Prediction of parturition and dystocia in holstein-friesian cattle, and cesarean section in dystocic beef cattle

Dystocia is a major problem in the dairy industry as it causes livestock and economic loss. It is more frequently seen in primiparous cattle compared to their multiparous counterparts due to their smaller stature and the slow maturation of pelvic dimensions. In some instances, human intervention of the parturition process is imperative to avoid pain, injury, and mortality of the neonate and the dam. The ability to accurately predict dystocia and the time of parturition will ensure that timely assistance can be given to animals that are of high risk of dystocia.^ The present thesis contains four studies that explore methods to predict dystocia and the time of parturition as well as factors that influence the presentation and outcome of cesarean sections. The first study, presented in chapter three, evaluated the clinical utility of measuring the circumference of the calf front and maternal intrapelvic dimensions to predict the incidence of dystocia in late gestation Holstein-Friesian cattle. The ratio of the calf hoof circumference to the maternal intrapelvic area was identified to have clinical utility in predicting the calving difficulty score. The second study, presented in chapter four, assessed the changes in plasma progesterone concentration, rectal temperature, sacrosciatic ligament relaxation, and feed intake to predict the time of parturition in dairy cattle. Results indicated that plasma progesterone concentration had the highest accuracy in predicting the time of parturition. The third study, presented in chapter five, explored the clinical utility of blood and plasma glucose concentrations in predicting parturition as well as their relationship with hypercortisolemia and clinical signs associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system namely heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, hematocrit, and rumen contraction rate. Blood glucose was determined to have the potential to predict parturition due to its accuracy, practicality, and cost effectiveness. In the fourth study, presented in chapter six, a retrospective study was conducted to examine the clinical presentations and outcomes of beef cattle that were admitted into a teaching hospital with dystocia and had cesarean sections performed. Results indicate that cesarean section was a useful method to resolve dystocia with high dam survivability but delays in admitting cattle to the hospital could result in increased calf mortality.^ Collectively, the results presented in this thesis provide methods to predict dystocia and parturition in late gestating cattle as well as highlight factors that help ensure favorable outcomes from cesarean sections

The usage of pelvimetry to predict dystocia in cattle

Pelvimetry is the measurement of the dimensions of the pelvis, measured internally or externally, and is typically conducted with the aid of a pelvimeter. Intrapelvic dimensions, namely the intrapelvic height and width, are used to calculate pelvic are a which has a moderate to high degree of heritability. Pelvic area measurements are associated with calving difficulty and have been used by producers to select for heifers to be included in their breeding herd

Urinary bladder rupture secondary to obstructive urolithiasisin a Jamnapari goat

This report describes the complications of obstructive urolithiasis in the lower urinary tract causing urinary bladder rupture in a Jamnapari buck. A 3-year-old Jamnapari buck was presented with the complaint of stranguria, subsequent anuria and a progressively distended abdomen for the past three days. Upon physical examination, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate were increased. Uroliths could be felt within the urethra in the ventral abdomen region. A urolith was removed via amputationof the urethral process, but the patency of the urethra could not be established. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed anechoic areas around the bladder, and the bladder was relatively small for a urinary obstructed goat. The bladder wall was thickened and shadow of sludge was observed within the bladder. Abdominocentesis was done and fluid analysis revealed that it was a haemorrhagic effusion. Blood results revealed renal disease, liver disease, muscle injury and haemoconcentration. Retrograde cystourethrogram revealed no urolithswithinthe urethra but there was leakage of the contrast agent from the bladder into the peritoneal cavity. The final diagnosis was complete blockage of the lower urinary tract leading to bladder rupture. Exploratory laparotomy was done and emergency cystorraphy was planned. Due to the poor condition of the urinary bladder with presence of septic peritonitis, the goat was euthanised

Measurement of urine pH and net acid excretion and their association with urine calcium excretion in periparturient dairy cows

Urine pH (UpH) and net acid excretion (NAE) are used to monitor the degree of systemic acidification and predict the magnitude of resultant hypercalciuria when feeding an acidogenic ration to control periparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic performance of urine dipstick and pH paper for measuring UpH, and to characterize the UpH–NAE relationship and the association of urine Ca concentration ([Ca]) with UpH and NAE. Urine samples (n = 1,116) were collected daily from 106 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cows fed an acidogenic ration during late gestation. Net acid excretion was measured by titration, and UpH was measured by a glass-electrode pH meter (reference method), Multistix-SG urine dipsticks (Siemens Medical Solutions Inc., Ann Arbor, MI), and Hydrion pH paper (Micro Essential Laboratory Inc., Brooklyn, NY). Diagnostic performance was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs), Bland–Altman plots, and logistic regression. Urine pH measured by urine dipstick (rs = 0.94) and pH paper (rs = 0.96) were strongly associated with UpH. Method-comparison studies indicated that the urine dipstick measured an average of 0.28 pH units higher, and pH paper 0.10 pH units lower, than UpH. Urine [Ca] was more strongly associated with UpH (rs = −0.65) than NAE (rs = 0.52). Goals for controlling periparturient hypocalcemia under the study conditions were UpH 6.11. We conclude that pH paper is an accurate, practical, and low-cost cow-side test for measuring UpH and provides a clinically useful estimate of urine [Ca]

Clinical utility of plasma fructosamine concentration as a hypoglycemic biomarker during early lactation in dairy cattle

Background: Plasma fructosamine concentration ([FRA]) is a widely used long term hyperglycemic biomarker in humans and dogs, but its clinical usefulness as a hypoglycemic biomarker in dairy cattle is uncertain. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between plasma [FRA] and glucose concentration ([gluc]) as well as indices of energy balance during early lactation in dairy cattle, and to characterize the influence of plasma total protein concentration ([TP]) and albumin concentration ([albumin]) on [FRA]. Animals: Convenience sample comprising 103 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cattle. Methods: Plasma [gluc], [TP], [albumin], and other clinicopathologic indices of energy status were determined periodically from Day 4 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and backfat thickness (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) were measured ultrasonographically. Plasma [FRA] was measured at approximately 28 days postpartum. Associations between plasma [FRA] and study variables were evaluated using Spearman's rho and stepwise forward linear regression. statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. Results: A positive association was detected between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] from Days 4-28 postpartum (rs = +0.36, P < 0.001), and between plasma [FRA] and LDT (rs = +0.28, P = 0.007), BCS (rs = +0.23, P = 0.029), and BFT (rs = +0.21, P = 0.043). Multivariable regression identified a positive association between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] and [albumin] from Days 4-28 postpartum. Correcting plasma [FRA] for [albumin] improved the association (rs = +0.46, P < 0.001) between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc]. Conclusions and clinical importance: Plasma [FRA] does not provide a clinically useful method for quantifying the magnitude of hypoglycemia or negative energy balance in dairy cows during early lactation

Clinical signs and outcomes of beef cattle undergoing cesarean section because of dystocia

OBJECTIVE: To characterize signalment, clinical signs, reproductive history, surgical management, and outcomes of beef cattle undergoing cesarean section because of dystocia at a veterinary teaching hospital. Design: Retrospective case series with nested cohort study. Animals: 173 beef cattle admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital from 2001 through 2010 that underwent cesarean section because of dystocia. Procedures: Medical records were reviewed and information collected on cattle signalment; reproductive history; cause of dystocia; anesthetic protocol; surgical management; number, sex, and body weight of calves delivered (alive or dead); perioperative treatment; duration of hospitalization; and discharge status. A questionnaire regarding postoperative fertility was mailed to all owners, and owners who did not respond were contacted via telephone. Results: Overall mortality rate for calves was high, with 37.6% (62/165) of calves delivered dead or dying ≤ 24 hours after cesarean section. Mortality rate was higher for female versus male calves and for calves from dams with signs of labor for ≥ 3 hours versus < 3 hours before hospital admission. Overall mortality rate for dams was low, with only 10 of 161 (6.2%) dams failing to survive for ≥ 21 days after hospital discharge. Postoperative fertility rate was acceptable, with 75% (44/59) of dams that were rebred after cesarean section giving birth to ≥ 1 live calf. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Cesarean section was a clinically useful method for resolving dystocia in beef cattle, providing a high dam survival rate and an acceptable postoperative fertility rate. Beef cattle producers should seek veterinary assistance whenever clinical signs of dystocia are noticed, preferably within 6 hours after onset of parturition

Changes in skeletal muscle thickness and echogenicity and plasma creatinine concentration as indicators of protein and intramuscular fat mobilization in periparturient dairy cows

High-producing dairy cows experience a state of negative energy balance in the periparturient period that is partially addressed by increasing the rate of fat and protein mobilization. Previous studies have focused on the rate of fat mobilization, and consequently the rate of protein mobilization has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the change in indicators of muscle mass during early lactation using ultrasonographic measurement of muscle thickness and changes in plasma creatinine concentration. The maximum thickness of the gluteus medius and longissimus dorsi muscles of 106 Holstein cows (34 primiparous, 72 multiparous) was determined ultrasonographically on d −3, 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 relative to the day of parturition. Plasma creatinine concentration was measured periodically during the same period. Mixed models analysis and Passing-Bablok regression were used to analyze the data. Gluteus medius thickness, longissimus dorsi loin thickness (LDLT), and longissimus dorsi thoracic thickness (LDTT) were decreased at 28 d postpartum compared with d 3 antepartum. Plasma creatinine concentration was weakly associated with gluteus medius thickness, LDLT, and LDTT (Spearman's rho = 0.31, 0.39, and 0.32, respectively). Plasma creatinine concentration in primiparous and multiparous cows at 28 d postpartum decreased by 0.24 and 0.30 mg/dL, respectively, compared with values 3 d antepartum. We concluded that ultrasonographic measurement of LDLT and LDTT and change in plasma creatinine concentration may provide practical methods for monitoring the rate of protein mobilization in periparturient dairy cows. Ultrasonographic examination of LDLT and LDTT therefore complements ultrasonographic measurement of backfat thickness and may be useful in the evaluation of energy reserve mobilization in periparturient dairy cows

Effects of four extenders on the quality of frozen semen in Arabian stallions

Aim: Different types of extenders have a variety of components which show the tolerance effect on sperm protection during freezing procedures. In the present study, we have examined the impact of the extenders HF-20 and Tris, which were locally manufactured, and they are competing with commercial extenders INRA Freeze® (IMV Technologies, France) and EquiPlus Freeze® (Minitube, Germany) on the quality of horses frozen semen. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 ejaculates from three healthy stallions were collected and cryopreserved in the same environment. Each semen sample collected was divided into four equal parts and processed. All samples were analyzed before and after freezing for motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and morphology. Furthermore, twenty mares were inseminated using post-thawed semen. Results: There were no differences observed among all extenders in all the parameters before freezing. Sperm cryopreserved using HF-20 showed better motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity than Tris extender. The Tris extender showed the most inferior quality of post-thawed semen between all the extenders. HF-20, INRA Freeze®, and EquiPlus Freeze® extenders revealed the same capacity of semen preservation in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: HF-20 extender has the same quality as INRA Freeze® and EquiPlus Freeze® that can be considered as one of the best extenders for the semen cryopreservation in horses. In contrast, Tris extender needs some degree of improvement

The Growth Performance and Costs of Rearing Friesian Crossbreed Dairy Young Stock in Malaysian Commercial Farm

The important elements in rearing dairy young stock are good farm management, proper growth and optimal costs of rearing. A survey on these important elements was conducted at two commercial farms in Johor and Sabah in 2019. The farm herd size is 214 heads and 2,221 heads with 163,682 litres and 4.2 mil. litres of milk production, in Johor and Sabah respectively. In addition, the body weight data of 188 dairy young stock was collected and analysed to determine the growth performance using polynomial growth function. The results showed the two farms have youngstock with different Friesian blood levels (60% and 70% in Johor, and 87.5% in Sabah) with different growth performance. The average weight of dairy young stock with 60%, 70% and 87.5% Friesian blood levels at birth were 21.31±3.70kg, 22.33±2.23kg and 26.55±2.68kg, respectively, while average weight at 3 months of age were 45.00±7.07kg, 55.57±8.36kg and 75.84±12.54kg, respectively. Heifers with 87.5% Friesian blood levels was bred at 15 months of age (444kg) while heifers with lower Friesian blood levels was bred 6 months later (250kg). The average rearing (feed) cost was RM4,932 (USD1,194)/heifer. The findings of this study can give awareness and insights in the performance and costs of rearing crossbreed dairy young stock in tropics. Keywords: tropical, dairy, young stock, management, rearing cos

Semen characteristics of Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus)

The Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus), endemic to Borneo Island, is the subspecies of the Malayan sun bear. The species is at risk, not just because of anthropogenic threats, but also slow reproduction in the wild. In captivity, due to poor reproductive performance, assisted reproductive technology is deemed a fundamental tool to propagate the depleting numbers of the Bornean sun bear. This is a pioneer study that presents the semen characteristics of the Bornean sun bear via conventional semen evaluation methods. Forty-two semen samples from ten sun bears were collected via electroejaculation and evaluated. The electro ejaculator probe (2.5 cm in diameter and 7.0 cm in length) was inserted rectally and positioned dorsal to the prostate gland. The optimum voltage used to obtain semen differed with each individual, but all showed hindlegs contraction and penile erection before ejaculation. The average combined testes volume in the Bornean sun bear was 23.37 ± 5.09 cm³. The mean semen volume was 617.30 µL, with sperm concentration of 1034.40 × 10⁶ sperm/mL and pH 7.79. Sperm viability was 80.19% with a general motility of 79.13% and progressive movement of 70.20%. There were high sperm abnormalities at 70.67%. Sun bear sperm length was 61.28 ± 2.46 µm and consisted of an oval head, midpiece, and tail. From this study, good semen donors were identified from the captive Bornean sun bear population in Sabah, Malaysia. The fresh semen baseline data established in this study will provide crucial reference for assisted reproduction programs in the Bornean sun bear