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Giannuzzi D, Vanzin A, Pegolo S, Toscano A, Bisutti V, Gallo L, Schiavon S, Cecchinato A. Novel insights into the associations between immune cell population distribution in mammary glands and milk minerals in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:593-606. [PMID: 37690723 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23729] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Udder health has a crucial role in sustainable milk production, and various reports have pointed out that changes in udder condition seem to affect milk mineral content. The somatic cell count (SCC) is the most recognized indicator for the determination of udder health status. Recently, a new parameter, the differential somatic cell count (DSCC), has been proposed for a more detailed evaluation of intramammary infection patterns. Specifically, the DSCC is the combined proportions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes (PMN-LYM) on the total SCC, with macrophages (MAC) representing the remainder proportion. In this study, we evaluated the association between DSCC in combination with SCC on a detailed milk mineral profile in 1,013 Holstein-Friesian cows reared in 5 herds. An inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to quantify 32 milk mineral elements. Two different linear mixed models were fitted to explore the associations between the milk mineral elements and first, the DSCC combined with SCC, and second, DSCC expressed as the PMN-LYM and MAC counts, obtained by multiplying the proportion of PMN-LYM and MAC by SCC. We observed a significant positive association between SCC and milk Na, S, and Fe levels. Differential somatic cell count showed an opposite behavior to the one displayed by SCC, with a negative association with Na and positive association with K milk concentrations. When considering DSCC as count, Na and K showed contrasting behavior when associated with PMN-LYM or MAC counts, with decreasing of Na content and increasing K when associated with increasing PMN-LYM counts, and increasing Na and decreasing K when associated with increasing MAC count. These findings confirmed that an increase in SCC is associated with altered milk Na and K amounts. Moreover, MAC count seemed to mirror SCC patterns, with the worsening of inflammation. Differently, PMN-LYM count exhibited patterns of associations with milk Na and K contents attributable more to LYM than PMN, given the nonpathological condition of the majority of the investigated population. An interesting association was observed for milk S content, which increased with increasing of inflammatory conditions (i.e., increased SCC and MAC count) probably attributable to its relationship with milk proteins, especially whey proteins. Moreover, milk Fe content showed positive associations with the PMN-LYM population, highlighting its role in immune regulation during inflammation. Further studies including individuals with clinical condition are needed to achieve a comprehensive view of milk mineral behavior during udder health impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Giannuzzi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alice Vanzin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Sara Pegolo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Alessandro Toscano
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Vittoria Bisutti
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Luigi Gallo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, IT-35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Tolone M, Mastrangelo S, Scatassa ML, Sardina MT, Riggio S, Moscarelli A, Sutera AM, Portolano B, Negrini R. A First Investigation into the Use of Differential Somatic Cell Count as a Predictor of Udder Health in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3806. [PMID: 38136843 PMCID: PMC10740685 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243806] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential somatic cell count (DSCC), the percentage of somatic cell count (SCC) due to polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and lymphocytes (LYMs), is a promising effective diagnostic marker for dairy animals with infected mammary glands. Well-explored in dairy cows, DSCC is also potentially valid in sheep, where clinical and subclinical mastitis outbreaks are among the principal causes of culling. We pioneered the application of DSCC in dairy ewes by applying receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to define the most accurate thresholds to facilitate early discrimination of sheep with potential intramammary infection (IMI) from healthy animals. We tested four predefined SCC cut-offs established in previous research. Specifically, we applied SCC cut-offs of 265 × 103 cells/mL, 500 × 103 cells/mL, 645 × 103 cells/mL, and 1000 × 103 cells/mL. The performance of DSCC as a diagnostic test was assessed by examining sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under curve (AUC) analyses. The designated threshold value for DSCC in the detection of subclinical mastitis is established at 79.8%. This threshold exhibits Se and Sp of 0.84 and 0.81, accompanied by an AUC of 0.88. This study represents the inaugural exploration of the potential use of DSCC in sheep's milk as an early indicator of udder inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tolone
- Department of Agricultural Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.M.); (M.T.S.); (S.R.); (B.P.)
| | - Salvatore Mastrangelo
- Department of Agricultural Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.M.); (M.T.S.); (S.R.); (B.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Scatassa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Sardina
- Department of Agricultural Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.M.); (M.T.S.); (S.R.); (B.P.)
| | - Silvia Riggio
- Department of Agricultural Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.M.); (M.T.S.); (S.R.); (B.P.)
| | - Angelo Moscarelli
- Istituto Sperimentale Zootecnico per la Sicilia, Via Roccazzo 85, 90136 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Sutera
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Baldassare Portolano
- Department of Agricultural Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.M.); (M.T.S.); (S.R.); (B.P.)
| | - Riccardo Negrini
- Associazione Italiana Allevatori, Via Tomassetti Giuseppe 9, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition—DIANA, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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Mondini S, Gislon G, Zucali M, Sandrucci A, Tamburini A, Bava L. Risk factors of high somatic cell count and differential somatic cells in early lactation associated with selective dry cow therapy. Animal 2023; 17:100982. [PMID: 37797494 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100982] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The routine use of intramammary antimicrobial products in all dairy cows at the beginning of the dry period is no longer allowed in European Union (EU) countries due to the new Regulation (EU) 2019/6 to reduce antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the application of a selective dry cow therapy scheme and the risk factors of high individual milk somatic cell count (SCC) and individual neutrophil count in early lactation, as a response to the application of a selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) protocol. The study was carried out on three commercial farms, and a total of 243 lactating cows were monitored at the end of lactation and at the beginning of the next one, 91 of which were dried off without the use of antimicrobials (NoT) based on milk SCC, differential somatic cell count (DSCC), and the response of Vetscan DC-Q milk analyser, using a secret algorithm. The remaining 152 cows received antimicrobials (T). After calving, similar means were observed between the two treatment groups for SCC (4.8 vs 4.9 log10 cells/ml for T and NoT, respectively, P = 0.5) and total milk leucocyte count (TLC) (5 vs 5.1 log10 cells/ml for T and NoT, respectively, P = 0.7) in milk. However, the use of antimicrobials led to a lower DSCC (58 vs 64% for T and NoT, respectively, P = 0.01) and lower percentage of neutrophils (59 vs 64% for T and NoT, respectively, P = 0.05), although the levels of DSCC and percentage of neutrophils in cows dried off without antimicrobials remained lower than the risk threshold suggested by the international literature. A logistic regression was computed after the application of selective dry cow therapy to identify risk factors of high milk SCC (≥100 000 cells/mL) at the beginning of lactation. Increased milk SCC after calving was related to high SCC at the end of lactation and abandonment of antimicrobial therapy at dry-off. Moreover, the length of the dry period, milk protein content, and flank cleanliness in the last test day before dry-off were other factors in the logistic regression. Neutrophil counts at the beginning of the next lactation were affected by the same factors that influenced SCC, together with milk production, TLC, and macrophages on the last test day. The results obtained in these studied farms showed that selective dry cow therapy may be applied without adversely affecting the next lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mondini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - G Gislon
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - M Zucali
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - A Sandrucci
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - A Tamburini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - L Bava
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Schwarz D, Kleinhans S, Witzel G, Stückler P, Reith F, Danø S. Usefulness of the total and differential somatic cell count based udder health group concept for evaluating herd management practices and udder health in dairy herds. Prev Vet Med 2023; 218:105977. [PMID: 37562223 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105977] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Subclinical mastitis and associated economic losses are a steady challenge in the dairy industry. The combination of the well-established somatic cell count (SCC) parameter and the new differential SCC (DSCC) opens up the possibility to categorise cows into four different udder health groups (UHG) based on results from a single milk recording/dairy herd improvement (DHI) test: UHG A: healthy/normal, ≤ 200,000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤ 65 %; B: suspicious, ≤ 200,000 cells/mL and DSCC > 65 %; C: (subclinical) mastitis, > 200,000 cells/mL and DSCC > 65 %; D: chronic/persistent mastitis, > 200,000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤ 65 %. The objectives of this study were to investigate 1) herd management practises among herds in different UHG categories and 2) herd performance parameters depending on the proportion of cows in UHG A. A total number of 41 herds in Styria, Austria, and Thuringia, Germany, were visited and interviewed for the first part of the study. The herds were categorised into 3 UHG categories depending on the proportion of cows in UHG A: I = >65 %; II = 55-65 %; and III = <55 %. Those with good udder health and best herd performance (+9 % milk yields, +11 % longevity, -35 % antibiotic treatments) applied distinct preventive measures, in particular excellent cubicle management and early antibiotic treatment (P < 0.05 each). However, preventive measures were applied to a lower extent in other herds. Herds were categorised differently using the UHG concept compared to SCC alone as the UHG-based categorisation allowed to clearer distinguish herds with medium-good from those with good udder health. A total number of 129,812 regular milk recording/DHI test day results of 890 Austrian and 183 German herds was used for the second part of the study. Results revealed a trend of increasing daily production as proportions of cows in UHG A increase. In conclusion, the UHG concept allowed clearer distinction of herds with good, medium-good, and poor udder health and could be used to promote practises leading to better animal health, less antibiotic treatments, and higher milk quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schwarz
- FOSS Analytical A/S, Nils Foss Alle 1, 3400 Hilleroed, Denmark.
| | | | - Gesine Witzel
- Qnetics, Stotternheimer Strasse 19, 99087 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Stückler
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200 Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Franz Reith
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200 Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Sune Danø
- FOSS Analytical A/S, Nils Foss Alle 1, 3400 Hilleroed, Denmark
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5
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Regulatory Role of microRNA of Milk Exosomes in Mastitis of Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050821. [PMID: 36899678 PMCID: PMC10000098 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the cargos of miRNA in exosomes isolated from the milk of healthy (H) cows, cows at risk of mastitis (ARM), and cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM). Based on the number of somatic cells and the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells, 10 cows were assigned to group H, 11 to group ARM, and 11 to group SCM. After isolating exosomes in milk by isoelectric precipitation and ultracentrifugation, the extracted RNA was sequenced to 50 bp long single reads, and these were mapped against Btau_5.0.1. The resulting 225 miRNAs were uploaded to the miRNet suite, and target genes for Bos taurus were identified based on the miRTarBase and miRanda databases. The list of differentially expressed target genes resulting from the comparisons of the three groups was enriched using the Function Explorer of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. A total of 38, 18, and 12 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE, p < 0.05) in the comparisons of H vs. ARM, ARM vs. SCM, and H vs. SCM, respectively. Only 1 DE miRNA was shared among the three groups (bta-mir-221), 1 DE miRNA in the H vs. SCM comparison, 9 DE miRNAs in the ARM vs. SCM comparison, and 21 DE miRNAs in the H vs. ARM comparison. A comparison of the enriched pathways of target genes from the H, SCM, and ARM samples showed that 19 pathways were differentially expressed in the three groups, while 56 were expressed in the H vs. SCM comparison and 57 in the H vs. ARM comparison. Analyzing milk exosome miRNA cargos can be considered as a promising approach to study the complex molecular machinery set in motion in response to mastitis in dairy cows.
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Jiang L, Sun H, Gu F, He J, Zhao F, Liu J. Blood neutrophil extracellular traps: a novel target for the assessment of mammary health in transition dairy cows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:131. [DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Mammary health is important for transition dairy cows and has been well recognized to exert decisive effects on animal welfare. However, the factors influencing mammary health are still unclear. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC) could reflect the mastitis risk since it is the percentage of neutrophils plus lymphocytes in total somatic cells and could be reflective of mammary health of dairy cows. This work aimed to investigate the assessment and prognosis of the health of transition cows based on blood neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
Results
Eighty-four transition Holstein dairy cows were selected. The serum was sampled in all the animals at week 1 pre- and postpartum, and milk was sampled at week 1 postpartum. Based on the DSCC in milk at week 1, cows with lower (7.4% ± 4.07%, n = 15) and higher (83.3% ± 1.21%, n = 15) DSCCs were selected. High DSCC cows had higher levels of red blood cell counts (P < 0.05), hemoglobin (P = 0.07), and hematocrit (P = 0.05), higher concentrations of serum oxidative variables [(reactive oxygen species (P < 0.05), malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), protein carbonyl (P < 0.05), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (P = 0.07)], higher levels of serum and milk NETs (P < 0.05) and blood-milk barrier indicators, including serum β-casein (P = 0.05) and milk immunoglobulin G2 (P = 0.09), than those of low DSCC cows. In addition, lower concentrations of serum nutrient metabolites (cholesterol and albumin) (P < 0.05) and a lower level of serum deoxyribonuclease I (P = 0.09) were observed in high DSCC cows than in low DSCC cows. Among the assessments performed using levels of the three prepartum serum parameters (NETs, deoxyribonuclease I and β-casein), the area under the curve (0.973) of NETs was the highest. In addition, the sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (0.93) were observed for the discrimination of these cows using NETs levels with a critical value of 32.2 ng/mL (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The formation of NETs in blood in transition dairy cows may damage the integrity of the blood-milk barrier and thereby increase the risk for mastitis in postpartum cows.
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Dal Prà A, Biscarini F, Cavani GL, Bacchelli S, Iotti A, Borghi S, Nocetti M, Moroni P. Relationship between total and differential quarter somatic cell counts at dry-off and early lactation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275755. [PMID: 36251634 PMCID: PMC9576081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is a most common disease of dairy cows and causes tremendous economic loss to the dairy industry worldwide. Somatic cell counts (SCC) reflect the inflammatory response to infections and is a metric used as key indicator in mastitis screening programs, typically within the framework of national milk recording schemes. Besides the determination of total SCC, the differentiation of cell types has been described to be beneficial for a more definite description of the actual udder health status of dairy cows. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC) represents the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and lymphocytes expressed as a percentage of the total. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SCC and differential somatic cell count (DSCC) in individual quarter milk samples collected at different time points: at dry-off, after calving and at the lactation peak. We used individual quarter data from farms representing the specialized production system of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in Northern Italy. Average DSCC values ranged between 44.9% and 56.3%, with higher values (60.4%-72.1%) in milk samples with ≥ 1 million SCC/ml (where the proportion of samples with DSCC > 70% can be as high as 0.73). Moderate overall correlations between DSCC and log(SCC) were estimated (Pearson = 0.42, Spearman = 0.38), with a clear increasing trend with parity and around the lactation peak (e.g. Pearson = 0.59 at 60 DIM in parity 4). Taking SCC values as indicators of subclinical mastitis, DSCC would diagnose mastitis with 0.75 accuracy. Data editing criteria do have an impact on results, with stricter filtering leading to lower correlations between log(SCC) and DSCC. In conclusion DSCC and SCC provide different descriptions of the udder health status of dairy cows which, at least to some extent, are independent. DSCC alone doesn't provide more accurate information than SCC at quarter level but, used in combination with SCC, can be of potential interest within the framework of milk recording programs, especially in the context of selective dry-cow therapy (SDCT). However, this needs further investigation and updated threshold values need to be selected and validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Dal Prà
- Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali (C.R.P.A.) S.p.A., Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Institute of Bioeconomy (IBE), National Research Council (CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Biscarini
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Saverio Bacchelli
- Bonlatte, Società Agricola Cooperativa, Castelfranco Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alcide Iotti
- Progeo, Società Cooperativa Agricola, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Sara Borghi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Nocetti
- Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Paolo Moroni
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Lodi, Italy
- Quality Milk Production Services, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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McCubbin KD, de Jong E, Lam TJGM, Kelton DF, Middleton JR, McDougall S, De Vliegher S, Godden S, Rajala-Schultz PJ, Rowe S, Speksnijder DC, Kastelic JP, Barkema HW. Invited review: Selective use of antimicrobials in dairy cattle at drying-off. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:7161-7189. [PMID: 35931474 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Administering intramammary antimicrobials to all mammary quarters of dairy cows at drying-off [i.e., blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT)] has been a mainstay of mastitis prevention and control. However, as udder health has considerably improved over recent decades with reductions in intramammary infection prevalence at drying-off and the introduction of teat sealants, BDCT may no longer be necessary on all dairy farms, thereby supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts. This narrative review summarizes available literature regarding current dry cow therapy practices and associated impacts of selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) on udder health, milk production, economics, antimicrobial use, and antimicrobial resistance. Various methods to identify infections at drying-off that could benefit from antimicrobial treatment are described for selecting cows or mammary quarters for treatment, including utilizing somatic cell count thresholds, pathogen identification, previous clinical mastitis history, or a combination of criteria. Selection methods may be enacted at the herd, cow, or quarter levels. Producers' and veterinarians' motivations for antimicrobial use are discussed. Based on review findings, SDCT can be adopted without negative consequences for udder health and milk production, and concurrent teat sealant use is recommended, especially in udder quarters receiving no intramammary antimicrobials. Furthermore, herd selection should be considered for SDCT implementation in addition to cow or quarter selection, as BDCT may still be temporarily necessary in some herds for optimal mastitis control. Costs and benefits of SDCT vary among herds, whereas impacts on antimicrobial resistance remain unclear. In summary, SDCT is a viable management option for maintaining udder health and milk production while improving antimicrobial stewardship in the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayley D McCubbin
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1; One Health at UCalgary, University of Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Ellen de Jong
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1; One Health at UCalgary, University of Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Theo J G M Lam
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - David F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - John R Middleton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - Scott McDougall
- Cognosco, Anexa FVC Morrinsville, PO Box 21, Morrinsville 3340, New Zealand; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Sarne De Vliegher
- M-team and Mastitis and Milk Quality Research Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sandra Godden
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - Päivi J Rajala-Schultz
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Sam Rowe
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - David C Speksnijder
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Farm Animal Clinic ULP, 3481LZ Harmelen, the Netherlands
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1; One Health at UCalgary, University of Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
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9
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Advantages and Challenges of Differential Immune Cell Count Determination in Blood and Milk for Monitoring the Health and Well-Being of Dairy Cows. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060255. [PMID: 35737307 PMCID: PMC9229168 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A key challenge of the 21st century will be to provide the growing world population with a sustainable and secure supply of food. Consequently, the dairy farming’s primary task is to lower milk losses and other inefficiencies associated with diseased cows. Moreover, a shift from curative to preventive health management would be desirable for mastitis and a wide variety of other infectious and non-infectious cattle diseases, some of which are known to have profound negative effects on the performance and well-being of cows. Differential cell counting (DCC), a procedure that aims to determine the proportions of different somatic cell types in raw milk samples, has not only the potential to optimize mastitis diagnostics, but it could furthermore serve as a diagnostic tool for monitoring the general and overall health status of dairy cows. Based on a broad search of the literature, the practical utility of various types of DCC is summarized and discussed in this review. Since it might be of advantage to interpret DCC with the aid of data from studies in humans, differences between the immune systems of humans and dairy cattle, with a special focus on surface marker expression profiles and γδ (gamma delta) T-cell characteristics, are also described.
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10
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Mariani E, Cipolat‐Gotet C, Stefanon B, Zecconi A, Stocco G, Sandri M, Ablondi M, Mountricha M, Summer A. Effect of total and differential somatic cell count on yield, composition and predicted coagulation properties from individual dairy cows. INT J DAIRY TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0307.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mariani
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Parma Parma 43126Italy
| | | | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of AgroFood, Environmental and Animal Science University of Udine Udine 33100Italy
| | - Alfonso Zecconi
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences One Health Unit University of Milano Milano 20133 Italy
| | - Giorgia Stocco
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Parma Parma 43126Italy
| | - Misa Sandri
- Department of AgroFood, Environmental and Animal Science University of Udine Udine 33100Italy
| | - Michela Ablondi
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Parma Parma 43126Italy
| | - Maria Mountricha
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Parma Parma 43126Italy
| | - Andrea Summer
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Parma Parma 43126Italy
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11
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Milk Somatic Cell Count and Polymorphonuclear Cells in Healthy Quarters of Cows That Underwent Blanket and Selective Dry Therapy: An Italian Case Study. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120298. [PMID: 34941824 PMCID: PMC8705708 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of mastitis increases with parity in dairy cattle and multiparous cows are often treated at drying off to limit the risk of udder health issues and support mammary gland tissues recovery. Milk somatic cells count (SCC, cells/mL) comprises different white blood cells fractions and is worldwide used to monitor and genetically improve udder health. Nevertheless, only certain SCC fractions increase when an udder inflammation occurs. Considering that antibiotic use for preventive purposes will be forbidden in 2022, we compared two different dry therapy protocols, blanket (BDCT) and selective (SDCT), on different SCC fractions in healthy quarters milk. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and SCC, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC) recorded after the experimental drying off were available. Significant differences were observed between the two protocols, with more favorable parameters in BDCT than SDCT cows. Results showed that moving from BDCT to SDCT is expected to significantly increase some SCC fractions, such as PMN, in healthy quarters. The baseline SCC level at the onset of lactation was greater in cows under SDCT than BDCT. Although not significant, clinical mastitis prevalence was numerically lower in BDCT (7.32%) than SDCT (8.62%). In this study we referred to a limited number of cows, but still findings will be useful to improve the knowledge on the impact of SDCT on milk SCC fractions in healthy quarters.
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12
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Rowe SM, Vasquez AK, Godden SM, Nydam DV, Royster E, Timmerman J, Boyle M. Evaluation of 4 predictive algorithms for intramammary infection status in late-lactation cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11035-11046. [PMID: 34253362 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this observational study was to compare 4 cow-level algorithms to predict cow-level intramammary infection (IMI) status (culture and MALDI-TOF) in late-lactation US dairy cows using standard measures of test performance. Secondary objectives were to estimate the likely effect of each algorithm, if used to guide selective dry cow therapy (SDCT), on dry cow antibiotic use in US dairy herds, and to investigate the importance of including clinical mastitis criteria in algorithm-guided SDCT. Cows (n = 1,594) from 56 US dairy herds were recruited as part of a previously published cross-sectional study of bedding management and IMI in late-lactation cows. Each herd was visited twice for sampling. At each farm visit, aseptic quarter-milk samples were collected from 20 cows approaching dry-off (>180 d pregnant), which were cultured using standard bacteriological methods and MALDI-TOF for identification of isolates. Quarter-level culture results were used to establish cow-level IMI status, which was considered the reference test in this study. Clinical mastitis records and Dairy Herd Improvement Association test-day somatic cell count data were extracted from herd records and used to perform cow-level risk assessments (low vs. high risk) using 4 algorithms that have been proposed for SDCT in New Zealand, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States. Agreement between aerobic culture (reference test; IMI vs. no-IMI) and algorithm status (high vs. low risk) was described using Cohen's kappa, test sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value. The proportion of cows classified as high risk among the 4 algorithms ranged from 0.31 to 0.63, indicating that these approaches to SDCT could reduce antibiotic use at dry-off by 37 to 69% in the average US herd. All algorithms had poor agreement with IMI status, with kappa values ranging from 0.05 to 0.13. Sensitivity varied by pathogen, with higher values observed when detecting IMI caused by Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactococcus lactis. Negative predictive values were high for major pathogens among all algorithms (≥0.87), which may explain why algorithm-guided SDCT programs have been successfully implemented in field trials, despite poor agreement with overall IMI status. Removal of clinical mastitis criteria for each algorithm had little effect on the algorithm classification of cows, indicating that algorithms based on SCC alone may have similar performance to those based on SCC and clinical mastitis criteria. We recommend that producers implementing algorithm-guided SDCT use algorithm criteria that matches their relative aspirations for reducing antibiotic use (high specificity, positive predictive value) or minimizing untreated IMI at dry-off (high sensitivity, negative predictive value).
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Rowe
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia; Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| | | | - S M Godden
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - D V Nydam
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - E Royster
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - J Timmerman
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - M Boyle
- Zoetis, Hager City, WI 54014
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13
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The relationship of bovine milk somatic cell count to neutrophil level in samples of cow's milk assessed by an automatic cell counter. J DAIRY RES 2021; 88:330-333. [PMID: 34233772 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029921000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This research communication describes the application of a fluorescent automatic cell counter Lactoscan SCC for simultaneous determination of somatic cell count and neutrophils in bovine milk. The obtained results were compared with results obtained by a flow cytometer and a light microscope. The Pearson correlations between the methods were calculated. A comparison between the main characteristics of the three kinds of analysis was made - the assay duration and the intra-assay precision. A relation between the SCC and neutrophil cells was observed in 55 milk samples. The obtained results confirm that the simultaneous determination of SCC and neutrophil analysis are necessary and support the early diagnosis of mastitis, the timely treatment of the animal and the avoidance of major economic losses.
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14
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Scarsella E, Zecconi A, Cintio M, Stefanon B. Characterization of Microbiome on Feces, Blood and Milk in Dairy Cows with Different Milk Leucocyte Pattern. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051463. [PMID: 34069719 PMCID: PMC8160755 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by microorganisms and associated with an altered immune response. Recently, several studies hypothesized that a translocation of some bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to the mammary gland can occur and that this bacterial crossing could be the cause of certain mastitis. The aim of this research is to investigate the bacteria translocation from the gut to the mammary gland, the so-called entero-mammary pathway, through the study of the fecal, blood and milk microbiome. Cows were recruited on the basis of their mammary gland health status and classified as healthy, at risk of mastitis and with mastitis. The microbial composition of feces, blood and milk were analyzed through high-throughput sequencing technique and the results were checked through a quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Although small differences were found in the microbiome of these three specimens between the groups of animals, beta biodiversity, that is, the ratio between whole and individual species diversity, highlighted a microbial community change in the milk of cows with different udder health conditions. The three matrices shared a high number of taxa; however, our results do not confirm a bacterial crossing from gut to milk, that still remains hypothetical. Abstract Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, caused by the invasion of microorganism on this site, associated with an altered immune response. Recent studies in this field hypothesize that the origin of these pathogens can also be from the gastrointestinal tract, through the entero-mammary pathway in relation to an increase in gut permeability. In this study, we wanted to investigate if inflammatory status of the mammary gland is related to an alteration of gut permeability. The microbiome of feces, blood and milk of lactating cows, recruited on the basis of the total somatic cell count and of the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes, was studied. Cows were divided into healthy (G), at risk of mastitis (Y) and with mastitis (R) classifications. The bacterial DNA was extracted and the V3 and V4 regions of 16S rRNA sequenced. Moreover, the quantification of total bacteria was performed with quantitative real-time PCR. A non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied at the phylum, family and genera levels and beta biodiversity was evaluated with the unweighted UniFrac distance metric. Significant differences between groups were found for the microbial composition of feces (Clostridiaceae, Turicibacteriaceae for family level and Clostridium, Dorea, SMB53 and Turicibacter for genus level), blood (Tenericutes for phylum level and Mycoplasma for genus level) and milk (OD1 and Proteobacteria for phylum level, Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxallaceae for family level and Olsenella and Rhodococcus for genus level). The beta biodiversity of feces and blood did not change between groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the beta diversity in milk of G group and Y group and between Y group and R group. The number of taxa in common between feces, blood and milk were 8 at a phylum, 19 at a family and 15 at a genus level. From these results, the bacterial crossing from gut to milk in cows was not confirmed but remained hypothetical and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Scarsella
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Alfonso Zecconi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michela Cintio
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.S.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Schwarz D, Kleinhans S, Reimann G, Stückler P, Reith F, Ilves K, Pedastsaar K, Yan L, Zhang Z, Lorenzana R, Barreal ML, Fouz R. Associations between different udder health groups defined based on a combination of total and differential somatic cell count and the future udder health status of dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2021; 192:105374. [PMID: 34052722 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mastitis, in particular in its subclinical form, which may spread unnoticeable within a herd, continues to be a major challenge in the dairy industry. Somatic cell count (SCC) is a broadly used proxy for subclinical mastitis. The recently introduced Differential SCC (DSCC) representing the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes as a percentage of total SCC, can be used in combination with SCC to categorise cows into four different udder health groups (UHG) depending on actual test day results: UHG A: healthy/normal, ≤200,000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤65 %; B: suspicious, ≤200,000 cells/mL and DSCC >65 %; C: (subclinical) mastitis, >200,000 cells/mL and DSCC >65 %; D: chronic/persistent mastitis, >200,000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤65 %. The objective of our study was to investigate to what extent the UHG aid in determining different statuses of cows: I) leaving herd before next test day, II) having >200,000 cells/mL at the next test day, and III) having ≤200,000 cells/mL at the next 3 test days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate these statuses based on routinely generated dairy herd improvement (DHI) data from Austria, China, Estonia, Germany, and Spain. Cows in groups C (odds ratio (OR): 2.13, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.95-2.34) and, particularly, D (OR: 3.91, 95 % CI: 3.31-4.62) were significantly more likely to leave herds compared to cows in group A. Late-lactating cows indicated the highest likelihood (OR: 16.03, 95 % CI: 14.44-17.81) to leave herds in our analysis. Interestingly, we found that cows in UHG B had significantly higher odds (OR: 2.77, 95 % CI: 2.58-2.98) to have >200,000 cells/mL at the next test day compared to cows in group A. As anticipated, cows in UHG B (OR: 0.40, 95 % CI: 0.38-0.42), C (OR: 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.07-0.09), and D (OR: 0.16, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.19) each were significantly less likely to have ≤200,000 cells/mL at the next 3 test days compared to cows in group A. Above described results are an example from Germany, but the same trends could be seen across all countries considered in our study. In conclusion, our findings illustrate that the UHG concept reveals additional valuable information about udder health and culling based a single test day over working with SCC only. Actual decisions in day-to-day farm management that could be taken were not investigated here and need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schwarz
- FOSS Analytical A/S, Nils Foss Alle 1, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark.
| | | | - Gesine Reimann
- Qnetics, Stotternheimer Strasse 19, 99087, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Stückler
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200, Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Franz Reith
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200, Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Kaivo Ilves
- EPJ, Eesti Pollumajandusloomade Joudluskontrolli AS, Tuglase 12, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalle Pedastsaar
- EPJ, Eesti Pollumajandusloomade Joudluskontrolli AS, Tuglase 12, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lei Yan
- Henan Dairy Improvement Center, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Henan Dairy Improvement Center, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Roberto Lorenzana
- LIGAL, Laboratorio Interprofesional Gallego de Analisis de Leche, Edificio de Laboratorios Agrarios, Estrada, AC-542, 15318, Abegondo, Spain
| | - Marisa Luisa Barreal
- LIGAL, Laboratorio Interprofesional Gallego de Analisis de Leche, Edificio de Laboratorios Agrarios, Estrada, AC-542, 15318, Abegondo, Spain
| | - Ramiro Fouz
- Africor Lugo, Ronda de Fingoi 117, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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16
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Zecconi A, Meroni G, Sora V, Mattina R, Cipolla M, Zanini L. Total and Differential Cell Counts as a Tool to Identify Intramammary Infections in Cows after Calving. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030727. [PMID: 33800067 PMCID: PMC8001259 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030727] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mastitis is a costly disease and needs to be identified as soon as possible to reduce the negative effect on milk quality and quantity and to maximize the chance of cure when an antimicrobial therapy is applied. Bacteriological diagnosis is expensive and not easily available in some areas, therefore approaches to reduce the number of samples to be taken, focusing the interest on cows with higher chances to have an intramammary infections are desirable. The results of our study based on a large database of quarter milk samples analyses including bacteriological analysis, total (SCC) and differential (DSCC) cell count in the first 5–30 days after calving suggest a new and sustainable approach. Indeed, a marker (PLCC) calculated by multiplying SCC and DSCC showed to have the lowest cost when applied to identify udder quarters at risk to have an intramammary infection due to major pathogens. Moreover, this approach as well as the one based on SCC became a benefit when the prevalence of these infections exceeds 10%, and it be of high interest, when selective dry cow therapy is applied, to improve animal health at the herd level. Abstract Milk differential somatic cells count (DSCC), made possible under field conditions by the recent availability of a high-throughput milk analyzer may represent an improvement in mastitis diagnosis. While an increasing number of studies reports data on DSCC on individual cow samples, very few concerns DSCC from quarter milk samples. This paper reports for the first time the results of a retrospective study aiming to assess the performance of total (SCC), DSCC, and a novel calculated marker (PLCC) measured on quarter milk samples as a method to identify cows at risk for intramammary infection (IMI) in the first 30 days after calving. Overall, 14,586 valid quarter milk samples (3658 cows) taken in the first 30 days of lactation were considered. Quarters with major pathogens (MP) IMI, as expected, showed significantly higher means for SCC, DSCC, and PLCC. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the diagnosis based on different cut-offs calculated by ROC analysis are relatively close among DSCC, PLCC, and SCC (up to cut-off of 200,000 cells/mL). However, decision-tree analysis which includes the costs of analysis, but also the costs of the actions taken after test results showed as PLCC has the lowest cost among the three markers, and PLCC and SCC are cost effective when MP prevalence is higher than 6–10%. This diagnostic approach is of high interest particularly when selective dry cow therapy is applied to improve animal health at the herd level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Zecconi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences—One Health Unit, University of Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriele Meroni
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences—One Health Unit, University of Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Valerio Sora
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences—One Health Unit, University of Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Mattina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences—One Health Unit, University of Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Micaela Cipolla
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori Lombardia, Via Kennedy 30, 26013 Crema, Italy; (M.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori Lombardia, Via Kennedy 30, 26013 Crema, Italy; (M.C.); (L.Z.)
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17
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Kirkeby C, Schwarz D, Denwood M, Farre M, Nielsen SS, Gussmann M, Toft N, Halasa T. Dynamics of somatic cell count (SCC) and differential SCC during and following intramammary infections. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3427-3438. [PMID: 33455778 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell count is frequently used as an indicator of intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cattle worldwide. The newly introduced differential SCC (DSCC) can potentially contribute to detection of IMI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamics of SCC and DSCC after IMI. We used a data set with monthly samples from 2 Danish dairy herds through 1 yr, using bacterial culture to identify IMI. The dynamics of SCC and DSCC with regard to IMI were assessed at quarter level following new IMI with each of 3 defined pathogen groups, major, minor, or "other" pathogens, using general additive models. Both SCC and DSCC increased after IMI, with a more pronounced increase if major or other pathogens were detected compared with minor pathogens. We found that DSCC increased after IMI with other pathogens in both herds and, in herd 2, after IMI caused by major and minor pathogens. We also estimated the duration of increased SCC and DSCC when they exceeded a threshold, done separately for each pathogen group. Major pathogens had the longest-lasting effect in both herds for both SCC and DSCC. We conclude that the magnitude and duration of response of SCC and DSCC to IMI differs between herds and causative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | | | - Matt Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Søren S Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maya Gussmann
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Nils Toft
- Division for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tariq Halasa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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18
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Halasa T, Kirkeby C. Differential Somatic Cell Count: Value for Udder Health Management. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:609055. [PMID: 33426028 PMCID: PMC7785984 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.609055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramammary infection (IMI) can cause mastitis, which is one of the costliest and most prevalent diseases in dairy cattle herds. Somatic cell count (SCC) is a well-established parameter to indicate IMI, and it represents the total count of immune cells in the milk. The differential somatic cell count (DSCC) has also long been suggested to indicate IMI, but no machine was available until recently to provide this parameter automatically. Two new machines have recently been introduced to measure the milk DSCC as an additional indicator of IMI. Here we provide insights about the DSCC measured by these two machines and the value it may provide for udder health management, based on the available literature. We also provide perspectives for future research to investigate potential value in using the DSCC to improve udder health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Halasa
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Carsten Kirkeby
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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19
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Schwarz D, Kleinhans S, Reimann G, Stückler P, Reith F, Ilves K, Pedastsaar K, Yan L, Zhang Z, Valdivieso M, Barreal ML, Fouz R. Investigation of dairy cow performance in different udder health groups defined based on a combination of somatic cell count and differential somatic cell count. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105123. [PMID: 32928552 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mastitis is still the costliest disease in milk production. In particular, its subclinical form, which may spread unnoticeably within a herd, is a major challenge. Somatic cell count (SCC) is broadly used as an indicator for mastitis and thus the basis for udder health management programmes, e.g. through dairy herd improvement (DHI) testing. Since recently, differential somatic cell count (DSCC, representing the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes as a percentage of total SCC) is available in addition. Our study was aimed to investigate dairy cow performance in four newly defined udder health groups (UHG) based on SCC and DSCC results from DHI testing. In total, 961,835 test-day results generated in Austria, China, Estonia, Germany, and Spain between January 2019 and March 2020 were available for data analyses. Cows were categorised into four UHG depending on test day SCC and DSCC results (UHG A: healthy/normal, ≤200,000 cells/mL and ≤65 %; B: suspicious, ≤200,000 cells/mL and >65 %; C: mastitis, >200,000 cells/mL and >65 %; D: chronic/persistent mastitis, >200,000 cells/mL and ≤65 %). Linear mixed effect models were used to compare the performance of cows between the UHG based on the parameters milk weight, energy-corrected milk, fat, protein, lactose, and estimated milk value. Highest performance was found for cows in UHG A and ranged between 21.4 (Austria) and 38.3 kg per cow and day (Spain). Interestingly, cows in group B were significantly less productive (0.9-2.4% less daily milk production) compared to those in group A. Cows in groups C (6.0-9.8% less daily production compared to group A) and D were, as expected, even less productive with a particularly significant drop for cows in group D (17.5-38.5% less daily production). These trends could be observed in all countries involved in this study. Proportions of cows in the four different UHG differed between countries, changed slightly within countries depending on season, differed depending on parity and days in milk, and were seen to vary hugely between herds. In conclusion, this study demonstrates changes in performance of dairy cows depending on their udder health status as defined based on the combination of SCC and DSCC. In particular cows in UHG B and D are of interest as they cannot be identified working with SCC only. Nevertheless, the actual udder health management measures that could be taken based on the new UHG still require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schwarz
- FOSS Analytical A/S, Nils Foss Alle 1, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark.
| | | | - Gesine Reimann
- Qnetics, Stotternheimer Strasse 19, 99087, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Stückler
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200, Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Franz Reith
- Landeskontrollverband Steiermark, Am Tieberhof 6, 8200, Gleisdorf, Austria
| | - Kaivo Ilves
- EPJ, Eesti Pollumajandusloomade Joudluskontrolli AS, Tuglase 12, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalle Pedastsaar
- EPJ, Eesti Pollumajandusloomade Joudluskontrolli AS, Tuglase 12, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lei Yan
- Henan Dairy Improvement Center, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Henan Dairy Improvement Center, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Miguel Valdivieso
- LIGAL, Laboratorio Interprofesional Gallego de Analisis de Leche, Edificio de Laboratorios Agrarios, Estrada AC-542, 15318, Abegondo, Spain
| | - Marisa Luisa Barreal
- LIGAL, Laboratorio Interprofesional Gallego de Analisis de Leche, Edificio de Laboratorios Agrarios, Estrada AC-542, 15318, Abegondo, Spain
| | - Ramiro Fouz
- Africor Lugo, Ronda de Fingoi 117, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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20
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Gussmann M, Kirkeby C, Schwarz D, Farre M, Halasa T. A simulation study to investigate the added value in using differential somatic cell count as an additional indicator for udder health management in dairy herds. Prev Vet Med 2020; 182:105090. [PMID: 32717473 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mastitis is one of the most costly diseases in dairy herds worldwide. Somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used as an indicator for subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) that may eventually cause mastitis in dairy herds. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC) has recently been introduced as an additional indicator for IMI. The objective of this study was to investigate the value of using DSCC as an additional indicator to select cows for testing and subsequent intervention for subclinical mastitis during the lactation. We parameterized an existing bio-economic simulation model for dairy herds to include DSCC. Then, we simulated three Danish dairy cattle herd situations with different pathogen distributions where the main pathogens were 1) Staphylococcus aureus, 2) Streptococcus agalactiae, and 3) Streptococcus uberis. In these herds, we simulated two different selection strategies for testing (bacterial culture) for subclinical IMI and various intervention strategies for test positive cases. The first selection strategy considered only SCC; cows were selected for testing if they had a low SCC measurement followed by two high SCC measurements. In the second selection strategy, cows additionally had to have a high DSCC measurement. Results showed that both selection strategies led to a similar net income and to a similar number of clinical and subclinical cases for all investigated intervention strategies. However, when using DSCC in the selection of animals, the number of treatment days and the number of cows culled in relation to IMI was reduced: The median annual number of treatment days was reduced by 25-38 days in herd 1, by 25-42 days in herd 2, and by 30-48 days in herd 3, depending on the intervention strategy. The median annual number of cows culled in relation to IMI was reduced by up to 8 cows (10 cows in herd 3) for one of the intervention strategies. Subject to limitations associated with model assumptions, these results suggest that considering DSCC when selecting cows for testing can reduce IMI related culling and the use of antibiotics without changing in-herd prevalence nor resulting in economic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Gussmann
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Carsten Kirkeby
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Tariq Halasa
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Schwarz D, Santschi DE, Durocher J, Lefebvre DM. Evaluation of the new differential somatic cell count parameter as a rapid and inexpensive supplementary tool for udder health management through regular milk recording. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105079. [PMID: 32653488 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mastitis, particularly in its subclinical form, is the costliest disease in milk production causing substantial financial losses to the dairy industry, impairing animal welfare, and one of the main reasons for treating dairy cows with antimicrobials. Somatic cell count (SCC) is broadly used as an indicator for mastitis or intramammary infection (IMI) and is the basis for udder health management programmes, e.g., through monthly dairy herd improvement (DHI) testing. While SCC shows the total number of cells in milk, the new Differential SCC (DSCC) shows also the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and lymphocytes as a percentage of the total SCC. In this study, we investigated the test characteristics of DSCC as a new supplementary indicator for mastitis screening. We collaborated with 11 herds totalling 969 dairy cows and collected metered DHI samples once a month over four months. The IMI status was assessed through analysis of aseptic composite hand-stripped samples using culture and followed by species identification using MALDI-ToF. The pathogens detected were categorised as 'no', 'minor', 'major', or 'other' pathogens. The results of our study showed that the DSCC parameter was significantly associated with the IMI status and the cow's parity but not with days in milk or test-day milk weight. On the other hand, SCC was associated with all these four factors. DSCC counts were significantly higher in samples of cows with IMI caused by major pathogens as compared to cows with no IMI or IMI by minor or other pathogens. SCC alone, DSCC alone, and the combination of DSCC and SCC were further compared based on test characteristics using exemplary cut-offs. For example, working with a cut-off of 200,000 cells/ for SCC alone compared to working with the combination of DSCC of 65 % and/or 200,000 cells/mL to classify cows as infected by major pathogens, the sensitivity increased from 78 % to 92 % and the specificity decreased from 87 % to 66 %. With the combination, the positive predictive value changed from 52 % to 34 %, and the negative predictive value stayed at the same level (96 % vs 98 %). In summary, our study provides first insights on test characteristics of the DSCC parameter used in combination with the well-established SCC for monitoring udder health using DHI testing. This combination opens up the possibility to further improve udder health monitoring programmes (e.g., improved identification of IMI caused by major pathogens) but more work on the subject is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schwarz
- FOSS Analytical A/S, Foss Allé 1, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark.
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22
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Bobbo T, Penasa M, Cassandro M. Combining total and differential somatic cell count to better assess the association of udder health status with milk yield, composition and coagulation properties in cattle. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1784804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Bobbo
- Dipartimento di Agronomia Animali Alimenti Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Dipartimento di Agronomia Animali Alimenti Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Martino Cassandro
- Dipartimento di Agronomia Animali Alimenti Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
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Zecconi A, Zanini L, Cipolla M, Stefanon B. Factors Affecting the Patterns of Total Amount and Proportions of Leukocytes in Bovine Milk. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E992. [PMID: 32517222 PMCID: PMC7341286 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential leukocyte count (DSCC) in milk is considered important to improve knowledge of udder immune response. The investigations on milk DSCC were limited by the techniques available until recently, when a high-throughput tool to perform DSCC opened the way to explore these factors in rapid and economically sustainable ways. We hypothesized that DSCC alone does not fully describe the pattern of these cells, since the total amount is also influenced by milk yield and SCC. Therefore, this study was designed to describe DSCC and total amount of different leukocytes in milk during the course of lactation in cows differing in parity and in levels of SCC. This study considered 17,939 individual milk tests from 12 dairy herds in Lombardy Region, where DCC testing was applied in the period of February 2018-December 2019 (23 months). The samples were divided into two subsets-"healthy" (HS) with SCC ≤200,000 cells/mL and "inflamed" (IS) with SCC >200,000 cells/mL. Cow in HS have a P + LT average between 5.0 × 108 and 3.0 × 109 cells. In IS cows, the values were 1.6 × 1010 and 2.5 × 1010. Therefore, the presence of a well-defined inflammatory process increased the overall amount of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and lymphocytes (LYM) of 1 log, from 1 × 109 to 1 × 1010. The assessment of the total amount of PMN and LYM, to our knowledge, have never been reported in scientific literature; the values observed may be proposed as benchmarks for studies on udder immune response. When data were analyzed by days in milk (DIM), they showed that cows in first and second lactation have a significantly lower amount of PMN + LYM, when compared to cows in third and higher lactation. However, these differences are numerically not very large (7%), and suggest that, in healthy animals, the number of immune cells is kept as constant as possible. In IS, the analysis of trends based on DIM showed that both DSCC and P + LT have a significant negative trend. These data suggest that only in this group, the presence of high SCC as lactation proceeds is associated with a progressive increase in the number of macrophages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the pattern of DSCC and the total amount of PMN + LYM in relation to parity, days in milk, and SCC, and it may be considered as the first contribution in the investigation on mammary gland immune response by the means of differential cell counts in milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Zecconi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences-One Health Unit, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori Lombardia, Via Kennedy 30, 26013 Crema, Italy; (L.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Micaela Cipolla
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori Lombardia, Via Kennedy 30, 26013 Crema, Italy; (L.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, I-33100 Udine, Italy;
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