Infectivity of sarcocystis spp. from bison, elk, moose, and cattle for cattle via sporocysts from coyotes

Bison bison (bison), Cervus canadensis (elk), Alces alces (moose), and Bos taurus (cattle) musculature containing Sarcocystis spp. cysts was fed to laboratory raised Canis latrans (coyotes), Sporocysts collected from the feces of coyotes fed musculature of each of the ruminant species were fed to four groups of three laboratory-raised domestic calves, respectively, to determine if Sarcocystis spp. was transmissible from wild to domestic ruminants and if so, to compare clinical signs of infection and morphologic features of cysts with those resulting from infection with Sarcocystis bovicanis. All calves fed sporocysts of Sarcocystis from coyotes that ate bison or cattle muscle had similar clinical signs and harbored morphologically similar parasites, suggesting that both bison and cattle are intermediate hosts for S. bovicanis and that this species is transmissible between the two ruminant species. All calves fed sporocysts from coyotes that ate elk muscle or moose muscle remained asymptomatic but one calf in each group had intramuscular cysts. The finding of relatively large numbers of intramuscular cysts in one calf fed sporocysts of elk origin and smaller numbers in one calf fed sporocysts of moose origin could represent either spurious natural infections or indicate low infectivity of Sarcocystis spp. from elk and moose to cattle.     

Identification of Sarcocystis hominis-like (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) cyst in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) based on 18S rRNA gene sequences

DNA templates were extracted from isolates of Sarcocystis hominis-like cysts collected from cattle and water buffalo, as well as from Sarcocystis fusiformis cysts and Sarcocystis suihominis cysts. The 18S rRNA genes were amplified using DNA from a single cyst as the templates. Approximately 1,367-1,440 bp sequences were obtained. The sequence difference in isolates of Sarcocystis hominis-like cysts from water buffaloes, and isolates of S. hominis cysts from cattle were very low, only about 0.1%, much lower than the lowest value (1.7%) among different species. Combined with their morphological structure, these sequence data indicate that the 4 isolates from cattle and water buffalo might be the same species, i.e., S. hominis, suggesting that both cattle and water buffalo may serve as the intermediate hosts for this parasite. Apparently, this is the first report using a single cyst to do such work and is a useful way to distinguish the Sarcocystis cyst in an intermediate host that may be simultaneously infected by several different Sarcocystis species.     

Prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. in stranded Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus)

In January 1998 and 1999, two mass strandings of dolphins occurred in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The strandings were composed of 97 and 53 animals, respectively. Tissues from 35 Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) from the 1998 stranding and 52 from the 1999 stranding were examined histologically. In the 1998 stranding, unidentified protozoal tissue cysts were seen in skeletal muscle from 11 of 28 (39%) dolphins. In addition, two dolphins had a protozoal tissue cyst in cardiac muscle. In the 1999 stranding, nine of 23 (39%) dolphins had the same protozoal tissue cysts in skeletal muscle. The identification of these protozoal tissue cysts as Sarcocystis sp. was confirmed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The high prevalence of sarcocysts in these dolphins suggests that they are likely intermediate hosts for previously undescribed Sarcocystis spp. The ultrastructure of the sarcocyst walls suggests that more than one species of Sarcocystis are present in dolphins.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle,horses, pigs and chickens in Japan

The presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in livestock and poultry was investigated by latex agglutination tests; samples that agglutinated at dilutions of 1:64 or higher were regarded as positive. Sera were collected from fattening beef cattle (102 Japanese black, 105 crossbreeds and 114 castrated Holstein), culled dairy cattle (101 Holstein), 100 horses, 115 fattening pigs and 235 chickens (163 free-range and 72 broilers) at abattoirs in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, from August 2012 to August 2013. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 7.3% (31/422) in cattle, 5.2% (8/155) in pigs, but not in horses or chickens. These results suggest that toxoplasmosis may be transmitted to humans via consumption of T. gondii-infected raw beef in Japan.     

Breed differences in growth hormone and insulin secretion between lactating Japanese Black cows (beef type) and Holstein cows (dairy type)

This study was performed to clarify the levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin (INS) secretions and the glucose response to INS during lactation in a representative beef breed in Japan, Japanese Black cows, and to compare them with their counterparts in a dairy breed, Holstein cows. Six Japanese Black and seven Holstein primiparous cows received a single intravenous injection of GH-releasing factor (GRF; 0.25 microg/kg), glucose (112.5 mg/kg), or INS (0.2 U/kg) from late pregnancy (2 weeks antepartum) to mid-lactation (6 months postpartum). Japanese Black cows had one-tenth of the total milk yield of Holstein cows during lactation, and significantly lower GRF-induced GH and higher glucose-induced INS secretions than Holstein cows at all stages. In Japanese Black cows, even with lactation, these secretions remained essentially unchanged, whilst Holstein cows showed higher GH and lower INS secretions after the onset of lactation as compared with cows in late pregnancy. Both breeds had similar glucose response to INS at the respective stages. These results suggest that, during lactation, Japanese Black cows may minimize the catabolic effects of GH and sustain the anabolic effects of INS, in contrast with Holstein cows, but have similar ability to inhibit INS-mediated glucose utilization in peripheral tissues to Holstein cows.     

Induction of twinning in Holstein and Japanese black cows by ipsilateral frozen embryo transfer

Induction of twinning by ipsilateral nonsurgical transfer of two frozen-thawed Japanese Black bovine embryos to each of 20 Holstein and 26 Japanese Black cows, that had been kept under a stable in private farm conditions, was examined. The cows were monitored every 20 days from Day 25 to Day 65 of gestation for pregnancy and fetus survival (estrus is Day 0). Seventy-five per cent (15 of 20), 65.0% (13 of 20) or 60.0% (12 of 20) and 61.5% (16 of 26), 53.8% (14 of 26) or 50.0% (13 of 26) of Japanese Black cows were diagnosed pregnant at 25, 45 and 65 days after transfer by ultrasonic echography. Embryonic losses were observed between Days 25 and 65 in 29.2% (7) Holstein and 31.8% (7) Japanese Black cows. The twin pregnancy rate in Holstein and Japanese Black cows decreased with time; 60.0% (9 of 15) vs. 37.5% (6 of 16) at Day 25; 53.8% (7 of 13) vs. 28.6% (4 of 14) at Day 45 and 41.7% (5 of 12) vs. 15.4% (2 of 13) at Day 65. At calving, Holstein cows produced five sets of twins and seven single calves, and Japanese Black cows two sets of twins and 11 single calves. The twinning rate in Holstein cows was higher (P < 0.05) than that in Japanese Black cows, 41.7% (5 of 12) vs. 15.4% (2 of 13). The calf birth weight in Holsteins was heavier (P < 0.05) than that in Japanese Black dams (24.5 kg, 33.6 kg vs. 19.3 kg, 25.5 kg for twin and single calves). The placental weight in Holstein dams calving twins was heavier than that in Holstein dams calving a single calf or in Japanese Black dams calving either twins or a single calf (6.6 kg vs. 3.5 kg, 4.6 kg or 2.8 kg). The number of placentome in Holstein dams calving twins was also higher (P < 0.05) than that in Holstein dams calving a single calf or Japanese Black dams (103.5 vs. 41.8, 67.9, 33.0). The number of placentome was approximately double in dams calving twins than that of dams calving a single calf.     

Infections with Sarcocystis wenzeli are prevalent in the chickens of Yunnan Province, China, but not in the flocks of domesticated pigeons or ducks

The distribution and prevalence of infections with species of Sarcocystis in domestic fowl in Asia are poorly known. Here, ducks, pigeons, and chickens from Yunnan Province, China were examined for evidence of parasitic infection with Sarcocystis spp. One hundred and ninety one chickens, 514 ducks, and nine pigeons were investigated. Whereas the ducks and pigeons lacked tissue cysts in their muscle, brain or peripheral nervous system, cysts of Sarcocystis wenzeli were identified in 17 of 191 chickens (8.9%). Morphologically, the cysts were thread-like, ranging in size from 334-3169 × 41-117 μm (mean 1093 × 65 μm). Cysts were septate with dense, short finger-like protrusions which appeared radially striated. The cyst wall was 1.4-3.5 μm (mean 2.4 μm) thick. The bradyzoites were lancet shaped and measured 12.2-17.7 × 1.8-2.9 μm (mean 14.6 × 2.5 μm). Ultrastucturally, the primary sarcocyst wall had stubby villar protrusions, corresponding to the 'type 9' class previously designated. The protrusions measured 0.87-1.89 × 0.47-0.91 μm (mean 1.27 × 0.59 μm; n = 57). These findings confirm previous work from the vicinity of Kunming concerning the occurrence of S. wenzeli in chickens, and its use of both cats and dogs as definitive hosts, but indicate that corresponding infections may not occur in the regional domestic flocks of other types of fowl.     

Experimental infections of Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis tenella, Sarcocystis capracanis and Toxoplasma gondii in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Four littermate 6-wk-old red foxes (Nos. 1-4) were fed Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis cruzi, S. tenella and S. capracanis. One littermate fox (No. 5) served as the control. Two foxes (Nos. 1, 2) were fed tissue cysts of T. gondii and two foxes (Nos. 3, 4) were fed oocysts of T. gondii. Twenty-one to 42 days later, the same five foxes were used to test the infectivity of meat of goat, sheep, and ox experimentally inoculated with Sarcocystis. Fox 2 was fed goat meat and shed S. capracanis-like sporocysts 10 days later. Foxes 3 and 4 were fed beef, and they shed S. cruzi-like sporocysts 9 days later. Fox 5 was fed sheep meat and shed S. tenella-like sporocysts 8 days later. Foxes were killed between 36 and 55 days of the experiment and their tissues were inoculated into mice to recover T. gondii. All foxes remained clinically normal and T. gondii was recovered from all inoculated foxes and not from the control. Sarcocystis sporocysts from foxes induced lethal infections in goats, sheep, and ox. The sporocysts, meronts, merozoites, and sarcocysts of fox-derived parasites were similar to those derived from coyotes or dogs. It was concluded that the red fox can act as a final host for the three pathogenic species of Sarcocystis in cattle, sheep, and goats.     

Sarcocystis transmitted by blood transfusion.

Merozoites were found in blood smears from calves, lambs, and pigs exhibiting signs of acute sarcocystosis after oral infection with sporocysts of Sarcocystis bovicanis, Sarcocystis ovicanis, and Sarcocystis suihominis. In each of 3 experiments, whole blood containing merozoites was transfused from an infected host to 2 uninfected recipients of the same species; 2 additional animals of the same species served as uninfected nontransfused controls. The bovine, ovine, and porcine donors all died of acute sarcocystosis. Clinical signs of sarcocystosis were not seen in any transfusion recipients or controls. All recipients and controls were killed and histologic specimens of esophagus, diaphragm, heart, skeletal muscle, and tongue were examined microscopically. Large numbers of intramuscular cysts were present in transfusion recipients, whereas few or no cysts were present in controls, indicating that S. bovicanis, S. ovicanis, and S. suihominis had been transmitted between intermediate hosts of the same species by blood transfusion.     

Experimental transmission of Sarcocystis from icterid birds to sparrows and canaries by sporocysts from the opossum.

Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and grackles (Cassidix mexicanus) infected with muscle cysts of Sarcocystis were fed to opposums (Didelphis virginiana) and fecal sporocysts from the latter were given to sparrows (Passer domesticus, Family Ploceidae), canaries (Serinus canarius, Family Fringillidae) and ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, Family Anatidae). Asexual parasites were found in the endothelium of sparrows and canaries but not in ducks. When birds were kept 10 weeks or more after infection, muscle cysts were found grossly and microscopically in the majority of sparrows, and in 1 canary, but not in ducks. Muscle zoites were found in digests of all sparrows and canaries but not in that of ducks. Metrocytes and forms dividing by endodyogeny also were found in the digest. Thus, avian Sarcocystis was transmitted experimentally from 2 genera of 1 family (Icteridae) to 2 different families of passerine intermediate hosts by sporocysts from the definitive host. This is the broadest intermediate host spectrum known for a species of Sarcocystis.     

Light and electron microscopical study on sarcocysts from muscles of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), Baboon (Papio cynocephalus) and Tamarin (Saguinus(=Oedipomidas) oedipus).

Sarcocystis cysts from muscles of monkeys (baboon, tamarin and rhesus monkey) were studied by means of light and electron microscopy. The differences in the morphology of the cyst wall and parasites clearly indicate that the three monkey species examined were each parasitized by at least a specific Sarcocystis species being not identical with S. nesbitti or S. kortei. The large numbers of cysts found within the muscle fibres point out the important role that have these monkeys as intermediate hosts in the life cycle of Sarcocystis species, where the final hosts are still unknown.     

Comparison of reproductive performance in Belgian dairy and beef cattle

A computerized program was written to collect, evaluate and compare reproductive performance data of 2004 beef (Belgian Blue breed) and 1649 dairy (Friesian Holstein and German Red) cattle in 35 Belgian herds (6 suckler beef herds, 9 milked beef herds and 20 dairy herds). Reproduction data were collected at monthly herd health visits. No difference in age at first calving was observed. Significant differences were observed among the 3 kinds of herds, and the best results were obtained in dairy herds for the calving interval, interval from calving to the first estrus, interval from calving to the first service and average number of days open. Concerning these parameters, first calvers had lower results than multiparous cows, mainly in suckler and milked beef herds. Significant differences were noted in the number of services per pregnancy. Heifers that had never calved presented the highest fertility. Primiparous beef cows had higher fertility than pluriparous cows. In dairy herds, pluriparous cows had higher fertility than primiparous cows. Estrus detection was better in milked beef herds than in suckled beef and dairy herds. Suckled beef herds had the lowest incidence of metritis and ovarian cysts of the three types of herds. Rates of abortion, overall culling and retained fetal membranes were similar in all the herds. The percentage of animals removed for infertility was highest in milked beef herds and lowest in dairy herds. Because 90% of the 1159 calvings recorded in the beef herds required a caesarean section, the reproductive performance of beef cattle represent results after caesarean section.     

Intestinal parasite infections in pigs and beef cattle in rural areas of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea

The present study was performed to investigate the infection status of intestinal parasites in pigs and beef cattle in rural areas of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. From November 2009 to April 2010, a total of 241 fecal samples of pigs and beef cattle (136 and 105, respectively) were examined by direct smear and centrifugal sedimentation methods. The overall positive rates of intestinal parasites among pigs and beef cattle were 73.5% and 4.8%, respectively, and the double-infection rate was 10.3% in pigs. Of 136 specimens from pigs, Balantidium coli, Ascaris suum, and Entamoeba spp. infections were found in 88 (64.7%), 24 (17.6%), and 5 cases (3.7%), respectively. Of 105 beef cattle, Entamoeba spp. infections were detected in 5 cases (4.8%). From these results, it is shown that pigs raised on rural farms in Chungcheongnam-do had a high B. coli infection rate and a moderate A. suum infection rate. These results demonstrate that environmentally resistant cysts or eggs could be widespread on the farms examined, and thus an effective hygienic management system is needed to prevent them from serving as the source of infection for human beings.     

Polymorphisms of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) and Holstein cattle

Polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) in humans and sheep correlate with susceptibility to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been reported in British and Japanese cattle; it has occurred thus far in Holstein cattle. BSE in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cattle has not been diagnosed up to now. To characterize the bovine PRNP polymorphisms in Korean cattle, we analyzed the open reading frame (ORF) of PRNP in 120 Hanwoo (beef) cattle and 53 Holstein (dairy) cattle. Three polymorphisms were found, the third position of codon 78 (G-->A), the third position of codon 192 (C-->T), and the deletion of a single octa-repeat. An analysis of codon 78 revealed no difference in the genotype (P = 0.2026) or allele (P = 0.7180) frequencies between Hanwoo and Holstein animals. However, there were significant differences in the genotype (P < 0.0001) and allele (P < 0.0001) frequencies at PRNP codon 192 between Hanwoo and Holstein animals. The rate of Holstein animals with deletion of a single octa-repeat was 91.5% undeleted homozygotes, 8.5% heterozygotes (with R3 deletion), and 0% deleted homozygotes. However, none of the 120 Hanwoo animals had any octa-repeat deletions. The genotype (P < 0.0001) and allele (P < 0.0001) frequencies of a single octa-repeat-deletion were also significantly different between Hanwoo and Holstein animals.     

Epidemiological and histomorphic studies in sheep infected with hydatid cyst in Taif area

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, which affects sheep worldwide, especially in rural communities. This study aims to determine the prevalence and structure of hydatid cyst in sheep. A total number of 1,198 sheep in different age groups G1 (<1 year), G2 (1–2 years) and G3 (>2 years) were slaughtered at Taif abattoirs, then examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in lung, liver, and mesentery. Prevalence of hydatid cyst infection in imported sheep (13.0%) was higher than of local sheep (10.2%). Particularly, as per gender, prevalence of imported females (71.9%) was higher than those of local females (28.1%), while that of imported males (66.3%) was higher than those of local males (33.7%). Large sizes of hydatid cysts and fertility recorded in G3 were higher in both local and imported sheep than those of G1 and G2. Morphometric analysis of pathological lesions in liver of all infected sheep showed a significant increase compared to non-infected healthy sheep (have no lesions) (P < 0.001). In addition, for all infected sheep, histochemical investigation with Masson’s trichrome stain showed collagen fibers inside the hydatid cyst capsules and in pericystic region. The collagen fibers content and the cellular laminated membranes took the green color, while immunohistochemical evaluation detected a positive reaction for CD3.     

Prevalence of Sarcocystis in wolves and white-tailed deer in Northeastern Minnesota

The prevalence of Sarcocystis (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from northeastern Minnesota was determined by histologic examination of tongue samples. Seventy-nine of 100 deer were infected; infection was higher in yearlings and adults than in fawns. Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were found in 3% of 72 wolf (Canis lupus) scats. Three of four captive wolves fed muscle from a white-tailed deer naturally infected with Sarcocystis shed sporocysts 12-14 days later.     

Production efficiency of Japanese black calves by transfer of bovine embryos produced in vitro

The objective of this study was to examine the production efficiency of Japanese Black beef calves after transfer of bovine embryos derived from an in vitro procedure. In vitro-produced (IVP) embryos were obtained from in vitro maturation and fertilization and in vitro development by co-culture with cumulus cells until 7 or 8 days after insemination. In vivo-developed (IVD) embryos from superovulated Japanese Black heifers and cows 7 days after artificial insemination were used as a control group. Bovine embryos were transferred nonsurgically to recipient cows on Day 7 +/- 1 of the estrous cycle. Pregnancy was diagnosed by palpation per rectum at Day 60 to 70 after estrus. Pregnancy, abortion, perinatal accident and birth rates were examined according to the origin of embryos (IVP or IVD), the number of transferred embryos (single or twin) and the storage status (fresh or frozen-thawed). In Experiment 1, production efficiency by twin transfer of fresh IVP embryos was examined. Higher pregnancy rates (52 1% vs 42 9%, P < 0.05) and birth rates (47.0% vs. 33.0%, P < 0.05) were obtained by twin transfer than by single transfer of fresh IVP embryos. Thus, the twin transfer of fresh IVP embryos was effective for production of calves, although the birth rates for single and twin transfers of fresh IVD embryos were still higher (55.5% and 76.1%, P < 0.05). But the abortion and perinatal accident rates for twin transfer of fresh IVP embryos were also significantly greater than those for single and twin transfer of fresh IVD embryos (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, production efficiency by twin transfer of frozen-thawed IVP embryos was examined. Either single or twin transfer of frozen-thawed IVP embryos resulted in a similar pregnancy rate (41.3% vs. 46.7%, P > 0.05) and birth rate (34.1% vs. 41.1%, P>0.05). Thus, in combination with frozen-thawed IVP embryos, the twin transfer did not enhance production efficiency. In conclusion, Japanese Black beef calves could effectively produce calves by twin transfer to Holstein recipients when using fresh IVP embryos, and by single transfer when using frozen-thawed IVP embryos.     

Sarcocystis fayeri sp. n. from the horse.

Hearts, diaphragms, esophagi, and spinal cords from 266 horses were obtained at slaughter in Creston, Ohio. Tissues were examined microscopically for Sarcocystis in sections, digested in trypsin to obtain bradyzoites, and fed to 10 dogs and 10 cats. Intramuscular cysts were found in selections of two hearts from 57 horses and four esophagi from 107 horses. The cysts were up to 900 micron long and up to 70 micron wide. The cyst wall was 1 to 2 micron thick and cross-striated. The enclosed bradyzoites were banana-shaped, 15 to 20 by 20 to 3 micron, and contained several PAS-positive granules. Bradyzoites were found in trypsin digests of seven of 57 (13%) equine tissues (heart, diaphragm, esophagus but not spinal cord) in one experiment and 10 of 47 (21%) esophagi, eight of 47 (17%) diaphragms but none of 47 hearts and spinal cords in another experiment. All of 10 dogs shed sporulated sporocysts or oocysts in feces 12 to 15 days (12 in one, 13 in eight, and 15 days in one) after digesting tissues from 169 horses. The sporocysts were 11 to 13 (12.0 +/- 0.5) by 7 to 8.5 (7.9 +/- 0.5) micron. In histologic sections of canine small intestine the sporocysts were located in the lamina propria near the tips of the villi. The 10 cats fed tissues from 266 horses did not shed Sarcocystis. A new name, S. fayeri, is proposed for this organism. Sarcocystis fayeri sporocysts (12 by 8 micron) are shorter than those of S. betrami (15 by 10 micron), the other species of Sarcocystis from the horse. The prepatent period is 12 to 15 days for S. fayeri and 8 days for S. bertrami (synonym S. equicanis Rommel and Geisel 1975).     

The use of crossbreeding with beef bulls in dairy herds: effects on calving difficulty and gestation length

This study was designed to analyse the evolution in the use of beef bull semen for dairy cattle insemination and, mainly, to assess calving difficulty, gestation length and proportion of stillbirths after breeding pure Holsteins or crossbreeding. Data were collected during 2004 to 2011 for 552 571 Holstein calvings (457 070 Holstein × Holstein, 43 384 Holstein × Limousine, 32 174 Holstein × Belgian Blue and 19 943 Holstein × Galician Blonde). The highest calving difficulty, compared with pure Holsteins was for crosses with Belgian Blue followed by Limousine and Galician Blonde. The Holstein × Limousine and Holstein × Galician Blonde crossbred calves had significantly longer gestation lengths than Holstein × Holstein and Holstein × Belgian Blue calves. Between the latter two, pure Holstein had the shortest gestation length. Calving difficulty and gestation length decreased as the age of the dam advanced. The most difficult calvings were observed in twin calvings, followed by the calvings of male calves and female calves. The gestations leading to the birth of male calves were longer than those leading to female calves and twin calves. Stillbirths were not related to the breed used for mating. Through examining these parameters, sire breed should be considered when selecting a beef breed for the insemination of milk-producing dams.