[Reduced performance and high somatic cell counts in a dairy herd fed high amounts of brewers' grain]. / Leistungsminderung und hohe Zellzahlen in einer Milchviehherde nach Verfütterung von hohen Mengen an Biertreber.

The present case report describes a herd problem on a Holstein Friesian dairy farm in Switzerland, which could be attributed to the feeding of high amounts of wet brewers' grain over several months. Apathy and reduced general appearance, reduced feed intake as well as a decline in milk yield could be observed. A strong increase in milk somatic cell counts as well as an increase in the incidence of mastitis could be found. The milk fat content was highly elevated in all cows, whereas the milk protein content was reduced. The exclusion of wet brewers' grain from the partial mixed ration resulted in a considerable improvement of the general appearance of the cows and a decrease of the milk somatic cell counts. Feed that is easily spoiled could be a health risk for animals, particularly under hot and humid weather conditions and if fed in high amounts.

[Haemoplasma infection in a dairy cow]. / Hämoplasmeninfektion bei einer Milchkuh.

The present work describes the clinical and laboratory examination as well as the treatment of a 7-year-old local dairy breed cow presented with reduced appetite, decreasing milk yield and striking yellowish discoloured skin and mucosa. The laboratory examination revealed a high degree regenerative anaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. The bovine haemotrophic mycoplasma species Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' were detected in the blood by PCR. Treatment with oxytetracycline rapidly improved the general condition, and milk production was increased. In a follow-up study, blood samples of all 23 animals from the same herd were examined. Fifteen cows were found to be infected with both haemoplasma species, three animals were only infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and one animal only with Mycoplasma wenyonii. Two out of three tested calves were positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos'. Except for the above described anaemic cow, all other animals were clinically healthy.

[The use of a GnRH vaccine in mares and stallions to influence undesirable behavior: a retrospective study of 31 cases]. / Einsatz einer GnRH-Vakzine bei Stute und Hengst zur Beeinflussung von unerwünschtem Verhalten: Eine retrospektive Studie von 31 Fällen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a GnRH vaccine (Equity) on behavior and gonadal function in horses with unwanted behavior. The reason for the treatment was asked using a questionnaire and the findings of physical examination, rectal palpation as well as rectal ultrasonography, were recorded. The results of these examinations and the behavior of 21 mares and 10 stallions before the first and after the second administration of the GnRH vaccine were compared. In 84 % of all cases a decrease of the unwanted behavior could be observed. In the mares the ovaries were significantly (p