Mortality and culling of adult dairy cows in Jordan: A 3-year study (2016–2018) based on a single intensively managed dairy farm

Research (Published online: 19-11-2022)

15. Mortality and culling of adult dairy cows in Jordan: A 3-year study (2016–2018) based on a single intensively managed dairy farm

Zuhair Bani Ismail and Mohammad Musab Muhaffel

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2617-2622

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dairy cow mortality and culling are important parameters reflecting on cow health, productivity, and welfare as well as important determinants of herd sustainability, growth, and profitability. There are no published reports on the causes and rates of mortality and culling of dairy cows in Jordan. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the most common causes and rates of mortality and culling of adult dairy cows in Jordan using a single well-managed dairy farm as a model over 3 years.

Materials and Methods: Data extracted from the farm management record software over 3 years (January 2016–December 2018) were used in this study. Cow-specific data included the date and month of sale, death or euthanasia, age, parity, reproductive status, and daily milk yield. Cow health-specific data included physical examination findings, presumptive diagnosis, medical or surgical treatments, postmortem findings, and any available laboratory findings. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine means (± standard deviation) and frequencies of various variables using Excel Spreadsheets of Microsoft Word 10.

Results: The 3-year rolling cow population in the farm used in the study was 500 ± 35. The overall mortality and culling rates were 5.9% and 28.5%, respectively. The mean age of died and culled cows was 3 ± 1.2 and 4 ± 1.5 years, respectively. The mortality rates were highest in the colder months (January through April). The most frequent causes of mortality were infectious diseases (28%), followed by non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases (25%), udder and teat diseases (mastitis 22%), and other diseases/accidents (25%). Of the infectious diseases, the most frequently diagnosed were enterotoxemia (12%), tuberculosis (TB) (8%), enteric salmonellosis (7%), and paratuberculosis (1%). The most frequently diagnosed non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases were traumatic reticulitis (11%), vagal indigestion (9%), and abomasal ulcer (5%). The most frequently diagnosed diseases causing mortality involving other body systems were reproductive diseases (acute puerperal metritis 6%), respiratory diseases (pneumonia 5% and pulmonary embolism 1%), metabolic diseases (fatty liver 3%), musculoskeletal diseases (septic arthritis 3% and downer cow syndrome 4%), neurologic diseases (unspecified causes 2%), and finally accidents (electrocution 1%). The most frequent causes of culling were old age/low milk production (39%), followed by the poor reproductive performance (31%), diseases/accidents (24%), and unidentified causes (6%). The most frequent diseases/accidents causing culling were udder diseases (mastitis 32%), followed by non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases (28%) (vagal indigestion [15%], rumen tympany [7%], and abomasal ulcer [6%]), musculoskeletal diseases (23%) (foot and claw diseases [7%], downer cow syndrome [7%], hip luxation [5%], septic arthritis [2%], and gastrocnemius rupture [2%]), respiratory diseases (pneumonia 10%), and finally infectious diseases (9%) (paratuberculosis [3%], hemorrhagic bowel syndrome [2%], and TB [2%]).

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the majority of deaths and culling of dairy cows in Jordan are due to infectious diseases followed by non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases and mastitis. More efforts aiming at improving biosecurity standards, nutritional management, and mastitis prevention measures are required to limit the impact of disease on farm economy, animal health and productivity, and animal welfare in Jordan.

Keywords: animal welfare, culling rate, dairy cows, Jordan livestock, mortality rate.

Natural high ambient temperature-induced respiratory hypocapnia without activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in lactating goats

Research (Published online: 19-11-2022)

14. Natural high ambient temperature-induced respiratory hypocapnia without activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in lactating goats

Sapon Semsirmboon, Dang Khoa Do Nguyen, Narongsak Chaiyabutr, Sutthasinee Poonyachoti, and Sumpun Thammacharoen

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2611-2616

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Activation of breathing, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and plasma antioxidant defense are adaptive mechanisms in lactating dairy goats fed during the summer season. However, an excess of these responses can interfere with the gas exchange. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural high ambient temperature (HTa) on blood gas parameters and their relation to the HPA axis and antioxidant defense.

Materials and Methods: Six mid-lactating goats were included in this study and were fed in individual pens for 2 weeks. The data on ambient conditions, physiological responses, and blood chemistry were measured for two sampling days (D7 and D14), 1 week apart during the late summer season. On this two-sampling day, the main physiological responses to HTa, including respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (Tr), blood gas, and blood chemistry, were measured in the morning and afternoon.

Results: Goats from both D7 and D14 increased RR and Tr significantly according to morning and afternoon periods. In addition, goats were at the hypocapnia stage during afternoon panting without a change in blood pH and bicarbonate levels. Interestingly, HTa-induced hypocapnia was not accompanied by an increase in plasma cortisol levels. Finally, ΔTa was negatively correlated with changes in glutathione peroxidase activity.

Conclusion: The natural HTa (ΔTa; 5–8°C) in this study activated evaporative heat dissipation and was high enough to induce respiratory hypocapnia. Importantly, this ΔTa did not activate the HPA axis but was correlated with a change in antioxidant defense. Therefore, under natural HTa in tropical conditions, respiratory hypocapnia is the first line of physiological response in goats within a specific range of natural ΔTa (5–8°C).

Keywords: acid-base imbalance, lactation, Saanen goat, thermal panting, tropical climate.

Comparative study of electrocardiographic parameters in calves born after eutocia versus dystocia

Research (Published online: 18-11-2022)

13. Comparative study of electrocardiographic parameters in calves born after eutocia versus dystocia

Julia Nowak, Jessica Joerling, Marlene Sickinger, and Axel Wehrend

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2603-2610

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The mortality rate of perinatal calves is high, particularly in dystocia cases. Besides detectable conditions such as trauma or amniotic fluid aspiration, the potential salience of cardiological diseases in neonatal bovine deaths has received little attention. This study aimed to compare the electrocardiographic parameters of calves born under conditions of dystocia and eutocia.

Materials and Methods: Electrocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory diagnostic examinations were performed during the first 5 days of life on 40 calves. Of them, 20 calves were born under conditions of dystocia and 20 of eutocia.

Results: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) did not show detectable arrhythmias in all calves. Both groups exhibited tachycardia on their first ECGs. The QT and ST interval durations developed differently over time in both groups, suggesting that these may be related to conditions of birth.

Conclusion: The electrocardiographic differences between calves born of dystocia and eutocia could be a factor in the increased mortality rate of calves born of dystocia.

Keywords: birth, bovine, electrocardiogram, neonate.

Molecular detection of equid herpesvirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asymptomatic horses in Southern Brazil

Research (Published online: 17-11-2022)

12. Molecular detection of equid herpesvirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asymptomatic horses in Southern Brazil

Mariane Angélica Finger, Janaina Socolovski Biava, Peterson Triches Dornbusch, João Henrique Perotta, Leila Sabrina Ullmann, Priscila Beatriz da SiIva Serpa, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Alexander Welker Biondo, Christian Leutenegger, and Ivan Roque de Barros Filho

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2597-2602

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Molecular approaches to diagnose respiratory viruses have provided an opportunity for early and subclinical pathogen detection, particularly in samples from the upper respiratory tract. This study aimed to investigate the presence of herpesviruses, particularly equid herpesvirus (EHV)-2 and EHV-5, in samples from the lower respiratory tract of healthy racehorses from Southern Brazil.

Materials and Methods: Samples from the lower respiratory tract (i.e., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF]) were assessed by video endoscopy, cytological evaluation of BALF, and tracheal aspirates (TA), along with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to detect equine herpesvirus infection in the lower respiratory tract samples and compare corresponding cytological and endoscopic findings.

Results: At least one abnormality per horse during endoscopy examination was observed, including, but not limited to, mucous secretion in the airways and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia. The presence of EHV-2 and/or EHV-5 was detected by qPCR in 3/10 animals. One horse was positive for EHV-2 alone, one for EHV-5 alone, and one for both.

Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian thoroughbred horses. These findings may provide new insights into the epidemiology of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian horses, evidencing the importance of the molecular investigation, early detection, and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Keywords: bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, endoscopy, equine, gammaherpesvirus, polymerase chain reaction, tracheal wash.

First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil

Research (Published online: 16-11-2022)

11. First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil

Rafael G. Agopian, Suellen C. G. da Luz, Alexandre G. B. Zebral, Giovanna F. de Sousa, Igor A. V. de Oliveira, Letícia S. Lima, Marcela A. Sechi, Mayara C. de Oliveira, Valéria F. Rudiniski, Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim, Otávio V. de Carvalho, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Andrea P. dos Santos, Louise B. Kmetiuk, and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2593-2596

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in humans in 2019. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily asymptomatic and transitory in companion animals, the role of these animals in the life cycle of the virus remains unclear. This study aimed to survey the first SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in pets, including a dog and three cats in São Paulo, Brazil.

Materials and Methods: We invited COVID-19-positive pet owners to participate in the survey and obtained nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from their pets. These samples were placed in vials and subjected to a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and the pets underwent clinical examination and monitoring.

Results: Out of 49 sampled pets, 3/19 (15.8%) cats and 1/30 (3.3%) dogs tested positive, with wide variations in viral loads. Despite the limitations of size and non-randomized sampling, our results showed that cats are more susceptible than dogs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting a cat: dog ratio of 4.8: 1. Only one cat presented mild and transitory respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in pets in the largest South American city and the COVID-19 epicenter at the time, these first detected pet cases displayed either none or mild clinical signs.

Keywords: novel coronavirus, One Health, veterinary medicine, zoonoses.

Phenotypic characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus from subclinical mastitis in Etawah-crossbreed goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 15-11-2022)

10. Phenotypic characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus from subclinical mastitis in Etawah-crossbreed goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Widodo Suwito, Widagdo Sri Nugroho, Rahmat Setya Adji, Andriani Andriani, Eny Kusumaningtyas, and Tri Martini

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2587-2592

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in Etawah-grade (PE) goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. At present, S. aureus from SCM in PE goats in Yogyakarta has not been characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to phenotypically characterize S. aureus, which has been isolated from SCM of PE goats.

Materials and Methods: A total of 314 lactating PE goats were collected from 60 PE goat farms (e.g., Sleman, Bantul, and Kulonprogo) located in parts of Yogyakarta with an average age of 3–4 years old, three of which showed SCM based on the California mastitis test (CMT). Subclinical mastitis is confirmed in PE goats if CMT shows ++ or +++. Furthermore, S. aureus was detected by biochemical assays. Staphylococcus aureus could determine hemolysin (Hae), coagulase (Coa), clumping factor (Cf), and antibiotic susceptibility. Hemolytic bacteria were detected by culturing on blood agar plate, and Cf was detected by slide agglutination. The production of Coa was detected by tube coagulation. Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility was determined by antimicrobial agar diffusion using a paper disc.

Results: Phenotypically characterized S. aureus from PE goats with SCM in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Coa–, Cf–, and Hae– were found to be resistant to erythromycin (ERYTHRO), ampicillin (AMP), penicillin (PEN-G), and sulfamethoxazole (SULFA).

Conclusion: The phenotypic characteristic of S. aureus, which was obtained from SCM in PE goats in Yogyakarta, consists of Coa, and Cf–. S. aureus cannot perform hemolysis of red blood cells. This phenotypic characteristic can prevent and control SCM in PE goats. Several antibiotics such as ERYTHRO, AMP, PEN-G, and SULFA were no longer effective for treating SCM in PE goats because S. aureus has developed its resistance to these antibiotics.

Keywords: Etawah-grade goats, phenotypic, Staphylococcus aureus, subclinical mastitis.

Microbiological and chemical evaluation of dairy products commercialized in the Lebanese market

Research (Published online: 14-11-2022)

9. Microbiological and chemical evaluation of dairy products commercialized in the Lebanese market

Hiyam El Kojok, Mahmoud Khalil, Rima Hage, Rola Jammoul, Adla Jammoul, and Nada El Darra

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2575-2586

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cheese is considered an essential component of the Lebanese table, however, several foodborne illnesses have been reported due to cheese consumption. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and the occurrence of antibiotic and pesticide residues in two traditional Lebanese cheeses, Akkawi and Baladiyeh. In addition, drug resistance of isolated pathogens from the cheese samples was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Fifty Akkawi and Baladiyeh cheese samples were obtained in duplicate from 37 different commercial brands in supermarkets and shops from various regions of Lebanon. Samples of different weights were either individually vacuum packed or soaked in brine unpacked where it was placed in plastic bag after being purchased. Samples were homogenized to determine antibiotic and pesticide residues using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and microbiological evaluation was performed according to the International Organization for Standardization reference analytical methods. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of these isolates to antibiotics.

Results: Microbiologically, 17% of Akkawi and 14% of Baladiyeh samples were found to be non-conforming. The bacterial isolates (n = 29) were tested for their susceptibility to 11 different antibiotics commonly prescribed in the Lebanese community or used for treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria and listeriosis. Each isolate was found to be resistant to at least three antibiotics. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy analysis showed the absence of pesticide residues in all samples. However, sulfamethazine antibiotic residue was found in 14% of the samples.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the cheese samples tested could cause foodborne illnesses due to the detection of pathogenic bacteria and are a public health concern due to the presence of antibiotic residues and the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Keywords: antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance, cheese, dairy products, high-performance liquid chromatography, microbial contamination.