Metabolic Profile of Holstein Cows: Reference Values in Herds of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

Background: Assessing data from metabolic profile is a complex task depending on individual factors such as breed, age, sex and physiological status and environmental factors such as climate and management. Therefore, reference intervals produced in herds from different geographic regions are not always precise in the local reality. The aim of this study is to compile results of values of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of healthy Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as an effort for the elaboration of regional reference intervals for dairy cattle in this geographic area.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was defined through the PICO strategy, considering multiparous Holstein cows from scientific studies carried out in Rio Grande do Sul, during the period 1996-2021, in which the nitrogen, glycidic, lipidic, enzymatic or mineral metabolic profile was determined. Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library and PubMed were the electronic databases selected for the search, using the following descriptors: "profile" and "metabolic" and "metabolic profile" and "dairy" or "cattle" or "cow" and "Brazil" and "southern" or "Rio Grande do Sul". Studies in Portuguese, English and Spanish languages were considered. The references of the articles initially selected were also verified, through ResearchGate and Google Scholar, in addition to unpublished data, unfinished studies or data in the so called "gray literature". It was possible to identify a total of 34 publications, which were tabulated to assess the scientific quality and bias risk. Studies were evaluated by a pair of independent reviewers, in order to compare results. Eligibility confirmation was given after the complete reading of the articles, evaluating the presence of all the inclusion selection criteria, such as adequate population and the intervention made. Examples of exclusion criteria for studies were studies or data duplication and methodological flaws that could compromise reliability. Thus, of the 34 studies selected in the initial screening, 14 remained. Thereafter, observational studies were preferably sought for data extraction. In the case of clinical trials, only data from control groups were used, in order to avoid disturbances due to interventions or treatments that could be applied. The reference intervals or means of the evaluated metabolites extracted from these studies were grouped in tables, in order to facilitate the comparison with research results obtained in different regions or even for comparison with future studies in the region of interest.Discussion: This retrospective study obtained mean values and standard deviation of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies performed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Divergences were observed in several evaluations, especially in values of albumin, beta-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate transaminase and calcium, in spite of all data represented healthy animals from research trials with adequate environment and diet. It is important to consider the risk of time bias in this study, as within this 25-year period there was a very large evolution in dairy farming and some values may not be fully representative of current management systems in Holstein herds. Nevertheless, the results reinforce the importance of using regional reference values for the proper interpretation of metabolic profile results in dairy cows. In addition, the proposing of database index for regional averages or reference intervals, is useful for comparing results of metabolic profiles carried out in different geographic regions, in future studies to be performed in this particular region, or even to be utilized by field practitioners of this particular region.Keywords: biochemical blood profile, regional reference, healthy cows.Título: Perfil metabólico de vacas da raça Holandesa:valores de referência em rebanhos do Rio Grande do Sul - BrasilDescritores: perfil bioquímico sanguíneo, referência regional, vacas sadias

Thecoma in an Elderly Crioulo Mare

Background: Ovarian enlargement in mares can either be a physiological or pathological condition associated with neoplastic or non-neoplastic causes. Neoplasia is more prominent in elderly than young horses. Granulosa cell tumors are the most common neoplastic cause of ovarian enlargement, while thecoma is the rarest. Thecoma is a benign ovarian stromal neoplasia originating from the sexual cords of the embryonic gonad and can affect the production of steroid hormones, leading to changes in behavior and the estrous cycle. If only one ovary is affected, after unilateral ovariectomy, usually the mare can still be used for reproductive purposes, after unilateral ovariectomy. Herein, we report a case of ovarian thecoma in an elderly Crioulo mare. Case: A 15-year-old Crioulo mare was evaluated for progressive weight loss. The mare presented a low body score, and on physical examination, all parameters were within reference limits. Hematological examination revealed anemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and neutrophilia. Serum biochemistry examination were within the physiological limits. Rectal palpation revealed an increase in volume in the left ovary (4.3 × 2.9 × 3 cm), smooth consistency and no associated pain in either of the ovaries. Rectal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous pattern, suggesting a neoplasm. As a treatment modality and for definitive diagnosis, the mare underwent a unilateral flank ovariectomy laparoscopically in the quadrupedal position. On histopathological evaluation of the ovaries, the sample showed cysts associated with proliferating spindle cells arranged in a solid arrangement, occasionally forming eddies, in addition to hemosiderosis, with clear cytoplasm and lipid vacuoles. Macroscopically, the ovary presented with a regular surface, smooth to firm consistency, a homogeneous brownish appearance with blackened foci, and brownish fluid-filled cysts. These findings confirmed thecoma of the left ovary in the mare. Discussion: Ovarian enlargement in mares may be physiological or an indication of pathological conditions, associated with both non-neoplastic and neoplastic etiology. Clinical signs of ovarian neoplasms can be nonspecific; therefore, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis, it is imperative to evaluate and compare the patient's history, physical examination, and results of complementary examinations. Excessive production of hormones lead to behavioral changes in mares with ovarian tumors, such as masculinized or aggressive behavior, and anestrus persistence. Thecomas may or may not interfere with steroid production and levels. On ultrasound examination, ovarian neoplasms may present similar echogenicity patterns. Histopathological evaluation is the best diagnostic approach after an ovariectomy. The prognosis of ovariectomy is considerably successful with the mare regaining reproductive health, although some mares may become infertile, with a small, inactive contralateral ovary. Thecoma is a rare neoplasm in horses; however, owing to its potential to cause altered reproductive functions, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in mares with increased ovarian volume. Keywords: theca cell, histopatology, neoplasia, ovary

Caracterização da composição do leite de vacas Holandesas : estudo retrospectivo

Worldwide, milk analysis is an satisfactory measurement of milk quality on dairy farms. Milk composition is the base for payment systems, so knowledge of its characteristics at different periods is essential for modern dairy producer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of year, season, stage of lactation, and lactation number on variations in milk yield and composition of Holstein cows (n=148,604). Milk yield estimated by multiple regression was 25,50L/cow/day. Winter was the season with the highest milk yield and the highest protein and lactose content. Milk fat was highest in the fall, in cows in late lactation and also in primiparous cows. Lactating cows from 6 to 60 days in lactation and those in 2nd or 3rd lactation showed the highest milk yield. Lactose concentration was positively correlated with milk yield. Somatic cell score was negatively correlated with milk yield and with lactose concentration. Most important variations in milk characteristics occur among seasons, lactation stages and parities. Mammary gland health is yet the greatest challenge to be overcome.A determinação da qualidade do leite nas fazendas é um parâmetro mundialmente aceito e utilizado como base para os sistemas de pagamento. Os produtores modernos utilizam o conhecimento das características do leite para adotar medidas que visam melhorar produtividade e qualidade. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do ano, estação, estágio de lactação e número de lactação sobre as variáveis produção e composição do leite de vacas Holandesas (n=148,604). A produção de leite estimada por regressão múltipla foi de 25,50L/vaca/dia. O inverno foi à estação com a maior produtividade e os maiores teores de proteína e lactose. A gordura de leite foi maior no outono em vacas primíparas e no final da lactação. As vacas com estágio de lactação entre 6 a 60 dias e aquelas que se encontram na segunda ou terceira lactação apresentaram a maior produtividade. A concentração de lactose correlacionou-se positivamente com a produção de leite. O escore das células somáticas correlacionou-se negativamente com a produtividade e com a concentração de lactose. As variações mais importantes nas características do leite ocorrem entre estações, estágios de lactação e número de partos. A saúde da glândula mamária ainda é o maior desafio a superar

Metabolic profile of Holstein cows : reference values in herds of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

Background: Assessing data from metabolic profile is a complex task depending on individual factors such as breed, age, sex and physiological status and environmental factors such as climate and management. Therefore, reference intervals produced in herds from different geographic regions are not always precise in the local reality. The aim of this study is to compile results of values of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of healthy Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as an effort for the elaboration of regional reference intervals for dairy cattle in this geographic area. Materials, Methods & Results: The research was defined through the PICO strategy, considering multiparous Holstein cows from scientific studies carried out in Rio Grande do Sul, during the period 1996-2021, in which the nitrogen, glycidic, lipidic, enzymatic or mineral metabolic profile was determined. Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library and PubMed were the electronic databases selected for the search, using the following descriptors: “profile” and “metabolic” and “metabolic profile” and “dairy” or “cattle” or “cow” and “Brazil” and “southern” or “Rio Grande do Sul”. Studies in Portuguese, English and Spanish languages were considered. The references of the articles initially selected were also verified, through ResearchGate and Google Scholar, in addition to unpublished data, unfinished studies or data in the so called “gray literature”. It was possible to identify a total of 34 publications, which were tabulated to assess the scientific quality and bias risk. Studies were evaluated by a pair of independent reviewers, in order to compare results. Eligibility confirmation was given after the complete reading of the articles, evaluating the presence of all the inclusion selection criteria, such as adequate population and the intervention made. Examples of exclusion criteria for studies were studies or data duplication and methodological flaws that could compromise reliability. Thus, of the 34 studies selected in the initial screening, 14 remained. Thereafter, observational studies were preferably sought for data extraction. In the case of clinical trials, only data from control groups were used, in order to avoid disturbances due to interventions or treatments that could be applied. The reference intervals or means of the evaluated metabolites extracted from these studies were grouped in tables, in order to facilitate the comparison with research results obtained in different regions or even for comparison with future studies in the region of interest. Discussion: This retrospective study obtained mean values and standard deviation of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies performed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Divergences were observed in several evaluations, especially in values of albumin, beta-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate transaminase and calcium, in spite of all data represented healthy animals from research trials with adequate environment and diet. It is important to consider the risk of time bias in this study, as within this 25-year period there was a very large evolution in dairy farming and some values may not be fully representative of current management systems in Holstein herds. Nevertheless, the results reinforce the importance of using regional reference values for the proper interpretation of metabolic profile results in dairy cows. In addition, the proposing of database index for regional averages or reference intervals, is useful for comparing results of metabolic profiles carried out in different geographic regions, in future studies to be performed in this particular region, or even to be utilized by field practitioners of this particular region

Iatrogenic Postvaccinal Injection Site Granulomas in Cattle

Background: The Brazilian government has established disease eradication and control programs to protect livestock from pathogens that affect animal health and compromise animal protein production and food safety and quality. Vaccination campaigns against foot-and-mouth disease and other infectious diseases in cattle except brucellosis can be carried out bynon-veterinarian employees. However, vaccination errors can result in the formation of granulomas at injection sites that can affect animal welfare and production. The present study aimed to report two cases of granulomas at injection sites due to the inadvertent administration of vaccines containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants.Cases: Case 1. The history was that a 2-year-old Devon steer was down for 7 days and was vaccinated 20 days ago with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants. Case 2. A 7-month-old Holstein heifer was examinated due to a 40-day history of ataxia, forelimb paresis progressing to tetraparesis, and vaccination with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants 60 days ago. These two animals were admitted in the Veterinary Hospital from the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) with a clinical history of incoordination and permanent decubitus after vaccination. The disease had a similar clinical course in both animals. Clinical signs included the presence of a palpable cervical mass at the site of vaccination, forelimb paresis that progressed to tetraparesis, and decubitus scars. Treatment included intravenousadministration of anti-inflammatory steroids, antibiotic therapy, daily cleansing of the pressure sores, all four limbs were massaged, animals underwent several physiotherapy sessions, slings were used to mantain recumbent patients in a standing position and supportive therapy consisted of fluid therapy and oral supplementation. Animals remained hospitalizedfor approximately 40 days. Pacients experienced temporary improvement during treatment, and would walk with an uncoordinated gait. The clinical picture worsened after treatment was discontinued, necessitating euthanasia. At necropsy, gross lesions were similar in both animals. In case 1, the trapezius was firm and pale and had multiple granulomas whichextended into the cervical vertebral column at C3-C4 and invaded the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord. In case 2, there was extensive damage to the trapezius by granulomatous inflammation; numerous nodular granulomas exuded milky contents. These lesions extended deep into the muscle fibers and infiltrated the vertebral column at C5-C6, with involvement of the medullary canal and spinal cord compression. Microscopically there was severe, diffuse pyogranulomatous myositis. Each pyogranuloma had a central clear space. Nodal architecture was effaced by these inflammatory nodules.Discussion: Some drugs and vaccines contain irritating adjuvants and induce granuloma formation at the inoculation site. In both cattle, vaccines were injected intramuscularly in the cranial third of the neck in close proximity to the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues. These vaccines possibly induced an exuberant inflammatory reaction at the inoculationsite. An exacerbated inflammatory response following the administration of adjuvanted vaccines by improperly trained personnel caused substantial tissue damage at the injection site. Severe, locally extensive lesions were found at necropsy affecting adjacent structures including skeletal muscles and spinal cord. The clinical signs of ataxia and forelimb paresis thatprogressed to tetraparesis were due to the marked pyogranulomatous inflammation in C3-C4 in case 1 and in C5-C6 in case 2. The present study reinforces the importance of good farming practices and properly trained personnel working at farms.Keywords: bovine, vaccine, infection site, granuloma, iatrogenic

A rare case of heteropaternal twin calves after natural mating in Brazil

Twin birth is a complex condition observed in most livestock animals, when the female gives birth to two or more offspring, generally out of the same mating. In cattle, it is a rare condition (3 to 5%) and depends on the genetic background and environmental factors. Twin birth is a result of multiple ovulations, being more common in dairy rather than in beef cattle. Calves could be monozygous or dizygous, with the same or of different sexes. When twins are born with different sexes, a sexual condition called Freemartinism occurs in between 90 to 97% of pregnancies, causing infertility in the female calf. Knowing that the twin rate is rare in commercial beef cattle, here we present an even rarer case of twin birth from two different sires after natural mating, also called heteropaternal superfecundation

Produção e composição do leite em vacas com desordens no pós-parto

This study aimed to determine the impact of different post-partum disorders on milk yield and composition. One hundred and fifteen Holstein cows from a commercial dairy farm located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil were monitored up to 62 days post-partum. During this period, body condition score evaluation and animal clinical examination were conducted. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose, as well as somatic cells score, were determined in milk samples. The AST activity and concentrations of NEFA, calcium, and BHBA, were analyzed in blood samples. The occurrence of clinical disorders was identified in 30 (26%) cows. Subclinical disorders were identified in 64 (56%) cows. Only 21 (18%) cows did not suffer any kind of disorder within the studied period. In this study, no significant differences were found in milk production, protein, and somatic cell count in clinical, subclinical, and healthy cows. Milk fat and the fat: protein quotient (F:P) were higher in cows with clinical disorders and the 6 to 21 days in milk, and lactose were lower in cows with clinical disorders and the 22 to 42 days in milk (P<0.05).O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o impacto de diferentes distúrbios após o parto na produção de leite e em sua composição. Cento e quinze vacas Holandesas de uma fazenda de gado leiteiro, localizada em estado da região Sul do Brasil, foram monitoradas até 62 dias após o parto. Durante esse período, foram realizadas avaliações do escore de condição corporal e exame clínico nos animais. As porcentagens de gordura, proteína e lactose, bem como o escore de células somáticas, foram determinadas nas amostras de leite. A atividade do AST e as concentrações de NEFA, cálcio e BHBA foram analisadas em amostras de sangue. A ocorrência de distúrbios clínicos foi identificada em 30 (26%) vacas, os distúrbios subclínicos foram identificados em 64 (56%) vacas. Apenas 21 (18%) vacas não sofreram nenhum tipo de distúrbio ao longo do período estudado. Neste estudo, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na produção do leite, proteína e na contagem de células somáticas em vacas com doenças clínicas, subclínicas e saudáveis. No leite, a gordura e o quociente gordura e proteína (G:P) foram maiores em vacas com doença clínica no período de seis a 21 dias de lactação, e a lactose foi menor em vacas com doença clínica no período de 22 a 42 dias de lactação (P<0,05)

Anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of a case of granulomatous meningoencephalitis in a bovine with systemic tuberculosis / Caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica de um caso de meningite granulomatosa em bovino com tuberculose sistêmica

A two-year-old male bovine of Aberdeen Angus breed with anorexia, weight loss, and apathy was reported for necropsy, being diagnosed with systemic tuberculosis and tuberculoid meningitis lesions. Bovine tuberculosis was observed and confirmed through the necropsy of granulomatous lesions, mainly in the lungs and regional lymph nodes; specific staining for alcohol-acid resistant bacilli and immunohistochemistry were also performed. It should be noted that bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease, with mandatory notification, caused by Mycobacterium bovis. In most cases, it has nonspecific clinical symptoms, such as respiratory signs, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy. In rare cases, alterations in the central nervous system occur. Therefore, this study aimed to report a case of granulomatous meningitis in a bovine with systemic tuberculosis through the characterization of its anatomicopathological and immunohistochemical aspects

Ventricular septal defect in sheep - case report / Defeito de septo interventricular em ovino - relato de caso

A 1-month-old uncastrated Ile de France male sheep was diagnosed with an opening in the left interventricular septal. The malformation was evidenced and confirmed through necropsy and observations of systemic histological lesions related to congenital heart disease, especially in the liver, lungs, and heart. Depending on the severity of the defect, the connection promoting free blood transit between the two heart ventricles can be associated with a series of clinical signs culminating in the animal's death. The etiology of congenital malformations in ruminants can be nutritional, toxic, hereditary, or infectious. However, these anomalies are infrequent in sheep; thus, their most common causes are undetermined. The present report describes macro- and microscopic findings related to this congenital malformation in a lamb