Survey of transportation procedures, management practices, and health assessment related to quality, quantity, and value for market beef and dairy cows and bulls.

This survey consisted of data collected from 23 beef harvest plants to document transportation procedures, management practices, and health assessments of market beef and dairy cows and bulls (about n ≅ 7,000 animals). Gooseneck/bumper-pulled trailers were used more often to transport dairy cattle than beef cattle to market whereas tractor-trailers were used more often to transport beef cattle than dairy cattle. All loads (n = 103) met the American Meat Institute Foundation guidelines for spacing. Loads where more than 3% of the cattle slipped during unloading were observed in 27.3% of beef loads and 29.0% of the dairy loads. Beef loads had numerically greater usage of electrical prods (32.4%) versus dairy loads (15.4%) during unloading and were more likely to have a variety of driving aids used more aggressively on them. Fewer cattle had horns, brands, and mud/manure contamination on hides than in the previous survey in 1999. The predominant hide color for beef cows was black (44.2%) whereas the predominant color for dairy cows was the Holstein pattern (92.9%). Fewer cattle displayed evidence of bovine ocular neoplasia (2.9%) than in previous surveys in 1994 (8.5%) and 1999 (4.3%). Knots on live cattle were found less in the round (0.5%) and more in the shoulder region (4.6%) than in 1999 (1.4% and 0.4%, respectively). Dairy cows were more frequently lame in 2007 (48.7%) than 1999 (39.2%) whereas beef cows had numerically less lameness (16.3% vs. 26.6%, respectively). Most beef cows (62.3%) and dairy cows (68.9%) received midpoint body condition scores (3, 4, and 5 for beef; 2 and 3 for dairy). Beef cows had higher numerical percentages of no defects present (72.0%) versus dairy cows (63.0%) when evaluated for a variety of reproductive, health, or management conditions. Continued improvements in several key factors related to transportation, management, and health were observed in this survey, which could result in increased value in market beef and dairy cows and bulls.

Hydrofluoric acid burns of the lower extremity.

Chemical burns to the lower extremity can be disabling and of serious consequence if not managed properly. The severity and rapid onset of the burns caused by hydrofluoric acid after initial contact make this a highly dangerous substance. The potential severity of injury and the following complications make it a chemical of which all physicians should have a basic understanding.

Dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Traumatic dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a rare clinical finding. Ability to reduce the dislocation by nonoperative measures depends largely on the type of dislocation and involvement of the sesamoid complex. A brief description of the incidence, anatomy, and pathomechanics of dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is given. A report of a 33-year-old female with complete dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and anatomically preserved sesamoid complex is provided.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome from a puncture wound to the foot.

Puncture wounds to the foot are a common occurrence. If treated properly, the majority will be resolved without major complications. Toxic shock syndrome and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome are devastating complications of some staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. This paper discusses the similarities and differences between the two toxic states, reviews the pathophysiology, and presents a case report of near-fatal streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome secondary to a puncture wound of the foot.

Follicular dynamics, embryo production, and hormonal responses in Brahman heifers following sympathetic stimulation.

The purpose of this experiment was to characterize adrenal and ovarian responses to N-methyl-beta-phenethylamine (NMP) or ACTH. Thirty-three heifers with functional midcycle corpora lutea were placed on a 4-d superovulation regimen. They were injected twice daily with FSH-P and either saline (Control), ACTH (80 IU), or NMP (1 mg/kg BW). An initial blood collection preceded jugular delivery of saline, NMP, or ACTH, i.m. delivery of FSH and PGF2 alpha (d 3), and ultrasound (d 1 to 4). A second blood collection was made 6 min after treatment. Sampling continued daily until d 13. Embryos (age 6 to 7 d) were collected and evaluated. Concentrations of cortisol (posttreatment minus pretreatment) were greatest (P < .05) in NMP- and ACTH-treated heifers. Treatment did not affect mean numbers of small (< 4 mm), large (> 8 mm), or total follicles on d 2 to 4. Heifers receiving NMP had fewer medium follicles (4 to 8 mm) on d 2 and 3, and ACTH-treated heifers had fewer medium follicles on d 4 (P < .07). Mean estradiol concentrations on d 2 to 4 were unaffected by treatment (P > .32). Following PGF2 alpha, time to onset of standing estrus was less (P < .05) in Control than in ACTH- and NMP-treated heifers (41.4 vs 47.9 and 58.9 h, respectively). A greater frequency (P < .05) of reproductive anomalies (no estrus; no ovulation [i.e., progesterone < 1 ng/mL]; luteal failure [i.e., progesterone < 1 ng/mL but embryos recovered]) occurred in NMP (5/11) than in Control (0/10) or ACTH (2/10) heifers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of phenolic monoamines on release of luteinizing hormone stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, norepinephrine, and cortisol concentrations in wethers.

Eighteen Suffolk and Suffolk x Hampshire wethers (56.3 +/- 1.3 kg) were used to determine the effects of naturally occurring amines, N-methyl-beta-phenethylamine (NMP) and tyramine (T), on plasma cortisol, norepinephrine (NE), ACTH, and GnRH-stimulated LH concentrations. In each experiment, wethers were assigned randomly to treatments with six replicates/treatment. In Exp. 1, treatments consisted of saline, 2 mg of NMP/kg BW (NMP2), or 4 mg of NMP/kg BW (NMP4). In Exp. 2, treatments consisted of saline, 4 mg of NMP/kg BW (N), or 2 mg of NMP + 4 mg of T/kg BW (NT). All treatments were given via indwelling jugular catheters in single doses of 2 mL. In Exp. 1, no effects of time after treatment on response were detected. The NMP2 wethers had lower cortisol and LH peak amplitudes (PKAMP) than other wethers (P < .03 and .05, respectively). Time to peak (PKT) concentration of NE was significantly shorter in NMP4-treated wethers (P < .004). In Exp. 2, significant interactions between time and treatment were detected for cortisol, NE, and LH. Cortisol and NE concentrations were increased (P < .0001 and P < .03, respectively) in N- and NT-treated wethers compared with controls, whereas LH was reduced (P < .003). The N and NT treatments increased cortisol PKT, peak height (PKHT), and PKAMP above that of controls (P < .02, < .006, and < .02, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Correlation of in vivo testicle and seminal vesicle size with post mortem dimensions in bulls.

This study was conducted to quantify the relationships between in vivo measurements of testicular and seminal vesicle size and post mortem size of these organs in 30 Santa Gertrudis bulls. The in vivo measurements of testicles were obtained by transrectal ultrasonography and palpation per rectum, while scrotal circumference was measured by scrotal tape. Linear post mortem dimensions were obtained by direct measurements of the excised organs. Volume was assessed by water displacement while the testicles were weighed. Seminal vesicle length, determined by palpation, had the highest correlation with post mortem measurements (r = 0.70; P = 0.0001). Accurate estimation of the thickness of the vesicles (1.47 vs 1.55 cm for in vivo and post mortem, respectively) was performed by ultrasonograph. Of all seminal vesicle linear measurements, width had the highest correlations with volume measured by water displacement (r = 0.67; P = 0.0001 and r = 0.38; P = 0.04 for post mortem and in vivo, respectively). Testicular diameter was accurately measured by ultrasonography (5.54 vs 4.58 cm in vivo and post mortem, respectively) and was highly correlated (range r = 0.84 to 0.89; P = 0.0001) with post mortem measurements of testicular volume, weight and circumference. The correlation between scrotal circumference and diameter of the testicle was 0.75 (P = 0.0001). The correlations of testicular diameter measured by ultrasound with the post mortem measurements of testicular weight and circumference were similar to the correlations between scrotal circumference and those 2 post mortem measurements. We conclude that palpation of vesicle length is highly correlated with volume of the seminal vesicle in situ. Individual linear measurements do not seem to be an accurate predictor of the relativ size of the seminal vesicle. Furthermore, ultrasonography does not seem to be a more accurate measure of testicular size than scrotal circumference for evaluation of breeding soundness.

Relationships between seminal vesicle size and copulatory activity in bulls.

Two experiments were designed to investigate the hypothesis that dimensions of the seminal vesicle are positively correlated with copulatory behavior in bulls. In Experiment 1, thirty Santa Gertrudis bulls (16.5 mo old) were used to study the relationship between copulatory activity and seminal vesicle length and width (palpation per rectum), seminal vesicle thickness (ultrasonography), and volume. The bulls showed a low level of copulatory activity (6.0+/-1.5, 0.8+/-0.3 and 0.3+/-0.1 for mean number of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations, respectively) in 2 tests. The mean number of mounts but not the mean number of intromissions or ejaculations differed (P<0.01) among bulls. No significant correlations were found between seminal vesicle size and any of the variables of sexual behavior. In Experiment 2, 16 beef bulls (18 mo old) were used to study the relationship between copulatory activity and seminal vesicle length (palpation) or dorso-ventral thickness (ultrasonography). Differences were detected (P<0.01) among bulls in mean number of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations achieved in 2 serving capacity tests. No significant correlations were found between copulatory activity and seminal vesicle length or thickness. These data do not support the hypothesis of a positive relationship between seminal vesicle length or thickness with copulatory activity, even for bulls with marked diffences in intensity of sexual behavior.

Performance of Bos indicus-influenced bulls in serving capacity tests and multiple-sire breeding groups.

Three experiments were conducted with Santa Gertrudis (SG) or F1 (Gelbvieh x SG or Red Angus x SG) bulls to assess factors that influence copulatory activity and fertility of Bos indicus-influenced genotypes. In Exp. 1, 3-yr-old SG bulls (n = 20) with sexual experience and 20-mo-old virgin SG bulls (n = 34) were allotted in a split-plot design (age, bull within age group, test day, and heifer treatment). Number of mounts (Mt), intromissions (I), and ejaculations (E) were measured 14 d apart during two 30-min serving capacity (SC) tests. Estrus was either induced via progesterone+estradiol cypionate (PE) injections or synchronized with Syncro-Mate B (SMB). There were more (P less than .05) I and E on Test d 2 than on Test d 1. Heifers treated with SMB received more (P less than .001) Mt, I, and E than did heifers treated with PE. Sixteen 20-mo-old bulls from Exp. 1 were allotted to breeding pastures at a bull:heifer ratio of 4:119 +/- 3 for 50 d in Exp. 2. Breeding pasture treatments either included or excluded low-SC bulls. Neither pregnancy rate nor least squares mean day of conception differed between treatments. Experiment 3 evaluated copulatory activity with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (breed and test day) in 14- to 16-mo-old SG (n = 45) and F1 (n = 16) bulls. The F1 bulls had more Mt, I, and E than did the SG bulls (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)