Association Between Aflatoxin M1 Excretion in Milk and Indicators of Rumen Fermentation in Bovines

Aflatoxins and its metabolites negatively impact the ruminant health and production. The present cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the effect of aflatoxins on rumen fermentation by deducing the correlation between the Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) excretion in milk and indicators of rumen fermentation in bovines. The indicators of rumen fermentation were taken into account and correlated with AFM1 concentration in milk of respective 120 bovines [cattle (n = 82) and buffalo (n = 38)]. The AFM1 in milk samples (n = 120) was quantified by ELISA kit. The correlation analysis revealed that with increase in excretion of AFM1 in milk, the pH (r = 0.38), Methylene Blue Reduction Time (MBRT) (r = 0.43), Sedimentation Activity Time (SAT) (r = 0.31) and ammonia nitrogen content (r = 0.34) of rumen liquor increases; whereas, the Total Volatile Fatty Acids (TVFA’s) content (r=-0.25), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) (r=-0.43) and Total Protozoal Count (TPC) (r=-0.14) of rumen liquor decreases. The results of the present study suggest that the presence of aflatoxins in rumen could have negative effect on the process of rumen fermentation. Therefore, the prevention of primary entry point(s) of AFB1 through the feed of bovines is important for the animal as well as public health.

Innocuousness of conjunctival vaccination with Brucella melitensis strain Rev.1 in pregnant Iranian fat-tailed ewes

<em>Brucella</em> <em>melitensis</em> strain Rev.1 is the most effective vaccine against brucellosis in sheep and goats. In Iran, mass vaccination is carried out all over the country in which adult animals are immunized by subcutaneous injection of reduced doses of the vaccine. However, due to antibody responses elicited by vaccination, concomitant implementation of test-andslaughter is impossible. To overcome the problem, vaccination through conjunctival route is recommended. In this study, serological responses of six pregnant Iranian fat-tailed ewes to conjunctival vaccination with standard doses of the vaccine were evaluated using modified Rose Bengal test, serum agglutination test and indirect ELISA. Besides, vaccine strain excretion in milk and vaginal discharges was also examined by microbiological culture of milk and vaginal swab samples taken one day post-parturition. Animals were vaccinated during the second half of gestation. As the results, antibody titers of five (83.3%) ewes decreased to the levels not detectable by the tests within three months after vaccination. No vaccine-induced abortions occurred and vaccinated ewes delivered healthy lambs 50.33±15.56 (mean ± standard deviation) days post-vaccination. Vaccine strain was not isolated from milk and vaginal swab samples. Generally, our study shows full doses of <em>B. melitensis</em> strain Rev.1 can be used conjunctively to vaccinate pregnant Iranian sheep during late pregnancy without abortifacient effects, prolonged antibody responses and vaccine strain excretion in milk and vaginal discharges. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in field conditions.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Issues Related to Infectious Diseases

Infection is the most common complication during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Choices are limited for antibiotic therapy are limited. One must take into account the effect of pregnancy on serum levels, distribution of antibiotics, placental transfer, the fetus, the newborn, excretion in milk, the breast-feeding infant. Antimicrobial therapy is selected on the basis of experience and guidelines. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, intra-amniotic infection, and major perinatal and puerperal infections are reviewed.