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Tillack A, Merle R, Müller KE, Hoedemaker M, Jensen KC, Oehm AW, Klawitter M, Stock A. Farm-Level Risk Factors for Lameness in 659 German Dairy Herds Kept in Loose Housing Systems. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2578. [PMID: 39272363 PMCID: PMC11394584 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Six hundred fifty-nine farms in three regions of Germany (North: n = 240, East: n = 247, and South: n = 172) were included in the study, which aims at determining the association of management-related risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds. For each risk factor, a generalised linear regression model with negative binomial distribution and logit link was built. Results showed that cows housed in deep-bedded cubicles had a lower risk of being lame than cows housed in other cubicle types. A larger cubicle width was associated with a lower risk of being lame. Feeding a total mixed ration was associated with lower lameness prevalence (compared to feeding a partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, lameness assessment performed daily (compared to less than daily) and during other work tasks (compared to lameness assessment as a separate work task) were associated with lower risk for lameness. Finally, the present study provided evidence for crucial associations of management-related risk factors with lameness in German dairy cows, especially in the fields of cubicle design, feeding management, and lameness assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tillack
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, Clinical Centre for Farm Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas W Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Annegret Stock
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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Rasmussen P, Barkema HW, Osei PP, Taylor J, Shaw AP, Conrady B, Chaters G, Muñoz V, Hall DC, Apenteng OO, Rushton J, Torgerson PR. Global losses due to dairy cattle diseases: A comorbidity-adjusted economic analysis. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:6945-6970. [PMID: 38788837 PMCID: PMC11382338 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
An economic simulation was carried out over 183 milk-producing countries to estimate the global economic impacts of 12 dairy cattle diseases and health conditions: mastitis (subclinical and clinical), lameness, paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), displaced abomasum, dystocia, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, retained placenta, and ketosis (subclinical and clinical). Estimates of disease impacts on milk yield, fertility, and culling were collected from the literature, standardized, meta-analyzed using a variety of methods ranging from simple averaging to random-effects models, and adjusted for comorbidities to prevent overestimation. These comorbidity-adjusted disease impacts were then combined with a set of country-level estimates for lactational incidence or prevalence or both, herd characteristics, and price estimates within a series of Monte Carlo simulations that estimated and valued the economic losses due to these diseases. It was estimated that total annual global losses are US$65 billion (B). Subclinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, and subclinical mastitis were the costliest diseases modeled, resulting in mean annual global losses of approximately US$18B, US$13B, and US$9B, respectively. Estimated global annual losses due to clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, dystocia, lameness, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, paratuberculosis, and retained placenta were estimated to be US$0.2B, US$0.6B, US$0.6B, US$6B, US$5B, US$0.6B, US$4B, US$4B, and US$3B, respectively. Without adjustment for comorbidities, when statistical associations between diseases were disregarded, mean aggregate global losses would have been overestimated by 45%. Although annual losses were greatest in India (US$12B), the United States (US$8B), and China (US$5B), depending on the measure of losses used (losses as a percentage of gross domestic product, losses per capita, losses as a percentage of gross milk revenue), the relative economic burden of these dairy cattle diseases across countries varied markedly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Rasmussen
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-1870, Denmark; Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH 0857, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs), Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Prince P Osei
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - James Taylor
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT9 5PX, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra P Shaw
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom; Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Beate Conrady
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-1870, Denmark
| | - Gemma Chaters
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs), Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Violeta Muñoz
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH 0857, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs), Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Ofosuhene O Apenteng
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-1870, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs), Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH 0857, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs), Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
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Mason WA, Müller KR, Laven LJ, Huxley JN, Laven RA. Farm-level risk factors and treatment protocols for lameness in New Zealand dairy cattle. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:171-182. [PMID: 38719276 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2345257] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To identify farm-level risk factors for dairy cow lameness, and to describe lameness treatment protocols used on New Zealand dairy farms. METHODS One hundred and nineteen farms from eight veterinary clinics within the major dairying regions of New Zealand were randomly enrolled into a cross-sectional lameness prevalence study. Each farmer completed a questionnaire on lameness risk factors and lameness treatment and management. Trained observers lameness scored cattle on two occasions, between October-December (spring, coinciding with peak lactation for most farms) and between January-March (summer, late lactation for most farms). A four-point (0-3) scoring system was used to assess lameness, with animals with a lameness score (LS) ≥2 defined as lame. At each visit, all lactating animals were scored including animals that had previously been identified lame by the farmer. Associations between the farmer-reported risk factors and lameness were determined using mixed logistic regression models in a Bayesian framework, with farm and score event as random effects. RESULTS A lameness prevalence of 3.5% (2,113/59,631) was reported at the first LS event, and 3.3% (1,861/55,929) at the second LS event. There was a median prevalence of 2.8% (min 0, max 17.0%) from the 119 farms. Most farmers (90/117; 77%) relied on informal identification by farm staff to identify lame animals. On 65% (75/116) of farms, there was no external provider of lame cow treatments, with the farmer carrying out all lame cow treatments. Most farmers had no formal training (69/112; 62%). Animals from farms that used concrete stand-off pads during periods of inclement weather had 1.45 times the odds of lameness compared to animals on farms that did not use concrete stand-off pads (95% equal-tailed credible interval 1.07-1.88). Animals from farms that reported peak lameness incidence from January to June or all year-round, had 0.64 times odds of lameness compared to animals from farms that reported peak lameness incidence from July to December (95% equal-tailed credible interval 0.47-0.88). CONCLUSIONS Lameness prevalence was low amongst the enrolled farms. Use of concrete stand-off pads and timing of peak lameness incidence were associated with odds of lameness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Veterinarians should be encouraging farmers to have formal lameness identification protocols and lameness management plans in place. There is ample opportunity to provide training to farmers for lame cow treatment. Management of cows on stand-off pads should consider the likely impact on lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Mason
- EpiVets, Te Awamutu, New Zealand
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K R Müller
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - L J Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J N Huxley
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Tillack A, Merle R, Müller KE, Hoedemaker M, Jensen KC, Bartel A, Oehm AW, Klawitter M, Stock A. The relationship between lameness prevalence and pasture access in 659 dairy herds in Germany. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305536. [PMID: 38935805 PMCID: PMC11210846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is an expression of pain most likely originating from a claw disorder, causing impaired animal wellbeing and substantial economic losses for farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of access to pasture, time spent on pasture, and season on farm level lameness prevalence. The survey was part of a cross-sectional observational study, in which farms in three regions of Germany (North, East and South) were visited by study veterinarians. On each farm (total: 659, N: 240, E: 247, S: 172), management data were recorded, and cows were scored for locomotion, according to Sprecher. Median farm-level lameness prevalence (Score 3/5 or higher) was 29.4% (IQR: 18.7% - 42.0%), and 8.2% (IQR: 3.7% - 14.0%) for severe lameness (Score 4/5 or higher). Farm-level lameness prevalence continuously decreased with increasing time spent on pasture (up to approximately 10 hours per cow per day). On farms that did not offer their cows access to pasture lameness prevalence did not show a seasonal variation. On farms where cows had pasture access for up to three hours per day lameness prevalence peaked in autumn. In contrast, on farms offering their cows access to pasture beyond three hours per day the peak of lameness was observed in spring. Our results revealed that even short periods of pasture access of at least two hours per cow and day (on average per year) are beneficial for the locomotion of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tillack
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Annegret Stock
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Urban-Chmiel R, Mudroň P, Abramowicz B, Kurek Ł, Stachura R. Lameness in Cattle-Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1836. [PMID: 38929454 PMCID: PMC11200875 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the etiopathogenesis of lameness in dairy cattle and examples of its treatment and prevention. This work is based on a review of available publications. In selecting articles for the manuscript, the authors focused on issues observed in cattle herds during their clinical work. Lameness in dairy cattle is a serious health and economic problem around the world. Production losses result from reduced milk yield, reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, treatment costs, and costs associated with early culling. A significant difficulty in the control and treatment of lameness is the multifactorial nature of the disease; causes may be individual or species-specific and may be associated with the environment, nutrition, or the presence of concomitant diseases. An important role is ascribed to infectious agents of both systemic and local infections, which can cause problems with movement in animals. It is also worth noting the long treatment process, which can last up to several months, thus significantly affecting yield and production. Given the high economic losses resulting from lameness in dairy cows, reaching even >40% (depending on the scale of production), there seems to be a need to implement extensive preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb infections in animals. The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Urban-Chmiel
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Pavol Mudroň
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Beata Abramowicz
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Kurek
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Rafał Stachura
- Agromarina Sp Z o.o., Kulczyn-Kolonia 48, 22-235 Hańsk Pierwszy, Poland;
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Mason WA, Müller KR, Huxley JN, Laven RA. Prevalence of lameness on pasture-based New Zealand dairy farms: An observational study. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106047. [PMID: 37897942 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
To understand the current impact of lameness on a system, it is important to define lameness prevalence across a range of dairy farms in that system. Prevalence estimates from dairy systems where cows are permanently managed at pasture are uncommon, although the limited data suggest that they have a lower lameness prevalence than housed cattle. One hundred and 20 farms from eight of the major dairying regions of New Zealand were randomly enrolled into a cross-sectional lameness prevalence study. On each of the farms, trained observers lameness scored cattle on two occasions, between October-December (spring, coinciding with peak lactation for most farms) and between January-March (summer, late lactation for most farms). At each visit, all lactating animals were scored using a four-point 0-3 scoring system, and included animals that had previously been identified as lame by the farmer. Animals with a lameness score (LS) ≥2 were defined as lame. Mixed logistic regression models assessed the interaction between region and season and island and season, respectively, and differences between the lameness prevalence within farm across the two seasons reported descriptively. A total of 116,317 locomotion scores over two events were conducted across the 120 farms. At the spring scoring event, 2128/60,007 (3.5 %) cows had a LS ≥2 and 1868/56,310 (3.3 %) cows had a LS ≥ 2 at the summer scoring event. At the farm level, across both scoring events, median lameness prevalence was 2.8 (interquartile range 1.5 - 4.5) %, with a range of 0.0-17.0 %. The median farm-level prevalence of LS = 3 was 0.5 % with a range of 0-4.6 %. The effect of timing of scoring was modified by region (p < 0.001), and island (p = 0.006) and at the individual farm level, differences between spring and summer farm level lameness prevalence were generally small (interquartile range: -1.8 to 1.0 %) but potentially large on individual farms (range from -12.3 % to 7.6 %). The median farm-level lameness prevalence estimate of 2.8 % across a random representative sample of New Zealand dairy farms give confidence that the overall prevalence of cattle lameness on New Zealand dairy farms is low. This adds to the growing evidence that pasture is a good management system with respect to hoof health. The evidence of strong seasonality of lameness was lacking. Instead of using lameness scoring to identify farms with large lameness problems, lameness scoring should be encouraged to farmers as a tool to improve the identification of lame animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Mason
- EpiVets, 565 Mahoe St, Te Awamutu 3800 New Zealand; Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - K R Müller
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - J N Huxley
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
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7
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Crossley RE, Bokkers EAM, O'Driscoll K, Kennedy E, Conneely M. Effects of increased grazing intensity during the early and late grazing periods on the welfare of spring-calving, pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6427-6443. [PMID: 37500449 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22659] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify potential effects of increased grazing intensity, characterized by differing pasture availability and stocking rate, on indicators of welfare during both early and late grazing periods. Seventy spring-calving, pasture-based Holstein-Friesian and cross-bred dairy cows, averaging 35 ± 16 d in milk on the first day of data collection, were assigned to 3 treatments (20-26 cows/treatment) representing a range in grazing intensity: LO (high pasture availability, 980 kg DM/ha opening cover, 2.75 cows/ha, 90:10% pasture:concentrate diet), MOD (medium pasture availability, 720 kg DM/ha opening cover, 2.75 cows/ha, 90:10% pasture:concentrate diet), and HI (low pasture availability, 570 kg DM/ha opening cover, 3.25 cows/ha, 80:20% pasture:concentrate diet); representative of current, best practice and proposed production levels respectively for this system. Welfare indicators were locomotion score, digital dermatitis and white line disease, rumen fill, ocular and nasal discharge, integument damage to the neck-back and hock regions, and lying time. Data were collected during a 5-wk early grazing period in spring (EG) and a 7-wk late grazing period in autumn (LG). Average daily lying time was recorded for 8 to 10 focal cows per treatment. Results demonstrated only minor treatment effects. Cows on MOD [odds ratio (OR) = 3.11] and HI (OR = 1.95) were more likely to display nasal discharge compared with LO. Cows on MOD tended to have more damage to the skin on the neck-back region than LO (OR = 4.26). Total locomotion score (maximum = 25) was greater on LOW (7.1 ± 0.20) compared with HI (6.5 ± 0.19). Average lame cow prevalence for EG and LG respectively was 15.3 ± 3.12% and 39.2 ± 3.00% (LO), 20.0 ± 2.58% and 24.2 ± 5.69% (MOD), and 14.9 ± 4.79% and 17.0 ± 3.44% (HI). Cows on HI were less likely to have impaired walking speed than either LO (OR = 0.24) or MOD (OR = 0.29). Cows on both HI (OR = 0.36) and MOD (OR = 0.40) were less likely to display impaired abduction or adduction compared with those on LO. An interaction between treatment and period revealed longer lying times for cows on LO (10.6 h/d ± 0.39) compared with both MOD and HI (8.7 ± 0.43 and 8.4 ± 0.41 h/d) during EG only. The greatest effects were across grazing periods, with all indicators except rumen fill and locomotion score demonstrating improvements from EG to LG. This suggests cows were able to cope well with increasing levels of grazing intensity, and that regardless of treatment, a greater number of days on pasture led to improvements in welfare indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Crossley
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996; Animal Production Systems group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands 6700 AH.
| | - E A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands 6700 AH
| | - K O'Driscoll
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996
| | - E Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996
| | - M Conneely
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996.
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Schuppli CA, Spooner JM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Canadian dairy farmer views about animal welfare. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e38. [PMID: 38487429 PMCID: PMC10936387 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Concerns regarding the welfare of farm animals continue to grow. Traditionally, research efforts have largely focused on refining existing management practices to improve welfare. However, the incorporation of views from those directly involved in animal care is equally, if not more, important. This study investigated the perspectives of Canadian dairy farmers on animal welfare. We conducted 16 interviews with a total of 22 participants from four provinces across Canada. Recorded audio files and field notes were transcribed, anonymised, and coded using deductive and inductive thematic analysis. The interview data revealed two major themes: (1) animal dimension of animal welfare, including views related to biological functioning, naturalness and affective states; and (2) dairy farmer identity, including, the voice of the 'city', what it means to be a good 'cow-man', and the nature of human-animal relationships. Dairy farmers emphasised biological functioning, but they made numerous references to the emotional and natural living aspects of their animals' lives. Our work also provides evidence that farmers believed it was their duty to care for their animals beyond simply milking cows and making a profit. In terms of the larger debate, this study identified potential shared values with members of the public: opportunities for natural living and agency, attentiveness to individual animals, and the value of life over death. Finally, the emotional relationship that farmers developed with their animals highlights the values dairy farmers have for their animals beyond simply utilitarian function. Overall, these shared values could contribute to constructive dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Schuppli
- The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Spooner
- The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, British Columbia, Canada
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Thomsen PT, Shearer JK, Houe H. Prevalence of lameness in dairy cows: A literature review. Vet J 2023; 295:105975. [PMID: 36990338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows has major negative impacts on animal welfare and production economy. While previous studies have evaluated the prevalence of lameness in single countries, the present literature review is the first overview of the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows globally. This literature review identified 53 studies reporting prevalence of lameness among representative samples of dairy cows and fulfilling a number of specified inclusion criteria (e.g., at least 10 herds and 200 cows, and locomotion scoring by trained observers). A total of 414,950 cows from 3945 herds were included in these 53 studies, which spanned a 30-year period (1989-2020) and included herds from six continents, with the majority from Europe and North America. Across the studies, the mean prevalence of lameness (typically defined as score 3-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 22.8% with a median of 22.0% and a range between studies from 5.1% to 45%, and a within herd range from 0% to 88%. The mean prevalence of severely lame cows (typically defined as score 4-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 7.0% with a median of 6.5% and a range between studies from 1.8% to 21.2%, and a within herd range from 0% to 65%. Over time, it appears that the prevalence of lameness has changed very little. Several different locomotion scoring systems and definitions of (severe) lameness were used across the 53 studies, and this may have affected the reported lameness prevalence. Sampling of herds and cows, inclusion criteria and representativeness also differed between studies. This review offers recommendations for the future capture of information on lameness in dairy cows and identifies potential knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Thomsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark.
| | - Jan K Shearer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Arunvipas P, Setkit T, Wongsanit J, Rukkwamsuk T, Homwong N, Sangmalee A. Effect of claw blocks on the healing duration and lesion severities of claw lesions in lame cows in Western Thailand. Vet World 2023; 16:258-263. [PMID: 37042010 PMCID: PMC10082725 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.258-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Lameness is a major complication in dairy cattle affecting health and milk production. Several factors are found to contribute to this condition and specific treatments are required, including the process of claw trimming. The elevation of the claw, such as with the application of a claw block, was reported to be beneficial in the more severe cases. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of a claw block on claw lesions of lame cows in dairy farms in Western Thailand.
Materials and Methods: Locomotion scores of 376 dairy cows were determined by a veterinarian using a scale of 1–5 (1 = normal; 5 = severely lame) at the time of the visit. Cows with a score of 3 or greater were defined as clinically lame. In total, 134 clinically lame cows from 11 dairy farms in the Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces were included in the analysis. Claw lesions included a white line abscess, bruised sole, sole ulcer, sole abscess, white line separate, and double soles. Wooden or rubber claw blocks were applied to the unaffected claw of the same hoof as the injured claw of 116 cows, which were classified as the treatment cases, and 18 cows were left untreated and classified as the control cases. Each cow was checked on every week of the healing process for 2 months unless the cow was culled earlier. Survival analysis was based on the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox Proportional Hazard regression.
Results: The median healing time for lame cows with and without claw blocks was 21 and 36 days, respectively. After adjusting for the lesion severity and type, the lame cows with and without a claw block had hazard ratios of 2.16 and 3.08, respectively. The healing times between the four lesion types in cows with a claw block were not significantly different. The healing time was longer in lame cows, with a severity score of 4.
Conclusion: The results from this study reveal that the treatment of lame cows with claw blocks promoted the healing capacity of claw lesions after claw trimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pipat Arunvipas
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Teerachad Setkit
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Wongsanit
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Theera Rukkwamsuk
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nitipong Homwong
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Anawat Sangmalee
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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11
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Crossley RE, Bokkers EAM, Browne N, Sugrue K, Kennedy E, Conneely M. Risk factors associated with indicators of dairy cow welfare during the housing period in Irish, spring-calving, hybrid pasture-based systems. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105760. [PMID: 36181750 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In a dairy production system where cows are grazing for a large portion of their lactation, little attention has been afforded to investigating multiple indicators of welfare for risk factors associated with the housing period. Yet regardless of the length of the housing period, cows still experience the positive and negative welfare impacts of both indoor and outdoor environments in a hybrid system. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify risk factors for indicators of dairy cow welfare during the housing period in a spring-calving, hybrid pasture-based system. Herd-level scores for seven indicators of welfare (locomotion, body condition, ocular and nasal discharge, integument damage, tail injury and human avoidance response) were collected from 82 Irish dairy farms during the housing period (October - February). Data were analysed using multiple beta regression or zero-inflated beta regression to identify associations between these welfare indicators and measured herd-level housing, resource and management factors. Thirty-six unique risk factors were associated with one or more welfare indicators (P < 0.05). Analyses identified two risk factors for body condition < 3.0 and four for body condition > 3.5, the target range during the housing period. Four risk factors were identified for each of ocular discharge, nasal discharge and avoidance response of > 1 m from human approach. Six risk factors each were associated with the proportion of lame cows and integument damage to the head-neck-back or hindquarter regions. The greatest number of risk factors, 12, were associated with tail injury (broken, lacerated or incomplete tails). Risk factors associated with multiple indicators of welfare were cow comfort index (tail lacerations and hindquarter integument damage), cubicle width (broken and incomplete tails), shed floor slipperiness (lameness and head-neck-back integument damage), shed light-level (tail lacerations, avoidance response and below target body condition), shed passage width (broken tails and head-neck-back integument damage) and presence (incomplete tails) or absence (broken tails) of a collecting yard backing gate. With the large number of risk factors associated with tail injury, continued research is necessary to identify causes and determine prevention methods to contribute to improved overall welfare of dairy cows. Housing features meeting recommended guidelines from the literature were frequently associated with greater negative indicators of welfare. In light of this, housing guidelines may benefit from regular re-evaluation to ensure facilities meet the welfare needs of cows during the housing period.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Crossley
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland; Animal Production Systems group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6700 AH, the Netherlands.
| | - E A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6700 AH, the Netherlands.
| | - N Browne
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | - K Sugrue
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland.
| | - E Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland.
| | - M Conneely
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland.
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12
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Browne N, Hudson CD, Crossley RE, Sugrue K, Kennedy E, Huxley JN, Conneely M. Lameness prevalence and management practices on Irish pasture-based dairy farms. Ir Vet J 2022; 75:14. [PMID: 35672794 PMCID: PMC9175467 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-022-00221-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lameness is a painful disease, which negatively impacts dairy cow production and welfare. The aim of this observational study was to determine herd lameness prevalence, describe current lameness management practices and identify the presence of established risk factors for lameness on Irish pasture-based dairy farms. Farms were visited once during grazing (99 farms) and again during housing (85 farms). Lameness scoring was carried out at each visit (AHDB 0–3 scale); cows were classified as lame if they scored two or three. Farm management practices and infrastructure characteristics were evaluated via farmer questionnaires and direct measurements of farm infrastructure. Results Median herd-level lameness prevalence was 7.9% (interquartile range = 5.6 – 13.0) during grazing and 9.1% (interquartile range = 4.9 – 12.0) during housing; 10.9% of cows were lame at a single visit and 3.5% were lame at both visits (chronically lame or had a repeat episode of lameness). Fifty-seven percent of farmers were not familiar with lameness scoring and only one farm carried out lameness scoring. Only 22% of farmers kept records of lame cows detected, and 15% had a lameness herd health plan. Twenty-eight percent of farmers waited more than 48 h to treat a lame cow, and 21% waited for more than one cow to be identified as lame before treating. Six percent of farmers carried out routine trimming and 31% regularly footbathed (> 12 times per year). Twelve percent put severely lame cows in a closer paddock and 8% stated that they used pain relief to treat severely lame cows. Over 50% of farms had at least one cow track measurement that was classified as rough or very rough, and cow tracks were commonly narrow for the herd size. On 6% of farms, all cubicle beds were bare concrete (no matting or bedding) and on a further 6% of farms, there was a combination of cubicles with and without matting or bedding. On 56% of farms, all pens contained less than 1.1 cubicles per cow and on 28% of farms, a proportion of pens contained less than 1.1 cubicles per cow. Conclusions Overall, this study identified infrastructure and management practices which could be improved upon. The comparatively low lameness prevalence demonstrated, compared to fully housed systems, also highlights the benefits of a pasture-based system for animal welfare; however, there remains scope for improvement.
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13
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Pinheiro Machado Filho LC, Gregorini P. Editorial: Grazing Behavior and Welfare of Ruminants. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:890289. [PMID: 35498743 PMCID: PMC9043860 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.890289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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14
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Daros RR, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MA. Invited review: Risk factors for transition period disease in intensive grazing and housed dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:4734-4748. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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15
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Smid AMC, de Jong S, Inberg PH, Sinclair S, von Keyserlingk MA, Weary DM, Barkema HW. Western Canadian dairy farmers' perspectives on the provision of outdoor access for dairy cows and on the perceptions of other stakeholders. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:4461-4473. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Cucunubo Santos LG, Breda JC, Cerri FM, Flabian KK, Facury Filho EJ, Lisbôa JA. Metabolic imbalances, hoof injuries, and metabolic profile of high-producing Holstein × Gir cowsshowing lameness. PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-7107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study attempted to determine the associations between metabolic imbalances and lameness or hoof injuries in high-producing Holstein × Gir cows, and to determine whether the metabolic profile affects the occurrence of lameness. Eighty cows were followed from -60 to 60 days relative to calving and hoof injuries were reported on days -60, 7 and 60. Locomotion score (LS), body condition score (BCS), the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase were determined at days -42, -21, -7, 0, 7, 21 and 42. The McNemar and Chi-square tests were used to compare frequencies of lameness and hoof injuries over time and to verify the associations between lameness, BCS, hoof injuries, and metabolic disorders. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used considering groups (non-lame × lame cows) and variations of BCS and metabolites over time. Lameness and hoof injuries increased between days -60 (20% and 66.3%) and 60 (44.7% and 98.6%). Excessive postpartum loss of BCS (P=0.017) and subclinical hypocalcemia (P=0.012) were associated with lameness on day 60. In general, the metabolic profile did not differ between lame and non-lame cows but cholesterol, albumin, BUN and magnesium concentrations were higher in non-lame cows. The postpartum decrease in BCS can affect the occurrence of lameness, and the metabolic profile of lame cows shows little difference from that of non-lame cows.
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17
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Browne N, Hudson CD, Crossley RE, Sugrue K, Kennedy E, Huxley JN, Conneely M. Cow- and herd-level risk factors for lameness in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1418-1431. [PMID: 34802737 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is a major animal welfare concern and has substantial economic impact through reduced production and fertility. Previous risk factor analyses have focused on housed systems, rather than those where cows were grazed for the majority of the year and housed only for the winter period. Therefore, the aim of this observational study was to identify a robust set of cow-level and herd-level risk factors for lameness in a pasture-based system, based on predictors from the housing and grazing periods. Ninety-nine farms were visited during the grazing period (April 2019-September 2019), and 85 farms were revisited during the housing period (October 2019-February 2020). At each visit, all lactating cows were scored for lameness (0 = good mobility, 1 = imperfect mobility, 2 = impaired mobility, 3 = severely impaired mobility), and potential herd-level risk factors were recorded through questionnaires and infrastructure measurements. Routine cow-level management data were also collected. Important risk factors for lameness were derived though triangulation of results from elastic net regression, and from logistic regression model selection using modified Bayesian information criterion. Both selection methods were implemented using bootstrapping. This novel approach has not previously been used in a cow-level or herd-level risk factor analysis in dairy cows, to the authors' knowledge. The binary outcome variable was lameness status, whereby cows with a lameness score of 0 or 1 were classed as non-lame and cows with a score of 2 or 3 were classed as lame. Cow-level risk factors for increased lameness prevalence were age and genetic predicted transmitting ability for lameness. Herd-level risk factors included farm and herd size, stones in paddock gateways, slats on cow tracks near the collecting yard, a sharper turn at the parlor exit, presence of digital dermatitis on the farm, and the farmers' perception of whether lameness was a problem on the farm. This large-scale study identified the most important associations between risk factors and lameness, based on the entire year (grazing and housing periods), providing a focus for future randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Browne
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD.
| | - C D Hudson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - R E Crossley
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 6700 AH
| | - K Sugrue
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - E Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442
| | - M Conneely
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
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18
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Calderón-Amor J, Hernández-Gotelli C, Strappini A, Wittwer F, Sepúlveda-Varas P. Prepartum factors associated with postpartum diseases in pasture-based dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2021; 196:105475. [PMID: 34481225 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional observational study aimed to identify prepartum management, environmental, and animal factors associated with clinical -lameness, metritis, mastitis- and subclinical -calcium imbalance, magnesium imbalance- diseases in pasture-based dairy cows. A total of 565 cows from 25 commercial dairy farms in southern Chile were enrolled over four months. Data on prepartum management and environmental conditions were obtained through a survey and inspections of prepartum paddocks. Cows were evaluated two times. In the first evaluation, between 30 to 3 days before calving, cows were assessed for lameness, body condition score, and blood samples were collected to measure nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). In the second evaluation, between 3 to 21 DIM, cows were assessed for metritis, lameness, and blood samples were collected and analyzed for total Ca and Mg concentration. Cows were considered as having Ca imbalance if Ca < 2.0 mmol/L, and Mg imbalance if Mg < 0.65 mmol/L. Postpartum clinical mastitis was diagnosed based on the foremilk's daily condition and udder assessed by the milker at each milking during the postpartum transition period. Multivariable logistic regression models, controlling for the farm as a random effect, were built to identify prepartum factors for each postpartum disease. The odds of postpartum lameness were higher for cows that were lame during the prepartum period, had elevated prepartum NEFA concentrations, had greater parity, and for cows that were kept in paddocks with no grass cover. The odds of metritis were higher in cows with lower parity, with increased prepartum NEFA, in cows that had dystocia, and farms with predominantly Holstein breed, and that did not have calving records. The odds of clinical mastitis were higher for cows lame during the prepartum period. The odds of Ca imbalance were higher in cows with a long dry period, dystocic calving, and in farms without prepartum anionic salts supplementation. The odds of Mg imbalance were higher in cows with lower prepartum Mg concentrations, higher prepartum Ca concentration, and higher parity. Our findings indicate that farmers could benefit from refining these areas to improve their cows' health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Calderón-Amor
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
| | - Constanza Hernández-Gotelli
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
| | - Ana Strappini
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
| | - Fernando Wittwer
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
| | - Pilar Sepúlveda-Varas
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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19
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Caddey B, De Buck J. Meta-Analysis of Bovine Digital Dermatitis Microbiota Reveals Distinct Microbial Community Structures Associated With Lesions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:685861. [PMID: 34336713 PMCID: PMC8322762 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.685861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a significant cause of infectious lameness and economic losses in cattle production across the world. There is a lack of a consensus across different 16S metagenomic studies on DD-associated bacteria that may be potential pathogens of the disease. The goal of this meta-analysis was to identify a consistent group of DD-associated bacteria in individual DD lesions across studies, regardless of experimental design choices including sample collection and preparation, hypervariable region sequenced, and sequencing platform. A total of 6 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Raw sequences and metadata were identified on the NCBI sequence read archive and European nucleotide archive. Bacterial community structures were investigated between normal skin and DD skin samples. Random forest models were generated to classify DD status based on microbial composition, and to identify taxa that best differentiate DD status. Among all samples, members of Treponema, Mycoplasma, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium were consistently identified in the majority of DD lesions, and were the best genera at differentiating DD lesions from normal skin. Individual study and 16S hypervariable region sequenced had significant influence on final DD lesion microbial composition (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that members of Treponema, Mycoplasma, Porphyromonas, and/or Fusobacterium may have significant roles in DD pathogenesis, and should be studied further in respect to elucidating DD etiopathogenic mechanisms and developing more effective treatment and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Caddey
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeroen De Buck
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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20
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Smid AMC, Inberg PHJ, de Jong S, Sinclair S, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM, Barkema HW. Perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on providing outdoor access for dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:10158-10170. [PMID: 34218920 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20342] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dairy cows are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night in summer. When pasture is not available, dairy cows show a partial preference for alternative types of outdoor access, spending half the night outside in summer on an outdoor sand or wood chip pack. However, many dairy farms do not provide cows outside access. To better understand reasons why dairy farmers choose to provide or not provide outdoor access, we studied the perspectives of dairy farmers located in the 4 Western Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Data were collected via (1) 11 focus group discussions with a total of 50 Western Canadian dairy farmers, and (2) semi-structured individual interviews with 6 dairy farmers of Hutterite colonies. Transcripts were analyzed using template analysis. Reasons to not provide outdoor access fell into 5 main themes: (1) adverse climate conditions, (2) negative implications of outdoor access for cow welfare including concerns about udder health, (3) concerns regarding decreases in profitability, (4) farm infrastructure not set up for outdoor access, and (5) higher ability to manage animals kept indoors. Reasons to provide outdoor access fell into the 5 main themes: (1) local climate conditions conducive for outdoor access, (2) beneficial effects of outdoor access on cow welfare including lower lameness prevalence, (3) increased profitability due to a premium milk price provided to farmers that allow pasture access to their cows, (4) farm infrastructure that is set up for outdoor access, and (5) easier management of animals outdoors. We conclude that the decision to provide outdoor access depends on how farmers weigh these factors given the constraints on their farm, as well as their personal beliefs and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marieke C Smid
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Pauline H J Inberg
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Saskia de Jong
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shane Sinclair
- Faculty of Nursing and Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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21
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A Cross-Sectional Epizootiological Study and Risk Assessment of Foot-Related Lesions and Lameness in Intensive Dairy Sheep Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061614. [PMID: 34072502 PMCID: PMC8227101 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Foot-related lameness is one of the most significant welfare issues in farm animals. Contrary to dairy cows and meat sheep breeds, epizootiological data on foot-lesions and associated lameness in dairy sheep are scarce. In this study, data were collected from 30 representative intensive dairy sheep farms. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to produce a typology of intensive farming systems which resulted in the assignment of farms in two distinct clusters. Six hundred adult ewes were randomly selected from six flocks (three flocks per cluster) and a cross-sectional study was implemented to investigate the epizootiology and potential risk factors of foot-related lameness, foot-lesions and diseases. Ovine interdigital dermatitis and infectious footrot were the most common infectious foot diseases, while white line disease and hoof wall cracks were the most prevalent non-infectious lesions. Infectious footrot was the main cause of lameness and increased with age, whereas body condition score was associated with increased prevalence of ovine interdigital dermatitis. Comparisons between the clusters regarding foot-related lameness, foot-diseases and lesions at the animal, the limb, and the hoof level are presented, and relevant literature, mechanisms, hypotheses, and challenges of the field are discussed. Abstract Foot-related lameness, foot-diseases and lesions are emerging issues in dairy sheep; however, relevant epizootiological studies are scarce, and risk factors have not been elucidated. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were (i) to address this dearth of knowledge by investigating the epizootiology of lameness-related foot-lesions and diseases, and (ii) to assess the impact of potential risk factors on foot health, in intensive dairy sheep farms. Thirty farms were assigned in two representative clusters using a multivariate statistical analysis. Three farms per cluster and 100 multiparous milking ewes per farm (total n = 600) were selected and enrolled in the study. Foot-related lameness, ovine interdigital dermatitis (OID), infectious footrot (IFR), white line disease, hoof wall cracks, as well as health and welfare traits were recorded. Overall prevalence of foot-related lameness was 9.0% and was primarily associated with IFR; however, additional infectious and non-infectious foot diseases and lesions also contributed. Among infectious foot diseases, OID was the most prevalent (21.3%) followed by IFR (8.0%); WLD and hoof wall cracks were the most prevalent non-infectious foot-lesions (37.7% and 15.3%, respectively). IFR and OID prevalence increased with age (p < 0.05) and BCS (p < 0.01), respectively, suggesting that host-related factors and husbandry practices are important determinants of its occurrence.
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22
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Kang X, Zhang XD, Liu G. A Review: Development of Computer Vision-Based Lameness Detection for Dairy Cows and Discussion of the Practical Applications. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21030753. [PMID: 33499381 PMCID: PMC7866151 DOI: 10.3390/s21030753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The computer vision technique has been rapidly adopted in cow lameness detection research due to its noncontact characteristic and moderate price. This paper attempted to summarize the research progress of computer vision in the detection of lameness. Computer vision lameness detection systems are not popular on farms, and the accuracy and applicability still need to be improved. This paper discusses the problems and development prospects of this technique from three aspects: detection methods, verification methods and application implementation. The paper aims to provide the reader with a summary of the literature and the latest advances in the field of computer vision detection of lameness in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Kang
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Lab of Modern Precision Agriculture System Integration Research, Ministry of Education of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.K.); (X.D.Z.)
- Key Lab of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agricultural of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-62736741
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Impact of Nutrients on the Hoof Health in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101824. [PMID: 33036413 PMCID: PMC7600182 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is currently one of the most important and economically demanding diseases in cattle. It is manifested in a change in locomotion that is associated with lesions, especially the pelvic limbs. The disease of the hoof is painful, affecting the welfare of dairy cows. Important factors that influence the health of the limbs include nutrition, animal hygiene, stable technology, and genetic and breeding predispositions. Nutrition is one of the basic preventive factors affecting the quality and growth of the hoof horn, and the associated prevalence of hoof disease. The strength and structure of the hoof horn are affected by the composition of the feed ration (amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and toxic substances contaminating the feed ration, or arising in the feed ration as metabolites of fungi).
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O'Connor AH, Bokkers EAM, de Boer IJM, Hogeveen H, Sayers R, Byrne N, Ruelle E, Engel B, Shalloo L. Cow and herd-level risk factors associated with mobility scores in pasture-based dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105077. [PMID: 32653490 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is an area of concern from an economic, environmental and animal welfare point of view. While the potential risk factors associated with suboptimal mobility in non-pasture-based systems are evident throughout the literature, the same information is less abundant for pasture-based systems specifically those coupled with seasonal calving, like those in Ireland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with specific mobility scores (0 = good, 1 = imperfect, 2 = impaired, and 3 = severely impaired mobility) for pasture-based dairy cows. Various cow and herd-level potential risk factors from Irish pasture-based systems were collected and analyzed for their association with suboptimal mobility, whereby a mobility score of 0 refers to cows with optimal mobility and a mobility score ≥ 1 refers to a cow with some form of suboptimal mobility. Combined cow and herd-level statistical models were used to determine the increased or decreased risk for mobility score 1, 2, and 3 (any form of suboptimal mobility) compared to the risk for mobility score 0 (optimal mobility), as the outcome variable and the various potential risk factors at both the cow and herd-level were included as predictor type variables. Cow-level variables included body condition score, milk yield, genetic predicted transmitting ability for 'lameness', somatic cell score, calving month and cow breed. Herd-level variables included various environmental and management practices on farm. These analyses have identified several cow-level potential risk factors (including low body condition score, high milk yield, elevated somatic cell count, stage of lactation, calving month, and certain breed types), as well as various herd-level potential risk factors (including the amount of time taken to complete the milking process, claw trimmer training, farm layout factors and foot bathing practices) which are associated with suboptimal mobility. The results of this study should be considered by farm advisors when advising and implementing a cow/herd health program for dairy cows in pasture-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H O'Connor
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands.
| | - E A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - I J M de Boer
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - H Hogeveen
- Business Economics Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - R Sayers
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - N Byrne
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - E Ruelle
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - B Engel
- Mathematical and Statistical Methods - Biometris, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - L Shalloo
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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25
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Welfare Assessment on Pasture: A Review on Animal-Based Measures for Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040609. [PMID: 32252331 PMCID: PMC7222824 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Welfare assessment in outdoor and extensive systems has rarely been investigated, and little is known about the most appropriate indicators. This study aimed at compiling a list of animal-based measures of welfare for domestic ruminants raised on outdoor/extensive systems by means of a systematic review. Out of 810 papers retrieved, 52 matched the inclusion criteria and went through an in-depth analysis. According to available literature, 45 indicators have been used to assess welfare on pasture, often following different methodologies. Most indicators were measured by observers even if the use of sensor technologies increased in recent years. Considering the growing interest in pasture-based or grass-fed products, it is suggested that welfare assessment in outdoor/extensive farming systems is carried out by following shared methodologies in order to provide evidence of the higher animal welfare claims that these products often imply compared to indoor systems. Abstract Outdoor and extensive farming systems allow animals to behave in a natural way and are often perceived as welfare friendly. Nonetheless, the natural environment poses multiple challenges to the welfare of animals, sometimes hampering their capacity to cope. Welfare assessment in outdoor and extensive systems has been rarely investigated, and little is known about the most appropriate indicators. The aim of this review was to identify animal-based measures of welfare to apply in extensive and pasture-based systems in domestic ruminants. Through the use of a dedicated software for systematic reviews, 810 papers were screened and a total of 52 papers were retained for in-depth analysis. ABM resulting from these papers were initially divided according to the species (cattle and small ruminants, including sheep and goats) and then to four principles: comfort, behavior, feeding and health. The results showed that welfare data were collected applying different methodologies, with an increasing use of sensors in recent years. The need to herd and restrain animals for individual data collection is one of the major constraints to data collection in extensive farming systems. It is suggested that welfare assessment in outdoor/extensive farming systems is carried out by following shared procedures in order to provide evidence of the higher animal welfare claims that these products often imply compared to indoor systems.
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Dendani-Chadi Z, Saidani K, Dib L, Zeroual F, Sammar F, Benakhla A. Univariate associations between housing, management, and facility design factors and the prevalence of lameness lesions in fourteen small-scale dairy farms in Northeastern Algeria. Vet World 2020; 13:570-578. [PMID: 32367966 PMCID: PMC7183466 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.570-578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the associations between different types of housing, management, and facilities on the prevalence of lame, causing lesions in smallholder dairy farms in Algeria. Materials and Methods: The on-site investigation took place between December 2012 and May 2015. All cows were locomotion scored on a four-point scale, and foot lesions causing lame were diagnosed and recorded. Factors related to the farm and the cows’ conditions were also assessed. The association between the possible risk factors and lame lesions was assessed using univariate analysis. Results: Of the 349 cows evaluated, 13% were lame (lameness score ≥2), with higher lameness values recorded for the hind feet than for the forefeet. Cows without lameness were classified as healthy. The two most frequent lesion diagnoses observed in lame cows were interdigital dermatitis/heel horn erosion (ID/HE; 39%) and interdigital phlegmon (IP; 35%), followed by traumatic lesions (T; 11%), digital dermatitis (DD; 8.7%), and laminitis-related diseases (L; 6.5%). The risk of being lame was increased in large herds with cows of the Holstein breed, and those in the third parity and above. Tie housing, concrete floor, concentrate feeding, zero-grazing, and the use of foot trimming occasionally were associated with increased risk for the presence of lame lesions. The region and footbathing frequency had no association with the prevalence of lame lesions (p≥0.05). Conclusion: These results have important implications; they indicate that several aspects of housing, management, and facility design are common protective factors for the prevalence of lame lesions. These factors should be maintained correctly to not only reduce the number of lame cows in these herds but also decrease the direct and indirect costs associated with cases of lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoubida Dendani-Chadi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of Chadli Bendjedid, P.O. Box 73 El Tarf, 36000, Algeria
| | - Khelaf Saidani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Saad Dahlab University P.O. Box 270 Blida, 09000, Algeria
| | - Loubna Dib
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of Chadli Bendjedid, P.O. Box 73 El Tarf, 36000, Algeria
| | - Fayçal Zeroual
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of Chadli Bendjedid, P.O. Box 73 El Tarf, 36000, Algeria
| | - Faouzi Sammar
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of Chadli Bendjedid, P.O. Box 73 El Tarf, 36000, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Benakhla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of Chadli Bendjedid, P.O. Box 73 El Tarf, 36000, Algeria
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27
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Moreira TF, Nicolino RR, Meneses RM, Fonseca GV, Rodrigues LM, Facury Filho EJ, Carvalho AU. Risk factors associated with lameness and hoof lesions in pasture-based dairy cattle systems in southeast Brazil. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10369-10378. [PMID: 31495614 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cattle lameness is an important welfare concern that also has an economic impact on the dairy industry. It can be a significant problem among pasture-based herds. Our objectives were to identify cow- and herd-level factors related to lameness and hoof lesions in dairy cows grazing year-round in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study in 48 pasture-based dairy herds, visiting each farm in a single visit. We evaluated 2,262 cows for mobility score (0-3) and 392 cows for hoof lesions. We used a questionnaire and checklist to capture herd management data. All information obtained was used to build multivariable models. The factors associated with lameness were low body condition score, longer time spent in the corral, being kept in paddocks during the drought period, and poor hygiene. For hoof lesions, track features were the most significant factor in determining the likelihood of heel horn erosion, white line fissure, and sole hemorrhage-by more than 3 times. Different factors related to unhygienic conditions such as leg cleanliness, frequency of cleaning, and longer time spent in the corral were associated with infectious hoof lesions. Poor human-animal relationship was related to sole hemorrhage, but patient handling of cows on the track was a protective factor against interdigital hyperplasia. The results of this study suggest that improving hygiene conditions, track features, and cow handling can improve dairy cattle mobility scores in pasture-based farms under tropical conditions. These findings also represent a first step toward planning actions aimed at decreasing lameness and hoof lesions in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago F Moreira
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920.
| | - Rafael R Nicolino
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha Mucuri, Av. Ver. João Narciso 1380, Unaí, Brazil 38610-000
| | - Rodrigo M Meneses
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Guilherme V Fonseca
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Letícia M Rodrigues
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920
| | - Elias J Facury Filho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Antônio U Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
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Thompson AJ, Weary DM, Bran JA, Daros RR, Hötzel MJ, von Keyserlingk MAG. Lameness and lying behavior in grazing dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6373-6382. [PMID: 31079902 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a serious welfare issue for dairy cows. To date, the majority of studies have focused on its effect on health and behavior at the herd level. The objectives of this study were to identify (1) between-cow and (2) within-cow changes in lying behavior associated with consistent and changing lameness status in grazing dairy cows. Previous studies of lying behavior in grazing dairy cows have not considered the effect of precipitation, so a third aim was to determine the effect of precipitation on lying behavior. A total of 252 dairy cows from 6 pasture-based farms in southern Brazil were gait scored weekly to assess lameness using a 5-point scale [1-5, numerical rating score (NRS)] for 4 consecutive weeks. Cows were considered to have consistent lameness if they were scored as lame (NRS ≥3) on each of the 4 visits and considered to have a changing lameness status if scored as being nonlame (NRS <3) on at least 1 of the 4 visits. Cows classified as having a changing lameness status were further classified as developed, recovered, or inconsistent. Lying behavior (daily lying time, mean lying bout duration, and daily number of lying bouts) was recorded continuously for 3 wk using leg-mounted accelerometers. Cow-level variables included parity, days in milk, and body condition score. Regional precipitation and temperature were recorded hourly. Because only 1 primiparous cow was identified as lame at each of the 4 visits, the between-cow analysis of lameness was run on multiparous cows only. The overall prevalence of clinical lameness on the first visit was 39%, with development and recovery rates of 16 and 10% over the 4 visits, respectively. The between-cow effect of consistent lameness status on daily lying time and number of lying bouts was dependent on precipitation; consistently lame cows had reduced lying time and lying bouts on days with rain compared with days without rain. There was no within-cow effect of changing lameness status on any of the lying behaviors. Precipitation was associated with decreased daily lying time, increased mean lying bout duration, and decreased daily number of lying bouts. The results of this research provide the first evidence that the effect of consistent lameness status on lying behavior is associated with rainfall in grazing dairy cows. Future work measuring lying behavior of grazing dairy cows should include precipitation as a covariate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Thompson
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - D M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - J A Bran
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil
| | - R R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - M J Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Readily Available Water Access is Associated with Greater Milk Production in Grazing Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9020048. [PMID: 30764501 PMCID: PMC6406619 DOI: 10.3390/ani9020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In Santa Catarina, Brazil, most milk is produced on small-scale farms that utilize grazing as the main form of nutrition; however, the farms differ in how they provide water for their herds, with some herds not providing access to drinking water while on pasture and other herds having unrestricted access to water. In this study, we assessed the milk production on farms that differ in the way drinking water is provided to the herd. Herds with unrestricted access to drinking water produced more milk than herds that had restricted access to drinking water, regardless of the main breed of the herd, and amount of concentrate offered per cow per day. Simple changes in water management practices may positively impact milk production. Abstract In this cross-sectional study, we measured the association between water provision and milk production on intensively managed small-scale grazing dairy herds. Farms (n = 53) were categorized according to water provision as follows: (1) Restricted—cows did not have access to a water trough while on pasture; and (2) Unrestricted—cows had free access to a water trough while on pasture. Herd main breed and feeding practices were included in a model to assess the effect of water provision category on farm average milk yield/cow/d. The effect of pasture condition and environmental variables on milk production were also assessed, however were not retained on the final model. Herds provided with unrestricted access to drinking water produced on average 1.7 L more milk per cow/d (p = 0.03) than herds with restricted access to drinking water. Predominantly Holstein herds produced 2.8 L more milk per cow/d (p < 0.01) than non-Holstein herds. Each extra kg of concentrate offered per day increased milk yield by 1.1 L/cow/d (p < 0.01). In conclusion, providing free access to drinking water while grazing was associated with greater milk production.
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Aspects of lameness in pasture based dairy systems. Vet J 2018; 244:83-90. [PMID: 30825900 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pasture-based dairy systems are implemented all over the world. Access to pasture is perceived to be advantageous for animal welfare in western societies. However, the benefits of grazing on lameness are not uniformly verifiable. This is related to the challenges that grazing cows face which are different from zero-grazing systems to some extent, but may nevertheless be deleterious. The distribution of lesion types comparing housed and pastured cattle differs between studies. This may be caused by differences in how strongly certain risk factors apply in these studies. Major risk factors for lameness in grazing cattle are related to the risk of trauma, for example from long walking distances and lack of track maintenance, and cow factors such as the adaptability of certain breeds to the grazing lifestyle. The consequences of lameness are similar to zero-grazing cattle and negatively affect animal welfare and productivity.
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31
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Olmos G, Bran JA, von Keyserlingk MA, Hötzel MJ. Lameness on Brazilian pasture based dairies – Part 2: Conversations with farmers and dairy consultants. Prev Vet Med 2018; 157:115-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bran JA, Daros RR, von Keyserlingk MAG, Hötzel MJ. Lameness on Brazilian pasture based dairies-part 1: Farmers' awareness and actions. Prev Vet Med 2018; 157:134-141. [PMID: 30086841 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey aimed to verify farmers' awareness and knowledge about lameness in grazing dairy cows and to analyze their perspectives and actions intended to control this issue. Farms (n = 44, mean herd size: 42, SD = 11.2) located in southern Brazil were visited twice in 2015. On the first visit the farmers were requested to answer a questionnaire on lameness knowledge (relative importance as a health issue, aetiology, impacts on culling) and management (prevention, treatment and veterinary assistance) on their farms. Farmers were asked to estimate the number of lame cows present on their farms at each visit. All lactating cows on each farm were locomotion scored by a veterinarian to estimate lameness prevalence on both visits. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to test similarity between the veterinarian and farmer estimated lameness prevalence. Mixed-effects linear models were fitted to investigate the associations between veterinarian lameness estimated prevalence and farmers' answers regarding lameness importance and impacts on culling cows at the farms. On average, farmers underestimated lameness prevalence during both visits; however, when assessing only severe lameness, veterinarian and farmer prevalence lameness ratings were very similar on the second visit (ICC 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, n = 43, P < 0.01). The veterinarian's estimated lameness prevalence was about 10% higher on herds where farmers identified lameness as a primary health issue (40.24%) or as a reason for culling (41.7%) versus farms where the farmer did not recognize lameness as a health concern or reason for culling. Farmers' most reported causes of lameness on their farms were categorized as hoof trauma, inadequate feeding practices associated with acidosis-laminitis, high moisture on walking surfaces, and individual features of cows. Farmers mentioned frequently that they made use of antibiotics and topical hoof products to treat lame cows; they also reported low use of anti-inflammatories/analgesics and hoof trimming as treatment remedies and no one mentioned adoption of regular preventative measures for lameness. Farmers reported having no training on lameness management, and cited an overall lack of veterinary support to control lameness on their farms. The farmers seemed unaware of the extent of lameness on their farms. Interventions aimed at reducing lameness in small scale herds in this region of Brazil should include a preventative veterinary assistance approach focused, initially, to increase farmers' knowledge and awareness on lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Bran
- Laboratorio de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Rolnei R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, 2357 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | | | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratorio de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
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33
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Prevalence of lameness and hoof lesions in all year-round grazing cattle in Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1829-1834. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1626-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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