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Doidge C, Ånestad LM, Burrell A, Frössling J, Palczynski L, Pardon B, Veldhuis A, Bokma J, Carmo LP, Hopp P, Guelbenzu-Gonzalo M, Meunier NV, Ordell A, Santman-Berends I, van Schaik G, Kaler J. A Living Lab approach to understanding dairy farmers' technology and data needs to improve herd health: Focus groups from 6 European countries. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5754-5778. [PMID: 38490555 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24155] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
For successful development and adoption of technology on dairy farms, farmers need to be included in the innovation process. However, the design of agricultural technologies usually takes a top-down approach with little involvement of end-users at the early stages. Living Labs offer a methodology that involve end-users throughout the development process and emphasize the importance of understanding users' needs. Currently, exploration of dairy farmers' technology needs has been limited to specific types of technology (e.g., smartphone apps) and adult cattle. The aim of this study was to use a Living Lab approach to identify dairy farmers' data and technology needs to improve herd health and inform innovation development. We conducted 18 focus groups with a total of 80 dairy farmers from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Data were analyzed using Template Analysis, and 6 themes were generated representing the fundamental needs of autonomy, comfort, competence, community and relatedness, purpose, and security. Farmers favored technologies that provided them with convenience, facilitated their knowledge and understanding of problems on farm, and allowed them to be self-reliant. Issues with data sharing and accessibility and usability of software were barriers to technology use. Furthermore, farmers were facing problems around recruitment and management of labor and needed ways to reduce stress. Controlling aspects of the barn environment, such as air quality, hygiene, and stocking density, were particular concerns in relation to youngstock management. Overall, the findings suggest that developers of farm technologies may want to include farmers in the design process to ensure a positive user experience and improve accessibility. The needs identified in this study can be used as a framework when designing farm technologies to strengthen need satisfaction and reduce any potential harm toward needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Doidge
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | - L M Ånestad
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - A Burrell
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - J Frössling
- Department of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Risk Assessment, Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - L Palczynski
- Innovation for Agriculture, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ, United Kingdom
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - A Veldhuis
- Royal GD, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - J Bokma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L P Carmo
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - P Hopp
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | | | - N V Meunier
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - A Ordell
- Department of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Risk Assessment, Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - G van Schaik
- Royal GD, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J Kaler
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
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2
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Van Driessche L, Santschi DE, Paquet É, Renaud D, Charbonneau É, Gauthier ML, Chancy A, Barbeau-Grégoire N, Buczinski S. Hygiene management practices and adenosine triphosphate luminometry of feeding equipment in preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec, Canada. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:8885-8896. [PMID: 37641362 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23626] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the cleaning practices currently used for preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec, Canada. In addition, contamination of feeding equipment for preweaning calves was described using ATP (expressed as relative light units, RLU), visual assessment, and bacteriological analysis. A questionnaire was administered on 50 commercial dairy farms in Quebec, Canada, regarding the self-reported cleaning protocol used for feeding equipment of preweaning calves. During the visit, a visual score was given to the feeding equipment available at the farm. Afterward, ATP luminometry measurements were obtained using Hygiene UltraSnap and MicroSnap swabs (Hygiene, Camarillo, CA), and the liquid rinsing technique for buckets, nipples, bottles, esophageal tube feeders (ET), the tube of automatic milk feeders (AMF), water samples, and milk replacer. An additional direct swabbing technique was performed on buckets and nipples. The fluid retrieved from the liquid rinsing technique was also used to determine the total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count. Based on the bacteriological analysis, optimal RLU cutoff values to determine contamination were obtained. The median (interquartile range) luminometer measurements using the UltraSnap and direct technique for buckets and nipples were 2,082 (348-7,410) and 3,462 (462-7,518) RLU, respectively; and, using the liquid technique for bottles, ET, AMF, water, and milk replacer were 43 (4-974), 15 (4-121), 301 (137-1,323), 190 (71-358), and 94 (38-218) RLU, respectively. Overall, for all equipment and both techniques used, higher RLU values were seen in UltraSnap samples compared with MicroSnap samples. Additionally, for buckets and nipples, higher RLU values were obtained for the direct swabbing method compared with the liquid sampling method for both swabs used. No differences in the level of contamination were seen between the different feeding equipment used within a farm. Overall, a higher correlation with bacteriological results was noticed for ATP luminometry compared with the visual score, with a high correlation for nipples and bottles using the UltraSnap and liquid technique. Based on the classification of "contaminated" (TBC ≥100,000 cfu/mL) or "not contaminated" (TBC <100,000 cfu/mL), optimal ATP luminometer cutoff values for buckets, nipples, bottles, AMF, water, and milk replacer were 798, 388, 469, 282, 1,432, and 93 RLU, respectively. No clear association was found between ATP measurements and the self-reported cleaning protocol. This study gave new insights into the current cleaning procedures and contamination of feeding equipment for preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec. In addition, ATP luminometry cutoff values could help benchmark farms regarding cleaning practices and provide customized advice, improving the overall hygiene management, and thus the health, of preweaning calves on dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Driessche
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Éric Paquet
- Department of Animal Science, University of Laval, Quebec City, G1V0A6, QC, Canada
| | - David Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Édith Charbonneau
- Department of Animal Science, University of Laval, Quebec City, G1V0A6, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Lou Gauthier
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, St-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Anaïs Chancy
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Barbeau-Grégoire
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Buczinski
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada.
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3
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Donlon JD, McAloon CG, Hyde R, Aly S, Pardon B, Mee JF. A systematic review of the relationship between housing environmental factors and bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves - Part 1: Ammonia, air microbial count, particulate matter and endotoxins. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106031. [PMID: 37778652 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106031] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in calves across diverse management systems. Despite expert opinion often citing the influence of housing environment on the level of respiratory disease in calf groups, there have been few reviews of environmental factors that predispose to BRD. This systematic review was undertaken to identify the measurable environmental variables associated with respiratory disease in housed preweaned calves. To achieve this Pubmed, CAB Direct and Scopus databases were searched. To be considered for inclusion, publications had to be fully published in English, published before 24 November, 2022 and include at least one measurable/ manipulated environmental variable and a standardized method of BRD detection. Twelve publications were included in this review. These examined a wide range of risk factors including air microbial count (four publications), air particulate matter (one publication); air endotoxins (one publication) and air ammonia (four publications). From the included publications, a statistically significant relationship to BRD was identified in 2/4 examining air microbial count, 1/1 examining air particulate matter, 1/1 examining air endotoxins and 2/4 examining air ammonia. This review indicated a paucity of evidence from the peer-review literature demonstrating a significant association between the many investigated exposure factors and BRD occurrence. An optimal environment for housed calves could not be clearly identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Donlon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland.
| | - C G McAloon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R Hyde
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - S Aly
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 93274, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 95616, USA
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - J F Mee
- Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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4
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Donlon JD, McAloon CG, Hyde R, Aly S, Pardon B, Mee JF. A systematic review of the relationship between housing environmental factors and bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves - Part 2: Temperature, relative humidity and bedding. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106032. [PMID: 37757972 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106032] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a challenge in all housed farming systems that raise calves. Farm to farm variation in BRD prevalence can be partially attributed to variation in host immunity, pathogens and housing environment. Unlike host immunity and BRD pathogens, housing environment has not been well investigated. The objective of this systematic review was to identify the measurable environmental variables associated with BRD in housed preweaned calves. Pubmed, CAB Direct and Scopus databases were searched. To be considered for inclusion publications had to be published in English, before 24 November, 2022 and include at least one measurable/ manipulated environmental variable and a standardized method of BRD detection. In total 12 publications were included in this review. In this second part of the systematic review the environmental variables identified were; temperature (9 publications); relative humidity (8 publications); bedding (5 publications); ventilation (1 publication); air CO2 concentration (1 publication) and air velocity (4 publications). Of the publications that were examined a statistically significant relationship to BRD was identified in 4/9 publications examining temperature, 3/8 examining relative humidity, 2/4 examining air velocity, 2/5 examining bedding, 0/1 examining ventilation rates and 0/1 examining CO2 concentration. From this review it is clear high airspeed at calf level should be avoided as should deep, wet pack bedding. The relationship between BRD prevalence and both high and low temperature requires more investigation to identify temperature thresholds associated with increased risk of BRD as well as the most influential modifiers. An optimal environment for housed calves could not be clearly identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Donlon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co, Meath C15 PW93, Ireland.
| | - C G McAloon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R Hyde
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - S Aly
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 93274, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 95616, USA
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - J F Mee
- Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co, Cork, Ireland
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortazar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MA, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Jensen MB, Waiblinger S, Candiani D, Lima E, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Winckler C. Welfare of calves. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07896. [PMID: 37009444 PMCID: PMC10050971 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission request on the welfare of calves as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. EFSA was asked to provide a description of common husbandry systems and related welfare consequences, as well as measures to prevent or mitigate the hazards leading to them. In addition, recommendations on three specific issues were requested: welfare of calves reared for white veal (space, group housing, requirements of iron and fibre); risk of limited cow–calf contact; and animal‐based measures (ABMs) to monitor on‐farm welfare in slaughterhouses. The methodology developed by EFSA to address similar requests was followed. Fifteen highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, with respiratory disorders, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, gastroenteric disorders and group stress being the most frequent across husbandry systems. Recommendations to improve the welfare of calves include increasing space allowance, keeping calves in stable groups from an early age, ensuring good colostrum management and increasing the amounts of milk fed to dairy calves. In addition, calves should be provided with deformable lying surfaces, water via an open surface and long‐cut roughage in racks. Regarding specific recommendations for veal systems, calves should be kept in small groups (2–7 animals) within the first week of life, provided with ~ 20 m2/calf and fed on average 1 kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF) per day, preferably using long‐cut hay. Recommendations on cow–calf contact include keeping the calf with the dam for a minimum of 1 day post‐partum. Longer contact should progressively be implemented, but research is needed to guide this implementation in practice. The ABMs body condition, carcass condemnations, abomasal lesions, lung lesions, carcass colour and bursa swelling may be collected in slaughterhouses to monitor on‐farm welfare but should be complemented with behavioural ABMs collected on farm.
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Sinnott AM, Bokkers EAM, Murphy JP, Kennedy E. A Survey of Calf Housing Facilities Pre-Weaning, Management Practices and Farmer Perceptions of Calf Welfare on Irish Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061019. [PMID: 36978560 PMCID: PMC10044077 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is unknown whether calf rearing facilities in the Republic of Ireland are fit for purpose, or if facilities sufficiently consider calf and farmer welfare. The aim of this study was to review current calf housing facilities and management practices on Irish farms to determine if calves are reared in structurally appropriate facilities with management decisions that safeguard calf and farmer welfare. Fifty-one farms located in the Munster region in the Republic of Ireland were visited twice: (1) Pre-calving (December–January) and (2) During peak calving (January–March). During visit one, herd owners completed a questionnaire regarding calf housing and management practices on-farm and each facility used to rear calves was measured (measurement of cubic air capacity, ventilation, pen area, drainage etc.) without calves being present. Visit two consisted of a short interview with the principal calf manager to validate previously asked questions and environmental based measurements of each calf house that had been recorded, with any deviation from the first visit noted (measurements of temperature, wind speed, light intensity, facility provisions in-house and in-pen; calves present). Average herd size was 254, operating a spring calving system with a median calving season length of 11.6 weeks. While most farms expanded (88%; N = 51), this did not appear to have negatively affected calf space allowances (9.9% houses overcrowded at a space allowance of 1.5 m2/calf; N = 121). Calves were most commonly housed in group sizes of <12 (71.6% of all groupings; N = 394), with farmers moving away from individual housing for a period immediately post-birth, to grouping them immediately instead (58.8%; N = 51). The number of farmers testing colostrum was 31.4% (N = 51). Although the calving season was compact, most farmers were unconcerned about the upcoming spring workload (58.8%; N = 51). Farms appeared sufficiently prepared for spring, with most using the same number or less sheds during visit two than declared in visit one (76.5%; N = 51). To conclude, farmers made sufficient provision for calf housing and space allowances for calves that facilitated group housing post-birth. While structural and management components of rearing systems appear in line with sectoral recommendations, certain areas require attention on many farms (e.g., colostrum testing) to safeguard calf welfare and reduce the workload associated with calf rearing for farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Sinnott
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie A. M. Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - John Paul Murphy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Emer Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-254-2382
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Mahendran SA, Blackie N, Wathes DC, Booth RE. Comparison of environment quality measurements between 3 types of calf housing in the United Kingdom. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:2461-2474. [PMID: 36797181 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Preweaning calves are kept in a range of housing types that offer variable protection against the weather and provide differing internal environments. This cross-sectional observational study assessed the effect of housing type (shed, polytunnel, or hutches) on internal environmental parameters, using 2 blocks of 8-wk measurements from 10 commercial dairy farms in the south of England, covering both summer and winter periods. Continuous measurements for internal and external temperature and humidity were recorded by data logger placed within the calf housing and used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). Weekly point readings were also taken for temperature, humidity, light, air speed, ammonia level, and airborne particulate matter. Airborne bacterial levels were determined at wk 2, 5, and 8 by incubating air samples at 35°C for 24 h in aerobic conditions. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Housing type influenced THI significantly in both seasons. In summer, calves were exposed to heat stress conditions (THI ≥72) for 39, 31, and 14 of 46 d in polytunnel housing, hutches, and sheds, respectively. The maximum summer temperature (37.0°C) was recorded in both hutch and polytunnel housing, with sheds remaining consistently cooler (maximum 31.0°C). In winter, the lowest minimum internal temperature recorded was in hutches at -4.5°C, with both the sheds and polytunnel, but not hutches, providing a significant increase in temperature compared with the external environment. Hutches remained ≤ 10°C for 86% of the winter study period. Light levels were reduced in all housing types compared with the external environment. The particulate matter in air that is capable of reaching the lungs (particulate matter <10 μm) was highest in sheds, intermediate in hutches, and lowest in polytunnel housing (0.97 ± 3.75, 0.37 ± 0.44, and 0.20 ± 0.24 mg/m3, respectively). This was mirrored by airborne bacterial numbers, which were also highest in sheds (8,017 ± 2,141 cfu/m3), intermediate in hutches (6,870 ± 2,084 cfu/m3), and lowest in the polytunnel (3,357 ± 2,572 cfu/m3). Round, white, catalase-positive, and oxidase-negative colonies were most prevalent, likely indicating Staphylococcus species. This study demonstrated that UK calves are routinely exposed to either heat or cold stress, especially when housed in hutches or polytunnels. Sheds had the highest levels of particulate matter and airborne bacteria, both known contributory factors for respiratory disease. These findings demonstrate that all calf housing systems result in environmental compromises that could have long-term impacts on calf health and growth; therefore, further studies should identify husbandry and housing modifications to mitigate these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Mahendran
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Blackie
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Richard E Booth
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
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Areche FO, Gondal AH, Rodriguez AR, Flores DDC, Sulca JYM, Bustamante MAC, Pérez PL, Yapias RJM, Victorio JPE, Huayhua LLA. Fragile Effects of Climatic Variation on Goat Protein and its Products: A Review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.12944/crnfsj.10.3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Goats are useful to smaller communities because of their low production costs, limited feed requirements, rapid generation rates, and ability to consistently provide modest volumes of milk that are suitable for immediate use in home. The flavour of dairy dishes is greatly influenced by the proteins found in goat milk and contributing in texture, viscosity, and structure to dairy dishes, all of which enhance the dining experience. Amino acids like glycine, alanine, and peptides can act as precursors to other volatile aroma-active molecules and so set off basic flavours. Increasing temperatures have major consequences for goat milk by-products, including as altering their flavour through denaturation of proteins, the emission of sulfuric chemicals, and an eggy fragrance in the case of scaled milk. Although there has been increasing evidence that environmental changes have an impact on food availability and quality in recent decades, the impacts of these changes on food composition are still largely understood. The potential impact of climate change on food quality must be disclosed. This study suggests a fundamental, but as of yet unexplored, method by which climate change can impact global food and nutrition security: changes in food nutritional content beyond those caused by agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Ore Areche
- 1Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica-Peru
| | - Aqarab Husnain Gondal
- 2Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Alfonso Ruiz Rodriguez
- 1Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica-Peru
| | - Denis Dante Corilla Flores
- 1Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica-Peru
| | - Jeny Yanet Marquez Sulca
- 1Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica-Peru
| | | | - Peter Llimpe Pérez
- 1Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica-Peru
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Bharti PK, BISWAL PRACHURYA, KAMAL REENA, DEVI BHANITA, DUTT TRIVENI. Effect of weaning on performance of dairy buffaloes in tropical conditions - A review. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v92i11.100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Weaning is one of the important management practices, which is mostly followed at organized dairy farms in India and abroad. Generally breeding programme at buffalo farms focusses on milk production, however weaning can additionally boost the total milk production of the dairy farm, apart from increasing the reproductive potential of adults and promoting scientific rearing of young calves. There is little information on early weaning of buffalo calves and its effect on production and reproduction performances of dams during post-partum in Indian buffaloes. However, early weaning may be associated with the restriction of colostrum feeding and essential nutrients for dairy buffalo calves. Breaking the maternal bond is stressful to the calf and lactating buffaloes, which can be evaluated by biochemical indicators of stress in bovine models. Although, weaning at birth is well established in dairy cattle, in case of buffaloes, it may yield significant outcomes in terms of estimating actual milk production and increasing precious buffalo milk in the market for human consumption. On the other hand, weaning practice in dairy buffaloes has been limitedly investigated and not reviewed properly under variable conditions. Keeping in view the impact of weaning, the present paper has been aimed to review the effect of weaning on performance of dairy buffaloes under tropical conditions. The weaning practices in dairy buffaloes can reduce the feeding cost of calves and increase the reproductive potential of the dairy animals through early resumption of post-partum ovarian cyclicity. However, more trials need to be conducted in dairy buffaloes for understanding the relationship between the behaviour of weaned animals and age of weaning towards better adaptability and optimum production at dairy farms.
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Uyama T, Renaud DL, Morrison EI, McClure JT, LeBlanc SJ, Winder CB, de Jong E, McCubbin KD, Barkema HW, Dufour S, Sanchez J, Heider LC, Kelton DF. Associations of calf management practices with antimicrobial use in Canadian dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9084-9097. [PMID: 36175237 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between management practices and antimicrobial use in heifer calves on Canadian dairy farms. Questionnaires on calf management practices, herd characteristics, and calf treatment records were administered on 147 dairy farms in 5 provinces during annual farm visits in a multiyear, nationwide research project (Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance: CaDNetASR). Questions focused on the calf caregiver, calving pen, colostrum management, milk feeding, grouping, bedding management, and age when male calves were sold. Antimicrobial treatment records were collected on each farm from either an electronic herd management system or paper-based records. Newborn heifers born in the last 12 mo were identified retrospectively and followed to 60 d of age, with antimicrobial treatments and dates of sale or death extracted for further analysis. A multivariable linear regression model was developed with the natural log of the number of antimicrobial treatments per calf-year as the dependent variable, and categorized calf management practices and farm characteristics as the independent variables. A complete data set of records on 7,817 calves was retrieved from 74 farms based on completeness of calf records. A total of 2,310 calves were treated at least once with an antimicrobial, and 7,307 individual antimicrobial treatments were recorded. Among the reasons for antimicrobial use, respiratory disease (54%) was most common, followed by diarrhea (20%), presence of a fever (3%), and umbilical disease (2%). Florfenicol (33% of recorded treatments), penicillin (23%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (18%) were commonly used, whereas fluoroquinolones (4%), and ceftiofur (1%) were used less commonly. Farms (31%) commonly had 0-1.0 antimicrobial treatments/calf-year (median: 2.2 treatments/calf-year; interquartile range: 0.64-6.43 treatments/calf-year). Defined daily dose (DDD) per calf-year was calculated based on the Canadian bovine standards. Among the 74 farms, florfenicol (1.35 DDD/calf-year) and macrolides (0.73 DDD/calf-year) were used most, whereas ceftiofur (0.008 DDD/calf-year) was the lowest. The final multivariable linear regression model indicated that farms that fed transition milk had fewer than half the number of antimicrobial treatments per calf-year than those who did not feed transition milk. The number of antimicrobial treatments per calf-year in preweaning calves was low on many farms, and there was low use of highly important drugs for human medicine. The effect of feeding transition milk should be investigated regarding potential effects on antimicrobial use and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Uyama
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E I Morrison
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J T McClure
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - S J LeBlanc
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - C B Winder
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E de Jong
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - K D McCubbin
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - S Dufour
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - J Sanchez
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - L C Heider
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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11
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Bonizzi S, Gislon G, Brasca M, Morandi S, Sandrucci A, Zucali M. Air Quality, Management Practices and Calf Health in Italian Dairy Cattle Farms. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172286. [PMID: 36078006 PMCID: PMC9454719 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Calf mortality is an important factor of economic loss in dairy operations. Among the factors which can affect calf health, air quality in calf housing has rarely been studied. In the present research, the relations among air quality in the calf pens, management practices, microclimatic conditions and calf health and mortality were studied in 25 Italian dairy cattle farms. Microbial air quality in the calf pens was found to be related to temperature and humidity, design and position of the pen, some management practices and calf health and mortality. Maintaining dry bedding and controlling microclimatic conditions in the calf pen can be useful practices to promote good air microbiological quality in the calf pen, improving calf health and reducing mortality. Abstract Among factors that can affect calf health, microbial quality of the pen air is poorly studied. In 25 Italian dairy farms, data concerning air quality in the calf pens, hygiene of pens and equipment, microclimatic conditions, calf health and management were collected during the winter season (January-March 2020 and December-March 2021). The average air Standard Plate Count (SPC) of 85 pens was 4.51 (SD = 0.52) log10 cfu/m3 whereas the average air ammonia concentration was 0.66 (SD = 0.53) ppm. Positive correlations were found between average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in the pen and air SPC, night maximum THI and air SPC and between SPC and yeast, mould and ammonia concentration in the pen air. The concentrations of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts in the pen air were higher and calf cough increased as the renewal interval of bedding material became longer. High bedding dry matter and low THI were associated with low air SPC, good calf health scores and low mortality. Maintaining low bedding humidity and controlling microclimatic conditions can contribute to enhancing air microbiological quality in the pen and reduce calf diseases and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bonizzi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gislon
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Brasca
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Morandi
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Sandrucci
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50316453
| | - Maddalena Zucali
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
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12
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Grothe J, Thornsberry RM. Commercial Dairy Calf Management: Impact on Performance and Health. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2022; 38:63-75. [PMID: 35219486 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition for the calf from the milk-feeding phase to the grouping and dry feed feeding phase is the second most difficult time for a calf, with the most difficult life phase being parturition and the first day of life. Reducing these stress factors directly relates to reduced health problems and better performance during subsequent life phases. This review will discuss some of the key management factors associated with achieving maximum production potential for the commercial dairy calf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R M Thornsberry
- Mid America Veterinary Consulting, PO Box 818, Richland, MO 65556, USA
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13
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Cummings DB, Meyer NF, Step DL. Bovine Respiratory Disease Considerations in Young Dairy Calves. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2022; 38:93-105. [PMID: 35219488 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Raising young dairy calves presents many challenges for producers and veterinarians including losses attributable to BRD. This article will discuss several key concepts for practitioners to consider when applying evidence-based medicine for the control and treatment of BRD in young dairy calves. The authors review BRD complex, provide considerations for diagnostic approaches, and discuss research associated with the control and treatment of BRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Cummings
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., 3239 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA, 30096.
| | - Nathan F Meyer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., 3239 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA, 30096; Affiliate Faculty, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523
| | - Douglas L Step
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., 3239 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA, 30096
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14
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Buczinski S, Morin MP, Roy JP, Rousseau M, Villettaz-Robichaud M, Dubuc J. Use of ATP luminometry to assess the cleanliness of equipment used to collect and feed colostrum on dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1638-1648. [PMID: 34802728 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to describe the cleanliness of various equipment used for colostrum harvest and calf feeding procedures on dairy farms in Québec, Canada. The study was performed on 42 commercial dairy herds also enrolled in another study aiming to determine the transfer of passive immunity over a 14-mo period. Information on colostrum quality (using Brix value) and cleanliness (total aerobic and total coliform count) were recorded as well as various practices focused on colostrum-feeding equipment and preweaning period using a standard questionnaire. During the study period, colostrum and milk-feeding equipment cleanliness was assessed using direct surface swabbing with Hygiena Ultrasnap swabs. A total of 155 swab samples were obtained from 6 pieces of equipment. Adenosine triphosphate collected from the swabbed surface reacts with the luciferase solution present in the swab by bioluminescence, which is proportional to the quantity of ATP present and quantified as relative light units (RLU). The description of feed equipment cleanliness (defined as the maximal RLU found for a specific herd, dichotomized as <1,000 RLU vs. ≥1,000 RLU) was compared with the herds' descriptive characteristics, focusing on the first 2 components of a multiple correspondence analysis. The median (range) RLU for buckets used for colostrum harvest, bucket or bottle used for feeding, tube feeders, milking colostrum line, and internal surface of the nipples were 41 RLU (3-1,625 RLU), 78 RLU (<1-3,765 RLU), 29 RLU (<1-2,177 RLU), 83 RLU (<1-9,968 RLU), and 1,101 RLU (2-9,546 RLU), respectively. The first 2 components of multiple correspondence analysis explained 24.7% of data variances and were related to the farms' hygiene and health (13.0%) and feeding practices (11.7% of data variance). The maximal dichotomized luminometry value (<1,000 RLU or ≥1,000 RLU) was associated with hygiene and health dimension. This study gave promising results concerning the potential application of ATP luminometry for calf rearing practices assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Buczinski
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Pascale Morin
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Roy
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Marjolaine Rousseau
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | | | - Jocelyn Dubuc
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
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15
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Gomes V, Pinheiro F, Silva K, Bosco K, Morita L, Minervino A, Madureira K. Morbidity and mortality in Holstein calves from birth to 145 days of age on a large dairy farm in Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the morbidity and mortality associated with the most common diseases during the rearing period of Holstein calves in a high-production dairy farm. The calves (n = 600) were allocated to three groups based on age: G1 (1-7 days, n = 216), G2 (30-40 days, n = 188), and G3 (69-85 days, n = 196). They were evaluated over 60 days at eight different times. The morbidity rates were 47.67% (286/600) for diarrhea, 73.00% (438/600) for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and 3.83% (23/600) for umbilical inflammation (UI). The mortality rate was 2.33% (14/600) for all the animals studied. The morbidity differed in the groups, with higher rates of diarrhea (78.85%, 166/216) and UI (6.94%, 15/216) in G1, and the highest rate of BRD in G3 (79.59%, 156/196). Diarrhea was associated with the occurrence of BRD in G1 and G2. Even in farms with good management practices, there is high morbidity associated with diarrhea and BRD, with the morbidity rate for diarrhea decreasing and that for BRD increasing as the animals get older. In addition, diarrhea is an important risk factor for BRD, especially in younger animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Gomes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Assessment of Influential Factors for Scours Associated with Cryptosporidium sp., Rotavirus and Coronavirus in Calves from Argentinean Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092652. [PMID: 34573615 PMCID: PMC8466251 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Scours is the most common disease in dairy calves, and it is a multifactorial syndrome complex. Cryptosporidium sp., rotavirus group A, and bovine coronavirus are the three main pathogens associated with scours. The objective of this study was to identify potential factors associated with scours and these three pathogens in preweaned dairy calves. The results of this study indicated that scours is a prevalent disease in farms of Salta, Argentina, and that rotavirus and Cryptosporidium sp. infections, along with specific farm management practices, might be important contributing factors that could increase the chance of scours in dairy farms. Abstract Scours is the most common disease in dairy calves, and it is a multifactorial syndrome complex. Cryptosporidium sp. (C. sp.), rotavirus group A (RVA), and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are the three main pathogens associated with scours. The objective of this study was to identify potential factors associated with scours, C. sp., RVA, and BCoV infections in preweaned dairy calves from Lerma Valley in Salta Province, Argentina. A total of 488 preweaned calves from 19 dairy farms located in the Lerma Valley were enrolled in this observational study. One fecal sample was collected from each calf between one week and two months of age for assessment of C. sp., RVA, and BCoV infection status. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and RVA and BCoV antigens in fecal samples were assessed using microscopic observation and indirect enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (iELISA), respectively. A voluntary questionnaire was developed and used to collect data regarding management practices from the participants’ farms. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Scours incidence was 35.4%, and a greater proportion of calves younger than 20 days were affected. Of the fecal samples, 18% and 9.5% tested were positives for C. sp. and RVA, respectively, while BCoV was detected only in two calves. Furthermore, 84.2% and 63.1% of the farms tested positive for Cryptosporidium sp. and RVA, respectively. In addition, the following variables were associated with higher odds of having scours: (1) herd size (>300 milking cows; OR = 1.7), (2) calf age (<20 days of age; OR = 2.2), (3) RVA and C. sp. test (positive test; RVA OR = 2.6; C. sp. OR = 3), calf feeding practices (feeding milk replacer; OR = 1.81), and newborn calf management practices (calf moved from maternity pen <6 h after calving; OR = 1.7). Concerning RVA infection, calves less than 20 days of age (OR = 2.6) had a higher chance of testing positive for RVA, while calves that remained in the calving pen for less than 6 h after calving had a lower chance (OR = 0.3). On the other hand, for C. sp. infection, large farm size (>300 milking cows; OR = 1.2) and young calf age (<20 days of age; OR = 4.4) indicated a higher chance of testing positive for C. sp., while calves belonging to farms that fed frozen colostrum (OR = 0.2) had a lower chance of becoming infected with C. sp. The result of this study indicated that scours is a prevalent disease in farms of the Lerma Valley, Salta, Argentina, and that RVA and C. sp. infections, along with specific farm management practices, might be important contributing factors that could increase the chance of NCS in dairy farms.
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17
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Zhao W, Choi CY, Li G, Li H, Shi Z. Pre-weaned dairy calf management practices, morbidity and mortality of bovine respiratory disease and diarrhea in China. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Prevalence of Potential Indicators of Welfare Status in Young Calves at Meat Processing Premises in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082467. [PMID: 34438924 PMCID: PMC8388627 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082467] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In New Zealand, over two million dairy calves between four and seven days of age are sent to meat processing premises every year. There is a need to develop protocols for holistically assessing the welfare of calves sent to slaughter in the first week of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potential animal-based indicators of the welfare state in bobby calves in lairage. The study observed calves in lairage between June and October 2016. Data collection involved assessing groups of calves in pens followed by non-invasive measurements on up to five calves within each pen. We made 23 visits to 12 meat processing premises with group-level observations made on 5910 calves in 102 pens, followed by a non-invasive examination of 504 calves. During the group level observations, none of the calves had their heads tilted or were panting, and coughing and play behaviour were observed in only 1% of pens. In contrast, at least one calf had faecal soiling in all the observed pens, with the percentage of calves affected in each pen ranging from 1% to 48%. In the individual observations, more than 60% of calves had signs of some degree of dehydration, and nearly 40% had some faecal soiling present. In addition, 24% of calves had a respiratory rate over 36 breaths per minute, considered higher than normal. The change in prevalence of some indicators-as time spent in lairage increased or as the calving season progressed-is worth further exploration. Identification of prevalent animal-based indicators facilitates better understanding of the welfare status of young calves in lairage, and these should be incorporated into more holistic calf welfare assessment schemes.
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19
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Dachrodt L, Arndt H, Bartel A, Kellermann LM, Tautenhahn A, Volkmann M, Birnstiel K, Do Duc P, Hentzsch A, Jensen KC, Klawitter M, Paul P, Stoll A, Woudstra S, Zuz P, Knubben G, Metzner M, Müller KE, Merle R, Hoedemaker M. Prevalence of disorders in preweaned dairy calves from 731 dairies in Germany: A cross-sectional study. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:9037-9051. [PMID: 33985777 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of disorders in preweaned calves in 3 regions in Germany, exemplary for structural diversity in dairy farming. A farm visit was performed on a single occasion on 731 dairy farms in the northern, eastern, and southern regions of Germany between December 2016 and July 2019. Farms differed in herd size, geographical location, and management. In the northern region, the farms had a median of 90 milking cows and were often run as full-time family businesses, partly with external workers. The eastern region tended to have larger farms (a median of 251 milking cows), which were often large-scale agricultural enterprises with employees. In the southern region, the farms had a median of 39 milking cows and were often traditional family businesses, some of these being part-time businesses. Clinical examinations were performed on 14,164 preweaned dairy calves (median 12 calves per farm) by trained veterinarians. A complete data set was available for 13,656 calves. Almost half (42.0%) of the evaluated calves were classified as being affected by at least 1 of the common calf disorders. Omphalitis (O, 20.9%; n = 2,876) and diarrhea (D, 18.5%; n = 2,670) were the most frequently recorded diagnoses, whereas respiratory diseases (RD) were observed to a lesser extent (8.7%; n = 1,100). A striking feature was the fact that 7.1% (n = 987) of the calves were affected by more than 1 disorder at the same time (multimorbidity, M). The following combinations of disorders were frequently observed: O and D (n = 596), O and RD (n = 164), and D and RD (n = 140). Disorders such as O and D, as well as M, were predominantly observed in calves aged 2 wk. A gradual increase in the frequency of RD was observed with age. For all disorders except RD, male calves were more often affected than females. Omphalitis was predominantly diagnosed in the summer months, whereas RD, D, and M were more common in the fall. We detected several statistically significant differences in the prevalence of clinical signs and disorders in preweaned dairy calves between the 3 exemplary regions. The prevalence of RD was higher in the south (10.8%) than in the north (8.2%) and east (7.4%). In the north (33.2%), O was observed more frequently than in the other regions (east: 18.9%; south: 10.5%), whereas D was found less frequently in the north (13.8%) than in the east (21.6%) and south (20.0%).
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dachrodt
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - H Arndt
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Bartel
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - L M Kellermann
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - A Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Volkmann
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - P Do Duc
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Hentzsch
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - K C Jensen
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Klawitter
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - P Paul
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - A Stoll
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - S Woudstra
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - P Zuz
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - G Knubben
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - M Metzner
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - K E Müller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - R Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hannover, Germany.
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20
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Hayer JJ, Nysar D, Heinemann C, Leubner CD, Steinhoff-Wagner J. Implementation of management recommendations in unweaned dairy calves in western Germany and associated challenges. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:7039-7055. [PMID: 33715854 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To improve the welfare of livestock, it is important to assess management practices on farms and to identify areas where current scientific recommendations are rarely implemented. Differences in the implementation of recommendations might be explained by the individual farm as well as the characteristics of survey respondents and their attitude toward animal welfare. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess dairy calf management practices, compare them with current scientific recommendations, and to explore factors that influence implementation of the recommended management practices. A 1.5-h interview was performed with stockpersons on 42 dairy farms (mean herd size ± SD = 149.9 ± 16.6 cows) distributed across western Germany in 2018 to 2019. We observed that the management of unweaned calves varied greatly from farm to farm in aspects such as milk-feeding protocols; timing of grouping and disbudding; and access to water, roughage, and concentrate. Major deviations from management recommendations were (1) cleaning calving pen only by removal of bedding without a following disinfection before restocking on 23.8% farms, cleaning of teat buckets without detergents and disinfection (23.8 and 11.9% of farms, respectively), and failure to disinfect navels (29.3% of farms); (2) separating calf and dam after only 5 to 8 h postpartum for calving at night in 97.6% farms and unchecked colostrum quality by 23.8% of survey respondents; (3) feeding waste milk by 72.4% of the farms surveyed; and (4) removing supernumerary teats and disbudding without local anesthesia (90 and 80% farms surveyed, respectively). The number of implemented recommendations on the farms surveyed correlated with who was responsible for calf rearing, and whether prioritizing animal welfare was considered important by the respondents. This study indicated that limitations of individual housing systems, time management, the stockperson's knowledge, and the stockperson's ability to relate to animals posed challenges in implementation of the recommendations. Further research on challenges in calf management and how to overcome them would be helpful to improve calves' welfare in current husbandry systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Hayer
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorit Nysar
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Céline Heinemann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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21
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Ghavami Q, Mahmoodi P, Bahari A. Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Strains From Industrial Dairy Farms of Hamedan, Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTERIC PATHOGENS 2021. [DOI: 10.34172/ijep.2021.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is considered as one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in calves, infecting animals during the first week of age. The secretory diarrhea is attributed to the virulence factors of ETEC strains mainly including heat stable toxin (STa), as well as F5 (K99) and F41 fimbriae. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate ETEC infection in neonatal calves of industrial dairy farms of Hamedan, Iran. Additionally, it was undertaken to investigate the genotypic screening of virulence genes in enterotoxigenic E. coli isolated from from dairy farms calves of Hamedan county. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 rectal swab samples were collected from healthy and diarrheic calves at one week of age belonging to eight farms. Conventional bacteriological methods, multiplex PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility test of the ETEC isolates were performed. Results: Nine E. coli isolates were found to be ETEC strains, carrying STa enterotoxin along with F5 and/or F41 fimbriae as the indicators of ETEC cells. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility test of the ETEC isolates revealed that all of them were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin, whereas complete resistance was observed against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100%) and polymyxin B (100%). The present study, conducted for the first time in Hamedan, indicated a prevalence of 7.5% for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the examined animals. Conclusion: Regarding economic losses of the infection in claves as well as the zoonotic nature of ETEC cells, it is recommended that measures should be taken, such as immunization of pregnant cows prior to the delivery, feeding of adequate colostrum to newborn calves at the right time, and adherence to hygiene practices on the farms to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of diarrhea cases caused by infection with these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qumars Ghavami
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Pezhman Mahmoodi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Bahari
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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22
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Weiller MAA, Schmoeller E, Vieira LV, Barbosa AA, de Oliveira Feijó J, Brauner CC, Schmitt E, Corrêa MN, Rabassa VR, Del Pino FAB. Zootechnical and health performance of Holstein x Gir crossbred calves. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:152. [PMID: 33543399 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02601-w] [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: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Crossbreeding is used to increase production and disease resistance in adult animals, and there is no research to assess the performance of animals in the early stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the zootechnical and health performance of Holstein x Gir calves (½ HG: ½ Dutch ½ Gir and ¾ HG: ¾ Dutch ¼ Gir), from birth to 80 days of age, and compare metabolic parameters between groups. In this sense, calves were monitored for zootechnical parameters; epidemiological indexes such as morbidity, mortality, recurrence of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other diseases; as well as serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, urea, and paraoxonase1 (PON1). ¾ HG calves showed higher morbidity for diarrhea and remained with diarrhea for longer compared to ½ HG calves, and this was reflected in the average daily weight gain until the 42nd day, with ½ HG calves performing better. There were no differences regarding passive immune transfer between groups, as well as no differences in morbidity and mortality from pneumonia. Regarding biochemical analyses, a difference was found only in the concentrations of PON1, which were higher in ¾ HG calves. The findings show that blood degree influences the occurrence and duration of diarrhea, negatively impacting the zootechnical performance of the animals. Crossbreeding bulls with zebu cattle can be an alternative to increase calf resistance and reduce diarrhea, thus lowering economic losses and improving animal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Amélia Agnes Weiller
- Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul [Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul], Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Evandro Schmoeller
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Laura Valadão Vieira
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Antônio Amaral Barbosa
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Josiane de Oliveira Feijó
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Cássio Cassal Brauner
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Schmitt
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcio Nunes Corrêa
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Viviane Rohrig Rabassa
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Augusto Burkert Del Pino
- Center for Livestock Farming Research, Teaching and Extension [Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária] (NUPEEC), Federal University of Pelotas [Universidade Federal de Pelotas], Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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23
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A Cohort Study Risk Factor Analysis for Endemic Disease in Pre-Weaned Dairy Heifer Calves. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020378. [PMID: 33540923 PMCID: PMC7913234 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most dairy heifer calves are removed from their dam and reared on milk from birth until weaning at around nine weeks of age. During this period they are susceptible to diseases which reduce their welfare and later performance in the dairy herd and can cause mortality. This study investigated the risk factors for disease on 11 UK dairy farms. Each calf received a weekly clinical examination. Out of 492 heifers recruited, diarrhoea, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and umbilical disease were recorded in 48.2%, 45.9% and 28.7%, respectively. This was assessed using a composite disease score (CDS), reflecting severity and duration. The CDS for diarrhoea decreased when more calves were born in the same week, but this increased the risk of umbilical disease. The CDS for BRD was reduced by housing calves in fixed groups and feeding them more milk. Being born at a warmer time of year reduced the severity of BRD but increased it for umbilical disease. Calves acquire their initial immunity by ingesting antibodies in colostrum. Better immunity reduced the severity of BRD but failed to protect against diarrhoea or umbilical disease. Calves with a higher circulating concentration of the metabolic hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) experienced less severe disease. Providing farmers and veterinarians with a better understanding of such risk factors helps them to improve their management practices to reduce disease incidence. Abstract Dairy heifer calves experience high levels of contagious disease during their preweaning period, which may result in poor welfare, reduced performance or mortality. We determined risk factors for disease in a cohort study of 492 heifers recruited from 11 commercial UK dairy farms. Every animal received a weekly examination by a veterinarian from birth to nine weeks using the Wisconsin scoring system. Multivariable models were constructed using a hierarchical model with calf nested within farm. Outcome variables for each disease included a binary outcome (yes/no), disease duration and a composite disease score (CDS) including both severity and duration. Diarrhoea, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and umbilical disease were recorded in 48.2%, 45.9% and 28.7% of calves, respectively. A higher heifer calving intensity in the week of birth reduced the CDS for diarrhoea, with a marginal benefit of improved passive transfer (serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) measured at recruitment). The CDS for BRD was reduced by housing in fixed groups, higher mean temperature in month of birth, increasing milk solids fed, increasing IgG, and higher plasma IGF-1 at recruitment. Conversely, higher calving intensity and higher temperature both increased the CDS for umbilical disease, whereas high IGF-1 was again protective. Although good passive transfer reduced the severity of BRD, it was not significant in models for diarrhoea and umbilical disease, emphasising the need to optimise other aspects of management. Measuring IGF-1 in the first week was a useful additional indicator for disease risk.
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24
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Heinemann C, Leubner CD, Hayer JJ, Steinhoff-Wagner J. Hygiene management in newborn individually housed dairy calves focusing on housing and feeding practices. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skaa391. [PMID: 33279999 PMCID: PMC7799592 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In calf rearing, the first weeks of life are critical and associated with the highest mortality due to enteric and respiratory diseases. A well-implemented hygiene management can help to protect calves' health preventively by reducing the load of pathogenic bacteria and interrupting infection chains. The aim of this study was to identify deficiencies in hygiene management of individually housed dairy calves by surveying current practice and examining feeding and housing equipment with different hygiene indicators. On 11 farms, different locations in 2 pens or hutches for individual calf rearing prepared for restocking and 2 feeding buckets per farm, including the inner and outer surfaces of artificial teats, were visually scored for cleanliness and sampled with swabs (housing equipment: n = 167; feeding equipment: n = 120). The sanitation of floors was tested with sock samples (n = 41). A total of 328 samples were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and protein residues, aerobic total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria (ESBL), and Salmonella spp. After evaluation of these results, the farmers were informed about the findings and trained on improvement in hygiene management personally. The sampling was repeated after 1 year to detect possible changes in hygiene management. The highest bacterial loads (TVC, TCC, and E. coli) were observed in feeding equipment, especially the inner teat of milk feeding buckets. Environmental samples, primarily the sidewalls and back walls of tested pens and hutches, exhibited the lowest bacterial counts and ATP and protein residues. All samples were negative for MRSA and Salmonella spp. In 10.5% of all samples, ESBL was detected, and in 6.8%, ESBL E. coli was detected, predominately in sock samples, followed by feeding equipment samples. Training in hygiene management showed only limited effects. In conclusion, there is still great potential to improve the implementation of hygiene measures in individual calf housing. In particular, more attention should be paid to the cleaning of feeding buckets and artificial teats, as this is a simple means of interrupting the possible spread of pathogens among calves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason J Hayer
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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25
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Production Significance of Bovine Respiratory Disease Lesions in Slaughtered Beef Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101770. [PMID: 33007901 PMCID: PMC7599887 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is still a serious concern in feedlots, where it exerts a negative effect on farm productivity. There is a shortage of studies focused on the evaluation of BRD-associated lesions at the slaughterhouse in clinically healthy animals. The objective of this work was to investigate the prevalence and type of subclinical pneumonic lesions in slaughtered beef cattle, according to the age range and management system, and its impact on carcass weight. A total of 1101 beef cattle intended for human consumption were examined at slaughter. Information on age, sex, management system and carcass weight was recorded. The presence and type of pneumonia were evaluated according to gross and microscopic findings and etiological agents by PCR. Lung pneumonic lesions appeared in 17.9% of animals and were predominant among veal calves. According to the type, chronic catarrhal pneumonia prevailed in the majority of animals, and mixed and extensively reared cattle were more likely to suffer acute fibrinous pneumonia. The presence of pneumonic lesions was associated with a significant decrease in carcass weight that had more of an impact in veal male calves coming from intensive systems. Bacterial infections were the predominant infectious agent and the only cause of acute fibrinous pneumonia, while viruses were infrequent and only found in lesions with chronic catarrhal pneumonia. This study shows the importance of BRD in beef feedlots upon production values and points out the feasibility of slaughterhouse assessment of pneumonia as a method for the evaluation of BRD significance.
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26
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Tautenhahn A, Merle R, Müller KE. Factors associated with calf mortality and poor growth of dairy heifer calves in northeast Germany. Prev Vet Med 2020; 184:105154. [PMID: 33069140 PMCID: PMC7513872 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted on fifty German dairy farms to identify risk factors for high mortality and poor growth in calves. Between 2012 and 2014, farm visits took place and a questionnaire on farm management practices was completed by in-person interview. In addition, heart girth measurements of calves around weaning were performed to estimate average daily weight gain. Furthermore, blood and faecel samples of calves were collected and a score addressing calf welfare was determined. The epidemiological associations between risk factors and high mortality and poor growth were estimated using two regression models. The factors significantly associated with high calf mortality (> 5%) were a high rate of calves with failure of passive transfer (> 25%) and the metaphylactic use of halofuginone lactate. A small amount of concentrates consumed around weaning, relocating calves more than twice until weaning and a low incidence risk of milk fever (< 5%) were found to be significantly associated with poor growth (median: 675 grams). Although the fifty farms cannot be considered as a representative sample for North-East Germany, the results indicate that the farm management has a big impact on growth and survival of dairy calves and needs to be addressed more thoroughly when raising the future dairy cow.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, D-14163 Berlin, Germany.
| | - R Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - K E Müller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
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27
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Mee JF. Denormalizing poor dairy youngstock management: dealing with "farm-blindness". J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S140-S149. [PMID: 32810251 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Moorepark Research Centre, Teagasc, Ireland
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28
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Schild CO, Caffarena RD, Gil A, Sánchez J, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. A survey of management practices that influence calf welfare and an estimation of the annual calf mortality risk in pastured dairy herds in Uruguay. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9418-9429. [PMID: 32773303 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of dairy farming in Uruguay, little information on dairy systems in this country is available in the scientific literature, and management practices that influence calf welfare at the herd level have not been explored. The aims of this study were to (1) describe the prepartum and calf-rearing systems, as well as the management practices that may influence calf welfare in pastured dairy herds in Uruguay, (2) estimate the annual calf mortality risk from birth to weaning, and (3) identify the primary clinical disease syndromes shown by the calves before death. A survey comprising a farm visit and a questionnaire was conducted on 225 randomly selected dairies with >30 milking cows, in 3 strata (31-99, 100-299, and ≥300 milking cows) of 6 Uruguayan departments where dairies are concentrated. Retrospective information from July 2013 to June 2014 was collected. A descriptive analysis was performed and results were inferred into the national dairy cattle population. Several management practices that could contribute to poor calf welfare were identified in a large proportion of farms. The annual calf mortality risk (calves that died between birth and weaning/calves born death or alive × 100, n = 149 farms) was 15.2%. Age at weaning averaged 75 d. Farmers reported that the most common clinical syndromes were diarrhea and respiratory disease in 85.2% and 47.5% of the farms, respectively. There was no continuous veterinary advice in 61.3% of the farms, 20.0% lacked data records, 38.5% had poor drainage in the prepartum area with waterlogging after rainfall, 52.1% monitored the prepartum area ≤2 times per day during the calving season, 65.1% did not perform navel antisepsis on newborns, 62.3% separated the calves from their dams at >24 h postpartum, 95.2% did not have a colostrum management program, 72.4% did not rotate the calf-rearing areas, 59.0% did not disinfect the calf feeders, 85.7% did not have staff dedicated exclusively to calf rearing, and 39.8% did not separate sick from healthy calves. The average volume of milk or milk replacer offered per calf was 4.5 L/day. Several of the identified management practices that affect calf welfare in the prepartum and calf-rearing periods could explain the high mortality risk. An effort should be made to conduct extension work focusing on the dissemination of good management practices to improve calf welfare and reduce calf mortality in Uruguayan dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos O Schild
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay.
| | - Rubén D Caffarena
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay; Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Gil
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Sánchez
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay.
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29
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Ollivett TL. How Does Housing Influence Bovine Respiratory Disease in Dairy and Veal Calves? Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2020; 36:385-398. [PMID: 32451032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young cattle. Housing factors that lead to poor ventilation and stagnant air are often considered the primary reasons for high levels of endemic disease. This article reviews the literature from the past 40 years in order to determine which housing factors have been associated with respiratory disease. Penning strategy and its affect on calf respiratory health were most commonly studied. The wide variation in disease definitions and quality of reporting make drawing conclusions from the available literature extraordinarily difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Ollivett
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Room 2004, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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30
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van Leenen K, Jouret J, Demeyer P, Van Driessche L, De Cremer L, Masmeijer C, Boyen F, Deprez P, Pardon B. Associations of barn air quality parameters with ultrasonographic lung lesions, airway inflammation and infection in group-housed calves. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105056. [PMID: 32540718 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Barn climate is believed to play a major role in the bovine respiratory disease complex. However, the exact air quality parameters associated with (sub)clinical pneumonia or airway inflammation in calves are currently unknown. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess associations of air quality parameters with clinical signs, lung consolidation, pulmonary inflammation and infection in group-housed calves. In total, 60 beef and dairy farms were visited from January to April 2017 and 428 calves sampled. Measured air quality parameters included continuous 24-h measurements of ammonia concentration, relative humidity and temperature and punctual measurements of air velocity, ammonia, CO2 and bacterial air load. Calf sampling consisted of clinical examination, thoracic ultrasonography and broncho-alveolar lavage sampling for bacteriological and cytological analysis of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALf). Average air temperature was 14.2 °C (standard deviation (SD) 4.4, range 5.5-23.9) and relative humidity 68.8 % (SD 8.9, range 52.2-91.6). Average ammonia concentration was 1.7 ppm (SD 0.9, range 0-10.0). Lung consolidations of ≥1 cm, ≥3 cm and ≥6 cm in depth were present in 41.1 % (176/428), 27.1 % (116/428) and 16.1 % (69/428) of the calves, respectively. Average pen temperature was positively associated with consolidations of ≥1 cm (P = 0.005), ≥3 cm (P = 0.002) and ≥6 cm (P < 0.01). Ammonia exposure, in hours>4 ppm, was associated with lung consolidation ≥1 cm (odds ratio (OR) = 1.73; confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-3.07; P = 0.04). Ammonia concentration was positively associated with BALf epithelial cell percentage (P = 0.01). Air velocity >0.8 m/s was associated with increased odds of lung consolidation of ≥3 cm (OR = 6.8; CI = 1.2-38.5; P = 0.04) and ≥6 cm (OR = 15.9; CI = 1.2-200.0; P = 0.03). The prevalence of lung consolidations ≥1 cm was higher in the draught (81.8 %; P = 0.0092) and warm, dry and ammonia accumulation clusters (54.2 %; P = 0.02) compared to the presumably normal cluster (31.6 %). In addition, in the warm, dry and ammonia cluster the prevalence of lung consolidations ≥3 cm (38.1 %; P = 0.04) and ≥6 cm (31.4 %; P = 0.01) in depth were higher compared to the presumably normal climate cluster (18.2 % and 9.1 %, respectively). Of all frequently measured indoor air quality parameters, only average temperature, ammonia concentration and air velocity were associated with pneumonia and might therefore be preferable for cost-effective evaluation of calf barn climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Leenen
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jonathan Jouret
- Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene, Tramstraat 59, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Peter Demeyer
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 115 Bus1, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Driessche
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieze De Cremer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Christien Masmeijer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Boyen
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Piet Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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31
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Sobhy NM, Yousef SGA, Aboubakr HA, Nisar M, Nagaraja KV, Mor SK, Valeris-Chacin RJ, Goyal SM. Virulence factors and antibiograms of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic calves of Egyptian cattle and water buffaloes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232890. [PMID: 32392237 PMCID: PMC7213691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli in calves is an important problem in terms of survivability, productivity and treatment costs. In this study, 88 of 150 diarrheic animals tested positive for E. coli. Of these, 54 samples had mixed infection with other bacterial and/or parasitic agents. There are several diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes including enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC). Molecular detection of virulence factors Stx2, Cdt3, Eae, CNF2, F5, Hly, Stx1, and ST revealed their presence at 39.7, 27.2, 19.3, 15.9, 13.6, 9.0, 3.4, and 3.4 percent, respectively. As many as 13.6% of the isolates lacked virulence genes and none of the isolate had LT or CNF1 toxin gene. The odds of isolating ETEC from male calves was 3.6 times (95% CI: 1.1, 12.4; P value = 0.042) that of female calves, whereas the odds of isolating NTEC from male calves was 72.9% lower (95% CI: 91.3% lower, 15.7% lower; P value = 0.024) than that in females. The odds of isolating STEC in winter was 3.3 times (95% CI: 1.1, 10.3; P value = 0.037) that of spring. Antibiograms showed 48 (54.5%) of the isolates to be multi-drug resistant. The percent resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 79.5, 67.0, 54.5, and 43.0, respectively. Ceftazidime (14.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (13.6%) and aztreonam (11.3%) showed the lowest resistance, and none of the isolates was resistant to imipenem. The results of this study can help improve our understanding of the epidemiological aspects of E. coli infection and to devise strategies for protection against it. The prevalence of E. coli pathotypes can help potential buyers of calves to avoid infected premises. The antibiograms in this study emphasizes the risks associated with the random use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader M. Sobhy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Sarah G. A. Yousef
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Hamada A. Aboubakr
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- Food Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, El-Shatby, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Nisar
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Kakambi V. Nagaraja
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Sunil K. Mor
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Valeris-Chacin
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Animal Health and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Sagar M. Goyal
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Deikun LL, Habing GG, Quigley JD, Proudfoot KL. Health and growth of veal calves provided a fatty acid supplement and a dry teat. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:4633-4642. [PMID: 32147256 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Veal calves are at a high risk of disease early in life, which can lead to poor growth. Research is needed to determine interventions that can reduce disease and promote the growth of veal calves. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fatty acid supplementation and the provision of a dry teat on the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), navel inflammation, and diarrhea, as well as calf growth. Upon arrival to a commercial veal facility (d 0), 240 Holstein bull calves from 2 cohorts were randomly assigned to 4 treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (n = 60/treatment): (1) milk replacer (MR) without fatty acid supplementation and without access to a dry teat (control), (2) MR with fatty acid supplementation (NeoTec5g, Provimi, Brookville, OH) and without access to a dry teat (FAS), (3) MR without fatty acid supplementation and with access to a dry teat (TT), or (4) MR with fatty acid supplementation and with access to a dry teat (FAS+TT). Calves were housed in individual pens from 0 to 9 wk and then paired by treatment at wk 9. Milk replacer was fed twice daily using a step-up program. Fatty acid supplement was added to milk replacer at a feeding rate of 0.5 g/kg of body weight per head per day for the FAS and FAS+TT groups. Health exams were conducted twice weekly for 6 wk to diagnose BRD, navel inflammation, and diarrhea. Body weight, body condition score (BCS), and structural measurements were recorded at wk 0, 5, and 10. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for wk 1 to 5, wk 5 to 10, and wk 1 to 10. Health data were analyzed using logistic regression and are reported as relative risk. Body weight, BCS, and structural measurements were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, and ADG was analyzed using a generalized linear model. There was no effect of FAS, TT, or their interaction on body weight or BCS. There was no effect of FAS on ADG wk 1 to 5, wk 5 to 10, or wk 1 to 10. There was a tendency for TT to decrease ADG from wk 1 to 5 but not from wk 5 to 10 or wk 1 to 10. There was a tendency for the interaction of FAS and TT to decrease ADG for wk 1 to 5 but not for wk 5 to 10 and wk 1 to 10. There was no effect of FAS, TT, or their interaction on the risk of BRD, diarrhea, or navel inflammation. We saw no effect of our interventions on calf health or growth. More research is needed to determine whether other factors, such as failure of passive transfer, poor ventilation, barren housing, and low milk allowance in the first few weeks after arrival, may have affected the efficacy of our interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Deikun
- Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309; Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - G G Habing
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - J D Quigley
- Provimi, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Brookville, OH 45309
| | - K L Proudfoot
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
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Kellermann LM, Rieger A, Knubben-Schweizer G, Metzner M. Short communication: Design and validation of a hygiene score for calves. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3622-3627. [PMID: 32037176 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17536] [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: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was the establishment and validation of a scoring system for calf dirtiness. Defined areas of the belly, side, and rear of the calves were scored according to the percentage of dirtiness: score 1 ranges from 0 to 10% of the area (no or little soiling), score 2 from over 10 to 30% (medium soiling), and score 3 applies to soiling of more than 30% of the area (heavy soiling). The scores of the individual regions were summed up to yield the calf hygiene score (CHS) ranging from 3 to 9. The validation of the CHS was performed by 5 veterinarians on 42 calves. It was validated for its inter- and intra-observer-reliability and against a standard method created by image processing of photographs of calves. The agreement between the observers and the standard method was weak to moderate with kappa values from 0.58 to 0.67. Inter- and intra-observer reliability resulted in a moderate to strong agreement with 29 of 36 kappa values between 0.60 and 0.89. The CHS was thus successfully validated as reliable and could be a useful tool for herd health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Kellermann
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - A Rieger
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - G Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - M Metzner
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Beaver A, Meagher RK, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Invited review: A systematic review of the effects of early separation on dairy cow and calf health. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5784-5810. [PMID: 31079908 PMCID: PMC7094284 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Concern from the public is growing regarding early cow-calf separation, yet proponents of this practice maintain that artificial rearing is critical for cow and calf health. Early separation is assumed to reduce the risk of transfer of pathogens from dam to neonatal calf, but a wide range of health benefits associated with extended cow-calf contact has also been documented. The aim of this systematic review was to report and synthesize conclusions from the literature on dairy cow and calf health in conventional rearing versus cow-calf contact systems. Peer-reviewed, published manuscripts, written in English, directly comparing dairy cow or calf health in artificial versus suckling systems, were eligible for inclusion. We conducted 7 targeted searches using Web of Science to identify key literature on important health conditions. The resulting manuscripts underwent a 4-step appraisal process, and further manuscripts were sourced from reference lists. This process resulted in a final sample of 70 articles that addressed cow and calf health. Sufficient literature was available to assess mastitis in cows, and scours, cryptosporidiosis, Johne's disease, pneumonia, immunity, and mortality in calves. The results for cryptosporidiosis, pneumonia, immunity, and mortality were mixed, with some differences between studies likely attributable to flawed comparisons between cohorts. Overall, the articles addressing calf scours and mastitis pointed to beneficial or no effects of suckling. The studies addressing Johne's disease did not find cow-calf contact to be a significant risk factor. In conclusion, the scientific peer-reviewed literature on cow and calf health provides no consistent evidence in support of early separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Beaver
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Rebecca K Meagher
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 217, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AH, United Kingdom
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada.
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35
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Abuelo A, Havrlant P, Wood N, Hernandez-Jover M. An investigation of dairy calf management practices, colostrum quality, failure of transfer of passive immunity, and occurrence of enteropathogens among Australian dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:8352-8366. [PMID: 31255273 PMCID: PMC7094663 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Calf preweaning morbidity and mortality risks have been reported as high in several countries, with average values approximating 35 and 7%, respectively. However, limited data are available for calf morbidity and mortality risks on Australian dairy farms. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate current calf management practices on dairy farms in Australia and their association with herd-level morbidity and mortality using a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study; and (2) to estimate the prevalence of common enteropathogens causing diarrhea, the failure of passive transfer of immunity, and poor colostrum quality in a sample of Australian dairy farms. We analyzed 106 completed questionnaires and samples from 23 farms (202 fecal, 253 calf serum, and 221 colostrum samples). Morbidity and mortality risks reported by farmers in preweaned heifers were 23.8 and 5.6%, respectively. These risks were above the Australian dairy industry targets in 75.5 and 66.7% of respondents. The zoonotic pathogens Cryptosporidium spp. and Salmonella spp. were the most prevalent enteropathogens, with a true prevalence of 40.9 and 25.2%, respectively. Salmonella O-group D was present in 67.9% of Salmonella-positive samples, followed by O-groups B (17.9%) and C (10.7%). Failure of transfer of passive immunity (IgG <10 g/L) was observed in 41.9% of calves (mean herd-level prevalence of 36.2%), and only 19.5% of colostrum samples met the standards for immunoglobulin content and microbiological quality. Collectively, these data indicate that there is still considerable room for improvement in calf-rearing practices on Australian dairy farms, particularly with regard to colostrum management and feeding hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Abuelo
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Rd., East Lansing 48824; School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia.
| | - Peter Havrlant
- Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Private Mail Bag, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Natalie Wood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
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36
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Schnyder P, Schönecker L, Schüpbach-Regula G, Meylan M. Effects of management practices, animal transport and barn climate on animal health and antimicrobial use in Swiss veal calf operations. Prev Vet Med 2019; 167:146-157. [PMID: 30948232 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To assess the effects of transport, management factors and barn climate on calf health, 43 Swiss veal farms (11 large farms fattening ≥100 calves and 32 small farms fattening >20 but <100 calves per year) were monitored in a prospective cohort study over a period of one year. Detailed questionnaires on farm structure, management, housing system and animal health were filled out with the farmers during bimonthly visits, and barn temperature, humidity, ammonia and CO2 concentrations were measured. Temperature and humidity were also measured continuously over 72 h once each in winter and summer. In addition, calf purchase and transport from birth farm to fattening unit were documented by the farmers, and the study team accompanied one transport per farm whenever possible. Antimicrobial treatment incidence was calculated from the used daily dose (TIUDD). Risk factors for mortality, average daily weight gain (ADG) and antimicrobial use, as well as factors related to transport and barn climate measures were evaluated with mixed regression models. The overall mortality rate was 5.1% (6.2% in large herds and 3.1% in small ones). Identified risk factors for mortality >3% included a lower number of calves fattened per year and a good hygiene of the feeder. This surprising result was likely due to the fact that the threshold of 3% mortality was rather exceeded in smaller farms. Furthemore, higher temperature variation (range between maximal and minimal temperature over 3 measurement days) in the calf pen was associated with mortality >3% in the univariable analysis. The overall mean ADG was 1.40 ± 0.16 kg. Calf purchase was significantly associated with decreased ADG. The median overall TIUDD was eight daily doses per calf and year (2.1 in small farms and 26 in large farms, respectively); the main indication for treatment was respiratory disease (81.1%). Risk factors for increased TI were no quarantine upon arrival, access to an outside pen, higher numbers of calves per drinking nipple, mechanical ventilation, vaccination against bovine respiratory disease, and a maximum ammonia value >10 ppm in the calf pen. In addition, a higher number of birth farms and calf purchase from markets were associated with increased TI in the univariable analysis. The identified risk factors associated with increased TI and mortality and with decreased ADG should be addressed in priority in veal calf operations to improve calf health and reduce antimicrobial use.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schnyder
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - L Schönecker
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Schüpbach-Regula
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Lora I, Gottardo F, Contiero B, Dall Ava B, Bonfanti L, Stefani A, Barberio A. Association between passive immunity and health status of dairy calves under 30 days of age. Prev Vet Med 2018; 152:12-15. [PMID: 29559100 PMCID: PMC7114084 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Calves are highly susceptible to disease and mortality occurrence within the first month of life. Even if failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is commonly recognized as a main factor affecting calf health and survival, conflicting results are reported in literature about the association between passive immunity (PI) and calf health, especially regarding enteric diseases. Therefore, a prospective cohort study was conducted on 78 calves of three Italian dairy farms during winters of years 2014–2016, with the specific aim of evaluating the association between PI and health status of calves within 30 days of age under field conditions. Blood samples were collected between 1 and 5 days of age from each calf included in the study, and disease and mortality occurrence was monitored throughout the first month of life. Additionally, fecal samples were collected from calves with scours before treatment. Blood serum samples were tested by an electrophoretic method for the assessment of immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration, whereas fecal samples were submitted to ELISA test for positivity to Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus, coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. Only enteric diseases occurred in calves of this study. Calves that suffered from diarrhea or died within the first month of life had lower serum Ig concentrations than those that remained healthy or survived (P < .05). Even if not significantly (P = .127), lower serum Ig concentrations were observed in sick calves that had been treated with antibiotics compared to those that had not been treated. The odds of disease and mortality occurrence were 24 (95% CI = 3–231) and 11 (95% CI = 1–111) times higher, respectively, for calves with FTPI (serum Ig concentration <10.0 g/L) than for those with an adequate PI transfer (P < .05). Calves with adequate PI transfer had also a 6-day delay in the age at first disease onset compared to those with FTPI (P < .01). Even if estimated on a small number of calves, those with FTPI had higher risks of enteric infections by rotavirus (odds ratio = 12; 95% CI = 1–137) and Cryptosporidium spp. (odds ratio = 9; 95% CI = 1–72) (P < .05). In this study, the PI level influenced the occurrence of enteric diseases and mortality in calves under one month of age, confirming the importance of a proper colostrum provision to calf health and, consequently, to the reduction of antimicrobial use in dairy farming. However, further investigations are needed, particularly focusing on the relationship between PI and specific enteropathogen infections in calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lora
- PhD Course in Animal and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Flaviana Gottardo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Brunella Dall Ava
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Lebana Bonfanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Annalisa Stefani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Antonio Barberio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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39
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Medrano-Galarza C, LeBlanc SJ, Jones-Bitton A, DeVries TJ, Rushen J, Marie de Passillé A, Endres MI, Haley DB. Associations between management practices and within-pen prevalence of calf diarrhea and respiratory disease on dairy farms using automated milk feeders. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:2293-2308. [PMID: 29290433 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Data on management practices used with automated milk feeders (AMF) are needed to identify factors associated with calf health in these systems. The objectives of this observational, longitudinal, cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of calf diarrhea (CD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and to identify factors associated with prevalence of these diseases at the pen level on dairy farms feeding milk to group-housed calves with AMF. Seventeen dairy farms with AMF in Ontario, Canada, were visited 4 times, seasonally, over 1 yr. The clinical health of all calves (n = 1,488) in pens (n = 35) with AMF was scored to identify the number of calves with CD and BRD. Data on calf, feeder, and pen management practices were analyzed using generalized linear mixed regression models for each disease. Overall calf-level prevalence of CD and BRD were 23 and 17%, respectively. Median (interquartile range, IQR) within-pen prevalence of CD and BRD were 17% (7 to 37%) and 11% (0 to 28%), respectively. Median age (IQR) for diarrheic calves was 25 d (16 to 42 d), and for calves with BRD was 43 d (29 to 60 d). Factors associated with lower within-pen prevalence of CD were the administration of vitamin E and selenium at birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32 to 0.99], feeding of probiotics (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93), and adding fresh bedding every 2 to 3 d (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.76) compared with every 7 or more days. In contrast, sharing air with older cattle (>9 mo old) was associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD (OR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.88 to 10.52). Additionally, total bacteria counts ≥100,000 cfu/mL in milk samples taken from the AMF mixing jar were associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD during the summer visit (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.54). Increased total solids in milk or milk replacer (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.85) and feeding whole milk versus milk replacer (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.75) were associated with lower within-pen prevalence of BRD. Factors associated with greater within-pen prevalence of BRD were sharing air with weaned cattle up to 8 mo old (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.26 to 8.16), and greater depth of the wet bedding pack. The use of maternity pens for reasons other than just calving was associated with increased prevalence of both CD and BRD (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.33; OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.58, respectively). These results suggest that isolation from older animals and frequent cleaning of the feeder and pen may help to reduce disease prevalence in group-housed calves fed with an AMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Medrano-Galarza
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Stephen J LeBlanc
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andria Jones-Bitton
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Trevor J DeVries
- Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Rushen
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Agassiz, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anne Marie de Passillé
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Agassiz, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcia I Endres
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108-6118
| | - Derek B Haley
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Buczinski S, Borris ME, Dubuc J. Herd-level prevalence of the ultrasonographic lung lesions associated with bovine respiratory disease and related environmental risk factors. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:2423-2432. [PMID: 29290447 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) is a major calf disease during the preweaning period. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has been recently described as a reliable tool for assessing BRD-associated lung lesions. The objectives of this study were to define the herd-level prevalence of lung consolidation assessed by TUS (CONSTUS). A total of 39 Québec dairy herds were randomly chosen to participate in this cross-sectional study. Between 6 and 12 preweaned calves were examined for signs of CONSTUS defined by any site with ≥3 cm consolidated lung tissue during 1 visit in summer and 1 visit in winter. Herd questionnaire focused on calf health and housing data [airborne bacteria (aerobic, coliform, yeasts and mold counts), air drafts, temperature, hygrometry, and ammonia levels] were also collected during these visits looking for potential association with CONSTUS prevalence. The median herd-level of CONSTUS prevalence (interquartile range) were 8% (0-22%) in summer and 15% (0-35%) in winter. Multivariable analyses showed that season was associated with an increased CONSTUS prevalence [10.0 vs. 19.3%; odds ratio (OR) = 2.16], as well as group housing during preweaned period (9.6 vs. 20.0%; OR = 2.37) and perceived BRD problem by the farmer (10.6 vs. 18.3%; OR = 1.89). Despite tremendous changes in calves' environment between winter and summer, none of the housing variables were associated with the CONSTUS prevalence in this study. Based on the observed CONSTUS prevalence ranges in the present study (herds in the lower prevalence quartile), an achievable goal of none of 12 calves with consolidation ≥3 cm can potentially be used to define a low-BRD risk herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buczinski
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe J2S 2M2, Québec, Canada.
| | - M E Borris
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe J2S 2M2, Québec, Canada
| | - J Dubuc
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe J2S 2M2, Québec, Canada
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41
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Analysis of pre-weaning feeding policies and other risk factors influencing growth rates in calves on 11 commercial dairy farms. Animal 2017; 12:1413-1423. [PMID: 29166977 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117003160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth rates in pre-weaned calves influence their health, age at first calving and lifetime productivity. Many farms restrict milk rations to encourage solid feed intake and facilitate early weaning, but this can compromise growth. This study determined the milk feeding policies and associated growth rates on 11 commercial dairy farms in South East England, each following their normal management regime. Between 26 and 54 heifers were recruited per farm, providing a final cohort of 492, of which 71% were pure Holstein. Information on calf rearing practices (feeding, weaning, housing) and health was collected via questionnaires and weekly observations. Estimates of actual milk fed (kg solids) between 1 and 63 days were calculated for individual calves. Morphometric data (weight, height, length) were taken at weeks 1, 5 and 9 and at a median age of 7.5 months and growth rates were calculated. Most calves were fed milk replacer via automated feeders (four farms), teat feeder (one) or buckets (four) whereas two farms provided drums of acidified waste milk. Farms fed between 4 and 6 l/day of milk at mixing rates of 10% to 15%, providing 400 to 900 g/day of milk solids. Both skeletal growth rates and average daily weight gain (ADG) increased in the second month of life compared with the first: height growth from 0.17±0.14 to 0.25±0.16 cm/day and ADG from 0.48±0.25 to 0.71±0.28 kg/day. Post-weaning heifers up to 7.5 months had height increases of 0.16±0.035 cm/day and ADG of 0.83±0.16 kg/day. From 1 to 63 days 70% of calves had growth rates <0.7 kg/day and of these 19.6% gained <0.5 kg/day. Mean ADG before 9 weeks varied between farms from 0.52±0.30 to 0.75±0.20 kg/day. This was related to the amount of milk fed at both a farm and individual calf level. Increasing the total milk solids fed between 1 and 63 days from 20.4 to 46.3 kg (the 10th to 90th percentile observed) was associated with an increase of 0.11 kg/day ADG. All farms had a wide variation in growth rates despite single feeding policies. Higher circulating immunoglobulin G and IGF1 concentrations were associated with better growth, whereas low temperatures in month of birth, high scores for diarrhoea, respiratory and umbilical disease and large birth size reduced growth. Many commercially grown dairy heifers therefore experienced growth restriction in the pre-weaned period, potentially reducing their health, welfare and productivity.
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Seppä-Lassila L, Eerola U, Orro T, Härtel H, Simojoki H, Autio T, Pelkonen S, Soveri T. Health and growth of Finnish beef calves and the relation to acute phase response. Livest Sci 2017; 196:7-13. [PMID: 32288871 PMCID: PMC7102780 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Healthy, thriving calves are essential for beef calf production. We studied the health status and factors associated with the growth of beef calves in six cow-calf herds during the first month of the calves' lives and at weaning age (200 days). The six herds were visited three times, when calves were approximately 3 days, 16 days and 30 days of age. On each visit calves (n=37) were clinically examined, weighed or measured, blood samples were collected, faecal samples obtained and deep nasopharyngeal swabs were taken. Each blood sample was analysed for acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid-A, fibrinogen), total proteins and albumin, the faecal sample for intestinal tract pathogens (rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella, oocysts of Eimeria coccidia and Cryptosporidium, and nematode eggs), and the nasopharyngeal swab for respiratory tract pathogens (bovine coronavirus (BCV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bacteria and mycoplasma). Clinical diagnosis of respiratory tract disease, diarrhoea or umbilical disease was set at 15.0% for all the three consecutive examinations combined (n=107), but only few pathogens were detected from the samples. The increased levels of acute phase proteins were neither associated with any of the diseases nor with the pathogens. Random intercept linear models were used to explore factors affecting early (3-30 days) and long-term (3-200 days) growth, showing that calves with elevated serum amyloid-A concentrations at the age of 16 days had lower long-term growth. Increased albumin concentration at 30 days of age and higher parity of the dam increased early-term growth. The lack of association between a disease and the acute phase protein may stem from the low disease prevalence in the beef calves examined. The measurement of acute phase proteins of a young calf can help identify animals with possible future growth deficiencies, although the mechanisms through which the association between acute phase proteins and growth has yet to be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulla Eerola
- Private veterinary practitioner, Lammi, Finland
| | - Toomas Orro
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Heli Simojoki
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Autio
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Research and Laboratory Department, Veterinary Bacteriology Research Unit, Finland
| | - Sinikka Pelkonen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Research and Laboratory Department, Veterinary Bacteriology Research Unit, Finland
| | - Timo Soveri
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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43
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Nabenishi H, Yamazaki A. Effects of temperature-humidity index on health and growth performance in Japanese black calves. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 49:397-402. [PMID: 27943126 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship between the temperature-humidity index (THI) and health and growth performance in Japanese black calves in Japan. Data were collected from medical records of 19,313 Japanese black calves aged up to 3 months for correlation analysis with THI from July 2008 to June 2011. Data were also collected on the market weights of 57,144 Japanese black calves, and we calculated the body weight gain (BWG) of each calf based on body weight and age in days at the calf market. Analysis for the relationship between disease incidence and THI demonstrated a negative correlation (r = -0.54, p < 0.01). In addition, the mean disease incidence at THI of ≤50 was significantly higher than that at THI of ≥71. Analysis for the relationship between growth performance in calves and THI revealed that a lower THI during the month of birth was associated with a lower BWG at the calf market and that BWG with THI of ≤70 was significantly lower than that with THI of ≥71 (p < 0.05). In contrast, a higher mean THI during the third month after birth was associated with a lower BWG at the calf market, and BWG with THI of >75 was significantly lower than that with THI of ≤50 or THI ranging from 56 to 60 (p < 0.05). These results indicate that Japanese black calves are susceptible to a cold environment immediately after birth, whereas they are susceptible to a heat environment 3 months after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Nabenishi
- Laboratory of Animal Feeding and Management, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1, Higashi 23, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Atusi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Feeding and Management, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1, Higashi 23, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
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44
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Todd CG, Leslie KE, Millman ST, Bielmann V, Anderson NG, Sargeant JM, DeVries TJ. Clinical trial on the effects of a free-access acidified milk replacer feeding program on the health and growth of dairy replacement heifers and veal calves. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:713-725. [PMID: 27816246 PMCID: PMC7094277 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of free-access acidified milk replacer feeding on the pre- and postweaning health of dairy and veal calves. Individually housed calves were systematically assigned at birth to 1 of 2 feeding programs: free-access feeding (ad libitum) of acidified milk replacer (ACD, n=249) or traditional restricted feeding (3L fed twice daily) of milk replacer (RES, n=249). Calves were fed milk replacer containing 24% crude protein and 18% fat. Acidified milk replacer was prepared to a target pH between 4.0 and 4.5 using formic acid. Calves were weaned off milk replacer at approximately 6wk of age. Weaning occurred over 5d, and during this weaning period, ACD calves had access to milk replacer for 12h/d and RES calves were offered only one feeding of milk replacer (3 L) daily. Calves were monitored daily for signs of disease. Fecal consistency scores were assigned each week from birth until weaning. A subset of calves was systematically selected for fecal sampling at 3 time points between 7 and 27d of age. Fecal samples were analyzed for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F5, Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, and coronavirus. Hip width, hip height, body length, heart girth, and body weight were measured at birth and weaning. Postweaning body weight measurements were collected from the heifers at approximately 8mo of age. Postweaning body weight and carcass grading information was collected from the veal calves at slaughter once a live weight between 300 and 350kg had been achieved. The odds of ACD calves being treated for a preweaning disease event tended to be lower than that of the RES calves (1.2 vs. 5.2%, respectively). Preweaning mortality, postweaning disease treatment, and postweaning mortality did not differ between feeding treatments. The ACD feeding treatment supported greater preweaning average daily gain (0.59 vs. 0.43kg/d) and structural growth than RES feeding. Postweaning average daily gain and carcass characteristics were similar for ACD and RES calves. These results indicate that free-access acidified milk replacer feeding tended to support improved health, and greater body weight gain and structural growth during the preweaning period; these effects did not persist in the postweaning period. The growth advantage observed before weaning in the ACD calves likely disappeared due to the weaning methods used.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Todd
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - K E Leslie
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - S T Millman
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011; Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
| | - V Bielmann
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - N G Anderson
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Veterinary Science and Policy Unit, Elora, Ontario, Canada, N0B 1S0
| | - J M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1; Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
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Risk factors for stillbirths and mortality during the first 24h of life on dairy farms in Hokkaido, Japan 2005–2009. Prev Vet Med 2016; 127:50-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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46
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Lava M, Schüpbach-Regula G, Steiner A, Meylan M. Antimicrobial drug use and risk factors associated with treatment incidence and mortality in Swiss veal calves reared under improved welfare conditions. Prev Vet Med 2016; 126:121-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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47
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Cozzi G, Brscic M, Gottardo F. Main critical factors affecting the welfare of beef cattle and veal calves raised under intensive rearing systems in Italy: a review. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2009.s1.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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48
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Klein-Jöbstl D, Sofka D, Iwersen M, Drillich M, Hilbert F. Multilocus Sequence Typing and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Dairy Calves in Austria. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:72. [PMID: 26870027 PMCID: PMC4737881 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human campylobacteriosis is primarily associated with poultry but also cattle. In this study, 55 Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from 382 dairy calves’ feces were differentiated by multilocus sequence typing and tested for antimicrobial resistance. The most prevalent sequence type (ST) was ST883 (20.0%), followed by ST48 (14.5%), and ST50 (9.1%). In contrast to ST48 and ST50, ST883 has rarely been described in cattle previously. Furthermore, risk factor analysis was performed for the presence of the most prevalent STs in these calves. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the type of farm (organic vs. conventional) and calf housing (place, and individual vs. group) were identified as significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the presence of ST883 in calves, and ST50 was associated with calf diarrhea. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 58.2% of the isolates. Most of the resistant isolates (81.3%) were resistant to more than one antimicrobial. Most frequently, resistance to ciprofloxacin (49.1%), followed by nalidixic acid (42.8%), and tetracycline (14.5%) was observed. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that dairy calves may serve as a potential reservoir for C. jejuni and pose a risk for transmission, including antimicrobial resistant isolates to the environment and to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Klein-Jöbstl
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Dmitri Sofka
- Institute of Meat Hygiene, Meat Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Iwersen
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Marc Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Hilbert
- Institute of Meat Hygiene, Meat Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna, Austria
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Mahu M, Valgaeren B, Pardon B, Deprez P, Haesebrouck F, Boyen F. Non-haemolytic Mannheimia haemolytica as a cause of pleuropneumonia and septicemia in a calf. Vet Microbiol 2015; 180:157-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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50
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Results of an online questionnaire to survey calf management practices on dairy cattle breeding farms in Austria and to estimate differences in disease incidences depending on farm structure and management practices. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:44. [PMID: 26282551 PMCID: PMC4539725 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Calf disease may result in great economic losses. To implement prevention strategies it is important to gain information on management and to point out risk factors. The objective of this internet based survey was to describe calf management practices on registered dairy breeding farms in Austria and to estimate differences in calf disease incidences depending on farm structure and management practices. Results A total of 1287 questionnaires were finally analysed (response rate 12.2 %). Herd characteristics and regional distribution of farms indicated that this survey gives a good overview on calf management practices on registered dairy farms in Austria. The median number of cows per farm was 20 (interquartile range 13–30). Significant differences regarding farm characteristics and calf management between small and large farms (≤20 vs >20 cows) were present. Only 2.8 % of farmers tested first colostrum quality by use of a hydrometer. Storing frozen colostrum was more prevalent on large farms (80.8 vs 64.2 %). On 85.1 % of the farms, whole milk, including waste milk, was fed to the calves. Milk replacer and waste milk were more often used on large farms. In accordance with similar studies from other countries, calf diarrhoea was indicated as the most prevalent disease. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that herd size was associated with calf diarrhoea and calf respiratory tract disease, with higher risk of disease on large farms. Furthermore, feeding waste milk to the calves was associated with increasing calf diarrhoea incidence on farm. In the final model with calf respiratory tract disease as outcome, respondents from organic farms reported less often a respiratory tract disease incidence of over 10 % compared with conventional farms [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.21–0.75] and farmers that housed calves individually or in groups after birth significantly reported more often to have an incidence of respiratory tract disease >10 % compared with farms where all calves were housed individually (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.16–4.48). Conclusion The results obtained in this study provide an overview on calf management on dairy breeding farms in Austria and may help to further point out areas to be improved on farm. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-015-0134-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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