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Kofler J, Suntinger M, Mayerhofer M, Linke K, Maurer L, Hund A, Fiedler A, Duda J, Egger-Danner C. Benchmarking Based on Regularly Recorded Claw Health Data of Austrian Dairy Cattle for Implementation in the Cattle Data Network (RDV). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070808. [PMID: 35405797 PMCID: PMC8997101 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While benchmarking is already used for the assessment of performance gaps in cattle herd management and welfare concerns, its application to quantifying claw health performance is relatively new. The goal here was to establish a benchmarking system for claw health in Austrian dairy cattle. We used electronically registered claw health data of cows from 512 dairy herds documented by professional hoof trimmers, culling data from the same herds, and locomotion scores taken at regular milk performance testings in 99 dairy herds during 2020. Mean, median and the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the incidences of risk of lameness, 13 common claw lesions, and the annual culling risk directly related to claw and limb disorders were used as key performance indicators. Only validated data sets were used and participating trimmers and locomotion scorers had to pass interobserver reliability tests with weighted Cohen's kappa values ≥ 0.61 indicating substantial interobserver agreement. This claw health benchmarking system is intended to be used henceforth in the transnational cattle data network (RDV) by all participating farmers and is also available for veterinarians and consultants, with the agreement of respective farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kofler
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-125077-5223
| | - Marlene Suntinger
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (M.M.); (K.L.); (C.E.-D.)
| | - Martin Mayerhofer
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (M.M.); (K.L.); (C.E.-D.)
| | - Kristina Linke
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (M.M.); (K.L.); (C.E.-D.)
| | - Lorenz Maurer
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Livestock Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Alexandra Hund
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Landwirtschaftliches Zentrum für Rinderhaltung, Grünlandwirtschaft, Milchwirtschaft, Wild und Fischerei Baden-Württemberg (LAZBW), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Fiedler
- Praxisgemeinschaft für Klauengesundheit, 81247 Munich, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Duda
- Landeskuratorium der Erzeugerringe für Tierische Veredelung in Bayern e.V. (LKV), 80687 München, Germany;
| | - Christa Egger-Danner
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (M.M.); (K.L.); (C.E.-D.)
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Arango-Sabogal JC, Desrochers A, Lacroix R, Christen AM, Dufour S. Prevalence of foot lesions in Québec dairy herds from 2015 to 2018. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:11659-11675. [PMID: 33069398 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our first objective was to estimate the prevalence of foot lesions by type of milking system in dairy cows examined during regular hoof-trimming sessions between 2015 and 2018 in Québec dairy herds. A secondary objective was to describe the effect of day-to-day variation, cow, and herd characteristics on the prevalence of foot lesions. Data included 52,427 observations (on a cow during a specific trimming session) performed on 28,470 cows (≥2 yr old) from 355 herds. Only observations from trimming sessions in which ≥90% of the lactating herd was trimmed were considered. Lesions were recorded at the hoof level by 17 trained hoof trimmers between March 23, 2015, and July 10, 2018, using a computerized recording system. Hoof-level information was then matched with cow information and centralized at the Eastern Canada Dairy Herd Improvement. Foot lesions were classified into 6 categories: infectious, white line disease, heel erosion, ulcers, hemorrhages, and any type of foot lesions. Prevalence of each outcome was quantified using the marginal predicted mean probability estimated from a null generalized linear mixed model with a logit link, and accounted for clustering of observations by cow and by herd. Variance was partitioned to assess the variation in the probability of the outcomes attributable to each level of the data structure (day of exam, cow, and herd). Prevalence of a given foot lesion as function of milking system and of various explanatory variables (mean herd size, herd average daily production, breed of the cow, age of the cow at trimming, and year of the visit) was then estimated using a generalized linear mixed model. At least 1 foot lesion was observed in 29% of cows examined during regular trimming sessions in Québec from 2015 to 2018. Prevalence for any type of lesion was 27% for pipeline, 38% for robotic milking, and 41% for milking parlors. The highest prevalence of infectious lesions (mainly digital dermatitis) was observed in milking parlors and robotic systems, while the most prevalent lesions in pipeline were hemorrhages. Herd-level factors explained most of the disease probability for infectious diseases, heel erosion, and hemorrhages. Therefore, control of these diseases should be based on applying best herd-management practices. On the other hand, probabilities of white line disease and sole ulcers were mainly determined by cow-level characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Arango-Sabogal
- Département de sciences cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 8H5, Canada; Regroupement FRQNT Op+Lait, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - André Desrochers
- Département de sciences cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 8H5, Canada
| | - René Lacroix
- Lactanet, Sainte-Anne-de Bellevue, QC, H9X 3R4, Canada
| | | | - Simon Dufour
- Regroupement FRQNT Op+Lait, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada; Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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Robbins JA, von Keyserlingk MAG, Fraser D, Weary DM. INVITED REVIEW: Farm size and animal welfare. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:5439-5455. [PMID: 28046157 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Critics of agricultural intensification have argued that the transition from smaller to larger farms has compromised animal welfare. To critically examine evidence relevant to this claim, we reviewed more than 150 publications that examined the relationship between farm size and at least one animal welfare indicator. Although much of this literature focuses on dairy cattle, we also reference other farmed species where appropriate. We found little evidence of any simple relationship, negative or positive, between farm size and animal welfare. Instead, the evidence suggests that larger farms provide some opportunities to improve animal welfare but may also create welfare risks. For example, larger farms permit more specialized and professional management of animal health but can make it more difficult to accommodate outdoor access that some view as integral to animal welfare. Future research should attempt to specify the underlying casual mechanisms by which statistical associations between farm size and indicators of welfare are believed to occur. We also suggest that policy and advocacy efforts aimed at reversing increases in farm size would be better directed toward improving welfare on farms of all sizes.
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Häggman J, Juga J. Effects of cow-level and herd-level factors on claw health in tied and loose-housed dairy herds in Finland. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lomander H, Svensson C, Hallén-Sandgren C, Gustafsson H, Frössling J. Associations between decreased fertility and management factors, claw health, and somatic cell count in Swedish dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:6315-23. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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van der Spek D, van Arendonk J, Vallée A, Bovenhuis H. Genetic parameters for claw disorders and the effect of preselecting cows for trimming. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:6070-8. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-6833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sarjokari K, Kaustell K, Hurme T, Kivinen T, Peltoniemi O, Saloniemi H, Rajala-Schultz P. Prevalence and risk factors for lameness in insulated free stall barns in Finland. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Haufe HC, Gygax L, Wechsler B, Stauffacher M, Friedli K. Influence of floor surface and access to pasture on claw health in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems. Prev Vet Med 2012; 105:85-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tsuzuki N, Seo JP, Yamada K, Haneda S, Tabata Y, Sasaki N. Effect of compound of gelatin hydrogel microsphere incorporated with platelet-rich-plasma and alginate on sole defect in cattle. J Vet Med Sci 2012; 74:1041-4. [PMID: 22446403 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.11-0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was administered to cattle with hoof defects (10-mm drill hole) to promote sole defect healing. Two types of gels were prepared. One was a mixed gel [compound of gelatin microspheres (GM) incorporated with PRP and alginate] and was used for the test group, while the other was an alginate gel used for the control group. Each hole was filled with one of these gels. The drill hole depth, pressure pain, and hardness of the regenerated tissue were measured for 3 weeks after treatment. These measurements improved significantly in the test group than in the control group. The results suggest that a compound of GM incorporated with PRP and alginate had a hoof-regenerating effect in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Tsuzuki
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Sogstad Å, Fjeldaas T, Østerås O. Locomotion score and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows, assessed by claw trimmers. Livest Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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White-line disease and haemorrhages in hooves of Finnish dairy cattle. Prev Vet Med 2010; 94:18-27. [PMID: 20116112 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Revised: 12/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Finnish Healthy Hooves Project was set up to determine the frequency of, and risk factors for, various hoof lesions in Finnish dairy herds. Data were collected in 2003 and 2004. A large data set of >74,000 cow-level observations recorded by hoof-trimmers were merged with production data from the Finnish Agricultural Data Processing Centre Ltd. Ultimately, data from a single lactation from each of 16,727 cows in 703 herds were used for analyses of white-line disease (WLD) and haemorrhages-lesions. Three-level hierarchical logistic models with hoof-trimmer and farms (within hoof-trimmer) as random-effects were fit to datasets of tie-stall (TS) and loose-housing (LH) herds separately. Cows examined once had a WLD risk of 4.8% in TS herds and 17% in LH herds. As the number of examinations increased, the odds of a WLD diagnosis increased substantially; (2 and 3+ examinations had odds ratios (ORs) of 2.57 and 3.40 in TS herds and 2.32 and 4.67 in LH herds, respectively, compared to 1 examination). Parity had an interaction with breed in all models in TS and in the LH haemorrhages model, but not in WLD LH models. In TS herds, older Holstein cows had a very high risk of WLD compared to young Ayrshire cows (OR=7.92). Also in LH herds both breed and parity had association with WLD (Holstein cows were 1.57 times more likely than Ayrshire cows and cows in parity >or=4 were more likely (OR=2.89) than parity 1 to get WLD). In TS herds, other hoof lesions - such as haemorrhages (OR=1.65), heel-horn erosions (OR=1.77), and corkscrew claw (OR=1.82) - increased the risk of WLD. In LH herds, corkscrew claw (OR=1.59) and heel-horn erosion (OR=0.72) had a significant association with WLD. In TS herds, use of mats (compared to hard flooring) significantly reduced the risk of WLD and haemorrhages (OR=0.57 and OR=0.80, respectively). No significant associations of the 305-day milk production on the risk of either disease were observed in either TS or LH herds (305-day milk yield from each cows' previous lactation were used for calculations, with herd average yield and the individual cow's deviation from the herd average being used as predictors).
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