The Animal Biology

11-15

Authors: Asmaa Ali, Fekry Hussein, Ehab Mohamed, Hadeer Maher

The objective of the study was to investigate the possibility of applying the Electronic Nose (EN) technology to analyze and detect emanated pheromonal odor changes during estrus cycle in cows. In comparison to gas chromatography (GC) headspace samples analysis and blood hormonal (estradiol and progesterone) analysis using Elisa and RIA. Also to establish a protocol to appoint the proper time of artificial insemination (AI) in cows. The study was conducted on 54 Holstein-Friesian cows. Out of sensors of the EN used in this study, sensor#2 showed the highest response to all measured perineal samples, which adhered perfectly to plasma hormone (E2) levels, and GC analysis of the perineal samples which showed progressive change in acetaldehyde as estrus was approached.

21-24

Authors: I. Fodor, L. Kern, O. G. Varga-Balogh, Gy. Gábor, L. Ózsvári

The aim of our study was to quantify the effect of twinning and stillbirth on the main reproductive parameters, and to estimate the resulting economic loss on large-scale commercial dairy farms. The data of 3.660 calvings that occurred on five large Hungarian Holstein-Friesian farms in 2016 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively. Information about twin calvings, stillbirths and uterine treatments were gathered. The main reproductive indices (i.e. calving to conception interval — CCI, services per conception — SPC, and first service conception risk — CR1) were calculated based on cow-level data. Statistical analyses were performed by using linear and logistic regression, and Dunnett-test. The economic losses related to twinning and stillbirth were estimated by partial budget analysis (1 EUR = 320 HUF). Overall, twinning and stillbirth occurred in 4.1 % and 6.9 % of the calving events. Twinning was more likely, whereas stillbirth was less likely in multiparous cows (odds ratio [OR]: 4.18 and 0.64, P<0.0001 and P=0.0015, respectively). Following twin calving, CCI and SPC were increased by 12.8 days and by 2.8, respectively, whereas CR1 was reduced by 7.1 percentage points. Twinning caused an estimated loss of 50.4 EUR/case. The analysed reproductive parameters were not impaired after stillbirth. Although, the reduction of calf number and the excess semen usage led to 112.5 EUR estimated loss per stillbirth case, on average. Twinning and stillbirths are significant sources of economic loss on dairy farms, therefore, their prevalence should be reduced.

29-31

Authors: J. J. Hodnik, J. Starič, J. Ježek, M. Ocepek, I. Toplak, T. Knific, G. J. Gunn, I. Santman-Berends, C. Correia-Gomes

The European Union (EU) overviews the control, eradication and surveillance of many cattle diseases especially those that are detrimental to animal or human health, cause huge economic losses or are subjected to trade restrictions. Other cattle diseases are left to be controlled by each Member State (MS). However, these diseases can also cause economic losses, which are usually hidden at first glance, as they often have subclinical or chronic courses. Trade of live cattle can introduce those diseases into countries that have already eradicated or have never even had them. Therefore, there is a gap in knowledge of how different EU countries control each disease and what their current disease status is. A team of 76 veterinarians, epidemiologists, statisticians, economists, sociologists, stakeholders etc. from 30 different countries have come together to participate in an action called Standardizing output-based surveillance to control non-regulated diseases of cattle in the EU (SOUND control) CA17110 funded by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). The aim of the project is to gather information about the different control programmes and produce an output-based framework. Five working groups have been formed. Work group 1 (WG1) aims to gather information on existing control programmes for non-EU regulated cattle diseases in participating countries and produce a list of relevant stakeholders. The focus is on diseases not listed under categories A or B in the new European Animal Health Law. WG2 aims to identify which data are required to serve as input for an output-based framework, and to assess the data availability and quality for each country. WG3 aims to find methods that enable output-based comparison of different control programmes, identify gaps and also evaluate cost-effectiveness, social acceptability and generalizability of those methods. WG4 is entrusted with the development of a joint research agenda about possibilities to combine heterogeneous inputs into an output-based framework that is applicable to a large number of non-regulated cattle diseases. Finally, WG5 will be responsible for the dissemination of knowledge achieved during the SOUND-control action to a wider audience and to encourage the incorporation of an output-base framework both on national and European level. The action has started in 2018 and will end in October 2022. The objective of the SOUND control action is to explore and implement a widely adaptable output-based framework to substantiate the confidence of freedom and costs-effectiveness in current surveillance, control or eradication programmes for non-regulated cattle diseases in Europe. The results of this project will facilitate safe trade and support the improvement of disease control measures, which is of great importance for the EU agriculture since the cattle sector contributes one third to the total gross production value.

35-37

Authors: M. Kadaši, P. Marčeková, P. Slovák, V. Hisira, P. Mudroň

This article describes a case of peroneal nerve paralysis of left hind limb in 2 month old Holstein calf, weight 60 kg. The final diagnosis of the case was done based on clinical investigation. The severity of the paralysis was based on clinical findings as well as peroneal nerve motor and sensory function. Protective bandage and medical treatment was applied for three weeks. Due to poor prognosis after three week tendon transposition was performed. The operation was performed in general anaesthesia. Musculus vastus lateralis was dissected at the insertion and musculus extensor digitalis longus and musculus fibularis tertius were dissected at the origin. Ends of tendons were sutured by using the Bunnel suture with 4 simple interrupted sutures around. A bandage was applied to the extremity for three weeks. Postoperatively, no complications such as suture dehiscence or failure of the tendon anastomosis was seen. After the period of three weeks the bandage was removed and calf was allowed to move freely and put weight on leg correctly. Results of the case confirm that peroneal paralysis can be successfully treated by a tendon transposition technique.

42-45

Authors: H. Marien, N. Gundling, W. Hasseler, M. Feldmann, G. Hennigsen, K. Herzog, M. Hoedemaker

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the birth monitoring system iVET® on the puerperium, milk yield and fertility of the dam in the subsequent lactation. On a large dairy farm in Saxony-Anhalt, the visual birth monitoring of the heifers was complemented by the automated iVET® birth monitoring system. The iVET® consists of two components: a transmitter, which is inserted into the vagina of the animals to be monitored and a receiver which must be installed above the calving pen. During the birth process, the transmitter is forced out of the vagina and sends a signal to the receiver which then triggers an SMS or phone call to the person in charge. In the control group (n=192), birth monitoring was performed by farm personnel in the same way as before the start of the study. In the iVET® group (n=167), a distinction was made between the animals in which the transmitter remained longer (24h+group, n=88) or shorter than 24 hours (24h-group, n=79). The experimental phase started with the recording of the calving process and ended at day 200 p.p. To assess the heifer’s fertility, the onset of ovarian activity was determined by ultrasound examination of the ovaries. The following fertility measures were calculated: first service conception rate (FCR), overall pregnancy rate (PR), mean pregnancy index (PI), conception rate (CR), mean interval from calving to first insemination (CFI), mean days open (DO), mean interval from first insemination to conception (FIC), mean calving interval (CI). In the iVET® group, significantly fewer animals calved without assistance and there were significantly more calvings with extreme difficulty especially in the 24h+group. The iVET® group had a significantly higher number of injuries, the injuries were more severe, the healing progressed more slowly and these animals developed an endometritis significantly more frequently than the control group. In the control group, significantly more animals had active ovaries when they were first examined on Day 10 p.p. than in the iVET® group. The iVET® group had a signifianty longer CFI, but a significantly shorter FIC than the control group. Concerning the other fertility measures, there were no significant differences. In the 24h+group, the milk yield of the first 100 days p.p. was significantly lower than in the 24h-group, but there was no significant difference between the 100-d-yield of the iVET® group and the control group. The number of animals which had to be culled before Day 200 p.p. was significantly higher in the iVET® group than in the control group. Birth monitoring by means of the iVET® system impaired the course of labour and in consequence the puerperium. The evaluation of calving ease and the examinations during puerperium showed that a retention time of transmitters in heifers of more than 24 hours cannot be recommended. This limitation makes the use of the birth monitoring system problematic; under real-life conditions it is hardly possible to predict the beginning of birth with sufficient accuracy with an acceptable amount of effort.

50-53

Authors: O. Nagy, Cs. Tóthová, P. Mudroň

Paratuberculosis, or Johne’s disease, is one of the most important intestinal chronic progressive granulomatous infections of ruminants with major economic impacts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the alterations in the concentrations of selected acute phase proteins in dairy cows with chronic diarrhea and seropositive to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Blood samples from 44 dairy cows affected by chronic diarrhea were included into the study. The animals were seropositive for MAP antibodies, and showed obvious clinical signs of the disease (diarrhea, loss of body weight, general wasting). Nineteen clinically healthy and MAP negative cows were taken as a control group. Immunoenzymatic ruminant MAP-Ab test was used for specific detection of anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis antibodies in blood serum (Prionics Lelystad, The Netherlands). The concentrations of selected acute phase proteins — serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in blood serum. SAA was assessed by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercial multispecies kits and haptoglobin was determined according to itsbiochemical activity to bind haemoglobin using commercial colorimetric kits (Tridelta Development, Ireland) in microplates. CRP was measured by solid-phase ELISA assay using commercially available tests (Life Diagnostics, Inc., USA). The evaluation of the concentrations of SAA and Hp showed a trend of higher values in cows with diarrhea, however, the differences were statistically not significant. On the other hand, the concentrations of CRP were significantly higher in healthy animals compared with diarrheic cows (P<0.001). These differences may be related to differences in the reactivity among several acute phase proteins, since Hp is characterized by more prolonged response. Thus, haptoglobin may be preferable in the field to evaluate disease processes, especially the course of chronic diseases. One of the reasons for lower concentrations of CRP in cows with chronic diarrhea may be its excessive loss through the gastrointestinal mucosa. Because the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in cows and clinical manifestation of chronic diarrhea with subsequent protein-losing enteropathy has so far lacked knowledge of their impact on the changes of acute phase protein values, the results of the presented study represent significant widening of the knowledge in this area of research. They suggest a significant effect of chronic diarrhea in MAP seropisotive cows on the changes in the concentrations of some acute phase proteins.

58-60

Authors: E. Rauch, T. Kürn, K. Bernhart, K. Reiter, M. Erhard

The aim of this study was to find out how ad libitum milk intake affects weight gain, drinking behavior and cross-sucking in simmental calves. Right after birth 97 simmental calves were assigned either to the control group (RES: restricted group, fed only twice a day) or to the test group (ADL: milk was ad libitum available). All calves were housed in single boxes with straw bedding for the first two weeks of life and in group housing after this. Calves were fed colostrum in the beginning and acified milk afterwards. The individual milk intake and bodyweight was recorded, as well as the cross-sucking via video recording. Until weaning the weight gain of the ADL calves was higher than that of the restricted group. This became also evident in the higher weight at the end of the trial. Although the calves of both groups took in the same amount of starter feed the ADL animals had a higher weight. The ADL fed calves drank more often but smaller portions throughout the day. There was no difference in drinking speed between the groups. Regarding the results of this study the ADL drinker increases the cross-sucking of calves kept in groups. The ad libitum drinker represents an animal-friendly feeding method for calves because the animals can perform their drinking behavior longer and more frequently during the day, no hunger periods occur and thus this feeding method better meets the natural behavior. By the higher frequency of milk intake during the day and the therefore higher suckling motivation the ad libitum drinker encouraged the cross-sucking of the calves in groups.

66-69

Authors: M. Tóth, R. Khangembam, R. Farkas, J. Oláh, N. Vass, I. Monori

The main aim of the study was to have a preliminary assessment of the endoparasites which are infecting sheep under semi-dry continental climate in Karcag, Hungary. Two groups of Hungarian Merino sheep were assigned as treated (N=40) and untreated (N=20) after selecting the animals randomly. Only the Treated group was drenched two times with commercially available deworming drugs. Faecal samples were collected individually from both the groups to perform faecal egg count; body condition score and FAMACHA scores were also taken to assess body and anaemia conditions respectively. The temperature and humidity conditions were also obtained to check the optimum environmental condition that could influence the worm burden. The case study was done at the University of Debrecen Experimental Animal Farm, Karcag. Parasitic nematodes, namely, trichostrongylid/trichostrongyles nematodes, Protostrongylus sp. and Strongylus sp. were found to be more predominant species affecting the sheep and up to some degree with the tapeworm Moniezia sp. and the coccidian, Eimeria sp. During the study period, there was no clinically significant anaemic condition and the animals were found to have fairly good body condition. Yet, the infection intensity, mainly of the trichostrongyles, was significant even after the second drenching. This may be due to the optimum environmental condition coinciding with the grazing period which increased the parasitic loads in the fields. Another possibility is the presence of resistant worm population as there is no proper assessment of the effectiveness and/or resistance of the drenching drugs commonly used in Hungary. The study is only a preliminary report of endoparasitism of sheep under a particular Hungarian climatic condition. It is obvious that parasites, mainly of the nematodes, do occur and may be an increasing concern with time. Keeping this in mind, there is a need for a wider prevalence study and if possible, anthelmentic resistance studies of the commonly used drugs to check their efficacies.

73-76

Authors: L. Vranković, J. Aladrović, I. Pipal, B. Beer Ljubić, N. Prvanović Babić, Z. Stojević

The aim of our study was to determine indexes of insulin resistance (IR) in early postpartum period in cows and their calves kept in a beef suckler system. The study was conducted on 13 Simmental cows and their calves. We calculated following indexes values: RQUICKI (Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) and its modified version RQUICKIBHB, HOMA (Homeostatic Model Assessment) and QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) based on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, NEFA (non esterified fatty acids) and BHB (β-hydroxybutyrate), sampled 6, 12 and 48h and 7 and 14 d pp. Cows were grouped according to lactation number (2nd to 4th lactation, 1st group; and 5th to 8th lactation, 2nd group) and calves according to gender. Results showed that RQUICKI was higher in 1st group of cows (P>0.05) and showed progressive increase during pp period in both groups. In 1st group of cows RQUICKI was lower 6 and 12 h pp than 14 d p.p. (P=0.01). HOMA was higher in 2nd group of cows (P>0.05); HOMA was higher 12 h pp than 48 h, 7 and 14 d p.p. (P=0.01) as well as 6 h pp than 7 and 14 d p.p. (P=0.01). QUICKI showed the same trend in both groups, progressive decrease from 6h to 14 d p.p. (P=0.001, 1st group; P=0.001, 2nd group). In calves, HOMA was higher in females (P>0.05). In females HOMA was lower 6 h pp than 7 and 14 d p.p. (P=0.03). RQUICKIBHB was higher in females than in males (P=0.03). RQUICKIBHB showed progressive decline from 6 h p.p. to 14 d p.p. in females (P=0.004). Changes in trends of IR indexes may help in analysis of decreased sensitivity or responsiveness to the metabolic actions of insulin as well as in determination of metabolic status of animals.