oestrus. Blood flow volume (BFV) in the uterine (u) and vaginal (v) arteries ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the preovulatory follicle was determined using transrectal Doppler sonography.
RESULTS: All animals exhibited oestrus and ovulated between 30 and 36 h after GnRH. Transient increases (P < 0.05) in vaginal blood flow occurred between 3 and 12 h following mating as well as 3 to 9 h after deposition of raw semen and seminal plasma, respectively. The most distinct increases (199%) in vBFV occurred 6 h after mating compared to values immediately before mating (= time 0 h). Neither AI nor deposition of a placebo into the vagina affected vBFV (P > 0.05). Only mating and deposition of either raw semen, seminal plasma or AI increased uBFV (P < 0.003). The greatest rise in uBFV occurred after natural mating. Maximum uBFV values were detected 9 h after mating when values were 79% greater (P < 0.05) than at 0 h.
CONCLUSIONS: The natural mating, deposition of raw semen or seminal plasma and conventional AI affect vaginal and/or uterine blood flow to different degrees. The factors responsible for these alterations in blood flow and their effects on fertility remain to be clarified in future studies.
PMID:38926710 | PMC:PMC11201786 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-024-03919-x

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