scholarly journals Applicability of fetal thoracic aortic diameter measurement in the prediction of birth weight in Holstein-Friesian cows — Short communication

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65
Author(s):  
Boglárka Vincze ◽  
András Gáspárdy ◽  
Levente Kovács ◽  
Ervin Albert ◽  
Luca Kézér ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Aortic Diameter ◽  
Diameter Measurement ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Friesian Cows

Transabdominal ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful and reliable method for assessing fetal well-being in horses and cattle. To test the applicability of fetal aortic diameter measurement in cattle, 44 late-term pregnant cows and heifers were examined 21 to 0 days prior to calving. Mean fetal aortic diameter was 2.07 ± 0.14 cm and mean fetal heart rate (FHR) was 109 ± 17 bpm. Three dead calves were dissected and their aortic diameter was measured in a water bath. The mean birth weight (n = 44) was 39.9 ± 5.8 kg. There was a significant negative correlation between FHR and fetal aortic diameter. However, although some studies have shown that fetal aortic diameter strongly correlates with birth weight in near-term horses and cattle, in this study there was no correlation between fetal aortic diameter and birth weight in Holstein-Friesian cows and heifers irrespective of whether the fetus was born alive or dead.

scholarly journals Quality Traits of Longissimus thoracis and lumborum and Gluteus medium Muscles from Cull Dairy Holstein-Friesian Cows

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Carlos Santos ◽  
Carlos Moniz ◽  
Cristina Roseiro ◽  
Vera Medeiros ◽  
Isabel Afonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aging Time ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Meat Tenderness ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sensorial Attributes ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Friesian Cows

<em>Longissimus thoracis</em> and <em>lumborum</em> (LTL) and <em>Gluteus medius</em> (Gm) muscles of culled dairy cows, differing in production status (Ps) at slaughter and carcass weight were assessed for intramuscular fat and myoglobin, color, shear force (SF) and sensorial characteristics, after being aged for 2, 7, 14, 28 and 42 days. Meat from dried-off cows was lighter, redder and had higher yellowness and chroma (<em>P </em>&lt; 0.05) than lactating cows. Meat of finished fed cows improved in color in relation to counterparts directly slaughtered, but not significantly. Color parameters increased with aging time and the mean values of LTL and Gm significantly differed mostly among lactating cows. SF of meat was affected by aging time, muscle type, Ps and by their respective interactions (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), with a greater impact in LTL muscle. Meat from LTL muscle of dried-off cows had lower SF (47.30 N) than that of lactating cows (65.61 N) (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), but such differences were not significant for Gm muscle. Meat tenderness of finished fed cows was higher than counterparts not finished (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). Main effects and the results from their interactions were significant for all sensorial attributes (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001).

scholarly journals Coefficients of relationship and inbreeding among Finnish Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 338 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. VAHLSTEN ◽  
E. MÄNTYSAARI ◽  
I. STRANDÉN
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Average Coefficient ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Coefficient Of Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Friesian Cows

Pedigree data from national breeding value evaluations were used in calculation of the coefficient and rate of inbreeding, average coefficient and rate of relationship and generation intervals for the Finnish Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle populations. The data had 1,366,555 Ayrshire and 377,869 Holstein-Friesian animals. The mean coefficient of inbreeding for Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian animals born in the 1990s was 2.29% and 0.90%, respectively, and the trend was towards higher inbreeding values. The average coefficient of relationship, mean increase in inbreeding and generation interval was calculated for bulls born between 1976 and 1999, and for cows born between 1986 and 1999. The mean coefficient of relationship of Ayrshire bulls increased 2.22 %-units per generation and inbreeding increased 0.20 %-units per generation during the years studied. The mean coefficient of relationship of Finnish Holstein-Friesian bulls increased 0.96 %-units per generation and inbreeding 0.17 %-units per generation. The mean coefficient of relationship and inbreeding of Ayrshire cows increased 0.38 %-units and 0.31 %-units per generation, respectively. For Holstein-Friesian cows the mean coefficient of relationship and inbreeding increased 0.25 %-units and 0.11 %-units per generation, respectively. Results show that inbreeding is low and it is increasing slowly in both breeds. However, especially the coefficients of relationship of Ayrshire bulls are high in some age classes and this may lead into faster increase in coefficients of inbreeding.;

The effects of raising post-oestrus progesterone concentrations on luteal activity in post-partum dairy cows

1999 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. O. Darwash ◽  
G. L. Ward ◽  
G. E. Lamming ◽  
J. A. Woolliams
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Phase Length ◽  
Friesian Cows

AbstractIn order to investigate the rationale of manipulating post-ovulation progesterone (P4) concentrations, luteal activity was measured in 10 Holstein-Friesian cows treated with a progesterone-releasing device (CIDR, 1·9 g P4) inserted on the morning of day 2 post-oestrus for a period of 7 days and compared with 10 untreated control animals. Milk samples were collected daily during afternoon milking from 7 days pre- to 24 days post-oestrus and P4 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The milk P4 profiles were used to assess the effects of early post-oestrus P4 elevation on five intervals of the luteal phase. In the treated (T) and control (C) animals, the mean interval from oestrus to P4 rise (≥3 μg/l), was 2·38 (s.e. 0·18) and 4·90 (s.e. 0·28) days, respectively, (P < 0·01). The mean interval from oestrus to the attainment of peak P4 concentrations was not significantly different (P > 0·05) between the T (14·75 (s.e. 1-62) days) and С (14·30 (s.e. 0·70) days) animals, with cows in the T group showing a more variable (F7 9 = 4-30, P < 0·05) interval to the occurrence of the peak. The interval from peak P4 to corpus luteum (CL) regression (when P4 fell below ≥3 μg/l) was not significantly different between the T (4·13 (s.e. 1·30 days) and С (5·60 (s.e. 0·88) days) groups. Furthermore, CIDR insertion did not alter luteal phase length, number of days with P4 concentrations ≥3 μg/l (T = 16·50 (s.e. 0·80) v.C = 15·00 (s.e. 0·47) days) or the interval from oestrus to CL regression (T = 18·88 (s.e. 0·79) v.C = 19·90 (s.e. 0·41) days). We conclude that treatment with CIDR 2 days after oestrus successfully increased the availability of P4 to cows without significantly affecting luteal phase characteristics.

A protocol for initiating oestrus and ovulation earlypost partumin dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. O. Darwash ◽  
G. E. Lamming ◽  
M. D. Royal
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Friesian Cows

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) and progesterone (P4) treatment in initiating oestrus and ovulation post partum (PP) in Holstein-Friesian cows. Using four herds, the treatment protocol consisted of a single intra-muscular injection of PGF2α(Estrumate) between days 12 to 14 PP followed 48 h later by progesterone treatment via intra-vaginal CIDR insertion for a period of 7 days. Milk samples for progesterone determination were collected three times weekly from 7 to 65 days PP. The ovarian activity and reproductive performance of treated (T, no. = 153) animals and untreated control cows (C, no. = 315) were compared. Treatment was effective (P< 0·001) in reducing the mean interval to PP commencement of luteal activity from 29·62 (s.e. 0·82) days to 22·09 (s.e. 0·70) days. The mean interval to first PP oestrus in the T animals was significantly reduced (P< 0·001) from 55·62 (s.e. 1·58) days to 44·91 (s.e. 1·44) days and the incidence of silent ovulation in cycles between days 21 to 65 PP was reduced (P< 0·001) from 56·28% to 42·27%. In two herds under one management regime and with a similar block-calving pattern (no. = 280 animals), the treatment protocol was beneficial to the overall reproductive performance as there was a significant shortening in the mean interval to first PP service (75·82 (s.e. 1·93) v. 80·86 (s.e. 1·32) days) and in the interval to PP conception (83·07 (s.e. 2·49) v. 88·90 (s.e. 1·95) days), bothP< 0·05.

scholarly journals Transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal well-being in the late-term mare and cow

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boglárka Baska-Vincze ◽  
Ferenc Baska ◽  
Ottó Szenci
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aortic Diameter ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Biophysical Profile ◽  
Fetal Activity ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Low Sensitivity

In the equine practice, attempts have been made to examine the fetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy but all of the available methods have limitations. Until now, transabdominal ultrasonography has been regarded as the most informative examination. This method allows us to measure fetal heart rate, fetal activity as well as the quality and quantity of the fetal fluids. A modified biophysical profile for horses was used by several researchers in the USA from the 1990s as a gold standard. However, it is not sensitive enough and, in the authors’ experience, professionals can face difficulties during its application (e.g. for measuring aortic diameter and fetal breathing movements). In cows, this method was first used for this purpose by a Canadian research group in 2007. They reported that transabdominal ultrasound was promising but showed low sensitivity in this species. The present studies show that birth weight cannot be predicted from fetal aortic diameter measurement in cows as suggested by other researchers. Transabdominal ultrasound needs special equipment (2–3.5 MHz convex transducer) and basic ultrasonographic knowledge; however, we suggest that in most cases it can be performed with the dam placed in a stock and without shaving the examination area. The method provides useful information within 30–40 minutes, enabling the examiner to determine whether or not the fetus is alive and to recognise placentitis or twins. This technique also allows measuring the combined thickness of the uteroplacental unit, and the authors’ ongoing study showed higher normal values in Lipizzaner mares compared to values in other breeds. In conclusion, with the help of advanced techniques, simple and low-cost methods should be developed for the evaluation of the pregnant dam and its fetus to assess fetal viability in the veterinary practice.

Bovine immunoglobulin G, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin and serum albumin in colostrum and milk during the early post partum period

1999 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
DIDIER LEVIEUX ◽  
ALAIN OLLIER
Keyword(s):  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Whey Proteins ◽  
Milk Supply ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Bovine Immunoglobulin ◽  
Β Lactoglobulin ◽  
Friesian Cows

Colostrum and milk samples from 60 Holstein–Friesian cows were analysed for concentrations and yields of immunoglobulin G (IgG), β-lactoglobulin (β-lg), α-lactalbumin (α-la) and serum albumin (BSA) throughout the first 16 milkings post partum (8 d of lactation) using a single radial immunodiffusion assay. Concentrations (mg/ml, means±SD) at first milking were IgG 59·8±28·5, β-lg 14·3±4·6, α-la 2·04±0·6, BSA 1·21±0·44. Large variations were recorded for IgG concentrations (15·3–176·2 mg/ml) and yields (0·2–925 g). Cows in their first lactation produced significantly lower concentrations and yields of colostral IgG than cows in later lactations. A colostral yield of IgG below the 100 g required to prevent calf hypo-γ-globulinaemia was found in 18·3% of the cows. The concentrations of IgG, β-lg and BSA dropped abruptly in subsequent milkings and α-la concentration decreased slowly. The mean IgG concentration was <2 mg/ml after eight milkings and <1 mg/ml after fifteen milkings. However, IgG concentration did not differ significantly, at the 1% level, during milkings 11–15. The results were tabulated to make it possible to calculate the excess of whey proteins that would be obtained if early milks were illegally added to the milk supply.

scholarly journals Estimation of feed intake by cattle using controlled-release capsules containing n-alkanes or chromium sesquioxide

2004 ◽  
Vol 142 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. M. FERREIRA ◽  
M. OLIVÁN ◽  
M. A. M. RODRIGUES ◽  
K. OSORO ◽  
H. DOVE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Release Rate ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
Grab Sampling ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Friesian Cows

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the utilization of the n-alkane technique and the chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3)/acid insoluble ash (AIA) procedure to estimate feed intake of meadow hay by two breeds of cattle. The animals were housed in individual pens, and offered known amounts of meadow hay as the sole diet component. One group of 4 Barrosã cows (average weight, 457±24 kg) and another group of 4 Holstein–Friesian cows (average weight, 635±148 kg) were dosed with intra-ruminal controlled-release capsules (CRC) that contained alkane markers or Cr2O3 in separate capsules. During intake estimation, meadow hay and faeces were sampled twice daily. There was no significant effect of grab sampling time on the meadow hay intake estimation, due to the fact that no differences were observed in the faecal marker concentrations.The mean real intakes, measured as the difference between the dry weight of feed offered each day and the dry weight of daily feed refusal, were 5·64 and 7·76 kg DM/day for Barrosã and Holstein–Friesian cows, respectively. For Barrosã cows the mean estimated intakes when using the CRC release rates documented by the manufacturer (MRR) were 5·66, 6·59 and 6·90 kg DM/day, using the Cr2O3/AIA procedure, C31[ratio ]C32 and C33[ratio ]C32 n-alkane pairs, respectively. For Holstein–Friesian cows the same markers gave values of 7·72, 8·51 and 8·95 kg DM/day, respectively. Mean daily intake estimation was improved when the release rate calculated as the reduction rate in CRCs payload performed in a additional experiment (CRR), was used. The differences from the real intake values, obtained using C31[ratio ]C32 and C33[ratio ]C32 alkane pairs, decreased from 950 and 1260 g/day to 140 and 420 g/day, respectively, for Barrosã cows and from 750 and 1190 g/day to 290 and 90 g/day for Holstein–Friesian cows. The intake estimation using the Cr2O3/AIA procedure was not affected by correcting the CRC release rate, because the release rates of both MRR and the CRR were similar.The results indicate that controlled-release capsules provide a uniform marker release in cattle, but also suggest that to obtain accurate estimates of intake, it is better to measure release rates within the context of particular experiments.

An assessment of immune and stress responsiveness in Holstein-Friesian cows selected for high and low feed conversion efficiency

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 244 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Aleri ◽  
B. C. Hine ◽  
M. F. Pyman ◽  
P. D. Mansell ◽  
W. J. Wales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Immune Responsiveness ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Stress Responsiveness ◽  
Friesian Cows

The objective of this study was to assess the immune and stress responsiveness of cows identified as extremely high and low feed conversion efficiency phenotypes. The study utilised 16 Holstein-Friesian cows in their third to fourth lactation, and identified as having either extremely high (n = 8) or extremely low (n = 8) feed conversion efficiency. A commercial vaccine was used to induce measurable antibody- and cell-mediated adaptive immune responses and assess general immune responsiveness. Stress responsiveness was assessed by measuring changes in plasma cortisol concentrations in response to yarding and handling. No significant differences in antibody- or cell-mediated immune responsiveness were observed between the extreme high and low feed conversion efficiency phenotypes (P = 0.343 and 0.546, respectively). However, results suggested that plasma cortisol concentrations trended higher in the low feed conversion efficiency phenotype cows than their high feed conversion efficiency counterparts (P = 0.079) 48 h post-yarding and handling. A significant negative correlation was observed between antibody-mediated immune responsiveness and stress responsiveness (r = –0.44, P = 0.043) but not with cell-mediated immune responsiveness (r = 0.135, P = 0.309). This study provides preliminary evidence that cows selected for feed conversion efficiency may have improved stress-coping abilities and immune responsiveness.

scholarly journals Syrian Immigrants in Germany: An Exploration into Intercultural Competence, Self-awareness and Well-being of the Minority Group

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 365-383
Author(s):  
Hateem Al Khuja ◽  
Kaj Björkqvist
Keyword(s):  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Brief Symptom Inventory ◽  
Global Mindset ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The Mean

The intercultural competence of Syrians who reside in Germany was assessed in order to shed light on patterns and behaviours that are practiced by them in a different culture. In total, 308 respondents completed the questionnaire, of which 54 (17.5%) were female and 254 (82.5%) were male. The mean age of the respondents was 30.5 years (SD = 7.5.). The respondents’ level of private self-awareness, particularly self-reflection and insight, and their level of well-being (depression, anxiety and aggression) were assessed. Intercultural competence was measured using APTOC, a 15-item scale that consists of 3 main subscales, namely Openness to Other Cultures, Global Mindset, and Narrow Mindset. Private self-awareness was measured with the Self-reflection and Insight Scale. Well-being was measured with three subscales of the Brief Symptom Inventory, namely Depression, Anxiety and Hostility. Openness to other Cultures, Global Mindset and Narrow Mindset were found to have a significant impact on Self-reflection and the well-being determinants (except Anxiety). There was a significant negative correlation between Narrow Mindset and Insight. Conclusively, Intercultural competence was found to have a positive impact on Private Self-awareness (Self-reflection and Insight) and Well-being of Syrians who reside in Germany.

scholarly journals CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE O PESO DO NEONATO EQUINO PURO SANGUE INGLÊS (PSI) E A AORTA FETAL DETERMINADA POR ULTRASSONOGRAFIA TRANSABDOMINAL DURANTE OS ÚLTIMOS 10 DIAS ANTERIORES AO PARTO

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. TULLIO ◽  
L. E. KOZICKI ◽  
A.W.C. SILVA
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Diameter ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Thoroughbred Horses ◽  
De Se ◽  
The Mean

Com o objetivo de se avaliar a dimensão fetal, quarenta éguas da raça Puro Sangue Inglês (PSI) foram examinadas ultrassonograficamente por via transabdominal a partir do 300º dia /de gestação até o parto, a intervalos de 10 dias entre os exames. O peso do neonato foi aferido mediante fita de pesagem eqüina e / ou balança. O valor médio do diâmetro da aorta fetal foi de 24,05 mm para todo o grupo, sendo para machos 24,21 mm e para fêmeas 23,79 mm. O peso fetal estimado foi de 50,70 kg e o real ao nascimento de 52,3 kg para todo o grupo (p< 0,05). Para os fetos machos o peso estimado foi de 51,19 kg, e ao nascimento 52,70 kg; para os fetos fêmeas o peso estimado foi de 49,97 kg e ao nascimento 51,68 kg (p< 0,05). Nas fêmeas pesadas com fita o peso fetal estimado foi de 49,36 kg e ao nascimento de 51,50 kg e para os machos o peso fetal estimado foi de 49,78 kg e ao nascimento 51,64 kg (p< 0,05). Nas fêmeas pesadas com balança, o peso estimado foi de 50,34 kg e ao nascimento 51,80 kg, e nos machos o peso estimado foi de 52,40 kg e ao nascimento 53,62 kg (p< 0,05). Concluiu-se que houve diferença estatística entre o peso estimado e o peso ao nascimento do neonato equino. Correlation between the neonatal weight of thoroughbred horses and the fetal aorta measured by transabdominal ultrasound in the last 10 days before parturition Abstract In order to evaluate the fetal dimension and weight, 40 thoroughbred mares (n=40) underwent transabdominal ultrasonography each 10-day intervals from 300 days of gestation until parturition. The neonatal weight was measured by an equine ribbon and / or balance. The mean fetal aortic diameter for all fetuses was 24.05 ± 1.86 mm, for male fetuses was 24.21 ± 1.98 mm and female was 23.79 ± 1.64 mm. The mean predict weight was 50.70 ± 5.53 kg, for neonate 52.3 ± 6.31 kg (P< 0.05 a 5%). The mean predict weight for male fetuses was 51.19 ± 5.81 kg and for the neonates was 52.70 ± 6.45 kg; for female fetuses was 49.97 ± 4.79 kg and for the neonates was 51.68 ± 5.81 kg (P< 0.05 at 5%). The mean predict weight for female fetuses using the ribbon was 49.36 ± 4.36 kg, for the neonates was 51.50 ± 5.46 kg, and for male fetuses the mean predict weight with ribbon was 49.78 ± 4.41 kg, for the neonates 51.64 ± 5.85 kg (P< 0.05 at 5%). The mean predict weight for female fetuses using the balance was 50.34 ± 5.00 kg, for neonates was 51.80 ± 6.01 kg, and for male fetuses the mean predict weight with balance was 52.40 ± 6.53 kg, for neonates 53.62 ± 6.78 kg (P< 0.05 at 5%). The results suggest that the predicted fetal weight did not correlate with the fetal aortic diameter.

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