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Katthöfer P, Zhang Y, Wente N, Preine F, Nitz J, Krömker V. The Influence of Milk Leakage, Udder Pressure and Further Risk Factors on the Development of New Intramammary Infections during the Dry Period of Dairy Cows. Pathogens 2024; 13:430. [PMID: 38787282 PMCID: PMC11124326 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050430] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention of new intramammary infection (NIMI) during the dry period (DP) is essential to prevent the development of mastitis in dairy cows. To investigate risk factors for NIMI, 212 cows, comprising a total of 848 udder quarters, were examined in this study. Quarter milk samples were taken on the day of drying off and 7 ± 3 days after calving. Cow- and quarter-level associated risk factors were assessed at the beginning of the DP and after calving. In total, 7.1% of the udder quarters developed an NIMI between the samplings. Non-aureus staphylococci (40.4%) and Gram-negative pathogens (22.8%) were most frequently the cause of NIMI. The observed milk leakage prevalence was 16.7%, with a peak 24 h after drying off. Simultaneously, the udder pressure peaked 24 h after drying off. A significant correlation between milk yield on the day before drying off and milk leakage could be proven. Cows with quarters leaking milk produced an average milk yield of 28.32 kg on the day before drying off. Generalised linear mixed models and odds ratios were calculated to determine the significant risk factors for NIMI during the DP and early lactation. Quarters leaking milk had 3.4 higher odds for NIMI between the samplings compared to quarters without milk leakage. Quarters from cows with dirty udders had 3.1 higher odds of developing an NIMI between the samplings compared to quarters from cows with clean udders. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of dry cow management before drying off and during the critical period of active involution of the udder tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Katthöfer
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Mechanical and Bioprocess Engineering, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 30453 Hannover, Germany; (P.K.); (Y.Z.); (N.W.); (F.P.); (J.N.)
| | - Yanchao Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Mechanical and Bioprocess Engineering, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 30453 Hannover, Germany; (P.K.); (Y.Z.); (N.W.); (F.P.); (J.N.)
| | - Nicole Wente
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Mechanical and Bioprocess Engineering, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 30453 Hannover, Germany; (P.K.); (Y.Z.); (N.W.); (F.P.); (J.N.)
| | - Franziska Preine
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Mechanical and Bioprocess Engineering, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 30453 Hannover, Germany; (P.K.); (Y.Z.); (N.W.); (F.P.); (J.N.)
| | - Julia Nitz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Mechanical and Bioprocess Engineering, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 30453 Hannover, Germany; (P.K.); (Y.Z.); (N.W.); (F.P.); (J.N.)
| | - Volker Krömker
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Meyer I, Haese E, Südekum KH, Sauerwein H, Müller U. The impact of automated, constant incomplete milking on energy balance, udder health, and subsequent performance in early lactation of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:641-654. [PMID: 37709023 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23777] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Incomplete milking (IM) is one way of mitigating the negative energy balance (NEB) that is characteristic for early lactation and may increase the risk for disease. Our objectives were to test the effects of IM in early lactation on energy balance (EB), metabolic status, udder health, and subsequent performance. To facilitate the practical application, an automated system was used to remove the milking clusters once a predefined amount of milk is withdrawn. Forty-six Holstein cows were equally allocated to either the treatment (TRT, starting on 8 d in milk) or the control group (CON; conventional cluster removal at milk flow rate <0.3 kg/min). Milk removal in the TRT group was limited to the individual cow's milk yield 1 d before IM started and held constant for 14 d. Thereafter, all cows were conventionally milked and records related to EB, performance, and udder health were continued up to 15 wk of lactation. During the 14 d of IM, on average 11.1% less milk was obtained from the TRT cows than from the CON cows. Thereafter, milk yield increased in the TRT group, eliminating the group difference throughout the remaining observation period until wk 15 of lactation. The TRT cows tended to have less dry matter intake and also water intake than the CON cows. The extent of the NEB and the circulating concentrations of fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, insulin-like growth factor-1, and leptin mostly did not differ between the groups. The IM did not affect body condition. Udder health was maintained over the entire observation period in all cows. Our results demonstrate the applicability of the automated cluster removal for limiting milk withdrawal to a defined amount in early lactation. However, it remains to be determined whether the absent effect on energy metabolism was due to the relatively stable energy status of the cows or to the relatively mild IM setting used herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Meyer
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - E Haese
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - K-H Südekum
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - H Sauerwein
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - U Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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Franchi GA, Jensen MB, Foldager L, Larsen M, Herskin MS. Effects of dietary and milking frequency changes and administration of cabergoline on clinical udder characteristics in dairy cows during dry-off. Res Vet Sci 2022; 143:88-98. [PMID: 34999440 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of 2 diet energy densities [normal lactation diet (NORM) vs. energy-reduced diet (REDU), both fed for ad libitum intake] and 2 daily milking frequencies [twice (2×) vs. once (1×)] during 1 week before the dry-off day, as well as effects of an injection of either a dopamine agonist [cabergoline (CAB); Velactis, Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France; labelled for use only with abrupt dry-off, e.g. no reduction in diet energy density or milking frequency before the last milking] or saline (SAL) following the last milking, on clinical udder characteristics of Holstein cows. During a week before and after the last milking, the following measures were recorded: palpation-based udder firmness and soreness; image-based hock-hock distance; responsiveness to mechanical udder stimulation and degree of udder fill measured with a dynamometer. Before the last milking, REDU cows displayed lower odds of having a firm udder and lower degree of udder fill, as well as lower responsiveness to mechanical udder stimulation, than NORM cows. After the last milking, REDU cows displayed shorter hock-hock distance compared with NORM cows. The effects of milking frequency on the clinical udder characteristics were unclear. Within 24 h following injection, CAB cows showed lower odds of having a firm udder, shorter hock-hock distance, and lower degree of udder fill than SAL cows, irrespective of treatment group before dry-off. In this study, reducing diet energy density prior to dry-off, and to some extent administering the dopamine agonist cabergoline after the last milking, resulted in fewest clinical udder changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Franchi
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
| | - M B Jensen
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - L Foldager
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Aarhus University, Bioinformatics Research Centre, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M Larsen
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - M S Herskin
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Larsen M, Franchi GA, Herskin MS, Foldager L, Larsen MLV, Hernández-Castellano LE, S Rensen MT, Jensen MB. Effects of feeding level, milking frequency, and single injection of cabergoline on feed intake, milk yield, milk leakage, and clinical udder characteristics during dry-off in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11108-11125. [PMID: 34275624 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abrupt and gradual dry-off strategies by reducing feeding level (normal vs. reduced energy density), reducing milking frequency (twice vs. once daily), and administration of a dopamine agonist after last milking (i.m. saline vs. cabergoline injection) were investigated (2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement) for their effects on feed intake, milk yield, energy balance, milk leakage, and clinical udder characteristics in 119 Holstein cows. In the last week before dry-off, cows were assigned to 1 of 4 combinations of feeding level and milking frequency. Within 3 h after last milking, cows were injected with either saline or a dopamine agonist (cabergoline; Velactis, Ceva Santé Animale; labeled for use only with abrupt dry-off, i.e., no preceding reduction in feeding level or milking frequency before last milking). After dry-off, all cows were fed the same diet for dry cows, and data collection continued for a week. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded in automated feed bins and milk yield in an automatic milking system where additional concentrate was fed. Clinical udder characteristics and milk leakage were scored 10 times during the week before and the week after dry-off. Before dry-off, total DMI decreased with reduced feeding level compared with normal feeding level, but did not differ between milking frequencies. The combined effect of reduced DMI and diet energy concentration resulted in a 47% lower net energy intake with reduced feeding level compared with normal feeding level during the week before dry-off. Milk yield was approximately 30% lower during the week before dry-off when either feeding level or milking frequency was reduced compared with no change in feeding level or milking frequency, whereas milk yield was 45% lower when both feeding level and milking frequency were reduced. The net energy balance during the week before dry-off was negative with reduced feeding level and more negative when combined with twice-daily milking. After dry-off, udder engorgement was reduced in the 3 gradual dry-off treatments compared with abrupt dry-off. Cabergoline injection after last milking resulted in least udder engorgement and signs of milk leakage for 48 h, but also resulted in abrupt reduction of DMI lasting approximately 24 h irrespective of treatment before dry-off. In conclusion, gradual cessation of lactation by reducing milking frequency to once daily without reducing the feeding level decreased milk yield before dry-off in high-yielding dairy cows and reduced udder engorgement after dry-off without inducing negative energy balance during the period of dry-off. In contrast, reduced feeding level induced negative energy balance, which may compromise welfare due to metabolic stress and hunger. No clear differences in risk of milk leakage after dry-off were observed between abrupt and gradual dry-off management strategies. Use of cabergoline led to fewer signs of milk leakage and reduced udder engorgement during the first days after dry-off, which may positively affect welfare at dry-off. However, the mechanism behind and the welfare consequences of the concomitant abrupt decrease in DMI lasting approximately 24 h needs further investigation to complete our understanding of dopamine agonist use for dry-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mogens Larsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
| | | | - Mette S Herskin
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Leslie Foldager
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mona L V Larsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | - Martin T S Rensen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Margit B Jensen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University-Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Blau U, Zanini L, Bruckmaier RM. Intramammary pressure and udder firmness during a 72-h interruption of milking to simulate dry-off, with and without feed restriction. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:7548-7555. [PMID: 31178195 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to quantify the increase of intramammary pressure (IMP) in dry-off during an extended milking interval of 72 h. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that feed restriction (no concentrate and roughage with reduced energy) causes earlier cessation of milk secretion and a lower IMP than continued feeding of the lactational diet. In addition to repeated IMP measurements, we tested a noninvasive method that records udder firmness (UF) via external application of pressure on the udder. Two experimental groups consisted of 10 Holstein cows each, with a daily milk yield of 20 to 25 kg. The restricted group (RG) was changed to restricted feeding on the afternoon of the final milking (0 h), whereas late-lactation feeding was continued in the control group (CG). Both IMP and UF were measured before and after the final milking immediately before milking was stopped for 72 h. These measurements represented IMP and UF levels at 10 h and 0 h milking intervals, respectively. Further measurements were performed at 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, and 72 h after final milking. Milk samples (2 mL) were taken through the IMP catheter at each sampling event, for analysis of somatic cell count (SCC) and serum albumin (SA). Both IMP and UF increased with time, and both parameters peaked at 30 h in CG and at 24 h in RG. The mean IMP from 18 to 72 h, compared with the 10-h IMP (normal milking interval) was higher in CG than in RG. The duration of elevated IMP and UF was prolonged in CG compared with RG (>36 h vs. 12 h). The Pearson correlation between IMP and UF was r = 0.67. Thus, the noninvasive measurement of UF is suitable to replace invasive IMP measurements. However, due to individual differences in udder shape, the correlation between UF and IMP was too low to predict exact IMP levels using UF. Both SCC (presented as logSCC) and SA increased after the final milking until the end of the experiment. The mean increase from 18 to 72 h, compared with levels immediately after final milking, was higher in CG than in RG for SCC but did not differ between treatments for SA. In conclusion, feed restriction causes a faster cessation of milk secretion and therefore limits the increase of IMP at dry-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blau
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Zanini
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Wollowski L, Bertulat S, Kossatz A, Heuwieser W. Short communication: Diagnosis and classification of clinical and subclinical mastitis utilizing a dynamometer and a handheld infrared thermometer. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6532-6539. [PMID: 31103301 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In times of ongoing automatization of dairy cow husbandry, objective and reliable tools for mastitis diagnostic are highly in demand. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of a handheld dynamometer and an infrared thermometer to diagnose and score clinical and subclinical mastitis and to compare those values with results from palpation of the udder tissue. Overall, 218 cows with clinical mastitis (i.e., 46 mild, 106 moderate, and 66 severe cases), 142 with subclinical mastitis, and 68 healthy cows were enrolled. Our data provide evidence that the dynamometer is an accurate diagnostic tool to differentiate between healthy udder quarters, and those with subclinical and clinical mastitis. Furthermore, the severity score of clinical mastitis can be estimated by dynamometer. The firmness threshold for the detection of clinical mastitis was 1.002 kg. Using a threshold of 1.175 kg in clinical mastitis quarters, it was possible to differentiate between negative and positive bacteriological results. A differentiation between healthy and clinical mastitis quarters with the infrared thermometer was possible, albeit udder surface temperatures were highly influenced by ambient temperature. Udder surface temperature increased by 0.15 to 0.18°C for each degree of ambient temperature. In conclusion, the utility of an infrared thermometer to estimate the udder health status of dairy cows is limited, whereas the handheld dynamometer appeared to be an accurate and objective method.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wollowski
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Bertulat
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kossatz
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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Balmer M, Alsaaod M, Boesiger M, O'Brien R, Steiner A. Technical note: Evaluation of a sonographic overbagging edema scoring system for show cows: Comparison with visual inspection. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7494-7499. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wieland M, Melvin J, Virkler P, Nydam D, Heuwieser W. Technical note: Development and evaluation of a standard operating procedure for ultrasound-based measurements of teat canal dimensions in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:1518-1523. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bertulat S, Isaka N, de Prado A, Lopez A, Hetreau T, Heuwieser W. Effect of a single injection of cabergoline at dry off on udder characteristics in high-yielding dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:3220-3232. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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10
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Breast Durometer (Mammometer): A Novel Device for Measuring Soft-Tissue Firmness and Its Application in Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2017; 41:265-274. [PMID: 28130561 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-017-0783-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of soft-tissue firmness has many potential applications in medical practice. This study reports a user-friendly, novel device that is capable of measuring changes in soft-tissue firmness in a reproducible manner. The study reports the development of the equipment and how it has been applied to breast implant surgery. The device was tested for both intra- and inter-observer variability on an in vitro model, using a breast implant. Once reproducibility was confirmed, breast firmness was measured on a series of patients who underwent sub-fascial breast augmentation (n = 50) to examine how it varied post-operatively. Firmness in the upper half of the breast increased to a maximum level two weeks post-surgery (0.44-0.61 Pa), reducing to pre-operative levels by 6 weeks (0.37-0.54 Pa). There was no further significant change at 12 weeks. Firmness in the nipple areolar complex (NAC) and at the lower outer quadrant (LOQ) followed a similar pattern, but remained firmer at 12 weeks. We interpret these patterns as implying that measurements taken at the upper half of the breast are indicative of post-operative oedema, whereas those at the NAC and LOQ represent changes in firmness produced by the breast implant composite. We consider the potential for this novel device in the measurement of soft-tissue firmness in aesthetic breast surgery and would encourage other researchers to explore novel applications. Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Rees A, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. Udder firmness as a possible indicator for clinical mastitis. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:2170-2183. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Kohler P, Alsaaod M, Dolf G, O'Brien R, Beer G, Steiner A. A single prolonged milking interval of 24h compromises the well-being and health of dairy Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9080-9093. [PMID: 27592425 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cows are often shown at dairy shows with overfilled udders to achieve a better show placing. However, it is unclear to what degree "over-bagging" affects the health and well-being of show cows. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of a single prolonged milking interval (PMI) of 24h on the measurable signs of health and well-being in dairy cows in early and mid-lactation and to assess the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on well-being during a PMI. Fifteen Holstein cows were studied in early lactation (89.5±2.7d in milk) and were given an NSAID or physiological saline in a crossover design. Ten cows were studied again in mid-lactation (151.6±4.0d in milk). Data on clinical signs of cows' health, behavior, and well-being were collected at 1 or 2h intervals before and during a PMI of 24h. Data from the last 6h of a 12h milking interval were compared with the last 6h of the PMI. Compared with that of a cow in the last 6h of a 12-h milking interval, the behavior of cows in early lactation (saline group) changed during the last 6h of the PMI: we observed decreased eating time (22.4 vs. 16.2min/h), increased ruminating time (13.3 vs. 25.0min/h), and increased hind limb abduction while walking (score 41.7 vs. 62.6) and standing (31.2 vs. 38.9cm). Udder firmness was increased (2.9 vs. 4.5kg) during this period and more weight was placed on the hind limbs (46.4 vs. 47.0%). We also found pathological signs at the end of the PMI: all cows showed milk leaking, and 10 of 15 cows developed edema in the subcutaneous udder tissue. Somatic cell count was significantly increased from 12h to 72h after the PMI. Administration of an NSAID had no influence on measured variables, except that the occurrence of edema was not significantly increased during PMI in the flunixin group (10 of 15 and 6 of 15 cows for the saline and flunixin groups, respectively). In the cows in mid-lactation, different variables were not significantly changed in the PMI compared with baseline values (e.g., eating and ruminating time, occurrence of edema, and abduction). We conclude that the cows' health and well-being were compromised by a single PMI of 24h, because their behavior changed and pathological signs were recorded. Administration of an NSAID had a slight effect on cows' well-being during a PMI. The stage of lactation had more effect on the cows' health and well-being, because fewer variables were changed in mid-lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kohler
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - M Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Dolf
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61820
| | - G Beer
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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Espadamala A, Pallarés P, Lago A, Silva-Del-Río N. Fresh-cow handling practices and methods for identification of health disorders on 45 dairy farms in California. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9319-9333. [PMID: 27592441 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe fresh-cow handling practices and techniques used during fresh cow evaluations to identify postpartum health disorders on 45 dairy farms in California ranging from 450 to 9,500 cows. Fresh cow practices were surveyed regarding (a) grouping and housing, (b) scheduling and work organization, (c) screening for health disorders, and (d) physical examination methods. Information was collected based on cow-side observations and responses from fresh cow evaluators. Cows were housed in the fresh cow pen for 3 to 14 (20%), 15 to 30 (49%), or >31 (31%) d in milk. Fresh cow evaluations were performed daily (78%), 6 times a week (11%), 2 to 5 times a week (9%), or were not routinely performed (2%). There was significant correlation between the duration of fresh cow evaluations and the number of cows housed in the fresh pen. Across all farms, the duration of evaluations ranged from 5 to 240 min, with an average of 16 s spent per cow. During fresh cow checks, evaluators always looked for abnormal vaginal discharge, retained fetal membranes, and down cows. Dairies evaluated appetite based on rumen fill (11%), reduction of feed in the feed bunk (20%), rumination sensors (2%), or a combination of these (29%). Milk yield was evaluated based on udder fill at fresh cow checks (40%), milk flow during milking (11%), milk yield records collected by milk meters (2%), or a combination of udder fill and milk meters (5%). Depressed attitude was evaluated on 64% of the dairies. Health-monitoring exams for early detection of metritis were implemented on 42% of the dairies based on rectal examination (13%), rectal temperature (22%), or both (7%). Dairies implementing health-monitoring exams took longer to perform fresh cow evaluations. Physical examination methods such as rectal examination, auscultation, rectal temperature evaluation, and cow-side ketosis tests were used on 76, 67, 38, and 9% of dairies, respectively. Across dairies, we found large variation in signs of health disorders screened and how those signs were evaluated. Fresh cows were primarily evaluated based on nonspecific and subjective observations during screening. Future research efforts should focus on developing and validating scoring systems to more objectively identify health disorders in postpartum cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Espadamala
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
| | - P Pallarés
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
| | - A Lago
- DairyExperts, Tulare, CA 93274
| | - N Silva-Del-Río
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
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Rees A, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heuwieser W. Evaluation of udder firmness by palpation and a dynamometer. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:3488-97. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fitzpatrick C, Chapinal N, Petersson-Wolfe C, DeVries T, Kelton D, Duffield T, Leslie K. The effect of meloxicam on pain sensitivity, rumination time, and clinical signs in dairy cows with endotoxin-induced clinical mastitis. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:2847-56. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bertulat S, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Suthar V, Möstl E, Isaka N, Heuwieser W. Measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and evaluation of udder characteristics to estimate stress after sudden dry-off in dairy cows with different milk yields. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:3774-87. [PMID: 23587391 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sudden dry-off is an established management practice in the dairy industry. But milk yield has been increasing continuously during the last decades. There is no information whether the dry-off procedure, which often results in swollen and firm udders, causes stress, particularly in high-producing dairy cows. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a sudden dry-off on extramammary udder pressure and the concentration of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (i.e., 11,17-dioxoandrostane, 11,17-DOA) as an indirect stress parameter. Measurements were carried out within the last week before dry-off and until 9d after dry-off considering 3 groups of milk yield (i.e., low: <15 kg/d, medium: 15-20 kg/d, and high: >20 kg/d). Udder pressure increased in all yield groups after dry-off, peaked at d 2 after dry-off and decreased afterwards. Pressures were highest in high-yielding cows and lowest in low-yielding cows. But only in high-yielding cows was udder pressure after dry-off higher than before dry-off. Baseline 11,17-DOA concentrations depended on milk yield. They were highest in low-yielding (121.7 ± 33.3 ng/g) and lowest in high-yielding cows (71.1 ± 30.0 ng/g). After dry-off, 11,17-DOA increased in all yield groups and peaked at d 3. Whereas in medium- and high-yielding cows 11,17-DOA levels differed significantly from their respective baseline during the whole 9-d measuring period, low-yielding cows showed elevated 11,17-DOA levels only on d 3 after dry-off. However, especially the increase in 11,17-DOA after dry-off between the 3 yield groups was considerably different. Mean 11,17-DOA increase from baseline to d 3 was highest in high-yielding cows (129.1%) and considerably lower in low-yielding cows (40.1%). The highest fecal 11,17-DOA concentrations were measured on d 3 after dry-off, indicating that the stress was most intense on d 2, which is due to an 18-h time lag; at about the same time, udder pressure peaked. Our results showed a negligible effect of a sudden dry-off on low-yielding cows. High-yielding cows, however, faced high extramammary pressures and increased glucocorticoid production. Considering animal welfare aspects, a review of the current dry-off strategies might be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bertulat
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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