Blood COX-2 and PGES gene transcription during the peripartum period of dairy cows with normal puerperium or with uterine infection

Destination of corpus luteum in postpartum clinical endometritis cows and factors affecting self-recovery

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The most cyclic clinical endometritis cows revealed new CL two weeks after clean test.

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The uterus of most of cyclic clinical endometritis cows was clean 14 days after 30 ± 3 days postpartum.

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About two third of clinical endometritis cows with persistent CL remained infected after second examination and considered as pyometric cows.

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Concentration of some metabolic or steroid hormones and production and reproduction factors influenced self-recovery of cows from clinical endometritis.

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Size and position of reproductive tract influenced self-healing from clinical endometritis.

In this study, the fate of corpus luteum was investigated in cows affected by severe clinical endometritis. Also, concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, adiponectin, leptin, progesterone (P4), PGFM, insulin, and IGF-1 were studied in severe clinical endometritis cows at day 30 ± 3 postpartum. Eighty-seven dairy cows affected by severe clinical endometritis were selected and their reproductive tract was examined by ultrasonography at day 30 ± 3 postpartum (first examination) and 14 days later (second examination). The majority of the cows with CL and affected by clinical endometritis at first examination had new CL 14 days later, and most of these cows were clean without any treatment (self-healing). The CL of about 28.7% of all cows with clinical endometritis at first examination persisted two weeks later and the uterus of most of them remained infected as pyometric cows. Most of the anestrous cows (83.3%) were pregnant, but only 51% of cows with new CL were pregnant at the end of next six month period. There was a significant difference in the means of lactation number, uterine lumen diameter, cervical diameter, and size of uterine horn, milk production at first examination, concentrations of insulin, COX-2, P4, IL-1β, and IL-6 among persistent CL, new CL, and anestrous cows. The pregnancy rate and the discharge score were different among persistent CL, new CL, and anestrous cows. In conclusion, CL on ovary of cows and its fate could affect recovery from severe clinical endometritis. The concentration of some metabolic hormones influenced the self-recovery of cows from clinical endometritis.

Antifertility effectiveness of a novel polymer matrix composite and its influence on the endometrium in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

OBJECTIVE(S)

To explored the antifertility effectiveness and influence on the endometrium of a micro-copper/low-density polyethylene/methyl vinyl silicone rubber (Cu/LDPE/MVQ) composite in rhesus macaques.

STUDY DESIGN

Healthy reproductive aged female rhesus macaques underwent abdominal hysterotomy for surgical placement of either the experimental Cu/LDPE/MVQ composite (Cu/LDPE/MVQ, n=5), bare copper wire (Cu, n=5), or hysterotomy only sham-operation group [(SOI, n=4), (SOII, n=6)]. Females in the Cu/LPDE/MVQ, Cu, and SOI groups were housed with fertile males for approximately three menstrual cycles. We assessed pregnancy by hysterectomy. Females in the Cu/LDPE/MVQ, Cu, and SOII groups underwent hysterectomy at about 4 months post-insertion for histologic assessment of morphologic changes of the endometrium, evaluation of materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluation of the inflammatory markers, including substance P receptor (SPR), associated with endometrial bleeding using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

All of the SOI group females became pregnant (4/4, 100%). In contrast, no pregnancies occurred in either the Cu/LDPE/MVQ (0/5, 0%) or Cu (0/5, 0%) groups. We observed histologic features consistent with chronic endometrial inflammation in all females of the Cu group, but none of the SOII or Cu/LDPE/MVQ animals. Levels of inflammatory markers were significantly increased in the Cu group, compared with SOII or Cu/LDPE/MVQ groups (p<.05). SEM showed evidence of corrosion in the Cu wire not seen in the Cu/LDPE/MVQ group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Cu/LDPE/MVQ material provided a contraceptive effect similar to Cu in macaques, with a lower impact on inflammation and inflammatory markers of the endometrium.

IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates the possibility of a Cu/LDPE/MVQ composite as an alternative to conventional copper device materials.

Productive and physiological responses of feeder cattle supplemented with Yucca schidigera extract during feedlot receiving

This experiment evaluated the effects of supplementing a saponin-containing feed ingredient, manufactured from purified extract of Yucca schidigera [Micro-Aid (MA); DPI Global; Porterville, CA], on performance, health, and physiological responses of receiving cattle. A total of 105 recently weaned Angus x Hereford calves (75 steers and 30 heifers), originating from eight cow-calf operations, were obtained from an auction facility on day -2 and road transported (800 km; 12 h) to the experimental facility. Immediately after arrival on day -1, shrunk BW was recorded and calves were grouped with free-choice access to grass hay, mineral supplement, and water. On day 0, calves were ranked by sex, source, and shrunk BW, and allocated to one of 21 pens (5 calves/pen; being one or two heifers within each pen). Pens were assigned to receive a total mixed ration (TMR) and one of three treatments (as-fed basis): (1) 1 g/calf daily of MA (M1; n = 7), (2) 2 g/calf daily of MA (M2; n = 7), or (3) no MA supplementation (CON; n = 7). Calves received the TMR to yield 15% (as-fed basis) orts, and treatments were top-dressed from days 0 to 59. Calves were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and TMR intake was recorded for each pen daily. Calves were vaccinated against BRD pathogens on days 0 and 21. Final shrunk BW was recorded on day 60, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 2, 6, 10, 14, 21, 28, 34, 45, and 59. ADG was greater (P = 0.03) in M2 vs. M1 and CON (1.53, 1.42, and 1.42 kg/day, respectively), and similar (P = 0.95) between M1 and CON calves. No treatment effects were detected for TMR intake (P = 0.52), whereas feed efficiency was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in M2 vs. M1 and CON calves (213, 200, and 204 g/kg, respectively) and similar (P = 0.40) between M1 and CON calves. No treatment effects were detected (P = 0.39) for diagnosis of BRD signs. The number of antimicrobial treatments required upon BRD diagnosis was greater (P ≤ 0.01) in CON vs. M1 and M2 (1.40, 1.05, and 1.10 treatments, respectively), and similar (P = 0.60) between M1 and M2 calves. No other treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.23), including circulating concentrations of hormones and metabolites, serum antibody titers to BRD pathogens, and mRNA expression of innate immunity genes in whole blood. Collectively, results from this experiment suggest that MA supplementation at 2 g/animal daily enhances performance and response to BRD treatment in high-risk cattle during feedlot receiving.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil after artificial insemination increases pregnancy success in Bos taurus beef cows

Two experiments investigated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) during early gestation on reproductive function and pregnancy rates to AI in Bos taurus beef cows. In Exp. 1, 771 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus cows were divided into 22 groups of approximately 35 cows per group and timed inseminated on day 0. After AI, groups were assigned randomly to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of ground corn + 100 g of soybean meal per cow/d, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 11) or 2) 87 g of prilled saturated fat + 13 g of limestone per cow/d (CON; n = 11). Groups were maintained in individual tall fescue-dominated pastures and offered treatments from day 0 to 21. Pregnancy status was determined between days 45 and 55 via transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.01) pregnancy rates to timed AI compared with CON (60.2 vs. 51.7%; SEM = 4.2). In Exp. 2, 90 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows housed in 18 drylot pens (5 cows per pen) were assigned to the same timed AI program and treatments from Exp. 1 (9 pens per treatment) and received 20 kg/d (DM basis) of grass-alfalfa hay. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume before AI (day 0), on days 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on day 15, cows diagnosed without a CL on day 0, but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on days 7 and 15 (2 or 3 cows per pen; CSSO, n = 20; CON, n = 24), were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing and endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Blood samples were collected for FA analysis on days 0, 7, and 15. Blood was collected from cows not assigned to conceptus collection for whole-blood RNA extraction on day 20 and for pregnancy diagnosis on day 30 by measuring concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P ≤ 0.04) mean plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and ω-6 FA compared with CON on days 7 and 15. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased (P = 0.05) mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus and blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15 and 20,50-oligoadenylate synthetase on day 20 in gestating cows. Hence, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. taurus beef cows improved pregnancy rates to timed AI, which can be associated with increased mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus when CSSO is supplemented during early gestation.

Effect of metritis on endometrium tissue transcriptome during puerperium in Holstein lactating cows

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of parity and uterine health status postpartum on the gene expression profile of the endometrium early post-partum. Twenty-four Holstein cows were randomly selected (16 multiparous (MP) and 8 primiparous (PP)) and endometrium biopsies were collected on days 1, 3, and 6 after calving and clinically monitored for metritis. Rectal temperature was measured twice and fever was defined as a temperature ≥39.5 °C. A case of metritis was diagnosed with the presence of red-brown watery, foul-smelling uterine discharge or a purulent discharge with more than 50% pus and fever between days 1 and 6 postpartum. Cows were then retrospectively selected (cows diagnosed with metritis were paired with healthy ones) to analyze the expression of 66 genes measured on the NanoString nCounter Analysis System. The genes selected were related with adhesion, immune system, steroid and prostaglandin biosynthesis regulation, insulin metabolism and transcription factors, and nutrient transporters. The results indicated a different pattern on genes related to immune function by parity. PTX3, involved in antigen presentation, was increased in healthy MP compared with healthy PP whereas inflammatory cytokine TNFα and complement-related protein SERPING1 was upregulated in MP compared with PP (P < 0.05). As expected, presence of a metritis condition affected the expression of genes related to immune function. There was an increased expression of the antiviral factor MX2 and MYH10 gene, which is involved in macrophages recruitment, in metritic compared with healthy cows (P < 0.05). Differences in uterine involution from cows diagnosed with metritis were reflected by the downregulation of IGF1 (P < 0.10), involved in endometrium remodeling, and a possible compensatory upregulation of its receptor IGFR1 (P < 0.05). A greater expression of prostaglandins and oxytocin receptors (PGR and OXTR), involved in the involution process, were observed in metritic PP compared with healthy PP (P < 0.05). Overall, it seems that metritis significantly modulate processes closely tied with the physical involution of the uterus early post-partum (IGF1, IGFR1, PGR, OXTR), whereas both metritis and multiparous cows tended to upregulate genes related to immune response (PTX3, TNFα, SERPING1, MX2, MYH10).

Physiologic and innate immunity responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide administration in beef heifers supplemented with OmniGen-AF

Nutritional alternatives to strengthen animal immunocompetence are critical for welfare and productivity in livestock systems, such as beef cattle operations. This experiment evaluated physiological and innate immunity effects of supplementing an immunomodulatory feed ingredient (Omnigen-AF; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ, USA) to beef heifers administered bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In total, 8 non-pregnant, non-lactating nulliparous Angus×Hereford heifers (676±4 days of age) were ranked by BW (473±8 kg), and assigned to crossover design containing two periods of 34 days each. Heifers were housed in individual pens and had ad libitum access to meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis L.) hay, water and a granulated commercial vitamin+mineral mix. Within each period, heifers received (as-fed basis) 227 g/day of dried distillers grains including (OMN) or not (CON) 56 g of Omnigen-AF for 34 days. On day 28 of each period (0800 h), heifers received an intravenous bolus dose (0.5 μg/kg of BW, diluted in 5 ml of 0.9% sterile saline) of bacterial LPS (Escherichia coli 0111:B4). Hay DM intake was recorded daily from day 0 to 34. Blood was collected at -1, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h relative to LPS administration. Heifer intravaginal temperature was recorded every 10 min from -0.5 to 10 h relative to LPS administration. No treatment effect was detected (P=0.35) for hay DM intake during the experiment. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.64) for intravaginal temperature and plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis-α, cortisol and haptoglobin, which increased (time effect, P&lt;0.01) for OMN and CON heifers and peaked at 4.5, 2, 4 and 48 h, respectively, after LPS administration. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.35) for whole blood mRNA expression of chemokine ligand 5, tumor necrosis-α, cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin 8, which also increased (time effect, P&lt;0.01) for OMN and CON heifers and peaked at 0.5, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 h, respectively, after LPS administration. Whole blood mRNA expression of interleukin 8 receptor and L-selectin were also similar (P⩾0.61) between OMN and CON heifers, and decreased (time effect, P&lt;0.01) for both treatments reaching nadir levels at 1 and 2.5 h, respectively, after LPS administration. Collectively, OMN supplementation did not modulate the physiological and innate immunity responses of beef heifers to bacterial LPS administration.

Impacts of estrus expression and intensity during a timed-AI protocol on variables associated with fertility and pregnancy success in Bos indicus-influenced beef cows

This experiment evaluated the impacts of estrus expression and intensity, estimated by physical activity during a timed-AI protocol, on reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows. A total of 290 lactating, primiparous, and multiparous nonpregnant Nelore × Angus cows received a 2 mg injection of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) releasing device (CIDR) on d -11, a 12.5 mg injection of PGF2α on d -4, CIDR removal in addition to 0.6 mg injection of estradiol cypionate and 300 IU injection of eCG on d -2, and timed-AI on d 0. Cows were fitted with a pedometer behind their left shoulder on d -4. An estrus detection patch was attached to the tail-head of each cow on d -2. Pedometer results were recorded on d -2 and 0. Estrus expression was defined as removal of >50% of the rub-off coating from the patch on d 0. Net physical activity during estrus was calculated by subtracting total steps from d -4 to -2 (nonestrus basal activity) from total steps from d -2 to 0 (proestrus + estrus period) of each cow. Cows that did not express estrus were classified as NOESTR. Cows that expressed estrus were ranked by net physical activity; those above the median were classified as HIESTR and the remaining cows as LWESTR. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on d 0 and 7. Blood was collected on d 0, 7, 20, and 30. Pregnancy status was verified by ultrasonography on d 30. Only data from cows responsive to the estrus synchronization protocol were utilized (NOESTR, n = 59; LWESTR, n = 100; HIESTR, n = 98). Diameter of dominant follicle on d 0, corpus luteum volume on d 7, and plasma P4 concentrations on d 7 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HIESTR vs. LWESTR and NOESTR and also greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LWESTR vs. NOESTR. Plasma P4 concentrations on d 0 were greater (P < 0.01) in NOESTR vs. HIESTR and LWESTR and similar (P = 0.93) between HIESTR and LWESTR. Whole blood mRNA expression of myxovirus resistance 2 on d 20 was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HIESTR vs. LWESTR and NOESTR, and similar (P = 0.72) between LWESTR and NOESTR. Pregnancy rates were less (P ≤ 0.04) in NOESTR vs. HIESTR and LWESTR (52.4%, 68.9%, and 73.5%, SEM = 7.2), and similar (P = 0.57) between HIESTR and LWESTR. Hence, expression of estrus during a timed-AI protocol improved ovarian dynamics and pregnancy success, whereas estrus intensity modulated key biological markers associated with fertility but not pregnancy rates in B. indicus-influenced cows beef cows.

Physiologic, health, and performance responses of beef steers supplemented with an immunomodulatory feed ingredient during feedlot receiving

One hundred eight Angus × Hereford steers, originating from 7 cow-calf were obtained from an auction yard on d -2 and transported by road (800 km; 12 h) to an experimental feedlot facility. Upon arrival on d -1, shrunk BW was recorded and steers were grouped with free-choice access to grass hay, mineral supplement, and water. On d 0, steers were ranked by source and shrunk BW and assigned to 1 of 18 pens (6 steers/pen). Pens were allocated to 1) no immunomodulatory ingredient supplementation during feedlot receiving (CON), 2) supplementation with OmniGen-AF (OMN; 22 g/steer daily, as-fed basis; Phibro Animal Health Corp., Teaneck, NJ) from d 0 to 30, or 3) 2 oral capsules of Stocker Immune Primer on d 0 + 15 g/steer daily (as-fed basis) of Stocker Preconditioned Premix (Ramaekers Nutrition, Santa Cruz, CA) from d 7 to 30 (IPF). From d 0 to 80, steers had free-choice access to grass hay and water and received a corn-based concentrate. Feed DMI was recorded from each pen, and steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily. Steers were vaccinated against BRD pathogens on d 0 and 21. Final shrunk BW was recorded on d 81, and blood samples were collected on d 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 31, 42, 56, and 73. Steer ADG and final BW were greater ( ≤ 0.05) in CON steers than in OMN and IPF steers (1.23, 0.76, and 1.06 kg/d [SEM 0.06], respectively, and 320, 282, and 307 kg [SEM 4], respectively) and ( < 0.01) in IPF steers than in OMN steers. No treatment effects were detected ( ≥ 0.76) for BRD incidence (66 ± 4%) and DMI, whereas G:F was greater ( < 0.01) in OMN steers than in CON steers. Mean plasma cortisol concentration was greater ( = 0.01) in CON steers than in OMN and IPF steers. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations tended ( = 0.10) to be greater in CON steers than in IPF steers on d 3, were greater ( = 0.04) in IPF steers than in CON steers on d 7, and tended ( = 0.10) to be less in OMN steers than in IPF and CON steers on d 21. Blood mRNA expression of was greater ( ≤ 0.05) in OMN and IPF steers than in CON steers on d 3 and in OMN steers than in CON and IPF steers on d 14. Blood mRNA expression of was greater ( ≤ 0.05) in OMN and IPF steers than in CON steers on d 10. Plasma IGF-I concentrations, serum antibody titers to BRD pathogens, and blood mRNA expression of , , , and did not differ ( ≥ 0.21) among treatments. Collectively, the immunomodulatory feed ingredients evaluated herein impacted adrenocortical and innate immune responses but failed to mitigate BRD incidence and improve performance of receiving cattle.

Endometritis and In Vitro PGE2 Challenge Modify Properties of Cattle Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Transcriptomic Profile

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated and characterized from postpartum bovine endometrium of animals with subclinical (n = 5) and clinical endometritis (n = 3) and healthy puerperal females (n = 5). Cells isolated displayed mean morphological features of MSCs and underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation after induction (healthy and subclinical). Cells from cows with clinical endometritis did not undergo adipogenic differentiation. All cells expressed mRNAs for selected MSC markers. Endometrial MSCs were challenged in vitro with PGE₂ at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 10 μM, and their global transcriptomic profile was studied. Overall, 1127 genes were differentially expressed between unchallenged cells and cells treated with PGE₂ at all concentrations (763 up- and 364 downregulated, fold change > 2, and P < 0.05). The pathways affected the most by the PGE₂ challenge were immune response, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that healthy puerperal bovine endometrium contains MSCs and that endometritis modifies and limits some functional characteristics of these cells, such as their ability to proceed to adipogenic differentiation. Also, PGE₂, an inflammatory mediator of endometritis, modifies the transcriptomic profile of endometrial MSCs. A similar situation may occur during inflammation associated with endometritis, therefore affecting the main properties of endometrial MSCs.

Post-artificial insemination supplementation with calcium salts of soybean oil influences pregnancy establishment factors in beef cows

The objective of this experiment was to compare hormonal, uterine, and conceptus factors associated with pregnancy establishment in beef cows supplemented or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) for 21 d beginning after timed AI. One hundred lactating multiparous Nelore cows were allocated to 20 groups of 5 cows/group and timed inseminated on d 0 of the experiment. After AI, groups were randomly assigned to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of protein-mineral mix + 100 g of ground corn per cow per day, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO ( = 10) or 2) 100 g/cow daily of kaolin (CON; rumen-inert indigestible substance; = 10). Groups were maintained in 4 pastures (5 groups from the same treatment within each pasture) with ad libitum access to forage. Groups were segregated daily and individually offered treatments from d 0 to 21. Blood samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume immediately before AI (d 0) and on d 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on d 15, 60 cows (30 cows/treatment and 3 cows/group) diagnosed without the presence of a CL on d 0 but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on d 7 and 15 were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing with PBS followed by endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Additional blood samples were collected for whole-blood RNA extraction (d 20), and pregnancy status was verified by transrectal ultrasonography (d 30) in cows not assigned to conceptus collection. Cows receiving CSSO had greater ( ≤ 0.04) mean plasma linoleic acid concentration, plasma linoleic:linolenic acid ratio, plasma progesterone (P4) concentration, and CL volume during the experiment compared with CON cows. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased ( ≤ 0.04) length and mRNA expression of and by the conceptus as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes on d 20 in gestating cows. No treatment differences were detected ( ≥ 0.30) for endometrial mRNA expression of and . In summary, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. indicus beef cows increased plasma concentration of linoleic acid and enhanced pregnancy establishment factors, which included CL development and plasma P4 concentration, conceptus growth, and mRNA expression of as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes.

Effects of oral meloxicam administration to beef cattle receiving lipopolysaccharide administration or vaccination against respiratory pathogens

This study evaluated the effects of oral meloxicam administration on metabolic, inflammatory, and acute-phase responses of beef cattle receiving a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (Exp. 1; d -1 to 6) or vaccinated against respiratory pathogens (Exp. 2; d 7 to 21). Twenty-one Angus steers ( = 11) and heifers ( = 10) were housed in individual pens on d -15 and were offered free-choice water, mineral-vitamin mix, and hay until d 21. In Exp. 1, cattle were ranked on d -1 by sex and BW and assigned to 1) oral meloxicam administration (1 mg/kg BW daily) from day -1 to 6 (MEL8), 2) oral meloxicam administration (1 mg/kg BW) on d 0 and oral lactose monohydrate administration (1 mg/kg BW) on d -1 and from d 1 to 6 (MEL1), or 3) oral lactose monohydrate administration (1 mg/kg BW daily) from d -1 to 6 (CON). On d 0, cattle received an intravenous LPS bolus (0.5 μg/kg BW) concurrently with treatment administration. Rectal temperature (RTEMP) was assessed, and blood samples were collected at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h relative to LPS administration. No treatment effects were detected ( ≥ 0.36) for RTEMP, concentrations of serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), plasma haptoglobin, cortisol, insulin, and leptin, as well as blood mRNA expression of α and cyclooxygenase-2, although all variables increased ( < 0.01) across treatments after LPS administration. In Exp. 2, cattle received the same treatments that they were assigned to in Exp. 1 from d 7 to d 13 and were vaccinated against respiratory pathogens concurrently with treatment administration on d 8. Blood samples were collected, and RTEMP was assessed as in Exp. 1 in addition to 168, 240, and 336 h relative to vaccination. No treatment effects were detected ( ≥ 0.26) for RTEMP, the same plasma and serum variables evaluated in Exp. 1, and serum concentrations of antibodies against or serum titers against bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus-1, and parainfluenza-3 virus. All variables increased ( < 0.01) across treatments after vaccination, except for serum TNFα and titers against bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 ( ≥ 0.40). Collectively, this study found no evidence that oral meloxicam administration, at the doses and intervals utilized herein, mitigated the metabolic, inflammatory, and acute-phase reactions elicited by LPS administration or vaccination against respiratory pathogens.

Potential of acute phase proteins as predictor of postpartum uterine infections during transition period and its regulatory mechanism in dairy cattle

Among the various systemic reactions against infection or injury, the acute phase response is the cascade of reaction and mostly coordinated by cytokines-mediated acute phase proteins (APPs) production. Since APPs are sensitive innate immune molecules, they are useful for early detection of inflammation in bovines and believed to be better discriminators than routine hematological parameters. Therefore, the possibility of using APPs as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of inflammation in major bovine health disorders including postpartum uterine infection has been explored by many workers. In this review, we discussed specifically importance of postpartum uterine infection, the role of energy balance in uterine infections and potential of APPs as a predictor of postpartum uterine infections during the transition period and its regulatory mechanism in dairy cattle.

Decreased cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression and lactoferrin release in blood neutrophils of heifers during the calving period

Immunosuppression during the calving period in dairy cows is associated with an increased risk of diseases. Correct neutrophil function is a key mechanism of innate immunity that is used to protect the host from pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of blood neutrophils obtained from heifers between 30 days preparturition and 30 days postparturition. We assessed the phagocytosis of fluorescent bioparticles using flow cytometry, chemotaxis induced by chemoattractants using the transwell plate assay, lactoferrin release using ELISA and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression using real time-PCR. Our results showed an increased ability of phagocytosis of bioparticles and chemotaxis induced by the chemotactic agent platelet activating factor (PAF), between day 15 preparturition until day 30 postparturition, and at calving, respectively. COX-2 gene expression induced by PAF was increased only in neutrophils obtained at days 30 pre- and post-parturition (p<0.001). Neutrophil lactoferrin release was reduced between day 15 preparturition and day 30 postparturition compared with that at day 30 preparturition. Furthermore, lactoferrin plasma levels were increased at calving. In conclusion, we provided evidence that neutrophils from heifers around calving time exhibit impairment of particular defensive functions, such as COX-2 mRNA expression and lactoferrin, suggesting that these mechanisms may contribute to immunosuppression in cows around calving.

Determination of anti-inflammatory cytokine in periparturient cows for prediction of postpartum reproductive diseases

Forty-one pregnant cows at 240 days of gestation were selected from the cattle herd at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India. The cows were critically observed daily during the periparturient period until 45 days postpartum. The prepartum sampling day was fixed on the basis of AI date supported by the external signs of the animals approaching parturition. Blood sampling was done for each experimental animal on 15 days prepartum (-15 d), calving day (0 d), 15 days (15 d), and 30 days (30 d) postpartum, and thorough gynecological examinations were performed on 0 d, 15 d, 30 d, and 45 d for diagnosis of postpartum reproductive diseases like retained placenta (ROP), clinical metritis (CM), clinical endometritis, cervicitis, and delayed involution of the uterus. The blood serum was used for estimation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). Determintaion of IL-10 concentration in serum was done by using a commercially available bovine-specific ELISA kit. The IL-10 concentration (pg/mL) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for ROP (1956.96 ± 325.30) and CM (2283.01 ± 326.82) than normal cows (827.19 ± 127.11) at 15 days before calving. The values for IL-10 was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher for cows with ROP and CM than for normal cows at 0 d and 15 d postpartum. However, the values for IL-10 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for cows with clinical endometritis (1847.83 ± 539.38) than for normal cows (770.75 ± 29.22) at 30 d postpartum. The concentration of IL-10 was lower (P > 0.05) in cows with delayed involution of uterus than other groups of cows at all days of the periparturient period. The cytokine level in cows with delayed involution of the uterus was 328.906 ± 107.19, 263.08 ± 84.92, 415.26 ± 102.14, and 386.28 ± 111.11 on -15 d, 0 d, 15 d, and 30 d, respectively. According to the results of this study it can be concluded that increased serum concentration of IL-10 at 15 d prepartum was observed in cows that developed ROP and CM and remained significantly higher until 15 d postpartum. Therefore, this cytokine might be used as a prognostic marker to identify the cows that are going to develop ROP and CM.

Metabolic factors affecting the inflammatory response of periparturient dairy cows

Dairy cattle are susceptible to increased incidence and severity of disease during the periparturient period. Increased health disorders have been associated with alterations in bovine immune mechanisms. Many different aspects of the bovine immune system change during the periparturient period, but uncontrolled inflammation is a dominant factor in several economically important disorders such as metritis and mastitis. In human medicine, the metabolic syndrome is known to trigger several key events that can initiate and promote uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Altered lipid metabolism, increased circulating concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and oxidative stress are significant contributing factors to systemic inflammation and the development of inflammatory-based diseases in humans. Dairy cows undergo similar metabolic adaptations during the onset of lactation, and it was postulated that some of these physiological events may negatively impact the magnitude and duration of inflammation. This review will discuss how certain types of fatty acids may promote uncontrolled inflammation either directly or through metabolism into potent lipid mediators. The relationship of increased lipid metabolism and oxidative stress to inflammatory dysfunction will be reviewed as well. Understanding more about the underlying cause of periparturient health disorders may facilitate the design of nutritional regimens that will meet the energy requirements of cows during early lactation and reduce the susceptibility to disease as a function of compromised inflammatory responses.