Vitamin E protects rat testis, eye and erythrocyte from oxidative stress during exposure to radiofrequency wave generated by a BTS antenna model

Background: radio frequency wave [RFW] generated by mobile phones and wireless communication systems has been reported to cause adverse effects on reproductive function, vision and hematological parameters, possibly through oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RFW generated by base transceiver station BTS on oxidative stress in testis, eye and erythrocyte, and the prophylactic effect of vitamin E by measuring the antioxidant enzymes activity, including: glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT], and lipid proxidation

Materials and Methods: thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups and treated daily for 45 days as follows: control, treatment control [vitamin E 200 mg/kg of body weight/ day by gavage], sham exposed group [exposed to 900 MHz RFW], and treatment group [received vitamin E and exposed to RFW]. Control and treatment control groups were not exposed and were only given the vehicle, i.e., distilled water. On the last day of the study, all the rats were sacrificed and their testes, eyes and erythrocyte were collected and used for measurement of antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation

Results: exposure to RFW in the sham exposed group decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased lipid peroxidation compared to both control groups [p<0.05]. In the treatment group, vitamin E improved antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to the sham exposed group [p<0.05]

Conclusion: RFW causes oxidative stress in eye, testis and erythrocytes and vitamin E improved oxidative stress in these tissues

Thyroid hormones profile in Holstein calves following dexamethasone and isoflupredone administration

Background: glucocorticoids are the steroidal drugs which are very widely used in large animal medicine. These agents have advantages in large animals but they have also been associated with many potential adverse effects, especially at high doses or prolonged use

Objectives: the present experimental study was designed to clarify the effects of dexamethasone [DEXA] and isoflupredone [ISO], as the most common glucocorticoids in large animal medicine, on bovine thyroid hormones

Methods: ten clinically healthy Holstein calves [6-8 months old] were assigned into 2 equal groups. Dexamethasone [1 mg/kg] and isoflupredone [1 mg/kg] were administered intramuscularly in DEXA and ISOgroups, respectively, for two consecutive days. Blood samples were taken at days 0 [before the 1stdose], 1 [before the 2 nd dose], 2, 3, 5 and 7, from all studied animals and serum concentrations of T3, T4, fT3 and fT4 were determined in all specimens

Results: levels of T3 and T4 were decreased significantly after administration of both drugs. The concentrations of T3 and T4 in Iso group were significantly lower than the DEXA one [p<0.05]. There were no significant changes in serum fT3 and fT4 levels following drug administration

Conclusions: pharmacological doses of dexamethasone and isoflupredone have suppressive actions on the circulating levels of thyroid hormones in Holstein calves possibly via inhibition of TSH production at hypothalamic- pituitary-thyroid level

Udder edema and association with some serum biochemical measurands and dietary factors in first calving cows

The aims of this study were to determine some major biochemical alterations observed in first calving cows with udder edema during the periparturient period and to detect some associations between dietary factors and the disease. For that, the concentrations of some electrolytes [Na+, K+, Cl, Ca2+, P and Mg2+], lipid [triglycerides and cholesterol] markers and lipoproteins [HDL, LDL and VLDL] and total proteins were measured in serum samples collected from 70 first calving cows [35 with udder edema and 35 healthy ones] whereas the percentages of dry matter and crude proteins and the electrolyte [Na+, K+, Cl, Ca2+, Mg2+, P and sulphates] amounts in feed rations were determined in parallel. The total protein, the calcium and the phosphorus as well as the concentrations of lipid markers and lipoproteins [HDL and LDL] were significantly decreased in first calving cows with udder edema compared to the healthy ones and these biochemical alterations were correlated with a reduced dry matter content and an electrolyte desequilibrium mainly involving Na+ and Cl- in feed rations distributed to the cows with udder edema. To our knowledge the mechanism[s] of physiologic udder edema is uncertain and the obtained results suggest that a transient liver dysfunction [decreased total protein and LDL] probably linked to a feed ration deficient in dry matter may be involved in the aetiology of the udder edema in first calving cows

Study on serum glucose, insulin, NEFA, BHBA and lipid profile in different productive status of high producing Holstein dairy cows

BACKGROUND: Metabolic profiles have been used in efforts to predict pre parturient problems and fertility, to diagnose metabolic diseases, and to assess nutritional status in dairy cows. These profiles may help to confirm the diagnosis of sub clinical diseases, to be aware of possible causes of infertility in the herds, or to monitor improvement in herd animals.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated changes in the metabolic profile of high producing Holstein dairy cows from early lactation to close-up dry periods. The results of the current research can provide useful guidelines for management strategies during different physiological phases of high producing Holstein dairy cows.

METHODS: Twenty five multiparous high producing Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high producing industrial dairy farm. Cattle were divided into 5 equal groups of early, mid and late lactation and far-off and close-up dry cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were separated to evaluate glucose, insulin, ß-hydroxybutyric acid [BHBA], non-esterified fatty acid [NEFA], cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], high, low and very low density lipoproteins [HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol].

RESULTS: The highest levels of insulin were detected in mid lactation and close-up dry periods. The changing patterns of BHBA and NEFA were significant and the highest levels of these biomarkers were detected in the early lactation group. The decreasing pattern of BHBA and NEFA were seen from early lactation to far-off dry cows. Significant elevations were seen in these biomarkers from far-off to close-up dry cows.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that metabolic biomarkers change in high producing Holstein dairy cows, under different physiological states. These changes are induced commonly by negative energy balance, lactogenesis and fetal growth in each state.

[The effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic diets containing Bacillus coagulans and inulin on rat intestinal microbiota]

An in vivo experiment was conducted to study the effects of probiotic Bacillus coagulans spores, with and without prebiotic, inulin, on gastrointestinal [GI] microbiota of healthy rats and its potentiality to survive in the GI tract. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups [n=12] and fed as follows: standard diet [control], standard diet supplied with 5% w/w long chain inulin [prebiotic], standard diet with 109/day spores of B. coagulans by orogastric gavage [probiotic], and standard diet with 5% w/w long chain inulin and 109 spores/day of B. coagulans by orogastric gavage [synbiotic]. Rats were fed the diets for 30 days. At day 10, 20 and 30 of experiment, 24 h post administration, four rats from each group were randomly selected and after faecal collection were sacrificed. Small intestine, cecum, and colon were excised from each rat and used for microbial analysis. Administration of synbiotic and probiotic diets led to a significant [P<0.05] increment in lactic acid bacteria [LAB], total aerobic and total anaerobic population compared the prebiotic and control diets. A significant decrease in Enterobacteriaceae counts of various segments of GI tract [except small intestine] in synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic fed groups were also seen. The obvious decline in spores count through passing GI tract and high surviving spore counts in faecal samples showed that spores are not a normal resident of GI microbiota and affect intestinal microbiota by temporary proliferation. In conclusion, the present study clearly showed probiotic B. coagulans was efficient in beneficially modulating GI microbiota and considering transitional characteristics of B. coagulans, daily consumption of probiotic products is necessary for any long-term effect.

Synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines and proteins in clinically healthy and arthritic joint of dromedary camels [Camelus dromedarius]

Analyzing the synovial fluid is one of the common methods to diagnose the articular problems to detect the stage and express the prognosis. Such gross, cytological, and biochemical analysis of synovial fluids can aid in the diagnosis of various joint diseases. Normal values for synovial fluid in the camels have been described previously; however, there are no reports regarding concentration of acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines in camelids synovial fluid. Hence, the present study tried to compare the synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in clinically healthy and arthritic tarsal joints of dromedary camels. 46 male dromedary camels, 5 to 10 years old, were used in this study. 33 camels did not have any clinical articular abnormalities while 13 camels had gross articular problems such as lameness and swollen tarsal joints. Collecting the synovial fluids was extracted from the healthy and arthritic tarsal joints immediately after slaughter. Then, the concentration of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were measured in samples. Concentration of all measured parameters in arthritic joints were significantly higher than clinically healthy joints [p<0.05]. The synovial fluid concentration of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were 5.379, 4.285, 25.503, and 1.904 times higher in arthritic joints than normal joints, respectively. The articular inflammatory processes can increase the synovial fluid concentration of acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Information about the normal values of these parameters and their changing patterns may help camel rearing systems during arthrititis by assessing the health status of joints in the camels; in addition, the information about normal values can be diagnostically valuable when considering diseased animals

relationships among acute phase response proteins, cytokines, and enzymes during ovine experimental endotoxemia

The acute phase response is beneficial to the animal in restoring homeostasis, and measuring the circulating acute phase proteins, cytokines, and enzymes can be used to evaluate the innate immune system's responses to invader agents such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Measurement of these parameters has shown to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers in animal endotoxemia. The aim of the present experimental study was expression of the acute phase response following the induction of endotoxemia by Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 in sheep and the relationships among the acute phase response parameters during endotoxemia and their changing patterns. Five clinically healthy 1-year-old Iranian fattailed ewes [25 +/- 1.5 kg, bodyweight] were randomly selected and lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 was infused at 20 micro g/kg intravenously to each animal. Fluid therapy was performed in all ewes over 120 minutes after lipopolysaccharide injection and continued for 180 minutes. Blood samples were collected from all ewes prior and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were assayed. The rapid and significant elevation of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were seen after endotoxemia induction. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased after intravenous lipopolysaccharide infusion. The results of the present experimental study showed that haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma at all hours studied after endotoxemia induction were positively correlated together. These parameters were negatively correlated with superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase at all hours after lipopolysaccharide infusion. The results of the present experiment can provide evidence for associations among acute phase proteins, cytokines, and enzymes and their changes during endotoxemia in sheep

Correlations among homocysteine, cardiac troponin I and cardiac enzymes in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels

Information regarding serum biochemical profile can reflect cardiovascular performance in animals. Although studies have evaluated the inter-relationship among cardiovascular biomarkers in animals and human beings, there are no reports of such a probable relationship in camelids. The aim of the present study was to provide data on the correlations among cardiovascular biomarkers in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels to provide a basis for assessing cardiac muscle healthiness in this species. Thirty clinically healthy dromedary camels [Camelus dromedarius] were selected and divided into four age groups including 1-3 [n=7], 4-6 [n=7], 7-9 [n=8], and above 10 [n=8] years old. Blood samples were collected and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of homocysteine [Hcy], cardiac troponin I [cTnI], creatine kinase-myocardial specific isoenzymes [CK-MB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] were evaluated. The results of the present study showed that there were significant correlations among cTnI and CK-MB [r=-0.853; p=0.015] and Hcy [r=0.916; p=0.004] in the 4 to 6-years-old group of clinically healthy male dromedary camels. LDH was significantly correlated with CK-MB in the 7 to 9-year-old group [r=-0.710; p=0.045]. There were no significant correlations among different factors of 1-3 and above 10-year-old groups [p>0.05]. The data provided here is the first report on cardiac health assessment parameters in dromedary camels. Moreover, the data is valuable in camel racing clubs, when an overall cardiac health and fitness is to be assessed. The correlation reported here might also be helpful for easier analysis of cardiac health status in dromedary camels. The data may be useful for assessing suspected cases of myocardial diseases and its changes maybe of prognostic value

Evaluation of serum lipids and lipoproteins and their correlations together, and with thyroid hormones in gray necked ostrich

To evaluate the concentrations of serum lipids and lipoproteins and their correlations together and with thyroid hormones in gray necked ostrich [Struthio camelus], the serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipids, very low density lipoproteins [VLDL-cholesterol], low density lipoproteins [LDL-cholesterol] and high density lipoproteins [HDL-cholesterol] and their correlations with tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine hormones were measured in 50 clinically healthy gray necked ostriches [30 male and 20 female] which were divided into three age groups. The mean serum concentrations +/- SE of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipids, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were 102.62 +/-30.23, 120.22 +/-54.25, 458.96 +/- 106.37, 29.96 +/-6.737, 48.61 +/-23.11 and 24.04 +/- 10.85 mgr/dL, respectively. Also, the mean serum concentrations +/- SE of thyroxin and tri-iodothyronine hormones were 7.89 +/- 1.52 microg/dL and 2.54 +/- 1.31 ngr/mL, respectively

The mean serum concentration of the cholesterol, total lipids and T3 had a negative significant correlation and age [r = -0.340, P=0.016], [r = -0.335, P=0.017], [r = -0.282, P=0.047], and a marginally negative significant correlation was detected between HDL-cholesterol with age [r = -0.271, P=0.056]

Serum thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine had no significant correlation with the lipids and lipoprotein concentrations [r = -0.115, P=0.083], [r = -0.187, P=0.070]?

Intra-articular ketamine administration in equine midcarpal joint: clinical, biochemical and cytological evaluations

Providing suitable analgesia following diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopic surgeries, that are considered to cause some degree of postoperative pain, is a necessity in equine practice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the equine synovial fluid biochemical and cytological changes as well as clinical assessments of the joint following intra-articular administration of ketamine. Six adult healthy donkeys were selected after clinical examination. Synovial fluid samples were taken from both middle carpal joints after routine preparation. Ketamine 2 mg/kg and 100 mg lidocaine 2% were administered to the right and left joints, respectively. Synovial fluid collection from the joints was performed at 12, 24, 48 and 192 h after medication. Cytological examination, total protein, glucose, specific gravity, alkaline phosphates [ALP], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], viscosity and quality of mucin clot were measured. Joint circumference, flexion test and lameness examination, stimulation of the joint skin area and radiographic examination were performed as clinical evaluations. Comparison of treatments was performed by nonparametric sign test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Significance level was set to P?0.05. In the ketamine group, increased joint circumference, positive flexion test and negative response to the ball-point pressure of the joint skin area were seen, unlike that of lidocaine. Mucin clot quality test and viscosity, the amount of total nucleated cell count [TNCC], mononuclear and neutrophil count, specific gravity, total protein content, ALP, AST and LDH of the ketamine treated joints revealed considerable differences between various sampling times compared to the 0 time and also between the ketamine and lidocaine groups [P>0.05]

It was concluded that intra-articular ketamine administration in equine carpal joint resulted in acute inflammatory changes, and failed to demonstrate analgesia; therefore, it is not safe to the joint environment and is not recommended as a local analgesic following arthroscopic surgeries?

Relationship between venous blood gas parameters, thyroid hormone levels and ascites syndrome in broiler chickens exposed to cold temperature

The objective of this study was to find a relationship between blood gas parameters and thyroid hormone activity with ascites syndrome in broiler chickens exposed to cold temperature and receiving a high quality diet. One hundred and sixty one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided in two equal groups. To increase the incidence of ascites, chicks of group 1 were fed ad libitum with a higher condensed diet and reared under a lower ambient temperature. Weekly, blood gas parameters and thyroid hormone levels were measured and growth performance was recorded. The hearts of dead and slaughtered birds were examined for determination of arterial pressure index [API] values. Ascites incidence was clearly higher in cold-exposing chickens compared with normal rearing chickens. The mean values of carbon dioxide tension of group 1 chickens were significantly higher compared with group 2 chickens at the 4th and 5th weeks of age, while the phenomenon of oxygen was reversed in these two experimental groups. The function of thyroid hormone levels were changed at week 4 of age, as observed for blood gas parameters. In conclusion, the present study showed a significant association between thyroid hormones functions, the levels of venous blood carbon dioxide and oxygen pressures in the two groups of chickens

[ blood serotonin levels in ascitic and non ascitic broilers]

Modern strains of broiler are highly susceptible to heart failure. Heart related mortalities are observed predominantly in fast growing broiler chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate serotonin levels in ascitic and non ascitic broilers of three strains [Ross, Arbor Acres plus and Cobb]. In this respect, a factorial test in CRD method applied for the statistical analyses. In each of these three strains, 12 ascitic and 12 non-ascitic broilers were selected. After tagging and blood sampling, blood were collected and divided in two parts. One part was applied for some blood hematological assessment and other part was used for determining serum serotonin levels. The results showed significant differences among the strains [p<0.05]. The blood serotonin levels of ascitic chickens were significantly lower than the non ascitic ones [p<0.05]. There was a significant interaction between strain and disease in blood serotonin levels [p<0.05]

Radiographic comparison of five different techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle

Numerous techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa [navicular bursa] have been described, especially in equine, but there are few specific descriptions regarding this practice being done in cattle. Five different techniques were compared for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle including distal plantar approach parallel with the coronary band, proximal plantar approach, distal plantar approach parallel with the sole, abaxial approach, and distal interphalangeal joint injection. The results revealed that the numbers of needle insertion until proper placement is significantly less in the DIPJ and the DPPS techniques compared to the others [P<0.05]. Also, based on the times of contrast agent injection after the correct successful needle insertion, there were significant differences between DIPJ with DPPCB, PP30 and the Ab45 techniques [P<0.05]. According to the absence of direct communication between the distal sesamoid bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, the placement of the needle through distal plantar approach parallel with the sole was suggested

[Simultaneous effect of vitamin C and warfarin on coagulation pathways of rats]

The aim of the present study was to assess variations in coagulating pathways after simultaneous administration of warfarin and vitamin C. A total of 50 Wistar rats were selected. The rats were divided into 5 groups[1 group as control and 4 groups as experiment; with 10 rats in each group]. One group was control group, second group was given only warfarin for 10 days while the third group given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 10 days, fourth group was given only warfarin for 20 days, and fifth group was given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 20 days. After 10 th and 20 th days of administration of warfarin and vitamin C, blood samples were taken in order to measure PT, PTT, BT and CT levels. Vitamin C caused a decrease in PT and PTT after 20 days. PT and PTT showed a significant decrease after 10 days in the group that received only warfarin as compared to the group that received warfarin and vitamin C. BT levels showed a decrease after both 10 and 20 days in the group that received warfarin and vitamin C together as compared to the group that received only warfarin. There were significant statistical differences in BT of the two groups of rats [group receiving warfarin and vitamin C and group receiving only warfarin] [P<0.05]. Simultaneous administration of vitamin C and warfarin [20 days] results in decrease of PT, PTT, BT and CT and neutralization of warfarin effect. The effect of vitamin C on blood coagulation can be similar to vitamin K

[Effect of wild pistachio oil on serum leptin concentration and thyroid hormones in the male rat]

Unsaturated fatty acids are known to decrease serum leptin level. Considering that wild pistachio oil is a rich source of UFA and the reciprocal effects between leptin and thyroid hormones, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of dietary wild pistachio oil on serum leptin concentration and its relationship with thyroid hormones. We took 28 healthy adult male rats and divided them randomly in to the four groups; group 1 a control, and the other 3 groups received a normal diet without, 5, 10 and 20% of wild pistachio oil, respectively. RIA for thyroid hormones assay [T3 and T4] and ELISA for leptin, fT3 and fT4 measurement were used. After 60 days, serum leptin levels reduced with increasing wild pistachio oil concentration in the diet; in the control group with normal diet, no significant alterations were seen. This reduction also was not statistically significant in the 10% wild pistachio oil group, whereas differences between groups were significant, indicating the increasing effects of increased amounts of wild pistachio oil percent on the reduction process observed. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between leptin and thyroid hormones in the different sampling times. Control group did not have any significant correlation. In group 2 [fed with 5% wild pistachio oil], leptin concentration had a negative significant correlation with T4 and fT3 and a positive significant correlation with fT4 in the third stage of sampling [day 30]. A positive significant correlation between leptin concentration and fT4 in the fifth stage of bleeding [day 60] was observed in group 3 [fed with 10% wild pistachio oil]. In group 4 [fed with 20% wild pistachio oil] a significant negative correlation between leptin concentration and fT3 was observed in the second stage of sampling [day 15]. Wild pistachio oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, and reductions in serum leptin levels in the rats studied can be due to these acids. Oral consumption of wild pistachio oil has a positive effect on reduction leptin and LDL-cholesterol thyroid hormones and prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Arginase status in bull reproductive system

Seven healthy and sexually adult bulls were slaughtered and their reproductive system was isolated. Different tissues including: testes, epididymis, vas deferan, ampulla, accessory sex glands [seminal vesicle, prostate and bulbourethra], muscular and mucosal layer of pelvic and penile urethra were carefully dissected. Total soluble protein and arginase specific activity [ASA] were measured by Lowry and modified paranitrophenylglyoxal [PNPG] method, respectively. The results indicate that the highest arginase specific activity [51.28 +/- 8.79 x10[-3] IU/mg of protein] is present in muscle of pelvic part of urethra. Based on ASA, bulls reproductive system was categorized in three tissue groups: high, medium and low. Muscular layer of penile urethra with the highest ASA level [> 50 X10[-3] IU/mg tissue protein] is in the 1st group, Testes, bulbourethral gland and mucosal layer of penile urethra [30-40 X10[-3] IU/mg tissue protein] are in the2nd group and the rest parts [<25 X10[-3] IU/mg protein] are in 3rd group. Significant differences observed between classified tissues [p<0.05]. The present study indicate that ASA is present at different levels in all parts of bull reproductive system. This condition may be related to different rate of cell proliferation and differentiation or some other unknown physiological and biochemical activities of the enzyme in this system

Evaluation of serum and milk amyloid A in some inflammatory diseases of cattle

This study was designed to evaluate serum and milk amyloid A [SAA] as an inflammatory indicator in inflammatory diseases. Twenty clinically healthy cows and 100 cows with various inflammatory diseases were selected for this study. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein of both healthy and diseased groups. Milk samples were taken from four quarters of both groups. Milk samples of four quarters from each cow were mixed, then one sample was taken from pooled milk. There was significant difference in concentrations of serum and milk AA between clinically healthy cows and diseased cows [P<0.05]. The difference of SAA and MAA between cows with subclinical mastitis and other inflammatory disease of cows was also significant [P<0.05]. In conclusion, serum and milk amyloid A are useful diagnostic indicators in the inflammatory diseases of cows

[Assessment of the prevalence and analysis of the predisposing factors of sub-clinical ketosis in three industrial dairy herds]

The prevalence of sub-clinical ketosis and its predisposing factors were assessed in three dairy farms with different sizes [large, medium, small] and different facilities, and with constant management routines. Eighty-one cows within the first two months of lactation were sampled for blood. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate and glucose were determined in blood serum. Rations were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, NDF, fNDF and NFC. The housing conditions of the cows were also assessed. The prevalence of sub-clinical ketosis [beta-hydroxybutyrate > 1000 micromole/lit] was 7.7%, 70.6% and 87.5% in the large, the medium and the small farm, respectively. The disease prevalence was 42% in the sum of the three farms. The primary dietary insufficiencies [especially in NDF, fNDF and dry matter] were diagnosed to be some of the most important reasons of the high prevalence of the disease. However, reformulating of the rations, without considering the infrastructure of the farms and the interactions among nutrition, management and environment, would not have a reasonable effect on prevention of sub-clinical ketosis

Effects of oral administration of monensin on serum glucose, AST, and arginase of holstein cows during transition period

In the present study, under typical management conditions of dairy farms in Iran, the effect of oral administration of on serum glucose, AST and arginase[indices of liver injuries] of oral monensin was assessed. Thirteen multiparous Holstein cows were blocked into a control and an experiment group from 3 weeks prepartum to 45 days postpartum according the number of their calvings. The groups received similar diets. The experiment group received monensin added to grain mix at 340 mg/head/day during prepartum weeks, 160-480 mg/head/day during first two weeks postpartum, and 350 mg/head/day during days 15-45 postpartum. Blood samples were obtained at days -20 and -10 prepartum, and days 4, 15, 25, 35 and 45 postpartum to determine serum glucose, AST, and arginase. Serum glucose decreased significantly [p = 0.025] in the control group from day 10 prepartum to day 15 postpartum. In the experiment group it increased significantly [p = 0.049] from the beginning of the experiment to day 35 postpartum. On day 15 postpartum, serum glucose showed a tendency [p = 0.07] for significant difference between groups. The level of ASTwas higher in the experiment group from day 10 prepartum to day 25 postpartum with a significant difference [p = 0.011] on day 10 prepartum. There was no significant difference in serum arginase activity between control and experiment groups [p > 0.05]. Administration of monensin mixed with diet can result in better functions of the liver, increase [or prevention of decrease] in serum glucose during peripartum weeks. It appears that changes in the dose of the drug during the early postpartum days [due to changes in dry matter intake] cannot affect the positive effect of monensin. The positive effect of monensin can be started prepartum; thus, its administration from prepartum transition period continued to postpartum weeks is recommended