1
|
Mason WA, Müller KR, Laven LJ, Huxley JN, Laven RA. Farm-level risk factors and treatment protocols for lameness in New Zealand dairy cattle. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:171-182. [PMID: 38719276 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2345257] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To identify farm-level risk factors for dairy cow lameness, and to describe lameness treatment protocols used on New Zealand dairy farms. METHODS One hundred and nineteen farms from eight veterinary clinics within the major dairying regions of New Zealand were randomly enrolled into a cross-sectional lameness prevalence study. Each farmer completed a questionnaire on lameness risk factors and lameness treatment and management. Trained observers lameness scored cattle on two occasions, between October-December (spring, coinciding with peak lactation for most farms) and between January-March (summer, late lactation for most farms). A four-point (0-3) scoring system was used to assess lameness, with animals with a lameness score (LS) ≥2 defined as lame. At each visit, all lactating animals were scored including animals that had previously been identified lame by the farmer. Associations between the farmer-reported risk factors and lameness were determined using mixed logistic regression models in a Bayesian framework, with farm and score event as random effects. RESULTS A lameness prevalence of 3.5% (2,113/59,631) was reported at the first LS event, and 3.3% (1,861/55,929) at the second LS event. There was a median prevalence of 2.8% (min 0, max 17.0%) from the 119 farms. Most farmers (90/117; 77%) relied on informal identification by farm staff to identify lame animals. On 65% (75/116) of farms, there was no external provider of lame cow treatments, with the farmer carrying out all lame cow treatments. Most farmers had no formal training (69/112; 62%). Animals from farms that used concrete stand-off pads during periods of inclement weather had 1.45 times the odds of lameness compared to animals on farms that did not use concrete stand-off pads (95% equal-tailed credible interval 1.07-1.88). Animals from farms that reported peak lameness incidence from January to June or all year-round, had 0.64 times odds of lameness compared to animals from farms that reported peak lameness incidence from July to December (95% equal-tailed credible interval 0.47-0.88). CONCLUSIONS Lameness prevalence was low amongst the enrolled farms. Use of concrete stand-off pads and timing of peak lameness incidence were associated with odds of lameness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Veterinarians should be encouraging farmers to have formal lameness identification protocols and lameness management plans in place. There is ample opportunity to provide training to farmers for lame cow treatment. Management of cows on stand-off pads should consider the likely impact on lameness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W A Mason
- EpiVets, Te Awamutu, New Zealand
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K R Müller
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - L J Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J N Huxley
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Urban-Chmiel R, Mudroň P, Abramowicz B, Kurek Ł, Stachura R. Lameness in Cattle-Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1836. [PMID: 38929454 PMCID: PMC11200875 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the etiopathogenesis of lameness in dairy cattle and examples of its treatment and prevention. This work is based on a review of available publications. In selecting articles for the manuscript, the authors focused on issues observed in cattle herds during their clinical work. Lameness in dairy cattle is a serious health and economic problem around the world. Production losses result from reduced milk yield, reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, treatment costs, and costs associated with early culling. A significant difficulty in the control and treatment of lameness is the multifactorial nature of the disease; causes may be individual or species-specific and may be associated with the environment, nutrition, or the presence of concomitant diseases. An important role is ascribed to infectious agents of both systemic and local infections, which can cause problems with movement in animals. It is also worth noting the long treatment process, which can last up to several months, thus significantly affecting yield and production. Given the high economic losses resulting from lameness in dairy cows, reaching even >40% (depending on the scale of production), there seems to be a need to implement extensive preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb infections in animals. The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Urban-Chmiel
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Pavol Mudroň
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Beata Abramowicz
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Kurek
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Rafał Stachura
- Agromarina Sp Z o.o., Kulczyn-Kolonia 48, 22-235 Hańsk Pierwszy, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roche SM, Renaud DL, Saraceni J, Kelton DF, DeVries TJ. Invited review: Prevalence, risk factors, treatment, and barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries in dairy cattle-A narrative review. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3347-3366. [PMID: 38101730 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23870] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lameness and leg injuries are both painful and prevalent across the dairy industry, and are a major welfare concern. There has been a considerable amount of research focused on investigating the risk factors associated with lameness and injuries and how they might be prevented and treated. The objectives of this narrative review were to summarize herd-level prevalence estimates, risk factors, strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of these conditions, and the barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There is a relatively high within-herd prevalence of lameness on dairy farms globally, with a recent systematic review estimating the mean prevalence at 22.8%. Similarly, there is a relatively high prevalence of hock injuries, with within-herd estimates ranging from 12% to 81% of cows affected. Knee and neck injuries have been reported to be less common, with 6% to 43% and 1% to 33%, respectively. Numerous risk factors have been associated with the incidence of lameness, notably housing (e.g., access to pasture, bedding depth, bedding type, flooring type, stall design), management (e.g., stall cleanliness, frequency of trimming, holding times, stocking density), and cow-level (e.g., body condition, parity, injured hocks) factors. Risk factors associated with hock injuries can be similarly classified into housing (e.g., bedding type and depth, outdoor access, parlor type, stall design), management (e.g., bedding depth, cleanliness), and cow (e.g., parity, days in milk, lameness) factors. Key preventative approaches for lameness include routine preventative and corrective hoof trimming, improving hoof cushioning and traction through access to pasture or adding rubber flooring, deep-bedded stalls, sand bedding, ensuring appropriate stocking densities, reduced holding times, and the frequent use of routine footbaths. Very little research has been conducted on hock, knee, and neck injury prevention and recovery. Numerous researchers have concluded that both extrinsic (e.g., time, money, space) and intrinsic (e.g., farmer attitude, perception, priorities, and mindset) barriers exist to addressing lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There are many diverse stakeholders in lameness and injury management including the farmer, farm staff, veterinarian, hoof trimmer, nutritionist, and other advisors. Addressing dairy cattle lameness and injuries must, therefore, consider the people involved, as it is these people who are influencing and implementing on-farm decisions related to lameness prevention, treatment, and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - J Saraceni
- ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kechroud AA, Merdaci L, Aoun L, Gherissi DE, Saidj D. Welfare evaluation of dairy cows reared in the East of Algeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:32. [PMID: 38175246 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03872-1] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of dairy cows raised in local conditions through health criteria. Important health problems have been identified as well as their effect on the milk yield. One hundred seven farms in eastern Algeria were visited. Data on health, productivity, and management practices were collected. Clinical examination of 1210 dairy cows was conducted to assess health scores. The relationship between herd health and milk yield was investigated using multiple linear regression models. The average milk yield per cow was 16.1 kg/day, and the average prevalence of thin cows (body condition score ≤ 2) was 35.1%. The cow dirtiness was a sign of poor facility hygiene, with 24.3% of cows had dirty udders, 44.5% had dirty flanks/upper legs, and 59.6% had dirty hind legs. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥ 3) and severe lameness (locomotion score ≥ 4) were 24.7% and 8.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hocks, knees, and neck injuries (score > 1) with wound and/or swelling ranged from 0 to 46.2%, 0 to 71.4%, and 0 to 14.3%, respectively. The clinical examination showed a percentage of cows with mastitis of 15.4%, diarrhea of 6.9%, cough of 3.2%, nasal discharge of 7.5%, and ocular discharge of 1.8%. Thus, the milk yield had associated with severe lameness, mastitis, thinness, and dystocia. In conclusion, the welfare indicators in this study reflect the serious health problems in dairy farming which influence the expression of the cow genetic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelouahed Kechroud
- Laboratory of Epidemio-Surveillance, Production and Reproduction, Health, Cellular Experimentation and Therapy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, PO Box 73, 36000, El-Tarf, Algeria.
| | - Latifa Merdaci
- Laboratory of Epidemio-Surveillance, Production and Reproduction, Health, Cellular Experimentation and Therapy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, PO Box 73, 36000, El-Tarf, Algeria
| | - Leila Aoun
- Laboratory of Epidemio-Surveillance, Production and Reproduction, Health, Cellular Experimentation and Therapy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, PO Box 73, 36000, El-Tarf, Algeria
| | - Djalel Eddine Gherissi
- Laboratory of Animal Production, Biotechnology and Health, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University, BP 41000, Souk-Ahras, Algeria
| | - Dahia Saidj
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, Saad Dahleb University, 1,B.P. 270, Route de Soumâa, 09000, Blida, Algeria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fürmann A, Syring C, Becker J, Sarbach A, Weber J, Welham Ruiters M, Steiner A. Prevalence of Painful Lesions of the Digits and Risk Factors Associated with Digital Dermatitis, Ulcers and White Line Disease on Swiss Cattle Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:153. [PMID: 38200884 PMCID: PMC10778466 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010153] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The first aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence of painful lesions of the digits ("alarm" lesions; ALs) in Swiss dairy herds and cow-calf operations over a three-year study period. The following ALs were included in the calculation: the M2 stage of digital dermatitis (DD M2), ulcers (U), white line fissures (WLF) of moderate and high severity, white line abscesses (WLA), interdigital phlegmon (IP) and swelling of the coronet and/or bulb (SW). Between February 2020 and February 2023, digit disorders were electronically recorded during routine trimmings by 40 specially trained hoof trimmers on Swiss cattle farms participating in the national claw health programme. The data set used consisted of over 35,000 observations from almost 25,000 cows from 702 herds. While at the herd-level, the predominant AL documented in 2022 was U with 50.3% followed by WLF with 38.1%, at the cow-level, in 2022, it was DD M2 with 5.4% followed by U with 3.7%. During the study period, within-herd prevalences of ALs ranged from 0.0% to a maximum of 66.1% in 2020. The second aim of this study was to determine herd- and cow-level risk factors associated with digital dermatitis (DD), U and white line disease (WL) in dairy cows using data from 2022. While for DD, analysed herd-level factors appeared to have a greater effect on the probability of its occurrence, the presence of U and WL was mainly associated with the analysed cow-level factors. The risk for DD increased with a higher herd trimming frequency. Herds kept in tie stalls had a lower risk for DD and WL and a higher risk for U compared to herds kept in loose housing systems. Herds with predominantly Holstein Friesian cows as well as Holstein Friesian cows had a higher risk for the occurrence of DD compared to herds and cows of other breeds. With increasing parity, cows had a higher risk of developing U and WL, whereas for DD, parity was negatively associated with prevalence. Cows trimmed during the grazing period had a higher risk of U and WL than cows trimmed during the housing period. These findings may contribute to improve management measures affecting the health of the digits in farms with structures similar to those evaluated in the current study, such as small herds with frequent access to pasture. Further research is warranted to demonstrate how measures addressing the current results combined with those of individual herd risk assessments might contribute to an improvement in the health of the digits in the respective dairy herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fürmann
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.S.); (J.B.); (A.S.); (J.W.); (M.W.R.); (A.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mõtus K, Viidu DA, Rilanto T, Niine T, Orro T, Viltrop A, Bougeard S. Application of multiblock analysis to identify key areas and risk factors for dairy cow persistence. Prev Vet Med 2024; 222:106081. [PMID: 38061266 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106081] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study analysed the importance of individual variables and different thematic blocks of production areas, management, and herd infectious disease status on cow persistence, characterised by herd on-farm mortality rate (MR), culling rate (CR), and mean age of culled cows (MAofCC) applying multiblock partial least squares (mbPLS) analysis. This study included 120 free-stall dairy herds with ≥ 100 cows. Data on the previous year's predominant cow housing system and management practices were collected, and on-farm measurements and cow scoring were performed. Bulk tank milk (BTM) and heifer blood samples (10 samples per herd) were collected and analysed for antibodies against the selected pathogens. In total, 172 variables were aggregated into 14 thematic blocks. The annual CR, MR, and MAofCC values were calculated for each herd. Thematic blocks with significant impact on cow persistence (included herd MR, CR and MAofCC) were 'infectious diseases' (block importance index out of all blocks = 13.6%, 95% CI 10.3; 20.5), 'fertility management' (16.3%, 95% CI 6.8; 26.9), 'lactating cow management' (11.5%, 95% CI 6.4; 17.8), 'milking' (11.3%, 95% CI 3.2; 17.1), 'herd characteristics' (10.1%, 95% CI 6.3; 14.2), 'close-up period management' (9.7%, 95% CI 2.7; 15.7), 'calving management' (7.9%, 95% CI 3.1; 11.4) and 'disease management' (7.3%, 95% CI 0.2; 12.0). Variable categories with the highest importance in explaining composite outcome including herd MR, CR and MAofCC were rear-end and udder lesions in ≥ 20% of the cows, BTM and heifers seropositive to bovine respiratory syncytial virus, vaccination against bovine herpesvirus 1, twice daily milking and herd location in Northwest region. Larger herd size, higher levels of milk yield, and rearing predominantly Holstein breed cattle were herd factors associated with poorer cow persistency. Grazing cows and having semi-insulated barns were associated with lower CR and MR, respectively. Heat detection and farm pregnancy testing strategies were significant factors in the fertility block. Using disposable dry papers for teat cleaning and not using any wet teat-cleaning tools were risk factors for high MR. A robotic milking system was protective for increased herd MR and CR. A high pre-calving body condition score and poor rear body cleanliness of ≥ 30% of cows were associated with inferior herd persistency outcomes. Calving in group pens with deep litter bedding was associated with a lower CR. Multiblock PLS model is innovative tool that helped to identify most influential farming areas but also single risk factors associated with cow persistency described by multiple parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerli Mõtus
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Dagni-Alice Viidu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Rilanto
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tarmo Niine
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Orro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Stephanie Bougeard
- French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health Safety, Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Department of Epidemiology and Welfare, Ploufragan, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kok A, Ternman E, Thorup VM. Do you see the pattern? Make the most of sensor data in dairy cows. J DAIRY RES 2023; 90:252-256. [PMID: 37781762 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029923000559] [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] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Sensors are increasingly being used to monitor animal behaviour. Data handling methods have, however, lagged behind the continuous data stream to some extent, often being limited to summarizing data into daily averages at group level. This research reflection presents our opinion of the neglected application of 24-h pattern analysis. Recent studies of dairy cow behaviour have demonstrated that additional ways of analysing data improve our understanding of animal behaviour and add value to data that were already retrieved. The terminology for the described 24-h patterns differs between these studies, making them difficult to compare. Thus, diurnal, circadian, daily, periodicity and 24-h pattern are all terms used to describe dairy cow activities over a 24-h period. Several studies have shown that the 24-h behavioural pattern at herd level is relatively consistent over time, and that with well-established management routines, a specific herd signature will be evident. However, within a herd, individual cows may have individual 24-h patterns with more or less variability. Recent studies suggest that deviations from herd and/or individual 24-h patterns can be used to describe cow robustness, as well as to predict disease. We strongly believe that individual and herd 24-h patterns provide a great deal of information about behaviour and that these patterns offer opportunity for more precise and timely health management and welfare monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akke Kok
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Ternman
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Vivi M Thorup
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, De Boyer des Roches A, Jensen MB, Mee J, Green M, Thulke H, Bailly‐Caumette E, Candiani D, Lima E, Van der Stede Y, Winckler C. Welfare of dairy cows. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07993. [PMID: 37200854 PMCID: PMC10186071 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It includes three assessments carried out based on literature reviews and complemented by expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe: tie-stalls, cubicle housing, open-bedded systems and systems with access to an outdoor area. Per each system, the scientific opinion describes the distribution in the EU and assesses the main strengths, weaknesses and hazards potentially reducing the welfare of dairy cows. Assessment 2 addresses five welfare consequences as requested in the mandate: locomotory disorders (including lameness), mastitis, restriction of movement and resting problems, inability to perform comfort behaviour and metabolic disorders. Per each welfare consequence, a set of animal-based measures is suggested, a detailed analysis of the prevalence in different housing systems is provided, and subsequently, a comparison of the housing systems is given. Common and specific system-related hazards as well as management-related hazards and respective preventive measures are investigated. Assessment 3 includes an analysis of farm characteristics (e.g. milk yield, herd size) that could be used to classify the level of on-farm welfare. From the available scientific literature, it was not possible to derive relevant associations between available farm data and cow welfare. Therefore, an approach based on expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) was developed. The EKE resulted in the identification of five farm characteristics (more than one cow per cubicle at maximum stocking density, limited space for cows, inappropriate cubicle size, high on-farm mortality and farms with less than 2 months access to pasture). If one or more of these farm characteristics are present, it is recommended to conduct an assessment of cow welfare on the farm in question using animal-based measures for specified welfare consequences.
Collapse
|
9
|
Roche S, Renaud DL, Bauman CA, Lombard J, Short D, Saraceni J, Kelton DF. Calf management and welfare in the Canadian and US dairy industries: Where do we go from here? J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4266-4274. [PMID: 37080780 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22793] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this narrative review was to compare the results of the 2015 Canadian National Dairy Study and the 2014 US National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Dairy Studies, with a specific focus on calf management and welfare, and to interpret these findings within more recent calf health research to describe where we need to go next in the North American dairy industry. Situating results of periodic national studies within the context of past and recent research provides an opportunity to gauge adoption of recommendations and best practices and to help identify persistent and new challenges that the industry is wrestling with to help guide research needs. Through this review of the 2 national studies, we identified several strengths of the Canadian and US dairy industries. In each area of calf health management, improvements relative to previous NAHMS studies and the published literature have been found in the level of mortality, amount of colostrum fed, housing, and the number of producers using pain control for disbudding and dehorning. There were, however, some areas that present clear opportunities for improvement. Specifically, although mortality levels have improved, a large number of calves die at birth, within the first 48 h of life, and during the preweaning period. To improve the health of calves in early life, producers could look at feeding high-quality colostrum at 10% of body weight in the first feeding, as well as feeding a larger amount of milk during the preweaning period. The barriers to making these management changes and improving overall calf health need to be identified in future studies. The majority of preweaning calves in Canada and the United States are housed in individual housing. This represents a clear opportunity for improvement because recent research has identified the positive aspects of group housing. Finally, with respect to pain control, improvements are needed (particularly in the United States) to ensure that pain management is provided when disbudding and dehorning calves. Although the science is clear on pain management, discussions with producers are needed to identify reasons for the lack of uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5L3
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - C A Bauman
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - J Lombard
- USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Veterinary Services, Field Epidemiological Investigation Services, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
| | - D Short
- USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
| | - J Saraceni
- ACER Consulting, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5L3
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A “Good Life” for Dairy Cattle: Developing and Piloting a Framework for Assessing Positive Welfare Opportunities Based on Scientific Evidence and Farmer Expertise. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192540. [PMID: 36230281 PMCID: PMC9559654 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There is increasing appetite to understand how we can provide quality of life to farm animals. A framework to evaluate positive welfare opportunities for dairy cattle was developed using a participatory approach where farmer’s recommendations were integrated into a scientific framework and piloted on farm by vets. When provided with the opportunity to collaborate, farmers and scientists broadly agree on what constitutes “a good life” for dairy cattle and worked together to develop an assessment framework. Farmers did not agree equally on the value of each positive welfare opportunity. However, farmers supported positive welfare assessment as a means of recognition and reward for higher animal welfare, within existing farm assurance schemes, and to justify national and global marketing claims of higher animal welfare. Abstract On-farm welfare assessment tends to focus on minimising negative welfare, but providing positive welfare is important in order to give animals a good life. This study developed a positive welfare framework for dairy cows based on the existing scientific literature which has focused on developing positive welfare indicators, and trialled a participatory approach with farmers; refining the framework based on their recommendations, followed by a vet pilot phase on farm. The results revealed that farmers and scientists agree on what constitutes “a good life” for dairy cattle. Farmers value positive welfare because they value their cows’ quality of life, and want to be proud of their work, improve their own wellbeing as well as receive business benefits. For each good life resource, the proportion of farmers going above and beyond legislation ranged from 27 to 84%. Furthermore, barriers to achieving positive welfare opportunities, including monetary and time costs, were not apparently insurmountable if implementation costs were remunerated (by the government). However, the intrinsic value in providing such opportunities also incentivises farmers. Overall, most farmers appeared to support positive welfare assessment, with the largest proportion (50%) supporting its use within existing farm assurance schemes, or to justify national and global marketing claims. Collaborating with farmers to co-create policy is crucial to showcase and quantify the UK’s high welfare standards, and to maximise engagement, relevance and uptake of animal welfare policy, to ensure continuous improvement and leadership in the quality of lives for farm animals.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gaworski M, Boćkowski M. Comparison of Cattle Housing Systems Based on the Criterion of Damage to Barn Equipment and Construction Errors. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192530. [PMID: 36230271 PMCID: PMC9559522 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As a result of many years of use, dairy cattle barns are subject to gradual wear and degradation. Damage to technical equipment can be identified in many areas in the barn. These areas are used by dairy cattle, so it is important to recognize the problem of damage and the associated health risks for animals. The problem of damage to internal equipment (e.g., damage to the floor, partitions between lying stalls, feed ladders, drinking bowls) applies to both tie-stall and freestall barns, which are the most common in dairy farms. Such premises became an inspiration to compare barns with a tie-stall system, a freestall system and their individual areas (lying, feeding, milking and social) in terms of the amount of damage but also construction errors. Most damage per one barn was found in the feeding area of objects with a tie-stall housing system. More cow health problems (e.g., laminitis, hoof problems) were identified in the barns with the freestall housing system. Equipment failures and construction errors may disrupt efficient and animal-safe dairy production in the barn. The results of the research study may be an incentive for farmers to check the barns in terms of their technical wear. Abstract Dairy cattle housing systems are the subject of numerous studies, in which a strong emphasis is placed on the comparison of animal welfare, animal behavior, production indicators and labor inputs. Dairy cattle housing systems are linked to specific livestock buildings, which is a prerequisite for undertaking studies comparing barns and their technical equipment. The aim of the study was to compare barns with two types of housing systems, i.e., tie-stall and freestall, including the identification of technical wear in various areas used by animals. This objective was linked to the assessment of animal health problems in livestock facilities. The research covered 38 dairy farms, 19 of which kept cows in the tie-stall system and 19 in the freestall system. The barns in these farms were examined for technical damage and construction errors, assessed in four areas: lying, feeding, milking and social. The research results confirmed significant differences in the degree of damage to technical equipment in individual areas of barns and between barns with tie-stall and freestall housing systems. The conclusions indicate the need to link the degradation of barns and their technical equipment, as well as design errors with the evaluation of dairy cattle welfare in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Gaworski
- Department of Production Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-593-45-83
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davis L, Deb K, Siegford J, Ali ABA. Decision tree analysis to evaluate risks associated with lameness on dairy farms with automated milking systems. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.999261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is an endemic disorder causing health problems and production losses in the dairy cow industry. The objective of this study was to identify cow and farm-level factors associated with lameness on Automatic Milking System (AMS) farms, using decision tree analysis to assign probabilities to each input. AMS farms across Canada and Michigan were evaluated to identify the most substantial farm (i.e., stall design, bedding) and cow-level (i.e., BCS, leg injuries) factors associated with prevalence of lameness. To assess lameness, videos of cows were used, and cows with a head bob or noticeable limp were categorized as lame. A decision tree classification model used 1378 data points from 39 pens across 36 farms to predict the value of the target class through “tree function” in MATLAB. The primary classifier was identified as type of stall base, dividing the data set into 3 categories: 1) rubber, sand, or geotextile mat flooring, 2) concrete base, and 3) other types of stall base. Within the first category (class membership (CM) = 976), bedding quantity was the secondary classifier, which was divided by cows standing on ≥2 cm (CM=456) or <2 cm (CM=520) of bedding. Bedding quantity was divided into the third most important classifier of BCS, and cow fit stall width. Cows with BCS of 3.25 to 4.5 (CM=307) were defined as non-lame with an estimated probability (EP) of 0.59, while cows with BCS of 2 to 2.5 (CM=213) were further split by hock lesion incidence. Cows without lesions were defined non-lame (EP=0.93) and cows with lesions were defined lame (EP=0.07). Cows that fit stall width were defined as non-lame (EP=0.66) and cows that did not fit were further divided by the width of the feed alley. Farms with ≥430 cm feed alley were defined as non-lame (EP=0.89), whereas farms with <430 cm feed alley were defined as lame (EP=0.11). Through implementing a novel multifactorial approach of data analysis, we were able to highlight the critical points that can be focused on to enhance farm-level housing and management practices or mitigate or monitor cow-level issues to reduce incidence and severity of lameness in AMS farms.
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of Housing and Management Factors on Selected Indicators of the Welfare Quality ® Protocol in Loose-Housed Dairy Cows. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070353. [PMID: 35878370 PMCID: PMC9317889 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of housing and management factors on animal welfare indicators in dairy cows using a benchmarking approach. In total, 63 conventional dairy cattle farms with zero-grazing in Northern Germany were assessed using selected animal welfare indicators (body condition score, integument alterations, lameness, milk somatic cell count, and social behaviour) of the Welfare Quality® protocol. Additionally, housing characteristics such as designs of barns, cubicles, and floors were documented during farm visits and farmers were interviewed concerning their common management routines. Farms were categorized into a high welfare or low welfare group by calculating upper and lower tertiles for each of the animal welfare indicators separately. Both groups were compared regarding housing conditions and management practices using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. Several associations between housing and management factors and animal welfare indicators were demonstrated in univariable analysis (p < 0.20). Significant effects within multivariable logistic regression analysis were determined for lameness (routine use of foot-baths), milk somatic cell count (milking frequency) and social behaviour (cow-to-stall ratio) (p < 0.05). Comparing farms with higher and lower animal welfare status can provide useful information about effective options to improve animal welfare.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wynands EM, Caixeta LS, Cramer G. Using a target trial approach to evaluate the role of hyperketonemia in sole ulcer and white line hoof lesion development. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6164-6174. [PMID: 35599034 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21694] [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: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This observational cohort study enrolled cows from 7 freestall dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The objective was to estimate the causal role of hyperketonemia on new sole ulcer and white line hoof lesions (SUWL). Multiparous cows were enrolled at the time of their precalving hoof trim, at the end of their previous lactation. Enrolled cows were hoof trimmed twice: precalving between 90 to 21 d before calving (n = 2,037), and postcalving between 21 to 150 d after calving (n = 1,408). We trained 7 commercial hoof trimmers, employed by the farms, in lesion identification to standardize lesion recording. Hoof trimmers conducted therapeutic trimming as well as diagnosing and treating lesions. After parturition, cows between 3 and 16 d in milk were tested once weekly for hyperketonemia using a hand-held ketone meter. Farm staff and research personnel conducted the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) testing. Cows were classified as hyperketonemic (HYK+) if they had a blood BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L or hyperketonemia-negative (HYK-) if blood BHB <1.2 mmol/L. At the precalving hoof trim, 15.6% of cows trimmed had a lesion and 1.9% of cows had a SUWL; thus, cows with a SUWL were excluded from further analysis (n = 38). At the postcalving hoof trim, 25.8% of cows trimmed had a hoof lesion, and 3.6% of cows had a SUWL. The most prevalent lesions at the pre- and postcalving hoof trims were digital dermatitis and corkscrew lesions. The incidence of hyperketonemia among cows was 21.1% (421/1,999) and the incidence on farms ranged from 5.7 to 29.1%. After excluding cows due to being hoof trimmed outside our designated window, the multilevel logistic regression model for the odds of SUWL at the postcalving hoof trim included 1,209 cows (HYK+ = 257/1,209; SUWL = 42/1,209). The odds of having SUWL in HYK+ was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.29, 1.49) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. For cows diagnosed with a lesion (digital dermatitis, corkscrew, toe, foot rot, or other lesion) at their precalving hoof trim (n = 199), the odds of having SUWL for HYK+ cows were 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 3.92) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. The wide range of compatible causal estimates suggest that hyperketonemia likely has a limited role in the development of SUWL in cows with or without a hoof lesion precalving. Future research should investigate other transition period factors such as inflammation or structural changes to the foot that may have a causative role in the development of SUWL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E M Wynands
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - L S Caixeta
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
McLellan KJ, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Effects of free-choice pasture access on lameness recovery and behavior of lame dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6845-6857. [PMID: 35691750 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a common condition in dairy cows. Free-choice access to pasture may benefit lame cows by providing a softer and more comfortable lying and standing surface; however, the effects of this system on lameness have not yet been explored. We evaluated whether a 7-wk period of free-choice pasture access would improve lameness recovery and affect the lying behavior of lame dairy cows. Lactating Holstein cows, all clinically lame upon enrollment and housed inside a freestall barn, were pseudo-randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatments (balancing for gait score, parity, and previous lameness history): free-choice access to pasture (n = 27; pasture) or indoor housing only (n = 27; indoor). Cows were gait scored weekly by an observer blind to treatment, using a 5-point numerical rating system (NRS 1 = sound, NRS 5 = severely lame), and hoof inspections were performed by professional trimmers at the start and end of the 7-wk period. Lying behavior was assessed using accelerometers. Cows were categorized as either having a sound period (NRS <2 over 2 consecutive weeks) or remaining lame. Cows spent, on average, 14.8 ± 10.0% (mean ± SD) of their total time on pasture, with much of this time spent outside at night. Over the 7-wk period, 42% of cows had at least one sound period (pasture: 55.6%, indoor: 26.9%), but this was more likely for cows with pasture access (odds ratio = 4.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-14.6%). Pasture cows also spent more total weeks sound compared with indoor cows (2.0 ± 0.34 vs. 0.81 ± 0.35 wk). Cows with pasture access lay down for less overall time than indoor cows (13.9 ± 0.29 vs. 12.7 ± 0.28 h/d) and spent more time standing on pasture (74%) than when indoors (47%). These results suggest that lame dairy cows will use pasture when provided with free-choice access, primarily at night, and that access to pasture aids in lameness recovery. We encourage future research to investigate longer-term effects on the recovery of hoof lesions and reoccurrence of lameness cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J McLellan
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6 Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6 Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6 Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Skjølstrup NK, Lastein DB, de Knegt LV, Kristensen AR. Using state space models to monitor and estimate the effects of interventions on treatment risk and milk yield in dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5870-5892. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
17
|
Jensen KC, Oehm AW, Campe A, Stock A, Woudstra S, Feist M, Müller KE, Hoedemaker M, Merle R. German Farmers' Awareness of Lameness in Their Dairy Herds. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:866791. [PMID: 35400109 PMCID: PMC8987770 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.866791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is one of the most challenging problems in the dairy industry. Control is impeded because farmers often underestimate the number of lame cows. The objectives of this study were to assess German farmers' awareness of lameness in their herds and to determine the associations between farmers' awareness and their management practices, farm characteristics as well as with farmers' education, personality traits and attitudes. As a part of a large cross-sectional study, veterinarians visited farms in three structurally different regions of Germany: north (n = 253), east (n = 252), and south (n = 260). The cows (n = 84,998) were scored for locomotion and farmers were asked to estimate the number of cows that were lame or did not walk soundly. The ratio of farmers' estimated prevalence and the veterinarians' observed prevalence (Farmer's Detection Index; FDI) was calculated. The median lameness prevalence assessed by the veterinarians was 23.1, 39.1, and 23.2%, and the median prevalence of lame cows estimated by the farmers was 9.5, 9.5, and 7.1% in the north, east, and south, respectively. On average, farmers were conscious of only 45.3% (north), 24.0% (east), and 30.0% (south) of their lame cows. Farmers managing their herds according to organic principles had a higher FDI than farmers who managed their herds conventionally. Surprisingly, no significant associations between FDI and factors concerning claw health management could be detected. Therefore, increased awareness did not seem to be necessarily linked to improved management. Moreover, the FDI was not significantly associated with farmers' education or herd size. In the south, more extraverted farmers had a lower FDI. Those farmers who totally agreed with the statement, “I am satisfied with my herd's health,” had a lower FDI than farmers who disagreed or were undecided. Moreover, farmers who disagreed or were undecided with the statement, “It affects me to see a cow in pain” had a higher FDI than those farmers who agreed to the statement. The results indicate that poor awareness of lameness was linked to the farmers' attitude and personality. Therefore, new approaches concerning the consultation regarding lameness control, such as the use of Motivational Interviewing, might be useful in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Katharina Charlotte Jensen
| | - Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Annegret Stock
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Woudstra
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Elisabeth Müller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oehm AW, Merle R, Tautenhahn A, Jensen KC, Mueller KE, Feist M, Zablotski Y. Identifying cow - level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263294. [PMID: 35089972 PMCID: PMC8797239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a tremendous problem in intensively managed dairy herds all over the world. It has been associated with considerable adverse effects on animal welfare and economic viability. The majority of studies have evaluated factors associated with gait disturbance by categorising cows into lame and non-lame. This procedure yet entails a loss of information and precision. In the present study, we extend the binomial response to five categories acknowledging the ordered categorical nature of locomotion assessments, which conserves a higher level of information. A cumulative link mixed modelling approach was used to identify factors associated with increasing locomotion scores. The analysis revealed that a low body condition, elevated somatic cell count, more severe hock lesions, increasing parity, absence of pasture access, and poor udder cleanliness were relevant variables associated with higher locomotion scores. Furthermore, distinct differences in the locomotion scores assigned were identified in regard to breed, observer, and season. Using locomotion scores rather than a dichotomised response variable uncovers more refined relationships between gait disturbances and associated factors. This will help to understand the intricate nature of gait disturbances in dairy cows more deeply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ferris C, Watson S, Gordon A, Barley J. Physical and economic performance of dairy cows managed within contrasting grassland-based milk production systems over 3 successive lactations. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:3153-3175. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
20
|
Marti S, Jelinski M, Janzen E, Jelinski M, Dorin C, Orsel K, Pajor E, Shearer J, Millman S, Schwartzkopf-Genswein K. A prospective longitudinal study of risk factors associated with cattle lameness in southern Alberta feedlots. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2020-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence proportion of lameness in feedlot cattle and the associated risk factors. Lameness was studied in two southern Alberta feedlots over a 2 yr period. The incidence proportion of lameness was 36.3% for all calves pulled for treatment. Risk factors associated (P < 0.0001) with increased lameness included body weight (BW), type of cattle, source, stocking density, percentage of forage in the diet, season, precipitation 1 d before diagnosis, and average temperature range 3 d prior to diagnosis. As BW (P < 0.001) increased, the odds of becoming lame also increased. Yearlings and Holsteins had greater (P < 0.001) incidence of lameness than respiratory disease. The odds of becoming lame decreased (P < 0.001) with increased pen density and percentage of forage in the diet. Lameness was greatest in spring (P < 0.001) with the odds of becoming lame being more likely (P < 0.001) with increased precipitation and temperature range (P < 0.001). Use of a multifactorial approach including animal, managerial, and environmental factors in a single analysis will improve our understanding of the risk of increased lameness and aid in development of strategies to reduce its incidence in feedlots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Marti
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- IRTA, Ruminant Production, Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona 08140, Spain
| | - M.D. Jelinski
- University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - E.D. Janzen
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - M.J. Jelinski
- Agri-Health Services Ltd, Airdrie, AB T4A 2G1, Canada
| | - C.L. Dorin
- Agri-Health Services Ltd, Airdrie, AB T4A 2G1, Canada
| | - K. Orsel
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - E.A. Pajor
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - J. Shearer
- Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - S.T. Millman
- Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
de Jong E, Frankena K, Orsel K. Risk factors for digital dermatitis in free-stall-housed, Canadian dairy cattle. Vet Rec Open 2021; 8:e19. [PMID: 34377496 PMCID: PMC8330421 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive analysis of the relation between digital dermatitis (DD) and cow and herd characteristics in Canadian dairies is currently lacking. METHODS A multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed using 12,260 cow records from 62 dairy farms to assess association between 27 cow and herd-level variables, and presence of DD. RESULTS The odds for a cow to have at least 1 DD lesion were higher in first-parity cows and those in later lactation (≥45 days in milk). Housing cows on a concrete base was associated with higher odds (OR 2.24) for DD when bedding was added once a week or less. Bedding the concrete base more frequently reduced odds for DD. Wood shavings or other bedding types were more positively associated with DD (OR 2.31 and 1.87, respectively) compared to sawdust. Also, the odds of DD were lower on farms with a scraping manure frequency of every 2 h compared to less frequent scraping (OR 0.54). CONCLUSION Nine risk factors for DD were identified and quantified, with stall base, bedding type, and manure scraping frequency associated with lower odds of DD. DD prevalence could be reduced by implementing management practices for first-parity cows, as they had higher odds of DD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen de Jong
- Department of Production Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Klaas Frankena
- Adaptation Physiology GroupWageningen Institute of Animal SciencesWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Browne N, Hudson CD, Crossley RE, Sugrue K, Kennedy E, Huxley JN, Conneely M. Cow- and herd-level risk factors for lameness in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1418-1431. [PMID: 34802737 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20767] [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: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is a major animal welfare concern and has substantial economic impact through reduced production and fertility. Previous risk factor analyses have focused on housed systems, rather than those where cows were grazed for the majority of the year and housed only for the winter period. Therefore, the aim of this observational study was to identify a robust set of cow-level and herd-level risk factors for lameness in a pasture-based system, based on predictors from the housing and grazing periods. Ninety-nine farms were visited during the grazing period (April 2019-September 2019), and 85 farms were revisited during the housing period (October 2019-February 2020). At each visit, all lactating cows were scored for lameness (0 = good mobility, 1 = imperfect mobility, 2 = impaired mobility, 3 = severely impaired mobility), and potential herd-level risk factors were recorded through questionnaires and infrastructure measurements. Routine cow-level management data were also collected. Important risk factors for lameness were derived though triangulation of results from elastic net regression, and from logistic regression model selection using modified Bayesian information criterion. Both selection methods were implemented using bootstrapping. This novel approach has not previously been used in a cow-level or herd-level risk factor analysis in dairy cows, to the authors' knowledge. The binary outcome variable was lameness status, whereby cows with a lameness score of 0 or 1 were classed as non-lame and cows with a score of 2 or 3 were classed as lame. Cow-level risk factors for increased lameness prevalence were age and genetic predicted transmitting ability for lameness. Herd-level risk factors included farm and herd size, stones in paddock gateways, slats on cow tracks near the collecting yard, a sharper turn at the parlor exit, presence of digital dermatitis on the farm, and the farmers' perception of whether lameness was a problem on the farm. This large-scale study identified the most important associations between risk factors and lameness, based on the entire year (grazing and housing periods), providing a focus for future randomized clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Browne
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD.
| | - C D Hudson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - R E Crossley
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 6700 AH
| | - K Sugrue
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - E Kennedy
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442
| | - M Conneely
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wynands EM, Roche SM, Cramer G, Ventura BA. Dairy farmer, hoof trimmer, and veterinarian perceptions of barriers and roles in lameness management. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11889-11903. [PMID: 34454749 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Lameness is a leading animal welfare concern in the dairy industry. Multiple stakeholders are involved in lameness management on a dairy farm, including farmers, hoof trimmers, and veterinarians. This study sought to explore perceptions of lameness, perceptions of roles in lameness management, and barriers to improved lameness management in these groups. Fourteen homogeneous focus groups were held in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York from April 2017 to March 2020; 5 with farmers (n = 31), 4 with hoof trimmers (n = 32), and 5 with veterinarians (n = 25). The 1-h facilitated discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and common themes identified through thematic analysis. Lameness was perceived by participants as a complex health problem and one in which the connections between pathogenesis, facilities, and management were not always well understood or easy to change. The complexity of the problem encompassed the lack of agreement on a definition of lameness, normalization to its signs, and the interconnectedness of lameness with other health and management issues. These issues appeared to contribute to resignation by participants that lameness was inevitable. Despite shared concerns about lameness among these groups, respondents reported a lack of communication, especially between hoof trimmers and veterinarians. Participants also voiced a desire to work together more productively, with hoof trimmers and veterinarians valuing the ability to deliver a consistent message to farmers. These findings suggest a need for increased efforts to facilitate collaboration between farmers, hoof trimmers, and veterinarians to improve lameness management on dairy farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E M Wynands
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - S M Roche
- ACER Consulting, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| | - B A Ventura
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Beaver A, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Invited review: The welfare of dairy cattle housed in tiestalls compared to less-restrictive housing types: A systematic review. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:9383-9417. [PMID: 34253364 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Many dairy cattle worldwide are housed in tiestalls, meaning that they are tethered by the neck to individual stalls. On some farms, tied cattle are permitted seasonal access to pasture, but otherwise their movements are restricted compared with cows housed in freestall barns or other loose housing systems. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the scientific literature pertaining the welfare of tied dairy cattle through comparison with less-restrictive housing systems. Articles identified by PubMed and Web of Science underwent a 5-phase screening process, resulting in the inclusion of 102 papers. These papers addressed measures of welfare related to affective state, natural behavior, and health (with the lattermost category subdivided into hoof and leg disorders, lameness, mastitis, transition disease, and other diseases or conditions). Health was the most researched topic (discussed in 86% of articles); only 19% and 14% of studies addressed natural behavior and affective state, respectively. Our review highlights different health benefits for tethered and loose cattle. For example, tied cattle experience reduced prevalence of white line disease and digital dermatitis, whereas loose cattle experience fewer leg lesions and injuries. The prevalence of mastitis, transition diseases, and other conditions did not differ consistently across housing types. We found that the expression of certain natural behaviors, particularly those associated with lying down (e.g., time spent kneeling, unfulfilled intentions to lie down), were impaired in tiestalls. Articles addressing affective state found benefits to loose housing, but these studies focused almost exclusively on (1) physiological measurements and (2) cow comfort, a concept that lacks a consistent operational definition across studies. We call for future research into the affective state of tied cattle that extends beyond these explorations and employs more sophisticated methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Beaver
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada; Department of Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences, Harper Adams University, Shropshire, TF10 8NB United Kingdom
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oehm AW, Jensen KC, Tautenhahn A, Mueller KE, Feist M, Merle R. Factors Associated With Lameness in Tie Stall Housed Dairy Cows in South Germany. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:601640. [PMID: 33426021 PMCID: PMC7793746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.601640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness remains a major concern for animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Even though a trend toward loose housing systems exists and the public expects livestock to be kept under conditions where freedom of movement and the expression of natural behavior are ensured, restrictive housing systems continue to be the predominant type of housing in some regions. Factors associated with lameness were evaluated by application of multiple logistic regression modeling on data of 1,006 dairy cows from 56 tie stall farms in Bavaria, South Germany. In this population, approximately every fourth cow was lame (24.44% of scored animals). The mean farm level prevalence of lameness was 23.28%. In total, 22 factors were analyzed regarding their association with lameness. A low Body Condition Score (BCS) (OR 1.54 [95%-CI 1.05-2.25]) as well as increasing parity (OR 1.41 [95%-CI 1.29-1.54]) entailed greater odds of lameness. Moreover, higher milk yield (OR 0.98 [95%-CI 0.96-1.00]) and organic farming (OR 0.48 [95%-0.25-0.92]) appeared to be protectively associated with lameness. Cows with hock injuries (OR 2.57 [95%-CI 1.41-4.67]) or with swellings of the ribs (OR 2.55 [95%-CI 1.53-4.23]) had higher odds of lameness. A similar association was observed for the contamination of the lower legs with distinct plaques of manure (OR 1.88 [95%-CI 1.14-3.10]). As a central aspect of tie stall housing, the length of the stalls was associated with lameness; with stalls of medium [(>158-171 cm) (OR 2.15 [95%-CI 1.29-3.58]) and short (≤158 cm) length (OR 4.07 [95%-CI 2.35-7.05]) increasing the odds compared with long stalls (>171 cm). These results can help both gaining knowledge on relevant factors associated with lameness as well as approaching the problem of dairy cow lameness in tie stall operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants With Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Robles I, Zambelis A, Kelton DF, Barkema HW, Keefe GP, Roy JP, von Keyserlingk MAG, DeVries TJ. Associations of freestall design and cleanliness with cow lying behavior, hygiene, lameness, and risk of high somatic cell count. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:2231-2242. [PMID: 33309370 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate associations of freestall design and cleanliness with cow lying behavior, hygiene, lameness, and risk of new high somatic cell count (SCC). Cows from 18 commercial freestall dairy herds (22 ± 15 cows/farm; mean ± SD) in Ontario, Canada, were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Four hundred focal cows that were <120 d in milk, had no mastitis treatment in the last 3 mo, and had an SCC <100,000 cells/mL at their most recent milk test were selected for the study. Data on SCC were collected through Dairy Herd Improvement Association milk testing (at ~5-wk intervals). Each farm was visited 5 ± 3 d (mean ± SD) after each milk test until 3 tests were completed (~105 d), for a total of 3 observation periods per cow. Elevated SCC was used as an indicator of subclinical mastitis. An incident of new high SCC was defined as a cow having SCC >200,000 cells/mL at the end of an observation period, when SCC was <100,000 cells/mL at the beginning of that period. Lying behavior was recorded for 6 d after each milk sampling, using electronic data loggers. Cows were scored during each period for lameness (5-point scale, with scores ≥3 = lame), body condition score (BCS; 5-point scale; 1 = thin to 5 = fat), and hygiene (4-point scale). Stall cleanliness was assessed during each period with a 1.20 × 1.65-m metal grid, containing 88 squares. The grid was centered between stall partitions of every tenth stall on each farm, and the squares containing visible urine or fecal matter (or both) were counted. Cow lying time averaged 10.9 ± 1.9 h/d. On average, cows with low BCS (≤2.5) spent 37 ± 16.6 min/d less time lying down than high-BCS cows (≥4.0). On average, cows tended to spend 36 ± 18.3 min/d more time lying down in deep-bedded versus mattress-based stalls. Mean proportion of soiled squares per stall was 20.1 ± 0.50%. Across farms, cow lying time decreased as the proportion of soiled squares per stall increased. A difference in daily lying time of ~80 more min/d was modeled for cows housed in barns with the cleanest stalls compared with those with the dirtiest stalls. Higher neck rail height [for every 1 SD (10 cm) increase] increased the odds (odds ratio = 1.5) of cows having a dirty upper leg-flank and udder. The odds of a cow having a dirty upper leg-flank, udder, and lower legs were 1.5, 2.0, and 1.9 times greater, respectively, for cows housed with dirtier stalls. Also, cows housed on farms with dirtier stalls had 1.3 times greater odds of being lame at the time of observation. Over the study period, 50 new high-SCC cases were detected, resulting in an incidence rate of 0.45 cases of new high SCC per cow-year at risk. No measured factors were detected to be associated with risk of a new high SCC. Overall, our results confirm that cows lie down longer in cleaner and more comfortable environments. Further, these results highlight the need for improved stall cleanliness to optimize lying time and potentially reduce lameness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Robles
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Zambelis
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - G P Keefe
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - J P Roy
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dirksen N, Langbein J, Schrader L, Puppe B, Elliffe D, Siebert K, Röttgen V, Matthews L. How can Cattle be Toilet Trained? Incorporating Reflexive Behaviours into a Behavioural Chain. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101889. [PMID: 33076551 PMCID: PMC7602864 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The mixing of bovine faeces and urine leads to climate-damaging ammonia emissions. If cattle could be taught to use a latrine, this would reduce the area of emissions, the separation of excreta could easily be accomplished by mechanical means, and animal health could be improved. Attempts to train toileting in cattle have shown limited success. In children, toileting is trained mainly by (i) interrupting voiding that starts outside the toilet, then taking the child to the toilet and rewarding the resumption of excretion, or (ii) placing the child on the toilet, waiting for urination/defecation and rewarding appropriate excretory behaviour. The first method is reported to be more successful. Thus, a similar procedure was evaluated for training latrine use for urination in calves. On 95% of occasions, the calves inhibited or stopped urination when receiving a signal to move to the latrine, and on 65% of occasions, they reinitiated urination in the latrine. Furthermore, during 63% of urinations in the latrine, the calves oriented towards the reward location before any food was delivered, providing additional evidence that calves can be successfully toilet trained with food rewards. Abstract Untrained cattle do not defecate or urinate in defined locations. The toilet training of cattle would allow urine and faeces to be separated and stored, reducing climate-damaging emissions and improving animal health. In a proof-of-concept study, we evaluated a novel protocol for toilet training in cattle. Five heifer calves (and yoked controls) were trained in the voluntary (operant) behaviours of a toileting chain. Then, reflexive urinating responses were incorporated into the chain, with toileting signalled by a tactile (vibratory) stimulus. On 95% of occasions, the calves inhibited/interrupted urination when receiving the stimulus, and on 65% of these occasions, reinitiated urination in the latrine. Furthermore, during 63% of urinations in the latrine, the calves oriented to the reward location before any food was delivered, providing additional evidence that calves can be successfully toilet trained with food rewards. Yoked controls failed to learn most of the operant elements and all the reflexive responses of toilet training. The results show that reflexive behaviours can be incorporated into voluntary toileting sequences with cattle and extend the range of species that can be toilet trained. Future refinement of the protocol to allow training under practical farm conditions offers the potential to mitigate climate damage and improve animal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neele Dirksen
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (N.D.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Jan Langbein
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (N.D.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (V.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-38-2086-8814
| | - Lars Schrader
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, 29223 Celle, Germany;
| | - Birger Puppe
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (N.D.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (V.R.)
- Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Douglas Elliffe
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (D.E.); (L.M.)
| | - Katrin Siebert
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (N.D.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Volker Röttgen
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (N.D.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Lindsay Matthews
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (D.E.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McPherson SE, Vasseur E. Graduate Student Literature Review: The effects of bedding, stall length, and manger wall height on common outcome measures of dairy cow welfare in stall-based housing systems. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10940-10950. [PMID: 32952019 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding and improving dairy cow welfare in stall-based housing systems is an important issue for the dairy industry, and one area of the stall that has a large impact on cow welfare is the stall bed. The stall bed is defined both by its size and by the material components of the stall bed (bedding depth, bedding type, and stall base type). This review examines the current literature to determine how the material components of the stall bed, as well as bed length and manger wall/brisket board height (which together define the length of the stall bed) can affect cow welfare through lying time, injuries, lameness, and cow and stall cleanliness. Of the material components of the stall bed, bedding depth appears to have the largest potential positive impact on dairy cow welfare, as deeper levels of bedding in stalls, regardless of the bedding type, can improve compressibility to the extent that the stall base type is negligible. As such, deeper levels of bedding have been associated with increased lying time and a reduced likelihood of a cow developing injuries or becoming lame. Longer stall bed lengths have been shown to increase lying time and decrease the prevalence of injury and lameness. The effect of manger wall or brisket board height on cow welfare has not been studied extensively, but they may work in conjunction with other stall components to define the resting space available to the cow. Overall, the material components of the stall bed, stall length, and manger wall/brisket board height, as well as their combination, all influence cow welfare and need to be taken in consideration to improve the overall welfare of cows in stall-based housing systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E McPherson
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - E Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
O'Connor AH, Bokkers EAM, de Boer IJM, Hogeveen H, Sayers R, Byrne N, Ruelle E, Engel B, Shalloo L. Cow and herd-level risk factors associated with mobility scores in pasture-based dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105077. [PMID: 32653490 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cows is an area of concern from an economic, environmental and animal welfare point of view. While the potential risk factors associated with suboptimal mobility in non-pasture-based systems are evident throughout the literature, the same information is less abundant for pasture-based systems specifically those coupled with seasonal calving, like those in Ireland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with specific mobility scores (0 = good, 1 = imperfect, 2 = impaired, and 3 = severely impaired mobility) for pasture-based dairy cows. Various cow and herd-level potential risk factors from Irish pasture-based systems were collected and analyzed for their association with suboptimal mobility, whereby a mobility score of 0 refers to cows with optimal mobility and a mobility score ≥ 1 refers to a cow with some form of suboptimal mobility. Combined cow and herd-level statistical models were used to determine the increased or decreased risk for mobility score 1, 2, and 3 (any form of suboptimal mobility) compared to the risk for mobility score 0 (optimal mobility), as the outcome variable and the various potential risk factors at both the cow and herd-level were included as predictor type variables. Cow-level variables included body condition score, milk yield, genetic predicted transmitting ability for 'lameness', somatic cell score, calving month and cow breed. Herd-level variables included various environmental and management practices on farm. These analyses have identified several cow-level potential risk factors (including low body condition score, high milk yield, elevated somatic cell count, stage of lactation, calving month, and certain breed types), as well as various herd-level potential risk factors (including the amount of time taken to complete the milking process, claw trimmer training, farm layout factors and foot bathing practices) which are associated with suboptimal mobility. The results of this study should be considered by farm advisors when advising and implementing a cow/herd health program for dairy cows in pasture-based systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H O'Connor
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands.
| | - E A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - I J M de Boer
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - H Hogeveen
- Business Economics Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - R Sayers
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - N Byrne
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - E Ruelle
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - B Engel
- Mathematical and Statistical Methods - Biometris, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - L Shalloo
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dirksen N, Langbein J, Matthews L, Puppe B, Elliffe D, Schrader L. Conditionability of 'voluntary' and 'reflexive-like' behaviors, with special reference to elimination behavior in cattle. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:5-12. [PMID: 32461081 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Typically, cattle urinate and defecate with little or no control over time and place. The resulting excreta contributes to a range of adverse effects on the environment and the animals themselves. These adverse effects could be substantially ameliorated if livestock could be toilet trained. Toilet training requires an animal to suppress impending voiding (a reflexive-like behavior), move to a latrine (voluntary behavior) and reinitiate voiding. Here, we review the neurophysiological processes and learning mechanisms regulating toileting. The suppression and initiation of voiding occur primarily via the coordinated activity of smooth and striated anal and urinary sphincter muscles. The autonomic and somatic nervous systems, along with central processes, regulate these muscles. In several mammalian species, voluntary control of the sphincters has been demonstrated using classical and/or operant conditioning. In this review, we demonstrate that the neurophysiological and behavioral regulation of voiding in cattle is likely to be similarly conditionable. The management of excreta deposition in cattle could have major benefits for reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions and improving animal health/welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neele Dirksen
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Lindsay Matthews
- The University of Auckland, School of Psychology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Birger Puppe
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany; University of Rostock, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Behavioral Sciences, Rostock, Germany
| | - Douglas Elliffe
- The University of Auckland, School of Psychology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lars Schrader
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Cubicle characteristics such as cubicle dimensions or management factors such as cow-to-cubicle ratio could affect health and behaviour of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate effects of cubicle characteristics on animal welfare indicators in dairy cattle. A total of 64 loose housing farms in Germany were assessed once during the winter housing period by one experienced assessor. Nearly 15% of the dairy cows had access to pasture during summer months for <6 h/day, whereas 85% were zero-grazing farms. Selected animal welfare indicators (duration of the lying down process, collisions of cows with cubicles, cows lying outside cubicles, cow cleanliness, integument alterations, lameness and subclinical mastitis incidence) of the Welfare Quality® protocol and cubicle characteristics such as cow-to-cubicle ratio and cubicle dimensions were recorded. Data were statistically analysed using a multiple linear regression approach. Pasture access and cubicle type were considered as potential influencing factors. Wider cubicles positively affected the proportion of dairy cows with dirty flanks (-18.5% per 10 cm increase) but increased the number of cows with severe integument alterations (+8.9% per 10 cm increase). Larger lying areas reduced the percentage of cows with dirty udders (-2.9% per 10 cm2 increase). Longer distances from neck rail to curb were associated with higher prevalence of cows with dirty flanks (+3.1% per 10 cm increase) and subclinical mastitis incidence (+1.2% per 10 cm increase). With increasing neck rail height, the duration of the lying down process (-0.1 s per 10% increase), the percentages of cows with dirty legs (-8.4% per 10 cm increase), dirty udders (-7.0% per 10 cm increase) and severe lameness (-3.0% per 10 cm increase) decreased. Compared with rubber mat-equipped cubicles, deep-bedded cubicles showed a reduction in the lying down duration (-0.8 s), percentages of cows with dirty legs (-34.2%), dirty udders (-30.5%) and lesions and swellings (-13.1%). Compared with farms that did not provide any summer grazing, pasture access was associated with an increase of cows with severe lameness (+5.6%). Contrastingly, the number of cows with subclinical mastitis incidence was lower when cows had access to pasture in summer (-5.4%). Findings of the present study indicate several associations between cubicle characteristics and animal welfare in dairy cattle. Bedding type was found as the most influencing factor in terms of health and behaviour. Results of this study are valuable for farmers to identify the optimal cubicle design and improve the animal welfare level.
Collapse
|
32
|
Oehm AW, Knubben-Schweizer G, Rieger A, Stoll A, Hartnack S. A systematic review and meta-analyses of risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cows. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:346. [PMID: 31619239 PMCID: PMC6796431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lameness in dairy cows has been an ongoing concern of great relevance to animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Many studies have examined associations between various factors related to housing, management, and the individual animal and the occurrence of lameness. The objective of this systematic review was to answer the research question "what are risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cows that are housed in free stall barns or tie stall facilities". Furthermore, we performed a synthesis of current evidence on certain risk factors by means of a meta-analysis to illustrate the strength of their association with bovine lameness. RESULTS Following pre-defined procedures and inclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA statement, two observers independently included 53 articles out of a pool of 1941 articles which had been retrieved by a broad literature research in a first step. 128 factors that have been associated with lameness were identified in those papers. Meta-analyses were conducted for five factors presented in six different studies: Body condition score, presence of claw overgrowth, days in milk, herd size, and parity. Results indicated that a body condition score of ≤2.5/5 is associated with increased odds of lameness. A higher risk of being lame was found for the presence of claw overgrowth, the first 120 days in milk, larger herd sizes, and increasing parity. Throughout the study, we encountered profound difficulties in retrieving data and information of sufficient quality from primary articles as well as in recovering comparable studies. CONCLUSIONS We learned that an abundance of literature on bovine lameness exists. To adequately address a problem of this importance to both animal welfare and economic viability, solid evidence is required in the future to develop effective intervention strategies. Therefore, a consistent working definition of lameness and specific risk factors should be an option to consider.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Anna Rieger
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Stoll
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, CH 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bran JA, Costa JHC, von Keyserlingk MAG, Hötzel MJ. Factors associated with lameness prevalence in lactating cows housed in freestall and compost-bedded pack dairy farms in southern Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2019; 172:104773. [PMID: 31563110 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate factors associated with lameness in dairy cows on intensive farms in southern Brazil. Farms (freestall: n = 38; compost-bedded pack: n = 12) having on average 274 (range: 41-901) lactating cows were visited once in 2016 (March to October). Potential risk factors for lameness at the cow, pen and herd levels were investigated through inspection of facilities, examination of cows and the use of data collected on routine management practices. All milking cows on each farm were assessed for gait score and BCS (n = 13,716). Associations between lameness, days in milk (DIM), BCS, parity, and test-day milk yield were investigated in 16 farms with available data (n = 5,301 cows). Mixed-effects linear and logistic regressions were used to model the data. Within-herd lameness prevalence was 41.1% (range: 13.8-64.5, SD = 11.3). First- and second-lactation cows after 120 DIM and older cows after 335 DIM were more likely to be observed lame than early lactation cows. Greater parity and low BCS (≤ 2.75) were associated with increased odds of lameness. Severely lame cows had lower milk yield (on average 1.3 kg/d) than non-lame cows. Freestall dairies using mattresses as stall base had greater within-pen (95% CI: 52-69%) and herd-level (38-57%) lameness prevalence than compost-bedded farms. Higher lameness prevalence was observed on farms having slippery feed bunk alley floors (32-49%) and shortened dry periods (< 60 days: 32-42%). First-lactation pens had lower predicted within-pen lameness prevalence (0-4%) and special-needs pens higher (52-73%) compared with the prevalence observed in compost-bedded fresh-cow pens (19-41%). Freestall pens using sawdust deep-bedding had greater (46-68%) within-pen lameness prevalence, but the prevalence in barns using sand was not different from compost-bedded farms. Given the high lameness prevalence observed in this study, there is a great opportunity for implementation of lameness prevention programs. Providing walking surfaces with high traction that facilitates mobility and using soft and deep-bedded material, such as compost and sand (and avoiding the use of mattresses) may reduce lameness prevalence in the types of dairy farms visited in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A Bran
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil.
| | - Joao H C Costa
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil.
| | | | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sharma A, Phillips CJC. Lameness in Sheltered Cows and Its Association with Cow and Shelter Attributes. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060360. [PMID: 31208119 PMCID: PMC6616525 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The sheltering of cows in shelters is a traditional practice in India. Old, abandoned and unproductive dairy cows are housed in shelters as cow slaughter is not legally permitted in most states. The welfare assessment of these old, abandoned, infertile, unproductive and rescued cows was carried out based on the measurement of cow-based and resource-based welfare parameters. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence of lameness in these sheltered cows and the risk factors associated with it. Fifty-four shelters in six states of India were visited and 1620 cows were clinically examined for lameness and measurements of other animal and resource-based welfare parameters. The prevalence of lameness in these shelters was less than that recorded in dairy cows in conventional Indian farming systems. Lameness was associated with several cow factors: inadequate body conformation, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, dirty udders, overgrown claws and diarrhea. There was evidence of an association with an absence of bedding and a steep gradient of the floor. Improvement in the feeding practices, attention towards cleanliness, and improvements in shelter flooring may reduce the prevalence of lameness and improve cow welfare in the shelters. Abstract The sheltering of old, unproductive and abandoned cows in traditional cow shelters, known as gaushalas, has been practiced in India since ancient times. Cows are kept in these shelters until they die of natural causes. The welfare of the cows in these shelters was assessed through a cross-sectional study of 54 cow shelters in six states of India. A total of 1620 cows were examined to assess the prevalence of lameness in these cows, and the associated risk factors for lameness were identified through the measurement of animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators. The overall lameness prevalence was 4.2%. The majority (86%) had mild to moderate hock joint swellings but no or only mild carpal joint injuries. Approximately one-half had mild to moderate hock joint hair loss and most were free of hock joint ulcerations. Claw overgrowth was present in almost one half of the cows. Lameness prevalence was positively correlated with coat dirtiness, hock and carpal joint lesions, diarrhea and claw overgrowth scores. In a multivariate analysis, lameness prevalence increased as the Body Condition Score (BCS) decreased and was associated with increased udder dirtiness, the ulceration of the hock joint, carpal joint injuries and claw overgrowth. Resource-based indicators measured at the shelter level suggested that an absence of bedding in the sheds and an increase in the gradient of the shed flooring increased lameness. Addressing the principle risk factors identified for lameness in the sheltered cows (low body condition, dirty udders, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, overgrown claws, and a steep floor gradient) may help to reduce this serious animal welfare problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Esser NM, Su H, Coblentz WK, Akins MS, Kieke BA, Martin NP, Borchardt MA, Jokela WE. Efficacy of recycled sand or organic solids as bedding sources for lactating cows housed in freestalls. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6682-6698. [PMID: 31128869 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to compare the composition of bedding materials and manure, cow welfare and hygiene assessments, measures of milk production and quality, and incidence of mastitis during a 3-yr trial with lactating Holstein cows housed in a freestall barn containing 4 identical pens with 32 freestalls/pen. Bedding systems evaluated included deep-bedded organic manure solids (DBOS), shallow-bedded manure solids spread over mattresses (MAT), deep-bedded recycled sand (RSA), and deep-bedded new sand (NSA). The experiment was designed as a 4 × 4 Latin square with 4 bedding systems and 4 experimental periods, but was terminated after 3 yr following discussions with the consulting statistician; therefore, data were analyzed as an incomplete Latin square. A total of n = 734 mostly primiparous cows (n = 725 primiparous, n = 9 multiparous; 224 to 267 cows/yr) were enrolled in the trial. Before placement in freestalls, organic solids (OS) exhibited lower concentrations of dry matter (36.5 vs. 94.3%), and greater concentrations of volatile solids, C, N, NH4-N, P, water-extractable P, K, and S compared with RSA or NSA. Cow comfort index was greater for sand-bedded systems compared with those using OS (88.4 vs. 82.8%). Cows bedded in systems using OS (DBOS and MAT) exhibited greater mean hock scores (1 = no swelling, no hair loss; 2 = no swelling, bald area on hock) than those bedded in sand (1.25 vs. 1.04), but this effect was entirely associated with use of mattresses (MAT), which differed sharply from DBOS (1.42 vs. 1.07). Generally, hygiene scores for legs, flanks, and udders were numerically similar for DBOS, NSA, and RSA bedding systems, and differences between bedding systems were associated entirely with MAT, yielding detectable contrasts between MAT and DBOS for legs (2.94 vs. 2.20), flanks (2.34 vs. 1.68), and udders (1.83 vs. 1.38). No significant contrast comparing bedding systems was detected for measures of milk production or quality. Documented cases of clinical mastitis requiring treatment ranged from a low rate of 7.4 cases/yr for RSA to a high of 23.1 cases/yr for DBOS, based on a mean enrollment of 60.7 to 63.0 cows/treatment per yr. Cows bedded with OS exhibited a greater incidence of mastitis than those bedded with sand (19.0 vs. 8.4 cases/yr), but no differences were observed for comparisons within individual bedding-material types. Collectively, these results generally favored use of sand-bedding materials over systems using OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Esser
- University of Wisconsin Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, Marshfield 54449
| | - H Su
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193
| | - W K Coblentz
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Marshfield, WI 54449.
| | - M S Akins
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - B A Kieke
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI 54449
| | - N P Martin
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service (retired), US Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI 53706
| | - M A Borchardt
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Marshfield, WI 54449
| | - W E Jokela
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service (retired), US Dairy Forage Research Center, Marshfield, WI 54449
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Olasege BS, Zhang S, Zhao Q, Liu D, Sun H, Wang Q, Ma P, Pan Y. Genetic parameter estimates for body conformation traits using composite index, principal component, and factor analysis. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5219-5229. [PMID: 31056333 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Information about genetic parameters is population specific and it is crucial for designing animal breeding programs and predicting response to selection. This study was carried out to estimate the genetic parameters for 23 body conformation traits of 45,517 Chinese Holstein reared in Eastern China from 1995 to 2017 with the Bayesian inference method using a linear animal mixed model. The methods to integrate these traits included (1) using the composite index from the Dairy Association of China and (2) applying principal component analysis and factor analysis to explore the relationship between the conformation traits. Estimates of heritability using the composite index were low (0.04; feet and legs) to moderate (0.23; body capacity). Strong genetic correlations were observed between the individual body conformation traits. Both principal components (1 to 7; eigenvalues ≥ 1) and latent factors (1 to 7; eigenvalues ≥ 1) explained 60.37% of total variability. Principal component 1 and factor 1 accounted for the traits that are usually associated with milk production. Moderate to low heritability were estimated through multi-trait analysis for principal components (from 0.07 to 0.21) and latent factors (from 0.07 to 0.23). Genetic correlations among the 2 multivariate techniques are typically lower compared with the one existing among the measured traits. Results from these analyses suggest the possibility of using both principal component analysis and factor analysis in morphological evaluation, simplifying the information given by the body conformation traits into new variables that could be useful for the genetic improvement of the Chinese Holstein population. This information could also be used to avoid analyzing large number of correlated traits, thereby improving precision and reducing computation burdens to analyze large and complex data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Olasege
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - S Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Q Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - D Liu
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - H Sun
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Q Wang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - P Ma
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Y Pan
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Routine Herd Health Data as Cow-Based Risk Factors Associated with Lameness in Pasture-Based, Spring Calving Irish Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050204. [PMID: 31035714 PMCID: PMC6562450 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dairy cow lameness is considered one of the most important animal welfare and economic concerns for the dairy industry. Cow-based risk factors for lameness are not well described, especially in comparison to herd-level risk factors such as housing environment and roadway condition. This study investigates the use of routinely gathered herd health data as cow-based risk factors for lameness in dairy cows. A total of 1715 cows in 10 pasture-based Irish dairy herds were monitored for lameness during the spring and summer of 2013 and 2014 as part of the University College Dublin herd health programme. Herd health monitoring data analysed to identify potential risk factors for lameness consisted of milk production data, genetic merit information, calving details, peri-parturient disease records and body condition scores. This analysis showed a significant effect of increasing parity, lower body condition score at calving and excessive body condition loss after calving on the risk of cows being diagnosed as lame during the lactation. In conclusion, routinely gathered herd health monitoring data can be used to identify cows at increased risk of being lame and to implement lameness control strategies. Abstract Herd-level risk factors related to the cow’s environment have been associated with lameness. Uncomfortable stall surface and inadequate depth of bedding as well as abrasive alley way surface are contributing factors to increased levels of lameness. Access to pasture has been found as having a beneficial effect on cows’ locomotion. However, dairy cattle managed under grazing conditions are exposed to a different set of risk factors for lameness, mainly associated with cow tracks. Cow-based risk factors for lameness are not as clearly defined as the herd level risk factors. The objective of the present study was to use routine herd health monitoring data to identify cow-based risk factors for lameness and utilise this information to indicate cows at risk of developing lameness in the first 150 days of lactation. Lameness data were gathered from 10 pasture-based dairy herds. A total of 1715 cows were monitored, of which 1675 cows were available for analysis. Associations between lameness status and potential cow-level risk factors were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Parity 3 and 4 + cows showed odd ratios (OR’s) for lameness of 3.92 and 8.60 respectively (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.46–6.24; 5.68–13.0). Maximum loss of Body condition score (BCS) after calving exhibits OR’s for lameness of 1.49 (95% CI 1.08–2.04) if cows lost 0.5 in BCS after calving and 2.26 (95% CI 1.30–3.95) for cows losing more than 0.5 BCS. Animals calving in BCS 3.25 and ≥ 3.5 had correlating OR’s of 0.54 (95% CI 0.34–0.87) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.16–0.65) for being lame compared to cows calving with BCS ≤ 2.75. Data gathered as part of herd health monitoring can be used in conjunction with lameness records to identify shortcomings in lameness management. Findings and recommendations on lameness management can be formulated from readily available information on cow-based risk factors for lameness.
Collapse
|
38
|
Cook NB. Optimizing Resting Behavior in Lactating Dairy Cows Through Freestall Design. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2019; 35:93-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|
39
|
Jewell MT, Cameron M, Spears J, McKenna SL, Cockram MS, Sanchez J, Keefe GP. Prevalence of lameness and associated risk factors on dairy farms in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:3392-3405. [PMID: 30738672 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cattle is a major issue for the industry due to the effects on the welfare of the animal, the economic impact, and consumer perception. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lameness and explore potential risk factors in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Cows were scored for lameness and potential risk factors and were assessed in 46 freestall herds and 33 tiestall herds in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. In freestall herds, lameness was assessed using the most common method, locomotion scoring. A cow with a gait score of ≥3 out of 5 was considered to be lame. In tiestall herds, lameness was assessed using an alternative method known as stall lameness scoring. This assessment consisted of observation of the cow for 4 behavioral changes: standing on the edge of the stall, shifting weight, resting a limb, and uneven weight bearing when moved side to side. A cow displaying 2 or more of these behaviors was considered to be lame. At the time of the assessment, other animal-, environmental-, and management-based measurements were collected. These measurements were used in multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine risk factors that were associated with lameness for both freestalls and tiestalls independently. The prevalence of lameness was 21% for freestall-housed cattle and 15% for tiestall-housed cattle. Of the 1,488 tiestall-housed cows that were assessed, 68% showed no behavioral changes, whereas 15, 15, 2, and <1% showed 1, 2, 3, or 4 changes, respectively. In freestalls, higher odds of lameness were seen when cows spent ≥3 h/d in the holding area for milking compared with those that spent <3 h/d. In tiestall herds, higher odds of lameness were seen when bedding material was wet compared with when it was dry. For both lactating cow facility types, housing the dry cows and heifers on a deep bedded pack compared with tiestalls or freestalls was associated with a decreased odds of lameness. There were also many cow-level variables associated with lameness, including parity, daily milk production, stage of production, body condition, and width at the tuber coxae (hook bones). If producers become aware of the risk factors associated with lameness, they can make informed decisions on where to implement changes to help reduce the level of lameness in their herd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T Jewell
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3.
| | - M Cameron
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - J Spears
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - S L McKenna
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - M S Cockram
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - J Sanchez
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - G P Keefe
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wenz JR. Optimization of Clinical Mastitis Records on Dairies. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2018; 34:493-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
41
|
Randall L, Green M, Huxley J. Use of statistical modelling to investigate the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption lesions in dairy cattle. Vet J 2018; 238:41-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
42
|
Griffiths BE, Grove White D, Oikonomou G. A Cross-Sectional Study Into the Prevalence of Dairy Cattle Lameness and Associated Herd-Level Risk Factors in England and Wales. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:65. [PMID: 29675419 PMCID: PMC5895762 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is one of the most pressing issues within the dairy industry; it has severe economic implications while causing a serious impact on animal welfare. A study conducted approximately 10 years ago found the within farm lameness prevalence in the UK to be 36.8%. Our objective here is to provide an update on within farm lameness prevalence in the UK, and to provide further evidence on farm level risk factors. A convenience sample of 61 dairy farms were recruited across England and Wales from September 2015 to December 2016. A single farm visit was made and the milking herd was mobility scored, as the cows exited the milking parlor after morning, afternoon, or evening milking. Information regarding the farm and management system was then collected using a short interview with the farmer followed by collection of various subjective and objective measurements of the environment. The same, trained researcher performed all animal and facility-based measures on all visits. A series of univariable analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between various risk factors and herd lameness prevalence (logit transformed). A multivariable linear regression model was then fitted. The median number of milking cows per herd was 193, ranging from 74 to 1,519 cows. The mean within farm lameness prevalence was 31.6%, ranging from 5.8 to 65.4%. In total, 14,700 cows were mobility scored with 4,145 cows found to be lame (28.2%). A number of risk factors were associated with lameness at the univariable analysis level. Categorical risk factors retained in the final model were: resting area type, collecting yard groove spacing width, whether farms were undertaking the 60- to 100-day post calving claw trimming and the frequency of footbathing in the winter. The amount of concentrates fed in the milking parlors or out of parlor feeders was also associated with lameness prevalence. The results of this study have provided an update on the UK herd lameness prevalence and have confirmed the importance of cow comfort and footbathing frequency. The association between early lactation claw trimming and reduced lameness prevalence is, to the best of our knowledge, reported for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dai Grove White
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Witaifi AA, Ali AB, Siegford JM. Stall and feed bunk stocking rates impact cows' diurnal behavior and activity in automatic milking system farms. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
44
|
Sumner CL, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. How benchmarking motivates farmers to improve dairy calf management. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3323-3333. [PMID: 29397181 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dairy calves often receive inadequate colostrum for successful transfer of passive immunity and inadequate milk to achieve their potential for growth and avoid hunger, but little is known about what motivates farmers to improve calf management around these concerns. Our aim was to assess if and how access to benchmarking reports, providing data on calf performance and peer comparison, would change the ways in which farmers think about calves and their management. During our study, 18 dairy farmers in the lower Fraser Valley (British Columbia, Canada) each received 2 benchmark reports that conveyed information on transfer of immunity and calf growth for their own calves and for other farms in the region. Farmers were interviewed before and after receiving their benchmarking reports to gain an understanding of how they perceived access to information in the reports. We conducted qualitative analysis to identify major themes. Respondents generally saw having access to these data and peer comparisons favorably, in part because the reports provided evidence of how their calves were performing. Benchmarking encouraged farmers to make changes in their calf management by identifying areas needing attention and promoting discussion about best practices. We conclude that some management problems can be addressed by providing farmers better access to data that they can use to judge their success and inform changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Sumner
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 248-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 248-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 248-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sjöström K, Fall N, Blanco-Penedo I, Duval JE, Krieger M, Emanuelson U. Lameness prevalence and risk factors in organic dairy herds in four European countries. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
46
|
Armbrecht L, Lambertz C, Albers D, Gauly M. Does access to pasture affect claw condition and health in dairy cows? Vet Rec 2018; 182:79. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Armbrecht
- Department of Animal Science; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| | | | - Dirk Albers
- Chamber of Lower Saxony; Field Testing Station for Grassland Management and Cattle Farming; Oldenburg Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Costa JHC, Burnett TA, von Keyserlingk MAG, Hötzel MJ. Prevalence of lameness and leg lesions of lactating dairy cows housed in southern Brazil: Effects of housing systems. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:2395-2405. [PMID: 29274968 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Within the last few decades, the North American and European dairy industries have been collecting information about lameness and leg injury prevalence on dairy farms and have tried to develop solutions to mitigate these ailments. Few published articles report the prevalence of lameness and leg lesions in areas outside of those 2 regions, or how alternative housing systems, such as compost-bedded packs, affect the prevalence of these maladies. The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of lameness and leg lesions on confined dairies that used freestall, compost-bedded packs, or a combination of these 2 systems in Brazil. Data were collected in the autumn and winter of 2016 from 50 dairy farms located in Paraná state, including 12 compost-bedded pack dairies (CB), 23 freestall dairies (FS), and 15 freestall dairies that used compost-bedded packs for vulnerable cows (FS+C). A visit to the farm consisted of a management questionnaire, an inspection of the housing areas as well as the milking parlor, and an evaluation of all lactating cows as they exited the parlor for lameness (score 1-5), hygiene (score 0-2), body condition score (score 1-5), and hock and knee lesions (score 0-1). Median 1-way chi-squared test was used to compare production systems. We found no difference between farm types in management practices related to hoof health management or average daily milk production per cow [31 (29-33.9) kg/d; median (quartile 1-3)], percentage of Holstein cattle in the herd [100% (90-100%)], conception rate [35.8% (30.2-38%)], or pregnancy rate [15% (13.7-18%)]. The CB farms were smaller [85 (49.5-146.5) milking cows] than both the FS [270 (178-327.5) milking cows] and FS+C farms [360 (150-541.5) milking cows). The overall prevalence of severe lameness (score 4 and 5) across all farms was 21.2% (15.2-28.5%) but was lower on the CB farms [14.2% (8.45-15.5%)] in comparison to the FS [22.2% (16.8-26.7%)] and the FS+C farms [22.2% (17.4-32.8%)]. Less than 1% of all cows scored on CB farms were observed with swollen or wounded knees (or both), which was lower than either the FS or FS+C farms [7.4% (3.6-11.9%) and 6.4% (2.6-11.8%) of all cows scored, respectively]. The same pattern was found for hock lesions, where the farm-level prevalence within the 3 different housing types was 0.5% (0-0.9%), 9.9% (0.8-15.3%), and 5.7% (2.6-10.9%) for CB, FS, and FS+C farms, respectively. No differences between farm systems were observed for hygiene or body condition score. On average, 2.7% (0.8-10.9%) of lactating cows had a soiled side, 15.4% (2.1-37.4%) had dirty legs and 1.7% (0-9.3%) had dirty udders. The average herd-level body condition score across farms was 2.9 (2.9-3), with 0.86% of the all cows scored having a body condition score <2.5. These results indicate that lameness prevalence on confined dairies in Brazil is high and highlight the need for remedial changes in environmental design and management practices. We found that CB farms in this region had reduced lameness and lesions in relation to FS or FS+C dairies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joao H C Costa
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal (LETA), Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 1346, Itacorubi, 88034-001, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Tracy A Burnett
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | | | - Maria J Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal (LETA), Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 1346, Itacorubi, 88034-001, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Trillo Y, Quintela LA, Barrio M, Becerra JJ, Peña AI, Vigo M, Garcia Herradon P. Benchmarking welfare indicators in 73 free-stall dairy farms in north-western Spain. Vet Rec Open 2017; 4:e000178. [PMID: 29018530 PMCID: PMC5623328 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2016-000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the status of body condition score (BCS), hock injuries prevalence, locomotion and body hygiene score as animal welfare measures in 73 free-stall dairy cattle farms in Lugo (Spain). A benchmarking process was established across farms: (1) the animal-based indicators were ordered from low to high values; (2) The farms were classified into three categories based on the number of indicators within less than the 25th percentile, 25th to 75th percentile and above the 75th percentile. The median prevalence of unsuitable BCS, hock injuries and clinical lameness was (median (range)) 51.7 per cent (13.3 to 89.5 per cent), 40.0 per cent (7.0per cent to 100 per cent) and 9.0 per cent (0per cent to 60.0 per cent) respectively. The dirtiness of the cow's coat had a high prevalence (73.0 per cent (37.5per cent to 100 per cent)). Most farms did not display consistently good or poor animal-based indicators and each farm had its own set of strong and weak points. Moreover, facilities design and management practices were described to understand source of the observations made of the cows. The incidence of overstocking was 31.5 per cent for stalls and 26.0 per cent for headlocks. The front lunge space was reduced (<90 cm) on most dairies (90.4 per cent). Signs of poor natural ventilation (cobwebs or humidity on the roof) and ammonia odour were observed on 32.8 per cent and 85.0 per cent of the barns totally closed or with a side openingless than 50 per cent of the wall height. The milking parlour was designed with two or more turns more than 90° (9.3 per cent), and failed to allow cows to see the parlour before entering (45.2 per cent). On 52.0 per cent of dairies, more than 15 per cent of the cows had to be forcefully moved into the milking parlour. In conclusion, there was a big variation in the animal welfare levels within and across farms and they could benefit from others by changing management practices related to facilities and herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Trillo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Angel Quintela
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Mónica Barrio
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Juan José Becerra
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Marcos Vigo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pedro Garcia Herradon
- Department of Animal Pathology, Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Medicine of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Rodenburg J. Robotic milking: Technology, farm design, and effects on work flow. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:7729-7738. [PMID: 28711263 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Robotic milking reduces labor demands on dairy farms of all sizes and offers a more flexible lifestyle for farm families milking up to 250 cows. Because milking is voluntary, barn layouts that encourage low-stress access by providing adequate open space near the milking stations and escape routes for waiting cows improve milking frequency and reduce fetching. Because lame cows attend less often, preventing lameness with comfortable stalls, clean alley floors, and effective foot bathing warrants special emphasis in robotic dairies. Variable milking intervals create challenges for foot bathing, sorting and handling, and dealing with special-needs cows. Appropriate cow routing and separation options at the milking stations are needed to address these challenges and ensure that the expected labor savings are realized. Protocols and layout and gating should make it possible for a herd worker to complete all handling tasks alone. Free traffic and guided traffic systems yield similar results when excellent management is applied or when the number of cows is well below capacity. In less ideal circumstances, guided traffic and the use of commitment pens result in longer standing times and stress, particularly for lower ranking cows, and poor management with free traffic results in more labor for fetching.
Collapse
|
50
|
Newsome R, Green M, Bell N, Bollard N, Mason C, Whay H, Huxley J. A prospective cohort study of digital cushion and corium thickness. Part 1: Associations with body condition, lesion incidence, and proximity to calving. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4745-4758. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|