Jože Starič

Animal board invited review: advances in proteomics for animal and food sciences

Animal production and health (APH) is an important sector in the world economy, representing a large proportion of the budget of all member states in the European Union and in other continents. APH is a highly competitive sector with a strong emphasis on innovation and, albeit with country to country variations, on scientific research. Proteomics (the study of all proteins present in a given tissue or fluid – i.e. the proteome) has an enormous potential when applied to APH. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons and in contrast to disciplines such as plant sciences or human biomedicine, such potential is only now being tapped. To counter such limited usage, 6 years ago we created a consortium dedicated to the applications of Proteomics to APH, specifically in the form of a Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, termed FA1002 – Proteomics in Farm Animals: www.cost-faproteomics.org. In 4 years, the consortium quickly enlarged to a total of 31 countries in Europe, as well as Israel, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. This article has a triple purpose. First, we aim to provide clear examples on the applications and benefits of the use of proteomics in all aspects related to APH. Second, we provide insights and possibilities on the new trends and objectives for APH proteomics applications and technologies for the years to come. Finally, we provide an overview and balance of the major activities and accomplishments of the COST Action on Farm Animal Proteomics. These include activities such as the organization of seminars, workshops and major scientific conferences, organization of summer schools, financing Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and the generation of scientific literature. Overall, the Action has attained all of the proposed objectives and has made considerable difference by putting proteomics on the global map for animal and veterinary researchers in general and by contributing significantly to reduce the East–West and North–South gaps existing in the European farm animal research. Future activities of significance in the field of scientific research, involving members of the action, as well as others, will likely be established in the future.

Lipid mobilisation and oxidative stress as metabolic adaptation processes in dairy heifers during transition period

The objective of this study was to evaluate metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in dairy heifers during the transition period. Possible relationships between lipid mobilisation indicators and oxidative stress markers were investigated as well. Nineteen dairy heifers were included in the study. Blood samples were collected at the time of estrus synchronisation in heifers, at insemination, three weeks after insemination, one week before calving, at calving and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. Common metabolic parameters, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), free fatty acids (FFA), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and total antioxidative status (TAS) were analysed. Around insemination, no significant difference was observed in the majority of tested parameters (P>0.05). However, the transition period markedly affected the concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, BHB, FFA, TAS and PON1activity. Positive correlations between PON1 activity and total cholesterol, HDL-C and triglycerides were noted but inverse correlations with FFA, BHB and bilirubin were found indicating that PON1 activity changed with lipid metabolism and was influenced by negative energy balance. These findings suggest that lipid mobilisation and oxidative stress are part of a complex metabolic adaptation to low energy balance which reaches equilibrium later in advanced lactation.

Epidemiology of taeniosis/cysticercosis in Europe, a systematic review: Western Europe

BackgroundTaenia solium and Taenia saginata are zoonotic parasites of public health importance. Data on their occurrence in humans and animals in western Europe are incomplete and fragmented. In this study, we aimed to update the current knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites in this region.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of scientific and grey literature published from 1990 to 2015 on the epidemiology of T. saginata and T. solium in humans and animals. Additionally, data about disease occurrence were actively sought by contacting local experts in the different countries.ResultsTaeniosis cases were found in twelve out of eighteen countries in western Europe. No cases were identified in Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. For Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the UK, annual taeniosis cases were reported and the number of detected cases per year ranged between 1 and 114. Detected prevalences ranged from 0.05 to 0.27%, whereas estimated prevalences ranged from 0.02 to 0.67%. Most taeniosis cases were reported as Taenia spp. or T. saginata, although T. solium was reported in Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Portugal and the UK. Human cysticercosis cases were reported in all western European countries except for Iceland, with the highest number originating from Portugal and Spain. Most human cysticercosis cases were suspected to have acquired the infection outside western Europe. Cases of T. solium in pigs were found in Austria and Portugal, but only the two cases from Portugal were confirmed with molecular methods. Germany, Spain and Slovenia reported porcine cysticercosis, but made no Taenia species distinction. Bovine cysticercosis was detected in all countries except for Iceland, with a prevalence based on meat inspection of 0.0002–7.82%.ConclusionsDetection and reporting of taeniosis in western Europe should be improved. The existence of T. solium tapeworm carriers, of suspected autochthonous cases of human cysticercosis and the lack of confirmation of porcine cysticercosis cases deserve further attention. Suspected cases of T. solium in pigs should be confirmed by molecular methods. Both taeniosis and human cysticercosis should be notifiable and surveillance in animals should be improved.

Relationship between blood haemoglobin and serum iron concentrations and heart girth in pre-weaned dairy calves

Abstract The aim of the research was to study the relation between blood haemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron (Fe) concentrations and changing of heart girth with age in calves. Blood samples of 66 dairy calves were taken at the age of 3, 5 and 16 weeks (wks). Blood samples were analysed for Hb and serum Fe concentration. At each bleeding, the heart girth was measured. The lowest mean concentration of Hb was measured at the age of five wks. The concentration of serum Fe and heart girth increased with age. Significant positive correlations were found between Fe concentration at 3 wks of age and heart girth of calves at 5wks (r=0.270; P=0.032) and between Fe concentration at 5 wks and heart girth of calves at 5 (r=0.283; P=0.021) and 16 wks (r=0.284; P=0.028). The lowest Hb concentration recorded at 5 wks, might suggest that this is the most critical period for developing anaemia in calves. The correlations established between heart girth and Fe concentration at different ages indicate that serum Fe concentration has some influence on changing of heart girth in calves.

Influence of Blood Sample Hemolysis on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Cows During Early Lactation

Summary The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of hemolysis degrees on the values of hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood samples of cows in early lactation. The study included a total of 45 blood samples of cows in early lactation. Out of the total number of samples analyzed, 15 indicated no signs of hemolysis, whereas 15 indicated moderate hemolysis and 15 severe hemolysis. The influence of hemolysis was examined by determining the bias (%) and by means of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that the hemolyzed samples had decreased values of the HCT, RBC, MCV, and increased values of the MCH, MCHC, and PLT. The total number of LEU showed a declining trend with increasing degrees of hemolysis. The changes in the HGB values were not detected despite the visual identification. The hemolysis degrees showed a significant influence on the values of biochemical parameters. The variations in biochemical parameters were less significant in the samples with moderate hemolysis compared to the samples with severe hemolysis. The most hemolysis-sensitive biochemical parameters were the AST, TBIL, TGC, and NEFA as great variations of their values were found even in moderate hemolysis. A slight deviation was noted in the BHB and total protein values. With respect to all the parameters examined, the Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in the samples with moderate and severe hemolysis in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, hemolysis significantly influenced the values of hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood samples analyzed.

Pulmonary hypoplasia and anasarca syndrome in Cika cattle.

BackgroundHydrops foetalis is defined as excessive fluid accumulation within the foetal extravascular compartments and body cavities. It has been described in human and veterinary medicine, but despite several descriptive studies its aetiology is still not fully clarified. Pulmonary hypoplasia and anasarca (PHA) syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality in cattle that is characterised by hydrops foetalis including extreme subcutaneous oedema (anasarca) and undeveloped or poorly formed lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia). Until now, sporadic cases of PHA were reported in cattle breeds like Australian Dexter, Belted Galloway, Maine-Anjou, and Shorthorn. This report describes the first known cases of PHA syndrome in Slovenian Cika cattle.Case presentationA 13-year-old cow aborted a male calf in the seventh month of pregnancy, while a male calf was delivered by caesarean section on the due date from a 14-year-old cow. The pedigree analysis showed that the calves were sired by the same bull, the dams were paternal half-sisters and the second calf was the product of a dam-son mating. Gross lesions were similar in both cases and characterized by severe anasarca, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, hypoplastic lungs, absence of lymph nodes, and an enlarged heart. The first calf was also athymic. Histopathology of the second affected calf confirmed severe oedema of the subcutis and interstitium of the organs, and pulmonary hypoplasia. The lymph vessels in the subcutis and other organs were severely dilated. Histopathology of the second calf revealed also lack of bronchus associated lymphoid tissue and adrenal gland hypoplasia.ConclusionsThe findings were consistent with known forms of the bovine PHA syndrome. This is the first report of the PHA syndrome occurring in the local endangered breed of Cika cattle. Observed inbreeding practice supports that this lethal defect most likely follows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. In the light of the disease phenotype it is assumed that a mutation causing an impaired development of lymph vessels is responsible for the hydrops foetalis associated malformations in bovine PHA.

Effect of estradiol on biochemical bone metabolism markers in dairy cows

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism (BBM) are products of bone tissue formation and resorption that escape to blood and urine where we can measure them. Biochemical markers of bone tissue formation (for instance bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP)) are products of osteoblast activity and biochemical markers of bone tissue resorption (for instance C terminal telopeptide crosslinks of collagen 1 (CTx)) are by products of osteoclast activity. Markers of bone metabolism can indicate if bone metabolism is more anabolic, catabolic or in general more or less active (Allen, 2003; Christenson, 1997). In high producing dairy cows there are tremendous changes in Ca requirements in the so called transition period when cows go from dry period into lactation. We expect increased catabolic bone metabolism at the beginning of lactation as absorbable Ca demand suddenly increases from about 20 g to around 60 g or more per day in high yielding cows because of colostrum and milk production concurrent with a relatively low dry matter (nutrient) intake. A significant proportion of dairy cows are not successful in maintaining normocalcaemia at the beginning of lactation and they develop subclinical hypocalcaemia with all negative effects on health, welfare and production or progress toclinical hypocalcaemia, so called milk fever (Goff, 2000). BBM have been detected in dairy cattle (Filipovic et al., 2008; Holtenius and Ekelund, 2005; Iwama, 2004; Liesegang et al., 2000; Staric, 2012). Studies suggest that BBM can be used as a prepartum tool to predict if a cow is going to have milk fever after calving (Staric, 2010).

Dynamics of metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in dairy heifers during transition period

Dairy cows in early postpartum period experience a rapid increase in milk yield, whereas animal feed consumption ability rises slowly and can not follow increased needs for nutrients (Eicher, 2004). Therefore dairy cows enter a period of negative energy balance (NEB) and metabolic stress. NEB is associated with the change in body condition score (BCS) and the rise of some metabolites such as non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta- hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (Lassen and Fettman, 2004). Intensified energy metabolism during periparturient period is accompanied by enlarged rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and may results in oxidative stress. Calving causes significant, but temporary, changes in the antioxidant system of cows’ blood (Gaal et al., 2006). Total antioxidant status (TAS) is a single measure that may effectively describe the dynamic equilibrium between pro-oxidants and antioxidant in plasma compartment (Ghiselli et al., 2000). Paroxonase-1 (PON1) is recognized as an important part of the mammalian natural anti-oxidative system (Mackness et al., 1991; Turk et al., 2008).

Duphafral® Vit. D3 1000 and KatAn® anionic salts for the prevention of milk fever in dairy cows

On three dairy farms with similar dietary treatments the effect of intramuscular (i/m) administration of Duphafral® Vit. D3 1000 and oral administration of KatAn® anionic salts for the prevention of milk fever (MF) was studied in 30 Black and White cows. The first group of cows (n=10; dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD)=+95.99 mEq/kg DMI) 10 ml of Vitamin D3 was administered one week before the expected calving. KatAn® group (n=10; DCDA=-99.00 mEq/kg DMI) was orally administered 300 g of anionic salts per day two weeks before parturition. The third group of cows (n=10, DCDA=+95.99 mEq/kg DMI) was the control group. During the experiment we controlled the clinical status of cows and blood samples were taken (2 and 1 week before parturition, and 1, 2 and 7 days postpartum) for the determination of plasma Ca, iP and Mg concentrations. It was established that the best results were achieved by i/m administration of 10 million IU cholecalciferol (vit. D3) one week before calving. Only one cow in this group was affected by MF the second day after calving. In KatAn® group one cow showed typical MF symptoms the first day after calving and another cow had retained foetal membranes (RFM). In the control group the MF incidence was markedly higher. One cow developed MF, one RFM and one cow showed left-sided displacement of the abomasum (LDA). Because the cows refused to eat silage mixed with KatAn salts, each cow was given the solution (300 ml) daily via a manual drencher. On the basis of the analyses, clinical-laboratory data and time-consuming application of anionic salts, we are of the opinion that the best prophylactic measure for the prevention of MF on small and medium large dairy farms in Slovenia is i/m administration of Duphafral®Vit. D3 1000. .