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Lang LI, Wang ZZ, Liu B, Chang-Qing SHEN, Jing-Yi TU, Shi-Cheng WANG, Rui-Ling LEI, Si-Qi PENG, Xiong XIAO, Yong-Ju ZHAO, Qiu XY. The effects and mechanisms of heat stress on mammalian oocyte and embryo development. J Therm Biol 2024; 124:103927. [PMID: 39153259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103927] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The sum of nonspecific physiological responses exhibited by mammals in response to the disruption of thermal balance caused by high-temperature environments is referred to as heat stress (HS). HS affects the normal development of mammalian oocyte and embryos and leads to significant economic losses. Therefore, it is of great importance to gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of HS on oocyte and embryonic development and to explore strategies for mitigating or preventing its detrimental impacts in the livestock industry. This article provides an overview of the negative effects of HS on mammalian oocyte growth, granulosa cell maturation and function, and embryonic development. It summarizes the mechanisms by which HS affects embryonic development, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endocrine disruption, the heat shock system, mitochondrial autophagy, and molecular-level alterations. Furthermore, it discusses various measures to ameliorate the effects of HS, such as antioxidant use, enhancement of mitochondrial function, gene editing, cultivating varieties possessing heat-resistant genes, and optimizing the animals'rearing environment. This article serves as a valuable reference for better understanding the relationship between HS and mammalian embryonic development as well as for improving the development of mammalian embryos and economic benefits under HS conditions in livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- L I Lang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - S H E N Chang-Qing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - T U Jing-Yi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - W A N G Shi-Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - L E I Rui-Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - P E N G Si-Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - X I A O Xiong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Z H A O Yong-Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Sarubbi J, Martínez-Burnes J, Ghezzi MD, Olmos-Hernandez A, Lendez PA, Ceriani MC, Hernández-Avalos I. Hypothalamic Neuromodulation and Control of the Dermal Surface Temperature of Livestock during Hyperthermia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1745. [PMID: 38929364 PMCID: PMC11200636 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121745] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia elicits several physiological and behavioral responses in livestock to restore thermal neutrality. Among these responses, vasodilation and sweating help to reduce core body temperature by increasing heat dissipation by radiation and evaporation. Thermoregulatory behaviors such as increasing standing time, reducing feed intake, shade-seeking, and limiting locomotor activity also increase heat loss. These mechanisms are elicited by the connection between peripheral thermoreceptors and cerebral centers, such as the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Considering the importance of this thermoregulatory pathway, this review aims to discuss the hypothalamic control of hyperthermia in livestock, including the main physiological and behavioral changes that animals adopt to maintain their thermal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sarubbi
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Independência, Palmeira das Missões 3751, RS, Brazil
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Marcelo Daniel Ghezzi
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina;
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernandez
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Pamela Anahí Lendez
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Ceriani
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán (FESC), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
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Müschner-Siemens T, Palmini A, Heinicke J, Hoffmann G, Belik V, Amon T. Influence of thermal heat load accumulation on daily rumination time of lactating Holstein cows in a zone with temperate climate. J Therm Biol 2024; 122:103856. [PMID: 38823216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103856] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
In the future, conflicts between animal welfare and climate change will gradually intensify. In the present study, we investigated the daily rumination time (RT) of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows in a zone with temperate climate and the effects of heat load duration and heat load intensity. Responses of individual cows to heat load were assessed, adjusting for milk yield, lactation number, days in milk as well as reproductive status and season. A total of 27,149 data points from 183 cows in a naturally ventilated barn in Brandenburg, Germany, were collected from June 2015 to May 2017. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded at eight positions inside the barn every 5 min, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Based on THI, the degree of heat load was determined, using critical thresholds of THI = 68, 72, and 80. Daily RT was measured with a microphone-based sensor system (collar) on the cow's neck. The analysis models included autocorrelations in time series as well as individual cow-related effects. With each 5 min exposure to contemporaneous heat load, a decrease of approximately 1.17 min d-1 in RT per cow from non-heat stress to heat stress conditions by exceeding THI ≥68 (p < 0.01). This effect was intensified by exceeding the critical THI thresholds of 68 and 72. As heat load duration and intensity increased, daily RT decreased in comparison to daily RT under non-stress conditions. High-yielding (>38.4 kg milk/day) cows were more influenced in rumination time than low-yielding (≤28.8 kg milk/day) cows. With moderate contemporaneous heat load, RT decreased by 0.14 min d-1 per 5 min in high-yielding cows compared to low-yielding cows under moderate heat load. A decrease of 0.1 min d-1 was found in daily RT of mid-yielding cows. However, the delayed effects of heat load (one to three days after the heat stress event) were associated with days in milk and reproduction status. When the heat load duration lasted for several days, the responses were less pronounced than the impacts of contemporaneous heat load (when the heat stress event lasted for one day). Delayed mild heat load resulted in an increase in RT by 0.13 min d-1 in lactating cows ≤60 DIM. This was also found with delayed moderate heat load. Lactating cows ≤60 DIM showed a rise of 0.09 min d-1 in RT. RT also showed interactions with reproduction status of cows under delayed moderate heat stress. Lactating cows with ≤180 days of pregnancy showed an increase of 0.61 min d-1 in RT. Similarly, cows with >180 days of pregnancy had 0.64 min d-1 more RT compared to non-pregnant cows. Further analysis with higher temporal resolution of RT than data accumulation in 24-h blocks as well as the assessment of the correlation between feed composition, intake and rumination will elucidate the influence of heat load on daily RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Müschner-Siemens
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department Sensors and Modelling, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andrea Palmini
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department Sensors and Modelling, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Veterinary Public Health, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Heinicke
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department Sensors and Modelling, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Gundula Hoffmann
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department Sensors and Modelling, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Vitaly Belik
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Veterinary Public Health, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Amon
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department Sensors and Modelling, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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de Andrade Pantoja MH, Poleti MD, de Novais FJ, Duarte KKS, Mateescu RG, Mourão GB, Coutinho LL, Fukumasu H, Titto CG. Skin transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes and pathways associated with thermotolerance in hair sheep. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024; 68:435-444. [PMID: 38147121 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The skin plays an important role in thermoregulation. Identification of genes on the skin that contribute to increased heat tolerance can be used to select animals with the best performance in warm environments. Our objective was to identify candidate genes associated with the heat stress response in the skin of Santa Ines sheep. A group of 80 sheep assessed for thermotolerance was kept in a climatic chamber for 8 days at a stress level temperature of 36 °C (10 am to 04 pm) and a maintenance temperature of 28 °C (04 pm to 10 am). Two divergent groups, with seven animals each, were formed after ranking them by thermotolerance using rectal temperature. From skin biopsy samples, total RNA was extracted, quantified, and used for RNA-seq analysis. 15,989 genes were expressed in sheep skin samples, of which 4 genes were differentially expressed (DE; FDR < 0.05) and 11 DE (FDR 0.05-0.177) between the two divergent groups. These genes are involved in cellular protection against stress (HSPA1A and HSPA6), ribosome assembly (28S, 18S, and 5S ribosomal RNA), and immune response (IGHG4, GNLY, CXCL1, CAPN14, and SAA-4). The candidate genes and main pathways related to heat tolerance in Santa Ines sheep require further investigation to understand their response to heat stress in different climatic conditions and under solar radiation. It is essential to verify whether these genes and pathways are present in different breeds and to understand the relationship between heat stress and other genes identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Messy Hannear de Andrade Pantoja
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Mirele Daiana Poleti
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Francisco José de Novais
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Kelly Kéffny Souza Duarte
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Raluca G Mateescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gerson Barreto Mourão
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Lehmann Coutinho
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil.
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Kirgiafini D, Kyrgiafini MA, Gournaris T, Mamuris Z. Understanding Circular RNAs in Health, Welfare, and Productive Traits of Cattle, Goats, and Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:733. [PMID: 38473119 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050733] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique noncoding RNA molecules, notable for their covalent closed-loop structures, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression across a variety of biological processes. This review comprehensively synthesizes the existing knowledge of circRNAs in three key livestock species: Bos taurus (cattle), Ovis aries (sheep), and Capra hircus (goats). It focuses on their functional importance and emerging potential as biomarkers for disease detection, stress response, and overall physiological health. Specifically, it delves into the expression and functionality of circRNAs in these species, paying special attention to traits critical to livestock productivity such as milk production, meat quality, muscle development, wool production, immune responses, etc. We also address the current challenges faced in circRNA research, including the need for standardized methodologies and broader studies. By providing insights into the molecular mechanisms regulated by circRNAs, this review underscores their scientific and economic relevance in the livestock industry. The potential of circRNAs to improve animal health management and the quality of animal-derived products aligns with growing consumer concerns for animal welfare and sustainability. Thus, this paper aims to guide future research directions while supporting the development of innovative strategies in livestock management and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Kirgiafini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Institute of Animal Genetic Improvement, University Center for Research and Innovation PA.K.E.K. "IASON", University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Institute of Animal Genetic Improvement, University Center for Research and Innovation PA.K.E.K. "IASON", University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
- Averofeio Agri-Food Technological Park of Thessaly, University of Thessaly, Gaiopolis, 41336 Larissa, Greece
| | - Theocharis Gournaris
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Institute of Animal Genetic Improvement, University Center for Research and Innovation PA.K.E.K. "IASON", University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Institute of Animal Genetic Improvement, University Center for Research and Innovation PA.K.E.K. "IASON", University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
- Averofeio Agri-Food Technological Park of Thessaly, University of Thessaly, Gaiopolis, 41336 Larissa, Greece
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Mylostyvyi R, Lacetera N, Amadori M, Sejian V, Souza-Junior JBF, Hoffmann G. The autumn low milk yield syndrome in Brown Swiss cows in continental climates: hypotheses and facts. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:203-213. [PMID: 37624483 PMCID: PMC10810946 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted globally on the impact of heat stress (HS) on animal health and milk production in dairy cows. In this article, we examine the possible reasons for the decrease in milk production in Brown Swiss (BS) cows during the autumn season, known as the autumn low milk yield syndrome (ALMYS). This condition has been extensively studied in high-yielding Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle and has also been observed in BS cows with a daily milk yield of around 30 kg. Our hypothesis is that the drop in milk yield and the increased prevalence of mastitis in autumn, as found in our recent studies, may be a long-term consequence of summer HS. We re-evaluate our previous findings in light of the possible manifestation of an HS-related form of ALMYS in BS cows. As milk yield, mastitis spread, and reproductive function of cows are interrelated and have seasonal dependence, we examine the consistency of our hypothesis with existing data. The significant drop in milk yield in BS cows in autumn (by 2.0-3.2 kg), as well as the threshold of milk yield decrease (temperature-humidity index of 70.7), may point in favour of the manifestation of ALMYS in BS cows, similar to HF cows. Only the percentage effect of seasonal factor (59.4%; p < 0.05) on milk yield of BS cows was significant. HS-related ALMYS provides a robust conceptual framework for diverse sets of productive and animal health data in BS cows, similar to observations in high-yielding HF cattle. However, the limitations associated with the lack of additional data (e.g. immunological indicators) suggest the need for further research to confirm ALMYS in BS breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Mylostyvyi
- Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Dnipro, 49600, Ukraine
| | - Nicola Lacetera
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo De Lellis, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | | | - Veerasamy Sejian
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Kurumbapet, Puducherry, 605009, India
| | | | - Gundula Hoffmann
- Department of Sensors and Modeling, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam, Germany.
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Giannone C, Bovo M, Ceccarelli M, Torreggiani D, Tassinari P. Review of the Heat Stress-Induced Responses in Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3451. [PMID: 38003069 PMCID: PMC10668733 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223451] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the dairy cattle sector, the evaluation of the effects induced by heat stress is still one of the most impactful and investigated aspects as it is strongly connected to both sustainability of the production and animal welfare. On the other hand, more recently, the possibility of collecting a large dataset made available by the increasing technology diffusion is paving the way for the application of advanced numerical techniques based on machine learning or big data approaches. In this scenario, driven by rapid change, there could be the risk of dispersing the relevant information represented by the physiological animal component, which should maintain the central role in the development of numerical models and tools. In light of this, the present literature review aims to consolidate and synthesize existing research on the physiological consequences of heat stress in dairy cattle. The present review provides, in a single document, an overview, as complete as possible, of the heat stress-induced responses in dairy cattle with the intent of filling the existing research gap for extracting the veterinary knowledge present in the literature and make it available for future applications also in different research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Bovo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 48, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (C.G.); (M.C.); (D.T.); (P.T.)
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Landinger A, Zablotski Y, Knubben-Schweizer G, Tschoner T. Evaluation of Substance P concentrations in the blood plasma of jugular and tail vein of healthy German Simmental cows. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:218. [PMID: 37864162 PMCID: PMC10588027 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cattle strongly mask their pain, making the recognition and assessment of pain difficult. Different subjective and objective parameters to assess pain have been described. Substance P (SP), which is a neurotransmitter, is used to objectively evaluate nociception in cattle. However, SP concentrations have mainly been described in diseased animals, or animals subjected to painful procedures. To this day, no evaluation of SP in healthy adult cattle has been published. The objectives of this pilot study were to 1) assess the SP concentrations in healthy adult German Simmental cattle in the blood plasma, 2) compare the concentrations between the blood of the jugular and the tail vein, and 3) assess the concentrations in the blood of the tail vein every 6 h over a period of 24 h. A total of 52 healthy cattle of the German Simmental breed were included in this study. Animals were 5.0 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) years old and between 117 and 239 (175.0 ± 34.1) days in milk. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein (BJV, 07:45 a.m.) and the tail vein (TV1, 08:00 a.m.) each. Additional blood samples were taken every 6 h over the course of 24 h from the tail vein (TV2 - TV5). SP concentrations were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS Mean (± SD) and median SP concentrations were 1.087 ± 436 pg/ml and 984 pg/ml for BJV (range 502 - 2,337 pg/ml), and 920 ± 402 pg/ml and 818 pg/ml for TV1 (range 192 - 2,531 pg/ml), respectively. There was a significantly positive correlation between SP concentrations of BJV and TV1. SP concentrations between BJV and TV1 were significantly different, as were SP concentrations in the tail vein between sampling times over the course of 24 h. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that blood samples to assess SP concentrations in cattle can be taken from the jugular as well as from the tail vein. There are high variations in concentrations between animals, and it is hard to define reference ranges for SP in healthy animals. Repeated blood samples should not be taken by repeated punctation of a vein but by use of a jugular vein catheter, which is a major limitation of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Landinger
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Tschoner
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
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Dineva K, Atanasova T. Health Status Classification for Cows Using Machine Learning and Data Management on AWS Cloud. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3254. [PMID: 37893978 PMCID: PMC10603760 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203254] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The health and welfare of livestock are significant for ensuring the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural industry. Addressing efficient ways to monitor and report the health status of individual cows is critical to prevent outbreaks and maintain herd productivity. The purpose of the study is to develop a machine learning (ML) model to classify the health status of milk cows into three categories. In this research, data are collected from existing non-invasive IoT devices and tools in a dairy farm, monitoring the micro- and macroenvironment of the cow in combination with particular information on age, days in milk, lactation, and more. A workflow of various data-processing methods is systematized and presented to create a complete, efficient, and reusable roadmap for data processing, modeling, and real-world integration. Following the proposed workflow, the data were treated, and five different ML algorithms were trained and tested to select the most descriptive one to monitor the health status of individual cows. The highest result for health status assessment is obtained by random forest classifier (RFC) with an accuracy of 0.959, recall of 0.954, and precision of 0.97. To increase the security, speed, and reliability of the work process, a cloud architecture of services is presented to integrate the trained model as an additional functionality in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment. The classification results of the ML model are visualized in a newly created interface in the client application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Dineva
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 2, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Dean L, Tarpoff AJ, Nickles K, Place S, Edwards-Callaway L. Heat Stress Mitigation Strategies in Feedyards: Use, Perceptions, and Experiences of Industry Stakeholders. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3029. [PMID: 37835635 PMCID: PMC10572074 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193029] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to: (1) understand heat mitigation strategies currently used and recommended by feedyard operators, veterinarians, and nutritionists, (2) understand their perceptions of heat mitigation strategies related to cattle health, performance, welfare, and carcass quality, (3) quantify the frequency of extreme heat events, and (4) understand industry needs associated with heat stress mitigation strategies. An online survey was shared via 11 industry association listservs. Descriptive statistics were performed on 56 responses (n = 22 operators, 26 veterinarians and eight nutritionists). Thematic analysis was performed on free-response questions. Sixteen (72.7%) operators, 23 (88.5%) veterinarians and eight (100%) nutritionists utilized at least one heat mitigation strategy. "Changing processing and shipping hours" (n = 42, 75%) had the most "strongly agree" responses when asked about strategy effectiveness. The majority of respondents agreed that heat stress negatively impacts cattle health, performance, and welfare (Mean ± SD; ≥7.8 ± 2.6 for all roles). Forty-two (75%) respondents experienced cattle death loss from extreme heat events. Thematic analysis indicated that respondents perceived pen infrastructure and water/feed management as important considerations for better mitigating heat stress impacts. When asked what resources would be helpful, respondents indicated research and data regarding the effectiveness of various strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Dean
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.D.); (S.P.)
| | - Anthony J. Tarpoff
- Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | | | - Sara Place
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.D.); (S.P.)
| | - Lily Edwards-Callaway
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.D.); (S.P.)
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11
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Lovarelli D, Leso L, Bonfanti M, Porto SMC, Barbari M, Guarino M. Climate change and socio-economic assessment of PLF in dairy farms: Three case studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163639. [PMID: 37098394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) techniques include sensors and tools to install on livestock farms and/or animals to monitor them and support the decision making process of farmers, finally early detecting alerting conditions and improving the livestock efficiency. Direct consequences of this monitoring include enhanced animal welfare, health and productivity, improved farmer lifestyle, knowledge, and traceability of livestock products. The indirect consequences, instead, include improved Carbon Footprint and socio-economic indicators of livestock products. In this context, the aim of this paper is to develop an indicator applicable to dairy cattle farming that takes into account concurrently these indirect consequences. The indicator was developed combining the three sustainability pillars (with specific criteria): environmental (carbon footprint), social (5 freedoms of animal welfare and antimicrobial use) and economic (cost of technology and manpower use). The indicator was then tested on 3 dairy cattle farms located in Italy, where a baseline traditional scenario (BS) was compared with an alternative scenario (AS) where PLF techniques and improved management solutions were adopted. The results highlighted that the carbon footprint reduced in all AS by 6-9 %, and the socio-economic indicators entailed improvements in animals and workers welfare with some differences based on the tested technique. Investing in PLF techniques determines positive effects on all/almost all the criteria adopted for the sustainability indicator, with case-specific aspects to consider. Being a user-friendly tool that supports the testing of different scenarios, this indicator could be used by stakeholders (policy makers and farmers in particular) to identify the best direction towards investments and incentive policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lovarelli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 2, 20133, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Leso
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies, Via San Bonaventura 13, 50145, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy
| | - Marco Bonfanti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123, Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Carmela Porto
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123, Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy
| | - Matteo Barbari
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies, Via San Bonaventura 13, 50145, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy
| | - Marcella Guarino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 2, 20133, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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12
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Asmarasari SA, Azizah N, Sutikno S, Puastuti W, Amir A, Praharani L, Rusdiana S, Hidayat C, Hafid A, Kusumaningrum DA, Saputra F, Talib C, Herliatika A, Shiddieqy MI, Hayanti SY. A review of dairy cattle heat stress mitigation in Indonesia. Vet World 2023; 16:1098-1108. [PMID: 37576750 PMCID: PMC10420724 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1098-1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Indonesia is a tropical country with a hot climate. In tropical nations such as Indonesia, heat stress is a key reason for the reduced productivity of dairy cattle. Heat stress is a combination of internal and external stimuli that affects an animal, raises its body temperature, and causes it to react physiologically. Most Indonesian dairy cattle are Friesian Holstein (FH), imported from European nations with a temperate environment with low temperatures in the range of 5°C-25°C. Indonesia has a tropical climate with a high ambient temperature that can reach 34°C during the day and the local relative humidity varies between 70% and 90%. Temperature and humidity are two microenvironment factors that may impact the production and heat release in FH cattle. More than 98% of the entire dairy cattle population in Indonesia is found on Java Island. On Java Island, there are between 534.22 and 543.55 thousand heads of cattle, while the dairy cattle population outside Java Island is just 6.59 thousand heads of cattle. The milk output climbs by an average of 3.34% per year, or approximately 909.64 thousand tons and the average annual growth in whole milk consumption was 0.19 L/capita. Indonesian cow milk output has been unable to keep pace with the country's increasing demand. This study aimed to review the strategies to mitigate heat stress in FH dairy cattle in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiananda Arta Asmarasari
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Nurul Azizah
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Sutikno Sutikno
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, Research Organization for Life Science and Environment, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Wisri Puastuti
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Azhar Amir
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Lisa Praharani
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Supardi Rusdiana
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Cecep Hidayat
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Anita Hafid
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ferdy Saputra
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Chalid Talib
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Agustin Herliatika
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Mohammad Ikhsan Shiddieqy
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Sari Yanti Hayanti
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor, Cibinong, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia
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13
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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Camargo-Júnior RNC, da Silva ÉBR, dos Santos MRP, Viana RB, Silva AGME, da Silva CMG, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Animal welfare and effects of per-female stress on male and cattle reproduction—A review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1083469. [PMID: 37065229 PMCID: PMC10102491 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1083469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal stress causes severe effects on the wellbeing and reproduction of cattle, including changes in oogenesis and spermatogenesis, generating great concerns, which last for decades. In cattle, the occurrence of thermal stress is associated with a reduction in the production of spermatozoids and ovarian follicles, in addition to the increase of major and minor defects in gametes or in their intermediate stages. In bovine females able to reproduce, a reduction in the rate of estrus manifestation and an increase in embryonic mortality has been observed. Therefore, keeping animals on good welfare conditions, with water supply and in shaded areas can favor the improvement of different reproductive parameters. For all this, the present study aimed to gather, synthesize and argue recent studies related to animal welfare, focusing on the effects of thermal stress on the reproduction of cattle, aiming to support possible strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of thermal stress in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Welligton Conceição da Silva
| | | | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rinaldo Batista Viana
- Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Institute of Animal Health and Production, Belém, Brazil
| | - André Guimarães Maciel e Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Cleidson Manoel Gomes da Silva
- Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará (UNIFESSPA), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinguara, Pará, Brazil
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
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Kim WS, Nejad JG, Park KK, Lee HG. Heat Stress Effects on Physiological and Blood Parameters, and Behavior in Early Fattening Stage of Beef Steers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071130. [PMID: 37048386 PMCID: PMC10093666 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of heat stress (HS) on physiological, blood, and behavioral parameters, according to the temperature-humidity index (THI), in beef steers. Twelve Korean native beef steers (342.7 ± 13.81 days old, body weight (BW) of 333.0 ± 18.53 kg) were used in this experiment. Beef steers were randomly distributed into three homogenized groups (four beef steers each) for 14 days, namely, threshold (THI = 64-71), mild-moderate (THI = 72-79), and severe (THI = 80-87). Feed and water intake were recorded daily. Physiological parameters, including heart rate and rectal temperature, and behavioral patterns (standing and lying down) were measured weekly. Blood was sampled every week to analyze hormones, heat shock protein (HSP) levels, metabolites, and hematological parameters. All data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis. Beef steers exposed to severe THI had significantly increased (p < 0.001) water intake, heart rate, and rectal temperature compared to the threshold and mild-moderate THI beef steers. Additionally, increased blood cortisol (p < 0.001), HSP70 (p < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p = 0.014), and time spent standing (p < 0.001) were observed in beef steers after exposure to severe THI compared to beef steers in the threshold and mild-moderate THI groups. However, dry matter intake, blood glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids were not different among the THI groups. In conclusion, heart rate, rectal temperature, blood cortisol, HSP70, BUN, and time spent standing were closely associated with severe HS conditions in beef steers. These phenomena indicated that beef steers exposed to HS modulated their behavior and blood parameters, as well as their physiological response, to maintain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Seob Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Kyu Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Gu Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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15
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Deniz M, De-Sousa KT, Vieira FMC, Vale MMD, Dittrich JR, Daros RR, Hötzel MJ. A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows' behavioral and physiological responses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:409-422. [PMID: 36680629 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Does the silvopastoral system (SPS) promote a satisfactory thermal environment for dairy cows to perform their natural behaviors and perform a suitable thermoregulatory function? To answer this, peer-reviewed articles, written in English and evaluating the effects of silvopastoral systems on thermal environment, dairy cows' behavior, and physiology were used in this systematic review; additionally, a bibliometric approach was performed. Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to compile the literature. The resulting articles (1448) underwent a 4-step appraisal process and resulted in 19 articles that fitted our inclusion criteria. Microclimate variables and thermal comfort indicators were the most researched topics (discussed in 89% of studies); 47% of studies addressed cattle behavior and 36% physiological responses. Our review highlights different benefits of silvopastoral systems for grazing dairy cows. For example, the SPS provides a more comfortable thermal environment than treeless pasture, which increases feeding behaviors; furthermore, dairy cows in SPS show lower drinking events, surface temperature, and respiratory rate than cows raised in treeless pasture. However, for nine of the variables related to cows' behavior (e.g., resting, rumination) and physiology responses (e.g., internal temperature), the results of the studies were unclear. Furthermore, behaviors associated with lying down (e.g., idling and rumination) and milk production in SPS were explored only in six and two studies, respectively. These findings provide consistent evidence that the silvopastoral systems are beneficial to thermal comfort of dairy cows; nonetheless, the effect on cows' behavioral and physiological responses is still scarce and unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Deniz
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Grupo de Estudos em Biometeorologia, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Karolini Tenffen De-Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Martinez do Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Dittrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ruan Rolnei Daros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Escola de Medicina e Ciências da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-estar Animal, Dep. de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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16
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Bunning H, Wall E. The effects of weather on beef carcass and growth traits. Animal 2022; 16:100657. [DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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17
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‘Can They Take the Heat?’—The Egyptian Climate and Its Effects on Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151937. [PMID: 35953926 PMCID: PMC9367484 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Egypt already has conditions in summer that cause heat stress for livestock, and predicted climate changes suggest that these will be exacerbated over the course of this century. As well, extreme climatic events make the mitigation of climate change difficult but important to understand. Apart from neonates, farm animals have upper critical temperatures in the region of 25–30 °C, whereas temperatures in summer regularly exceed 40 °C for prolonged periods. The temperature and humidity data were collected half hourly to calculate Temperature Humidity Indices and demonstrate that Egyptian livestock at two centers of livestock production in the country would experience heat stress in summer for extended periods of each day. The impact of rising temperatures on livestock in Egypt was reviewed, where extensive resources to mitigate the impact are not often available. It was found that, although there are some prospects to mitigate some heat stress, by using agroforestry systems of production for example, these are unlikely to have a major impact, and reduced food security may ensue over the course of this century.
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18
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Mariottini F, Giuliotti L, Gracci M, Benvenuti MN, Salari F, Arzilli L, Martini M, Roncoroni C, Brajon G. The ClassyFarm System in Tuscan Beef Cattle Farms and the Association between Animal Welfare Level and Productive Performance. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1924. [PMID: 35953913 PMCID: PMC9367565 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, the Italian Ministry of Health introduced the ClassyFarm system in order to categorize the level of risk related to animal welfare. The ClassyFarm checklist for beef cattle is divided into four areas: Areas A "Farm management and personnel"; B "Structures and equipment"; C "Animal-based measures"; and "Emergency plan and alert system". Answers contribute to the final Animal Welfare Score (AWS) and to the score of each area. The aim of this work was to assess the animal welfare level on 10 Tuscan beef cattle farms through the ClassyFarm checklist and to examine the relationship between the level of animal welfare on final weight (FW), carcass weight (CW), weight gain (WG), and average daily gain (ADG). The AWS was divided into four classes, and the scores for each area were divided into three classes. The analysis of variance was applied, and AWS class, sex, and breeding techniques (open and closed cycle) were included in the model. The AWS class and sex had a highly significant influence on all parameters, while the breeding technique did not significantly influence any parameter. Farms classified as excellent presented a higher FW (677.9 kg) than those classified as good and insufficient, and the same trend was found for the ADG. The classes obtained in Areas A and C had a highly significant influence on all the parameters investigated. The classes obtained in Area B significantly influenced FW and WG. In conclusion, the productive response of the animals seemed to benefit from the welfare conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mariottini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Castelpulci 43, 50018 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Lorella Giuliotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marta Gracci
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Novella Benvenuti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Federica Salari
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Luca Arzilli
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Toscana, Piazza Eugenio Artom 12, 50127 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mina Martini
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Cristina Roncoroni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Brajon
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Castelpulci 43, 50018 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (G.B.)
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Influence of External Thermal Conditions on Temperature–Humidity Parameters of Indoor Air in a Czech Dairy Farm during the Summer. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151895. [PMID: 35892545 PMCID: PMC9332405 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The creation and provision of a suitable indoor environment for animals in dairy farms has become increasingly important in recent years, especially in the summer. Greater attention is paid mainly to lactating dairy cows. This research shows that great attention should be paid not only to cowsheds for lactating dairy cows but also to the housing facilities for other categories of cattle kept on farms. In this article, the basic parameters of the thermal state of the environment during the summer period are assessed regarding the housing facilities. The analysis shows that more attention needs to be paid to the housing of calves. In the facilities for calves, the values of the thermal state of the environment were at an extremely dangerous level, especially the high air temperatures, which exceed the recommended limit values. Abstract The aim of this article is to show the relationship between external thermal conditions and the quality of the indoor environment on a dairy farm during the summer. The measurements were carried out on a large dairy farm of Holstein cattle situated in the Czech Republic. The research included the measurement of the cowshed for 440 lactating cows, a milking parlor, a maternity cowshed, a cowshed for dry cows, 69 individual calf hutches, and three outdoor group shelters for calves. The results of the registration measurements of the thermal state parameters outside and inside the buildings were analyzed. The critical and dangerous situations were especially regarding the calves. The highest temperature in the calf hutches was 48 °C with the value of THImax = 90.1, while in the calf group shelters it was 46.9 °C with the value of THImax = 89.4. The research results showed that not only the critical values of temperature and the temperature–humidity index that affect the housed animals are important but also the duration for which the animals are exposed to heat stress. The massive masonry constructions of the milking parlor and also of the cowshed for dry cows dampened the temperature rise in these barns, with good values for the attenuation coefficient.
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20
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Borelli E, Jonsson NN, Denholm KS. Associations between putative risk factors and poor colostrum yield in Holstein Friesian cattle. Res Vet Sci 2022; 149:74-81. [PMID: 35777282 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When dairy cows produce little or no colostrum, calves are likely to suffer from failure of passive transfer (FPT). Volume of colostrum produced by the dam may be affected by: nutrition; environmental conditions; time from calving to milking; parity; dry period length; calving difficulty; calf weight; calf sex; calf viability; cow BCS / body weight; milk production in previous lactation and dam health. While risk factors for poor IgG concentration in colostrum have been extensively studied, there is little published literature on low colostrum yields and associated risk factors. The aim of this observational study was to identify risk factors for poor colostrum yield in dairy cows and to quantify the effect of variation in those variables that the farmer can directly control (length of dry period, and close-up transition period nutrition) using inverse probability modelling. 439 animals from a single Scottish dairy farm were used as a convenience sample. First milking colostrum yield was measured by farmers using a graduated bucket. For each animal, risk factor data and meteorological data from the nearest weather were obtained. Decreased colostrum yield was associated with increasing daily temperature range, while increasing UV index, lactation number and number of days dry increased colostrum yield. Marginal effect models revealed that for each additional day of dry period, colostrum yield increased. Higher UV indices the month before calving were positively associated with colostrum yield, particularly in primiparous cows, and higher temperatures in the months before calving were positively associated with colostrum yield in all cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Borelli
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, 464 Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas N Jonsson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine S Denholm
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, 464 Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Parrini S, Sirtori F, Fabbri MC, Dal Prà A, Crovetti A, Bozzi R. Effects of a Ceiling Fan Ventilation System and THI on Young Limousin Bulls' Social Behaviour. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101259. [PMID: 35625105 PMCID: PMC9137625 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101259] [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] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between the temperature humidity index (THI) and the behaviour of 24 young fattening Limousin bulls reared in two farms in Tuscany, Italy. In each farm, six animals were undergone to ceiling fans (switched on at THI values up to 72), and six animals represented the control group. The trial lasted three days for two consecutive weeks in August 2020. Behavioural observations were conducted using scan sampling technique and eating, ruminating, drinking, resting and other social activities were registered every 5 min, from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Two different microclimatic conditions were evaluated to assess the effect of the ventilation system: normal (THI < 78) and alert (THI ≥ 78) conditions. Results showed that the ventilation system had significant effects increasing inactivity and lying down compared to control groups and decreasing eating and drinking activities. THI alert condition caused a significant decrease in eating and an increase in lying down behaviours. Ventilation system did not influence the animals’ cleanliness. The ceiling fans’ efficiency in changing the behaviour of young fattening bulls was demonstrated but further studies are needed to assess the ventilation system effects, especially during longer heat stress periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Parrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Francesco Sirtori
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Maria Chiara Fabbri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (A.C.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aldo Dal Prà
- Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council (IBE-CNR), Via Giovanni Caproni 8, 50145 Florence, Italy;
- Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali—CRPA S.p.A, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Crovetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Riccardo Bozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (A.C.); (R.B.)
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22
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Chen H, Peng T, Shang H, Shang X, Zhao X, Qu M, Song X. RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals the Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Puerarin on Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Heat-Stressed Beef Cattle. Front Nutr 2022; 9:817557. [PMID: 35387191 PMCID: PMC8978796 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.817557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of Puerarin on intramuscular fat deposition in heat-stressed beef cattle and its underlying mechanism. Thirty-two healthy Jinjiang bulls were randomly divided into four groups and dietary with 0 (Control), 200 (Pue200), 400 (Pue400), and 800 (Pue800) mg/kg Puerarin in the feed concentrate. The results showed that Puerarin treatment enhanced the concentration of crude fat, fatty acid (C14:1 and C17:1), and the activity of fatty acid synthase in Longissimus thoracis (LT), but decreased the levels of blood leptin (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing of mRNA technology (RNA-Seq) was used and the analysis showed that 492 genes were down-regulated and 341 genes were up-regulated in LT, and these genes were significantly enriched to the pathways related to lipid metabolism. These results indicated that dietary supplemental with Puerarin enhanced intramuscular fat deposition by regulating lipid metabolism of heat-stressed beef cattle.
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Thornton P, Nelson G, Mayberry D, Herrero M. Impacts of heat stress on global cattle production during the 21st century: a modelling study. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e192-e201. [PMID: 35278386 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress in animals is one of the major climate change impacts on domesticated livestock raised in both intensive and extensive production systems. At temperatures higher than an animal's thermoneutral zone, heat stress can affect liveweight gain, milk yield, and fertility. Animal welfare may also be negatively affected by heat stress even in the absence of effects on productivity, at least in the short term. METHODS We estimated the comparative statics change in the value of cattle milk and meat production from heat stress-induced losses at the global level, using climate scenario outputs for the middle (2045) and end of the century (2085). The loss estimates are based on bioenergetic equations that relate changes in dry matter intake (DMI) to both cold and hot, humid weather. DMI changes were estimated using CMIP6 climate data and linked to a global dataset containing information on livestock production systems, animal numbers, and region-specific and system-specific animal diets. Changes in DMI were converted to changes in milk and meat production and valued using early 20th century world prices (ie, constant 2005 US dollars). FINDINGS For a high greenhouse-gas emission scenario (SSP5-8.5), production losses from heat stress were estimated to amount to $39·94 billion (95% CI 34·39-45·49 billion) per year by the end of the century, or 9·8% of the value of production of meat and milk from cattle in 2005. For a low emission scenario (SSP1-2.6), the value of production losses was $14·89 billion (12·62-16·95 billion) per year, or 3·7% of 2005 value. In both scenarios, losses in most tropical regions were projected to be far greater than they were in temperate regions. INTERPRETATION Our results highlight the potential magnitude and extent of the adaptation efforts that will be necessary to combat the effects of increasing heat stress on cattle production during this century if food security challenges are to be minimised. Adaptations include switching to more heat-tolerant breeds and provision of shade, ventilation, and cooling systems. FUNDING CGIAR Trust Fund and bilateral donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Thornton
- CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - Dianne Mayberry
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Mario Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences & Cornell Atkinson Centre for Sustainability, Cornell University, Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Dairy Cow Behavior Is Affected by Period, Time of Day and Housing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040512. [PMID: 35203220 PMCID: PMC8868199 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many factors, such as the climate, period of the year, time of day and housing, are known to affect cow behavior. However, it is not yet clear what is the combined effect of these factors. For instance, it is unclear whether warmer weather only alters cow behavior during the day or also during the night. Therefore, a survey was performed on eight dairy cow farms in Northern Italy in three periods: summer, winter and a temperate season (spring or autumn). Sensors were installed to monitor the temperature and humidity. Cow behavior was monitored with cameras and with accelerometers that were placed on their legs. These methods allow us to determine how much time the cows spent lying, standing or feeding. We found that both daytime and nighttime behavior differed between the periods and that housing had an effect not only on the behavior itself but also on how it changed between the periods and from daytime to nighttime. These findings show the importance of measuring behavior during both daytime and nighttime and illustrate the influence of the barn structure and farm management on cow behavior and welfare. Abstract Dairy cow behavior is affected by external and endogenous factors, including time of year, barn microclimate, time of day and housing. However, little is known about the combined effects of these factors. Data were collected on eight farms in Northern Italy during summer, winter and a temperate season. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was recorded using environmental sensors, whereas cow behavior was monitored using leg accelerometers and cameras. Period, time of day and their interaction all significantly affected lying, standing and feeding behavior. However, although THI had a significant negative effect on lying and a positive effect on standing during daytime (all p < 0.001), during nighttime, it only had a significant negative effect on lying duration and mean lying bout duration (p < 0.001 for both). There was also significant variation between farms in all behavioral parameters, as well as interactions with period and time of day. For instance, farm differences in lying duration were more pronounced during daytime than during nighttime. These findings show how housing can interact with other factors, such as period of the year and time of day, and illustrate the influence of barn structure and farm management on cow behavior and, consequently, their welfare.
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Abstract
Globally, the climate is changing, and this has implications for livestock. Climate affects livestock growth rates, milk and egg production, reproductive performance, morbidity, and mortality, along with feed supply. Simultaneously, livestock is a climate change driver, generating 14.5% of total anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Herein, we review the literature addressing climate change and livestock, covering impacts, emissions, adaptation possibilities, and mitigation strategies. While the existing literature principally focuses on ruminants, we extended the scope to include non-ruminants. We found that livestock are affected by climate change and do enhance climate change through emissions but that there are adaptation and mitigation actions that can limit the effects of climate change. We also suggest some research directions and especially find the need for work in developing country settings. In the context of climate change, adaptation measures are pivotal to sustaining the growing demand for livestock products, but often their relevance depends on local conditions. Furthermore, mitigation is key to limiting the future extent of climate change and there are a number of possible strategies.
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The Topic of the Ideal Dairy Farm Can Inspire How to Assess Knowledge about Dairy Production Processes: A Case Study with Students and Their Contributions. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dairy farm and on-farm production processes are the subject of numerous evaluations. These are not only evaluations of the economic efficiency of milk production. Opinions expressed by various social groups are also an important contribution to improving the approach to milk production on the farm. As a result of such opinions, a vision of an ideal dairy farm may be formed. The aim of the study was to develop the thematic area of an ideal dairy farm in the opinion of two groups of students who were learning remotely (in the distance learning system) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first group consisted of six Erasmus+ students. The second group consisted of 70 full-time Polish students. As part of their homework, the students answered three questions about the ideal dairy farm. Students had 4 weeks to do their homework. Erasmus+ students’ homework was used to propose a ranking method for assessing the answers to three questions by the students themselves. Homework of Polish students was used to analyze the frequency of using certain keywords. Polish students, in their homework on the ideal dairy farm, mainly used the basic concepts related to dairy production. Unfortunately, a very small number of students used terms that represent a responsible approach to dairy production, including ethical aspects, freedom, sustainability, animal pain, antibiotics, and organic milk production. In conclusion, it was indicated that the curriculum should be structured in such a way as to raise students’ awareness of dairy production and its current challenges.
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27
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Avendaño-Reyes L, Correa-Calderón A, Macías-Cruz U, García-Casillas AC, Mellado M, Robinson PH, Hernández-Rivera JA. Impacts on two dairy breeds of adding a third (night) cooling event under extreme ambient heat. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:1443-1450. [PMID: 33740136 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Impacts of an additional cooling event during the night on physiological and productive parameters of two breeds (B) of dairy cows under severe heat stress conditions were determined. Fifteen Holstein (H) and 15 Jersey x Holstein (JxH) cows were assigned to one of the two cooling strategies (CS), where the difference was an added 1 h cooling event during the night (i.e., 3X and 4X cooling events) with the 4X group having the added night cooling event. Maximum and minimum average temperature/humidity indices during the study were 86 and 77 units, respectively. There were no CS x B interactions for any response variable. Body condition score (BCS) was similar between CS, but H cows had higher (P<0.05) condition than JxH. There were no differences in rectal temperature due to CS or B. Respiration rate between breeds and cooling strategies were similar throughout the day. However body surface temperatures of head, thurl, right flank, and udder were higher (P<0.05) in 3X versus 4X cows, and H cows maintained a higher (P < 0.05) temperature in thurl and right flank than JxH during PM hours. Metabolites and hormone concentrations were not affected by CS, but H cows had lower (P < 0.05) triiodothyronine and higher (P < 0.05) thyroxine, than JxH. The 4X cows had higher (P<0.05) milk yield and milk energy output than 3X cows. While H cows produced more milk than JxH, the latter had higher (P < 0.05) milk component levels. In general, JxH cows were judged to have to demonstrate a more desirable physiological response and milk composition outcome than H cows. An additional night cooling event was judged to result in more desirable physiological and productive responses than in cows without this extra night cooling event under the extremely hot and dry environmental conditions during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Avendaño-Reyes
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, 21705, Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | - Abelardo Correa-Calderón
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, 21705, Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | - Ulises Macías-Cruz
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, 21705, Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | | | - Miguel Mellado
- Departamento de Nutrición Animal, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, 25315, Saltillo, Coahuila, México
| | - P H Robinson
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Vieira FMC, Soares AA, Herbut P, Vismara EDS, Godyń D, dos Santos ACZ, Lambertes TDS, Caetano WF. Spatio-Thermal Variability and Behaviour as Bio-Thermal Indicators of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows in a Compost Barn: A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051197. [PMID: 33919438 PMCID: PMC8143335 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The thermal distribution inside a compost-bedded pack barn and the behavioural aspects plays an important role in terms of welfare and sustainability for dairy cows. Through a spatial variability assessment of thermal conditions in a compost barn, we found different regions with comfortable or stressful conditions based on air and bed temperature, as well as wind speed. Regarding the behaviour of cows with different number of lactations, we observed a higher probability of water intake in primiparous cows and increased walking behaviour in multiparous cows during the hottest periods. We suggest that special attention must be given to environmental control in a compost barn, mainly during hot seasons, to avoid different hot spots inside the facility. Additionally, with unbalanced environmental resources, the hierarchy of multiparous over primiparous cows might predominate the alleviation of the herd’s thermal stress. Abstract The spatial variability and behavioural aspects of compost-bedded pack barns remain unknown in subtropical regions. In this study, we investigated whether spatial variability occurs in the thermal environment of a compost barn and how the behaviour of dairy cows with different numbers of lactations differs in this system. The spatial sampling design comprised a grid of 108 locations inside the facility. At each location, we measured air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and bed temperature at 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00. We performed 24-h behavioural observations. Regarding spatial variability, the north face showed high air temperature values, and the distribution of relative humidity varied from the north to the south face. Kriging maps revealed a high bedding temperature trend, indicating heterogeneous ventilation management. Primiparous cows visited the water trough during the hottest hours of the day, whereas multiparous cows displayed a higher probability of walking during these periods. In conclusion, we observed a heterogeneous management of ventilation through the spatial distribution of the thermal environment inside the compost-bedded pack barn, with multiparous cows exhibiting dominance over primiparous cows seeking environmental resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Márcio Corrêa Vieira
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Allessandro Augusto Soares
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
| | - Piotr Herbut
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
- Department of Rural Building, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
| | - Edgar de Souza Vismara
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
| | - Dorota Godyń
- Department of Production System and Environment, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Aline Cristina Zambiasi dos Santos
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
| | - Tainara da Silva Lambertes
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
| | - Wellington Felipe Caetano
- Biometeorology Study Group and Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos 85660-000, Brazil; (A.A.S.); (P.H.); (E.d.S.V.); (A.C.Z.d.S.); (T.d.S.L.); (W.F.C.)
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Peng T, Shang H, Yang M, Li Y, Luo J, Qu M, Zhang X, Song X. Puerarin improved growth performance and postmortem meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism of cattle under hot environment. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13543. [PMID: 33738872 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effect of puerarin on performance, meat quality, and serum indexes of beef cattle under hot environment. Thirty-two bulls were divided into four groups and fed diet supplemented with puerarin at 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg. Results showed that heat stress was employed for 54 out of 60 days, 400 mg/kg group declined serum cortisol (COR) contents, all treatments increased the contents of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total superoxide dismutase activity; in addition, glutathione peroxidase activity of 200 mg/kg group were enhanced, only 800 mg/kg group enhanced immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents compared with the control (p < .05). Moreover, 400-mg/kg puerarin increased serum growth hormone levels compared with 200 mg/kg group but declined COR concentrations compared with 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups (p < .05). More importantly, average daily gain and daily matter intake, and intramuscular fat contents of 400 mg/kg group were enhanced, but the shear force of beef in 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups were declined compared with the control (p < .05). These findings indicated that supplemental with puerarin enhanced immune and antioxidant, and 400 mg/kg of puerarin improved performance and meat quality by normalizing levels of stress hormones and increasing intramuscular fat deposition of beef cattle under hot environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Peng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hanle Shang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingrui Yang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjiao Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junrong Luo
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingren Qu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Song
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
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30
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Edwards-Callaway LN, Cramer MC, Cadaret CN, Bigler EJ, Engle TE, Wagner JJ, Clark DL. Impacts of shade on cattle well-being in the beef supply chain. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:5992301. [PMID: 33211852 PMCID: PMC7853297 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shade is a mechanism to reduce heat load providing cattle with an environment supportive of their welfare needs. Although heat stress has been extensively reviewed, researched, and addressed in dairy production systems, it has not been investigated in the same manner in the beef cattle supply chain. Like all animals, beef cattle are susceptible to heat stress if they are unable to dissipate heat during times of elevated ambient temperatures. There are many factors that impact heat stress susceptibility in beef cattle throughout the different supply chain sectors, many of which relate to the production system, that is, availability of shade, microclimate of environment, and nutrition management. The results from studies evaluating the effects of shade on production and welfare are difficult to compare due to variation in structural design, construction materials used, height, shape, and area of shade provided. Additionally, depending on operation location, shade may or may not be beneficial during all times of the year, which can influence the decision to make shade a permanent part of management systems. Shade has been shown to lessen the physiologic response of cattle to heat stress. Shaded cattle exhibit lower respiration rates, body temperatures, and panting scores compared with unshaded cattle in weather that increases the risk of heat stress. Results from studies investigating the provision of shade indicate that cattle seek shade in hot weather. The impact of shade on behavioral patterns is inconsistent in the current body of research, with some studies indicating that shade provision impacts behavior and other studies reporting no difference between shaded and unshaded groups. Analysis of performance and carcass characteristics across feedlot studies demonstrated that shaded cattle had increased ADG, improved feed efficiency, HCW, and dressing percentage when compared with cattle without shade. Despite the documented benefits of shade, current industry statistics, although severely limited in scope, indicate low shade implementation rates in feedlots and data in other supply chain sectors do not exist. Industry guidelines and third-party on-farm certification programs articulate the critical need for protection from extreme weather but are not consistent in providing specific recommendations and requirements. Future efforts should include: updated economic analyses of cost vs. benefit of shade implementation, exploration of producer perspectives and needs relative to shade, consideration of shade impacts in the cow–calf and slaughter plant segments of the supply chain, and integration of indicators of affective (mental) state and preference in research studies to enhance the holistic assessment of cattle welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Caitlin Cramer
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Caitlin N Cadaret
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Elizabeth J Bigler
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Terry E Engle
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - John J Wagner
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
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Effects of Airspeed on the Respiratory Rate, Rectal Temperature, and Immunity Parameters of Dairy Calves Housed Individually in an Axial-Fan-Ventilated Barn. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020354. [PMID: 33572539 PMCID: PMC7910846 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
At many modern dairy farms, calves raised in barns are kept in individual stalls separated by solid partitions, which act as barriers. Ventilation fans blowing air perpendicular to these stalls only provide the optimal airflow to the first few calves, while those further away receive a slower airflow. To ascertain whatever effects different airflow speeds may have on the health of animals kept in stalls located at increasing distances from ventilation fans, we divided a select group of 43 Holstein dairy calves into six subgroups based on age, and each subgroup was subjected to either a specified high-speed or low-speed airflow as follows: (1) Six 3-day-olds received high-speed airflow (D3-HA); (2) Six 3-day-olds received low-speed airflow (D3-LA); (3) Eight 19 (±3)-day-olds received high-speed airflow (D19-HA); (4) Eight 19 (± 3)-day-olds received low-speed airflow (D19-LA); (5) Eight 29 (±3)-day-olds received high-speed airflow (D29-HA); and (6) Seven 29 (±3)-day-olds received medium-speed airflow (D29-MA). These trials show that the rectal temperatures and respiratory rates of D19-LA (39.37 °C; 72.90 breaths/min) were significantly higher than those of D19-HA (39.14 °C; 61.57 breaths/min) (p ≤ 0.05), and those of D29-MA (39.40 °C; 75.52 breaths/min) were significantly higher than those of D29-HA (39.20 °C; 68.41 breaths/min) (p ≤ 0.05). At 33 (±3) days of age, those calves receiving high-speed airflow (p ≤ 0.05) registered significantly higher immunoglobulins A and M than calves receiving low-speed flow. Those calves subjected to a high-speed airflow also registered significantly lower tumor necrosis factor levels than those receiving low-speed flow (p ≤ 0.05). Among the 29 to 43-day-old calves, no significant differences in immunity parameters were found to exist between groups D29-HA and D29-MA. On the basis of these findings, we were able to conclude that in the warm season, when the calves were less than 0.5 months old, low-speed (0.17-0.18 m/s) airflows had no significant effect on calves; when the calves were 1 month old, low-speed airflow (0.20-0.21 m/s) may impair the immune functions; when the calves were 1 to 1.5 months old, the airflow velocity higher than 0.9 m/s can meet the needs of the calf without a negative impact on the calf.
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Appropriate THI model and its threshold for goats in semi-arid regions of India. J Therm Biol 2021; 96:102845. [PMID: 33627282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102845] [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: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was attempted to identify an appropriate THI model and threshold THI for goats of semi-arid regions of India. Sixty non-pregnant goats each from Jamunapari and Barbari breeds were selected for the study. The study was conducted from last week of February to first week of June, during which average THI ranged between 53 and 92. Pulse rate (PR), respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at 1430 h on alternate days from six goats of each breed randomly during the experiment. Nine THI models were used to calculate THI. An appropriate THI model was predicted on the basis of correlation between THIs calculated from each model and physiological responses. The data of physiological parameters were linked to the THI calculated from identified THI model and threshold THI for each parameter was determined using segmented regression analysis (SegReg Software). The THI models; THI1{(1.8 × Tdb+32)-[(0.55-0.0055 × RH) × (1.8 × Tdb-26.8)]} and THI8{(0.8 × Tdb)+[(RH/100) × (Tdb-14.4)]+46.4)} were found to be equally appropriate for assessing environmental heat stress. Threshold THIs with respect to PR, RR and RT in Jamunapari goat were 71.78, 75.14 and 85.94, respectively and in Barbari goats, threshold THIs for PR and RR were 79.48 and 84.40, respectively. A threshold THI could not be identified for RT in Barbari goats. It can be concluded that THI1 and THI8 were the appropriate THI models for measuring environmental heat stress in goats. Results suggested that PR is the first physiological parameter which alters after the onset of heat stress and is followed by changes in RR and RT. On the basis of differential threshold THIs, it can be concluded that Barbari is better adapted than Jamunapari goats in semi-arid regions of India.
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Yan G, Li H, Zhao W, Shi Z. Evaluation of thermal indices based on their relationships with some physiological responses of housed lactating cows under heat stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:2077-2091. [PMID: 32851452 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thermal indices as environmental risk indicators have been used to assess heat stress of dairy cows. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of the typical cattle-related thermal indices by comparing their prediction to heat stress levels and associations with some physiological responses. The study was conducted from August to September 2019 in a naturally ventilated barn in Jiangsu, China. Nine typical cattle-related thermal indices, i.e., temperature-humidity index (THI), black globe temperature index (BGHI), equivalent temperature index, effective temperature (ET) for dairy cows, respiratory rate predictor (RRP), adjusted temperature-humidity index (THIadj), heat load index (HLI), comprehensive climate index (CCI), and equivalent temperature index for cattle (ETIC), were evaluated. Respiration rate (RR) and body surface temperature (BST) were collected twice per day from a total of 287 lactating cows, 18 of which were continuously measured vaginal temperature (VT). Over the experimental period, the average daily RR, VT, and BST were 55.8 breaths/min, 38.7 °C, and 32.3 to 36.4 °C that depend on body positions, respectively. The study found that the prediction of THI, BGHI, THIadj, and CCI was closer to the actual heat stress conditions which were mild to moderate heat stress. Correlation analyses showed that RR, VT, and BST correlated most closely with effective temperature (r = 0.580; P < 0.05), BGHI (r = 0.642; P < 0.05), and CCI (r = 0.849; P < 0.05). In this evaluation, based on the comprehensive performance of CCI in the relatively accurate prediction to heat stress level and duration, detection on environmental differences between standing and lying zone, and correlations with some physiological responses, CCI is seemingly the promising thermal index to assess heat stress of housed dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geqi Yan
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17 Tsing Hua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hao Li
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17 Tsing Hua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wanying Zhao
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17 Tsing Hua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhengxiang Shi
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17 Tsing Hua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Microclimate modeling in naturally ventilated dairy barns during the hot season: Checking the accuracy of forecasts. J Therm Biol 2020; 93:102720. [PMID: 33077132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring and predicting the microclimate in naturally ventilated barns (NVB) is important given the adverse effects of high summer temperatures on dairy cows in the context of global climate change. The aim of the work was to verify the accuracy of the microclimate forecast in a NVB using linear regression (LR). Our working hypothesis suggested that multiple periodic measurements of air temperature and relative humidity outside and inside the barns at the same time will allow us to build LR models for predicting the temperature-humidity index (THI). This was done not only for a specific dairy barn based on this indicator outside, but also in other dairy barns with a similar design, located in similar weather conditions. The results of the research indicate that the use of LR had a high accuracy of forecasting (93-96%) the THI in NVB of various designs during the summer heat. At the same time, differences were found between traits (air temperature, relative humidity as well as resulting THI) provided by meteorological weather stations and these data measured simultaneously next to the dairy barns. The proposed LR models can be used to predict THI in NVBs of different designs.
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Uddin J, McNeill DM, Lisle AT, Phillips CJC. A sampling strategy for the determination of infrared temperature of relevant external body surfaces of dairy cows. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:1583-1592. [PMID: 32506160 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01939-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Infrared thermography is a tool to investigate the welfare of cattle. This study aimed to identify a sampling strategy for recording infrared thermograms in dairy cows, in order to most efficiently determine biologically relevant changes in the maximum infrared temperature (IRT) of the eyes and coronary band of forelimbs. Thirty-one dairy cows were used for the study. They were assessed with four replicates of thermograms for each of the head and lower forelimb per cow for 6 mostly consecutive days (sessions). The data obtained were subjected to random effects Analysis of Variance which was used to estimate the variance components for this sampling model, using maximum IRT of both eyes; (left + right eye)/2 and both limbs; (left + right coronary band of forelimb)/2 as dependant variables. The variance components were used to calculate least significant differences (LSD) between two theoretical treatment groups under different sampling scenarios. Analysis showed that there was minimal improvement in precision beyond 2 thermograms within a session but there was improvement with increasing the number of sessions from 2 to 3. The LSD of both eyes and both limbs reached a biologically relevant difference (0.4 and 0.9 °C, respectively) at a minimum number of 14 - 16 cows monitored for 2 consecutive thermography sessions, or 10 - 12 cows for 3 sessions. We conclude that no more than 2 replicate IRT measures are required per session but that measuring on 3 consecutive days should be considered, depending on whether time or number of cows used is the primary limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jashim Uddin
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
| | - David M McNeill
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Allan T Lisle
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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A Review of Welfare Indicators of Indoor-Housed Dairy Cow as a Basis for Integrated Automatic Welfare Assessment Systems. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081430. [PMID: 32824228 PMCID: PMC7459720 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many techniques have been developed to measure single indicators of reduced welfare in farm animals, such as changes in the walking pattern to detect lameness in dairy cows. However, there is still a need to combine these single measurements to get a more complete picture of the wellbeing of an animal. Based on a literature review on dairy cow welfare, this review provides a basis for the development of an integrated automatic system to assess the welfare of dairy cows on the farm. It provides an overview of the main welfare issues for dairy cows, such as lameness, heat stress, or pain and of the most established indicators that could help to detect these welfare issues on the farm. We found that there are several indicators, such as reduced feed intake, that are common to most welfare issues and that are therefore suitable to detect reduced welfare in general, while other indicators mainly identify one welfare issue, such as increased respiratory rate, as an indicator of heat stress. Combining these different types of indicators would provide a good basis to develop an integrated automatic system that could assist farmers in the detection of reduced welfare on their farms. Abstract For on-farm welfare assessment many automatic methods have been developed to detect indicators of reduced welfare. However, there is still a need to integrate data from single sources to obtain a complete picture of the welfare of an animal. This review offers a basis for developing integrated automatic systems to assess dairy cow welfare by providing an overview of the main issues that challenge cow welfare (e.g., lameness) and of well-established indicators that could detect these issues on the farm. Based on a literature review of 4 reviews on cow welfare in general and 48 reviews on single welfare issues, we identified 18 different major welfare issues and 76 matching indicators that could be detected automatically on the farm. Several indicators, e.g., feed intake, showed a consistent association with welfare across many different issues. Although some of these indicators are discussed critically, this means there are many indicators that potentially could detect reduced welfare in general. Other types of indicators could detect one specific welfare issue, e.g., increased respiratory rate for heat stress. These different types of indicators combined provide a basis to develop integrated automatic systems that ultimately would help farmers to detect welfare problems at an early stage.
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Osei-Amponsah R, Dunshea FR, Leury BJ, Cheng L, Cullen B, Joy A, Abhijith A, Zhang MH, Chauhan SS. Heat Stress Impacts on Lactating Cows Grazing Australian Summer Pastures on an Automatic Robotic Dairy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E869. [PMID: 32429603 PMCID: PMC7278445 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure the impacts of summer heat events on physiological parameters (body temperature, respiratory rate and panting scores), grazing behaviour and production parameters of lactating Holstein Friesian cows managed on an Automated Robotic Dairy during Australian summer. The severity of heat stress was measured using Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and impacts of different THIs-low (≤72), moderate (73-82) and high (≥83)-on physiological responses and production performance were measured. There was a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) effect of THI on respiratory rate (66.7, 84.7 and 109.1/min), panting scores (1.4, 1.9 and 2.3) and average body temperature of cows (38.4, 39.4 and 41.5 °C), which increased as THI increased from low to moderate to high over the summer. Average milk production parameters were also significantly (p ≤ 0.01) affected by THI, such that daily milk production dropped by 14% from low to high THI, milk temperature and fat% increased by 3%, whilst protein% increased by 2%. The lactation stage of cow had no significant effect on physiological parameters but affected (p ≤ 0.05) average daily milk yield and milk solids. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations were obtained between THI and milk temperature, fat% and protein% whilst the reverse was observed between THI and milk yield, feed intake and rumination time. Under moderate and high THI, most cows sought shade, spent more time around watering points and showed signs of distress (excessive salivation and open mouth panting). In view of the expected future increase in the frequency and severity of heat events, additional strategies including selection and breeding for thermotolerance and dietary interventions to improve resilience of cows need to be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Osei-Amponsah
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 226, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frank R. Dunshea
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Brian J. Leury
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Long Cheng
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Brendan Cullen
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Aleena Joy
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Archana Abhijith
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Michael H. Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
| | - Surinder S. Chauhan
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (F.R.D.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (M.H.Z.)
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Broucek J, Ryba S, Dianova M, Uhrincat M, Soch M, Sistkova M, Mala G, Novak P. Effect of evaporative cooling and altitude on dairy cows milk efficiency in lowlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:433-444. [PMID: 31758318 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-019-01828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this current work was to determinate the effect of high temperatures on milk production of dairy cows in southern Slovakia in the year 2015. The hypotheses that milk production is influenced by the altitude and cooling were tested. Production data included 227,500 test-day records belonging to 34 Holstein breed herds situated in lowlands, 115 to 150 m above sea level (ASL) and kept in free-stall housing. Dairy farms were classified into groups based on cooling system. The first group of cows (19 herds) was cooled evaporative (foggers) and forced ventilation, and the second group (15 herds) was using cooled only forced ventilation (automatically controlled fans in housing and feeding areas). During the period from May to September, 36 summer and 22 tropical days were recorded, 37 days had a mean thermal humidity index value above 72.0, and on 34 days we recorded mean values above 78.0. The highest milk yields were recorded at the altitude 1 (115 m ASL) (9219.0 kg year-1; 10327.0 kg year-1) and the lowest at the altitude 2 (126 m ASL) (7598.7 kg year-1; 8470.21 kg year-1) (P < 0.001). Dairy cows cooled evaporative milked significantly more milk than cows cooled only with forced air flow (9650.4 kg vs. 8528.0 kg; P < 0.001). Fat and protein production differed also significantly (364.0 kg vs. 329.5 kg, P < 0.001; 312.2 kg vs. 279.7 kg, P < 0.001). It can be concluded that not only heat stress but also location farm above sea level can affect milk production. Evaporative cooling associated with increased air velocity is the appropriate protection against high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Broucek
- National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 951 41, Luzianky, Slovakia.
| | - Stefan Ryba
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Dianova
- The Breeding Services of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Uhrincat
- National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 951 41, Luzianky, Slovakia
| | - Miloslav Soch
- South Bohemia University, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Sistkova
- South Bohemia University, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Mala
- Research Institute of Animal Production, Praha-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Novak
- Research Institute of Animal Production, Praha-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
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Pinto S, Hoffmann G, Ammon C, Amon T. Critical THI thresholds based on the physiological parameters of lactating dairy cows. J Therm Biol 2020; 88:102523. [PMID: 32125999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The severity of heat stress conditions in high-yielding dairy cows is currently underestimated. The present study aimed to determine the heat load threshold of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on physiological parameters of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows under a continental climatic zone in Germany. Physiological parameter measurements, such as respiration rate (RR), measured hourly, and heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (RT), both measured twice daily, were performed in a total of 139 multiparous cows on three randomly chosen measurement days per week. In addition, the ambient temperature and relative humidity of the barn were recorded every 5 min to calculate the current THI. The physiological parameter data were linked to the THI, and the heat load thresholds were determined using the broken-stick model. The heat load duration effect of each physiological parameter was obtained by regression analysis. Considering the increases in the physiological parameters, our study provided reliable data to determine heat load thresholds for lactating high-yielding dairy cows in a moderate climatic zone. The heat load threshold could be determined for RR in standing cows (THI = 70) and lying cows (THI = 65) and for HR (THI = 72) and RT (THI = 70) in standing cows. The heat load duration also demonstrated a significant effect on the increases in physiological parameters among dairy cows. In particular, the present study enabled a strategy to be devised to initiate heat mitigation in high-yielding dairy cows when they are exposed to THIs above 65.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Pinto
- Department of Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, ATB, Potsdam, 14469, Germany.
| | - Gundula Hoffmann
- Department of Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, ATB, Potsdam, 14469, Germany.
| | - Christian Ammon
- Department of Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, ATB, Potsdam, 14469, Germany
| | - Thomas Amon
- Department of Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, ATB, Potsdam, 14469, Germany; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Free University Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
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Fodor I, Lang Z, Ózsvári L. Relationship of dairy heifer reproduction with survival to first calving, milk yield and culling risk in the first lactation. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:1360-1368. [PMID: 32054176 PMCID: PMC7322635 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to determine the associations of heifer reproductive performance with survival up to the first calving, first-lactation milk yield, and the probability of being culled within 50 days after first calving. METHODS Data from 33 large Holstein-Friesian commercial dairy herds were gathered from the official milk recording database in Hungary. The data of heifers first inseminated between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014 were analyzed retrospectively, using Cox proportional hazards models, competing risks models, multivariate linear and logistic mixed-effects models. RESULTS Heifers (n = 35,128) with younger age at conception were more likely to remain in the herd until calving, and each additional month in age at conception increased culling risk by 5.1%. Season of birth was related to first-lactation milk yield (MY1; n = 19,931), with cows born in autumn having the highest milk production (p<0.001). The highest MY1 was achieved by heifers that first calved between 22.00 and 25.99 months of age. Heifers that calved in autumn had the highest MY1, whereas calving in summer was related to the lowest milk production (p<0.001). The risk of culling within 50 days in milk in first lactation (n = 21,225) increased along with first calving age, e.g. heifers that first calved after 30 months of age were 5.52-times more likely to be culled compared to heifers that calved before 22 months of age (p<0.001). Calving difficulty was related to higher culling risk in early lactation (p<0.001). Heifers that required caesarean section were 24.01-times more likely to leave the herd within 50 days after first calving compared to heifers that needed no assistance (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Reproductive performance of replacement heifers is closely linked to longevity and milk production in dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Lang
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - László Ózsvári
- Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
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