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1.
The deleterious effects of heat stress on animal health are being increasingly recognized. This study aimed to determine hair cortisol (HC) and serotonin levels in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions with different coat and hair‐cut color. Forty‐five multiparous lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 130 ± 47, body weight = 753 ± 85 kg) were divided to two main groups of over 80% black coat color (BC) and over 85% white coat color (WC) visually observed based on registry certificates and subdividing to black hair sample (BH) and white hair samples (WH) in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. Hair samples were taken from the forehead of the individuals. Higher HC levels were observed in BC than WC cows (P < 0.05). No differences were found in HC levels between BH and WH groups (P > 0.05). Serotonin levels showed no difference between BC and WC (P > 0.05). Interaction between coat color and hair color was not significant (P > 0.05). The cortisol levels in hair are not affected by pigmentation. However, pigmentation within the coat alters cortisol levels. In conclusion, white coat color retains less cortisol than the black coat. Therefore, white coats are preferable for dairy cows under heat stress conditions.  相似文献   

2.
We compared the hair cortisol levels of lactating dairy cows in a cold‐ and a warm‐temperate region out of four climatic zones in Japan. We simultaneously investigated the effects of calving number, lactation period and month of hair sampling. Hair of nine Holstein lactating cows chosen from each region (i.e. 18 cows per sampling) was sampled in March, June, September and December. Number of calvings (1, 2, ≥3) and lactation duration (early: <100, middle: 101–200, and late: >201 days) were balanced between regions. Cortisol was extracted from hair by methanol, and its level was determined with a cortisol immunoassay kit. A multi‐way analysis of variance revealed that the effects of month of hair sampling (P < 0.001) and its combination with region (P < 0.05) were significant. In a multiple comparison test, significant differences (P < 0.01) in hair cortisol level (pg/mg of hair) were found between June (13.0 ± 1.0) and the other 3 months, and between September (1.6 ± 0.2) and December (4.5 ± 0.3). The rise in cortisol level from March to June was more intense in the cold‐temperate region. These results demonstrate the necessity of considering seasonal variations in each climatic region when we use hair cortisol level as an indicator of stress.  相似文献   

3.
The productive and reproductive characteristics of Brown Swiss (B) cross‐bred cows were investigated by comparing with those of Holstein (H) cows housed in the same barn. Additionally, their hair cortisol levels were analyzed to evaluate the extent of stress experienced during dry and lactation periods. B cross‐bred cows had lower milk yields and higher milk fat rates than H cows. Reproductive records showed that days from parturition to first artificial insemination (AI) in B cross‐bred (n = 16) and H (n = 27) cows were not significantly different, but conception rate at first AI of B cross‐bred cows tended to be higher than that of H cows. Percentage of B cross‐bred cows that resumed ovarian cyclic activity within 45 days after parturition was higher than that of H cows (6/6 (100%) and 5/11 (45.5%), P < 0.05), and B cross‐bred cows had higher body condition scores at that time. Hair cortisol level at 60 to 90 days after parturition in H cows increased significantly compared with in the dry period, and it was higher than that of B cows during the same period. These results suggest that B cross‐bred cows experience less metabolic stress during early lactation, which may result in earlier resumption of reproductive function.  相似文献   

4.
During early lactation, dairy cows may present a transient immunosuppressive state and develop anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale. In this study, clinical anaplasmosis in dairy cattle in the Thrace region of Turkey was investigated with respect to within-herd prevalence, vertical transmission, and genetic diversity. In March and September 2015, thirty lactating cows showed primary clinical signs of anaplasmosis, including fever, anaemia, decreased milk yield, anorexia, and laboured breathing. Symptoms disappeared in most cows after administration of long-acting oxytetracycline, but nine of them (30%) died. Following diagnosis based on clinical signs, microscopy and molecular findings, blood samples were collected from apparently healthy lactating cows (n = 184), pregnant heifers (n = 39) and newborn calves (n = 24). DNA was extracted from each sample and analyzed for the presence of major surface proteins (MSPs) of A. marginale, followed by sequencing to assess diversity of isolates. Microscopic examination of erythrocytes revealed A. marginale inclusion bodies in symptomatic cows. Examination of thin blood smears showed 3.8% of the lactating, clinically asymptomatic, cows to be infected with A. marginale, while nPCR detected 31.0% positive. A. marginale infection was not detected in pregnant heifers by either method. Congenital infection was found in one calf by nPCR. This is the first report of transplacental transmission of A. marginale in Turkey. The MSP4 sequence analyses showed high genetic diversity among the isolates, presenting 97.6-99.6% homology at the amino acid level. The sequences of MSP1a amplicons revealed genetic diversity providing three new tandem repeats.  相似文献   

5.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts a large range of effects on metabolism, the immune system, inflammatory processes, and brain functions. Together with the sympathetic nervous system, it is also the most important stress-responsive neuroendocrine system. Both systems influence production traits, carcass composition, and meat quality. The HPA axis may be a critical target for genetic selection of more robust animals. Indeed, numerous studies in various species have demonstrated the importance of genetic factors in shaping the individual HPA axis phenotype, and genetic polymorphism can be found at each level of the axis, including hormone production by the adrenal cortices under stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), hormone bioavailability, or receptor and postreceptor mechanisms. The aim of the present experiment was to extend these findings to the brain neurochemical systems involved in stress responses. To this end, a number of candidate genes were sequenced for molecular polymorphisms and their association was studied with stress neuroendocrine and production traits in a genetically diverse population consisting of 100 female pigs from an advanced intercross (F10-F12) between 2 highly divergent breeds, Large White (LW) and Meishan (MS). The LW breed has a high production potential for lean meat and a low HPA axis activity, and the MS breed has low growth rate, fat carcasses—but large litters of highly viable piglets—and a high HPA axis activity. Candidate genes were chosen in the catecholaminergic and serotonergic pathways, in the pituitary control of cortisol production, among genes previously demonstrated to be differentially expressed in ACTH-stimulated adrenal glands from LW and MS pigs, and in cortisol receptors. Sixty new polymorphisms were found. The association study with carcass and meat quality traits and with endocrine traits showed a number of significant results, such as monoamine oxidase (MAOA) polymorphisms with growth rate (P = 0.01); lean content and intramuscular fat (P < 0.01), which are the most important traits for carcass value; dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) with carcass composition (P < 0.05); and vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B) with meat quality traits (P ≤ 0.05). The effect of these polymorphisms on neuroendocrine parameters (eg DRD3 and HPA axis or AVPR1B and catecholamines) indicates information regarding their biological mechanism of action.  相似文献   

6.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the physiological responses of lactating Holstein cows between outdoor grazing and indoor housing in summer in Japan.

Method

The cows (n=16) were grazed outside from indoor housing and returned indoors 3 weeks later, with a 1-week transition phase to mitigate each environmental change. Grazing cows remained in pasture except for milking twice per day and concentrate feeding before milking. Indoors, the cows were tethered except for milking twice per day and about 5.5 h of exercise in an open-air paddock.

Results

When the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) threshold was above 72, urinary cortisol levels were higher only in the grazing phase. The indoor cows took a longer time to prepare to lie down compared with grazing cows.

Conclusions

This study suggests that forcing cows outside during hot weather can induce certain physiological stress responses in lactating Holstein cows. Cows exhibit more fluid lying-down movements on pasture, suggesting that the comfort of lying conditions of indoor housing was not ideal.  相似文献   

7.
The aim of the present study was to investigate possible relationships between plasma concentrations of prolactin and the following factors throughout gestation in lactating dairy cows: photoperiod, season, milk production, Neospora caninum-seropositivity, twin pregnancy, and plasma concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins-1 (PAG-1), progesterone and cortisol. Pregnancy was diagnosed by trans-rectal ultrasonography on Day 40 post-insemination and by palpation per rectum on Days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 or until abortion in aborting cows. Blood samples were collected from each animal immediately before each pregnancy diagnosis. The study population was comprised of 73 non-aborting (54 Neospora-seropositive cows) and 20 aborting cows (all Neospora-seropositive) cows. In non-aborting cows, GLM repeated measures of analysis of variance revealed that lactation number and days in milk had no effect on plasma prolactin concentrations throughout gestation, whereas high plasma prolactin concentrations were significantly associated with high plasma levels of cortisol and PAG-1, with Neospora-seropositivity, positive photoperiod (increasing day length), twin pregnancy, and with low plasma progesterone concentrations. An interaction among plasma prolactin, plasma cortisol and milk production was observed in that plasma prolactin concentrations differed significantly throughout gestation and were highest in high-producing cows with high cortisol levels. In Neospora-seropositive non-aborting versus aborting cows, mean prolactin concentrations failed to differ on Days 40, 90, 120, 150 and 180 of pregnancy, whereas prolactin values were significantly lower (P = 0.03) in aborting animals on Day 210 of pregnancy. Our results indicate that a positive photoperiod and Neospora-infection lead to increased plasma prolactin concentrations throughout gestation. Reduced prolactin concentrations detected in Neospora-seropositive aborting cows compared to non-aborting animals suggests a protective effect of prolactin in N. caninum infection.  相似文献   

8.
The objective of this study was to investigate the profiles of hair cortisol concentrations as an index of chronic stress in dairy cows in association with their health, nutrition, and reproductive parameters. For 25 Holstein dairy cows, hair was collected from the tail switch ?19.2 ± 11.4, 44.8 ± 11.9, 103.0 ± 9.9, and 168.0 ± 9.7 days postpartum (L0, L1, L2, and L3, respectively). Body condition scores were negatively correlated with hair cortisol concentrations (r = ?0.255), and hock health scores were positively correlated with hair cortisol concentrations (r = 0.236, p < 0.05). Hair cortisol concentrations during the postpartum period showed different patterns according to the time of first artificial insemination (AI) and fertility. Cows that were submitted to first AI by 86 days postpartum showed a peak hair cortisol concentration at L1, whereas cows with delayed first AI had a peak at L2. The hair cortisol concentrations of subfertile (≥168 days) cows were significantly higher at L1 and L2 compared with L0, whereas hair cortisol concentrations of fertile cows (<168 days) were not different among the sampling times. These results indicate that cows with health problems appear to experience greater chronic stress, which may impair their reproductive function.  相似文献   

9.
Neosporosis is considered to be a contributing risk factor for abortions in dairy cows and other farm animals and has negative economic impact on their breeding. In respect of the rapid spread of neosporosis in herds throughout the world, our aim was to detect the prevalence of anti-Neospora antibodies in cows post-abortion (PA) (PA Group n = 716) and in cows without any reproduction problems (Control Group n = 247) on large breeding farms from Eastern Slovakia. The overall mean seropositivity in PA Group (20.1%) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in comparison with the Control Group (2.3%), and this demonstrates the causal dependency of abortions on neosporosis. On farms from south-east region, 15.6% of cows were seropositive on average ranging from 7.8% to 25.8% in different districts. In the northern region, significantly (p = 0.0002) higher 26.2% mean seropositivity was detected. The seroprevalence in different districts ranged from 2.9% to 39.4%. In the PA Group a high seropositivity to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (41.5%) and sporadic occurrence of Q-fever, leptospirosis and chlamydiosis was also detected. From 11 Toxoplasma-seropositive cows, only one animal was simultaneously positive to Neospora. The relatively high prevalence rate in cows warrants the attention and a need of surveillance in Slovak herds. A better knowledge of epidemiology of this etiological agent and the mechanisms of its transmission may help in the introduction of more effective preventive and control measures.  相似文献   

10.
The influence of different copper and zinc contents in rations on blood serum concentrations was tested in a feeding trial at the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI). A total of 60 German Holstein breed cows (38 first lactating and 22 second lactating cows) were tested. All animals received a diet based on maize‐ and grass silage ad libitum. The animals were divided into two groups with 30 cows each. Group A received concentrates supplemented with copper and zinc as recommended, whereas Group B was offered a concentrate with roughly double the amount of copper and zinc. Blood samples were taken several times during the lactation. The concentrations of copper and zinc in the serum were measured and correlations between trace element intake and their serum concentrations were calculated. The mean dry matter intake was significantly higher for cows in the second lactation (19.1 kg/day) than for cows in the first lactation (16.4 kg/day), whereas the DM‐intake was constant in the different feeding groups (17.3 and 17.4 kg/day). The correlation between feed intake in the first and the second lactation was r = 0.76. The copper concentration in the serum was not influenced by the different feedings (11.9 and 12.5 μmol/l), but high variations were found between the cows. The influence of the lactation number was not significant (12.1 and 12.4 μmol/l). In contrast to copper, the zinc concentration in the serum was significantly higher for Group B (14.0 μmol/l) than for Group A (12.2 μmol/l), respectively, for second lactating cows (13.8 μmol/l) in relation to 12.7 μmol/l for first lactating cows. The individual variation was also high as for copper. Neither the correlation between copper intake and copper serum concentration nor the correlation between zinc intake and zinc serum concentration was significant.  相似文献   

11.
This study was conducted to examine the effects of weaning stress on gene expression of specific markers in hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and neuronal activity in the newly weaned piglets. Twelve 28‐days‐old, newly weaned crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) male piglets from 6 l (2 piglets/l) were randomly categorized into two groups: (a) weaning stress: piglets were separated from their dams, relocated and mixed with the unacquainted domestic piglets for 2 hr (stress, n = 6); (b) no‐stress: piglets stayed with their dams in the farrowing house (NS; n = 6). After weaning stress, all piglets were electrically euthanized and the blood samples/HPA tissues were collected for subsequent analysis, including plasma cortisol and mRNA expression of c‐fos, c‐jun, corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), CRH receptor 1 (CRHR‐1) and adrenocorticotropin hormone receptor (MC2R). Results: Weaning stress significantly (p < 0.05) increased the plasma cortisol level and suppressed the expression of c‐fos and CRH in hypothalamus. In addition, weaning stress enhanced the mRNA abundance of c‐jun and CRHR‐1 in the pituitary gland. No significant differences in the gene expression of MC2R and CRHR‐1 were observed in the adrenal gland between treatment groups. Taken together, HPA involved in weaning stress and CRHR‐1 and c‐jun could be potential markers to evaluate the activation of HPA axis.  相似文献   

12.
Lactation can have significant costs to individual and population-level productivity because of the high energetic demands it places on dams. Because the difference in condition between lactating and dry Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) cows tends to disappear as nutritional quality rises, the magnitude of that difference could be used to relate condition to habitat quality or the capability of habitats to support elk. We therefore compared nutritional condition of ≥ 2.5-yr-old lactating and dry cows from six free-ranging Rocky Mountain elk populations throughout the United States. Our goal was to quantify differential accrual of body fat (BF) reserves to determine whether the condition of dry and lactating cows could be used to define relevant management thresholds of habitat quality (i.e., relative carrying capacity) and consequently potential performance of elk populations. Levels of BF that lactating cows were able to accrue in autumn and the proportional difference in BF between dry and lactating cows in autumn were related (F1–2,10 ≥ 16.2, P < 0.001). Models indicated that elk experienced no negative effects of reproduction on condition when lactating cows were able to accrue ≥ 13.7% BF in autumn. When lactating cows are accruing ≤ 7.9% BF, elk are in a nutritionally stressed condition, which may be limiting population performance. Using the logistic model to predict relative proximity to ecological carrying capacity (ECC), our population-years ranged from 3–97% of ECC and proportion of the population lactating (an index of calf survival) was negatively related to proportion of ECC. Results indicate that the proportional difference in accrual of BF between lactating and dry cows can provide a sensitive index to where elk populations reside relative to the quality of their range.  相似文献   

13.
Normal fecal samples were taken from lactating cows fed either a total mixed ration (TMR; n = 30) or pasture‐based diet (20) and from dry cows fed mainly on hay (15). Diarrheic fecal samples (n = 51) were collected from 21 sick dairy cows. Fecal analyses of ammonia, urea, lactate and volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels were used to evaluate colonic fermentation. Most normal feces had reasonably neutral pH, however, alkaline feces were observed in diarrheic cows. Although fecal lactate is higher in cows on grazing pasture, lactate levels were generally lower in the cows in the present study. Fecal VFA levels were higher in lactating cows than in dry cows. Elevated fecal urea was observed in diarrheic cows, however, many fecal samples in normal and diarrheic cows contained no urea. Fecal VFA levels in diarrheic cows were lower than in normal lactating cows, but were approximately equivalent to those in dry cows. Grazing or dry cows showed higher acetate and lower n‐butyrate proportions compared with TMR‐fed or diarrheic cows. Higher proportions of branched chain VFAs were observed in diarrheic cows, and the lowest level was observed in grazing cows. The present results indicate that intracolonic nitrogen equilibrium and proteolytic fermentation are altered by diarrheic status.  相似文献   

14.
It is well documented that heat stress (HS) causes subfertility in dairy cows. However, during the last ten years we have been observing that, under high temperature–humidity index (THI ≥ 75), despite the overall reduced fertility, some cows conceive at the first artificial insemination (AI). Here, we examined distinctive features of cows with conserved fertility under severe HS. From the databases of three herds, 167 lactating Holstein cows were selected; group TT cows (n = 57) conceived in the previous summer (THI ≥ 75) at the 1st AI, and group TS (n = 110) failed to conceive at the same period after at least 2 consecutive AIs. The animals calved in spring, and in August, blood samples were collected during a hot day (THI ≥ 81) for the determination of cortisol and HSP70 concentrations. In one farm, the validity of fertility data of the previous year was re-examined. In 28 cows from group TT and in 39 cows from group TS, the conception rate was examined during July and August. In 6 cows from each group (TT and TS) the oestrous cycles were synchronized, ovulation was induced with GnRH (THI = 80), and the concentration of the pre-ovulatory LH surge was determined in 9 blood samples. The progesterone concentration in the ensuing cycle was determined in blood samples collected every other day. Overall, cortisol and HSP70 were significantly lower in TT group compared to TS. More (p < .05) animals from group TT conceived at the first AI compared with those from group TS. The induced pre-ovulatory LH surge peaked at higher level (p < .002) in group TT than in group TS, while no difference was recorded among groups either in mean progesterone concentrations or in the duration of the ensuing oestrous cycle. These results are highly suggestive that thermotolerance in some dairy cows is an inherent characteristic, warranting further genetic investigation.  相似文献   

15.
This study focused on the expression of somatotropic axis genes in the skeletal muscle of dairy cattle. A slow-release recombinant bovine growth hormone (GH) (rbGH) formulation was administered to 5 cows, and saline solution (control) was administered to another 5 cows every 2 wk for a total of 10 wk, starting from the peak of lactation. Tissue and blood samples were collected on days 2 and 14 after each rbGH injection. As target genes insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, IGFBPs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), acute labile subunit (ALS), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), GH receptor (GHR), and the known GHR 5′-UTR variants were selected as target genes, and their relative expression was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In GH-treated cows, an increase in expression was observed for GHR 5′-UTR variant 1I on day 14 (P < 0.05), whereas a significant down-regulation of GHR (P < 0.05) was found after comparing values of treated cows between day 2 and day 14. However, only IGF binding proteins (BP)-5 was found to be appreciably up-regulated in GH-treated cows (P < 0.001), which may indicate the importance of this gene in the overall molecular response to GH administration. Our study indicated that GH treatment did not affect the expression of most somatotropic axis genes, despite the marked increase in GH and IGF-1 in blood (P < 0.001). Nor did it have a large impact on the proportion of GHR 5′-UTR variants in the skeletal muscle of lactating cows. Finally, although we observed a significant variation in the expression of some genes, it would appear that the differences between GH-treated cows and controls were not great enough to be considered as reliable indirect indicators of GH treatment in dairy cattle.  相似文献   

16.
The objective of this study was to investigate serum lipids, metabolic parameters and activity of the anti-oxidative enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1). The study was conducted on non-pregnant heifers with optimal health status and on healthy dairy cows in the period of intensive lactation, assuming that the energy and metabolic demands during lactation reduce anti-oxidative protection. Total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in lactating cows than in heifers. Bilirubin concentration and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity were also significantly higher in lactating cows (P < 0.05), indicating increased hepatic efforts of cows to meet energy requirements for lactation. Significantly lower PON1 activity and PON1/HDL ratio in lactating cows compared to heifers (P < 0.05) showed that metabolic efforts during pregnancy, parturition and lactation influence PON1 activity due to oxidative stress. Concurrent increase in total and HDL-cholesterol during lactation indicated that the HDL particle is a major carrier of cholesterol in cows.  相似文献   

17.
There are no data available regarding the systemic (adverse) effects which might be induced by topical/dermal glucocorticoids (GCs) application in the horse. Besides their widespread use for the treatment of a variety of peripheral inflammatory disorders such as atopic dermatitis, eczemas or arthritis in the horse, their surreptitious application has become a concern in doping cases in competition/performance horses. Assessing both basal and ACTH‐stimulated plasma cortisol as well as basal ACTH concentrations following application of dexamethsone‐containing dermal ointment is necessary to determine influences on hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Ten clinically healthy adult standardbred horses (6 mares, 4 geldings) were rubbed twice daily each with 50 g dexamethasone‐containing ointment on a defined skin area (30 × 50 cm) for 10 days. RIA and chemiluminescent enzyme immuno‐metric assay were used to determine resting and ACTH‐stimulated plasma cortisol and basal ACTH concentrations, respectively. HPA feedback sensitivity and adrenal function were measured by a standard ACTH stimulation test. Dermal dexamethasone suppressed significantly the resting plasma cortisol level (to 75–98%) below baseline (P < 0.001) within the first 2 days and decreased further until day 10. ACTH stimulation test showed a markedly reduced rise in plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.001 vs. baseline). Plasma ACTH level decreased also during topical dexamethasone application. The number of total lymphocytes and eosinophil granulocytes was reduced, whereas the number of neutrophils increased. No significant change of serum biochemical parameters was noted. Dermal dexamethasone application has the potential to cause an almost complete and transient HPA axis suppression and altered leukocyte distribution in normal horses. The effects on HPA axis function should be considered in relation to the inability of animals to resist stress situations. The data further implicate that percutaneously absorbed dexamethasone (GCs) may cause systemic effects relevant to ‘doping’.  相似文献   

18.
Feeding low-fiber and high-energy diets to dairy cows is one approach to ameliorate heat stress (HS) by reducing heat increment (HI) during digestion. However, rapidly and slowly fermentable cereal grains differ in their HI. The aim of this experiment was to quantify if feeding slowly fermentable grains ameliorated the physiological responses to HS and improved milk production (MP) in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian lactating dairy cows were housed in shaded pens and were fed either a total mixed ration (TMR) plus wheat (TMRW), a TMR plus wheat treated with 2% of a commercial starch-binding agent (TMRB), or a TMR plus corn (TMRC) (n?=?8 cows per diet) during summer in Queensland, Australia. Respiration rate (RR) and panting score (PS) were measured four times a day; rumen temperature (RuT) was recorded every 20 min, and rectal temperature (RT) and milk samples were obtained every 4 days. Cows fed slowly fermentable grains had higher milk production (MP) than cows fed TMRW, and cows fed TMRC had lower RT than those fed TMRW and TMRB (P?<?0.001). Rumen temperature was positively correlated with temperature-humidity index and negatively correlated with MP (P?<?0.05). In summary, feeding TMRC ameliorated HS as indicated by lower RT and improved MP in dairy cows. Milk production was improved with starch-binding agents; however, this was not associated with efficient thermoregulatory responses. Furthermore, determination of RuT enabled the prediction of changes in physiological variables and productive responses due to HS in lactating dairy cows.  相似文献   

19.
Background: Transient hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction occurs frequently in critically ill humans and impacts survival. The prevalence and impact of HPA axis dysfunction in critically ill neonatal foals are not well characterized.
Hypotheses: (1) HPA axis dysfunction occurs in hospitalized neonatal foals, and is characterized by inappropriately low basal serum cortisol concentration or inadequate cortisol response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); (2) hospitalized foals with HPA axis dysfunction have more severe disease and are less likely to survive than hospitalized foals with normal HPA axis function.
Animals: Seventy-two hospitalized foals and 23 healthy age-matched foals.
Methods: Basal ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured and a paired low-dose (10 μg)/high-dose (100 μg) cosyntropin stimulation test was performed at admission in hospitalized foals. HPA axis dysfunction was defined as (1) an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration or (2) an inadequate increase in cortisol concentration (delta cortisol) after administration of cosyntropin, with cut-off values for appropriate basal and delta cortisol concentrations determined from results obtained in healthy age-matched foals.
Results: Forty-six percent of hospitalized foals had an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration and 52% had an inadequate delta cortisol concentration after administration of the 100 μg dose of cosyntropin. An inadequate delta cortisol response to the high (100 μg) dose of cosyntropin was significantly correlated with shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in hospitalized foals, and with decreased survival in a subgroup of septic foals.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: HPA axis dysfunction occurs frequently in hospitalized neonatal foals, and negatively impacts disease severity and survival.  相似文献   

20.
Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are widespread range plants that are often toxic to livestock. Some reports suggest that naïve, younger animals might consume more lupine than more experienced, older cattle. Further, lactational stress might alter forage selection, and lactating cows might eat more lupine than nonlactating cows. Thus, the objectives of these trials were to examine the influence of experience and lactation on lupine intake. Both study areas were near Ritzville, Washington, on rangeland dominated by cheatgrass or downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.), with abundant velvet lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus Dougl.). During the first trial, six naïve and six experienced Hereford cows were grazed together for 25 d during summer. There was no difference (P > 0.5) in consumption of lupine by naïve and experienced cows. Consumption peaked at 10%–14% of daily bites. During the second trial, six lactating and six nonlactating cows grazed a lupine-infested pasture for 18 d. There was no difference (P > 0.6) in consumption between lactating and dry cows. Lupine consumption gradually increased and peaked at 10%–15% of the diets. Our results suggest that experience and lactation status are probably minor considerations in livestock management schemes to reduce losses to lupine.  相似文献   

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