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MATSUYAMA R, ABE N, SATO A, ISHIKURA Y, ISHIKAWA T, OTAKE A, WATANABE R, SUNADOME M, MAKITA K, MURAKAMI T. Evaluating the impact of application of anaerobic bacterial fermentation enhancer on digital dermatitis. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:796-800. [PMID: 38839352 PMCID: PMC11251809 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The control of digital dermatitis (DD) among cattle is crucial; however, effective and environmentally-sound control measures have yet to be identified. From the monitoring data of DD which were recorded during regular hoof trimmings in a farm in Hokkaido, Japan, we detected a decrease in the DD prevalence in a herd where an anaerobic bacterial fermentation enhancer (ABFE) was distributed. The possible effect of ABFE was analyzed using a retrospective repeated cross-sectional design. The prevalence of DD decreased over time in the ABFE-distributed group. Furthermore, a selected regression model indicated the time-dependent enhancement of the decreasing trend. While potential coincidental factors may influence, this study provides a basis for further research on the preventive effect of ABFE against DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota MATSUYAMA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Noritsugu ABE
- Total Herd Management Service, Inc., Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayano SATO
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yui ISHIKURA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takaaki ISHIKAWA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayaka OTAKE
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke WATANABE
- Agricultural Research Institute, HOKUREN Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi SUNADOME
- Agricultural Research Institute, HOKUREN Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kohei MAKITA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi MURAKAMI
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
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Urban-Chmiel R, Mudroň P, Abramowicz B, Kurek Ł, Stachura R. Lameness in Cattle-Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1836. [PMID: 38929454 PMCID: PMC11200875 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the etiopathogenesis of lameness in dairy cattle and examples of its treatment and prevention. This work is based on a review of available publications. In selecting articles for the manuscript, the authors focused on issues observed in cattle herds during their clinical work. Lameness in dairy cattle is a serious health and economic problem around the world. Production losses result from reduced milk yield, reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, treatment costs, and costs associated with early culling. A significant difficulty in the control and treatment of lameness is the multifactorial nature of the disease; causes may be individual or species-specific and may be associated with the environment, nutrition, or the presence of concomitant diseases. An important role is ascribed to infectious agents of both systemic and local infections, which can cause problems with movement in animals. It is also worth noting the long treatment process, which can last up to several months, thus significantly affecting yield and production. Given the high economic losses resulting from lameness in dairy cows, reaching even >40% (depending on the scale of production), there seems to be a need to implement extensive preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb infections in animals. The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Urban-Chmiel
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Pavol Mudroň
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Beata Abramowicz
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Kurek
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Rafał Stachura
- Agromarina Sp Z o.o., Kulczyn-Kolonia 48, 22-235 Hańsk Pierwszy, Poland;
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Roche SM, Renaud DL, Saraceni J, Kelton DF, DeVries TJ. Invited review: Prevalence, risk factors, treatment, and barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries in dairy cattle-A narrative review. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3347-3366. [PMID: 38101730 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lameness and leg injuries are both painful and prevalent across the dairy industry, and are a major welfare concern. There has been a considerable amount of research focused on investigating the risk factors associated with lameness and injuries and how they might be prevented and treated. The objectives of this narrative review were to summarize herd-level prevalence estimates, risk factors, strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of these conditions, and the barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There is a relatively high within-herd prevalence of lameness on dairy farms globally, with a recent systematic review estimating the mean prevalence at 22.8%. Similarly, there is a relatively high prevalence of hock injuries, with within-herd estimates ranging from 12% to 81% of cows affected. Knee and neck injuries have been reported to be less common, with 6% to 43% and 1% to 33%, respectively. Numerous risk factors have been associated with the incidence of lameness, notably housing (e.g., access to pasture, bedding depth, bedding type, flooring type, stall design), management (e.g., stall cleanliness, frequency of trimming, holding times, stocking density), and cow-level (e.g., body condition, parity, injured hocks) factors. Risk factors associated with hock injuries can be similarly classified into housing (e.g., bedding type and depth, outdoor access, parlor type, stall design), management (e.g., bedding depth, cleanliness), and cow (e.g., parity, days in milk, lameness) factors. Key preventative approaches for lameness include routine preventative and corrective hoof trimming, improving hoof cushioning and traction through access to pasture or adding rubber flooring, deep-bedded stalls, sand bedding, ensuring appropriate stocking densities, reduced holding times, and the frequent use of routine footbaths. Very little research has been conducted on hock, knee, and neck injury prevention and recovery. Numerous researchers have concluded that both extrinsic (e.g., time, money, space) and intrinsic (e.g., farmer attitude, perception, priorities, and mindset) barriers exist to addressing lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There are many diverse stakeholders in lameness and injury management including the farmer, farm staff, veterinarian, hoof trimmer, nutritionist, and other advisors. Addressing dairy cattle lameness and injuries must, therefore, consider the people involved, as it is these people who are influencing and implementing on-farm decisions related to lameness prevention, treatment, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - J Saraceni
- ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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Rittweg N, Stock A, Jensen KC, Merle R, Stoll A, Feist M, Müller KE, Hoedemaker M, Oehm AW. Associations of cow and farm characteristics with cow-level lameness using data from an extensive cross-sectional study across 3 structurally different dairy regions in Germany. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9287-9303. [PMID: 37641258 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between milk recording data, body condition score (BCS), housing factors, management factors, and lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows in 3 structurally different regions in Germany. These regions substantially vary regarding herd size, breeds, access to pasture, farm management (family run or company owned), and percentage of organic farms. The data used was collected in a large cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2019. A total of 58,144 cows from 651 farms in 3 regions of Germany (North, East, and South) was scored for locomotion and body condition. Additionally, data on milk yield, milk composition, breed, age, as well as information on housing and management were retrieved. One mixed-logistic regression model was fitted per region to evaluate the association of the data with the target variable "lame" and to allow for a comprehensive reflection across different kinds of farming types. In all regions, undercondition (BCS lower than recommended for the lactation stage; North: odds ratio [OR] 2.15, CI 1.96-2.34; East: OR 2.66, CI 2.45-2.88; South: OR 2.45, CI 2.01-2.98) and mid-lactation stage (102-204 d in milk; North: OR 1.15, CI 1.05-1.27; East: OR 1.24, CI 1.17-1.32; South: OR 1.38, CI 1.18-1.62) were associated with higher odds for lameness, whereas overcondition (BCS higher than recommended for the lactation stage; North: OR 0.51, CI 0.44-0.60; East: OR 0.51, CI 0.48-0.54; South: OR 0.65, CI 0.54-0.77) and parity of 1 or 2 was associated with lower odds (parity 1 = North: OR 0.32, CI 0.29-0.35; East: OR 0.19, CI 0.18-0.20; South: OR 0.28, CI 0.24-0.33; parity 2 = North: OR 0.51, CI 0.47-0.46; East: OR 0.41, CI 0.39-0.44; South: OR 0.49, CI 0.42-0.57), irrespective of the regional production characteristics. Low energy-corrected milk yield was associated with higher odds for lameness in South and North (North: OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.27; South: OR 1.43, CI 1.22-1.69). Further factors such as pasture access for cows (North: OR 0.64, CI 0.50-0.82; and South: OR 0.65, CI 0.47-0.88), milk protein content (high milk protein content = North: OR 1.34, CI 1.18-1.52; East: OR 1.17, CI 1.08-1.28; low milk protein content = North: OR 0.79, CI 0.71-0.88; East: OR 0.84, CI 0.79-0.90), and breed (lower odds for "other" [other breeds than German Simmental and German Holstein] in East [OR 0.47, CI 0.42-0.53] and lower odds both for German Holstein and "other" in South [German Holstein: OR 0.62, CI 0.43-0.90; other: OR 0.46, CI 0.34 - 0.62]) were associated with lameness in 2 regions, respectively. The risk of ketosis (higher odds in North: OR 1.11, CI 1.01-1.22) and somatic cell count (higher odds in East: increased (>39.9 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.10; CI 1.03-1.17; high (>198.5 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.08; CI 1.01-1.06) altered the odds for lameness in 1 region, respectively. Cows from organic farms had lower odds for lameness in all 3 regions (North: OR 0.18, CI 0.11-0.32; East: OR 0.39, CI 0.28-0.56; South: OR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.68). As the dairy production systems differed substantially between the different regions, the results of this study can be viewed as representative for a wide variety of loose-housed dairy systems in Europe and North America. The consistent association between low BCS and lameness in all regions aligns with the previous literature. Our study also suggests that risk factors for lameness can differ between geographically regions, potentially due to differences in which dairy production system is predominantly used and that region-specific characteristics should be taken into account in comparable future projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rittweg
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Annegret Stock
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - K Charlotte Jensen
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Stoll
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas W Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
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Mason WA, Müller KR, Huxley JN, Laven RA. Prevalence of lameness on pasture-based New Zealand dairy farms: An observational study. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106047. [PMID: 37897942 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
To understand the current impact of lameness on a system, it is important to define lameness prevalence across a range of dairy farms in that system. Prevalence estimates from dairy systems where cows are permanently managed at pasture are uncommon, although the limited data suggest that they have a lower lameness prevalence than housed cattle. One hundred and 20 farms from eight of the major dairying regions of New Zealand were randomly enrolled into a cross-sectional lameness prevalence study. On each of the farms, trained observers lameness scored cattle on two occasions, between October-December (spring, coinciding with peak lactation for most farms) and between January-March (summer, late lactation for most farms). At each visit, all lactating animals were scored using a four-point 0-3 scoring system, and included animals that had previously been identified as lame by the farmer. Animals with a lameness score (LS) ≥2 were defined as lame. Mixed logistic regression models assessed the interaction between region and season and island and season, respectively, and differences between the lameness prevalence within farm across the two seasons reported descriptively. A total of 116,317 locomotion scores over two events were conducted across the 120 farms. At the spring scoring event, 2128/60,007 (3.5 %) cows had a LS ≥2 and 1868/56,310 (3.3 %) cows had a LS ≥ 2 at the summer scoring event. At the farm level, across both scoring events, median lameness prevalence was 2.8 (interquartile range 1.5 - 4.5) %, with a range of 0.0-17.0 %. The median farm-level prevalence of LS = 3 was 0.5 % with a range of 0-4.6 %. The effect of timing of scoring was modified by region (p < 0.001), and island (p = 0.006) and at the individual farm level, differences between spring and summer farm level lameness prevalence were generally small (interquartile range: -1.8 to 1.0 %) but potentially large on individual farms (range from -12.3 % to 7.6 %). The median farm-level lameness prevalence estimate of 2.8 % across a random representative sample of New Zealand dairy farms give confidence that the overall prevalence of cattle lameness on New Zealand dairy farms is low. This adds to the growing evidence that pasture is a good management system with respect to hoof health. The evidence of strong seasonality of lameness was lacking. Instead of using lameness scoring to identify farms with large lameness problems, lameness scoring should be encouraged to farmers as a tool to improve the identification of lame animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Mason
- EpiVets, 565 Mahoe St, Te Awamutu 3800 New Zealand; Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - K R Müller
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - J N Huxley
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
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Werema CW, Hoekstra F, Laven LJ, Müller KR, Gifford D, Laven RA. Investigating the effect of prophylactic claw trimming on the interval between calving and first observed elevated locomotion score in pasture-based dairy cows. N Z Vet J 2023; 71:295-305. [PMID: 37492960 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2238654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate, in a pasture-based dairy herd, the response to a three-time point hoof trimming regime on lameness incidence and time from calving to observation of an elevated locomotion score (LS). METHODS This study was conducted on a 940-cow spring-calving herd in New Zealand's North Island between May 2018 and May 2019. Cows (n = 250) were randomly allocated to the hoof trimming group, with the remainder assigned to the non-trim cohort. One trained professional hoof trimmer used the five-step Dutch method to trim the hind feet of the trimming group. Throughout the subsequent production season, the whole herd was locomotion-scored fortnightly using the 4-point (0-3) Dairy NZ lameness score. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to assess the univariable effect of trimming on the interval between calving and first LS of ≥ 2 and first LS ≥ 1. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to further evaluate the effect of trimming on time to elevated LS. RESULTS Mean lameness (LS ≥ 2) prevalence was 2.6%, with 30% of cows having ≥ 4 observations during the study period when at least one LS was ≥ 2. For LS ≥ 1, mean prevalence was 40%, with 98.6% of cows having ≥ 4 observations during the study period when at least one LS was ≥ 1 during lactation. Hoof trimming had no apparent effect on the incidence of clinical lameness (LS ≥ 2) (trimmed vs. non-trimmed: 33.2% vs. 28.8%, respectively), but for LS ≥ 1, there was a small decrease in the incidence of LS ≥ 1 (trimmed vs. non-trimmed: 96.9% vs. 99.3%, respectively). The hazard of a cow having a first observed LS ≥ 2 in the control group was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.66-1.14) times that of the trimmed group; however, the hazard of a cow having a first LS ≥ 1 was 1.60 (95% CI = 1.37-1.88) times higher in the control than in the trimmed group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE On this farm, prophylactic hoof trimming had no clinically relevant impact on the incidence of clinical lameness and was not associated with clinically beneficial reductions in time to first observed LS ≥ 2. This may be because claw horn imbalance was not pronounced on this farm, with 53% of cows needing no trim on either hind limb on the first trimming occasion. Further research on the response to prophylactic trimming in pasture-based dairy cattle is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Werema
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - F Hoekstra
- Dairy Hoofcare Institute, Ashburton, New Zealand
| | - L J Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K R Müller
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Gifford
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Passos LT, Bettencourt AF, Ritt LA, Canozzi MEA, Fischer V. Systematic review of the relationship between rumen acidosis and laminitis in cattle. Res Vet Sci 2023; 161:110-117. [PMID: 37356405 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Laminitis is usually considered a consequence of digestive disorders that reduce ruminal pH. However, it is still not clear the direct relation between low ruminal pH provoked by excessive fast-digesting carbohydrate ingestion and laminitis, considering indicators, signs, and diagnosis aspects. This study aimed to clarify the association between different clinical presentations of laminitis with ruminal acidosis provoked by diet using the systematic review methodology. Three electronic databases were used: ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. A total of 339 manuscripts were identified and only 16 were included. Manuscripts were published between 2000 and 2021 in 11 different peer-reviewed journals. Fifteen studies confirmed the occurrence of ruminal acidosis. The main indicators used were ruminal pH and clinical signs, such as anorexia, depression, discomfort and diarrhea. Two of the studies that administered oligofructose to induce acidosis and acute laminitis did not observe clinical signs of laminitis, using lameness score or hooves' sensitivity as an indicator. Various diagnostic methods were used to describe laminitis, like thermography, hoof biopsy, sensitivity test, and visual inspection. Although the variety of laminitis indicators used in the included studies, we evidence the existence of an association between diet (high level of fast-digesting carbohydrates), ruminal acidosis, and acute laminitis, mostly in the short-term acidosis' induction protocols, but the mechanism of action is still not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Teixeira Passos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Antônio Ritt
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Eugênia Andrighetto Canozzi
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Producción de Carne y Lana, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Vivian Fischer
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Cramer G, Shepley E, Knauer W, Crooker BA, Wagner S, Caixeta LS. An iterative approach to the development of a sole ulcer induction model in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2023:S0022-0302(23)00213-8. [PMID: 37164859 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to develop a sole ulcer (SU) induction model that can be used to investigate new and more efficacious methods for the treatment and prevention of SU. Three iterations [phase (P)1, P2, and P3] of an SU induction model designed to mimic mechanical and presumed metabolic pathways for SU development were conducted. The results from P1 and P2 identified alterations for the subsequent phase. Each phase used cows with similar calving dates that were randomly assigned (n = 4) to treatments. Control cows (P1CON, P3CON) did not undergo any challenges to induce SU development. Treatment cows were challenged with a hoof block (B) applied to the right hind lateral hoof. Other treatments included restricted lying time (L), restricted feed intake (F), or systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Treatment comparisons were P1CON versus P1BL, P2B versus P2BL, and P3CON versus P3BLF and P3BLF+LPS for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Pregnant nulliparous Holstein cows were used in P1 and P3, and the P1 cohort was used in P2 during mid-lactation [125.9 ± 7.20 d in milk (DIM)]. Challenges were applied during a set challenge period (P1: -14 to 14 DIM, P2: 126-168 DIM, P3: -14 to 28 DIM). The P1BL cows had a hoof block applied and lying time restricted for 5 h/d. The P2B and P2BL cows had a hoof block and P2BL cows also had their lying time restricted for 18 h/d for 2 d/wk. The P3BLF and P3BLF+LPS cows had a hoof block, 6 h/d of lying time restricted 2 d/wk, and had their DMI restricted by 30% for 2 d/wk. At weekly intervals during wk 1 to 3 postpartum, P3BLF+LPS cows received jugular administration of 0.031, 0.062, and 0.125 µg of LPS per kg of body weight, respectively. Primary response measurements included hoof lesion and locomotion scoring, lying time, hoof thermography, and weight distribution per hoof. No SU induction occurred but sole hemorrhages, a precursor to SU, occurred during the postchallenge period of all phases. Temperature of the blocked hoof at the end of the challenge period did not change for P3CON cows but increased by 5.5°C and 6.2°C for P3BLF and P3BLF+LPS, respectively. Notable increases in lameness and lack of weight-bearing on the blocked hind hoof occurred for challenge treatment cows during the challenge period of P2 and P3. These changes did not persist after the hoof blocks were removed, indicating that hoof blocks succeeded in altering cow gait mechanics, but not enough to induce long-term lameness or SU. Lying restriction challenged cows in P2 and P3, indicated by a compensatory increase in lying time on the day following lying restriction compared with that on the day before restriction. In P3, lying time had the greatest depression during restriction and compensation following restriction in P3BLF+LPS cows, with LPS challenges potentially increasing the other challenge's effects. Future iterations of the SU induction model should include hoof block use, evaluate longer and more frequent standing and inclusion of forced walking bouts, and include DMI and LPS metabolic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
| | - E Shepley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - W Knauer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - B A Crooker
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - S Wagner
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX 79106
| | - L S Caixeta
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
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Barden M, Phelan MM, Hyde R, Anagnostopoulos A, Griffiths BE, Bedford C, Green M, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. Serum 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics of sole lesion development in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:2667-2684. [PMID: 36870845 PMCID: PMC10073068 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Sole hemorrhage and sole ulcers, referred to as sole lesions, are important causes of lameness in dairy cattle. We aimed to compare the serum metabolome of dairy cows that developed sole lesions in early lactation with that of cows that remained unaffected. We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 1,169 Holstein dairy cows from a single dairy herd and assessed animals at 4 time points: before calving, immediately after calving, early lactation, and late lactation. Sole lesions were recorded by veterinary surgeons at each time point, and serum samples were collected at the first 3 time points. Cases were defined by the presence of sole lesions in early lactation and further subdivided by whether sole lesions had been previously recorded; unaffected controls were randomly selected to match cases. Serum samples from a case-control subset of 228 animals were analyzed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Spectral signals, corresponding to 34 provisionally annotated metabolites and 51 unlabeled metabolites, were analyzed in subsets relating to time point, parity cohort, and sole lesion outcome. We used 3 analytic methods (partial least squares discriminant analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and random forest) to determine the predictive capacity of the serum metabolome and identify informative metabolites. We applied bootstrapped selection stability, triangulation, and permutation to support the inference of variable selection. The average balanced accuracy of class prediction ranged from 50 to 62% depending on the subset. Across all 17 subsets, 20 variables had a high probability of being informative; those with the strongest evidence of being associated with sole lesions corresponded to phenylalanine and 4 unlabeled metabolites. We conclude that the serum metabolome, as characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, does not appear able to predict sole lesion presence or future development of lesions. A small number of metabolites may be associated with sole lesions although, given the poor prediction accuracies, these metabolites are likely to explain only a small proportion of the differences between affected and unaffected animals. Future metabolomic studies may reveal underlying metabolic mechanisms of sole lesion etiopathogenesis in dairy cows; however, the experimental design and analysis need to effectively control for interanimal and extraneous sources of spectral variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
| | - Marie M Phelan
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, United Kingdom; High Field NMR Facility, Liverpool Shared Research Facilities University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hyde
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherry Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
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10
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Barden M, Anagnostopoulos A, Griffiths BE, Li B, Bedford C, Watson C, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. Genetic parameters of sole lesion recovery in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1874-1888. [PMID: 36710182 PMCID: PMC9947741 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Sole hemorrhage and sole ulcers, referred to as sole lesions, are important causes of lameness in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of a novel trait reflecting how well cows recovered from sole lesions and the genetic correlation of this trait with overall susceptibility to sole lesions. A cohort of Holstein dairy cows was prospectively enrolled on 4 farms and assessed at 4 timepoints: before calving, immediately after calving, in early lactation, and in late lactation. At each timepoint, sole lesions were recorded at the claw level by veterinary surgeons and used to define 2 binary traits: (1) susceptibility to sole lesions-whether animals were affected with sole lesions at least once during the study or were unaffected at every assessment, and (2) sole lesion recovery-whether sole lesions healed between early and late lactation. Animals were genotyped and pedigree details extracted from the national database. Analyses were conducted with BLUPF90 software in a single-step framework; genetic parameters were estimated from animal threshold models using Gibbs sampling. The genetic correlation between both traits was approximated as the correlation between genomic estimated breeding values, adjusting for their reliabilities. A total of 2,025 animals were used to estimate the genetic parameters of sole lesion susceptibility; 44% of animals recorded a sole lesion at least once during the study period. The heritability of sole lesion susceptibility, on the liability scale, was 0.25 (95% highest density interval = 0.16-0.34). A total of 498 animals were used to estimate the genetic parameters of sole lesion recovery; 71% of animals had recovered between the early and late lactation assessments. The heritability of sole lesion recovery, on the liability scale, was 0.27 (95% highest density interval = 0.02-0.52). The approximate genetic correlation between each trait was -0.11 (95% confidence interval = -0.20 to -0.02). Our results indicate that recovery from sole lesions is heritable. If this finding is corroborated in further studies, it may be possible to use selective breeding to reduce the frequency of chronically lame cows. As sole lesion recovery appears to be weakly genetically related to sole lesion susceptibility, successful genetic improvement of sole lesion recovery would benefit from selection on this trait directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany E. Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Bingjie Li
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Cherry Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Watson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
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11
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Browne N, Hudson CD, Crossley RE, Sugrue K, Huxley JN, Conneely M. Hoof lesions in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9038-9053. [PMID: 36175241 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a symptom of a painful disorder affecting the limbs, which impacts dairy cow welfare and productivity. Lameness is primarily caused by hoof lesions. The prevalence of different lesion types can differ depending on environmental conditions and farm management practices. The aims of this observational study were to establish the cow-level and herd-level lesion prevalence during both housing and grazing periods in a partly housed, pasture-based system, establish the prevalence of lesions always associated with pain ("alarm" lesion), identify the lesions associated with a higher lameness score, determine relationships between lesions, and identify risk factors for digital dermatitis. On 98 farms during the grazing period and on 74 of the same farms during the housing period, every cow was lameness scored (0-3 lameness scoring scale), and the hind hooves of lame cows (score 2 and 3) were examined (maximum 20 cows per visit) and the prevalence of each lesion type recorded. To gather data on potential predictors for the risk factor analysis, a questionnaire with the farmer was conducted on lameness management practices and infrastructure measurements were taken at each visit. Cow-level data were also collected (e.g., parity, breed, milk yield, and so on). Noninfectious lesions were found to be more prevalent than infectious lesions in this system type. The most prevalent lesion types during both grazing and housing periods were white line separation, sole hemorrhages and overgrown claws; all remaining lesions had a cow-level prevalence of less than 15%. The cow-level prevalence of alarm lesions was 19% during the grazing period and 25% during the housing period; the most prevalent alarm lesion was sole ulcers during both periods. We found significantly more foreign bodies within the hoof sole (grazing = 14%, housing = 7%) and overgrown claws (grazing = 71%, housing = 55%) during the grazing period compared with the housing period. Cows with foul of the foot, sole ulcer, white line abscess, toe necrosis or an amputated claw had higher odds of being more severely lame, compared with mildly lame. The strongest correlation between lesions were between toe necrosis and digital dermatitis (r = 0.40), overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.33), and interdigital hyperplasia and digital dermatitis (r = 0.31) at herd level. At the cow level, the strongest correlation was between overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.27), and digital dermatitis and heel erosion (r = 0.22). The farmers' perception of the presence of digital dermatitis (and lameness) was significantly correlated with the actual presence of digital dermatitis recorded. Additional risk factors for the presence of digital dermatitis were cow track and verge width near the collecting yard, and stone presence on the cow tracks. Results from this study help further our understanding of the causes of lameness in partly housed, pasture-based dairy cows, and can be used to guide prevention and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Browne
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD.
| | - C D Hudson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - R E Crossley
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 6700 AH
| | - K Sugrue
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442
| | - M Conneely
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
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12
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Watson C, Barden M, Griffiths BE, Anagnostopoulos A, Higgins HM, Bedford C, Carter S, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. Prospective cohort study of the association between early lactation mastitis and the presence of sole ulcers in dairy cows. Vet Rec 2022; 190:e1387. [PMID: 35122435 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate the association between (sub)clinical mastitis (CM) in the first 30 days in milk (DIM) and the presence of sole ulcers (SU) later in lactation. METHODS Holstein cows and heifers were examined for presence of sole haemorrhage and SU before calving, in the first 14 days postcalving and in early lactation (after 30 DIM). CM episodes and somatic cell counts (SCC) measurements were obtained from farm records. Multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS Odds of SU in early lactation were 2.44 times greater (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-5.54) in cows that had CM in the first 30 DIM compared to cows that did not have CM in the first 30 DIM. When cows that had SU precalving or at the calving check were excluded from the dataset, an association of CM in the first 30 DIM with later presence of SU was no longer statistically significant but the same numeric trend still existed (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% CI 0.81-5.34). The odds of SU in early lactation were 1.70 times greater in cows that had high SCC compared to cows that did not have high SCC in the first 100 DIM (95% CI 1.13-2.55). CONCLUSION An association was found between CM in the first 30 DIM and presence of SU in early lactation (after 30 DIM). Elucidating the mechanism behind this relationship could improve our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of both diseases and lead to new preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Watson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Helen M Higgins
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Cherrill Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Stuart Carter
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
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13
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Mann S. Symposium review: The role of adipose tissue in transition dairy cows: Current knowledge and future opportunities. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:3687-3701. [PMID: 34998568 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) is a central reservoir of energy stored in the form of lipids. In addition, AT has been recognized as an immunologically and endocrinologically active tissue of dairy cattle. The recent literature on AT biology of transition dairy cows has often focused on the possible negative effects that originate from excessive body fat. However, the highly efficient energy-storage capability of this tissue is also vital to the adaptability of dairy cattle to the change in nutrient availability, and to support lactation and reproduction. An excessive degree of mobilization of this tissue, however, is associated with high circulating fatty acid concentrations, and this may have direct and indirect negative effects on reproductive health, productivity, and disease risk. Furthermore, rapid lipolysis may be associated with postpartum inflammation. Research on the role of AT is complicated by the greater difficulty of accessing and measuring visceral AT compared with subcutaneous AT. The objective of this review is to provide a transition cow-centric summary of AT biology with a focus on reviewing methods of measuring AT mass as well as to describe the importance for production, health, and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mann
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
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14
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UPADHYAY DEEPAK, SINGH MUKESH, GAUR GYANENDRAKUMAR, BHARTI PANCHKISHOR, VERMA MEDRAM. Effect of flooring system on maintenance behaviours of cows. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v91i8.115929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of floor on maintenance behaviours of cow in loose housing system, four groups, viz. T0 (concrete in covered and brick-paved in open area), T1 (concrete in covered and sand bed in open), T2 (rubber mat in covered and sand bed in open) and T3 (rubber mat in covered and brick-paved in open) were studied. Feeding was the major activity (39–44%) of day, with significant difference between groups. In covered area, lying and standing rumination, while in open area idling, were significantly different between groups during day. During night lying-rumination was major activity (62–69%). Night idling, standing-rumination, lying and lying-rumination behaviour, were significantly different between groups. Overall most of the time in each group was devoted to lying-rumination (45–53%) and feeding (18–21%). Area wise, open area was more occupied and posture wise sitting posture dominated in all the groups. Overall feeding, idling and standing-rumination in open, lying-rumination (in open or covered area), sleeping, total standing time and total sitting time were significantly different between groups. Feeding time showed positive trend in rubber matted floor (T2, T3). More lying-rumination and sleeping time was seen in rubber matted covered area. Sand bedding in open area reduced the standing and standingrumination activity, while promoting the sitting/lying time. Rubber matting in covered area and sand bedding in open area, was found favourable for maintenance behaviour of dairy cows.
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15
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A Cross-Sectional Epizootiological Study and Risk Assessment of Foot-Related Lesions and Lameness in Intensive Dairy Sheep Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061614. [PMID: 34072502 PMCID: PMC8227101 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Foot-related lameness is one of the most significant welfare issues in farm animals. Contrary to dairy cows and meat sheep breeds, epizootiological data on foot-lesions and associated lameness in dairy sheep are scarce. In this study, data were collected from 30 representative intensive dairy sheep farms. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to produce a typology of intensive farming systems which resulted in the assignment of farms in two distinct clusters. Six hundred adult ewes were randomly selected from six flocks (three flocks per cluster) and a cross-sectional study was implemented to investigate the epizootiology and potential risk factors of foot-related lameness, foot-lesions and diseases. Ovine interdigital dermatitis and infectious footrot were the most common infectious foot diseases, while white line disease and hoof wall cracks were the most prevalent non-infectious lesions. Infectious footrot was the main cause of lameness and increased with age, whereas body condition score was associated with increased prevalence of ovine interdigital dermatitis. Comparisons between the clusters regarding foot-related lameness, foot-diseases and lesions at the animal, the limb, and the hoof level are presented, and relevant literature, mechanisms, hypotheses, and challenges of the field are discussed. Abstract Foot-related lameness, foot-diseases and lesions are emerging issues in dairy sheep; however, relevant epizootiological studies are scarce, and risk factors have not been elucidated. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were (i) to address this dearth of knowledge by investigating the epizootiology of lameness-related foot-lesions and diseases, and (ii) to assess the impact of potential risk factors on foot health, in intensive dairy sheep farms. Thirty farms were assigned in two representative clusters using a multivariate statistical analysis. Three farms per cluster and 100 multiparous milking ewes per farm (total n = 600) were selected and enrolled in the study. Foot-related lameness, ovine interdigital dermatitis (OID), infectious footrot (IFR), white line disease, hoof wall cracks, as well as health and welfare traits were recorded. Overall prevalence of foot-related lameness was 9.0% and was primarily associated with IFR; however, additional infectious and non-infectious foot diseases and lesions also contributed. Among infectious foot diseases, OID was the most prevalent (21.3%) followed by IFR (8.0%); WLD and hoof wall cracks were the most prevalent non-infectious foot-lesions (37.7% and 15.3%, respectively). IFR and OID prevalence increased with age (p < 0.05) and BCS (p < 0.01), respectively, suggesting that host-related factors and husbandry practices are important determinants of its occurrence.
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16
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Ji KJ, Booth RE, Blackie N. A Retrospective Case Study into the Effect of Hoof Lesions on the Lying Behaviour of Holstein-Friesian in a Loose-Housed System. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041120. [PMID: 33919772 PMCID: PMC8070699 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lameness is a substantial welfare and economic problem in production animals. It can alter indicators of welfare such as lying time. Lying down is very important for cows, and they are highly motivated to perform this behaviour for 12 h or more per day. Conversely, cows that lie down too much or are uncomfortable standing may miss an opportunity to feed or drink if there is competition from sound (non-lame) cows. This study monitored different lesions that cause lameness in cattle through the use of accelerometers. The lesions included sole ulcers, sole haemorrhage, white line disease, interdigital hyperplasia and phelgmon, and digital dermatitis. Leg-based activity monitors that track the cows’ lying behaviour and mobility were used. From these data, it was found that cows with lesions on the foot spent longer lying down than those with no lesions, and cows with lesions in the soft tissue spent less time lying down than those with foot lesions. Trimming the cows’ feet altered the lying times of the cows with foot lesions and returned them closer to those of cows with no lesions. Abstract The association between hoof lesions and lying behaviour was assessed on a Holstein–Friesian dairy farm in England. Twenty-nine cows were included in the study. Cows with claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL, n = 8), soft tissue lesions (STL, n = 6), and no lesions (NL, n = 15) were assessed. Data were collected on parity, days in milk (DIM), and mobility scores. Cows were trimmed and treated, and lesions were recorded by a professional foot trimmer. Lying behaviour was assessed before and after claw trimming. The milking herd (n = 96) prevalence of lameness was 32.3%. Mobility was scored using the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Mobility Scoring system. Mobility scores were significantly different across lesions groups (p = 0.022). CHDL cows had a mean mobility score of 2.0 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD), STL were scored 1.2 ± 1.3, and NL cows were 0.9 ± 0.7. CHDL were associated with longer lying times (15.00 ± 1.04 h/d; p = 0.0006) and shorter standing times (9.68 ± 2.38 h/d; p = 0.0351) compared with NL lying times (11.77 ± 1.67 h/d) and standing times (12.21 ± 1.67 h/d). STL cows spent significantly less time lying (11.30 ± 2.44; p = 0.0013) than CHDL but not NL cows. No significant differences were found with any of the other lying behaviours. After trimming, CHDL cows spent significantly less time lying down than before trimming (13.66 ± 0.98; p = 0.0125). Cows with NL spent significantly more time lying down (12.57 ± 1.90; p = 0.0398) and had a shorter minimum lying bout duration (0.17 ± 0.09; p = 0.0236) after trimming. In conclusion, lying behaviour in dairy cattle was impacted by type of hoof lesions and hoof trimming.
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17
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Newsome RF, Mostyn A, Wilson JP, Alibhai A, Bollard N, Randall L, Chagunda MGG, Sturrock CJ, Keane M, Green M, Huxley JN, Rutland CS. Morphology, adipocyte size, and fatty acid analysis of dairy cattle digital cushions, and the effect of body condition score and age. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6238-6252. [PMID: 33685700 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The digital cushion is an essential part of maintaining a healthy foot, working to dissipate foot strike and body weight forces and lameness from claw horn disruption lesions. Despite the importance of the digital cushion, little is known about the basic anatomy, adipocyte morphology, and fatty acid composition in relation to age, limb position, and body condition score. In total, 60 claws (from 17 cows) were selected and collected from a herd, ensuring that body condition score data and computed micro-tomography were known for each animal. Digital cushion tissue underwent histological staining combined with stereology, systematic random sampling, and cell morphology analysis, in addition to lipid extraction followed by fatty acid analysis. The results describe digital cushion architecture and adipocyte sizes. Adipocyte size was similar across all 4 claws (distal left lateral and medial and distal right lateral and medial) and across the ages (aged 2-7 yr); however, animals with body condition score of 3.00 or more at slaughter had a significantly increased cell size in comparison to those with a score of less than 2.50. Of 37 fatty acid methyl esters identified, 5 differed between either the body condition score or different age groups. C10:0 capric acid, C14:0 myristic acid, C15:0 pentadecanoic acid, and C20:0 arachidic acid percentages were all lesser in lower body condition score cows, whereas C22:1n-9 erucic acid measurements were lesser in younger cows. Saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid percentages were not altered in the different claws, ages, or body condition score groups. Triglyceride quantities did not differ for claw position or age but had decreased quantities in lower body condition score animals. Digital cushion anatomy, cellular morphology, and fatty acid composition have been described in general and also in animals with differing ages, body condition scores, and in the differing claws. Understanding fat deposition, mobilization, and composition are essential in not only understanding the roles that the digital cushion plays but also in preventing disorders and maintaining cattle health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Newsome
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - A Mostyn
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - J P Wilson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - A Alibhai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - N Bollard
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - L Randall
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M G G Chagunda
- Scotland's Rural College, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom, and Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - C J Sturrock
- Hounsfield Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M Keane
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - C S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
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Adamczyk K, Grzesiak W, Zaborski D. The Use of Artificial Neural Networks and a General Discriminant Analysis for Predicting Culling Reasons in Holstein-Friesian Cows Based on First-Lactation Performance Records. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030721. [PMID: 33800832 PMCID: PMC7998856 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to verify whether artificial neural networks (ANN) may be an effective tool for predicting the culling reasons in cows based on routinely collected first-lactation records. Data on Holstein-Friesian cows culled in Poland between 2017 and 2018 were used in the present study. A general discriminant analysis (GDA) was applied as a reference method for ANN. Considering all predictive performance measures, ANN were the most effective in predicting the culling of cows due to old age (99.76-99.88% of correctly classified cases). In addition, a very high correct classification rate (99.24-99.98%) was obtained for culling the animals due to reproductive problems. It is significant because infertility is one of the conditions that are the most difficult to eliminate in dairy herds. The correct classification rate for individual culling reasons obtained with GDA (0.00-97.63%) was, in general, lower than that for multilayer perceptrons (MLP). The obtained results indicated that, in order to effectively predict the previously mentioned culling reasons, the following first-lactation parameters should be used: calving age, calving difficulty, and the characteristics of the lactation curve based on Wood's model parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Adamczyk
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-126624088
| | - Wilhelm Grzesiak
- Department of Ruminants Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (W.G.); (D.Z.)
| | - Daniel Zaborski
- Department of Ruminants Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (W.G.); (D.Z.)
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Sadiq M, Ramanoon S, Mossadeq WS, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain S. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hoof lesions in Dairy Cows in Peninsular Malaysia. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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Borghart GM, O'Grady LE, Somers JR. Prediction of lameness using automatically recorded activity, behavior and production data in post-parturient Irish dairy cows. Ir Vet J 2021; 74:4. [PMID: 33549140 PMCID: PMC7868012 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-021-00182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although visual locomotion scoring is inexpensive and simplistic, it is also time consuming and subjective. Automated lameness detection methods have been developed to replace the visual locomotion scoring and aid in early and accurate detection. Several types of sensors are measuring traits such as activity, lying behavior or temperature. Previous studies on automatic lameness detection have been unable to achieve high accuracy in combination with practical implementation in a on farm commercial setting. The objective of our research was to develop a prediction model for lameness in dairy cattle using a combination of remote sensor technology and other animal records that will translate sensor data into easy to interpret classified locomotion information for the farmer. During an 11-month period, data from 164 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were gathered, housed at an Irish research farm. A neck-mounted accelerometer was used to gather behavioral metrics, additional automatically recorded data consisted of milk production and live weight. Locomotion scoring data were manually recorded, using a one-to-five scale (1 = non-lame, 5 = severely lame). Locomotion scores where then used to label the cows as sound (locomotion score 1) or unsound (locomotion score ≥ 2). Four supervised classification models, using a gradient boosted decision tree machine learning algorithm, were constructed to investigate whether cows could be classified as sound or unsound. Data available for model building included behavioral metrics, milk production and animal characteristics. RESULTS The resulting models were constructed using various combinations of the data sources. The accuracy of the models was then compared using confusion matrices, receiver-operator characteristic curves and calibration plots. The model which achieved the highest performance according to the accuracy measures, was the model combining all the available data, resulting in an area under the curve of 85% and a sensitivity and specificity of 78%. CONCLUSION These results show that 85% of this model's predictions were correct in identifying cows as sound or unsound, showing that the use of a neck-mounted accelerometer, in combination with production and other animal data, has potential to replace visual locomotion scoring as lameness detection method in dairy cows.
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21
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Kang X, Zhang XD, Liu G. A Review: Development of Computer Vision-Based Lameness Detection for Dairy Cows and Discussion of the Practical Applications. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21030753. [PMID: 33499381 PMCID: PMC7866151 DOI: 10.3390/s21030753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The computer vision technique has been rapidly adopted in cow lameness detection research due to its noncontact characteristic and moderate price. This paper attempted to summarize the research progress of computer vision in the detection of lameness. Computer vision lameness detection systems are not popular on farms, and the accuracy and applicability still need to be improved. This paper discusses the problems and development prospects of this technique from three aspects: detection methods, verification methods and application implementation. The paper aims to provide the reader with a summary of the literature and the latest advances in the field of computer vision detection of lameness in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Kang
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-62736741
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22
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Robles I, Zambelis A, Kelton DF, Barkema HW, Keefe GP, Roy JP, von Keyserlingk MAG, DeVries TJ. Associations of freestall design and cleanliness with cow lying behavior, hygiene, lameness, and risk of high somatic cell count. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:2231-2242. [PMID: 33309370 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate associations of freestall design and cleanliness with cow lying behavior, hygiene, lameness, and risk of new high somatic cell count (SCC). Cows from 18 commercial freestall dairy herds (22 ± 15 cows/farm; mean ± SD) in Ontario, Canada, were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Four hundred focal cows that were <120 d in milk, had no mastitis treatment in the last 3 mo, and had an SCC <100,000 cells/mL at their most recent milk test were selected for the study. Data on SCC were collected through Dairy Herd Improvement Association milk testing (at ~5-wk intervals). Each farm was visited 5 ± 3 d (mean ± SD) after each milk test until 3 tests were completed (~105 d), for a total of 3 observation periods per cow. Elevated SCC was used as an indicator of subclinical mastitis. An incident of new high SCC was defined as a cow having SCC >200,000 cells/mL at the end of an observation period, when SCC was <100,000 cells/mL at the beginning of that period. Lying behavior was recorded for 6 d after each milk sampling, using electronic data loggers. Cows were scored during each period for lameness (5-point scale, with scores ≥3 = lame), body condition score (BCS; 5-point scale; 1 = thin to 5 = fat), and hygiene (4-point scale). Stall cleanliness was assessed during each period with a 1.20 × 1.65-m metal grid, containing 88 squares. The grid was centered between stall partitions of every tenth stall on each farm, and the squares containing visible urine or fecal matter (or both) were counted. Cow lying time averaged 10.9 ± 1.9 h/d. On average, cows with low BCS (≤2.5) spent 37 ± 16.6 min/d less time lying down than high-BCS cows (≥4.0). On average, cows tended to spend 36 ± 18.3 min/d more time lying down in deep-bedded versus mattress-based stalls. Mean proportion of soiled squares per stall was 20.1 ± 0.50%. Across farms, cow lying time decreased as the proportion of soiled squares per stall increased. A difference in daily lying time of ~80 more min/d was modeled for cows housed in barns with the cleanest stalls compared with those with the dirtiest stalls. Higher neck rail height [for every 1 SD (10 cm) increase] increased the odds (odds ratio = 1.5) of cows having a dirty upper leg-flank and udder. The odds of a cow having a dirty upper leg-flank, udder, and lower legs were 1.5, 2.0, and 1.9 times greater, respectively, for cows housed with dirtier stalls. Also, cows housed on farms with dirtier stalls had 1.3 times greater odds of being lame at the time of observation. Over the study period, 50 new high-SCC cases were detected, resulting in an incidence rate of 0.45 cases of new high SCC per cow-year at risk. No measured factors were detected to be associated with risk of a new high SCC. Overall, our results confirm that cows lie down longer in cleaner and more comfortable environments. Further, these results highlight the need for improved stall cleanliness to optimize lying time and potentially reduce lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Robles
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Zambelis
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - G P Keefe
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - J P Roy
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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23
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De Monte E, Zanon T, Vevey M, Gauly M. Evaluation of the systematic recording of diagnostic data in the Valdostana cattle. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1833767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica De Monte
- Facoltà di Scienze e Tecnologie, Libera Università di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Thomas Zanon
- Facoltà di Scienze e Tecnologie, Libera Università di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mario Vevey
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Bovini Razza Valdostana – A.N.A.Bo.Ra.Va, Gressan, Italy
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Facoltà di Scienze e Tecnologie, Libera Università di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
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24
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Impact of Nutrients on the Hoof Health in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101824. [PMID: 33036413 PMCID: PMC7600182 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is currently one of the most important and economically demanding diseases in cattle. It is manifested in a change in locomotion that is associated with lesions, especially the pelvic limbs. The disease of the hoof is painful, affecting the welfare of dairy cows. Important factors that influence the health of the limbs include nutrition, animal hygiene, stable technology, and genetic and breeding predispositions. Nutrition is one of the basic preventive factors affecting the quality and growth of the hoof horn, and the associated prevalence of hoof disease. The strength and structure of the hoof horn are affected by the composition of the feed ration (amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and toxic substances contaminating the feed ration, or arising in the feed ration as metabolites of fungi).
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25
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Afonso JS, Bruce M, Keating P, Raboisson D, Clough H, Oikonomou G, Rushton J. Profiling Detection and Classification of Lameness Methods in British Dairy Cattle Research: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:542. [PMID: 32974403 PMCID: PMC7468474 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a serious concern in the dairy sector, reflecting its high incidence and impact on animal welfare and productivity. Research has provided figures on its frequency using different methodologies, making it difficult to compare results and hindering farm-level decision-making. The study's objectives were to determine the frequency levels of lameness in British dairy cattle through a meta-analysis approach, and to understand the chronological patterns of how lameness cases are detected and classified in scientific research. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA-P guidelines for article selection. Random-effects models estimated the pooled frequency measure of lameness with heterogeneity managed through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Sixty-eight papers were identified, 50 included prevalence and 36 incidence data. The pooled prevalence of lameness in British dairy cattle was estimated at 29.5% (95% CI 26.7-32.4%) whilst all-cause lameness incidence rate indicated 30.9 cases of lameness per 100 cow-years (95% CI 24.5-37.9). The pooled cause-specific lameness incidence rate per 100 cow-years was 66.1 (95% CI 24.1-128.8) for white line disease, 53.2 (95% CI 20.5-101.2) for sole ulcer, 53.6 (95% CI 19.2-105.34) for digital dermatitis, with 51.9 (95% CI 9.3-129.2) attributable to other lameness-related lesions. Heterogeneity levels remained high. Sixty-nine papers contributed to a chronological overview of lameness data source. Although the AHDB Dairy mobility scoring system (MSS) was launched in the UK in 2008 and adopted shortly after by the British Dairy sector as the standard tool for assessing lameness, other methods are used depending on the investigator. Automated lameness detection systems may offer a solution for the subjective nature of MSSs, yet it was utilized in one study only. Despite the recognition of under-reporting of lameness from farm records 22 (31.9%) studies used this data source. The diversity of lameness data collection methods and sources was a key finding. It limits the understanding of lameness burden and the refinement of policy making for lameness. Standardizing case definition and research methods would improve knowledge of and ability to manage lameness. Regardless of the measurement method lameness in British dairy cattle is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Sucena Afonso
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Patrick Keating
- Médecins Sans Frontières - OCA, Manson Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helen Clough
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - George Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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26
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Grandía J, Monteagudo LV, Sánchez-Abad P, Tejedor MT. Dietary fatty acid content and thickness of plantar pads in gilts. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test a diet enriched in the most abundant components of foot fat pads (oleic and palmitic acid) to increase its thickness in gilts. We evaluated the effects of two oleic and palmitic acid dietary concentrations (control and test) and three treatment durations (35, 45, and 65 d) on 116 gilts (Landrace × Large White), all 180-d-old and slaughtered at the end of the study. Both test and control diets contained 5.9% total fat. The control diet contained 0.9% oleic acid and 0.6% palmitic acid; the test diet contained 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Body weight (BW), backfat (BF), lateral, and medial plantar pad thickness from the left rear leg were measured. No significant differences were detected for BW or BF between the test and control groups. The lateral pad was always thicker than the medial one (P < 0.001). No significant difference for plantar pad thickness was detected for the 35 d treatment. For the other treatments, thickness increased with respect to the control group (P < 0.01); the percentage of increase ranged from 20.8% (lateral side, 45 d treatment) to 37.8% (lateral side, 65 d treatment). Its effects on foot health must still be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Grandía
- AGRO-TEST-CONTROL, S. L.C/ Poeta Leon Felipe, 7-9 Local, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Vicente Monteagudo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Paloma Sánchez-Abad
- AGRO-TEST-CONTROL, S. L.C/ Poeta Leon Felipe, 7-9 Local, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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27
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Cook NB. Symposium review: The impact of management and facilities on cow culling rates. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:3846-3855. [PMID: 31837782 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This symposium review examines the association between comfort and cow longevity, with a particular emphasis on optimizing resting behavior in confinement-housed systems. Housed dairy cattle demonstrate a variety of negative behavioral and physiological effects when lying time is restricted, with cows prioritizing the recovery of rest over feeding when both are deprived. There is, however, wide individual-cow variation in daily lying times, influenced by an array of cow-, housing-, and management-related factors. Cow-related factors include individual preference, parity, stage of lactation cycle, milk yield, ill health, and lameness. Lying time tends to increase with age and days in milk and during periods of ill health, whereas milk yield is negatively correlated with lying time. The effect of lameness is complicated by severity and by interactions with bedding type, which modifies the cows' ability to rise and lie down. Generally, lame cows suffer prolonged lying bouts of greater variability in length and take fewer bouts per day. Often this results in an overall increase in lying time. Thus, higher standards of cow comfort and improved cow health are not always reflected by longer lying times. Housing and management factors that influence resting behavior include the design of the resting area, access to the resting space, and the thermal microenvironment of the lying area. Provision of dry, deep loose bedding, stocking cows to allow each animal access to a resting space, allowing sufficient time to access the resting area, and providing heat abatement to reduce heat load optimize resting behavior. Because lameness and poor body condition are commonly found in culled dairy cattle, the link between cow comfort and culling is likely mediated through lameness onset and management. Optimal comfort helps prevent the onset of lameness and facilitates recovery once cows become lame, which limits the effect of lameness on feeding behavior and reduces the risk for other health-related disorders, poor reproductive performance, and early herd removal. Cow comfort cannot be assessed by measuring the duration of lying time alone. Rather, comfort is reflected by the optimization of resting behavior, providing facilities and management to allow cows to lie down when they choose to do so for as long as they need to.
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Affiliation(s)
- N B Cook
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
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28
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Lower odds of sole ulcers in the following lactation in dairy cows that received hoof trimming around drying off. Vet J 2019; 254:105408. [PMID: 31836168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sole ulcers negatively affect production and animal welfare in dairy cows. Hoof trimming around drying off is frequently recommended, but has not previously been evaluated scientifically. The association between hoof trimming around drying off and the odds of sole ulcers in the following lactation was evaluated based on recordings from 621,228 hoof trimmings in Danish dairy herds. Overall, 6.2% of cows had sole ulcers at the first hoof trimming 0-180 days in milk. The odds of sole ulcers increased with increasing days in milk, and were approximately 20% lower in cows hoof trimmed around drying off. Odds were higher in older cows, and in cows with sole ulcers in the previously lactation. Hoof trimming around drying off may help reduce the occurrence of sole ulcers in the following lactation.
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29
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Eriksson HK, Daros RR, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Effects of case definition and assessment frequency on lameness incidence estimates. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:638-648. [PMID: 31677832 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The reliability of locomotion scoring is often low, making it unclear how a single gait score should be interpreted. In addition, differences in assessment frequency between longitudinal studies makes it hard to compare results. Our aims were to evaluate how lameness definition and assessment frequency affect measures of lameness incidence. Six dairy farms in British Columbia, Canada, were enrolled, and 262 cows that were sound at dry-off had their locomotion score (LS) assessed weekly from dry-off to calving, using a 1 to 5 scale. Cows were categorized as remaining sound or becoming lame using 3 different case definitions (LAME1: ≥LS3 at least once; LAME2: ≥2 consecutive scores of LS3, or ≥LS4 at least once; and LAME3: ≥3 consecutive scores of LS3, or ≥LS4 at least once). We analyzed the correspondence between the 3 definitions with percent agreement and weighted κ (linear and quadratic weighting). Comparing LAME1 to LAME3 resulted in lower percent agreement (53%) and κ values (linear κw = 0.50; quadratic κw = 0.64) than comparing LAME2 and LAME3 (85%; linear κw = 0.83; quadratic κw = 0.89), indicating that cows scored LS3 twice were likely to be scored LS3 a third time. We also compared the 3 case definitions against trim records from trimmings occurring 90 d or less before calving (n = 117), and used logistic regression models to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value. Using the LAME1 criterion resulted in high sensitivity (horn lesions = 0.90; infectious lesions = 0.92) and low specificity (horn = 0.21; infectious = 0.24). We observed higher specificity for LAME2 (horn = 0.62; infectious = 0.66) and LAME3 (horn = 0.71; infectious = 0.77), but LAME2 had higher sensitivity than LAME3 (horn = 0.89 vs. 0.64; infectious = 0.69 vs. 0.64). When evaluating the effects of assessment frequency, we obtained 3 data sets by keeping every, every other, and every third locomotion assessment, and using LAME2 as a case definition. More cows were categorized as lame when assessment frequency increased. Of the cows that were classified as lame when assessed weekly, 72% of the mildly lame, and 33% of the severely lame were classified as sound when assessed every third week. Our results suggest that a single LS3 score should not be used as a criterion for lameness in longitudinal studies. To correctly identify new cases of lameness, dairy cows should be assessed at least every 2 wk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K Eriksson
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ruan R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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30
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Sánchez-Molano E, Bay V, Smith RF, Oikonomou G, Banos G. Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Lameness Associated Phenotypes in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cattle. Front Genet 2019; 10:926. [PMID: 31636655 PMCID: PMC6787292 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness represents a significant challenge for the dairy cattle industry, resulting in economic losses and reduced animal health and welfare. The existence of underlying genomic variation for lameness associated traits has the potential to improve selection strategies by using genomic markers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and potential candidate genes associated with lameness traits. Lameness related lesions and digital cushion thickness were studied using records collected by our research team, farm records, and a combination of both. Genome-wide analyses were performed to identify significant genomic effects, and a combination of single SNP association analysis and regional heritability mapping was used to identify associated genomic regions. Significant genomic effects were identified for several lameness related traits: Two genomic regions were identified on chromosome 3 associated with digital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia, one genomic region on chromosome 23 associated with interdigital hyperplasia, and one genomic region on chromosome 2 associated with sole haemorrhage. Candidate genes in those regions are mainly related to immune response and fibroblast proliferation. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified in this study could enlighten the understanding of lameness pathogenesis, providing an opportunity to improve health and welfare in dairy cattle with the addition of these regions into selection programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sánchez-Molano
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Veysel Bay
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Bandirma Sheep Research Institute, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Robert F Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,The Roslin Institute Building, Scotland's Rural College, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Daros RR, Eriksson HK, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Lameness during the dry period: Epidemiology and associated factors. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:11414-11427. [PMID: 31563310 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lameness has been extensively studied in lactating cows, whereas few studies have reported on lameness during the dry period. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study to describe the epidemiology of lameness during the dry period and to identify risk factors associated with onset, cure, and chronic cases of lameness. A total of 455 cows from 6 freestall commercial dairy farms were enrolled at 9 wk before calving and gait scored weekly until calving using a 5-point scale. A subset of cows was also followed fortnightly after calving to measure the association between lameness during the dry period and lameness during early lactation. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed in a 5-point scale using increments of 0.5. Hoof-trimming records, parity, and previous lactation milk production were retrieved from farm's database. Cows were considered sound when 2 consecutive scores were ≤2 and lame when 2 consecutive scores = 3, or any assessment with score >3; when in a sequence of scores only one score = 3 (or ≤2), the cow was considered sound (or alternatively lame). Following this lameness definition, we derived weekly lameness status for each cow and calculated the number of new cases of lameness, the number of cure cases and the number of chronic cases. The incidence rate of lameness cases during the dry period was 8.2 lameness cases/100 cow per wk, whereas cure rate was 7.1 cure cases/100 cow per wk; at the end of the dry period 50% of cows had developed lameness and 36% were cured. Multilevel logistic regression models using farm as random effect were fitted to assess (1) the association between being lame in wk 2 or 8 postcalving with being lame in the last week precalving, (2) risk factors for lameness onset, (3) risk factors for lameness cure, and (4) risk factors for chronic lameness. Cows that were lame in the week immediately before calving were more likely to be lame in wk 2 and 8 after calving. We found that the interaction between parity and hoof-trimming before dry-off was associated with lameness onset; primiparous cows that were trimmed before dry-off had lower odds of developing lameness, whereas the opposite was found for multiparous cows. The same interaction was also associated with the odds of chronic lameness. Cows that were diagnosed with noninfectious hoof lesions compared with cows that were not diagnosed with hoof lesions before dry-off, and cows that had BCS <3 compared with cows with BCS 3.0 to 3.5 at dry-off had higher odds of chronic lameness. Conversely, primiparous cows and cows with BCS 3.0 to 3.5 had higher odds of curing lameness during the dry period. Our results suggest that the dry period may be a period of high risk for lameness development and that hoof-trimming before dry-off may not be effective for all cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Hanna K Eriksson
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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Moreira TF, Nicolino RR, Meneses RM, Fonseca GV, Rodrigues LM, Facury Filho EJ, Carvalho AU. Risk factors associated with lameness and hoof lesions in pasture-based dairy cattle systems in southeast Brazil. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10369-10378. [PMID: 31495614 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cattle lameness is an important welfare concern that also has an economic impact on the dairy industry. It can be a significant problem among pasture-based herds. Our objectives were to identify cow- and herd-level factors related to lameness and hoof lesions in dairy cows grazing year-round in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study in 48 pasture-based dairy herds, visiting each farm in a single visit. We evaluated 2,262 cows for mobility score (0-3) and 392 cows for hoof lesions. We used a questionnaire and checklist to capture herd management data. All information obtained was used to build multivariable models. The factors associated with lameness were low body condition score, longer time spent in the corral, being kept in paddocks during the drought period, and poor hygiene. For hoof lesions, track features were the most significant factor in determining the likelihood of heel horn erosion, white line fissure, and sole hemorrhage-by more than 3 times. Different factors related to unhygienic conditions such as leg cleanliness, frequency of cleaning, and longer time spent in the corral were associated with infectious hoof lesions. Poor human-animal relationship was related to sole hemorrhage, but patient handling of cows on the track was a protective factor against interdigital hyperplasia. The results of this study suggest that improving hygiene conditions, track features, and cow handling can improve dairy cattle mobility scores in pasture-based farms under tropical conditions. These findings also represent a first step toward planning actions aimed at decreasing lameness and hoof lesions in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago F Moreira
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920.
| | - Rafael R Nicolino
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha Mucuri, Av. Ver. João Narciso 1380, Unaí, Brazil 38610-000
| | - Rodrigo M Meneses
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Guilherme V Fonseca
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Letícia M Rodrigues
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920
| | - Elias J Facury Filho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Antônio U Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
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Risk Factors and Detection of Lameness Using Infrared Thermography in Dairy Cows – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2019-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is a worldwide problem, usually a consequence of hoof diseases. Hoof problems have a negative impact on animal health and welfare as well as the economy of the farm. Prevention and early diagnosis of lameness should prevent the development of the disease and consequent high costs of animal treatment. In this review, the most common causes of both infectious and noninfectious lesions are described. Susceptibility to lesions is primarily influenced by the quality of the horn. The quality of the horn is influenced by internal and external conditions such as hygiene, nutrition, hormonal changes during calving and lactation, the animal’s age or genetic predisposition. The next part of this review summarizes the basic principles and possibilities of using infrared thermography in the early detection of lameness in dairy cows.
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Sharma A, Phillips CJC. Lameness in Sheltered Cows and Its Association with Cow and Shelter Attributes. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060360. [PMID: 31208119 PMCID: PMC6616525 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The sheltering of cows in shelters is a traditional practice in India. Old, abandoned and unproductive dairy cows are housed in shelters as cow slaughter is not legally permitted in most states. The welfare assessment of these old, abandoned, infertile, unproductive and rescued cows was carried out based on the measurement of cow-based and resource-based welfare parameters. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence of lameness in these sheltered cows and the risk factors associated with it. Fifty-four shelters in six states of India were visited and 1620 cows were clinically examined for lameness and measurements of other animal and resource-based welfare parameters. The prevalence of lameness in these shelters was less than that recorded in dairy cows in conventional Indian farming systems. Lameness was associated with several cow factors: inadequate body conformation, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, dirty udders, overgrown claws and diarrhea. There was evidence of an association with an absence of bedding and a steep gradient of the floor. Improvement in the feeding practices, attention towards cleanliness, and improvements in shelter flooring may reduce the prevalence of lameness and improve cow welfare in the shelters. Abstract The sheltering of old, unproductive and abandoned cows in traditional cow shelters, known as gaushalas, has been practiced in India since ancient times. Cows are kept in these shelters until they die of natural causes. The welfare of the cows in these shelters was assessed through a cross-sectional study of 54 cow shelters in six states of India. A total of 1620 cows were examined to assess the prevalence of lameness in these cows, and the associated risk factors for lameness were identified through the measurement of animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators. The overall lameness prevalence was 4.2%. The majority (86%) had mild to moderate hock joint swellings but no or only mild carpal joint injuries. Approximately one-half had mild to moderate hock joint hair loss and most were free of hock joint ulcerations. Claw overgrowth was present in almost one half of the cows. Lameness prevalence was positively correlated with coat dirtiness, hock and carpal joint lesions, diarrhea and claw overgrowth scores. In a multivariate analysis, lameness prevalence increased as the Body Condition Score (BCS) decreased and was associated with increased udder dirtiness, the ulceration of the hock joint, carpal joint injuries and claw overgrowth. Resource-based indicators measured at the shelter level suggested that an absence of bedding in the sheds and an increase in the gradient of the shed flooring increased lameness. Addressing the principle risk factors identified for lameness in the sheltered cows (low body condition, dirty udders, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, overgrown claws, and a steep floor gradient) may help to reduce this serious animal welfare problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia.
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Effect of Parity on Claw Horn Lesions in Holstein Dairy Cows: Clinical and Radiological Study. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2018-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of parity on claw lesions prevalence in Holstein dairy cows through clinical and radiological observations. Ninety-seven cows were examined two months after calving to record body condition score, locomotion score, feet diagnostic imaging (X-ray), hoof trimming and clinical evaluation. According to the lactation, the cows were divided into three groups: first parity (Group 1, n=40), second parity (Group 2, n= 29) and third or more parity (Group 3, n=28). Several claw lesions were found. One-way analysis of variance was applied along with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Significant effect of groups was evidenced on radiographic images. In particular, the radiographic images showed a significant increase of osteolysis from Group 1 to Group 3. The application of Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significantly positive correlation between locomotion score and some claw lesions in all groups. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of claw lesions in dairy cow through clinical and radiological observations.
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ÖRTLEK O, ERDOĞAN H, ALIC URAL D, ERDOĞAN S, URAL K. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Rumen pH and Fecal Score in Cows with Subakut Ruminal Acidosis. MEHMET AKIF ERSOY ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2018. [DOI: 10.24880/maeuvfd.433720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Aspects of lameness in pasture based dairy systems. Vet J 2018; 244:83-90. [PMID: 30825900 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pasture-based dairy systems are implemented all over the world. Access to pasture is perceived to be advantageous for animal welfare in western societies. However, the benefits of grazing on lameness are not uniformly verifiable. This is related to the challenges that grazing cows face which are different from zero-grazing systems to some extent, but may nevertheless be deleterious. The distribution of lesion types comparing housed and pastured cattle differs between studies. This may be caused by differences in how strongly certain risk factors apply in these studies. Major risk factors for lameness in grazing cattle are related to the risk of trauma, for example from long walking distances and lack of track maintenance, and cow factors such as the adaptability of certain breeds to the grazing lifestyle. The consequences of lameness are similar to zero-grazing cattle and negatively affect animal welfare and productivity.
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Ring S, Twomey A, Byrne N, Kelleher M, Pabiou T, Doherty M, Berry D. Genetic selection for hoof health traits and cow mobility scores can accelerate the rate of genetic gain in producer-scored lameness in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10034-10047. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Bay V, Griffiths B, Carter S, Evans NJ, Lenzi L, Bicalho RC, Oikonomou G. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing reveals a polymicrobial nature of complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital phlegmon in dairy cattle. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15529. [PMID: 30341326 PMCID: PMC6195575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness represents an intractable problem for the dairy industry. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions, interdigital hyperplasia, and interdigital phlegmon are important lameness causing foot lesions. Their aetiology is multifactorial, but infectious processes are likely implicated in disease pathogenesis. Our aim was to investigate the bacterial profiles of these lesions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of samples obtained from 51 cattle across ten farms in the UK. In this study, interdigital hyperplasia, interdigital hyperplasia with signs of interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, complicated sole ulcers, complicated toe ulcers lesions, and complicated white line lesions were investigated; corresponding healthy skin control samples were also analysed. All diseased tissues displayed reduced microbial richness and diversity (as described by Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson alpha-diversity indices) compared to their healthy skin control samples. Our results confirm the association of Treponema spp with some of these disorders. Other anaerobic bacteria including Fusobacterium spp., Fastidiosipila spp. and Porphyromonas spp. were implicated in the aetiology of all these lesions with the exception of interdigital hyperplasia. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions, and interdigital phlegmon were found to have similar bacterial profiles. Such sharing of bacterial genera suggests many of the infectious agents detected in these foot lesions are acting opportunistically; this finding could contribute towards future treatment and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bay
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Griffiths
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - S Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - N J Evans
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Lenzi
- Centre for Genomic Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R C Bicalho
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
| | - G Oikonomou
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Stambuk CR, McArt JAA, Bicalho RC, Miles AM, Huson HJ. A longitudinal study of digital cushion thickness and its function as a predictor for compromised locomotion and hoof lesions in Holstein cows. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 3:74-83. [PMID: 32704780 PMCID: PMC7200577 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a major animal welfare and economic issue for the dairy industry and is a challenge to overcome due to multifaceted causes. Digital cushion thickness (DCT) is a strong predictor of lameness and is phenotypically associated with incidence of claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL; sole ulcers and white line disease). We hypothesized that DCT varies between digits and across lactation within the cow. This variation could be characterized to predict the occurrence of CHDL or compromised locomotion. BCS, visual locomotion score (VLS), DCT, and presence or absence of lesions were collected at 4 time points: <40 d prepartum (DPP), 1 to 30 d in milk (DIM), 90 to 120 DIM, and ≥255 DIM for 183 commercial Holstein cows enrolled in the study. Cows underwent digital sonographic examination for the measurement of DCT evaluated at the typical sole ulcer site beneath the flexor tuberosity for the right front medial and lateral digits and right hind medial and lateral digits. Factors such as parity number and stage in lactation were obtained from farm management software (DairyComp 305; Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA). Cows were grouped by parity: primiparous (parity = 1) or multiparous (parity ≥ 2). The prevalence of CHDL among time points ranged from 0% to 4.2% for primiparous cows vs. 2.5% to 25% for multiparous cows, whereas the prevalence of lameness based on VLS of 3 to 5 ranged from 1.7% to 8.3% for primiparous cows vs. 12.7% to 33% for multiparous cows. DCT varied within primiparous and multiparous cows based on stage of lactation and digit (P < 0.05) and was thicker for both parity groups prior to dry off (≥255 DIM) and thinnest prior to calving (<40 DPP) and after peak lactation (90 to 120 DIM). The DCT of the front medial digit was thickest for primiparous heifers, whereas the hind lateral digit was thickest for multiparous cows. The DCT of the hind medial digit was thinnest for both parity groups. Parity group and DCT of the hind lateral digit <40 DPP were important predictors of CHDL (P < 0.05), whereas parity group and DCT of the hind lateral digit and front lateral digit at 1 to 30 DIM were key predictors of VLS lameness (P < 0.05). These results may help identify animals with higher odds of developing these diseases by highlighting key time points and specific digits of importance for monitoring. In addition, it improves our biological understanding of the relationship between DCT and lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A A McArt
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Rodrigo C Bicalho
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Asha M Miles
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Heather J Huson
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Bran JA, Daros RR, von Keyserlingk MAG, Hötzel MJ. Lameness on Brazilian pasture based dairies-part 1: Farmers' awareness and actions. Prev Vet Med 2018; 157:134-141. [PMID: 30086841 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey aimed to verify farmers' awareness and knowledge about lameness in grazing dairy cows and to analyze their perspectives and actions intended to control this issue. Farms (n = 44, mean herd size: 42, SD = 11.2) located in southern Brazil were visited twice in 2015. On the first visit the farmers were requested to answer a questionnaire on lameness knowledge (relative importance as a health issue, aetiology, impacts on culling) and management (prevention, treatment and veterinary assistance) on their farms. Farmers were asked to estimate the number of lame cows present on their farms at each visit. All lactating cows on each farm were locomotion scored by a veterinarian to estimate lameness prevalence on both visits. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to test similarity between the veterinarian and farmer estimated lameness prevalence. Mixed-effects linear models were fitted to investigate the associations between veterinarian lameness estimated prevalence and farmers' answers regarding lameness importance and impacts on culling cows at the farms. On average, farmers underestimated lameness prevalence during both visits; however, when assessing only severe lameness, veterinarian and farmer prevalence lameness ratings were very similar on the second visit (ICC 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, n = 43, P < 0.01). The veterinarian's estimated lameness prevalence was about 10% higher on herds where farmers identified lameness as a primary health issue (40.24%) or as a reason for culling (41.7%) versus farms where the farmer did not recognize lameness as a health concern or reason for culling. Farmers' most reported causes of lameness on their farms were categorized as hoof trauma, inadequate feeding practices associated with acidosis-laminitis, high moisture on walking surfaces, and individual features of cows. Farmers mentioned frequently that they made use of antibiotics and topical hoof products to treat lame cows; they also reported low use of anti-inflammatories/analgesics and hoof trimming as treatment remedies and no one mentioned adoption of regular preventative measures for lameness. Farmers reported having no training on lameness management, and cited an overall lack of veterinary support to control lameness on their farms. The farmers seemed unaware of the extent of lameness on their farms. Interventions aimed at reducing lameness in small scale herds in this region of Brazil should include a preventative veterinary assistance approach focused, initially, to increase farmers' knowledge and awareness on lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Bran
- Laboratorio de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Rolnei R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, 2357 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | | | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratorio de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
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Heringstad B, Egger-Danner C, Charfeddine N, Pryce J, Stock K, Kofler J, Sogstad A, Holzhauer M, Fiedler A, Müller K, Nielsen P, Thomas G, Gengler N, de Jong G, Ødegård C, Malchiodi F, Miglior F, Alsaaod M, Cole J. Invited review: Genetics and claw health: Opportunities to enhance claw health by genetic selection. J Dairy Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bran JA, Daros RR, von Keyserlingk MAG, LeBlanc SJ, Hötzel MJ. Cow- and herd-level factors associated with lameness in small-scale grazing dairy herds in Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2018; 151:79-86. [PMID: 29496110 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess lameness occurrence and to identify the associated risk factors in small-scale grazing dairy herds. Forty four farms (mean lactating herd size was 42 cows, SD = 11.2, range: 28-74) located in the south of Brazil were visited twice, approximately 4 months apart, in 2015. Locomotion was scored in 1633 and 1836 cows at the first and second visit, respectively. Potential risk factors for lameness were assessed through inspection of cows and facilities, and a questionnaire for farmers about herd management practices. Multilevel logistic regressions, using herd as random effect, were fitted to investigate the cow-level risk factors for accumulated incident (not lame at the first visit but lame on the second), chronic (lame on both visits) and recovered (lame at the first visit but sound on the second) cases of lameness. A multilevel linear regression, using municipality as a random effect, was fitted for herd-level analysis. Cumulative lameness incidence between two visits (1110 cows in 41 herds) was 29.6% (range: 0-80); lameness prevalence (n = 44 herds) was 31% (10-70) and 35% (5-76) at the first and second visits, respectively. The odds of incident cases were greater in Holstein cows [odds ratio (OR) = 4.0, 95% confidence interval 2.1-7.6] compared with Jerseys, in cows in parities 2-3 (OR 2.5, 1.4-4.4) or >3 (OR 6.6, 3.3-13.1) relative to parity 1, in cows having a low body condition score (BCS) of 2-2.75 or 3 on the first visit (OR 2, 1.1-3.7), and in cows with observed hoof abnormalities (OR 2.5, 1.3-4.7). Similar associations were found for chronic cases, with Holstein and crossbred cows having greater odds of lameness, compared to Jersey, and chronic cases being more likely in cows with increasing parity, with BCS at first visit of 2-2.75, and with presence of hoof abnormalities. Jersey or crossbred cows (OR 3.2, 1.3-8.1) and cows in parity 1-2 (OR 3.6, 1.6-8.4) had higher probability of recovery from lameness. Having a herd composed of Holstein cows was associated with 13.5% (CI 4.3-22.8) greater incidence of lameness (n = 35). For every 1 km/h increase in the average speed of movement of the herd to or from milking, lameness incidence increased by 5% (CI 0.1-10). Given that the occurrence of lameness was high there is great opportunity to reduce lameness in this population. This study highlights some management and prevention practices that may reduce lameness in these grazing herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Bran
- Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Rolnei R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Stephen J LeBlanc
- Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
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Feldmann M, Hoedemaker M, Schulz T, Gundelach Y. Early detection and treatment of lame cows. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2017; 44:5-11. [DOI: 10.15653/tpg-150534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of specific hoof lesions on the locomotion score (LS) as well as the effect of early detection and treatment on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness. Material and methods: In a dairy herd in Lower Saxony, Germany, with 144 lactating cows, claw trimming was performed by a professional claw trimmer at the beginning and the end of a 41-week trial period. Weekly a veterinarian assessed the LS according to Sprecher et al. (1997) in 99 cows. The front and hind claws of cows with an LS > 1 were examined and treated within 5 days. For individual diagnoses, the duration of lameness was calculated as the number of weeks from first treatment until recovery (LS = 1).Results: In total, 580 examinations and treatments were performed on 94 cows. There were 189 new lameness cases with a total of 290 diagnoses. At the first treatment, 81.0% of the cows displayed an LS of 2. Cows with digital dermatitis (DD), heel horn erosion and white line disease (WLD) more often had an LS > 2 compared to cows with Rusterholz’ sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia or inadequate claw length/posture (p < 0.05). Cows with only one affected leg, more often had an LS > 2 than cows with several affected legs (p < 0.1). Lameness caused by WLD and arthritis/ periarthritis remained for the longest time period. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages and/or double soles, WLD, interdigital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia decreased significantly during the test period. Prevalence of sole ulcer (sole ulcer and Rusterholz’ sole ulcer) and DD remained unaffected. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Locomotion score was affected by the type of claw/limb disorder and the number of diseased limbs. Regular locomotion scoring and continuous treatment of cows with an LS > 1 is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of several claw lesions. Therefore, prevalence of severe claw lesions like WLD, which was associated with a long duration of lameness, can be reduced. In con trast, for decreasing prevalence of digital dermatitis more than weekly treatment of every cow with LS > 1 is required. Preventive measures like footbaths or improved hygiene should accompany the individual animal treatment.
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O'Driscoll K, McCabe M, Earley B. Leukocyte profile, gene expression, acute phase response, and metabolite status of cows with sole hemorrhages. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9382-9391. [PMID: 28843693 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sole hemorrhages result from disruption to normal claw horn formation and are caused by a variety of internal and external factors. Evidence suggests that they are painful, although they do not usually cause clinical lameness and are difficult to detect by observing cow gait. Little is known about how or whether sole hemorrhages affect the cow systemically. This study compared hematology profile, leukocyte gene expression, and physiological responses of cows with no/mild hemorrhages (category 1; n = 17), moderate hemorrhages (category 2; n = 18), and severe hemorrhages (category 3; n = 12). At approximately 100 d in milk, all cows in the study herd (n = 374) were locomotion scored before hoof examination. The cows included in the study were not clinically lame and had no other hoof disorder. Blood samples were taken from all cows within 24 h of selection. Leukocyte counts were obtained using an automated cell counter, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration by ELISA, and plasma haptoglobin, urea, total protein, creatine kinase and glucose were analyzed on a clinical chemistry analyzer. Expression of 16 genes associated with lameness or stress were estimated using real-time quantitative PCR. Data from cows within each category were compared using the Mixed procedure in SAS (version 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Fixed effects included hemorrhage severity category and lactation number, with days in milk and body condition score included as covariates. Locomotion score worsened as sole hemorrhage category worsened. Locomotion score of category 1 cows tended to be lower than that of category 2 cows and was lower than that of category 3 cows. The locomotion score of category 3 cows was also greater than that of categories 1 and 2 combined. Category had no effect on leukocyte number, on any of the individual leukocyte cell numbers or percentages, cortisol or DHEA concentration, cortisol:DHEA ratio, or relative expression of any of the genes investigated, and we detected no differences in plasma glucose, protein, or creatine kinase concentrations between categories. However, category 3 cows had greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and tended to have lesser concentrations of plasma urea than category 1 and 2 cows. The differences in gait between cows with no or minor sole hemorrhages and cows with severe hemorrhages indicate that hemorrhages may be associated with discomfort or pain. Nevertheless, the only physiological measure that changed with increasing locomotion score was plasma haptoglobin concentration. Haptoglobin has previously been found to be elevated in lame cows, and thus shows promise as a marker for limb pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland.
| | - Matthew McCabe
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Bernadette Earley
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
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Thomsen PT, Hansen I, Martin HL, Kudahl AB. Sole haemorrhages in Danish bull calves: Prevalence and risk factors. Vet J 2017; 224:44-45. [PMID: 28697874 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the prevalence of sole haemorrhages among Danish dairy breed bull calves and associated risk factors, 730 calves were hoof trimmed shortly before slaughter and the presence of sole haemorrhages was recorded. Associations between the outcomes sole haemorrhages and severe sole haemorrhages, and the explanatory variables daily weight gain, liver abscesses and flooring, were analysed. Of the 730 calves, 545 (74.7%) had sole haemorrhages and 119 (16.3%) had severe sole haemorrhages. Calves housed on slatted concrete floors with cubicles had higher odds of sole haemorrhages (odds ratio, OR, 2.69, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.81-4.00; P<0.001) and severe sole haemorrhages (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.36-3.14; P<0.001) than calves housed on deep litter straw. The odds of severe sole haemorrhages increased with increasing daily weight gain (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.54 for an increase of 100g/day; P=0.008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Thomsen
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Tjele, DK-8830, Denmark.
| | - Isabella Hansen
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Tjele, DK-8830, Denmark
| | - Henrik Læssøe Martin
- SEGES Dairy and Beef Research Centre, Agro Food Park 15, Aarhus N, DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Anne B Kudahl
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Tjele, DK-8830, Denmark
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Newsome R, Green M, Bell N, Bollard N, Mason C, Whay H, Huxley J. A prospective cohort study of digital cushion and corium thickness. Part 2: Does thinning of the digital cushion and corium lead to lameness and claw horn disruption lesions? J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4759-4771. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Newsome R, Green M, Bell N, Bollard N, Mason C, Whay H, Huxley J. A prospective cohort study of digital cushion and corium thickness. Part 1: Associations with body condition, lesion incidence, and proximity to calving. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4745-4758. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Passos LT, Cruz EAD, Fischer V, Porciuncula GCD, Werncke D, Dalto AGC, Stumpf MT, Vizzotto EF, da Silveira IDB. Dairy cows change locomotion score and sensitivity to pain with trimming and infectious or non-infectious lesions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:851-856. [PMID: 28332069 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lameness can negatively affect production, but there is still controversy about the perception of pain in dairy cows. This study aimed to verify the effects of hoof affections in dairy cows on locomotion score, physiological attributes, pressure nociceptive threshold, and thermographic variables, as well as assess improvement on these variables after corrective trimming and treatment. Thirty-four lame lactating cows were gait-scored, and all cows with locomotion score ≥4 were retained for this study 1 day before trimming. Lame cows were diagnosed, pressure nociceptive threshold at sound, and affected hooves were measured, thermographic images were recorded, and physiological attributes were evaluated. Hooves with lesions were trimmed and treated and cows were re-evaluated 1 week after such procedures. The experimental design was a completely randomized design. Each cow was considered an experimental unit and traits were analyzed using paired t test, linear correlation, and linear regression. Digital and interdigital dermatitis were classified as infectious diseases while laminitis sequels, sole ulcers, and white line were classified as non-infectious diseases. After 1 week, the locomotion score was reduced on average in 1.5 points. Trimming increased the pressure nociceptive threshold for cows with non-infectious affections while tended to increase the pressure nociceptive threshold for cows with infectious affections. Physiological attributes and thermographic values did not change with trimming. Trimming and treatment have benefic effects on animal welfare as gait is improved and sensitivity to pain is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Passos
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - E A da Cruz
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - V Fischer
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - G C da Porciuncula
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - D Werncke
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - A G C Dalto
- Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, FAVET-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540000, Brazil
| | - M T Stumpf
- Faculdade de Agroecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Marechal Floriano Peixoto, 2236, São Lourenço do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 96170-000, Brazil
| | - E F Vizzotto
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 7712, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - I D B da Silveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Campus Universitário-s/n, Capão do Leão, RS, 96160-990, Brazil
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UPADHYAY DEEPAK, SINGH MUKESH, GAUR GK, PATEL BHM, VERMA MR, BHARTI PK, DUTT TRIVENI. Does floor surface affect locomotion behaviour of crossbred cows under loose housing system? THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v87i2.67696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of floor surface on lameness score and walking speed of crossbred cows under loose housing system. Crossbred cows (24) were selected and randomly assigned into one of the four groups (6 in each group) having different combination of flooring surface viz. T0-Concrete floor (in covered feeding area) + Brick paved (in open area), T1-Concrete (in covered feeding area) + Sand bed (in open area), T2- Rubber mat (in covered feeding area) + Sand bed (in open area) and T3- Rubber mat (in covered feeding area) + Brick paved (in open area). All experimental animals were scored for lameness using “Visual Lameness Scoring†(VLS) system on 1-5 scale. Walking speed of cows was also observed during experimental period. Lameness scores were significantly different between the groups. Lameness score were greater for cow housed in T3 and T0 group. However, lameness score were lower in cows housed in T1 and T2 group. Walking speed differed significantly between treatments and was greater in T2 and T1 than T3 and T0. Cow housed in T0 and T3 group walked slower compared to T1 and T2 group. Further, proportionally greater numbers of cows with higher lameness score were found in T0 and T3 group. It can be concluded that equipping open area with sand bed with either concrete or rubber mat in covered area improved animal welfare in term of decreasing lameness. While providing rubber mat alone with brick was comparable to concrete and brick.
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