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Robi DT, Mossie T, Temteme S. A Comprehensive Review of the Common Bacterial Infections in Dairy Calves and Advanced Strategies for Health Management. VETERINARY MEDICINE (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2024; 15:1-14. [PMID: 38288284 PMCID: PMC10822132 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s452925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Dairy farming faces a significant challenge of bacterial infections in dairy calves, which can have detrimental effects on their health and productivity. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the most prevalent bacterial infections in dairy calves, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella dublin, Salmonella enterica, Clostridium perfringens, Pasteurella multocida, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycoplasma bovis, and Haemophilus somnus. These pathogens can cause various clinical signs and symptoms, leading to diarrhea, respiratory distress, septicemia, and even mortality. Factors such as management practices, environmental conditions, and herd health influence the incidence and severity of the infections. Efficient management and prevention strategies include good colostrum and nutrient feeding, early detection, appropriate treatment, hygiene practices, and supportive care. Regular health monitoring and diagnostic tests facilitate early detection and intervention. The use of antibiotics should be judicious to prevent antimicrobial resistance and supportive care such as fluid therapy and nutritional support promotes recovery. Diagnostic methods, including immunological tests, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology, aid in the identification of specific pathogens. This review also explores recent advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial infections in dairy calves, providing valuable insights for dairy farmers, veterinarians, and researchers. By synthesizing pertinent scientific literature, this review contributes to the development of effective strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of bacterial infections on the health, welfare, and productivity of young calves. Moreover, more research is required to enhance the understanding of the epidemiology and characterization of bacterial infections in dairy calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Tulu Robi
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, Tepi, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Mossie
- Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research, Jimma Agriculture Research Center, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Shiferaw Temteme
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, Tepi, Ethiopia
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Nussbaum O, Gross JJ, Bruckmaier RM, Eicher R. Efficacy of oral administration of specific immunoglobulins in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea in dairy herds. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e3559. [PMID: 38030961 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bovine concentrated lactoserum (BCL) containing specific immunoglobulin G against Escherichia coli, rotavirus and coronavirus in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD). METHODS A total of 489 newborn calves from 35 herds were orally given either BCL or a placebo before the first feeding of colostrum and clinically supervised by the farmers for the first 14 days of life. The diarrhoea score was defined according to the following criteria: 0 = no diarrhoea; 1 = light diarrhoea without medical treatment; 2 = diarrhoea requiring oral treatment (rehydration and/or antibiotic therapy); and 3 = severe diarrhoea requiring parenteral rehydration or resulting in death. RESULTS A total of 138 calves suffered from diarrhoea (28%), and 65 (13%) showed signs of diarrhoea requiring treatment. The odds of getting NCD were reduced (odds ratio = 0.326; p < 0.001) in the BCL group. There was a tendency towards a reduction in the duration of NCD in the BCL group (2.25 (±1.7) days vs. 2.88 (±2.7) days in the placebo group) (p = 0.052). Furthermore, no calves died in the BCL group, whereas four calves died in the placebo group. LIMITATIONS Because of the design of the study using animals in practice, the mechanisms explaining the clinical findings remain as hypotheses. Diarrhoea scoring performed by farmers has to be analysed and interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that BCL as a single preventive treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of NCD even in a region with good general management of dairy calves and overall good colostrum quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Nussbaum
- Tierärztliche Praxis Schwyz AG, Schwyz, Switzerland
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josef J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard Eicher
- Biokema, Crissier, Switzerland
- Division of Herd Health, Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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He Z, Dong H. The roles of short-chain fatty acids derived from colonic bacteria fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates and exogenous forms in ameliorating intestinal mucosal immunity of young ruminants. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291846. [PMID: 38149240 PMCID: PMC10750390 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are a class of organic fatty acids that consist of 1 to 6 carbons in length. They are primary end-products which arise from non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) fermentation of colonic bacteria. They are the fundamental energy sources for post-weaning ruminants. SCFA represent the major carbon flux of diet through the gut microbiota to the host. They also play a vital role in regulating cell expansion and gene expression of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Recently, remarkable progresses have been made in understanding the immunomodulatory effects of SCFA and their interactions with the host. The processes involved in this study encompassed inflammasome activation, proliferation of lymphocytes, and maturation of intestinal mucosal immunity maturation. It is important to note that the establishment and maturation of intestinal mucosal immune system are intricately connected to the barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and the homeostasis of gut microbiota. Thus, insights into the role of SCFA in enteric mucosal immunoreaction of calves will enhance our understanding of their various regulatory functions. This review aims to analyze recent evidence on the role of SCFA as essential signaling molecules between gut microbiota and animal health. Additionally, we provide a summary of current literature on SCFA in intestinal mucosal immune responses of dairy calves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Dong
- Beijing Traditional Chinese Veterinary Engineering Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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Van Driessche L, Santschi DE, Paquet É, Renaud D, Charbonneau É, Gauthier ML, Chancy A, Barbeau-Grégoire N, Buczinski S. Hygiene management practices and adenosine triphosphate luminometry of feeding equipment in preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec, Canada. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:8885-8896. [PMID: 37641362 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the cleaning practices currently used for preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec, Canada. In addition, contamination of feeding equipment for preweaning calves was described using ATP (expressed as relative light units, RLU), visual assessment, and bacteriological analysis. A questionnaire was administered on 50 commercial dairy farms in Quebec, Canada, regarding the self-reported cleaning protocol used for feeding equipment of preweaning calves. During the visit, a visual score was given to the feeding equipment available at the farm. Afterward, ATP luminometry measurements were obtained using Hygiene UltraSnap and MicroSnap swabs (Hygiene, Camarillo, CA), and the liquid rinsing technique for buckets, nipples, bottles, esophageal tube feeders (ET), the tube of automatic milk feeders (AMF), water samples, and milk replacer. An additional direct swabbing technique was performed on buckets and nipples. The fluid retrieved from the liquid rinsing technique was also used to determine the total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count. Based on the bacteriological analysis, optimal RLU cutoff values to determine contamination were obtained. The median (interquartile range) luminometer measurements using the UltraSnap and direct technique for buckets and nipples were 2,082 (348-7,410) and 3,462 (462-7,518) RLU, respectively; and, using the liquid technique for bottles, ET, AMF, water, and milk replacer were 43 (4-974), 15 (4-121), 301 (137-1,323), 190 (71-358), and 94 (38-218) RLU, respectively. Overall, for all equipment and both techniques used, higher RLU values were seen in UltraSnap samples compared with MicroSnap samples. Additionally, for buckets and nipples, higher RLU values were obtained for the direct swabbing method compared with the liquid sampling method for both swabs used. No differences in the level of contamination were seen between the different feeding equipment used within a farm. Overall, a higher correlation with bacteriological results was noticed for ATP luminometry compared with the visual score, with a high correlation for nipples and bottles using the UltraSnap and liquid technique. Based on the classification of "contaminated" (TBC ≥100,000 cfu/mL) or "not contaminated" (TBC <100,000 cfu/mL), optimal ATP luminometer cutoff values for buckets, nipples, bottles, AMF, water, and milk replacer were 798, 388, 469, 282, 1,432, and 93 RLU, respectively. No clear association was found between ATP measurements and the self-reported cleaning protocol. This study gave new insights into the current cleaning procedures and contamination of feeding equipment for preweaning calves on dairy farms in Quebec. In addition, ATP luminometry cutoff values could help benchmark farms regarding cleaning practices and provide customized advice, improving the overall hygiene management, and thus the health, of preweaning calves on dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Driessche
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Éric Paquet
- Department of Animal Science, University of Laval, Quebec City, G1V0A6, QC, Canada
| | - David Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Édith Charbonneau
- Department of Animal Science, University of Laval, Quebec City, G1V0A6, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Lou Gauthier
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, St-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Anaïs Chancy
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Barbeau-Grégoire
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Buczinski
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S2M2, QC, Canada.
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Fresno AH, Alencar ALF, Liu G, Wridt MW, Andersen FB, Pedersen HS, Martin HL, Nielsen SS, Aabo S, Olsen JE, Jensen AN. Effect of feeding dairy calves with milk fermented with selected probiotic strains on occurrence of diarrhoea, carriage of pathogenic and zoonotic microorganisms and growth performance. Vet Microbiol 2023; 286:109885. [PMID: 37812833 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Calf-diarrhoea is a major health problem in dairy calves and a primary reason for use of antimicrobials. We aimed to investigate the effect of feeding milk fermented with a combination of four probiotic bacterial strains to young-calves on; occurrence of diarrhoea and associated-pathogens (bacteria, virus and parasites), shedding of Salmonella Dublin and Campylobacter, occurrence of virulence genes linked to Clostridium perfringens, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), as well as growth performance. For this, 143 new-born calves from three Danish dairy-farms were allocated into Treatment- (fed the fermented milk for the first 8-weeks-of-life) and Control-groups (fed regular farm-milk). Diarrhoea was observed in 18.6 % (Farm 1), 22.4 % (Farm 2) and 15.7 % (Farm 3) of the total registrations mainly within the first 3-weeks-of-life. C. perfringens was the most frequently detected pathogen. The treatment did not affect the occurrence of virulence genes linked to STEC and C. perfringens and, overall, their detection levels were very low/undetected. The statistical model applied found no significant effect of the treatment on prevalence of early-diarrhoea (≤ 3 weeks), late-diarrhoea (>3 weeks), occurrence of C. perfringens and Cryptosporidium parvum or levels of Campylobacter spp. Limited detection of the other pathogens and associated virulence-genes under study, did not allow for assessment of the impact of the treatment on their occurrence. Notably, the feeding-approach showed a significant detrimental effect on daily-weight-gain. The inefficacy of the treatment may be associated with the complexity of influencing factors under field conditions including management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Herrero Fresno
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Luiza Farias Alencar
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qinddao 266109, China
| | - Mathilde Weinreich Wridt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Søren Aabo
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - John Elmerdahl Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Annette Nygaard Jensen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark.
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Roblin M, Canniere E, Barbier A, Daandels Y, Dellevoet-Groenewegen M, Pinto P, Tsaousis A, Leruste H, Brainard J, Hunter PR, Follet J. Study of the economic impact of cryptosporidiosis in calves after implementing good practices to manage the disease on dairy farms in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100149. [PMID: 37941926 PMCID: PMC10628542 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are widespread parasitic protozoans causing enteric infections in humans and animals. The parasites cause neonatal diarrhoea in calves, leading to a high mortality rate in the first three weeks. Losses are significant for farmers, but the cost of cryptosporidiosis remains poorly documented. In the absence of a vaccine, only preventive measures are available to farmers to combat the infection. This study, conducted between 2018 and 2021, aimed to evaluate the economic impact of Cryptosporidium spp. on European dairy farms and monitor changes in costs after implementing disease management measures. First, a field survey was carried out and questionnaires administered to 57 farmers in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. The aim of the survey was to assess the losses associated with the occurrence of diarrhoea in calves aged between 3 days and 3 weeks. The economic impact of diarrhoea was calculated based on mortality losses, health expenditures, and additional labour costs. To refine the cost estimation specifically for Cryptosporidium spp., stool samples were collected from 10 calves per farm. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was determined, and the economic impact of diarrhoea was adjusted accordingly. The assumption was made that a certain percentage of costs was attributed to cryptosporidiosis based on the prevalence. These protocols were repeated at the end of the study to observe changes in costs. In the three years, the cost of diarrhoea for the 28 farms that stayed in the panel all along the study improved from €140 in 2018 to €106 on average per diarrhoeic calf in 2021. With a stable prevalence at 40%, the cost of cryptosporidiosis per infected calf decreased from €60.62 to €45.91 in Belgium, from €43.83 to €32.14 in France, and from €58.24 to €39.48 in the Netherlands. This represented an average of €15 saved per infected calf. The methodology employed in this study did not allow us to conclude that the improvement is strictly due to the implementation of preventive measures. However, with 11 million calves raised in the Interreg 2 Seas area covered by the study, it provided valuable insights into the economic burden of Cryptosporidium spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Roblin
- Junia, Group for Research and Concerted Studies on Agriculture and Territories, F 59000, Lille, France
| | - Evi Canniere
- Inagro vzw, Repursue 87, 8800, Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium
| | | | - Yvonne Daandels
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223, DE, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Dellevoet-Groenewegen
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223, DE, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Pedro Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Anastasios Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Hélène Leruste
- Junia, Animal Behaviour and Farming Systems, F 59000, Lille, France
| | - Julii Brainard
- The Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, England, UK
| | - Paul R. Hunter
- The Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, England, UK
| | - Jérôme Follet
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, Université Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520, IEMN Institut D’Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F 59000, Lille, France
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Steele NM, Stephen MA, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Hendriks SJ, Meier S, Phyn C, Burke CR. Animal- and herd-level factors associated with onset of puberty in grazing dairy heifers. N Z Vet J 2023; 71:213-225. [PMID: 37431287 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2224763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To explore animal- and herd-level risk factors influencing age at puberty in predominantly Holstein-Friesian dairy heifers managed in seasonal, pasture-based systems. METHODS Heifers born in spring 2018 (n = 5,010) from 54 commercial dairy herds in New Zealand were visited on three occasions when the mean heifer age, within herd, was 10 (visit 1; V1), 11 (V2) and 12 (V3) months old. Blood samples were collected on each visit and liveweight, stature and anogenital distance (AGD) were measured at V2. Heifers were defined as having reached puberty at the first visit where blood progesterone was elevated (≥ 1 ng/mL). Animal-level response variables included pubertal status by V1, V2 and V3, and age at puberty (or age at V3 plus 31 days for those that had not attained puberty by V3). To explore herd-level management factors, farmers answered a questionnaire relating to animal location, land type, health, feeding, and management between weaning and mating. A partial least squares regression was undertaken to identify herd-level factors associated with the greatest influence on puberty rate within herd. RESULTS The mean age at puberty was 352 (SD 34.9) days. Heavier animals at a greater proportion of expected mature liveweight based on their breeding value for liveweight, or animals with a higher breed proportion of Jersey and lower breed proportion of Holstein, were associated with earlier puberty. Herd puberty rates varied widely among enrolled herds, and averaged 20%, 39% and 56% by V1, V2 and V3, respectively. Liveweight, followed by breed and land type, had the greatest influence on the herd puberty rate. Heifer herds with a greater mean liveweight (absolute and proportion of expected mature weight) or greater Jersey proportion had more animals that reached puberty at any visit, whereas herds located on steep land or with greater Holstein breed proportions had lower puberty rates. Management-related factors such as vaccinations, provision of feed supplements, and weighing frequency were also herd-level risk factors of puberty but had less influence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study highlights the importance of having well-grown heifers for increasing the chances of earlier puberty onset and the effect of breed and youngstock management to achieve growth targets. These outcomes have important implications for the optimal management of heifers to achieve puberty before their maiden breeding and for the timing of measurements to potentially incorporate a puberty trait in genetic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M A Stephen
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
- AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding, Massey University, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - S J Hendriks
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S Meier
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Cvc Phyn
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
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Mahendran SA, Wathes DC, Booth RE, Baker N, Blackie N. Effects of Individual and Pair Housing of Calves on Short-Term Health and Behaviour on a UK Commercial Dairy Farm. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2140. [PMID: 37443938 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Social pair housing of calves has previously demonstrated positive impacts for calves, so this study aimed to compare the health and behaviour of calves kept in individual compared to pair housing on a single commercial UK dairy farm. A total of 457 Holstein and Jersey heifer calves were recruited and systematically allocated to individual and pair housing. Weekly visits were conducted up to 8 weeks of age, with weight and presence of clinical disease measured using both a standardized scoring system and thoracic ultrasonography. A subset of calves (n = 90) had accelerometers attached to monitor activity, with CCTV placed above a further 16 pens to allow behavioural assessments to be made via continuous focal sampling at 1 and 5 weeks of age. During the study, there was a mortality rate of 2.8%, and an average daily liveweight gain (ADLG) of 0.72 kg/day, with no significant effect of housing group (p = 0.76). However, individually housed calves had increased odds of developing disease (OR = 1.88, p = 0.014). Accelerometer data showed that housing group had no effect on lying times, with a mean of 18 h 11 min per day (SD 39 min) spent lying down. The motion index was significantly higher in pair-housed calves (F1,83 = 440.3, p < 0.01), potentially due to more social play behaviour. The total time engaged in non-nutritive oral behaviours (NNOBs) was not impacted by housing group (p = 0.72). Pair-housed calves split their time conducting NNOBs equally between inanimate objects and on their pen mates' body. Individually housed calves spent significantly more time with their head out of the front of the pen (p = 0.006), and also engaged in more self-grooming than pair-housed calves (p = 0.017), possibly due to a lack of socialization. The overall findings of this study indicate that within a UK commercial dairy management system, pair-housed calves were healthier and more active than individually housed calves, while housing group did not influence ADLG or the occurrence of NNOBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Mahendran
- Royal Veterinary College, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Royal Veterinary College, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Richard E Booth
- Royal Veterinary College, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Neil Baker
- Leaze Farm, Haselbury Plucknett, Crewkerne TA18 7RJ, UK
| | - Nicola Blackie
- Royal Veterinary College, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Jaureguiberry M, Rearte R, Marconi MJ, Giuliodori MJ, Madoz LV, Pinedo FA, de la Sota RL. A simplified scoring system for the diagnosis of diarrhea and respiratory diseases in dairy calves. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2023; 64:553-557. [PMID: 37265806 PMCID: PMC10204880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective To compare the capacity of a simplified calf health scoring chart (SIM score) with the University of Wisconsin's calf health scoring chart (WIN score) for the diagnosis of calf diarrhea and calf respiratory disease (RD). Animals and procedures Holstein calves (N = 222) were clinically evaluated for diarrhea and RD diagnosis using the WIN and SIM scores. The WIN score was based on fecal consistency for diagnosis of diarrhea (0 = feces of normal consistency to 3 = watery feces; score ≥ 2 = positive diagnosis); and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, ear position, and rectal temperature for diagnosis of RD (each clinical sign receives a score of 0 to 3; aggregate score ≥ 5 = positive diagnosis). The SIM score was based on a hide cleanliness score for diagnosis of diarrhea [0 = negative (calf was clean) and 1 = positive (tail head region, thighs, and/or legs were soiled)]; and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, and ear position for diagnosis of RD (rectal temperature measurement was not required and each clinical sign had 2 levels of severity; aggregate score ≥ 5 = positive diagnosis). Results In the RD diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 88.24%, a specificity of 95.01%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.56%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.13%. In the diarrhea diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 94.62%, a specificity of 49.64%, a PPV of 18.22%, and an NPV of 98.73%. Conclusion Compared with the WIN score, the SIM score is a reliable test for diagnosing RD but not for diagnosing diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jaureguiberry
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - Ramiro Rearte
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - María Jose Marconi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - Mauricio Javier Giuliodori
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - Laura Vanina Madoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - Fiorela Alvarado Pinedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
| | - Rodolfo Luzbel de la Sota
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, B1900AVW, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Marconi, Giuliodori, Madoz, de la Sota); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1033AAJ, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Rearte, Marconi, Madoz, de la Sota); Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinarias (CEDIVE), FCV-UNLP, Chascomús, B7130FCA, Argentina (Jaureguiberry, Pinedo)
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10
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Sinnott AM, Bokkers EAM, Murphy JP, Kennedy E. A Survey of Calf Housing Facilities Pre-Weaning, Management Practices and Farmer Perceptions of Calf Welfare on Irish Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061019. [PMID: 36978560 PMCID: PMC10044077 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is unknown whether calf rearing facilities in the Republic of Ireland are fit for purpose, or if facilities sufficiently consider calf and farmer welfare. The aim of this study was to review current calf housing facilities and management practices on Irish farms to determine if calves are reared in structurally appropriate facilities with management decisions that safeguard calf and farmer welfare. Fifty-one farms located in the Munster region in the Republic of Ireland were visited twice: (1) Pre-calving (December–January) and (2) During peak calving (January–March). During visit one, herd owners completed a questionnaire regarding calf housing and management practices on-farm and each facility used to rear calves was measured (measurement of cubic air capacity, ventilation, pen area, drainage etc.) without calves being present. Visit two consisted of a short interview with the principal calf manager to validate previously asked questions and environmental based measurements of each calf house that had been recorded, with any deviation from the first visit noted (measurements of temperature, wind speed, light intensity, facility provisions in-house and in-pen; calves present). Average herd size was 254, operating a spring calving system with a median calving season length of 11.6 weeks. While most farms expanded (88%; N = 51), this did not appear to have negatively affected calf space allowances (9.9% houses overcrowded at a space allowance of 1.5 m2/calf; N = 121). Calves were most commonly housed in group sizes of <12 (71.6% of all groupings; N = 394), with farmers moving away from individual housing for a period immediately post-birth, to grouping them immediately instead (58.8%; N = 51). The number of farmers testing colostrum was 31.4% (N = 51). Although the calving season was compact, most farmers were unconcerned about the upcoming spring workload (58.8%; N = 51). Farms appeared sufficiently prepared for spring, with most using the same number or less sheds during visit two than declared in visit one (76.5%; N = 51). To conclude, farmers made sufficient provision for calf housing and space allowances for calves that facilitated group housing post-birth. While structural and management components of rearing systems appear in line with sectoral recommendations, certain areas require attention on many farms (e.g., colostrum testing) to safeguard calf welfare and reduce the workload associated with calf rearing for farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Sinnott
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie A. M. Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - John Paul Murphy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Emer Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, P61 P302 Fermoy, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-254-2382
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11
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Zábranský L, Poborská A, Gálik B, Šoch M, Brož P, Kantor M, Kernerová N, Řezáč I, Rolinec M, Hanušovský O, Strnad L, Havrdová N. Influence of Probiotic Strains Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus on the Health Status and Weight Gain of Calves, and the Utilization of Nitrogenous Compounds. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091273. [PMID: 36140051 PMCID: PMC9495979 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) and the combination of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Enterococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (LEB) on the health status and weight gain of calves, and the utilisation of nitrogenous substances. The experiment was performed in the period from April 2020 to September 2020. A total of 90 Holstein heifers, which were one to 56 days old, were used as experimental animals. Differences in live weight gain were significant if we compared the LEB vs. BB group and the LEB vs. C, the control group (86.23 ± 5.49 kg vs. 84.72 ± 6.22 kg, p < 0.05; 86.23 ± 5.49 kg vs. 82.86 ± 5.35 kg, p < 0.01). Considering the live weight gain, group BB was heavier than group C only (84.72 ± 6.22 kg vs. 82.86 ± 5.35 kg, p < 0.05). An effect on reducing the incidence and duration of diarrheal diseases was not demonstrated in this study (p = 0.1957). The administration of feed additives had no statistically significant effect on the amount of N excreted in the feces. The values of hematological and biochemical parameters were unaffected except for the first sampling of urea. Other blood parameters were not affected by the addition of probiotic feed additives. The bacterial populations in the feces 5 days and 56 days after birth were not affected by the inclusion of feed additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luboš Zábranský
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +42-03-8777-2568
| | - Anna Poborská
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Branislav Gálik
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miloslav Šoch
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Brož
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kantor
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Naděžda Kernerová
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Řezáč
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Rolinec
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Hanušovský
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Strnad
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Havrdová
- Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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12
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Akbarian-Tefaghi M, Ahmadi F, Nasrollahi SM, Khanaki H, Khan A, Ghaffari MH. Effects of freestall vs. bedded pack housing on growth performance, health status, and behavioral responses of weaned heifers. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:175-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Chuang ST, Chen CT, Hsieh JC, Li KY, Ho ST, Chen MJ. Development of Next-Generation Probiotics by Investigating the Interrelationships between Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Diarrhea in Preruminant Holstein Calves. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060695. [PMID: 35327091 PMCID: PMC8944458 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study investigated the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota and diarrhea in preruminant calves by using immune-related markers and further isolating specific bacterial strains, enriched in clinically healthy individuals, for potential next-generation probiotics. The gathering of microbiomic data strongly indicated the possible beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum. With further screening and isolating with immunomodulatory and antagonistic effects, two Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum strains might be expected to emerge as next-generation probiotics. The finding here might provide a solution for preventing gastrointestinal disorders for preruminant calves without sustained periods of administration through inhibiting the infectious bacteria, immunomodulatory effect and possible modulating microbiota. Abstract (1) Background: We aimed to isolate and identify potential next-generation probiotics (NGP) by investigating the interrelationships between gastrointestinal microbiota and diarrhea in preruminant Holstein calves. (2) Material and methods: Twenty preruminant Holstein calves were divided into healthy and diarrheic groups after the combination outcomes of veterinary diagnosis and fecal scores. The fecal microbiome, plasma cytokines, plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G and haptoglobin were analyzed. The potential probiotic bacteria were identified by comparing the microbiota difference between healthy and diarrheic calves and correlation analysis with fecal scores and inflammatory markers. The identified bacteria were also isolated for further evaluation for antimicrobial activities and immunoregulatory effects. (3) Results: Microbiota analysis suggested that Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Bifidobacterium and Pseudoflavonifractor positively correlated with bovine IgG and negatively correlated with fecal score; inflammatory factors, bovine HP, and IL-8 were classified as beneficial bacteria contributing to the health of the calves. The alternation of gut microbial composition also induced changes in the functional gene enrichment of gut microbiota in calves. The gathering of microbiomic data strongly indicated the possible beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, expected to develop as NGP. After isolation and evaluation of the potential functionality in vitro, two specific bifidobacterial strains demonstrated antimicrobial activities and immunoregulatory effects. (4) Conclusions: The results provide a new probiotic searching approach for preventing gastrointestinal disorders in preruminant calves. Further animal study is necessary to verify the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Te Chuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402204, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Ting Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106037, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (J.-C.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
| | - Jui-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106037, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (J.-C.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
| | - Kuan-Yi Li
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106037, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (J.-C.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
| | - Shang-Tse Ho
- Department of Wood Based Materials and Design, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600355, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ju Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106037, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (J.-C.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+886-2-33664169
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14
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Risk Analysis of Viral Diseases in Infected Pig Farms during the Lockdown Period in China, January to May 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063215. [PMID: 35328903 PMCID: PMC8953524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Biosecurity plays a critical role in preventing and controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic in China triggered a nationwide lockdown policy which reduced most of the daily activities of people, but the pig industry was encouraged to ensure the pork supply. An investigation of biosecurity practices in intensive pig farms across several provinces in China was conducted in June 2020 via questionnaire to evaluate the factors that may pose viral diseases risk to the farms during the lockdown period from January to May 2020. A total of 50 farms in 12 provinces of China were engaged. Fourteen of them were classified as positive farms since at least one viral disease was presented during this period, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (seven farms), porcine epidemic diarrhea (three farms), and pseudorabies (one farm). The other three farms only reported their disease positive status but refused to release disease names. The overall farm level prevalence of viral disease was 28.0% (95%CI: 16.3-42.5%). A logistic regression model was built to identify risk/protective factors for farm positivity. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the risk factor of dead pig 'removal by the others' (OR = 8.0, 95%CI: 1.5, 43.5) was found to be significantly associated with viral disease positivity. On-farm incineration pits are highly recommended to be the administered for the harmless treatment of dead pigs. This is not only crucial for controlling the transmission of viral diseases but also plays a key role in reducing activity in the illegal dead meat business. According to previous studies, factors such as adapting an all-in-all-out system, on-farm incineration pits, and requiring workers to wash their hands regularly would reduce the risk of virus transmission, even though these factors did not show significance in our study. The results of our study could help to design better surveillance strategies in China and other countries.
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15
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Delling C, Daugschies A. Literature Review: Coinfection in Young Ruminant Livestock- Cryptosporidium spp. and Its Companions. Pathogens 2022; 11:103. [PMID: 35056051 PMCID: PMC8777864 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum is one of the major causative pathogens of diarrhoea in young ruminants; therefore, it causes economic losses and impairs animal welfare. Besides C. parvum, there are many other non-infectious and infectious factors, such as rotavirus, Escherichia coli, and Giardia duodenalis, which may lead to diarrhoeic disease in young livestock. Often, more than one infectious agent is detected in affected animals. Little is known about the interactions bet-ween simultaneously occurring pathogens and their potential effects on the course of disease. In this review, a brief overview about pathogens associated with diarrhoea in young ruminants is presented. Furthermore, information about coinfections involving Cryptosporidium is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Delling
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
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16
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Machado VS, Ballou MA. Overview of common practices in calf raising facilities. Transl Anim Sci 2022; 6:txab234. [PMID: 35146377 PMCID: PMC8824608 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this literature review, we overview some of the common management practices associated with calf rearing in specialized operations of the United States. Given the growing importance of dairy-beef calves entering the beef production of the United States, we overview aspects related to housing, nutrition, and health events during the pre- and post-weaning period. Based on data on dairy animals, we hypothesize how early life experiences could impact the feedlot performances of dairy-beef animals. Most of the large calf raising operations, where the majority of dairy-beef animals are raised, are located in the Central Great Plains and West regions of the United States. Approximately 80% of calves are individually housed, but the type of housing (e.g., outside hutch, inside a barn) varies based on location of calf-raising facilities. Milk-replacer is fed in more than 80% of operations, while milk (saleable or nonsaleable) is fed in approximately 30% of calf raising facilities (some operations fed more than one type of liquid diet). In addition to liquid feed, water and calf starter are offered ad libitum to calves. Adequate starter intake at weaning is crucial for feed transition from pre- to post-weaning period, which occurs at approximately 2 months of age. Then, calves are mainly housed in group pens and transition from calf-starter to total mixed ration (TMR). Health challenges such as scours and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) can hinder the performance of calves and are major causes of morbidity and mortality in calf ranches. Transportation at a very young age and comingling with animals from other dairies can increase the risk of diseases. Current research efforts are focusing on determining individual factors such as body weight (BW) at arrival or biomarkers of inflammation and stress that can be predictive of disease morbidity, mortality, and performance of calves. Future research should focus on how to utilize this information to optimize management and to develop targeted preventative strategies to reduce incidence of diseases and mortality and improve performance during the pre-weaned period. Also, more research is needed to understand how colostrum management, housing, and nutrition can impact the adult performance of dairy-beef animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Machado
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Ballou
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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17
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Schmoeller E, de Matos ADC, Rahal NM, Feijo JO, Brauner CC, Del Pino FAB, Correa MN, Rabassa VR. Diarrhea duration and performance outcomes of pre-weaned dairy calves supplemented with bacteriophage. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2021-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate lytic bacteriophage supplementation in pre-weaned dairy calves on disease occurrence, performance, and biochemical parameters. Two hundred Holstein × Gyr crossbred female calves were divided into two groups: CON, no supplementation; and PHAGE, bacteriophage supplementation (1 g·d−1) from day 3 until day 70 of life. Calves were monitored daily for age of first diarrheal episode and its duration. Fecal samples were cultured for bacterial isolation and PCR was performed to identify Escherichia coli virulence genes and to confirm Salmonella spp. Performance outcomes were evaluated up to 80 d of age. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of total proteins, albumin, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, and urea. PHAGE group had fewer days with diarrhea (PHAGE: 4.68 d, CON: 6.61 d; P = 0.03). Fecal samples of three animals in PHAGE and nine in CON were positive for E. coli after PCR tests. Average daily gain of PHAGE was higher up to 80 d of life (P < 0.05). PHAGE mean was lower for albumin and higher for urea (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Phage therapy during the pre-weaned period reduced the duration of neonatal diarrhea, providing greater weight gain for calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evandro Schmoeller
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriane D. C. de Matos
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Natalia M. Rahal
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Josiane O. Feijo
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Cassio C. Brauner
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Augusto B. Del Pino
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
- Centro de Ciencias Quimicas Farmaceuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcio N. Correa
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Clinicas Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
| | - Viviane R. Rabassa
- Nucleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensao em Pecuaria – Livestock Research, Education and Extension Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Clinicas Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Capao do Leao, RS, Brazil
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18
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Garcia J, Pempek J, Hengy M, Hinds A, Diaz-Campos D, Habing G. Prevalence and predictors of bacteremia in dairy calves with diarrhea. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:807-817. [PMID: 34656356 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal disease is the most common cause of mortality in dairy calves. Septicemia is an important sequela of diarrhea, and the possibility of bacteremia is the primary justification for empirical antimicrobial therapy. Prior reports estimate that approximately one-third of diarrheic calves are bacteremic; however, those estimates may not be representative of routine cases in heifer calves on commercial dairy operations early in the course of disease. We hypothesized that the prevalence of bacteremia in calves with diarrhea and systemic signs of illness is less than prior estimates (~31%), and that clinical signs or hematological values would be associated with the presence or absence of bacteremia. Female calves less than 21 d of age with and without diarrhea were enrolled from 2 commercial dairy farms over a 10-wk period. Diarrheic calves were enrolled if they were newly diagnosed, had loose to watery stool, had either dehydration (assessed by skin tent and eye position) or depression (assessed by suckle reflex and standing ability), and had no prior antimicrobial treatments. Complete health assessments were conducted at 0, 7, and 14 d following enrollment. An aseptic jugular venous sample was collected and cultured using aerobic and anaerobic methods, and bacterial species were identified using mass spectrometry. Poisson regression models were used to identify associations with bacteremia and compute adjusted prevalence ratios. The prevalence of bacteremia in diarrheic and healthy calves was 9.26% (10/108, 95% confidence interval: 4.5-16%) and 14.8% (4/27, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-28.2%), respectively. Among calves with diarrhea, those with a fever (>39.7°C) or depression were 4.8 and 6.5 times more likely, respectively, to have bacteremia. Only 1 of 47 calves (2%) without signs of depression was bacteremic. The prevalence of bacteremia in diarrheic calves with signs of systemic illness (depression or dehydration) was significantly lower than previous estimates, and bacteremia was rare among calves without observed depression. Antimicrobial therapy targeting bacteremia is not currently justified in routine cases of diarrhea in preweaning calves without signs of depression. These results suggest a substantial opportunity for more targeted antimicrobial therapy to improve antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Garcia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Rd, Columbus 43210
| | - Jessica Pempek
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus 43210
| | - Miranda Hengy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Rd, Columbus 43210
| | - Austin Hinds
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1520 East, Rollins St, Columbia 65211
| | - Dubraska Diaz-Campos
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon L Tharp St, Columbus 43210
| | - Gregory Habing
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus 43210.
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Matsui H, Imai T, Kondo M, Ban-Tokuda T, Yamada Y. Effects of the supplementation of a calcium soap containing medium-chain fatty acids on the fecal microbiota of pigs, lactating cows, and calves. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13636. [PMID: 34608725 PMCID: PMC9286607 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have antialgal, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antiviral activities. However, antibacterial activities of MCFAs in the hindgut of pigs and cattle are still unknown. We report the effects of the supplementation of MCFAs on fecal bacteria of pigs, lactating cows, and Japanese Black calves. Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., eaeA(+) Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens in the feces of animals were quantified by real-time PCR assay. There was no significant increase or decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the three animals. In the pig feces, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to less than a third in the treatment group (P < 0.01). C. jejuni in the pig feces was also significantly less in the treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.01). In the lactating cow, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to one fifth of that in the control (P < 0.01). Salmonella spp. was halved in calf feces (P < 0.01). Thus, a reduction in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of a MCFA calcium soap in the diet would be beneficial to growing pigs, lactating cow, and calves by reducing pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Matsui
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| | - Taichi Imai
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| | - Makoto Kondo
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Yamada
- Agromedic group, R&D Lab., Yuka Sangyo Co., Ltd, Amagasaki, Japan
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20
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Rotavirus in Calves and Its Zoonotic Importance. Vet Med Int 2021; 2021:6639701. [PMID: 33968359 PMCID: PMC8081619 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6639701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus is a major pathogen responsible for diarrheal disease in calves, resulting in loss of productivity and economy of farmers. However, various facets of diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in calves in the world are inadequately understood, considering that diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus is a vital health problem in calves that interrupts production benefits with reduced weight gain and increased mortality, and its potential for zoonotic spread. The pathological changes made by rotavirus are almost exclusively limited to the small intestine that leads to diarrhea. It is environmentally distributed worldwide and was extensively studied. Reassortment is one of the important mechanisms for generating genetic diversity of rotaviruses and eventually for viral evolution. So, the primary strategy is to reduce the burden of rotavirus infections by practicing early colostrum's feeding in newborn calves, using vaccine, and improving livestock management. Rotaviruses have a wide host range, infecting many animal species as well as humans. As it was found that certain animal rotavirus strains had antigenic similarities to some human strains, this may be an indication for an animal to play a role as a source of rotavirus infection in humans. Groups A to C have been shown to infect both humans and animals. The most commonly detected strains in both human and animals are G2, G3, G4, and G9, P [6]. Therefore, this review was made to get overview epidemiology status and zoonotic importance of bovine rotavirus.
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21
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Irie Y, Ono M, Aritsune M, Imamura Y, Nishioka S, Akiyama K, Enokidani M, Horikita T. Cleaning procedures and cleanliness assessments of bucket milkers and suckling buckets on Japanese dairy farms. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:863-868. [PMID: 33790088 PMCID: PMC8182328 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleanliness of milking equipment is known to be important for the safety of dairy products and to prevent the spread of diseases among cows. We investigated
the cleaning procedures of milking equipment and suckling equipment on Japanese dairy farms, and the cleanliness of bucket milkers, suckling buckets, milk
receivers, and bulk tanks, using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence test. Bulk tanks (except one bulk tank) and milk receivers were washed by
automated cleaning, but all bucket milkers and suckling buckets were washed by manual cleaning. Detergents were often not used to clean bucket milkers and
suckling buckets. The log10 transformed relative luminescence units (LRLU) of equipment washed by manual cleaning was higher than equipment washed by
automated cleaning. Clean surfaces (≤2.2 LRLU) were only observed on the bulk tank and the milk receiver. More than 50% of the LRLU of the mouthpiece, the
rubber packing of claw, and the nipple of the suckling bucket were determined dirty. These results suggest that the cleanliness of the bucket milkers and the
suckling buckets washed by manual cleaning was lower than that of the equipment washed by automated cleaning, and may be due to insufficient cleaning
procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Irie
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ono
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Manami Aritsune
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yamato Imamura
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shinobu Nishioka
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Akiyama
- Kanagawa Prefecture Government, 1 Nihon ohdouri, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-8588, Japan
| | - Masafumi Enokidani
- Hokkaido Dairy Management Service, 5-9 Shimosetsuri, Tsurui, Akan-gun, Hokkaido 085-1211, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Horikita
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
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22
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Constancis C, Ravinet N, Bernard M, Lehebel A, Brisseau N, Chartier C. Rearing system with nurse cows and risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in organic dairy calves. Prev Vet Med 2021; 190:105321. [PMID: 33713962 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Rearing dairy calves with nurse cows has been increasingly adopted by French farmers especially in organic farming and is characterized by a fostering of two to four calves during the first month of life by an unmilked lactating cow. This type of rearing remains poorly documented regarding its impact on calf health, such as cryptosporidiosis. The objectives of our study were to describe practices related to rearing dairy calves with nurse cows and to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in calf neonates. Between January and September 2019, the rearing practices of calves were described in 20 organic French farms and faeces were sampled once from 611 animals aged between 5 and 21 days. Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was identified by modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and scored semi-quantitatively (score 0-4). The risk of excretion (score 0 versus 1-4) was analysed using multivariate logistic regression models. This cow-calf rearing system usually consisted of a first phase with the dam, followed by an optional phase of artificial milk feeding (calves being fed with whole milk of the farm) and a final phase of fostering by a nurse cow. Each nurse was suckled from one to five calves of close age with a fostering age of 8 days on average. The oocyst shedding prevalence was 40.2 % and similar to classically reared calves, but the intensity of shedding and the prevalence of diarrhoea appeared to be lower. The identified six risk factors for oocyst shedding were: born in the last two thirds of the birth order, born between January and July versus August and September, calf with its dam in the barn versus on pasture, having an artificial milk feeding phase versus being with the dam only, and contact between peer calves and notably the presence of an oocyst excretory calf fostered by the same nurse. These results emphasize the role of the environment for the direct and indirect contamination, particularly that related to the accumulation of oocysts from previous or peer calves facilitating the faecal-oral route of transmission. This highlights the crucial role of the premises used intensively during the winter and spring months with higher densities of calves in the barn compared to outdoor situations promoted by this rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Ravinet
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
| | - M Bernard
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
| | - A Lehebel
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
| | - N Brisseau
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
| | - C Chartier
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
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23
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Ghavami Q, Mahmoodi P, Bahari A. Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Strains From Industrial Dairy Farms of Hamedan, Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTERIC PATHOGENS 2021. [DOI: 10.34172/ijep.2021.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is considered as one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in calves, infecting animals during the first week of age. The secretory diarrhea is attributed to the virulence factors of ETEC strains mainly including heat stable toxin (STa), as well as F5 (K99) and F41 fimbriae. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate ETEC infection in neonatal calves of industrial dairy farms of Hamedan, Iran. Additionally, it was undertaken to investigate the genotypic screening of virulence genes in enterotoxigenic E. coli isolated from from dairy farms calves of Hamedan county. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 rectal swab samples were collected from healthy and diarrheic calves at one week of age belonging to eight farms. Conventional bacteriological methods, multiplex PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility test of the ETEC isolates were performed. Results: Nine E. coli isolates were found to be ETEC strains, carrying STa enterotoxin along with F5 and/or F41 fimbriae as the indicators of ETEC cells. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility test of the ETEC isolates revealed that all of them were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin, whereas complete resistance was observed against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100%) and polymyxin B (100%). The present study, conducted for the first time in Hamedan, indicated a prevalence of 7.5% for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the examined animals. Conclusion: Regarding economic losses of the infection in claves as well as the zoonotic nature of ETEC cells, it is recommended that measures should be taken, such as immunization of pregnant cows prior to the delivery, feeding of adequate colostrum to newborn calves at the right time, and adherence to hygiene practices on the farms to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of diarrhea cases caused by infection with these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qumars Ghavami
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Pezhman Mahmoodi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Bahari
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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24
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Mahendran SA, Wathes DC, Booth RE, Blackie N. The Health and Behavioural Effects of Individual versus Pair Housing of Calves at Different Ages on a UK Commercial Dairy Farm. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030612. [PMID: 33652725 PMCID: PMC7996845 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030612] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The way in which dairy calves are housed can have a significant impact on their health and productivity. This study compared three different housing groups from birth to weaning; individual housing, pair housing from birth, and pair housing from three weeks of age. Newborn Holstein heifer calves (n = 100) were recruited over a six-month summer period from a single commercial dairy farm in the UK. Each calf had a weekly visit by the researcher over a 10-week period, where they were weighed and assessed for the presence of disease, along with measuring solid feed intake and the time to approach a novel object. Other management aspects including milk allocation were the same across groups. There was no effect of the housing group on average daily liveweight gain (ADLG), the presence of disease or the time taken to approach a novel object. The housing group did impact solid feed intake, with calves pair housed at either time period ingesting significantly more than individually housed calves. This study demonstrated that there were no detrimental effects on the health or growth of calves housed in pairs, with the added benefit of increased solid feed intake for pair housed calves, which is important for a smooth transition over the weaning period. Abstract Housing management of dairy calves is one of the factors that contributes to a successful rearing outcome. Individual housing of pre-weaned calves is thought to provide enhanced biosecurity and easier monitoring of the individual, and so remains prevalent in the UK. Behavioural studies have, however, found that pair housing is important for social learning, with positive impacts on health and welfare. This study utilised a single UK commercial dairy farm to establish if individual housing, pair housing from birth, or pair housing from three weeks of age affected health and behavioural parameters. Calves were housed in these allocated groups from birth to eight weeks of age, when they were moved into group pens of five calves for weaning at 10 weeks of age. All management routines other than the housing group were the same for enrolled calves. One hundred Holstein calves were recruited over a six-month period, and systematically allocated to a housing group. Weekly visits were conducted up to 10 weeks of age (weaning) for each calf, with weight, solid feed intake, and presence of clinical disease measured. In addition, a novel object approach test was carried out at six weeks, and a thoracic ultrasound was performed at seven weeks. Housing group had no effect on the average daily liveweight gain (ADLG) (p = 0.74), with an average of 0.66 kg/day over the pre-weaning period. However, on group housing at 8–10 weeks of age, there was a numerical increase in ADLG in the pair housed calves compared to the individually housed calves over the weaning period. Housing group had no significant effect on disease prevalence (p = 0.98) or the time taken to approach the novel object (p = 0.29). However, pair housed calves had increased mean total solid feed intakes from weeks 2–8 (p = 0.011), with 6.2 ± 0.67 kg (standard error of the mean—SEM), 12.7 ± 0.73 kg and 13.6 ± 0.70 kg ingested by individually housed, pair housed from birth and pair housed from three weeks of age, respectively. The overall findings of this study indicate that within a UK commercial dairy management system, there is no detrimental effect of housing calves within pairs (either from birth or three weeks of age) compared to individual housing.
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25
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Caffarena RD, Casaux ML, Schild CO, Fraga M, Castells M, Colina R, Maya L, Corbellini LG, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. Causes of neonatal calf diarrhea and mortality in pasture-based dairy herds in Uruguay: a farm-matched case-control study. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:977-988. [PMID: 33575990 PMCID: PMC7877513 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) and mortality cause significant losses to the dairy industry. The preweaning dairy calf mortality risk in Uruguay is high (15.2%); however, causes for these losses are largely unknown. This study aimed to assess whether various pathogens were associated with NCD and death in Uruguayan dairy calves and whether these infections, diarrhea, or deaths were associated with the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Contemporary diarrheic (n = 264,) and non-diarrheic (n = 271) 1- to 30-day-old calves from 27 farms were sampled. Feces were analyzed by antigen-capture ELISA for Cryptosporidium spp., rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Escherichia coli F5+, RT-PCR for bovine astrovirus (BoAstV), and bacterial cultures for Salmonella enterica. Blood/serum was analyzed by RT-PCR or antigen-capture ELISA for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Serum of ≤ 8-day-old calves (n = 95) was assessed by refractometry to determine the concention of serum total proteins (STP) as an indicator of FTPI. Whether the sampled calves died before weaning was recorded. At least one pathogen was detected in 65.4% of the calves, and this percentage was significantly higher in diarrheic (83.7%) versus non-diarrheic (47.6%) calves. Unlike the other pathogens, Cryptosporidium spp. and rotavirus were associated with NCD. Diarrheic calves, calves infected with any of the pathogens, and calves infected with rotavirus had significantly lower concentrations of STP. Diarrheic calves had higher chances of dying before weaning than non-diarrheic calves. Diarrheic calves infected with S. enterica were at increased risk of mortality. Controlling NCD, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, and rotavirus infections, and improving colostrum management practices would help to reduce calf morbi-mortality in dairy farms in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Darío Caffarena
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay. .,Departamento de Patología y Clínica de Rumiantes y Suinos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - María Laura Casaux
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Omar Schild
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Matías Castells
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Salto, Uruguay
| | - Rodney Colina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Salto, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Maya
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Salto, Uruguay
| | - Luis Gustavo Corbellini
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Epidemiologia Veterinária (Epilab), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal nos Trópicos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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26
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Wei X, Wang W, Dong Z, Cheng F, Zhou X, Li B, Zhang J. Detection of Infectious Agents Causing Neonatal Calf Diarrhea on Two Large Dairy Farms in Yangxin County, Shandong Province, China. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:589126. [PMID: 33614754 PMCID: PMC7892430 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.589126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most serious health challenges facing the livestock industry and has caused substantial economic losses due to increased morbidity and mortality rates. The present study investigated the main infectious pathogens causing NCD among cattle in Yangxin County, China. Sixty-nine fecal samples were collected from diarrheic newborn cattle and tested for infectious agents, including bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, Escherichia coli K99, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia lamblia, that cause NCD, as determined by rapid kit analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The PCR results showed that the percentages of samples that were positive for C. parvum, bovine rotavirus A, bovine coronavirus, and G. lamblia were 44.93, 36.23, 17.39, and 13.04%, respectively. The rapid kit analysis results showed that the prevalence of C. parvum, rotavirus, coronavirus, and G. lamblia was 52.17, 31.88, 28.98, and 18.84%, respectively. No E. coli K99 was detected by either method. The total positivity of the samples, as determined by PCR and rapid kit analysis, was 80.00 and 81.16%, respectively. No significant difference between the two methods was observed. The results of this study may help to establish a foundation for future research investigating the epidemiology of NCD in cattle and may facilitate the implementation of measures to control NCD transmission to cattle in Yangxin County, Shandong Province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wei
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fusheng Cheng
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuzheng Zhou
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bing Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiyu Zhang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China
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Bertoni EA, Bok M, Vega C, Martinez GM, Cimino R, Parreño V. Influence of individual or group housing of newborn calves on rotavirus and coronavirus infection during the first 2 months of life. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:62. [PMID: 33389254 PMCID: PMC7778722 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bovine rotavirus A (RVA) and bovine coronavirus (CoV) are the two main viral enteropathogens associated with neonatal calf diarrhea. The aim of the present work was to study the impact of group and individual housing systems in the epidemiology of RVA and CoV infection. Eleven calves reared in individual housing (FA) and nine calves in group housing (FB) were monitored during the first 7 weeks of life. Stool and serum samples were screened for RVA and CoV antigens by ELISA. IgG1 antibodies (Ab) to both antigens were also measured. From the 160 fecal samples collected, the proportion of positive samples to RVA and CoV was significantly higher in FB (23.6%) than in FA (9%) (p = 0.03). The geometric mean of colostral IgG1 Ab titers to CoV and RVA in FA (IgG1 anti-CoV 1024 and anti-RVA 1782.9) was lower than in FB (IgG1 anti-CoV 10,321.2 and anti-RVA 4096) at birth. Calves less than 2 weeks of life from FB had a higher risk of being infected by RVA (OR = 4.9; p = 0.01) and CoV (OR = 17.15; p = 0.01) than calves from FA. The obtained results showed that there was higher RVA and CoV shedding in group-housed calves than in individual-housed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Bertoni
- Área de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, INTA, RN 68 km 172., Postal code 4403, Salta, Cerrillos, Argentina.
| | - M Bok
- INCUINTA. Instituto de Virologia e Tecnológicas, IVIT. CICV y A. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Unidad ejecutora INTA-CONICET, Nicolas Repetto y de los Reseros s/n., Postal code 1686, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Vega
- INCUINTA. Instituto de Virologia e Tecnológicas, IVIT. CICV y A. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Unidad ejecutora INTA-CONICET, Nicolas Repetto y de los Reseros s/n., Postal code 1686, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G M Martinez
- Área de Producción Animal, INTA EEA, Salta, Argentina
| | - R Cimino
- Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNSA, Salta, Argentina
| | - V Parreño
- INCUINTA. Instituto de Virologia e Tecnológicas, IVIT. CICV y A. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Unidad ejecutora INTA-CONICET, Nicolas Repetto y de los Reseros s/n., Postal code 1686, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Heinemann C, Leubner CD, Hayer JJ, Steinhoff-Wagner J. Hygiene management in newborn individually housed dairy calves focusing on housing and feeding practices. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skaa391. [PMID: 33279999 PMCID: PMC7799592 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In calf rearing, the first weeks of life are critical and associated with the highest mortality due to enteric and respiratory diseases. A well-implemented hygiene management can help to protect calves' health preventively by reducing the load of pathogenic bacteria and interrupting infection chains. The aim of this study was to identify deficiencies in hygiene management of individually housed dairy calves by surveying current practice and examining feeding and housing equipment with different hygiene indicators. On 11 farms, different locations in 2 pens or hutches for individual calf rearing prepared for restocking and 2 feeding buckets per farm, including the inner and outer surfaces of artificial teats, were visually scored for cleanliness and sampled with swabs (housing equipment: n = 167; feeding equipment: n = 120). The sanitation of floors was tested with sock samples (n = 41). A total of 328 samples were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and protein residues, aerobic total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria (ESBL), and Salmonella spp. After evaluation of these results, the farmers were informed about the findings and trained on improvement in hygiene management personally. The sampling was repeated after 1 year to detect possible changes in hygiene management. The highest bacterial loads (TVC, TCC, and E. coli) were observed in feeding equipment, especially the inner teat of milk feeding buckets. Environmental samples, primarily the sidewalls and back walls of tested pens and hutches, exhibited the lowest bacterial counts and ATP and protein residues. All samples were negative for MRSA and Salmonella spp. In 10.5% of all samples, ESBL was detected, and in 6.8%, ESBL E. coli was detected, predominately in sock samples, followed by feeding equipment samples. Training in hygiene management showed only limited effects. In conclusion, there is still great potential to improve the implementation of hygiene measures in individual calf housing. In particular, more attention should be paid to the cleaning of feeding buckets and artificial teats, as this is a simple means of interrupting the possible spread of pathogens among calves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason J Hayer
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Welfare Assessment in Calves Fattened According to the "Outdoor Veal Calf" Concept and in Conventional Veal Fattening Operations in Switzerland. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101810. [PMID: 33027959 PMCID: PMC7599509 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antimicrobial use in humans and animals leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, a serious threat to human and animal health, as such bacteria can lead to treatment failure and death. With the “outdoor veal calf” concept, a novel calf fattening system was developed that allows for reducing antimicrobial use by 80% through improvements in management and housing, such as health check before purchase, short transport, vaccination, quarantine in individual hutches, and fattening in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch for shelter. In that system, veal calves spend their entire lives outdoors in the fresh air. In our study, we wanted to make sure that the observed reduction in antimicrobial treatments was not achieved at the cost of animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left without treatment in order to obtain better figures for treatment reduction. Our results show that calves in the “outdoor veal calf” system had fewer signs of respiratory and digestive diseases than control calves and that their lungs had fewer lesions of pneumonia than controls after slaughter. Thus, not only was antimicrobial use drastically reduced, but calf health was really improved in the new “outdoor veal calf” system. Abstract The “outdoor veal calf” system was developed to encounter the demand for a veal fattening system that allows for reducing antimicrobial use without impairing animal welfare. Management improvements including direct purchase, short transportation, vaccination, three-week quarantine in individual hutches, and open-air housing in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch were implemented in a prospective intervention study (1905 calves, 19 intervention and 19 control farms, over one year): antimicrobial use was five times lower in "outdoor veal" farms compared to control farms (p < 0.001), but it was crucial to ensure that antimicrobial treatment reduction was not associated with decreased animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left untreated. Welfare was assessed monthly on the farms, and organs of 339 calves were examined after slaughter. Cough and nasal discharge were observed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less often in intervention than in control farms, mortality (3.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.020) and lung lesion prevalence (26% vs. 46%, p < 0.001) were lower; no group difference was seen in abomasal lesion prevalence (65% vs. 72%). Thus, besides reduced antimicrobial use, calf health and welfare were improved in "outdoor veal calf" farms in comparison to traditional operations.
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OJHA LAMELLA, KUMAR SACHIN, KEWALRAMANI NEELAM, SARKAR SROBANA, SINGH ABHISHEKKUMAR, TYAGI AMRISHKUMAR. Effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and plasma immunoglobulin level in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i1.98217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and plasma immunoglobulin level in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves. The 90 day trial was conducted on 24 neonatal Murrah buffalo calves randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments, viz. CON (basal diet alone), T1 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 100 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL), T2 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 200 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/ml) and T3 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 300 ml/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL). Supplementation of probiotics improved the plasma glucose level in T2 and T3 as compared to CON. Total protein (TP), plasma albumin (A), plasma globulin (G) and A:G ratio did not change with the supplementation of probiotic in calves. Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels in plasma remained same in all the 4 groups. Total antioxidant (TA) activity was higher in T2 and T3 as compared to CON, whereas it was intermediate in T1. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in T1, T2 and T3 groups as compared to CON whereas catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity remained same in all groups throughout experimental period. The total plasma immunoglobulin and plasma IgG remained uninfluenced in all the groups. In conclusion, supplementation of L. acidophilus improved energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves.
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Aleri JW, Laurence M. A description of biosecurity practices among selected dairy farmers across Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aims
The study investigated critical biosecurity control points and dairy farmers’ motivations towards biosecurity practices among selected dairy farmers across Australia.
Methods
A questionnaire template was administered via an online survey. A three-stage process was used to develop the questionnaire by pooling of potential questions, selection and reduction of the questions to fit an 8–10 min survey.
Key results
A total of 55 responses were obtained. Mixed species rearing was practiced on 69% of the farms, with a majority keeping either sheep or beef cattle within the same property as dairy cattle. Approximately half of the farms (49%) did not provide formal training to new staff on aspects of animal health, as well as not conducting bull breeding soundness. Most of the farms (98%) required staff to use personal protective equipment, such as overalls and gumboots, but only a few of the farms (34%) had designated areas to clean footwear and a system for recording visitors (17%). Record keeping pertaining to animal health, maintenance of good fences and use of vendor declaration forms was practiced in a majority of the farms. The practice of quarantining new stock before mixing with other stock was practiced in only 45% of the farms. Monthly herd health visits by a veterinarian were utilised by 55% of the farms. Multivariable analysis showed positive significant associations between mixed species rearing with the practice of regular pest control (P = 0.004) and use of footbaths (P = 0.024) and no biosecurity plan (P = 0.025). Furthermore, a positive significant association was also recorded on the presence of a biosecurity plan and the presence of a designated area to clean footwear (P = 0.002) and no regular deworming (P = 0.024). Animal and human health reasons were the main motivators for implementing and maintaining ‘best practice’ biosecurity practices, whereas government regulation was the lowest motivator.
Conclusions
It is concluded that the biosecurity practices were variable, and animal and human health reasons were the primary motivators for instituting biosecurity practices.
Implications
There is a need to continue educating farmers on the importance of biosecurity practices.
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Kholif AE. Glycerol use in dairy diets: A systemic review. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2019; 5:209-216. [PMID: 31528721 PMCID: PMC6739259 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in the production of biodiesel as bio-renewable fuel source, with numerous biofuel byproducts becoming available. The annual productions of biodiesel and crude glycerol were 34.5 and 3.8 billion liters, respectively, in 2016 and that of biodiesel is expected to reach 41 billion liters in 2019. Glycerol is a sugar alcohol without a color or odor, but with a sweet taste and high solubility index in water. Experiments support the use of glycerol at low levels ranging from 5% to 8% of the diet dry matter as a transition cow therapy. Administration of glycerol increases serum glucose and decreases ketone bodies. Glycerol is very rapidly fermented in the rumen to propionate and butyrate, at the expense of acetate, resulting in a decreased milk fat. Because glycerol is highly fermented in the rumen, it requires an adaptation period at the beginning of feeding. Administration of glycerol in the diet of lactating animals was paralleled with a decreased or an unaffected feed intake in most experiments. Improved ruminal environment to enhance nutrient digestibility was observed in many experiments; however, others observed reduced digestion of dietary fiber with feeding glycerol. Enhanced, lowered, or unaffected milk production and composition were observed with the administration of glycerol in lactating animal diets; however, in most cases, glycerol decreased milk fat content. The inconsistencies between results of experiments are due to the level and the purity of glycerol, diets, production stage of the animals, and other factors. Therefore, further research should be conducted to establish the efficacy of different levels, purity and administration periods of glycerol, and production stage of dairy animals fed glycerol-based or supplemented diets.
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Bilbao GN, Malena R, Passucci JA, Pinto de Almeida Castro AM, Paolicchi F, Soto P, Cantón J, Monteavaro CE. [Detection of serovars of Salmonella in artificially reared calves in Mar y Sierras Dairy Basin, Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2019; 51:241-246. [PMID: 30638637 PMCID: PMC7115763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
La salmonelosis es una de las enfermedades bacterianas que afectan el tracto digestivo de los terneros y provocan en ellos diarrea. Con el objetivo de estudiar la prevalencia de los distintos serovares de Salmonella en terneros de crianza artificial y determinar la asociación con signos diarreicos, se realizó un estudio epidemiológico con diseño transversal en la región lechera Mar y Sierras, ubicada en la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Mediante hisopado de mucosa rectal, se muestrearon 726 terneros en período de crianza distribuidos en 50 establecimientos lecheros de dicha zona, se incluyeron animales con signos diarreicos y sin estos. Los aislamientos identificados como Salmonella spp. fueron tipificados utilizando antisueros poli- y monovalentes dirigidos contra antígenos somáticos, flagelares y capsulares (Vi). Salmonella spp. se detectó en el 36% de los establecimientos y los serovares hallados fueron S. Mbandaka, S. Anatum, S. Typhimurium, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo, S. Meleagridis, S. Newport, S. Seftemberg, S. subesp.16,7:z1, S. Infantis y S. Give. El 5,5% de los terneros fueron positivos y aquellos terneros con signología diarreica presentaron 5,9 veces más probabilidad de estar infectados con Salmonella spp. que aquellos que no tuvieron signos. La edad de los terneros positivos osciló desde un día hasta 53 días de vida; la mayor frecuencia se detectó al segundo día de nacidos. Se concluye que 11 serovares de Salmonella están presentes en más de un tercio de los establecimientos lecheros de la región lechera Mar y Sierras y que estos serovares mostraron estar asociados a la existencia de signos diarreicos en los terneros, sobre todo a la presencia de moco en las heces. La prevalencia de Salmonella fue mayor en terneros de menos de 21 días de vida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys N Bilbao
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina.
| | - Rosana Malena
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Departamento de Producción Animal, INTA, Balcarce (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Juan A Passucci
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Aldana M Pinto de Almeida Castro
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Fernando Paolicchi
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Departamento de Producción Animal, INTA, Balcarce (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Pedro Soto
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Juliana Cantón
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina
| | - Cristina E Monteavaro
- Departamentos de Producción Animal y de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNCPBA, Tandil (Buenos Aires), Argentina
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Daly RF, House J, Stanek D, Stobierski MG. Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2017. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018; 251:1268-1292. [PMID: 29154705 DOI: 10.2460/javma.251.11.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Jain MS, Kalamdhad AS. Efficacy of batch mode rotary drum composter for management of aquatic weed (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 221:20-27. [PMID: 29787969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Invasive aquatic weed management is one of the biggest challenges in the field of solid waste management. Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle pose some of the world's most noted aquatic weed problems. Previously reported studies on management of H. verticillata, a submersed aquatic plant, have shown that temporary removal, chemical treatment or biological control methods each have advantages and disadvantages. Removal programs that propose to compost harvested H. verticillata biomass may provide a novel technique to manage this issue. However, the properties of such compost as an agriculture resource are unclear. This study presents the different mix proportions of H. verticillata, cow dung and sawdust used for the composting of 550 L rotary drum composter. This work characterizes the biological, physicochemical, and respirometry properties of the various mixes over a 20-day composting period. The results suggest that the biomass of H. verticillata can be beneficially utilized to produce stable compost for potential use in agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Shirish Jain
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Ajay S Kalamdhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
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Díaz Cao JM, Prieto A, López G, Fernández-Antonio R, Díaz P, López C, Remesar S, Díez-Baños P, Fernández G. Molecular assessment of visitor personal protective equipment contamination with the Aleutian mink disease virus and porcine circovirus-2 in mink and porcine farms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203144. [PMID: 30148883 PMCID: PMC6110490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an element of biosecurity intended to prevent the access or spread of diseases in farms. Nevertheless, to date no extensive reports exist about the effectiveness of different available PPE on farms. Thus, our aim was to estimate the degree of protection of PPE from viral contamination during farm visits. Two farms, infected with Aleutian mink disease virus and porcine circovirus–2 respectively, were visited by six visitors wearing different combinations of PPE: coveralls with hood and bootcovers, both with a certified barrier to infective agents (certified PPE group) and non-certified bootcover and coverall without hood (non-certified PPE group). Seventy-two swab samples from PPE and both hair and street clothes under PPE were taken after the visit and analysed by qPCR. Our results reveal viral exposure during visits, and the external protections of body and shoes were contaminated in all cases (24/24). In addition, protection from viral contamination varied noticeably according to the biosecurity elements used. A higher number of positives were detected in the non-certified PPE group than in the certified PPE group, both in elements under external protections (14/18 vs 3/18) and also in hair (4/6 vs 0/6). In fact, non-certified bootcovers broke during visits, resulting in viral contamination of the internal elements under them; these are consequently not suitable for using with wrinkled surfaces usually found in farm facilities. Thus, certified coveralls should be used in order to prevent contaminations, and workers and personnel of farms should be trained in their proper use. qPCR is a useful tool in the risk management of biosecurity programmes, and our results may serve as a model to evaluate different biosecurity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Díaz Cao
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo López
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ricardo Fernández-Antonio
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.,Galician Association of Mink Breeders (AGAVI), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ceferino López
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Susana Remesar
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díez-Baños
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Phipps AJ, Beggs DS, Murray AJ, Mansell PD, Pyman MF. A survey of northern Victorian dairy farmers to investigate dairy calf management: calf-rearing practices. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:107-110. [PMID: 29577252 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the calf-rearing practices carried out in northern Victorian dairy herds and to identify weaknesses that may affect calf health and welfare by comparing the results with current industry recommendations. METHODS Survey of dairy farms from Rochester and the surrounding farming area. RESULTS The response rate was 39% (58/150). Many dairy producers were not meeting the current industry recommendations in the following areas: (1) delayed access to pellets and roughage, (2) failing to provide access to water from birth, (3) delayed disbudding of calves, (4) delayed timing of booster vaccinations, (5) weaning based on age alone, (6) failing to isolate sick calves and (7) early sale age of excess calves. CONCLUSION The results from this survey highlight the need for greater awareness of industry standards for calf husbandry and weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Phipps
- Rochester Veterinary Practice, Rochester, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - D S Beggs
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - A J Murray
- Rochester Veterinary Practice, Rochester, Victoria, Australia
| | - P D Mansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - M F Pyman
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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Assessment of biosecurity level in small-scale broiler farms in the Western highlands of Cameroon (Central Africa). Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1529-1538. [PMID: 29687218 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1591-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of avian influenza in the poultry sector of Cameroon has raised a concern about the level of implementation of biosecurity measures (BM) on poultry farms. Therefore, a study using a questionnaire on 102 randomly selected poultry farms was undertaken. Some measures with high adoption levels (> 90%) included "protection of airing openings of poultry barns by a wire mesh," "no external animal allowed to enter the farm," "respect of all-in all-out principle," "functional footbath," "rodent control," and "feedstuff protection from access to rodents." The least implemented measures (less than 20%) were "wearing of dedicated clothing (clean coveralls and boots) by workers," "disinfection of visitors," and "presence of storage room for dead animals." Only for "isolation" component of biosecurity, compliance with biosecurity measures was good, with more than 50% of farms having an adoption rate greater than 75%. The mean biosecurity score for the assessed farms was 19.29 ± 1.89 for a maximum score of 38 points. The score was significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the number of chicken and the geographic location of farms. The other results showed that the mean number of broiler per cycle was 550.82 ± 76 for a stocking density of 27.20 ± 6.64 birds per m2. In conclusion, broiler production in the Western highland is dominated by small-scale units with low level of biosecurity practices positively and significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by some production characteristics. To improve biosecurity practices in the area, efforts must focus on measures concerning "sanitation" and "traffic control" components of biosecurity.
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Romanowski R, Culbert R, Alkemade S, Medellin-Peña MJ, Bugarski D, Milovanovic A, Nesic S, Masic A. Mycobacterium cell wall fraction immunostimulant (AMPLIMUNE™) efficacy in the reduction of the severity of ETEC induced diarrhea in neonatal calves. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/acve-2017-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Calf diarrhea is a common disease in young animals and the primary cause of productivity and economic losses to cattle producers worldwide. According to the report from the National Animal Health Monitoring System for U.S. dairy, more than fifty percent of the deaths of un-weaned calves is attributed to severe diarrhea. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain K99+ remains the most common pathogen isolated from calves which are younger than three days of age. Dam vaccination and the use of antimicrobials remain the most used prophylactic and treatment options for calf diarrhea. The rise in antibiotic resistance around the world has been a major concern and new alternative therapies have been explored. Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction (MCWF) is a biological immunomodulator that has a potential in multiple veterinary health services such as the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and anticancer therapy in both small and large animals. The efficacy of the MCWF in reducing the severity of neonatal calf diarrhea and its associated mortality, following challenge with ETEC K99+ was evaluated. Twenty-three calves were placed into two experimental groups. Eleven calves received a single 1 mL dose of MCWF intravenously (IV) at the onset of clinical signs of disease following challenge. Twelve non-treated, challenged calves were retained as controls. The severity and duration of diarrhea was significantly reduced in the MCWF treated group compared to untreated controls. In addition, the mortality rate in the MCWF treated group was significantly reduced to 10% while the observed mortality in the control group reached 58%. Data from the current study suggest that MCWF could be used as an alternative treatment to reduce the severity, duration and mortality of ETEC induced diarrhea in neonatal calves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dejan Bugarski
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad , Novi Sad , Serbia
| | | | - Sladjan Nesic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
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Abuelo A. Investigation of an outbreak of neonatal calf diarrhoea in a dairy herd. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Abuelo
- School of Animal & Veterinary SciencesCharles Sturt UniversityWagga WaggaNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Animal PathologyUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoLugoSpain
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Wolking DJ, Clifford DL, Kelly TR, Kamani E, Smith WA, Kazwala RR, Mazet JA. Boma to banda - A disease sentinel concept for reduction of diarrhoea. PASTORALISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1186/s13570-016-0059-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Roland L, Drillich M, Klein-Jöbstl D, Iwersen M. Invited review: Influence of climatic conditions on the development, performance, and health of calves. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:2438-2452. [PMID: 26874416 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to provide the reader with an overview of thermoregulatory mechanisms and the influence of climatic conditions in different housing systems on the development, performance, and health of calves. Thermic stress is observed in association with extreme temperatures and large temperature variations, but other variables such as relative humidity and wind speed can also contribute to thermic stress. Thermoregulation in calves is similar to that in adult cattle, but especially dystocial calves are more prone to heat loss. Heat or cold stress results in direct economic losses because of increased calf mortality and morbidity, as well as indirect costs caused by reduced weight gain, performance, and long-term survival. The climatic conditions in a variety of housing systems, associated health problems, and strategies to mitigate thermic stress are discussed in this review. The goal of housing is to alleviate the effect of climate on calves and provide a microclimate. Adequate ventilation with fresh air is essential to reduce respiratory disease. Common practices such as raising calves in individual outdoor enclosures have been challenged lately. Recent research seeks to evaluate the suitability of group housing under practical, economic, and animal welfare considerations. Limited results for reducing thermic stress can be achieved by simple measures such as shades or shelter, but additional heat or cold stress relieving strategies can be required depending on the housing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Roland
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - D Klein-Jöbstl
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Iwersen
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Arsenault RJ, Kogut MH. Immunometabolism and the Kinome Peptide Array: A New Perspective and Tool for the Study of Gut Health. Front Vet Sci 2015; 2:44. [PMID: 26664971 PMCID: PMC4672240 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunometabolism is a relatively new research perspective, focusing on both metabolism and immunology and the cross-talk between these biological processes. Immunometabolism can be considered from two perspectives; 1) the role that immune cells play in organ metabolism and metabolic disease, and 2) the metabolic processes that occur within immune cells and how they affect overall immunity. The gut may be the prototypical organ of immunometabolism. The gut is the site of nutrient absorption and is a major, if not the major, immune organ. We also describe the integration of kinomics and the species-specific peptide array to the study of the gut. This unique immunometabolic tool combined with the unique immunometabolic nature of the gut provides significant research potential to many animal health applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Arsenault
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware , Newark, DE , USA
| | - Michael H Kogut
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center , College Station, TX , USA
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Results of an online questionnaire to survey calf management practices on dairy cattle breeding farms in Austria and to estimate differences in disease incidences depending on farm structure and management practices. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:44. [PMID: 26282551 PMCID: PMC4539725 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Calf disease may result in great economic losses. To implement prevention strategies it is important to gain information on management and to point out risk factors. The objective of this internet based survey was to describe calf management practices on registered dairy breeding farms in Austria and to estimate differences in calf disease incidences depending on farm structure and management practices. Results A total of 1287 questionnaires were finally analysed (response rate 12.2 %). Herd characteristics and regional distribution of farms indicated that this survey gives a good overview on calf management practices on registered dairy farms in Austria. The median number of cows per farm was 20 (interquartile range 13–30). Significant differences regarding farm characteristics and calf management between small and large farms (≤20 vs >20 cows) were present. Only 2.8 % of farmers tested first colostrum quality by use of a hydrometer. Storing frozen colostrum was more prevalent on large farms (80.8 vs 64.2 %). On 85.1 % of the farms, whole milk, including waste milk, was fed to the calves. Milk replacer and waste milk were more often used on large farms. In accordance with similar studies from other countries, calf diarrhoea was indicated as the most prevalent disease. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that herd size was associated with calf diarrhoea and calf respiratory tract disease, with higher risk of disease on large farms. Furthermore, feeding waste milk to the calves was associated with increasing calf diarrhoea incidence on farm. In the final model with calf respiratory tract disease as outcome, respondents from organic farms reported less often a respiratory tract disease incidence of over 10 % compared with conventional farms [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.21–0.75] and farmers that housed calves individually or in groups after birth significantly reported more often to have an incidence of respiratory tract disease >10 % compared with farms where all calves were housed individually (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.16–4.48). Conclusion The results obtained in this study provide an overview on calf management on dairy breeding farms in Austria and may help to further point out areas to be improved on farm. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-015-0134-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms. Prev Vet Med 2014; 117:129-39. [PMID: 25156945 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The shift from cure towards prevention in veterinary medicine involves the implementation of biosecurity, which includes all measures preventing pathogens from entering a herd and reducing the spread of pathogens within a herd. In Belgium no studies have considered the implementation of biosecurity measures in the daily management of cattle farms. Therefore the aim of the study was to map the current application of biosecurity measures in Belgian cattle farms in the prevention of disease transmission within and between farms. Between March 2011 and April 2013 the data were collected as part of a larger cross-sectional study, conducted to identify risk factors for reinfection with BVDV in cattle herds assumed free from BVDV. Questionnaire data from 33 dairy farms, 16 beef farms and 25 mixed (dairy and beef cattle) farms were analyzed using a combination of a linear scoring system, a categorical principal component analysis and a two-step cluster analysis to differentiate these farms based on their biosecurity levels and visit frequencies. Further enhancement of preventive measures considering external and internal biosecurity was still possible for each farm, as none of the farms obtained an overall high biosecurity level. Three groups of cattle farms were differentiated with a biosecurity level varying from low to high-medium, of which the group with the lowest biosecurity level mainly consisted of mixed farms. Animal-to-animal contacts with cattle from other herds were frequently possible as only 12% of the farmers purchasing cattle quarantined purchased animals at least three weeks and contacts over fences on pasture were possible in 70% of the herds. Basic biosecurity measures such as farm-specific protective clothing and boots were present in the majority of the farms, but they were insufficiently or incorrectly used. Cattle farms were very often visited by professional visitors of which the herd veterinarian, the AI technician and the cattle salesman most frequently entered the farm. It can be concluded that few biosecurity measures were undertaken by Belgian cattle farmers, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of disease transmission within and between farms. Especially in regions with a high cattle density, small distances to neighbouring farms and high frequencies of professional visits, a farm-specific preventive strategy should be developed, thereby using the facilities often already present on the farm.
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Klein-Jöbstl D, Iwersen M, Drillich M. Farm characteristics and calf management practices on dairy farms with and without diarrhea: a case-control study to investigate risk factors for calf diarrhea. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5110-9. [PMID: 24881793 PMCID: PMC7094405 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calf diarrhea is one of the most important problems in calf rearing on dairy farms worldwide. Besides pathogens, several noninfectious management factors, especially management around birth, colostrum management, calf housing, feeding, and hygiene are important in the pathogenesis of diarrhea. To date, few data are available concerning calf rearing management on small and medium-sized dairy farms that are typical for Austria and the alpine region. Consequently, the objectives of this case-control study were to evaluate routine calf management practices on Austrian dairy farms and to examine differences in management between farms with and without the presence of calf diarrhea to identify risk factors. Overall, 100 dairy farms were visited. Of these farms, 50 were chosen based on the history and presence of calf diarrhea (case farms). Another 50 farms with no presence of calf diarrhea were chosen to serve as a standard of comparison (control farms). On farms, management was evaluated by face-to-face interview, and health status and hygiene were surveyed. Several calf rearing management procedures were similar on all of the visited farms, especially in areas regulated by national and European law. These factors include colostrum management and feeding. Consequently, no influence of these factors on the appearance of calf diarrhea could be detected. In contrast, other areas such as hygiene measures differed between farms and showed a partial association with the presence of calf diarrhea on farm. Variables related to diarrhea on farm were farm size; that is, the number of cows on farm. Farms with diarrhea cases were larger (median 40 cows, interquartile range 24.5 to 64.0) compared with farms with no presence of diarrhea (median 28 cows, interquartile range 18.8 to 44.0). Other risk factors that influenced the presence of diarrhea were the presence of other farm animal species on the farm [odds ratio (OR) 26.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.64 to 273.5], frequency of cleaning of the calving area (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.79), the placement of individual calf housings (barn vs. outdoors; OR 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.47), and the presence of respiratory tract disease (OR 52.49, 95% CI: 1.26 to 2,181.83). The possible influence of these factors on the appearance of calf diarrhea should be considered when farmers are advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Klein-Jöbstl
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - M Iwersen
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Ali MA, El-Khodery SA, El-Said WE. Potential risk factors associated with ill-thrift in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) raised at smallholder farms in Egypt. J Adv Res 2014. [PMID: 26199751 PMCID: PMC4506961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure to grow (ill-thrift) in calves has a negative effect on animal production and health. The present study was carried out from November, 2009 to May, 2013 to investigate the risk factors of ill-thrift in buffalo calves. A total of 344 calves at 78 smallholder farms were selected randomly. A questionnaire was designed to include managemental, nutritional and disease risk factors. Serum selenium, copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured. Data were subjected to logistic regression analysis and results were expressed as p value, odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI). Fifty-five calves (15.9%) showed ill-thrift. On animal level, the final multivariate logistic regression model showed a significant association between ill-thrift and early weaning (p < 0.01; OR: 45.755; CI: 4.35–480.25), diarrhea (p < 0.05; OR: 41.315; CI: 1.710–998.0), indoor management (p < 0.05; OR: 63.56; CI: 2.701–14.96) and low serum phosphorus (p < 0.01; 292.0; CI: 5.256–16.23). On farm level, inadequate mineral supplementation (p < 0.001; OR: 18.62; CI: 3.89–88.9) and irregular use of anthelmintics (p < 0.05; OR: 7.95; CI: 1.53–41.23) were the potential factors. Clinically, ill-thrift calves were more likely to have alopecia (p < 0.01), recumbency (p < 0.01), emaciation (p < 0.001), hypothermia (p < 0.01), inappetance (p < 0.001), lacrimation (p < 0.001), hypomotile rumen (p < 0.001), and pale mucous membrane (p < 0.001). The results of the present study indicate that ill-thrift in buffalo calves could occur as a result of interaction between management errors and disease factors. Identification of the risk factors associated with ill-thrift may provide useful information, which assist to construct the suitable preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sabry A El-Khodery
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Waleed E El-Said
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Manuja BK, Manuja A, Singh RK. Globalization and Livestock Biosecurity. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (NEW DELHI, INDIA) 2014; 3:22-31. [PMID: 34262883 PMCID: PMC7149119 DOI: 10.1007/s40003-014-0097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Globalization has resulted in enhanced trade in livestock and livestock products leading to increased risk of diseases to livestock and human beings. The emergence of highly contagious viral diseases of livestock and poultry such as foot-and-mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, African swine fever (ASF), Newcastle disease, avian influenza and zoonotic diseases caused by viruses like Ebola, West Nile, Nipah, Hendra and swine influenza (H1N1) have necessitated the formulation of policies and regulatory frameworks for preventing ingress of exotic diseases and controlling dissemination of endemic diseases within the country. Biosecurity measures are important to maintain and improve animal health and reduce the risks. In this review, the risks of introduction of infections through livestock and livestock products, routes of transmission and general biosecurity measures to reduce these risks have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anju Manuja
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
| | - Raj Kumar Singh
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
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Biosecurity. LLAMA AND ALPACA CARE 2014. [PMCID: PMC7152020 DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-2352-6.00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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