Large Animal Review

Relative expression levels of selected target genes in dairy cows produced by artificial insemination or multiple ovulation embryo transfer

Shrouk Fathy Abaas — 2025-06-16

Adoption of superovulation for in vivo production of cattle embryos has been one of the most successful reproductive biotechnologies among cattle breeders in order to produce male and female offspring of superior genetics. However, the effect of this technique on the performance of the resulting offspring is still unclear in terms of health, productivity and fertility. In this study, the primary objective was to evaluate the effect of artificial insemination (AI) and MOET heifer production protocols on the relative expression levels of 3 fertility-related genes (SAXO2, TAC3, and TFF2) in dairy cattle. This experiment was carried out on a total of ten primiparous Holstein cows belonging to a private dairy herd in north-western Egypt. Cows were divided into
two groups (MOET-cows, n=5) and (AI-cows, n=5). MOET-cows were produced by superovulation and embryo transfer, while AI-cows were produced by AI using conventional semen from approved sires. Both, MOET-cows and AI-cows were submitted to the presynch-ovsynch protocol on day 45 after their first calving and were timely inseminated on day 80 postpartum. Cows received two Prostaglandin f2 alpha injections (500 Ug cloprostenol sodium) on days 45 and 59 postpartum, then ovsynch protocol was applied on day 70 (first GnRH, 12 Ug busrelin), 77 (500 Ug cloprostenol sodium), 79 (12 Ug busrelin). Blood samples were obtained from individual cows on the day of timed artificial insemination (TAI) in the two groups. Relative expression levels of the target genes were determined by using qRT-PCR. Results showed significant associations between MOET heifer production technique and rising of relative expression levels of selected target genes (SAXO2, TAC3, and TFF2), where levels of the three genes were significantly greater in MOET-cows, compared to AI-cows suggesting upregulation of such genes in cows produced by MOET technique and may provide a partial explanation of the greater fertility observed in MOET-group.

Effect of the administration of a protected source of calcium gluconate on growth, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and health in beef cattle

Silvia Grossi — 2025-06-16

The study evaluated the effects of a protected source of calcium gluconate on production performance, digestibility, and health in beef cattle. A total of 241 Charolaise bulls were randomly divided into two groups: i) Control (n° 120) basal diets + 10g/head/day of a placebo of wheat bran; ii) Treatment (n° 121) basal diets + 10 g/head/d of a protected source of calcium gluconate. The population of each group was divided into two subgroups: i) “Overall population” (n° 100 Control and n° 101 Treatment) housed in pens of 7/8 animals each; ii) “Beefmonitor population” (n° 20 Control and n° 20 Treatment) housed in two pens (Control and Treatment) equipped with two automatic weighting scales to evaluate the daily trends in production performance. Growth performance, feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), were evaluated on both subgroups. Slaughtering performance, apparent total tract digestibility (aTTD) and health were evaluated equally. The average daily gains (ADG) were improved by the Treatment (+40 and +43 g/head/day compared with the Control group, in the “Overall” and “Beefmonitor” populations) (P=0.0084 and <0.0001 respectively). The final weights were also higher (706.82 and 705.83 vs 699.75 and 697.33 kg in the Control group in the “Overall” and “Beefmonitor” populations) (P=0.0084 and 0.037 respectively). The FCR was improved (6.90 and 7.03 vs 7.51 and 7.28 in the Control group in the “Overall” and “Beefmonitor” populations) (P=0.0008 and <0.0001 respectively). The aTTDs of starch (97.05 vs 95.71% in the Control group) (P<0.0001), cellulose (57.91 vs 52.95% in the Control group) (P<0.0001) and NDF (52.02 vs 50.02% in the Control group) (P=0.020) were improved by the Treatment. The incidence of lameness was reduced (0.99 vs 7% in the Control group) (P=0.0282). Including protected sources of calcium gluconate can be functional to improve production efficiency, due to a protective effect on gut health and integrity.

Behavior Characteristics of Holstein Friesian Cows During Estrus Using Sensor and Meteorological Measurements

Çağrı Melikşah Sakar — 2025-06-16

This study evaluated oestrus detection, one of the major challenges in herd management for dairy farms worldwide, in Holstein Friesian cows using the Cow-Manager chip sensor system. A total of 105 estrus events from 15 cows were recorded over an 18-month research period using the ear-tag system. Throughout the study, behavior data were collected for a total of 3081 days. Of these, 84 were confirmed as estrus, and 21 were classified as suspicious estrus. The average duration of estrus was calculated to be 9.8 hours. These values were found as the highest values <70 groups in the THI group, in multiparous cows in the parity group, and 151+ group in the DIM group. Upon general examination, it was observed that estrus values in cows increased at night (32.4%) and decreased in the afternoon (19.3%). These values in the THI>70 group and primiparous cows were found at their highest levels in the morning. During estrus, cows exhibited respective increases of 124%, 4.8%, and 7.6% in high-active, active, and eating behaviors compared to non-estrus days, while not-active and rumination values decreased by 15.3% and 23.1%, respectively. According to non-estrus days, during estrus, high-active, active, and eating values increased by 124%, 4.8%, and 7.6%, respectively, while not-active and rumination values decreased by 15.3% and 23.1%. Findings from this study suggest that high-active and active values tend to increase towards estrus, reaching their peak at the onset of estrus, and gradually decrease towards the end of estrus. In addition, rumination values are lower than normal during the estrus period, beginning at their lowest level at the start of the period and decreasing further as estrus approaches. The research indicates that elevated temperatures can reduce the length of estrus and negatively affect reproductive performance. This study provides valuable insights into behavioral changes and estrus duration in Holstein Friesian cows, highlights the importance of monitoring physical activity and rumination patterns for accurate estrus detection.

Sesame meal as substitute to soybean meal in Sicilo-Sarde ewes’ diet: Effects on milk yield and composition, cheese yield and sensory attributes

Yathreb Yagoubi — 2025-06-16

This study evaluated the effects of substituting soybean meal with sesame meal in the diet of Sicilo-Sarde ewes on feed intake, milk production and composition as well as cheese yield and sensory properties. For that, thirty multiparous ewes were assigned to three homogeneous groups based on their initial milk production. All ewes received received individually 2 kg of oat hay and 700 g of concentrate. Three types of concentrate were offered: a control concentrate (C) and two experimental concentrates containing sesame meal (SM) that substituted soybean meal (SBM) at rates of 50 (SM50) and 100% (SM100). During the trial which lasted 60 days, all ewes had free access to water throughout the day. Ewes’ milk yield was recorded weekly. Milk composition, cheese yield and quality were also determined.

Total dry matter intake was similar across groups. Also, milk production was unaffected (p>0.05) by the type of concentrate, averaging 285, 298 and 278 ml/ day for C, SM50, and SM100, respectively. The higher milk fat content was observed in SM50 group (8.1%; p<0.05) compared to the control (7.5%) and SM100 (7.4%). However, protein content, lactose and pH remained stable across all diets. Individual cheese yield was not significantly affected by dietary treatment but increased over time. Cheese chemical composition was affected by the diet and the highest dry matter and protein contents occurred for C group (51.86% and 17.57%, respectively). Substituting soybean meal with sesame meal had no significant effect on cheese firmness, elasticity, texture, color, or bitterness (p>0.05). Nevertheless, the substitution rate of 50% increased aroma intensity and saltiness. These results suggest that substituting soybean meal with sesame meal could improve milk composition without adversely affecting milk or cheese yield, offering a promising alternative for enhancing dairy sheep nutrition.

Effects of reciprocal mating for horn presence, moon phase and natural light-dark cycle on reproductive and growth traits in Saanen goats

Hakan Erduran — 2025-06-16

This study investigated the effects of mating type, lunar cycle, natural light-dark cycle, and environmental factors on reproductive performance and growth traits of semi-intensively reared Saanen goats. Data were obtained by mating horned bucks with polled does, and polled bucks with horned does during the two-year study period. Mating type and twin birth rate were significant at conception, whereas only mating type rate was significant at parturition (P<0.05). Birth frequency was highest around the new moon and lowest around the first quarter of the lunar phase, with most births occurring during daylight hours. Mating type, lunar phase, year, parity, and birth type were found to have a significant effect on gestation length in goats (P<0.05). For offspring ratios at birth, the effect of lunar cycle and time of birth on birth type was significant (P<0.05). There were also significant differences between mating type and lunar cycle (P<0.05). Gestational age, birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain, and Kleiber ratio (KR) were significantly affected by parental mating type, lunar phase, time of birth, maternal parity, birth type, and offspring sex (P<0.05). The study showed that mating type, lunar cycle, and natural light-dark cycle significantly affected the productivity of Saanen goats. In addition, this study reports evidence that the lunar cycle is an external timer for the synchronization of mating and parturition.

Successful Management of Oral Papillomatosis in a Goat Using an Autogenous Vaccine: A Case Report

Adem Şahan — 2025-06-16

Caprine papillomatosis is a contagious disease caused by caprine papillomavirus (CPV), characterized by benign tumors or warts primarily affecting the mouth, lips, udder, head, and neck, especially in young animals. Transmission occurs through skin disruptions, with more severe manifestations observed in immunocompromised animals. This case report presents the successful treatment of a case of papillomatosis in a goat using an autogenous vaccine. In this case report, a 9-month-old male crossbred goat with papillomas of varying sizes around the mouth, as well as on the abdomen, caudal region of the scapula, right and left sides of the anus, ear, and scrotum was described. It was determined that vital signs and complete blood count (CBC) analysis results were unremarkable. Therefore, a biopsy was recommended for further analysis. Therefore, for diagnostic purposes, biopsies were obtained from papilloma lesions and examined histopathologically, revealing significant epidermal hyperkeratosis, papillary projections, and intense inflammatory cell infiltration. Histopathological examination of the sample confirmed the presence of papilloma tissue. The biopsy was taken from the relevant papilloma in the same animal, and an autogenous vaccine was prepared. The autogenous vaccine was prepared from the patient's papillomatous tissue (approximately the size of a chickpea), inactivated with formaldehyde, and filtered with the addition of antibiotics. After sterility control, it was stored at +4°C for use. The vaccine was administered subcutaneously (SC) at a dose of 5 ml once a week for 4 weeks. During the 4-week autogenous vaccination treatment period, papillomas began to regress and heal by the second week. Approximately half of the papillomas had healed by the third week, and they were completely healed and had clinically disappeared by the seventh week follow-up. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment process, and no recurrence was detected during the post-treatment follow-up. Autogenous vaccination may be a good alternative for treating papillomas, which are rarely reported in goats, as it is inexpensive, easily available, effective, and provides a complete cure. It also provides a practical treatment option for cases in which surgical removal of papillomas is not feasible due to the risks associated with their distribution and anatomical location.