[Diagnosis of fatty liver in dairy cows]. / Diagnostik der Leberverfettung bei der Milchkuh.

From 27 dairy cows with a mean milk yield of 6900 kg FCM (4% milk fat) per 305 day lactation period liver bioptates 2 weeks post partum (p.p.), milk samples 2, 4 weeks p.p., blood samples 0 (partus), 2, 4 week p.p., measurement of backfat thickness 2 weeks prior to calving, 0, 6, 17 weeks p.p. were taken and body weight and milk yield were determined. Fertility results and disorders appearance were recorded too. Total lipid and triglyceride content were analysed in liver tissue. Acetone concentration was determined in milk and 15 clinical-chemical parameters were elucidated in blood samples. Liver fat concentration shows a great variability from 3.9% to 24%. There is no strong reference value for the distinction between physiological and pathological liver fat concentration. Assessment as to whether increased liver fat levels in dairy cow are indicative of liver damage due to a pathological process should include detection of liver cell damage on the basis of plasma enzymes with closest possible specificity of liver. Glutamate-dehydrogenase (GLDH) is recommended. Liver fat content clearly could be defined exclusively from investigation of liver tissue rather than from analysis of blood or milk parameters. Measurement of backfat thickness provided useful information on the post partum lipolysis rate with a good correlation to liver fat (r to -0.72).

[The morphology and function of the liver in high performance cows 2 weeks post partum]. / Untersuchungen zur Morphologie und Funktion der Leber von Hochleistungskühen 2 Wochen post partum.

Liver biopsies taken 2 weeks post partum from 213 high-yielding cows (6000-8000 kg FCM per 305 days lactation) were investigated biochemically to liver lipid content (GL) and histologically to degree of lipid infiltration (GdL). Additional in 27 cases electron microscopic studies to liver cell morphology and clinico-chemical investigations (beta-OH-butyrate and acetate in blood; quantity of bilirubin, albumin, protein, activity of ASAT and GLDH in blood plasma) were carried out. 22.5% of liver biopsies were histologically free of lipid infiltration (GL: 2.34%; GdL: 0). 77.5% of liver biopsies showed different lipid quantities (GL: 5.1-24%; GdL: 0.3-5.7%). 27 cases additionally investigated electron-microscopically and clinico-chemically can be summarized in 3 groups (with regard to lipid contents): 1. < 5%, n = 7; 2.5-10%, n = 10; 3. 10-24%, n = 10. Electron microscopic changes concerned occasional nucleus alterations, frequent RER dilation, mitochondria condensation or swelling, occurrence of secondary lysosomes and glycogen decrease. RER dilation and mitochondria swelling showed a statistical relation to liver lipid content. Ketone body (beta-OH-butyrate, acetate) and bilirubin concentration climbed with increasing quantity of liver lipid. Activities of GLDH and ASAT failed any dependence to lipid quantity. The results are discussed under the aspect of pathogenesis and dignity of fatty degeneration of the liver post partum.

[Methodologic studies of ileal flow measurement using large lumen intestinal cannulae in swine]. / Methodische Untersuchungen zur ilealen Flussmessung mittels grosslumiger Darmkanülen beim Schwein.

A special operation method and intestinal cannulae were developed for the ascertainment of the ileal nutrient digestibility of roughage and root crops. The presented method has proved reliable over a period of 2 years. The possibility of ascertaining the chyme flow directly (by total collection) or indirectly (with an inert marker) is described. The reduction of the expenditure of labour by cutting down the collecting period is suggested for routine studies.

[Effect of mixed protein silage in feed on the digestive tract and metabolism parameters in swine]. / Die Wirkung von Eiweissmischsilage in der Fütterung sowie auf Trakt- und Stoffwechselparameter beim Schwein.

With a view to studying the effect of acid addition, weaned piglets and fattening pigs were fed graduated amounts of protein mixed silage (pH-value 3.15 by adding 20 g H2SO4/kg) in rations of equal energy and protein levels. On average, the fattening pigs were taking in 0.26 g H2SO4/kg, whilst the amounts for piglets were 0.60 and 0.72 g H2SO4/kg. Higher acid intakes had a negative effect of energy expenditure, weight gains and feed intake. The experimental animals had significantly longer small intestines, whilst the intestine's wall was found thinner and the amount of digesta reduced and with a higher water content. The microbial activity in the stomach proved significantly inhibited. However, it was higher in the caecum as compared to the control animals. Metabolic parameters suggest that water and mineral balances are under stress. The significance of acid addition for tract flora and its metabolites is discussed. Protein mixed silage is regarded a dietetically favourable feed when given at a maximum daily amount of 25 g/kg LW or 1 kg/animal. The recommendation for dosing the daily administration of inorganic acids is as follows: max. 0.5 g acid/kg LW or 20 g/animal.