Sequel to:
Bovine gallstones worldwide: biology, epidemiology, production chains and challenges
5) Diagnosis and inspection
5.1. On the farm
Ante-mortem diagnosis is rarely undertaken, due to the lack of specific signs. Imaging (transabdominal ultrasound) may reveal a distended gallbladder with mobile hyperechoic echoes and acoustic shadowing. Biochemistry (GGT, ALP, bilirubin) suggests cholestasis, but this is not specific to gallstones.
5.2. At the slaughterhouse
Incidental discovery is most common. Inspection services open the gallbladder and examine the bile; stones appear as rounded concretions of variable size (from a few millimeters to several centimeters). Sectioning reveals concentric layers. Pigment stones are often harder and darker. The presence of cholecystitis, wall thickening, or biliary sludge is recorded.
5.3. Additional analyses
In the laboratory, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis confirm the composition (Ca bilirubinate, cholesterol, proteins). Bacterial cultures and histology of the gallbladder wall can further specify the inflammatory context.
6) Prevention and herd management
6.1. General principles
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Balanced diet: avoid excess concentrates, ensure effective fiber, minerals and vitamins (notably vitamin A, which supports epithelial integrity).
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Adequate quantity and quality of water: to limit episodes of bile concentration.
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Control of parasitoses (Fasciola, etc.) and digestive infections.
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Stress reduction: heat, transport, regrouping, which may affect biliary motility.
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Reasoned longevity of dairy cows: management of lactations and body condition helps reduce predisposing metabolic disorders.
6.2. Medicinal approaches
In cattle, prophylactic use of bile acids or ursodeoxycholic acid is not standard and may raise regulatory issues depending on the country (residues, withdrawal times). Therapeutic indication remains rare and assessed case by case.
7) Economic channels and trade in gallstones
7.1. Historical and current valorization
In some traditional Asian pharmacopoeias, bovine gallstones — niú-huáng — are used in powder form or combined with other substances (e.g. in traditional sedative/antipyretic formulations). This demand has historically generated high financial value for natural stones.
7.2. Markets, authenticity and substitutes
The economic appeal has given rise to:
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Supply chains involving slaughterhouses, collectors, and exporters.
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Fraud and counterfeiting: dyed stones, colored resins, mixing with stones from other species.
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Synthetic substitutes and cultured niú-huáng (laboratory synthesis) in some pharmacopoeias, intended to reduce pressure on natural supplies.
7.3. Ethics and regulatory framework
Although not a product from a protected species, trade must comply with:
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Veterinary and sanitary regulations (traceability, slaughterhouse hygiene).
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Export and import laws, including pharmaceutical and customs controls.
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Animal welfare standards: any practice aiming to induce or extract stones outside the regulated slaughter chain is unethical and unlawful in many countries.
Professionals are encouraged to prioritize transparency, traceability, and, where required by regulation, the use of validated pharmaceutical substitutes.