Annarita Ferrari

Effect of selenium source and dose on selenium status of mature horses.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of either dietary Se source or dose on the Se status of horses. Twenty-five mature horses were blocked by BW and randomly allocated to 1 of 5 dietary treatments that comprised the same basal diet that differed only in Se source or dose. Treatments were as follows: negative control (0.085 mg of Se/kg of DM), 3 different dietary concentrations of supplemental organic Se (Se yeast; 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg of total Se/kg of DM), and positive control (0.3 mg of total Se/kg of DM) supplemented with Na selenite. Horses initially received the control diet (6 kg of grass hay and 3 kg of concentrate per horse daily) for 56 d to allow diet adaptation. After the period of diet adaptation, horses were offered their respective treatments for a continuous period of 112 d. Jugular venous blood samples were collected before the morning feed on d 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112. Whole blood and plasma were analyzed for total Se, glutathione peroxidase activity in whole blood (GPX-1) and plasma, and thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) in plasma. The proportion of total Se as selenomethionine (SeMet) or selenocysteine in pooled whole blood and plasma samples was determined on d 0, 56, and 112. Data were analyzed as repeated measures. Total Se in blood and plasma and GPX-1 activity were greater in all supplemented horses (P < 0.001, except P < 0.01 for GPX-1 in horses supplemented with the least dose of Se yeast) with a linear dose effect of Se yeast for whole blood and plasma Se (P < 0.001) and a quadratic dose effect (P < 0.05) for whole blood GPX-1 activity. A plateau for total Se in plasma was achieved within 75 to 90 d, although this was not observed in blood total Se or GPX-1 activity. On d 84 and 112, horses supplemented with Se yeast showed greater total Se in blood (P < 0.05) compared with horses supplemented with Na selenite, and a source effect (P < 0.05) was observed in the relationship between total blood Se and GPX-1 activity. Selenocysteine (the predominant form of Se in whole blood and plasma) increased in all horses supplemented with Se. The SeMet content of whole blood and plasma increased in horses supplemented with Se yeast, but it was not observed in those supplemented with selenite. The rate of increase in SeMet over time was greater in whole blood (P < 0.05) and plasma (P = 0.10) with the Se yeast product. In conclusion, Se yeast was more effective than Na selenite in increasing total Se in blood, mainly as consequence of a greater increase of the proportion of Se comprised as SeMet, but it did not modify GPX-1 activity.

Blood indices calves: relationship with mother values and changes in the first days of life

Abstract To increase the knowledge on blood indices in calves, 47 pure bred and crossbred calves were studied in their first 14 days of life. Blood samples were taken at birth, from mothers and calves before colostrum administration, and till 14th day for metabolic profile determination. At birth, urea, glucose, haptoglobin, Ca, Na, Cl and K of mothers and calves were correlated, suggesting a transplacental passage. During first 2-3 days of life, globulin, GGT, GOT, ALP rose as consequence of colostrum intake and could be used as markers of its adequate administr Changes of other ation. parameters (Zn, albumin, cholesterol, besides haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin) are related to inflammatory conditions. However, the interpretation of typical inflammatory proteins appears difficult (e.g. high levels of at birth could depend by transplacental exchange or fetal synthesis; the rise haptoglobin of after birth seems related to the colostrum intake; the progressive rise of ceruloplasmin haptoglobin is influenced by an adaptation process) and the Zn reduction seems the better index of inflammation. Finally, genetic background seems also to influence blood indices (e.g. crossbred vs. pure bred showed higher PCV, Zn and levels). haptoglobin

Immunometabolic status during the peripartum period is enhanced with supplemental Zn, Mn, and Cu from amino acid complexes and Co from Co glucoheptonate

The peripartum (or transition) period is the most-critical phase in the productive life of lactating dairy cows and optimal supply of trace minerals through more bioavailable forms could minimize the negative effects associated with this phase. Twenty Holstein cows received a common prepartal diet and postpartal diet. Both diets were partially supplemented with an inorganic (INO) mix of Zn, Mn, and Cu to supply 35, 45, and 6 ppm, respectively, of the diet dry matter (DM). Cows were assigned to treatments in a randomized completed block design, receiving an daily oral bolus with INO or organic trace minerals (AAC) Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co to achieve 75, 65, 11, and 1 ppm supplemental, respectively, in the diet DM. Liver tissue and blood samples were collected throughout the experiment. The lower glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase concentration after 15 days in milk in AAC cows indicate lower hepatic cell damage. The concentration of cholesterol and albumin increased, while IL-6 decreased over time in AAC cows compared with INO indicating a lower degree of inflammation and better liver function. Although the acute-phase protein ceruloplasmin tended to be lower in AAC cows and corresponded with the reduction in the inflammatory status, the tendency for greater serum amyloid A concentration in AAC indicated an inconsistent response on acute-phase proteins. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity increased over time in AAC cows. Furthermore, the concentrations of nitric oxide, nitrite, nitrate, and the ferric reducing ability of plasma decreased with AAC indicating a lower oxidative stress status. The expression of IL10 and ALB in liver tissue was greater overall in AAC cows reinforcing the anti-inflammatory response detected in plasma. The greater overall expression of PCK1 in AAC cows indicated a greater gluconeogenic capacity, and partly explained the greater milk production response over time. Overall, feeding organic trace minerals as complexed with amino acids during the transition period improved liver function and decreased inflammation and oxidative stress.

Assessment of the main plasma parameters included in a metabolic profile of dairy cow based on Fourier Transform mid-infrared spectroscopy: preliminary results

BackgroundAlthough a metabolic profile represents a valid tool utilized in dairy herds to determine abnormalities in blood chemistry related to an increased risk of production diseases, there are no studies on application of Fourier Transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy. This study assesses the potential application of FT-MIR to analyze the main blood biochemical parameters included in the metabolic profile of dairy cows. Infrared transmission spectra were acquired for 35 plasma samples (two replicates on each sample) of Italian Friesian dairy cows (14 primiparous and 21 pluriparous), all without clinical events, and at different stages of lactation, although mainly in the transition phase. Each sample was also analyzed independently using accepted reference clinical chemical methods and these results were used as calibrating values to perform predictive models by PLS method using cross validation.ResultsMeasured blood parameters concentrations were all within the reference ranges reported for healthy dairy cows. The number of extracted factors with the PLS procedure for each prediction model ranged between 3 and 7. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the prediction models ranged between 0.1 to values close to 1. R2 values greater than 0.9 were observed for the prediction models of total cholesterol, total protein, globulin, and albumin; values between 0.75 and 0.9 were observed for urea, NEFA, and total bilirubin, while values of R2 lower than 0.6 were observed for all minerals and for enzyme activity. The range error ratio (RER) and prediction to deviation (RPD) ranged from 5.1 to 43.8 and from 1 to 13.8 for RER and RPD, respectively. Values of RPD greater than 5 were observed for total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin. RPD ranged between 2 and 5 for the prediction models of urea, NEFA, and total bilirubin, while RPD and RER were low for minerals and enzyme activities.ConclusionsAlthough the results of this study require further validation, the use of FT-MIR spectroscopy was possible and provides fairly accurate measurement of various parameters of great importance in the evaluation of the metabolic and inflammatory status in dairy cows.

Early post-partum hematological changes in Holstein dairy cows with retained placenta

Retained placenta (RP) occurs frequently in dairy cattle but little is known about the pathogenic or prognostic role of the hematological changes in this disease. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the hematological changes associated with RP in the immediate post-partum period and to assess whether these changes are associated with an acute phase reaction. Data concerning hematology, acute phase proteins, markers of inflammation and serum biochemistry performed on cows at 3±1 days in milk (DIM) from two intensive farms were extracted from the database of the ProZoo project, a research project aimed to investigate the relationship between genomic traits and bovine health and production. After application of restrictive inclusion criteria, data from 45 cows, 22 with RP and 23 controls, were statistically compared. RBC count, d-ROMs concentration, and AST activity were significantly higher in the RP group than controls. Conversely, neutrophils, thiol groups, and serum zinc concentration were significantly lower in the RP group than controls. In conclusion, although retained placenta has to be considered as a syndrome with multifactorial causes, neutropenia may be a co-factor involved in its pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to clarify whether neutropenia acts as a contributor in the pathogenesis of RP or if it is a very early consequence of the syndrome, preceding any other inflammatory changes in blood.

Productive and metabolic consequences induced by the retained placenta in dairy cows.

Productive and metabolic consequences induced by the retained placenta in dairy cows E. Trevisi & A. R. Ferrari & G. Bertoni Published online: 20 August 2008 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2008

Anti-inflammatory treatments in calving dairy cows: effects on haematological and metabolic profiles

Riassunto Trattamento con anti-infiammatori nel post-parto in bovine da latte: effetti a livello del profilo ematologico e metabolico. Con lo scopo di modulare la risposta infiammatoria nel post-parto in un allevamento caratterizzato da un’elevata presenza di problemi, 5 bovine hanno ricevuto per os acetilsalicilato (25 g/d x 5 giorni dopo il parto; ASS) e 5 sono servite da controllo (CTR). Tra –30 e +30 giorni dal parto sono stati monitorati la produzione di latte, il BCS, lo stato di salute ed il profilo ematologico-metabolico. Il trattamento con ASS ha determinato l’aumento della produzione di latte ( ∼2 kg/capo/d), il minor aumento delle proteine infiammatorie (ceruloplasmina ed aptoglobina) ed una meno intensa lipomobilizzazione (NEFA e β-OH-butir-rato più bassi, minor calo di BCS). La somministrazione orale di acetilsalicilato ha fornito effetti analoghi al trattamento parenterale, attenuando le conseguenza negative dello stato infiammatorio nel post parto (aumento produttivo, minor ricorso alle riserve corporee, migliorate condizioni metaboliche).

Preliminary studies on compatibility between high yield levels and the well-being of dairy cows.

After centuries of intensive plant and animal genetic selection aimed at increasing productivity, some reasons for concern have emerged. In livestock production, ethical reasons also require reflection. Rollin (2001) states that high yield could per se compromise dairy cow welfare and is, however, responsible for health disorders with discomfort and worsening of milk quality. We have already rejected these a-priori statements arguing at a theoretical level (Bertoni and Calamari, 2001) as well as providing empirical data (Trevisi et al., 2001). To corroborate our hypothesis we submit the case of a dairy herd monitored (i.e. health, performances and metabolic profile) for 12 months, before and after the correction of various managerial errors.

Reference intervals for hematological and biochemical parameters, acute phase proteins and markers of oxidation in Holstein dairy cows around 3 and 30 days after calving

The establishment of specific reference intervals (RIs) is advisable when different metabolic conditions in the patient population are present or when existing RIs are not suitable. Holstein dairy cows, at the start of lactation, experience a negative energy balance and an altered immune function that can lead to different levels of blood parameters compared with cows at peak lactation. The aim of this study was the determination of RIs for Holstein cows at 3±1 and 30±3days in milk. To this aim, 145 cows, from 4 herds, were sampled. A wide panel of hematological and biochemical analytes was determined, as well as the measurement of markers of inflammation/oxidation. RIs were generated following the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines and the effects of lactation period, parity, herd and day of sampling were determined. Data from 39 out of 52 analytes were significantly different according to lactation period. Data of 13 out of 52 analytes were not significantly different between the two groups. Some differences were also recorded between herds and parity groups but the adoption of specific RIs for these subgroups, however, has practical limitations. In conclusion the use of RIs specific for the lactation period is highly justified from both a statistical and a biological point of view. Pre-analytical factors associated with parity or management need to be considered in the evaluation of results of some analytes.

Effects of dry period length and dietary energy source on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in dairy cows

Negative energy balance in dairy cows in early lactation has been associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress in these cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dry period (DP) length and dietary energy source on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (60 primiparous and 107 multiparous) were assigned randomly to a 3 × 2 factorial design with 3 DP length (0, 30, or 60 d) and 2 early lactation rations (glucogenic or lipogenic). Cows were fed a glucogenic or lipogenic ration from 10 d before the expected calving date. Blood was collected in wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 4 relative to calving. Dry period length affected inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress, especially in wk 1 and 2 after calving. Cows with a 0-d DP had higher levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and they tended to have higher haptoglobin levels compared with cows with a 30- or 60-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had a lower plasma paraoxonase and bilirubin in the first 2 wk after calving and a lower liver functionality index compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Cows of parity >3 fed a glucogenic ration had higher cholesterol levels compared with cows of parity >3 fed a lipogenic ration. No interaction between DP length and ration was present for inflammatory biomarkers or oxidative stress variables. Plasma bilirubin levels for cows with a 0-d DP were negatively related to energy balance and metabolic status in these cows. Moreover, occurrence of clinical health problems (fever, mastitis, metritis, and retained placenta) was 41, 27, and 30% for cows with 0-, 30-, and 60-d DP, respectively. High levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites in cows with 0-d DP were related to the occurrence of health problems in these cows. In conclusion, omitting the DP increased levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and decreased levels of bilirubin and paraoxonase in plasma, independent of ration, compared with cows with a 60-d DP. These contrasting effects of DP length on inflammatory status could be explained in part by the improved energy balance and occurrence of health problems in these cows, but was not related to increased somatic cell count in cows with a 0-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had better energy balance, but also had higher levels of oxidative stress compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Moreover, occurrence of health problems did not differ between cows with different DP lengths.