Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to represent one of the most significant threats to human health. In recent years, HCV-related sequences have been found in bats, rodents, horses, and dogs, indicating a widespread distribution of hepaciviruses among animals. By applying unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel virus of the genus Hepacivirus was discovered in a bovine serum sample. De novo assembly yielded a nearly full-length genome coding for a polyprotein of 2,779 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the virus represents a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. Viral RNA screening determined that 1.6% (n ‫؍‬ 5) of 320 individual animals and 3.2% (

Sixteen dairy cows were studied to assess the status of the natural antioxidant vitamin E and lipid peroxidation in their livers. Cows with liver failure (n = 7) showed clinical signs of a hepatic encephalopathy and had the following values of selected blood indices: AST > 80 U/l and GLDH > 15 U/l in serum, and venous plasma ammonia > 35 mmol/l. The control group (n = 9) consisted of dairy cows which were recovering from surgery (omentopexy) and were free of any health complications. Blood was analysed for α‐tocopherol, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, ammonia, cholesterol, albumin, free fatty acids, glucose, and β‐hydroxybutyrate. Alpha‐tocopherol, triglyceride and malondialdehyde were measured in wet liver tissue. The cows with hepatic failure were clearly low in α‐tocopherol and had significantly lower (P < 0.01) plasma α‐tocopherol than the controls. Both liver triglycerides and MDA were higher (P < 0.05) in the cows with fatty livers. It is concluded that the cows with liver failure had an increase in the intensity of hepatic lipoperoxidative processes and a low antioxidative status, which should be taken into consideration in cases where treatment of the disease is proposed.

No abstract

Xylazine administered in a low dose to cows preceding lateral recumbency for claw trimming decreased hormonal and metabolic stress responses, but augmented the respiratory depressive effect of lateral recumbency reflected by a decreased Pao and increased Paco(2).

No abstract