ObjectivesPet pigs are a species of growing medical interest, and evidence‐based practices for blood transfusions are needed. The objectives of this study were to quantify the prevalence of 3 blood group (Bg) phenotypes (“A” and “Aweak” resulting from EAAAA and EAAA0, “0” from EAA00, or “–” from EAA00 or SSS alleles) in pet pigs and compare results using a human blood‐typing card (EldonCard), standard saline agglutination (SSA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingUniversity veterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsNinety‐seven pet pigs from Louisiana.InterventionsBlood was sampled from randomly selected pet pigs of various breeds, anticoagulated with EDTA, and typed using each investigated test according to the manufacturers’ directions or standard laboratory technique. Samples for PCR analysis were stored at –80°C until analysis. Phenotypes were screened via EldonCard. Association between Bg and sex was investigated using chi‐square test, with significance at P < 0.05. Kappa (κ) statistic was used to measure the level of agreement between the 3 tests.Measurements and Main ResultsPot‐bellied pigs represented the majority (84.5%) of this population, with 52 (53.6%) males and 45 (46.4%) females. Genotypic frequencies were 30%, 30%, and 40% for “EAAAA,” “EAAA0,” and “EAA00,” respectively. Based on EldonCard, 38 phenotypes were classified as “A,” 5 as “Aweak,” and 54 as “0” or “–.” Results were identical for Bg, with the 3 tested techniques in 90% (45/50) of samples. Agreement between EldonCard and PCR was almost perfect (49/50 [98%], κ = 0.959; P < 0.001). Agreement between SSA and PCR, and EldonCard and SSA was substantial (46/50 [92%], κ = 0.803, P < 0.001 and 93/97 [95.9%], κ = 0.764, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe most common blood type was “0” or “–” (55.7%), followed by “A” (39.2%) and “Aweak” (5.1%). There was strong agreement between EldonCard and PCR testing. EldonCard allowed for rapid and reliable phenotype identification (“A,” “Aweak,” and “0” or “–”) and represents a clinically applicable laboratory method for blood typing in pet pigs.

This study aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles of morphine in goats following a single dose administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously at 0.1 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, and 0.4 mg/kg. Study population included eight healthy adult goats in a randomized cross‐over study. Serial plasma samples were collected and morphine was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data fit a two‐compartment model following intravenous administration and a non‐compartmental model following both intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Plasma elimination half‐life was 2.88 ± 1.13 h (0.1 mg/kg), 2.30 ± 0.49 h (0.25 mg/kg), and 2.67 ± 0.82 h (0.4 mg/kg) following IV morphine. Intramuscular Cmax values were 13.4 ± 2.77 ng/ml (0.1 mg/kg), 34 ± 11.50 ng/ml (0.25 mg/kg), and 68.9 ± 24.5 ng/ml (0.4 mg/kg). Intramuscular Tmax f(h) or IM dosing (in hrs) was 0.19 ± 0.14 (0.1 mg/kg), 0.24 ± 0.24 (0.25 mg/kg), and 0.21 ± 0.24 (0.4 mg/kg). Subcutaneous Cmax values were 9.88 ± 3.31 ng/ml (0.1 mg/kg), 28.5 ± 11.6 ng/ml (0.25 mg/kg), and 39.4 ± 14.3 ng/ml (0.4 mg/kg). Subcutaneous Tmax (h) values for SC dosing were 0.36 ± 0.21 (0.1 mg/kg), 0.31 ± 0.17 (0.25 mg/kg), and 0.4 ± 0.13 (0.4 mg/kg). Intramuscular bioavailability values were 153.77 ± 12.60% (0.4 mg/kg), 104.8 ± 25.12% (0.25 mg/kg), and 100.7 ± 29.57% (0.1 mg/kg). Subcutaneous bioavailability values were 130.58 ± 19.07% (0.4 mg/kg), 116.6 ± 27.03% (0.25 mg/kg), and 111.6 ± 23.24% (0.1 mg/kg). No adverse effects were observed. Assuming plasma concentration required to induce analgesia is 16 ± 9 ng/ml in goats, as demonstrated in humans, it is suggested to administer morphine intramuscularly at 0.4 mg/kg every 3–4 h or SC every 2–3 h. This is a speculative conclusion therefore further studies evaluating pharmacodynamics and plasma analgesic threshold in goats is recommended.

Background Natural service breeding is common in U.S. cow-calf operations. Diseases impacting bull reproductive performance have significant economic consequences for producers. Anaplasmosis may be an underappreciated cause of poor reproductive performance in bulls. The primary systemic effects of bovine anaplasmosis including anemia, fever, and weight loss, can all result in unsatisfactory reproductive performance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate breeding soundness examination (BSE) outcomes and clinical changes in bulls during and upon resolution of clinical anaplasmosis. Anaplasma marginale-challenged bulls were observed for clinical disease and infection progression and changes in breeding soundness compared to uninfected control bulls for 16 weeks. Results All Anaplasma marginale-challenged bulls were PCR-positive, seropositive, and showed clinical signs by 3-, 17-, and 24-days post-challenge, respectively. Clinical signs of anaplasmosis included pallor, icterus, fever (≥ 40.2 °C), and weight loss. Acute anemia was observed in all challenged bulls with PCV nadirs ≤ 18% and peak percent parasitized erythrocyte ≥ 50%. Decreased scrotal circumference and poor semen quality (e.g., increased percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, decreased progressively motile sperm), were initially observed within days after onset of clinical anaplasmosis signs and continued weeks beyond disease resolution. Control bulls remained negative for A. marginale. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates that clinical anaplasmosis reduces breeding soundness in beef bulls. Anaplasmosis should be considered as a differential for bulls with decreased semen quality, especially within endemic areas. A 90 day or greater retest window is recommended for bulls of unsatisfactory breeding potential recently recovered from clinical anaplasmosis.

The Society for Theriogenology (SFT) adopted the current form for the bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) in 2018. The BSE consists of four parts: a physical exam, a minimal scrotal circumference by the age of the bull, minimum progressive motility of 30%, and minimum morphology of 70% normal cells. A bull deemed to be a satisfactory potential breeder should unequivocally meet or exceed these four requirements. These standards as set forth by the SFT, give the veterinar­ian an objective approach to evaluating a bull. It has been said that “rarely are bulls infertile, but there are a lot of sub-fertile bulls”. Identification of these sub-fertile bulls by veterinarians, allows cattle producers to negate a potential negative impact on the overall productivity of the herd due to poor reproductive efficiency. Each part of the exam should be of equal importance to the vet­erinarian and no part should be omitted if an accurate assess­ment of the bull is to be determined. Carson et al in review of BSE trends for the past 20 years, deemed that overwhelmingly the most common cause of unsatisfactory or deferred classi­fication of bulls was due to unacceptable semen morphology. The preparation and interpretation of the morphology slide must be proficient and consistent for the results of the exam to be valid. The challenges that food animal practitioners encounter re­garding remaining relevant in the livestock industry continue to surface, and the profession must find means to maintain their position in a changing world. Promoting ourselves as ex­perts and the benefits of a professional exam by a veterinarian are essential to suppressing emerging imitators that provide a mediocre version of this exam sometimes referred to as the “se­men check”.

This article reviews the most common, effective, and currently recommended surgical techniques for preparing teaser bulls that maintain libido. It is the intent of this article to arm practitioners with a brief description of the surgical procedures and practices for the best surgical and long-term outcomes.

The objective of this study was to compare estrus synchronization and fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols in commercial beef heifers to be bred with sexed semen. Secondly, the trial evaluated the benefit of delaying insemination for 24 hours in heifers not demonstrating estrous activity following synchronization and prior to FTAI.

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