The immune system of the cow is kept strong to protect the cows from mastitis, which causes economic losses for dairy cattle herds. Cellular immunity, especially, plays an important role as a first-line defense system. In the case of inflammation, cytokines play a decisive role in monitoring this process. In this study, the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukins [TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, -4, -5, and -10, respectively]) concentrations in milk were determined. It was decided to support the humoral and cellular aspects of the udder defense system by determining the T-helper cell (Th1/Th2) cytokine polarization in high SCC milk from cows with signs of mastitis. Milk samples from 180 cows were divided into five groups according to the somatic cell count level (˂ 150 x 103, 151 x 103–400 x 103, 401 x 103–600x103, 601 x 103–1,000 x 103, and > 1,000x103 cells⁄mL). It was understood that the Th1 direction was determined before mastitis was formed, that is when SCC was low (˂ 150 x 103). As a result, it was concluded that theTh1 polarization should be supported to protect cows from mastitis.

This research communication aims to test the hypothesis that B-Mode, colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements and characteristics can identify mastitis in dairy cows. A total of 102 lactating cows were divided into 3 groups: cows in which all mammary quarters were CMT-negative, cows with CMT-positive mammary quarters and cows with clinical mastitis in at least one quarter. Colour Doppler ultrasonography measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes revealed that distortion-type vascular morphology, the rate of type 4 vascular densities and the incidence of mixed-type vascular distributions were highest in the clinical mastitis group, whereas the frequency of avascularity in supramammary lymph nodes was highest in the CMT-negative group. All differences were significant. In conclusion, the use of B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes can provide useful information about the current condition of mastitis in cows, although its diagnostic potential remains to be determined.

The aim of this study to determine the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in milk according to the bacterial species that cause subclinical mastitis in cows. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the selected cows. The cows were divided into four groups: cows with negative CMT (n = 45); Escherichia coli (E. coli) group included only cows with E. coli growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45); Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) group included cows with only S. agalactiae growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45); Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) group included cows with only S. aureus growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45). Somatic cell count (SCC) in fresh milk samples was measured using the DeLaval Cell Counter device. Also, cytokine analyses were performed using Species-specific commercial ELISA kits. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) concentrations were relatively high in the E. coli group, but the interleukin (IL)-2 concentration was low. The lowest concentration of IL-4 was found in the CMT-negative group. The highest IL-5 concentration was found in the S. agalactiae group, while the highest milk IL-10 concentration was found in the S. aureus group. Also, T helper (Th1/Th2) polarization shifted towards Th1 in milk with mastitis caused by E. coli. Th1/Th2 polarization was shifted to Th2 in milk with mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae. Based on our findings, cellular immunity should be maintained in mastitis cases due to E. coli, and humoral immunity should be supported in mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae.

Subclinical mastitis is a very important disease for dairy cattle farms. As a result of the deterioration of milk quality, it causes economic losses in enterprises. Milk samples of 180 cows were divided into five groups according to the somatic cell count. Some chemical properties and composition were measured in milk samples. The ratio of solid-non-fat, mineral matter, lactose, and protein decreased as the somatic cell count of the milk increased (P˂0.05). No statistical difference was observed between the fat content of milk and the level of somatic cell count (P˃0.05). Although specific gravity decreases (P˂0.05), the electrical conductivity increases (P˂0.001) in milk with high levels of somatic cell count. The milk quality of dairy cattle deteriorates due to the high somatic cell count. Therefore, regular monitoring of somatic cell count is recommended in dairy farms to monitor changes in fat, protein, solid-non-fat, lactose, and mineral matter ratios as well as some chemical properties that make up the milk composition.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to compare the body temperatures between pregnant and nonpregnant cats from two sites, lacrimal caruncle temperature (LCT) and rectal temperature (RT), and to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) between pregnant and nonpregnant cats.Animal studied: This study was performed on 13 pregnant and 16 anoestrous cats.Procedures: The gestation period of the pregnant cats ranged from 20 to 45 days. A vaginal smear was also performed to determine the sexual cycles of nonpregnant cats. The IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer.Results: The pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) exhibited a lower RT than the nonpregnant cats (38.5 ± 0.5°C) (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups in the right (R)‐LCT or left (L)‐LCT (p > 0.05). The average LCT temperature measured 32.30 ± 2.23°C in cats. The right (R)‐IOP in pregnant cats (17.69 ± 5.6 mm Hg) was significantly lower than in nonpregnant cats (22.37 ± 5.27 mm Hg) (p < 0.029). Pregnant cats exhibited a significantly lower left (L)‐IOP value (17.69 ± 5.76 mm Hg) compared to nonpregnant cats (23.18 ± 5.55 mm Hg) (p < 0.015).Conclusion: This study presents a preliminary report that documents a noteworthy reduction in RT in pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) as compared to cats in anoestrus. Pregnancy also has an effect on the IOP. It was hypothesised that the hormonal changes induced by pregnancy in cats would have a substantial impact on IOP and RT. Although body temperature can be measured using LCT, RT should still be utilised as the reference measurement site.

Background: Mastitis is a mammary gland inflammation that is very common worldwide, mostly caused by bacteria, and causes enormous economic losses. Many microorganisms cause this disease. The most common causes of mastitis by these microorganisms are Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae). The anti-inflammatory properties of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β include: 1) limiting interferon (IFN)-γ production; 2) increasing the expression of the ınterleukine (IL)-1 receptor antagonist; 3) inhibiting macrophage production of chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen intermediates; and 4) increasing macrophage clearance of bacterial debris and damaged parenchymal cells. It is stated that cytokines and milk composition change in case of mastitis. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the changes in milk TGF-β1 and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations and milk composition in mixed infections caused by three pathogens causing mastitis. Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, milk samples from 90 cows were divided into 5 groups. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TGF-β1 concentrations and milk composition were determined in these milk samples. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the cows included in the study and scoring was done. According to the CMT results of the milk samples taken, CMT(-) cows were included in group 1 (n = 22). Those with the CMT(+) were taken to the microbiology laboratory for analysis within 2 h. After the bacteria was determined, combination groupings were formed. Group 2 (n = 17) with S. aureus and E. coli, group 3 (n = 21), S. agalactiae with S. aureus, S. agalactiae and E. coli together, group 4 (n = 8) and CMT (+) but no bacterial growth formed group 5 (n = 22). Somatic cell counts were made in the milk samples taken from the cows belonging to the groupings. Somatic cell count was measured with the DeLaval Cell Counter® (Cell Counter DCC) device. Mineral matter, fat, protein, lactose, electrical conductivity and specific gravity were measured in milk samples using Lactoscan Milk Analyzer (Milkotronic/EUROPE). Milk samples were then stored at -80°C to measure TGF-β1 and TNF-α. Tumor necrosis factor-α and TGF-β1 concentrations in milk samples were measured using ELISA kits (Sunred Biological Technology). Discussion: Changes in milk TNF-α and TGF-β1 concentration and milk composition were determined in milk samples with mastitis caused by mixed infection. The TNF-α concentration of group 4 was higher than the other groups. On the other hand, the highest concentration of TGF-β1 was found in group 2. While the number of somatic cells in group 1 was lower than in groups 2, 3, and 4, there was no statistical difference between groups 1 and 5. The lowest milk fat ratio was found in group 1, and it was found to be statistically lower than groups 2, 3, and 4. While the rate of solid-non-fat of group 1 increased compared to groups 2 and 3, the highest protein ratio was found in groups 1 and 5. There was no difference between the 5 groups in terms of mineral matter ratios. While the specific gravity was highest in group 1, there was no statistical difference between the other 4 groups. Overall, it was concluded that there was an increase in TNF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations and a change in milk composition in samples with bacterial growth. Keywords: bovine mastitis, cytokine, milk composition, raw milk, transforming growth factor.