Comparison of energy related metabolites during peri-parturition period in single and twin-bearing Lori-Bakhtiari ewes

BACKGROUND: The Lori-Bakhtiari sheep breed is one of the most common native breed in the south-western parts of Iran. The peri-parturition period [2 weeks before to, 2 weeks after parturition], is generally of critical importance regarding the health, production and profitability of the ewes. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to compare the serum concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid [NEFA], â-hydroxybutyrate [BHBA], cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and calcium [Ca] during peri-parturition period in 30 single and 30 twin-bearing Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. METHODS: All blood profiles were determined in healthy ewes on days 14, 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum. RESULTS: Serum glucose levels were lower in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes on prepartum and day 7 after lambing. Serum NEFA, BHBA and cholesterol levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes compared to single-bearing ewes during the peri-parturition period. Lower serum Ca levels were recorded 7 days before and after parturition in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that NEFA and BHBA recorded significant [p<0.05] changes during the peri-parturition period in twin-bearing ewes. These significant differences could be related to increased metabolic demands of the fetuses in twin-bearing ewes

[Evaluation of the correlation between ration physically effective fiber and rumen pH in dairy cattle]

The current definition of subacute ruminal acidosis [SARA] is based on the pH of the ruminal fluid in dairy cattle and ration physically effective fiber could be used as a non-invasive method for prediction of ruminal pH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ration physically effective fiber, measured using old and modified Penn-state particle separator and ruminal pH. The physically effective fiber measured in the ration of 17 rational group [7 fresh and 10 mid lactation cow groups]. Ruminal fluid obtiained by rumenocentesis and SARA affected cows were detected. The physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had a correlation with mean ruminal pH of cows [r= 0.595, p= 0.012] and the ratio of subacute ruminal acidosis affected cows in rational groups [r= -0.533, p= 0.027]. The ration of SARA affected mid lactation groups had less physically effective fiber than non affected groups [p= 0.041]. According to our results, the physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had more correlation with ruminal pH in dairy cattle and can be used as a predictive index for ruminal pH

[Effectiveness evaluation of inactivated vaccines against bovine viral diarrhea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis]

Bovine viral diarrhea [BVD] and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis [IBR] are two of the most important diseases responsible for major economic losses in the Iranian dairy industry. Since there are not in-house vaccines, the evaluations of the effectiveness of imported commercial vaccines are imperative. The purpose of the present study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of commercial inactivated Bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV] and Bovine herpes virus type 1 [BHV-1] vaccines to reduce the occurrence of culling and diseases, as well as their impact on milk production and prevention of birth of calves persistently infected [PI] with BVDV. A blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Animals were assigned to treatment [n=342] and control [n=351] groups by systematic randomization. Animals in the treatment group were inoculated with inactivated BVDV and BHV-1 vaccines [Intervet-Schering Plough]. One and seven months later, vaccination was repeated. Over a one-year period, the incidence of disease, death and culling, birth of PI calves and milk production were recorded and compared. All statistical analyses were done with IBM SPSS statistics 20 software. At the start of the study, the two groups showed no significant differences in the means of age [day], parities, days in milk, milk production and preexisting antibodies of BVDV and BHV-1. In addition, significant difference was not observed between treatment and control groups during the period of study. Unlike previous years, there were no reports of BHV-1 respiratory disease and birth of PI calves in the herd as a whole. Although the efficacies of the mentioned vaccines were approved previously, effectiveness was not augmented in our study. Evidence-based Vaccinology in the developing countries should be performed by implementation of effectiveness studies

Prevalence and pathological findings of cholelithiasis in goats

Gallstones are concretions that form in the biliary system. There are two major types of gallstones [pigment and cholesterol], which seem to form due to distinctly different pathogenic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and chemical composition of gallstones in goats. Bacteriologic analysis and pathological findings were reviewed. The study was carried out on 411 goats at Juneghan abattoir in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province of Iran. Gallstones were found in the gallbladder of 5 goats [1.2%]. Biliary calculi were more frequent in adult goats [p<0.05]. No significant difference was seen between male and female goats with gallstones. Chemical analysis of the gallstones revealed 4 goats with pigment [bilirubin] stones and 1 goat with cholesterol stones. Chemical composition of bile in these goats was evaluated. Bacteriologic analysis of the bile in the affected goats revealed bacteria [Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.] in 3 goats. Microscopic examination of gallbladders revealed cystic glands, necrosis and atrophy of mucosal layer, edema, focal and diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes in submucosal layer, and hypertrophy of smooth muscles in goats with gallstones. It was concluded that the prevalence of both types of gallstones in goats are low. Cholelithiasis can cause chronic inflammation of the gallbladder but it is not likely to become clinically significant

Study of the prevalence and type of ophthalmic diseases among different breeds of horses in Tehran riding clubs

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and type of ophthalmic diseases among horse populations in the suburbian riding clubs of Tehran. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed in 901 horses and ocular lesions were diagnosed in 40 [4.4%] animals. In the 54 eyes of these horses that had ocular defects, 103 ocular abnormalities were detected. Of those horses affected, 65% showed abnormalities in one eye and 35% had abnormalities in both eyes. Various sequelae to ocular trauma and periodic ophthalmia were the most common and recognizable causes, which comprised 25% and 15% of horses with ocular defects, respectively

Prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis in some dairy herds of Khorasan Razavi province, northeast of Iran

To estimate the prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis [SARA] in dairy cows, a total of 196 ruminal fluid samples were drawn by rumenocentesis from 10 dairy herds of Khorasan Razavi province, northeast of Iran. Two groups of 12 cows, early lactation and mid-lactation cows were sampled in each dairy herd and ruminal pH was determined immediately using a portable pH-meter. A total of 54 cows [27.6%] were found to be experiencing SARA. No significant differences were found between SARA affected and non-affected cows in ruminal contractions, faecal quality and fat and protein components of milk

Ultrasonographic findings of some ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse

Ultrasonography is a relatively easy, safe and non-invasive examination method which can be used in diagnosis of ocular disorders as complementary to routine ophthalmic examinations. As there has been no collated study undertaken on the normal measurements of ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse, obtaining these measurements could be a benchmark to diagnose some of the diseases and eye problems of this miniature breed. Transpalpebral ultrasonographic scanning of left and right eyes of six Caspian horses was performed using a 10-13 MHz transducer. Qualitative ultrasonographic findings of the eyes were described and measurements of the ocular structures were obtained. Mean +/- standard deviation of the anterior-posterior length of the eye axis, thickness of the lens, depth of the anterior chamber and depth of vitreous were as 32.9 +/- 1.0, 10.8 +/- 0.8, 3.0 +/- 0.5 and 18.3 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively

Para clinical studies of ethanol extract of achillea millefolium L. on electrocardiogram, cardiac enzymes and serum electrolytes in sheep

Achillea millefolium has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It has many indications including treatment of heart weakness, hypertension cerebral and coronary thrombosis in traditional system of medicine. The purpose of this study is an investigation on effects of Achillea millefolium total extract on electrocardiogram, cardiac enzymes and serum electrolytes in sheep. In this study, 12 clinically healthy sheep were divided into 2 groups of treatment and control. The treatment group were administered intravenously a total extract of Achillea millefolium in the dose of 20 mg/kg. The control group received normal saline. Base-apex electrocardiogram was recorded in 0, 5,15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after administration and blood samples were collected in 0, 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration. Serum cTnT, CK-MB, AST, Na, P, K, Ca, Mg and Cl were measured. Total extract of Achillea millefolium significantly [p<0.05] increased P amplitude after 5 and 90 minutes and S amplitude after 120 minutes; and decreased T duration after 15 minutes following administration. Achillea millefolium had no significant effect on serum enzymes and electrolytes. Regarding that Achillea millefolium extract increased cardiac contractility after 2 hours, detailed studies on the active constituents are needed which might provide new insight in cardiovascular drugs

[Retrospective study of radiography in diagnosis of diseases and disorders in equidae]

To determine the frequency of diagnosed disorders or anomalies in different organs and systems and also effects of breed, age and sex on their incidence rate.Retrospective study.32 horses, 7 donkeys and 5 mules referred to the radiology division.Data were collected from 107 equidae radiographs which had been taken in the Department of Radiology University of Tehran during 4- years [1998-2001]. Radiographs were evaluated for finding injuries and showing relation of disease with breed, sex, age and site of injuries. Information was gathered in the specific charts for determining of frequency of each condition. Diseases and disorders were fractures, exostosis, osteomylitis, osteoarthrosis, arthritis, navicular syndrome, pneumonia, pulmonary hypervascularization, soft tissue swelling, laminitis, guttural pouches disease, abscess and calcification. Fractures [18.18%] and exostosis [18.18%] had the highest frequency in horses. The most frequent disorders were diagnosed in phalangeal area of horse [31.25%]. Furthermore, the first and second most frequent bone disorders in horses were exostosis [25%] and comminuted fracture [18.75%]. Fractures and guttural pouches disease were seen with equal frequency [25%]. In mule, fractures [60%], exostosis [20%] and soft tissue swelling [20%] were diagnosed.This study showed that radiography is a valuable method for diagnosing of equidae disordered organs and systems [in relation with factors such as sex, breed, ageandsite] andalsotheirfrequency

[Potential of radiography in diagnosis of diseases and disorders in cattle]

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of diagnosed disorders or anomalies in different organs and systems and also effects of breed, age and sex on disorders incidence rate

Design: retrospective study on cattle radiographs

Animals: a total of 74 cattle referred to the radiology division

Procedure: data were collected of 17 lcattle radiographs, which had been taken in the division of radiology during a 4-year period between 1998-2002. Radiographs were evaluated for site of injuries and relation of breed, sex and age with disorders incidence rate. The information was finally gathered in charts specified for frequency of disorders, sex, age and breed

Results: the disorders were fractures, osteomylitis, arthritis, actinomycosis, pneumonia, colon atresia,OCD and etc.The most frequent disorder was fractures [16.7%] and sites of the fractures were at lower jaw [7.1%], midshaft of radius and ulna, and digits [each 4.8%].All the colon atresia cases were detected in male calves. Frequency of disorders in immature cattle [89.4%] had a very obvious difference with matures [10.6%].Actinomycosis was more in female

Clinical implication: this study showed the potency of radiography in diagnosis of cattle diseases and disorders and also percentage of incidence probability of them in connection with factors such as sex, breed, age and site in different organs and systems of cattle

[Serological study of sheep for infection with IBR virus in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiary province]

Objective: to determine serological prevalence rate of infection of sheep with IBR virus in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiary province

Design: cross - sectional study

Animals: four hundred and two healthy sheep

Procedure: serum samples were collected from 402 sheep during four seasons of 2002-2003 in all townships of Chaharmahal - Bakhtiary province by cluster random sampling method. Charactristics of the animals [age, sex and history of abortion] were recorded. Sera were tested for antibodies against IBR virus by the serum neutralization test

Statistical analysis: Chi-square, Linear regression

Results: serum samples from 43 [10.7%] sheep were positive. Prevalence rate of seropositive animals in all 5 townships of the province was estimated. No relationship was found between township, sex, season, previous record of abortion and IBR infection in sheep. Linear regression test indicated a relationship between age and prevalence rate of infection [r = 0.94]