Large Animal Review

Effect on Calf Sex of Milk Yield in Holstein Friesian Cattle Breed

2025-05-07T13:46:57+02:00

This study compared the effects of the sex of Holstein Friesian (HF) calves registered in the herdbook system on milk yield. The study material comprised 802042 milk and calving records between 2000 and 2014. When analyzing the data, the GLM ANOVA method was used to investigate the effects of the sex of the calf and other environmental factors on milk yield. Of the calves born, 54.3% were female and 45.7% were male calves. The results show that the average lactation milk yield (LSV) of (HF) cows is 8604±3.6 kg, 305-day milk yield (305-SV) is 7028±2.4 kg and lactation length (LS) is 372±0.1 days. When cows give birth to female and male calves, LSV, 305-SV and LS are 8720±15.3 kg, 7148±10.0 kg and 370±0.5 days, respectively; 8482±15.3 kg, 6901±10.0 kg and 373±0.5 days were determined. Based on these results, it was found that cows that gave birth to female calves had a higher milk yield, and the effect of sex on milk yield was significant. The results obtained demonstrate distinct differences between cows giving birth to female versus male calves. Specifically, it was found that (HF) cows that give birth to female calves have a higher milk yield during lactation, and these differences were statistically significant. When evaluated by lactation number, the milk yield superiority of cows giving birth to female calves over those giving birth to male calves ranged from 3.89% to 1.13% for total lactation milk yield and from 4.98% to 1.80% for 305-day milk yield. Additionally, it was observed that the lactation length of cows giving birth to male calves was 1.06% to 0.55% longer than that of cows giving birth to female calves. Overall, across all lactations, HF cows that gave birth to female calves had a higher milk yield, indicating that the sex of the calf significantly influenced the milk yield of the mother.

Anti-Müllerian hormone, antral follicle count, and progesterone evaluation in Italian Mediterranean buffalo heifers

2025-05-07T13:46:58+02:00

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been used as a molecular marker of the ovarian follicular pool and follicular responsiveness to superovulation treatments in cattle and other species. Early studies in buffalo cows indicated that circulating AMH levels were relatively low, which appeared to be correlated with ovarian follicular reserve. This study aimed to evaluate AMH in buffalo heifers to investigate its potential correlation with the phase of the oestrous cycle and follicle count (FC). For this study, forty-two cycling Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers, aged 18-20 months, were selected in a Sicilian farm. Using rectal palpation and ultrasound exam of the genital tract, recording uterine tone and ovarian findings (follicles and corpus luteum), the heifers were divided into two main groups: those in the luteal phase (n = 32) and those in the follicular phase (n = 10). Each ovary was carefully examined and the total number of follicles ≥ 3 mm in diameter was duly recorded for each animal. Blood samples were taken from the caudal vein for progesterone and AMH assay. The unpaired Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate longitudinal changes in hormone levels from the follicular to the luteal phase. The Pearson correlation coefficient assessed the possible correlation between AMH and progesterone and between AMH and FC. The results indicated no significant difference in AMH levels between the follicular and luteal phases, and no correlation between AMH and P4. However, a significant correlation was observed between FC and AMH. AMH in buffalo heifers was not found to be correlated with the phase of the oestrous cycle, but rather with FC. The parallelism with bovine species suggests that AMH may be a useful indicator for selecting buffalo heifers with good fertility and long productive life, which could potentially serve as candidates for reproductive biotechnology.

The Changes values of Serum proteins electrophoresis by body condition score, physiological stage and age in healthy cattle

2025-05-07T13:46:58+02:00

TThe objective of the present study was to determine the influence of age, BCS (Body Condition Score) and physiological status to the electrophoresis of serum proteins in clinically healthy cattle. we studied 161 clinically healthy cattle. Blood samples were taken into jugular vein and analyzed for the values of serum protein fractions using agarose gel electrophoresis, in a semi-automatic system (HYDRASYS). an automated biochemical analyzer Cobas 6000 (ROCHE) are using to determine Total protein value. the standard value (Mean ± SD) has reported. The study obtained the same concentrations for albumin and globulins fractions with other works. the results marked shift in the values of some protein fractions, consequence of the studying parameters: The values of γ-, α1-globulins and Albumin in cattle were high significant with all categories of age (P< 0.001, P<0.01, P< 0.05 respectively). Also, the albumin/globulin ratio is of special interest for clinicians because the A/G ratio, is higher significant influence of age (P<0.0001). A high significant influence was found in the concentrations of α1-globulins with different stage of physiological status (P < 0.0001). Significant changes in relation to the stage of pre- or post -partum period was observed also in the concentrations of β-, γ-globulins, (P < .05, P<0.01 respectively). Then, a high significant relation between the A/G ratios and the physiological status (P < .0001). finely, only α1 globulins zone have a high significant with different grade of BCS (P < .001). In fact, of our results, we can better understand how age, BCS and physiological status interact to serum protein profiles in healthy cattle, pay particular attention to age when interpreting serum protein electrophoretic profiles. This knowledge is essential for optimizing nutritional strategies and health management practices on the farm and should be taken into consideration when interpreting the serum protein profile.

Effects of feeding different levels of chromium-methionine in hairy lambs finished with high-energy diets under high ambient heat load

2025-05-07T13:46:59+02:00

The aim of this study was to evaluate different levels of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) supplemented in lambs fattening under high ambient heat load. For this reason, 40 Pelibuey × Katahdin castrated male lambs (34.28 ± 3.10 kg initial weight) were daily supplemented with 0.00, 0.60, 1.20 or 1.80 mg Cr/lamb during 56-d for determining treatments effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, shoulder muscle tissue composition, and visceral mass. The experimental consisted in a randomized complete block design (5-pen blocks, 2 lambs per pen and 5 pens (10 lambs)/ treatment). The feeding program consisted in a total mixed high-energy corn-based finishing diet (87:13 concentrate to forage ratio). Air ambient and the relative humidity during the experiment averaged 29.7 ± 1.4°C and 67.8 ± 5.9%, respectively. This ambient condition resulted in an average of temperature humidity index (THI) of 80.6 which represents a high ambient heat load condition for the lamb productivity. Supplemental Cr-Met did not affect (P≥ 0.21) dry matter intake (DMI) but linearly increased (P<0.01) average daily gain (ADG), thus increased (P≤ 0.02) gain efficiency, dietary net energy, and observed-to-expected dietary net energy ratio. In consistence with the temperature and humidity ambient conditions, the observed to expected dietary NE ratio in the control group was 4% below of the anticipated (0.94) according to the estimated energy based in the ingredient composition in diet, while to 1.20 and 1.80 mg Cr/lamb/day supplemented group, the observed to expected dietary NE was as the expected (1.00), indicating a greater efficiency in energy utilization destined to growth even when they were fattening under high ambient load. There were no effects (P≥0.14) of Cr-Met on carcass weight, dressing percentage or longissimus muscle area. However, fat thickness (P=0.04) and kidney-pelvic-fat (P=0.01) were linearly reduced as Cr-Met ingestion was increased. Muscle tissue proportion in shoulder was linearly increased (P<0.01) and fat proportion was reduced (P<0.01) by Cr-Met supplementation. Whole cuts and visceral organ mass (expressed as g/kg empty body weight) were not affected by Cr-Met ingestion, but visceral fat was linearly reduced (P=0.04). It was concluded that ingestion of Cr-Met increased dietary energy utilization in feedlot lambs fattening under high ambient heat load and has a modulating effect on the carcass by reducing fat. Favorable responses on performance, dietary energy, carcass and tissue composition were reached when Cr was supplemented from the dose of 1.20 mg/lamb/day.

Evaluating the correlation between hoof overgrowth, foot diseases, lameness, and body condition in Murcia-Granada, Anglo-Nubian, and Boer goats

2025-05-07T13:46:59+02:00

Hoof deformities—a common problem faced on goat farms— are considered to lead to various foot diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between hoof size and deformation, lameness score, body condition score, and white line disease in goats. Goats from the Murcia-Granada, Anglo-Nubian, and Boer breeds, aged between 1-4 years and weighing 26-61 kg, were used as the study material. Care was taken to ensure that the goats had the same care and feeding conditions. The assessment was performed using various scoring systems. It was determined that 79.51% of the goats had overgrown hooves. The Boer breed had the highest score for overgrown hooves, followed by the Anglo-Nubian and Murcia-Granada breeds. The Anglo-Nubian goats had higher scores for white line disease than the other breeds. It was also observed that lameness worsened as hooves were overgrown in the Boer and Murcia-Granada goat breeds, and body condition scores dropped in the Boer breed as their hooves overgrew. Consequently, it was observed that hoof overgrowth and deformation can cause many negative effects in goats. The most important way to eliminate these problems is considered to implement regular hoof care in accordance with the standards.

Impiego di sottoprodotti agroindustriali per il controllo dei nematodi gastrointestinali nei piccoli ruminanti

2025-05-07T13:46:57+02:00

The use of agro-industrial by-products with potential anthelmintic activity, alone or in combination with a rational use of anthelmintic drugs, might be an alternative strategy to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and consequently to fight anthelmintic resistance (AR). In this scenario, the use of natural products with anthelminthic activity becomes a strategic resource for farmers who need to maximize their production. In fact, helminth infestations cause production losses of several million euros in the small ruminant sector. Natural anthelmintics, if effective, are products with no withdrawal time, with little or no side effects and that do not give rise to resistance or environmental pollution as happens with anthelmintic drugs that release residues into the environment. The field of natural anthelmintics derived from by-products, however, is vast and complex, and is often treated without taking into account the possible side effects of the products administered (even if minimal), the difficulties of processing and storage, and a series of logistical problems that could make these products unsuitable for use in the field. By analyzing in vitro and in vivo studies, this review aims to critically investigate the most concrete perspectives related to the use of the most commonly used agro-food by-products that have anthelmintic potential, in Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

Traumatic reticulopericarditis in cattle: a retrospective case series

2025-05-07T13:46:58+02:00

Traumatic reticulopericarditis is a significant complication in cattle due to foreign body ingestion, which can penetrate the reticulum and pericardial sac, leading to inflammatory fluid accumulation. Due to the importance of this disease for animal health and production, this study aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and postmortem findings in cattle diagnosed with traumatic reticulopericarditis. Ten cattle were included based on postmortem confirmation of the condition. Data collected, when available, encompassed gender, age, period of evolution of signs until care, clinical signs, outcome, blood profile, serum biochemistry, cavitary effusion analysis, thoracic and/or abdominal ultrasound, and postmortem findings. The disease predominantly affected pregnant females in the final trimester. The main clinical manifestations were tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, dehydration, and recumbency. The primary laboratory findings included leukocytosis with neutrophilia, elevated levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK), hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperproteinemia, and a predominance of neutrophils in the cytological analysis of cavity effusions. Ultrasound proved to be a useful tool for detecting free fluid with fibrin in the thoracic and/or abdominal cavity. In this study, all animals died, and the definitive diagnosis was confirmed through postmortem examination. The prognosis is unfavorable, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to mitigate its impact on cattle well-being and production.

Analysis of the incidence and treatment of left displaced abomasum on a dairy farm in Southwest China: 2018~2023

2025-05-07T13:46:58+02:00

This study investigates the incidence of left displaced abomasum (LDA) and risk factors (season, lactation days, parity, fetal birth weight, fetal sex, prenatal body condition score (BCS)), in a large-scale dairy farm in southwest China over three years (2018–2023), along with the effectiveness of different surgical treatments. The results showed that the average incidence of LDA was 3.77% during the six years. The average annual incidence of LDA in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 was 2.76%, 3.79%,4.60%,3.13%,4.19%, and 4.14%, respectively, with high incidence during the summer and winter seasons. LDA was associated with parity (58.28% for the primiparous), lactation days (concentrated within 35 days postpartum), birth weight of calves (the incidence is higher when the weight is between 37 and 48 kg), BCS (the higher the BCS, the higher the incidence), and accompanying diseases, but not with fetal sex. Given that the left flank with ventral abomaso/omentopexy has a high success rate (91.59%) and rapid recovery of milk production. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing dairy management's LDA prevention and control strategies.