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Bradtmueller A, Nejati A, Shepley E, Vasseur E. Applications of Technology to Record Locomotion Measurements in Dairy Cows: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061121. [PMID: 36978660 PMCID: PMC10044283 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061121] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness within the dairy industry is a concern because of its associated costs and welfare implications. Visual locomotion scoring has been commonly used for assessing cows' locomotion quality, but it can have low reliability and is relatively subjective compared to automated methods of assessing locomotion. Kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies can provide a greater number of more detailed outcome measurements than visual scoring. The objective of this systematic review was to determine outcome measurements, and the relationships between them, that have been recorded using kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies, as well as other approaches to evaluating cow locomotion. Following PRISMA guidelines, two databases were searched for studies published from January 2000 to June 2022. Thirty-seven articles were retained after undergoing a screening process involving a title and abstract evaluation, followed by a full-text assessment. Locomotion measurements recorded using these technologies often overlapped, but inconsistencies in the types of technology, the arrangement of equipment, the terminology, and the measurement-recording approaches made it difficult to compare locomotion measurements across studies. Additional research would contribute to a better understanding of how factors regarding the health, environment, and management of dairy cows affect aspects of locomotion, as recorded through the detailed, objective outcome measurements provided by these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bradtmueller
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Amir Nejati
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Elise Shepley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Nejati A, Bradtmueller A, Shepley E, Vasseur E. Technology applications in bovine gait analysis: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0266287. [PMID: 36696371 PMCID: PMC9876379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative bovine gait analysis using technology has evolved significantly over the last two decades. However, subjective methods of gait assessment using visual locomotion scoring remain the primary on-farm and experimental approach. The objective of this review is to map research trends in quantitative bovine gait analysis and to explore the technologies that have been utilized to measure biomechanical parameters of gait. A scoping literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A search algorithm based on PICO framework generated three components-bovine, gait, and technology-to address our objectives. Three online databases were searched for original work published from January 2000 to June 2020. A two-step screening process was then conducted, starting with the review of article titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria. A remaining 125 articles then underwent a full-text assessment, resulting in 82 final articles. Thematic analysis of research aims resulted in four major themes among the studies: gait/claw biomechanics, lameness detection, intervention/comparison, and system development. Of the 4 themes, lameness detection (55% of studies) was the most common reason for technology use. Within the literature identified three main technologies were used: force and pressure platforms (FPP), vision-based systems (VB), and accelerometers. FPP were the first and most popular technologies to evaluate bovine gait and were used in 58.5% of studies. They include force platforms, pressure mapping systems, and weight distribution platforms. The second most applied technology was VB (34.1% of studies), which predominately consists of video analysis and image processing systems. Accelerometers, another technological method to measure gait characteristics, were used in 14.6% of studies. In sum, the strong demand for automatic lameness detection influenced the path of development for quantitative gait analysis technologies. Among emergent technologies, deep learning and wearable sensors (e.g., accelerometers) appear to be the most promising options. However, although progress has been made, more research is needed to develop more accurate, practical, and user-friendly technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nejati
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna Bradtmueller
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elise Shepley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Gait Analysis in Walking and Trotting Dairy Cows on Different Flooring Types with Novel Mobile Pressure Sensors and Inertial Sensors. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182457. [PMID: 36139317 PMCID: PMC9495103 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182457] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical overburdening is a major risk factor that provokes non-infectious claw diseases. Moreover, lameness-causing lesions often remain undetected and untreated. Therefore, prevention of claw tissue overburdening is of interest, especially by analyzing harmful effects within dairy cows’ housing environment. However, objective “on-cow” methods for bovine gait analysis are underdeveloped. The purpose of the study was to apply an innovative mobile pressure sensor system attached at the claws to perform pedobarometric gait analysis. A further goal was the supplementation with accelerative data, generated simultaneously by use of two inertial measurement units (IMUs), attached at metatarsal level. IMU data were analyzed with an automatic step detection algorithm. Gait analysis was performed in ten dairy cows, walking and trotting on concrete flooring and rubber mats. In addition to the basic applicability of the sensor systems and with the aid of the automatic step detection algorithm for gait analysis in cows, we were able to determine the impact of the gait and flooring type on kinematic and kinetic parameters. For pressure sensor output, concrete was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) higher maximum and average pressure values and a significantly smaller contact area, compared to rubber mats. In contrast to walking, trotting led to a significantly higher force, especially under the medial claw. Further, IMU-derived parameters were significantly influenced by the gait. The described sensor systems are useful tools for detailed gait analysis in dairy cows. They allow the investigation of factors which may affect claw health negatively.
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Plüss J, Steiner A, Alsaaod M. Short communication: Claw block application improves locomotion and weight-bearing characteristics in cattle with foot diseases. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:2302-2307. [PMID: 33358158 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In cattle with foot diseases, application of a block on the healthy partner claw is a common method of pain relief. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wooden claw blocks on locomotion characteristics and weight distribution in healthy (group C; n = 17) versus lame (group L; n = 17) cattle. Group L was further subdivided into group L1 (lameness score ≤3; n = 7) and group L2 (lameness score >3; n = 10). We performed lameness scoring using a numeric rating system and measured locomotion characteristics using 2 accelerometers (400 Hz; kinematic outcome = stance phase duration; kinetic outcomes = foot load and toe-off) and a 4-scale weighing platform (difference of mean weight distribution across the limbs; ∆weight) before and after application of a claw block. We applied claw blocks to a randomly assigned lateral or medial claw of the fore or hindlimb in group C cows, and on the healthy partner claw in group L cows. Variables were expressed as differences across limbs. We used 1-way ANOVA to determine the differences between groups C and L and between groups L1 and L2 for ∆weight after application of the claw block. We performed paired t tests to compare variables before and after application of the claw block in groups C and L. Group L scored higher on the numeric rating system than group C (mean ± SD, 3.40 ± 0.62 vs. 1.87 ± 0.28) and showed greater differences in relative stance phase duration (16.34 ± 10.78% vs. 2.13 ± 1.94%), foot load (9.68 ± 8.06 g vs. 3.26 ± 3.69 g), toe-off (3.91 ± 3.14 g vs. 0.78 ± 0.66 g), and ∆weight (53.62 ± 28.85% vs. 8.52 ± 6.19%). In group C, we observed an increase of 12.17 percentage points in ∆weight after block application, from 8.52 ± 6.19% to 20.69 ± 17.01%. Compared with the baseline, group L showed a decrease in numeric rating system score (2.88 ± 0.49 vs. 3.40 ± 0.62) and a decrease in differences between the limbs in relative stance phase duration (7.66 ± 9.96% vs. 16.34 ± 10.78%) and foot load (4.26 ± 4.14 g vs. 9.68 ± 8.06 g) after application of a claw block. Group L2 showed smaller ∆weight after application of a claw block than group L1 (-7.8 ± 8.7% vs. 10.4 ± 7.6%). After block application in group L, we observed smaller differences across the limbs in variables measured to describe gait-cycle characteristics while walking, but no significant improvement while standing. We concluded that application of a claw block must be combined with other methods of pain relief, such as analgesic medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Plüss
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - A Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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Gladden N, Cuthbert E, Ellis K, McKeegan D. Use of a Tri-Axial Accelerometer Can Reliably Detect Play Behaviour in Newborn Calves. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1137. [PMID: 32635608 PMCID: PMC7401565 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, the welfare assessment of farm animals has focused on health and production outcomes. Positive welfare is, however, not merely the absence of negative welfare and is an important part of a life worth living. Play behaviour is widely considered to be an indicator of positive emotions because it is a "luxury" behaviour. Direct visual observation is considered the most accurate method of behavioural analysis, but it is time consuming and laborious. There is increasing interest in the use of remote monitoring technology to quantify behaviour. We compared the data output ("motion index" (MI)) from a commercially available tri-axial accelerometer fitted to newborn dairy calves to video footage of the same calves, with a focus on play behaviour. The motion index values over 48 h were positively correlated with both the duration of play behaviour and the number of play bouts. The motion index threshold in each sample interval with the optimal sensitivity and specificity for the identification of play behaviour was MI ≥ 2.5 at a 1 min resolution (sensitivity (Se) = 98.0%; specificity (Sp) = 92.9%) and MI ≥ 24.5 at a 15 min resolution (Se = 98.0%; Sp = 89.9%), but these values consistently overestimated the overall proportion of sample intervals in which play was observed. The MI that best reflected the results obtained from visual one-zero sampling was MI ≥ 23 for 1 min intervals and MI ≥ 62 for 15 min intervals-this may therefore be the basis of a more conservative approach to the identification of play behaviour from accelerometer-generated data. Our results indicate that accelerometer-generated data can usefully indicate the amount of play behaviour shown by newborn calves for up to 48 h, providing an efficient method for identifying this important parameter in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gladden
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Erin Cuthbert
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (E.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Kathryn Ellis
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Dorothy McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (E.C.); (D.M.)
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Alsaaod M, Fadul M, Deiss R, Bucher E, Rehage J, Guccione J, Steiner A. Use of validated objective methods of locomotion characteristics and weight distribution for evaluating the efficacy of ketoprofen for alleviating pain in cows with limb pathologies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218546. [PMID: 31211805 PMCID: PMC6581267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In veterinary practice pain alleviation plays a part in managing lameness. The aim of this randomized and placebo-controlled clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a single administration of ketoprofen on locomotion characteristics and weight distribution in cattle with foot (located up to and including the fetlock; n = 31) and (proximal to the fetlock; n = 10) pathologies. Cattle were randomly allocated to either the ketoprofen (group K; intravenous 3 mg/kg of body weight; n = 21) or an equivalent volume of isotonic sterile saline solution (group P; n = 20). Two accelerometers (400 Hz; kinematic outcome = stance phase duration; kinetic outcome = foot load and toe-off), a 4-scale weighing platform (weight distribution and SD of the weight) and a subjective locomotion score were measured before (baseline) and after 1 h and 18 h of treatment. All variables were expressed as differences across contralateral limbs, and the measurements at 1 h and 18 h were compared to the baseline. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the differences between groups K and P. A logistic regression model with a binary outcome (0 = no improvement and 1 = improvement of the differences across the contralateral limbs over time) was calculated. Mean (± SD) of locomotion scores at baseline were not significantly different (P = 0.102) in group K (3.10 ± 0.80) as compared to group P (3.48 ± 0.64). Cattle of group K showed significantly lower differences across contralateral limbs at 1 h as compared to group P for the relative stance phase and the weight distribution. Only the treatment (P versus K) remained a significant factor in the model for relative stance phase (odds ratio (OR) = 6.5; 95% CI = 1.38–30.68) and weight distribution (OR = 6.36; 95% CI = 1.30–31.07). The effects of ketoprofen were evident in improving the differences across contralateral limbs—both for stance phase during walking and weight bearing during standing—after 1 h but not after 18 h of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Mahmoud Fadul
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ramona Deiss
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Esther Bucher
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Rehage
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jacopo Guccione
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Alsaaod M, Fadul M, Steiner A. Automatic lameness detection in cattle. Vet J 2019; 246:35-44. [PMID: 30902187 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing demand for health and welfare monitoring in modern dairy farming. The development of various innovative techniques aims at improving animal behaviour monitoring and thus animal welfare indicators on-farm. Automated lameness detection systems have to be valid, reliable and practicable to be applied in veterinary practice or under farm conditions. The objective of this literature review was to describe the current automated systems for detection of lameness in cattle, which have been recently developed and investigated for application in dairy research and practice. The automatic methods of lameness detection broadly fall into three categories: kinematic, kinetic and indirect methods. The performance of the methods were compared with the reference standard (locomotion score and/or lesion score) and evaluated based on level-based scheme defining the degree of development (level I, sensor technique; level II, validation of algorithm; level III, performance for detection of lameness and/or lesion; level IV, decision support with early warning system). Many scientific studies have been performed on levels I-III, but there are no studies of level IV technology. The adoption rate of automated lameness detection systems by herd managers mainly yields returns on investment by the early identification of lame cows. Long-term studies, using validated automated lameness detection systems aiming at early lameness detection, are still needed in order to improve welfare and production under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mahmoud Fadul
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Alsaaod M, Bucher E, Feierabend M, Haerdi-Landerer MC, Steiner A. Detection and localisation of unilateral hindlimb pathologies in cattle using the cow pedogram. Vet Rec 2019; 184:318. [PMID: 30661017 PMCID: PMC6589451 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Esther Bucher
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Buisman LL, Alsaaod M, Bucher E, Kofler J, Steiner A. Objective assessment of lameness in cattle after foot surgery. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209783. [PMID: 30592750 PMCID: PMC6310356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of lameness in cattle after foot surgery is important to monitor the recovery period, to improve the long-term success and the cows` welfare. This longitudinal multicenter retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of automated tools of weight bearing and gait analysis following foot surgery to support the clinician to monitor lameness in cattle. For this purpose, the effect of involvement of different anatomical structures and the use of different surgery methods on gait parameters of post-operative recovery was assessed. The study consisted of 2 experiments and included cattle with unilateral foot pathologies located in the digital region which needed 1 (experiment 1; n = 30) or 2 (experiment 2; n = 4) surgical interventions. The surgical techniques were debridement, joint lavage, partial resection of bones, tendons or synovial structures, total resection of the sesamoid bone and digit amputation. Two accelerometers (400 Hz; kinematic outcome = stance phase duration; kinetic outcome = foot load and toe-off), a 4-scale weighing platform (difference of mean weight distribution across the limbs; Δweight) and a subjective locomotion score were used to evaluate gait parameters every 3 to 4 days after surgery. A repeated measures ANOVA was used in experiment 1 and a receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff values in experiment 2. Results showed that the differences across limbs for the pedogram variables of stance phases and peaks of foot load and toe-off, Δweight and the locomotion score were highest if joints or sesamoid bones were involved, suggesting that these cattle were more severely lame compared to cattle with more superficial foot pathologies. There was a significantly lower degree of lameness after surgical debridement and after digit amputation compared to partial and total resection of anatomical structures of the foot. The use of accelerometers and a 4-scale weighing platform represent promising objective tools for post-operative monitoring of lameness and can support the clinician in gait assessment to improve the long-term success of surgical interventions in the area of the foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L. Buisman
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Esther Bucher
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Johann Kofler
- Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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Alsaaod M, Huber S, Beer G, Kohler P, Schüpbach-Regula G, Steiner A. Locomotion characteristics of dairy cows walking on pasture and the effect of artificial flooring systems on locomotion comfort. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:8330-8337. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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