The effects of supplementing gestation and lactation diets of gilts with different combinations of vitamin E at or above NRC recommended levels (22, 44, or 88 IU/kg during gestation and 55, 110, and 220 IU/kg during lactation) and types of fat (5% added tallow or fish oil or no added fat) on humoral and cellular immunity of gilts and their pigs were evaluated. With only two exceptions, total IgG, IgM, and IgA in colostrum, milk, and plasma of gilts and in plasma of their pigs did not show significant (P > .05) effects, and no interactions between vitamin E and fat supplementation were observed. Cellular immunity was measured as lymphocyte proliferation response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium avium, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Salmonella typhimurium LPS. Only the nonspecific mitogens, PHA and Con A, induced proliferation of gilt and pig lymphocytes. Fish oil supplementation in the gilts' diets resulted in lower (P < .01) postpartum PHA response in gilts and slower (P < .05) acquisition of PHA response in newborn pigs compared with groups with added tallow or no added fat. The vitamin E supplementation did not have a significant positive effect on either PHA or Con A response of the gilts. However, the rate of acquisition of PHA response and Con A response in newborn pigs was greater (P < .05) for groups supplemented with 110 and 220 IU/kg of vitamin E than for the group supplemented with 55 IU/kg vitamin E.
Ketosis is a very frequent metabolic disease in dairy cows, resulting in lower milk production, impaired fertility and increased frequency of other diseases. The course of the disease is often subclinical, so early detection is very important. The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood and milk and to determine the cut-off value in milk for detection of subclinical ketosis. The study included 94 cows, which were in the first third of lactation. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were measured in blood and milk serum using a biochemical analyser. The average concentration of BHB in the blood serum samples was 1.14 mmol/L while in the milk it was about ten times lower at 0.117 mmol/L. A statistically significant positive correlation between the concentration of BHB in blood and milk (r=0.705, p<0.001) was found. In cows with BHB in blood below 2.0 mmol/L a stronger correlation between blood and milk BHB was established (r=0.658, p<0.001) than in cows with blood BHB above 2.0 mmol/L (r=-0.292, p=0.206). Therefore, BHB in milk is a very suitable indicator in the diagnosis of subclinical ketosis as there is a good correlation between BHB in the blood and milk of cows with subclinical ketosis. The cut-off concentration of BHB in milk set at ≥0.080 mmol/L (AUC=0.91±0.03; p<0.001) is a significant indicator for subclinical ketosis in dairy cows. The sensitivity of the test was 94% and specificity 74%. Beta-hydroxybutyrate in milk is a good indicator of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows and can be measured accurately with a biochemical analyser.
Calf rearing practices in Slovenian herds were investigated with questionnaire-based survey. The data was obtained from 293 farms in Slovenia about their management, especially milk and colostrum feeding protocol, manner of weaning, housing, hygiene on the farm and biosecurity measures. Majority of respondents think the colostrum supply is very important. In 77% of farms, calves receive the first colostrum meal within 2 hours after birth. Quality of colostrum is not considered in 59% of farms. The temperature of colostrum and milk check 73% of farmers, however majority do it manually without using thermometer. Farmers weans calves gradually, mostly considering the age at weaning (45%). Calves are weaned at mean age of 14.18 weeks. In 57.3% of farms, newborn calves are housed in individual pens. Thirty four percent of farmers are cleaning pens for newborn calves after each calf. Half of farmers observe their calves more than 15 minutes daily. Different biosecurity measures are used in 98% of farms. Many farmers are well aware that calf rearing management bear on later milk and meat production and some would need more persuasion to follow the appropriate management practices.
The aim of the research was to study the relation between blood haemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron (Fe) concentrations and changing of heart girth with age in calves. Blood samples of 66 dairy calves were taken at the age of 3, 5 and 16 weeks (wks). Blood samples were analysed for Hb and serum Fe concentration. At each bleeding, the heart girth was measured. The lowest mean concentration of Hb was measured at the age of five wks. The concentration of serum Fe and heart girth increased with age. Significant positive correlations were found between Fe concentration at 3 wks of age and heart girth of calves at 5wks (r=0.270; P=0.032) and between Fe concentration at 5 wks and heart girth of calves at 5 (r=0.283; P=0.021) and 16 wks (r=0.284; P=0.028). The lowest Hb concentration recorded at 5 wks, might suggest that this is the most critical period for developing anaemia in calves. The correlations established between heart girth and Fe concentration at different ages indicate that serum Fe concentration has some influence on changing of heart girth in calves
Avermectin endectocides are very effective and safe veterinary drugs, when used at recommended doses. Adverse reactions are described in some species and breeds of animals. In this study, the effects of therapeutic doses of abamectin and doramectin on some haematological and biochemical parameters in Istrian Pramenka sheep are discussed. In the pilot trial, we compared selected haematological and blood biochemical parameters of an experimental sheep flock (40 sheep) with the reference values. Then, two groups of 12 sheep (and their suckling lambs) were chosen from the experimental sheep flock. Each group was subdivided into a control (six animals) and treated (six sheep and their six suckling lambs) groups. We compared haematological and biochemical parameters between control and treated group before subcutaneous administration of abamectin or doramectin (0.2 mg/kg b.w.) and on days 15 and 42 after treatment. In addition, animals were observed for neurological signs. We detected some significant differences (P < 0.05) in some haematological and biochemical parameters between control and treated animals, but none of them appeared to be of clinical importance. No neurological symptoms were observed. Therefore, abamectin and doramectin might be well tolerated in Istrian Pramenka sheep.
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