Objective: This study aimed to determine the color, fat, viscosity, IgG concentration, %Brix and refractive index of fresh postpartum colostrum of German Holstein dairy cattle and assess the impact of different thermal treatments on the visual and dynamic viscosity, in association to IgG concentration, of colostrum that can be used for pasteurization process. Results: Of the total 40 fresh postpartum colostrum, the color of colostrum (ranging from white-pale yellow to yellow and dark-yellowish), fat (1.4–8.2 100 g⁻¹), IgG (4–116 mg mL⁻¹), %Brix (8.5–35.4%), refractive index (1.3454–1.3905 nD), visual (ranging from watery to liquid and thick) and dynamic (4.9–219 cp) viscosity, were recorded. Statistical analysis between visual and dynamic viscosity of fresh colostrum showed significant correlation coefficients (r_s = 634). Moreover, a significant correlation between viscosity and three IgG concentrations was also observed. Heat-treated colostrum showed dynamic viscosity ranged from 25 to 3066 cP, where dynamic viscosity of colostrum before- and after heat-treatment showed no significant correlation. Treated colostrum at 60 °C/60 min and 63.5 °C/30 min containing IgG concentration ≤ 80 mg mL⁻¹ and ≤ 68 mg mL⁻¹ showed no significant change in the viscosity and can successfully be applied for pasteurization of first postpartum colostrum.

Die am besten untersuchten Inhaltsstoffe des Kolostrums sind die Immunglobuline. Sie werden über Pinozytose im Dünndarm des Neonaten aufgenommen. Eine rezeptorvermittelte Aufnahme über den Fc-Rezeptor ist beim Kalb nicht von derartiger Bedeutung wie bei anderen Spezies, doch spielt dieser Rezeptor eine zentrale Rolle beim Transport der Immunglobuline aus dem Blut in das Euter und damit in das Kolostrum. Durch diesen rezeptorvermittelten Transport werden in der Phase der Kolostrogenese, die ca. 8 Wochen ante partum einsetzt, bis zu 500 g Immunglobuline pro Tag transferiert. Auch andere Inhaltsstoffe des Kolostrums entfalten eine biologische Aktivität. So beeinflussen diverse Wachstumsfaktoren, wie IGF-1, EGF oder TGF, die Proliferation und Ausdifferenzierung von Darmepithelzellen des Neonaten und hierdurch die Ausreifung des Magen-Darm-Trakts. Im Euter wirken sie bei den Umbauprozessen des Epithels mit und unterstützen den maternalen Organismus bei der Adaption an die verschiedenen Laktationsstadien. Mit dem Kolostrum übertragene Leukozyten besitzen ein immunologisches Gedächtnis und können im Organismus des Neonaten direkt kompetente zelluläre Immunantworten gegen Krankheitserreger induzieren, mit denen sich das Muttertier auseinandergesetzt hat. Sie werden über zelluläre Migration im proximalen Dünndarm des Neonaten aufgenommen und gelangen so in die Zirkulation. Kolostrale Enzyme besitzen zum einen diagnostischen Wert zur Beurteilung einer ausreichenden Kolostrumversorgung des Kalbes (z. B. γ-Glutamyl-Transferase) zum anderen unspezifisches antimikrobielles Potenzial (z. B. Laktatperoxidase, Laktoferrin, Lysozyme). Die im Kolostrum enthaltenen Vitamine, Fette, Proteine sowie Mengen- und Spurenelemente sind für den Neonaten in den ersten Stunden post natum als essenzielle Nährstoffquellen von außerordentlicher Bedeutung, da sich die Anforderungen an den Organismus von präzu postnatal sehr stark ändern. Des Weiteren finden sich im Erstkolostrum Hormone, deren genaue Bedeutung für das neugeborene Kalb zum größten Teil noch nicht bekannt ist. The best studied substances in bovine colostrum are the immunoglobulins. They are absorbed in the small intestine of the neonate by pinocytosis. The Fc-receptor is not highly involved in this process in calves compared to other species. However, this receptor plays a crucial role in the transport of immunoglobulins from the circulation of the dam to the udder and, therefore, into the colostrum. During colostrogenesis, which starts up to 8 weeks prior to parturition, up to 500 g of immunoglobulins are transferred daily by this process. In addition, other components of the bovine colostrum have biological activity. Colostrum-derived growth factors, including IGF-1, EGF and TGF, influence the differentiation of the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and, therefore, its development. In the udder of the dam, they are involved in various mechanisms of adaption throughout the lactation period. Colostral leucocytes are also transported from the colostrum into the circulation of the offspring, this by a process termed cellular migration. These cells have a specific immunological memory and support the calf in the development of an immune response against specific pathogens the dam was exposed to earlier. Colostral enzymes can be used as an indirect parameter to control for an adequate colostrum supply of the calf (e.g. γ-glutamyltransferase) or have an unspecific antimicrobial potential capacity (e.g. lactate peroxidase, lactoferrin, lysozymes). Vitamins, fats, proteins and mass and trace elements in the colostrum are essential nutrients for the bovine neonate because of the great change in the requirements for the neonatal organism from preto postnatal life. The impact of hormones and other components of the colostrum is still mostly unclear. The composition of the colostrum in the individual cow is influenced by numerous factors, including the number of calvings, the amount of colostrum formed and breed of the dam. ^* Herrn Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Hartwig Bostedt zum 80. Geburtstag gewidmet.

Background and Aim: Colostrum pasteurization is an established procedure in dairy farms in developed countries. This practice can improve the health status of the offspring by reducing several pathogens. This study aimed to focus on the pasteurization of bovine first colostrum and its influence on certain important bioactive components. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Holstein-Friesian bull calves, which were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 6 L of untreated (UT, n=10) or 6 L of heat-treated (HT, 63.5°C for 30 min, n=10) colostrum from their own dam within the first 12 h after birth. Blood samples were taken before, 24 h, and 48 h after first colostrum intake to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and iron and the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the serum. Results: The level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization (p=0.19). However, a slower increase in GGT activity (p<0.05) and a lower serum iron concentration (p=0.04) were observed in the HT group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that pasteurization influences the absorption of colostrum components and therefore, the passive transfer of immunity, although the level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization in this study.

Background: Clinical signs of heat in bitches that have been previously spayed are often associated with the presence of ovarian remnant syndrome. The inclusion of exogenous estrogens as a differential diagnosis in this regard is often ignored and may lead to misinterpretation of the case.Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of exogenous estrogen exposure over several months to a 6.5-year-old spayed crossbred bitch, weighing 8.4 kg. The bitch presented in the clinic because of suspected ovarian remnant syndrome. Castration was performed within the first 6 months after birth. Important endocrine parameters measured at the first appointment were Anti-Müllerian hormone (< 0.01 ng/mL), progesterone (0.36 ng/mL), estradiol-17ß (20.7 pg/mL), and luteinizing hormone (< 0.1 ng/mL). After an extensive conversation with the owner, it was revealed that she was using an estrogen spray because of severe menopausal symptoms. After the owner stopped using this spray, the symptoms of the bitch disappeared.Conclusion: Therefore, the uptake of estrogens should be a differential diagnosis for symptoms of the ovarian remnant syndrome. A detailed anamnesis is crucial to identify the source of estrogen in the environment of the affected bitch.

Uterine Zysten bei Hündinnen werden in der Regel mit pathologischen Zuständen in Verbindung gebracht. Eine Ausnahme stellen Serosazysten dar. Diese dünnwandigen, singulär oder multipel auf der Oberfläche des Uterus entstehenden Zysten besitzen keine endokrine Aktivität oder Abhängigkeit. Daher verursachen sie i. d. R. keine klinischen Symptome und sind in ihrem Auftreten nicht zyklusassoziiert. Serosazysten kommen vor allem bei älteren, multiparen Hündinnen großer Rassen vor. Die Diagnose ist mittels transabdominaler Sonografie möglich. Da sich Serosazysten häufig an der Uterushornspitze befinden, lassen sie sich mitunter schwer von Ovarialzysten differenzieren. In diesem Bericht wird der Fall einer Zuchthündin mit multiplen uterinen Serosazysten vorgestellt, die während einer Sectio caesarea detektiert wurden. Die Konzentrationen von Östradiol 17β und Progesteron in der Zystenflüssigkeit entsprachen der Konzentration der Hormone im Blut bei einer Hündin in der Geburt. Die Konzentrationen von Gesamtkalzium, Zink, Kupfer und Eisen in der Zystenflüssigkeit lagen unterhalb der Referenzwerte im Blut von Hunden. Die Konzentrationen von Magnesium, Phosphor, Natrium und Kalium des Zysteninhalts entsprachen den Werten im Blut. In bitches, uterine cysts are usually associated with pathological conditions. Serosal inclusion cysts of the uterus represent an exception to this rule. These thin-walled cysts develop on the uterine surface and occur either as single or multiple cysts. The cysts lack endocrine activity and usually do not cause clinical symptoms. Their occurrence shows no association to the estrus cycle. Serosal inclusion cysts are mainly found in older multiparous bitches and large breeds are more often affected. Diagnosis of serosal inclusion cysts may be achieved by transabdominal sonography. Differentiation between uterine and ovarian serosal inclusion cysts is possibly challenging as serosal inclusion cysts are often located in the area of the tip of the uterine horn. This report presents the case of a breeding bitch with multiple uterine serosal inclusion cysts detected during caesarean section. The concentrations of estradiol 17β and progesterone in the cyst fluid corresponded to the blood concentrations of these hormones in a bitch during parturition. The concentrations of total calcium, zinc, copper, and iron in the cyst fluid were below the reference values in canine blood whereas the concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium in the cyst fluid were comparable to pertaining blood levels. Received: 24 September 2020 Accepted: 30 October 2020 Publication Date: 04 December 2020 (online) © 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Beschrieben wird die chirurgische Versorgung eines östrogenbedingten Vaginalfaltenvorfalls Grad IV bei einer Deutschen Dogge. Weiterhin werden die Möglichkeiten der konservativen Therapie bei dieser Erkrankung dargestellt und auf eine neuere Operationstechnik sowie den postoperativen Verlauf eingegangen. Prinzip der konservativen Behandlung ist, den Zyklus der Hündin durch Induktion der Ovulation zu verkürzen, um dadurch den Einfluss von Östrogenen auf das prolabierte Gewebe zu reduzieren. Die Vorteile der beiden therapeutischen Ansätze werden diskutiert. Interessant an diesem Fall ist, dass die konservative Therapie nicht zum Erfolg führte. Die Ursache ist unklar. The surgical procedure for a grade IV oestrogen-related vaginal fold prolapse in a Great Dane is described. Furthermore, the possibilities of conservative therapy for this disease are presented and a more recent surgical technique as well as the dog’s postoperative course are discussed. The principle of conservative treatment is to shorten the bitch’s cycle by means of medically inducing ovulation and thus subsequently reducing the influence of estrogens on the prolapsed tissue. Advantages of both therapeutic approaches are discussed. The presented case’s interesting aspect is that conservative therapy did not lead to a successful outcome for which the cause is not clear.