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Mobedi E, Dehghan Harati HR, Allahyari I, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Baghbanani RH, Akbarinejad A, Akbarinejad V. Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: V. Association of the main and interactive effects of maternal level of milk production and milk fat to protein ratio with offspring's birth weight, survival, and productive and reproductive performance from birth to the first lactation period. Theriogenology 2024; 228:17-29. [PMID: 39084064 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.019] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Level of dam milk production (DMP) and dam milk fat to protein ratio (DFPR), as an indicator of metabolic status in dairy cows, have been identified to be associated with productive and reproductive performance of the offspring. Yet whether the interaction of DMP by DFPR can be associated with performance of the offspring have not been studied to our knowledge. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the association of the main and interactive effects of DMP and DFPR with offspring's birth weight, survival, milk yield and fertility. To this end, data of birth weight, culling rate, milk yield and reproductive variables of offspring born to lactating dams (n = 14,582) and data associated with DMP and DFPR during 305-day lactation were retrieved. Afterwards, offspring were classified in three categories of DMP, including DMP1 (dams with <10.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP2 (dams with ≥10.00 × 103 kg and <14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP3 (dams with ≥14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), and three categories of DFPR, including DFPR1 (offspring born to dams with <1.00 FPR), DFPR2 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.00 and < 1.40 FPR) and DFPR3 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.40 FPR). Statistical analysis revealed no association of the interaction effect of DMP by DFPR with investigated variables in the offspring (P > 0.05). However, the main effect of DMP was positively associated with milk yield, but negatively associated with survival, age at first insemination and conception during nulliparity, and transgenerational improvement in milk yield in the offspring (P < 0.05). Moreover, the main effect of DFPR was positively associated with birth weight, survival and first service conception rate during nulliparity, but negatively associated with metabolic status and reproductive performance during primiparity in the offspring (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study did not find any interaction effect of DMP by DFPR on productive and reproductive variables in the offspring. This finding implicates the association of DMP with milk production in the offspring was regardless of DFPR. Moreover, this finding implies the association of DFPR with postpartum metabolic status and reproductive performance in the offspring was regardless of DMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emadeddin Mobedi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Iman Allahyari
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faramarz Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Hemmati Baghbanani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Lynch C, Leishman EM, Miglior F, Kelton D, Schenkel FS, Baes CF. Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits. Animal 2024:101141. [PMID: 38641517 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101141] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in dairy cow health continues to grow as we better understand health's relationship with production potential and animal welfare. Over the past decade, efforts have been made to incorporate health traits into national genetic evaluations. However, they have focused on the mature cow, with calf health largely being neglected. Diarrhoea and respiratory disease comprise the main illnesses with regard to calf health. Conventional methods to control calf disease involve early separation of calves from the dam and housing calves individually. However, public concern regarding these methods, and growing evidence that these methods may negatively impact calf development, mean the dairy industry may move away from these practices. Genetic selection may be a promising tool to address these major disease issues. In this review, we examined current literature for enhancing calf health through genetics and discussed alternative approaches to improve calf health via the use of epidemiological modelling approaches, and the potential of indirectly selecting for improved calf health through improving colostrum quality. Heritability estimates on the observed scale for diarrhoea ranged from 0.03 to 0.20, while for respiratory disease, estimates ranged from 0.02 to 0.24. The breadth in these ranges is due, at least in part, to differences in disease prevalence, population structure, data editing and models, as well as data collection practices, which should be all considered when comparing literature values. Incorporation of epidemiological theory into quantitative genetics provides an opportunity to better determine the level of genetic variation in disease traits, as it accounts for disease transmission among contemporaries. Colostrum intake is a major determinant of whether a calf develops either respiratory disease or diarrhoea. Colostrum traits have the advantage of being measured and reported on a continuous scale, which removes the issues classically associated with binary disease traits. Overall, genetic selection for improved calf health is feasible. However, to ensure the maximum response, first steps by any industry members should focus efforts on standardising recording practices and encouragement of uploading information to genetic evaluation centres through herd management software, as high-quality phenotypes are the backbone of any successful breeding programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lynch
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - E M Leishman
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada; Centre for Nutrition Modelling, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - F Miglior
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada; Lactanet Canada, Guelph, ON N1K-1E5, Canada
| | - D Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario N1G-2W1, Canada
| | - F S Schenkel
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - C F Baes
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada; Institute of Genetics, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland.
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Lynch C, Schenkel FS, van Staaveren N, Miglior F, Kelton D, Baes CF. Investigating the potential for genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits using management data. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:1022-1034. [PMID: 37730178 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23780] [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: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Genetic selection could be a tool to help improve the health and welfare of calves; however, to date, there is limited research on the genetics of calfhood diseases. This study aimed to understand the current impact of calf diseases, by investigating incidence rates, estimating genetic parameters, and providing industry recommendations to improve calf disease recording practices on farms. Available calf disease data composed of 69,695 Holstein calf disease records for respiratory problems (RESP) and diarrhea (DIAR), from 62,361 calves collected on 1,617 Canadian dairy herds from 2006 to 2021. Single- and multiple-trait analysis using both a threshold and linear animal model for each trait were evaluated. Furthermore, each trait was analyzed using 2 scenarios with respect to minimum disease incidence threshold criterion (herd-year incidence of at least 1% and 5%) to highlight the effect of different filtering thresholds on selection potential. Observed scale heritability estimates for RESP and DIAR ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 across analyses, while estimated genetic correlations between the traits ranged from 0.50 to 0.62. Sires were compared based on their estimated breeding value and their diseased daughter incidence rates. On average, calves born to the bottom 10% of sires were 1.8 times more likely to develop RESP and 1.9 times to develop DIAR compared with daughters born to the top 10% of sires. Results from the current study are promising for the inclusion of both DIAR and RESP in Canadian genetic evaluations. However, for effective genetic evaluation, standardized approaches on data collection and industry outreach to highlight the importance of collecting and uploading this information to herd management software is required. In particular, it is important that the herd management software is accessible to the national milk recording system to allow for use in national genetic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lynch
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - F S Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - N van Staaveren
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - F Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Lactanet Canada, Guelph, ON, N1K 1E5, Canada
| | - D Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - C F Baes
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Institute of Genetics, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.
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Du B, Hu H, Zhang J, Cai B, Ma Y, Cai X, Ma Y. Estimation of genetic parameters of Holstein calf survival. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:44. [PMID: 38221587 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03874-z] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Calf survival is not only an animal welfare issue but also helps to avoid huge losses in economic and genetic material due to calf mortality. Therefore, improving calf survival is essential in dairy breeding. The objective of this study was to explore the factors affecting the survival of Holstein calves in the Ningxia Region and to estimate the genetic parameters of calves using linear models and threshold models. Descriptive statistics were made for 43,847 Holstein calves born from 2018 to 2022 in Ningxia. The number of calves that died at 2-30 d was the highest, the survival rate was the lowest at 451-750 d, followed by 61-180 d and 2-30 d. Studies on the survival rates of calves born in different months have found that calves born in April have the lowest survival rates and calves born in October and December have higher survival rates. Calves born in autumn, third parity, and singleton calves are more likely to survive. The heritability of calf survival traits ranged from 0.002 ~ 0.136. Thus survival is a low heritability trait. Genetic correlation between different survival stages ranged from 0.3991 (2-30 d to 451-750 d) to 0.9985 (361-450 d to 451-750 d), the phenotypic correlation ranged from 0.1476 (2-30 d to 451-750 d) to 0.9582 (361-450 d to 451-750 d). The low genetic correlation between early and late survival suggests that survival in early and late stages may be influenced by different genetic factors. This study is helpful to understand the survival status of Holstein calves and provide a theoretical basis for improving the survival rate of calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqin Du
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Honghong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Junxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Bei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yanfen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
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Zamuner F, Carpenter EK, Arcos-Gómez G, Parkinson A, Cameron AWN, Leury BJ, DiGiacomo K. Evaluation of plasma immunoglobulin G and BW thresholds for predicting preweaning mortality in commercially raised dairy goat kids. Animal 2023; 17:100989. [PMID: 37801924 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The high preweaning mortality rate is a concerning issue for the commercial dairy industry. In this context, early identification of at-risk individuals can be instrumental. To address this, we conducted a prospective cohort study with the objective of evaluating plasma immunoglobulin G concentration (pIgG-24 h) and initial BW (IBW) measured at 1d old in 363 male dairy kids (Saanen) for predicting preweaning mortality under commercial conditions. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine critical thresholds for pIgG-24 h and IBW. Subsequently, areas under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp) were examined to assess the accuracy of these thresholds. Multivariable regressions were used to model odds ratios (OR) for mortality, controlling for confounding effects between IBW and pIgG-24 h. The mean (±SD) pIgG-24 h and IBW were 16.4 ± 9.37 g/L and 4.0 ± 0.61 kg. Overall mortality ≤ 14d and ≤42d old was 12% and 21%, respectively. Critical pIgG-24 h thresholds predicting mortality ≤ 14 d and ≤42 d old were < 10.1 g/L (AUC = 0.74, Se = 59%, and Sp = 82%) and <11.4 g/L (AUC 0.70, Se = 53%, and Sp = 77%), respectively. Kids with pIgG-24 h < 10.1 g/L were six times more likely to die ≤ 14 d old [OR; 95% CI (6; 3-12)], and kids with pIgG-24 h < 11.4 g/L were four times more likely to die ≤ 42 d old (4; 2-6). The IBW threshold most linked to mortality ≤ 14 d was <3.95 kg (AUC 0.60, Se = 59%, and Sp = 61%). However, this association became inconclusive after adjusting for pIgG-24 h differences. Conversely, an IBW of <3.0 kg was associated with notably higher mortality odds within both 14 and 42 d, irrespective of pIgG-24 h levels (10; 3-37, and 4; 1-20, respectively), suggesting that kids with an IBW < 3.0 kg face an increased likelihood of dying before 42 d, irrespectively of their IgG levels. While our findings suggest pIgG-24 h < 11.4 g/L and IBW < 3.0 kg as strong indicators of early mortality risks in male dairy kids, these results require further validation for other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zamuner
- Faculty of Science - The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - E K Carpenter
- Meredith Dairy Pty Ltd, 106 Cameron Rd, Meredith, Victoria 3333, Australia
| | - G Arcos-Gómez
- Meredith Dairy Pty Ltd, 106 Cameron Rd, Meredith, Victoria 3333, Australia
| | - A Parkinson
- Meredith Dairy Pty Ltd, 106 Cameron Rd, Meredith, Victoria 3333, Australia
| | - A W N Cameron
- Meredith Dairy Pty Ltd, 106 Cameron Rd, Meredith, Victoria 3333, Australia
| | - B J Leury
- Faculty of Science - The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - K DiGiacomo
- Faculty of Science - The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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McAloon CG, Tratalos JA, O'Grady L, Green MJ, Gavey L, Graham D, More SJ, McGrath G, Mee JF. An observational study of ear-tagged calf mortality (1 to 100 days) on Irish dairy farms and associations between biosecurity practices and calf mortality on farms participating in a Johne's disease control program. J Dairy Sci 2023:S0022-0302(23)00266-7. [PMID: 37225580 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal mortality among replacement stock has a detrimental effect on the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of dairy production. Calf mortality rates vary between countries and show differences in temporal trends; most, however, are characterized by high levels of between-farm variability. Explaining this variation can be difficult because herd-level information on management practices relevant to calf health is often not available. The Irish Johne's Control Programme (IJCP) contains a substantial on-farm monitoring program called the Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP). Although this risk assessment is largely focused on factors relevant to the transmission of paratuberculosis, many of its principles are good practice biocontainment policies that are also advocated for the protection of calf health. The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify mortality in ear-tagged Irish dairy calves between 2016 and 2020 using both survival and risk approaches, (2) to determine risk factors for 100-d cumulative mortality hazard in ear-tagged Irish dairy calves between 2016 and 2020, (3) to determine whether 100-d cumulative mortality hazard was higher in ear-tagged calves within herds registered in the IJCP versus those that were not registered in the IJCP and whether there were differences between these cohorts over time, and (4) within IJCP herds, to determine whether VRAMP score or changes in VRAMP score were associated with 100-d cumulative mortality hazard. Excluding perinatal mortality, the overall 100-d cumulative mortality hazard was 4.1%. Calf mortality was consistently underestimated using risk approaches that did not account for calf censoring. Cox proportional hazards models showed that cumulative mortality hazard was greater in male calves; particularly, calves born to Jersey breed dams and those with a beef breed sire. Mortality hazard increased with increasing herd size, was highest in calves born in herds that contract-reared heifers, and lowest in those born in mixed dairy-beef enterprises. Mortality hazard decreased over time with the mortality hazard in 2020 being 0.83 times that of 2016. Mortality hazard was higher in IJCP-registered herds than nonregistered herds (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12), likely reflecting differences in herds that enrolled in the national program. However, we detected a significant interaction between IJCP status (enrolled vs. not enrolled) and year (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-1.00), indicating that the decrease in mortality hazard between 2016 and 2020 was greater in IJCP herds versus non-IJCP herds. Finally, increasing VRAMP scores (indicating higher risk for paratuberculosis transmission) were positively associated with increased calf mortality hazard. Postnatal calf mortality rates in Irish dairy herds declined between 2016 and 2020. Our study suggests that implementation of recommended biocontainment practices to control paratuberculosis in IJCP herds was associated with a reduction in calf mortality hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor G McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland.
| | - Jamie A Tratalos
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Luke O'Grady
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland; School of Veterinary Science and Medicine, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - Martin J Green
- School of Veterinary Science and Medicine, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - Lawrence Gavey
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - David Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Simon J More
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland; Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Guy McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, P61 C997 Cork, Ireland
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van Staaveren N, Hyland E, Houlahan K, Lynch C, Miglior F, Kelton DF, Schenkel FS, Baes CF. Recording of calf diseases for potential use in breeding programs: a case study on calf respiratory illness and diarrhea. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2022-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Calf diseases remain a challenge for dairy producers from both an economic and welfare perspective. Genetically selecting for disease resistance in calves is a promising approach that could contribute to sustainable dairy farming. Genetic evaluations, however, require well-defined and consistently recorded phenotypes to be successful. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the current state of calf disease recording on Ontario farms. Calf disease records of respiratory illness and diarrhea were available from the national milk recording organization (Lactanet Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada) from 2009 to 2020. A case study was conducted to describe calf disease diagnoses and recording practices by surveying a subset of 13 Ontario dairy producers. The percentage of milk recorded farms that recorded calf respiratory illness and calf diarrhea increased from 2.6% in 2009 to 11.1% in 2020. Potential sources of data loss were identified along the information chain from farm to genetic evaluation database. Clear definitions and thresholds to diagnose calf disease, standard operating procedures for data recording, as well as a data transfer pipeline, which includes exchange formats, are needed to facilitate the inclusion of calf health traits in genetic evaluations.
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Trace minerals source in calf starters interacts with birth weights to affect growth performance. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18763. [PMID: 36335246 PMCID: PMC9637111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23459-4] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of inorganic minerals (IM) with trace minerals in advance chelate components form in starter diets for calves of different birth weights on performance, health, and behavior of Holstein calves. Fifty-two calves were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two mineral sources (IM or advanced chelated minerals (ACMS)) and two birth weights (low or normal birth weight; LBW or NBW). Calves were weaned on d 56 and remained until d 71 of the study. Results showed that NBW calves had higher feed intake, withers and hip height, larger heart girth and lower fecal score than LBW calves throughout the study. Calves receiving ACMS tended to have higher feed intake, larger hip width, lower eye and nose scores, and lower rectal temperature throughout the study than IM calves. In addition, ACMS calves had larger abdominal girths at d 56 of the study compared to IM calves. Interactions between birth weights and mineral sources for preweaning average daily gain (ADG) and weaning and final BW showed that ACMS supplementation improved ADG and BW in LBW calves. Non-nutritive oral behavior was lower in ACMS calves compared to IM calves during all periods. Overall, ACMS feeding decreased non-nutritive oral behavior and improved calf health status during the study. In addition, feeding ACMS to dairy calves with LBW increased their ADG to a similar extent as to NBW calves, suggesting an improvement in their efficiency.
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Wathes DC. Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle-Is It a Cause for Concern? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192654. [PMID: 36230395 PMCID: PMC9558991 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam's age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Claire Wathes
- Department for Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Zhang H, Wang K, An T, Zhu L, Chang Y, Lou W, Liu L, Guo G, Liu A, Su G, Brito LF, Wang Y. Genetic parameters for dairy calf and replacement heifer wellness traits and their association with cow longevity and health indicators in Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6749-6759. [PMID: 35840408 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
High mortality and involuntary culling rates cause great economic losses to the worldwide dairy cattle industry. However, there is low emphasis on wellness traits in replacement animals (dairy calves and replacement heifers) during their development stages in modern dairy cattle breeding programs. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters of wellness traits in replacement cattle (replacement wellness traits) and obtain their genetic correlations with 12 cow health and longevity traits in the Chinese Holstein population. Seven replacement wellness traits were analyzed, including birth weight, survival from 3 to 60 d (Sur1), survival from 61 to 365 d (Sur2), survival from 366 d to the first calving (Sur3), calf diarrhea, calf pneumonia, and calf serum total protein (STP). Single and bivariate animal models were employed to estimate (co)variance components using the data from 189,980 Holstein cattle. The genetic correlations between replacement wellness traits and cow longevity, health traits were calculated by employing bivariate models, including 6 longevity traits and 6 health traits (clinical mastitis, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, milk fever, and hoof health or hoof disease). The estimated heritabilities (± SE) were 0.335 (± 0.008), 0.088 (± 0.005), 0.166 (± 0.006), 0.102 (±0 .006), 0.048 (± 0.003), 0.063 (± 0.004), and 0.170 (± 0.019) for birth weight, Sur1, Sur2, Sur3, pneumonia, diarrhea, and STP, respectively. The majority of the genetic correlations among the 7 replacement wellness traits were negligible. The genetic correlations among Sur1, Sur2, and Sur3 ranged from 0.112 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.445 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a linear model (estimates in the observed scale), and from 0.560 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.773 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a threshold model (estimates in the liability scale). The genetic correlations between replacement wellness and cow longevity were low (absolute value lower than 0.30), but some of them were significantly different from zero. Compared with other replacement wellness traits, Sur3 and STP had relatively high genetic correlations with cow longevity. Replacement wellness traits are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic and genomic selection. The results from the current study will contribute for better balancing dairy cattle breeding goals to genetically improve dairy cattle wellness in the period from birth to first calving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailiang Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tao An
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yao Chang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wenqi Lou
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Beijing Dairy Center, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Beijing Sunlon Livestock Development Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Aoxing Liu
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Guosheng Su
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Yachun Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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11
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Silva-Antunes LCM, Costa MJRPD. The adoption of good practices of handling improves dairy calves welfare: Case study. ACTA SCIENTIARUM: ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v43i1.53327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the adoption of a set of good practices of handling on dairy calves welfare. Data were retrieved from the records of a commercial farm, considering three periods: Conventional handling (CH, 12 mo.), transitional period (TP, 4 mo.), and good practices handling (GPH, 12 mo.). During CH calves were kept in individual pens, milk-fed in open pails and subjected to abrupt weaning; while during TP and GPH they were kept in groups, milk-fed in nipple-pails, brushed for 5 min. once a day, and subjected to progressive weaning. TP was assumed as a training period necessary for GPH implementation. The percentages of calves treated with antibiotics and numbers of deaths per month were used as indicators of calves welfare. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to compare the number of deaths per month between CH and the other periods. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of animals treated with antibiotics per month. Results showed that CH had a higher risk of calf's death then TP and GPH, as well as a higher percentage of animals treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, the adoption of good practices of handling improved dairy calves welfare.
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12
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Haagen IW, Hardie LC, Heins BJ, Dechow CD. Genetic parameters of calf morbidity and stayability for US organic Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11770-11778. [PMID: 34419271 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters of calf health in organic US Holstein calves. Calves were born on farms across the United States from 2006 to 2019. Three calf health traits were evaluated in the study: calf respiratory disease until 365 d of age, calf scours until 60 d of age, and heifer stayability until 365 d of age. For respiratory disease and scours, animals were assigned a phenotype of 0 if they were healthy and a phenotype of 1 if they were diseased. For stayability, animals were assigned a phenotype of 0 if they were removed from the herd by 365 d of age and 1 if they remained in the herd at 365 d of age. Genetic parameters were estimated from threshold models that included the fixed effects of mean, year-season of birth, and dam age (respiratory disease and scours only) as well as the random effects of herd-year of birth and additive genetics. Heritability estimates were 0.100, 0.075, and 0.085 for respiratory disease, scours, and stayability, respectively. Solutions for estimated breeding values for respiratory disease and scours were transformed from disease risk to disease resistance by reversing the signs before calculating genetic correlations such that higher values of scours, respiratory disease, and stayability were favored. There was a moderate favorable genetic correlation estimate between respiratory disease resistance and stayability of 0.675. However, genetic correlation estimates between respiratory disease resistance and scours resistance (0.148) and between scours resistance and stayability (0.165) were low. Estimated breeding value correlations between calf health traits and other traits evaluated nationally were generally low in magnitude. The strongest correlation estimates were with longevity, particularly between stayability and heifer livability (0.217) and between stayability and cow livability (0.288); respiratory disease resistance was also favorably correlated with heifer (0.190) and cow (0.178) livability. Correlations with cow health traits were generally low and unfavorable. Linear models including the random effect of herd-by-sire indicated that herd-by-sire accounted for approximately 2% of phenotypic variance for scours and stayability, which may indicate a genotype by environment interaction effect for these traits. In conclusion, there is significant genetic variation in organic calf health, and there was evidence of genotype by environment interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- I W Haagen
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
| | - L C Hardie
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - B J Heins
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - C D Dechow
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
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13
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Condon T, Murphy C, Sleator RD, Judge MM, Ring S, Berry DP. Genetic and non-genetic factors associated with health and vitality traits in beef calves. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6273785. [PMID: 33974695 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Awareness and interest in calf health and wellbeing is intensifying, prompting change in the management and breeding decisions of producers and associated policy-makers. The objectives of the present study were to 1) quantify the risk factors associated with subjectively measured scores of vigor and birth size as well as diagnoses of scour and pneumonia in a large national dataset of beef calves, and 2) to estimate the contribution of genetic variance to such phenotypic measures. After edits, the data consisted of health and birth size data subjectively scored by producers on 88,207 calves born in 6,126 Irish beef herds. Vigor was recorded on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). Birth size was also scored on a scale of 1 (very small) to 5 (very large). Scour and pneumonia were both scored independently based on the suspected number of occurrence of each (0 = no occurrence, 1 = one occurrence, or 2 = more than one occurrence). On average, 14.7% of calves were recorded as having had at least one occurrence of scour within the first 5 mo of life, whereas 6.4% of calves were recorded as having had at least one occurrence of pneumonia within the first 5 mo of life. Relative to female calves, male calves had a worse vigor score and a suspected greater incidence of both scour and pneumonia. Relative to singletons, twins were, on average, smaller at birth, they had a worse vigor score, and they were more prone to scour. Calves born in the later periods of the calving season (i.e., late and very late) had a greater incidence of scour relative to calves in the herd born earlier in the calving season. Heritability estimates for vigor, birth size, and pneumonia were 0.12 (0.02), 0.33 (0.03), and 0.08 (0.02), respectively; no genetic variance was detected for scour. Breeding for vigorous calves that are less susceptible to pneumonia could provide producers with an additional strategy to ensure consumer concerns regarding food quality, safety, and calf wellbeing are being met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Condon
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.,Department of Biological Science, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Craig Murphy
- Department of Biological Science, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Roy D Sleator
- Department of Biological Science, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Michelle M Judge
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Ring
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Donagh P Berry
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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14
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Buczinski S, Achard D, Timsit E. Effects of calfhood respiratory disease on health and performance of dairy cattle: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8214-8227. [PMID: 33896639 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common calfhood diseases in dairy cattle. Unfortunately, published data on the short- and long-term effects of calfhood BRD on health and performance are scarce and, when available, often conflicting and uncertain. The objective of this study was therefore to review the scientific literature on the effects of calfhood BRD on health and performance of dairy cattle and summarize the research findings using a meta-analysis approach. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and CAB Abstract databases were screened for relevant studies that were published in English (until February 3, 2020). Only studies reporting naturally occurring BRD cases from birth to 12 mo of age in dairy calves in Europe and North America were considered eligible. Both observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Random-effect meta-analysis models were used to quantify the effect of BRD on outcomes for which at least 5 studies reported a numeric estimation of the effect of BRD. From an initial pool of 525 references, 27 full-text articles with original data were included in the manuscript. Meta-analysis models were prepared for 4 outcomes: odds of mortality (n = 7 studies), odds of herd removal before first calving (n = 5 studies), average daily gain (n = 10 studies), and milk production during first lactation (n = 5 studies). In these models, heifers diagnosed with BRD during calfhood had 2.85 times higher odds of dying (95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 6.69) and 2.30 times higher odds of herd removal (i.e., dead, culled, or sold) before the first calving (95% confidence interval: 1.75 to 3.03) compared with heifers not diagnosed with this condition. Heifers experiencing calfhood BRD also had an average daily gain reduced by 0.067 kg/d (95% confidence interval: -0.099 to -0.034) and they produced 121.2 kg (95% confidence interval: -184.9 to -57.5) less milk during their first lactation. Other health and performance outcomes, such as age at first calving and odds of not finishing the first lactation, were also investigated but not summarized using a meta-analysis approach. Pooled estimates obtained in the present study may provide more accurate estimates of the overall economic losses associated with calfhood BRD in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buczinski
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada J2S 2M2; Centre d'expertise et de recherche clinique en santé et bien-être animal, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada J2S 2M2.
| | - D Achard
- Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France 33100
| | - E Timsit
- Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France 33100; Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
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15
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Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is of considerable economic importance to the dairy industry, specifically among young animals. Several studies have demonstrated that BRD has a significant genetic component, with heritabilities ranging from 0.04 up to 0.22, which could be utilized to select more resistant animals. Taking advantage of available genomic data will allow more accurate genetic predictions to be made earlier in an animal's life. The availability of genomic data does not negate the necessity of quality phenotypes, in this case, records of BRD incidence. Evidence has shown that genetic selection is possible through the use of producer-recorded health information. The national dairy cooperator database currently has minimal records on respiratory problems. There is an existing pipeline for these data to flow from events recorded by producers on the farm to the national database used for genetic evaluation. Additional data could also be collected through the expansion of currently utilized termination codes and used in conjunction with the records of direct health events. Selection for animals with improved BRD resistance is possible at the national level; however, collection of additional phenotypes remains a significant hurdle.
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16
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Haagen IW, Hardie LC, Heins BJ, Dechow CD. Genetic parameters of passive transfer of immunity for US organic Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:2018-2026. [PMID: 33358161 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Passive transfer of immunity is important for calf health and survival. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for calf passive transfer of immunity through producer-recorded serum total protein (STP) and to determine associations with other routinely evaluated traits in organic Holstein calves (n = 16,725) that were born between July 2013 to June 2018; a restricted subset (n = 7,518) of calves with known Holstein maternal grandsires was analyzed separately. Producers measured STP on farm, and STP was extracted from farm management software. Failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) was declared for calves with STP ≤5.2 g/dL. Calves that had the opportunity to reach 1 yr of age were recorded as either staying in the herd or leaving the herd (STAY365). Univariate and threshold models were fitted for STP and FPT, respectively, and included the fixed effects of herd-year-month of birth, calf age in days at STP measurement, dam age in years, and random effects of animal and birthdate within herd. Model effects for STAY365 included the fixed effects of herd-year-month of birth and random effects of animal and birthdate within herd. Multivariate analyses of STP with FPT or STAY365 were conducted to determine the genetic correlation between traits and STP was also regressed on gestation length. Heritability estimates of STP were 0.06 and 0.08 for full and restricted data, respectively. Heritability estimates for FPT were 0.04 and 0.06 for full and restricted data, respectively. The genetic correlation between STP and FPT was near unity. Heritability estimates for STAY365 ranged from 0.08 to 0.11 with genetic correlation estimates between STP and STAY365 ranging from 0.19 and 0.25. Approximate genetic correlations were estimated for sires (n = 302 and n = 256 for full and restricted data, respectively) with at least 10 daughters for STP and predicted transmitting abilities for health, calving traits, and production. Positive approximate genetic correlations were estimated for STP with cow livability, productive life, net merit dollars, and milk yield; favorable approximate genetic correlations were observed for daughter and sire calving ease, and sire stillbirth. Longer gestation length was associated with reduced STP genetically and phenotypically. These results suggest that passive transfer as measured through STP is heritable and favorably correlated with current measures of health, calving, and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- I W Haagen
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
| | - L C Hardie
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - B J Heins
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - C D Dechow
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
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17
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Renaud D, Waalderbos K, Beavers L, Duffield T, Leslie K, Windeyer M. Risk factors associated with failed transfer of passive immunity in male and female dairy calves: A 2008 retrospective cross-sectional study. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3521-3528. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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18
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Fruscalso V, Olmos G, Hötzel M. Dairy calves’ mortality survey and associated management practices in smallholding, pasture-based herds in southern Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2020; 175:104835. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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19
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Gonzalez-Peña D, Vukasinovic N, Brooker JJ, Przybyla CA, Baktula A, DeNise SK. Genomic evaluation for wellness traits in US Jersey cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:1735-1748. [PMID: 31837791 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The number of Jersey cows in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years according to Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding statistics. To help producers reduce the risk of health disorders in their Jersey animals, Zoetis has developed genomic predictions for wellness traits in Jersey cattle using producer-recorded data. The traits included mastitis (MAST), metritis, retained placenta, displaced abomasum (DA), ketosis, lameness, and milk fever in cows and respiratory disease, scours, and calf livability (DEAD) in calves. Phenotypic data on health events, pedigree, and genotypes were collected directly from producers upon obtaining their permission. Each trait was defined as a binary event, having a value of 1 if an animal has been recorded with a disorder and 0 otherwise. The number of phenotypic records ranged from 216,166 for DA to 628,958 for MAST for cow traits and from 186,505 for scours to 380,429 for DEAD for calf traits. The number of genotyped animals was 41,271. All traits were analyzed using a univariate threshold animal model. The model for cow wellness traits included the fixed effect of parity and random effects of herd × year × season of calving, animal, and permanent environment. The model for calf wellness traits included the fixed effect of year of birth × calving season × region and random effects of herd × year of birth and animal. A total of 45,163 SNP were used in genomic analyses. Animals genotyped with low-density chips were imputed to the required number of markers. All analyses were based on the single-step genomic BLUP. Heritabilities ranged from 0.061 for DA to 0.120 for lameness. Predicted transmitting abilities were expressed in percentage points as deviations from the average estimated probability of a disorder in the base population. Reliabilities of genomic predicted transmitting abilities had average values between 32% (DA) and 51% (MAST and DEAD). The results indicate that a direct evaluation of cow and calf wellness traits under a genomic threshold model is feasible and offers predictions with average reliabilities comparable with other lowly heritable traits for Jersey cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - A Baktula
- Zoetis Genetics, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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20
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Mortality-Culling Rates of Dairy Calves and Replacement Heifers and Its Risk Factors in Holstein Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100730. [PMID: 31561614 PMCID: PMC6826548 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High mortality and involuntary culling rates cause great economic losses to the dairy industry around the world, and the survival of dairy calves and replacement heifers is paramount in modern dairy breeding. However, little has been done to genetically improve mortality rates of dairy calves and replacement heifers in Chinese Holstein cattle. In this study, we investigated population parameters (descriptive statistics) of mortality rates of dairy calves and replacement heifers and risk factors affecting mortality and involuntary culling rates in Chinese Holstein cattle. The mortality rate of dairy calves and replacement heifers from day 3 to 60, 61 to 365, and 366 to first calving was 5.5%, 7.4%, and 8.7%, and an unfavorable increasing trend has been observed in the Chinese Holstein population. Health events associated with digestive and respiratory or circulatory systems were the main reasons for deaths. Herd-birth year, birth season, and dam parity had significant effects on survival. Our findings will help farmers to better manage dairy calves and replacement heifers and highlight the need to include these survival traits as part of the national genetic evaluation schemes. Abstract The rates of mortality and involuntary culling of dairy calves and replacement heifers have great economic implications on the dairy cattle industry around the world. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to obtain population parameters of mortality and involuntary culling rates of dairy calves and replacement heifers; and, (2) to investigate the factors affecting mortality and involuntary culling rates in Chinese Holstein cattle. Two datasets containing records of birth, calving, and culling events from 142,833 Holstein cattle born between 1991 and 2018 were used in this study. The population parameters were obtained using dataset 1, which consisted of dairy calves and replacement heifers that died or were involuntarily culled. Three survival traits were defined in dataset 2, which consisted of females born from 1999 to 2018. A binomial logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors on the survival traits. The mortality rate of dairy calves and replacement heifers from day 3 to 60, 61 to 365, and 366 to first calving was 5.5%, 7.4%, and 8.7%, and an unfavorable increasing trend was observed. Health events associated with digestive and respiratory or circulatory systems were the main death reasons. Herd-birth year, birth season, and dam parity had significant effects on survival traits. The results from this study will help farmers to better manage calves and replacement heifers and highlight the need to include survival traits in dairy calves and replacement heifers as part of national genetic evaluation schemes.
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21
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Glover ID, Barrett DC, Reyher KK. Little association between birth weight and health of preweaned dairy calves. Vet Rec 2019; 184:477. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.105062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Glover
- West Ridge Veterinary Practice, Chapple Road, Witheridge; Tiverton Devon UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol; Langford House, Langford Bristol UK
| | - David C Barrett
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol; Langford House, Langford Bristol UK
| | - Kristen K Reyher
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol; Langford House, Langford Bristol UK
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22
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Gonzalez-Peña D, Vukasinovic N, Brooker J, Przybyla C, DeNise S. Genomic evaluation for calf wellness traits in Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:2319-2329. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Vinet A, Leclerc H, Marquis F, Phocas F. Genetic analysis of calf health in Charolais beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:1246-1258. [PMID: 29471383 PMCID: PMC6140890 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence calf health and survival in Charolais cattle. Data from 2,740 calves, originating from 16 French farms and observed from birth until 30 d of age, were analyzed using models that took account of direct genetic, maternal genetic, and common environmental effects. Both direct and maternal genetic parameters were estimated for birth weight (BW), calving ease (CE), neonatal vitality (NV), survival at 30 d (Surv), and umbilical infection and diarrhea at different ages (0 to 5 d: Umb1 and Diar1; 6 to 20 d: Umb2 and Diar2; and 21 to 30 d: Umb3 and Diar3). The heritability values for direct and maternal genetic effects were, 0.026 (SE = 0.027) and 0.096 (SE = 0.042) for Surv, 0.280 (SE = 0.063) and 0.063 (SE = 0.038) for BW, 0.129 (SE = 0.041) and 0 for CE, 0.073 (SE = 0.035) and 0 for NV, 0.071 (SE = 0.038) and 0.017 (SE = 0.026) for Umb1, 0 and 0.082 (SE = 0.029) for Umb2, 0 and 0.044 (SE = 0.030) for Diar1, 0.016 (SE = 0.022) and 0.012 (SE = 0.026) for Diar2, and 0.016 (SE = 0.028) and 0 for Diar3, respectively. Significant genetic variability in beef cattle was thus revealed for five calf health traits: NV, Surv, Diar1, Umb1, and Umb2. In addition, for three traits (Surv, Diar1, and Umb2), maternal genetic effects clearly contributed more to health performance than direct genetic effects. Estimates of genetic correlation between traits varied markedly (from 0 to 1 in absolute values) depending on the traits in question, the age for a given trait, and the type (direct or maternal) of the genetic effects considered. These results suggest that not all health traits in Charolais cattle can be improved simultaneously, and breeders will therefore have to prioritize certain traits of interest in their breeding objectives. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential utility of collecting and integrating data on calf diseases, NV and survival in future beef cattle breeding programs. To ensure appropriate biological and genetic evaluations of calf health performance, it is important to accurately describe the phenotypes for diarrhea and umbilical infections (in terms of age ranges) and account for maternal genetic and common environmental effects that explain calf health performance traits. Further investigation and improved data collection are now necessary to maximize the efficiency of breeding schemes designed to simultaneously improve production and health traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vinet
- GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - H Leclerc
- Institut de l'Elevage, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - F Marquis
- GIE Charolais France, Agropôle du Marault, Magny-Cours, France
| | - F Phocas
- GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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24
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Yin T, König S. Genetic parameters for body weight from birth to calving and associations between weights with test-day, health, and female fertility traits. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:2158-2170. [PMID: 29274962 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A data set including 57,868 records for calf birth weight (CABW) and 9,462 records for weight at first insemination (IBW) were used for the estimation of direct and maternal genetic effects in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle. Furthermore, CABW and IBW were correlated with test-day production records and health traits in first-lactation cows, and with nonreturn rates in heifers. Health traits considered overall disease categories from the International Committee for Animal Recording diagnosis key, including the general disease status, diarrhea, respiratory diseases, mastitis, claw disorders, female fertility disorders, and metabolic disorders. For single-trait measurements of CABW and IBW, animal models with maternal genetic effects were applied. The direct heritability was 0.47 for CABW and 0.20 for IBW, and the direct genetic correlation between CABW and IBW was 0.31. A moderate maternal heritability (0.19) was identified for CABW, but the maternal genetic effect was close to zero for IBW. The correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects was antagonistic for CABW (-0.39) and for IBW (-0.24). In bivariate animal models, only weak genetic and phenotypic correlations were identified between CABW and IBW with either test-day production or health traits in early lactation. Apart from metabolic disorders, there was a general tendency for increasing disease susceptibilities with increasing CABW. The genetic correlation between IBW and nonreturn rates in heifers after 56 d and after 90 d was slightly positive (0.18), but close to zero when correlating nonreturn rates with CABW. For the longitudinal BW structure from birth to the age of 24 mo, random regression models with the time-dependent covariate "age in months" were applied. Evaluation criteria (Bayesian information criterion and residual variances) suggested Legendre polynomials of order 3 to modeling the longitudinal body weight (BW) structure. Direct heritabilities around birth and insemination dates were slightly larger than estimates for CABW and IBW from the single-trait models, but maternal heritabilities were exactly the same from both models. Genetic correlations between BW were close to 1 for neighboring age classes, but decreased with increasing time spans. The genetic correlation between BW at d 0 (birth date) and at 24 mo was even negative (-0.20). Random regression model estimates confirmed the antagonistic relationship between direct and maternal genetic effects, especially during calfhood. This study based on a large data set in dairy cattle confirmed genetic parameters and (co)variance components for BW as identified in beef cattle populations. However, BW records from an early stage of life were inappropriate early predictors for dairy cow health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany.
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Medrano-Galarza C, LeBlanc SJ, DeVries TJ, Jones-Bitton A, Rushen J, Marie de Passillé A, Haley DB. A survey of dairy calf management practices among farms using manual and automated milk feeding systems in Canada. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:6872-6884. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Determination of neonatal serum immunoglobulin G concentrations associated with mortality during the first 4 months of life in dairy heifer calves. J DAIRY RES 2015; 82:400-6. [PMID: 26383079 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029915000503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Colostral administration practices on dairy farms have significantly improved over the last 15-20 years resulting in prevalence of calves ingesting insufficient colostrum decreasing from 35-40% to 19%. Despite these improvements, the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of ≥ 1000 g/dl and serum total protein (TP) concentrations of ≥ 5. 2 g/dl are considered indicative of adequate transfer of immunity. We hypothesised that the current serum IgG concentrations of ≥ 1000 mg/dl is too low to indicate adequate transfer of colostral immunity on modern dairies. The objective of this study was to determine the serum IgG and TP concentrations indicating adequate transfer of passive immunity in dairy heifer calves. A cohort study of 1290 heifers from a calf raising facility for 48 dairy farms was performed. Heifers were assigned into strata based on serum IgG and TP concentrations. Mortality events were recorded for the heifers for 4 months. Interval likelihood ratios for mortality were calculated for heifers in each stratum of serum IgG or TP concentrations. Logistic regression to predict probability of mortality events was performed. Estimates of probability of survival were evaluated using survival analysis. Serum strata of ≤ 1500, 1501-2000 or >2500 were not significant predictors of mortality during the 120 d of rearing. Serum IgG concentration was not a significant predictor of hazard for mortality. In contrast to previous studies, serum IgG and TP concentrations of 2001-2500 mg/dl and 5.8-6.3 g/dl respectively, were considered optimum for indicating adequate passive transfer of colostral immunity in dairy calves based on the likelihood ratios. On dairies with optimum colostral feeding practices, serum IgG and TP concentrations of 2001-2500 mg/dl and 5.8-6.3 g/dl are recommended as endpoints to indicate adequate passive immunity in dairy calves.
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Egger-Danner C, Cole JB, Pryce JE, Gengler N, Heringstad B, Bradley A, Stock KF. Invited review: overview of new traits and phenotyping strategies in dairy cattle with a focus on functional traits. Animal 2015; 9:191-207. [PMID: 25387784 PMCID: PMC4299537 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114002614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For several decades, breeding goals in dairy cattle focussed on increased milk production. However, many functional traits have negative genetic correlations with milk yield, and reductions in genetic merit for health and fitness have been observed. Herd management has been challenged to compensate for these effects and to balance fertility, udder health and metabolic diseases against increased production to maximize profit without compromising welfare. Functional traits, such as direct information on cow health, have also become more important because of growing concern about animal well-being and consumer demands for healthy and natural products. There are major concerns about the impact of drugs used in veterinary medicine on the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that can negatively impact human health. Sustainability and efficiency are also increasingly important because of the growing competition for high-quality, plant-based sources of energy and protein. Disruptions to global environments because of climate change may encourage yet more emphasis on these traits. To be successful, it is vital that there be a balance between the effort required for data recording and subsequent benefits. The motivation of farmers and other stakeholders involved in documentation and recording is essential to ensure good data quality. To keep labour costs reasonable, existing data sources should be used as much as possible. Examples include the use of milk composition data to provide additional information about the metabolic status or energy balance of the animals. Recent advances in the use of mid-infrared spectroscopy to measure milk have shown considerable promise, and may provide cost-effective alternative phenotypes for difficult or expensive-to-measure traits, such as feed efficiency. There are other valuable data sources in countries that have compulsory documentation of veterinary treatments and drug use. Additional sources of data outside of the farm include, for example, slaughter houses (meat composition and quality) and veterinary labs (specific pathogens, viral loads). At the farm level, many data are available from automated and semi-automated milking and management systems. Electronic devices measuring physiological status or activity parameters can be used to predict events such as oestrus, and also behavioural traits. Challenges concerning the predictive biology of indicator traits or standardization need to be solved. To develop effective selection programmes for new traits, the development of large databases is necessary so that high-reliability breeding values can be estimated. For expensive-to-record traits, extensive phenotyping in combination with genotyping of females is a possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Egger-Danner
- ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, Dresdner Str.
89/19, A-1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - J. B. Cole
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory,
ARS, USDA, 10300 Baltimore
Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350,
USA
| | - J. E. Pryce
- Department of Environment and Primary Industries, La
Trobe University, Agribio, 5 Ring
Road, Bundoora, Victoria 3083,
Australia
| | - N. Gengler
- University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
(GxABT), Animal Science Unit, Passage des
Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - B. Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences,
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box
5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - A. Bradley
- Quality Milk Management Services Ltd, Cedar
Barn, Easton Hill, Easton,
Wells, Somerset, BA5
1EY, UK
- University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary
Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus,
Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire,
LE12 5RD, UK
| | - K. F. Stock
- Vereinigte Informationssysteme Tierhaltung w.V. (vit),
Heideweg 1, D-27283 Verden,
Germany
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Kamal M, Van Eetvelde M, Depreester E, Hostens M, Vandaele L, Opsomer G. Age at calving in heifers and level of milk production during gestation in cows are associated with the birth size of Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5448-58. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-7898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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McCorquodale C, Sewalem A, Miglior F, Kelton D, Robinson A, Koeck A, Leslie K. Erratum to “Short communication: Analysis of health and survival in a population of Ontario Holstein heifer calves” (J. Dairy Sci. 96:1800–1885). J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:2727. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-96-4-2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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