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Nielsen PP, Wredle E. How Does the Provision of Shade during Grazing Affect Heat Stress Experienced by Dairy Cows in Sweden? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3823. [PMID: 38136860 PMCID: PMC10740924 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress in dairy cows can cause an increase in body temperature and respiration rate, and a decreased feed intake leading to reduced production. Dairy cows are better at handling heat when they have access to shade. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of providing shade to high-yielding dairy cattle during the summer in the Swedish climate. Twenty high-yielding Swedish Red dairy cows, held on pasture, were divided into two groups, one with access to shade (S) and one without (NS). Milk production was recorded daily and shade temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals at pasture. A major effect of heat stress was found in cows in early lactation in the NS group. In this group, a high mean temperature two days before and a high THI two days before affected the milk production negatively (p < 0.001), which was the same for the maximum temperature and maximum THI measured on the same day (p < 0.001). Increases in the mean temperature and THI two days before also affected milk production negatively (p < 0.05) for cows in early lactation in the S group, though to a lesser extent. This study suggests that dairy cows in early lactation benefit from access to shade during summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Peetz Nielsen
- Department of Agriculture and Food, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institute of Sweden, RISE Ideon, 223 70 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ewa Wredle
- Department on Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Aigueperse N, Boyer V, Vasseur E. How outing conditions relate to the motivation of movement-restricted cattle to access an outdoor exercise yard. Behav Processes 2023; 213:104957. [PMID: 37852549 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104957] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Assessing animal motivation to access a given resource is one method available to evaluate what to provide in the living environments of captive animals. Providing increased opportunities for movement can be seen as an important source of enrichment, but we need to know the point of view of the animal. The objective of our study was to test a novel combination of behaviours in order to assess the motivation of cows to access an outdoor exercise paddock. Three trials were conducted, each enrolling 15-16 tie-stall-housed cows as a model for movement-restricted animals. Cows were provided with access to an outdoor exercise yard 5 days/week for the duration of the trial, each trial presenting different conditions such as paddock size, duration of access and animal handling. We recorded the trips' durations and cows' behaviours during the trips going to (go-out) and coming back (go-in) from the paddock. LMr comparisons on PCA were used to assess cow motivation profiles. The same two dimensions of speed and stop quality emerged from the PCA in all three trials, showing the method's robustness. Additionally, three motivation profiles were established, representing how the cows' motivation was affected by the conditions prevailing in each trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Aigueperse
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Véronique Boyer
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Habimana V, Nguluma AS, Nziku ZC, Ekine-Dzivenu CC, Morota G, Mrode R, Chenyambuga SW. Heat stress effects on milk yield traits and metabolites and mitigation strategies for dairy cattle breeds reared in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1121499. [PMID: 37483284 PMCID: PMC10361820 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1121499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is an important problem for dairy industry in many parts of the world owing to its adverse effects on productivity and profitability. Heat stress in dairy cattle is caused by an increase in core body temperature, which affects the fat production in the mammary gland. It reduces milk yield, dry matter intake, and alters the milk composition, such as fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fats percentages among others. Understanding the biological mechanisms of climatic adaptation, identifying and exploring signatures of selection, genomic diversity and identification of candidate genes for heat tolerance within indicine and taurine dairy breeds is an important progression toward breeding better dairy cattle adapted to changing climatic conditions of the tropics. Identifying breeds that are heat tolerant and their use in genetic improvement programs is crucial for improving dairy cattle productivity and profitability in the tropics. Genetic improvement for heat tolerance requires availability of genetic parameters, but these genetic parameters are currently missing in many tropical countries. In this article, we reviewed the HS effects on dairy cattle with regard to (1) physiological parameters; (2) milk yield and composition traits; and (3) milk and blood metabolites for dairy cattle reared in tropical countries. In addition, mitigation strategies such as physical modification of environment, nutritional, and genetic development of heat tolerant dairy cattle to prevent the adverse effects of HS on dairy cattle are discussed. In tropical climates, a more and cost-effective strategy to overcome HS effects is to genetically select more adaptable and heat tolerant breeds, use of crossbred animals for milk production, i.e., crosses between indicine breeds such as Gir, white fulani, N'Dama, Sahiwal or Boran to taurine breeds such as Holstein-Friesian, Jersey or Brown Swiss. The results of this review will contribute to policy formulations with regard to strategies for mitigating the effects of HS on dairy cattle in tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Habimana
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- SACIDS Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Athumani Shabani Nguluma
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Gota Morota
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Raphael Mrode
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Sun F, Zhao Q, Chen X, Zhao G, Gu X. Feed tossing behaviour of Holstein cows: evaluation of physiological stress state and rumen fermentation function. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:371. [PMID: 36253770 PMCID: PMC9575279 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03469-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal or stereotyped behaviours in dairy cows are common in large-scale indoor farms and are usually accompanied by high physiological stress levels. Feed tossing is an abnormal behaviour commonly seen in cows while being fed, making farm management difficult. However, the reasons behind this behaviour have not been sufficiently reported. The objective of this study was to explore the changes in rumen fermentation, serum indicators, inflammatory conditions and the performance of cows with feed tossing behaviour. Holstein cows with similar lactation stages in the same barn were subjected to behaviour observations two times per day for 21 consecutive days. Ten cows with feed tossing behaviour (FT) and ten cows without abnormal behaviours (CON) were selected for further sampling. Plasma samples, rumen fluid, milk yield data of cows, and an indoor environment temperature-humidity index (THI) were collected. Results There was no significant difference in average daily milk yield during the observation period between feed-tossing cows (n = 68) and the other cows (n = 112). The number of cows showing FT behaviour had a moderately strong negative linear correlation with the THI of the environment. Compared to the CON cows, the FT cows had higher cortisol, norepinephrine and urea nitrogen levels in plasma, as well as higher plasma levels of inflammatory indicators, including total protein, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase levels, and the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase. The FT cows had no significant variations from the CON cows regarding their rumen fermentation indicators, such as pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids. In addition, 16S rRNA analysis revealed that there might be no clear association between the diversity and abundance of rumen bacteria and feed tossing behaviour. Conclusions Our findings suggested that cows might have suffered from high levels of physiological stress and immune state for a long period when they exhibited FT behaviour. The environmental THI could affect the FT behaviour of cows; as the THI increases, the willingness of cows to throw decreases. This work provided the first evidence that feed tossing might be a response associated with high levels of physiological stress and immune. It also explored our insights into a commonly observed behavioural response to cow welfare traits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03469-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, China.
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Vargas J, Ungerfeld E, Muñoz C, DiLorenzo N. Feeding Strategies to Mitigate Enteric Methane Emission from Ruminants in Grassland Systems. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1132. [PMID: 35565559 PMCID: PMC9099456 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminants produce approximately 30% of total anthropogenic methane emissions globally. The objective of this manuscript was to review nutritional enteric methane abatement practices for ruminants that are applicable under grazing conditions. A total of 1548 peer-reviewed research articles related to the abatement of enteric methane emissions were retrieved and classified into four categories: non-experimental, in vitro, in vivo confined, and in vivo grazing. The methane abatement strategies for grazing systems were arranged into grazing management and supplementation practices. Only 9% of the retrieved papers have been conducted under grazing conditions. Eight grazing management practices have been evaluated to reduce methane emissions. Decreasing the pre-grazing herbage mass reduced the methane emission per unit of product. Other grazing management practices such as increased stocking rate, decreased forage maturity, rotational stocking, and incorporating tannin-containing or non-tannin-containing feeds showed contradictory results. Nitrogen fertilization or silvopastoral systems did not modify methane emissions. Conversely, supplementation practices in grazing conditions showed contradictory responses on methane emissions. Lipid supplementation showed promising results and suggests applicability under grazing conditions. Identifying and implementing grazing strategies and supplementation practices under grazing conditions is required to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vargas
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL 32443, USA;
| | - Emilio Ungerfeld
- Centro Regional de Investigación Carillanca, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Temuco 4880000, Chile;
| | - Camila Muñoz
- Centro Regional de Investigación Remehue, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Osorno 5290000, Chile;
| | - Nicolas DiLorenzo
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL 32443, USA;
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Sun F, Zhao Q, Chen X, Zhao G, Gu X. Physiological Indicators and Production Performance of Dairy Cows With Tongue Rolling Stereotyped Behavior. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:840726. [PMID: 35280126 PMCID: PMC8913714 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.840726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-nutritive oral behaviors, especially tongue rolling, are prevalent in the stabled cow population. These behaviors mean that the environment or management process might not suit the cows, suggesting low welfare. However, few researches have reported the physiological indicators or production performance of dairy cows with the stereotyped behavior. This study aimed to determine physical conditions, daily activity, rumen fermentation, and milk production of cows with tongue-rolling behavior. Three hundred and fifty nine Holstein cows in the same barn and lactation stage were subjected to scan sampling behavior observations 126 times for 7 days. Ten cows with high-frequency tongue-rolling behavior (TON) and 10 cows without abnormal oral behavior (CON) were selected for further study. Serum sample, ruminal fluid, milk sample, and behavior record video of TON and CON cows were collected. TON cows had more drinking behavior and more stable lying behavior than the CON cows during the daytime. The body condition score of the TON cows decreased, while the milk yield, yield of milk fat, protein, and lactose in the study period increased. The TON cows had lower ruminal fluid pH, acetate/propionate ratio, and total volatile acid. The bacterial diversity in the ruminal fluid was not different between the two groups. Compared to CON cows, the TON cows had a higher level of serum stress indicators, such as cortisol, thyroid hormone, and norepinephrine, which positively correlated to the frequency of tongue-rolling behavior. Meanwhile, the TON cows had a higher level of lactate dehydrogenase, serum glucose, total triglyceride, total cholesterol, and Interleukin 6. Overall, it means they suffer from higher levels of stress and have higher energy metabolism for a long time when cows show tongue-rolling behavior. TON cows had suffered a higher stress level and had higher energy metabolic status for a long time. The TON cows might have better heat tolerance to the thermal environment by more lying and drinking time. Our data revealed the changes in milk production, physiological stress indicators of dairy cows with high-frequency tongue rolling behavior, which will provide essential knowledge for the in-depth understanding of tongue rolling behavior in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Lees JC, Lees AM, Gaughan JB. The influence of shade availability on the effectiveness of the Dairy Heat Load Index (DHLI) to predict lactating cow behavior, physiology, and production traits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:289-299. [PMID: 34524531 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Numerous climatic indices have been utilized to predict the effect of hot, and cold, climatic conditions on animal production and welfare. To date, the dairy industry has relied extensively on the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) to predict adverse climatic conditions; however, neither solar radiation nor air movement is accounted for in the THI equation. The Dairy Heat Load Index (DHLI) was initially developed as an alternative climate index. In its current format, the DHLI does not account for the effects of heat load mitigation strategies, such as shade, which decreases the negative effects of hot climatic conditions on lactating cows. Therefore, this experiment aimed to determine the effectiveness of the DHLI as a predictor of heat load responses in both shaded and unshaded cows, as compared with the THI. Forty lactating Holstein Friesian (n = 40) cows were selected and paired based on live weight, milk yield, and days in milk. One cow from each pair was randomly allocated to one of two treatments: shaded (n = 20) or unshaded (n = 20). Cows were given 7 days to acclimate prior to the commencement of data collection. After 28 days, cows were transitioned into the alternate treatment in a crossover design and given 7 days to acclimate prior to data collection. Behavioral observations (0800, 1200, 1400, and 1800 h daily), daily milk yield (kg), milk composition (various days), and vaginal temperature (TVAG, °C; 5 pairs/week, over a 4-week rotation) were recorded. Overall, data from this experiment indicated that the DHLI was a better predictor of standing and feeding behaviors in unshaded cows and drinking behaviors in shaded cows. Conversely, the THI was a better predictor of standing behavior and shade usage in shaded cows. Furthermore, the THI was a better predictor of mean panting score (MPS) in shaded cows, whereas the DHLI performed better in unshaded cows. Additionally the DHLI was a better predictor of TVAG in these cows. Finally, when evaluating the 7-day average of each climatic index, the DHLI was a better predictor of change in milk yield. Incorporation of additional animal and management factors is required if the DHLI is to become an effective heat load management tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
| | - A M Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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8
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Lees AM, Olm JCW, Lees JC, Gaughan JB. Influence of feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the heat load responses of lactating dairy cows during summer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:275-288. [PMID: 34264388 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplementing lactating dairy cows with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on milk production and composition, cow behavior, and physiological responses during summer. Twenty primiparous cows were used and two treatments were imposed: (1) control (CON); and (2) probiotic supplementation (PRO; S. cerevisiae, providing 1010 colony forming units (CFU) per day). Rumen temperature (TRUM, °C) and pH were obtained via rumen boluses. Rumen temperatures were obtained from all cows (n = 20) at 10-min intervals and ruminal pH were obtained from five cow pairs (n = 10) at 10-min intervals. Ambient temperature (TA; °C), relative humidity (RH; %), wind speed (WS; m/s), and solar radiation (SR; W/m2) were recorded at 10-min intervals. The temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated using TA and RH. Cows were milked twice daily. Milk fat (%), protein (%), lactose (%), and somatic cell count (SCC, '000) were evaluated on 16 occasions. Cows were observed three times (0800 h; 1200 h; and 1400 h) daily for panting score (PS); respiration rate (RR); posture (standing/lying); shade utilization; and cow activity (eating/drinking/ruminating). Individual PS were used to calculate a mean panting score (MPS) for CON and PRO treatments for each observation. S. cerevisiae did not influence milk yield (P = 0.87), fat (P = 0.82), protein (P = 0.26) or SCC (P = 0.19), although there was a tendency for PRO cows to have higher lactose (P = 0.06). Probiotics did not influence the proportion of cows utilizing shade (P = 0.42); standing (P = 0.41); ruminating (P = 0.72); or drinking (P = 0.40). All cows exhibited an increase in RR (> 24 bpm) at 1200 h and RR showed a steady increase as THI increased (P < 0.0001), regardless of treatment (P = 0.96). Both CON (35.8%) and PRO (40.2%) exhibited an increase in MPS as THI increased from thermoneutral (THI ≤ 74) to very hot (THI ≥ 84.1; P < 0.001). However, PRO cows had lower (2.19 ± 0.09; P < 0.0001) MPS compared with CON (2.54 ± 0.22) cows when THI was categorized as very hot (THI ≥ 84.1). Rumen pH were not influenced by treatment (P = 0.38), however TRUM of PRO cows were 0.2 °C lower across days (P < 0.0001) and hours (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that supplementing cows with S. cerevisiae may support thermoregulation via decreased TRUM and MPS; however, further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
| | - J C W Olm
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - J C Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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Responses of Outdoor Housed Dairy Cows to Shade Access during the Prepartum Period under Temperate Summer Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102911. [PMID: 34679932 PMCID: PMC8532645 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Late pregnant dairy cows housed outdoor can be exposed to hot weather conditions for several weeks prior to calving affecting their physiology and behavior. We aimed to determine whether access to an artificial shade for outdoor-housed dairy cows during the three weeks prior to calving had a positive effect on lying, rumination, feeding, and drinking behaviors. Also, the relationship between access to shade and health status was investigated. Shaded cows increased rumination time, but the daily lying time was similar to unshaded cows. Also, shaded cows spent half of the time drinking during the warmest hours of the day and spent more time feeding during the morning feed than unshaded cows. The prepartum and postpartum body fat mobilization and presentations of clinical diseases after calving were similar between both treatments. This study presents evidence that shade is an important resource for cows during temperate summers, observing effects mainly on behavioral variables. Abstract Cows are affected by environmental factors associated with warm weather conditions; however, little is known about the effect of shade access especially during the prepartum period of dairy cows in temperate regions. This study assessed the effect of shade on the behavior (lying, rumination, feeding, and drinking), body fat mobilization, and health status of outdoor-housed dairy cows during the prepartum period under temperate summer conditions. During the 3 weeks prior to calving, 24 multiparous Holstein cows were grouped (4 cows/group) and assigned to either an open corral without shade or with access to shade until calving. We daily measured shade use, lying, rumination, feeding, and drinking behavior. Weekly, prepartum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and postpartum b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were measured. Clinical examination was periodically performed individually until 21 postpartum days. Shade use averaged 45.6, 46.0, and 19.8% during the hottest hours of the day (11–18 h) in weeks 3, 2, and 1 prior to calving, respectively. Shaded cows had higher values for rumination time and feeding time during the morning but spent less time drinking during the warmest hours than unshaded cows. NEFA and BHB concentrations and clinical diseases were similar between both treatments. These findings suggest that under temperate summer conditions the access to an artificial shade is an important resource, observing beneficial effects mainly on behavioral variables.
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Lange A, Waiblinger S, van Hasselt R, Mundry R, Futschik A, Lürzel S. Effects of restraint on heifers during gentle human-animal interactions. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Validation of an Accelerometer Sensor-Based Collar for Monitoring Grazing and Rumination Behaviours in Grazing Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092724. [PMID: 34573689 PMCID: PMC8471104 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the accuracy of a sensor-based device (AfiCollar) to automatically monitor and record grazing and rumination behaviours of grazing dairy cows on a real-time basis. Multiparous spring-calved dairy cows (n = 48) wearing the AfiCollar were selected for the visual observation of their grazing and rumination behaviours. The total observation period was 36 days, divided into four recording periods performed at different times of the year, using 12 cows in each period. Each recording period consisted of nine daily observation sessions (three days a week for three consecutive weeks). A continuous behaviour monitoring protocol was followed to visually observe four cows at a time for each daily observation session, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overall, 144 observations were collected and the data were presented as behaviour activity per daily observation session. The behaviours visually observed were also recorded through an automated AfiCollar device on a real-time basis over the observation period. Automatic recordings and visual observations were compared with each other using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and linear regression. Compared to visual observation (VO), AfiCollar (AC) showed slightly higher (10%) grazing time and lower (4%) rumination time. AC results and VO results had strong associations with each other for grazing time (r = 0.91, CCC = 0.71) and rumination time (r = 0.89, CCC = 0.80). Regression analysis showed a significant linear relationship between AC and VO for grazing time (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.05) and rumination time (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.05). The relative prediction error (RPE) values for grazing time and rumination time were 0.17 and 0.40, respectively. Overall, the results indicated that AfiCollar is a reliable device to accurately monitor and record grazing and rumination behaviours of grazing dairy cows, although, some minor improvements can be made in algorithm calibrations to further improve its accuracy.
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Jensen MB, Vestergaard M. Invited review: Freedom from thirst-Do dairy cows and calves have sufficient access to drinking water? J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11368-11385. [PMID: 34389150 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The importance of drinking water for production and animal welfare is widely recognized, but surveys and animal welfare assessment schemes suggest that many dairy calves and dairy cows do not have sufficient access. Limit milk-fed calves drink more water than calves fed milk ad libitum, but ad libitum milk-fed calves also require access to drinking water, as milk does not meet the animal's requirement for water. At hot ambient temperatures and when calves are sick, access to water is especially important and should be provided at all times. Many young calves do not have access to water throughout 24 h, and whether healthy young calves require free access to water at all times, or from which age, is not clear and requires further study. Dairy cow free water intake (FWI) is largely determined by milk yield, and high-yielding dairy cows may drink up 100 L of water per day. Dry matter, crude protein, and salt content of feed, as well as ambient temperature, have considerable effects on dairy cow water intake. Deprivation of water affects meal patterning for the cow, as well as increased subsequent rate of drinking and compensatory water intake. Although dairy cow ad libitum water intake may exceed the water provision necessary to maintain production, offering water for ad libitum intake may be necessary to safe guard animal welfare. Cattle are suction drinkers that prefer to drink from large open water surfaces, and Holstein dairy cows can drink at a rate of up to 24 L/min. Research on the effect of design and placement of water troughs for indoor-housed dairy cows on their drinking behavior and water intake is limited. Access to a water source at pasture increases the time cows spend there, and access to shade reduces water requirements during periods of warm weather. In both indoor and pastured cattle, there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of stocking of water troughs on competition, drinking behavior, and intake in dairy cows. Studies on the effect of available water trough length and placement, and of the number of cows being able to drink from the same trough of a given dimension, are needed to evaluate current recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Bak Jensen
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
| | - Mogens Vestergaard
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark; SEGES, Livestock Innovation, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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13
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Artificial shade effects on behavior and body weight of pregnant grazing red deer (Cervus elaphus). J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Dos Santos MM, Souza-Junior JBF, Dantas MRT, de Macedo Costa LL. An updated review on cattle thermoregulation: physiological responses, biophysical mechanisms, and heat stress alleviation pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:30471-30485. [PMID: 33895955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress is one of the main obstacles to achieving efficient cattle production systems, and it may have numerous adverse effects on cattle. As the planet undergoes climatic changes, which is predicted to raise the earth's average temperature by 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052, its impact may trigger several stressful factors for livestock. Among these, an increase in core body temperature would trigger physiological imbalance, consequently affecting reproduction, animal health, and dry matter intake adversely. Core body temperature increase is commonly observed and poses challenges to livestock farmers. In cattle farming, thermal stress severely affects milk production and weight gain, and can compromise food security in the coming years. This review presents an updated approach to the physiological and thermoregulatory responses of cattle under various environmental conditions. Strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress on livestock are suggested as viable alternatives for the betterment of production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Medeiros Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Biometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
| | | | - Maiko Roberto Tavares Dantas
- Laboratory of Biometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
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15
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Physiological response to heat stress and ingestive behavior of lactating Jersey cows in silvopasture and conventional pasture grazing systems in a Brazilian subtropical climate zone. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:213. [PMID: 33742260 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological response to heat stress and ingestive behavior of Jersey cows in silvopasture and conventional pasture grazing systems. The experiment was carried out during the warm season, spanning spring, summer, and fall seasons in the Brazilian subtropical climate zone. Twelve lactating Jersey cows were observed in rotational grazing on Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst and Panicum maximum Jacq. Treatments were composed of different grazing systems (silvopasture and conventional pasture). The silvopasture grazing system had eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden) with an average height of ≈ 10 m and row spacing of 20 m. In the conventional pasture grazing system, there were no rows of eucalyptus and no other type of tree or structure to provide shade to the animals. During the summer and fall periods of evaluation, the silvopasture animals presented a lower respiratory rate, whereas during the spring and fall evaluation periods, these animals presented a lower rectal temperature. Cattle in the silvopasture showed longer grazing times at night (+21.65 min) and overall (+36.00 min) and remained lying down (ruminating and resting) for longer (+ 73.07 min) than conventional pasture grazing system animals. In addition, the animals in the silvopasture had a lower water intake (3.12 L/100 kg BW). The silvopasture grazing system improved the welfare of the grazing Jersey cows, as evidenced by the improvement in physiological response to heat stress, increased grazing time and decreased standing time (resting + ruminanting) when compared to cows in the conventional pasture grazing system.
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Nicolao A, Coppa M, Bouchon M, Sturaro E, Pomiès D, Martin B, Koczura M. Early-Life Dam-Calf Contact and Grazing Experience Influence Post-Weaning Behavior and Herbage Selection of Dairy Calves in the Short Term. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:600949. [PMID: 33365335 PMCID: PMC7750204 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.600949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearing dairy calves with their mothers could teach them how to graze, optimizing grass use, and improving their welfare and performance. We tested the short-term effects of dam-calf contact experience on grazing and social behavior of weaned calves, monitored over seven days for their first post-weaning grazing experience. “Dam” (D) calves were reared and grazed with their mothers until weaning. “Mixed” calves (M) were separated from their mothers after 4 ± 0.5 weeks, they experienced dam-calf contact, but not grazing. “Standard” (S) calves had never experienced either dam-calf contact (separated at birth) or grazing. Each group grazed an equivalent pasture plot offering heterogeneous herbage. Scan sampling of calves' activities was performed every 5 min, 6 h per day, on Days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 7. Daily, the time when calves started grazing after introduction to pasture, and the number and duration of their grazing cycles were measured. Daily activities were differentiated into ingestion, rumination, and idling. The proportion of time that calves spent grouped with other individuals or isolated, and standing or lying were recorded. When grazing, their bites were characterized by botanical family group, height of the selected bite and vegetation status. Individual average daily gains from the 2-week periods before and after grazing were calculated, and were equivalent between groups (313 ± 71 g/d). On Day 0, D-calves started grazing immediately (1 ± 4.1 min), unlike M- and S-calves (39 ± 4.1 and 23 ± 4.1 min), and D-calves grazed patches of dry grass 21.7 times less than M-calves and 16.9 times less than S-calves. Dry herbage patch preference and grazing start time differences disappeared on Day 1. Calves spent the same time ingesting and idling, but M-calves spent on average 1.6 times less ruminating than D- or S-calves. The D-calves showed grazing behavior similar to that of adult cows, selecting grasses throughout pasture utilization, although legumes and forbs were present in the grazed layer. On the contrary, M- and S-calves did not express any specific preference. The S-calves spent more time isolated but had more positive reciprocal interactions than the calves in the other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Nicolao
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.,DAFNAE, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mauro Coppa
- Independent Researcher at Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | | | | | - Dominique Pomiès
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Bruno Martin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Madeline Koczura
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
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17
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Sharpe KT, Heins BJ, Buchanan ES, Reese MH. Evaluation of solar photovoltaic systems to shade cows in a pasture-based dairy herd. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:2794-2806. [PMID: 33358803 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The combined use of solar photovoltaics and agriculture may provide farmers with an alternative source of income and reduce heat stress in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effects on grazing cattle under shade from a solar photovoltaic system. The study was conducted at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minnesota on a grazing dairy. Twenty-four crossbred cows were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups (shade or no shade) from June to September in 2019. The replicated (n = 4) treatment groups of 6 cows each were provided shade from a 30-kW photovoltaic system. Two groups of cows had access to shade in paddocks, and 2 groups of cows had no shade in paddocks. All cows were located in the same pasture during summer. Behavior observations and milk production were evaluated for cows during 4 periods of summer. Boluses and an eartag sensor monitored internal body temperature, activity, and rumination on all cows, respectively. Independent variables were the fixed effects of breed, treatment group, coat color, period, and parity, and random effects were replicate group, date, and cow. No differences in fly prevalence, milk production, fat and protein production, or drinking bouts were observed between the treatment groups. Shade cows had more ear flicks (11.4 ear flicks/30 s) than no-shade cows (8.6 ear flicks/30 s) and had dirtier bellies and lower legs (2.2 and 3.2, respectively) than no-shade cows (1.9 and 2.9, respectively). During afternoon hours, shade cows had lower respiration rates (66.4 breaths/min) than no-shade cows (78.3 breaths/min). From 1200 to 1800 h and 1800 to 0000 h, shade cows had lower body temperature (39.0 and 39.2°C, respectively) than no-shade cows (39.3 and 39.4°C, respectively). Furthermore, between milking times (0800 and 1600 h), the shade cows had lower body temperature (38.9°C) than no-shade cows (39.1°C). Agrivoltaics incorporated into pasture dairy systems may reduce the intensity of heats stress in dairy cows and increase well-being of cows and the efficiency of land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Sharpe
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267; Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - B J Heins
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267; Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| | - E S Buchanan
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267
| | - M H Reese
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267
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18
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Becker CA, Stone AE. Graduate Student Literature Review: Heat abatement strategies used to reduce negative effects of heat stress in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9667-9675. [PMID: 32713700 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The southeastern United States experiences an extended hot season with a high environmental temperature and relative humidity. With increasing global temperatures, managing dairy cattle in regions with tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates is becoming an increasing challenge. Heat-stressed cows will decrease feed intake, decrease productivity, and increase respiration rate in an attempt to maintain internal body temperature. Temperature-humidity index (THI) is a unitless value that has been used to measure the magnitude of heat stress on dairy cows. Many researchers have studied the THI threshold at which dairy cattle begin to experience heat stress. When housing cows in a confinement setting, a pasture-based setting, or a combination of the two, the appropriate heat abatement should be implemented to allow cows to perform to their potential and to improve overall animal welfare. This review summarizes heat abatement strategies that have been studied to reduce the negative effects of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Becker
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville 39762.
| | - A E Stone
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville 39762
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19
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Study on Desiccant and Evaporative Cooling Systems for Livestock Thermal Comfort: Theory and Experiments. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13112675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study considers evaporative cooling and desiccant unit-based air-conditioning (AC) options for livestock AC application. In this regard, proposed systems are investigated by means of experiments and thermodynamic investigations. Air-conditioning requirements for animals are theoretically investigated and temperature-humidity index (THI) is estimated. A lab-scale heat mass exchanger based on the Maisotsenko-cycle evaporative cooling conception (MEC) is set up and its performance is evaluated at different ambient air conditions. In addition, a desiccant-based air-conditioning (DAC) unit is thermodynamically evaluated using a steady-state model available in the literature. The study focuses on the ambient conditions of Multan which is the 5th largest city of Pakistan and is assumed to be a typical hot city of southern Punjab. The study proposed three kinds of AC combination i.e., (i) stand-alone MEC, (ii) stand-alone desiccant AC, and (iii) M-cycle based desiccant AC systems. Wet bulb effectiveness of the stand-alone MEC unit resulted in being from 64% to 78% whereas the coefficient of performance for stand-alone desiccant AC and M-cycle based desiccant AC system was found to be 0.51 and 0.62, respectively. Results showed that the stand-alone MEC and M-cycle based desiccant AC systems can achieve the animals’ thermal comfort for the months of March to June and March to September, respectively, whereas, stand-alone desiccant AC is not found to be feasible in any month. In addition, the ambient situations of winter months (October to February) are already within the range of animal thermal comfort.
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20
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Paterson SK, Godsmark CN. Heat-health vulnerability in temperate climates: lessons and response options from Ireland. Global Health 2020; 16:29. [PMID: 32228631 PMCID: PMC7106697 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ireland, rising temperatures remains the climate projection that national climate scientists associate with the highest degree of confidence. However, the health challenge of heat has been largely absent from Ireland’s public health sector. This is epitomised by the lack of a comprehensive public health-focused heat-health action plan or country-specific codes of practice for heat-health when working outdoors. Our objective is to highlight the anticipated heat-health challenges in Ireland, and other temperate regions, through analysing vulnerable groups and systems, reinforcing the need to respond. Methods A scoping literature review was conducted to determine how heat affects health of the vulnerable in temperate climatic regions, with a focus on Ireland. Additionally, national Google Trends data was coarsely analysed to determine whether heat is a growing societal concern. Results and discussion The heat-vulnerable include: older people; chronically ill; infants, pregnant women, children; outdoor workers; socio-economically disadvantaged; urban dwellers; food systems and the health sector. Google Trends data suggest an increase in heat-related health searches over time, demonstrating rising levels of concern to temperature increases, reinforcing a gap in national policy associated with communication of, and response to, the heat-health challenge. Specific, actionable recommendations for adaptation and mitigation strategies are proposed. Conclusion Heat poses a public and occupational health challenge, receiving limited attention in Ireland. Lack of a co-ordinated effort, places vulnerable populations at risk. Our recommendations, with reference to vulnerable groups and acknowledging the multi-sectoral nature of heat-health and climate change, advocate for the adoption of a “health and climate change in all policies” approach and the development of a public health-focused heat-health action plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona K Paterson
- College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Christie Nicole Godsmark
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, T12 XF62, Ireland. .,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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21
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Dahl GE, Tao S, Laporta J. Heat Stress Impacts Immune Status in Cows Across the Life Cycle. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:116. [PMID: 32211430 PMCID: PMC7067922 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress has a myriad of effects on dairy cattle across the life cycle. Whereas, the most commonly recognized impacts are associated with production responses, emerging evidence indicates that heat stress profoundly alters the immune response of calves and cows, from the prenatal stage through lactation. For example, in utero heat stress reduces passive immune transfer regardless of colostrum source, relative to normothermic conditions in late gestation. Dry cows exposed to heat stress have lower immunoglobulin responses to ovalbumin vaccination, but this effect dissipates with cooling following parturition. Conversely, cows under heat stress when dry exhibit carryover effects on the innate arm of the immune system in early lactation. In this paper we review the effects of heat stress throughout the life cycle of the dairy cow, with particular emphasis on the impact of heat stress during late gestation on the cow and the developing fetus, both before and after parturition. In addition, the impact of altered immune status under heat stress on other physiological systems, especially those supporting milk production, are considered. Finally, management interventions to prevent and reverse the effect of heat stress are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey E. Dahl
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sha Tao
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Jimena Laporta
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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22
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The effect of free-stall versus strawyard housing and access to pasture on dairy cow locomotor activity and time budget. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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McDonald PV, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Hot weather increases competition between dairy cows at the drinker. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3447-3458. [PMID: 32008780 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heat-stressed dairy cows on pasture will compete for resources that aid cooling, but it is not known how heat stress affects the competition for water by indoor-housed cows. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate how heat stress affects the behavior of indoor-housed cows at the drinker at both group and cow levels. For 3 wk after calving, cows were housed in a dynamic group of 20 animals in a pen with 12 electronic feed bins, 2 electronic water bins, and 24 freestalls. A total of 69 lactating Holstein dairy cows were enrolled over the 59-d study. The electronic water bins recorded time spent at the drinker, frequency of visits, water intake, and competitive events for 24 h/d. Competitive events were quantified using the number of replacements (recorded when there was a ≤29-s interval between 2 cows sequentially visiting the same drinker). The number of replacements a cow was involved in was used to determine her level of competitive success at the drinker (low, medium, high). The temperature-humidity index (THI) was recorded by the local weather station, and moving averages for daily maximum THI over a 3-d period were calculated. For the analysis of time spent at the drinker, frequency of visits, and water intake, the measures from all cows were averaged to create 1 observation per day, and the number of replacements at the drinker was summed. A linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between THI and group-level drinking behavior. At the cow level, a repeated measures mixed model, with fixed effects of level of competitive success, milk yield, and 3-d maximum THI and a first-order autoregressive covariance structure, was used to determine how increasing THI affects the drinking behavior of individual cows based on their level of competitive success. Feed intake was included as a fixed effect in the water intake model. We found that, with increasing THI, cows drank more water, spent more time at the drinker, made more visits to the drinker, and engaged in more competitive events at the drinker. In exploratory analysis, we found that cows with low competitive success at the drinker shifted their drinking behavior to avoid the drinker at the hottest and most competitive time of day. These results indicate that behavior can be used to indicate when cows feel hot. These measures may be of practical value in deciding when to provide cooling, especially for farms where attendance at the drinker can be monitored electronically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige V McDonald
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | | | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.
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Osei-Amponsah R, Chauhan SS, Leury BJ, Cheng L, Cullen B, Clarke IJ, Dunshea FR. Genetic Selection for Thermotolerance in Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E948. [PMID: 31717903 PMCID: PMC6912363 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in climatic variables (temperature, humidity and solar radiation) negatively impact livestock growth, reproduction, and production. Heat stress, for instance, is a source of huge financial loss to livestock production globally. There have been significant advances in physical modifications of animal environment and nutritional interventions as tools of heat stress mitigation. Unfortunately, these are short-term solutions and may be unsustainable, costly, and not applicable to all production systems. Accordingly, there is a need for innovative, practical, and sustainable approaches to overcome the challenges posed by global warming and climate change-induced heat stress. This review highlights attempts to genetically select and breed ruminants for thermotolerance and thereby sustain production in the face of changing climates. One effective way is to incorporate sustainable heat abatement strategies in ruminant production. Improved knowledge of the physiology of ruminant acclimation to harsh environments, the opportunities and tools available for selecting and breeding thermotolerant ruminants, and the matching of animals to appropriate environments should help to minimise the effect of heat stress on sustainable animal genetic resource growth, production, and reproduction to ensure protein food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Osei-Amponsah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
- Department of Animal Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Surinder S. Chauhan
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Brian J. Leury
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Long Cheng
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Brendan Cullen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Iain J. Clarke
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Frank R. Dunshea
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.O.-A.); (B.J.L.); (L.C.); (B.C.); (I.J.C.); (F.R.D.)
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Berman A. An overview of heat stress relief with global warming in perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2019; 63:493-498. [PMID: 30739158 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-019-01680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Global warming seems more probable, whether as gradual warming or increased frequency of warmer episodes. The productivity of cattle in temperate countries will decline unless counteracting steps are adopted. The probability of pre-emptive breeding for maintaining temperate breed performance coupled with heat stress tolerance is too low to be adopted for counteracting warming. The expected warming will mostly involve temperature increases. These will indirectly affect radiant heat gain in animals owing to reduced radiant heat dissipation from the body by convective heat loss, which results in an increased sensitivity to incoming radiant heat at higher air temperatures. These necessitate an emphasis on increasing convective heat loss by structure design and forced air flow by fans. Convective heat loss diminishes with increasing air temperatures. Evaporative heat loss remains the alternative. Evaporative cooling of the ambient requires partial enclosing of the space surrounding the animals and is limited by the humidity in ambient air. An alternative was developed of coupling forced ventilation with wetting of animal surface. The exchange of ambient air flowing on animal surface makes the evaporation practically independent of air humidity and the loss of heat from animal surface practically independent of the surface to air temperature gradient. The coupling of forced ventilation with wetting combination may be attained in various parts of the dairy farm, the holding area of the milking parlour, the feeding trip and the resting area. Each of these requires differing structural and technological adaptations. Climate and farming systems vary between locations which require specific solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Berman
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University, Rehovot Campus, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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Galán E, Llonch P, Villagrá A, Levit H, Pinto S, del Prado A. A systematic review of non-productivity-related animal-based indicators of heat stress resilience in dairy cattle. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206520. [PMID: 30383843 PMCID: PMC6211699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Projected temperature rise in the upcoming years due to climate change has increased interest in studying the effects of heat stress in dairy cows. Environmental indices are commonly used for detecting heat stress, but have been used mainly in studies focused on the productivity-related effects of heat stress. The welfare approach involves identifying physiological and behavioural measurements so as to start heat stress mitigation protocols before the appearance of impending severe health or production issues. Therefore, there is growing interest in studying the effects of heat stress on welfare. This systematic review seeks to summarise the animal-based responses to heat stress (physiological and behavioural, excluding productivity) that have been used in scientific literature. METHODS Using systematic review guidelines set by PRISMA, research articles were identified, screened and summarised based on inclusion criteria for physiology and behaviour, excluding productivity, for animal-based resilience indicators. 129 published articles were reviewed to determine which animal-based indicators for heat stress were most frequently used in dairy cows. RESULTS The articles considered report at least 212 different animal-based indicators that can be aggregated into body temperature, feeding, physiological response, resting, drinking, grazing and pasture-related behaviour, reactions to heat management and others. The most common physiological animal-based indicators are rectal temperature, respiration rate and dry matter intake, while the most common behavioural indicators are time spent lying, standing and feeding. CONCLUSION Although body temperature and respiration rate are the animal-based indicators most frequently used to assess heat stress in dairy cattle, when choosing an animal-based indicator for detecting heat stress using scientific literature to establish thresholds, characteristics that influence the scale of the response and the definition of heat stress must be taken into account, e.g. breed, lactation stage, milk yield, system type, climate region, bedding type, diet and cooling management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Galán
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Leioa, Spain
| | - Pol Llonch
- Departament of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra (UAB), Spain
| | - Arantxa Villagrá
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología Animal (CITA), Valencian Institute for Agricultura Research (IVIA), Segorbe, Spain
| | - Harel Levit
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Orgazation (ARO)- Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Severino Pinto
- Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
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Dong RL, Chibisa GE, Beauchemin KA. Estimating optimal observational sampling frequency of behaviors for cattle fed high- and low-forage diets. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:783-796. [PMID: 29401247 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skx073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Video recordings of behavioral activities including eating, ruminating, drinking, standing, and lying were monitored to determine the minimum number of sampling days and sampling frequency required to obtain reliable estimates of these behaviors. Eight continental crossbred heifers, individually housed in a tie-stall barn with total mixed ration provided once per day, were divided by BW into two blocks and assigned to each of the two dietary treatments in a crossover design: high-forage diet (HF, forage:concentrate ratio 70:30) and low-forage diet (LF, forage:concentrate ratio 30:70). The cows were monitored continuously using a digital video recording system for 6 d in each of the two periods and a trained observer manually recorded the behavioral activities by minute. Mean time spent performing each behavior for 6 d with instantaneous samples of 1 min was compared with those obtained using fewer sampling days (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 d) and less frequent scanning (2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) using linear regression analysis, and the minimum number of sampling days or frequency was determined. Diet did not affect the accuracy and precision of predicting behavior from video recordings of the cows. When sampling days and scanning intervals were combined, the minimum recommended sampling frequency for accurately estimating a specific set of behaviors of beef heifers in tie stalls was: eating, 2 d with 4-min intervals; ruminating, 3 d with 4-min intervals; drinking, 2 d with 3-min intervals; and standing and lying, 2 d with 15-min intervals. Increasing sampling frequency beyond these minimums further enhanced the accuracy and precision of predictions. The total time of each behavioral activity was different between cows fed HF and LF diets with eating, ruminating, total chewing, and standing of heifers fed the HF diet greater (P < 0.01), but the lying (P < 0.01) and drinking time (P = 0.028) of heifers fed the LF diet greater. Meal patterns were different (P < 0.05) between the treatments except when meal size (kg) was expressed as DM or OM intake. For rumination patterns, the mean or maximum bout length (min/bout) was greater, but the maximum or minimum length of time heifers took to ruminate after eating was lower for the HF diet. From a practical standpoint, it is recommended to use 3 days of observations scanned at an interval of 4 min to reliably estimate the behavior of cows. If the focus is only lying and standing time, then 2 days with 15 min intervals can be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Dong
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - G E Chibisa
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
| | - K A Beauchemin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Wildridge AM, Thomson PC, Garcia SC, John AJ, Jongman EC, Clark CEF, Kerrisk KL. Short communication: The effect of temperature-humidity index on milk yield and milking frequency of dairy cows in pasture-based automatic milking systems. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:4479-4482. [PMID: 29501336 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hot weather is known to negatively affect cow performance primarily through reduced feed intake and milk yield. However, little information is available on how it affects cow milk yield and milking frequency in automatic milking systems (AMS). Milking data were collected from 6 pasture-based AMS farms in Australia to assess the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) on milk yield and milking frequency. Daily measures of average milk yield per cow and average milking frequency per cow during December to February (Australian summer) were assessed for associations with maximum, minimum, and average THI from d 0, -1, -2, and -3 in relation to the milking data. Average daily milk yield per cow was negatively associated with an increasing maximum, minimum, and average THI (-0.11, -0.08, and -0.15 kg/THI unit increase, respectively) on the collection day and up to 3 d prior. The average daily milking frequency was negatively associated with maximum THI on 1 d (-0.003/THI unit increase) and 2 d (-0.003/THI unit increase) before collection. Our results show that high THI conditions were negatively associated with milking frequency and milk yield in a pasture-based AMS and that research into management and infrastructure (cow cooling) in these systems is warranted to reduce production losses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter C Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Sergio C Garcia
- Dairy Science Group, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Alex J John
- Dairy Science Group, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Ellen C Jongman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Cameron E F Clark
- Dairy Science Group, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Kendra L Kerrisk
- Dairy Science Group, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
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Zuliani A, Mair M, Kraševec M, Lora I, Brscic M, Cozzi G, Leeb C, Zupan M, Winckler C, Bovolenta S. A survey of selected animal-based measures of dairy cattle welfare in the Eastern Alps: Toward context-based thresholds. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:1428-1436. [PMID: 29224861 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the Alps, traditional dairy farms are small-scale operations where vertical transhumance from valley indoor housing systems to highland pasture-based systems is still practiced in summer. Vertical transhumance implies a substantial change of environment, available resources, and management practices from one season to another. In such systems, animal-based welfare measures need to be monitored throughout the year to capture the variation of welfare outcomes, based on which targeted welfare management plans can be implemented. Because the Welfare Quality assessment approach has been tailored to indoor housing and intensive farming systems, the European Food Safety Authority recently developed a welfare assessment protocol for small-scale dairy cattle farms adapted after the Welfare Quality framework. The aim of this study was to assess nonbehavioral animal-based measures as defined by this protocol at different time points for transhumant systems in the Alps. In total, 18 animal-based measures were assessed before, during, and after the mountain pasture period in a sample of 67 small-scale dairy cattle farms practicing vertical transhumance in neighboring provinces of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. Significant differences between assessments were identified for dirtiness of legs and teats, hairless patches, lesions and swellings, claw condition, ocular discharge, and diarrhea whereas BCS, lameness/severe lameness, vulvar discharge, nasal discharge, and hampered respiration were unchanged between seasons. In addition, a benchmarking exercise was carried out to identify relative boundaries (worst quartile thresholds) for each animal-based measure and to contribute to the discussion about achievable welfare outcomes for the 2 husbandry conditions that characterize a transhumant system. Worst quartile thresholds indicated a high prevalence of dirtiness (>80%) when cows were kept indoors, high prevalence of hairless patches (65%) before pasture turnout, and high prevalence of very lean cows (>13%) throughout the assessments. On the other hand, the best quartile thresholds for most clinical conditions suggested that high welfare standards (zero prevalence) are widely achievable in mountain farms practicing vertical transhumance during all assessments. The thresholds identified through benchmarking should serve as the basis for an effective context-based welfare management strategy promoting continuous welfare improvement on-farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zuliani
- Department of Food, Agricultural, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - M Mair
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kraševec
- Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
| | - I Lora
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - M Brscic
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - G Cozzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - C Leeb
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Zupan
- Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
| | - C Winckler
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - S Bovolenta
- Department of Food, Agricultural, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Collier R, Renquist B, Xiao Y. A 100-Year Review: Stress physiology including heat stress. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:10367-10380. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Shepley E, Bergeron R, Vasseur E. Daytime summer access to pasture vs. free-stall barn in dairy cows with year-long outdoor experience: A case study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wildridge AM, Garcia SC, Thomson PC, Jongman EC, Clark CE, Kerrisk KL. The impact of a shaded pre-milking yard on a pasture-based automatic milking system. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/an16491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During hot weather cows typically reduce feed intake and actively seek shade and water to reduce the metabolic stress on their bodies. This can have a negative impact on the occurrence of voluntary milking visits to an automatic milking system (AMS) operating with voluntary traffic, thus reducing milking frequency. Shade is known to be effective in alleviating heat stress in dairy cattle; however, the impact of providing shade at the milking facility of a pasture-based AMS on time taken to voluntarily enter a milking unit is unknown. A herd of ~300 lactating cows milked in a pasture-based AMS were divided into two groups during the summer of 2016. Each group spent 4 weeks in a SHADE (predominately shaded pre-milking yard) and a NO-SHADE (predominantly non-shaded pre-milking yard) treatment, with two periods in a crossover design. Cow respiration rates, time spent in pre- and post-milking areas, concentrate consumption and milk yield were recorded. On average, cows in the SHADE treatment were found to take longer to enter the milking unit than did cows in the NO-SHADE treatment (SHADE = 11.40 min, NO-SHADE = 8.70 min, P < 0.001). SHADE was also associated with lower average respiration rates (SHADE = 68 breaths per minute (bpm), NO-SHADE = 73 bpm, P < 0.001), increased concentrate consumption (SHADE = 6.50 kg/cow.day, NO-SHADE = 6.39 kg/cow.day, P = 0.03) and increased milk yield (SHADE = 11.44 kg/cow.milking, NO-SHADE = 10.95 kg/cow.milking, P < 0.001). Overall, SHADE made available to the cows pre-milking appeared to improve cow performance and comfort (as indicated by reduced respiration rates).
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Hämäläinen W, Ruuska S, Kokkonen T, Orkola S, Mononen J. Measuring behaviour accurately with instantaneous sampling: A new tool for selecting appropriate sampling intervals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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