Comparison of Two Diagnostic Methods to Detect Insulin Dysregulation in Horses Under Field Conditions.

Straightforward testing procedures to enable the diagnosis of insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses that are suitable for use in daily veterinary practice are needed because of the risk that ID could result in laminitis. In our study (that included 90 horses), we compared the proportion of horses classified as ID-positive, ID-suspect, and ID-not diagnosed according to the basal insulin concentration (BIC) with the proportion of horses classified as ID-positive or ID-negative according to a practical and feasible version of an oral sugar test (OST). Furthermore, BIC, basal glucose concentration, and insulin and glucose concentration after OST were analyzed and compared. In the total study population, the OST detected significantly more ID-positive cases than the BIC, with cutoffs at equivalent specificities. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that at a lower cutoff, the sensitivity of the BIC could be increased, but at the cost of a significantly lower specificity. Taking this into account, we found diagnostic performance of the OST to be considerably better than the BIC and therefore considered it more recommendable for use as a screening test for ID in ambulatory practice. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between body condition score and breed type with glucose and insulin concentration as determined after our version of the OST. For that purpose, the study group was subdivided into lean, moderate, and obese horses and "easy keeper breeds" versus "non-easy keeper breeds". Results supported the general assumption that obese horses and "easy keeper breeds" are more prone to the development of ID.

Levels of trace elements and potential toxic elements in bovine livers: A trend analysis from 2007 to 2018.

Trace elements and potential toxic elements were analyzed in bovine livers submitted for autopsy in the Netherlands during the years 2007 to 2018. The age of each animal was recorded. In total, 1544 livers were analyzed for cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, molybdenum, nickel, lead, selenium and zinc. Less than 2% of the liver samples were from veal calves. Young animals had significantly higher concentrations of iron and zinc in their livers compared to animals older than one year, while older animals had significantly higher levels of cadmium and molybdenum in their livers. Animals aged 1 to 2 years had the lowest copper and selenium levels. There was a tendency for lower chromium and nickel levels during the last years of the testing period, while copper showed an increase. Lead intoxication was only seen in the youngest group of cattle, while copper intoxication, defined as a liver copper of more than 1000 mg/kg dry matter, occurred in older animals, mainly in animals of 3 to 4 years old. This trend analysis of trace elements in bovine livers of cattle over time in recent years, and the relation of liver element concentrations with age of the animal, provides insight in the uptake and storage of these elements by cattle in The Netherlands. Possible reasons for observed trends and age-related patterns are discussed.

Serum biochemical reference values for gestating and lactating sows.

Reference values have been established for serum biochemical parameters in sows from high producing pig herds. In total, 132 clinically healthy sows from eight breeding herds were serially sampled three weeks and one week before farrowing, and at one week and three weeks after farrowing. Fourteen serum biochemical parameters, focusing mainly on energy and protein metabolism, hepatobiliary and kidney function and inflammation, were investigated. The reproductive state significantly influenced the investigated parameters, other than for urea and non-esterified fatty acids. First parity sows showed higher concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase, phosphorus and haptoglobin, and higher albumin/globulin and haptoglobin/albumin ratios compared to sows with 2 parities. The concentrations of creatinine, globulin and total protein however were lower in first parity sows. Between-herd variations were especially high (>50%) for gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and non-esterified fatty acids. Serum biochemical parameters constitute an important diagnostic tool to assess the health status of sows, but to interpret the outcome properly, it is important to consider reproductive state and parity.