Associations of Neonatal Dairy Calf Faecal Microbiota with Inflammatory Markers and Future Performance.

After birth, the immune system is challenged by numerous elements of the extrauterine environment, reflected in fluctuations of inflammatory markers. The concentrations of these markers in the first month of life are associated with the future performance of dairy youngstock. It is thought that bacterial genera colonizing the calf intestinal tract can cause inflammation and thus affect their host's performance via immunomodulation.

Association of clinical respiratory disease signs and lower respiratory tract bacterial pathogens with systemic inflammatory response in preweaning dairy calves.

This study investigated the potential associations between 3 acute phase proteins (APP)-haptoglobin, serum amyloid A-and fibrinogen, clinical signs of respiratory disease, and the presence of bacterial pathogens in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) of preweaning dairy calves. This cross-sectional study included 150 preweaning calves (2-86 d old) from 15 large dairy herds in Estonia. Tracheobronchial lavage, blood, and fecal samples were collected from 5 calves showing clinical signs indicative of LRT disease, and samples from 5 calves without clinical signs of LRT disease per herd.

Local and Systemic Inflammation in Finnish Dairy Cows with Digital Dermatitis.

Digital dermatitis is a disease of the digital skin and causes lameness and welfare problems in dairy cattle. This study assessed the local and systemic inflammatory responses of cows with different digital dermatitis lesions and compared macroscopical and histological findings. Cow feet ( = 104) were evaluated macroscopically and skin biopsies histologically.

Application of multiblock analysis to identify key areas and risk factors for dairy cow persistence.

The present study analysed the importance of individual variables and different thematic blocks of production areas, management, and herd infectious disease status on cow persistence, characterised by herd on-farm mortality rate (MR), culling rate (CR), and mean age of culled cows (MAofCC) applying multiblock partial least squares (mbPLS) analysis. This study included 120 free-stall dairy herds with ≥ 100 cows. Data on the previous year's predominant cow housing system and management practices were collected, and on-farm measurements and cow scoring were performed.

Secretory Proteomic Responses of Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Trophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is integral to pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both embryonic and endometrial origin is a critical component of embryo-maternal communication during peri-implantation. Here, we investigated whether embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the endometrial epithelial cell secretome.

Associations of neonatal acute phase response with first lactation performance in dairy cows.

During the first 3 wk of life, the immune system of newborn ruminants starts to work, as indicated by fluctuations in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP). They have been shown to be markers for short and long-term weight gain in ruminants. This observational study investigated these proteins as possible indicators of first lactation performance of dairy cows.

Faecal microbiota in two-week-old female dairy calves during acute cryptosporidiosis outbreak - Association with systemic inflammatory response.

In the present study, relationships between the intestinal microbiota and innate immunity response, acute cryptosporidiosis, and weight gain in female dairy calves were investigated. A total of 112 calves born during a natural outbreak of cryptosporidiosis on one dairy farm was included in the study. Microbiota composition was analysed by means of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing from faecal samples collected during the second week of life, while the status of Cryptosporidium spp.

Acute phase response of sole ulcer, white line disease and digital dermatitis in dairy cows.

Hoof disorders cause lameness and welfare problems for dairy cattle. Acute phase proteins, including serum amyloid A and haptoglobin, with increased rectal temperature and interleukin-6 concentrations, are markers of acute phase response. This study assessed the inflammatory response of cows with either sole ulcer, white line disease or digital dermatitis compared to healthy cows.

Effect of colostrum on the acute-phase response in neonatal dairy calves.

The core part of the mammal innate immune system is the acute-phase response (APR), during which acute-phase proteins (APP) are synthesized. Colostrum contains immunomodulating factors such as proinflammatory cytokines and APP in large quantities. We looked at proinflammatory cytokines [IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and APP [serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp)] in colostrum and in calves' serum.

Attitudes and personality of farm managers and association with cow culling rates and longevity in large-scale commercial dairy farms.

The farmer has the central role in determining cow culling policies on their farm and thus affecting cow longevity. The present study aimed to examine farm managers´ satisfaction, attitudes, personality traits and analyse the associations with dairy cow culling and longevity in large commercial dairy farms. Farm managers of 116 dairy herds rearing at least 100 cows in freestall barns were included.

Seroprevalence of selected endemic infectious diseases in large-scale Estonian dairy herds and their associations with cow longevity and culling rates.

Herd culling rates and longevity represent herd health and welfare status as well as farm economic performance. The contribution of endemic circulation of the main cattle pathogens to herd performance has not been previously analysed. The aim of this study was to estimate the herd prevalence of selected endemic bovine pathogens among large commercial dairy herds and to analyse their associations with herd culling rates and longevity.

Culling reasons and risk factors in Estonian dairy cows.

Background: Culling is a major cost for dairy farms but also an essential part in managing herd productivity. This study aimed to identify the culling rates of Estonian dairy cows, identify the farmers' stated reasons and risk factors for culling. This observational study used registry data of all cows from herds with ≥20 cow-years in 2013-2015.

spp. in Cats in Estonia: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Seropositivity.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects humans and animals worldwide. Recently, more attention has been paid to spp. infections in domestic cats.

Anti-Ascaris suum IgG antibodies in fattening pigs with different respiratory conditions.

During their migration through the pig's body, Ascaris suum larvae cause significant damage to the lungs. Little is known about the actual impact of this tissue damage on the occurrence and severity of respiratory problems in industrial pig fattening farms. In this study, we evaluated the link between the serological response to two different A.

Late gestation diet supplementation of resin acid-enriched composition increases sow colostrum immunoglobulin G content, piglet colostrum intake and improve sow gut microbiota.

Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) mainly containing tall oil fatty acid with an active component of resin acid (RA) can improve the microbial population in the digestive system, change the microbial fermentation, and improve the feed conversion ratio. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of RAC on sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and gut microbiota. Tall oil fatty acid and RA are commonly termed RAC and CLA, pinolenic, abietic, dehydrobiotic acids are characteristic components of RAC.

Evaluation of butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) immobilization.

Objective: The butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine fixed-dose combination (BAM, respectively, 30-12-12 mg mL) with subsequent antagonism by naltrexone-atipamezole was evaluated for reversible immobilization of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Study Design: Prospective, clinical trial.

Animals: Twelve cheetahs (six males and six females, weighing 37-57 kg) housed in enclosures, were immobilized at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre in the Republic of South Africa.

Associations between group sizes, serum protein levels, calf morbidity and growth in dairy-beef calves in a Finnish calf rearing unit.

Efficient dairy-beef production relies on good quality of purchased calves, defined by breed, health, and growth characteristics. Several management factors, such as commingling of calves and large group size, predispose calves to diseases. Acute phase proteins are sensitive detectors of calf diseases.

Acute phase response in organic lambs associated with colostrum serum amyloid A, weight gain, and Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections.

In neonatal period, lamb's immune system goes through rapid adaptation to the extra-uterine environment. Success of this process can influence the animal's future performance and, thus, the quantitative assessment of it would greatly benefit sheep producers. The current study was conducted to investigate the acute phase response (APR) (measured through serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and albumin (ALB)) in relation to later life growth (measured at 122 days of age), and naturally occurring Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in neonatal lambs grown in organic farm.

Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in calves in Estonia: high prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum shedding and 10 subtypes identified.

We investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in Estonia by testing fecal samples from 486 calves aged <2 months, raised on 53 cattle farms, for the presence of Cryptosporidium DNA. The parasites were identified and characterized by sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene and of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene.

Elimination of selected mastitis pathogens during the dry period.

We aimed to evaluate the elimination of 4 different mastitis pathogens, Streptococcus agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus uberis, from infected udder quarters during the dry period using quantitative PCR. The second purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between milk haptoglobin (Hp) concentration and the presence of udder pathogens (Strep. agalactiae, Staph.

Evaluation of butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) in captive blesbok immobilization (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi).

Objective: The fixed-dose combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM; 30, 12 and 12 mg mL, respectively) with subsequent antagonism by naltrexone-atipamezole was evaluated for reversible immobilization of captive blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi).

Study Design: Prospective, clinical trial.

Animals: Sixteen blesbok (four males and twelve females), weighing 52.

On-farm mortality and related risk factors in Estonian dairy cows.

Mortality (unassisted death and euthanasia) reflects the health and welfare state of the cows and is associated with undesirable financial consequences for the farmer. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to identify risk factors associated with on-farm mortality in dairy cows. Data for a study period between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015 were retrieved from the Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board and Estonian Livestock Performance Recording, Ltd.

Effect of oral KETOPROFEN treatment in acute respiratory disease outbreaks in finishing pigs.

Background: Infection with respiratory pathogens can influence production as well as animal welfare. There is an economical and ethical need to treat pigs that suffer from respiratory diseases. Our aim was the evaluation of the possible effects of oral NSAID medication given in feed in acute outbreaks of respiratory disease in finishing pigs.

Cryptosporidium outbreak in calves on a large dairy farm: Effect of treatment and the association with the inflammatory response and short-term weight gain.

Cryptosporidium spp. infections in neonatal dairy calves can cause diarrhoea and, in rare cases, death. The infection is usually self-limiting, but halofuginone lactate (HL) can be used prophylactically.