bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful use of HTF as basal fertilization medium during SEcuRe mouse in vitro fertilization
Authors: Wigger Magdalena , Schneider Marco , Feldmann Anni , Assenmacher Sonja , Zevnik Branko , Tröder Simon E.
Published: March 2023

Objective:
The ever-increasing number of genetically engineered mouse models highlights the need for efficient archiving and distribution of these lines. Sperm cryopreservation has become the preferred technique for the majority of these models due to its low requirement of costs, time and experimental animals. Yet, current in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols either exhibit decreased fertilization efficiency for the most popular C57BL/6 strain, as recently demonstrated by us, or require costly and difficult-to-prepare media, respectively. As a result, we previously developed SEcuRe, a modified IVF protocol with low costs and high fertilization efficiency. The popular basal fertilization medium, Cook’s® proprietary “Research Vitro Fert” (RVF), used in this protocol has recently been discontinued. As a result, the application of the SEcuRe approach has been severely limited.
Results:
Here we show that human tubal fluid (HTF), a popular and widely available medium with a known composition, can be used as basal fertilization medium instead of RVF. Direct comparison of RVF and HTF during SEcuRe IVF of cryopreserved C57BL/6N sperm revealed equal fertilization rates and unaffected developmental capacity of the embryos. In addition, we demonstrate that HTF has a substantially extended shelf-life by utilizing commercial HTF that was six months past its expiration date, yet did not affect fertilization during IVF or subsequent embryo development. This result not only increases the economic value of our modified method, but also validates it once more. Our results demonstrate that common, shelf-life extended HTF can be used in SEcuRe IVF in place of now-discontinued RVF medium and ensure the applicability of the method, which we since termed SEcuRe 2.0. Our modified SEcuRe 2.0 strategy will assist researchers to efficiently archive and distribute genetically engineered mouse models in a cost-effective, easily adaptable, and 3R-compliant manner with minimal animal use.
Pregabalin and Duloxetine versus Celecoxib in Pain Control after Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Du Ze , Huang Chao , Cao Jian , Zhou Zongke
Published: March 2023

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the terminal therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Long-term postoperative pain is the major complaint in TKA surgery. Nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as the common medicine to treat long-term postoperative pain, have unsatisfactory analgesic effects. Pregabalin and duloxetine work as analgesia medicines, and their exact efficacy on long-term pain after TKA remains elusive. Methods This is a monocentral, open-label randomized clinical trial. KOA participants aged above 50 years old with surgical plans were recruited in January 2022. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1:1 to the standard, pregabalin, and duloxetine groups through a computer dynamic randomization approach. After TKA, the involved participants received study medicine according to their group and were measured 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the start of the study medicine treatment. Results In week 2, there were significant differences in the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the operated knee (P < 0.001) among the three groups. At week 4, there were significant differences in visual pain score (VAS) (P < 0.001), operated knee PPTs (P < 0.001), and hospital for special surgery (HSS) score (P = 0.010) among the three groups. At week 12, there were significant differences in the operated knee PPTs (P < 0.001) and HSS scores (P = 0.009) among the three groups. Five participants in the duloxetine group and 2 participants in the standard group reported AEs. Conclusions Pregabalin and duloxetine were able to reduce both pain and pain sensitivity and improve joint function after TKA compared with celecoxib. Clinical trial registration No. ChiCTR2200056163.
Bark of Protium tenuifolium Engl from the Amazonian biome as a source of phenolic extracts with antioxidant properties
Authors: santos Laise de jesus dos , Araujo Elesandra da Silva , Lorenço Mário Sérgio , Rosário Bianca Bueno , Vieira Sabrina Benmuyal , Sales Agust , Siviero Marco Antonio , Melo Luiz Eduardo de Lima , Mota Graciene da Silva , de Oliveira Gabriela Aguiar , Mori Fabio Akira
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the anatomical and chemical components of the bark of Protium tenuifolium, a tree species from the Brazilian Amazon, to provide information supporting its value in various industries as a source of polyphenols and natural antioxidants. The bark anatomy was analysed, as was the overall chemical composition (extractives, lignin, suberin, ash and polysaccharides), and a quantitative elemental analysis was performed of the bark and two tannin extracts (extracted with water only and with a mixture of water and Na2SO3). The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of the bark extracts were quantified. The results indicated that the bark is composed of conductive phloem, nonconductive phloem and rhytidome. The average chemical composition was 15.9% extractives, 35.3% total lignin, 1.9% suberin, 15.4% ash and 31.5% polysaccharides. The condensed tannin yield in the extract obtained with water alone was 5.1%, and that in the treatment with water and Na2SO3 was 8.1%. The ethanol-water extract had a high phenolic content (112.6 mg GAE g-1 extract). The bark extract showed strong antioxidant activity, reaching 83.5% inhibition of DPPH free radicals, which was higher than the value of 75.0% for the commercial antioxidant BHT at the same concentration. These results demonstrate that Protium tenuifolium is a potential natural Amazonian source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants and can be used for medicinal purposes and the production of various sustainable products, such as cosmetics. The extraction of these compounds adds substantial value to the bark of this Amazonian species.
Identification of the Mechanism of Water Inrush from Coal Floor Based on Geological Conditions and Numerical modeling Technology
Authors: Qi Yueming , Zhou Pei , Pei Yifeng , Wu Jiaxin , Jiang Dan , Li Hongyu
Published: March 2023

In North China, Water inrush from the Ordovician limestone aquifer often occurs when deep coal seams are being mined due to the complicated geologic conditions and the limitations of existing detection methods. In order to deeply explore the water inrush mechanism, prevention methods, and the safe production guidance, taking the water inrush accident in the floor of the 2-112 mining face of the Ganhe coal mine in Shanxi as an example, the authors established a stress distribution model for the coal floor and used simulation method to study the water inrush process in the floor of 2-112 deep mining face. The results showed that under the condition of no geological defects in the coal seam floor, water inrush from the floor will not occur, which suggests there must be geologic defects in the floor, if water inrush occurs. According to the actual conditions and the response phenomenon of water inrush, through repeated simulation and identification, the results indicate that there is a concealed fault defect in the floor of the working face, the depth of which is about 10m under the coal floor, and the extension length is about 86m, and the inclination angle is about 70 degree. Under the coupling effect of ground stress, hydraulic pressure and mining action, the concealed fault is activated, and the plastic zone of the floor plate is enlarged, then a connected flow channel is formed. Consequently, the water inrush occurs driven by high hydraulic pressure.
Thermal Pedestrian Detection Based on Different Resolution Visual Image
Authors: Li Songtao , Cui Jinzhong , Ye Mao , Li Ting , Tian Liang
Published: March 2023

Thermal pedestrian detection is a core problem in computer vision. Usually, the corresponding visual image knowledge are used to improve the performance in thermal domain. However, existing methods always assume the same resolution between visible and thermal images. But in reality, there is a problem with this setting. Since thermal imaging acquisition equipment is expensive, the resolution of thermal images is always lower than visible images. To address this issue, we propose a new method, named as Disentanglement Then Restoration (DTR). The key idea is to disentangle the features into content features and modal features, andrestore the complete content features of thermal images by learning the changes of content features caused by different resolutions.Specifically, we first train an object detector such as YOLO to initialize our model. Then, a feature disentanglement network is trained, which can disentangle the features from the backbone as content features and modal features. In the end, the feature disentanglement network is frozen. By forcing the content feature consistency between visual image and upsampled thermal image, the complete content features of low-resolution thermal images are restored. Experiment results on public datasets show that our method performs very well.
RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 drives emergency granulopoiesis and neutrophil mobilization by upregulating G-CSFR expression
Authors: Cao Xuetao , Liu Yang , Song Renjie , Lu Zhike , Zhao Lu , Zhan Xinyi , Li Yini
Published: March 2023

Emergency granulopoiesis and neutrophil mobilization that can be triggered by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) through its receptor G-CSFR are essential for antibacterial innate defense. Yet the epigenetic modifiers crucial for intrinsically regulating G-CSFR expression and neutrophil innate response against bacterial infection remain largely unclear. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification and its demethylase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) are key epigenetic regulators of immunity and inflammation, whereas their roles in neutrophil generation and mobilization are still unknown. Using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis to model systemic bacterial infection, here we report that ALKBH5 is required for emergency granulopoiesis and neutrophil mobilization. ALKBH5 depletion significantly impaired the generation of immature neutrophils in bone marrow of sepsis mice. Meanwhile, Alkbh5-deficient mice exhibited higher retention of mature neutrophils in bone marrow and defective neutrophil release into blood, leading to less neutrophils in the infected site than wild-type littermates undergoing sepsis. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 imprinted generation- and mobilization-promoting transcriptome signatures in both mouse and human neutrophils during bacterial infection, especially upregulated G-CSFR expression by erasing m6A methylation on CSF3R mRNAs to inhibit their decay, consequently increasing the cell-surface G-CSFR expression and JAK-STAT signaling. RIP-qPCR confirmed a direct binding of ALKBH5 to CSF3R mRNAs and the binding strength was declined upon bacterial infection, accounting for the decreased G-CSFR on bacteria-infected neutrophils. Together, we define a new role of ALKBH5 in intrinsically driving neutrophil generation and mobilization through m6A demethylation-dependent post-transcriptional regulation, indicating neutrophil m6A RNA modification as the potential target for treating bacterial infections and neutropenia.
Orogenic lode-gold deposits and listvenization processes in the El-Barramiya area, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Abdelrady Mohamed , Elhadek Hany , Abdelmoneim Mohamed , Saleh Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Gold mineralization in the El-Barramiya region of the Eastern Desert, Egypt, is connected to the post-accretionary stage throughout the Central Eastern Desert. It is represented by quartz, quartz-carbonate veins and disseminations in listvenite rocks. The thrust contact between rock units in El-Barramiya area played an imperative part in gold mineralization where the obduction of ophiolitic rocks over the metasediments and metavolcanics caused shear zones. Mineralization in the study area formed along shear zones and the gold mineralization prefers to precipitate along the transition zone between low-grade regional metamorphic area which is represented by metasediments and high grade which is represented by actinolite schist. Gold mineralization lode of El-Barramiya gold mine area is situated in E-W trending quartz and quartz-carbonate veins along a shear zone located in the intersections between faults trend in NE-SW (Najd fault), NW-SE and thrust faults trend in NEE-SWW in metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks. Porphyry granite in the mine area played an important role in hydrothermal alteration process where it represents the source of K, listvenite formed when fluids rich in CO2 and bearing-K permeate and alter the previously altered ultramafic rocks, usually serpentinites of the ophiolitic mélange rocks. Listvenitization process includes silicification and carbonatization metasomatic processes, tectonized serpentinites are altered to listvenite as the carbonatization becomes more intense close to dipping transpressive faults. Geochemical studies of listvenite and mineralized veins helped to determine the ultramafic genesis of listvenite and gold transformed as gold bisulfide. Petrographic investigation and geochemical studies show different types of alterations (carbonatization and silicification) and mineralization. Mineralizations are represented by gold and sulfides (pyrite, arsenopyrite and smaller quantities of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite and gersdorffite) found in auriferous quartz veins and disseminated in listvenite. The area exposed to brittle - ductile deformation in addition to different types of structures such as faults and fractures controlling on the formation of mineralization and act as hydrothermal channels ways for fluid flow. Fluid inclusions studies revealed that gold mineralization was formed from heterogeneous trapping of H2O–CO2 fluids at a temperature of 280–340°C and pressure within the range 1.5–1.9 kbar, which is consistent with the mesothermal conditions.
Radiomics biomarkers are associated with survival in patients with Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aoude Lauren , Wong Bernadette , Bonazzi Vanessa , Brosda Sandra , Moradi Hamed , Lonie James , Patel Kalpana , Bradford Julia , Bloxham Conor , Koufariotis Lambros , Pearson John , Atkinson Victoria , Law Phillip , Lampe Guy , Smithers B. , Vegh Viktor , Waddell Nicola , Miles Kenneth , Barbour Andrew
Published: March 2023

Objective: Radiomics studies have shown promising results defining image surrogates that predict treatment response and survival in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. There are limited studies examining radiogenomics profiles in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and this warrants further exploration.
Background: Although advances have been made in the treatment of OAC, the five-year overall survival remains poor. Hence, there is a need for biomarkers to improve therapeutic approaches.
Methods: Image analysis was performed on pre-treatment PET/CT scans from 80 OAC patients. In the discovery cohort (n=50), CT texture analysis was performed using a filtration-histogram method to evaluate the prognostic value of image features. Whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and immunohistochemistry characterised the molecular pathways associated with the CT markers. A validation cohort (n=30) was used to confirm radiomics biomarkers.
Results: Analysis showed 3 CT markers were significantly associated with both disease-specific and disease-free survival. Combining these markers provided further prognostic significance. Furthermore, we identified a correlation between CT markers and major pathological response rate. Both RNAseq and immunohistochemistry confirmed that lower CD8 T-cell expression in the tumour correlated with the poor survival group predicted using CT markers. RNAseq gene set enrichment analysis identified pathways associated with these radiomics biomarkers. Finally, radiomics analysis in a validation cohort confirmed CT marker (SD, standard deviation) as a biomarker of survival and identified additional image features associated with patient survival.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that radiogenomics has the potential to identify OAC subgroups with prognostic significance and support clinical decision making.
The Regulatory Quality and ESG Model at World Level
Authors: Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Angelo
Published: March 2023

In this article, we analyse the determinants of Regulatory Quality-RQ for 193 countries in the period 2011-2020. We use a database from ESG-Environment Social Governance of the World Bank. We apply OLS, Panel Data with Fixed Effects and Panel Data with Random Effects. We found that the variables that have the most positive impact on RQ, among others, are “GHG Net Emission”, “Mean Drought Index”, and “Heat Index”. We also found that the variables that have the most negative impact on RQ are among others “Renewable Energy Consumption”, “Voice and Accountability” and “Rule of Law”. Furthermore, we have applied the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Elbow Method and we find the presence of five clusters. In adjunct, we confront eight machine learning algorithms to predict the value of RQ and we found that the best predictor is Polynomial Regression. The predictive level of RQ for the analysed countries is expected to diminish of -1,29%. In the end, we present a network analysis with the Euclidean distance and we found the presence of a structure of seven networks using augmented data.
JEL Classification: D7, D70, D72, D73, D78.
Programs for maintaining healthy dairy herds in the United States
Authors: Britt Jack H. , Britt Jenks S.
Published: March 2023

Healthy dairy cows produce more milk, have better reproductive rates and are more profitable than unhealthy herdmates. The majority of health problems in dairy herds in the United States can be prevented by proper management. Those that cannot be prevented can be reduced in severity by good herd health programs.

Maintaining healthy herds starts with providing a good environment for all cattle in the herd including replacement heifers and dry cows. The health status is also dependent on the feeding program, because poor nutrition leads to poor health. The herd health program should include a vaccination policy specifically designed for each herd. It should also include a regular examination or inspection of all animals and facilities of the herd as well as an evaluation of management practices in the herd.

Effective herd health programs in the United States are characterized by careful monitoring of several aspects of herd performance including level of production, milk quality, incidence of mastitis and other common infections, performances and thriftiness of replacement stock, heat detection and conception rates, function of milking equipment, formulation of the rations, care of housing and free stalls, etc. The effective herd veterinarian is concerned with all aspects of health management that contribute to a profitable dairy herd.
Economics of mastitis control
Authors: Miller G. Y.
Published: March 2023

Benefits and costs to be taken into account when making economic estimates of mastitis control are discussed. They include changes in milk production and feed consumption, treatment and control programme costs, culling and death losses due to mastitis and to other diseases, and changes in labour, milk composition and calving intervals. Evidence on the economic impact of mastitis control is reviewed and potential problems in estimating impacts for individual herds are discussed.
Lack of growth response in selenium deficient veal calves injecte with selenium midway through fattening
Authors: Wikse Steven E. , Hancock Dale D. , Van Horn Ecret Robin , Krieger Robert I.
Published: March 2023

The study was conducted in an Eastern Washington veal operation. Newborn Holstein bull calves originating from Western Washington farms were transported several hundred miles to the veal unit. Batches of approximately 60 calves were raised on slatted wooden stalls overlying a manure pit in heated and mechanically ventilated rooms. On arrival, processing included injections of iron and Se / vitamin E, and vaccinations with intranasal modified live virus IBR/PI3 and Clostridium perfringens type C and D toxoid. Followup disease prophylaxis consisted of boosters of the 2 vaccines in 3 weeks and administration of iron by injection or orally as needed based on periodic hemoglobin determinations. Calves were fattened for 4 months on an all-milk diet containing 0.10 mg Se (sodium selenite) and 136.0 mg vitamin E (DL - a tocopheral acetate) per kilogram dry matter.
Hand electrode for the electroejaculation of bulls
Authors: Easley G. T.
Published: March 2023

A hand electrode, to replace the rectal probe, for the electroejaculation of bulls is described. Directions for its use are outlined. The advantages of the hand electrode over the probe are listed. (The equipment is marketed by Standard Precision Electronics; Denver, Colorado.)
Role of the feedlot veterinarian
Authors: Barron H. T.
Published: March 2023

The veterinary profession stands ready to provide service where the demand is, but it has been remarkably reluctant to promote demand or to educate prospective clients on their own responsibilities toward realization of the potential in veterinary medicine. There is nowhere a more significant potential client than the custom feedlot will be as soon as the various cattle feeders insist that it assume real responsibility for the health of its wards. The large feedlots owning their own cattle are pioneering the utilization of professional veterinary medicine and once their results become the goal of the industry, the demand for veterinarians will again rock the profession. With over half the industry’s multimillion dollar loss from death and chronic poor health following treatment directly attributable to laryngo-pharyngeal trauma, peritonitis, abscesses and foreign body pneumonia produced by inexpert techniques or grossly careless sanitation, there may even be a realization of the need for at least close professional supervision at the treatment chutes. A very real danger lies in the inadequacy of the profession to meet this challenge again, without deliberate anticipation and action.
Repair of perineal lacerations in the cow
Authors: Hudson Robert S.
Published: March 2023

The increasing incidence of pneumovagina in beef cows may include heritable implications but many cases can be traced to injuries occurring during parturition. Simple vaginal lacerations are treated conservatively. Severe vulvar wounds and rectovulvar lacerations are successfully repaired by methods originally designed for use in mares. Pneumovagina complicated by extensive pooling of urine in the vagina is corrected by establishment of a transverse fold of vaginal floor cranial to the external urinary meatus.
Animal welfare related to intensification
Authors: Ewer T. K.
Published: March 2023

Plenary Session of the International Congress on Cattle Diseases (7th : 1972)
Economics of dairy herd management
Authors: Speicher John A.
Published: March 2023

The objectives o f this paper are to characterize the income and expense situation on Midwestern dairy farms and to show the effects of size of operation, level of output and herd health on dairy income.
Non-protein nitrogen in the feeding of cattle
Authors: Tillman Allen D.
Published: March 2023

Protein is the first-limiting nutrient in cattle production worldwide. Urea and other non-protein nitrogen (NPN) compounds, which can be hydrolyzed to ammonia, can be used to replace natural protein in cattle diets. Ammonia is the common denominator when the mode of action is determined for NPN compounds. A stepwise presentation of the hydrolysis and use of urea to produce microbial protein is used as an example of ammonia utilization. Urea is a widely used NPN compound; thus, factors which affect urea utilization were discussed as follows: 1) Level and solubility of dietary protein; 2) Kind of dietary carbohydrate; 3) Level of dietary fat; 4) Adequacy of dietary minerals and vitamins and presence of antibiotics and diethylstilbestrol; 5) The effect of rate and frequency of feeding. The practiced usage of urea in beef and dairy cattle nutrition is discussed, with emphasis on ration conditions which promote urea utilization. It was pointed out that urea, when fed at too high a level, will cause ammonia toxicity in cattle. Urea toxicosis is rapid and acute, but present experimental evidence does not support the idea that urea causes chromic toxicity in cattle. The clinical course of urea toxicity is described and suggestions for possible treatments were made. Oral administration of five to ten gallons of cold water appears to be one of the best treatments and reasons for its beneficial effects were discussed. There does not appear to be any effect of “near toxic” levels upon the incidences of abortions or upon the subsequent reproductive performance of cows which survive urea over-dosage. The common misconceptions of veterinarians and livestock producers were considered and discussed. Also, the uses of biuret, ammonium sales and ammoniated products were discussed.
AABP News
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Published: March 2023

Officers, events, awards, and other news.
Metabolic disturbances in the dairy cow influenced by managerial practices
Authors: Noordsy J. L. , Leipold H. W. , Carnahan D. L. , Frey R. A. , Vestweber J. , Robl M. G. , Kennedy G. , Dunham J. R. , Chapman T. E. , Moore W. E.
Published: March 2023

A study was instituted at Dykstra Veterinary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Medicine, Kansas State University, to determine possible etiological denominators in high production dairy cows presented by owners with complaints of metabolic and/or infectious conditions commonly associated with high milk production. Subsequent field surveys of herds from which hospital patients originated were used to gain more information. The study spanned approximately five years with the departments of Surgery and Medicine, Pathology, Diagnostic Services, Clinical Pathology, Dairy Extension and practicing veterinarians cooperating.
Egg transfer in cattle
Authors: Newcomb R. E. , Wishart D. F.
Published: March 2023

This is a concise but very informative review of current literature of egg transfer in cattle and its effect on modern cattle breeding.
Efficacy of Corticosteroids as Supportive Therapy for Bronchial Pnuemonia in Yearling Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Christie B. M. , Pierson R. E. , Braddy P. M. , Flack D. E. , Horton D. P. , Jensen R. , Lee E. A. , Remmenga E. E. , Rutt K. G.
Published: March 2023

Respiratory diseases cause more fatalities to feedlot cattle than all other diseases combined (1). Conventional treatment for bacterial pneumonias usually consists of antibiotics and/or sulfonamides. Rationale for supportive therapy in the treatment of pneumonia lacks scientific basis and proof. One of the most controversial drugs for supportive therapy are corticosteroids. The purpose of this paper is to report on the efficacy of dexamethasone,a a potent synthetic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid when used with antibiotics and sulfonamides in Shipping Fever pneumonia of yearling feedlot cattle.
Calcium Chloride, Practical Necrotising Agent
Authors: Koger L. M.
Published: March 2023

The use of a 50% aqueous or a saturated alcoholic solution of calcium chloride for dehorning or castrating calves is described. For dehorning the solution (0.75 to 2.0 ml) is injected at the centre of the area to be destroyed to form a uniform ring of swelling around the germinal center. Of 100 calves injected with the alcoholic solution 96 were successfully dehorned. For castration the site of injection is near the tail of the epididymis with doses ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 ml per 45 kg body weight. Few calves showed discomfort and the orchitis subsided in 3-6 days. Atrophy was complete after 1-3 months.
Food & Agriculture Organization Work in Animal Production
Authors: Van Vaerenbergh R. C. M.
Published: March 2023

The activities of the Animal Production and Health Division of FAO should be considered in the light of the objectives and programmes of this international organization. Therefore, it seems useful to highlight briefly
Medical factors relating to calf health as influenced by the environment
Authors: Anderson John F.
Published: March 2023

For many years infectious diseases and nutrition have held the spotlight in discussions of animal health. It is becoming increasingly apparent, however, that epidemiological studies now often point to failures in building design as contributing factors when disease problems arise.  In order to illustrate the sound contributions of Professor Donald W. Bates three herd situations will be presented.  This discussion will include only those portions of the total preventive veterinary medical program which relate directly to ventilation and its various ramifications.  Epidemiology will be discussed briefly where applicable to emphasize to emphasize disease patterns within these units.
System for calving heifers on a large commercial ranch
Authors: Church T. L. , Janzen E. D.
Published: March 2023

A practical system has been evolved for calving and handling up to 1,200 head of heifers over a short calving season.
Ventilating farm buildings for animal health
Authors: Bates Donald W. , Anderson John F.
Published: March 2023

Fundamental to maintaining a healthy animal environment in a warm confinement building is continuous air exchange at the rate of 4 changes per hour for removal of aerosol contaminants and moisture.  Maximum summer rate should be 30 changes or more.  A correctly designed fresh air intake system is mandatory.  Proper insulation is essential; walls R=15, flat ceiling R=23.  Supplemental heat is necessary in calf barns to maintain desired temperature at minimum exhaust rate.
BVD and bovine viral abortions
Authors: Shoey Allen
Published: March 2023

At our present state of knowledge, virus diseases contribute only a small percentage to the whole enigma of bovine abortion. Research and increased capabilities of diagnostic laboratories are gradually providing information on the role of viruses as abortifacients. Diagnostic laboratories emphasize the role of infectious diseases in abortion when in fact the problem may be multifaceted. Isolation of a virus from an aborted fetus does not necessarily incriminate the virus as the primary etiological agent. The infection in the fetus may be too mild by itself to cause abortion. However, certain viruses such as the BVD virus may enhance the replication of other coexisting viruses.There appears to be a substantial barrier in the fetus to viruses from the external environment. In addition to Maternal immunity, which protects the fetus from natural infection, immunoglobulins start forming in the fetus at 90- 120 days of age. Prior to this time non-specific inhibitors may have a protective effect. Also, complement is formed within the first third of fetal life and its concentration increases steadily during the prenatal period. An early protective effect is provided by evidence that placental attachment (approx. 35 days) must occur before viruses can be transferred to the fetus.
Feed and water related toxicants
Authors: Bailey E. Murl
Published: March 2023

Seventy-two cattle were fed Rumensin at levels up to 100 g/ton for 160 days and no changes indicative of toxicity were observed for hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, or organ weight parameters. No gross or microscopic tissue changes relating to treatment were observed. The 100 g/ton level did, however, reduce gain.Oral single doses of Rumensin fed to cattle has caused mortality at 55 mg/kg of body weight which is 80 times the recommended dose of 30 g/ton. However, no mortality ocurred at the 30 g/ton level.The evidence has accumulated that feed containing 279 ppm monensin is lethal to horses and that 125 ppm may be toxic but not necessarily lethal. Feed with 31 ppm monensin did not cause any clinical changes, aside from partial anorexia in the horse. The single-dose toxicity studies indicate the LD50 of monensin for horses is between 2 and 3 mg/kg of body weight.
AABP Association and Conference News
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Published: March 2023

Program for the 1979 American Association of Bovine Practitioners Conference, San Antonio, Texas. Also, and information about officers, obituaries, events, awards, and other news.

Includes the In Memoriam for Maurice L. Weldy D.V.M..
Effect of birth weight on efficiency of beef production
Authors: Dowling D. F.
Published: March 2023

Birth weight (BW) is related to calving difficulties (CD), calf mortality (CM) and infertility carry-over effects. Calving difficulty is a most serious problem facing efficient beef production, and though many factors are involved in CD, the dystocia level increased linearly with BW. Few producers are aware of the relative magnitude of the monetary losses resulting from calf wastage. Presently, losses are being exacerbated by the unskilled use of the large continental breeds for more lean and less fat in beef. Rejection of fatty meat at home and abroad is decisive, and incompatabilities between dam and lean beef progeny must be alleviated. So, the purpose of the research was to determine how to lower BW for ease of calving yet maintain, or enhance if possible, livability of the calf and postnatal growth for desirable end product.
Microcomputers in dairy practice
Authors: Sterner K. E.
Published: March 2023

The field of computer technology is affecting all facets of our lives, not the least of which may be our veterinary practices. Articles in recent veterinary journals are quick to point out the advantages of a computer system in a practice. Two small card programmable computers (CPCs) have been in use in this veterinary practice for the past year. Judging from field experience, the small microcomputer can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and correction of herd nutritional problems.
Relationship of methods of treatment to relapse rate and serum levels of calcium and phosphorous in parturient hypocalcaemia
Authors: Curtis R. A. , Cote J. F. , McLennan M. C. , Smart J. F. , Rowe R. C.
Published: March 2023

One hundred Holstein cows which were recumbent with parturient paresis were treated with either a calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, dextrose preparation (CADEX) or calcium borogluconate. Treatments were either injected intravenously (500 ml) or intravenously (500 ml) and subcutaneously (500 ml). Overall relapse rate was 22%; the lowest rate (4%) occurred in cows injected with CADEX i/v and s/c and the highest rate 40% was in cows injected i/v with calcium borogluconate. Increase in levels of serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus after 12 h was higher in cows injected s/c and i/v than i/v, but by 48 h levels were higher in cows injected i/v only. There was no evidence that addition of phosphorous to the treatment increased serum inorganic phosphorus or was beneficial in preventing relapse.
Diseases and the causes of mortality of veal calves in the Netherlands
Authors: Postema H. J.
Published: March 2023

In most cases Dutch veal calf rearers are working in integrated systems with calf dealers, slaughterers and feedstuffs manufacturers.

In the Denkavit integrated organisation the farmers are obliged to send a form immediately to us for each calf that dies. On this form are recorded the age of the calves and the cause of death, or what the Veterinarian or farmer thought was the cause of the mortality.
Progress in the prevention of acute bovine pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Hammond A. C. , Carlson J. R. , Breeze R. G. , Selman I. E.
Published: March 2023

The control of pulmonary emphysema by management techniques, the effectiveness of drugs and the possibility of preventing ruminal production of 3-methylindole (3MI), which causes the disease, are discussed. In vitro studies on rumen fluid showed that several compounds (Desoxysalinomycin, X-206Na, chloral hydrate, nigericin, lasalocid, monensin, narasin and salinomycin) effectively inhibited conversion of L-tryptophan to 3MI. In a field trial, rumen production of 3MI in 10 cows given daily doses of 200 mg of monensin was compared with 3MI production in 10 cows, on the same pasture, given placebos. Mean levels of 3MI in monensin treated cows was less than half that in cows given placebos after 144 h and was less than a third after 216 h. Although neither group developed pulmonary emphysema results suggest that monensin may be effective in preventing the disease. However, food and drug regulations in the USA prohibit the use of monensin in breeding stock.
Clinical report
Authors: Weaver Leon D.
Published: March 2023

I am going to give you a potpourri of things that I have observed in my dairy practice in southern California. As most of you know, The Upjohn Company has just received clearance for their prostaglandin F2 alpha, (trade name Lutalyse) for non-lactating cattle. I want to present the first two slides and pose a question to you. I will attempt to draw some conclusions about it at the end of my talk.
Livestock poisoning from oil field wastes
Authors: Edwards W. C. , Coppock R. W. , Zinn L. L.
Published: March 2023

Clinical signs in a herd that has been known to ingest crude oil, condensate and other petroleum hydrocarbons varies from sudden death to no observable effects. Onset of clinical signs encountered are petroleum smell on the breath, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, anesthetic like depression, mydriasis, ptyalism, epiphora, muscle tremors, head tremors, ataxia, tonic-clonic convulsive seizures, hypothermia and hyperthermia. Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, bloat, rumen atony and abomasal displacement. Inhalation pneumonia is reported as a common sequela to ingestion of petroleum hydrocarbons. Fluid feces with a petroleum smell, diarrhea, constipation and hard oily feces have all been observed. Cardiopulmonary signs of tachycardia, hyperpnea, dyspnea, and moist rales have been observed. Ketonemia, ketonuria, albuminuria, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypomagnesemia, and elevated serum glucose have been documented.
Lead poisoning in the bovine animal
Authors: Edwards William C. , Wiedemann Bernard
Published: March 2023

Gross and microscopic pathological changes associated with lead poisoning are minimal and diagnosis is most often made on the basis of lead analysis of blood or tissues. The differential diagnosis must include polioencephalomalacia, nervous coccidiosis, insecticide poisoning, rabies, pseudorabies, listeriosis, cerebral edema, brain abscesses and sodium ion toxicity.

Recommended treatment for lead poisoning includes parenteral administration of calcium disodium edetate. Oral administration of mineral oil, magnesium sulfate and calcium carbonate have also been recommended.
Investigation of an arsenic poisoning case
Authors: Edwards W. C. , Clay Billy R.
Published: March 2023

After lead, arsenic constitutes one of the most important toxicological hazards to farm animals. Arsenic is rather ubiquitous in nature, and trace or background levels can be found normally in nearly all animal and plant tissues. Arsenical compounds have been used for a variety of purposes, including for treatment of disease, as feed additives to promote weight gains, and as herbicides, cotton defoliants and appetite stimulants.

Toxicity varies with the species of animal exposed, the formulation of the arsenical, the route of exposure, and factors affecting rate of metabolism and excretion. It has long been known that most animals except the rat and man rapidly excrete arsenic.

Arsenic poisoning in cattle is manifested by acute or subacute syndrome, and chronic poisoning has not been clearly documented. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories have found that if an animal survives the acute crisis and lives for several days after consuming a toxic dose of arsenic, then the liver and kidney levels of arsenic may be below levels ordinarily considered diagnostic.

The following case emphasizes the need for documenting normal background levels of arsenic and other toxicants in animal tissues.
Toxicological problems of the industrial agricultural interface
Authors: Edwards W. C.
Published: March 2023

The energy shortage and environmental problems of the seventies have resulted in more industries relocating to the sunbelt. The major attractions for industries relocating to the south and southwest are the lower cost of land, lower taxes, and the greater abundance of lower cost fossil fuel, electricity and southern hospitality.
Threat of and response to a foreign animal disease outbreak
Authors: Buisch W. W.
Published: March 2023

Fortunately, FMD has not been diagnosed in the United States since 1929 even though it has been diagnosed in Canada in 1952 and in Mexico, 1946-1954. We have had nine outbreaks of FMD and the largest was in 1914 and 1915. It started in Michigan, soon became established in the Chicago Union Stockyards, and spread to 22 States and the District of Columbia. It involved the depopulation of 77,000 cattle, 85,000 swine, 10,000 sheep, 100 goats, and 9 deer.

With these examples, it is evident that the threat of exotic diseases gaining entry is very real. Since the cost/benefit ration for keeping exotic disease out of the United States is 1/120, it is imperative that we be aware worldwide of the existence as well as the known endemic areas for each foreign animal disease of interest.
Role of wildlife in exotic diseases
Authors: Hayes F. A.
Published: March 2023

This therefore is to urge that domestic livestock and wildlife managment interests resolve petty differences, strive for better understanding, and combine forces for the ultimate good of our national welfare. Whether specific concern is manifest for cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, horses, dogs, cats, or wildlife, a better spirit of cooperation must be forthcoming. Regardless of species involved, animal health in the United States should relate to a broad and encompassing concept that warrants equal concern by all individuals, organizations, institutions, or agencies directly or indirectly affected.
Malignant catarrhal fever
Authors: Mare C. John
Published: March 2023

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), also known as bovine malignant catarrh or snotsiekte, is an acute, usually fatal, generalized in disease of cattle and several species of wild ruminants. The disease is characterized by fever, catarrhal rhinitis and conjunctivitis, enlarged lymph nodes, and mortality of nearly 100 percent. The causative agent of at least one form of MCF is a herpesvirus.

The disease is worldwide in its distribution, but it is sporadic in its occurence.
Role of the bull in dystocia
Authors: Stables James W.
Published: March 2023

It is always somewhat surprising that members of a profession who spend almost eighty per cent of their lifetime at the back end of the cows they treat, do not always have the back-up information on the problem of dystocia. While we are all in our own way expert in reproduction, practitioners in particular have the expertise to extract calves from extremely difficult situations, I am fairly sure that we do not know, for example, the exact level of economic loss that dystocia causes to the farming community.

I am sure that we can all hazard guesses based on calf losses, but do we really know what the financial implications are in loss of yield, problems associated with retained placenta, infertility following a difficult calving, problems associated with the health of calves born as a result of difficult calvings and so on.

We do know of course that farmers use bulls such as Aberdeen Angus or Sussex on maiden Friesian heifers in order to ease the calving problems. This in itself can result in some fairly severe financial losses because of the difference in value, for arguments sake, between a cross-bred Aberdeen Angus calf and a cross-bred Hereford calf from the same dams. Workers overseas have tried to put figures to this particular problem, but of course their conditions are somewhat different from our own, and are obviously not strictly comparable.
Effect of retained placenta and metritis complex on reproductive performance in dairy cattle
Authors: Sandals W. C. D. , Curtis R. A. , Cote J. F. , Martin S. W.
Published: March 2023

A study of the computer stored records of 293 dairy cows and 652 calvings reveals the effects of retained placenta and metritis complex on reproductive performance. The overall incidence rate of retained placenta was 11.2%. Retained placenta was 4.6 times more likely to occur following twin births than following single births. Most cases of retained placenta occurred during the fall. Forty-five percent of that seasonal increase was explained by an increased number of calvings. Metritis complex was diagnosed following 54.8% of retained placenta cases. Retained placenta alone did not significantly impair reproductive performance. Metritis complex, in the presence or absence of retained placenta, caused a significant (p≤0.05) increase in days open, services per conception, calving to first heat intervals and days from calving to first service. There is an indication (interaction p≤0.1) that cows with both retained placenta and metritis complex are more severely affected than cows with either retained placenta or metritis complex alone. The influence of retained placenta on fertility appears to depend on the proportion of cows with retained placenta that have metritis complex.
Antibody responses to IBR vaccination in feedlot cattle
Authors: Carlson J. H. , Horton D. P. , Braddy P. M.
Published: March 2023

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an important respiratory disease of cattle. The disease has been especially critical in western feedlots and IBR virus infection has been associated with the shipping fever complex. Numerous commercial vaccines are in wide use to prevent this disease. Experimentally, these vaccines have been shown to be immunogenic and effective in preventing clinical IBR. A large western feedlot has routinely used a modified live virus IBR vaccine in all cattle entering the feedlot. Despite vaccination, the feedlot continued to experience significant morbidity and mortality associated with respiratory disease. A major portion of this respiratory disease was believed to be IBR virus infection.

This study was designed to study immunity to IBR virus of cattle as they enter the feedlot, and to measure the immune responses of feedlot cattle to intramuscular modified live virus IBR vaccines under field conditions. Immunity to bovine parainfluenza type 3 (PI3) virus upon arrival at the feedlot and seroconversion to that virus as a result of natural infections was also studied.
Evaluation of a long-acting oxytetracycline for treatment of Pasteurella pneumonia in calves
Authors: Breeze R. G. , Lauerman L. H. , Schmitz J. A. , Magonigle R. A.
Published: March 2023

Calves with experimental P. multocida pneumonia were successfully treated with a conventional intramuscular oxytetracycline preparation (50 mg/ml) at 3 mg/0.45 kg body weight daily for three days or 5 mg/0.45 kg for two days, and with a long-acting intramuscular oxytetracycline formulation (200 mg/ml) in a single dose of 9 mg/0.45 kg body weight. The long-acting preparation was considered more suitable as it required less labour to administer and caused less stress due to handling.
Criteria for live virus vaccines against respiratory infections
Authors: Zygraich N.
Published: March 2023

This review was aimed at defining the profile of the product one attempts to obtain, in order to orient the laboratory and clinical work in a way that provides clear answers to the questions raised.
Preventing drug problems in the feedlot
Authors: Edwards Alvin J.
Published: March 2023

Production of wholesome meat products for the consumer is the primary objective of the livestock industry. Veterinarians, as professional caretakers of animal health have a responsibility in aiding producers in achieving this goal.