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Avcioğlu Ü, Aksoy A, Bi Lgi Ç A, Sinan Aktaş M, Ali Tunç M. Calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms: Economic impact, regional disparities, and farm-level drivers. Prev Vet Med 2024; 230:106279. [PMID: 39029326 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the economic burden of calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms and its impact on the national economy. We gathered research data by directly surveying dairy farms in seven provinces, each representing a distinct region of Turkiye. By conducting these surveys, we captured data on various aspects of calf mortality, including losses among non-pregnant cows aged two and older, pregnant cows, and those experiencing complications during birth, as well as losses within the 0-6 month age bracket. These figures were then amalgamated to establish the overall calf loss rate. Using a fractional probit model, we examined the empirical relationship between total calf loss rates and the socio-demographic characteristics of farm operators and their establishments. Our findings revealed that approximately 82 % of farms experienced some degree of calf loss, with the calf loss rate among dairy cattle farming accounting for nearly 20 %. Notably, regional disparities emerged as a key observation, alongside the identification of certain socio-demographic farm characteristics that proved statistically significant. Specifically, factors such as the prevalence of local cattle breeds, the proportion of crossbred bulls, as well as the numbers of heifers and calves, stood out as influential. Further scrutiny, fortified by ANOVA tests and relationships between the number of cows and total calf loss rate, underscored pronounced geographical disparities in post-estimation calf loss rates. Meanwhile, correlation heatmaps illuminated noteworthy relationships between specific cattle traits and the extent of calf losses. These findings not only underscore the severity of the issue but also highlight the urgency of preventive measures. In light of these insights, we offer pertinent policy recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers aimed at mitigating this considerable economic burden effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Avcioğlu
- Atatürk University, Narman Vocational School, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - Adem Aksoy
- Atatürk Üniversity, College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Erzurum, Turkiye.
| | - Abdulbaki Bi Lgi Ç
- Seyh Edebali University College of Economics and Administrative Sciences Department of Management Information Systems, Bilecik, Turkiye.
| | - M Sinan Aktaş
- Atatürk University, College of Veterinary, Depertment of Internal Medicine, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - M Ali Tunç
- Atatürk University, Narman Vocational School, Erzurum, Turkiye
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Carulla P, Villagrá A, Estellés F, Blanco-Penedo I. Welfare implications on management strategies for rearing dairy calves: A systematic review. Part 1-feeding management. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148823. [PMID: 37138918 PMCID: PMC10150452 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Calves are very susceptible to stress in the early stages of life, and it is necessary to ensure maximum welfare. Feeding management has been identified as a major risk factor for calf health and welfare at this stage. However, the management protocol for calf rearing and its impact on animal welfare is unclear. A systematic review of different management strategies for rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare was conducted using an electronic search strategy. In this review, management strategies were studied to identify scientific gaps, to know the welfare problems of these animals in order to prioritize actions and future research and to study the interpretive approach of this management from the three welfare spheres. Methods A protocol was used to analyze and extract information from the studies. Of the 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria for the management or welfare of calves' items. Results The publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups feeding and socialization, based on the main topic of the publication. The main topics that emerged from the search in the feeding management group were milk replacer, colostrum, and weaning, divided into the three main areas of biological functioning and health, natural life and affective states or cognitive judgement. Discussion The main issues to be addressed were the different types of feed consumed by animals from birth to weaning and the weaning management. It has been found that the most researched issues are colostrum and solid starter feed management. Unresolved issues were highlighted, such as the lack of a clear protocol for the administration of milk replacers to reduce hunger and the best management of weaning to reduce stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Carulla
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Patricia Carulla
| | - Arantxa Villagrá
- Centro de Tecnología Animal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, CITA-IVIA, Polígono de La Esperanza, Segorbe, Castellón, Spain
| | - Fernando Estellés
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Blanco-Penedo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Isabel Blanco-Penedo
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Verdon M. A review of factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves in pasture-based production systems. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Current research on factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves is predominantly based on indoor, year-round calving systems. Calf rearing in these systems differs from that in more seasonal, pasture-based dairy production, meaning that risks to the welfare of dairy calves may not always be comparable between the two systems. The aim of this review was to consolidate the scientific literature relating to calf welfare in pasture-based dairy systems from birth until weaning, allowing for (1) the identification of current and emerging risks to calf welfare and (2) the formation of recommendations to mitigate these risks. Many of the risks to calf welfare discussed in this review are not exclusive to pasture-based dairies. This includes a global trend for increasing perinatal mortalities, a significant number of calves failing to achieve effective passive transfer of immunity, the low uptake of best practice pain relief when calves are disbudded, and the feeding of restricted milk volumes. In addition to these persisting welfare risks, two factors discussed in this review pose an immediate threat to the social license of dairy farming; the separation of cow and calf soon after birth and the management of surplus calves (i.e. calves not needed by the dairy industry). Several recommendations are made to improve the uptake of best-practice calf rearing and progress the development of alternative pasture-based rearing systems that accommodate changing community expectations. These include communication strategies that strengthen farmer beliefs regarding the welfare and productivity benefits achieved by best practice calf rearing and challenge beliefs regarding the associated costs. Farmers should also be encouraged to benchmark their rearing practices through improved record keeping of key rearing inputs and outcomes. Biological research is needed to advise the development of new calf rearing recommendations and the evolution of existing recommendations. Research priorities identified by this review include the effects of dystocia on the neonate and strategies to mitigate these effects, relationships between features of pen design and calf health and welfare, feasibility of dam rearing in large pasture-based dairy systems, and strategies that increase the value of the surplus calf.
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Russell ER, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Views of Western Canadian dairy producers on calf rearing: An interview-based study. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1480-1492. [PMID: 34955272 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21116] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calf rearing practices differ among farms, including feeding and weaning methods. These differences may relate to how dairy producers view these practices and evaluate their own success. The aim of this study was to investigate perspectives of dairy producers on calf rearing, focusing on calf weaning and how they characterized weaning success. We interviewed dairy producers from 16 farms in Western Canada in the following provinces: British Columbia (n = 12), Manitoba (n = 2), and Alberta (n = 2). Participants were asked to describe their heifer calf weaning and rearing practices, and what they viewed as successes and challenges in weaning and rearing calves. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to qualitative analysis from which we identified the following 4 major themes: (1) reliance on calf-based measures (e.g., health, growth, and behavior), (2) management factors and personal experiences (e.g., ease, consistency, and habit), (3) environmental factors (e.g., facilities and equipment), and (4) external support (e.g., advice and educational opportunities). These results provided insight into how dairy producers view calf weaning and rearing, and may help inform the design of future research and knowledge transfer projects aimed at improving management practices on dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Russell
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Gomes V, Pinheiro F, Silva K, Bosco K, Morita L, Minervino A, Madureira K. Morbidity and mortality in Holstein calves from birth to 145 days of age on a large dairy farm in Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the morbidity and mortality associated with the most common diseases during the rearing period of Holstein calves in a high-production dairy farm. The calves (n = 600) were allocated to three groups based on age: G1 (1-7 days, n = 216), G2 (30-40 days, n = 188), and G3 (69-85 days, n = 196). They were evaluated over 60 days at eight different times. The morbidity rates were 47.67% (286/600) for diarrhea, 73.00% (438/600) for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and 3.83% (23/600) for umbilical inflammation (UI). The mortality rate was 2.33% (14/600) for all the animals studied. The morbidity differed in the groups, with higher rates of diarrhea (78.85%, 166/216) and UI (6.94%, 15/216) in G1, and the highest rate of BRD in G3 (79.59%, 156/196). Diarrhea was associated with the occurrence of BRD in G1 and G2. Even in farms with good management practices, there is high morbidity associated with diarrhea and BRD, with the morbidity rate for diarrhea decreasing and that for BRD increasing as the animals get older. In addition, diarrhea is an important risk factor for BRD, especially in younger animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Gomes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhao W, Choi CY, Li G, Li H, Shi Z. Pre-weaned dairy calf management practices, morbidity and mortality of bovine respiratory disease and diarrhea in China. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Background: Livestock mortality impacts farmer livelihoods and household nutrition. Capturing trends in livestock mortality at localised or national levels is essential to planning, monitoring and evaluating interventions and programs aimed at decreasing mortality rates. However, livestock mortality data is disparate, and indicators used have not been standardised. This review aims to assess livestock mortality indicator definitions reported in literature, and define the ages where mortality has greatest impact. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, limited to articles focussed on mortality of cattle, sheep and goats. Peer-reviewed articles in Web of Science until year 2020 were assessed for inclusion of age-based definitions for mortality indicators and data on age distribution of mortality. Indicator definitions for each species were collated and similar terms and age groups most targeted were compared. The cumulative distribution of age at mortality was compared across studies graphically where possible; otherwise, age patterns for mortality were collated. Results: Most studies reported mortality risk rather than rate, and there was little agreement between indicator definitions used in the literature. The most common indicators reported were perinatal and neonatal mortality in cattle, and for perinatal, neonatal and pre-weaning mortality indicators for sheep and goats. Direct comparison of age distribution of mortality was only possible for cattle, which found that approximately 80% of all mortalities within the first 12 months had occurred by six months of age. A significant finding of the study is the variation in age groups for which mortality is reported, which impedes the comparison of mortality risk across studies, particularly for sheep and goats. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance and value of standardising mortality risk indicators for general use, including a young stock mortality risk indicator measuring mortality in the highest risk period of birth to six months of age in cattle, sheep and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna T. Wong
- Supporting Evidence-Based Interventions - Livestock, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ciara Vance
- Supporting Evidence-Based Interventions - Livestock, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Andrew Peters
- Supporting Evidence-Based Interventions - Livestock, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Mueller ML, Cole JB, Connors NK, Johnston DJ, Randhawa IAS, Van Eenennaam AL. Comparison of Gene Editing Versus Conventional Breeding to Introgress the POLLED Allele Into the Tropically Adapted Australian Beef Cattle Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:593154. [PMID: 33643378 PMCID: PMC7905321 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.593154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehorning is the process of physically removing horns to protect animals and humans from injury, but the process is costly, unpleasant, and faces increasing public scrutiny. Genetic selection for polled (hornless), which is genetically dominant to horned, is a long-term solution to eliminate the need for dehorning. However, due to the limited number of polled Australian Brahman bulls, the northern Australian beef cattle population remains predominantly horned. The potential to use gene editing to produce high-genetic-merit polled cattle was recently demonstrated. To further explore the concept, this study simulated introgression of the POLLED allele into a tropically adapted Australian beef cattle population via conventional breeding or gene editing (top 1% or 10% of seedstock bulls/year) for 3 polled mating schemes and compared results to baseline selection on genetic merit (Japan Ox selection index, $JapOx) alone, over the course of 20 years. The baseline scenario did not significantly decrease the 20-year HORNED allele frequency (80%), but resulted in one of the fastest rates of genetic gain ($8.00/year). Compared to the baseline, the conventional breeding scenarios where polled bulls were preferentially used for breeding, regardless of their genetic merit, significantly decreased the 20-year HORNED allele frequency (30%), but resulted in a significantly slower rate of genetic gain ($6.70/year, P ≤ 0.05). The mating scheme that required the exclusive use of homozygous polled bulls, resulted in the lowest 20-year HORNED allele frequency (8%), but this conventional breeding scenario resulted in the slowest rate of genetic gain ($5.50/year). The addition of gene editing the top 1% or 10% of seedstock bull calves/year to each conventional breeding scenario resulted in significantly faster rates of genetic gain (up to $8.10/year, P ≤ 0.05). Overall, our study demonstrates that, due to the limited number of polled Australian Brahman bulls, strong selection pressure on polled will be necessary to meaningfully increase the number of polled animals in this population. Moreover, these scenarios illustrate how gene editing could be a tool for accelerating the development of high-genetic-merit homozygous polled sires to mitigate the current trade-off of slower genetic gain associated with decreasing HORNED allele frequency in the Australian Brahman population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maci L. Mueller
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John B. Cole
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agricultural, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Natalie K. Connors
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - David J. Johnston
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Mee JF. Denormalizing poor dairy youngstock management: dealing with "farm-blindness". J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S140-S149. [PMID: 32810251 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Moorepark Research Centre, Teagasc, Ireland
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Schild CO, Caffarena RD, Gil A, Sánchez J, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. A survey of management practices that influence calf welfare and an estimation of the annual calf mortality risk in pastured dairy herds in Uruguay. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9418-9429. [PMID: 32773303 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of dairy farming in Uruguay, little information on dairy systems in this country is available in the scientific literature, and management practices that influence calf welfare at the herd level have not been explored. The aims of this study were to (1) describe the prepartum and calf-rearing systems, as well as the management practices that may influence calf welfare in pastured dairy herds in Uruguay, (2) estimate the annual calf mortality risk from birth to weaning, and (3) identify the primary clinical disease syndromes shown by the calves before death. A survey comprising a farm visit and a questionnaire was conducted on 225 randomly selected dairies with >30 milking cows, in 3 strata (31-99, 100-299, and ≥300 milking cows) of 6 Uruguayan departments where dairies are concentrated. Retrospective information from July 2013 to June 2014 was collected. A descriptive analysis was performed and results were inferred into the national dairy cattle population. Several management practices that could contribute to poor calf welfare were identified in a large proportion of farms. The annual calf mortality risk (calves that died between birth and weaning/calves born death or alive × 100, n = 149 farms) was 15.2%. Age at weaning averaged 75 d. Farmers reported that the most common clinical syndromes were diarrhea and respiratory disease in 85.2% and 47.5% of the farms, respectively. There was no continuous veterinary advice in 61.3% of the farms, 20.0% lacked data records, 38.5% had poor drainage in the prepartum area with waterlogging after rainfall, 52.1% monitored the prepartum area ≤2 times per day during the calving season, 65.1% did not perform navel antisepsis on newborns, 62.3% separated the calves from their dams at >24 h postpartum, 95.2% did not have a colostrum management program, 72.4% did not rotate the calf-rearing areas, 59.0% did not disinfect the calf feeders, 85.7% did not have staff dedicated exclusively to calf rearing, and 39.8% did not separate sick from healthy calves. The average volume of milk or milk replacer offered per calf was 4.5 L/day. Several of the identified management practices that affect calf welfare in the prepartum and calf-rearing periods could explain the high mortality risk. An effort should be made to conduct extension work focusing on the dissemination of good management practices to improve calf welfare and reduce calf mortality in Uruguayan dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos O Schild
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay.
| | - Rubén D Caffarena
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay; Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Gil
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Sánchez
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Alberto Boerger, Ruta 50, km 11, 39173, Colonia, Uruguay.
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Calderón-Amor J, Gallo C. Dairy Calf Welfare and Factors Associated with Diarrhea and Respiratory Disease Among Chilean Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071115. [PMID: 32610569 PMCID: PMC7401522 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Since 2013, a Chilean law regulates the welfare of farm animals. Despite advances in scientific knowledge and legislation, many farms use management practices that can be detrimental to animals. The objectives of this study were to describe common management practices that may affect the welfare status of unweaned dairy calves and identify factors associated with diarrhea and respiratory disease. We visited 29 dairy farms and collected information on management practices, environment, and animal health. Management practices identified as risk factors for poor calf welfare were: reliance on the mother to provide colostrum, use of restrictive milk feeding (<4 L/day), disbudding performed with no pain control, and lack of appropriate euthanasia protocols. Factors associated with diarrhea were: frequency of bed cleaning, calf cleanliness score, type of milk, and herd size. Factors associated with respiratory disease were: calf cleanliness score, pen space allowance, and colostrum quality evaluation. Showing critical points that impact the health and welfare of dairy calves facilitates the implementation of improvement strategies. Abstract This study aimed to describe management practices that may compromise the welfare of unweaned dairy calves on 29 dairy farms in Chile, and identify factors associated with diarrhea and respiratory disease (n = 700 calves). Evaluations were divided into protocol-, facility-, and animal-based measurements. Calf diarrhea and respiratory disease data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Management practices identified as risk factors for poor calf welfare were: relying on the mother to provide colostrum (48.0% of the farms); using restrictive milk feeding (65.5%), and unpasteurized waste milk (51.7%); giving water after 30 days of age (17.2%); disbudding without analgesia (89.6%) or anesthesia (79.3%); lacking euthanasia protocols (61.5%). Factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased odds of diarrhea were: cleaning the calves’ bed once a week and 2–3 times a week compared with every day, using milk replacer and untreated waste milk compared with treated waste milk (pasteurized or acidified), animals scored dirty in the calf cleanliness score compared with clean animals, and greater herd size. Factors significantly associated with increased odds of respiratory disease were: less pen space allowance (<1.8 m2), farms that did not check colostrum quality, and animals that scored dirty and moderately dirty compared with clean calves. These results suggest the need to improve specific management practices associated with reduced welfare and health in dairy calves in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Calderón-Amor
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmen Gallo
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, OIE Collaborating Centre for Animal Welfare and Livestock Production Systems, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
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Masmeijer C, Rogge T, van Leenen K, De Cremer L, Deprez P, Cox E, Devriendt B, Pardon B. Effects of glycerol-esters of saturated short- and medium chain fatty acids on immune, health and growth variables in veal calves. Prev Vet Med 2020; 178:104983. [PMID: 32289616 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104983] [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: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In veal and dairy beef production systems, Holstein bull calves experience many stressors and excessive pathogen exposure, necessitating the use of antimicrobials for welfare and production reasons. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to explore the effects of esterified fatty acids used as feed supplement on health, production and immune variables in veal calves. Different glycerol-esters of fatty acids were used: short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-based glycerol-mono- (C4) and tributyrate (C4), and medium chain fatty acid (MCFA)-based glycerol-monocaprylate/monocaprinate (C8/C10) and glycerol-monolaurate (C12) in two different doses. One hundred sixty eight calves (2-to 4-week-old) were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups; tributyrate (0.5 g/animal/day); monobutyrate (1 g/animal/day); low C8/C10 (7 g/animal/day) and high C8/C10 (10 g/animal/day); low C12 (4 g/animal/day) and high C12 (6 g/animal/day) and a control group (CON). Duration of in-feed supplementation was 14 weeks. Average daily gain, bodyweight at 14 weeks on feed and slaughter weight were determined. Health monitoring consisted of clinical signs and repeated thoracic ultrasonography. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of supplementation, the function of neutrophils, monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated ex vivo by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by neutrophils and monocytes, proliferation of and cytokine release by PBMCs. Study power was based upon ROS production by neutrophils and treatment groups were too limited to detect significant differences in growth and health variables. Glycerol-ester supplementation resulted in different effects on immune cell function, depending on the type and dose of the glycerol-ester as well as duration of supplementation. Our main findings were increased secretion of interleukin IL-17A by PBMCs at 4 weeks of feed supplementation in high C8/C10 (P< 0.01), low C12 (P < 0.01) and monobutyrate (P< 0.01) groups, combined with decreased ROS production in neutrophils (P < 0.001) and monocytes (P < 0.05) in the high C8/C10 and monocytes (P < 0.05) in low C12 groups compared to the control animals. After 12 weeks on feed, ROS production by neutrophils (P < 0.001) and monocytes (P < 0.01) of monobutyrate and by monocytes (P < 0.01) of tributyrate groups was decreased compared to control calves. In summary, supplementation of glycerol-esters of MCFAs resulted in immune-modulatory effects, which did not manifest themselves in improved health and growth of calves under the conditions and limitations of this study. Especially doses of high C8/C10 and low C12 show potential to promote an early, robust pro-inflammatory response with diminished ROS production. This might be beneficial for clearance of pathogens in young calves in periods of stress and high pathogen load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christien Masmeijer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium; Proviron Industries NV, Georges Gilliotstraat 60, Hemiksem, 2620, Belgium.
| | - Tina Rogge
- Proviron Industries NV, Georges Gilliotstraat 60, Hemiksem, 2620, Belgium
| | - Katharina van Leenen
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | - Lieze De Cremer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | - Piet Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | - Eric Cox
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
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Reimus K, Alvåsen K, Emanuelson U, Viltrop A, Mõtus K. Herd-level risk factors for cow and calf on-farm mortality in Estonian dairy herds. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:15. [PMID: 32164740 PMCID: PMC7068997 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-0513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On-farm mortality (unassisted death and euthanasia) is the unwanted loss of animals, and it comes with negative economic consequences. On-farm mortality rates reflect a herd's animal welfare status. The objective of this historical longitudinal single cohort study was to identify the associations between herd characteristics, animal housing conditions and management routines and within-herd calf and cow mortality rates in participating Estonian dairy herds. All farmers enrolled in the voluntary production recording system with a herd size of 20 or greater cow-years in 2015-2017 were contacted by mail or telephone between October 2017 and March 2018. The survey included questions about management routines and housing conditions of calves up to 3 months of age and of cows. In total, 214 completed questionnaires were returned, corresponding to a 63.3% response rate. The within-herd mortality rate of calves (aged 21-90 days) and cows (cattle over 24 months of age) in years 2017-2018 were calculated and used as outcome variables. Negative binomial and linear regression models were applied for risk factor analysis in calf and cow datasets, respectively. RESULTS The median within-herd mortality rate for calves aged 21 to 90 days was 0.15 per 100 calf-months (quartiles 0.00; 0.36). The median within-herd mortality rate for cattle over 24 months of age was 4.57 per 100 cow-years (quartiles 2.44; 6.86). Factors significantly associated with increased mortality of calves were larger herd size, higher proportion of stillbirths and abortions in a herd, prophylactic administration of vitamins to all calves and housing pre-weaned calves in single pens only compared with housing in both single and group pens. Also, farmers who attended more frequent trainings had higher calf mortality rates. Calving in a group pen or in a tie-stall compared with calving in multiple systems was associated with higher calf mortality rates. Higher cow mortality rates were present in herds that had a higher proportion of stillbirths and on farms where employees handled cows. Housing cows in free-stall barns, grazing cows and more frequent hoof trimming were protective for cow on-farm mortality. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the importance of housing conditions for on-farm cow and calf mortality rates. Our study results suggest that providing good care might ensure better health and welfare of dairy cows and calves.
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Ježek J, Grabnar P, Beci B, Klinkon M, Nemec M, Hodnik JJ, Starič J. Management Practices Affecting Calves Welfare on Farms in Slovenia. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2019. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun201967051147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Santman-Berends IMGA, Schukken YH, van Schaik G. Quantifying calf mortality on dairy farms: Challenges and solutions. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6404-6417. [PMID: 31056325 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, the mortality rate of ear-tagged calves <1 yr is one of the indicators that is continuously monitored in census data and is defined as the number of deceased calves relative to the number of calf-days-at-risk. In 2017, yearly calf mortality rates were published in the lay press and resulted in discussions about the calculation of this parameter among stakeholders because the same parameter appeared to be calculated in many different ways by different organizations. These diverse definitions of calf mortality answered different aims such as early detection of deviations, monitoring trends, or providing insight into herd-specific results, but were difficult to understand by stakeholders. The aim of this study was to evaluate several definitions of calf mortality for scientific validity, usefulness for policymakers, and comprehensibility by farmers. Based on expert consultations, 10 definitions for calf mortality were evaluated that assessed different age categories, time periods, and denominators. Differences in definitions appeared to have a large effect on the magnitude of mortality. For example, with the original mortality parameter, the mortality rate was 16.5% per year. When the first year of life was subdivided into 3 age categories, the mortality rate was 3.3, 4.5, and 3.1% for postnatal calves (≤14 d), preweaned calves (15-55 d), and weaned calves (56 d-1 yr), respectively. Although it was logical that these mortality rates were lower than the original, the sum of the 3 separate mortality rates was also lower than the original mortality rate. The reason was that the number of calves present in a herd and the risk of mortality are not randomly distributed over a calf's first year of life and the conditional nature of mortality rates when calculated for different age categories. Ultimately, 4 parameters to monitor calf mortality in Dutch dairy herds were chosen based on scientific value, usefulness for monitoring of trends, and comprehensibility by farmers: perinatal calf mortality risk (i.e., mortality before, during, or shortly after the moment of birth up to the moment of ear-tagging), postnatal calf mortality risk (≤14 d), preweaned calf mortality rate (15-55 d), and weaned calf mortality rate (56 d-1 yr). Slight differences in definitions of parameters can have a major effect on results, and many factors have to be taken into account when defining an important health indicator such as mortality. Our evaluation resulted in a more thorough understanding of the definitions of the selected parameters and agreement by the stakeholders to use these key indicators to monitor calf mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Y H Schukken
- GD Animal Health, PO Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands; Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. 9101, 6700 HB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - G van Schaik
- GD Animal Health, PO Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Winder CB, Bauman CA, Duffield TF, Barkema HW, Keefe GP, Dubuc J, Uehlinger F, Kelton DF. Canadian National Dairy Study: Heifer calf management. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10565-10579. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Santman-Berends I, Brouwer H, ten Wolthuis-Bronsvoort A, De Bont-Smolenaars A, Haarman-Zantinge S, Van Schaik G. Development of an objective and uniform scoring method to evaluate the quality of rearing in Dutch dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:8383-8395. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Brščić M, Kirchner MK, Knierim U, Contiero B, Gottardo F, Winckler C, Cozzi G. Risk factors associated with beef cattle losses on intensive fattening farms in Austria, Germany and Italy. Vet J 2018; 239:48-53. [PMID: 30197109 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate management and feeding practices associated with on-farm loss rate (mortality) on 63 beef cattle farms in Austria, Germany and Italy with housing systems other than fully slatted pens. Information on mortality and 56 categorised factors relating to the cleanliness of animal facilities, health and feeding management, animal-human interaction, cattle transport and origin were gathered during on-farm visits. Samples of total mixed rations (TMRs) were collected and analysed for chemical composition and particle size distribution. Twenty-eight categorised factors were removed from the initial 56 due to exclusion criteria (missing data≥20% and/or monolevel factors with≥80% answers in one category). Mortality was the response variable in the risk factor analysis and the remaining 10 continuous covariates from TMR analyses and 28 categorised factors were independent predictors. Mean (±standard deviation) mortality, representing the proportion of dead, euthanased and early culled animals over the total number of animals bought in or reared in the previous year, was 2.8±3.5%. Fourteen factors were significantly associated with mortality in the bivariable analyses; seven factors were not considered further in the multivariable analysis due to collinearity. None of the factors related to TMR were associated with mortality. Four categorical factors, referring to biosecurity measures and management, were retained in the final multivariable model, with country effect. Buying cattle from only one farm, no mixing of animals during transport, presence of a dedicated sick pen and keeping production records were associated with lower percentage mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brščić
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - M K Kirchner
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - U Knierim
- Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry Section, University of Kassel, Nordbahnhofstraße 1a, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - B Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - F Gottardo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - C Winckler
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - G Cozzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
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Staněk S, Šárová R, Nejedlá E, Šlosárková S, Doležal O. Survey of disbudding practice on Czech dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:830-839. [PMID: 29103716 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Disbudding is a routine practice in many dairy herds due to the effort to decrease the risk of injuries. Although the disbudding practice is regulated, it can vary among farms. The variation may be caused by many factors, such as herd size or type of breed, but also by farmers' perception of pain caused by disbudding. Hence, the aim of this study was to specify the disbudding practice on dairy farms in the Czech Republic and to assess these practices, including the use of pain mitigation medication, by breed, herd size, and sex of the disbudded calves. We analyzed data from 106 Czech dairy farms, which were collected by a trained interviewer at dairy meetings in 2014-2015. The farmers answered questions regarding the farm's basic characteristics, disbudding practice, and his/her attitude to the pain caused by disbudding. To test the influence of breed, herd size, and sex of disbudded calves on different variables, logistic regression models were used. Disbudding was performed in 92.5% of the surveyed farms; 63.3% of dairy calves were disbudded before 4 wk of age, and Czech Fleckvieh calves were 2.8 times more likely to be disbudded before 4 wk of age than Holstein calves. The hot-iron method was the most used method (69.4%). Calves were 4.5 times more likely to be disbudded by hot iron in herds where both heifers and bulls were disbudded than in herds where only heifers were disbudded. Most (>90%) surveyed farms did not use any pre- or post-procedure medication to mitigate the pain caused by disbudding. The disbudding procedure was performed mainly by farm personnel (94.9%), who were trained by a veterinarian or veterinary technician (46.9%) or by other farm personnel (37.8%) or were not trained (15.3%). Two-thirds of farmers observed behavioral changes in calves after disbudding. Most farmers estimated the pain caused by disbudding to be mild or moderate (20.4 or 45.9%, respectively) and 15.3% of farmers estimated it to be severe. Almost a quarter of interviewed farmers were unable to assess the duration of pain, 39.8% farmers estimated that the pain lasts only several minutes, and 20.4% estimated that the pain lasts up to 6 h. We detected a tendency that farmers of larger herds estimated pain duration to be shorter (odds ratio = 1.2). To improve calves' welfare, training is needed in disbudding practice, focusing on the advantage of pain mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Staněk
- Department of Technology and Breeding Technique of Farm Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 104 00 Prague 10-Uhříněves, Czech Republic.
| | - R Šárová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 104 00 Prague 10-Uhříněves, Czech Republic
| | - E Nejedlá
- Department of Technology and Breeding Technique of Farm Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 104 00 Prague 10-Uhříněves, Czech Republic
| | - S Šlosárková
- Department of Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - O Doležal
- Dairy cattle specialist, K Sokolovně, 104 00 Prague 10-Uhříněves, Czech Republic
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