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Jilo Tache K, Getachew Y, Negussie H. Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum in Cattle of Pastoral Production System in Teltelle District of Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 13:247-256. [PMID: 36128200 PMCID: PMC9482781 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s377408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia. However, its status and impact in pastoral cattle production settings were uncovered. This study was performed with the aims of estimating the seroprevalence and associated potential risk factors for Neospora caninum in Boran cattle in Teltelle district of Borana zone, Ethiopia. Methods 180 blood samples were collected from 48 randomly selected pastoral herds using a multistage sampling technique and subjected to an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to detect antibodies specific to N. caninum. A questionnaire survey was also used to identify the potential risk factors of N. caninum in the study area. Evaluation of the associated risk factors was conducted using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results Antibodies against N. caninum exposure were detected in 5% of cattle (95% CI: 1.816–8.184) from 180 animals tested. Similarly, the seroprevalence of N. caninum in herds with at least one positive animal was 14.6% (95% CI: 4.598–24.567) from 48 herds examined. A multivariable logistic regression model identified the following as significant risk factors: a history of abortion (AOR = 23; 95% CI: 2.354–188.702; P = 0.006), dystocia (AOR = 11; 95% CI = 22.275–55.860; P = 0.003), wells water sources (AOR = 9; 95% CI: 1.599–47.568; P = 0.012), and dogs fed with raw animal products (AOR = 6; 95% CI: 11.213–27.222; P = 0.028). Conclusion This study revealed the first serological evidence of N. caninum exposure in cattle reared under pastoral production system. Our findings suggest N. caninum is likely to be an important cause of abortion and dystocia in cattle in Ethiopia. Management practices, such as provision of hygienic water and restriction of dogs fed with raw animal products, are likely to reduce the risk of infection. Thus, maximizing community awareness about these disease management practices is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kula Jilo Tache
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Borena University, Borena, Yabelo, Ethiopia
| | - Yitbarek Getachew
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Haileleul Negussie
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Haileleul Negussie, Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box; 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia, Email
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Mulkerrins M, Beecher M, McAloon CG, Macken-Walsh Á. Implementation of compact calving at the farm level: A qualitative analysis of farmers operating pasture-based dairy systems in Ireland. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5822-5835. [PMID: 35525610 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pasture-based dairy systems aim to maximize the proportion of grazed pasture in the cow's diet by having a compact calving season that coincides with the onset of the grass growing season. In Ireland, where pasture-based systems are dominant, a key performance indicator that reflects the degree of compact calving is referred to as 6-wk calving rate (6-wk CR). Although the industry target is 90%, the national average 6-wk CR in Ireland is currently 67%. The aim of this study was to use qualitative research to understand in depth farmers' experiences in implementing a high 6-wk CR. Ten case-study dairy farmers were interviewed using the biographical narrative interpretive method. We identified 5 broad and often interrelated themes evoked by farmers regarding 6-wk CR: the "good" farmer; support networks; free time and family time; simplicity of a structured system; and profitability and monetary gain. The findings of this study identify complexities and challenges at farm level when it comes to increasing 6-wk CR, such as increased workload and challenges associated with large numbers of male calves born during a condensed calving season. Benefits experienced by farmers as a result of increasing 6-wk CR included increased days in milk and consequently improved cash flow as well as increased grass utilization. Our findings are of interest to researchers and extension agents involved in programs concerned with reproductive management in pasture-based dairy systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mulkerrins
- Mountbellew Agricultural College, College Road, Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway, Ireland H53 WE00.
| | - M Beecher
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996
| | - C G McAloon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland D04V1W8
| | - Á Macken-Walsh
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland H65R718
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Giles G, Fishbourne E, Smith RF, Higgins HM. Seasonal calving UK dairy herds: A farmer survey of fertility and veterinary services. Vet Rec 2022; 190:e1269. [PMID: 34997973 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of literature concerning dairy farmers' use of veterinary services and how satisfied they are with them. This study aimed to fill this gap for seasonal calving UK herds, with a focus on fertility, and included farmer perceived barriers to veterinary involvement. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire (convenience sample), with 166 useable responses. RESULTS Opportunities exist for further veterinary involvement in seasonal herds. Areas vets are least involved in currently are nutrition, breeding and genetics, growth rate monitoring and infrastructure changes. Current veterinary input was rated neutral or poor value by 21% of respondents. Over 90% of farmers want vets to ask questions to elicit their needs. Frequently mentioned barriers were 'lack of veterinary knowledge of our system', 'not enough cost-benefit of veterinary involvement' and 'we get our fertility information elsewhere'. Along with clinical ability and being approachable, 'understanding our system' and being 'proactive' were qualities participants most valued in a vet. After cost, 'pushing sales and interventions' were the least liked. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the critical importance of clearly demonstrating the full cost-benefit of veterinary services to farmers. The results contain many details concerning farmer perceptions and values that can help veterinary businesses to strengthen existing services and develop new services.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Giles
- Giles & Parsons Farm Vets, West Roose, Camelford, Cornwall, UK.,Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK
| | - Emma Fishbourne
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK
| | - Robert Frank Smith
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK
| | - Helen Mary Higgins
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK
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4
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Druker SA, Sicsic R, van Straten M, Goshen T, Kedmi M, Raz T. Cytological endometritis diagnosis in primiparous versus multiparous dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:665-683. [PMID: 34763918 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Endometritis is a uterine disease of dairy cows causing substantial negative effects on reproductive performance and inflicting considerable economic losses. It is typically diagnosed by endometrial cytology evaluation and commonly named cytological endometritis (CEM). In most previous studies, cows were defined as CEM positive if the proportion of polymorphonuclear cells (%PMN) in their endometrial cytology was above a pre-set threshold. Thresholds were established based on CEM diagnosis in association with reproductive performance, typically analyzed by a single reproductive parameter and calculated for all cows together. Our objective was to examine whether primiparous and multiparous cows should optimally be diagnosed for CEM by different %PMN thresholds and sampling timings, using a combination of several reproductive performance parameters. Two endometrial cytobrush cytology samples were collected from Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 415; 269 multiparous; 146 primiparous), at 30-40 d in milk (DIM) and 60-70 DIM, and %PMN were evaluated microscopically (blindly; Diff-Quick stain, Medi-Market). The %PMN thresholds were set at ≥1% to ≥10%, ≥15%, and ≥20%, and accordingly, for each of the thresholds, several reproductive performance parameters were compared between CEM-positive versus CEM-negative cows. Upon application of several analytic approaches, our results indicated that optimal CEM diagnosis should be performed by different criteria in primiparous and multiparous cows: in primiparous cows at 30-40 DIM, using a threshold of ≥7%PMN, and in multiparous cows at 60-70 DIM, using a threshold of ≥4%PMN. Such a diagnostic approach provides a comprehensive view of the reproductive prognosis of CEM-positive primiparous and multiparous cows, which is pertinent information for researchers, veterinarians, and farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaked A Druker
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Hachaklait, Mutual Society for Veterinary Services, Caesarea Industrial Park 3079548, Israel
| | - Ron Sicsic
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Michael van Straten
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Hachaklait, Mutual Society for Veterinary Services, Caesarea Industrial Park 3079548, Israel
| | - Tamir Goshen
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Hachaklait, Mutual Society for Veterinary Services, Caesarea Industrial Park 3079548, Israel
| | - Maor Kedmi
- Hachaklait, Mutual Society for Veterinary Services, Caesarea Industrial Park 3079548, Israel
| | - Tal Raz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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Reproductive strategies for dairy heifers based on 5d-Cosynch with or without an intravaginal progesterone device and observed estrus. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Brooks S, House JK, Ingenhoff L. The effect of participation in a regular reproductive herd health program on 80-day submission rate and 100-day in-calf rate in year-round calving dairy farms. Aust Vet J 2020; 99:79-85. [PMID: 33241557 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Herd health management programs are commonly implemented on dairy farms to improve farm reproductive performance. In year-round calving systems, herd health programs can be supported by extension programs such as InCalf, which focus on improving the 100-day in-calf rate (100DICR) as a key reproductive performance indicator. The effect of implementing a herd health program was evaluated by analysing the 80-day submission rate (80DSR) and 100DICR during the initial 18-month period following commencement of regular herd health visits at 11 year-round calving dairy farms. The mean 80DSR and 100DICR was calculated for each of six consecutive three-month intervals following the initial herd health visit at 11 dairy farms distributed across the north and south coasts of New South Wales (NSW). On the 11 study farms 80DSR increased from 36.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36.7-37.2) at 0-3 months to 61.9% (95% CI 61.4-62.4) and 100DICR increased from 19.1% (95% CI 18.9-19.3) at 0-3 months to 28.5% (95% CI 28.0-29.0) at 15-18 months. 80DSR increased at similar rates on north coast farms compared to south coast farms; however, north coast farms had a lower 100DICR at 0-3 months which increased at a greater rate compared to south coast farms. 100DICR on north coast farms increased from 12.8% (95% CI 12.5-13.2) at 0-3 months to 27.6% (95% CI 26.8-28.4) at 15-18 months, whereas 100DICR on south coast farms increased from 26.7% (95% CI 26.3-27.0) at 0-3 months to 29.6% (95% CI 28.8-30.5) at 15-18 months. Participation in a regular herd health program resulted in an increased 80DSR and 100DICR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snm Brooks
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - J K House
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - L Ingenhoff
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
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Kerslake J, Amer P, O'Neill P, Wong S, Roche J, Phyn C. Economic costs of recorded reasons for cow mortality and culling in a pasture-based dairy industry. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:1795-1803. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Management practices associated with reproductive performance in Holstein cows on large commercial dairy farms. Animal 2018; 12:2401-2406. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Fodor I, Baumgartner W, Abonyi-Tóth Z, Lang Z, Ózsvári L. Associations between management practices and major reproductive parameters of Holstein-Friesian replacement heifers. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 188:114-122. [PMID: 29175177 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the reproductive management practices and the performance of replacement heifers on large commercial dairy farms. The individual data of 14,763 heifers, first inseminated in 2014, were analysed from 33 Holstein-Friesian dairy herds in Hungary. The relationships between management practices and major reproductive parameters (age at first service, AFS; age at first calving, AFC; conception risk to first insemination, CR1; and pregnancy status at 20 months of age) were examined by mixed-effects models, with the herd as the random effect. The results showed that farms using oestrus detection aids experienced reduced AFS (p<0.001) and AFC (p=0.001). Observation of oestrus for shorter periods instead of continuously showed a tendency towards lower AFC (p=0.057) and was associated with higher odds of pregnancy at 20 months of age (p=0.020). Heifers on farms using sexed semen had younger AFS, but poorer CR1, compared to those using conventional semen exclusively (p<0.05). In addition, the odds of heifers being pregnant by 20 months of age was higher on farms with more experience using sexed semen (p=0.020). Frequent pregnancy diagnosis (i.e. more than once per week) was associated with younger AFC (p=0.023). Our results suggest the use of certain advanced reproductive management practices for heifer reproductive management in large dairy herds (e.g. oestrus detection aids), which can improve reproductive efficiency considerably, but are currently used only to a limited extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fodor
- Department of Veterinary Forensics, Law and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2., H-1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - W Baumgartner
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zs Abonyi-Tóth
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2., H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zs Lang
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2., H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - L Ózsvári
- Department of Veterinary Forensics, Law and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2., H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Laven RA, Fabian J. Applying animal-based welfare assessments on New Zealand dairy farms: feasibility and a comparison with United Kingdom data. N Z Vet J 2016; 64:212-7. [PMID: 26853816 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2016.1149523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the feasibility of applying animal-based welfare assessments developed for use in Europe on New Zealand dairy farms; in particular, to identify measures which could be evaluated during a single visit at milking time alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. METHODS A protocol for animal welfare assessment, developed in the United Kingdom (UK), was evaluated. Measures that were suitable for use on pasture-based dairy farms in New Zealand were then assessed for practicability on 59 farms across New Zealand, during and immediately after milking, alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. Where data were collected the results were compared to those from a UK study of 53 dairy farms. RESULTS Thirteen observations of the physical condition of cows were considered suitable for measurement, excluding observations related to hock lesions as they are rarely observed on pasture-based farms. Five of these measures were not assessed as there was not time to do so during milking alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. Thus, the prevalence of dirty flanks, hind limbs and udders, dull coat, thick hairy coat, significant hair loss, very fat cows (body condition score (BCS) ≥7 on 1-10 scale) and very thin cows (BCS≤3), were recorded. Three measures of behaviour were considered suitable for measurement on-farm, but only locomotion score was practicable and was measured. Farmer-estimates for the incidence of mastitis, lameness, sudden death, milk fever and other diseases were also obtained.Overall, dirty flanks, dirty udders and estimated milk fever incidence were more prevalent in this study than in the UK. The prevalence of thin and fat cows, lame cows and estimated mastitis incidence were much lower in the present study than on UK farms. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Animal-based assessments can be used on dairy farms in New Zealand, but need to be modified from those developed for housed cows.Welfare on these farms was generally good compared to those in the UK, but these results need to be confirmed on more farms using a wider range of assessments than proved practicable in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Laven
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
| | - J Fabian
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
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Abstract
Evolutionary biology provides reasons for why the intensive selection for milk production reduces reproductive success rates. There is considerable exploitable genetic variation in reproductive performance in both dairy and beef cattle, and examination of national genetic trends demonstrates that genetic gain for both reproductive performance and milk production is possible in a well-structured breeding program. Reproductive failure is often postulated to be a consequence of the greater negative energy balance associated with the genetic selection for increased milk production. However, experimental results indicate that the majority of the decline in reproductive performance cannot be attributed to early lactation energy balance, per se; reproductive success will, therefore, not be greatly improved by nutritional interventions aimed at reducing the extent of negative energy balance. Modeling can aid in better pinpointing the key physiological components governing reproductive success and, also, the impact of individual improvements on overall fertility, helping to prioritize variables for inclusion in breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Berry
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Center, Teagasc, Moorepark, County Cork, Ireland;
| | - N C Friggens
- INRA and.,AgroParisTech, UMR0791 Modélisation Systémique Appliqué aux Ruminants, 75231 Paris, France;
| | - M Lucy
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211;
| | - J R Roche
- DairyNZ Ltd., Hamilton 3240, New Zealand;
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