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Marques J, Burnett T, Denis-Robichaud J, Madureira A, Cerri R. Validation of a leg-mounted pedometer for the measurement of steps in lactating Holstein cows. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:67-71. [PMID: 38223380 PMCID: PMC10785236 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate the pedometer AfiAct II (AfiMilk) for the measurement of steps in lactating Holstein cows housed in a freestall design by assessing its agreement with visual observation of step counts. A total of 41 primiparous (n = 12) and multiparous (n = 29) cows were enrolled in the study between August and September 2018. Steps were monitored continuously by the pedometer and visually assessed for a 24-h period using video recordings. Visually observed steps were categorized as walking and stationary steps. The total number of steps taken per cow was calculated using the sum of walking and stationary steps. Unprocessed step count data from the study day were retrieved from the AfiMilk system in time-blocks of approximately 15 min. Repeated measures correlation was used to quantify the association between the pedometer measurements and visual observation of step counts. Nonindependence among observations were accounted adjusting for interindividual (cow) variability with an analysis of covariance. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were categorized from negligible (0.00-0.30) to very high (0.90-1.00). Bland-Altman plots were created to evaluate the bias between the pedometer and visual observations. A total of 2,261 time-blocks were used in this study with an average (mean ± standard deviation) of 55.14 ± 8.1 time-blocks per cow. A high correlation was found for the evaluation between the pedometer and observed walking steps (r = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73-0.76), stationary steps (r = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.69-0.63), and total steps (r = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.87-0.89). The results of the Bland-Altman plot suggested limited bias between the pedometer step counts and visual observation of steps, independent of the type of steps. Numerical differences and several time-block differences outside of the 95% interval of agreement suggested an overestimation of step counts by the pedometer, which increased as the number of steps increased. The pedometer measured, on average, 97.6 ± 118.5 (28%), 249.2 ± 126.2 (125%), and 297.2 ± 205.4 (196%) steps/day more than the visual observed total steps, stationary steps, and walking steps, respectively. Our findings indicate that the pedometer counts all movement in which the pedometer leg is lifted off the floor without distinguishing if there was body movement of the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.C.S. Marques
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - T.A. Burnett
- Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph, Ridgetown, ON, N0P2C0, Canada
| | - J. Denis-Robichaud
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - A.M.L. Madureira
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph, Ridgetown, ON, N0P2C0, Canada
| | - R.L.A. Cerri
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Reuscher KJ, Cook NB, da Silva TE, Mondaca MR, Lutcherhand KM, Van Os JMC. Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9552-9567. [PMID: 37678773 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23364] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Heat abatement (e.g., soakers, fans) effectively reduces the negative physiological and production effects of heat stress, but no previous studies have documented effective interventions for the reduced lying times observed in response to hot weather. Although likely adaptive for heat dissipation, the reduction in motivated lying behavior may be an animal welfare concern. We evaluated the effect of air speed from fans with variable frequency drives on the heat stress responses of cows in a naturally ventilated freestall barn. Eight groups of lactating Holsteins (16 cows/group) were exposed to 3 treatments in a replicated crossover design: control (fans off, 0.4 ± 0.2 m/s, measured 0.5 m above the stall surface to represent cow resting height) versus 60% (1.7 ± 0.5 m/s; ≥1 m/s in all stalls) and 100% (2.4 ± 0.8 m/s) fan power. Each treatment was applied for 3 d of acclimation and 4 d of data collection. The effects of treatment on daily maximum vaginal temperature (VT) and lying time (LT; both measured with data loggers), respiration rate (RR; recorded from video), unshaved scapular skin temperature (ST), milk yield (MY), and dry matter intake (DMI) were analyzed using linear mixed models. All models included the fixed effect of treatment and a repeated term for treatment day within group of cows, with group as the subject. The models for LT, VT, and RR also included a fixed effect for same-day temperature-humidity index (THI; recorded in the pens with data loggers) and the THI × treatment interaction. The models for DMI and MY, using data from the latter 3 d of each treatment period, also included a fixed effect for the previous day's THI and the -1 d THI × treatment interaction. Lying time differed among treatments (100% vs. 60% fan power vs. control: 14.2 vs. 13.9 vs. 13.2 h/d, respectively, SEM = 0.15 h/d), but both fan treatments prevented the reduction in LT observed in the control treatment as THI increased. Relative to the control, both fan treatments effectively reduced ST, RR, and VT and increased DMI and MY. In the control, average values were elevated for both RR (68.7 ± 1.5 breaths/min, mean ± SEM, greater than a common benchmark of 60 breaths/min) and VT (39.3 ± 0.05°C) but remained in the normal range in both fan treatments (54.2 vs. 50.7 breaths/min in the 60% vs. 100% fan power treatments; 39.0°C in both fan treatments). Both fan treatments resulted in greater overall MY (42.6 vs. 43.0 ± 0.4 kg/d in the 60% vs. 100% fan power treatments) relative to the control (41.0 kg/d) and similarly avoided the reduction in MY when -1 d THI increased. Compared with natural ventilation alone, fans delivering air speeds of at least 1 m/s at cow resting height were effective not only for reducing thermoregulatory responses, but also for maintaining lying time, DMI, and MY in heat stress conditions. This is the first study to demonstrate an intervention to improve animal welfare by maintaining lying times during periods of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Reuscher
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Nigel B Cook
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Tadeu E da Silva
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Mario R Mondaca
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Jennifer M C Van Os
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
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Tucker CB, Jensen MB, de Passillé AM, Hänninen L, Rushen J. Invited review: Lying time and the welfare of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:20-46. [PMID: 33162094 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Adequate time lying down is often considered an important aspect of dairy cow welfare. We examine what is known about cows' motivation to lie down and the consequences for health and other indicators of biological function when this behavior is thwarted. We review the environmental and animal-based factors that affect lying time in the context of animal welfare. Our objective is to review the research into the time that dairy cows spend lying down and to critically examine the evidence for the link with animal welfare. Cows can be highly motivated to lie down. They show rebound lying behavior after periods of forced standing and will sacrifice other activities, such as feeding, to lie down for an adequate amount of time. They will work, by pushing levers or weighted gates, to lie down and show possible indicators of frustration when lying behavior is thwarted. Some evidence suggests that risk of lameness is increased in environments that provide unfavorable conditions for cows to lie down and where cows are forced to stand. Lameness itself can result in longer lying times, whereas mastitis reduces it. Cow-based factors such as reproductive status, age, and milk production influence lying time, but the welfare implications of these differences are unknown. Lower lying times are reported in pasture-based systems, dry lots, and bedded packs (9 h/d) compared with tiestalls and freestalls (10 to 12 h/d) in cross-farm research. Unfavorable conditions, including too few lying stalls for the number of cows, hard or wet lying surfaces, inadequate bedding, stalls that are too small or poorly designed, heat, and rain all reduce lying time. Time constraints, such as feeding or milking, can influence lying time. However, more information is needed about the implications of mediating factors such as the effect of the standing surface (concrete, pasture, or other surfaces) and cow behavior while standing (e.g., being restrained, walking, grazing) to understand the effect of low lying times on animal welfare. Many factors contribute to the difficulty of finding a valid threshold for daily lying time to use in the assessment of animal welfare. Although higher lying times often correspond with cow comfort, and lower lying times are seen in unfavorable conditions, exceptions occur, namely when cows lie down for longer because of disease or when they spend more time standing because of estrus or parturition, or to engage in other behaviors. In conclusion, lying behavior is important to dairy cattle, but caution and a full understanding of the context and the character of the animals in question is needed before drawing firm conclusions about animal welfare from measures of lying time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
| | - Margit Bak Jensen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie de Passillé
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Laura Hänninen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare and Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Finland
| | - Jeffrey Rushen
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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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.
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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.
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Schütz K, Cave V, Cox N, Huddart F, Tucker C. Effects of 3 surface types on dairy cattle behavior, preference, and hygiene. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:1530-1541. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Schütz KE, Rajapaksha E, Mintline EM, Cox NR, Tucker CB. Stepping behavior and muscle activity of dairy cattle standing on concrete or rubber flooring for 1 or 3 hours. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:9472-9482. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Lameness is among the most important welfare and production issues affecting dairy cattle. Recently, it has received significant research emphasis. Certain events in 2013 within the cattle industry heightened the focus on mobility issues in finished cattle. Scoring systems are needed in the finished cattle industry to capture and measure mobility issues at packing facilities. The North American Meat Institute Animal Welfare Committee helped facilitate the creation of a scoring system to evaluate mobility of cattle at packing plants, providing the cattle industry with a tool to benchmark and improve the welfare of finished cattle.
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Noel JA, Broxterman RM, McCoy GM, Craig JC, Phelps KJ, Burnett DD, Vaughn MA, Barstow TJ, O'Quinn TG, Woodworth JC, DeRouchey JM, Rozell TG, Gonzalez JM. Use of electromyography to detect muscle exhaustion in finishing barrows fed ractopamine HCl. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:2344-56. [PMID: 27285911 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dietary ractopamine HCl (RAC) on muscle fiber characteristics and electromyography (EMG) measures of finishing barrow exhaustion when barrows were subjected to increased levels of activity. Barrows ( = 34; 92 ± 2 kg initial BW) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a conventional swine finishing diet containing 0 mg/kg ractopamine HCl (CON) or a diet formulated to meet the requirements of finishing barrows fed 10 mg/kg RAC (RAC+). After 32 d on feed, barrows were individually moved around a track at 0.79 m/s until subjectively exhausted. Wireless EMG sensors were affixed to the deltoideus (DT), triceps brachii lateral head (TLH), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles to measure median power frequency (MdPF) and root mean square (RMS) as indicators of action potential conduction velocity and muscle fiber recruitment, respectively. After harvest, samples of each muscle were collected for fiber type, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and capillary density analysis. Speed was not different ( = 0.82) between treatments, but RAC+ barrows reached subjective exhaustion earlier and covered less distance than CON barrows ( < 0.01). There were no treatment × muscle interactions or treatment effects for end-point MdPF values ( > 0.29). There was a treatment × muscle interaction ( = 0.04) for end-point RMS values. The RAC diet did not change end-point RMS values in the DT or TLH ( > 0.37); however, the diet tended to decrease and increase end-point RMS in the ST and TFL, respectively ( < 0.07). There were no treatment × muscle interactions for fiber type, SDH, or capillary density measures ( > 0.10). Muscles of RAC+ barrows tended to have less type I fibers and more capillaries per fiber ( < 0.07). Type I and IIA fibers of RAC+ barrows were larger ( < 0.07). Compared with all other muscles, the ST had more ( < 0.01) type IIB fibers and larger type I, IIA, and IIX fibers ( < 0.01). Type I, IIA, and IIX fibers of the ST also contained less SDH compared with the other muscles ( < 0.01). Barrows fed a RAC diet had increased time to subjective exhaustion due to loss of active muscle fibers in the ST, possibly due to fibers being larger and less oxidative in metabolism. Size increases in type I and IIA fibers with no change in oxidative capacity could also contribute to early exhaustion of RAC+ barrows. Overall, EMG technology can measure real-time muscle fiber loss to help explain subjective exhaustion in barrows.
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Valentin S, Zsoldos RR. Surface electromyography in animal biomechanics: A systematic review. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2016; 28:167-83. [PMID: 26763600 PMCID: PMC5518891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used for investigations of the neuromuscular system in man. Although sEMG has faced methodological challenges, considerable technical advances have been made in the last few decades. Similarly, the field of animal biomechanics, including sEMG, has grown despite being confronted with often complex experimental conditions. In human sEMG research, standardised protocols have been developed, however these are lacking in animal sEMG. Before standards can be proposed in this population group, the existing research in animal sEMG should be collated and evaluated. Therefore the aim of this review is to systematically identify and summarise the literature in animal sEMG focussing on (1) species, breeds, activities and muscles investigated, and (2) electrode placement and normalisation methods used. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Vetmed Resource were searched systematically for sEMG studies in animals and 38 articles were included in the final review. Data on methodological quality was collected and summarised. The findings from this systematic review indicate the divergence in animal sEMG methodology and as a result, future steps required to develop standardisation in animal sEMG are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebeka R Zsoldos
- Working Group Animal Breeding, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Rajapaksha E, Winkler C, Tucker CB. Effect of rubber flooring on dairy cattle stepping behavior and muscle activity. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2462-71. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Rajapaksha E, Tucker C. Stepping behavior and muscle activity of dairy cows on uncomfortable standing surfaces presented under 1 or 4 legs. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:295-304. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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