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.     

A comparison between cervical dimensions of pregnant and nonpregnant Santa Gertrudis and Bos taurus cows

Cervical measurements were recorded on palpation per rectum for 603 Bos taurus , Santa Gertrudis, and crossbred cattle. Postmortem cervical measurements were recorded for 77 of these cows. Antemortem measurements were positively correlated with those taken at postmortem examination (cervical diameter: r=0.75, P<0.01 and cervical length: r=0.29, P<0.06). Cervical diameters from antemortem and postmortem specimens were greater in Santa Gertrudis cattle than in Bos taurus and crossbred cattle (P<0.05). Cervical shape was different between Santa Gertrudis cattle and Bos taurus or crossbred cattle (P<0.01), with Santa Gertrudis cows having a higher incidence of conical shaped cervices than other breeds. Within Santa Gertrudis cattle, the incidence of conical cervical shape increased with age (P<0.05). Conical cervical shape was associated with a lower pregnancy rate in all breeds (P<0.01). Within Santa Gertrudis cattle, conical cervical shape was associated with a lower pregnancy rate in 1- to 4-year-old cows (P<0.05) but not in cows more than 4 years of age (P>0.05).     

Use of 1,3-butanediol for lactation and growth in cattle.

These studies have been designed to test whether 1,3-butanediol (BD) alleviates milk fat depression in lactating cows, to observe physiological changes in blood and rumen constituents when BD is fed to cows or growing cattle, and to test the effects of BD on growth rates and feed efficiency in growing cattle. In trials with lactating cows, milk fat percentage and total fat production were higher for cows fed BD than for controls. Feeding BD to either cows or growing cattle had no consistent effect on rumen pH or relative concentrations of rumen volatile fatty acids. 1,3-Butanediol feeding had little effect on blood glucose concentrations. Feeding more than 4% BD in diets sometimes caused increased concentrations of blood ketones. In trials where growing cattle were fed 4% BD, rates of gain and feed efficiency were at least as good as and often better than those of cattle fed the same diets without BD. Body composition was not significantly affected. 1,3-Butanediol can be utilized effectively as an energy source for cattle and causes no obvious problems with 4% in diets.     

Estimates of heterosis for in vitro embryo production using reciprocal crosses in cattle

In vitro embryo production and exploitation of heterosis are two methods of increasing productivity and accelerating genetic progress in many cattle production systems. However, it is not known if heterosis exists in bovine embryos produced in vitro. Tests for heterosis in in vitro embryo production were conducted in two experiments using reciprocal crosses. In the first, gametes from Bos taurus and Bos indicus were used; in the second, gametes from dairy and beef breeds of Bos taurus were used. In each experiment, both parental groups were used as sperm and oocyte donors, producing crossbred and purebred embryos. Oocytes obtained from abattoir-derived ovaries underwent in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization with frozen semen. Embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage and observed. In the first experiment, higher (P < 0.05) rates of blastocyst formation were found for Bos taurus both as sires and as dams. Approximately 36% of the purebred Bos taurus oocytes and 21% of the purebred Bos indicus oocytes developed to blastocyst. Crosses averaged 16% resulting in a heterosis estimate of 45%. Ovaries from Bos indicus cows had more harvestable oocytes than did those from Bos taurus cows (P < 0.05). No evidence for heterosis was found for crosses within Bos taurus. Oocytes from beef cows had a higher rate of blastocyst formation than did those from dairy cows (30 vs. 24%, P < 0.05). These seemingly disparate results concerning heterosis were discussed in light of the period of genetic isolation of the parental populations in the two experiments.     

Occurrence of the Rumen Ciliate Oligoisotricha bubali in Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus)

Oligoisotricha bubali, previously observed twice in water buffalo, was detected in rumen contents of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) in two different areas of Tennessee. Concentrations ranged from <1 to 35% of the total protozoa in unweaned calves and up to 72% in older animals in feedlot. In contrast to the other genera of holotrichs, both total numbers and percent composition of O. bubali increased when animals were fed a corn silage-concentrate diet.     

Rumen ciliate fauna of some Brazilian cattle: occurrence of several ciliates new to the rumen, including the cycloposthid Parentodinium africanum

Parentodinium africanum was observed in rumen contents of four Brazilian cattle and constituted 4.4, 0.9, less than 0.1, and 10.0% of the total ciliates. This appears to be the first observation of the family Cycloposthiidae in the rumen habitat. Blepharoconus krugerensis, previously observed in the intestines of the elephant, and an unknown species of ciliate with many characteristics similar to the family Paraisotrichidae were each observed in a single animal. A new subspecies, Diplodinium flabellum laterospinatum n. subsp., is also described. Total number of ciliates per ml of rumen contents ranged from 9.0 to 51.2 X 10(4) and included an overall total of 55 species and 4 subspecies.     

Ciliated protozoa in the rumen of Turkish domestic cattle (Bos taurus L.)

ABSTRACT. Rumen Contents obtained from 28 domesticated cattle ( Bos taurus L.) slaughtered at abatoirs near Izmir, Turkey were surveyed for ciliate protozoa. Protozoa are known to make an appreciable contribution to ruminal fiber digestion in many different geographical areas; however, little if any Information is available on their occurrence in Turkish cattle. As a result of our survey, 13 genera including 52 species were identified. Nine of the species were further divided into 36 forma. The average ciliate density in our cattle (52.44 X 10⁴/ml) was higher than that of Turkish domestic sheep and other domestic cattle reported previously from different geographical areas. Entodinium basoglui, Entodinium williamsi f. williamsi, E. williamsi f. turcicum, E. dalli f. rudidorsospinatum, Entodinium imai, Entodinium oektemae, Eudiplodinium dehorityi, Epidinium graini, Ophryoscolex purkynjei f. bifidobicinctus , and Ophryoscolex purkynjei f. bifidoquadricinctus have previously been reported from Turkey and appear to be endemic. All of the remaining species represent a new host record for domestic Turkish cattle. This study also reports for the second time the presence of Entodinium constrictum in herbivorous mammals, and is the first record of its occurrence in domesticated cattle.     

Flaxseed supplementation decreases methanogenic gene abundance in the rumen of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a flaxseed-supplemented diet on archaeal abundance and gene expression of methanogens in the rumen of dairy cows. In all, 11 non-lactating dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups: group A (five cows) and B (six cows). The two diets fed were: (1) the control diet, a conventional dry cow ration; and (2) the flaxseed-supplemented diet, the conventional dry cow ration adjusted with 12.16% ground flaxseed incorporated into the total mixed ration. A cross-over experiment was performed with the two groups of cows fed the two different diets for five 21-day periods, which included the first adaptation period followed by two treatment and two wash out periods. At the end of each feeding period, rumen fluid samples were collected via rumenocentesis and DNA was extracted. Quantitative PCR was utilized to analyze the gene abundance of 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) targeting the ruminal archaea population and the mcrA gene coding for methyl coenzyme-M reductase subunit A, a terminal enzyme in the methanogenesis pathway. Results demonstrated a 49% reduction of 16S rRNA and 50% reduction of mcrA gene abundances in the rumen of dairy cows fed the flaxseed-supplemented diet in comparison with those fed the control diet. This shows flaxseed supplementation effectively decreases the methanogenic population in the rumen. Future studies will focus on the mechanisms for such reduction in the rumen of dairy cattle, as well as the relationship between methanogenic gene expression and methane production.     

Rumen ciliated protozoan fauna of the yak (Bos grunniens) in China with the description of Entodinium monuo n. sp

Rumen ciliate species composition was surveyed in domestic yaks kept in Tibet, Sichuan, and Inner Mongolia, China. Twelve genera including 36 species with 18 formae were identified. The species compositions were slightly different among the three areas: yaks in Tibet had the simplest fauna, in contrast, the fauna of yaks in Inner Mongolia were the most abundant and similar to those found in the cattle kept in the same area. This suggests that the rumen ciliate composition of yaks is affected by that of cattle kept together or in proximity. A new species belonging to the genus Entodinium, Entodinium monuo n. sp., was recognized from the yaks in all areas. This new species was common in the yaks but was not detected in the cattle fed near yaks in Inner Mongolia. There was a similar generic ciliate composition in yaks kept in respective areas. Entodinium was the most predominate ciliate (51.9-61.0%) with total ciliate densities estimated as 10(5)/ml per yak.     

Fetal development and gestational changes in Bos taurus and Bos indicus genotypes in the tropics

Weights of the gravid uterus and fetus as well as the fetal measurements were determined at slaughter for 107 Bos taurus cows grazed on improved pastures and for 70 Bos indicus cows grazed on native pastures in northern Australia. The stage of gestation was assessed from palpation per rectum in early-to-mid gestation and at slaughter and from fetal development characteristics at slaughter. The age and breed of the cow and the sex of the fetus did not significantly affect any of the uterine components or fetal measurements. Growth curves had dominant, positive linear components but negative quadratic ones, which improved the fit, particularly for the later stages of gestation. Uterine components and fetal measurements were highly correlated (0.94 to 0.99). For Bos taurus cows, there were higher estimates at birth for weights of the gravid uterus and the fetus, but estimates for other fetal measurements were similar to those for Bos indicus cows. Major fetal growth occurred during the third trimester, with the length of the foreleg tending to change relatively slowly and the head width quite fast during the first trimester. Correction factors for cow liveweight to adjust to commonality for non-pregnancy were 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 29, 43 and 65 kg for Bos taurus and 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 23, 35 and 51 kg for Bos indicus at 2 to 9 months of gestation.     

我国部分黄牛品种线粒体D-loop区遗传多样性与起源分化

为了解我国地方黄牛品种线粒体DNA的遗传变异情况, 文章测定了16个地方黄牛品种206个个体线粒体D-loop区的全序列, 共检测到101个变异位点; 99种单倍型, 其中73种是普通牛单倍型, 26种是瘤牛单倍型; 平均核苷酸差异为22.6920, 单倍型多样度为0.9320, 核苷酸多样度为0.0227, 表明我国黄牛品种遗传多样性非常丰富。构建的NJ进化树显示16个品种来源于两大母系: 普通牛和瘤牛; 构建的Network图表明73种普通牛单倍型可以分为3大单倍型群; 26种瘤牛单倍型分为5种单倍型群, 推测我国瘤牛在迁移过程中, 至少经历了4次群体扩张事件。通过分析比较地方黄牛品种与内罗门牛共有的 H3单倍型, 发现其中只有16%的序列与内罗门牛的H3单倍型非常相似, 其余84%的序列均发生了鸟嘌呤变异, 推测这些变异很可能是我国瘤牛固有的变异。     

中国黄牛mtDNA D-loop遗传多样性及起源

黄牛自古以来就是我国一个重要的畜种,其经济、文化价值很高。我国是世界上黄牛品种资源最丰富的国家之一。据《中国牛品种志》介绍,把一些地区同种异名的黄牛品种合并以后,尚有28个地方黄牛品种,按照其地理分布区域分为北方黄牛、中原黄牛和南方黄牛三大类型(邱怀,1986)。如果把中国地方黄牛品种分得更细,则有49个固有品种(常洪,1995)。关于中国黄牛的起源,历来有不同的观点。一般认为,中国黄牛是多元起源的,但究竟起源于哪几个牛种,观点不一(陈宏等,1993;于汝梁等,1993;Yu et al.,1999;陈幼春,1990)。主要的观点有:(1)中国黄牛主要起源于…     

Reproductive cycles in Bos indicus cattle

Several studies using transrectal ovarian ultrasonic scanning in Bos taurus (B. taurus) cattle and more recently in Bos indicus (B. Indicus) females evaluated the reproductive cycles of heifers and cows under different conditions. In general, B. indicus cattle have more follicles and more follicular waves during the estrous cycle and ovulate from smaller follicles than B. taurus. Consequently B. indicus females have smaller corpora lutea and it is assumed circulating concentrations of estradiol and progesterone are also less. However, these findings may vary depending on the nutritional status and regimen in which the animals are managed. Moreover, there are significant differences between B. taurus and B. indicus regarding follicle size at the time of deviation of the dominant follicle. These differences in ovarian function between B. indicus and B. taurus, e.g. greater antral follicle population are, probably, the main reasons for the great success of in vitro embryo production programs in Zebu cattle, especially in Brazil.     

Helminth parasites of intermingling axis deer, wild swine and domestic cattle from the island of Molokai, Hawaii

Helminth infections of axis deer (Cervus axis), wild swine (Sus scrofa) and domestic cattle (Bos taurus) were studied among intermingling herds on the Puu-O-Hoku Ranch, Molokai, Hawaii. Twenty-four species of helminths were collected from the 10 deer, 10 swine and 10 cattle. Capillaria bovis, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus axei infected both axis deer and cattle, whereas Gongylonema pulchrum infected both axis deer and wild swine. None of the species of helminths occurred in both wild swine and cattle nor was any species found in all three hosts. Wild swine and domestic cattle supported separate and distinct helminth communities. In contrast, the helminth community of axis deer appeared to be derived from the helminth communities of cattle and wild swine and consisted only of those species capable of parasitizing either a broad range of ruminants or many mammalian taxa.     

Bovine besnoitiosis and its effect on the male reproductive system

Besnoitia besnoiti and several species of the genus have been reported in a variety of domestic and wild animals in many parts of the world (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Cutaneous besnoitiosis in cattle has been described as a serious skin condition characterized by painful swellings, alopecia and thickening of the skin (6). It is a chronic, debilitating and occasionally fatal disease with both cutaneous and systemic manifestations (6, 7, 8). Besnoitia cysts and lesions have been observed in the testes, epididymes and blood vessels of bulls (9). The possibility of abortion in cows and sterility in bulls with besnoitiosis has been reported (6). Spontaneous clinical besnoitiosis in cattle with accompanying systemic manifestations has not been fully documented, and the effect of scrotal besnoitiosis on spermatogenesis in bulls has not been previously reported in Nigeria. Case report : Outbreaks of babesiosis, heartwater and suspected cutaneous besnoitiosis were observed in a government farm in the Kano State of Nigeria in March, 1979. The cattle population was over 1500, consisting of exotic (Bos taurus ) and indigenous (Bos indicus ) breeds and their crosses. Clinical Examination : All stages of clinical besnoitiosis were initially observed in 14 bulls and 1 cow in a period of 4 months. The farm was visited bi-weekly for 1 year, during which time 58 bulls and 2 cows showed the lesions. Most of the animals affected with this disease were 3-way crosses of Australian Draughtmaster x Rahaji x Niger Azwak (DM x Rh x AZ). Table 1 summarises the distribution of clinicial cases of besnoitiosis.     

Admixture analysis of South Asian cattle

We present population genetic analysis of microsatellite variation in seven Bos indicus cattle breeds from a variety of locations in South Asia. This is the first such study focusing within this area, which is one of the postulated centres of origin of domestic cattle. An estimate of the influence of Bos taurus ancestry was carried out using three approaches: by the systematic selection of population-associated alleles for B. taurus and examination of their frequency; by examining the truncation of genetic distances from European populations; and by a model-based Bayesian admixture analysis. These analyses revealed a B. taurus influence in the Indian subcontinent; part of a gradation which stretches from Europe through the Near East towards Indian and which may be of ancient origin.     

Metabolomics reveals unhealthy alterations in rumen metabolism with increased proportion of cereal grain in the diet of dairy cows

This study presents the first application of metabolomics to evaluate changes in rumen metabolites of dairy cows fed increasing proportions of barley grain (i.e., 0, 15, 30, and 45% of diet dry matter). ¹H-NMR spectroscopy was used to analyze rumen fluid samples representing 4 different diets. Results showed that for cows fed 30 and 45% grain, increases were observed in the concentration of rumen methylamine as well as glucose, alanine, maltose, propionate, uracil, valerate, xanthine, ethanol, and phenylacetate. These studies also revealed lower rumen 3-phenylpropionate in cows fed greater amounts of cereal grain. Furthermore, ANOVA tests showed noteworthy increases in rumen concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine, dimethylamine, lysine, leucine, phenylacetylglycine, nicotinate, glycerol, fumarate, butyrate, and valine with an enriched grain diet. Using principal component analysis it was also found that each of the 4 diets could be distinguished on the basis of the measured rumen metabolites. The two closest clusters corresponded to the 0 and 15% grain diets, whereas the 45% barley grain diet was significantly separated from the other clusters. Unhealthly levels of a number of potentially toxic metabolites were found in the rumen of cattle fed 30 and 45% grain diets. These results may have a number of implications regarding the influence of grain on the overall health of dairy cows.     

Specificity of Rumen Ciliate Protozoa in Cattle and Sheep*

SYNOPSIS. Six protozoa-free sheep, 3 fed alfalfa hay and 3 fed a concentrate diet, were inoculated with rumen contents from a steer fed the same alfalfa hay. All 24 species of protozoa in the inoculum became established in the sheep fed alfalfa hay, while only 9 species established in the sheep fed concentrate. Percentage species composition in the alfalfa-fed sheep was fairly similar to that of the inoculum. Rumen volumes of the alfalfa hay-fed sheep were significantly higher than those of the concentrate-fed sheep; however, fluid turnover rates were similar. Total protozoan numbers per ml of rumen contents were significantly higher in the concentrate-fed sheep, but after adjustment for rumen volume, there was no significant difference in the total number of protozoa in the rumen.     

Complete mitochondrial genomes of Bos taurus and Bos indicus provide new insights into intra-species variation, taxonomy and domestication

The taurine and zebuine cattle breeds comprise the majority of the world cattle population but their taxonomic status is still controversial. The two forms of cattle are currently classified as Bos taurus and Bos indicus species and are differentiated primarily by the presence or absence of a hump. However, these two species hybridize readily, producing fully fertile offspring. We have determined and analyzed complete B. taurus and B. indicus mitochondrial genome sequences to investigate the extent of sequence divergences and to study their taxonomic status by molecular dating. The sequences encompassed 16,338 and 16,339 nucleotides, respectively, and differed at 237 positions. Estimated divergence times indicated that the two cattle lineages separated 1.7-2.0 million years ago. Combined phylogenetic analyses of 18 new and 130 previously reported extant B. taurus and B. indicus control region sequences with data from 32 archaeological specimens of the extinct wild aurochs (Bos primigenius) identified four major maternal lineages. B. primigenius haplotypes were present in all but the B. indicus lineage, and one B. taurus sequence clustered with B. primigenius P haplotypes that were not previously linked with domestic cattle. The B. indicus cluster and a recently reported new B. primigenius haplotype that represents a new lineage were approximately equidistant from the B. taurus cluster. These data suggest domestications from several differentiated populations of B. primigenius and a subspecies status for taurine (B. primigenius taurus) and zebuine (B. primigenius indicus) cattle.