Passive immunity in calves is evaluated or quantified by measuring serum or plasma IgG or serum total protein within the first 7 d of age. While these measurements inform about circulating concentrations of this important protein, they are also a proxy for evaluating all of the additional benefits of colostral ingestion. The current individual calf standard for categorizing dairy calves with successful passive transfer or failure of passive transfer of immunity are based on serum IgG concentrations of ≥10 and 40, 30, 20, and <10% of calves in the excellent, good, fair, and poor categories, respectively. Because serum IgG concentrations are not practical for on-farm implementation, we provide corresponding serum total protein and %Brix values for use on farm. With one-third of heifer calves in 2014 already meeting the goal of ≥25 g/L serum IgG at 24 h of life, this achievable standard will require more refinement of colostrum management programs on many dairy farms. Implementation of the proposed standard should further reduce the risk of both mortality and morbidity in preweaned dairy calves, improving overall calf health and welfare.

Summary: Gram-negative bacterial infections were documented in 6 neonatal New World camelids (5 llamas and 1 alpaca). The organisms isolated from blood before death or from multiple organs after death were Escherichia coli (n = 3), Actinobacillus sp (n = 1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1). Only 2 crias survived, and 1 became blind secondary to retinal detachment and ocular inflammation, which developed after treatment for bacterial infection. Abnormal events during the perinatal period (prematurity, dystocia, cesarean section, weak at birth) were reported in all 6 crias. Signs of depression, convulsions, and/or coma were observed in all animals. Diarrhea and respiratory distress were also noticed in the 3 crias that died shortly after admission. Serum immunoglobulins were assessed, but without the benefit of a stall-side test specific for llama immunoglobulins. All crias were suspected to have poor transfer of maternal immunoglobulins. Hemograms and serum biochemical values prior to the initiation of treatment were obtained on 5 of the 6 crias. Total nucleated cells ranged from 1,400 to 23,100 cells/μl. Four of the 5 crias had a left shift, and 2 crias had toxic neutrophils. Serum glucose concentrations, measured in 5 of 6 crias, ranged from 83 to 293 mg/dl. Serum creatinine values were high in 2 of 5 crias, 1 of which had acute tubular necrosis. Three crias with high serum electrolyte (sodium, chloride, or potassium) values subsequently died. Arterial blood gas values were assessed in 3 crias, 1 of which had respiratory alkalosis and mild hypoxemia.

To report clinical findings for New World camelids with uterine torsion and to compare results of 3 methods of correction. Retrospective case series. 11 llamas and 3 alpacas with 20 uterine torsions. Information concerning history, clinical signs, management, and postpartum complications was retrieved from medical records. Information concerning subsequent reproductive performance was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Uterine torsion was corrected by celiotomy (n = 7), transvaginal manipulation (5), or rolling the dam (8). Direction of 19 of 20 torsions was clockwise when viewed from the rear. Retention of fetal membranes was reported for 5 camelids that underwent celiotomy, but was not reported in camelids after nonsurgical correction. The uterus prolapsed in 1 llama that underwent celiotomy and in another that underwent the rolling technique. Although 2 camelids that underwent celiotomy subsequently failed to conceive, all camelids treated by nonsurgical techniques conceived. Uterine torsion in camelids may be diagnosed by methods similar to those used in cattle. Surgical and nonsurgical methods can be used to correct torsion, and postpartum complications are rare when torsion is corrected by a nonsurgical method. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;211:600–602) To report clinical findings for New World camelids with uterine torsion and to compare results of 3 methods of correction. Retrospective case series. 11 llamas and 3 alpacas with 20 uterine torsions. Information concerning history, clinical signs, management, and postpartum complications was retrieved from medical records. Information concerning subsequent reproductive performance was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Uterine torsion was corrected by celiotomy (n = 7), transvaginal manipulation (5), or rolling the dam (8). Direction of 19 of 20 torsions was clockwise when viewed from the rear. Retention of fetal membranes was reported for 5 camelids that underwent celiotomy, but was not reported in camelids after nonsurgical correction. The uterus prolapsed in 1 llama that underwent celiotomy and in another that underwent the rolling technique. Although 2 camelids that underwent celiotomy subsequently failed to conceive, all camelids treated by nonsurgical techniques conceived. Uterine torsion in camelids may be diagnosed by methods similar to those used in cattle. Surgical and nonsurgical methods can be used to correct torsion, and postpartum complications are rare when torsion is corrected by a nonsurgical method. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;211:600–602)

Using a large animal model and employing a comprehensive approach integrating hemodynamic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and immunohistochemical analyses, we examined the early (2 wk) effects of severe PH on the RV. We observed that RV remodeling during PH progression represents a continuum of transcriptionally driven processes whereby cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and proremodeling macrophages act to coordinately maintain physiological homeostasis and protect myocyte survival during chronic, severe, and progressive pressure overload.

African swine fever is a high-consequence foreign animal disease endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the island of Sardinia. The U.S. is the world’s third largest pork producer, and ASF introduction would severely disrupt the pork supply chain, emphasizing the need to protect market access for U.S. proteins. However, niche producers raising swine intended for exhibition may not follow stringent biosecurity protocols, and livestock show circuits may promote untracked animal movement across the country, potentially exacerbating virus’ spread in the event of ASF incursion into the U.S. Youth membership in state or national swine organizations offers a route for outreach and educational activities to enhance foreign animal disease preparedness, and adult presence at swine exhibitions allows a wide variety of programming for all ages to better serve all levels of understanding.