Improvement of calf behaviour and veal quality using rearing at foster cows

The experiment was carried out at the ecological farm Ekofarma Kaszubska in Poland. Ten Holstein-Friesian bulls of the same age were selected for the experiment and divided into two experimental groups. Five calves were raised in a pen without access to their mothers. They were taken with whole milk served from a bucket equipped with a teat. The remaining five bulls were reared at two foster cows. The rearing lasted six months, after which the animals were slaughtered. During the rearing, behavioural observations of each of the experimental groups were carried out every month for 3 hours. During the observation, the number of ‘licking cases’ of the pen equipment or other calf was counted. The study was conducted in three identical replications one after the other. The collected experimental data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. It was found that calves reared with suckler cows gained weight faster and were characterised by better muscle class (assessed in the EUROP system) compared to the control group. Behavioural assessments showed less adverse behaviours, such as licking other calves or pen equipment, in the suckling group compared to the control group. This difference was most evident in relation to calves up to 3 months of age. No significant differences were found between the groups of older calves. This is due to the increased need for calves to suck in the first weeks of life. Strong urine drinking tendencies were demonstrated in both groups, so this type of behaviour would not be related to the rearing system, but rather to mineral deficiencies in the diet. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the increased availability of milk, and the frequent natural intake of milk directly from the udder, have a positive effect on calves’ growth and well-being

Family A DNA Polymerase Phylogeny Uncovers Diversity and Replication Gene Organization in the Virioplankton

Shotgun metagenomics, which allows for broad sampling of viral diversity, has uncovered genes that are widely distributed among virioplankton populations and show linkages to important biological features of unknown viruses. Over 25% of known dsDNA phage carry the DNA polymerase I (polA) gene, making it one of the most widely distributed phage genes. Because of its pivotal role in DNA replication, this enzyme is linked to phage lifecycle characteristics. Previous research has suggested that a single amino acid substitution might be predictive of viral lifestyle. In this study Chesapeake Bay virioplankton were sampled by shotgun metagenomic sequencing (using long and short read technologies). More polA sequences were predicted from this single viral metagenome (virome) than from 86 globally distributed virome libraries (ca. 2,100, and 1,200, respectively). The PolA peptides predicted from the Chesapeake Bay virome clustered with 69% of PolA peptides from global viromes; thus, remarkably the Chesapeake Bay virome captured the majority of known PolA peptide diversity in viruses. This deeply sequenced virome also expanded the diversity of PolA sequences, increasing the number of PolA clusters by 44%. Contigs containing polA sequences were also used to examine relationships between phylogenetic clades of PolA and other genes within unknown viral populations. Phylogenic analysis revealed five distinct groups of phages distinguished by the amino acids at their 762 (Escherichia coli IAI39 numbering) positions and replication genes. DNA polymerase I sequences from Tyr762 and Phe762 groups were most often neighbored by ring-shaped superfamily IV helicases and ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs). The Leu762 groups had non-ring shaped helicases from superfamily II and were further distinguished by an additional helicase gene from superfamily I and the lack of any identifiable RNR genes. Moreover, we found that the inclusion of ribonucleotide reductase associated with PolA helped to further differentiate phage diversity, chiefly within lytic podovirus populations. Altogether, these data show that DNA Polymerase I is a useful marker for observing the diversity and composition of the virioplankton and may be a driving factor in the divergence of phage replication components

Composition differences between organic and conventional meat: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Demand for organic meat is partially driven by consumer perceptions that organic foods are more nutritious than non-organic foods. However, there have been no systematic reviews comparing specifically the nutrient content of organic and conventionally produced meat. In this study, we report results of a meta-analysis based on sixty-seven published studies comparing the composition of organic and non-organic meat products. For many nutritionally relevant compounds (e.g. minerals, antioxidants and most individual fatty acids (FA)), the evidence base was too weak for meaningful meta-analyses. However, significant differences in FA profiles were detected when data from all livestock species were pooled. Concentrations of SFA and MUFA were similar or slightly lower, respectively, in organic compared with conventional meat. Larger differences were detected for total PUFA and n-3 PUFA, which were an estimated 23 (95 % CI 11, 35) % and 47 (95 % CI 10, 84) % higher in organic meat, respectively. However, for these and many other composition parameters, for which meta-analyses found significant differences, heterogeneity was high, and this could be explained by differences between animal species/meat types. Evidence from controlled experimental studies indicates that the high grazing/forage-based diets prescribed under organic farming standards may be the main reason for differences in FA profiles. Further studies are required to enable meta-analyses for a wider range of parameters (e.g. antioxidant, vitamin and mineral concentrations) and to improve both precision and consistency of results for FA profiles for all species. Potential impacts of composition differences on human health are discussed

Effects of new polymorphisms in the bovine myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) gene on the expression rates of the longissimus dorsi muscle

Myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), a product of the MEF2D gene, belongs to the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) protein family which is involved in vertebrate skeletal muscle development and differentiation during myogenesis. The aim of the present study was to search for polymorphisms in the bovine MEF2D gene and to analyze their effect on MEF2D mRNA and on protein expression levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Polish Holstein–Friesian cattle. Overall, three novel variations, namely, insertion/deletion g.−818_−814AGCCG and g.−211C<A transversion in the promoter region as well as g.7C<T transition in the 5′untranslated region (5′UTR), were identified by DNA sequencing. A total, 375 unrelated bulls belonging to six different cattle breeds were genotyped, and three combined genotypes (Ins-C-C/Ins-C-C, Del-A-T/Del-A-T and Ins-C-C/Del-A-T) were determined. The frequency of the combined genotype Ins-C-C/Ins-C-C and Del-A-T/Del-A-T was varied between the breeds and the average frequency was 0.521 and 0.037, respectively. Expression analysis showed that the MEF2D variants were highly correlated with MEF2D mRNA and protein levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Polish Holstein–Friesian bulls carrying the three different combined genotypes. The highest MEF2D mRNA and protein levels were estimated in the muscle of bulls with the Ins-C-C/Ins-C-C homozygous genotype as compared to the Del-A-T/Del-A-T homozygotes (P < 0.01) and Ins-C-C/Del-A-T heterozygotes (P < 0.05). A preliminary association study showed no significant differences in the carcass quality traits between bulls with various MEF2D combined genotypes in the investigated population of Polish Holstein–Friesian cattle

Strategies for keeping dairy cows and calves together – a cross-sectional survey study

Although it is still most common to rear dairy calves separately from adult cattle, the interest in prolonged contact between dairy calves and lactating cows during early life is increasing. Previous research has documented positive effects of cow-calf contact (CCC) on for example early calf growth and udder health of suckled cows, but also negative effects such as increased separation distress and reduced weight gains after weaning. The aim of this study was to use information from European farms with prolonged cow-calf contact to identify innovative solutions to common challenges for CCC farms. Commercial dairy farms that kept calves with adult lactating cows for seven days or more after birth were invited to participate, and interviews were performed with 104 farmers from six countries. During interviews, information about farm management, calf rearing, farmers’ perception of animal health on their farm, and farmers’ drivers and barriers for implementing CCC were collected. We found that CCC was practised in a large variety of housing and management systems, and that calves could be reared together with their dam, with foster cows, or using a combination of the two. The contact period varied considerably (7–305 days) between farms and about 25% of the farms manually milk fed the calves during parts of the milk feeding period. Daily contact time varied between farms, from 30 minutes per day to permanent contact except at milking. Behaviours indicative of separation distress, most commonly vocalisation in cows and calves, were reported by 87% of the farmers. Strategies to alleviate separation distress, for example simultaneous gradual weaning and separation, were used on some farms. Building constraints were most often mentioned as a barrier for implementing CCC. Our findings suggest that CCC is practised in a variety of commonly used husbandry systems. Reported challenges were primarily related to weaning and separation, and to building constraints; these aspects should be areas of future research

Placental lactogens induce serotonin biosynthesis in a subset of mouse beta cells during pregnancy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Upregulation of the functional beta cell mass is required to match the physiological demands of mother and fetus during pregnancy. This increase is dependent on placental lactogens (PLs) and prolactin receptors, but the mechanisms underlying these events are only partially understood. We studied the mRNA expression profile of mouse islets during pregnancy to gain a better insight into these changes. METHODS: RNA expression was measured ex vivo via microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR. In vivo observations were extended by in vitro models in which ovine PL was added to cultured mouse islets and MIN6 cells. RESULTS: mRNA encoding both isoforms of the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), i.e. Tph1 and Tph2, were strongly induced (fold change 25- to 200-fold) during pregnancy. This induction was mimicked by exposing islets or MIN6 cells to ovine PLs for 24 h and was dependent on janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5. Parallel to Tph1 mRNA and protein induction, islet serotonin content increased to a peak level that was 200-fold higher than basal. Interestingly, only a subpopulation of the beta cells was serotonin-positive in vitro and in vivo. The stored serotonin pool in pregnant islets and PL-treated MIN6 cells was rapidly released (turnover once every 2 h). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: A very strong lactogen-dependent upregulation of serotonin biosynthesis occurs in a subpopulation of mouse islet beta cells during pregnancy. Since the newly formed serotonin is rapidly released, this lactogen-induced beta cell function may serve local or endocrine tasks, the nature of which remains to be identified

Analysis of the hospital claims data from Germany (years 2013-2018) and derivation of transfer matrices

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a serious threat to public health system. In order to be able to model the spread of this pathogens within healthcare system network, it is necessary to obtain information on patient movements and the structure of the network. To accomplish that we need informations about patient population and their exchange within the network. In this paper, we analysed hospitalisation records which were provided for the EMerGE-Net project to the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. We studied and discussed properties of the data with respect to German states. Moreover, we investigated the patterns of patients movements between different states. Then, we took a closer look at resulting hospital network structure, which can be further used to numerically model spread of pathogens

Zawartosc skladnikow mineralnych w mleku i wlosach krow z gospodarstw ekologicznych

The value of the routine analyses, applied until present, of whole blood, serum and urine for bioelements is limited. The blood mineral level does not often correspond to the content of minerals in the whole body because the composition of plasma results from supplementation of deficiencies by different homeostatic mechanisms. Moreover, the blood concentration of bioelements is relatively low and depends on a current diet, therefore the diagnostic value of such analytical results may be fairly small. Studies have shown that the analysis of hair and nails are an appropriate alternative for blood and urine tests or for biopsy. Chemical treatments in agriculture, animal production and food processing introduce many food contaminants into the food chain. Organic methods in agriculture are safer and therefore very important. Nutrition based on organically produced foods and anthroposophic lifestyle can play an important role in health prophylaxis The objective of this study was to determine correlations between concentrations of 29 major and trace elements in cow’s milk and hair. The experimental material consisted of 33 cows of Polish Holstein-Fresian (HF) breed from three dairy organic farms. All the farms were located in one climatic zone and under similar soil conditions. The cows were kept in traditional tiedup barns. The feeding was traditional, with ration components given separately. The cows were grazed from May to October. Depending on pasture yield and availability of other feeds, the feeding ration was supplemented with hay, straw, silage and cereals. Samples of milk and hair for analyses of minerals were collected in September, i.e. during the pasture feeding. The hair was taken from the poll. The concentration of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, I, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb was determined. The content of toxic elements in milk was low and below the admissible level. The statistically significant positive correlations between concentration in milk and in hair were detected for such elements as Ba, Ge, Mo and Pb. In the case of major elements K and Mg and trace elements Al, As, Co, Fe, Hg, Se, Sr, positive correlations were observed but they were not statistically significant. Negative correlations occurred for such elements as Cr, Cu, I, Li, Ni, S, Si, Sn, V and Zn. It was only for V and Zn that they were statistically significant. Very low values (near zero) of coefficient r were observed for Ca, Cd, Li, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S and Sn. It seems that broader investigations of mineral composition of cow’s hair could be useful for establishing reference values for some elements and would make a contribution to better animals’ welfare.Badanie zawartości biopierwiastków w pełnej krwi, surowicy i moczu ma ograniczoną wartość. Poziom składników mineralnych we krwi często nie odpowiada ich zawartości w całym organizmie, ponieważ skład osocza jest wynikiem kompensowania deficytów przez różne mechanizmy homeostazy. Poza tym zawartość biopierwiastków we krwi jest relatywnie niska i zależy od stosowanej diety. Wobec tego wartość diagnostyczna jej wyników, w dłuższym okresie prowadzenia obserwacji, może być ograniczona. Badania pokazują, że analizy zawartości biopierwiastków we włosach i paznokciach mogą być alternatywne dla analiz zawartości we krwi, moczu lub biopsji. Chemizacja rolnictwa, produkcji zwierzęcej i przetwórstwa żywności wprowadza wiele zanieczyszczę w łańcuch produkcji żywności. Ekologiczne (organiczne) metody w rolnictwie są bezpieczniejsze. Żywienie oparte na żywności produkowanej w gospodarstwach ekologicznych i proekologiczny styl życia mogą odgrywać ważną rolę w profilaktyce zdrowia ludzi. Celem badań było obliczenie korelacji między zawartością 29 makro- i mikroelementów we włosach a ich zawartością w mleku krów. Do badań wybrano 33 krowy rasy polskiej holsztyńsko-fryzyjskiej (hf) z trzech gospodarstw ekologicznych. Wszystkie gospodarstwa były położone w tej samej strefie klimatycznej i miały podobne warunki glebowe. Krowy były utrzymywane w tradycyjnej oborze uwięziowej. Krowy korzystały z pastwiska od maja do października. W zależności od wydajności pastwiska i potrzeb krów dawka pokarmowa była uzupełniana o siano, słomę, kiszonkę i zboża. Próbki mleka i włosów do oznaczenia składników mineralnych pobrano we wrześniu, w trakcie żywienia pastwiskowego. Włosy pobrano z wału międzyrożnego. W mleku i włosach oznaczono zawartość Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, I, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Al, As, Cd, Hg i Pb. Poziomy elementów toksycznych w mleku okazały się niskie i leżały poniżej wartości dopuszczalnych. Korelacje między zawartością Ba, Ge, Mo, Pb we włosach i w mleku były dodatnie i statystycznie istotne. Korelacje między zawartością makroelementów K i Mg oraz mikroelementów Al, As, Co, Fe, Hg, Se, Sr były również dodatnie i wysokie, ale nieistotne statystycznie. Ujemne korelacje uzyskano między zawartościami Cr, Cu, I, Li, Ni, S, Si, Sn, V oraz Zn. Bardzo niskie wartości (bliskie zeru) współczynnika korelacji otrzymano dla zawartości Ca, Cd, Li, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S i Sn. Wydaje się, że dalsze badania składu mineralnego włosów u krów mogą być przydatne do oszacowania w przyszłości wartości referencyjnych dla niektórych pierwiastków i mogą się przyczynić do lepszego dobrostanu zwierząt