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Fuchs P, Stachowicz J, Schneider MK, Probo M, Bruckmaier RM, Umstätter C. Stress indicators in dairy cows adapting to virtual fencing. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae024. [PMID: 38271563 PMCID: PMC10889741 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtual fencing (VF) enables livestock grazing without physical fences by conditioning animals to a virtual boundary delimited with an audio tone (AT) and an electric pulse (EP). The present study followed the adaptation process of lactating dairy cows to a VF system with changing virtual boundaries and investigated its impact on animal welfare. Twenty cows were divided into stratified groups (2× VF; 2× electric fencing, EF) of five individuals. Each group grazed half-days in a separate EF paddock of comparable size during 3 d of acclimation (P0), followed by 21, 14, 14, and 7 d of experimental treatment (P1 to P4). At the start of the trial, all cows were equipped with an IceQube pedometer (Peacock Technology Ltd, Stirling, UK) and a VF collar (Nofence AS, Batnfjordsøra, Norway). During P0, cows were accustomed to their first paddock with a deactivated virtual boundary and wearing the sensors. In P1 to P4, an active virtual boundary for the VF groups, and a second EF for the EF groups was set up parallel to an outer EF within their paddock. Throughout the trial, the sensors continuously tracked cow positions and activity behavior at 15-min intervals. From P1 onwards, the VF collars additionally recorded each AT and EP per cow with a georeferenced time stamp. During P0 to P4, daily feed intake, body weight, and milk yield were recorded in the barn. A total of 26 milk samples were collected per cow to determine milk cortisol levels. Behavioral observations were conducted for 2 h on day 23 to record agonistic behaviors, vocalizations, and excretions. The total number of stimuli per cow ranged from 37 to 225 ATs (mean ± SD: 1.9 ± 3.3 per day) and 3 to 11 EPs (mean ± SD: 0.1 ± 0.7 per day) throughout the trial. The maximum number of EPs per day was 8 for an individual cow and occurred once on D1. Mean EP/AT decreased by 55% during the first three half-days of grazing and with each paddock change from 0.2 EP/AT in week 1 to 0.03, 0.02, and 0 EP/AT in weeks 4, 6, and 8, respectively. Linear and generalized mixed effects models revealed that milk yield and cortisol, feed intake, body weight, and activity and lying behavior did not significantly differ between VF and EF groups. A higher number of agonistic behaviors were observed in the VF groups when the VF system was activated. However, due to the short observation periods only few contacts were observed in total. Overall, all cows adapted to the VF system without evidence of lasting adverse effects on animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Fuchs
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Grazing Systems, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Stachowicz
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Institute of Agricultural Technology, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manuel K Schneider
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Forage Production and Grassland Systems, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Probo
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Grazing Systems, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Department of Clinical Research and Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Umstätter
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Institute of Agricultural Technology, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
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Marçal-Pedroza MG, Campos MM, Martins MF, Silva MVB, Paranhos da Costa MJR, Negrão JA, Sant'Anna AC. Is the temperament of crossbred dairy cows related to milk cortisol and oxytocin concentrations, milk yield, and quality? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286466. [PMID: 37262031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive dairy cows are more susceptible to stress, and this may result in negative effects on milk yield and quality. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between temperament traits and concentration of milk cortisol and oxytocin, milk yield, milkability, and milk quality in Holstein-Gyr cows. Temperament traits were assessed in 76 Holstein-Gyr cows in the milking parlor (by scoring milking reactivity and recording the numbers of steps and kicks during pre-milking udder preparation and when fitting the milking cluster) and during handling in the corral (by measuring the time to enter in the squeeze chute, ET and flight speed, FS). Milk samples were collected for milk quality (% fat, % protein, % lactose, and somatic cell count, SCC), and milk cortisol and oxytocin. Milk yield, milking time, and average flow were also measured. The calmer cows during milking management (class 'low') produced milk with higher protein (p = 0.028) content and tendencies for lower fat (p = 0.056) and higher lactose (p = 0.055) contents. Regarding the hormones, the most reactive cows (class 'high') in the milking and handling corral produced milk with higher concentrations of cortisol (p<0.001) and oxytocin (p = 0.023). In addition, the temperament of the animals affected some of the productive measures evaluated. Cows with reactive temperament had lower milk flow and longer milking time than the intermediate ones and had higher fat and a tendency for lower protein percentage in milk compared to cows with intermediate temperaments. Calm and intermediate cows in the handling corral produced more milk and presented better milkability parameters, such as a shorter milking time and greater average milk flow. Our results suggest that the cows' behavioral reactivity can be related to the intensity of their response to stress during handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Guilhermina Marçal-Pedroza
- Nucleus of Studies and Research in Ethology and Animal Welfare (NEBEA), Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Postgraduation Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservancy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Marta Fonseca Martins
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq Researcher, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinícius Barbosa Silva
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq Researcher, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq Researcher, Brasília, Brazil
- Research Group in Ethology and Animal Ecology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Alberto Negrão
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq Researcher, Brasília, Brazil
- Basic Science Department, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), São Paulo State University (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Cristina Sant'Anna
- Nucleus of Studies and Research in Ethology and Animal Welfare (NEBEA), Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq Researcher, Brasília, Brazil
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Nelis JLD, Bose U, Broadbent JA, Hughes J, Sikes A, Anderson A, Caron K, Schmoelzl S, Colgrave ML. Biomarkers and biosensors for the diagnosis of noncompliant pH, dark cutting beef predisposition, and welfare in cattle. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:2391-2432. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Utpal Bose
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food St Lucia Australia
| | | | | | - Anita Sikes
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food Coopers Plains Australia
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Normando S, Giaretta E, Schiavon I, Mongillo P, Falomo ME. Behavioral and hormonal effects of two weaning situations in trotter foals. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Romijn M, van Tilburg LJL, Hollanders JJ, van der Voorn B, de Goede P, Dolman KM, Heijboer AC, Broekman BFP, Rotteveel J, Finken MJJ. The Association between Maternal Stress and Glucocorticoid Rhythmicity in Human Milk. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051608. [PMID: 34064929 PMCID: PMC8151700 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic stress is often accompanied by alterations in the diurnal rhythm of hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal activity. However, there are limited data on the diurnal rhythmicity of breast milk glucocorticoids (GCs) among women with psychological distress. We compared mothers who sought consultation at an expertise center for pregnant women with an increased risk of psychological distress with control mothers for GC diurnal rhythmicity in milk and saliva obtained at the same time. Methods: We included 19 mothers who sought consultation at the psychiatry–obstetric–pediatric (POP) outpatient clinic and 44 control mothers. One month postpartum, mothers collected on average eight paired milk and saliva samples during a 24 h period. GC levels were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. GC rhythmicity parameters were determined with specialized software. Results: For both milk and saliva, no group differences regarding GC rhythms were found. Milk cortisol area under the curve with respect to the ground was lower in the POP group than in the control group (p = 0.02). GC levels in human milk and saliva were highly correlated within each group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although there were no differences between groups in GC rhythmicity, the total amount of milk cortisol was lower in the POP group. Long-term follow-up is needed to address the impact of vertical transmission of breast milk GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Romijn
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.L.v.T.); (J.J.H.); (J.R.); (M.J.J.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)20-444-3137
| | - Luca J. L. van Tilburg
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.L.v.T.); (J.J.H.); (J.R.); (M.J.J.F.)
| | - Jonneke J. Hollanders
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.L.v.T.); (J.J.H.); (J.R.); (M.J.J.F.)
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Paul de Goede
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Koert M. Dolman
- Department of Pediatrics, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG), 1006 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Annemieke C. Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Birit F. P. Broekman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Joost Rotteveel
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.L.v.T.); (J.J.H.); (J.R.); (M.J.J.F.)
| | - Martijn J. J. Finken
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.L.v.T.); (J.J.H.); (J.R.); (M.J.J.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gutmann AK, Špinka M, Winckler C. Do familiar group mates facilitate integration into the milking group after calving in dairy cows? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Del Corvo M, Bongiorni S, Stefanon B, Sgorlon S, Valentini A, Ajmone Marsan P, Chillemi G. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiles in Cows Subjected to Different Stress Level as Assessed by Cortisol in Milk. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080850. [PMID: 32722461 PMCID: PMC7464205 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dairy cattle health, wellbeing and productivity are deeply affected by stress. Its influence on metabolism and immune response is well known, but the underlying epigenetic mechanisms require further investigation. In this study, we compared DNA methylation and gene expression signatures between two dairy cattle populations falling in the high- and low-variant tails of the distribution of milk cortisol concentration (MC), a neuroendocrine marker of stress in dairy cows. Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing was used to obtain a methylation map from blood samples of these animals. The high and low groups exhibited similar amounts of methylated CpGs, while we found differences among non-CpG sites. Significant methylation changes were detected in 248 genes. We also identified significant fold differences in the expression of 324 genes. KEGG and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that genes of both groups act together in several pathways, such as nervous system activity, immune regulatory functions and glucocorticoid metabolism. These preliminary results suggest that, in livestock, cortisol secretion could act as a trigger for epigenetic regulation and that peripheral changes in methylation can provide an insight into central nervous system functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Del Corvo
- Department of Animal Science Food and Nutrition—DIANA, Nutrigenomics and Proteomics Research Centre—PRONUTRIGEN, and Biodiversity and Ancient DNA Research Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
- Istituto di Biologia e BiotecnologiaAgraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological sciences DEB, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science–University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (B.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sandy Sgorlon
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science–University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (B.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Alessio Valentini
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems DIBAF, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Animal Science Food and Nutrition—DIANA, Nutrigenomics and Proteomics Research Centre—PRONUTRIGEN, and Biodiversity and Ancient DNA Research Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Chillemi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems DIBAF, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.V.); (G.C.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, IBIOM, CNR, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Falomo ME, Gabai G, Franchini G, Poltronieri C, Rossi M, Normando S. Behavioral and hormonal effects of 2 weaning methods in trotter mares. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
Increased animal productivity has reduced animal fitness, resulting in increased susceptibility to infectious and metabolic diseases, locomotion problems and subfertility. Future animal breeding strategies should focus on balancing high production levels with health status monitoring and improved welfare. Additionally, understanding how animals interact with their internal and external environment is essential for improving health, fitness, and welfare. In this context, the continuous validation of existing biomarkers and the discovery and field implementation of new biomarkers will enable us to understand the specific physiological process and regulatory mechanisms used by the organism to adapt to different environmental conditions. Thus, biomarkers may be used to monitor welfare and improve management and breeding strategies. In this article, we describe major achievements in the establishment of biomarkers in dairy cows and small ruminants. This review mainly focuses on the physiological biomarkers used to monitor animal responses to, and recovery from, environmental perturbations. We highlight future avenues for research in this field and present a timely positioning document to the scientific community.
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Colitti M, Sgorlon S, Licastro D, Stefanon B. Differential expression of miRNAs in milk exosomes of cows subjected to group relocation. Res Vet Sci 2018; 122:148-155. [PMID: 30504000 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examined microRNA (miRNAs) expression and regulatory patterns from milk exosomes of cows experienced group relocation, a common husbandry practice during the lactation period and used as a spontaneous model of stress. Total RNA from milk exosome samples was collected from 3 cows that showed an increased milk cortisol (HRC) after relocation (T2 vs T1) and 3 cows that did not show cortisol increase (LRC). A total of 69 known miRNAs were identified. Thirteen miRNAs were consistently down-regulated at T2 in comparison to T1, such as miR-2904-1, miR-142, miR-2284x and miR-30b-3p. Only two miRNAs, miR-2284z and miR-146a were significantly different between LRC and HRC group. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted that glucocorticoid receptor signaling and neurotrophic factor mediated TRK receptor signaling were among the biological pathways affected by differentially expressed miRNA target genes. Mir-135a-5p and miR-320a were involved in both biological pathways. miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-30b-5p and miR-320a shared the same target genes belonging to the RAS superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins (RAC1, RAP1A and RASA1), involved in neurotrophin-mediated cell survival. MiR-142, miR-135 and miR-320a in milk exosomes were the most responsive to group relocation of cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Colitti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Italy.
| | - Sandy Sgorlon
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Italy
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Editorial: Caring for dairying. J DAIRY RES 2018; 85:263-264. [PMID: 30156525 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029918000651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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