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Griffiths BE, Barden M, Anagnostopoulos A, Wilson JP, Lamprou E, Tulley W, Bedford C, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. A prospective cohort study of factors associated with the digital cushion thickness in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:7230-7244. [PMID: 38788843 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24563] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Key factors such as stage of lactation, parity, and body fat reserves have been associated with the digital cushion thickness (DCT), however, there are discrepancies between the results of previously published studies. The objective of this study was to examine the association of stage of lactation, body fat reserves, parity, and lesion incidence with DCT in a large cohort of intensively monitored cows. Across 4 UK farms, 2,352 cows were prospectively enrolled and assessed at 4 time points: before calving (T1-Precalving), immediately after calving (T2-Calving), in early lactation (T3-Early), and in late lactation (T4-Late). At each time point, BCS was recorded, the presence of sole lesions (sole ulcers and sole hemorrhage) and white line lesions was assessed by veterinarians, and an ultrasound image was taken to retrospectively measure the backfat thickness (BFT) in the pelvic region and the digital cushion on the hind left lateral claw. Mixed effects multivariable linear regression models, with the cow as a random effect, were fit to examine the association between the explanatory variables and DCT. The explanatory variables tested were farm, parity, stage of lactation, BCS, BFT, height, the presence of a lesion at the time of measurement, the chronicity of a lesion during early lactation, the predicted maximum daily milk yield, and the rate of milk production rise in early lactation. Stage of lactation and farm were both associated with DCT; however, an interaction was present, and this DCT pattern of change was farm-dependent. Two distinct patterns emerged; one indicated the nadir to occur shortly after calving, the other indicated the nadir to occur during early lactation. Neither BFT nor BCS were significantly associated with DCT. Heifers displayed thinner digital cushions compared with multiparous cows; however, this effect was dependent on the stage of lactation, with heifers having a thinner digital cushion up until late lactation, by which time DCT was commensurate with multiparous animals. Sole lesions and white line lesions at the time of measurement were associated with DCT (sole lesion: estimate = -0.07 mm, 95% CI = -0.14-0.00; white line lesion: estimate = 0.28 mm, 95% CI = 0.15-0.42).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - James P Wilson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Lamprou
- Department of Animal Production, School of Animal Bioscience, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - William Tulley
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherrill Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
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Patoliya P, Kataktalware MA, Raval K, Devi G L, Sivaram M, Praveen S, Meena P, Jeyakumar S, Mech A, Ramesha KP. Assessing lameness prevalence and associated risk factors in crossbred dairy cows across diverse management environments. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:229. [PMID: 38796437 PMCID: PMC11127402 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04093-w] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A thorough understanding of lameness prevalence is essential for evaluating the impact of this condition on the dairy industry and assessing the effectiveness of preventive strategies designed to minimize its occurrence. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of lameness and identify potential risk factors associated with lameness in Holstein Friesian crossbred cows across both commercial and smallholder dairy production systems in Bengaluru Rural District of Karnataka, India. METHODS The research encompassed six commercial dairy farms and 139 smallholder dairy farms, involving a total of 617 Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle. On-site surveys were conducted at the farms, employing a meticulously designed questionnaire. Lameness in dairy cattle was assessed subjectively using a locomotion scoring system. Both bivariate and binary logistic regression models were employed for risk assessment, while principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to address the high dimensionality of the data and capture the underlying structure of the explanatory variables. RESULTS The overall lameness prevalence of 21.9% in commercial dairy farms and 4.6% in smallholder dairy farms. Various factors such as age, body weight, parity, body condition score (BCS), floor type, hock and knee injuries, animal hygiene, provision of hoof trimming, and the presence of hoof lesions were found to be significantly associated with lameness. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds of lameness in crossbred cows increased with higher parity, decreased BCS, presence of hard flooring, poor animal hygiene, and the existence of hoof lesions. These factors were identified as potential risk factors for lameness in dairy cows. Principal component analysis unveiled five components explaining 71.32% of the total variance in commercial farms and 61.21% in smallholder dairy farms. The extracted components demonstrated higher loadings of housing and management factors (such as hoof trimming and provision of footbath) and animal-level factors (including parity, age, and BCS) in relation to lameness in dairy cows. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that principal component analysis effectively reduces the dimensionality of risk factors. Addressing these identified risk factors for lameness is crucial for the strategic management of lameness in dairy cows. Future research in India should investigate the effectiveness of management interventions targeted at the identified risk factors in preventing lameness in dairy cattle across diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Patoliya
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Mukund A Kataktalware
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India.
| | - Kathan Raval
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Letha Devi G
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Muniandy Sivaram
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Selladurai Praveen
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Priyanka Meena
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Sakhtivel Jeyakumar
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Anjumoni Mech
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Kerekoppa P Ramesha
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, India
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Griffiths BE, Barden M, Anagnostopoulos A, Bedford C, Higgins H, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. A prospective cohort study examining the association of claw anatomy and sole temperature with the development of claw horn disruption lesions in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2483-2498. [PMID: 37949408 PMCID: PMC10982437 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Foot characteristics have been linked to the development of sole lesions (sole hemorrhage and sole ulcers) and white line lesions, also known as claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL). The objective of this study was to examine the association of claw anatomy and sole temperature with the development of CHDL. A cohort of 2,352 cows was prospectively enrolled from 4 UK farms and assessed at 3 time points: before calving (T1-precalving), immediately after calving (T2-calving), and in early lactation. At each time point body condition score was recorded, a thermography image of each foot was taken for sole temperature measurement, the presence of CHDL was assessed by veterinary surgeons, and an ultrasound image was taken to retrospectively measure the digital cushion and sole horn thickness. Additionally, at the postcalving time point, foot angle and heel depth were recorded. Four multivariable logistic regression models were fit to separately examine the relationship of precalving and postcalving explanatory variables with the development of either white line lesions or sole lesions. Explanatory variables tested included digital cushion thickness, sole horn thickness, sole temperature, foot angle, and heel depth. Farm, parity, body condition score, and presence of lesion at the time of measurement were also included in the models. A thicker digital cushion shortly after calving was associated with decreased odds of cows developing sole lesions during early lactation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.84). No association was found between digital cushion thickness and development of white line lesions. Sole temperature after calving was associated with increased odds of the development of sole lesions (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05), and sole temperature before and after calving was associated with the development of white line lesions (T1-precalving OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07; T2-calving OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99). Neither foot angle nor heel depth was associated with the development of either lesion type. However, an increased sole horn thickness after calving reduced the odds of cows developing sole lesions during early lactation (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.93), highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate sole horn when foot trimming. Before calving, animals with a lesion at the time of measurement and a thicker sole were more likely to develop a sole lesion (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09-1.40), compared with those without a sole lesion. The results presented here suggest that white line and sole lesions may have differing etiopathogenesis. Results also confirm the association between the thickness of the digital cushion and the development of sole lesions, highlight the association between sole horn thickness and sole lesions, and challenge the potential importance of foot angle and heel depth in the development of CHDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherry Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Higgins
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
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Goździewska-Harłajczuk K, Barszcz K, Klećkowska-Nawrot J, Hamouzová P, Čížek P, Kuropka P, Kvapil P. Comparative Study of Lingual Papillae, Lingual Glands and Lyssa of the Tongue of Selected Wild Felids (Carnivora, Felidae) in Biological Aspects. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040516. [PMID: 37106718 PMCID: PMC10135664 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Although much attention has been paid in the literature to the morphology of the tongue in various animal species, including some Felidae, it has not yet been described in detail in the vulnerable Neofelis nebulosa and Panthera leo bleyenberghi and the last concern Lynx lynx and Otocolobus manul. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the features of the tongue surface, lingual glands and lyssa in the above-mentioned four selected wild species of the Pantherinae and Felinae subfamilies. Macroscopic, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyzes were used in the present work. Comparative analyzes of the dorsal tongue surface showed the presence of mechanical lingual papillae on five subtypes of filiform papillae on the apex and body and conical papillae on the root of the tongue. Gustatory papillae in the four analyzed species were fungiform papillae and various numbers of vallate papillae. Foliate papillae were absent in P. leo bleyenberghi and L. lynx, while delicate smooth folds, which were separated by parallel grooves but without taste buds, were present in N. nebulosa. The vallate and foliate papillae were accompanied by lingual glands, which produced a serous secretion, whereas the mixed lingual glands of the lingual root were with a predominance of mucus secretions comparable to four captive Felidae species. In the median plane on the ventral surface of the apex under its epithelium and within the muscle fibers, the lyssa was also observed to a varying degree, with the least developed, and thought about the size of the entire tongue, was in P. leo bleyenberghi. The lyssa structure in the four species was dominated by adipose tissue. The obtained results contribute knowledge concerning the functional anatomy of the tongue in four selected Felidae species, especially in terms of comparative anatomy.
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Spörndly-Nees E, Jansson A, Pökelmann M, Pickova J, Ringmark S. Chemical composition of horse hooves with functional qualities for competing barefoot. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad346. [PMID: 37814393 PMCID: PMC10601914 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Barefoot racing is a common practice within the harness racing industry, but not all horses have hooves of sufficient quality to race sustainably without shoes. There is currently no objective approach available to assess whether a horse's hooves are suitable for barefoot racing, raising animal welfare issues if trainers misjudge the functional qualities of hooves. This study compared chemical composition of the hoof wall and fatty acid (FA) composition of the digital cushion in a group of horses that had raced barefoot often (RB) and a group of horses that could not race barefoot and therefore raced with shoes (RS). Trimmings from the hind hoof wall were collected from the lateral quarters in one sub-cohort postmortem and in another sub-cohort of live horses and analyzed for macro- and microelements, nitrogen, dry matter (DM), and total and free amino acid content. For the postmortem horses, samples of the digital cushion were also collected and analyzed for total and free FAs. RB horses had lower concentrations of copper in the hoof wall (17.5 ± 3.9 vs. 32.8 ± 4.7 mg/kg DM, P = 0.02) than RS horses. RB horses also tended (P < 0.1) to have higher concentrations of nitrogen (164.2 ± 0.2 vs. 163.5 ± 0.3 g/kg DM) and sulfur (22.9 ± 0.2 vs. 22.3 ± 0.3 g/kg DM). RB horses had higher hoof wall concentrations of arginine (10.51 ± 0.05 vs. 10.34 ± 0.06 g/100 g DM, P = 0.03) and showed a trend (P < 0.1) for higher hoof wall concentrations of cysteine (6.14 ± 0.10 vs. 5.82 ± 0.13 g/100 g DM) and proline (4.62 ± 0.05 vs. 4.49 ± 0.06 g/100 g DM). There were no differences between the groups for any other element or amino acid analyzed. There were also no differences between the two groups in terms of FA composition of the digital cushion. These results indicate that chemical composition, especially with respect to copper, arginine, nitrogen, sulfur, cysteine, and proline, may be important for the functional qualities of the hoof capsule and the ability to race barefoot without wearing the hoof down. However, chemical analysis of hoof wall tissue and of the fat content of the digital cushion does not seem to be a definitive method for distinguishing horses that have hooves suitable for barefoot racing from those that do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellinor Spörndly-Nees
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Jansson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mette Pökelmann
- Mettes Horsework AB, Ståltrådsvägen 28, 16868 Bromma, Sweden
| | - Jana Pickova
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7051, 750 07 Uppsala
| | - Sara Ringmark
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Barden M, Li B, Griffiths BE, Anagnostopoulos A, Bedford C, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. Genetic parameters and genome-wide association study of digital cushion thickness in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8237-8256. [PMID: 36028347 PMCID: PMC9511494 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22035] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The digital cushion is linked to the development of claw horn lesions (CHL) in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate genetic parameters for digital cushion thickness (DCT), (2) estimate the genetic correlation between DCT and CHL, and (3) identify candidate genes associated with DCT. A cohort of 2,352 Holstein dairy cows were prospectively enrolled on 4 farms and assessed at 4 time points: before calving, immediately after calving, in early lactation, and in late lactation. At each time point, CHL was recorded by veterinary surgeons, and ultrasonographic images of the digital cushion were stored and retrospectively measured at 2 anatomical locations. Animals were genotyped and pedigree details extracted from the national database. Genetic parameters were estimated following a single-step approach implemented in AIREMLF90. Four traits were analyzed: the 2 DCT measurements, sole lesions (sole hemorrhage and sole ulcers), and white line lesions. All traits were analyzed with univariate linear mixed models; bivariate models were fit to estimate the genetic correlation between traits within and between time points. Single-marker and window-based genome-wide association analyses of DCT traits were conducted at each time point; candidate genes were mapped near (<0.2 Mb) or within the genomic markers or windows with the largest effects. Heritability estimates of DCT ranged from 0.14 to 0.44 depending on the location of DCT measurement and assessment time point. The genetic correlation between DCT and sole lesions was generally negative, notably between DCT immediately after calving and sole lesions in early or late lactation, and between DCT in early or late lactation and sole lesion severity in early or late lactation. Digital cushion thickness was not genetically correlated with white line lesions. A polygenic background to DCT was found; genes associated with inflammation, fat metabolism, and bone development were mapped near or within the top markers and windows. The moderate heritability of DCT provides an opportunity to use selective breeding to change DCT in a population. The negative genetic correlation between DCT and sole lesions at different stages of production lends support to current hypotheses of sole lesion pathogenesis. Highlighted candidate genes provide information regarding the complex genetic background of DCT in Holstein cows, but further studies are needed to explore and corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
| | - Bingjie Li
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherry Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
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Thirty-Two Weeks of Oral Supplementation with LinPro® Increases Hoof Growth in Healthy Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 117:104086. [PMID: 35872234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104086] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
LinPro® is a commercial dietary supplement marketed to increase hoof growth and quality. Ten mature (5-15 years) non-pregnant Quarter Horse mares without existing hoof quality issues were used to test the hypothesis that 32 weeks of daily supplementation with 113 g of LinPro® would increase hoof growth rates as compared to non-supplemented controls. Hooves were trimmed at the start of the study and every 8 weeks thereafter. A mark was applied on the hoof wall surface at 2.5 cm below the junction of the hoof wall and coronary band. At each trimming, the distance between the mark and coronary band was measured and a new mark placed. For front hooves, horses assigned to LP had greater total hoof growth over 32 weeks (2.65 ± 0.15 vs. 2.18 ± 0.12 cm; P = 0.048; Figure 2) and tended to have greater hoof growth per 8 week trimming cycle (0.64 ± 0.03 vs. 0.55 ± 0.03 cm; P = 0.085) than horses assigned to CON. Horses assigned to LP had greater plasma biotin concentrations (2158 ± 69 vs. 636 ± 62 ng/L; P < 0.001) and proportions of erucic acid in hoof tissue (1.03 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.07 %; P = 0.049) as compared to CON. Further, the most abundant fatty acids in hoof tissue were stearic, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. LinPro® may provide an effective treatment to improve hoof growth rates in horses with otherwise healthy hooves.
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Prevalence of Sole ulcer in Dairy Cows Exposed to Heat Stress. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal thermal effect on the prevalence of the sole ulcer in dairy cows. The observations were performed on a Holstein-Friesian (HF) dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. The clinical signs of heat stress were recognised in several animals during the afternoon milking on July 8, 2015. The claw examination done three months after the heat stress episode was compared with three examinations: twelve and two months prior to the heat stress and ten months afterward. The orthopaedic examinations were focused on the prevalence of the sole ulcer. Statistical analysis was performed by running a chi-squared test. The temperature-humidity index (THI) on July 8, 2015, was 88. We found 15.2 %, 18.6 %, 28.1 %, and 12.9 % cows with sole ulcer in the autumn 2014, spring 2015, autumn 2015, and spring of the following year, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of our observations showed that the heat stress in dairy cows can be associated with an increase in the prevalence of the sole ulcer.
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Oehm AW, Merle R, Tautenhahn A, Jensen KC, Mueller KE, Feist M, Zablotski Y. Identifying cow - level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263294. [PMID: 35089972 PMCID: PMC8797239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a tremendous problem in intensively managed dairy herds all over the world. It has been associated with considerable adverse effects on animal welfare and economic viability. The majority of studies have evaluated factors associated with gait disturbance by categorising cows into lame and non-lame. This procedure yet entails a loss of information and precision. In the present study, we extend the binomial response to five categories acknowledging the ordered categorical nature of locomotion assessments, which conserves a higher level of information. A cumulative link mixed modelling approach was used to identify factors associated with increasing locomotion scores. The analysis revealed that a low body condition, elevated somatic cell count, more severe hock lesions, increasing parity, absence of pasture access, and poor udder cleanliness were relevant variables associated with higher locomotion scores. Furthermore, distinct differences in the locomotion scores assigned were identified in regard to breed, observer, and season. Using locomotion scores rather than a dichotomised response variable uncovers more refined relationships between gait disturbances and associated factors. This will help to understand the intricate nature of gait disturbances in dairy cows more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Sadiq MB, Ramanoon SZ, Shaik Mossadeq WMM, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain SS. Preventive Hoof Trimming and Animal-Based Welfare Measures Influence the Time to First Lameness Event and Hoof Lesion Prevalence in Dairy Cows. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:631844. [PMID: 34179155 PMCID: PMC8225956 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.631844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The objectives of this study were to, (1) investigate the impact of the Dutch five-step hoof trimming (HT) technique on time to lameness and hoof lesion prevalence in grazing (GR) and non-grazing (NGR) dairy cows, and (2) determine the association between potential benefits of HT and animal-based welfare measures during lactation. A total of 520 non-lame cows without hoof lesions from 5 dairy farms (GR = 2, NGR = 3) were enrolled at early (within 30 days in milk; DIM) and late lactation (above 200 DIM), and randomly allocated to either trimmed (HGR or HNGR) or control groups (CON-GR and CON-NGR). Locomotion scores, body condition, hock condition, leg hygiene, and hoof health were assessed at monthly intervals until the following 270 days in milk. The data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multivariable Cox, and logistic regression models. The overall incidence rate of lameness was 36.2 cases/100 cows/month, with corresponding rates of 27.4, 31.9, 48.4, and 45.8 cases/100 cows/month in HGR, HNGR, CON-GR, and CON-NGR, respectively. Time to first lameness event was significantly higher in HGR (mean ± S.E; 8.12 ± 0.15) compared to CON-GR (7.36 ± 0.26), and in HNGR (8.05 ± 0.16) compared to CON-NGR (7.39 ± 0.23). The prevalence of hoof lesions in the enrolled cows was 36.9%, with a higher occurrence in CON-GR (48.8%) than HGR (23.2%), and in CON-NGR (52.6%) compared to HNGR (32.2%). The majority of hoof lesions were non-infectious in grazing (HGR vs. CON-GR; 21.3 vs. 33.3%) and non-grazing herds (HNGR vs. CON-NGR; 25.0 vs. 40.4%). The risk of lameness was higher in underconditioned cows (Hazard ratio; HR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-7.4), presence of hoof lesion (HR = 33.1, 95% CI 17.6-62.5), and there was variation between farms. Aside HT, lower parity (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8), normal hock condition (OR = 0.06; 95% 0.01-0.29), and absence of overgrown hoof (OR = 0.4; 95% 0.2-0.7) were protective against non-infectious hoof lesions. Functional HT is beneficial as a lameness preventive strategy during lactation; however, ensuring older cows are in good body condition and free from hock injuries are equally important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed B Sadiq
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Z Ramanoon
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Center of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mastura M Shaik Mossadeq
- Center of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Rozaihan Mansor
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Center of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Sharifah S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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11
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Wilson JP, Randall LV, Green MJ, Rutland CS, Bradley CR, Ferguson HJ, Bagnall A, Huxley JN. A history of lameness and low body condition score is associated with reduced digital cushion volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging, in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:7026-7038. [PMID: 33773792 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Claw horn lesions (CHL) are the result of a failing of the functional anatomy of the hoof in dairy cows. The digital cushion is understood to be a vital structure in the prevention of CHL. Claw horn lesions have previously been shown to lead to pathological change to the pedal bone; however, their effects on the digital cushion are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to examine associations between the history of CHL through an animal's life and the structure of the digital cushion at slaughter using magnetic resonance imaging. The retrospective cohort study resulted in the scanning of 102 pairs of hindfeet, collected from adult Holstein dairy cows culled from a research herd, using a 3-Tesla research-grade magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Volume and fat measurements were calculated for each digital cushion within each claw from a modified Dixon Quant sequence. Animal-level variables were constructed around the animals' lactating lifetime, with lameness scores and body condition score collected at least every 2 wk. The combined volume of digital cushion in the lateral claws was used as the outcome variable in multivariable linear models. The volume of the digital cushion was negatively associated with the number of lameness events or CHL recorded. Furthermore, animals with body condition score >3, culled later in lactation, or of a greater body weight were more likely to have a higher volume of digital cushion in the lateral claws. We propose that the observations made in the current study are the effects of a range of factors broadly associated with genetic, developmental, and disease-related inputs. Our understanding of how we can select for genetically more robust animals and how we can precondition the hoof before first calving needs to be improved to reduce the risk of future CHL in adult dairy cattle. Furthermore, understanding optimal treatment regimens and their effect on hoof anatomy may reduce the recurrence of CHL in the current lactation and future lactations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Wilson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - L V Randall
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - M J Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - C S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - C R Bradley
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG7 2RD
| | - H J Ferguson
- Scotland's Rural College, Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 3JG
| | - A Bagnall
- Scotland's Rural College, Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 3JG
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand.
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12
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Newsome RF, Mostyn A, Wilson JP, Alibhai A, Bollard N, Randall L, Chagunda MGG, Sturrock CJ, Keane M, Green M, Huxley JN, Rutland CS. Morphology, adipocyte size, and fatty acid analysis of dairy cattle digital cushions, and the effect of body condition score and age. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6238-6252. [PMID: 33685700 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The digital cushion is an essential part of maintaining a healthy foot, working to dissipate foot strike and body weight forces and lameness from claw horn disruption lesions. Despite the importance of the digital cushion, little is known about the basic anatomy, adipocyte morphology, and fatty acid composition in relation to age, limb position, and body condition score. In total, 60 claws (from 17 cows) were selected and collected from a herd, ensuring that body condition score data and computed micro-tomography were known for each animal. Digital cushion tissue underwent histological staining combined with stereology, systematic random sampling, and cell morphology analysis, in addition to lipid extraction followed by fatty acid analysis. The results describe digital cushion architecture and adipocyte sizes. Adipocyte size was similar across all 4 claws (distal left lateral and medial and distal right lateral and medial) and across the ages (aged 2-7 yr); however, animals with body condition score of 3.00 or more at slaughter had a significantly increased cell size in comparison to those with a score of less than 2.50. Of 37 fatty acid methyl esters identified, 5 differed between either the body condition score or different age groups. C10:0 capric acid, C14:0 myristic acid, C15:0 pentadecanoic acid, and C20:0 arachidic acid percentages were all lesser in lower body condition score cows, whereas C22:1n-9 erucic acid measurements were lesser in younger cows. Saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid percentages were not altered in the different claws, ages, or body condition score groups. Triglyceride quantities did not differ for claw position or age but had decreased quantities in lower body condition score animals. Digital cushion anatomy, cellular morphology, and fatty acid composition have been described in general and also in animals with differing ages, body condition scores, and in the differing claws. Understanding fat deposition, mobilization, and composition are essential in not only understanding the roles that the digital cushion plays but also in preventing disorders and maintaining cattle health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Newsome
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - A Mostyn
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - J P Wilson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - A Alibhai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - N Bollard
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - L Randall
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M G G Chagunda
- Scotland's Rural College, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom, and Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - C J Sturrock
- Hounsfield Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M Keane
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - C S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
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13
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Pizzi GLBL, Valente ALS, Rechsteiner SMEF, Bruhn FRP, Cruz LAX, Silva PM, Barbosa AA, Ribeiro PF, Martins CF. Macroscopic and Histological Morphology of the Equine Digital Cushion and Its Association with Subcutaneous Fat Thickness. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 95:103283. [PMID: 33276921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of the Body Condition Score (BCS) and subcutaneous fat thickness on the tissue composition of the digital cushion in horses. Sixty mixed breeds of Criollo horses (21 males and 39 females) were sent for slaughter. All animals were submitted to BCS analysis, through visual antemortem evaluation, and then ultrasound evaluation to estimate the subcutaneous fat thickness. Macroscopic analyses of the thoracic and a pelvic limb (weight, volume, and density of the hooves and digital cushions) were performed. In addition, measurements of the area of internal structures to the hoof and histological analyzes were carried out to measure the areas of adipose, fibroelastic, and collagen fibers of the digital cushion. There were no macroscopic differences in the digital cushion between thoracic and pelvic limbs or between genders (P > .05). Likewise, the histological characteristics between the limbs and the genders were similar (P > .05). There was no correlation between the weight, volume, and density of the digital cushion with the BCS (P > .05). A positive correlation was observed with the area of adipose tissue (P = .038, R2 = 0.28) and a negative correlation with area of fibroelastic tissue (P = .005, R2 = -0.37) and collagen fibers (P = .003, R2 = -0.39). In conclusion, the adipose tissue, fibroelastic tissue, and collagen fibers of equine digital cushion alter their areas in the functions of the various subcutaneous fat patterns in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino L B L Pizzi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana L S Valente
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Sandra M E F Rechsteiner
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabio R P Bruhn
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Luís A X Cruz
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Paula M Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Antônio A Barbosa
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Priscila F Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Charles F Martins
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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14
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Impact of Nutrients on the Hoof Health in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101824. [PMID: 33036413 PMCID: PMC7600182 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is currently one of the most important and economically demanding diseases in cattle. It is manifested in a change in locomotion that is associated with lesions, especially the pelvic limbs. The disease of the hoof is painful, affecting the welfare of dairy cows. Important factors that influence the health of the limbs include nutrition, animal hygiene, stable technology, and genetic and breeding predispositions. Nutrition is one of the basic preventive factors affecting the quality and growth of the hoof horn, and the associated prevalence of hoof disease. The strength and structure of the hoof horn are affected by the composition of the feed ration (amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and toxic substances contaminating the feed ration, or arising in the feed ration as metabolites of fungi).
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15
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Sadiq MB, Ramanoon SZ, Shaik Mossadeq WM, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain SS. Cow- and herd-level factors associated with lameness in dairy farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Prev Vet Med 2020; 184:105163. [PMID: 33038612 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a major welfare issue in dairy cows. This study was aimed at investigating the cow- and herd -level factors associated with lameness in dairy farms from four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The study population was 1001 lactating cows from 28 dairy farms located in Selangor (n = 9), Perak (n = 8), Negeri Sembilan (n = 6) and Johor (n = 5). Lameness was assessed by locomotion scoring. Individual cow characteristics such as breeds, parity, body condition score (BCS), hock condition, leg hygiene, presence of claw lesion and claw overgrowth were recorded. Data on herd characteristics, management practices and housing design were collected by on-farm inspection and farmers' interview. Mixed-eff ;ects logistic regressions were used to model the data and to assess the factors associated with lameness. Cow-level lameness prevalence was 34.2 % (95 % CI 22.2-50.0 %), with all the farms having at least one case of lameness. Claw lesions were recorded in 470 cows (46.9 %; CI 33.3-63.3 %) of which 296 (62.9 %) of them were lame. Of these, 78.9 % of the lesions were present on the rear feet and 25.5% of the cows had more than one foot affected. The proportion of cows having non-infectious and infectious claw lesions were 81.9 % and 18.1 %, and the predominant claw lesions were sole ulcers (24.9 %), white line disease (19.6 %), sole haemorrhage (10.2%), swelling of coronet (9.6 %), toe ulcers (8.4 %), and digital dermatitis (5.6%). Cows at third or more parities had higher odds of lameness (OR = 2.2; 95 % CI 1.2-4.1) compared to primiparous cows. Low BCS (< 2.5) increased the odds of lameness (OR = 4.8; 95 % CI 2.9-7.9) relative to cows with moderate BCS, and cows with hair loss around the hock (OR = 1.4; 95 % CI 1.1-1.9) relative to those with normal hock condition. Greater odds of being lame was observed in cows having claw lesion (OR = 15.2; 95 % CI 10.4-19.2) and those with overgrown claw (OR = 3.3; 95 % CI 2.4-4.5). There was increased odds of lameness in farms with high stocking density (OR = 1.8; 95 % CI 1.1-3.1), concrete floored walkways (OR = 1.9; 95 % CI 1.0-3.6), dirty floors (OR = 2.3; 95 % CI 1.9-3.7), and practicing preventive claw trimming (OR = 2.3; 95 % CI 1.9-4.6). Based on the high lameness prevalence, these findings could assist dairy farmers to make informed decisions on areas to implement on-farm changes to reduce lameness in the studied herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Sadiq
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - S Z Ramanoon
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia.
| | - W M Shaik Mossadeq
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - R Mansor
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
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16
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Griffiths BE, Mahen PJ, Hall R, Kakatsidis N, Britten N, Long K, Robinson L, Tatham H, Jenkin R, Oikonomou G. A Prospective Cohort Study on the Development of Claw Horn Disruption Lesions in Dairy Cattle; Furthering our Understanding of the Role of the Digital Cushion. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:440. [PMID: 32851023 PMCID: PMC7399069 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claw horn disruption lesion (CHDL) is the collective term used to describe non-infectious foot lesions such as sole ulcers (SU), sole hemorrhage (SH), and white line disease (WLD) that commonly affect dairy cattle. The potential role of the bovine digital cushion, an anatomical structure located under the pedal bone and composed mostly of adipose and connective tissue, in the aetiopathogenesis of CHDL has recently been the subject of several studies. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to identify risk factors associated with the development of CHDL and to add further evidence regarding the role of the digital cushion. In order to achieve that we collected data from 500 lactations; 455 dairy cows from 3 farms were enrolled in this study. Data were collected from each animal on three occasions: 3–4 weeks before expected calving date, 1 week post calving, and 8–10 weeks post-calving. At each occasion, sole soft tissue thickness (the combined depth of the digital cushion and corium, SSTT) was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. At 8–10 weeks post-calving foot trimming was undertaken and the presence of CHDLs was recorded. Univariable analysis was undertaken between variables of interest, before multivariable regression models were constructed. Mixed effects multivariable linear regression models were created to describe the changes in SSTT and associations with various explanatory variables. Multivariable logistic regression models with the presence of SU, SH, or WLD as an outcome were also built. SSTT was shown to decrease from calving to early lactation (EL). Primiparous animals were found to have smaller SSTT, than multiparous animals. Animals with greater BCS had greater SSTT. Cows with a SU in early lactation had lower SSTT both at pre-calving and calving inspections comparing to cows without a SU. Cows that developed mastitis within 30 days of calving had approximately four times higher odds of developing SU compared to cows that did not develop mastitis. Our study advances our understanding of animal level risk factors associated with the development of CHDL and highlights the importance of the periparturient period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa J Mahen
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Hall
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Kakatsidis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Britten
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry Long
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Robinson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Tatham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Jenkin
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Grandía J, Monteagudo LV, Sánchez-Abad P, Tejedor MT. Dietary fatty acid content and thickness of plantar pads in gilts. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test a diet enriched in the most abundant components of foot fat pads (oleic and palmitic acid) to increase its thickness in gilts. We evaluated the effects of two oleic and palmitic acid dietary concentrations (control and test) and three treatment durations (35, 45, and 65 d) on 116 gilts (Landrace × Large White), all 180-d-old and slaughtered at the end of the study. Both test and control diets contained 5.9% total fat. The control diet contained 0.9% oleic acid and 0.6% palmitic acid; the test diet contained 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Body weight (BW), backfat (BF), lateral, and medial plantar pad thickness from the left rear leg were measured. No significant differences were detected for BW or BF between the test and control groups. The lateral pad was always thicker than the medial one (P < 0.001). No significant difference for plantar pad thickness was detected for the 35 d treatment. For the other treatments, thickness increased with respect to the control group (P < 0.01); the percentage of increase ranged from 20.8% (lateral side, 45 d treatment) to 37.8% (lateral side, 65 d treatment). Its effects on foot health must still be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Grandía
- AGRO-TEST-CONTROL, S. L.C/ Poeta Leon Felipe, 7-9 Local, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Vicente Monteagudo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Paloma Sánchez-Abad
- AGRO-TEST-CONTROL, S. L.C/ Poeta Leon Felipe, 7-9 Local, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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18
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Walkenhorst M, Leiber F, Maeschli A, Kapp AN, Spengler-Neff A, Faleschini MT, Garo E, Hamburger M, Potterat O, Mayer P, Graf-Schiller S, Bieber A. A multicomponent herbal feed additive improves somatic cell counts in dairy cows - a two stage, multicentre, placebo-controlled long-term on-farm trial. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 104:439-452. [PMID: 32020681 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to natural and historical diets of wild and domesticated ruminants, the diversity of plant species is limited in diets of modern dairy cows. Are "production diseases" linked to this? We conducted a trial to test the effects of a multicomponent herbal feed additive (HFA) on health, performance and fertility traits. A dose-finding study (DF) with 62 cows on 11 commercial farms compared a low (50 g) and a high (100 g) dose of HFA (HFA-50, HFA-100) with a placebo (PL). In a subsequent field trial (FT) with 280 cows on 30 commercial farms, HFA-100 was compared to PL. Cows were randomly assigned to HFA and PL groups and received HFA or PL individually daily from 14 days pre- to 300 days post-calving. Data were analysed with mixed effects models. No differences between HFA and PL were found regarding performance, body condition score and overall culling rates. A tendency towards lower milk urea for HFA-100 compared to PL (p = .06) was found in DF. HFA significantly reduced elevated milk acetone observations (≥10 mg/L) in the first 10 lactation weeks (HFA-100: 4%; HFA-50: 4%; PL: 12%) in DF. HFA-50 significantly reduced lameness incidence (HFA-100: 11%; HFA-50: 2%; PL: 14%) in DF. Calving intervals were 15 days shorter in HFA compared to PL in both trials, which could be confirmed by tendency (p = .07) in FT. In both trials, the proportion of test days with elevated somatic cell score (≥3.0) was significantly lower in HFA compared to PL (DF: HFA-100: 40%, HFA-50: 45% and PL: 55%; FT: HFA-100: 38% and PL: 55%) which is also reflected by tendency (p = .08) in lower culling rates due to udder diseases in FT. HFA showed no negative impact on any of the measured parameters. The effects of HFA indicate a potential of phytochemically rich and diverse feed additives for dairy cows' nutrition and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Walkenhorst
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Florian Leiber
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Ariane Maeschli
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra N Kapp
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Anet Spengler-Neff
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Faleschini
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Garo
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Potterat
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Anna Bieber
- Department of Livestock Sciences, FiBL, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, Switzerland
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Hiss-Pesch S, Weise J, Heitkönig B, Sauerwein H. Short communication: Adipocyte sizes in the digital fat pad and their relationship to body condition in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6551-6554. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Nuss K, Müller J, Wiestner T. Effects of induced weight shift in the hind limbs on claw loads in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6431-6441. [PMID: 31103292 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The modern dairy industry is plagued by a high prevalence of claw horn lesions in cows, which cause lameness, affect well-being, limit milk production, and are responsible for premature removal of cows from the herd. The lateral hind claws are primarily affected, and this has been linked to a relatively higher load being exerted on the lateral claws when cows shift weight from one hind limb to the other. The vertical ground reaction forces and mean and maximum pressures under the claws were measured in 40 nonlame dairy cows before and during a shift in weight from one hind limb to the other, which was accomplished by applying pressure manually to one side of the pelvis. During square standing on firm ground, about two-thirds of the entire hind limb load was exerted on the 2 lateral claws, and the remaining one-third was exerted on the medial claws combined. At the moment of maximum weight shift, the lateral claw of the loaded limb bore almost two-thirds of the entire load of both hind limbs, with the heel zone bearing almost half of the load of both hind limbs. Subsequently, the load of the lateral claw of the contralateral hind limb decreased, as did the load of both medial claws. Thus, the weight redistribution had occurred predominantly between the lateral hind claws. The high load exerted on a lateral hind claw during weight shift and at maximum weight shift is assumed to play a role in the pathogenesis of claw horn lesions, particularly when accentuated by a softened claw horn and hard flooring.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nuss
- Farm Animal Surgery Division, Farm Animal Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - J Müller
- Farm Animal Surgery Division, Farm Animal Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T Wiestner
- Equine Sports Medicine Unit, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Bach K, Nielsen S, Danscher A, Capion N. Ultrasonographical examination of bovine claws through the sole horn on weight-bearing claws. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:4364-4375. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Stambuk CR, McArt JAA, Bicalho RC, Miles AM, Huson HJ. A longitudinal study of digital cushion thickness and its function as a predictor for compromised locomotion and hoof lesions in Holstein cows. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 3:74-83. [PMID: 32704780 PMCID: PMC7200577 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a major animal welfare and economic issue for the dairy industry and is a challenge to overcome due to multifaceted causes. Digital cushion thickness (DCT) is a strong predictor of lameness and is phenotypically associated with incidence of claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL; sole ulcers and white line disease). We hypothesized that DCT varies between digits and across lactation within the cow. This variation could be characterized to predict the occurrence of CHDL or compromised locomotion. BCS, visual locomotion score (VLS), DCT, and presence or absence of lesions were collected at 4 time points: <40 d prepartum (DPP), 1 to 30 d in milk (DIM), 90 to 120 DIM, and ≥255 DIM for 183 commercial Holstein cows enrolled in the study. Cows underwent digital sonographic examination for the measurement of DCT evaluated at the typical sole ulcer site beneath the flexor tuberosity for the right front medial and lateral digits and right hind medial and lateral digits. Factors such as parity number and stage in lactation were obtained from farm management software (DairyComp 305; Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA). Cows were grouped by parity: primiparous (parity = 1) or multiparous (parity ≥ 2). The prevalence of CHDL among time points ranged from 0% to 4.2% for primiparous cows vs. 2.5% to 25% for multiparous cows, whereas the prevalence of lameness based on VLS of 3 to 5 ranged from 1.7% to 8.3% for primiparous cows vs. 12.7% to 33% for multiparous cows. DCT varied within primiparous and multiparous cows based on stage of lactation and digit (P < 0.05) and was thicker for both parity groups prior to dry off (≥255 DIM) and thinnest prior to calving (<40 DPP) and after peak lactation (90 to 120 DIM). The DCT of the front medial digit was thickest for primiparous heifers, whereas the hind lateral digit was thickest for multiparous cows. The DCT of the hind medial digit was thinnest for both parity groups. Parity group and DCT of the hind lateral digit <40 DPP were important predictors of CHDL (P < 0.05), whereas parity group and DCT of the hind lateral digit and front lateral digit at 1 to 30 DIM were key predictors of VLS lameness (P < 0.05). These results may help identify animals with higher odds of developing these diseases by highlighting key time points and specific digits of importance for monitoring. In addition, it improves our biological understanding of the relationship between DCT and lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A A McArt
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Rodrigo C Bicalho
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Asha M Miles
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Heather J Huson
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Ramanoon SZ, Sadiq MB, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain SS, Mossadeq WMS. The Impact of Lameness on Dairy Cattle Welfare: Growing Need for Objective Methods of Detecting Lame Cows and Assessment of Associated Pain. Anim Welf 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.75917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Sepúlveda-Varas P, Lomb J, von Keyserlingk MAG, Held R, Bustamante H, Tadich N. Claw horn lesions in mid-lactation primiparous dairy cows under pasture-based systems: Association with behavioral and metabolic changes around calving. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:9439-9450. [PMID: 30100516 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to describe the lying behavior of primiparous dairy cows under pasture-based systems during the pre- and postcalving period and characterize the association of lying behavior and analytes related to energy metabolism during this period with claw horn disruption lesion development later in lactation. Our convenience sample included 39 primiparous Holstein cows from 3 commercial farms that were assessed for body condition score (BCS; 5-point scale, 0.25-point increments) and had blood collected at wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 3 relative to calving date. Blood samples were assayed for nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and cholesterol concentrations. Electronic data loggers (HOBO Pendant G Acceleration, Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA) recorded lying behavior at 1-min intervals from 3 wk before calving to 3 wk after calving. Starting at 4 wk after calving and until 16 wk after calving, cows were examined for claw lesions at approximately 4-wk intervals. Sole lesions and white line lesions were scored on a 0 to 10 scale. Of the 39 primiparous cows, 19 cows scored 0 at all exams during the entire study period and 20 cows had at least 1 severe lesion (score ≥4) between 8 and 16 wk after calving. Time spent lying before calving averaged 10.3 ± 0.3 h/d, but declined to 7.3 ± 0.3 h/d after calving (least squares means ± standard error). At calving, we noted an increase in the number of lying bouts (12.9 ± 0.45 bouts/d) compared with the pre- and postcalving averages of 11.6 (±0.53) and 9.1 (±0.47) bouts, respectively. Cows that developed claw lesions later in mid lactation spent less time lying down than cows without lesions during wk 3 after calving compared with healthy cows (7.29 ± 0.22 vs. 8.51 ± 0.16 h/d). Lesion cows had fewer lying bouts per day, and these bouts were of longer duration than no-lesion cows after calving. Increased odds of lesion were found to be associated with shorter lying times and fewer number of lying bouts during wk 3 (odds ratio = 1.23). Nonesterified fatty acids (747 ± 58 vs. 990 ± 86.85 µmol/L) and BHB (0.77 ± 0.06 vs. 0.60 ± 0.04 mmol/L) concentrations during wk 1 were greater in cows that developed claw lesions relative to cows that did not develop lesions. The BHB concentrations also remained higher in wk 2 for cows that developed claw lesions (0.63 ± 0.04 vs. 0.46 ± 0.03 mmol/L) compared with cows that did not develop any lesions. Cows that developed lesions experienced greater losses in BCS from wk -3 to 3 than cows without lesions (0.74 ± 0.01 and 0.61 ± 0.01 BCS change, respectively). In summary, changes in lying behavior and energy metabolic status after calving were associated with claw horn disruption lesions in mid-lactation primiparous cows under pasture-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sepúlveda-Varas
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile
| | - J Lomb
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - R Held
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile
| | - H Bustamante
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile
| | - N Tadich
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile.
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Barbosa A, Pizoni C, Luz G, Correa M, Rabassa V, Pino FD, Moraes F, Martins C. Relação entre escore de condição corporal e escore de locomoção em vacas leiteiras submetidas a manejo semiextensivo de alimentação. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Métodos observacionais subjetivos, como escore de locomoção (EL) e escore de condição corporal (ECC), têm sido amplamente utilizados para avaliação populacional de diferentes graus de claudicação e estado nutricional em bovinos. Este estudo objetivou verificar a associação longitudinal entre o escore de condição corporal e o escore de locomoção em vacas da raça Holandesa submetidas a um regime alimentar semiextensivo. O período experimental compreendeu dois anos de observações, em uma propriedade localizada no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. O grupo experimental foi constituído por 900 vacas lactantes, que foram avaliadas trimestralmente por dinâmica ortopédica pelo EL e do estado metabólico pelo ECC. A coleta desses dados foi realizada por três veterinários treinados. A fim de se verificar a correlação entre variáveis, utilizou-se o programa SAS, por meio do método de correlação de Pearson, para determinar a associação entre as variáveis avaliadas (EL e ECC), com nível de significância de 5%. A distribuição dos diferentes escores de locomoção durante o período foi a seguinte: 57,2% dos animais tiveram o escore de locomoção 1, ou seja, estavam saudáveis em relação ao sistema locomotor. O restante dos animais que apresentou algum grau de dificuldade de locomoção distribuiu-se da seguinte forma, segundo a intensidade: 21,6% dos animais apresentaram EL2, 15,5% deles EL3, 3,5% deles EL4 e 2,2% deles EL5. Quanto ao resultado da correlação, observou-se associação negativa (r= -0,57) entre ECC e EL (P= 0,03), com ECC médio de 2,97±0,33 e EL de 1,35±0,24 durante o período experimental. Portanto, há uma correlação negativa entre o escore de condição corporal e o escore de locomoção em vacas da raça Holandesa submetidas ao regime alimentar semiextensivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Pizoni
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
| | - G.B. Luz
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
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Mudroň P, Höskuldsson T, Mihajlovičová X. Prevalence of Claw Diseases in Dairy Cows with Different Body Condition. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/fv-2017-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body condition and claw diseases in dairy cows. The data used in this study were obtained during two sessions of routine orthopaedic treatment and hoof trimming on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. In the spring and autumn terms, 482 dairy cows were examined for claw diseases and their body conditions were recorded. Out of the 482 dairy cows, 56 % were affected by one or more claw diseases in one or more legs. Digital dermatitis and sole ulcers were the most often detected claw diseases found in this study. The dairy cows with a low body condition score (BCS < 3) showed a higher prevalence of claw diseases (P < 0.05) than the cows with a body condition score greater than 3. However, this difference could not be found when infectious diseases of the claws (digital dermatitis, foot rot, and interdigital dermatitis) were analysed. The results of this study allowed us to conclude that the dairy cows with a lower grade of body condition suffered more from non-infectious claw diseases (sole ulcer, white line diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Mudroň
- Clinic for Ruminants , University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Komenského 73, 04181 Košice , Slovakia
| | - T. Höskuldsson
- Clinic for Ruminants , University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Komenského 73, 04181 Košice , Slovakia
| | - X. Mihajlovičová
- Clinic for Ruminants , University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Komenského 73, 04181 Košice , Slovakia
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27
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Newsome R, Green M, Bell N, Bollard N, Mason C, Whay H, Huxley J. A prospective cohort study of digital cushion and corium thickness. Part 2: Does thinning of the digital cushion and corium lead to lameness and claw horn disruption lesions? J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4759-4771. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Newsome R, Green M, Bell N, Bollard N, Mason C, Whay H, Huxley J. A prospective cohort study of digital cushion and corium thickness. Part 1: Associations with body condition, lesion incidence, and proximity to calving. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4745-4758. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Charfeddine N, Pérez-Cabal MA. Effect of claw disorders on milk production, fertility, and longevity, and their economic impact in Spanish Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:653-665. [PMID: 27865503 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were (1) to estimate the phenotypic association between different degrees of severity of claw disorders and production, fertility performance, and longevity in Spanish dairy cattle, and (2) to quantify its economic impact at the animal and herd level. In this study, claw data comprised 108,468 trimmings collected between 2012 and 2014 by 25 trimmers from 804 Holstein dairy herds. The claw disorders considered were the 3 most frequent disorders in Spanish dairy herds: dermatitis (DE), sole ulcer (SU), and white line disease (WL). The presence of SU or WL was associated with a significant decrease in milk production and was more important in cows in second or later lactations. A severe lesion of SU or WL lead to twice the milk losses associated with a mild lesion, ranging from 1.47 to 2.66kg/d of energy-corrected milk. The presence of SU or WL during the early lactation period was associated with more days open, fewer inseminations to get pregnant, and longer calving to first service interval (4.83 and 8.0 d longer due to mild and severe lesions of SU, respectively, and 4.94 and 17.43 d longer due to mild and severe lesions of WL, respectively). The occurrence of a case of SU or WL in first lactation had a significant effect on longevity, with severe lesions reducing up to 71 d of productive life. The cost of a mild lesion ranged from $53 to $232 per affected cow and year, whereas the cost of a severe lesion ranged from $402 to $622 per affected cow and year. The annual costs per cow for DE, SU, and WL were $10.80, $50.9, and $43.2, respectively. An average herd with 64 cows had an extra expenditure of $691/yr due to DE, $3,256/yr due to SU, and $2,765/year due to WL. Milk losses, longer calving intervals, and premature culling contributed to more than half of the costs. Therefore, providing this information to farmers could help decide on strategies to reduce the incidence of claw disorders on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Charfeddine
- Spanish Holstein Association (CONAFE), 28340 Valdemoro, Spain
| | - M A Pérez-Cabal
- Department of Animal Production, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Claw disorders in dairy cattle - an unexpected association between energy metabolism and sole haemorrhages. J DAIRY RES 2016; 84:54-60. [PMID: 27691987 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029916000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether changes of energy metabolism post-partum (pp) are associated with claw health. For this purpose, back-fat-thickness (BFT) was measured and blood samples were taken from 146 cows at four examination times. The serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose were measured. Furthermore, in the first week postpartum (pp) and at 8 weeks pp, a claw trimming was done and the presence and extent of sole haemorrhages (SH) was recorded. Animals with high BFT at calving and therefore high fat mobilisation and whose FFA and BHB levels in the first week pp exceeded the reference values had fewer pathological changes of the claws than thinner animals whose FFA and BHB levels stayed within reference ranges. The body condition before calving, represented in this study by BFT, plays an important role in non-infectious claw disorders. Poorer body condition was found to be associated with the SH that develop in the first 2 months of lactation.
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Iqbal ZM, Akbar H, Hosseini A, Bichi Ruspoli Forteguerri E, Osorio JS, Loor JJ. Digital Cushion Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Metabolism Gene Network Expression in Holstein Dairy Cows Fed a High-Energy Diet. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159536. [PMID: 27441691 PMCID: PMC4956307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The hoof digital cushion is a complex structure composed of adipose tissue beneath the distal phalanx, i.e. axial, middle and abaxial fat pad. The major role of these fat depots is dampening compression of the corium underneath the cushion. The study aimed to determine expression of target genes and fatty acid profiles in the hoof of non-pregnant dry Holstein cows fed low (CON) or high-energy (OVE) diets. The middle fat pad of the hoof digital cushion was collected soon after slaughter. Despite the lack of effect on expression of the transcription regulators SREBF1 and PPARG, the expression of the lipogenic enzymes ACACA, FASN, SCD, and DGAT2 was upregulated with OVE. Along with the upregulation of G6PD and IDH1, important for NADPH synthesis during lipogenesis, and the basal glucose transporter SLC2A1, these data indicated a pro-lipogenic response in the digital cushion with OVE. The expression of the lipid droplet-associated protein PLIN2 was upregulated while expression of lipolytic enzymes (ATGL, ABDH5, and LIPE) only tended to be upregulated with OVE. Therefore, OVE induced lipogenesis, lipid droplet formation, and lipolysis, albeit to different extents. Although concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) did not differ, among the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the concentration of 20:5n3 was lower with OVE. Among the saturated fatty acids, 20:0 concentration was greater with OVE. Although data indicated that the hoof digital cushion metabolic transcriptome is responsive to higher-energy diets, this did not translate into marked differences in the fatty acid composition. The decrease in concentration of PUFA, which could contribute to synthesis of inflammatory molecules, in OVE-fed cows indicated that feeding higher-energy diets might be detrimental for the mediation of inflammation in digital cushion. This effect could be further exacerbated by physiologic and endocrine changes during the peripartal period that favor inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Muhammad Iqbal
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States of America
| | - Haji Akbar
- Department of Biosciences COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Afshin Hosseini
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States of America
| | | | - Johan S. Osorio
- Department of Dairy Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 57007, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JJL); (JSO)
| | - Juan J. Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JJL); (JSO)
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Newsome R, Green MJ, Bell NJ, Chagunda MGG, Mason CS, Rutland CS, Sturrock CJ, Whay HR, Huxley JN. Linking bone development on the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx with lameness during life. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:4512-4525. [PMID: 27060810 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL; sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, and white line disease) cause a large proportion of lameness in dairy cattle, yet their etiopathogenesis remains poorly understood. Untreated CHDL may be associated with damage to the internal anatomy of the foot, including to the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx upon which bone developments have been reported with age and with sole ulcers at slaughter. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether bone development was associated with poor locomotion and occurrence of CHDL during a cow's life. A retrospective cohort study imaged 282 hind claws from 72 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows culled from a research herd using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT; resolution: 0.11mm). Four measures of bone development were taken from the caudal aspect of each distal phalanx, in caudal, ventral, and dorsal directions, and combined within each claw. Cow-level variables were constructed to quantify the average bone development on all hind feet (BD-Ave) and bone development on the most severely affected claw (BD-Max). Weekly locomotion scores (1-5 scale) were available from first calving. The variables BD-Ave and BD-Max were used as outcomes in linear regression models; the explanatory variables included locomotion score during life, age, binary variables denoting lifetime occurrence of CHDL and of infectious causes of lameness, and other cow variables. Both BD-Max and BD-Ave increased with age, CHDL occurrence, and an increasing proportion of locomotion scores at which a cow was lame (score 4 or 5). The models estimated that BD-Max would be 9.8mm (SE 3.9) greater in cows that had been lame at >50% of scores within the 12mo before slaughter (compared with cows that had been assigned no lame scores during the same period), or 7.0mm (SE 2.2) greater if the cow had been treated for a CHDL during life (compared with cows that had not). Additionally, histology demonstrated that new bone development was osteoma, also termed "exostosis." Age explained much of the variation in bone development. The association between bone development and locomotion score during life is a novel finding, and bone development appears specific to CHDL. Bone development on the most severely affected foot was the best explained outcome and would seem most likely to influence locomotion score. To stop irreparable anatomical damage within the foot, early identification of CHDL and effective treatment could be critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Newsome
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | - M J Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - N J Bell
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - M G G Chagunda
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - C S Mason
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - C S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - C J Sturrock
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - H R Whay
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
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Häggman J, Juga J. Effects of cow-level and herd-level factors on claw health in tied and loose-housed dairy herds in Finland. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Borges LC, Leonardo AS, Barreto-Vianna AR, Borges JRJ, Castro MB, Lima EMMD. Morphoquantitative description of bovine digital cushion. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2015000700012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The digital cushion is characterized as a modified subcutaneous tissue that absorbs the shock during gait, assists venous return of the hoof and supports a considerable part of body weight. Digital cushions have particular importance in the pathogenesis of the hoof, since they need to properly work in order to prevent compression and traumas in soft tissues. This study aimed to measure and determine how is the arrangement of these structures, and for this it was established the proportions of connective, adipose, vascular tissues and collagen fibers and collagen types found in palmar and plantar digital cushion of bovine using fore and hindlimbs of twelve adult zebu cattle of both sexes, 11 male and one female, with 269kg average carcass weight and without limb disorders. Fragments of cushions were subjected to conventional histology, cut to a thickness of 4µm and stained with Red Picrosirius. With digital optical microscope, the quantification of the connective tissue and differentiation of types of collagen used the Image Pro Plus® software, and of adipose and vascular tissue, the test point system. The mean and standard error were estimated with the GraphPad Prism 5.0 software, and then data were subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Student's t-test with significance level set at 5% for determining the amount of different tissues between fore and hindlimbs of studied animals. In forelimbs the mean and standard error of the connective tissue proportion was 50.10%+1.54, of the adipose tissue was 21.34%+1.44, and of vascular tissue was 3.43%+0.28. Hindlimbs presented a proportion of connective tissue of 61.61%+1.47, 20.66%+1.53 of adipose tissue, and 3.06%+0.20 of vascular tissue. A significant difference (p<0.001) was detected in the connective tissue proportion between fore and hindlimbs. Types I and II collagen fibers have presented, respectively, a proportion of 31.89% and 3.9% in forelimbs and 34.05% and 1.78% in hindlimbs. According to the used methodology, digital cushions had a clear differentiation relative to adipose tissue between fore and hindlimbs.
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Shearer JK, Plummer PJ, Schleining JA. Perspectives on the treatment of claw lesions in cattle. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2015; 6:273-292. [PMID: 30101113 PMCID: PMC6067775 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s62071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a leading cause of welfare and culling issues in cattle, with claw lesions accounting for the majority of these issues. Although the treatment of claw lesions in cattle is a daily activity for hoof trimmers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, there is surprisingly little information in the peer-reviewed literature on which to base strong evidence-based conclusions. As a consequence, many treatment modalities used are empirical and, in some cases, may be counterproductive to rapid lesion healing. Furthermore, many of these empirical treatment modalities fail to fully consider the underlying pathogenesis of the disease process and the implications that it has on lesion healing. For example, sole ulcers are largely a consequence of metabolic disorders and mechanical overloading. Therapeutic interventions that fail to address the weight-bearing issues are unlikely to be successful. Likewise, white line disease is believed to be predisposed by rumen acidosis and laminitis, and interventions need to include in them appropriate measures to prevent further cases through nutritional management. The goal of this review paper is to review the pathogenesis of claw lesions in the context of the published literature and allow the reader to arrive at rational treatment interventions based on the best available information. The use of an orthopedic block applied to the healthy claw of a lame foot, judicious use of bandage or wrap, careful selection of parenteral or topical therapy, and a treatment protocol to manage pain and promote recovery are key components of responsible management of lameness disorders in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan K Shearer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA,
| | - Paul J Plummer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA, .,Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Schleining
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA,
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Randall L, Green M, Chagunda M, Mason C, Archer S, Green L, Huxley J. Low body condition predisposes cattle to lameness: An 8-year study of one dairy herd. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:3766-77. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lim P, Huxley J, Willshire J, Green M, Othman A, Kaler J. Unravelling the temporal association between lameness and body condition score in dairy cattle using a multistate modelling approach. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:370-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wilhelm K, Wilhelm J, Fürll M. Use of thermography to monitor sole haemorrhages and temperature distribution over the claws of dairy cattle. Vet Rec 2015; 176:146. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.101547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Wilhelm
- Veterinary Practice of Dr. Wilhelm; Plauen Germany
| | - J. Wilhelm
- Veterinary Practice of Dr. Wilhelm; Plauen Germany
| | - M. Fürll
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Large Animal Clinic for Internal Medicine, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
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Oikonomou G, Trojacanec P, Ganda E, Bicalho M, Bicalho R. Association of digital cushion thickness with sole temperature measured with the use of infrared thermography. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:4208-15. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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Oikonomou G, Banos G, Machado V, Caixeta L, Bicalho RC. Short communication: Genetic characterization of digital cushion thickness. J Dairy Sci 2013; 97:532-6. [PMID: 24239082 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dairy cow lameness is a serious animal welfare issue. It is also a significant cause of economic losses, reducing reproductive efficiency and milk production and increasing culling rates. The digital cushion is a complex structure composed mostly of adipose tissue located underneath the distal phalanx and has recently been phenotypically associated with incidence of claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL); namely, sole ulcers and white line disease. The objective of this study was to characterize digital cushion thickness genetically and to investigate its association with body condition score (BCS), locomotion score (LOCO), CHDL, and milk production. Data were collected from 1 large closely monitored commercial dairy farm located in upstate New York; 923 dairy cows were used. Before trimming, the following data were collected by a member of the research team: BCS, cow height measurement, and LOCO. Presence or not of CHDL (sole ulcer or white line disease, or both) was recorded at trimming. Immediately after the cows were hoof trimmed, they underwent digital sonographic B-mode examination for the measurement of digital cushion thickness. Factors such as parity number, stage of lactation, calving date, mature-equivalent 305-d milk yield (ME305MY), and pedigree information were obtained from the farm's dairy management software (DairyCOMP 305; Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA). Univariate animal models were used to obtain variance component estimations for each studied trait (CHDL, BCS, digital cushion thickness average, LOCO, height, and ME305MY) and a 6-variate analysis was conducted to estimate the genetic, residual, and phenotypic correlations between the studied traits. The heritability estimate of DCTA was 0.33±0.09, whereas a statistically significant genetic correlation was estimated between DCTA and CHDL (-0.60±0.29). Of the other genetic correlations, significant estimates were derived for BCS with LOCO (-0.49±0.19) and ME305MY (-0.48±0.20). Digital cushion thickness is moderately heritable and genetically strongly correlated with CHDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Oikonomou
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - G Banos
- Scotland's Rural College/Roslin Institute, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - V Machado
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - L Caixeta
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - R C Bicalho
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
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41
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Logue DN, Mayne CS. Welfare-positive management and nutrition for the dairy herd: a European perspective. Vet J 2013; 199:31-8. [PMID: 24360757 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As European dairy farms become larger and diverge between grass-based and fully housed systems, interest in the welfare of the dairy cow and related environmental issues by consumers and legislators is increasing. These pressures mean that good nutrition and management, which underpin much dairy cow welfare, is critical. Despite considerable research into the management and nutrition of the dairy cow from calf to adulthood there is much on-farm variability in its application. While the incidences of many endemic diseases are reduced most are still significant, for example lameness. In addition, trade and climate change are bringing a more diverse range of pathogens, parasites and pests into Northern Europe. Housing aspects are limited in application by economics and in most cases still do not match grazing for welfare in temperate climates. Genomic technologies offer increased opportunities to breed for 'robustness' but like 'precision animal management systems' have still to be fully exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Logue
- Large Animal Division, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - C Sinclair Mayne
- Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute, 18a NewForge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
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42
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Lean I, Westwood C, Golder H, Vermunt J. Impact of nutrition on lameness and claw health in cattle. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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43
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Bicalho RC, Oikonomou G. Control and prevention of lameness associated with claw lesions in dairy cows. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Baird LG, Dawson LER, Young IS, O'Connell NE. Lipid content and fatty acid composition of the digital cushion of bulls offered different amounts of linseed1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:2403-9. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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46
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Bicalho R, Machado V, Caixeta L. Lameness in dairy cattle: A debilitating disease or a disease of debilitated cattle? A cross-sectional study of lameness prevalence and thickness of the digital cushion. J Dairy Sci 2009; 92:3175-84. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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