Energy and mineral metabolism of peripartum mares and foals of the Quarter Horse breed.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated variations in peripartum blood biochemical analytes used to monitor the health status of mares and their foals of different breeds. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize the physiologic changes of peripartum energy and mineral metabolism in healthy Quarter Horse mares and their neonatal foals. METHODS: Blood samples were initially collected from 17 mares on days 60 and 30 prepartum, and from mares and their foals on the day of parturition (after colostrum ingestion), and on days 15, 30, and 60 postpartum. The serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, total cholesterol (T-Cho), triglyceride, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured using commercial kits. Statistical differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (parametric variables) or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test (nonparametric variables). RESULTS: Fourteen of 17 healthy Quarter Horse mares and their neonatal foals remained in the study until termination. Serum BHBA, T-Cho, and calcium concentrations in mares showed significant differences during the observation period. Serum BHBA concentrations increased from 60 days prepartum to 60 days postpartum. Postpartum serum T-Cho and calcium concentrations significantly decreased until day-30 postpartum. In the foals, NEFA, T-Cho, calcium, and magnesium concentrations significantly differed between sampling times. In the foals, serum NEFA concentrations decreased from parturition until day-60 postpartum, while serum T-Cho, calcium, and magnesium concentrations were lowest at day-30 postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal changes observed in the blood biochemical analytes of this study could be used to improve the clinical evaluation of periparturient mare and neonatal foal Quarter Horses.

Short communication: Proinflammatory gene expression relative to the collection technique of endometrial samples from cows with and without subclinical endometritis.

Uterine inflammation negatively affects reproductive performance and is an important cause of infertility and subfertility in dairy cows. Several studies have investigated the use of gene expression in endometrial samples collected by biopsy or cytology to evaluate the inflammatory response of the cow uterus. This study aimed to compare the expression of the CCL5, CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B genes in the bovine endometrium according to the site of sample collection [caruncular (C) or intercaruncular (IC)], the collection method (biopsy or cytology), and the category of inflammation based on endometrial cytology (zero, medium, or high) in subclinical endometritis. The reproductive tracts of dairy cows were collected from a slaughterhouse, and punch-biopsy samples of endometrial tissues were obtained from both regions (C and IC). Endometrial cells from these regions were collected with the cytobrush technique and then used for the analysis of mRNA expression by quantitative PCR. After counting polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) by endometrial cytology, 20 uteri with an ovary at stage I (d 1-4 of estrous cycle) were categorized into 3 groups. Uteri with 0% PMN (n = 10) were assigned to group zero, uteri with 5 to 15% PMN (n = 5) to group medium (12.2 ± 1.6% PMN), and uteri with >15% PMN (n = 5) to group high (53.8 ± 32.9% PMN). All data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison post test. The results from gene transcripts demonstrated that the region (C or IC) of the endometrial biopsy had no influence on any of the degrees of inflammatory reaction observed. However, gene expression was more elevated in the endometrium of cows with greater inflammation compared with those without inflammation (CCL5, CXCL8, IL6, IL1B) and those with medium inflammation (CCL5, IL6). Expression of the genes evaluated did not differ between the endometrium without inflammation and with medium inflammation. However, in the high inflammation group, all genes were comparatively more expressed in samples collected by cytology relative to those derived from biopsies for both anatomical regions. In conclusion, gene expression did not differ between the C and IC tissue. Samples collected from animals with greater inflammation had greater gene expression than those with zero or medium inflammation. In addition, cytology samples had greater gene expression than biopsy samples in the high inflammation group.

Perfil metabólico de vacas Jersey clinicamente saudáveis / Metabolic profile of clinically healthy Jersey cows

O conhecimento do metabolismo dos animais é de suma importância para se obter sucesso em qualquer atividade que envolva rebanhos. Objetivou-se determinar o perfil bioquímico sérico de vacas Jersey clinicamente saudáveis no pré e pós-parto, mantidas em sistema de criação semi-intensivo na região de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Realizou-se o exame clínico e coleta de sangue de 40 vacas da raça Jersey multíparas e lactantes em 15 momentos, entre -150 dias pré-parto até 60 dias pós-parto (DPP). No laboratório, foram analisadas as concentrações séricas de proteínas totais, albumina, globulinas, ureia, creatinina, ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA), ß-hidroxibutirato (BHBA), triglicerídeos, colesterol, lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL), lipoproteínas de muita baixa densidade (VLDL), lipoproteínas de baixa densi­dade (LDL), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama-glutamil transferase (GGT), creatina quinase (CK), cálcio, fósforo e magnésio. Dos 40 animais, apenas 21 vacas atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e seus dados foram utilizados. Procedeu-se o teste de Tukey para os dados paramétricos e para os dados não paramétricos realizou-se o teste de Kruskal Wallis na comparação entre os momentos avaliados. Não houve interferência do balanço energético negativo e da hipocalcemia subclínica na ocorrência de doenças uterinas e no desempenho reprodutivo. Concluiu-se que vacas da raça Jersey apresentam perfil bioquímico caracterizado por hiperglobulinemia durante o periparto, além de níveis elevados de triglicérides, entretanto, sem comprometimento da função hepática e desempenho reprodutivo.(AU)

The understanding of animal metabolism is important for the success of livestock activity. The aim of this study was to determine the serum biochemical profile of clinically healthy Jersey cows in pre and postpartum, housed in semi-intensive production system in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Clinical examination and blood collection from 40 multiparous lactating dairy cows, between -150 days prepartum up to 60 days postpartum (DPP) were performed. At the laboratory, serum parameters of total proteins, albumin, globulins, urea, creatinine, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were analyzed. To the total of cows (n=40) enrolled, only 21 cows were complied with the inclusion criterias. It was proceeded the Tukey test for parametric data, and to the nonparametric data it was held the Kruskal Wallis test for the comparison between days evaluated. There was no interference of negative energy balance and subclinical hypocalcemia in the occurrence of uterine diseases and reproductive performance. In conclusion, Jersey cows have biochemical profile characterized by hyperglobulinemia during peripartum, and high levels of triglycerides, but without impaired liver function and reproductive performance.(AU)

Ovarian steroids do not affect bovine endometrial cytokine or chemokine responses to Escherichia coli or LPS in vitro.

The risk of bacterial infection of the endometrium causing uterine disease in cattle is increased in the progesterone-dominated luteal phase of the ovarian cycle, while oestrogens or oestrus are therapeutic or protective against disease. The first line of defence against bacteria, such as Escherichia coli that cause inflammation of the endometrium, is the innate immune system, which recognises bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study tested the hypothesis that cyclic variation in ovarian hormone concentrations alters innate immune responses within the bovine endometrium. Ex vivo organ cultures of endometrium, and in vitro cultures of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), all mounted inflammatory responses to E. coli or LPS, with secretion of inflammatory mediators interleukin 1ß (IL1ß), IL6 and IL8, and increased expression of mRNA encoding IL1B, IL6, CXCL8 (IL8) and CCL5. However, these inflammatory responses, typical of innate immunity, were not affected by the stage of ovarian cycle in which the endometrium was collected for organ culture, or by exogenous oestradiol or progesterone. Although a dexamethasone-positive control reduced inflammation stimulated by E. coli or LPS, treatment with oestradiol or progesterone, or inhibitors of oestradiol or progesterone nuclear receptors, did not affect endometrial cell or PBMC secretion of IL1ß, IL6 or IL8, or IL1B, IL6, CXCL8 and CCL5 gene expression. In conclusion, the stage of the oestrus cycle or ovarian steroids did not modulate the innate immune response in the bovine endometrium in vitro.

Perfil metabólico de vacas mestiças leiteiras com baixo escore de condição corporal no periparto / Metabolic profile in crossbred dairy cows with low body condition score in the peripartum period

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil metabólico energético, proteico e enzimático de vacas mestiças leiteiras com baixo escore de condição corporal (ECC) no periparto. Foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas uma semana antes do parto, no dia do parto, e aos sete, 14, 21, 28 e 43 dias pós-parto (DPP) de 36 animais, com média de ECC de 2,6±0,5, com eutocia e pós-parto fisiológico e sem tratamentos nesta fase. Analisaram-se as concentrações séricas de proteínas totais, albumina e globulinas para o perfil protéico; AST, ALT, GGT e fosfatase alcalina para o perfil enzimático; ácidos graxos não-esterificados (NEFA), β-hidroxibutirato (BHBA), triglicerídeos, colesterol e lipoproteínas (VLDL, HDL e LDL) para o perfil energético. As vacas apresentaram no pré-parto hipoproteinemia, hipoalbuminemia, hipocolesterolemia e aumento das enzimas GGT e AST. No dia do parto houve lipólise e hipoglobulinemia. Concluiu-se que vacas mestiças leiteiras com baixo ECC apresentam balanço energético negativo, hipoproteinemia com hipoalbuminemia e lesão hepática no periparto, com restabelecimento aos 30 DPP, mas não recuperam sua condição corporal até o final do puerpério.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile of protein, energy and enzyme in crossbred dairy cows with low body condition score (BCS) in the peripartum period. Blood samples were collected from 36 animals with 2.6±0.5 BCS, eutocia, physiological postpartum and without any treatment, on following days: one week before calving, calving and 7, 14, 21, 28 and 43 days in milk (DIM). It was evaluated serum total protein, albumin and globulins for protein profile; AST, ALT, GGT and alkaline phosphatase for mineral profile; nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoproteins (VLDL, HDL and LDL) for energy profile. Crossbred dairy cows had hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypocholesterolemia and increased that both enzymes AST and GGT at the precalving. There were lipolysis and hypoglobulinemia at parturition. It was concluded that crossbred dairy cows with low BCS have negative energy balance, hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia and hepatic injury in the peripartum. This condition is restored at 30 DIM, but there is no recovery of the body condition by the end of puerperium.