• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.591-600
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a modified Double-Ovsynch protocol vs artificial insemination following estrus detection (AIED) for the enhancement of reproductive performance in Hanwoo cattle. Methods: Four hundred twelve Hanwoo cows were allocated to two treatment groups. The first group of cows were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on Day 36 (±0.6), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) on Day 46 (8 to 12 days later), and GnRH on Day 49, which was followed by Ovsynch, consisting of an injection of GnRH on Day 56, PGF_2α on Day 63, and GnRH 56 h and timed AI (TAI) 16 h later (modified Double-Ovsynch group, n = 203). The second group of cows underwent AIED (AIED group, n = 209) and were designated as controls. Results: The pregnancy per AI 60 days after the first AI was higher in the modified Double-Ovsynch (68.5%) than in the AIED (56.5%) group, resulting in a higher probability of pregnancy per AI (odds ratio: 1.68, p<0.05). Moreover, cows in the modified Double-Ovsynch group were more likely (hazard ratio: 1.28, p<0.05) to be pregnant by 150 days after calving than cows in the AIED group, and this difference was associated with a lower mean number of AIs per conception (1.27 vs 1.39, p<0.05) and a shorter median interval between calving and pregnancy (72 vs 78 days, p<0.1). Conclusion: The modified Double-Ovsynch protocol, adjusted according to the herd visit schedule, can be readily used to increase the pregnancy per AI following the first AI and to shorten the interval between calving and pregnancy in beef herds.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.704-709
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• 2023

Objective: In tropical, subtropical and arid zones, heat stress is the main cause of productivity reduction in cattle. When climate stressors occur, animals become thermal adapted through differential expression of some genes, including heat shock proteins (HSP) family. The aim of this study was to determine levels of expression of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 genes in Simmental cattle raised in tropical environments of Mexico. Methods: In this study, expression of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 genes was analyzed in 116 Simmental cattle from three farms with tropical climate located in western Mexico. Animals were sampled twice a day, in the morning and noon. Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using probes marked with fluorescence. The MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures was used for all statistical analysis. Results: HSP60 gene expression differences were found for sex (p = 0.0349). HSP70 gene differences were detected for sampling hour (p = 0.0042), farm (p<0.0001), sex (p = 0.0476), and the interaction sampling hour×farm (p = 0.0002). Gene expression differences for HSP90 were observed for farm (p<0.0001) and year (p = 0.0521). HSP70 gene showed to be a better marker of heat stress than HSP60 and HSP90 genes. Conclusion: Expression of HSP70 gene in Simmental herds of the tropical region of western México was different during early morning and noon, but the expression of the HSP60 and HSP90 genes was similar. Identification of resilient animals to heat stress will be useful in the genetic improvement of the Simmental breed.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.48.1-48.13
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• 2023

Background: Senecavirus A (SVA), a member of the family Picornaviridae, is newly discovered, which causes vesicular lesions, lameness in swine, and even death in neonatal piglets. SVA has rapidly spread worldwide in recent years, especially in Asia. Objectives: We conducted a global meta-analysis and systematic review to determine the status of SVA infection in pigs. Methods: Through PubMed, VIP Chinese Journals Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data search data from 2014 to July 26, 2020, a total of 34 articles were included in this analysis based on our inclusion criteria. We estimated the pooled prevalence of SVA in pigs by the random effects model. A risk of bias assessment of the studies and subgroup analysis to explain heterogeneity was undertaken. Results: We estimated the SVA prevalence to be 15.90% (1,564/9,839; 95% confidence interval [CI], 44.75-65.89) globally. The prevalence decreased to 11.06% (945/8,542; 95% CI, 28.25-50.64) after 2016. The highest SVA prevalence with the VP1-based RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assay was 58.52% (594/1,015; 95% CI, 59.90-83.96) and 85.54% (71/83; 95% CI, 76.68-100.00), respectively. Besides, the SVA prevalence in piglet herds was the highest at 71.69% (119/166; 95% CI, 68.61-98.43) (p < 0.05). Moreover, our analysis confirmed that the subgroups, including country, sampling year, sampling position, detected gene, detection method, season, age, and climate, could be the heterogeneous factors associated with SVA prevalence. Conclusions: The results indicated that SVA widely exists in various countries currently. Therefore, more prevention and control policies should be proposed to enhance the management of pig farms and improve breeding conditions and the environment to reduce the spread of SVA.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.588-595
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on milk traits in South Korea using comprehensive data (dairy production and climate). The dataset for this study comprised 1,498,232 test-day records for milk yield, fat- and protein-corrected milk, fat yield, protein yield, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and somatic cell score (SCS) from 215,276 Holstein cows (primiparous: n = 122,087; multiparous: n = 93,189) in 2,419 South Korean dairy herds. Data were collected from July 2017 to April 2020 through the Dairy Cattle Improvement Program, and merged with meteorological data from 600 automatic weather stations through the Korea Meteorological Administration. The segmented regression model was used to estimate the effects of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on milk traits and elucidate the break point (BP) of the THI. To acquire the least-squares mean of milk traits, the generalized linear model was applied using fixed effects (region, calving year, calving month, parity, days in milk, and THI). For all parameters, the BP of THI was observed; in particular, milk production parameters dramatically decreased after a specific BP of THI (p < 0.05). In contrast, MUN and SCS drastically increased when THI exceeded BP in all cows (p < 0.05) and primiparous cows (p < 0.05), respectively. Dairy cows in South Korea exhibited negative effects on milk traits (decrease in milk performance, increase in MUN, and SCS) when the THI exceeded 70; therefore, detailed feeding management is required to prevent heat stress in dairy cows.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.238-241
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• 2023

This study determined the effect of ovarian status at the beginning of the modified Double-Ovsynch program on reproductive performance in dairy cows. In the study, 1,302 cows were treated with a modified Double-Ovsynch program at 56 days after calving. This program comprises administering gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) 10 days later, GnRH 3 days later, GnRH 7 days later, and GnRH 56 h later, followed by timed artificial insemination (TAI) 16 h later. At the beginning of the program, cows were categorized according to the size of the largest follicle and the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) in the ovaries as follows: 1) small follicle (<5 mm, SF group, n = 100), 2) medium follicle (8-20 mm, MF group, n = 538), and 3) large follicle (≥25 mm, LF group, n = 354) without a CL, or 4) the presence of a CL (CL group, n = 310). The pregnancies per AI after the first TAI were analyzed by logistic regression using the LOGISTIC procedure, and the logistic model included the fixed effects of the herd size, parity, body condition score (BCS) at the first TAI, TAI period, and ovarian status. A larger herd size, higher BCS at the first TAI, and TAI period with no heat stress increased (p < 0.05) the probability of pregnancy per AI after the first TAI. However, ovarian status at the beginning of the program did not affect (p > 0.05) the pregnancies per AI (ranges of 37.9% to 42.9%). These results show that the modified Double-Ovsynch program can be used effectively while maintaining good fertility regardless of the ovarian status in dairy herds.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.18.1-18.27
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• 2024

Mastitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases that adversely affects the profitability of the dairy industry worldwide. Accurate diagnosis and identification of pathogens early to cull infected animals and minimize the spread of infection in herds is critical for improving treatment effects and dairy farm welfare. The major pathogens causing mastitis and pathogenesis are assessed first. The most recent and advanced strategies for detecting mastitis, including genomics and proteomics approaches, are then evaluated. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, potential research directions, and future perspectives are reported. This review provides a theoretical basis to help veterinarians select the most sensitive, specific, and cost-effective approach for detecting bovine mastitis early.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.55.1-55.12
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• 2024

Importance: Neonatal calf diarrhea is a major cause of mortality in newborn calves worldwide, posing a significant challenge in bovine herds. Group A Bovine Rotaviruses (BRVA) are the primary contributors to severe gastroenteritis in calves under two months old. Objectives: This study examined the prevalence and molecular characterization of BRVA in neonatal calves in Gujarat, India. Methods: Sixty-nine diarrheic fecal samples were collected and subjected to various molecular methods of BRVA detection, isolation, and characterization. Results: The latex agglutination test (LAT), electropherotyping (RNA-PAGE), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed positivity rates of 39.13%, 20.30%, and 37.70%, respectively. RNA-PAGE identified 11 bands with a 4:2:3:2 migration pattern, indicative of the segmented genome of BRVA. BRVA was successfully isolated from LATpositive samples, with 26 samples exhibiting clear cytopathic effects upon passage in MA-104 cell lines. Genotyping identified G10 as the predominant G genotype, with P[11] genotypes comprising 76.92% of the isolates. The most common G/P combination was G10P[11], highlighting its zoonotic potential. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings underscore the importance of molecular detection and genotyping for effective vaccine development. This study provides crucial insights into the prevalent G and P genotypes of BRVA in Gujarat, India, aiding in the development of targeted control measures.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.155-162
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• 2015

The incidence of second-grade milk production in 9 dairy farms of South Korea was investigated from May 2011 to March 2012, and the serum composition of cows producing first- and second-grade milk in 14 farms including the 9 farms was analyzed. The incidence rate of second-grade milk production of 402 cows in nine dairy farms located in the central and southwestern regions of Korea was 15.4% with the highest rate being 34.4%. Seasonal morbidity was higher during late winter (February) and early summer (June) with the highest rate observed in February (32.6%) followed by November (33.3%). Second-grade milk was most frequently found within one month postpartum (34.1%) while only 3.5% was found during the first 60~90 days of lactating period (n=785, 5 herds). The morbidity increased thereafter (P<0.05) with the highest observed between 270~300 days of lactation (36.1%). The acidity was not significantly different between second-grade ($0.159{\pm}0.026%$) and first-grade milk ($0.158{\pm}0.027%$). Blood serum analysis of 371 cows in the 14 dairy farms indicated that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in cows producing second-grade milk while albumin was significantly lower (P<0.001) than cows producing first-grade milk. Total protein and triglyceride was also significantly low along with glucose, non-esterified fatty acid and blood urea nitrogen in cows producing second-grade milk. Statistical analysis including sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative prediction values showed that lactating cows with high AST, low albumin, total protein and triglyceride levels in the serum tended to produce second-grade milk. It was concluded that serological parameters, especially live functional and metabolic-related serum compositions (AST, albumin, total protein and triglyceride), were significantly influenced in cows producing second-grade milk.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.321-330
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• 1987

In the endemic area of bovine piroplasmosis in Chonbuk Province, total of 486 heads of Holstein cow selected from 14 farms randomly were examined the infection status of piroplasma and their blood values. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. The etiological agent was only Theileria sergenti and none of the Babesia sp. infection. 2. All of the 486 heads of examined cow were infected with Theileria sergenti (100%). 3. In the initial examination of 11 farms in early summer, the means of blood values were as follows; RBC:$526{\pm}84(10^4/mm^3$), Ht:$27.9{\pm}2.8%$, SP:$7.5{\pm}0.6g/dl$, WBC: $11586{\pm}354/mm^3$, and Fibrinogen: $578.5{\pm}164.1mg/dl$. 4. In the second examinations in slimmer season, the blood values of examined cows had little varieties. But in the winter season, cows housed in the barn, the blood values were greatly increased; RBC: $601{\pm}77(10^4/mm^3)$, (F-value: 37.186**), Ht: $30.5{\pm}1.3%$(F-value: 15.626**) Hb: $12.2{\pm}1.3g/dl$(F-value: 5.899**), SP: $7.4{\pm}0.6g/dl$(F-value: 5.05**). 5. To determine the piroplasma infection in the many herds of cow, the measurement of Ht, Hb, and SP values etc. were more effective and helpful to find the weak cow because the examined process are not only to be easily carry out many samples but also to be done very simple and rapidly. 6. The indications of therapeutic standard values were stablished as follows; the less than 20% in the Ht value, below the 10g/dl in the Hb value, and less than 6g/dl in SP value. When the one among the therapeutic standard values, Ht, Hb, and SP was below the therapeutic standard value, the cow was treated with nutriments. When more than two among them were below the therapeutic standard, the cow was treated with Berenil, at once. In this way, there was no one head which represented clinical signs of piroplasmosis among 486 heads of cow at 14 farms during the year of 1986. 7. In a Korean native cattle infected with Thieleria sergenti seriously, the recovery of blood values was very prolonged by the treatment of Berenil only. But by the transfusion of 300ml blood collected from normal cow, the blood values were recovered rapidly.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.756-762
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate the confirmation and prevalence of porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection of pigs in Korea using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four hundred-eighty one sera tested were collected from the areas of Kyonggi, Kangwon, Chungcheong, Cholla, Gyongsang and Cheju during the year of 1991 to 1997 except 1994. PCMV antigen, OF-1 strain, for ELISA, was prepared 19-PFT-F cell line originated from porcine fallopian tube. Positive control was used by sera made from the specific pathogen free piglets which were infected with OF-1 strain. Three hundred-sixty seven of 481 sera (76.3%) were positive against PCMV. Antibody titers of these seropositives were classified by 129 (26.8%) cases in more than 1 : 12,800, 77 (16.0%) in 1 : 6,400, 76 (15.8%) in 1 : 3,200, 44 (9.2%) in 1 : 1,600, and 41 (8.5%) in 1 : 800, respectively. Also, the seropositive pigs were divided by 87.4% (76/87) in older than 6 month-old, 73.9% (238/322) in 2~6-month old, and 73.6% (53/72) in less than 2-month old, respectively. Regional prevalence rate of PCMV infection in Korea showed 89.7% (70/78) in Chungchong, 79.8/% (83/104) in Cholla, 79.4% (143/180) in Kyonggi, 79.3% (42/53) in Gyongsang, 50% (15/30) in Kangwon, and 38.9% (14/36) in Cheju area, respectively. In the sera collected in 1991, seropositive rate was appeared as 90.2% (37/41). From 1992 to 1997 except 1994, the average infection rate to PCMV was 77.5%. Consequently, these results confirmed that PCMV in Korean piggeries was introduced at least before the year of 1991. More importantly, PCMV infection has been prevailing nation-wide in pig herds in Korea.