cMicrobes present in the rumen of dairy cows are essential for degradation of cellulosic and nonstructural carbohydrates of plant origin. The prepartum and postpartum diets of high-producing dairy cows are substantially different, but in what ways the rumen microbiome changes in response and how those changes may influence production traits are not well elucidated. Here, we sequenced the 16S and 18S rRNA genes using the MiSeq platform to characterize the prepartum and postpartum rumen fluid microbiomes in 115 high-producing dairy cows, including both primiparous and multiparous animals. Discriminant analysis identified differences between the microbiomes of prepartum and postpartum samples and between primiparous and multiparous cows. 18S rRNA sequencing revealed an overwhelming dominance of the protozoan class Litostomatea, with over 90% of the eukaryotic microbial population belonging to that group. Additionally, fungi were relatively more prevalent and Litostomatea relatively less prevalent in prepartum samples than in postpartum ones. The core rumen microbiome (common to all samples) consisted of 64 bacterial taxa, of which members of the genus Prevotella were the most prevalent. The Chao1 richness index was greater for prepartum multiparous cows than for postpartum multiparous cows. Multivariable models identified bacterial taxa associated with increased or reduced milk production, and general linear models revealed that a metagenomically based prediction of productivity is highly associated with production of actual milk and milk components. In conclusion, the structure of the rumen fluid microbiome shifts between the prepartum and first-week postpartum periods, and its profile within the context of this study could be used to accurately predict production traits. Rumen microbiology studies in the last 4 to 5 decades have contributed to the advancement of the field of anaerobic microbiology (1, 2) and have explained much regarding the nature of ruminal fermentation, its effect on ruminant nutrition, and the physiological importance of volatile fatty acid production by ruminal microorganisms to the nutrition of the host. Additionally, ruminal microbiology provided vital concepts and quantitative data that are essential for the construction of the mathematical models that allow for precision nutrition of ruminants, which has been adopted throughout the world in modern meat and milk production systems (3). However, direct manipulation of fermentation by biotechnological means has so far been restricted to a few antimicrobial compounds and some microorganisms that can be added to the feed.High-throughput sequencing technologies have opened new frontiers in microbial analysis by allowing cost-effective characterization of complex microbial communities in biological samples, and they have significantly improved our knowledge of bovine rumen microbial diversity. Over 27,000 carbohydrate-active genes, 50 proteins with enzymatic activity against cellulosic substrates, and 15 uncultured microbial genomes were reveal...

Original Scientific Article INTRODUCTIONThe mammary gland is a compound tubuloalveolar gland, divided into lobules by interlobular connective tissue. The mammary gland consists of parenchyma (alveoli), stroma (connective tissue), ducts, vessels and nerves. Bitches usually have fi ve pairs of glands. The cranial two pairs are referred to as cranial and caudal thoracic mammary Mammary tumours are the second most frequent neoplasia in dogs, mainly affecting older female patients. Approximately 50% of the mammary tumours are malignant with high percentage of mortality, if not treated in time. The aim of this study was to analyze the data of canine patients with mammary tumours, to evaluate the type of tumours, as well as the relationship between tumour incidence and dogs' age, reproductive cycle and sterilization. The survey was used to retrieve the information in the period of two years from the patient data base of the University Veterinary Hospital at the Faculty of veterinary medicine in Skopje. Patients included in this survey were subjected to routine clinical investigation and additional laboratory tests (cytological examination, x-rays imaging, CBC and biochemical profile, histopathology of the tumor samples). Aged female patients (12 -13 years) are the most susceptible category for development of mammary tumours. The reproductive history showed that five of the patients with malignant mammary tumours have never whelped and were not treated with any exogenous hormones. Malignant tumours (adenocarcinoma) were diagnosed in 90% of the patients. Three patients died due to lung metastasis. Late diagnosis is one of the major problems that results in lethal outcome due to lung metastases. Since ovarian steroids play an important role in the aetiology, the most effective prevention of mammary tumours is elective ovariectomy of the bitch at an early age.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between digital cushion thickness and sole temperature measured by infrared thermography. Data were collected from 216 lactating Holstein cows at 4 to 10d in milk (DIM). Cows were locomotion scored and sole temperature was measured after claw trimming (a minimum delay of 3 min was allowed for the hoof to cool) using an infrared thermography camera. Temperature was measured at the typical ulcer site of the lateral digit of the left hind foot. Immediately after the thermographic image was obtained, the thickness of the digital cushion was measured by ultrasonography. Rumen fluid samples were collected with a stomach tube and sample pH was measured immediately after collection. Additionally, a blood sample was obtained and used for measurements of serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and haptoglobin. To evaluate the associations of digital cushion thickness with sole temperature, a linear regression model was built using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Sole temperature was the response variable, and digital cushion thickness quartiles, locomotion score group, rumen fluid pH, rumen fluid sample volume, environmental temperature, age in days, and serum levels of NEFA, BHBA, and haptoglobin were fitted in the model. Only significant variables were retained in the final model. Simple linear regression scatter plots were used to illustrate associations between sole temperature (measured by infrared thermography at the typical ulcer site) and environmental temperature and between NEFA and BHBA serum levels and haptoglobin. One-way ANOVA was used to compare rumen fluid pH for different locomotion score groups and for different digital cushion quartiles. Results from the multivariable linear regression model showed that sole temperature increased as locomotion scores increased and decreased as digital cushion thickness increased. These results were adjusted for environmental temperature, which was significantly associated with sole temperature. Serum levels of NEFA, BHBA, and haptoglobin were not associated with sole temperature. However, significant correlations existed between serum levels of NEFA and haptoglobin and between serum levels of BHBA and haptoglobin. Rumen fluid pH was not associated with either locomotion score or digital cushion thickness. In conclusion, we show here that digital cushion thickness was associated with sole temperature in cows at 4 to 10 DIM.

Citation of This ArticleRistevski M, Toholj B, Cincovic M, Trojacanec P, Staric J, Smolec O: Milk production, body condition score and metabolic parameters at the peak of lactation as risk factors for chronic lameness in dairy cows. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg, 23 (5): 721-727, 2017721-727, . DOI: 10.9775/kvfd.2017 AbstractThe objective of this case-control study was to examine the milk production, body condition score and metabolic profiles at the peak of lactation as risk factors for chronic lameness present in cows during the first six months of lactation. A total of 100 Holstein-Friesian cows were enrolled in the study, out of which 30 were classified as lame (a locomotion score (LS) >3 according to 4 of 5 monthly measurements) and 70 exhibited no signs of clinical lameness (LS ≤3). The cows with milk production above 30.9 kg/day showed a higher risk for chronic lameness (OR=1.9, a 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2-4.5), and the risk peaked at a milk production of 39.1 kg/day (OR=4.8, CI=2.1-8.8). A suboptimal BCS <2.5 or >3 at the peak of lactation increased the probability of lameness in the exposed group of cows (OR=4.9, CI=2.2-8). The cows were exposed to higher risk factors for chronic lameness under the following circumstances: BHBA>0.8 mmol/L (OR=3.5, CI=1.2-9.9), LDH>1900 IU/L (OR=2.3, CI=1.4-5.9), and triglycerides>0.22 mmol/L (OR=2.2, CI=1.5-2.9). The interaction between two risk factors showed a higher OR for developing chronic lameness in comparison with a single-factor exposure: BCS × BHBA (OR=22, CI=1.2-1000), BCS×LDH (OR=33, CI=1.8-1400), milk production × BHBA (OR=18.24, CI=2.1-433) and milk production×LDH (OR=14.2, CI=1.5-327). Lameness cows exposed to risk factor showed un-significant lower concentration of urea, ALP and higher concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides probably due to energy and protein malnutrition. Glucose concentrations were similar in healthy and lameness cows. Same mean concentration of glucose was maintained with decrease of LDH activity in healthy cows, but with increase LDH in lame cows, probably due to high glycolysis. Metabolic adaptation in pick of lactation and its relation with lameness need further research.

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Artificial insemination (AI) as a part of assisted reproductive technologies represents the oldest and most widespread method used to accelerate genetic progress in all domestic animals. After its first implementation in ovine reproduction and almost 80 years afterward, AI is continuously used for improving the genetic merit, utilizing either fresh or short-time chilled semen. Nevertheless, regardless of the semen used for insemination, the conception rate (CR) is still lower in comparison to natural service. At least two factors are commonly thought to limit the success of the AI and reduce the CR: (1) failure of placing the semen directly into the uterus due to the specific anatomic structure of the ewe’s cervix; (2) lower viability of ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation (<30% progressively motile spermatozoa after thawing). This review elaborates on recent studies that aimed to achieve acceptable CR through the implementation of cervical or intrauterine insemination: deep intracervical, intrauterine trans-cervical, and intracornual. Several hormonal treatments (oxytocin, estrogen, or prostaglandin) were evaluated on inducing cervical dilation that facilitates insemination. A comprehensive analysis was given to the effects of several antioxidants (GSSG, GSH, and cysteine) supplemented in ram semen-freezing media. Sex-sorted ram semen fertility rate results were presented from our studies.

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Lameness in cattle is the third most important health disorder and in order of significance it is immediately after reproductive disorders and diseases of the mammary gland. Lameness in cows leads to a decrease in milk production, weakening of reproductive performance and early excretion. The potential for high milk yield may be lost if lameness occurs in the cows. Green (2002) observed the loss of 360 kg of milk (range 160-550 kg) in cows in lactation with diagnosed lameness, and pointed to the importance of its early detection as well as of elimination of the causes. According to data provided by The National Centre for Animal Helth of the USA from 2002., in 16% of the cows sent to slaughter, the reason for exclusion from the production was lameness. Hernandez (2005) noticed that service period was averagely longer for 36 days in the cows with lameness. Although it takes a significant place, attention is insufficiently paid to lameness in cattle in the health care system in Serbia. However, there are several control measures, which, when applied together, offer a systemic solution for the problem of lameness. Those are: nutrition control, diagnostics of lameness, hoof disinfection and functional correction of the hoof.