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McCarthy HR, Cantor MC, Lopez AJ, Pineda A, Nagorske M, Renaud DL, Steele MA. Effects of supplementing colostrum beyond the first day of life on growth and health parameters of preweaning Holstein heifers. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3280-3291. [PMID: 37977445 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23649] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The preweaning period for a dairy calf is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, leading to financial losses for producers. Identifying strategies to improve the health and welfare of calves while reducing antimicrobial use continues to be crucial to the success of the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding colostrum replacer (CR) to dairy heifer calves beyond d 1 of life on growth, serum IgG, the incidence of diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and the risk of mortality in the preweaning period. At birth, Holstein heifer calves (n = 200; 50/treatment) weighing 40.7 ± 0.35 kg (mean ± SE) were fed 3.2 L of CR (205 g IgG/feeding) at 0 h and 12 h of life. Calves were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 450 g of milk replacer (MR) from d 2 to 14 (control, CON), 380 g of CR + 225 g of MR from d 2 to 3, then 450 g of MR from d 4 to 14 (transition, TRAN), 45 g of CR + 450 g of MR from d 2 to 14 (extended, EXT); or 380 g of CR + 225 g of MR from d 2 to 3, then 45 g of CR + 450 g of MR from d 4 to 14 (transition + extended, TRAN+EXT). Each treatment was reconstituted to 3 L and fed twice daily. All CR treatments were fed using bovine-derived CR containing 27% IgG. From d 15 to 41, all calves were fed 600 g of MR reconstituted to 4 L twice daily. Body weight was recorded at birth and every 7 d until study completion on d 49. Blood samples were taken daily until d 7 to evaluate serum IgG and then every 7 d until d 49. A health assessment was performed daily to evaluate calves for BRD and diarrhea. Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression, mixed logistic regression, and survival analysis models in SAS 9.4. Serum IgG concentrations were not affected by treatment for the study period. The EXT and TRAN+EXT groups had greater average daily gain (ADG) from d 7 to 14 (0.14 kg/d) and the TRAN group had greater ADG from d 14 to 21 (0.11 kg/d), compared with CON. There was no association of treatment with the odds or the duration of a diarrhea bout. However, provision of CR to the TRAN and EXT calves was associated with a reduced hazard of diarrhea compared with CON calves. Furthermore, TRAN and EXT calves have a lower hazard of mortality compared with CON calves, with TRAN and EXT calves had a 2.8- and 3.8-times lower hazard of mortality, respectively. Our findings suggest that the supplementation of CR to dairy calves positively affects ADG, and reduces the hazard of diarrhea and mortality during the preweaning period. Future research should look to further refine the supplementation strategy of CR to calves and explore the mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R McCarthy
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - M C Cantor
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2; Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, College Park, PA 16802
| | - A J Lopez
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A Pineda
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - M Nagorske
- Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7K 6A2
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2.
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Mee JF, Szenci O, Fischer-Tenhagen C. Academics meet practitioners: Interactive exchange instead of consuming knowledge on dairy calving management. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14507. [PMID: 37970750 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Consensus on optimal calving management is difficult to achieve among veterinarians. Some of this discordance may stem from asymmetry between the literature written by subject matter experts (SME) and the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of non-SMEs and veterinary practitioners. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess how veterinary practitioners KAPs in calving management compared with the findings in the literature. An online questionnaire survey was conducted prior to a World Buiatrics Congress by delegates (n = 80) who attended a workshop on calving management at which the outcomes of the latter were recorded. The responses from the questionnaire and the consensus from the workshop were compared and these were compared with the literature on calving management, specifically, prediction of calving, assistance at calving and farmer training in calving management. In general, there was good agreement between the aggregated individual responses to the questionnaire and the consensuses from the workshop. The suggested methods of predicting calving were well aligned between practitioners and those researched in the literature but practitioners tended to emphasize more practical aspects of prediction while the literature tends to focus more on the effectiveness of various predictor devices. Practitioners tended to recommend a later time of calving assistance than that recommended in the recent literature though they did also emphasize the importance of calving progress. The majority of practitioners conducted informal (at calving) calving training focusing on time of intervention, welfare-friendly intervention and delivery of a live healthy calf. However, the educational literature recommends a formal training approach as being more effective. These findings indicate that practitioners may benefit from continuing professional education on the scientific merits/demerits of calving prediction devices, current best practice on intervention timing during calving and formal methods of farmer training on calving management.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Department of Animal and Bioscience Research, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Otto Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Carola Fischer-Tenhagen
- Department for Protection for Laboratory Animals, Unit Farm Animals, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Umaña Sedó SG, Winder CB, Renaud DL. Graduate Student Literature Review: The problem of calf mortality on dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7164-7176. [PMID: 37210372 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Calf mortality can be used as an indicator of animal health and welfare on dairy farms. However, several challenges surround the estimation and reporting of this metric, specifically: (1) lack of records or reliable data, (2) methods of data collection, and (3) inconsistencies in calculation and definitions used. Therefore, despite its importance, the lack of consensus on a definition of calf mortality makes it difficult to compare mortality rates between dairy farms or studies. Monitoring factors associated with calf mortality is vital to create preventative strategies. Although common strategies have been set about how to raise dairy calves and manage dairy calves, discrepancies among studies evaluating factors associated with calf mortality still exist. This review summarizes research on the evaluation of calf mortality and associated risk factors, specifically, the lack of reliable data and standardization of the definition of calf mortality. In addition, current strategies to monitor and prevent calf mortality will be presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Umaña Sedó
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - C B Winder
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Szenci O. Importance of Monitoring Fetal and Neonatal Vitality in Bovine Practices. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061081. [PMID: 36978622 PMCID: PMC10044070 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to initiating any obstetrical intervention for anterior or posterior presentation, it is imperative to emphasize the need for a precise and accurate diagnosis of fetal viability and to select the most appropriate approach for assistance. In uncertain cases, diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, pulse oximeter, or measurement of acid-base balance or lactate concentration may be employed to confirm the diagnosis. In situations of severe asphyxia, a cesarean section is preferred over traction, even if the duration of asphyxia is less than 60 s, to maximize the likelihood of the survival of the fetus. Postcalving, several vitality scores have been proposed to evaluate the vigor of the newborn calf. Originally, four different clinical signs were recommended for assessing the well-being of newborn calves. Subsequently, five or more different clinical signs were recommended to evaluate vitality. However, despite the efforts for devising a practical tool to assess newborn calf vitality; a user-friendly and highly accurate instrument that can be used on farms remains elusive. Measuring the acid-base balance or lactate concentration may increase the diagnostic accuracy. It is critical to emphasize the importance of reducing the incidence of dystocia to mitigate the occurrence of severe asphyxia. In instances where asphyxia is unavoidable, adequate treatments should be administered to minimize losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Dóra Major, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary
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Lopez AJ, Echeverry-Munera J, McCarthy H, Welboren AC, Pineda A, Nagorske M, Renaud DL, Steele MA. Effects of enriching IgG concentration in low- and medium-quality colostrum with colostrum replacer on IgG absorption in newborn Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3680-3691. [PMID: 36894425 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion and absorption of greater quantities of IgG are required to increase serum IgG levels in newborn calves. This could be achieved by adding colostrum replacer (CR) to maternal colostrum (MC). The objective of this study was to investigate whether low and high-quality MC can be enriched with bovine dried CR to achieve adequate serum IgG levels. Male Holstein calves (n = 80; 16/treatment) with birth body weights (BW) of 40 to 52 kg were randomly enrolled to be fed 3.8 L of the following combinations: 30 g/L IgG MC (C1), 60 g/L IgG MC (C2), 90 g/L IgG MC (C3), C1 enriched with 551 g of CR (60 g/L; 30-60CR), or C2 enriched with 620 g of CR (90 g/L: 60-90CR). A subset of 40 calves (8/treatment) had a jugular catheter placed and were fed colostrum containing acetaminophen at a dose of 150 mg/kg of metabolic body weight, to estimate abomasal emptying rate per hour (kABh). Baseline blood samples were taken (0 h), followed by sequential samples at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h relative to initial colostrum feeding. Results for all measurements are presented in the following order, unless otherwise stated: C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR. Serum IgG levels at 24 h were different among calves fed C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR: 11.8, 24.3, 35.7, 19.9, and 26.9 mg/mL ± 1.02 (mean ± SEM), respectively. Serum IgG at 24 h increased when enriching C1 to 30-60CR, but not from C2 to 60-90CR. Similarly, apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) values for calves fed C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR were different: 42.4, 45.1, 43.2, 36.3, and 33.4% ± 1.93, respectively. Enriching C2 to 60-90CR reduced AEA, and enriching C1 to 30-60CR tended to decrease AEA. The kABh values for C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR were also different: 0.16, 0.13, 0.11, 0.09, and 0.09 ± 0.005, respectively. Enriching C1 to 30-60CR or C2 to 60-90CR reduced kABh. However, 30-60CR and 60-90CR have similar kABh compared with a reference colostrum meal (90 g/L IgG, C3). Even though kABh was reduced for 30-60CR, results indicate that C1 has the potential to be enriched and achieve acceptable serum IgG levels at 24 h without affecting AEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Lopez
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2.
| | - J Echeverry-Munera
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - H McCarthy
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A C Welboren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A Pineda
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - M Nagorske
- The Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7K 6A2
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y2.
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Szenci O, Van Der Weyden GC, Lénárt L, Taverne MAM. Changes of Acid-Base Variables in Dairy Cows with Chronically Implanted Fetal and Maternal Catheters during Late Gestation and Calving. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182448. [PMID: 36139308 PMCID: PMC9495077 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in maternal and fetal arterial acid-base variables withdrawn from catheterized dams and fetuses during the last days before and during calving. The average gestation length in nine cows with chronically catheterized fetuses was 285 ± 10 (SD) days. The arterial acid-base variables of a catheterized dam and fetus were very stable during late gestation. Four newborn calves showed small differences between prenatal and postnatal pH values (−0.035). At the same time, pCO2 values started to increase significantly (p = 0.02), indicating a shift towards physiological respiratory acidosis during calving. The partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation values showed some non-significant improvements immediately after birth, while the other acid-base parameters did not differ. The remaining five newborn calves showed a significant decrease in arterial blood pH (p < 0.01) and BE (p = 0.01), while pCO2 tended to be higher (p = 0.06), indicating a shift towards physiological respiratory and metabolic acidosis, while the other acid-base parameters hardly differed. It is essential to mention that physiological (n = 2) and mild metabolic acidosis (n = 2) developed gradually in four newborn calves during the second stage of calving, lasting about ≤ 2 h. In contrast, in the remaining newborn calf the physiological metabolic acidosis developed during the last 3 min of birth because immediately before birth, the BE value was 0.4 mmol/L. After birth, it was −5.4 mmol/L. The results indicate that the acid-base variables may start to move gradually in the direction of expressed respiratory and metabolic acidosis only after appearing the amniotic sac and fetal feet in the vulva during the second stage of labor; therefore, it is essential to complete obstetrical assistance in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Gijsbert Cornelis Van Der Weyden
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Foetal and Perinatal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lea Lénárt
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary
| | - Marcel Antoine Marie Taverne
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Foetal and Perinatal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pereira GM, Hansen LB, Heins BJ. Birth traits of Holstein calves compared with Holstein, Jersey, Montbéliarde, Normande, and Viking Red-sired crossbred calves. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9286-9295. [PMID: 36085112 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Holstein (HO) calves, 3-breed crossbred calves of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and HO (MVH), and 3-breed crossbred calves of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV) were compared for gestation length (GL), calf weight at birth (CW), calving difficulty (CD), and stillbirth (SB) in 2 research herds at the University of Minnesota. Calves were born from January 2009 to December 2019. For the St. Paul and Morris herds, HO calves (n = 1,121) were compared with MVH calves (n = 1,393) from primiparous and multiparous cows. For the single herd analysis at Morris, HO calves (n = 476), MVH calves (n = 922), and NJV calves (n = 405) were compared from primiparous and multiparous cows. Primiparous and multiparous births were analyzed separately because multiparous cows had multiple births, and CD and SB are likely different traits for primiparous and multiparous cows. Statistical analysis of GL, CW, CD, and SB included fixed effects of sex of calf, herd, breed group of calf, and year-season of calving. For the St. Paul and Morris herds, HO calves from primiparous (278 d) and multiparous (279 d) HO cows had shorter GL compared with MVH calves from primiparous (280 d) and multiparous (282 d) crossbred cows. The HO calves (39.4 and 43.2 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows had lower CW compared with MVH calves (40.3 and 44.3 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. Calving difficulty and SB were not different for HO and MVH calves from primiparous and multiparous cows. For the single herd analysis at Morris, HO calves (278 and 279 d, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows had shorter GL compared with MVH calves (281 and 282 d, respectively) and NJV calves (282 and 282 d, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. The CW of HO calves (38.6 and 42.0 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous HO cows was lower compared with MVH calves (39.7 and 42.9 kg, respectively), but higher compared with NJV calves (35.1 and 38.0 kg, respectively) from primiparous and multiparous crossbred cows. Calving difficulty and SB did not differ for HO, MVH, and NJV calves from primiparous and multiparous cows. The longer GL for crossbred calves and higher CW for MVH calves did not increase CD and SB for primiparous and multiparous cows. Dairy producers may implement 3-breed rotational crossbreeding systems that include the HO, Jersey, Normande, Montbéliarde, and Viking Red breeds, and some breeds may increase GL and CW without an increase in CD and SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Pereira
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108; West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267
| | - L B Hansen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - B J Heins
- West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267.
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Szenci O. Accuracy to Predict the Onset of Calving in Dairy Farms by Using Different Precision Livestock Farming Devices. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12152006. [PMID: 35953995 PMCID: PMC9367308 DOI: 10.3390/ani12152006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary If the onset of calving can be accurately detected as well as appropriate calving assistance can be performed on a dairy farm, at that time, the prevalence of dystocia, stillbirth, vaginal laceration, retained fetal membranes, and consequent clinical metritis/endometritis can be decreased significantly. Therefore, in order to reduce these losses, our primary task must be to predict the onset of calving accurately and provide timely and professional calving assistance. This review focuses on the diagnostic possibilities and limitations of detecting the onset calving in the field. Abstract Besides traditional methods such as evaluation of the external preparatory and behavioral signs, which even presently are widely used also in large dairy farms, there are several new possibilities such as measuring body (intravaginal, ventral tail-base surface, ear surface, or reticulo-ruminal) temperature, detecting behavioral signs (rumination, eating, activity, tail raising) or detecting the expulsion of the device inserted into the vagina or fixed to the skin of the vulva when allantochorion appears in the vulva to predict the onset of the second stage of calving. Presently none of the single sensors or a combination of sensors can predict the onset of calving with acceptable accuracy. At the same time, with the exception of the iVET® birth monitoring system, not only the imminent onset of calving could be predicted with high accuracy, but a significantly lower prevalence rate of dystocia, stillbirth, retained fetal membranes, uterine diseases/clinical metritis could be reached while calving-to-conception interval was significantly shorter compared with the control groups. These results may confirm the use of these devices in dairy farms by allowing appropriate intervention during calving when needed. In this way, we can reduce the negative effect of dystocia on calves and their dams and improve their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Ullo Dora-major, Hungary
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9
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Feleke BE, Feleke TE. A longitudinal study on the effects of previous stillbirth or abortion on subsequent pregnancies and infants. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:1237-1241. [PMID: 34669917 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the subsequent newborns. METHODS A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected from January 2015 to August 2019. The study participants were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using interviewing the pregnant mothers, reviewing medical charts, analyzing the blood samples from the newborn and scheduled medical checkups. The general linear model was used to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the newborn, Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of childhood infectious disease episodes and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate time to childhood pneumonia and diarrhea. RESULTS Two thousand, eight hundred and seventy-two infants were included giving a response rate of 88.97%. Neonates born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion had low birth-weight, low serum iron and zinc levels. High infection episodes of diarrhea and pneumonia were observed among infants born from a previous history of stillbirth and abortion mothers. The infection episodes during the childhood period were determined by serum zinc level [incident rate ratio (IRR): 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61-0.83], birth-weight (IRR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81-0.91) and breastfeeding frequency (IRR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.87-0.93). CONCLUSION The birth-weight, serum iron and zinc levels of neonates born from the previous history of stillbirth and abortion were lower. The infection episodes of newborns born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion were higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Elfu Feleke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Teferi Elfu Feleke
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Butajira General Hospital, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
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10
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Dallago GM, Cue RI, Wade KM, Lacroix R, Vasseur E. Birth conditions affect the longevity of Holstein offspring. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1255-1264. [PMID: 34799114 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies of dairy cow longevity usually focus on the animal life after first calving, with few studies considering early life conditions and their effects on longevity. The objective was to evaluate the effect of birth conditions routinely collected by Dairy Herd Improvement agencies on offspring longevity measured as length of life and length of productive life. Lactanet provided 712,890 records on offspring born in 5,425 Quebec dairy herds between January 1999 and November 2015 for length of life, and 506,066 records on offspring born in 5,089 Quebec dairy herds between January 1999 and December 2013 for length of productive life. Offspring birth conditions used in this study were calving ease (unassisted, pull, surgery, or malpresentation), calf size (small, medium, or large), and twinning (yes or no). Observations were considered censored if the culling reason was "exported," "sold for dairy production," or "rented out" as well as if the animals were not yet culled at the time of data extraction. If offspring were not yet culled when the data were extracted, the last test-day date was considered the censoring date. Conditional inference survival trees were used in this study to analyze the effect of offspring birth conditions on offspring longevity. The hazard ratio of culling between the groups of offspring identified by the survival trees was estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model with herd-year-season as a frailty term. Five offspring groups were identified with different length of life based on their birth condition. Offspring with the highest length of life [median = 3.61 year; median absolute deviation (MAD) = 1.86] were those classified as large or medium birth size and were also the result of an unassisted calving. Small offspring as a result of a twin birth had the lowest length of life (median = 2.20 year; MAD = 1.69) and were 1.52 times more likely to be culled early in life. Six groups were identified with different length of productive life. Offspring that resulted from an unassisted or surgery calving and classified as large or medium when they were born were in the group with the highest length of productive life (median = 2.03 year; MAD = 1.63). Offspring resulting from a malpresentation or pull in a twin birth were in the group with the lowest length of productive life (median = 1.15 year; MAD = 1.11) and were 1.70 times more likely to be culled early in life. In conclusion, birth conditions of calving ease, calf size, and twinning greatly affected offspring longevity, and such information could be used for early selection of replacement candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M Dallago
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Roger I Cue
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kevin M Wade
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - René Lacroix
- Lactanet, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3R4, Canada
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
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11
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Voß AL, Heuwieser W, Mee JF, Fischer-Tenhagen C. Calving Management: A Questionnaire Survey of Veterinary Subject Matter Experts and Non-Experts. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113129. [PMID: 34827861 PMCID: PMC8614467 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113129] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We designed a questionnaire and asked two groups of veterinarians: (1) subject matter experts, who had published on calving management and (2) veterinary practitioners) for their opinion about aspects of calving management. Participants recommended to differentiate between the two stages of parturition and emphasized signs of imminent parturition, such as “restlessness” and “visibility of fetal parts”. There was no consensus on the right time to move the cow to the maternity pen. Almost half of the respondents recommended a 6-h observation interval for prepartum cows in the maternity pen. The two veterinary groups differed little in their knowledge of calving management. Abstract Accurate detection of the onset of parturition is a key factor in the prevention of dystocia. In order to establish current best practice recommendations for calving management, we asked subject matter experts (SME) who had published on calving management (by online survey, n = 80) and non-SMEs, veterinary practitioners (by workshop survey, n = 24) for their opinions. For this, we designed a questionnaire on the significance of signs of imminent parturition (SIP), the frequency of calving observation, and influencing factors for the timing of cow movement to a maternity pen. The response rate was 67.5% in the online survey and 100% in the workshop survey. The majority (89.7%) of all respondents agreed that it is beneficial for successful calving management to differentiate between stage I and II of parturition. Of 12 signs of imminent parturition (for stage I and II), “restlessness” and “visibility of fetal parts in vulva” were cited by 56.5% and 73.3% of SME and non-SME respondents, respectively. There was no consensus on the right time to move the cow to the maternity pen; recommendations varied from one to over 21 days. Almost half of the respondents (45.7%) recommended a 6-h observation interval for prepartum cows in the maternity pen. This study identified a strong consensus on the SIP and how and when to observe cows prior to parturition. SMEs and non-SMEs provided broadly similar recommendations, while the SMEs and the non-SMEs differed significantly in the number of publications on calving they authored, they differed little in their knowledge of calving management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Voß
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.L.V.); (W.H.)
| | - Wolfgang Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.L.V.); (W.H.)
| | - John F. Mee
- Animal Bioscience Research Department, Moorepark Research Centre, P61 P302 Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland;
| | - Carola Fischer-Tenhagen
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.L.V.); (W.H.)
- Center for Protection of Experimental Animals, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 12277 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Pisello L, Sala G, Rueca F, Passamonti F, Pravettoni D, Ranciati S, Boccardo A, Bergero D, Forte C. An exploratory cross-sectional study of the impact of farm characteristics and calf management practices on morbidity and passive transfer of immunity in 202 Chianina beef-suckler calves. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1948806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pisello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Sala
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Rueca
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Davide Pravettoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Ranciati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Statistiche Paolo Fortunati, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Boccardo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Domenico Bergero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Claudio Forte
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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Lange K, Heuwieser W, Fischer-Tenhagen C. Influence of denaverine hydrochloride on calving ease in Holstein-Friesian heifers. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5410-5418. [PMID: 30904301 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calving is assumed to be an exhausting and painful event. A drug that eases the calving procedure and alleviates pain would help cows, especially those suffering from dystocia. In a randomized, controlled, and blinded trial, we measured the effect of denaverine hydrochloride on physical and physiological calving parameters. Eighty-three Holstein-Friesian heifers were included in the analysis. Pulling force was measured using a digital force gauge interposed between the calf and a mechanical calf puller. The concentration of cortisol was measured in serum before and after parturition. There was no effect of treatment group on calving modality (i.e., spontaneous vs. assisted calving), duration of calving, and cortisol concentration. The area under the curve of pulling force × time (n = 44), however, was significantly smaller in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. Also, duration of calving assistance was numerically shorter in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. The results provide evidence that calving ease can be influenced by denaverine hydrochloride during calving assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lange
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
| | - C Fischer-Tenhagen
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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Pearson JM, Homerosky ER, Caulkett NA, Campbell JR, Levy M, Pajor EA, Windeyer MC. Quantifying subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, vigour, and passive immunity in newborn beef calves. Vet Rec Open 2019; 6:e000325. [PMID: 30740228 PMCID: PMC6347876 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2018-000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study quantifies subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, calf vigour, and passive immunity (PI) in newborn beef calves. The degree of calving difficulty was categorised as: unassisted, easy assist (one or two people manually pulling to deliver the calf) and difficult assist (more than two people pulling, a fetal extractor (ie, calf jack), or caesarean section). Vigour assessment occurred at 10 minutes and blood sampling at 24 hours after birth in 77 beef calves. The measured blood parameters associated with trauma were creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and haptoglobin. Serum IgG concentration was measured, and an IgG concentration at least 24 g/l was considered as adequate PI. Calving difficulty was associated with elevated levels of CK (P=0.002) and AST (P=0.01), weak suckle reflex (P=0.001), abnormal mucous membrane colour (P<0.0001), and decreased odds of adequate PI (P=0.004). Elevated levels of CK and AST were associated with abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal and weak suckle reflex at birth (P<0.001). An incomplete tongue withdrawal (P=0.005) and weak suckle reflex (P=0.02) were associated with decreased IgG concentrations. Abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal, and a weak suckle reflex were associated with decreased odds of having adequate PI (P<0.05). Haptoglobin was not associated with any of the parameters measured. Subclinical trauma was associated with calving difficulty, decreased vigour and decreased odds of having adequate PI. Understanding the impacts of a traumatic birth may aid the development of management strategies for compromised newborn beef calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Pearson
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth R Homerosky
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Veterinary Agri-Health Services Ltd., Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nigel A Caulkett
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John R Campbell
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Michel Levy
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Edmond A Pajor
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Claire Windeyer
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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