Portail des publications scientifiques de VetAgro Sup
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Pre- and post-slaughter data can be used to discriminate sensory beef quality clusters in cull cows
No full textInternational audienceUsing data from 91 Charolais cull cows, 7 decision trees were performed to discriminate extreme sensory Longissimus muscle (LM) quality clusters (Q+ and Q-). The decision trees were established from different groups of available data (60 variables in the rearing-factor group; 13 variables in the carcass-trait group; 9 variables in aged meat data group) and their combinations. Clusters of sensory quality were established from 3 sensory descriptors: overall tenderness, overall juiciness, and flavor intensity. The Q+ cluster had the highest tenderness, juiciness, and flavor intensity scores, and the Q- cluster had the lowest scores. The decision trees established from either carcass traits only (CARCA-Tree) or rearing factors and carcass traits combined (RF-CARCA-Tree) had the highest rates of success (> 74 %) in discriminating the quality clusters. This study identified various combinations of rearing factors and/or carcass traits that can help improve meat quality. The rearing factors and carcass traits selected were: presence of concentrate in the diet during the outside pre-weaning period, duration of forage supplementation during the outside breeding period, average crude protein content of the concentrate across the fattening period, ultimate pH (pHu), and collagen score. Carcass pHu and collagen score, which are readily accessible data, had the highest rate of success (74.7 %) in successfully discriminating the meat quality clusters in the CARCA-Tree. Our results showed that 76.8 % of carcasses were categorized as Q+ when cull cow carcass had a pHu value > 5.3 and a collagen score ≤ 1.5
Effect of additional prednisolone in the intramammary treatment of clinical mastitis
No full textInternational audienceObjectiveIntramammary (IMM) antibiotics combined with prednisolone are frequently used to treat clinical mastitis (CM), although field trials confirming the additional effects of prednisolone are scarce. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of adding prednisolone to cefapirin compared to cefapirin alone on milk parameters and cow behaviour, assessed directly or using cow and milk sensors in cases of naturally occurring CM.Material and MethodsNine French dairy farms with Holstein Friesian cows in free stalls, using a Lely A4 or A5 Automated Milking System (AMS), and equipped with milk and cow sensors, were selected for this trial. Milk sensors (Lely) collected data on milk production, color, temperature, Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and conductivity at quarter level, while cow sensors (SenseHub neck monitoring tags, MSD Animal Health) monitored daily cow rumination and activity. CM was detected using AMS Reports 12 and 23 and/or indicators of high conductivity and/or a high SCC in the T4C or Horizon software. Farmers were instructed to verify alerts at least twice daily, and clinically confirm mastitis before contacting the local veterinarian for inclusion within 2 hours.On the day of inclusion (D0), the veterinarian performed local and general clinical examinations and collected a milk sample for bacteriology and cortisol measurement. Treatment involved either a commercially available IMM tube (300 mg cefapirin and 20 mg of prednisolone (P), Mastiplan LC, MSD Animal Health), or a IMM tube containing only 300 mg of cefapirin (no prednisolone: NP). The treatment distribution was randomized using statistical software to determine the sequence of treatments (P or NP). Both farmers and veterinarians were blinded to treatments. The treatment was administered three additional times at the subsequent milking sessions, i.e. at D1 (and possibly D2). Before treatments, the farmer scored cow behaviour, assessed the CM case clinically, and collected a milk sample for cortisol assays. On D14, the farmer observed cow behaviour using a scoring grid, the veterinarian performed a final clinical examination and collected a milk sample for bacteriology and cortisol measurement. Milk samples were frozen until transferred to the laboratory. Milk and cow sensor data were collected from 14 days before to 14 days after the occurrence of CM. Statistical analyses were performed using a univariable and multivariable models incorporating biologically plausible fixed factors and random effects, with logistic regression used for behaviour analysis. Fixed factors were removed when not showing significance based on Chi-square tests. ResultsDue to early detection and veterinarians’ prescription habits for additional parenteral treatment in more severe (grade 3) CM cases, mainly mild (grade 1 and 2) CM cases were included. In total, 88 CM cases were identified, characterized by changes of milk appearance, increased SCC and conductivity, decreased milk yield, and reduced activity and rumination. The most frequently isolated pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) in groups NP (n=44) and P (n=44) at 34% and 25%, respectively, followed by Enterobacteriaceae (3% in NP and 28% in P) and Streptococcus uberis (17% in NP and 11% in P). Cultures were negative in 26% and 22% of the CM cases, respectively. The overall bacteriological cure rates were 77.3% in group NP and 82.6% in group P, with no significant difference (Chi-square: P = 0.6).Kaplan-Meier survival estimates indicated a significant difference (P = 0.03) in the time to return to normal quarter SCC (< 200,000 cells/ml) in the P group (faster) compared to NP. CM cases in the P group also had a significantly lower milk cortisol level (P < 0.01) during treatment. In the multivariable model, no significant difference was found between the two treatment groups in milk conductivity, 24h rolling average of rumination (P = 0.72), activity (P = 0.98), milk yield (P = 0.90) or behaviour (P > 0.05). ConclusionAdding prednisolone to IMM antibiotic treatments in mild CM cases significantly shortened the time for SCC to return to normal and reduced cortisol levels in milk during treatment, thereby improving milk quality and potentially enhancing animal welfare. The additional prednisolone treatment did not influence milk yield, rumination, activity, or behaviour under the conditions of this study
The Canis lupus ssp. (Mammalia, Carnivora) of the Baume Traucade (Issirac, Gard, France): A complete skeleton of a “dog-like” individual from the post-LGM
No full textInternational audienceCompletely preserved canid skeletons dating from the Pleistocene are rare finds. Here, we describe such a unique discovery from Baume Traucade, a cave site in the municipality of Issirac in southern France, which presents a rare opportunity to study in detail a series of skeletal elements from the same individual. This canid was likely a female with an estimated body mass of 26 kg and a shoulder height of 62 cm. It has an age of approximately 16.0 to 15.3 cal ka BP. Impact marks on the lumbar vertebrae and ribs, along with circular perforations on one of the scapulae, suggest that this canid was wounded by humans shortly before its death. The Baume Traucade skeleton is compared to a series of reference groups, including fossil and extant wolves, as well as Palaeolithic, prehistoric, and recent dogs. Linear discriminant analysis of its ln-transformed raw craniometric variables assigns this canid to the putative Palaeolithic dog group with a posterior probability of 99.5% and a typicality probability of 49.8%. Linear discriminant analysis of its allometrically size-adjusted craniometric variables assigns it to the same group with a posterior probability of 96.7% and a typicality probability of 75.1%. Furthermore, based on univariate analyses of its mandible and long bones, the Baume Traucade canid also shows the closest affinity with the group of putative Palaeolithic dogs
Que prescrire (ou non) chez les équidés selon la réglementation
No full textInternational audienceRegardless of the animal species, drugs must be used in accordance with their marketing authorization (MA). Depending on the species, the available therapeutic arsenal may be more limited, as in the case of equidae.As far as horses are concerned, their status determines the rules for prescribing medicines related to the problem of residues in the food chain. It is not always easy for prescribers to understand all the specific regulations governing veterinary pharmacy, given the overlap between European and French regulations and the multiplicity of texts. The aim of this article is to clarify a number of ponts concerning the application of the cascade, and to take up some of the points considered most important.Quelle que soit l'espèce animale, les médicaments doivent être utilisés conformément à leur autorisation de mise sur le marché (AMM). Selon les espèces, l'arsenal thérapeutique disponible peut être plus limité, ce qui est le cas des équidés.Concernant les chevaux, leur statut (animaux de production ou de sports et loisirs) détermine les règles de prescription des médicaments en lien avec la problématique des résidus dans la chaîne alimentaire. Il n'est pas toujours évident pour le prescripteur de comprendre toutes les spécificités réglementaires en matière de pharmacie vétérinaire en raison d'un chevauchement des réglementations européennes et françaises et de la multiplicité des textes. Cet article a pour objectif de clarifier certains points concernant l'application de la cascade en reprenant certains éléments considérés comme très importants
Medical training in dairy heifers – A pilot study
No full textInternational audienceTraining is used in various species to reduce fear responses, ease handling, and improve welfare. This pilot study aimed to (1) design a positive reinforcement training program for dairy heifers, (2) monitor their learning performances and short-term memorization, (3) assess their long-term memory at one-year post-training, and (4) assess their behavior in new handling situations. We used 10 heifers randomly assigned to two treatments. TRAINED heifers (n = 5) underwent a training program including 19 husbandry and veterinary procedures split into 125 steps to be acquired over the course of 20 separate fifteen-minute sessions. The heifers had (median [1-3 quartiles]) 88 [62-100] commands and 80 [45-94] reinforcements per session. We used the 'clicker training' technique, with regular heifer concentrate as reinforcement. For each step, we established a learning criterion allowing to move to the next step, and we recorded the number of times the trainer gave the order (i.e. 'command') to the heifer and the number of times the heifer performed the correct behavior. CONTROL heifers (n = 5) were simply exposed to the handler's presence. At one year after training, TRAINED heifers underwent the same procedures, and we recorded how many correct responses they produced out of 5 orders (or 'commands'), together with a series of three behavioral tests: reaction to a motionless human, avoidance test, and ease-of-handling test. TRAINED heifers successfully learned 4 procedures ('touching a target with the muzzle'; standing still calmly while being touched with: 'arm-length glove', 'stethoscope', 'halter') in (median) 1 session, 10 procedures (e.g. 'eating from the hand', 'mouth opening and tongue manipulation', 'vaginal palpation') in two sessions, 3 procedures ('coming when called', 'tail lifting', 'rectal palpation') in 3 sessions, and two procedures ('standing still', 'left eyelid manipulation') in 4 sessions. Results were similar when considering the number of commands required for learning. One year after training, four TRAINED heifers remembered 12-14 procedures, one heifer was able to only perform 'eating from the hand', and no heifers were able to perform 'tail lifting', 'rectal palpation', or 'vaginal palpation'. At one year after training, TRAINED heifers were quicker to touch a motionless human, have a shorter avoidance distance, and require less time to be moved along the corridor than CONTROL heifers. Heifers can be clicker-trained for a large number of husbandry and veterinary procedures; they can remember most of the procedures one year later. Training may ease further handling
Les papillomes chez le cheval
No full textNational audienceEquine papillomas, benign epithelial tumors caused by viruses of the Papilomaviridae family, account for 5-10 % of tumors in horses. They appear after infection of epidermal cells via epidermal breaches or trauma. Several clinical forms have been described: classic viral papillomatosis, genital papillomatosis, aural plaques and generalized papillomatosis. The prognosis depends on the clinical form : it is favorable for cutaneous and auricular papillomas, but more reserved for genital papillomas due to the risk of evolution towards a malignant tumoral process.Les papillomes équins, des tumeurs épithéliales bénignes provoquées par des virus de la famille des Papillomaviridae, représentent 5 à 10 % des tumeurs chez le cheval. Il apparaissent après une infection des cellules basales de l'épiderme via des brèches épidermiques ou des traumatismes. Plusieurs formes cliniques sont décrites : la papillomatose virale classique, la papaillomatose génitale, les plaques auriculaires et la papillomatose généralisée. Le pronostic dépend de la forme clinique : il est favorable pour les papillomes cutanés et auriculaires, mais plus réservé pour les papillomes génitaux en raison du risque d'évolution vers un processus tumoral malin
Impacts of neonicotinoids on biodiversity: a critical review
No full textInternational audienceNeonicotinoids are the most widely used class of insecticides in the world but they have raised numerous concerns regarding their effects on biodiversity. Thus, the objective of this work was to do a critical review of the contamination of the environment (soil, water, air, biota) by neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam) and of their impacts on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. Neonicotinoids are very frequently detected in soils and in freshwater, and they are also found in the air. They have only been recently monitored in coastal and marine environments, but some studies already reported the presence of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in transitional or semi-enclosed ecosystems (lagoons, bays and estuaries). The contamination of the environment leads to the exposure and to the contamination of non-target organisms, and to negative effects on biodiversity. Direct impacts of neonicotinoids are mainly reported on terrestrial invertebrates (e.g., pollinators, natural enemies, earthworms) and vertebrates (e.g., birds), and on aquatic invertebrates (e.g., arthropods). Impacts on aquatic vertebrate populations and communities, as well as on microorganisms, are less documented. In addition to their toxicity to directly exposed organisms, neonicotinoid induce indirect effects via trophic cascades as demonstrated in several species (terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates). However, more data are needed to reach firmer conclusions and to get a clearer picture of such indirect effects. Finally, we identified specific knowledge gaps that need to be filled to better understand the effects of neonicotinoids on terrestrial, freshwater and marine organisms, as well as on ecosystem services associated with these biotas
Focal Autonomic Seizures Manifesting With Prevailing Signs of Gastrointestinal Disorder in Dogs
No full textInternational audienceIn human medicine, focal seizures can clinically express as autonomic signs, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, cardiovascular changes, and variation of pupillary size; but little is known about possible presentations of autonomic seizures in veterinary medicine. Three dogs were presented for recurrent episodes characterized by hypersalivation, vomiting, retching, and signs of abdominal discomfort. Neurological examinations were normal between episodes. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings identified ictal or interictal epileptiform discharges in all dogs. Based on clinical signs and EEG findings, a diagnosis of focal autonomic seizures was made. There was a notable positive response of clinical signs to antiepileptic treatment. These cases highlight the diverse clinical presentations of focal autonomic seizures in dogs and emphasize the diagnostic value of EEG in these cases.</div
Equine piroplasmosis in different geographical areas in France: prevalence heterogeneity of asymptomatic carriers and low genetic diversity of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi
No full textInternational audienceEquine piroplasmosis is a worldwide tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi , with significant economic and sanitary consequences. It can also limit the export of infected horses to piroplasmosis-free countries. These two parasites are genetically variable, with greater diversity observed in T. equi . This variability can potentially impact diagnostic accuracy. Our study aimed to evaluate the frequency of asymptomatic carriers of these parasites in France and describe the circulating genotypes. We used a species-specific nested PCR protocol targeting the 18S small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and subsequent amplicon sequencing on blood samples collected from 566 asymptomatic horses across four National Veterinary Schools. The carrier frequency varied considerably, ranging from 18.7% around Paris (central-north) to 56.1% around Lyon (southeast), with an overall prevalence of 38.3%. T. equi carriers were ten times more frequent (91.7%, 209/228 isolates) compared to B. caballi carriers (8.8%, 19/228 isolates). Notably, T. equi carrier frequency was significantly lower in the northern region (Ile de France) compared to the southeastern regions. Interestingly, a strong correlation was observed between the frequencies of asymptomatic carriers and reported cases of acute piroplasmosis across all four geographic areas. Neither gender (female, gelding, or stallion) nor horse age showed a significant effect on the frequency of asymptomatic carriers. In areas with the highest carrier frequency, a substantial proportion of horses (22.2% to 37.5%) carried T. equi before the age of three, indicating high infection pressure. Genotyping of 201 T. equi isolates revealed a predominance of genotype E (98%), with only a few isolates belonging to genotype A (2%). Notably, two of the four genotype A isolates were detected in horses originating from Spain. All 19 B. caballi isolates belonged to the most common genotype A of this species. The discussion section explores the link between these results, the tick distribution and abundance, and the frequency of detection of T. equi and B. caballi in febrile cases attributed to piroplasmosis
