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Rajala-Schultz P, Gott P, Proudfoot K, Schuenemann G. Effect of milk cessation method at dry-off on behavioral activity of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3261-3270. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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52
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Fischer-Tenhagen C, Ladwig-Wiegard M, Heuwieser W, Thöne-Reineke C. Short communication: Is hair cortisol a potential indicator for stress caused by chronic lameness in dairy cows? J Dairy Sci 2018. [PMID: 29525308 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate hair cortisol concentration as an indicator for stress caused by chronic lameness in dairy cows. Sixty-eight cows were scored for lameness for 4 consecutive weeks. The hair of the tail switch was clipped at the beginning of the study and regrown hair was clipped after 4 wk. Hair samples were analyzed for cortisol concentration. Animals with 2 consecutive locomotion scores ≥3 or with an overall mean score >1.5 were classified as lame. After pair matching lame and nonlame cows, considering days in milk, lactation number, and milk yield, and excluding cows with less than 20 mg hair sample for analysis, 21 lame and 21 nonlame cows were included in the analysis. The mean hair cortisol concentration in this study was 2.32 ± 0.35 pg/mg (mean ± standard deviation). Cortisol concentration from hair regrown in the study period was 2.38 ± 0.95 and 2.26 ± 1.35 pg/mg for lame and nonlame cows (n = 21), respectively; we found no difference in mean cortisol level of primiparous and multiparous cows. Based on these data, hair cortisol concentration was not a useful indicator to differentiate cows with chronic lameness and healthy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fischer-Tenhagen
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 1463 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Ladwig-Wiegard
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 1463 Berlin, Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 1463 Berlin, Germany.
| | - C Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 1463 Berlin, Germany
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53
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King M, LeBlanc S, Pajor E, DeVries T. Cow-level associations of lameness, behavior, and milk yield of cows milked in automated systems. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4818-4828. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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54
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Bertulat S, Isaka N, de Prado A, Lopez A, Hetreau T, Heuwieser W. Effect of a single injection of cabergoline at dry off on udder characteristics in high-yielding dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:3220-3232. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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55
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Rees A, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. Udder firmness as a possible indicator for clinical mastitis. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:2170-2183. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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56
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Gott P, Rajala-Schultz P, Schuenemann G, Proudfoot K, Hogan J. Effect of gradual or abrupt cessation of milking at dry off on milk yield and somatic cell score in the subsequent lactation. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:2080-2089. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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57
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YANG Y, CHAN APC. Role of work uniform in alleviating perceptual strain among construction workers. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2017; 55:76-86. [PMID: 27666953 PMCID: PMC5285316 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2016-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to examine the benefits of wearing a new construction work uniform in real-work settings. A field experiment with a randomized assignment of an intervention group to a newly designed uniform and a control group to a commercially available trade uniform was executed. A total of 568 sets of physical, physiological, perceptual, and microclimatological data were obtained. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was built to examine the cause-effect relationship between the Perceptual Strain Index (PeSI) and heat stressors including wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), estimated workload (relative heart rate), exposure time, trade, workplace, and clothing type. An interaction effect between clothing and trade revealed that perceptual strain of workers across four trades was significantly alleviated by 1.6-6.3 units in the intervention group. Additionally, the results of a questionnaire survey on assessing the subjective sensations on the two uniforms indicated that wearing comfort was improved by 1.6-1.8 units when wearing the intervention type. This study not only provides convincing evidences on the benefits of wearing the newly designed work uniform in reducing perceptual strain but also heightens the value of the field experiment in heat stress intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang YANG
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
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58
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Kok A, van Hoeij RJ, Tolkamp BJ, Haskell MJ, van Knegsel AT, de Boer IJ, Bokkers EA. Behavioural adaptation to a short or no dry period with associated management in dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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59
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Doerfler RL, Lehermeier C, Kliem H, Möstl E, Bernhardt H. Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Dairy Cattle to the Introduction of Robot Scrapers. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:106. [PMID: 27965967 PMCID: PMC5128783 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomous mobile robot scrapers are increasingly used in order to clean the floors on dairy farms. Given the complexity of robot scraper operation, stress may occur in cows due to unpredictability of the situation. Experiencing stress can impair animal welfare and, in the long term, the health and milk production of the cows. Therefore, this study addressed potential stress responses of dairy cattle to the robot scraper after introducing the autonomous mobile machine. Thirty-six cows in total were studied on three different farms to explore possible modifications in cardiac function, behavior, and adrenocortical activity. The research protocol on each farm consisted of four experimental periods including one baseline measurement without robot scraper operation followed by three test measurements, in which cows interacted with the robotic cleaning system. Interbeat intervals were recorded in order to calculate the heart rate variability (HRV) parameter RMSSD; behavior was observed to determine time budgets; and fecal samples were collected for analysis of the cortisol metabolites concentration. A statistical analysis was carried out using linear mixed-effects models. HRV decline immediately after the introduction of the robot scraper and modified behavior in the subsequent experimental periods indicated a stress response. The cortisol metabolites concentration remained constant. It is hypothesized that after the initial phase of decrease, HRV stabilized through the behavioral adjustments of the cows in the second part of the study. Persistent alterations in behavior gave rise to the assumption that the animals’ habituation process to the robot scraper was not yet completed. In summary, the present study illustrated that the cows showed minor signs of disturbance toward the robotic cleaning system. Thus, our findings suggest that dairy cattle can largely adjust their behavior to avoid aversive effects on animal welfare. Additional research can provide further insight into the development of the animal–machine interaction beyond the initial phase of robot scraper operation considered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate L Doerfler
- Agricultural Systems Engineering, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich , Freising , Germany
| | - Christina Lehermeier
- Plant Breeding, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich , Freising , Germany
| | - Heike Kliem
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich , Freising , Germany
| | - Erich Möstl
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Heinz Bernhardt
- Agricultural Systems Engineering, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich , Freising , Germany
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60
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Kohler P, Alsaaod M, Dolf G, O'Brien R, Beer G, Steiner A. A single prolonged milking interval of 24h compromises the well-being and health of dairy Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9080-9093. [PMID: 27592425 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cows are often shown at dairy shows with overfilled udders to achieve a better show placing. However, it is unclear to what degree "over-bagging" affects the health and well-being of show cows. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of a single prolonged milking interval (PMI) of 24h on the measurable signs of health and well-being in dairy cows in early and mid-lactation and to assess the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on well-being during a PMI. Fifteen Holstein cows were studied in early lactation (89.5±2.7d in milk) and were given an NSAID or physiological saline in a crossover design. Ten cows were studied again in mid-lactation (151.6±4.0d in milk). Data on clinical signs of cows' health, behavior, and well-being were collected at 1 or 2h intervals before and during a PMI of 24h. Data from the last 6h of a 12h milking interval were compared with the last 6h of the PMI. Compared with that of a cow in the last 6h of a 12-h milking interval, the behavior of cows in early lactation (saline group) changed during the last 6h of the PMI: we observed decreased eating time (22.4 vs. 16.2min/h), increased ruminating time (13.3 vs. 25.0min/h), and increased hind limb abduction while walking (score 41.7 vs. 62.6) and standing (31.2 vs. 38.9cm). Udder firmness was increased (2.9 vs. 4.5kg) during this period and more weight was placed on the hind limbs (46.4 vs. 47.0%). We also found pathological signs at the end of the PMI: all cows showed milk leaking, and 10 of 15 cows developed edema in the subcutaneous udder tissue. Somatic cell count was significantly increased from 12h to 72h after the PMI. Administration of an NSAID had no influence on measured variables, except that the occurrence of edema was not significantly increased during PMI in the flunixin group (10 of 15 and 6 of 15 cows for the saline and flunixin groups, respectively). In the cows in mid-lactation, different variables were not significantly changed in the PMI compared with baseline values (e.g., eating and ruminating time, occurrence of edema, and abduction). We conclude that the cows' health and well-being were compromised by a single PMI of 24h, because their behavior changed and pathological signs were recorded. Administration of an NSAID had a slight effect on cows' well-being during a PMI. The stage of lactation had more effect on the cows' health and well-being, because fewer variables were changed in mid-lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kohler
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - M Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Dolf
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61820
| | - G Beer
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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61
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Rees A, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. Effect of Heat Stress on Concentrations of Faecal Cortisol Metabolites in Dairy Cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:392-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Rees
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - C Fischer-Tenhagen
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
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62
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Lürzel S, Münsch C, Windschnurer I, Futschik A, Palme R, Waiblinger S. The influence of gentle interactions on avoidance distance towards humans, weight gain and physiological parameters in group-housed dairy calves. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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63
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Sgorlon S, Fanzago M, Guiatti D, Gabai G, Stradaioli G, Stefanon B. Factors affecting milk cortisol in mid lactating dairy cows. BMC Vet Res 2015. [PMID: 26459289 DOI: 10.1186/s12917–015–0572–9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether the measurement of cortisol in dairy cows can be used as a biomarker of adverse environmental or pathophysiological conditions is still under of scientific debate. In these situations, several systems mainly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system are recruited to reestablish homeostasis. A first aim of the present study was to compare milk and blood cortisol concentrations and to consider its variability in milk in relation to farm, milk yield and days in milk. A second study investigates the effects of breed, class of somatic cell count (SCC) and farm on milk cortisol levels in a larger number of cows and farms, with the aim to validate the results obtained in the pilot study. METHODS For study 1, 135 cows were sampled from 2 Italian Simmental and 2 Italian Holstein commercial farms, whilst in the second study, 542 cows were sampled from 6 commercial farms of Italian Simmental and 499 cows from 4 commercial farms of Italian Holstein. RESULTS In study 1, the values of cortisol content in milk were significantly higher in Holstein than Simmental cows. Significant differences between farms were observed for milk and plasma cortisol concentrations. Cortisol content in milk was not correlated to plasma content in study 1 and the mean milk to plasma cortisol ratio was about 1:30. In study 2, for Holstein cows, significantly higher values of milk cortisol in comparison to Simmental cows was reported. A significant effect of class of SCC was observed, cows belonging to class 3 (SCC higher than 400.000/ml) showed the highest mean values of milk cortisol. The farm effect was significant also in the study 2, confirming the results obtained in the first study. CONCLUSIONS Milk can be considered a preferential site of sampling in dairy cows to point out short term stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Further studies are needed to investigate the physiological basis of the relationship between milk cortisol content and breed, milk yield and SCC to ascertain the relevance of milk cortisol to monitor the healthy status of mammary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Sgorlon
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, via delle Scienze 208, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Marta Fanzago
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, via delle Scienze 208, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Denis Guiatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, via delle Scienze 208, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Gabai
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata ed alimentazione, Università di Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, via delle Scienze 208, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, via delle Scienze 208, 33100, Udine, Italy.
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64
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Factors affecting milk cortisol in mid lactating dairy cows. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:259. [PMID: 26459289 PMCID: PMC4603817 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0572-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Whether the measurement of cortisol in dairy cows can be used as a biomarker of adverse environmental or pathophysiological conditions is still under of scientific debate. In these situations, several systems mainly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system are recruited to reestablish homeostasis. A first aim of the present study was to compare milk and blood cortisol concentrations and to consider its variability in milk in relation to farm, milk yield and days in milk. A second study investigates the effects of breed, class of somatic cell count (SCC) and farm on milk cortisol levels in a larger number of cows and farms, with the aim to validate the results obtained in the pilot study. Methods For study 1, 135 cows were sampled from 2 Italian Simmental and 2 Italian Holstein commercial farms, whilst in the second study, 542 cows were sampled from 6 commercial farms of Italian Simmental and 499 cows from 4 commercial farms of Italian Holstein. Results In study 1, the values of cortisol content in milk were significantly higher in Holstein than Simmental cows. Significant differences between farms were observed for milk and plasma cortisol concentrations. Cortisol content in milk was not correlated to plasma content in study 1 and the mean milk to plasma cortisol ratio was about 1:30. In study 2, for Holstein cows, significantly higher values of milk cortisol in comparison to Simmental cows was reported. A significant effect of class of SCC was observed, cows belonging to class 3 (SCC higher than 400.000/ml) showed the highest mean values of milk cortisol. The farm effect was significant also in the study 2, confirming the results obtained in the first study. Conclusions Milk can be considered a preferential site of sampling in dairy cows to point out short term stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Further studies are needed to investigate the physiological basis of the relationship between milk cortisol content and breed, milk yield and SCC to ascertain the relevance of milk cortisol to monitor the healthy status of mammary gland.
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65
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Zobel G, Weary DM, Leslie KE, von Keyserlingk MAG. Invited review: Cessation of lactation: Effects on animal welfare. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:8263-77. [PMID: 26409963 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The forced cessation of milk production, or dry-off, is a routine management practice in dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. This practice initiates a dry period, during which the animal is not milked. Milking begins again after parturition. Most of the literature on the dry period has focused on how various drying-off strategies affect milk production and disease; little work to date has addressed how dry-off affects the overall welfare of the dairy animal. The first aim of this review was to present an overview of the importance of dry-off and how it is commonly achieved. Our review shows that much scientific progress has been made in improving health status between lactations. The second aim was to identify important gaps in the literature, of which 2 key research disparities have been identified. We find that much of the work to date has focused on cattle and very little research has examined dry-off in dairy sheep and goats. We also find a lack of research addressing how common dry-off methodologies affect animal welfare on more than just a biological level, regardless of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zobel
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - D M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - K E Leslie
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Stewart Building, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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66
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Pohl A, Burfeind O, Heuwieser W. The associations between postpartum serum haptoglobin concentration and metabolic status, calving difficulties, retained fetal membranes, and metritis. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:4544-51. [PMID: 25912860 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-9181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of serum haptoglobin (Hapto) concentrations results in only moderate reported specificity and sensitivity for the detection of metritic cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between different variables and haptoglobin concentrations after calving. Parity, periparturient metabolic stress indicated by β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), calving difficulties, retained fetal membranes (RFM), and acute puerperal metritis (APM) were evaluated. A total of 443 Holstein Friesian cows were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Acute puerperal metritis was diagnosed when a cow had fetid, reddish-brown, watery vaginal discharge in combination with rectal temperature ≥39.5°C. The retention of the fetal membranes has been defined as the failure to expel the fetal membranes within 12h after calving. Results of blood samples from 2 and 5 d in milk (DIM) were analyzed for Hapto, BHBA, and NEFA. Primiparous cows had a greater median Hapto concentration than multiparous cows at 5 DIM [primiparous: 2.25g/L, interquartile range (IQR) 1.45-2.50, n=146; multiparous: 1.13g/L, IQR 0.52-2.22, n=302; P<0.05]. Therefore, different Hapto thresholds based on references from literature for all cows (1.4g/L), primiparous cows (2.49g/L), and multiparous cows (1.4g/L) were used for further analysis. Periparturient metabolic stress indicated by elevated BHBA (≥1.2mmol/L) at 5 DIM was associated with elevated Hapto (odds ratio 2.39-2.87) regardless of parity. In contrast, elevated NEFA (≥0.6mmol/L) at 2 DIM was not a risk factor for elevated Hapto. Multiparous cows with assisted calving had a 2.46 times higher risk for elevated Hapto, whereas primiparous cows with assisted calving had no elevated risk for elevated Hapto at 5 DIM. Moreover, multiparous cows with RFM were 5.51 times more likely to have elevated Hapto at 5 DIM than cows without RFM. Acute puerperal metritis within the first 5 DIM was associated with elevated Hapto (odds ratio 2.74-5.01), regardless of parity. We speculate that the association of calving ease, RFM, and periparturient metabolic stress could explain the moderate sensitivity and specificity reported for the detection of metritic cows by measuring Hapto.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pohl
- Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - O Burfeind
- Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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67
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Bertulat S, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. A survey of drying-off practices on commercial dairy farms in northern Germany and a comparison to science-based recommendations. Vet Rec Open 2015; 2:e000068. [PMID: 26392891 PMCID: PMC4567148 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2014-000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While dry cow management is important for health, milk production and fertility information on drying-off procedures implemented on commercial dairy farms is lacking. Current drying-off management procedures on commercial dairy farms were evaluated using a questionnaire and results compared with recommendations given in the current literature. Ninety-one participants from a farmer education event completed the survey. On average, cows were dried off seven weeks before calving. Only 9.9 per cent of the farms had a dry period length of five weeks or less. A continuous milking regime without dry period was not established on any farm participating in the survey. Most farmers performed an abrupt drying-off (73.0 per cent). Only 11.8 and 15.0 per cent attempted to lower milk yield prior to drying-off by reducing milking frequencies and adjusting feed rations, respectively. While a blanket antibiotic dry cow treatment was carried out on 79.6 per cent of the farms, selective dry cow treatment was not mentioned by any farmer. Although 77.4 per cent preponed the drying-off date in low-yielding cows, an altered drying-off procedure in high-yielding dairy cows was rare (9.7 per cent). This survey provides an insight into drying-off procedures currently applied on commercial dairy farms in northern Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wolfgang Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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68
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Rees A, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. Evaluation of udder firmness by palpation and a dynamometer. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:3488-97. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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