Search Results (143)

Male fertility is important to ensure herd health and productivity. The camelid male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is strongly recommended because natural mating remains the primary breeding method due to the challenges in semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. Guidelines for the BSE have been proposed but not adopted in practice. The investigation of male reproductive failure includes history, general health examination, examination of the genitalia, semen evaluation, and testing for contagious diseases. Difficulties in ejaculate collection and semen viscosity are challenges in camelid male fertility investigation. This review summarizes the outcomes of BSE in our practice on South American camelids (SACs) and camels. The results and discussion are presented under four main categories: congenital defects, impotentia coeundi, impotentia generandi, and male reproductive emergencies. There is a difference between camels and SACs in the incidence of various disorders. Congenital defects are common in SACs in particular cryptorchidism, testicular hypoplasia and rete testis cysts. Orchitis is more common in camels, particularly in areas where brucellosis is prevalent. Testicular degeneration occurs in all camelids and has been associated with heat stress, aging, systemic diseases and overuse of anabolic steroids. Precise diagnosis of fertility impairment may require disease testing, testicular biopsy, cytogenetics and endocrine evaluation. A significant proportion of males are referred because of reproductive emergencies, due to poor management, which results in loss of genetic potential. Implementation of regular BSE is possible in SACs but can be difficult in dromedaries because of the large variation in breed characteristics and management systems. Full article

Fifty-two horses aged >15 years, diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and displaying hypertrichosis were recruited via an online survey of PPID horse owners. From mid-December, group T (n = 29) wore Equilume^® light masks extending photoperiod to 15 h daily, while group C1 (n = 23) remained under natural photoperiod. As 85% (44/52) of recruited study horses received pergolide medication, a second unmedicated PPID research herd (C2; n = 17) was recruited and remained under natural photoperiod. Hair coat samples, shedding and body condition scores were collected monthly by owners for 13 months and analysed by the research team. Data related to management, coat condition and PPID clinical signs were collected using bimonthly questionnaires (BMQ). Time (p < 0.001), group (p = 0.025) and time-by-group interaction (p = 0.005) affected hair length. Group differences were attributable to shorter hair lengths in C2, and no differences in hair length occurred between T and C1 (p > 0.05). Time affected shedding scores (p < 0.001) which was advanced by one month in T (p < 0.05). In group T, BMQ responses showed improved coat condition in April (p = 0.035), decreased fat coverage in April and June (p < 0.05), and increased energy/alertness in February (p = 0.022). Improvements in coat condition (p = 0.043), clinical signs of PPID (p = 0.018), and general quality of life (p = 0.035) were reported in T only in a final study questionnaire. Blue light treatment merits further investigation as a complementary treatment for PPID. Full article

Despite an abundance of available research, calf mortality persists as a multifaceted phenomenon that presents ongoing challenges in practical management. This historical single-cohort study was conducted to provide a more comprehensive layer of knowledge to the existing information pool on calf mortality risk factors by using multiblock partial least squares analysis. The method reveals the contribution of several variables aggregated into thematic blocks and allows to include multiple outcome variables describing the same phenomenon. Such an analysis of the data provides valuable information to farmers, veterinarians, and advisors alike, not only about single risk factors, but also about management areas to prioritize when tackling calf mortality. Data was gathered from 118 Estonian dairy herds, each comprising ≥100 cows, via questionnaire, sample collection, and on-farm scoring and measurements. The final dataset included 147 questions divided into 13 meaningful blocks. The outcome variables were annual herd-level calf mortality risk during the first 21 days (MR21) and 22–90 days (MR90) using farm records and the national cattle database, respectively. The average MR21 was 5.9% (median 4.4%, range 0.0–26.8%) and the average MR90 was 2.7% (median 2.3%, range 0.0–12.7%). Of the 13 thematic variable blocks, the most important blocks explaining calf mortality were ‘Routine stress-inducing activities’, ‘Herd characteristics’, ‘Calving management’, ‘Calf housing during 5–21 days’, and ’External biosecurity’. The most influential single variables associated with higher overall calf on-farm mortality during the preweaning period were poorer cleanliness scores of calving animals and calves having access to an outdoor area during the first 21 days of life. Detected risk factors for MR21 were calf barn age > 20 years, allowing the calves to suckle the first colostrum, bucket feeding calves during the first three weeks, disbudding all calves (compared to only heifer calves), and disbudding at 21–29 days of age. Risk factors for MR90 included the use of automatic milk feeders and feeding waste milk during the first three weeks, early introduction of calves to large group pens and higher in-pen age differences, absence of forced ventilation during the first three weeks, opportunity for feces to spread between calf pens, and use of calving pens for sick animals. Washing and disinfection of newborn calves’ pens and testing colostrum quality were protective factors against both MR21 and MR90. Other protective practices for MR21 were related to proper colostrum feeding routines, whereas lower MR90 was mostly associated with efficient external biosecurity practices and vaccination programs. The multiblock model proved to be beneficial in providing a broader understanding of the importance of different management areas on calf mortality. Full article

A new, primarily endogenous syndrome affecting pigs from birth to fattening is associated with inflammation and necrosis of the tail, ears, teats, coronary band, heels, and claws. This disease negatively impacts the health, performance, and welfare of the animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of the syndrome in typical herds in France and to investigate the associations between SINS, age and sex of the piglets and parameters of reproductive performance of the herds. Data from 2377 suckling piglets aged 1 to 4 days from 16 French farms were evaluated. SINS signs were found in 85.5% of the piglets. There were striking differences between farms, ranging from 68.5% to 95.6% affected piglets. The heels and coronary bands were the most commonly affected areas, at 61.4% and 58.6%, respectively. Alterations at the tail, ears, face, or teats were observed in 46% of the piglets. At least 3 body parts were affected per litter, and all examined body parts were affected on farms. The number of piglets born was significantly reduced in SINS. Screening was easy to implement and required only reasonable time management. It was also integrated into the zootechnical measures on the farms. The SINS lesion scoring system for piglets at birth appears to be a relevant indicator of animal health and welfare, as well as farm economic efficiency. Full article

Reproductive failure in cattle production is a global concern and is influenced by various factors, including genetic alterations. This study explored the relationship between an X-linked single-nucleotide variant (NC_037357.1: g.87298881A>G, rs135720414) in the upstream of the bovine forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene and infertility. To this end, we examined the genotypes of the variant in old Asian cattle breeds, including 48 Bali and 5 Jaliteng cattle, and 20 water buffaloes, which have recently shown subclinical signs of infertility and repeated breeding problems among populations in Indonesia. We also examined the genotypes in 69 parous and 39 non-parous Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and investigated the relationship between the genotypes and serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The G allele frequency was markedly high in Bali (0.944) and Jaliteng cattle (0.714), and water buffaloes (1), suggesting that the G allele may be originally a wild-type variant in old Asian cattle and buffaloes. In HF cows, the G allele frequency was moderately high, and the AMH concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in parous cows carrying the G allele (A/G and G/G genotypes) than in parous cows with the A/A genotype. In contrast, there were no significant differences in AMH concentrations among the three genotypes of non-parous HF cows. This suggests that both G allele and aging are associated with infertility in HF cows. In conclusion, the G allele of the FOXP3 gene variant may potentially be associated with infertility in different bovine breeds and species. Therefore, special attention should be paid to this variant, and infertility in bovine herds may be improved by selection and/or introduction of the A allele. Full article

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a cervid species native to the Americas with ecological, social, and economic significance. Managers must consider several factors when working to maintain the health and sustainability of these wild herds, including reproduction, particularly pregnancy and recruitment rates. White-tailed deer have a variable reproductive capacity, with age, health, and habitat influencing this variability. However, it is unknown whether chronic wasting disease (CWD) impacts reproduction and, more specifically, if CWD infection alters a female deer’s probability of pregnancy. Our study addressed this question using data from 9783 female deer culled in northern Illinois between 2003 and 2023 as part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ ongoing CWD management program. Multilevel Bayesian logistic regression was employed to quantify the relationship between pregnancy probability and covariates like maternal age, deer population density, and date of culling. Maternal infection with CWD was found to have no significant effect on pregnancy probability, raising concerns that the equal ability of infected and non-infected females to reproduce could make breeding, which inherently involves close physical contact, an important source of disease transmission between males and females and females and their fawns. The results also identified that female fawns (<1 year old) are sensitive to county-level deer land cover utility (LCU) and deer population density, and that there was no significant difference in how yearlings (1–2 years old) and adult (2+ years old) responded to these variables. Full article

Our study aimed to identify the overall and cluster-specific characteristics of Czech beef cattle breeding systems. We used data from an online survey to ascertain farmers’ preferences in breeding objectives. Considering various evaluation criteria and clustering approaches in 41 farms, three beef systems were defined according to herd size, management, marketing, breeding strategies and structures, and farmer age. Breeding values and performance were jointly used as the primary information in all three systems. Cow temperament and calf viability, maternal fertility and longevity, and animal health were found to be the most important traits. Cluster 1 represents pure-breeding farms that specialize in producing breeding animals. Farms in clusters 2 and 3 combined pure- and crossbreeding strategies with production, which was partially (cluster 2) and fully (cluster 3) diversified for all beef categories. Farms also prioritized calving performance and calf growth (clusters 1 and 2) and exterior traits (cluster 3). Production type scores significantly (p < 0.05) differed in clusters 3 (4.12) and 2 (3.25). The proportion of production, functional, and exterior trait categories was 12:37:51, with low variability among clusters (±1 to 2 percentage points). The inter-cluster comparison showed that specific characteristics were compatible with certain breeding goal trait preferences. Full article

Aim. This study aimed to assess the SARS-CoV-2 herd immunity in the Republic of Armenia (RA) by late 2022. Materials and Methods. A randomized study was conducted from 28 November to 2 December (2022) by the Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute (Russia) in collaboration with the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Armenia). This study was approved by the ethics committees at both organizations. A volunteer cohort (N = 2974) was formed and grouped by participant age, region, or activity. Antibodies (Abs) to viral nucleocapsid antigen (Nc) and receptor-binding domain (RBD) in plasma were determined by ELISA. The statistical significance of differences was calculated using a p < 0.05 threshold, unless noted. Results. At the end of 2022, estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence (Nc and/or RBD Abs) among the Armenian population was 99% (95%CI: 98.5–99.3). It was evenly distributed throughout the cohort without any significant differences by age, region, or activity. Volunteers with low (32–124 BAU/mL) or medium (125–332 BAU/mL) anti-Nc Ab levels prevailed: 32.4% (95%CI: 30.7–34.1) and 25.5% (95% CI: 24.0–27.1), respectively. Regarding anti-RBD Abs, maximum levels (>450 BAU/mL) were detected in 40% of children. The share of individuals with high anti-RBD Abs levels increased with age, reaching 65% among those aged 70⁺ years. The important contribution to the formation of herd immunity to coronavirus infection was made by vaccination in the preceding period (1 April 2021 to 1 May 2022). The contribution from individuals with post-vaccination immunity was estimated to be above 80%. Hybrid immunity, formed after vaccination of those who had earlier experienced COVID-19, was characterized by greater effectiveness than post-vaccination immunity alone. Conclusions. Within the context of mass prophylactic vaccination, effective herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2 was formed, which helped to stop epidemic spread in the Republic. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the Republic of Serbia, measles vaccination was first introduced in 1971, while combined vaccination (measles, mumps, rubella) was made mandatory in 1996 as part of the national vaccination program. Reported prevalence values for 2023 were <0.75 cases per 100K population for measles, 0.09 cases per 100K for mumps, and no cases of rubella. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in May, 2024 as part of the project “Herd Immunity to Vaccine-Preventable and Other Relevant Infections in the Belgradian Population.” It focused on assessing herd immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) among residents insofar as these remain a public concern despite the availability of vaccines. A total of 2533 subjects were distributed across nine age groups, covering those aged 1–70⁺ years and various professional groups residing in Belgrade. Participants were stratified by age and activity. Upon obtaining individual information by online questionnaire and receiving a signed statement of informed consent, blood samples were obtained for IgG antibody testing (ELISA) to determine MMR serological status. The results were compared to national and international immunization standards to evaluate herd immunity levels. Results: Our results indicate varying levels of immunity for each virus, with specific demographic groups showing different immunity levels. Total measles seroprevalence during this study was 74.7%, with significant variation across all age groups. While high seropositivity was observed in both children (90.7%) and elder age groups (98.4%), middle-aged individuals in the age group 30–49 years showed significantly lower IgG levels. Between 2021 and 2023, there were no registered cases of rubella detected in Serbia, which indicates a high level of immunity. This was confirmed here with consistently high IgG levels across all age groups, with an average seropositivity of 94.8%. Average mumps seropositivity across all age groups was 85.1%. The lowest value was in the young child (1–5 years) age group (76.1%); the highest was in the elderly group (92.6%). Conclusions: The current findings suggest that the Belgradian population has strong overall immunity to MMR, yet with some concerns regarding measles immunity in middle-aged adults, suggesting a potential need for catch-up vaccinations. While rubella status indicates strong herd immunity and minimal risk of outbreaks, mumps immunity in some groups (children, middle-aged adults) is below the protective threshold. While it is still sufficient to prevent widespread transmission, it should be closely observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to provide data about MMR seroprevalence in Belgrade. Findings indicate the need for constant surveillance and revaccination of vulnerable/seronegative groups. Full article

Porcine circoviruses (PCVs), encompassing porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4), have been documented in China and represent a significant threat to the swine industry. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the infection characteristics of PCVs across different age groups within intensive pig farming operations. In this investigation, a systematic cross-sectional methodology was employed to collect 415 testicular processing fluid samples and 1583 serum samples from 30 breeding farms and 27 fattening farms in China. All samples underwent analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Among the testicular fluid samples from suckling pigs, the detection rates for PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 were 56.9%, 31.1%, 75.4%, and 2.2%, respectively. The lowest mean cycle threshold (Ct) values for PCV1 and PCV3 were observed in testicular fluid as opposed to serum samples. At the individual level, the detection rate of PCV1 was significantly higher in fattening pigs (28.7%) and sows (28.7%) compared to nursery pigs (8.5%). The detection rate of PCV2 was highest in fattening pigs (43.1%) and lowest in sows (19.2%). The infection profile of PCV3 contrasted markedly with that of PCV2, exhibiting the lowest prevalence in fattening pigs (8.1%) and the highest in sows (46.1%). PCV4 was infrequently detected across all age groups, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% to 1.7%. Furthermore, the incidence of mixed infections involving the four PCV types was observed to be 12.7% in nursery pigs, 16.8% in fattening pigs, and 22.4% in sows. Notably, no strong correlation was identified between any two co-detected PCV types across all pig age categories. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the infection dynamics of PCVs across different pig age groups. Additionally, this research offers critical reference information for devising strategies to prevent PCV infections in intensive pig farming operations in China. Full article

Understanding maternal behaviour is essential for good animal husbandry; yet, little scientific information currently exists regarding nursing behaviour of alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Moreover, allonursing (the nursing of non-filial offspring) has only been documented in captive non-domesticated guanacos. This study aimed to (1) describe the nursing behaviour of alpacas within traditional husbandry systems in their place of origin, and in foreign conditions, and to (2) investigate the occurrence of allonursing in alpacas. A total of 1899 nursing bouts were observed in the Andes and Central Europe. Additionally, 102 Andean farmers were asked if they observed allonursing in their herds. Nursing behaviour was similar at both locations, with most of the nursing bouts initiated by crias and terminated by dams. However, several significant differences between localities were noted, such as the less frequent sniffing of crias by Andean dams. Crias’ age and sex did not affect the percentage of nursing bouts initiated or terminated by the dams. Rare cases of allonursing were recorded in Central Europe (n = 5), and 18.6% of surveyed Andean farmers reported allonursing in their herds. This study provides insight into alpaca nursing and allonursing behaviour, which may contribute towards their management both in their place of origin and farther. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine the extent and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Poland, considering factors such as region, gender, age, and season. The research was conducted on 29 herds located throughout Poland. Faecal samples from 512 alpacas were collected in autumn 2023 and spring 2024. Examination was performed using the direct flotation and McMaster methods. The average prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 74.4%; 68.8% of alpacas were infected with nematodes and 34.8% with protists of the genus Eimeria. The most commonly detected parasites were Nematodirus spp. (38.5%) and Eimeria punoensis (18.2%). The analysis revealed significant differences in the intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections depending on region, age, gender, and season, suggesting the need to tailor deworming programs to the specific requirements of different groups of alpacas. Furthermore, regional differences in the prevalence of Strongyloides sp. and Strongylida infections were observed, indicating a significant impact of local environmental conditions and husbandry practices on the risk of infection. Seasonal variations in the intensity of Eimeria infections, particularly in autumn, were also noted. Parasitic infections in alpacas in Poland are common and generally asymptomatic. These results highlight the need for the implementation of a comprehensive preventive program for controlling parasitic infection, including regular diagnostics, pasture management optimization, maintenance of hygiene, and selective use of antiparasitic drugs in alpacas. Full article

In order to describe the population dynamics of R. microplus in the southern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, and to identify racial differences between hosts in the level of infestation by this parasite, the teleogins of approximately 70 males per year were counted every 14 days for 5 years. The herd comprised eight genetic groups, aged 12 to 24 months, in an area of 76 ha (60 ha of native fields and 16 ha of Hemarthria altíssima). The monthly averages of the counts per animal were analyzed using the GENMOD procedure, which accounts for the effects of genetic group, month, genetic group × month and cycle. Three generations of ticks of increasing infestation intensity were analyzed in December, February and May, respectively. Animals from Caracu and Canchim breeds as well as Charolais × Caracu and Aberdden Angus × Canchim cross-breeds had the lowest levels of infestation compared to Charolais and Aberdeen Angus. We conclude that by employing the aforementioned mixed breeds, in combination with a strategic control of initiating the application of acaricides in November, followed by two to three treatments every 21 days, this procedure represents the most effective method of controlling ticks in this region. Full article

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are routinely used in livestock to generate animals of high genetic value. Despite representing an outstanding accomplishment, recent studies suggest differences in health, fertility, and gestational length of in vitro-produced compared to in vivo-derived animals. Currently, there are no data available on the long-term effects of ART on growth and development. This observational study aimed to understand the relationship between growth and growth-influencing hormones in a herd of cattle derived from artificial insemination (AI) or from in vitro-produced embryos either with BSA (C-IVP) or with reproductive fluids (RF-IVP) as a protein source in culture. Cortisol was associated positively with weight in AI and negatively with body length in males. Thyroxine decreased with age, and it was positively associated with thoracic circumference in RF-IVP. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was greater in RF-IVP than in C-IVP, and it was positively associated with body length and withers height. Growth hormone was greater in females than in males and RF-IVP compared to AI and C-IVP. In conclusion, we present here the first datasets on growth parameters and growth-influencing hormones in cattle from birth to 4 years of age without observing major evidence of differences depending on the embryo origin. Full article

Brucellosis is still the most common zoonosis worldwide despite advanced technology and animal husbandry. Since there is still no effective Brucella vaccine for humans, it is crucial to control the disease in ruminants through eradication and vaccination. Although some countries around the world have achieved this circumstance, every country aims to become free of Brucellosis through vaccination, animal movements, and various eradication measures. For this purpose, the Brucella abortus S19 strain has been used safely for about 100 years. However, due to the O-polysaccharide (OPS) antigen in its structure, the antibody response created by the vaccine causes confusion in serological tests. For this purpose, researchers have provided both mucosal immunity and short-term antibody response by using the B. abortus S19 vaccine in conjunctival form instead of subcutaneous form. This study aimed to determine how long the post-vaccination titer levels persisted in animals vaccinated with vaccines from 3 different companies and different routes. In this study, a total of 115 calves aged 3 to 4.5 months were created in five groups, with 23 animals in each group: group 1 (vaccine brand A), group 2 (vaccine brand B), and group 3 (vaccine brand C) received the two-dose conjunctival vaccine, group 4 received the single-dose subcutaneous vaccine (vaccine brand C), and group 5 received the subcutaneous vaccine (vaccine brand C) plus the booster dose conjunctival vaccine (vaccine brand B). Brucellosis antibody titers were monitored each 21 days until the cattle were 26–28 months old. The collected sera were analyzed using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), and Complement Fixation Test (CFT), which are the preferred serological methods for Brucellosis eradication plans worldwide. In the conjunctival vaccination groups, only 3 (13%) of the animals in group 1 developed antibody titers one month after vaccination, and there was no antibody response detected against Brucellosis in group 2 and group 3. In animals that were stimulated conjunctivally, the threshold value of 30 International CFT Units (ICFTUs) (for distinguishing between infective titers and vaccination titers) was observed in one animal each in group 1 and group 2 and 0 animal in group 3. It was found that antibody titers turn to Brucellosis negative in all conjunctival vaccine groups at 7 months after vaccination. In groups 4 and 5, the first-month serological screening detected over 30 ICFTUs in 17 (89.47%) animals and 16 (69.5%) animals, respectively. In group 4, CFT titers were found to fall below 30 on the 17th month and 9.3 on the 22nd month. On the 14th month, the CFT titers of group 5 were found to be below 30, and all animals in this group turned negative after the 19th month. It was found that the single dose B. abortus S19 subcutaneous vaccination in calves caused persistent antibodies in 5% of the population. It is believed that persistent and high antibody titers created by subcutaneous vaccines will cause false positivity and create confusion in Brucellosis eradication programs. Therefore, although there is no clear distinction between vaccinated and infected animals, it has been observed that conjunctival Brucellosis vaccines create more stable antibody titers and decrease rapidly compared to subcutaneous vaccines. Based on the results of this study and the advantages of conjunctival vaccines, more effective eradication programs and antibody monitoring can be carried out in vaccinated herds where Brucellosis outbreaks are observed. Full article