1
|
Tillack A, Merle R, Müller KE, Hoedemaker M, Jensen KC, Bartel A, Oehm AW, Klawitter M, Stock A. The relationship between lameness prevalence and pasture access in 659 dairy herds in Germany. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305536. [PMID: 38935805 PMCID: PMC11210846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305536] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is an expression of pain most likely originating from a claw disorder, causing impaired animal wellbeing and substantial economic losses for farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of access to pasture, time spent on pasture, and season on farm level lameness prevalence. The survey was part of a cross-sectional observational study, in which farms in three regions of Germany (North, East and South) were visited by study veterinarians. On each farm (total: 659, N: 240, E: 247, S: 172), management data were recorded, and cows were scored for locomotion, according to Sprecher. Median farm-level lameness prevalence (Score 3/5 or higher) was 29.4% (IQR: 18.7% - 42.0%), and 8.2% (IQR: 3.7% - 14.0%) for severe lameness (Score 4/5 or higher). Farm-level lameness prevalence continuously decreased with increasing time spent on pasture (up to approximately 10 hours per cow per day). On farms that did not offer their cows access to pasture lameness prevalence did not show a seasonal variation. On farms where cows had pasture access for up to three hours per day lameness prevalence peaked in autumn. In contrast, on farms offering their cows access to pasture beyond three hours per day the peak of lameness was observed in spring. Our results revealed that even short periods of pasture access of at least two hours per cow and day (on average per year) are beneficial for the locomotion of dairy cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tillack
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Annegret Stock
- Farm Animal Clinic, Division for Ruminants and Camelids, Unit for Internal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rasmussen P, Barkema HW, Osei PP, Taylor J, Shaw AP, Conrady B, Chaters G, Muñoz V, Hall DC, Apenteng OO, Rushton J, Torgerson PR. Global losses due to dairy cattle diseases: A comorbidity-adjusted economic analysis. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00821-X. [PMID: 38788837 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
An economic simulation was carried out over 183 milk-producing countries to estimate the global economic impacts of 12 dairy cattle diseases and health conditions: mastitis (subclinical and clinical), lameness, paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), displaced abomasum, dystocia, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, retained placenta, and ketosis (subclinical and clinical). Estimates of disease impacts on milk yield, fertility, and culling were collected from the literature, standardized, meta-analyzed using a variety of methods ranging from simple averaging to random-effects models, and adjusted for comorbidities to prevent overestimation. These comorbidity-adjusted disease impacts were then combined with a set of country-level lactational incidence and/or prevalence estimates, herd characteristics, and price estimates within a series of Monte Carlo simulations that estimated and valued the economic losses due to these diseases. It was estimated that total annual global losses are USD 65 billion (B). Subclinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, and subclinical mastitis were the costliest diseases modeled, resulting in mean annual global losses of approximately USD 18B, USD 13B, and USD 9B, respectively. Estimated global annual losses due to clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, dystocia, lameness, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, paratuberculosis, and retained placenta were estimated to be USD 0.2B, 0.6B, 0.6B, 6B, 5B, 0.6B, 4B, 4B, and 3B, respectively. Without adjustment for comorbidities, when statistical associations between diseases were disregarded, mean aggregate global losses would have been overestimated by 45%. Although annual losses were greatest in India (USD 12B), the USA (USD 8B), and China (USD 5B), depending on the measure of losses used (losses as a percent of GDP, losses per capita, losses as a percent of gross milk revenue), the relative economic burden of these dairy cattle diseases across countries varied markedly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Rasmussen
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org.
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Prince P Osei
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - James Taylor
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, UK
| | - Alexandra P Shaw
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Beate Conrady
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gemma Chaters
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Violeta Muñoz
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ofosuhene O Apenteng
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Merle R, Hoedemaker M, Knubben-Schweizer G, Metzner M, Müller KE, Campe A. Application of Epidemiological Methods in a Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study in 765 German Dairy Herds-Lessons Learned. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1385. [PMID: 38731389 PMCID: PMC11083683 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
From 2016 to 2020, the "PraeRi" study, conducted by three German veterinary universities, was aimed at enhancing animal health and welfare in dairy farms. With 765 dairy farms visited and 101,307 animals examined, this study provided a basis for improving animal health and welfare. The study population comprised three different regions representing a broad variety of characteristics. To ensure representative estimates, a sample size of 250 farms was determined for each region, employing a stratified sampling plan based on farm size. According to the information provided by the farmers, the most commonly occurring disease in their herds was mastitis without general disorder (14.2% to 16.3% of the herd-depending on the region). For most disorders, prevalence data were lowest for the region South compared with the two remaining regions. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for various target variables, and the results were communicated through individual reports and benchmarking flyers to participating farmers. The authors encountered challenges in management and communication due to the project's size in terms of personnel, data, and farms examined. Harmonizing data management and hypothesis testing across all involved parties added complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roswitha Merle
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstr. 16, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (G.K.-S.); (M.M.)
| | - Moritz Metzner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Sonnenstr. 16, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (G.K.-S.); (M.M.)
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller
- Ruminant and Swine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Robcis R, Ferchiou A, Berrada M, Raboisson D. Management of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Herds: Optimization and Time Allocation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1988. [PMID: 37370498 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to determine the most effective time allocation for digital dermatitis management and to quantify the marginal economic gain from extra time devoted to digital dermatitis management. The model simulating foot disease occurrence and the associated management was Dairy Health Simulator©. Then, an econometric model was applied to identify the relationship between the dairy workshop's gross margin and time for lameness management as well as the hourly marginal gain curve associated with lameness management. The gross margin was optimized under two constraints, i.e., the overall time spent for lameness management and the mean lameness duration (mimicking cow welfare). The results show that allocating less time to lameness detection and more to footbath application can contribute as follows: (i) reduces time spent for lameness management, (ii) maintains the best welfare level, and (iii) obtains the highest gross margin. The optimal time to devote to footbath application ranged from 17.8 to 22.3 h/month. A hiring strategy was investigated, and the break-even point ranged from 16.1 to 19.8 h/month. The recommended time to spend on footbath application is relatively important; therefore, stakeholders should consider the importance of lameness to the dairy industry and should devote enough time for footbath applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Robcis
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique et Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Ahmed Ferchiou
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique et Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Mehdi Berrada
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique et Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Raboisson
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Animal Santé Territoires Risques Ecosystèmes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique et Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomsen PT, Shearer JK, Houe H. Prevalence of lameness in dairy cows: A literature review. Vet J 2023; 295:105975. [PMID: 36990338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows has major negative impacts on animal welfare and production economy. While previous studies have evaluated the prevalence of lameness in single countries, the present literature review is the first overview of the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows globally. This literature review identified 53 studies reporting prevalence of lameness among representative samples of dairy cows and fulfilling a number of specified inclusion criteria (e.g., at least 10 herds and 200 cows, and locomotion scoring by trained observers). A total of 414,950 cows from 3945 herds were included in these 53 studies, which spanned a 30-year period (1989-2020) and included herds from six continents, with the majority from Europe and North America. Across the studies, the mean prevalence of lameness (typically defined as score 3-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 22.8% with a median of 22.0% and a range between studies from 5.1% to 45%, and a within herd range from 0% to 88%. The mean prevalence of severely lame cows (typically defined as score 4-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 7.0% with a median of 6.5% and a range between studies from 1.8% to 21.2%, and a within herd range from 0% to 65%. Over time, it appears that the prevalence of lameness has changed very little. Several different locomotion scoring systems and definitions of (severe) lameness were used across the 53 studies, and this may have affected the reported lameness prevalence. Sampling of herds and cows, inclusion criteria and representativeness also differed between studies. This review offers recommendations for the future capture of information on lameness in dairy cows and identifies potential knowledge gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Thomsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark.
| | - Jan K Shearer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dahl-Pedersen K. Danish Cattle Farmers' Experience With Fitness for Transport – A Questionnaire Survey. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:797149. [PMID: 35372551 PMCID: PMC8971744 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.797149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, cattle are transported in great numbers for breeding, fattening and slaughter. Within the European Union, the Council Regulation 1/2005 states that all animals must be fit for transport. Yet, the line between fit and unfit is blurred as the regulation allows for animals that are slightly ill or injured to be transported. However, “slightly ill or injured” lack a clear definition leaving room for individual interpretation of fitness for transport with potential negative implications in terms of both animal welfare and legal certainty. The aim of the present study was to gain an understanding of cattle farmers' experience with and doubt about assessment of fitness for transport-a topic that has received limited scientific attention, despite the important role of farmers in maintaining acceptable animal welfare during transport. The results of the study are based on 119 Danish cattle farmers' answers to a questionnaire survey. The majority of respondents felt they possessed the knowledge and skills required for assessment of fitness for transport. However, a considerable large part of the respondents, one third approximately, reported to be in doubt at least sometimes and likewise one third felt a lack of knowledge at least sometimes. In addition, more than half of the respondents reported that they at least sometimes found it difficult to understand the rules to address the disconnect between on-farm and slaughterhouse decisions and fitness for on-farm slaughter. These results indicate that learning materials, assessment tools and training programs could be helpful for a large group of cattle farmers in order to secure animal welfare during transport. The results also underline the need for further research to clarify what constitutes a “fit” vs. “unfit” animal.
Collapse
|