Effect of oxytocin infusion on luteal blood flow and progesterone secretion in dairy cattle

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oxytocin infusion on corpus luteum (CL) function during early to mid-diestrus by measuring luteal size (LS) and luteal blood flow (LBF) along with plasma levels of progesterone (P4) and prostaglandin metabolites (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α, PGFM). On day (D) 7 of the estrus cycle (D1 = ovulation), seven cows received 100 IU of oxytocin (OXY) or placebo (PL) following a Latin square design. LS and LBF increased in both groups over time and no differences were observed between the groups. PGFM did not differ either within the groups over time or between the groups at any time point. P4 of the OXY group was higher compared to that of the the PL group 360 min after the infusion (p = 0.01) and tended to be higher at the time points 450 min, 48 h, and 72 h (all p = 0.08). Results from this study support the hypothesis that OXY is not directly involved in the mechanism(s) governing blood flow of the CL and has no remarkable effects either on luteal size or P4 and PGFM plasma levels. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the role of OXY in CL blood flow during early and late luteal phases

THE EFFECT OF BST ADMINISTRATION ON MILKYIELD, MILK COMPOSITION, UDDER FUNCTIONAND REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY OF CHIOS EWES.

THE PRESENT INVESTIGATION WAS CARRIED OUT TO TEST THE EFFECTS OF RECOMBINANT BOVINE SOMOTOTROPIN (BST) ADMINISTRATION, ON MILK YIELD, MILK COMPOSITION, MAMMARY GLAND HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION AND LH SECRETI ON DURING ESTRUS, OF CHIOS EWES. FOR THIS PURPOSE, 22 POLYTOCOUS LACTATING CHIOS EWES WERE ASSIGNED INTO TWO GROUPS (11 IN THE CONTROL AND 11 IN THE TREATMENT GROUP). TREATED EWES WERE INJECTED EVERY SECOND WEEK WITH 160 MG BST. ALL ANIMALS WERE FED THE SA ME AMOUNT OF RATION. ADMINISTRATION OF BST WAS LED TO THE INCREASE OF MILK YIELD (22%) WITHOUT ALTERING MILK COMPOSITION. SCC WAS INCREASED BUT PREVELANCE OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITISWAS UNEFFECTED. ALL ANIMALS RESPOND TO TREATMENT FOR ESTROUS SYNCHRONIZATION, BST TREATED EWES SHOWED LOWER CONCETRATIONS OF LH AND SHORTER STANDING ESTROUS. RESUMPTION OF OVARIAN ACTIVITY OF THE EWES AFTER PARTURITION WAS NOT AFFECTED BY BST ADMINISTRATION.ΣΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ ΕΡΕΥΝΑ ΔΙΕΡΕΥΝΗΘΗΚΕ Η ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΧΟΡΗΓΗΣΗΣ ΒΟΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΟΣΥΝΔΥΑΣΜΕΝΗΣ ΣΩΜΑΤΟΤΡΟΠΟΥ ΟΡΜΟΝΗΣ ΣΤΑ ΠΡΟΒΑΤΑ ΤΗΣ ΦΥΛΗΣ ΧΙΟΥ, ΩΣ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΗΝ ΠΟΣΟΤΗΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΣΤΑΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΡΑΓΟΜΕΝΟΥ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΣ, ΤΗΝ ΥΓΙΕΙΝΗ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΑΣΤΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ ΜΕ ΕΜΦΑΣΗ ΣΤΗ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΓΕΣΤΕΡΟΝΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΤΗΣ LH ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗ ΔΙΑΡΚΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΣΤΡΟΥ. ΧΡΗΣΙΜΟΠΟΙΗΘΗΚΑΝ 22 ΠΡΟΒΑΤΙΝΕΣ (ΜΑΡΤΥΡΕΣ, ΟΜΑΔΑ BST). ΣΕ ΚΑΘΕ ΖΩΟ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ BST ΧΟΡΗΓΟΥΝΤΑΝ 160MG BST/14ΗΜΕΡΕΣ. ~ΛΑ ΤΑ ΖΩΑ ΔΙΑΤΡΕΦΟΝΤΑΝ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΙΔΙΟ ΣΥΤΗΡΕΣΙΟ. Η BST ΟΔΗΓΗΣΕ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΤΑ 22% ΠΕΡΙΠΟΥ, ΧΩΡΙΣ ΝΑ ΕΠΗΡΕΑΣΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΠΕΡΙΕΚΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΟΥ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΣΣΕ ΛΙΠΑΡΕΣ ΟΥΣΙΕΣ, ΠΡΩΤΕΙΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΛΑΚΤΟΖΗ. Η ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΣΩΜΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΩΝ ΣΤΟ ΓΑΛΑ ΑΥΞΗΘΗΚΕ, ΧΩΡΙΣ ΩΣΤΟΣΟ ΝΑ ΕΠΡΕΑΣΕΙ ΤΟ ΠΟΣΟΣΤΟ ΕΜΦΑΝΙΣΗΣ ΥΠΟΚΛΙΝΙΚΗΣ ΜΑΣΤΙΤΙΔΑΣ. ~ΛΑ ΤΑ ΖΩΑ ΑΝΤΑΠΟΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΥΓΧΡΟΝΙΣΜΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΟΙΣΤΡΩΝ, ΑΛΛΑ ΤΑ ΖΩΑ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ BST, ΕΜΦΑΝΙΣΑΝ ΧΑΜΗΛΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΕΙΣ LH ΣΤΟ ΠΛΑΣΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΝΤΟΜΟΤΕΡΗΣ ΔΙΑΡΚΕΙΑΣ ΣΥΜΠΤΩΜΑΤΑ ΟΙΣΤΡΟΥ. Η BST ΔΕΝ ΕΠΗΡΕΑΣΕ ΤΗΝ ΕΝΑΡΞΗ ΤΗΣ ΩΟΘΗΚΙΚ ΗΣ ΔΡΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΤΗΤΑ

Energy Conservation in a Livestock Building Combined with a Renewable Energy Heating System towards CO2 Emission Reduction: The Case Study of a Sheep Barn in North Greece

Cold stress in sheep is usually overlooked, even though the animals’ welfare and productivity are affected by low temperatures. The aim of this research was to find out if and to what extent the temperature inside a sheep barn could be maintained within the range of the thermoneutral zone during winter, primarily to increase feed conversion and to reduce GHG emissions. For this reason, an automation system was installed at a sheep barn in northern Greece, and heat losses from the building were calculated. The biogas potential of the sheep barn waste was examined in the laboratory via the BMP method. The results showed that the installation of an automation system together with a hypothetical biogas heating system could maintain the barn’s temperature in the range of a sheep’s thermoneutral zone during winter for the 94% of the scenarios examined if the total energy of the biogas was utilized, while heating energy that was instantly and continuously used succeeded in 48% of the investigated cases. The surplus of energy produced by biogas could potentially raise the water temperature that animals drink up to 2.9 °C. The absence of cold stress decreases the dry matter intake and the CH4 produced by ruminal fermentation. Moreover, lower GHG emissions are achieved as waste is treated through anaerobic digestion, which would likely be released into the environment if left untreated

A comparison study between the Siemens ADVIA 120 and manual method for the differential white blood cell count in goats.

BackgroundAlthough widely used, the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer has not been previously validated for determining the differential leukocyte count in goats.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the differential leukocyte counts provided by the ADVIA 120 (A-diff) and the manual method (M-Diff) in goats.MethodsEDTA blood samples that were analyzed within 4 h of collection were used in the study. The following exclusion criteria were applied: inappropriately filled tubes or tubes containing clots, erroneous ADVIA peroxidase cytograms, and blood smears of poor quality. The A-Diff was compared with the M-Diff performed by two independent observers on 200 leukocytes.ResultsForty samples were included after previously excluding eight samples. The correlation between the A-Diff and M-Diff was very strong for eosinophils (r = .870, p ConclusionsThe ADVIA 120 overall demonstrated good performance for the differential WBC count in goats under the conditions of this study. Therefore, it can be considered suitable for routine hematologic screening in goats. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that any abnormal result should be confirmed with a blood smear evaluation

Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp and Anionic Salts on Metabolic Status and Mineral Homeostasis during the Peri-Parturient Period of Dairy Sheep

Sugar beet pulp is a popular by-product of sugar extraction; however, it can potentially cause depletion of Ca availability due to its oxalic content. The experiment examined the effect of sugar beet pulp and anionic salts administration during the dry period on the serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium of dairy sheep. Eighty-seven sheep were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to their body condition score (BCS) and age at 40 days before the expected lambing. All groups received alfalfa hay, mixed grass straw, and a concentrate supplement. The concentrate fed to groups B and C contained sugar beet pulp. The nutritional value fed to all three groups was similar, except for Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD). Animals of group A had a DCAD of +198 mEq/kg, animals of group B of +188 mEq/kg, and animals of group C were fed 20 gr/d ammonium chloride to achieve a negative DCAD (−52 mEq/kg). All groups were fed the same ration after lambing. Blood samples were collected 30 d, 20 d, 17 d, 14 d, 10 d, 7 d, and 4 d before lambing (a.p.), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 7 d, 10 d, and 15 d after lambing (p.p) for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium, and 30 d a.p., 7 d, and 15 d p.p. for beta hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) concentrations. Urine samples were also collected 20 d, 10 d, 4 d a.p., and 7 d p.p for the evaluation of pH levels. Ca levels of the control group decreased earlier and were lower at 4 d a.p. compared to those of group B and C. Additionally, the control group showed lower p values compared to group C at 20 d and 17 d a.p. P levels recovered earlier post parturition in young (age 1–1.5 years old) compared to older ewes. Group C had lower urine pH values throughout the pre-parturient period, reflecting the acidifying effect of the administered ammonium chloride, without any side effect on macromineral blood concentration. Feeding sugar beet pulp and systemic acidifying before parturition is considered safe and might even be beneficial in preventing hypocalcemia

Ovarian and Energy Status in Lame Dairy Cows at Puerperium and Their Responsiveness in Protocols for the Synchronization of Ovulation

The purpose of this study was to assess the ovarian and energy status of multiparous lame dairy cows at the end of puerperium and investigate their responsiveness to estrous synchronization treatment regimens. Initial lameness scoring was performed at 28 ± 5 and 37 ± 5 d post partum, followed by lesion documentation and treatment. Cows were blocked by lameness severity and were randomly allocated to an estrous synchronization treatment regimen with seven days of progesterone supplementation (group LP, n = 26) or with an administration of PGF2α twice, 14 d apart (group LC, n = 26). Non-lame cows served as controls (group C, n = 27) and the same treatment regimen was imposed as that for group LC. Twelve days after estrous presynchronization, an Ovsynch treatment regimen and timed AI were imposed. Ultrasonography of the ovaries and blood sampling for progesterone were used to assess cyclicity status, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were used to assess energy status. Lame cows were to a greater proportion non-cycling (36.5% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.02), had greater overall NEFA concentrations (0.32 ± 0.02 vs. 0.26 ± 0.02 mEq/L; p = 0.02) and a greater incidence of elevated NEFA concentrations (53.9% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.04) compared to control cows. However, no interaction between energy and lameness status was evident regarding non-cycling cows. The percentage of cows responding to the presynchronization, synchronization and ovulating did not differ between groups LP, LC, and C. The first-service conception rate (FSCR) tended to be greater for group C (37.0%) compared to group LP (16.0%; p = 0.08). Long-term reproductive performance did not differ between lame and control cows, although culling rates did (21.2% vs. 0%, respectivly; p = 0.01). The severity of lameness had an effect on culling rates (30.6% vs. 0% for cows with marked vs. moderate lameness; p = 0.01), whereas the type of lesion largely explained poor reproductive performance (FSCR 13.9% vs. 40.0% for cows with claw horn disruptions vs. infectious lesions; p = 0.04). Conclusively, cows that were lame during puerperium are at a greater risk of not cycling irrespective of energy status. Treatment regimens for the synchronization of ovulation seem to be efficient at resuming ovarian cyclicity. Marked lameness was detrimental to survivability, whereas cows with claw horn lesions had compromised reproductive capacity