Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Reveals Functional Genes and Microbiome Associated with Bovine Digital Dermatitis.

Metagenomic methods amplifying 16S ribosomal RNA genes have been used to describe the microbial diversity of healthy skin and lesion stages of bovine digital dermatitis (DD) and to detect critical pathogens involved with disease pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the microbiome and for the first time, the composition of functional genes of healthy skin (HS), active (ADD) and inactive (IDD) lesion stages using a whole-genome shotgun approach. Metagenomic sequences were annotated using MG-RAST pipeline.

Altered microbiomes in bovine digital dermatitis lesions, and the gut as a pathogen reservoir.

Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious disease associated with lameness in cattle worldwide. Since the disease was first described in 1974, a series of Treponema species concurrent with other microbes have been identified in DD lesions, suggesting a polymicrobial etiology. However, the pathogenesis of DD and the source of the causative microbes remain unclear.

Microbial diversity in bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis in Holstein dairy cows from upstate New York.

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is one of the most prevalent diseases of cattle, adversely affecting the dairy industry by its negative effect on milk production and reproductive performance. Our objective was to use culture-independent methods to determine the microbial diversity in different strata of PDD lesions of three Holstein dairy cows, analyzing whether major differences exist compared to foot skin of three non-infected cows. Both group-specific 16S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library sequencing of broad-range 16S rRNA gene showed differences between the microbial composition of healthy dairy cows and the different strata of the lesion.

Comparison of pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle by use of a commercial ELISA and palpation per rectum.

Objective: To compare agreement between 2 pregnancy tests in dairy cattle.

Design: Evaluation study.

Animals: 976 and 507 cattle for phases 1 and 2, respectively.

Omasal dilation and displacement in 4 Holstein dairy cows.

Cases of omasal dilation and displacement in 4 dairy cows are described. The disease was initially diagnosed by a combination of history and clinical signs that included right-sided abdominal distension, rectal palpation, and decreased milk production. The condition was confirmed by laparotomy or necropsy.

Teaching dairy production medicine to entry-level veterinarians: the summer dairy institute model.

Food supply veterinarians who intend to enter dairy cattle practice or other related career activities are in need of up-graded skills to better serve the dairy industry as it continues to evolve. The time available for students to increase their abilities within the conventional professional curriculum is scarce, especially as those with food-supply interests are a minority of students competing for time and resources. The dairy industry has need of skilled veterinarians who are not only well versed in their traditional capabilities, but who also have an understanding of the complete picture of that industry as a "farm-to-fork" experience.

Effect of twin birth calvings on milk production, reproductive performance, and survival of lactating cows.

Objective: To evaluate effect of twin birth calvings on milk production, reproductive performance, and survival of lactating cows.

Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.

Animals: 33,868 cows from 20 farms.

Characterization of rupture of abdominal artery aneurysm in dairy cattle.

In this retrospective study, the authors describe the gross and histologic changes associated with rupture of an abdominal artery aneurysm in 33 mature female Holstein cattle between January 1980 and June 2005 from 29 farms in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania. Over this period, there was an increase in the number of cases submitted for necropsy per year, and a seasonal trend did not exist. Affected animals ranged from 2.

Prevalence of endometritis and its effects on reproductive performance of dairy cows.

Hostein cows (n=141) in five commercial dairy herds in central New York were examined for endometritis by examination of endometrial aspirates for presence of inflammatory cells, principally neutrophils, by endometrial cytology at 40-60 days postpartum. The prevalence of cytologically-diagnosed endometritis was 53%; within herds the prevalence varied from 37 to 74% (P=0.02).

Detection of biofilm formation and nanobacteria under long-term cell culture conditions in serum samples of cattle, goats, cats, and dogs.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of biofilm formation under long-term cell culture conditions in serum samples of dairy cattle, goats, cats, and dogs, and to determine whether there is an association between nanobacteria and biofilm formation.

Sample Population: Serum samples of clinically normal animals (313 dairy cattle, 48 goats, 140 dogs, and 44 cats) and animals with various medical conditions (60 dogs and 116 cats).

Procedure: Serum was incubated under cell culture conditions and observed for biofilm formation by use of light microscopy, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy.

Serological detection of exposure to Cryptosporidium parvum in cattle by ELISA and its evaluation in relation to coprological tests.

We evaluated serum examination as an alternative to fecal analysis for the diagnosis of exposure to Cryptosporidium parvum in cattle. The accuracy of the serum ELISA was compared to the combined results of concentration flotation microscopy and fecal enzyme immunoassay. The expected performance of the serum ELISA at different levels of infection with C.

Udder cleft dermatitis and sarcoptic mange in a dairy herd.

Objective: To determine prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis in a dairy herd that was experiencing an outbreak of sarcoptic mange.

Design: Clinical survey.

Animals: 1,597 Holstein cows and late-gestation heifers.