Effects of Separation of Cows and Calves on Reproductive Performance and Animal Welfare in Tropical Beef Cattle

New insights in improving sustainability in meat production: opportunities and challenges

Treating livestock as senseless production machines has led to rampant depletion of natural resources, enhanced greenhouse gas emissions, gross animal welfare violations, and other ethical issues. It has essentially instigated constant scrutiny of conventional meat production by various experts and scientists. Sustainably in the meat sector is a big challenge which requires a multifaced and holistic approach. Novel tools like digitalization of the farming system and livestock market, precision livestock farming, application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence to manage production and environmental impact/GHG emission, can help in attaining sustainability in this sector. Further, improving nutrient use efficiency and recycling in feed and animal production through integration with agroecology and industrial ecology, improving individual animal and herd health by ensuring proper biosecurity measures and selective breeding, and welfare by mitigating animal stress during production are also key elements in achieving sustainability in meat production. In addition, sustainability bears a direct relationship with various social dimensions of meat production efficiency such as non-market attributes, balance between demand and consumption, market and policy failures. The present review critically examines the various aspects that significantly impact the efficiency and sustainability of meat production.

Effects of dietary feed supplementation with heat-treated Lactobacillus sakei HS-1 on the health status, blood parameters, and fecal microbes of Japanese Black calves before weaning

Background and Aim

Our previous research suggested that heat-killed Lactobacillus sakei HS-1 (HK-LS HS-1) is potentially beneficial for improving intestinal microbes and reducing the number of medical treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HK-LS HS-1 as a supplement in milk replacers (MRs) on clinical health during the 1-month preweaning period.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen female calves were randomly assigned to either a group receiving the HK-LS HS-1 supplement (n = 9) or a control group without it (n = 9). We then investigated the effect of including supplementary HK-LS HS-1; 0.2% in MRs twice daily at 09:00 and 16:00 on the health, serum biochemical parameters (measured using an automated biochemical analyzer), and fecal bacteriological changes of preweaning Japanese Black calves at the day of the start of supplementation (before HK-LS HS-1 supplementation; day 0), at weaning (day 30), and at 2 weeks (day 45) and 4 weeks (day 60) after weaning.

Results

During the supplementation period (0-30 days), (1) an increase (p = 0.023) was observed in albumin, and there was a tendency of increase in total cholesterol level in the HK-LS HS-1 group but not in the control group; (2) substantial differences were obtained after the weaning period (30-60 days), although no differences were observed from 0-30 days in both groups. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was substantially increased after weaning in the control group. No differences were observed in the amounts of Coliform spp. and Staphylococcaceae spp. between the two groups; thus, HK-LS HS-1 supplementation had similar antibacterial effects. A significant reduction was observed in the time to weaning of the HK-LS HS-1 group in the field trial.

Conclusion

Supplementation with HK-LS HS-1 from an early stage after birth to weaning is a cost-effective treatment to improve the growth rate of preweaning calves. However, supplementation during only preweaning periods appears to have no beneficial effects on preventing weaning stress, especially in terms of AMH levels.

Environmental factors on the probability of pregnancy in early or conventionally weaned beef cows

Potential variables for the reproductive success of beef cows were evaluated. Included in the model were the age of the cow at calving; the interval between the Julian calving date and the end of the breeding season; the body weight and conditions at calving, at 75 days post-partum and at the end of the breeding season; and the mean daily variation in weight between these dates. Logistic regression was used in the analysis, with the parameters evaluated using the odds ratio statistic, estimating the chance of pregnancy. The mean rate of pregnancy was 84% and 55% for early and late-weaned cows, respectively. For early weaned cows, the regression variables were the Julian calving date, age of the cow, weight gain from calving to 75 days post-partum, and from 75 days post-partum to the end of the reproductive period. For late-weaned cows, there were only two regression variables, weight at calving and weight gain from calving to the end of the reproductive period. For every year above the average age of the herd, early weaned cows have an 80.9% greater chance of pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduces the chance of pregnancy by 44.7%. In early weaned cows, every seven days after the mean Julian calving date reduces the chances of pregnancy by 22.6%, whereas every seven days before the mean calving date increases pregnancy by 29.2%. Greater gains in cow body weight, from calving to the end of the reproductive period, determine a greater probability of pregnancy.

Dual-Purpose Cattle Raised in Tropical Conditions: What Are Their Shortcomings in Sound Productive and Reproductive Function?

Dual-purpose husbandry might well be the most commonly employed cattle management system in tropical regions worldwide. The advantages of producing both meat and milk, although in reduced quantities, gives an edge to the farmer in coping with the volatile economic conditions that prevail in the region. Herein, we discuss the different methods of cattle management under tropical conditions based on the financial and social structure of this system. An account of the sanitary and nutritional conditions available to the farmers and how these factors affect the profitability of the enterprise will also be given. Finally, we will discuss how these systems can take advantage of several biotechnological procedures, and how these tools (such as controlled natural mating, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer) affect reproductive outcomes. The present review will mainly concentrate on production systems located less than 1000 m above sea level, as the problems and shortcomings of cattle raised above this arbitrary landmark are quite different.

Does Parity Influence the Magnitude of the Stress Response of Nellore Cows at Weaning?

Most studies investigate the impact of stress at weaning on calves; however, little is known about the responses of cows, and whether they would differ according to parity. This study aims to investigate whether parity would influence the weaning stress response in beef cows. Thirty pregnant Nellore cows with their respective calves were randomly allocated to five paddocks and two females from each parity group were placed in the paddocks. There was an interaction (p < 0.05) between parity and evaluation days regarding cortisol, where on d + 7, the higher concentration was observed for multiparous cows. There was an interaction (p < 0.05) between parity and evaluation day for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (HB), whereby higher RBC counts on d + 4 were observed for multiparous cows. For HCT and HB, on all post-weaning collection days, higher values were observed for multiparous cows. The day of evaluation had an (p < 0.05) effect on all recorded behaviors, except for rumination (p > 0.05). Nellore cows, regardless of parity, underwent behavioral and physiological changes on abrupt weaning. Physiological parameters indicated that the magnitude of stress was greater in multiparous cows.

Development and application of a scoring system for septum injuries in beef calves with and without a nose flap

The weaning period is a stressful time for beef calves because they must quickly gain independence from their dam. Gradual methods of weaning, such as when the calf is fitted with a nose flap to prevent suckling, are known to reduce the behavioral and physiological indicators of stress. Nose flaps are held in place by the nasal septum and are worn for 4 to 7 d. In the present study, the objectives were to 1) identify if a plastic nose flap worn for 7 d caused nasal injuries, (2) identify if factors like calf body weight or septum size predict injuries or flap loss, and (3) create a scoring system that could reliably score wound characteristics. Eighty-two (N = 82) Angus and Angus-Hereford crossbred beef calves were randomly assigned to 'Flap' or 'No Flap' treatments. Calves weighed 247 ± 29 kg and those with a flap had septums that were 39 ± 2 mm (mean ± SD). Images were taken of each nostril before flap insertion, on the day of removal, and 6 d after removal. Wounds were scored for the presence/absence of three characteristics in either nostril: damage (tissue where the flap rested was a different color than surrounding nostril), impression (edges of the wound were clearly raised or sunken), and blood. One trained observer scored a subset of photos (N = 64) twice, in a consistent manner for all three characteristics (damage, impression, and blood; 97%, 91%, and 100% agreement between 1st and 2nd evaluations, respectively), indicating that our system is repeatable. Thirty-two percent of calves in the Flap treatment lost their flap before the day of removal. No calves in the No Flap treatment were injured. All animals that kept their flap in for 7 d had damage and impressions in at least one nostril and 86% of calves had blood present immediately after nose flap removal (P ≤ 0.001 compared to No Flap) indicating that the flaps altered the nasal tissue and created open wounds. Six d after flap removal, 100% still had visible damage, 64% had impressions, and 29% had blood, indicating that while damage is longer lasting, wounds can start to repair after the flap is removed. Injuries were prevalent in all calves, thus there was no relationship between calf size (body weight or septum width) on these wounds (P ≥ 0.374). Body weight or septum size did not differ (P ≥ 0.489) between calves that kept or lost their flap. Injuries inflicted from a nose flap may counteract the previously documented benefits of this method of weaning, making it less advantageous than alternatives and raise concerns about other uses of these devices in other contexts.

A “Good Life” for Dairy Cattle: Developing and Piloting a Framework for Assessing Positive Welfare Opportunities Based on Scientific Evidence and Farmer Expertise

Simple Summary

There is increasing appetite to understand how we can provide quality of life to farm animals. A framework to evaluate positive welfare opportunities for dairy cattle was developed using a participatory approach where farmer’s recommendations were integrated into a scientific framework and piloted on farm by vets. When provided with the opportunity to collaborate, farmers and scientists broadly agree on what constitutes “a good life” for dairy cattle and worked together to develop an assessment framework. Farmers did not agree equally on the value of each positive welfare opportunity. However, farmers supported positive welfare assessment as a means of recognition and reward for higher animal welfare, within existing farm assurance schemes, and to justify national and global marketing claims of higher animal welfare.

Abstract

On-farm welfare assessment tends to focus on minimising negative welfare, but providing positive welfare is important in order to give animals a good life. This study developed a positive welfare framework for dairy cows based on the existing scientific literature which has focused on developing positive welfare indicators, and trialled a participatory approach with farmers; refining the framework based on their recommendations, followed by a vet pilot phase on farm. The results revealed that farmers and scientists agree on what constitutes “a good life” for dairy cattle. Farmers value positive welfare because they value their cows’ quality of life, and want to be proud of their work, improve their own wellbeing as well as receive business benefits. For each good life resource, the proportion of farmers going above and beyond legislation ranged from 27 to 84%. Furthermore, barriers to achieving positive welfare opportunities, including monetary and time costs, were not apparently insurmountable if implementation costs were remunerated (by the government). However, the intrinsic value in providing such opportunities also incentivises farmers. Overall, most farmers appeared to support positive welfare assessment, with the largest proportion (50%) supporting its use within existing farm assurance schemes, or to justify national and global marketing claims. Collaborating with farmers to co-create policy is crucial to showcase and quantify the UK’s high welfare standards, and to maximise engagement, relevance and uptake of animal welfare policy, to ensure continuous improvement and leadership in the quality of lives for farm animals.

Harnessing the value of reproductive hormones in cattle production with considerations to animal welfare and human health

The human population is ever increasing while the quality and quantity of natural resources used for livestock production decline. This calls for improved product efficiency and the development of improved and sustainable cattle production methods to produce higher quality products to satisfy the demands of both the modern and transient world. The goal of this review was to summarize the interactions, challenges, and opportunities in cattle production relating to their endocrine system, and how reproductive hormones and others impact economically important traits, animal welfare, and human health. A comprehensive literature search was conducted with a focus on analysis of natural hormones and the use of exogenous hormone administration for reproduction, growth, and development of beef and dairy cattle. Hormones regulate homeostasis and enhance important traits in cattle, including fertility, growth and development, health, and the production of both meat and milk products. Reproductive hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and related synthetics like trenbolone acetate and zeranol can be strategically utilized in both beef and dairy cattle production systems to enhance their most valuable traits, but the impact of these substances must account for the welfare of the animal as well as the health of the consumer. This scientific review provides a comprehensive analysis of the bovine endocrine system's impact on food animals and product quality which is vital for students, researchers, livestock producers, and consumers. Although important advances have been made in animal science and related technological fields, major gaps still exist in the knowledge base regarding the influence of hormones on the production and welfare of food animals as well as in the public perception of hormone use in food-producing animals. Filling these gaps through transformative and translational research will enhance both fundamental and applied animal science to feed a growing population.

The Correlation between Play Behavior, Serum Cortisol and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Welfare Assessment of Dairy Calves within the First Month of Life

Welfare assessment of dairy calves is commonly conducted through the observation of their behavior and the analysis of physiological parameters. Despite the large number of studies on this topic, there is a lack of research on the possible correlation between the physiological parameters and behavior at basal level in dairy calves. For this reason, the present study aimed to investigate the possible correlations between serum cortisol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and locomotor play behavior in 21 Friesian dairy calves within their first month of life. Every week, an arena test after blood collection was performed. A significant positive correlation between serum cortisol levels and N/L (rrm = 0.381; 95% CI = 0.083, 0.617; p = 0.012) and a negative correlation between time spent running and N/L (rrm = −0.351; 95% CI = −0.575, −0.077; p = 0.012) were found. On the contrary, no significant correlation between time spent running and cortisol levels was detected. Cortisol levels and N/L were higher in the newborn and had a constant decrease until reaching a stable value after the 24th day of life. These findings suggest a better predictivity of N/L, compared to serum cortisol, on locomotor play behavior.

The Effect of Maternal Behavior around Calving on Reproduction and Wellbeing of Zebu Type Cows and Calves

The behaviors associated with domestic cattle such as maternal care are quite similar to those behaviors observed in wild ungulates. These behaviors allow the cow to bond with her calf, protect and provide it with nourishment and ultimately reduce the bond at weaning. Although maternal behavior is an important factor influencing the survival and early development of the newborn calf, Zebu type cows around calving have not been studied extensively. Herein, we consider the four main aspects of maternal behavior in cattle and particularly Bos indicus cows and calves. Firstly, we provide a brief description of the behavior of cows around parturition and the behavior of the first stages of the calves' lives. In the second part, the protective behavior of the mother is analyzed. Subsequently, examples of animal welfare implications followed by an analysis of some factors that affect calf survival, including mother experience and weather conditions, are discussed, and in the last part, reproduction along with some peculiarities of reproductive behavior, and the wellbeing of mother and calves are examined. We concluded that knowledge of maternal behavior of Zebu type cows around calving and interactions with calves might contribute to an enhanced reproductive efficiency of the mother and the welfare of the calf.

Review: Management of livestock behavior to improve welfare and production

In animal production, producers face different problems inherent to production systems. Today society is increasingly concerned about more sustainable systems and animal welfare. Applied ethology can be a tool to solve some of these problems through these approaches. The purpose of this review is to show succinctly some sustainable behavioral technologies whose application favors animal welfare and productivity. The examples cover areas of behavioral problems associated with multiple births, where odor transfer can be used to substitute or add newborns to a foster mother; early weaning, where some alternatives for a gradual break may reduce the stress of separation; early experience on the development of food preferences, where behavioral problems like neophobia can be avoided; early detection of sick animals, where recognition of some specific behaviors could help early identification of diseases, even before the appearance of clinical signs; social isolation on ease of handling, where different techniques have proved their effectiveness modifying the temperament of the animals; design of facilities and management, where it is highlighted how when considering the behavior of the animals in the design and management, better results are obtained; social isolation, facilitation, and buffering, where the presence of other members of the group can modify the consumption and sexual behaviors of pen-mates, or even alleviate suffering; and human-animal interaction on productivity, where the relevance of a positive human-animal interaction is highlighted. After reviewing the scientific literature on the subject, we can conclude that several modern livestock management practices might induce stress in animals, affecting their welfare, health, and productive performance. Applied animal behavior could be a sustainable and effective option to understand and solve some of these problems, and in many cases does not even require a strong economic investment for producers.

Weaning at 30, 75 and 180 days: Comparison between immune responses of beef calves

The interruption of the maternal-filial bond in young calves can alter the physiological responses due to increased stress at this moment. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association between age at weaning and the immune responses of 64 beef calves weaned abruptly. The animals were distributed in three weaning (W) treatments: hyper-early (W30), early (W75) and conventional (W180). The treatments agree with the weaning ages used in cow-calf systems in South America. Blood samples were collected of all experimental animals on the day of weaning and days 1, 2 and 7 post-weaning day of the three treatments. Blood samples were used to analyze hematological variables, total plasma proteins (TPP), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and cortisol. The variables analyzed were influenced by the sampling day (P < 0.001) and the calf gender (P < 0.05), and an interaction between treatment x sampling day was observed. Over the study period, high serum cortisol levels were observed for W30 calves. The serum amyloid A protein was significantly influenced by sampling day. When compared to W180 calves, W30 and W75 animals showed prolonged concentrations in plasma fibrinogen. In addition, they presented neutrophilia and lymphopenia during the 180-187 days period, which resulted in a greater neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (N:L ratio). Calf gender resulted in changes in the number of blood leukocytes (P < 0.05). This result provides an alert for weaning at an early age, indicating that different management strategies must be tested to minimize physiological instabilities in critical periods of the life of animals.

Effect of three weaning methods on behavioural, cortisol and weight changes in buffalo calves

Context Calves reared in cow–calf systems separated from their mothers could present various physiological and behavioural changes. Aims The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of different weaning protocols on plasma cortisol concentrations, behavioural responses, and weight gain in water buffalo calves. Methods In total, 40 Murrah buffalo calves (20 males, 20 females) aged 7–8 months and weighing 247.05 ± 33.23 kg were included. The animals were assigned to one of four treatments (10 per group, 5 males, 5 females), as follows: non-weaned calves (NoW); calves weaned abruptly on Day 0 (AW); calves fitted with nose-flaps anti-suckling devices on Day –7 and completely separated from their mothers on Day 0 (NFW); and calves separated from their mothers by a fence line on Day –7 and, then completely separated from their mothers on Day 0 (FENW). Plasma cortisol was measured on Days –7, –6, –4, 0, 1 and 3, while the behavioural variables were measured from Day –7 to Day –4, and from Day 0 to Day 3. The weight of the calves was evaluated on Days –9, –7, 0 and 3. Key results AW calves presented higher cortisol concentrations than did NoW calves (P = 0.0002) and showed a marked increase in walking and decrease in grazing and ruminating on Days 0–3 compared with the other treatments (P &lt; 0.0001). The use of NFW caused behavioural changes after the device placement and after the final separation from the mother (P &lt; 0.0001). In FENW, behavioural changes were observed after the separation by a linear fence but no negative changes were observed after the final separation from the mothers, and positive behaviours such as grazing, rumination and exploration increased. No changes in weight gain were observed (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions No clear effects were observed in the implementation of alternative weaning, since both NFW and FENW presented changes related to stress at weaning, compared with abrupt weaning. However, in FENW, no behavioural alterations were observed after definitive separation from their mothers. Implications The application of fence-line separation before final separation could be a promising strategy to reduce stress at weaning in water buffalo calves. However, further studies are required to determinate its long-term effect.

Short- and long-term effects of temporary early cow-calf separation or restricted suckling on well-being and performance in zebu cattle

Information on weaning techniques in the tropics is scarce, particularly regarding the long-term effect of temporary early cow-calf separation or restricted suckling. Therefore, we studied the effects of these two handling practices on well-being and performance at 150 days postpartum in fifteen zebu cow-calf pairs randomly assigned to three treatments. Continuous suckling (CS) where calves remained with their dams from birth to weaning; restricted suckling (RS) calves were allowed to suckle 30 min/day from Day 34 until weaning at Day 150 and kept separated the rest of the time; temporary separation (TS) calves were separated for 72 h from their dams from Day 33 to 36 but remained with their dams the rest of the time. Blood samples and behavioral data were collected on Days 32-36 (1st period) and 149-153 (2nd period). In the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS calves were observed close to the fence line (<10 m) that separated them from their dams (P < 0.0001) and vocalized more than CS calves (P < 0.0001), while in the 2nd period, RS calves had the highest cortisol concentration and vocalization rate (P < 0.05). Similarly, during the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS cows were observed close to the fence line than CS cows (P < 0.0001), with TS cows vocalizing the most (P = 0.001). In the 2nd period, RS cows had greater cortisol concentration than TS (P = 0.037) and CS cows (P = 0.003). More TS and CS cows than RS were observed close to the fence line (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05). On Day 150, TS calves and cows vocalized more than RS and CS animals (P < 0.0001). Before calf-cow separation, 27 out of 45 cows were cycling (CS = 10; RS = 6; TS = 11). After separation, 12 of the remaining 18 cows resumed ovarian activity (CS = 3; RS = 5; TS = 4), and all cows were cycling after estrous synchronization treatment. The pregnancy rate was similar between CS, RS, and TS (60, 53, and 60% respectively). In conclusion, temporary separation increased calf distress response to definitive weaning even four months later, while restricted suckling seemed to reduce it.

The Effect of Stress on Reproduction and Reproductive Technologies in Beef Cattle-A Review

Researchers have contributed by increasing our understanding of the factors affecting reproduction in beef, mainly physical health and nutrition aspects, which have been main concerns during decades. Animal welfare is of outmost relevance in all animal production systems and it is strongly associated to stress. Stress responses involve endocrine, paracrine and neural systems and the consequences of this stress on the reproductive efficiency of specifically, beef cattle and bulls, need to be highlighted. We, therefore, describe the fundamentals of stress and its quantification, focusing in beef herds, reviewing the highly valuable pieces of research, already implemented in this field. We examine major factors (stressors) contributing to stress in beef cattle and their effects on the animals, their reproductive performance and the success of reproductive biotechnologies. We include terms such as acclimatization, acclimation or temperament, very relevant in beef systems. We examine specifically the management stress due to handling, social environment and hierarchy or weaning effects; nutritional stress; and thermal stress (not only heat stress) and also review the influence of these stressors on reproductive performance and effectiveness of reproductive biotechnologies in beef herds. A final message on the attention that should be devoted to these factors is highlighted.

Effects of Parenteral Supplementation with Minerals and Vitamins on Oxidative Stress and Humoral Immune Response of Weaning Calves

Simple Summary

Weaning is a stressful phase for calves; the stress due to separation from the cow results in weight loss and may lead to a decrease in the immune system, making calves more prone to diseases, even in a low-stress (fence-line) weaning system. Mineral and vitamin supplementation can improve the immune system and could therefore be of assistance for calves during weaning. We studied the effects of injectable (subcutaneous) supplementation with copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, and vitamins A and E. Calves were supplemented twice, before weaning and on the day of weaning. We evaluated variables related to the immune status and the immune response to a vaccine containing bovine herpesvirus type 1, as well as body weight and average daily gain. Parenteral supplementation of minerals and vitamins with antioxidant effects in a low-stress weaning system prevented the decrease in variables related to the immune system, improved antibody response, and had positive effects on body weight.

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the effects of injectable mineral and vitamin supplementation on weaning calves subjected to a low-stress (fence-line) weaning system. Seven-month-old Aberdeen Angus female calves (n = 40, 152 ± 11 kg body weight) from a selenium-deficient area of extensive cattle production on natural grass were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20 each). One group received subcutaneous supplementation with copper, zinc, selenium, manganese and vitamins A and E (SG), and the other was given sterile saline solution (CG). The animals were supplemented twice, seven days before weaning (day −7) and on the day of weaning (day 0), and they were evaluated 30 (+30) and 60 (+60) days after weaning. Total antioxidant status (TAS), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, body weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated. Additionally, antibody titers were assessed prior to and after each immunization with a vaccine containing bovine herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1). On day +30, body weight (p = 0.03) was higher in SG, whereas TAS (p = 0.02) and GPx (p = 0.0038) activity were lower in CG and remained constant in SG. Antibody titers increased in SG and CG following immunization, being higher in SG on days +30 and +60 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, parenteral supplementation of minerals and vitamins with antioxidant effects in a low-stress weaning system prevented the decrease in TAS and GPx activity, improved antibody response and had positive effects on body weight.