Reproduction

Question 1

Post-partum cows have been shown to have insulin resistance immediately after calving. What is this contributed to?

Answer 1

Supporting fetal glucose support and then post-calving increased glucose uptake to the mammary gland.

10.1111/jvim.13922

Question 2

Oxidative stress has been shown to play a causative role in insulin resistance in humans, How was this theory investigated in cattle and what were the results?

Answer 2

Cow in the dry period were given anti-oxidants like Vit E and selenium. Glucose tolerance tests were given, as well as quantification of glucose, insulin, NEFAs and BHB, and markers of redox status. Supplemented cattle showed a lower risk of oxidative stress, encouraging the link between OS and IR in cattle and the need for further studies on OS during negative energy balance.

10.1111/jvim.13922

Question 3

Histologically, calves with zinc-deficiency like (ZDL) syndrome do not differ from calves with bovine hereditary zinc deficiency (BHZD). What is the etiologic difference between the two and how do treatments differ?

Answer 3

ZDL - a nonsense mutation in phospholipase D encoding gene PLD4; survival rates not high, as Zn supplementation does not improve C/s

BHZD - splice-site variant in SLC39A4, a gene that encodes Zn transporter needed for GI uptake; Zn supplementation improves clinical signs and with ultimate resolution

10.1111/jvim.15040