1
|
Köchle B, Gosselin VB, Schnidrig GA, Becker J. Associations of the Swiss national reporting system's antimicrobial use data and management practices in dairy cows on tiestall farms. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5709-5721. [PMID: 38431249 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24329] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial use (AMU) in Switzerland is above target and requires reduction, especially in dairy cattle. Measuring AMU is pivotal to identifying starting points for AMU reduction, and so are studies investigating its potential drivers in dairy farms worldwide. However, although AMU in dairy farms is high, studies estimating AMU specifically in tiestall farms are scarce. Tiestalls are a common housing system and their prevalence among dairy farms accounts to approximatively 73%, 41%, and 40% in Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, respectively. The objectives of this cross-sectional, retrospective observational study were to estimate AMU using the newly established Swiss national reporting system for AMU in livestock and to identify associated factors on Swiss tiestall dairy farms. We calculated the treatment incidence (TI) by using the European Medicines Agency methodology and their defined daily dose (DDD) and defined course dose (DCD) standards. Data on factors potentially associated with AMU were obtained through personal interviews with farm managers on 221 farms. Retrospectively, during a 1-year period, data on a total of 7,619 treatments were extracted from the national database. Associations between management factors and TI were analyzed using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution. The mean (± SD) overall TI was 5.46 DDD/cow-year (± 4.10 DDD/cow-year). Intramammary treatment during lactation accounted for highest TI (3.24 ± 3.16 DDD/cow-year), whereas dry-cow therapy accounted for lowest TI (0.44 ± 0.49 DCD/cow-year). We found that 5 of the investigated management factors were significantly associated with TI. Organic production (estimate = -2.16; 95% CI = -3.62 to -0.70) and herd size (estimate = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.23 to -0.39) were negatively associated with TI. Specific cow breeds (Brown Swiss estimate = 1.56; 95% CI = 0.45-2.68) and Holstein Friesian (estimate = 1.42; 95% CI = 0.03-2.82; reference: other breeds) and the use of hygienic powders on the lying area (estimate = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.04-2.17) were positively associated with TI. Overall, the Swiss national reporting system is a valuable tool for AMU estimation. Several herd characteristics and management factors were associated with AMU in tiestall farms. Further studies focusing on factors associated with AMU and which are amenable to intervention will help improve stewardship programs and subsequently reduce AMU in dairy cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Köchle
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - V Bernier Gosselin
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G A Schnidrig
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3097 Liebefeld, Switzerland; Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Agency, FSVO, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alrhmoun M, Zanon T, Poulopoulou I, Katzenberger K, Gauly M. Associated risk factors for skin alterations in dairy cattle kept on small scale mountain farms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285394. [PMID: 37552684 PMCID: PMC10409271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285394] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for skin alterations at herd and cow level on dairy farms with different housing systems in South Tyrol (Northern Italy). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 farms (111 free stalls and 93 tie stalls) from March to October 2019 assessing the level of animal welfare using resource-based and animal-based indicators. A total number of 1,891 dairy cows were evaluated, of which 43.5% were reared in tie stalls and 56.5% in free stalls. A logistic regression model identified the herd and cow level risks factors for neck and leg skin alterations in the two different systems. There was a higher prevalence for skin lesions on the neck (Odd Ratio (OR) = 2.36) and hock (OR = 2.82) for tie stalls. Irrespective of the housing system the soft-based stall mattresses had a lower prevalence for knee and hock lesions of 0.48 and 0.54, respectively, compared to wood base stalls for both knee (OR = 2.19) and hock (OR = 2.47) consecutively. The prevalence of skin alterations on the knee (OR = 0.42) and hock (OR = 0.33) decreased by the presence of sawdust as bedding material. Similarly, straw (OR = 0.61) and lime-straw-water bedding (OR = 0.59) reduced the prevalence for skin alterations on the hock. Access to pasture reduced the prevalence of skin alterations on the neck (OR = 0.34), the knee (OR = 0.77), and on the hock (OR = 0.46) regardless of the housing system. In conclusion, the assessment of risk factors of different skin alterations in different housing systems can contribute to the improvement of overall animal welfare in traditional small scale mountain dairy systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mousaab Alrhmoun
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Thomas Zanon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Ioanna Poulopoulou
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Katja Katzenberger
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, De Boyer des Roches A, Jensen MB, Mee J, Green M, Thulke H, Bailly‐Caumette E, Candiani D, Lima E, Van der Stede Y, Winckler C. Welfare of dairy cows. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07993. [PMID: 37200854 PMCID: PMC10186071 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It includes three assessments carried out based on literature reviews and complemented by expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe: tie-stalls, cubicle housing, open-bedded systems and systems with access to an outdoor area. Per each system, the scientific opinion describes the distribution in the EU and assesses the main strengths, weaknesses and hazards potentially reducing the welfare of dairy cows. Assessment 2 addresses five welfare consequences as requested in the mandate: locomotory disorders (including lameness), mastitis, restriction of movement and resting problems, inability to perform comfort behaviour and metabolic disorders. Per each welfare consequence, a set of animal-based measures is suggested, a detailed analysis of the prevalence in different housing systems is provided, and subsequently, a comparison of the housing systems is given. Common and specific system-related hazards as well as management-related hazards and respective preventive measures are investigated. Assessment 3 includes an analysis of farm characteristics (e.g. milk yield, herd size) that could be used to classify the level of on-farm welfare. From the available scientific literature, it was not possible to derive relevant associations between available farm data and cow welfare. Therefore, an approach based on expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) was developed. The EKE resulted in the identification of five farm characteristics (more than one cow per cubicle at maximum stocking density, limited space for cows, inappropriate cubicle size, high on-farm mortality and farms with less than 2 months access to pasture). If one or more of these farm characteristics are present, it is recommended to conduct an assessment of cow welfare on the farm in question using animal-based measures for specified welfare consequences.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mazza F, Scali F, Formenti N, Romeo C, Tonni M, Ventura G, Bertocchi L, Lorenzi V, Fusi F, Tolini C, Clemente GF, Guadagno F, Maisano AM, Santucci G, Candela L, Romeo GA, Alborali GL. The Relationship between Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Use in Italian Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092575. [PMID: 34573541 PMCID: PMC8471712 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092575] [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] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Information regarding the relationship between animal welfare (AW) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in dairy cows is limited. The current study aimed to investigate this relationship on Italian farms and to identify potential targets of AMU reduction. The study was performed at 79 Italian dairy farms housing over 15,000 cows during 2019. AW was scored with an on-farm protocol assessing farm management and staff training, housing systems, and animal-based measures. AMU was estimated using a defined daily dose per kg of animal biomass (DDDAit/biomass) for Italy. The median AW score was 73% (range: 56.6-86.8%). The median AMU was 4.8 DDDAit/biomass (range: 0-11.8). No relationship between the total AMU and AW was found. Management and staff training were positively associated with the use of the European Medicines Agency's category B antimicrobials, which are critical for human medicine, and with intramammary products for dry cow therapy. In those farms, antimicrobial stewardship should aim to reduce the category B antimicrobials and selective dry cow therapy. Our results underline the importance of implementing both an integrated monitoring system (AW, AMU, etc.) and antimicrobial stewardship tailored to the specific needs of each dairy farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federico Scali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicoletta Formenti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Claudia Romeo
- Department of Food and Drug, Parma University, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Matteo Tonni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Giordano Ventura
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Luigi Bertocchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Clara Tolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gian Filippo Clemente
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per il Benessere Animale (CReNBA), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Guadagno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Antonio Marco Maisano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Giovanni Santucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Loredana Candela
- Italian Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gianluca Antonio Romeo
- Italian Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.M.); (N.F.); (M.T.); (G.V.); (L.B.); (V.L.); (F.F.); (C.T.); (G.F.C.); (F.G.); (A.M.M.); (G.S.); (G.L.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Beaver A, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Invited review: The welfare of dairy cattle housed in tiestalls compared to less-restrictive housing types: A systematic review. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:9383-9417. [PMID: 34253364 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Many dairy cattle worldwide are housed in tiestalls, meaning that they are tethered by the neck to individual stalls. On some farms, tied cattle are permitted seasonal access to pasture, but otherwise their movements are restricted compared with cows housed in freestall barns or other loose housing systems. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the scientific literature pertaining the welfare of tied dairy cattle through comparison with less-restrictive housing systems. Articles identified by PubMed and Web of Science underwent a 5-phase screening process, resulting in the inclusion of 102 papers. These papers addressed measures of welfare related to affective state, natural behavior, and health (with the lattermost category subdivided into hoof and leg disorders, lameness, mastitis, transition disease, and other diseases or conditions). Health was the most researched topic (discussed in 86% of articles); only 19% and 14% of studies addressed natural behavior and affective state, respectively. Our review highlights different health benefits for tethered and loose cattle. For example, tied cattle experience reduced prevalence of white line disease and digital dermatitis, whereas loose cattle experience fewer leg lesions and injuries. The prevalence of mastitis, transition diseases, and other conditions did not differ consistently across housing types. We found that the expression of certain natural behaviors, particularly those associated with lying down (e.g., time spent kneeling, unfulfilled intentions to lie down), were impaired in tiestalls. Articles addressing affective state found benefits to loose housing, but these studies focused almost exclusively on (1) physiological measurements and (2) cow comfort, a concept that lacks a consistent operational definition across studies. We call for future research into the affective state of tied cattle that extends beyond these explorations and employs more sophisticated methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Beaver
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada; Department of Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences, Harper Adams University, Shropshire, TF10 8NB United Kingdom
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kofler J, Sullmann F. Retrospective Evaluation of Septic Subtendinous Calcaneal Bursitis in 29 Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051446. [PMID: 34069941 PMCID: PMC8157543 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051446] [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] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Infections of the subtendinous calcaneal bursa (SCB) in cattle are mainly caused by pressure sores and directly penetrating wounds. We describe the clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings and outcomes in cattle diagnosed with this condition, including postoperative complications and postoperative survival times. Medical records of 29 cattle with a mean age of 4.1 years were reviewed. Twelve animals (41.4%) showed septic inflammation of the SCB only (group 1) and 17 cattle (58.6%) had a concurrent bone infection at the calcaneal tuber (group 2). Eleven cattle (37.9%) were euthanized after diagnosis due to poor prognosis. Eighteen (62.1%) patients underwent surgical treatment and 15 cattle attained full recovery with a median cumulative postoperative survival time of 23.0 months. Surgically treated patients of group 1 had a success rate of 100%, compared with 70% in group 2. Group 2 cattle with septic inflammation of the SCB and concurrent bone infection had more postoperative complications and tended to have shorter postoperative survival times. In conclusion, cattle exclusively suffering from septic SCB and treated by surgery had a good prognosis. Abstract Septic subtendinous calcaneal bursitis in cattle commonly results from hock lesions, and less commonly from penetrating wounds. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, outcomes, postoperative complications and postoperative survival times (SURV-T) in cattle with this condition. Clinical data from 29 cattle with a mean age of 4.1 years were included. Twelve (41.4%) cattle were assigned to group 1 (septic bursitis only) and 17 (58.6%) to group 2 (septic bursitis, concurrent bone infection at the calcaneal tuber (CT) and lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon. Eleven cattle (37.9%) with comorbidities were euthanized after diagnosis due to poor prognosis. Surgical treatment was performed in 18 (62.1%) patients of which 15 showed full recovery and a median cumulative SURV-T of 23.0 months. The success rate of surgically treated patients was 100% (8/8) in group 1 and 70% (7/10) in group 2. There was no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) between the duration of septic bursitis and concurrent bone infection at the CT with occurrence of postoperative complications and SURV-T. However, there was a clear trend favoring more postoperative complications and shorter SURV-T in cattle with concurrent CT bone infection. In conclusion, cattle with septic subtendinous calcaneal bursitis exclusively have a good prognosis, provided adequate surgical treatment is performed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Oehm AW, Jensen KC, Tautenhahn A, Mueller KE, Feist M, Merle R. Factors Associated With Lameness in Tie Stall Housed Dairy Cows in South Germany. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:601640. [PMID: 33426021 PMCID: PMC7793746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.601640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness remains a major concern for animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Even though a trend toward loose housing systems exists and the public expects livestock to be kept under conditions where freedom of movement and the expression of natural behavior are ensured, restrictive housing systems continue to be the predominant type of housing in some regions. Factors associated with lameness were evaluated by application of multiple logistic regression modeling on data of 1,006 dairy cows from 56 tie stall farms in Bavaria, South Germany. In this population, approximately every fourth cow was lame (24.44% of scored animals). The mean farm level prevalence of lameness was 23.28%. In total, 22 factors were analyzed regarding their association with lameness. A low Body Condition Score (BCS) (OR 1.54 [95%-CI 1.05-2.25]) as well as increasing parity (OR 1.41 [95%-CI 1.29-1.54]) entailed greater odds of lameness. Moreover, higher milk yield (OR 0.98 [95%-CI 0.96-1.00]) and organic farming (OR 0.48 [95%-0.25-0.92]) appeared to be protectively associated with lameness. Cows with hock injuries (OR 2.57 [95%-CI 1.41-4.67]) or with swellings of the ribs (OR 2.55 [95%-CI 1.53-4.23]) had higher odds of lameness. A similar association was observed for the contamination of the lower legs with distinct plaques of manure (OR 1.88 [95%-CI 1.14-3.10]). As a central aspect of tie stall housing, the length of the stalls was associated with lameness; with stalls of medium [(>158-171 cm) (OR 2.15 [95%-CI 1.29-3.58]) and short (≤158 cm) length (OR 4.07 [95%-CI 2.35-7.05]) increasing the odds compared with long stalls (>171 cm). These results can help both gaining knowledge on relevant factors associated with lameness as well as approaching the problem of dairy cow lameness in tie stall operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|