Selenium Status in Heifers, Late Pregnancy Cows and Their Calves in the Šumava Region, Czech Republic

The objective of this study was to ascertain selenium status in beef cattle in different stages of production in the Šumava region. In the region, blood collections and analyses for selected metabolic variables were performed in 54 animals in different production stages (18 heifers, 18 cows in late pregnancy and 18 calves aged 3 weeks on the average). Three herds were studied. The selenium status was determined both directly by measuring serum selenium (Se) contents and indirectly by measuring glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in whole blood. The mean serum selenium concentration in all the animals under study (n = 54) was 30.6 μg/l +/- 2.91, and mean GSH-Px activity was 167.01 μkat/l +/- 92.39. In heifers, mean serum selenium concentration was 34.81 μg/l +/- 13.84; mean GSHPx activity was 186.96 μkat/l +/- 112.15. In late pregnancy cows, mean serum selenium concentration was 26.58 μg/l +/- 8.01, mean GSH-Px activity was 94.55 +/- 35.72 μkat/l. In calves, mean serum selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity were 30.41 μg/l +/- 12 and 219.54 μkat/l +/- 64.41, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the heifers and late pregnancy cows in both variables under study. However, between the late pregnancy cows and the calves, only the difference in GSH-Px activity was significant. The results indicate severe Se deficiency in the animals under study. It means apart from other things that mineral licks used did not provide enough minerals to meet the basic requirements of the animals

Plasma Ceruloplasmin and Fibrinogen during Enzyme Therapy of Mastitis in Dairy Cows

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of topical administration of proteolytic enzymes used in the symptomatic mastitis therapy. Eleven lactating cows with clinical signs of mastitis in one udder quarter at least were divided into two groups. Group Awas given an antibiotic alone - cefotaxime (250 mg, intramammary administration, 6 doses in total). Group B was given a lower dose of the same antibiotic (cefotaxime, 100 mg, intramammary administration, 5 doses in total) and a blend of enzymes in one drug form, i.e. both the dose and total number of administrations were lower in this group. Before and after the therapy, milk samples were collected and subjected to microbiological examination, and blood samples were withdrawn to determine fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin as acute phase proteins. Before the beginning of the therapy, common mastitis pathogens were detected in milk of both groups; after the end of the therapy, the test results were negative. Mean plasma concentrations of fibrinogen in Group A increased significantly from 6.0 ± 1.4 to 7.4 ± 1.1 g l-1, in Group B a non-significant decrease was observed, from 6.5 ± 0.86 g l-1 to 6.4 ± 0.9 g l-1. However, differences between the groups were significant (p -1, and in Group B it decreased non-significantly from 0.9 ± 0.36 to 1.1 ± 0.26 μmol l-1, and the difference between the groups was non-significant. In the present study, a favourable effect of repeated topical application of a mixture of proteolytic enzymes was demonstrated. The enzyme therapy resulted in a decreased therapeutic dose of the antibiotic, and suppressed an increase in the levels of inflammation markers under investigation

Zinc and Copper Status of Beef Cattle in the Šumava Region, Czech Republic

The aim of the study was to ascertain copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) status in beef cattle in different stages of production pastured in a mountainous area with known soil deficiency of Zn and Cu. Data from seven beef herds (n = 100) were evaluated, each time for two production stages (cows in late pregnancy and heifers). Serum levels of zinc and copper were measured. Mean concentrations of Zn and Cu were 16.34+/-3.52 μmol l-1 and 11.17 +/-3.27 μmol l-1, respectively. Mean values measured in the heifers (n = 50) were 16.3 +/-3.58 μmol l-1 for zinc and 11.65 +/-3.32 μmol l-1 for copper. In the cows in late pregnancy (n = 50), serum concentrations of Zn and Cu were 16.37 +/- 3.46 μmol l-1 and 10.68 +/-3.07 μmol l-1, respectively. Neither for copper (p p < 0.99) significant differences were demonstrated between cows in late pregnancy and heifers. Moreover, analysis of their feed revealed that the content of these minerals was half of the recommended levels. Therefore, to achieve an adequate zinc status, both cattle categories pastured in this area should have access to mineral licks