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Magro S, Visentin E, Costa A, Penasa M, Cendron F, Moroni P, Chiarin E, Cassandro M, Santinello M, De Marchi M. Presence of pathogen DNA in milk harvested from quarters is associated to changes in cows' milk yield and composition. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:249. [PMID: 38849801 PMCID: PMC11157801 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramammary infection is the result of invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the mammary gland and commonly leads to mastitis in dairy animals. Although much has been done to improve cows' udder health, mastitis remains a significant and costly health issue for dairy farmers, especially if subclinical. In this study, quarter milk samples from clinically healthy cows were harvested to detect pathogens via quantitative PCR (qPCR) and evaluate changes in individual milk traits according to the number of quarters infected and the type of microorganism(s). A commercial qPCR kit was used for detection of Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma spp., Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Prototheca spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis. Quarter and pooled milk information of 383 Holstein, 132 Simmental, 129 Rendena, and 112 Jersey cows in 9 Italian single-breed herds was available. RESULTS Among the cows with pathogen(s) present in at least 1 quarter, CNS was the most commonly detected DNA, followed by Streptococcus uberis, Mycoplasma bovis, and Streptococcus agalactiae. Cows negative to qPCR were 206 and had the lowest milk somatic cell count. Viceversa, cows with DNA isolated in ≥ 3 quarters were those with the highest somatic cell count. Moreover, when major pathogens were isolated in ≥ 3 quarters, milk had the lowest casein index and lactose content. In animals with pathogen(s) DNA isolated, the extent with whom milk yield and major solids were impaired did not significantly differ between major and minor pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The effect of the number of affected quarters on the pool milk quality traits was investigated in clinically healthy cows using a commercial kit. Results remark the important negative effect of subclinical udder inflammations on milk yield and quality, but more efforts should be made to investigate the presence of untargeted microorganisms, as they may be potentially dangerous for cows. For a smarter use of antimicrobials, analysis of milk via qPCR is advisable - especially in cows at dry off - to identify quarters at high risk of inflammation and thus apply a targeted/tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Magro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Elena Visentin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Angela Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Filippo Cendron
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Paolo Moroni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, 26900, Italy
- Laboratorio di Malattie Infettive degli Animali, University of Milan, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Elena Chiarin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Martino Cassandro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori della Razza Frisona, Bruna e Jersey Italiana, Cremona, 26100, Italy
| | - Matteo Santinello
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Massimo De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
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Burrell AM, Balaine L, Clifford S, McGrath M, Graham DA, McCoy F, Dillon E, Regan Á. A multi-methods, multi-actor exploration of the benefits and barriers to milk recording on Irish farms using the COM-B model. Prev Vet Med 2024; 227:106195. [PMID: 38615535 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Milk recording is a critical tool in dairy farming, providing individual cow information. When used effectively, this data contributes to on-farm productivity, herd health management decisions and supports prudent veterinary prescribing of antimicrobials. Although an industry and government priority, uptake has been relatively slow in Ireland. This multi-methods, three-part study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits to farm performance, and factors driving uptake of milk recording on Irish dairy farms. It involved an economic analysis of N=516 farms from 2008-2019, a workshop with N=26 stakeholders and an online survey of N=197 non-milk-recording farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using econometric models and thematic analysis respectively. Results were synthesised using the COM-B model to gain a deeper understanding of what drives the target behaviour. The study revealed that agricultural education, farm location, farm specialisation in dairy and membership of a farmer discussion group were the main factors influencing uptake of milk recording. Milk recording was associated with a €39.04/cow increase in gross margin, a 177.58 litres/cow increase in milk yield and a reduction of 13,450 cells/ml in bulk milk tank somatic cell count readings. Infrastructural constraints, cost, lack of benefits and workload were the most reported perceived barriers to milk recording by farmers. The Behaviour Change Wheel illustrates how to utilise findings and systematically develop future interventions to increase milk recording uptake. This study highlights the importance of a multi-methods approach to agricultural technology adoption and the need for evidence-based methodology when developing behaviour change interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Mg Burrell
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland.
| | - Lorraine Balaine
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Seán Clifford
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Michelle McGrath
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - David A Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Finola McCoy
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Emma Dillon
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Áine Regan
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
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3
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HUANG CH, KAYANO M, KUSABA N. Pathogen and severity-dependent immune responses in bovine mastitis: highlight the dynamics of differential somatic cell count. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:7-17. [PMID: 37981317 PMCID: PMC10849865 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune responses in bovine clinical mastitis (CM) probably differ depending on the causative pathogen and disease severity. The observational study aimed to investigate whether both factors are associated with the dynamics of immune indicators, including somatic cell score (SCS), white blood cell count (WBC), serum albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and differential somatic cell count (DSCC). We collected blood and milk samples 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after CM occurred in 38 cows, and grouped the cases (n=49) by disease severity and pathogen. We analyzed data using a linear mixed model considering the effects of pathogens and severity, calculated estimated-marginal means for indicators at each time point, and compared the means between groups. The dynamics of WBC varied depending on both pathogen and severity. WBC changed drastically in either severe or coliform-caused CM, slightly elevated in streptococcal mastitis, but unchanged in staphylococcal mastitis. This possibly relates to the deficiency in innate immune response toward staphylococci. The A/G ratio also changed depending on severity, as it dropped sharply only in severe CM. We observed a non-linear relationship between DSCC and SCS, possibly due to mammary epithelial cells shedding in milk when CM occurred. When cows recovering from Streptococcus dysgalatiae mastitis, DSCC decreased while SCS remained high, suggesting a healing process requiring more macrophages. Our results demonstrate that both the severity and pathogen are associated with immune responses in CM, providing insights into mastitis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Hsuan HUANG
- Field Center of Animal Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mitsunori KAYANO
- Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki KUSABA
- Field Center of Animal Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
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Bobbo T, Matera R, Biffani S, Gómez M, Cimmino R, Pedota G, Neglia G. Exploring the sources of variation of electrical conductivity and total and differential somatic cell count in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:508-515. [PMID: 37709038 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In the buffalo dairy sector, a huge effort is still needed to improve mastitis prevention, detection, and management. Electrical conductivity (EC) and total somatic cell count (SCC) are well-known indirect indicators of mastitis. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC), which represents the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes on the total SCC, is instead a novel phenotype collected in the dairy cattle sector in the last lustrum. As little is known about this novel trait in dairy buffalo, in the present study we explored the nongenetic factors affecting DSCC, as well as EC and total somatic cell score (SCS), in the Italian Mediterranean buffalo. The data set used for the analysis included 14,571 test-day (TD) records of 1,501 animals from 6 herds, and climatic information of the sampling locations. The original data were filtered to exclude animals with less than 3 TD per lactation and, for the investigated traits, outliers beyond 4 standard deviations. In the statistical model we included the fixed effects of herd (6 classes), days in milk (DIM; 10 classes of 30 d, with the last being an open class until 360 d), parity (6 classes, from 1 to 6+), year-season of calving (11 classes, from summer 2019 to winter 2021/2022), year-season of sampling (9 classes, from spring 2020 to spring 2022), production level (4 classes based on quartiles of average milk yield by herd), and temperature-humidity index (THI; 4 classes based on quartiles, calculated using the average temperature and relative humidity of the 5 d before sampling). Average EC, SCS, and DSCC vary across herds. Considering DIM, greater EC values were observed at the beginning and the end of lactation; SCS was slightly lower, but DSCC was greater around the lactation peak. Increased EC, SCS, and DSCC levels with increasing parity were reported. Year-season calving and year-season sampling only slightly affected the variation of the investigated traits. Milk of high-producing buffaloes was characterized by lower EC and SCS mean values, nevertheless it had slightly greater DSCC percentages. Buffaloes grouped in the highest THI classes (classes 3 and 4) showed, on average, greater EC, SCS, and DSCC in comparison to the lower classes, especially to class 2. Results of the present study represent a preliminary as well as necessary step for the possible future inclusion of EC, SCS, or DSCC in breeding programs aimed to improve mastitis resistance in dairy buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bobbo
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, Via Edoardo Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - R Matera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - S Biffani
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, Via Edoardo Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - M Gómez
- Italian National Association of Buffalo Breeders, Via Petrarca, 42-44, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - R Cimmino
- Italian National Association of Buffalo Breeders, Via Petrarca, 42-44, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - G Pedota
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - G Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Wagner P, Brügemann K, Yin T, Engel P, König S. Inferring Causalities of Environmental and Genetic Factors for Differential Somatic Cell Count and Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Cows Using Structural Equation Modelling. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2102. [PMID: 38003045 PMCID: PMC10671585 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a structural equation model to infer causal relationships among environmental and genetic factors on udder health. For this purpose, 537 Holstein Friesian cows were genotyped, and milk samples were analyzed for novel traits including differential somatic cell counts and specific mastitis pathogens. In the structural model, four latent variables (intramammary infection (IMI), production, time and genetics) were defined, which were explained using manifest measurable variables. The measurable variables included udder pathogens and somatic differential cell counts, milk composition, as well as significant SNP markers from previous genome-wide associations for major and minor pathogens. The housing system effect (i.e., compost-bedded pack barns versus cubicle barns) indicated a small influence on IMI with a path coefficient of -0.05. However, housing system significantly affected production (0.37), with ongoing causal effects on IMI (0.17). Thus, indirect associations between housing and udder health could be inferred via structural equation modeling. Furthermore, genotype by environment interactions on IMI can be represented, i.e., the detection of specific latent variables such as significant SNP markers only for specific housing systems. For the latent variable genetics, especially one SNP is of primary interest. This SNP is located in the EVA1A gene, which plays a fundamental role in the MAPK1 signaling pathway. Other identified genes (e.g., CTNNA3 and CHL1) support results from previous studies, and this gene also contributes to mechanisms of the MAPK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Ludwigstr. 21b, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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6
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Ghiasi H, Khaldari M, Taherkhani R. Identification of hub genes associated with somatic cell score in dairy cow. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:349. [PMID: 37796357 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Somatic cell count (SCC) is used as an indicator of udder health. The log transformation of SCC is called somatic cell score (SCS). AIM Several QTL and genes have been identified that are associated with SCS. This study aimed to identify the most important genes associated with SCS. METHODS This study compiled 168 genes that were reported to be significantly linked to SCS. Pathway analysis and network analysis were used to identify hub genes. KEY RESULTS Pathway analysis of these genes identified 73 gene ontology (GO) terms associated with SCS. These GO terms are associated with molecular function, biological processes, and cellular components, and the identified pathways are directly or indirectly linked with the immune system. In this study, a gene network was constructed, and from this network, the 17 hub genes (CD4, CXCL8, TLR4, STAT1, TLR2, CXCL9, CCR2, IGF1, LEP, SPP1, GH1, GHR, VWF, TNFSF11, IL10RA, NOD2, and PDGFRB) associated to SCS were identified. The subnetwork analysis yielded 10 clusters, with cluster 1 containing all identified hub genes (except for the VWF gene). CONCLUSION Most hub genes and pathways identified in our study were mainly involved in inflammatory and cytokine responses. IMPLICATIONS Result obtained in current study provides knowledge of the genetic basis and biological mechanisms controlling SCS. Therefore, the identified hub genes may be regarded as the main gene for the genomic selection of mastitis resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heydar Ghiasi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, 19395-4697, Iran.
| | - Majid Khaldari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorram-Abad, Iran
| | - Reza Taherkhani
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, 19395-4697, Iran
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7
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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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Magro S, Visentin E, Chiarin E, Cendron F, Penasa M, Costa A, Cassandro M, De Marchi M. Pathogen Detection via Quantitative PCR in Milk of Healthy Cows Collected Using Different Sampling Protocols. Pathogens 2023; 12:935. [PMID: 37513782 PMCID: PMC10383812 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070935] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we evaluated the prevalence of pathogens detected via quantitative PCR (qPCR) in milk from apparently healthy cows to identify the most common etiological agents present in Italian dairy farms. Milk samples were collected using a sterile protocol at quarter-level (3239 samples, 822 cows) and a conventional protocol at udder level as composite milk from the functional quarters of each cow (5464 samples, 5464 cows). The qPCR commercial kit detected Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma spp., Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Prototheca spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis as well as DNA from the penicillin resistance β-lactamase gene from staphylococci. The prevalence of specific DNA was calculated based on its presence or absence in the samples, factoring in both the sampling protocols and herds. Regardless of the sampling protocol used, the most frequently detected pathogens were CNS (26.6% in sterile and 13.9% in conventional protocol) and Streptococcus uberis (9.6% and 16.5%, respectively). These results underscore the necessity for pathogen-specific interventions at the farm level to enhance the udder health of dairy cows via management recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Magro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elena Visentin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elena Chiarin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Filippo Cendron
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angela Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Martino Cassandro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori della Razza Frisona, Bruna e Jersey Italiana, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Massimo De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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Grodkowski G, Gołębiewski M, Slósarz J, Grodkowska K, Kostusiak P, Sakowski T, Puppel K. Organic Milk Production and Dairy Farming Constraints and Prospects under the Laws of the European Union. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1457. [PMID: 37174494 PMCID: PMC10177354 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been rapid development in organic farming. When choosing organic livestock products, consumers are guided by the conviction that animals are provided with the highest welfare standards and access to pasture. The purpose of this article was to trace the principles of organic farming prevailing in the EU with regard to milk production and cattle breeding. The principles of organic production are universal and their application is not limited to certified farms. Organic certification is intended to assure the consumer of the quality and method of production. Due to additional requirements imposed by law, organic cows are usually kept in better welfare conditions compared to conventional cattle, but this is not the rule. The altered taste and texture of organic milk and its products compared to conventional products mainly depends on the presence of pasture greens in the cows' diet. Therefore, milk from conventionally kept, pasture-grazed cows may have similar characteristics and composition. Organic farms tend to have lower milk yields compared to conventional farms due to the lower consumption of concentrate feed. In the future, it is expected that the proportion of land that is unsuitable for the production of crops for human consumption will increasingly be used for cow grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Grodkowski
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Marcin Gołębiewski
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Jan Slósarz
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Kinga Grodkowska
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Piotr Kostusiak
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Tomasz Sakowski
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, Jastrzębiec, Postępu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Kamila Puppel
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (G.G.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.G.); (P.K.)
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11
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Magro S, Costa A, Santinello M, Penasa M, De Marchi M. Udder health-related traits in cow milk: phenotypic variability and effect on milk yield and composition. Animal 2023; 17:100823. [PMID: 37196579 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100823] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The milk differential somatic cell count (DSCC) has been proposed in recent years as a mean by which to better monitor the udder health status (UHS) in dairy cows. Milk DSCC is the amount of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes contributing to the total somatic cell count (SCC) and can be determined on a routine basis in individual milk samples subjected to official analysis. In the present study, 522 865 milk test-day records of 77 143 cows were scrutinised to identify factors affecting the variability of both DSCC and SCC in Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Simmental and Rendena cows through linear mixed models. The fixed effects were breed, parity, lactation stage, sampling season, and all the first-order interactions of breed. Cow and herd-test-date were considered as random. Subsequently, four UHS groups were created (1: SCC ≤ 200 000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤ 65%; 2: SCC ≤ 200 000 cells/mL and DSCC > 65%; 3: SCC > 200 000 cells/mL and DSCC > 65%; 4: SCC > 200 000 cells/mL and DSCC ≤ 65%) to compare milk yield and quality. Milk SCS and DSCC differed across lactation, parity, sampling season and breed. In particular, Simmental cows had the lowest SCC and Jersey the lowest DSCC. Depending on the breed, UHS affected daily milk yield and composition to a different extent. The UHS group 4, i.e. the one grouping test-day records with high SCC and low DSCC, presented the lowest estimate of milk yield and lactose content no matter the breeds. Our findings support that udder health-related traits (SCS and DSCC) are useful information to improve udder health at individual cow and herd levels. Moreover, the combination of SCS and DSCC is useful to monitor milk yield and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Magro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35030 Legnaro, Italy
| | - A Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - M Santinello
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35030 Legnaro, Italy
| | - M Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35030 Legnaro, Italy
| | - M De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35030 Legnaro, Italy
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12
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Magro S, Costa A, De Marchi M. Total and Differential Somatic Cell Count in Italian Local Cattle Breeds: Phenotypic Variability and Effect on Milk Yield and Composition. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071249. [PMID: 37048505 PMCID: PMC10093597 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071249] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk differential somatic cell count (DSCC) represents the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes out of the total somatic cell count (SCC) and has been proposed in recent years as a proxy for udder health in dairy cows. We investigated phenotypic factors affecting SCC and DSCC using 3978 records of 212 Alpine Grey and 426 Burlina cows farmed in Northern Italy. The linear mixed model accounted for the fixed effects of breed, parity, lactation stage, sampling season, and first-order interactions of breed with the other effects. Cow, herd-test-date nested within breed were random. Subsequently, four udder health status groups (UHS) were created by combining SCC and DSCC to assess the UHS impact on milk yield and quality. DSCC was greater in Alpine Grey (66.2 ± 0.8%) than Burlina cows (63.2 ± 0.6%) and, similarly to SCC, it increased with days in milk and parity regardless of breed. Milk yield and composition were affected by UHS in both breeds. These results suggest that also udder health of local breeds can be monitored on a large scale through SCC and DSCC for reduction in biodiversity loss and increased farm profitability. However, in addition to milk data, the introduction of mastitis recording and monitoring plans is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Magro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Padova, Italy
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13
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Stocco G, Cipolat-Gotet C, Stefanon B, Zecconi A, Francescutti M, Mountricha M, Summer A. Herd and animal factors affect the variability of total and differential somatic cell count in bovine milk. J Anim Sci 2022; 101:6901998. [PMID: 36516415 PMCID: PMC9838804 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantify some environmental (individual herds, herd productivity, milking system, and season) and animal factors [individual animals, breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity] on the variability of the log-10 transformation of somatic cell count (LSCC) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC) on individual bovine milk. A total of 159,360 test-day records related to milk production and composition were extracted from 12,849 Holstein-Friesian and 9,275 Simmental cows distributed across 223 herds. Herds were classified into high and low productivity, defined according to the average daily milk net energy output (DMEO) yielded by the cows. Data included daily milk yield (DYM; kg/d), milk fat, protein, lactose, SCC, and DSCC, and information on herds (i.e., productivity, milking system). The daily production of total and differential somatic cells in milk was calculated and then log-10 transformed, obtaining DLSCC and DLDSCC, respectively. Data were analyzed using a mixed model including the effects of individual herd, animal, repeated measurements intra animal as random, and herd productivity, milking system, season, breed, DIM, parity, DIM × parity, breed × season, DIM × milking system and parity × milking system as fixed factors. Herds with a high DMEO were characterized by a lower content of LSCC and DSCC, and higher DLSCC and DLDSCC, compared to the low DMEO herds. The association between milking system and somatic cell traits suggested that the use of the automatic milking systems would not allow for a rapid intervention on the cow, as evidenced by the higher content of all somatic cell traits compared to the other milking systems. Season was an important source of variation, as evidenced by high LSCC and DSCC content in milk during summer. Breed of cow had a large influence, with Holstein-Friesian having greater LSCC, DSCC, DLSCC, and DLDSCC compared to Simmental. With regard to DIM, the variability of LSCC was mostly related to that of DSCC, showing an increase from calving to the end of lactation, and suggesting the higher occurrence of chronic mastitis in cows toward the end of lactation. All the somatic cell traits increased across number of parities, possibly because older cows may have increased susceptibility to intramammary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Stocco
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of AgroFood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alfonso Zecconi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, One Health Unit, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Maria Mountricha
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Summer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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14
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Huang CH, Kusaba N. Association between differential somatic cell count and California Mastitis Test results in Holstein cattle. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:441-445. [PMID: 36465503 PMCID: PMC9709608 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The California Mastitis Test (CMT) has been used to estimate total somatic cell count (SCC) levels in milk; however, milk with similar SCC levels occasionally shows inconsistent CMT results, which limits the use of the CMT. This observational study aimed to investigate how differential cell counts in milk influence the CMT in Holstein cattle through the novel parameters differential somatic cell count (DSCC) and macrophage proportion (MAC). We performed the CMT on d 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 after identifying mastitis, and simultaneously measured SCC, DSCC, and MAC at the quarter level. We followed 58 mastitis events occurring in 41 cows and obtained 307 quarter-level records after data cleaning. We transformed SCC to somatic cell score (SCS) and MAC to its logarithm to fit the normal distribution and analyzed the data using the cumulative logit mixed model. Results showed that both an increase in SCS (odds ratio: 3.66, 95% confidence interval: 2.89-4.64) and the logarithm of MAC (odds ratio: 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.91-9.91) can contribute to a higher CMT score. During the healing process of mastitis, MAC tends to increase as SCC decreases; thus, even samples with low SCC can cause positive CMT reactions. We recommend that practitioners avoid making treatment decisions based on the CMT alone. We also noted that the CMT is sensitive to subclinical mastitis with high MAC, hence it could be considered an alternative to detecting high MAC (chronic) mastitis.
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15
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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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16
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Matera R, Di Vuolo G, Cotticelli A, Salzano A, Neglia G, Cimmino R, D’Angelo D, Biffani S. Relationship among Milk Conductivity, Production Traits, and Somatic Cell Score in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172225. [PMID: 36077945 PMCID: PMC9455038 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172225] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The measurement of milk electrical conductivity (EC) is a relatively simple and inexpensive technique that has been evaluated as a routine method for the diagnosis of mastitis in dairy farms. The aim of this study was to obtain further knowledge on relationships between EC, production traits and somatic cell count (SCC) in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo. The original dataset included 5411 records collected from 808 buffalo cows. Two mixed models were used to evaluate both the effect of EC on MY, PP and FP and EC at test-day, and the effect of EC on somatic cell score (SCS) by using five different parameters (EC_param), namely: EC collected at the official milk recording test day (EC_day0), EC collected 3 days before official milk recording (EC_day3), and three statistics calculated from EC collected 1, 3 and 5 days before each test-day, respectively. All effects included in the model were significant for all traits, with the only exception of the effect of EC nested within parity for FP. The relationship between EC and SCS was always positive, but of different magnitude according to the parity. The regression of EC on SCS at test-day using different EC parameters was always significant except when the regression parameter was the slope obtained from a linear regression of EC collected over the 5-day period. Moreover, in order to evaluate how well the different models fit the data, three parameters were used: the Average Information Criteria (AIC), the marginal R2 and the conditional R2. According to AIC and to both the Marginal and Conditional R2, the best results were obtained when the regression parameter was the mean EC estimated over the 5-day period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Matera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Vuolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Alessio Cotticelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Salzano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Cimmino
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Specie Bufalina (ANASB), 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Danila D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Biffani
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20133 Milan, Italy
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17
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Rienesl L, Marginter M, Stückler P, Köck A, Egger-Danner C, Sölkner J. Use of differential somatic cell count, somatic cell score, and milk mid-infrared spectral analysis for monitoring mastitis in dairy cows during routine milk recording. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Tanni NS, Islam MS, Kabir M, Parvin MS, Ehsan MA, Islam MT. Evaluation of sodium lauryl sulfate for the development of cow-side mastitis screening test. Vet World 2021; 14:2290-2295. [PMID: 34566351 PMCID: PMC8448620 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2290-2295] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an economically important disease for dairy cattle worldwide; therefore, regular screening is imperative to detect SCM at an early stage so as to control it. The study was conducted to compare the test characteristics of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a test reagent to detect SCM in dairy cows. Materials and Methods: First, 106 milk samples of dairy cows were subjected to available indirect screening tests (white side test [WST], surf field mastitis test, Leucocytest, and Immucell) considering somatic cell count (SCC) as gold standard test. Then 273 milk samples were allowed to react with different concentrations of SLS with or without sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and indicators (bromothymol blue [BTB] and bromocresol purple [BCP]). Results: SLS with or without NaOH yielded best reaction with the milk samples similar to Leucocytest. It was observed that the reaction of milk samples with SLS added with indicators (BTB and BCP) was easier to visualize than without indicators. SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP had high sensitivity, specificity, and substantial agreement with SCC. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of SLS 2% with BCP and SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB was 0.917 and 0.875, respectively. Conclusion: It may be concluded that SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP may be the potential reagents for the development of an effective cow-side test to detect SCM, as the main ingredient SLS is considerably cheap and readily available in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobonita Sarker Tanni
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shafiul Islam
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.,Poultry and Livestock Program (Ultra Poor Graduation Program), BRAC, Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Mojahidul Kabir
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.,Department of Livestock Services, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Sonia Parvin
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Amimul Ehsan
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Taohidul Islam
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
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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, 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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20
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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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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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22
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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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