Somaticell® as a screening method for somatic cell count from bovine milk

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a correlação entre a contagem eletrônica de células somáticas (eCCS) com o Somaticell® sob diferentes níveis de contagem de células somáticas (CCS) do leite e patógenos causadores de mastites, além de calcular a sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos do Somaticell® utilizando diferentes limites de CCS estabelecidos pelos diferentes países. Trezentos e quarenta amostras de leite foram coletadas assepticamente após realização do California Mastitis Test (CMT). O Somaticell® e a eCCS foram realizados em todas as amostras de leite. A correlação entre o Somaticell® e a contagem eletrônica foi determinada de acordo com o CMT, patógeno isolado e escore de eCCS. de acordo com os escores de CCS estabelecidos, 26,5% das amostras de leite apresentaram escore 1 (69-166 x10³células mL-1), 26,8% escore 2 (167-418x10³células mL-1), 27,4% escore 3 (419-760x10³células mL-1) e 19,4% escore 4 (761 to 1970x10³células mL-1). A eCCS e o Somaticell® apresentaram correlação positiva em quase todos os escores estudados (exceto escore 2 e 3). O valor de r obtido entre CCS e o Somaticell® foi de 0,32. Observou-se que, quando o limite de CCS estabelecido aumentou, a sensibilidade decresceu e os valores de especificidade aumentaram. Os valores preditivos apresentaram-se constantes em todos os limites. Quando o limite de CCS era baixo (<760,000 células mL-1), Somaticell® forneceu resultados consistentemente mais elevados que os valores de CCS. Já para amostras com CCS elevada, Somaticell® resultou em menores contagens que a eCCS. A correlação entre os dois métodos permaneceu relativamente constante em todas as condições e os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade do teste são altamente dependentes do limite estabelecido. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem que o Somaticell® não é útil para avaliar a CCS do leite, pois seus resultados são significativamente diferentes da eCCS, no entanto, pode ser utilizado como método de triagem, tal como o CMT, para a detecção do aumento da CCS do leite.

Molecular identification and thermoresistance to boiling of Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from bovine bulk tank milk

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Breed and season influence on milk quality parameters and in mastitis occurrence

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a performance das raças Jersey e Holandesa em diferentes condições de pluviosidade (estações seca e chuvosa) através do monitoramento de aspectos relacionados com a mastite subclínica (contagem de células somáticas, isolamento microbiológico, tipo de patógeno isolado), qualidade do leite (lactose, proteína, gordura e sólidos totais) e produção (media da produção de leite) de ambas as raças. O estudo foi conduzido em propriedade leiteira localizada no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Oito visitas foram realizadas a propriedade, quatro em período de alta pluviosidade e outro em período de baixa pluviosidade. Amostras de leite foram colhidas de todos os animais para contagem eletrônica de células somáticas e determinação dos principais componentes do leite (proteína, gordura, sólidos totais, lactose). Gordura, proteína, sólidos totais e produção leiteira foram influenciadas tanto pela raça como pela estação, apresentando tendências similares para ambas raças em ambas estações. A contagem de células somáticas (CCS) apresentou resultados similares para ambas as raças. Vacas holandesas com infecção intramamária (IIM) apresentaram um maior aumento na CCS quando comparadas as vacas Jersey (P<0.001). Na estação seca, 53 animais tiveram IIM em pelo menos um mês do estudo. Destes, 32 eram da raça Holandesa e 21 da raça Jersey. Na estação chuvosa, 65 animais possuíram infecção intramamária, dos quais 43 eram da raça Holandesa e 22 da raça Jersey. A frequência de casos de IIM foi maior na estação chuvosa em comparação à estação seca. Vacas Jersey apresentaram uma menor chance de desenvolver sinais e sintomas de IIM em relação às vacas holandesas na estação chuvosa (razão de chances=0.52). O maior numero de casos de IIM na estação chuvosa pode ter contribuído para uma menor taxa de lactose no leite para ambas as raças, sendo que esta pode ser considerada como um indicador do status de IIM. Existiu uma prevalência de patógenos contagiosos durante todo o experimento. O modelo estatístico aplicado mostrou que patógenos ambientais foram mais frequentemente isolados da raça Jersey, independentemente do período do estudo. Aparentemente existem diferenças na resposta imune das raças Jersey e Holandesa.

Molecular detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in bovine raw milk samples obtained directly from bulk tanks

Mastitis is the most common infectious disease affecting dairy cattle; in addition, it remains the most economically important disease of dairy industries around the world. Streptococcus agalactiae, a contagious pathogen associated with subclinical mastitis, is highly infectious. This bacterium can cause an increase in bulk tank bacterial counts (BTBC) and bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC). The microbiological identification of S. agalactiae in samples from bulk tanks is an auxiliary method to control contagious mastitis. Thus, there are some limitations for time-consuming cultures or identification methods and additional concerns about the conservation and transport of samples. Bulk tank samples from 247 dairy farms were cultured and compared through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), directed to 16S rRNA genes of S. agalactiae, followed by BTBC and S. agalactiae isolation. The mean value of BTBC was 1.08 x 10(6) CFU mL(-1) and the bacterium was identified through the microbiological method in 98 (39.7%; CI95% = 33.8-45.9%) and through PCR in 110 (44.5%; CI95% = 38.5-50.8%) samples. Results indicated sensitivity of 0.8571 +/- 0.0353 (CI95% = 0.7719-0.9196) and specificity of 0.8255 +/- 0.0311 (CI95% = 0.7549-0.8827). The lack of significant difference between microbiological and molecular results (kappa = 0.6686 +/- 0.0477 and CI95% = 0.5752-0.7620) indicated substantial agreement between the methods. This suggests that PCR can be used for bulk tank samples to detect contagious mastitis caused by S. agalactiae. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of experimentally infected Wistar female rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

In vitro algaecide effect of sodium hypochlorite and iodine based antiseptics on Prototheca zopfii strains isolated from bovine milk

Prototheca zopfii has been considered one of the most important causes of environmental mastitis in Brazil. These algae are refractory to conventional therapy and cause great damage to the mammary gland. The present study evaluated the in vitro algaecide effect of sodium hypochlorite and iodine based antiseptics on 27 P. zopfii strains isolated from the milk of cattle. Low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (0.0390625-0.15625%) and iodine (0.15625-0.625%) were effective against the isolates. These antiseptics may be recommended for hygiene routines, pre and postdipping and cauterization of bovine mammary glands infected by P. zopfii. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbiological evaluation of milk samples positive to California Mastitis Test in dairy buffalo cows (Buballus bubalis)

In order to observe the microbiological status of CMT positive samples, 734 apparently health mammary quarters from buffalo cows were submitted to physical evaluation, strip cup test and CMT. After milk samples inoculation in 10% ovine blood agar base media and in MacConkey agar and incubation under aerobic condition for 72 hours at 37 degrees C, identification was proceeded. According to CMT, 227 quarters (30,93%) were positive, among them 73 (32,16%) presented 1+ reaction, 53 (23,35%) were 2+ and 101 (44,49%) were 3+. Microbiological exams of such samples were positive in 147 (64,76%) out of 227 CMT positive samples and among the remaining 72 (31,72%) were negative and 8 (3,52) were contaminated. In the 147 microbiological positive samples 204 bacteria were found in pure or associated growth and the most frequent agents were: Corynebacterium sp (59,25%); Staphylococcus sp (17,65%) among which 86,11% were coagulase negative and 13,89% were coagulase positive; and Micrococcus sp (6,37%). The results revealed that, excluding the eight contaminated samples, 147 (67,12%) quarters out of 219 CMT positive could be considered as bacteria-carrier and that even in a smaller percentage false-positive results can cause problems in a sanitary program for mastitis control in dairy buffalo cows.

Distribution of contagious and environmental mastitis agents isolated from milk samples collected from clinically health buffalo cows between brazilian dry and rainy seasons of the year

The present study was performed to evaluate the microbiological characteristics of clinically health quarters submitted to milking and also to observe the distribution of contagious and environmental agents between brazilian dry and rainy seasons of the year. During nine months 734 quarters from 37 buffalo cows were submitted monthly to udder inspection, palpation and strip cup test before milking. 734 asseptic milk samples were inoculated in 10% ovine blood agar and in MacConkey agar media, then incubated for 72 hours at 37 C. Among the 580 isolated microrganisms, 182 (31,38%) were recovered from samples collected during the rainy season and 398 (68,62%) from the dry season. In the rainy period the most prevalent agents were: bacteria from the genus Corynebacterium sp (53,30%), Staphylococcus sp (19,78%) and Rhodococcus equi (13,74%). In the dry period, the commonest ones were: Corynebacterium sp (44,97%), Staphylococcus sp (18,84%) and Micrococcus sp (9,55%). The results demonstrated that the methods used to select health quarters in brazilian dairy buffalo farms allow the transmission of contagious bacteria during both seasons of the year, maintaining agents known to cause mainly subclinical inflammatory reactions that compromise cronically the physiology and production of the mammary gland.

Use of high moisture corn silage replacing dry corn on intake, apparent digestibility, production and composition of milk of dairy goats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Associations among milk production and rectal temperature on pregnancy maintenance in lactating recipient dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations among milk production, rectal temperature, and pregnancy maintenance in lactating recipient dairy cows. Data were collected during an 11-mo period from 463 Holstein cows (203 primiparous and 260 multiparous) assigned to a fixed-time embryo transfer (ET) protocol. Only cows detected with a visible corpus luteum immediately prior to ET were used. Rectal temperatures were collected from all cows on the same day of ET. Milk production at ET was calculated by averaging individual daily milk production during the 7 d preceding ET. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal ultrasonography 21 d after ET. Cows were ranked and assigned to groups according to median milk production (median = 35 kg/d; HPROD = above median; LPROD = below median) and rectal temperature (<= 39.0 degrees C = LTEMP; >39.0 degrees C = HTEMP). A milk production x temperature group interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for pregnancy analysis because HTEMP cows ranked as LPROD were 3.1 time more likely to maintain pregnancy compared with HTEMP cows ranked as HPROD (P = 0.03). Milk production did not affect (P = 0.55) odds of pregnancy maintenance within LTEMP cows, however, and no differences in odds of pregnancy maintenance were detected between HTEMP and LTEMP within milk production groups (P > 0.11). Within HTEMP cows, increased milk production decreased the probability of pregnancy maintenance linearly, whereas within LTEMP cows, increased milk production increased the probability of pregnancy maintenance linearly. Within HPROD, increased rectal temperature decreased the probability of pregnancy maintenance linearly, whereas within LPROD cows, no associations between rectal temperatures and probability of cows to maintain pregnancy were detected. In summary, high-producing dairy cows with rectal temperatures below 39.0 degrees C did not experience reduced pregnancy maintenance to ET compared to cohorts with reduced milk production. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relationship between udder measurements and milk yield in Bergamasca ewes in Brazil

The present work aimed to evaluate udders of Bergamasca ewes and their correlation with milk yield in a mix system of milk yield. Seventy-seven ewes were fed with balanced concentrate starting 20 days before lambing until the end of the experiment. The lambs stayed with their mothers in pastures during the day and were separated at night. They returned to their mothers after the morning milking and were weaned at 45 days of age. Forty-eight hours after lambing, ewes were machine milked once daily at 7 am and the milk yield was recorded for a period of 60 days. Measurements of circumference, depth and width of the udder, and width and length of teats, at 30 and 60 days, were taken. A higher average daily yield of commercial milk was observed after lambs weaning (0.509 vs. 0.435 kg/ewe/day) than before. In the same way, the correlations between udder depth, circumference and width and milk yield were positive and significant only after weaning (0.74, 0.75 and 0.62, respectively). Udder measures had positive correlations with milk yield and can be used in programs of milk yield improvement. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of fermented milk containing probiotic on dental enamel and biofilm: In situ study

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Healing process of incisor teeth of diabetic rats replanted after storage in milk

Several local factors that influence the healing process of replanted teeth have been investigated. However, it remains unclear how systemic alterations, such as diabetes mellitus, affect the prognosis of these cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing process of incisors of non-controlled diabetic rats replanted after storage in bovine long shelf-life (UHT) whole milk. Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to receive an endovenous injection of either citrate buffer solution (group I - control; n = 16) or streptozotocin dissolved in citrate buffer solution to induce diabetes (group II; n = 16). After confirmation of the diabetic status by analysis of the glycemic levels, the maxillary right incisor of each animal was extracted and immersed in milk for 60 min. The root canals of teeth were then instrumented, and were filled with a calcium hydroxide-based dressing and replanted into their sockets. All animals received systemic antibiotic and were killed by anesthetic overdose 10 and 60 days after replantation. The specimens containing the replanted teeth were removed, fixed, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Semi-serial 6-mu m-thick sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic and histometric analyses. The results showed that the connective tissue adjacent to the root surface was less organized in the diabetic animals than in the control animals in both periods; the root dentin was less severely affected by root resorption in the diabetic rats; there were no significant differences between the control and diabetic groups regarding the occurrence of replacement resorption and inflammatory resorption.

Tooth replantation after use of euro-coffins solution or bovine milk as storage medium: a histomorphometric analysis in dogs

Purpose: Euro-Collins solution was developed for the preservation of organs for transplantation, whose characteristics have raised interest for its use as a storage medium for avulsed teeth before replantation. This study evaluated histologically and morphometrically the healing process of dog teeth replanted after storage in Euro-Collins solution or bovine milk.Materials and Methods: Eighty roots of 4 young adult mongrel clogs were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 20) and the root canals were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and a calcium hydroxide-based sealer. After 2 weeks, the teeth were extracted and subjected to the following protocols: GI (negative control), replantation immediately after extraction; GII (positive control), bench-drying for 2 hours before replantation; GIII and GIV, immersion in 10 mL of whole bovine milk and Euro-Collins solution at 4 C, respectively, for 8 hours before replantation. The animals were sacrificed 90 days postoperatively. The pieces containing the replanted teeth were subjected to routine processing for histologic and histometric analyses under light microscopy and polarized light microscopy.Results: Root resorption was observed in all groups. GII exhibited the greatest loss of dental structure (P < .01), and inflammatory resorption was predominant in this group. Storage in milk showed poorer results than immediate replantation and storage in Euro-Collins solution (P < .01). The teeth stored in Euro-Collins solution presented similar extension of root resorption and periodontal ligament reorganization to those of immediately replanted teeth.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the Euro-Collins solution is an adequate storage medium for keeping avulsed teeth for up to 8 hours before replantation.