Search

Submitted 2020-07-02 | Accepted 2020-08-28 | Available 2020-12-01 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.mi-fpap.162-166 β-carotene has many important functions in the body: as a precursor of vitamin A, it works as antioxidant and affects the fertility of cows. This paper presents the results of measurements of the content of β-carotene in the blood serum of cows from different farms in Slovenia. Blood samples of cows (n = 604) from 176 farms with impaired fertility were analysed for β-carotene content using Yudkin's photometric method. The descriptive statistics and the proportion of samples that deviated from the reference values were calculated. Influence of month of sampling and farm on β-carotene level was studied as well. The median value of β-carotene in the investigated samples was 5.02 mg/L (minimum 0.63 mg/L, maximum 16.10 mg/L) and was within the reference range. In 32.8% of cow samples, the content of β-carotene was below the reference value (4.0 mg/L). According to the results, we believe that this is not a negligible problem in Slovenian farms, and that it is advisable to control β-carotene status in cows, especially in herds where fertility is impaired and in farms where the composition of the diet indicates the possibility of β-carotene deficiency. Keywords: dairy cattle, reproduction, β-carotene References Akar, Y. and Gazioglu, A. (2006). Relationship between vitamin A and β-carotene levels during the postpartum period and fertility parameters in cows with and without retained placenta. Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy, 50, 93-96. De Bie, J., Langbeen, A., Verlaet, A. A. J., Florizoone, F., Immig, I., Hermans, N., Fransen, E., Bols, P. E. J. and Leroy J. L. M. R. (2016). The effect of a negative energy balance status on β-carotene availability in serum and folicullar fluid of nonlactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 99, 5808-5819. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-10870 de Ondarza, M. B., Wilson J. W. and Engstrom, M. (2009). Case study: effect of supplemental β-carotene on yield of milk and milk components and on reproduction of dairy cows. The Professional Animal Scientist, 25, 510-516. https://doi.org/10.15232/S1080-7446(15)30742-7 Gouvea, V. N. d., Colli, M. H. A., Junior, W. A. G., Lemos Motta, J. C., Acedo, T. S., Vasconcellos, G. d. S. F. M. d., Tamssia, L. F. M., Morag Elliff, F., Mingoti, R. D. and Baruselli, P. S. (2018). The combination of β-carotene and vitamins improve the pregnancy rate at first fixed-time artificial insemination in grazing beef cows. Livestock Science, 217, 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2018.09.002 Hurley, W. L. and Doane, R. M. (1989). Recent developments in the roles of vitamins and minerals in reproduction. Journal of Dairy Science, 72, 784-804. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(89)79170-0 Jazbec, I. (1990). Clinical laboratory diagnostics. Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty. Johansson, B., Persson Waller, K., Jensen, S. K., Lindquist, H. and Nadeau, E. (2014). Status of vitamins E and A and β-carotene and health in organic dairy cows fed a diet without synthetic vitamins. Journal of Dairy Science, 97, 1682-1692. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-7388 Kawashima, C., Kida, K., Schweigert, F. J. and Miyamoto, A. (2009). Relationship between plasma β-carotene concentrations during the peripartum period and ovulation in the first follicular wave postpartum in dairy cows. Animal Reproduction Science, 111, 105-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.02.008 LeBlanc, S. J., Herdt, T. H., Seymour, W. M., Duffield, T. F. and Leslie, K. E. (2004). Peripartum serum vitamin E, retinol, and beta-carotene in dairy cattle and their associations with disease. Journal of Dairy Science, 87, 609-619. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(04)73203-8 Lindquist, H., Nadeau, E. and Jensen, S. K. (2012). Alpha-tocopherol and β-carotene in legume-grass mixtures as influenced by wilting, ensiling and type of silage additive. Grass Forage Science, 67, 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2494.2011.00827.x Mogensen, L., Kristensen, T., Soegard, K., Jensen, S. K. and Sehested, J. (2012). Alfa-tocopherol and beta-carotene in roughages and milk in organic dairy herds. Livestock Science, 145, 44-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.12.021 Noziere, P., Grolier, P., Durand, D., Ferlay, A., Pradel, P. and Martin, B. (2006a). Variations in carotenoids, fat-soluble micronutrients, and color in cows' plasma and milk following changes in forage and feeding level. Journal of Dairy Science, 89, 2634-2648. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72340-2 Noziere, P., Graulet, B., Lucas, A., Martin, B., Grolier, P. and Doreau, M. (2006b). Carotenoids for ruminants: From forages to dairy products. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 131, 418-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.06.018 Oliveira, R. C., Guerreiro, B. M., Morais Junior, N. N., Araujo, R. L., Pereira, R. A. N. and Pereira, M. N. (2015). Supplementation of prepartum dairy cows with β-carotene. Journal of Dairy Science, 98, 6304-6314. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-9037 Rakes, A. H., Owens, M. P., Britt, J. H. and Whitlow, L. W. (1985). Effects of adding beta-carotene to rations of lactating cows consuming different forages. Journal of Dairy Science, 68, 1732-1737. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(85)81019-5 Rucker, R. B. and Morris, J. G. (1997). The vitamins. In: Kaneko, J. J., Harvey, J. W., Bruss, M. L. (eds.). Clinical biochemistry of domestic animals (5.ed.). San Diego: Academic Press (pp. 703–739). Stober, M. and Scholz, H. (2006). Krankheiten der Sinnesorgane. In: Dirksen, G., Grunder, H. D., Stober, M. (eds.) Innere Medizin und Chirurgie des Rindes (5. ed.9. Stutgart: Parey (pp. 1171–1209). Torsein, M., Lindberg, A., Svensson, C., Krogh Jensen, S., Berg, C. and Persson Waller, K. (2018). α-Tocopherol and β-carotene concentrations in feed, colostrum, cow and calf serum in Swedish dairy herds with high or low calf mortality. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 60, 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-018-0361-0 Trojacanec, S., Bobos, S. and Pajic, M. (2012). Influence of β-carotene and vitamin A supplementation on the ovarian activity of dairy cows with chronic fertility impairment. Veterinarski Arhiv, 82, 567-575. Yudkin, S. (1941). Estimation of vitamina A and carotene in human blood. Biochemical Journal, 35, 551-556. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj0350551 Žust, J., Pestevsek, U., Vengust, A. and Jakovac Strajn, B.( 2009). Pathology of nutrition of cattle, small ruminants, pigs and poultry. Ljubljana: University of Ljubljana,Veterinary Faculty.

This Research Reflection short review will discuss vitamin D metabolism, its role in nutrition, disease prevention, and welfare of dairy cattle, as well as its toxicity. Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin. However, some researchers regard it as a hormone due to its function in the organism. Its role is not limited just to Ca homoeostasis and bone metabolism but is also associated with immunity. In dairy cattle it is known for preventing milk fever. Cows can acquire vitamin D in many ways for example through feed, parenteral injections or through UVB irradiation from the sun or artificial lighting. The vitamin D in feed can either be plant-/ fungi- based ergocalciferol or animal-based cholecalciferol. There is currently only one registered feed vitamin D supplement for cattle in the European Union and it is cholecalciferol. Animals can also synthesize their own vitamin D when 7-dihydrocholesterol in the skin is irradiated with UVB light resulting in cholecalciferol production. Despite its importance, many cattle are deficient in vitamin D due to inadequate supplementation or insufficient sun exposure. In a study performed at the Veterinary Faculty in Slovenia 12 high producing Holstein Friesian cows at a commercial dairy farm were blood tested for vitamin D status for three succeeding months and all but one were vitamin D insufficient in all testings. The cows were not exposed to direct sunlight and the content of vitamin D3 in feed was Trisetum flavescens, which contain an active form of vitamin D-calcitriol or its glycosides, that are activated by digestion in the rumen.

Bovine coronaviruses are spread all over the world. They cause two types of clinical manifestations in cattle either an enteric, calf diarrhoea and winter dysentery in adult cattle, or respiratory in all age groups of cattle. The role of coronaviruses in respiratory infections is still a hot topic of discussion since they have been isolated from sick as well as healthy animals and replication of disease is rarely successful. Bovine coronavirus infection is characterised by high morbidity but low mortality. The laboratory diagnosis is typically based on serological or molecular methods. There is no registered drug for the treatment of virus infections in cattle and we are limited to supportive therapy and preventative measures. The prevention of infection is based on vaccination, biosecurity, management and hygiene. This paper will cover epidemiology, taxonomy, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, therapy, economic impact and prevention of coronavirus infections in cattle.

The fundal pressure manoeuvre (FPM) is a procedure where the fundus of the uterus is pushed through the abdominal wall by the midwifes and doctors to shorten the terminal phase of the second stage vaginal delivery. Nowadays its use is controversial and associated with many adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate benefits and adverse maternal outcomes after FPM. The correlation of the FPM with episiotomy was evaluated. The role of the FPM on pelvic floor dysfunction such as anal incontinence due to anal sphincter injury was assessed.The retrospective study was conducted between 2017 and 2021. The women who came to the postpartum examination to Gynaecology department for various reasons and gave vaginal birth to a singleton were included in the study. The women who had instrumental delivery were excluded. Minimal sample size was calculated with calculator.net and set on 45. Two groups were formed one with fundal pressure and one without, 96 and 90 patients respectively. The maternal, fetal, and obstetric factors that could be associated with the application of FPM were examined. The endoanal ultrasound examination was performed on all women included in the study.The study did not show that FPM would lead to a more frequent occurrence of anal sphincter injury (p = 0.73), effect its location (p = 0.77) and depth (p = 0.97), however the test group tended to have longer ruptures compared to control group (p = 0.1). No statistically significant differences in episiotomies between control and test group (p = 0.075) were shown. Endoanal ultrasound showed discrepancy between clinically stated and ultrasonographical diagnoses of anal sphincter injuries. In 61,3% of patients with anal sphincter injury after FPM, reported one of the anal incontinence problems of varying degrees six months after delivery.Given that the study proved that FPM is not correlated to the anal sphincter injury it can be used safely. The FPM should be performed carefully and only if necessary to safely finish the labour or in combination with instrumental delivery.

The European Union (EU) regulates the control of cattle diseases listed in categories A and B of the European Animal Health Law (AHL). However, no strict mandatory EU regulation exists for the control of other cattle diseases that are listed in categories C, D and E. Slovenia has five control programmes (CPs) for the latter cattle diseases: bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), bluetongue and anthrax. Two (IBR and BVD) are voluntary and the others (EBL, anthrax and bluetongue) are compulsory. The three compulsory CPs are funded by the government. All the CPs are run by the government and laboratory tests are performed by the National Veterinary Institute. The rules for the CPs are laid down in Slovenian legislation. In addition, there is a national directive for the control of salmonellosis. Both BVD and IBR are endemic and have CPs based on increased biosecurity, testing and culling or vaccination, financed by the animal owners. Slovenia has been officially free of EBL since 2005 and carries out surveillance based on serological testing of a representative number of herds and inspection of carcasses at slaughter or necropsy. Vaccination is the main disease control measure for anthrax (sporadic) and bluetongue (currently perceived free—vaccination since 2017). Lack of motivation of farmers to participate in voluntary disease CPs and to implement and follow strict biosecurity measures are the most pressing issues in improving the health status of Slovenian cattle. An overview of the existing CPs and the circumstances leading to their implementation are presented.

Animal production and health are of significant economic importance, particularly regarding the world food supply. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the past six decades, particularly in genetics, nutrition, housing, management and health. To address major challenges such as those posed by climate change or metabolic disorders, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools. Proteomics and the other post-genomic tools (transcriptomics or metabolomics) are among them. Proteomics has experienced a considerable development over the last decades. This brought developments to different scientific fields. The use and adoption of proteomics tools in animal and veterinary sciences has some limitations (database availability or access to proteomics platforms and funding). As a result, proteomics' use by animal science researchers varies across the globe. In this viewpoint article, we focus on the developments of domestic animal proteomics over the last decade in different regions of the globe and how the researchers have coped with such challenges. In the second part of the article, we provide examples of funding, educational and laboratory establishment initiatives designed to foster the development of (animal-based) proteomics. International scientific collaboration is a definitive and key feature in the development and advancement of domestic animal proteomics. SIGNIFICANCE: Animal production and health are very important for food supply worldwide particularly as a source of proteinaceous foods. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the last decades. In order to address the major contemporary challenges facing animal and veterinary sciences, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools such as Proteomics and other Omics. Herein, we focus on the major developments in domestic animal proteomics worldwide during the last decade and how different regions of the world have used the technology in this specific research field. We address also major international efforts aiming to increase the research output in this area and highlight the importance of international cooperation to address specific problems inherent to domestic animal proteomics. Science and Technology Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal) through LEAF Research Center: UID/AGR/04129/2020 SFRH/BD/143992/2019; Science and Technology Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal):UID/Multi/04326/2020 16-02-05-FMP-12, 16-02-01-FMP-0014 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (Brasilia, DF, Brazil) CNPq 409186/2018-0 Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) 001 research program Animal health, environment and food safety of Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana - Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) P4-0092 European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST): FA1002 European Commission FP7 VETMEDZG project: 621394 European Commission: KK.01.1.1.04.0086 Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Joint Doctorate MANNA project 765423; European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program 823839 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

As for other European countries, IBR is a significant cause of financial losses in cattle in Slovakia. The State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic prepared a voluntary IBR control program for cattle farms in 1995, which was implemented in 1996. In subsequent years, 48-119 farms/year enrolled in the voluntary IBR control program. Since the end of 2006, the IBR control program became compulsory by law for all cattle farms in Slovakia. Serology was used to identify infected animals using a conventional ELISA amongst non-vaccinated cattle and a gE specific ELISA in cattle vaccinated with marker vaccine. Eradication is based on culling when the serological prevalence of IBR in a herd is below 15%. When the prevalence is higher than 15%, the culling is combined with the application of a marker vaccine. A radical method where all animals are slaughtered is used with the agreement of the farmer when appropriate, especially for very small herds. Depending upon the selected eradication method, the antibody positive cattle can be gradually replaced in the herds to eliminate financial losses due to the disease. The movement of cattle is under strict control requiring a health certificate issued by the state veterinary authority and the movement must be recorded in the central livestock registry. The next step for herds is monitoring to achieve official IBR-free status. Based on the official figures from The State Veterinary and Food Administration, 60.2% herds were free of IBR in Slovakia in 2020.

Lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare problems in cattle, especially on dairy farms. The most common cause of lameness is claw pathology, often due to lack of appropriate functional claw trimming. Functional claw trimming restores the physiological shape of the claws and distributes weight properly between the claws and over the claw weight-bearing surface. It also allows closer examination of the claws for early signs of pathology. The methods of functional claw trimming described in the previous century are still applicable today, considering some recent findings on the subject. It is essential not to over-trim the claws and to maintain strict hygiene of the trimming tools. Claw horn pathology in the early stages is usually treated effectively by therapeutic claw trimming alone. The stoic nature of cattle and their natural tendency to hide pain often result in delayed treatment of claw diseases, leading to more advanced stages of disease/pathology associated with higher-grade lameness. This situation often leads to the development of neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia requiring multimodal treatment. Because claw horn diseases are multifactorial, veterinarians and others involved in animal management must be familiar with the preventive measures available to improve claw health in a cattle herd. Further research to improve claw horn quality and effectively control/prevent claw infections without polluting the environment or negatively affecting worker and animal health is still needed. This article reviews the latest knowledge on functional claw trimming and treatment of the most common claw horn diseases in cattle.

Veterinarians in buiatric practice, alongside veterinary care and animal welfare, are also responsible for protecting assisting personnel and those working on the holding from zoonoses. Therefore, they need to be knowledgeable about common zoonotic diseases of ruminants, in particular, and protection from their contraction. Veterinarians should know which zoonotic diseases are present in their country and neighbouring countries to be prepared to advise. Zoonotic diseases of ruminants often show no typical clinical presentation, so awareness of self-protective behaviour when dealing with animals in the prevention of zoonoses is very important. This article provides a review of the common zoonoses of domestic ruminants in South-East Europe that are transmitted when handling animals, and their manner of transmission to humans. Safety culture in ruminant production relates to employee attitudes and behaviour concerning health and safety, which also has a significant impact on zoonosis prevention. Improving the safety culture among livestock sector workers and worker behaviours that prevent the risk of zoonoses are also discussed., Veterinari su u buiatričkoj praksi, uz vete- rinarsku skrb i dobrobit životinja, odgovorni i za zaštitu pomoćnog osoblja i osoblja koje radi na gospodarstvima od zoonoza. Stoga trebaju posjedovati znanje o uobičajenim zoonotskim bolestima preživača, posebno o zaštiti od obolijevanja od takvih bolesti. Veterinari bi trebali znati koje su zoonotske bolesti prisutne u njihovoj, kao i u susjednim zemljama kako bi bili spremni savjetovati osoblje na gospodarstvima. Zoonotske bolesti preživača često ne pokazuju nikakve tipične kliničke znakove, stoga je svijest o ponašanju u svrhu samozaštite kada se radi sa životinjama vrlo bitna u prevenciji zoonoza. Ovaj članak sadrži analizu uobičajenih zoonoza u domaćih preživača u jugoistočnoj Europi koje se pre- nose radeći sa životinjama te načina njihovog prenošenja na ljude. Osviještenost djelatnika o sigurnosti zaštite od zoonoza u proizvodnji preživača odnosi se na stavove i ponaša- nje zaposlenika u svezi zdravlja i sigurnosti, što isto tako ima znatan učinak na prevenciju zoonoze. Ujedno se raspravlja o povećanju osviještenosti djelatnika o sigurnosti zaštite od zoonoza među djelatnicima u stočarskom sektoru i ponašanjima radnika koja sprječa- vaju rizike od zoonoza.