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In recent years, there have been numerous research activities related to the use of different herbal agents, especially those originating from chestnuts and garlic, as alternatives to synthetic growth promoters like antibiotics. Garlic and its active ingredients have been studied for their potential benefits, such as improving feed intake, production performance, rumen fermentation, and udder health. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of garlic polysulfides, including diallyl polysulfide and dipropyl polysulfide, on hematological and biochemical parameters in dairy cows, as well as their possible effect on subclinical mastitis therapy. Eighteen late lactation Holstein cows were divided into three numerically equal groups (n=6): CON (non-supplemented cows), ALL (supplemented with 1000 mg/day of diallyl polysulfide), and PRP (supplemented with 1000 mg/day of dipropyl polysulfide). Blood sampling for hematological and biochemical analyses as well as the California mastitis test (CMT) test were performed before and after the 15-day study. The results showed that garlic supplementation significantly increased blood leukocyte count and blood glucose concentration (p

Ruminant husbandry contributes to global methane (CH4) emissions and beside its negative impact on the environment, enteric CH4 emissions cause a loss of gross energy intake in cows. The study is aimed to estimate CH4 emission and metabolic status in dairy cows via the methane concentration profile as a tool for analyzing the CH4 production pattern. The study included eighteen cows whose enteric CH4 emission was measured during three consecutive days in three periods: 2 hours before (P1), 2–4 hours (P2) and 6–8 hours (P3) after the morning feeding. Based on CH4 enteric emissions, cows were divided into two groups (n=6, respectively): HM (average CH4 concentration: 5430.08 ± 365.92 ppm) and LM (average CH4 concentration: 1351.85 ± 205.20 ppm). Following CH4 measurement, on day 3, venous blood was sampled to determine the indicators of the metabolic status. HM cows had significantly higher average CH4 concentrations, maximum and average CH4 peak amplitude than LM cows in all measuring periods (P1-P3), while the number of CH4 peaks tended to be higher in HM than in LM cows in P2. There were no differences in the maximum and average CH4 peak width and average distance among two CH4 peaks between examined groups of cows. HM cows had significantly higher total protein concentrations and significantly lower total bilirubin and NEFA concentrations than LM cows. In conclusion, HM cows have a greater number of eructations and release more CH4 per eructation than LM cows, hence the differences in metabolic status are most likely related to the differences in their liver function.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different treatment options for the correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA) on milk yield, hematological, electrolyte parameters, lactate and cortisol concentrations in primiparous cows. Twenty four Holstein cows were randomly assigned into three groups: cows treated with one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy (LPS, n=8), cows treated by left paralumbar omentopexy (LPT, n=8) and healthy cows (CON, n=8), matched by parity and days in milk. Blood samples were collected before (D0) and after (D0’) surgery, and 1 (D1), 3 (D3), 10 (D3) and 30 (D30) days following surgery. LPS and LPT cows at D0 as well as LPT cows at 30 d following surgery had lower milk yield than CON cows (P

Previous studies in the field of acid-base and oxidative status in cows have mainly focused on the transition period (three weeks before and three weeks after calving). The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the parameters of acid-base and oxidative status and electrolyte balance in cows not only during the transition period, but also at other stages of the production cycle. Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into four numerically equal groups (n = 6): early lactating cows (9±2 days in milk - DIM), peak lactating cows (50±5 DIM), late lactating cows (170±10 DIM) and dry cows (10±1 days before calving). Venous blood samples were taken from the cows to analyze acid-base status, electrolyte concentrations and oxidative stress parameters, and to compare group means. Significantly higher pH was observed in early lactating cows than in late lactating cows. Sodium (Na+) concentration was significantly lower in early lactating and peak lactating cows compared to dry cows, while chloride (Cl-) concentration was also lower in late lactating cows compared to dry cows. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was higher in early lactating cows compared to peak lactating cows. Thus, the highest blood pH, lowest Na+ and Cl- concentrations and highest serum GSH-Px activity were observed in early lactating cows compared to other groups, indicating the highest metabolic and oxidative stress during this period. In conclusion, it would be useful to consider the inclusion of these parameters in standard health assessment procedures in intensive dairy production.

Introduction. Neonatal calves are often deficient in iron. Accumulating evidence indicates that iron status is associated with disease pathologies including diarrhea. Our objective was to examine the association between iron status and gut function in neonatal calves with and without a history of calf diarrhea. Materials and Methods. Calves were divided into two groups based on their history of diarrhea; the first group were diarrheic calves (n=6) and the second group were non-diarrheic healthy calves (n=6). Blood samples (n=12) were collected at day 12 of age and erythrogram determination and measurements of serum iron and total iron binding capacity were performed. Hematological values were measured using an automatic analyzer, and biochemical properties were determined spectrophotometrically. Fecal samples were obtained from all calves and pH measured using semi quantitative test strips as well as being examined by bacterial cultivation for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens, by RT-PCR for the presence of bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus and bovine viral diarrhea virus, and by microscopy for the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum. Results and Conclusions. There were significant iron-related changes for most hematological indices in diarrheic calves; and iron (Fe) deficiency and microcytic, hypochromic anemia were diagnosed. The pH of the feces was significantly higher in diarrheic calves than in the non-diarrheic healthy group (P

This study aimed to evaluate glucose-induced insulin response in cows exposed to different temperature-humidity index. Twenty early lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into 2 equal groups based on season, as summer (SU) and spring (SP). SP cows were not exposed to heat stress, while SU cows were exposed to moderate or severe heat stress. Milk production was recorded daily. Starting from day 30 of lactation, intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was carried out three times at 30-day intervals. Blood samples were taken before (basal) and after glucose infusion, and glucose and insulin were measured at each sample point. The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated. Milk yield from days 30 to 40 and 64 to 90 of lactation were higher in SP cows than in SU cows. Basal glucose did not differ on days 30 and 60 of lactation, while basal insulin and HOMA were lower in SU compared to SP cows. On day 90 of lactation, SU cows had higher basal glucose, whereas basal insulin and HOMA did not differ. IVGTT results revealed that glucose tolerance was affected by heat stress such that SU cows had higher glucose clearance. Insulin responses to IVGTT did not differ on days 30 and 60 of lactation. Heat stress had a marked effect on insulin secretion on day 90 of lactation, illustrated by higher increments, peak concentrations and area under the curve for insulin in SU cows. Overall, season differences in glucose tolerance depend not only on heat stress and milk production but also on the stage of lactation.

The aim of our study was to investigate if the thyroid axis of newborn calves is affected by prenatal application of propylthyouracil (PTU). The study included 20 late pregnant Holstein cows. One group (n=10) was treated with PTU (4 mg/kg of BW daily) from day 20 before expected calving until the day of calving. The other group (n=10) was non-treated. Placental samples of dams were obtained for measuring mRNA expression of iodothyronine deiodinases type I (D1), type II (D2) and type III (D3). After parturition calves were separated from the dams and included in the study. Blood samples were taken daily from each calf starting on the day of birth until day 7 of age. Blood T3, T4 and TSH concentrations were measured. PCR analysis of the placental tissue revealed an abundance of all three types of placental deiodinases in non-treated cows, and a significant elevation of mRNA levels for all three types of deiodinases after PTU treatment. Calves that originated from dams treated with PTU had significantly lower T3 and T4 and significantly higher TSH concentrations compared to non-treated calves during the first 2 days of life. Starting from day 4 until day 6 of life the opposite effect was observed meaning that calves prenatally exposed to PTU had significantly higher T3 and T4 and slightly lower TSH. Our study, for the first time, provides information related to iodothyronine deiodinases mRNA expression in bovine placenta, and confirm that PTU treatment of pregnant dams provokes depression of thyroid function in newborns during the first days of life.

The objective of this work was to compare the composition of colostrum and milk of cows and sows (content of dry matter, protein, milk fat and lactose, concentration of IGF-I and insulin) in samples taken on the first, second, third and seventh day after parturition, and then based on the differences in composition to determine a biological significance of nutrition of newborn during the earliest stages of their life. The investigation inluded 14 cows of Holstein breed and 14 sows of Landrace breed. The content of dry matter and the concentration of proteins in both colostrum and milk samples were statistically significantly higher in regard to sows mammary glands secretion, taken on the first day after the parturition (p

The aim of this work was to investigate the change of metabolic profile of sows during the lactation period, taking into consideration both parity and number of piglets in a litter (litter size). In order to do this, 30 sows immediately after farrowing were taken and divided into three groups: sows with two farrowing (first group; n=10), ones with four farrowing (second group; n=10), and ones with five and more farrowing (third group; n=10). In regard to a litter size, 20 sows were divided into two groups: sows with eight piglets (first group; n=10), and sows with 10 and more piglets (second group; n=10). All the sows included in the experiment were mestizos of large Yorkshire and Swedish Landrace. Blood samples were taken on the 2nd and 28th day of lactation. In the blood serum samples there were determined the concentration of total proteins, albumins, Total bilirubin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The results have shown that there was not a significant difference in proteinemia between the groups on the 2nd day after farrowing, while on the 28th day of lactation, proteinemia was significantly lower only in the group with ten or more piglets in a litter. In all the groups, except for the group with ten or more piglets in the litter, proteinemia was significantly higher on the 28th compared to the 2nd day of lactation. Albumin concentration in blood serum of different groups of sows followed the same trend as protein concentration, with the only difference that albuminemia in sows with ten or more piglets in a litter was approximately the same on the 2nd and 28th day of lactation. Total bilirubin concentration in blood serum on the 2nd day after farrowing was equal in different groups of sows, provided that in sows with five or more farrowings it was significantly higher in regard to other groups. Similar divergence was also determined on the 28th day after farrowing. The sows of 4th parity had significantly lower and the ones with 10 or more farrowings higher bilirubinemia on the 28th compared to the 2nd day of lactation. Glycaemia was significantly lower in the sows with ten or more piglets in a litter in regard to other groups both on the 2nd and 28th day of lactation. Calcaemia was significantly lower on the 2nd in regard to the 28th day of lactation in all the groups, except for the group of sows with ten or more piglets in a litter. In the group with 10 or more piglets in a litter, calcaemia was significantly lower compared to other groups both on the 2nd and 28th day. The sows of 4. Parity had significantly lower phosphataemia in regard to other groups both on the 2nd and 28th day of lactation. Moreover, on the 28th day of lactation, the sows with 10 or more piglets in a litter had significantly lower phosphataemia in regard to all the other groups, except for the group of sows of 4th parity. Phosphataemia varied between the 2nd and 28th day of lactation in neither group except for the group of sows with 10 or more piglets in a litter. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that between the 2nd and 28th day of lactation significant changes in concentrations of some parameters of metabolic profile in sows in lactation occur. The determined changes are most pronounced in elderly sows as well as in the ones with ten or more piglets in a litter, being a result of impeded bile flow or metabolic load due to the increased activity of mammary glands.

The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between stereotypical behaviour of high yielding dairy cows breeds and values of biochemical blood parameters. The investigation was carried out in august at loose-housing type of farms, in 30 heads of cattle from four groups: drying (15 to 7 days before calving), puerperium (up to 40 days after calving, early lactation (up to 120 days after calving) and late lactation (200 to 300 days after calving). Assessment of stereotypical behaviour (tongue rolling) was carried out by the method of careful observation of all the tested animals 2 to 4 hours after morning feeding. Blood samples were taken by puncture of jugular vein from 8 cows out of each animal group. In these blood samples there was determined the concentration of glucose, beta hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBA), total protein (TP), albumin, urea, total bilirubin (TBI), Ca, P, and Mg as well as AST and ALT activities. During the period up to 40 days after calving (puerperium), behavioral disorder in the form of „tongue rolling“ was found out in 4 out of 30 observed animals (13.33%). Average concentrations of all the tested blood parameters during the drying period as well as in early and late lactation were within physiological values for cattle. During puerperium there were found significantly lower values of glycaemia, proteinemia, albuminemia, uremia and magnesiemia in regard to antepartal values (p

In this paper there is presented right heart failure in 10 years' old cow. During last year it had changeable apetite, profuse diarrhea as well as fluctuations in milk production. In the mentoned period it did not conceive. By examination of peripheral blood vessels, there were determined some changes in pulse quality (p.rarus et parvus) and charge of neck veins (venous stasis). Under the skin in sternum region there was noticeable swelling of pastose condensation. Visible mucosas were pail. Heart sounds were barely audible, and at puncta optima aorte and a.pulmonalis could not be heard at all. On the right side of the chest, first and second heart tones audability was better, compared to those of the opposite side. By examining of the reticulum by testing on foreign body presence, the animal did not react painfully. On the basis of these data, there was diagnosed: Insufficientio cordis et pericarditis traumatica in obs. By laboratory analysis of blood samples, trere was determined hypochromic and microcytic anemia, mild leukocytosis with neutrophilia, as well as hyperproteinemia characterized by hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. These findings pointed out to iron deficiency, inflammatory process and reduced syntetic ability of liver. For economic reasons, the animal was sent to the slaughter. By pathomorphological examination there were determined connective tissue adhesions among reticulum, diaphragm, pericardium and the base of the heart. The foreign body was located in the base of the heart where a large abscess was formed. Pericardium was thickened, and on its inner side there were grained sediments of fibrin and purulent content. Right ventricle of the heart was expanded and the wall was thinned. By histopathological examination of the heart, there was found out thickened pericardium with fibrin sediments, and the wall of the abscess located on the base of the heart was formed of connective tissue largely infiltrated by neutrophyl granulocytes. On the basis of the findings, there was diagnosed Pericarditis purulenta chronica. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 46002: Molekularno-genetička i ekofiziološka istraživanja u zaštiti autohtonih animalnih genetičkih resursa, očuvanju dobrobiti, zdravlja i reprodukcije gajenih životinja i proizvodnji bezbedne hrane]

One of the ways to make an assessment of the energy status of cows in lactation is to consider the results obtained from the evaluation of the concentrations of organic milk components. The advantages of this method are that the taking of milk samples is not stressful for the cow and that it is also possible to use the results of milk examinations carried out by dairy plants within regular control. A bulk milk sample from all individual cows can be used, or an individual milk sample. In farms that have herds of unequal genetic potential, it is preferable to assess the energy status by analyzing the results for individual samples, because each animals is assessed individually in that way. Furthermore, the use of individual milk samples is recommended at newly-established farms in order to facilitate the establishment of reference values for the herd. The energy status of cows is assessed using the milk samples by analyzing fat, protein and urea concentrations and their mutual ratios. Fat and protein concentrations in cow milk vary depending on the breed, the diet, age, stage of lactation, and the season of the year. A fat content lower than the physiological values can be expected in cases of unfavourable diet of the cows during the period around calving or rumen acidosis, and it can be expected to be higher during ketotic conditions. A higher protein content in milk can be expected during a high-protein, and a lower one during a low-protein diet of the cows. The physiological concentration of urea in milk depends on nutritive factors, the season, age, stage of lactation, and body mass. Specifically, older cows, cows in advanced lactation, and cows in the summer period tend to have higher values for urea concentration in milk. Among nutritive factors, the most important is the ratio between energy and proteins in the cow feed ration. In cases when protein content in milk is optimal or above the recommended values but the energy supply is lower, the urea concentration increases to over the range of physiological values. In the event that the feed ration is deficient in both proteins and energy the urea content in milk drops. This work also presents a model for assessing the energy status in cows by analyzing the mutual ratios between the individual milk components (proteins and fat, or urea and proteins) in the individual milk samples. It is possible to determine the energy status of the animal on the basis of the ratio between proteins and fat, and the supply of the cow with proteins and energy on the basis of the ratio between urea and proteins. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 46002: Molekularno-genetička i ekofiziološka istraživanja u zaštiti autohtonih animalnih genetičkih resursa,očuvanju dobrobiti, zdravlja i reprodukcije gajenih životinja i proizvodnji bezbedne hrane]

Aspergillosis is a frequent fungal disease in different species of birds and mammals caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. It is characterized by inflammatory changes primarily in the respiratory system, even though it sometimes takes on a generalized form when several organ systems are affected. Mucotic-granulomatous meningoencephalitis with a predominant localization in the cerebellum has been described in turkeys, ducks and geese. Within this paper, examinations have been performed on a flock of broiler turkeys aged 12 days who had sustained evident neurological disorders in the form of ataxy, torticollis, paresis, and paralysis of the hind extremities and wings. In three of the ten autopsied chicks the macroscopic findings indicated granulomatous encephalitis of the cerebellum. A white-coloured granuloma, around 3mm in diameter, was situated cranioventrally and was clearly visible on the sagital section of the cerebellum. Mucological examinations of the cerebellum lesion resulted in the isolation of the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE), Grocott and PAS methods were used for the evaluation of histopathological changes and proving Aspergillus fumigatusa hyphae. The microscopic examination of brain tissue sections stained with the HE method revealed the existence of a granuloma with a centrally placed necrotic area. The necrotic area was infiltrated with heterophilic granulocytes and surrounded by macrophage, giant cells and lymphocytes. A connective tissue capsule was located on the periphery of the granuloma. The fungi hyphae, as integral parts of the granuloma, were difficult to observe, and in some samples stained using the HE method they could not be seen at all. On the other hand, sections stanied using the Grocott and PAS methods showed prominent septed and branched hyphae in different parts of the granuloma. With the objective of making an etiological diagnosis of mucotic diseases, it is necessary to apply several histochemical methods, in addition to isolation.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of an energy supplement on the basis of propylene glycol on the values of metabolic profile parameters in periparturient cows. Fifteen days before calving, 40 cows were selected and divided into two groups: control (n=20) and experimental (n=20). From day 15 before to day 30 after calving, the experimental group of cows received an energy supplement based on propyleneglycol added in food ("OSIMOL“, Veyx-Pharma GmbH, Germany). Blood samples were taken 15 days before and 10 days after calving. Concentrations of glucose and betahydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were determined immediately after blood was taken. Concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea and total bilirubin were determined in the blood serum. There was no significant difference in the average values of the measured parameters between the control and the experimental group of cows. After parturition glycemia in cows of the control group was lower than physiologically acceptable (x=1.93±0.43 mmol/L), and glucose in cows of the experimental group was at the upper physiological limit (x=3.13±0.33 mmol/L) and signicantly higher (p

This paper describes paratuberculosis in an isolated breeding herd of 25 high-yield dairy cows of the Red Holstein breed. The animals were examined clinically and then given the test for ldelayed type hypersensitivity and their blood serum was examined for the presence of specific antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The clinical examination revealed that two cows exhibited symptoms of the disease that indicated an advanced stage of paratuberculosis. The following parameters were examined in the blood of the cows that showed clinical signs of the disease: leukocytes and erythrocytes count, concentrations of total proteins, albumin, iron, sodium, potassium, and activity of creatine kinase. The analysis of the red blood cell count revealed certain digressions that indicated the existence of hypochromic microcytic anaemia. The number of leukocytes was within the physiological values, but the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was disrupted and stood at almost 1:1. The results of the biochemical analyses of the blood serum of diseased cows indicated hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypoferremia, hyposodiumaemia, hypokalemia, and increased activities of creatine kinase enzymes. A suspect reaction on the site of application of avian tuberculin was determined in two animals. Animals with clinical signs of the disease reacted negative to the test of delayed type hypersensitivity. The presence of specific antibodies against the cause of paratuberculosis was proven in four animals (16%), including two animals with clinical signs of the disease and one that had a suspect reaction on the site of application of avian tuberculin. Furthermore, one animal that died exhibited macroscopic and microscopic changes regarding the intensity and distribution of lesions, the type of cellular infiltrate, and the number of present acidresistent bacteria, and the changes were characterized as diffuse changes of multibacillary type. The cause of bovine paratuberculosis was isolated from the altered organs.

The objective of this work was to examine the effect of heat stress on glucose and pH values in blood of high-yielding dairy cows in the early stage of lactation, as well as to determine whether the changes in these parameters are interdependent under such conditions. An experiment was performed on high-yielding dairy cows during the summer and the spring periods. Forty cows were selected, twenty each for the two periods under investigation. In the course of the experiment, the temperature humidity index (THI) was determined for the entire period of investigations, and then also the average daily THI, nightmorning THI (average value of hourly THI measured from 22h on the previous day until 10h of the current day), as well as the day-night THI (average value of hourly THI measured during the period from 10h to 22h of the current day). The pH and glucose concentration were determined in blood samples taken in the morning and afternoon of days 30, 60, and 90 of lactation during the spring and summer periods of the investigations. Based on the results for the THI, it was established that the animals were not exposed to the effect of extreme heat stress during the spring period of investigations, while they were periodically exposed to moderate but also extreme heat stress during the summer, in particular in the afternoon hours. It can be concluded from the results obtained for the blood pH that the cows were in respiratory alkalosis during the summer in the morning and afternoon hours on day 30, in the afternoon hours of days 60 and 90 of lactation, as well as in the afternoon on day 90 of lactation during the spring period of investigations. During the summer period, there were no statistically significant differences between the pH value determined in the morning and afternoon hours on day 30 of lactation, while the pH value was significantly higher in the afternoon hours than in the morning hours on days 60 and 90 of lactation. There were no significant differences between the average values for glucose during the spring period of investigations. During the summer, the average afternoon values for glucose on days 60 and 90 of lactation were significantly lower against the morning values. Glucose concentration measured on day 90 was statistically significantly lower than those for days 30 and 60 of lactation, both in the morning and in the afternoon. Glucose concentration on day 90 of lactation during the summer period was significantly lower against glucose concentration during the spring, both in the morning and in the afternoon hours. During the spring period, there was no significant correlation between blood glucemia and pH, while there was a negative correlation between the electrochemical reaction of blood and glucemia during the summer, but which was significant only in the afternoon hours. The decrease in glucemia in the afternoon hours of days 60 and 90 of lactation during the summer period can be explained by the strong influence of alkalosis on insulin secretion that leads to the increased utilization of glucose in peripheral tissues, which is why its concentration in blood is significantly decreased at that time. This is a form of the metabolism shifting under conditions of heat stress, when it uses glucose predominantly as a source of energy in the cells, as its oxidation releases significantly less heat energy in comparison with the combustion of other metabolites.

The objective of the investigations was to establish the validity of certain metabolic and endocrine indicators of energy metabolism in comparison with the body condition of cows during the final stage of pregnancy and the early stage of lactation. For the investigations, three groups of eight cows each were chosen during the dry period (15 days before the expected date of calving), in early puerperium (15 days after calving) and on the 100th day of lactation. All the animals included in the experiment were primipara or at their second delivery. The body condition of the cows in advanced pregnancy and lactation was evaluated according to the Elanco Animal Health Bulletin AI 8478 system. Concentrations of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) were determined in samples of fresh blood, and concentrations of total bilirubin, urea, triiodothyronine and thyroxine in samples of blood serum. The blood samples were taken during the dry period, in early puerperium, and on the 100th day of lactation. On the grounds of the obtained results, a high degree of correlation was determined between the body condition of cows in early puerperium and BHB concentrations in blood established 15 days prior to calving (r = 0.898; p < 0.01). Contrary to this, a significant correlation was established between the body condition of cows in the dry period and the concentration of total bilirubin in cow blood 15 days after calving (r = 0.603; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a high degree of correlation was established between the difference in the body condition of cows in the dry period and in early puerperium (X = 0.49 ± 0.21 pints) and BHB concentration in the blood of cows prior to calving (r = 0.800; p < 0.02). It can be concluded on the grounds of the obtained results that changes in the body condition of cows that occur in the peripartal period are in significant correlation with BHB concentration in the blood of cows in the dry period and the concentration of total bilirubin in early puerperium. .

The objective of this work was to examine the influence of outer temperature on values of the vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) in high-yield dairy cows in early stages of lactation, as well as to establish, on the grounds of the degree of correlation between the values for the vital signs and the temperature humidity index (THI), possibilities for using the examined physiological parameters of the organism as an indicator of heat stress. The experiment covered 10 high-yield dairy cows in the first phase of lactation. The investigations were carried out in the course of July and the first half of August. During the course of the experiment, the average THI was determined daily. An average daily THI higher than 70 indicated that the animal had been exposed to heat stress on that day. Vital signs were measured on twelve occasions during the period of investigation (June 30, July 4, July 7, July 10, July 14, July 17, July 21, July 24, July 29, August 5, August 11, and August 14). It was established on the grounds of the THI values that the examined animals were exposed to heat stress on June 30, July 4, July 7, July 14, July 17, July 21, July 29, August 5, and August 14, while there was no heat stress on July 10, July 24, and August 11. The average body temperature during all the periods of examination, with the exception of July 24, was above the upper physiological limit. A high degree of correlation was established between body temperature and the heat index (r = +0. 509; p = 0.05). The number of respiratory movements per minute was above the physiological values during the entire period of investigation. There was a high degree of correlation between the number of respiratory movements and THI (r = + 0.625; p

The objective of the investigations presented in this work was to establish the effects of a glycerol-based energy supplement in the diet of high-yield dairy cows on their body condition and production results during the early stage of lactation. Forty-seven cows were selected before calving, and they were divided into two groups: controls (n=26) and experimental (n=21). Cows of the experimental group were administered the preparation 'Energy Top' (Biochem GMBH, Germany), in a quantity of 250 ml daily during the final two weeks of the dry period and until the 60th day of lactation. The body condition score (BCS) of all cows was determined 10 days before calving, and on days 15 and 60 after calving. Blood samples were taken 10 days before and 15 days after calving, and concentrations of glucose and beta hydroxi-butyric acid (BHBA) were determined in all samples. Average daily milk production of all cows was measured on days 30 and 60 of lactation. The results showed that the differences in BCS between the dry period and puerperium, or the dry period and the 60th day of lactation, were within physiological values in the experimental group of cows, and higher than physiological values in the control group. Glucose concentration was statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group of cows 10 days before calving (p

The concentration of total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, and glucose were examined in the blood of healthy cows and those with left displaced abomasum. Significant digressions from physiological values in cows with left displaced abomasum were established in proteinemia (x = 87.92 g/l) and in bilirubinemia (x = 10.29 μmol/l). Hyperproteinemia indicates chemoconcentration in the diseased animals, which is also indicated in significantly higher concentrations of albumin in the diseased in comparison with the healthy animals (x = 41.94 - 3.5 : 36.89 - 3.95 g/l). The higher values for glucemia in the diseased against the healthy animals (x = 2.628 : 2.203 mmol/l) could indicate disrupted function of B-cells of the endocrine pancreas. This data can come in useful in setting the diagnosis, but it also has no less importance in the determination of the prognosis for the disease. Determining the liver function during the disease should contribute to the better knowledge of its role in the degree of the occurrence of this health disorder, as well as the outcome of the disease itself. This is of particular importance having in mind that displaced abomasum most frequently occurs in the early stage of lactation, when a negative energy balance is already present. This state is conducive to the occurrence of fatty liver, and that is why displaced abomasum can contribute even further to the process of fat accumulation, having in mind that diseased animals consume significantly smaller quantities of feed.

Fibromas present very frequent skin neoplasms in different species of wild game of the family Cervidae. Viral etiology of skin neoplasms was proven in certain species of wild game from this family, with the most frequent diagnoses being: fibromas, ossifying fibromas, fibrosarcomas, multiple neurofibromatosis, fibropapillomas, and papillomas. The diagnozed tumor in the roe deer had the histological characteristics of a polimorphous fibroblast, which is not the case with domestic animals. This finding can be considered as a characteristic of fibromas in animals of the family Cervidae. Solitary fibroma or multiple fibroma (fibromatosis) does not present a significant cause of deer deaths, but they cause concern among hunters who are in direct contact with them. Although fibromas do not lead to spoilage of game meat, they are esthetically repellent and people are reluctant to consume meat of such game.

The work presents the results of investigations of the effect of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite type) on the degree of resumption of cloistral immunoglobulin, the value of hematological parameters and enzyme activity in blood serum (AST, ALT, and LDH), body mass, and daily growth of calves in the first three months of life. Investigations were carried out on three groups of 10 male and female calves each, with a 1:1 ratio of sexes, (control, K, and two experimental groups, I and II), of the black-and-white breed, Holstein type. All three groups of calves were fed with the usual rations (colostrum, collective cows' milk, fodder mix with 18% total proteins, and Lucerne hay).The experimental groups of calves, as opposed to the controls, received colostrums and collective cows' milk with the addition of a preparation based on natural zeolite in quantities of 5 and 10 g/l milk. The concentration of immunoglobulin G in blood serum of experimental groups of calves was significantly higher than the values of the control group (35.9±6.43 g/l in Group I; 32.5±7.39 g/l in Group II; 20.8±6.88 g/l in control group K). The results of the investigations of the values of hematological parameters (number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit value) do not show any digressions from the physiological values and are approximately the same in the experimental and the control groups of calves, which indicates that the examined quality of the zeolite-based preparation did not affect the degree of the resumption of iron and other oligoelements significant for erythropoietin. The data on the enzyme activity in blood serum indicate that the examined preparation does not cause any significant functional or morphological changes in the tissue of parenchymatous organs or muscles. There were no significant disorders in the health of calves of the experimental groups, while 3 calves of the control group had gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea). Calves of experimental group I which received colostrum and collective cows' milk with an addition of 5g zeolite/l milk had a significantly greater average body mass and daily growth on the 90th day of life than calves of the control group (116.0-6.9: 105.3-6.4 kg, and 0.868:0.743 g). The addition of natural zeolite in quantities of 5 g/l colostrum or milk yields better results and has an advantage over the higher doze of zeolite of 10 g/l.

The objective of these investigations was to examine possibilities for preventing fatty liver in cows during the peripartal period using the preparation HEPARENOL which includes methionine, lysine and choline in its composition. Investigations were performed on cattle of the Holstein breed whose average production during their last lactation was 8120 liters. The cows included in the experiment were divided into three groups of 10 cows each. Cows of the first group were administered the preparation HEPARENOL perorally 5-7 days before partus in daily doses of 50 ml per animal, and then daily during the first seven days after parturition in daily doses of 100 ml per animal. The second group of cows were administered the preparation in the same way as the first group, but they also received vitamin C injected deep i.m. in doses of 1000 mg per animal per day. The third group of cows were not exposed to any treatment and served as the control group. The body condition of the cows was marked according to the system Elanco Animal Health Bulletin Al 8478. Blood samples were taken by puncture of the jugular vein before the beginning of treatment, and on the third and 12th days after partus. The glucose concentration was determined in the blood samples. On the 12th day after partus, liver tissue samples were taken by biopsy for pathohistological examinations. Since the cows were fed in the same way and were in the same phase of the production-reproduction cycle, the average score of the body condition before treatment was approximately the same. However, on the 3rd day after partus, cows of the second experimental group showed average values that were significantly lower in comparison with the other two groups of cows. It is very interesting that a significantly lower value of glycemia (x=1.93±0.34 mmol/l) was established in the same group of cows at this time. In cows of the first experimental and the control group, glycemia was approximately the same during the examined period. In cows of the second experimental group on the 12th day after partus the glucose concentration significantly increased (x=2.42±0.58 mmol/l) against the values obtained for the 3rd day, but it was still significantly lower in comparison with the glycemia of cows of the first experimental (x=3.34±0.61 mmol/l) and the control group (x=3.48±0.49 mmol/l). Practically, throughout the entire period glycemia was statistically significantly lower in the second experimental group in comparison with the other two groups of cows. The degree of fatty liver on the 12th day postpartally, or five days after the end of treatment, was the lowest in cows of the second experimental group. In order to stress the differences, it is pointed out that there were two cows without fatty liver in the second group, while there were no such cows in the first experimental or in the control group. This group contained the smallest number of cows with a mean degree of fatty liver (n=2), while two cows had very strong fatty liver. There were no differences between the control and the first experimental group in the number of cows with a mean degree of fatty liver, with the exception that the control group had two and the first experimental group one cow with a mild degree of fatty liver. It seems that treatment using the preparation HEPARENOL, or methionine, lysine and choline, before and after parturition did not have a significant effect on the incidence and degree of fatty liver. Only cows with additional and simultaneous treatment with vitamin C had a lower incidence and degree of morphological changes in the liver, in addition to the sigfnificant changes in body condition and the blood glucose concentration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of energy status of cows, estimated by body condition score, on the incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis during the early stage of lactation. Cows were divided into four groups: dry, early puerperal, early lactation and late lactation period. Each group consisted of 60 cows. Body condition was scored by the method established in Elaco Animal Health Buletin Al 8478. According to this method, body condition score is represented numerically from 1 to 5 points. Liver samples for pathohistological analyses were taken by biopsy from early lactation cows (60. day of lactation). Fat content in hepatocytes was determined morphometrically and results were compared with criteria based on total lipid and triglyceride content in liver tissue. On farm A, average body condition scores were in a range from 3.31, at sixty days of lactation, to 3.86 points in the dry period. Nevertheless, the range was wider on farm B, and was from 2.18 points at sixty days of lactation to 4.15 points at the dry period. Besides, differences in average body condition scores were higher than 1 point, and in some cases (between late lactation or dry period to sixty days of lactation) were almost 2 points. The incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis strongly differ between the two examined farms. On farm A the incidence of hepatic lipidosis was 18.33 percent, while on farm B that percent was much higher (43.32). A significant difference was established in the degree of hepatic lipidosis between those two farms. On farm A diffuse hepatic lipidosis was determined in 5.0 percent of cows, while on farm B that percent was 18.33. According to these results, most of the cows on farm B had uncontrolled lipomobilisation and severe fatty liver during the early lactation period, probably due to the obesity of these cows in late lactation and the dry period.

The study examined effects of thyroid manipulation with propylthiouracil (PTU) on the metabolic adaptability of transitional dairy cows to early lactation. The study included 30 primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows, which were divided into two groups: PTU+ (n = 15; received orally 4 mg/kg PTU during 20 days before expected calving) and PTU− (n = 15; did not receive orally PTU). Blood was sampled from each cow consecutively from − 20, − 17, − 13, − 5, − 4, − 3, − 2, and − 1 days before the expected term of calving, calving day (0), and + 1, + 2, + 3, + 4, + 5, + 10, + 15, + 30 and + 60 days after the calving to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), insulin, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), bilirubin, total protein and albumin concentrations. Liver samples were biopsied at −7 ± 2 and +7 day relative to calving from both groups of cows to determine deiodinase (DIO) expressions and fat and glycogen content. Additionally, milk yield was monitored during the first 60 days of lactation. PTU successfully induced thyroid suppression by significantly reducing T3 and T4 concentrations and hepatic DIO1 expressions and caused PTU+ cows to have significantly higher insulin and glucose concentration in the precalving period. After calving, PTU+ cows had higher insulin and glucose concentration, liver glycogen content and overall milk production, lower BHB concentration, BCS loss, and liver fat deposits. Accordingly, cows treated with PTU have a more favourable energy balance and metabolic adaptation to early lactation. HIGHLIGHTS: PTU suppressed thyroid function before parturition in dairy cattle through the effect on T3 and T4 synthesis and DIO1 enzyme expression in liver. After parturition increase in the T3 and T4 concentration accompanied by changes in insulin, glucose, and BHB indicate more favourable energy status. Positive impact of PTU treatment appears in the period when control of energy metabolism is key factor for preserving the health and productivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig stress syndrome (PSS) is an increasingly common disease. The disease is the result of intensive selection for greater fleshiness, which resulted in a point mutation on the 6th chromosome. The disease is an inherited autosomal recessive, neuromuscular disorder of fattening animals. Highly productive pig breeds are most susceptible to stress. The appearance of the disease is influenced by stressogenic factors, and the disease passes in a preacute or acute course. Death occurs within 24 hours from the moment of action of the stressor, while the dead body stiffness occurs very quickly, i.e. within 5 minutes. In pigs prone to stress syndrome after the action of external stimuli, rapid glycogenolysis occurs in the muscles and abundant production of lactic acid, as a result of which the muscles become pale, soft and watery. This kind of meat is not suitable for processing in slaughterhouses, which causes losses in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]