The Economic Evaluation of Mastitis Control Strategies in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Herds.

The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model was set for a dairy herd of Holstein cows endemically infected with S. aureus. A basic mastitis control plan including proper milking procedures, milking machine test, dry cow therapy, and treatment for clinical mastitis, was compared against other more complex and costly interventions, such as segregation and culling of chronically infected cows. Sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the intramammary infection transition probabilities, economic parameters, and efficacy of treatment strategies. The basic mastitis control plan showed a median total cost of USD88.6/cow per year, which was close to the infected cows culling scenarios outputs. However, the segregation scenario was the most efficient, in which the total cost was reduced by about 50%. Such cost was more sensitive to probabilities and efficacy than the economic parameters. The model is flexible and can be customized by producers and veterinarians according to different control and herd settings.

Comparison of the 7-day CO-Synch and 8-day estradiol-based protocols for estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination in suckled Bos taurus cows.

Two experiments were conducted to compare, follicle diameter (FD) on Day -1, corpus luteum (CL) area on Day 7, progesterone (P4) concentration on Day 7 and 18, pregnancy per timed artificial insemination (TAI) on Day 30, and pregnancy loss (PL) between Days 30 and 60 after TAI (TAI, Day 0) using two different synchronization protocols. In Experiment 1, Angus cows (n = 1148) were randomly assigned to either 7-d progesterone CO-Synch (7-d CO-Synch) or 8-d progesterone + estradiol (8-d P + ES) synchronization protocols for TAI. On Day -10, cows in the 7-d CO-Synch treatment group (n = 574) received a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PIVD; 0.5 g P4) and GnRH (0.105 mg), on Day -3 the PIVD was removed and cows received cloprostenol (0.150 mg), then, on Day 0 (64 h after PIVD removal), cows received GnRH (0.105 mg) and were TAI. On Day -10, cows in the 8-d P + ES treatment group (n = 574) received a PIVD (0.5 g P4) and estradiol benzoate (2.0 mg), on Day -2 the PIVD was removed, and cows received cloprostenol (0.150 mg) and estradiol cypionate (0.5 mg), then, on Day 0 (48 h after PIVD removal), cows were TAI. Pregnancy per TAI was determined on Days 30 and 60. In a subset of cows (7-d CO-Synch, n = 41; 8-d P + ES, n = 40), serum P4 concentration was evaluated on Day 18. In Experiment 2, anestrus (n = 34) and cyclic (n = 34) suckled beef cows were selected and submitted at random on Day -10, to either 7-d CO-Synch or 8-d P + ES treatment groups. Follicle diameter on Day -1, CL area, and serum P4 concentration on Day 7 were determined. In Experiment 1, pregnancy per TAI on Day 30 did not differ (7-d CO-Synch = 48.9%; 8-d P + ES = 45.6%) between treatments but it was greater for cows with BCS ≥5 (P < 0.01). Pregnancy loss between Days 30 and 60 did not differ between treatment groups but tended to be greater in cows with BCS <5.0 (P < 0.1). In a subset of cows, serum P4 concentration on Day 18 did not differ between treatment groups but tended to be lower (P < 0.1) in cows that had PL between Days 30 and 60 compared to cows that had no PL. In Experiment 2, FD tended to be greater (P < 0.1) and CL area was greater (P = 0.05) in anestrus cows from 7-d CO-Synch treatment. In cyclic cows, the treatment did not affect the FD or CL area. In conclusion, there was no difference in pregnancy per TAI on Day 30 and PL between Days 30 and 60 between cows using 7-d CO-Synch + PIVD or 8-d estradiol-based + PIVD protocols for estrus synchronization and TAI.

Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes oncológicos y asociación con el tratamiento recibido / COVID-19 infection in cancer patients and association with the antineoplastic treatment

Resumen La evidencia que relaciona la terapia oncológica con la incidencia por COVID-19 varía según el tipo de terapia administrada. La incidencia informada en pacientes que reciben tratamiento oncológico varía entre 1 y 4%. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la incidencia por COVID-19 en pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento activo y evaluar si existe asociación con el esquema recibido. Se utilizó una cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó de forma consecutiva a los pacientes adultos que realizaron tratamiento ambulatorio desde marzo/2020 hasta abril/2021 en un Hospital Público de referencia. El evento principal fue el diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. La asociación con los tratamientos oncológicos fue evaluada mediante regresión logís tica multivariada ajustando por edad, sexo, localización del tumor, cobertura de salud y localidad de residencia. Se incluyeron 463 pacientes, mediana de edad 58 años (RIC = 47-66), 73.3% (n = 337) mujeres. La incidencia de COVID-19 fue 5.6% (n = 26) con una tasa de mortalidad del 12% (n = 3). El riesgo de infección fue mayor en los que estaban realizando tratamiento únicamente con anticuerpos monoclonales, 14.3% vs. 4.9% (OR-ajustado = 3.3, p = 0.03) y aquellos en tratamiento con inhibidores de puntos de control inmunológicos, 23.1% vs. 5.1% (OR-ajustado = 5.8, p = 0.03). La quimioterapia citotóxica, sola o en combinación con anticuerpos mo noclonales, no presentó mayor riesgo de infección. La edad, sexo, sitio tumoral, cobertura de salud y localidad de residencia no se asoció con la incidencia de COVID-19. En base a nuestros resultados, el tratamiento con anticuerpos monoclonales o inhibidores de puntos de control inmunológicos se asoció con mayor incidencia de infección por COVID-19.

Abstract Evidence linking anticancer therapy with the incidence of COVID-19 varies according to the type of therapy administered. The reported COVID-19 incidence in patients receiving antineoplastic treatment varies between 1 and 4%. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 in cancer patients under active treatment and to assess whether there is an association with the received anticancer therapy. It was a retrospective cohort that consecutively included adult outpatients who underwent treatment in a referral center from March 2020 to April 2021. The primary endpoint was the confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The association with anticancer treatments was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, health coverage status, and place of residence. The sample included 463 patients, the median age was 58 years (IQR = 47-66), 73.3% (n = 337) were women. The incidence of COVID-19 was 5.6% (n = 26) with a mortality rate of 12% (n = 3). The risk of infection was higher in patients undergoing treatment only with monoclonal antibod ies, 14.3% vs. 4.9% (adjusted OR = 3.3, p = 0.03) and those in treatment with immunotherapy, 23.1% vs. 5.1% (adjusted OR = 5.8, p = 0.03). Cytotoxic chemotherapy, alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies, did not present an increased risk of infection. Age, sex, tumor site, health coverage, and place of residence did not show association with the incidence of COVID-19. Based on our results, treatment with monoclonal antibodies or immunotherapy was associated with a higher rate of COVID-19 infection while chemotherapy did not modify the incidence of COVID-19.

[COVID-19 infection in cancer patients and association with the antineoplastic treatment]. / Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes oncológicos y asociación con el tratamiento recibido.

Evidence linking anticancer therapy with the incidence of COVID-19 varies according to the type of therapy administered. The reported COVID-19 incidence in patients receiving antineoplastic treatment varies between 1 and 4%. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 in cancer patients under active treatment and to assess whether there is an association with the received anticancer therapy. It was a retrospective cohort that consecutively included adult outpatients who underwent treatment in a referral center from March 2020 to April 2021. The primary endpoint was the confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The association with anticancer treatments was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, health coverage status, and place of residence. The sample included 463 patients, the median age was 58 years (IQR = 47-66), 73.3% (n = 337) were women. The incidence of COVID-19 was 5.6% (n = 26) with a mortality rate of 12% (n = 3). The risk of infection was higher in patients undergoing treatment only with monoclonal antibodies, 14.3% vs. 4.9% (adjusted OR = 3.3, p = 0.03) and those in treatment with immunotherapy, 23.1% vs. 5.1% (adjusted OR = 5.8, p = 0.03). Cytotoxic chemotherapy, alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies, did not present an increased risk of infection. Age, sex, tumor site, health coverage, and place of residence did not show association with the incidence of COVID-19. Based on our results, treatment with monoclonal antibodies or immunotherapy was associated with a higher rate of COVID-19 infection while chemotherapy did not modify the incidence of COVID-19.

La evidencia que relaciona la terapia oncológica con la incidencia por COVID-19 varía según el tipo de terapia administrada. La incidencia informada en pacientes que reciben tratamiento oncológico varía entre 1 y 4%. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la incidencia por COVID-19 en pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento activo y evaluar si existe asociación con el esquema recibido. Se utilizó una cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó de forma consecutiva a los pacientes adultos que realizaron tratamiento ambulatorio desde marzo/2020 hasta abril/2021 en un Hospital Público de referencia. El evento principal fue el diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. La asociación con los tratamientos oncológicos fue evaluada mediante regresión logística multivariada ajustando por edad, sexo, localización del tumor, cobertura de salud y localidad de residencia. Se incluyeron 463 pacientes, mediana de edad 58 años (RIC = 47-66), 73.3% (n = 337) mujeres. La incidencia de COVID-19 fue 5.6% (n = 26) con una tasa de mortalidad del 12% (n = 3). El riesgo de infección fue mayor en los que estaban realizando tratamiento únicamente con anticuerpos monoclonales, 14.3% vs. 4.9% (ORajustado = 3.3, p = 0.03) y aquellos en tratamiento con inhibidores de puntos de control inmunológicos, 23.1% vs. 5.1% (OR-ajustado = 5.8, p = 0.03). La quimioterapia citotóxica, sola o en combinación con anticuerpos monoclonales, no presentó mayor riesgo de infección. La edad, sexo, sitio tumoral, cobertura de salud y localidad de residencia no se asoció con la incidencia de COVID-19. En base a nuestros resultados, el tratamiento con anticuerpos monoclonales o inhibidores de puntos de control inmunológicos se asoció con mayor incidencia de infección por COVID-19.

A milk-line sampling system to detect foodborne pathogens: A field case investigation from the United States and Argentina.

The objective of this short communication was to discuss two field case investigations to determine the usefulness of a milk-line sampling device to detect bacteria either coming from a group of cows suffering from mastitis or from the milking line potentially contaminated with environmental bacteria. In Case 1, the in-line sampling device was able to detect certain segments of the milk-line contaminated with environmental bacteria, but not coming from the cows. In Case 2, 19 out of 25 pooled in-line samples were in agreement with at least one of the individual sampled cows shedding either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus spp. or both, which accounted for 76% accordance between both methods. The in-line system, although not perfect, provided a reliable method to detect individual cows shedding mastitis-causing organisms. In conclusion, the milk-line sampling device system was able to help identify foodborne pathogens. Regular monitoring of the microbial quality of milk through a milk-line sampling device is recommended for groups of cows within the dairy herd to detect potential mastitis-causing microorganisms. Furthermore, the sampling device was an effective tool to screen the efficacy of cleaning and disinfecting mechanisms of the milk lines to identify and control potential foodborne pathogens that are collected in the bulk tank.

Hormone Concentrations and Semen Parameters in Criollo Breed Stallions Under Training.

The stress associated with training may reduce reproductive efficiency in Criollo stallions. The objective of this study was to compare semen quality and hormone concentrations in Criollo stallions under training or under regular field conditions. Criollo breed stallions (n = 18) were evaluated during the spring. The exercise group (n = 9) performed 1 hour of exercise per day and participated in competitions during the experimental period. The control group (n = 9) neither performed exercise nor participated in competitions. Serum and semen samples were obtained every 15 days (two separate ejaculates an hour apart). Sperm motility, velocity, and morphology were evaluated with a phase-contrast microscope and concentration by a hemocytometer. Diff-Quik stain was used to identify polymorphonuclear cells, and the degree of chromatin condensation was evaluated with the toluidine blue stain. The sperm survival test was performed at a room temperature of 22°C. Semen evaluation was performed in raw samples and in samples diluted in a skim milk and glucose-based extender. Cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol were measured using radioimmunoassay. There was no effect of exercise on testosterone and estradiol concentrations (P = .28 and P = .97, respectively). However, in the exercise group, cortisol concentration was higher after exercise (P = .004). There was an effect of exercise on the following semen parameters: gel-free volume (P < .001), sperm motility (P < .0001), total number of sperm (P = .0001), normal sperm morphology (P < .0001), and total number of morphologically normal and motile sperm (P < .001). No effect of exercise was found in the following semen parameters: color, pH, and sperm concentration. This study showed that exercise had a negative impact on seminal quality; nevertheless, semen parameters were within the normal ranges established for the equine species.

Ultrasonographic ovarian dynamic, plasma progesterone, and non-esterified fatty acids in lame postpartum dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to compare ovulation rate, number of large ovarian follicles, and concentrations of plasma progesterone (P4) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) between lame (n = 10) and non-lame (n = 10) lactating Holstein cows. The study was conducted in an organic dairy farm, and cows were evaluated by undertaking ultrasonography and blood sampling every 3 days from 30 days postpartum for a period of 34 days. Cows which became lame during the first 30 days postpartum experienced a lower ovulation rate determined by the presence of a corpus luteum (50% presence for lame cows and 100% for non-lame cows, p ≤ 0.05). The number of large ovarian follicles in the ovaries was 5 for lame cows and 7 for non-lame cows (p = 0.09). Compared to non-lame cows, lame cows had significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) concentrations of plasma P4. Furthermore, NEFA concentrations were lower (p ≤ 0.05) in lame cows than in non-lame cows. It is concluded that lameness in postpartum dairy cows is associated with ovulation failure and lower concentrations of P4 and NEFA.

Strategies for the treatment of dairy cows at high risk for postpartum metritis and for the treatment of clinical endometritis in Argentina.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of (1) administering ceftiofur hydrochloride in dairy cows with calving-related disorders to prevent metritis and (2) a combination of GnRH and PGF2α for the treatment of clinical endometritis, under Argentinean dairy farming conditions. Cows at high risk (HRC) for metritis (dystocia, RFM >12 h postpartum, hypocalcaemia, twins, or stillbirth) were randomly assigned to receive either 1.1 mg/Kg of ceftiofur hydrochloride on three consecutive days (HRC treated group HRCT, n = 110) or remained untreated (HRC control group HRCC, n = 126). Cows with low risk (LRC, no calving-related disorders, n = 868) did not receive any treatment (LRC group, n = 868). All cows were examined for metritis between days 4 and 10 and for clinical endometritis between 24 and 30 days postpartum. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded at both examinations. Cows with endometritis at days 24 to 30 postpartum received either 1.5 mg of D-cloprostenol (PGF; n = 129) or 100 µg of GnRH followed by D-cloprostenol after 7 days (GnRH+PGF, n = 119). There was no overall effect of treatment on the incidence of metritis or on time to pregnancy. Treatment, however, reduced the incidence of metritis in cows with high BCS (HRCT = 24.0 %, HRCC = 38.5 %) but had no effect in cows with low BCS (HRCT = 38.7 %, HRCC = 37.5 %). The proportion of pregnant cows by days in milk was greater (P < 0.01) in LRC group compared with that of the HRCT and HRCC groups. No significant differences were found between groups PG and PG+GNRH. GnRH+PGF treatment, however, tended (P = 0.06) to increase pregnancy rate in cows with a moderate loss of BCS (76.5 vs 65.2 %) but tended to reduce pregnancy rate (54.5 vs 76.0 %) in cows with a more pronounced loss in BCS (>0.75 points).

The effect of bull exposure on the early postpartum reproductive performance of suckling angus cows

El presente estudio examinó el efecto de la bioestimulación por exposición al toro sobre el desempeño reproductivo durante el postparto temprano de vacas Angus bien alimentadas y sujetas a amamantamiento permanente. A una semana postparto, 90 vacas Angus sin historia de problemas al parto y sus becerros fueron distribuidos según el número de partos, peso y talla corporal en 3 grupos aislados de 30 vacas cada uno. Las vacas de los grupos A y B fueron expuestas permanentemente a toros maduros (BE), en tanto que las vacas del grupo C (NE) sirvieron como control. Las variables analizadas fueron: intervalos parto-reanudación de la actividad ovárica (ICR) y parto-primer celo expresado (ICE), longitud del primer ciclo estral (ECL), número de vacas mostrando celo por grupo y número de celos por vaca durante los 90 días previos a la época de monta (NEP). El ICR (38,1 ± 3,4 vs 51,0 ± 4,4; P<0,02) y el ICE (38,1 ± 3,4 vs 59,9 ± 2,5; P<0,001) fueron más cortos en BE que en NE, y no se hallaron diferencias entre grupos expuestos a toro. Más BE reanudaron la ciclicidad ovárica con ciclos normales en comparación con las NE (A=16/53 por ciento, B=16/53 por ciento, C=8/26,6 por ciento; P<0,01). Durante el experimento, más vacas BE mostraron celo que las NE (A: 29/30= 97 por ciento, B: 30/30 =100 por ciento, C: 24/30= 80 por ciento; P<0,002). Así mismo, el NEP observado en vacas BE fue mayor que en las vacas NE (A=70, B=68, y C=42; P<00,002). Más (P< 0,001) vacas BE tuvieron 3 celos durante el estudio. Se concluyó que, aun bajo condiciones de nutrición adecuada y amamantamiento permanente, hubo un efecto bioestimulatorio positivo sobre el desempeño reproductivo temprano de las vacas Angus postparto.

The present study tested the effect of biostimulation by bull exposure on the early postpartum reproductive performance of well fed and permanently suckled Angus cows. At 1 week postpartum, 90 Angus cows with no history of calving problems and their calves were allocated by parity, body weight, and body frame into 3 isolated groups of 30 cows each. Cows from groups A and B were permanently exposed to mature bulls (BE) while cows from Group C (NE) served as a control. Analyzed variables included; intervals from calving to resumption of ovarian activity (ICR), and first behavioral estrus (ICE), length of the first estrous cycle (ECL), number of cows showing estrus/group, and number of estrus periods (NEP) occurred per cow during the 90 days previous to the breeding season. The ICR (38.1 ± 3.4 vs 51.0 ± 4.4; P<0.02) and ICE (38.1 ± 3.4 vs 59.9 ± 2.5; P<0.001) were shorter in BE than in NE cows, and no differences between bull-exposed groups were found. More BE cows resumed reproductive cyclicity with normal ECL than NE cows (A= 16/53%, B=16/53%, C=8/26.6%; P<0.01). During trial, more BE cows showed behavioral estrus than NE cows (A: 29/30= 97%, B: 30/30 =100%, and C: 24/30 = 80%; P<0.002). Similarly, NEP recorded in BE cows was greater than that of NE cows (A=70, B=68, and C=42; P<0.0002). More BE cows (P< 0.001) had 3 estrous periods during trial. It was concluded that, even under conditions involving adequate nutrition and permanent suckling, there was a positive effect of biostimulation on early reproductive performance in postpartum Angus cows.