Scrotal tick damage as a cause of infertility in communal bulls in Moretele, South Africa.

Calving rate in communal cattle influences both food security and socio-economics in rural households. A previous study indicated that scrotal damage caused by ticks could affect the fertility of communal bulls and reduce the annual calving rate. The objectives of the study were to investigate the annual calving rate in communal herds by counting calves during herd visits, perform breeding soundness examinations on bulls and identify adult ticks attached to their genitalia.

Effect of using frozen-thawed bovine semen contaminated with lumpy skin disease virus on in vitro embryo production.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important transboundary animal disease of cattle with significant economic impact because of the implications for international trade in live animals and animal products. LSD is caused by a Capripoxvirus, LSD virus (LSDV), and results in extensive hide and udder damage, fever and pneumonia. LSDV can be shed in semen of infected bulls for prolonged periods and transmitted venereally to cows at high doses.

Serum albumin concentration of donor cows as an indicator of developmental competence of oocytes.

Adequate nutrition is required for maintenance of normal reproduction in cattle. Albumin, the best marker and fundamental part of nutrition, most abundant plasma protein and major component of fetal bovine serum, is the best predictor of malnourishment in South African cattle. The aim of this study was to determine if serum albumin concentrations of donor cows predict the developmental competence of oocytes, and if additional protein supplementation of the in vitro culture media improves embryo outcomes in oocytes from cows with inadequate serum albumin concentrations.

Effect of semen processing methods on lumpy skin disease virus status in cryopreserved bull semen.

Lumpy skin disease is an economically important disease of cattle, caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV; Capripoxvirus). It has a variable clinical appearance but, in severely affected animals, is associated with extensive skin damage, pneumonia and death. The LSDV can be found in the semen of infected bulls for prolonged periods of time, from where it can be transmitted by mating or artificial insemination and cause clinical disease in heifers and cows.

Standardization criteria for an ischemic surgical model of acute hepatic failure in pigs.

The establishment of a reliable large animal model of acute hepatic failure (AHF) is critical for the evaluation of supportive therapies such as bioartificial liver support systems (BALSS). Large animal surgical models bear some resemblance to the clinical syndrome of AHF in humans. However, these are inherently complex and are predisposed to inter-individual variation.