Influence of first colostrum pasteurization on serum immunoglobulin G, iron, and activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in newborn dairy calves.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colostrum pasteurization is an established procedure in dairy farms in developed countries. This practice can improve the health status of the offspring by reducing several pathogens. This study aimed to focus on the pasteurization of bovine first colostrum and its influence on certain important bioactive components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in Holstein-Friesian bull calves, which were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 6 L of untreated (UT, n=10) or 6 L of heat-treated (HT, 63.5°C for 30 min, n=10) colostrum from their own dam within the first 12 h after birth. Blood samples were taken before, 24 h, and 48 h after first colostrum intake to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and iron and the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the serum. RESULTS: The level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization (p=0.19). However, a slower increase in GGT activity (p<0.05) and a lower serum iron concentration (p=0.04) were observed in the HT group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that pasteurization influences the absorption of colostrum components and therefore, the passive transfer of immunity, although the level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization in this study.

Uptake of exogenous estrogen as a differential diagnosis of ovarian-remnant-syndrome in a bitch: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Clinical signs of heat in bitches that have been previously spayed are often associated with the presence of ovarian remnant syndrome. The inclusion of exogenous estrogens as a differential diagnosis in this regard is often ignored and may lead to misinterpretation of the case. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a case of exogenous estrogen exposure over several months to a 6.5-year-old spayed crossbred bitch, weighing 8.4 kg. The bitch presented in the clinic because of suspected ovarian remnant syndrome. Castration was performed within the first 6 months after birth. Important endocrine parameters measured at the first appointment were Anti-Müllerian hormone (< 0.01 ng/mL), progesterone (0.36 ng/mL), estradiol-17ß (20.7 pg/mL), and luteinizing hormone (< 0.1 ng/mL). After an extensive conversation with the owner, it was revealed that she was using an estrogen spray because of severe menopausal symptoms. After the owner stopped using this spray, the symptoms of the bitch disappeared. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the uptake of estrogens should be a differential diagnosis for symptoms of the ovarian remnant syndrome. A detailed anamnesis is crucial to identify the source of estrogen in the environment of the affected bitch.

Relationship between clinical signs and hormonal analytical findings in bitches with lactatio sine graviditate.

OBJECTIVE: Lactatio sine graviditate of the bitch can become clinically relevant in particularly severe manifestations. The aim of the study was to relate the hormone pattern consisting of progesterone (P4), estradiol 17ß (E2) and prolactin to the time of occurrence of lactatio sine graviditate in the course of metoestrus and anoestrus as well as to its symptomatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight bitches with apparent lactatio sine graviditate were divided into 3 groups according to their cycle status. All bitches were examined for gynaecological findings. Furhtermore, their blood progesterone, oestrogen, and prolactin concentrations were determined and compared with the 133-day hormone profile of 7 control animals. RESULTS: Lactatio sine graviditate occurring in early metoestrus was characterised more by a shifted P4:E2 ratio than by hyperprolactinaemia. Overall, the prolactin concentration in the peripheral blood was significantly increased. Analysis of the individual cases revealed that hyperprolactinaemia was present to varying degrees. It could be detected in almost all bitches that showed full symptomatology at the end of metoestrus or at the beginning of anoestrus. Only then clinical signs correlated with an increased prolactin concentration in the peripheral blood. In most cases, the estradiol-17ß concentration was within the reference range. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study indicates that the administration of prolactin inhibitors alone is not indicated in all cases of lactatio sine graviditate and that the timepoint of onset of the clinically relevant symptoms and the current prolactin level should be taken into account in the treatment of affected bitches.

[Uterine serosal inclusion cysts in the dog - case report and literature review of canine uterine cysts]. / Serosazysten am Uterus der Hündin ­ Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht zu kaninen Uteruszysten.

In bitches, uterine cysts are usually associated with pathological conditions. Serosal inclusion cysts of the uterus represent an exception to this rule. These thin-walled cysts develop on the uterine surface and occur either as single or multiple cysts. The cysts lack endocrine activity and usually do not cause clinical symptoms. Their occurrence shows no association to the estrus cycle. Serosal inclusion cysts are mainly found in older multiparous bitches and large breeds are more often affected. Diagnosis of serosal inclusion cysts may be achieved by transabdominal sonography. Differentiation between uterine and ovarian serosal inclusion cysts is possibly challenging as serosal inclusion cysts are often located in the area of the tip of the uterine horn. This report presents the case of a breeding bitch with multiple uterine serosal inclusion cysts detected during caesarean section. The concentrations of estradiol 17ß and progesterone in the cyst fluid corresponded to the blood concentrations of these hormones in a bitch during parturition. The concentrations of total calcium, zinc, copper, and iron in the cyst fluid were below the reference values in canine blood whereas the concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium in the cyst fluid were comparable to pertaining blood levels.

Assessing efficacy of N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine-Sodium Hydroxide on bacterial viability and enhanced recovery of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from bovine colostrum.

The standard procedure for the improved cultural recovery of viable Mycobacterium spp. from diverse samples mainly depends on reducing the viability of background microbiota using different chemical compounds. This study was designed to i) evaluate the efficacy and comparison between N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine-Sodium hydroxide (NALC-2% NaOH) and hexadecylpyridinium chloride (0.75% HPC) treatment and exposure time on reducing the viability of undesirable microorganisms with minimal impact on colostrum consistency; and ii) assess the impact of NALC-2% NaOH on improved and enhanced recovery of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in spiked postpartum colostrum samples and consistency of colostrum. A total of 40 samples, each treated with NALC-2% NaOH for 15 min or 0.75% HPC for 5 h, were investigated for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and enterobacteria (EB) (CFU mL-1). The results showed that treatment of colostrum samples with NALC-2% NaOH completely eliminated EB and significantly reduced MAB (3.6 log10 CFU mL-1). Conversely, samples treated with 0.75% HPC produced a complex mixture following interaction with the colostrum protein and showed non-significant and variable results. In addition, the spiked colostrum treated with NALC-2% NaOH for 15 min revealed recovery of viable MAP cells with a minimum limit of detection of 1.36 log10 CFU 10 mL-1 where no change in the consistency of colostrum was observed. In conclusion, 15-min NALC-2% NaOH treatment of colostrum may significantly reduce the viability of undesirable microorganisms and help to enhance the efficient recovery of MAP without impacting the consistency of high quality postpartum colostrum. This rapid procedure is suitable for efficient recovery and early detection of MAP as well as preventing its transmission to neonates and young calves in MAP infected herds.

Quantitative assessment of German Holstein dairy cattle colostrum and impact of thermal treatment on quality of colostrum viscosity and immunoglobulins.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the color, fat, viscosity, IgG concentration, %Brix and refractive index of fresh postpartum colostrum of German Holstein dairy cattle and assess the impact of different thermal treatments on the visual and dynamic viscosity, in association to IgG concentration, of colostrum that can be used for pasteurization process. RESULTS: Of the total 40 fresh postpartum colostrum, the color of colostrum (ranging from white-pale yellow to yellow and dark-yellowish), fat (1.4-8.2 100 g-1), IgG (4-116 mg mL-1), %Brix (8.5-35.4%), refractive index (1.3454-1.3905 nD), visual (ranging from watery to liquid and thick) and dynamic (4.9-219 cp) viscosity, were recorded. Statistical analysis between visual and dynamic viscosity of fresh colostrum showed significant correlation coefficients (rs = 634). Moreover, a significant correlation between viscosity and three IgG concentrations was also observed. Heat-treated colostrum showed dynamic viscosity ranged from 25 to 3066 cP, where dynamic viscosity of colostrum before- and after heat-treatment showed no significant correlation. Treated colostrum at 60 °C/60 min and 63.5 °C/30 min containing IgG concentration ≤ 80 mg mL-1 and ≤ 68 mg mL-1 showed no significant change in the viscosity and can successfully be applied for pasteurization of first postpartum colostrum.

[Surgical resection in a case of vaginal fold prolapse during oestrus in a Great Dane]. / Chirurgisches Vorgehen bei einem Vaginalfaltenvorfall in der Läufigkeit bei einer Deutschen Dogge.

The surgical procedure for a grade IV oestrogen-related vaginal fold prolapse in a Great Dane is described. Furthermore, the possibilities of conservative therapy for this disease are presented and a more recent surgical technique as well as the dog's postoperative course are discussed. The principle of conservative treatment is to shorten the bitch's cycle by means of medically inducing ovulation and thus subsequently reducing the influence of estrogens on the prolapsed tissue. Advantages of both therapeutic approaches are discussed. The presented case's interesting aspect is that conservative therapy did not lead to a successful outcome for which the cause is not clear.

[Substances in the bovine colostrum - a survey]. / Inhaltsstoffe des bovinen Kolostrums ­ eine Übersicht.

The best studied substances in bovine colostrum are the immunoglobulins. They are absorbed in the small intestine of the neonate by pinocytosis. The Fc-receptor is not highly involved in this process in calves compared to other species. However, this receptor plays a crucial role in the transport of immunoglobulins from the circulation of the dam to the udder and, therefore, into the colostrum. During colostrogenesis, which starts up to 8 weeks prior to parturition, up to 500 g of immunoglobulins are transferred daily by this process. In addition, other components of the bovine colostrum have biological activity. Colostrum-derived growth factors, including IGF-1, EGF and TGF, influence the differentiation of the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and, therefore, its development. In the udder of the dam, they are involved in various mechanisms of adaption throughout the lactation period. Colostral leucocytes are also transported from the colostrum into the circulation of the offspring, this by a process termed cellular migration. These cells have a specific immunological memory and support the calf in the development of an immune response against specific pathogens the dam was exposed to earlier. Colostral enzymes can be used as an indirect parameter to control for an adequate colostrum supply of the calf (e.g. γ-glutamyltransferase) or have an unspecific antimicrobial potential capacity (e.g. lactate peroxidase, lactoferrin, lysozymes). Vitamins, fats, proteins and mass and trace elements in the colostrum are essential nutrients for the bovine neonate because of the great change in the requirements for the neonatal organism from preto postnatal life. The impact of hormones and other components of the colostrum is still mostly unclear. The composition of the colostrum in the individual cow is influenced by numerous factors, including the number of calvings, the amount of colostrum formed and breed of the dam.