Large Animal Review

Investigation of diagnostic significance of midregional-pro-adrenomedullin (Mr-Pro-Adm), soluble trigger receptor expressed from myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and hematological parameters in cows with pericarditis

2025-08-25T14:41:43+02:00

In this study, it was determined how the levels of Mr-Pro-ADM and sTREM-1 and some biochemical and hematological parameters changed in cows diagnosed with traumatic pericarditis. A total of 60 cows, 40 diseased and 20 healthy, of Simmental breeds between the ages of 1-7 were used in the study. Clinical, radiological, hematological and biochemical examinations were performed on diseased animals brought to the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, with complaints of loss of appetite, exercise intolerance, rumen atony and recurrent tympani, abdominal tension, constipation, moaning and fatigue. As a result of the examination, it was determined that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity was statistically significantly higher (p<0.001) and creatine kinase (CK) enzyme activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in cows diagnosed with pericarditis. In the hematological comparison; Total leukocyte (WBC) and granulocyte (GRA) counts, mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) and mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH) were statistically significantly higher (p<0.001) in cows with pericarditis; Monocyte (Mon) count, mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet count (THR) were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05). However, the erythrocyte count (RBC) was found to be statistically significantly lower (p<0.001). In the comparison of glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GLA) time and vital signs between the diseased animals and the control group, rectal body temperature, pulsation and respiratory rate were statistically significantly higher in diseased animals (p<0.001); It was determined that the glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GLA) duration was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the diseased animals, depending on the severity of inflammation. When inflammatory biomarkers were compared, Mr-Pro-ADM level was significantly higher in the diseased animals (p<0.001); sTREM-1 level was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05). As a result, pericarditis is a disease frequently encountered in cattle farming enterprises and is life-threatening and ends in death. It is formed as a complication of RPT. It is the perforation of the diaphragm by foreign objects such as sharp wires and nails in the reticulum and their penetration into the heart. Clinical, hematological, biochemical tests as well as radiological examinations are very important for diagnosis.

Ultrasound evaluation of mammary gland cistern in quarters affected by mastitis: new diagnostic grading

2025-08-25T14:41:43+02:00

Mastitis, the inflammation of the mammary gland, represents one of the main pathologies in dairy cattle farm. It leads to severe economic losses and drug administration, representing a relevant problem for animals, farmers, and public health. Diagnosis mainly consists in analysis on milk, such as microbial culture, PCR and somatic cell count. Considering the vitally importance of a fast and reliable diagnosis, the aim of this research is to evaluate ultrasound mammary examination as an on-farm tool able to timely detect and characterize quarters affected by mastitis. For this purpose, 39 primiparous and multiparous dairy cattle from a single farm in Veneto Region (Italy) have been enrolled. For each animal, clinical examination, ultrasound examination of the mammary gland and milk sampling of single quarter have been performed. Animals have been divided into four groups based on symptoms, microbial culture and somatic cell count. Specifically CTR” (control, having no clinical signs, negative microbial culture and SCC< 200.000 cells/ml), “IMI” (Intramammary infection, having no clinical signs, positive microbial culture and SCC <200.000 cells/ml), “SUB” (subclinical, having no clinical signs, positive microbial culture and SCC ≥200.000 cells/ml) and “CL” (clinical, having clinical signs, positive microbial culture and SCC ≥200.000 cells/ml). An ultrasound classification of the echogenicity of the content of the mammary gland cistern has been proposed from 0 (completely anechoic cistern), to 3 (completely echogenic cistern). Considering the non-homogenous distribution of data, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test has been applied. Results show significant differences between groups of SCC (means ± standard deviation 18.39±3.21, 33.75±5.12, 608.71±148.50, 1267.20±94.98 from group 0 to 3 respectively) and ultrasound score (means ± standard deviation 0.71±0.2, 0.84±0.11, 1.00±0.38, 2.60±0.24 from group CTR to CL respectively. Moreover, SCC values were significantly different also considering US Score (means ± standard deviation 32.52±7.25, 91.92±39.11, 109.08±57.78, 412.07±159.52 from score 0 to 3 respectively). Even though further studies are needed in order to validate and deepen this technique, these results suggest a possible application of ultrasound examination as a fast and immediate detection instrument of mastitis.

Barbaresca sheep milk: lipid and mineral composition under the influence of grazing in the Nebrodi mountains

2025-08-25T14:41:43+02:00

Sheep milk is a crucial food source in many Mediterranean cultures and is a significant economic resource in the hilly and mountainous regions of Sicily. This study evaluated the milk composition of Barbaresca sheep, an indigenous Sicilian breed considered at high risk of extinction, known for its rusticity and adaptability to harsh environments. This research specifically focuses on the fatty acid profile and the presence of essential and toxic mineral elements, linking these characteristics to the Nebrodi pasture where the sheep graze. The experimental design involved collecting milk samples from Barbaresca sheep on a family-run farm located in a non-industrialized region of Sicily surrounded by the Nebrodi mountains. The sheep were managed under a semi-extensive farming system, grazing freely on pastures characterized by diverse flora, including Graminaceae, Asteraceae, Leguminosae, and various tree species like olive and chestnut. The collected milk samples were analyzed for mineral elements using ICP-MS and DMA for mercury, and for fatty acid composition using GC-FID. The main findings highlight the high content of essential minerals in Barbaresca sheep milk. Specifically, it significantly contributes to the recommended daily intake of essential minerals such as calcium and zinc. Other macroelements like potassium, sodium, and magnesium were also found in high concentrations. Essential trace elements like iron, manganese, copper, chromium, and molybdenum were also detected. The study also found limited health risk from toxic elements due to grazing in an environment far from sources of pollution. The milk has a rich and complex lipid profile, with a significant content of beneficial fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids, and a balance between omega-6 and omega-3. The presence of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) contributes to the typical flavor of the milk and its products. The lipid quality indices were favorable for a product of animal origin and suggest potential positive effects on cardiovascular health. This beneficial fatty acid composition is likely influenced by the inclusion of pasture in the sheep diet, particularly the diverse endemic vegetation of the Nebrodi Mountains.

In conclusion, the milk of the Barbaresca sheep can be considered safe and healthy due to the grazing in the varied vegetation endemic to the Nebrodi Mountains. This study contributes to the valorization of Barbaresca sheep milk as a high-quality product linked to the Nebrodi territory, promoting the sustainability of the grazing system and local biodiversity.

Usefulness of serum protein electrophoretic pattern in the assessing the body homeostasis maintenance in sheep and goat housed in different management conditions

2025-08-25T14:41:44+02:00

The study aimed to evaluate the total plasma proteins of sheep and goats subjected to two different management conditions. A total of 40 clinically healthy, plupiparous animals were selected: 10 Maltese goats and 10 Comisana sheep from Farm A; 10 Maltese goats and 10 Comisana sheep from Farm B. Animals from Farm A were housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen. Animals from Farm B grazed on improved natural pasture characterized by a botanical composition typical of Mediterranean semi-natural grasslands. Blood samples were collected from all animals via jugular venipuncture and the serum total proteins together with serum protein fractions (i.e. albumin, α-globulins, β1-globulins, β2-globulins, and γ-globulins) were assessed. Statistical analysis showed significant higher values of serum total proteins in pasture-raised sheep compared to those housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen (P < 0.05), higher β2- and γ-globulin content in sheep housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen compared to pasture-raised sheep (P < 0.05), in pasture-raised sheep compared to stalled sheep (P < 0.05). According to the results obtained in the present study, the management condition could be lead to stress condition in farmed animals, and, it is well established that stress provokes a response of the animal which involves a cascade of reactions, including acute phase protein response. The onset of the stress response represents an adaptive reaction with the goal of reestablishing the homeostasis.

Supplementation of Broiler’s Rations By Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Prebiotic: Effect Of Breeding Stages On Growth Performances And Caecal Microbiota

2025-08-25T14:41:44+02:00

This study aims to investigate the effect of a dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived prebiotic at different growth phases on growth performance and the caecal microbiota of broilers. A total of 192 male chicks Arbor Acres (n=8 chickens/cage) were divided into three groups: the first group was considered as a control and received a basal diet (T0). The second group was fed with a 2 g prebiotic /kg ration during the starter period (first two weeks) (T1). The third group received a basal diet supplemented with a 2 g prebiotic /kg ration until the fifth week of rearing (T2). Body weight, feed intake were recorded for three representative growth periods per weeks 0–3, 4-6, and 0–6 and bodyweight gains (DWG), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were then calculated. At 7, 21, and 35 days of age, eight birds were selected from each group, and slaughtered after 12 h fasting. After dressing, the intestinal tract was directly eliminated. The caecum content was evacuated to perform microbiological analysis (lactic acid bacteria, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli). The results showed a significant decrease (P =0.04) in FCR during the period from 0 to 3 weeks and the whole period was observed in the T2 group. The microbiological analysis showed an increase in Lactobacillus, and a decrease in Escherichia coli and total coliforms, in the group T2 that received prebiotic during the fifth week (P <0.001). On day 21 of the experiment, the count of Lactobacillus was higher in the group T2 (6.40±0.01; P <0.001). Escherichia coli and Coliforms counts were higher in broilers subjected to control diet and T1 (P <0.001).

In conclusion, the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived prebiotic during the fifth week of rearing can improve chickens’ live performances through a selective effect on caecal microflora, leading to better protection against pathogens.

Dual site jejunal intussusception in a neonatal foal with positive surgical outcome

2025-08-25T14:41:43+02:00

This communication puts on record the successful surgical management of a rare case of dual site jejuno-jejunal intussusception in an eleven-day-old foal. The foal had an acute incidence of abdominal pain following a single episode of diarrhea. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed the presence of intussusception, prompting emergency surgical intervention under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, one superficial intussusception was manually relieved, while another intussusception which was caudally in the jejunum and was deep seated and required intestinal resection (approximately 45 cm) of necrotic jejunum followed by end-to-end anastomosis. The foal recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the third postoperative day. A one-month follow-up revealed the foal to be healthy.